TAG

The remainder of the week seemed to flash by, Friday would appear with the rising sun. Not that it mattered, the students of μαύρος Δράκος only rested when told directly too, weekends were of no major importance. As a matter of fact, as Violet lay under a small tree in the courtyard watching the sun fade she contemplated the circulating whispers. It appeared that the groups were going to be tasked with their first of several 'missions'. She chuckled, "yeah right, mission my ass," probably another of Captain Kuznet's sick games. The man had a real eye for torture. As if too further prove her point a student from her class, Dave, stumbled past, tears dry on his face. Dave had lost three fingers from his left hand in today's training (torture session). As if to make him feel better a classmate had attempted to console him with, "At least it wasn't your right hand, look at the positives!" The idiot, Dave was left handed.

Violet had gleaned quite a large amount of information in her first week. Her peers were nothing short of stupid, they had no true concept of the ways of the world. All sans one, nothing seemed to escape the eyes of Kieren. He too was proving to be different than what Violet had expected, her initial experiences had painted him as unyielding, cold, and unsociable. She was wrong, women and men alike fell to their knees at his presence, he entertained them with grace. Heart stopping smiles, and charming phrases rolled of his tongue leaving even the food hall ladies speechless. He was also quite powerful, the only one so far who had managed to face Captain Kuznet head on, without using his ability. Violet had no clue what his ability could be, and his group wasn't sharing. It appeared to Violet that his great looks came in second to his vicious nature. As if on cue he walked by, he was being escorted by a group of girls all intent on charming his socks, and most likely his pants off. A loud giggle rang through the air and Violet fought the urge to strangle herself, or them. Manipulating, that was probably a better term, he would never yield them an inch.

"Hey Vee," Alex's voice chimed in from her left. Alex took a seat next to her nursing a sore bruised shoulder, "here I thought I was in great shape, that sadistic asshole of a Captain managed to make even Tom and Ted tired, they went to bed." Violet laughed, "Now that is surprising, how's your shoulder?"

"It's seen better days, surprised it wasn't ripped out, who sets manticores on the lose without a warning?" Alex grumbled.

Violet hummed a response, sat up and placed a soft hand on Alex's shoulder.

Alex grinned mischievously, "Oh Vee, we can take this..." Violet pressed down harshly, "OUCH, FUCK.." A laugh, a soft shimmering light and the bruise disappeared along with the pain.

"You flirt an awful lot with everybody for someone whose madly in love."

"Who said I'm in love!?" Alex grumbled, a tinge of pink on her face. Violet did not reply. Alex mumbled something under her breath and turned her attention to Kieren instead. She scoffed. "He looks like he's having fun, it's what we are made to think at least." Violet looked at her questioningly. Despite Alex's comment the fondness in her eyes spoke volumes about the loyalty toward her leader.

"He abhors being touched," Alex continued, "notice how he never lets anybody close enough, he plays the game oh so well, we all live wrapped around his finger. He really only shows us four who he is, we aren't allowed to touch him, his personal space has always been off limits. But I suppose he has too, given who he is"

Violet listened carefully, she felt as if she had heard him referenced in this manner before... a name she should know. "Who exactly is he?" Violet asked. Alex blanched.... "You're joking? We all assumed you knew who he was, everyone does!" Violet stared, "His name, my dear Violet, is Kieren Zordyk, the future head of the Ruenen." Violet froze, she could not remember the last time she had been so blatantly caught off guard. Alex seeing the look of utter shock on her face laughed freely.

"He's royalty?" Violet whispered, "Hmph, he's more than royalty, I meant it, the world revolves around his extraordinarily powerful fingers. Probably literally and figuratively." Alex threw her a sideways grin. The later comment earned a chuckle from Violet.

As if drawn by their conversation Kieren dispatched of his fan club and walked over to them. He took a seat next to Violet, who attempted, unsuccessfully to hide the surprise of his background from her face. "What's the matter 'Vee'?" he said teasingly, did I not properly introduce myself?" Without waiting for a reply he faced Alex.

"Where is Zen?"

"In the library, he said something about being prepared, and edible plants. Did you get any information from the girls about the event Kil?"

Violet shook her head, of course it was all about information. Kieren suddenly leaned towards Violet, yanked on a strand of her hair and supplied, "Speak up Violet, what goes on in that head of yours?" The smell of evergreen trees invaded Violet, Kieren turned up the charm, a coy smile, cold blue eyes suddenly on fire. Violet flicked his fingers off her hair. "Manipulative, definitely sadistic."

He laughed, pure, unrestrained, Violet chose to ignore the way the air itself seemed to revel in his laugh.

He moved away, eyes to Alex and issues a clear command. "Go find Zen, he takes the longest to get ready."

Alex left without word.

"Should I even bother to ask?" Violet began...

The mischief never left his eyes, "Haven't your heard Violet, we are going on a trip, rest assured, I'll keep you safe." He reached out, strong fingers grazed her cheek, "not that you need it."

The command rang out into the night.

"In two minutes all those not in front of the tarmac will be left behind."

They traveled two hours via helicopter, Violet noted that everybody in their helicopter was in her group. A timer went off, they were lined up, handed parachute backpacks, and shoved unceremoniously out of the helicopter. They landed and regrouped, Kieren had given clear instructions aboard the chopper, depending on where they landed Zen would point out the place of regroup.

A total of sixteen from their group made it into the cave, they set to collecting supplies.

Violet let out a laugh suddenly, she held up a sign tapped to the inside of her pack. 'PLAY TAG, WINNERS TAKE ALL'

"We're playing another game, check the packs."