Chapter 4 Book 7

Chapter 4

It's A Brand-New Day

We counted Twelve members in total, five were students. The library echoed with the sound of chatter and laughter as the team congratulated me. Suddenly, the noise was drowned out by a loud racket, piercing through the air. I hurriedly put on my sling and hopped into my wheelchair, feeling a surge of panic about my cast that wasn't on my leg. The smell of books and dust filled the air as everyone rushed into the library, their footsteps creating a chaotic symphony. Tony swiftly handed me his ninja robe top, the fabric rustling as it slid through the air. I could hear the soft swish of his knit pants being swiftly removed, and the gentle thud as he stood in his boxers. The coolness of his one-toe slippers brushed against the floor as he tossed them to me. I sat on top of his clothes, feeling the warmth emanating from them against my skin, a comforting sensation. I carefully tucked his hood and face mask inside my bathrobe pocket, the soft fabric brushing against my fingertips.

Surrounded by the sudden absence of Tony's team, the scene felt empty and quiet. The silence was only interrupted by the faint hum of distant conversations and the occasional shuffle of feet. The air carried a faint scent of sweat and excitement, mingling with the clean aroma of the freshly laundered clothes.

As I sat nervously in my wheelchair, clad only in my boxers alongside Tony only in his, I couldn't help but feel vulnerable. The coolness of the air against my exposed skin sent a shiver down my spine, a reminder of my exposed state. Yet, amidst the crowd of men and boys, their eyes seemed to pass over me without a second glance, as if I were invisible. However, I did catch the attention of a few girls, their hungry gazes devouring me like a succulent piece of meat. The sound of their lips being licked was faint but unmistakable, a sensory detail that made my heart race.

As Shawn, I understood the importance of hiding my emotions, although there was a part of me that secretly relished the attention. This added complexity arose because I had to portray the persona of being Shawn, who was gay. However, things became even more complicated when it came to him, as he harbored forbidden desires for young boys, not just those within his age group and above. What made it worse was his strong preference for even younger individuals. This heightened the need for secrecy and added an extra layer of complexity to the situation.

The battered and bruised figures lay on the floor, their various wounds from me and Tony's team. As we stood there, all eyes were fixed on us, like gifts hidden under a tree. People, dressed in bathrobes, boxers, and pajamas, stared at us in a dazed atmosphere. Their disheveled appearance and disoriented expressions only added to the surreal scene. It made me feel less noticeable, knowing that I wasn't the only one here in just my boxers.

Tony began spinning an elaborate tale, his words filling the air with a mix of excitement and disbelief. He claimed that he had left me in the nurse's office, only to find me mysteriously vanished. According to him, he eventually discovered me in the library, surrounded by a group of people dressed in black robes. The sight of these mysterious figures, their attire contrasting starkly with the casualness of the onlookers, sent a shiver down everyone's spine.

Sensing the importance of the situation, I tapped into my Shawn persona, allowing the anger to seep into my demeanor. As the sound of my scream cut through the stillness, it bounced off the walls in a haunting echo. "Mormo!" I screamed, my voice filled with rage. " You Goddamn fucking idiots! You will feel her wrath as I slit your throats and tear your beating hearts from your chests. I will sacrifice your very souls to her!" The intensity of my emotions was clear causing everyone around me to take a step back as I pointed to each of them by standing out of my wheelchair. "How dare they disrespect her and my God Lucifer, the only true God―" the words dripping with anger and desperation.

Tony's response was swift and forceful. His hand slapped against my face, the sound reverberating in the room. He commanded me to be silent, his tone laced with exasperation as he forced me not so kindly back into my wheelchair.

Tony quickly pushed me out of the library, and the crowd parted, creating a path for us. The sight of our departure was met with a mix of relief and curiosity from those who had been witnessing the chaotic scene. Mr. Walens, the headmaster, wasted no time in taking control of the situation. He called for security, their hurried footsteps and voices adding to the chaos.

Tony and I didn't wait for anyone. We quickly made our way to the elevator, the doors closing behind us. A wave of relief washed over us, temporarily shielding us from the madness that had unfolded. Tony cracked a smile and rolled his eyes, realizing once again that he had underestimated my ability to play the role I was given. The elevator descended, filling the air with its mechanical hum, offering a brief respite from the tension that had engulfed us. As we returned to my room, the weight of the events settled upon us.

The Headmaster soon joined us, his presence symbolizing authority and control. He handed back the magazine, his eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and concern. The silence in the room was broken only by the creaking of the bedsprings as Tony sat down, the only available space amidst the clutter.

I shrugged my shoulders, the movement tinged with uncertainty. The room was filled with a mix of apprehension and curiosity as the Headmaster posed his question. With a sigh, I responded, "It depends if you mean Shawn or the real me?" Tony mirrored my shrug, the weight of our shared secret hanging heavy in the air. Mr. Walens asked where he was going, watching Tony quickly dressing as if he was preparing to leave, Tony said, "To do my job where else would I be going?" Closing the door behind him, telling me to lock it once Mr. Walens had left.

I noticed quickly that he was eyeing the room, seeing the surveillance cameras around the room and the monitor showing the hallway and the door so we would know who was knocking. He said nothing about it; he said. "So, it seems you and Tony have had a busy night, and I am curious to know how much of it was his and how much was yours and this friend that everyone is referring to?"

I said. "It depends on how much time you have, sir. After all, it's a school night?"

He folded his arms and made himself comfortable on my bed. Showing he wasn't leaving until he got his answers. I linked with Jeff, asking if I should. Getting the answer that he didn't have a problem as long as I kept the things we had discussed a secret.

I got out of the wheelchair and opened a can of soda and offered him one and the plate of cookies or a bag of potato chips. He looked at the cookies and the soda and asked. "Do I even want to know how Tony and you managed to acquire them?" I shrugged my shoulders and said,

"You'd have to ask him that," I said, making myself comfortable by pushing the stuff over on Tony's bed. "It all started when I was ten years old..." I watched as I waited for the questions, answering them while cringing at the time. I noted that it had taken most of the night, to give him a good overall of my life story, and I realized I would be getting up in an hour to get ready for school.

He said. "Normally, I would think that was one hell of a fish tale. But after seeing you in action when you read the room. I think you are indeed must be telling the truth. Not even I knew about that hidden room in the library, and I was a boy myself when I came here," he said as he looked over the plans of the school the new ones and the old ones. Finding neither the room that we had found in the library, I didn't mention there were two more wanting him to be surprised or not trusting him to seek them out and end up dead for nosing around. Jeff too agreed that I shouldn't. I watched him get off the bed and ask. "So, what do you have planned young man for today?"

I shrugged my shoulders and said. "Still working that one out sir, but you'll know the moment I figure it out." He laughed and rubbed my head, telling me he was going to miss having me around when I left. I said. "No, you won't, because you'll have Shawn to deal with."

He laughed. "I rather have you, because I know that you aren't doing it to annoy me." I nodded as Tony soon came back. He didn't look pleased still seeing me up and Mr. Walens still in our room.

Mr. Walens said. "We were having a nice long chat about his ghostly friend."

Tony nodded said. "And it couldn't wait until after breakfast? Because I was thinking you really wanted to see the video and see what we have discovered tonight."

Mr. Walens said. "I am sure it isn't the first time this young man, or you pulled an all-nighter. I will have breakfast waiting in my office once you both have showered and got ready for another interesting day." I groaned inwardly because I hadn't really slept since Sunday night and even then I was up way before the chickens. There wasn't time to do anything other than a quick shower and makeup, and quickly re-bandage my fingers and my leg.

Tony quickly stuffed my books inside my backpack and had brought back the book I needed for school from the library. Placing the backpack on my lap as we made our way down the hall, it was as if the decision had been made for us not having time to put my leg into a cast other than wrapping it with several rolls of Ace Bandages, as we flew down to the Headmasters' office with a video from the library and the one from the holding cells of our prisoners as we waited for orders what to do with them.

Upon opening the office next to Mr. Walen's, a delightful blend of fresh coffee, scrambled eggs, and sausages wafted through the air, accompanied by the inviting scent of warm, freshly baked pastries. As soon as I arrived, it became apparent that he wasn't alone. He warmly invited us to come inside, and to my surprise, I noticed that several teachers were gathered around a large conference table. I groaned inwardly because this wasn't what I had in mind. Tony, on the other hand, didn't seem surprised at all.

Immediately, I linked with Jeff because I was uncertain if any of these staff members were members of the occult; like me, he, too, was disappointed that two of them had gotten away. Even from my friend Jeff, which was something strangely odd about that? All he could say was they weren't in the room, nor could he detect any. Tony waited for me to say something, but I remained silent and shrugged my shoulders.

Mr. Walens briskly introduced me to everyone in the room, their voices blending into a cacophony of greetings and chatter. The room was dimly lit, with soft ambient lighting casting shadows on the walls. As I made my way around the room, I observed the subtle details, the faint scent of incense lingering in the air, and the distant sound of a clock ticking.

With a sense of anticipation, I carefully observed the expressions of the people I interacted with, searching for any signs that hinted at their involvement in the occult. One staff member caught my attention, emanating an eerie aura that sent a shiver down my spine. I approached Jeff, hoping he could provide insight into this mysterious individual, but his attempts to read him were obstructed, like an impenetrable wall blocking his abilities, including the smell of a rotting corpse which was so faint I nearly missed it, but the closer I got I noticed his eyes as they seemed darker than usual.

Tony, sensing my unease, leaned down beside me, his swift movements barely noticeable. I leaned closer to him, my heart racing, as I conveyed the unsettling sensations I and Jeff had experienced with the person I had last met. As Tony discreetly took a seat offered by the man, the room filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Suddenly, Tony's plan unfolded before me in a swift motion. As he backed into the man, a sudden crash shattered the silence, the sound of scalding coffee splattering onto the floor and the man's clothes. The sharp smell of the spilled coffee mingled with the curses that escaped the man's lips, his anger fueling a rapid exchange of insults.

In a rush to rectify the situation, Tony scrambled to find napkins, his movements hasty and clumsy. The man, now drenched and enraged, stormed out of the room, vowing to return after changing his attire. The room fell silent once again, the tension thick as we awaited his return, the lingering scent of coffee and the weight of the encounter hanging in the air. Mr. Walens nodded, and the man left down the hall. Tony gave him a quick nod, showing that the man couldn't be trusted. Mr. Walens nodded and got up from his seat around the conference table and went out the door, then came back in soon after, then latched the door from the inside. To prevent anyone from coming in, stating this was a private meeting. Again, someone had forgotten to inform me and Tony, but Tony played it cool and in some ways, it was a fast way to check them out and see who was who and who were occult members and who were not, after all, all we had was today and as we wrapped things up in the morning knowing our time was desperately short.

He quickly apologized and reintroduced me, using the name he created for me Jacob Farnsworth, because no one was allowed to know my real name just in case it got back to the occult. Causing everyone to gasp letting the man on his left stand up and slam his hand down on the table. "You mean to tell me you have brought in spies into this school to spy on us and implanted a fake student?"

Mr. Walens stood eyeing the man and said. "Yes, and for good reason, Yet I didn't bring him and second of all there is a real Shawn Rothwell, and he will be attending here on Wednesday if you must know, now sit down and shut up and I will tell you why. Now that you have been read in and found out you are the people I have hired to teach here. Nothing leaves this room. No one must know, not the staff, not the students. You must treat this young man before us as Shawn Rothwell; you must treat him as one of your students; today and until he leaves, when the other one shows up. I have brought him here to meet you and to be tested and so you can see what you are up against that has come to our school under our very noses.

"I am asking you right now to either support me or get the hell out and turn in your resignation. because I cannot trust you to work here if you don't. I will give you until the clock reads half past." He took a seat, and we had a quiet breakfast. Only one other person left and it was the same man that was angered for us being here. Mr. Walens gave a heavy sigh and called security to escort him out, telling him. "Thanks for all your hard work. I'll send your things to your home." And slammed and locked the door behind him.

He asked if there was anyone else. No one volunteered. He turned his attention to Tony as he placed the first video in. It was from the library. We watched as several robed men and students walked in, passing the front desk. Noticing the librarian not asking any questions which stated it had been going on for a long time. Moments later, I showed up and she and I exchanged words then walked back to the very back where the hidden room was. The cameras switched angles as they all watched as the room was revealed to me, hearing them all gasp. Tony and I smiled seeing their faces when she was knocked out cold, watching her fall to the floor seeing Tony dressed in his cool ninja outfit while the team dressed like him with their own logo painted on the back.

Tony's words hung in the air, a mixture of excitement and apprehension enveloping the room. The sight of the hidden room, concealed from the world, ignited a sense of curiosity in everyone present. As questions filled the space, the sound of voices overlapped, creating a symphony of inquiry.

A faint scent of mustiness permeated the room, evidence of the room's secret existence. The walls whispered stories of concealment and intrigue, their ancient secrets lingering in the air.

Tony's revelation about the mysterious source piqued everyone's interest, causing their eyes to widen in disbelief. The pictures of the men and students caught last night were passed around the room, eliciting gasps of astonishment. The room buzzed with a mix of shock and confusion, like an electric current flowing through the air.

Avoiding any mention of Jeff, Tony redirected their attention towards me. As I rose from my wheelchair, the room fell silent, their eyes fixated on my every move. Their gaze traveled up and down my body, assessing the bandages wrapped around my wrists and the sling supporting my arm.

In that moment, a noticeable tension filled the space, a collective unease mingling with the scent of uncertainty. The room held its breath, waiting for the next revelation, as I released my arm from the confining sling, a symbolic act of unveiling. Mr. Walens quickly stated by saying. "That's right, his leg isn't broken, nor are his fingers or his arm sprained." As I wiggled them and removed the sling as Mr. Walens stated that the real Shawn Rothwell's fingers were broken, but I needed the wheelchair because of severe muscle weakness because of one of their members poisoning me and nearly killing me. Who was thought to be a friend of the family named Gloria West? They all eyed me as I made my way around the table, showing my wrists where the tattoo had been painted on.

Tony quickly said. "Most, if not all the members of the occult that they are hunting down have these markings, and if you are a sensitive person like our young man is he can feel it, even the weakest he can feel it. I haven't learned how or what it feels like unless it's a powerful member of the occult. It feels like you just touched and smelled a rotting corpse and chills you from the inside out and makes you want to bathe in bleach. You'll notice it the second you shake hands with them. There are other signs we are looking for and we'll go over them so you can determine if one of your students is part of the occult.

"So far, we have found eight in total." The room was filled with anticipation, the air heavy with the scent of determination. "We still have a lot more to go before we can be certain; we will need your help today to locate them." The sound of Tony's voice echoed through the room, his words resonating with urgency. "So we know who they are." The sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on the scene.

Tony asked if they could hold their questions until the end, his voice punctuated by a hint of excitement. We would be glad to answer them. The sound of shuffling papers filled the room, mingling with the soft hum of conversation.

I quickly ate my breakfast, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling my nostrils. The taste of warm toast and butter lingered on my tongue as Tony pushed play on the tape. The sound of the tape player whirring filled the room, accompanied by the distant chirping of birds outside. I smiled, seeing myself in action on the screen, the vibrant colors and dynamic movements captivating my attention.

As I watched, the adrenaline coursed through my veins, creating a tingling sensation that spread from my fingertips to the pit of my stomach. The thrill of the chase and the rush of taking down five members single-handedly were vivid memories. It was clear that I was only clad in my boxers, the cool fabric brushing against my skin, which was a stark contrast to the intensity of the moment. However, it wasn't the same as being completely nude, although that wouldn't have raised any eyebrows since most, if not all, of the teachers present were men, except for four women. Surprisingly, even the four women teachers didn't blink or seem to care about my attire, but it still made me feel self-conscious.

Nevertheless, I couldn't help but smile even more when they all turned to look at me in pure amazement. Even Mr. Walens appeared impressed and shocked to see a sixteen-year-old boy take on five people. Tony smiled at me as they asked if he had trained me. Tony responded, "No, but a friend of theirs and benefactor known as Mr. David Stringham informed me that this young man is more than capable of protecting himself if the need arises."

I quickly said. "I have been taking classes in kickboxing, Gymnastics and swimming, and wrestling."

I didn't mention I had won several awards over the years, but Tony did as he passed around my file listing them and my grades, the only thing that was crossed out was my name to protect my true identity as they saw me holding my trophies and ribbons. Tony laughed when they asked what my career goal was. They gasped when I said a chef. Some stated. Why when I could be an asset to Tony's team? I said. "Doesn't mean I couldn't cook a fine meal now and then for a girl or my wife now and again. I am quite good with a knife."

Causing Mr. Walens to laugh telling me how very true, said. "Are you sure you won't consider staying on here? I am willing to give you a full scholarship."

I shook my head no. "No, public high school is more than enough of a challenge for me, but thanks, plus I rather not be in the same school as Shawn."

Mr. Walens gave a heavy sigh and told Tony to bring our guests in so his staff could meet the real Shawn. I questioned if that was such a great idea, but I wasn't the one running the show. Tony opened the side door where Mr. Walen's office was which was joined to the conference room.

Shawn was escorted in and had a black bag over his head with his leg in a cast wearing a white dingy t-shirt and shorts; he was barefoot as they wheeled him in handcuffed to his wheelchair to keep him in it. His bodyguard gave me a nod as Tony said and. "This is the real Shawn Rothwell," Giving his bodyguard permission to remove the hood. Everyone gasped as they quickly compared him to me, noticing he had been gagged. As his eyes opened wide as he noticed me and the teachers staring at him and me. Tony told his bodyguard to remove the gag so Shawn could say a few words.

Shawn yelled. "You, gaping, God damn fucking fools! How dare you treat one of his God-chosen disciples like this! You should be bowing to me, begging me for forgiveness in Mormo's name! Instead, you let this buffoon miss-lead you and his puppets to destroy our church! You take my brethren hostage with your unclean hands! Now release me and my brethren here, and let me go back to my people and perhaps they will let you live because you have been misled by these two, and the people with them! Who I will seek vengeance upon them in the name of my God our holy father Lucifer, and his daughter and holy queen Mormo who watches over me―!" His bodyguard gagged him, apologizing to everyone that he does like to run his mouth a bit.

Shawn shook angrily, trying to free himself, and as his bodyguard reached into his pocket and poked him in the neck as we watched Shawn's eyes close and nod off. Telling them, "The boy will sleep for hours. Please tell me you saved some of that for me. I am starving."

Mr. Walens told him to help himself, giving Tony his full attention. Personally, I didn't see the likeness of me and Shawn. Other than the fact we were both in a wheelchair and we both had broken fingers and arms in the sling and "had" both casts on our legs.

Tony inserted the second video, and the room filled with a faint hum of anticipation. As he pressed play, the screen flickered to life, revealing the captured individuals. The sight of their pale faces, eyes darting nervously, sent a shiver down our spines. The sharp smell of the truth serum lingered in the air, mixing with a hint of anxiety.

Their voices, strained and trembling, filled the room as each member took turns confessing under the influence of the serum. The words were chilling, painting a picture of a small but determined group. We watched as the serum was administered, the sound of syringes piercing flesh echoing in our ears.

Their plan unfolded before us, the details spoke with a mix of fear and conviction. The scent of desperation wafted through the room, as they revealed their intention to infiltrate boarding schools, spreading their influence like a dark cloud. The idea of financing their church with money from innocent students' families hung heavy in the air, a sinister plot.

The room grew colder as they spoke of their ultimate goal - to seize control of the government. The thought of their membership swelling across the United States sent a chill down our spines. The sound of their voices, each echoing the same plans, created an eerie chorus.

Questions arose, demanding to know the identities of their leaders, the prophets, and high bishops. The room fell silent, the air growing heavy with anticipation, as we awaited their answers. Most didn't know because they had recently been called or were told they would know once they had done what they were asked, said he would come and give on them the highest honor. Only three of them mentioned the name that their contact was. None of them were Crawford. Tony asked each one if they had sacrificed any of the boys or girls in the school here. The answer was no, stating they couldn't risk being caught here, but have taken them off the streets nearby.

Making me feel sick to my stomach. But only five were responsible and two had stated that they had done so here, but it was because they had been snooping. Or they were too eager to show their master that they were willing to do whatever it took to bring forth his desire to take over this school.

But we're told not to because it was too much of a risk, but they didn't listen, and because of that Mormo and their prophet punished them by not letting them come into the fold until they could prove they could be trusted. That they could do what they had been told and not be so eager to please. So, they wait, and they listen and celebrate that others are coming. Their membership was growing as their prophet ordered their parents to send their children here so they might teach them their ways.

Again, my stomach tightened. Tony clicked off the tape and said. "So, you see this is what we are up against. This is what is coming, and this is why we have come, so we may end it here. We seek your help, take in these boys like Shawn, and help them see the truth. That they have been deceived only to be nothing more than a sacrifice, so others may commit crimes like raping children, using drugs and alcohol to seek true spiritual enlightenment.

"To plunder and murder in cold blood, to bring forth such violence this world has never seen before. My young friend here needs your help, your students need your help so we might be able to put a stop to this before it grows more than it has already. There are ten more members or so here that we still haven't found. We do not know how many of those are students, staff, or teachers. Mr. Walens has only chosen the ones he felt he could trust to be here this morning before school starts.

"One you know has already left on his own power, even though he wasn't a member. The other one is also being questioned because we couldn't read him, we could tell without a doubt―" Tony stopped when a loud noise and several screams was coming from outside in the courtyard. We all ran to the window, seeing the person we couldn't read lying dead on the sidewalk, seeing a pool of blood spilling around him.

I quickly pointed to a figure racing across the lawn making its way to the high brick wall that enclosed the campus. Tony saw where I was pointing. I asked Jeff to follow him. Jeff said he couldn't see the person, and I asked. "Are you being stubborn and refusing to help us?"

Jeff said. "No, I can't see him." He showed me that a person was shrouded in liquid smoke with no substance. I told him to follow the smoke, stating if there is a fire there is smoke. But Jeff told me every time he gets close he cannot move towards it. I pulled on Tony and whispered in Tony's ear that we needed to talk privately. He nodded, but he couldn't do anything but watch as the person had already leaped over the wall and was gone.