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Class, Meet the New Demon

Power.

Conquest.

Glory.

These are the three virtues that govern Mordredus.

“GRAAAARRRRWW!!!"

“SKREEEEEOOOCH!!!"

“AAAAEEEEEEERR!!!"

SWWISH!

ZWWWSSSH!

THOOOM!

Against red skies, their ebony shadows darted like arrows. Three vicious reptilian creatures, their sizes great, their speed amazing, their roars earth-shaking. Side by side they flew over the forests, moving at sonic speeds that carried the wind and sound with them. Those below looked up in shear awe and fear of these massive creatures, marveling not just at their majesty, but at the armaments that adorned their scaly hides, as well as the riders who mounted them. Children were ushered inside, doors and windows were closed shut, while knights and guards stood at the ready. But no one said a word, for they could feel the presence which resonated in the air.

Their rulers were with them.

The three reptiles which flew through the air were not all the same. One was a serpent, it's body long, lacking legs but having great wings. The other was a dragon, its hands and legs pointed back as its angular head pierced the air before it. The last had hind legs but lacked arms, for its wings were its arms; a wyvren! On the bodies of all three dragons was armor that was sterling and onyx, with purple banners wavering in the wind behind them. This wasn't the basic armor you'd put on your horse or war elephant, but instead the armor reserved only for the best of the best of the best.

What are they doing here? That's all the citizens could wonder as the ruling class zoomed overhead upon their roaring steeds. This land was far from the central castle town, being on the outskirts where the fields and vegetation gave way to forests and wild lands. Here, all manner of beasts called this land their home, with only a few military outposts doting the land. Was that where they were going? Even if they wanted answers, they were too fearful to speak. Not even the knights who guarded these distant lands could answer them.

The jet-black dragons soon vanished from sight, but the sound of their roaring continued to pierce the air. Were they announcing their arrival? Was it a showing of force? Where were they going? Again, a retinue of questions, but no answers.

It mattered not...

The trio of dragons continued their quest; they were coming, and there was nothing that could stop them. And as forests and farmlands shifted into stone runways and ruins, a mighty structure stood among the derelict highways and towers.

Goddess Cradle. Thousands of years ago, the massive metropolis of towers and highways was the home of the royal family. Now look at it; abandoned and withered by a millennia of erosion, whether it be from wind, rain, or merely time. It's riches had long since been sequestered, and whatever was left had been pillaged by any number of bandits and thugs that now called the 'city' its home.

Or, well, any number of bandits and thugs that usually call this 'city' their home. Right now the structures were abandoned, the towers empty, and the roads devoid of life. Replacing it was nothing, and it wasn't because their rulers were currently swooping down.

THOOM!

CRACK!

WHAM!

One, after another, after another, the vicious dragons landed on empty roads. Before them was Yomi Gate, a massive structure with a domed ceiling, and the etchings of various deities carved upon its columns and walls. Resting to the back of the once thriving metropolis, Yomi Gate played host to the royal family's wizardry council, where they would practice and hone their skills... and a place where many unfortunate test subjects would meet their end. Even now – with such a history being far, far in the past – the air was thick with a malicious aura.

And something else...

Having landed, the trio of dragons grew silent, though guttural grows seeped through their muzzles every now and then. Their heads bowing down, their riders dismounted from their steeds, and stood on the dusty ground below, revealing themselves.

A trio of knights, their bodies were adorned in form-fitting armor, which – while similar – held unique differences between the three. For the knight who dismounted from the dragon, their armor was smooth in shape, with a single, curved spike jutting from their shoulder paldrons. Black as well, the armor exuded an aura of malice which could be felt by all those around. Tying it all together, this knight bore a helmet which resembled a dragon's head, with a curved beak that covered them from the nose down.

The one to his right – the one who dismounted from the wyvern – wore armor that was as black as their leader. However, their paldrons and shin guards were straight and sharp, while the chestplate was curved to contain the bust of a woman. They were as tall as the lead knight, a towering vanguard who emitted an aura of dominance. Their helm however was like that of a bull, with horns curving from the top of their head.

And then there was the third, the smallest. Dismounting from the serpent, their armor wasn't pitch-black, but instead snow-white. It emitted an air of daintiness, with frills extending from their armored skirt. If a dainty princess were to ever take to a battlefield, she would wear armor much like this. Her helmet continued this notion, being not a dragon or a bull like the others, but instead a refined unicorn, with a single horn jutting from the center.

Their armor may have been different, but their capes were not. They were all purple, and in the center was a black rose which had a serpent extending from the pistil. The coat of arms for their nation; the flag of Mordredus.

Side by side by side, the trio of knights marched for the entrance of Yomi Gate, while their steeds returned to the air and began circling around the structure like vultures over a meal. Entering inside, they remained focus, heading deeper and deeper into the derelict structure. It should be covered in nothing but dust and cobwebs, maybe trash and grime if a bandit made this building their home. Instead they found...

“Notes..." muttered the knight in white armor, their voice a pitch and tone that revealed them as being a woman.

“Shroud..." replied the leader, their deep voice growling and revealing himself as a man, “Let us be quick."

“There is no trap..." answered the knight to his right, their voice – while deeper than the white knight's – being that of a woman, “He is expecting us."

“Even now... his theatrics will be his undoing..."

The trio nodded in unison, before focusing their gazes forward. And when they did, red lights beamed from beneath their helms; red lights that sat where their eyes should be. Extending their hands, the trio of knights summoned weapons from an explosion of magical light; red light produced an onyx blade for the leader, purple light drew a vicious war axe for the woman to his right, and white light created an opulent staff for the white knight. Once armed, the trio brandish their weapons and rushed down the hall, pushing deeper into Yomi's Gate, where the hallway gave way to a wide lobby... and the wide lobby broke through into the inner atrium.

It was circular in shape, with a domed ceiling that – despite being made of glass – somehow remained firm against the passage of time. The columns continued to bear the image of gods and deities, and so too did the floor, which depicted some horrible, eldritch creature that could not be described.

Standing on a higher floor of the atrium, the knights gazed over the edge, where their eyes fell upon--

“THERE!"

At the back of the circular room were two tall pillars that were pointed like spears. Their surfaces were steel and rusted, having been barred down by time and age, but not enough to ruin the design they once had. Carved into its surface were lines which swirled, zigzagged, and ran in all random directions with no reason, no control!

But above all, there were eyes. They dotted the surface of the pillars, having been crafted with such intricate detail that you'd swear the structure was looking at you. Yes, it had been marred by time and rust, but this only increased the uncanny and unsettling atmosphere one gained from gazing at this structure.

Between these pillars, a spiraling red vortex swirled like a whirlpool made of wind as oppose to water. Electrical discharges surged through the vortex, and in the center was a black pit which seemed to extend into... nothingness.

The maelstrom howled through the atrium, sounding like a tornado that had been contained within a building. From their vantage point, the trio of knights could see the one responsible for this gateway; a cloaked figure standing before the gate with their hand extended.

But then the hand of this figure dropped... and a chuckle could be heard echoing throughout the atrium.

FWOOSH! ZWOOOSH! FWIP!

THOOM! WHAM! CLACK!

Behind the figure, the three knights leaped from their vantage point and landed on the floor, sending a quaking noise which bounced throughout the hall. They didn't even try to act sneaky, something the figure found amusing.

“Are you... trying to intimidate me?" he asked, his voice relax and suave. The knights did not find this amusing.

“Silence yourself, Shroud!" roared the leader as he raised his blade and pointed it forward, “I have had enough of your lies and deceit! Relent now! And I'll try and stay myself from beheading you this instant!"

“Come now, Prince Draygon," said the cloaked man as he turned to face the trio behind him, “Is that anyway to speak to your teacher?"

He pulled back his hood, revealing himself. A tall, older man, his hair was black and slicked back, with a single bang hanging between his eyes.

His eyes...

Despite his human face and features, he had the eyes of a snake. And, no, this isn't hyperbole or figurative; he truly had the eyes of a snake. Amber in color, the pupils were like a reptile's, and the eyes as a whole were thin in shape. But the same could be said for his face as a whole. Thin cheek bones, sleek features, a pointed nose... and a sinister smile.

He was clearly an aged man – perhaps someone in his forties. But there was a handsomeness to him. A gentleman, he carried with himself this air of refined aristocrat... but there was an undeniable danger about this man. His snake-like feature weren't just physical, they were spiritual as well.

“Your jokes fall on deaf ears, Shroud," said the leader, his hand tightening further around his blade, “And so too wears thin my patience! One final warning; stand down and return all the tomes you stole from the royal library!"

“Tch... mere thievery – even from the royal library – would not be enough to send the royal children and Duchess of Gwalchmei towards me. So, dare I ask my dear prince, what brings such opposition against me?"

“Grrrrgg...! Shrroooooud!" the leader – Prince Draygon – growled as his blade and eyes both flashed red.

But before his anger could rise higher and he could strike the cloaked man down, a hand fell on his chest. He looked over, his eyes falling on the knight to his right; the one of equal size to him. Shaking their head, the knight then turned to face the man before them as they stepped forward.

“Urien Shroud," she said, her booming voice echoing through the atrium, “For acts of treason against the royal family of Mordredus, you are to come under our custody at once. Do not attempt to fight back. We will stop you..." she then tipped her head down, “You know you cannot win this fight."

“Ah, Princess Iris... it is nice to see the art of delegation has borne fruit in one of you," remarked the cloaked man – Shroud – as he stared directly at Prince Draygon.

“Shrrrrooooud...!"

“I taught you three, you know," said the cloaked man, “You, Princess Iris, you, Prince Draygon, and you, Duchess Ragnelle. So to have you all stand before me as you do today... it is... heart-wrenching."

“You brought this upon yourself..." Draygon growled, “Your crimes against Mordredus will not be overlooked, no matter how much good will you have brought up between us. It has all been dashed with your antics, Shroud. Now..." his blade glowed brightly yet again as it now cackled with a sinister red energy, “Stand. Down. This is your final warning."

“Tsk tsk tsk... Draygon..." muttered Shroud as his head raised up, “I... I thought I taught you better than this."

His warning sent a quiver through the three knights, who all tensed up as the cloaked man took a step back. The smile Shroud wore quickly broke way into a fang-flashing grin, and he pulled his hood back over his head, while the knight in white – Duchess Ragnelle – tensed up. Her red eyes darting left and right, she scanned their immediate area before raising her staff up high.

“DIAMAT TELLOS!!!" she announced, her voice reverberating through the atrium as a barrier of light suddenly erupted from the ground around them.

It flashed in a variety of brilliant colors; a magical shield that could repel any attack... including the vicious swipe of a powerful claw!

CLAAASSHH!!!

Draygon and Iris pulled back as Ragnelle's barrier flickered. On the other side were a pair of disembodied claws which struck her shield, ones that was attached to... nothing. Just floating claws. They pushed against the unicorn knight's barrier, attempting to break it, before giving up and retreating. Then – after several seconds – the claws vanished into thin air.

“A chameleon..." muttered the bull knight – Iris – as she readied her axe, “Such a trite creature. Far below Shroud's pedigree."

“I don't care..." growled Draygon as he raised his blade, “I will burn this beast asunder! Ragnelle! Drop the barrier!"

“FA!"

BWEEAAAM!

The barrier dropped, but the dragon knight remained standing. His blade pointed to the skies overhead, a wicked bolt of red energy cackled around his sword like it was a conductor. The atrium shook beneath the awesome power of the prince, with dust and rocks crumbling off the walls, and cracks splitting in the floors. Any sane creature would run in fear of the dragon knight and the power he summoned. However, their assailant wasn't smart enough to realize this.

Seeing an open target, the glimmering claws of their invisible foe suddenly revealed themselves. Without warning they fell down to tear Draygon apart, but the dragon knight dropped his blade to meet them. Its claws met his blade, and... well...

SLAAAASSHH!!!

“EEEEAARRRRGGG!!!"

A trite creature indeed...

Draygon's blade tore through the chameleon's claws... and kept going. It's forefinger and thumb were bisected, while his blade traveled down its arms, rending flesh and scales apart, and spewing forth blood. His blade only stopped when it fully cut through the chameleon's arm, forcing more of its rampant screams through the air. Suffering such incredible pain, the reptilian released its invisibility, appearing before the trio of knights and revealing itself.

It was a wicked creature. Bipedal, it stood on its hind legs like any man, but with claws and talons as oppose to fingers and toes. It's body was adorned in a wicked array of scales which allowed it to produce true invisibility, and spikes ran upon its spine up to its head. And its head... sharp and angular as befitting any reptile, but with these wide, bulbous, spherical eyes that moved in many, random directions.

The poor creature looked confused as it cradled its lacerate arm, and stumbled back on its legs. Draygon remained alert however, glaring at the chameleon as he readied his blade once again. He took one step forward, but a series of claps echoed throughout the atrium.

“Well done, well done, Prince Draygon," said Shroud, “If I were Lady Laurent, I'd be proud of your ability to quickly disarm your opponent..." he looked over to his wailing chameleon, “Quite literally in this case..." then he stared back, “But didn't I teach you one important thing? All of you? Just because you have eyes, does not mean you necessarily see. Case in point..."

Swwwwwssshh...!

“AH!? DRAYGON, MOVE!!!'

He looked over, just in time to have his shoulder being knocked aside by the bull knight. Something came swinging by, something which just barely missed him. Had it not been for Iris' intervention, he may have been stricken!

Draygon quickly regained his footing, while his sister pulled back. Looking around, the dragon knight, bull knight, and unicorn knight searched for their foe, seeing nothing but the still crying chameleon. Their weapons at the ready, the trio backed up to one another and stood in a circle.

“Phantoes," whispered Iris, “The chameleon was a ruse."

“Ragnelle, reveal them!" Draygon ordered.

“LUXIA!!!"

Slamming her staff upon the ground, the unicorn knight sent out an explosion of light which vibrated the ground, and traveled out from her like the waves of an ocean. The area grew bright – incredibly so – but this flash only lasted for several seconds. Dissipating quickly, it settled on the ground like the morning fog... and revealed a sinister black mist.

Floating above the light Ragnelle summoned, were strange humanoid shapes. They hovered and wavered like wisp, and had noticeable attributes like arms, and heads and eyes. Bright, white eyes. But it was all uncanny... unusual. Limbs too long, heads too small, bodies too wide.

These strange, ghost-like creatures surrounded the trio of knights, who remained ready.

“This is growing irksome!" Draygon growled as he clutched his sword's handle, causing his blade to ignite with an audible--

SKRRRRRRRRRSSSHH!!!

“Enough... GAMES!!!"

SLASSH!!!

With a wide swing of his blazing blade, Draygon slashed at the spectral enemies which surrounded him. Despite seemingly being made of air, the phantoes were cleaved in twain by his sword, where they dissipated like a gas. Their once innumerable foes were reduced to nothing, with Ragnelle tapping her staff to recall her light spell.

“Well then..." muttered the unicorn knight as she gave her leader a sideways glance.

“Duchess Ragnelle is right," said the bull knight, who turned to face Draygon, “Brother, you are too tense. Calm yourself."

“I..." he muttered, only for--

“Yes, Prince Draygon, listen to your sister," called Shroud with a taunting chuckle, “We don't want you making any mistakes now, do we? I'm right here, on the edge of capture. You just need to--"

ZWEEEEEEEET!

SPLACK!!!

A red bolt suddenly came careening towards Shroud's head, one he dodged by casually leaning his head to the left, causing the attack to strike the column of his gate. Turning around, he faced the trio of knights and dropped his gaze on Draygon and his outstretched blade. Even with the armor on, he could see the hatred, the shear malice which exuded from the prince. But that hatred and malice... it garnered nothing but chuckles from Shroud.

“Almost got me there, my Prince," he remarked, “Tell me, is that something Mistress Romanova taught you? I would love to give her my kudos, but... I'm sure that won't be possible anymore."

“I. Will. End. You," Draygon growled, though Shroud laughed at such a threat.

“Really? You will? Because... I know you won't," he replied as he turned away from his gate and faced the trio, “If you really would end me, I would be dead by now. With how angry you are, my Prince, and considering your stature alone, let alone with your sister and Duchess Ragnelle, if you trio really wanted me dead, I wouldn't be standing here. Gohohoh... no... you haven't killed me yet, because you can't kill me. Direct orders from King Aurelius himself, no?"

“Shrrrooooooudddd!" Draygon snarled, but a hand fell on his shoulder, quelling him.

“You are right, Instructor," said Iris as she again leveled her brother out, “Father wants you alive. However... due to your crimes – the least of which being raising harm against the royal children – we don't have to bring you back in one piece. As you can tell, Brother is already seething from your betrayal, and my patience too is beginning to diminish. The time for words have passed now. Prepare yourself for punishment."

Gripping her axe tight, the bull knight began marching towards her former instructor, keeping a far more level head in comparison to her brother. Shroud realized this; his words wouldn't be enough to shake Iris from her approach. On one hand, it actually fueled him with a sense of pride seeing his former student be so focused. On the other hand, he still had a job to do.

Fortunately, he had planned for this. He had multiple plans for how this event could go.

Again facing the gate which swirled behind him, Shroud began opening it wider and wider. He was searching for a destination, one which would get him far, far from their realm. A place so distant, that not even King Aurelius with his might would be able to find him. He just needed a little more time!

So he looked over to his chameleon, who was now writhing on the floor in intense pain. No order left Shroud; he merely flicked his head.

“GLRRK!?"

And the chameleon tensed up.

Despite its missing limb, the reptilian creature got back on its feet. However, its movements were... alien to put it lightly. It did not walk like a chameleon should walk, nor did it walk like a human. It walked like a... marionette. Its limbs moved as if they weren't be controlled by the chameleon, but instead being puppeteer by an invisible controller. Even the chameleon appeared confused as it babbled and wailed in pain, its body moving on its own.

It came in between Iris and Shroud, but the bull knight merely--

SHWING!!!

Swung her axe, cleaving through the chameleon and lopping its head off with one flick of her hand. Blood filled the air as the reptile's head fell on the floor with a loud 'Thud!' its eyes twitching as it looked around... before finally coming to a halt. The rest of its body fell over soon after...

Only to perk back up.

Its invisible strings still controlling it, the arm-less and now headless chameleon swung at the princess with its still usable claw. She leaped out of the way, but to her surprise, the limb Draygon tore off before suddenly began to float! At great speeds it flew towards the bull knight in an attempt to strike her, but--

CLASH!

The attack was deflected as Draygon leaped to his sister's side, his blade having parried the strike. Together, the royal children nodded at one another, then turned to focus their gaze on the controlled chameleon corpse which shambled before them.

It swung with its still remaining arm, but Draygon swung back, cutting it off. Then the beast attempted to kick at them, but Iris leaped over, and brought her axe down, lopping off its limb. Hovering now above the ground, the corpse swung its last remaining leg at them, only to have it sliced clean by Draygon's blade. Then the two took turns cutting and slashing and tearing the corpse apart; bit, by bit, by bit. When they were through, nothing was left of the chameleon's corpse, save for blood and guts. And just in case Shroud thought of using it to attack them next.

“FLAMBER!"

The remains of the chameleon were set ablaze by Ragnelle's spells, reducing the creature to ash. It all couldn't have lasted longer than a minute, much to Shroud's chagrin. The royal knights were the best of the best; they upheld Mordredus' virtues within them; no beast as weak as this would stop them... and from the looks of it, they wouldn't be slowed by it either.

He just needed a little more time! If they had only arrived five minutes later, he wouldn't be in this mess! Just one more distraction, that's all he needed! But his phantoes were slain, and his chameleon was ash!

And then Ragnelle raised her staff...

“LUX--"

Shroud's eyes widened. That's it; his answer had revealed itself.

“CONGERERE!!!"

In a fraction of a second, Duchess Ragnelle's scepter fell and a bolt of gilded light was launched. But in that moment, the chameleon's head turned. It had not been set ablaze by her flame, and it was just close enough to--

“LUNG!!!"

Launch its tongue...

Splat!

“AH!?"

The chameleon's tongue struck Ragnelle's rod, sending her bolt of light off course, where it flew up to the ceiling overhead. It struck the roof with so much force, that stone and glass were shattered, causing it to collapse in over them. But the unicorn knight's reactions were quick enough to shout out--

“DIAMAT TELLOS!!!"

Again Ragnelle erupted a barrier around them, one which protected her and her allies from the falling debris overhead. However, the cave-in wouldn't be slowed, and before they knew it, they were surrounded in stone rubble. From his vantage point, Shroud could see the stones already beginning to move and be pushed apart; they were coming!

Unfortunately, it was too late.

That little cave-in – while lucky – was exactly what he needed. Facing the gate again, he watched as his once violent vortex became... stable. The cackles of energies dissipated, and the intense spin became a softer swirl. When he gazed into the black pit on the other end, he saw... green fields... blue skies... and a silver city.

“Yes... yes..."

THOOM!

“SHROUD!!!"

Behind him, the rubble exploded with a furious roar as Prince Draygon leaped above it. His red eyes now glowed behind his helm, and his sword was already fuming with power. However, he emerged just in time to see--

“NO!!!"

“Farewell... dear Prince..."

It was a bit hasty, he'd admit as much. One mistake, and this all could fail, but...

Shroud stepped through the gateway.

“SHRROOOOUUDDD!!!"

Without him to maintain the vortex, it rapidly began closing in on itself. Its violent spin resumed, and so too did the cackles of energy. Draygon rushed for the gateway, but there was nothing he could do. This power went beyond even him; he could do nothing but watch.

Duchess Ragnelle on the other end...

“I'VE GOT IT!" she shouted as she rushed past her prince in a white blur.

Standing before the vortex, the unicorn knight produced streams of blue magical energy which attached themselves to Shroud's gateway. With her prowess, she was capable of keeping the portal open, but it was clear this was causing her great strain. Cackles of energy surged from the vortex, striking her armor and forcing her to her knees, but the duchess would not stop. Grunting and groaning, she stabilized the gateway, keeping it open... but barely.

“It's too much!" Ragnelle shouted, “Aaah! This... this gateway isn't to somewhere else in Daemonium! Shroud opened a gateway to another realm!"

“Another realm...?" Draygon muttered, “How... how is that possible!?"

“The books he stole from our library taught him this," Iris claimed, “There is no other way. Still... to do such a thing requires tremendous power. No wonder Shroud ran to Goddess Cradle. If he did it anywhere else, we would have found him far, far quicker."

“He went through the gateway! We must follow him!" Draygon commanded as he stepped forward.

“I can't go!" Ragnelle replied, “Keeping the vortex open is too much! I can't go through it and keep it open at the same time!"

“Then Iris and I will go," said the prince, but...

“No... I will go," said his sister, to his surprise.

“Wh... what!? IRIS! We'll go together!"

“We cannot, Brother," she replied, “You are the crown prince of Mordredus, the next in line to take the throne from Father. You must stay here in Daemonium if anything were to happen. We don't even know where this portal leads. If Mordredus were to lose both prince and princess, the kingdom will truly be lost. So..." she placed her hand on her chest, “I will go alone. You and Ragnelle return to Castle Mordredus, and try and figure out a way out of this mess."

“And what of Shroud?"

“I will bring Shroud back to our kingdom on his knees," Iris said... and then... “Haaaaaaaaah..." her head tipped down... then pulled back up, “Trust me, Brother."

“Iris..."

GLACK! SPAAACKLE! ZAAAAZ!!!

“AAAH! H-HURRY UP! THE GATEWAY! I CAN'T KEEP IT OPEN!"

Together, they turned to face the portal. Through the gap, they could see...

Green fields...

Blue skies...

A silver city...

Iris stepped forward...

…

“Aaaadaaaaam! Hurry up! Breakfast is ready!"

“Aah..."

Brown eyes opened.

What the heck happened... did he take a quick nap? How'd he do that? Ah... and in his uniform too? What if he got it wrinkled? All he remembered was laying his head down real quick, and... that's that. He must have spent a little too much time playing games last night.

Mondays... Mondays are the absolute worse.

Groaning audibly, a blond-haired young man pulled himself up from his bed. He was a slender boy, around the age of eighteen in fact. His hair was neatly cut, a bit messy and wild, but after a comb or two, he tamed it into somewhat of a respectable bowl cut. His face and features were still smooth, lacking the chiseled edges of a man, and his eyes – while sharp at times – still had this youthful clarity to them.

“Aaaaah... oh..."

Even his voice bounced between childhood and adulthood. It's not like it was cracking every second like he was going through puberty, but if you were to hear him in a vacuum, you could tell he was still but a boy. Still growing, still learning of his place in life.

He was slender. Not the tallest, but not the shortest either. Modest in size, would be the best way to describe him. Owning a lithe build borne from a history of school sports, he certainly didn't look like a slouch. Although, that may or may not change when he reached over to grab a pair of glasses from off his desk.

There was a studious air about this young man, no doubt produced by his clothes. The uniform of his academy always carried with it this air of dignity and intelligence, but that was twice as blatant with him. A pressed white shirt, black slacks, and a black blazer, with a white and gold badge on its chest; the typical men's uniform for those who go to Osmond Academy.

And just saying that name produces power.

Adam Winchester sat on his bed, his eyes idly glancing around his small room. It was a modest little flat, not being the largest, but not the smallest either. Everything was neat, lacking any grime or mess... though that changed a bit at his computer desk, where there laid a messy array of games stacked upon one another, school work dating back a few semesters (maybe he should... throw that away?), and yes, a few figurines here and there. Clearly, he spent most of his time at night huddled away in this corner of the room, including what happened last night.

Damn snipers... ugh! He really needs to learn that new map...

“AAADAAAAM!" his mother's voice cried from downstairs.

“I'm coming!" he replied.

Grabbing his satchel from off his computer chair, he swung it over his shoulder and casually exited his bedroom. The rest of his home was like his room; neat and clean, with brown floors and walls, and a few portraits of family members here and there. Heading downstairs, the smell of breakfast foods cut through the air, drawing a smile to his face. Upon arriving at the kitchen however...

“Alice! Calm down!"

“I am calm!"

She bounced around energetically; a little girl of around ten years old, with brunette hair in pigtails and a school uniform on her body. This gleeful, bright smile was plastered upon her face as she excitedly ran around the kitchen table, threatening to break the sound barrier with her speeds. That's only a slight exaggeration.

“Listen to your mother, Alice," said a more calm voice from the table, “We don't want you tripping..."

He sat at the table, a small tablet to his right, a cup of coffee to his left, and a digital pin in hand. He was easily the oldest man in the room, being somewhere in his mid forties. A brown haired man himself with a goatee on his chin, he was wearing business formal, and looked every bit like a respected businessman, right down to the annoyed and tired look in his eye. But there was this warmth from him, this softness; a stern father figure, but a loving one at that.

“Huh? Oh, Adam! There you are!" called a woman from the kitchen.

She looked over her shoulder at him, an older woman... and a sporty one a that. Her hair was long and blonde, her eyes were brown, and she had this cheeky pep to her. Dressed in a sports bra and pants, it was clear she went from her morning workout straight to cooking with very little downtime between. And, yes, that included the smell, but everyone in the kitchen were more than used to this.

“Sit down, Adam, sit down!" said his mother as she walked over to usher him into his chair while casually holding her frying pan.

“I am, I am... h-hey! Watch that frying pan; it's nearly on fire!"

“And you too, Alice! Sit down! Breakfast is ready!"

“Okaaaaayy!"

Sitting down opposite his sister, Adam looked over towards the little bundle of energy who gleefully smiled back. Then his eyes swept over to his father at his right, who – while casually taking a sip of his coffee – flashed his son a smirk as well. Then his mother waltzed around, easily placing plates of food at their sides of the table, before sitting down herself.

The Winchester household was much like this on a school day. They woke up at relatively the same time, had breakfast, then all went their separate ways. The kids to school and the parents to work; they all had roles to play, and they played them well.

But here and now, these taunting smiles and chuckles began leaving them. It was like someone told a joke, when no one said a word. Adam laughed, his sister too, his father, his mother; they all found joy in something that didn't happen. Maybe they were laughing at something in their heads, and that spread like an infection. Or maybe they just found joy in eating together.

Maybe...

But as minutes passed on with no one saying a word save for chuckles and laughs, a sudden beeping noise began echoing. Taken aback, Adam's father raised his hand and checked his smart watch. Something on it garnered a groan of annoyance from the older man and he stood up, garnering a glance from his wife.

“Work already, Frankie?"

“Yeppers," he muttered as he picked up his tablet, “Looks like I'll have to head in a little early, Eve," he then looked over to his kids as he walked by, smiling at them, “Hey! Do good in school you two!"

“So, what? We can get an annoying job like you?" Adam replied in a snarky manner, garnering a smirk from his father.

“You know it. See ya'll later."

He left soon after, slipping out the doorway and then out of their home entirely... only to return several second later having forgotten a few important things. Then he left for real this time, getting into his car and driving off. When that happened--

“Okay, you two! Get your things!" said Eve, “Dad's gone to work, so you two have to head to school now."

Ushered away by their mother, Adam grabbed his satchel and clung to it, while Alice gleefully bounced around. Were they excited by the prospect of school? Well, his sister certainly looked it. Adam however was more reserved, and could you blame him? School was just that; school. He didn't hate it like some of his contemporaries did, but he wasn't super jazzed about it either.

But as they left their home and stood on the front porch, Adam looked out from the Winchester household with a certain look in his eye. Around him was the rest of the neighborhood, but that's not the issue. Something felt a bit... off, and he couldn't really put his finger on it.

Huh...

“Adam! Hurry to the car!"

“I'm coming, Mom."

…

Osmond Academy. Normal people don't got to Osmond Academy. Within its hollowed halls are birth the country's best and brightest. Bellcrest? Starfield? Pffftt... they are nothing compared to the curriculum taught at Osmond Academy. For those who come from Osmond Academy will one day rule our world.

Give or take...

Osmond Academy was a large place. Taking up 380 acres of land, it is a striking building that looks like and even feels like an old plantation, even though it was founded in only the 1980s. From the outside, its structure was ornate, almost religious, with its wooden walls and white roof. But on the inside, it had a level of technology that would make NASA blush, with classrooms that were stuffed with the finest and most cutting edge of computers.

Osmond Academy was such a respected structure, that those who are even seen wearing one of their illustrious uniforms often gain the awe and respect of all those around. For Adam, the gazes were so often and familiar to him that they had become white noise. Whenever he was let loose from school and free to roam the city to his whims, he always turned heads whenever he was wearing his uniform. Again, such a familiar sight that it was white noise.

Everyone always asked what it was like going to such a school, and his answer was simple: it was like going to any other school, just with more rich people.

Not him though. His family was well off yes, but not well off enough to afford servants or private drivers. So you know what that means, right? Good old public transportation!

Phone in hand, Adam casually flicked from Tuber video to Tuber video, looking for something – anything – to kill the monotonous boredom going on within his head. Fortunately for him, he wouldn't be forced to look for long, as overhead on the bus' announcement system called out--

Now arriving at Osmond Academy

“Ah... right..."

Tugging on the bus' pulley, Adam stood up from his seat and headed to the front as the bus came to a halt. He thanked the driver and disembarked, heading out upon the sidewalk as the cool autumn wind blew against him. Scarf around his neck, he gazed upon the stark, opulent walls of his academy. They were white and free of grime, while the handle bars shimmered with a gilded light. He honestly felt bad for the groundskeepers who had to maintain such a structure all throughout the year. But nothing less than the best for Osmond Academy!

“Hey, Adam!"

“Good morning, Adam."

“Hi, Adam."

“Hey, you guys," he answered.

Walking among his fellow students, the bespectacled youth kept mostly to himself. As much as he'd love to stand around and talk with the others, after his bus ride, he just wanted to sit down at a desk and put down his satchel. Seriously, the bus' seats were twice as crap as usual!

Although... one person seemed to not care so much about this!

“Adaaaam!"

“Huh? N-Natasha? Oof!?"

She came like a bullet, a girl with short black hair, a darker skin tone from a tan, and a rather cheery, energetic disposition. She collided with his body with enough force to knock him off foot, forcing him to stumble slightly, then straighten back up. Glancing over his shoulder, his eyes fell on a girl who was juuuuuuust an inch or two taller than him, one with these relentless hazel eyes, and this remarkably bright smile.

An athletic girl, she had a physique quite unlike other girls save for those who were also into sports. She also seemed to lack an awareness of a social bubble, as she gleefully wrapped her arm around his neck and pulled him in.

“Tryin' to ignore me, Adam?" she asked as her knuckle ground itself into his cheek, “I saw ya get off the bus; I ain't lettin' you escape!"

“I'm not trying to escape, Natasha," he growled as he pulled himself from her grasp, “I just got off the bus, that's all. I didn't even notice you near me...! Mmmph..." he tensed up, “And stop grabbing people out of the blue! You can't just do that!"

“Of course I can, I'm a girl!" she replied in a snarky manner, “It's you boys who can't grab people without warning! Hah!"

Her laugh bounced in his ear, but despite his abrasive stance... Adam couldn't help but to laugh too. Natasha was a friend of his, one dating back years. She wasn't just someone he knew at Osmond Academy, but a person he grew up with. That strange girl who caught frogs at the local pond like a freak, happened to be the daughter of some rich CEO... who'd a thunk it?

“Hurry up, let's get goin'," she said as she began pushing him towards the front gates of the academy, “The sooner we get through school, the sooner we can leave it!"

“That's not how time works..."

Natasha laughed off her friends response however, while he acquiesced to her nudging... or... shoving. They came to the front gates of the academy, where dozens of fellow students were pouring through its open doors. Hundreds, if not thousands of conversations were going on, while the opulent structure stood over them all.

But Adam...

He stepped through the gates...

And took one foot on the academy's grounds.

And his eyes widened.

A wicked surge of pain came roaring through his head, triggering a headache the likes of which he's never suffered before. No, calling it a headache was too weak; it was more like a migraine! It made him double over in pain and clutch his head, even cry out in a strained manner. His legs jerked and he hunched over, while Natasha gave him a concerned look.

“A... Adam...?" she said.

“Aaah!?"

He looked up, staring at Osmond Academy in a confused manner. Sweat dripping down his face, he tossed his head back, then took a deep breath, but nothing could dispel the pain he felt.

Just... what was that...?

“Adam... are you alright?" asked Natasha, to which he looked over at her.

“I... I uh... y-yeah...? I... I think...?" he muttered before staring forward again, “I... I think I'm okay..."

The pain he felt was suddenly gone. The wicked, triggering migraine, vanished like it was never there. He'd never suffered such a thing before; it's not like headaches/migraines ran in the family or anything like that. Maybe the bus ride here was more trying than he thought?

Maybe...

“Uh... right... um..." he stepped forward, “Let's go."

“Adam..."

…

Ding...! Dong...!

First bell, first bell. The sound of it was so ingrained in Adam's ears, that he was sure he'd still hear it in his head years after he graduated.

Bodies shuffled in past bodies as Adam and his fellow students took their seats. The classroom in question was your usual flair, what with the multiple desks set up side by side in rows, the smart board at the back end, and of course, the teacher's desk in the corner. The left-side wall was nothing but windows to show the school's central courtyard, while the right-side wall was adorned with posters containing various bits of information. Things like a world map, the periodic table of elements, and a poster containing a list of equations that are relevant in the theory of quantum mechanics.

You know, the usual stuff!

Following his brief little episode when coming into school, Adam sat down at his desk near the window, looking as cool and as calm as ever, though there were a few confused jitters here and there. What happened to him earlier? It was only, what, an hour or so ago? Yet he still felt a bit off.

Hm... whatever... maybe he'll visit the school doctor during lunch period. Right now, Adam focused on his morning class.

Placing his satchel on his desk, he prepared his usual utensils: notepad, history text books, pencil and eraser. But as everything was settled before him, he began hearing whispers and murmurs from his fellow students. This wasn't uncommon; it often took Miss Comet – their teacher – a few moments to get to class. So everyone spoke casually about this and that... though something new seemed to be on the lips of his fellow classmates.

“Did you see her?" he heard someone whisper.

“Yeah, she's so freaking tall! Like a giant...!"

“Is she gonna play basketball?"

“I don't know... she doesn't really seem like that type of person... hmm..."

Raising an eyebrow, Adam looked over towards his classmates, wondering what they were talking about. It's one thing to hear idle gossip, but it's something else entirely when it seemed like they were talking about the same person.

Some girl...? One who was tall? Who could that be? Jessica, the school track star? No... everyone knows Jessica! No one would be talking about her like she was new! So... what? Was there a new student here? One who was turning heads? That sounded more likely; Osmond Academy is a school where the best and brightest (or, more accurately, richest) children go to further their academic careers, setting them up for success in whatever high-end college they decide to go to. Whenever a new student came, that meant they were someone important, for only important people come here.

Now Adam was curious, wondering who this new student was. And from the sounds of it, they were someone tall. So... a tall girl? Odd though... it's only now that he was hearing about this individual, while everyone else seemed to already have an idea of who this person was. As if they were expecting her. Had Natasha mentioned this person before and he just couldn't remember? Or was he that out of the loop?

Well...

The door opened.

“Good morning, class!" announced their teacher.

May Comet was her name, and History was her game... and Math... and Literature... and even Health. For the students of Osmond deserve nothing but the best teachers, and only the best teachers can teach such a wide array of subjects and topic without missing a beat. And she certainly was one of those teachers.

May – or just Miss Comet – was a teacher beloved all. She was somewhat tall, with brown hair done up in a professional bob, green eyes that were wide, these soft features, and a kind flair to her. Seriously, it was as if anyone who came face to face with May were instantly disarmed by her expressions.

She – as usual – rushed up to her desk, muttering a few nonsensical words to herself as she settled her things. But once everything was neatly squared away, she turned to face her class and bowed whilst saying--

“Apologies for my tardiness today, but I assure you, today is a very, very special day!"

“That's what you always say, Miss Comet," said Jordan – a student of hers – in a sarcastic manner.

“Well... today, that statement is doubly true!" she replied, “As I am sure you all are no doubt aware of, Osmond Academy has a new student who has recently enrolled. It may be a bit unusual for her to start her classes in the middle of fall, but as you will see, she is a very special case. Besides, I highly doubt this will bother her academics in the least bit."

Was it Adam, or did this feel oddly... glowing? Like, Miss Comet was speaking less of a student, and speaking more of a princess? Because, yeah, that's what it sounded like to him!

But when he looked around towards his fellow students, none of them seemed too bothered with how strange Miss Comet was acting. In fact, they too looked starry-eyed, like their teacher was introducing a celebrity! And, sure, that's possible; again, most of the students here were the children of rich parents like CEOs and politicians. But this felt somehow... extreme. Miss Comet would never be this enthusiastic about one of her students.

Just who is this new student? Well...

The door opened...

“Hello? Is this... Miss Comet's class?"

And a regal voice echoed out.

A wicked quake of pain suddenly coursed through Adam's head, making his eyes swell and sweat start to percolate on his brow. Raising his hand, he removed his glasses briefly, just so he could rub his sweaty palm against his equally sweaty forehead. His mouth even opened to give a pant, but despite this, no one seemed to notice a thing. Everyone's eyes were focused on the door, and the young woman who stepped through it.

Tall. That's the best way to get her overall stature across. She was tall. She was... incredibly tall. Tell me... is it normal for a young woman who was still in high school to be over six feet tall? Specifically, six foot eleven inches?

No... no... probably not... no...

But – and I can't believe I'm saying this – that's not what was most striking of this girl. Yes, she was so tall she could dunk on basketball players, but somehow, that's not what you'd notice about her first. The first thing you'd notice about her is her hair... because it was purple.

Long, vibrant, purple hair spilled form the head of this girl, and fell aaaaallll the way down to her hips and butt. It was free, these luscious violet locks that shimmered less like hair, and more like diamonds and crystals! And the left side of which fell over her face, obscuring one of her eyes.

Her red eyes...

She had red eyes! Eyes that glowed like fire! Eyes that glowed like the sun. Eyes that glowed like hellfire. They were sharp eyes too, almost like she had the powerful gaze of a reptile, a dragon, than she did a human. And as it sat upon her beautiful and mature face, she further resonated this aura of power and dignity that no one else in school had.

But aside form her hair, her height, and her eyes, what else would be most prominent about this girl? Well... her chest. Her very... very... busty... chest. Breasts so big, that only a woman of her height and stature could possibly carry them! They were shapely, and more importantly, they were exposed. In a lax display for the academy's dress code, the top few buttons of her blouse were unbuttoned, exposing the tops of her chest... and even a peak at the animal-print bra she was wearing.

In fact, this 'lax display for the academy's dress code' extended to her... everything! She had various clips in her hair, multiple flashy wristbands on one arm, and flashy scrunchies on the other, her nails were sharp and pink, the school's blazer was wrapped around her waist, and, wait, weren't the skirts supposed to come down to her knees? They didn't even come down to cover half her thighs!

There was a strength to this girl, a power, one that was enhanced by her staggering height. If she willed it, she could easily pick up a car with the amount of power that seemed infused within her very being. Was it a bit of an exaggeration? Maybe, but you too would believe it if you looked at her. There was a blatant brawny strength to her, but not enough to distract from her womanly physique. No, this girl – whoever she was – downright perfect.

And that perfect girl looked over towards the class, a coy look on her face. From left to right she swept her red gaze upon the student body, learning everything she needed to know about all of them from eyesight alone. But then her gaze fell upon Adam, who stared back with his eyes wide and voice caught in his throat. He didn't say a word.

The girl however – her lips curling into a smile – placed one hand upon her presumptuous chest, and the other on her hip, posing like a proud aristocrat before her star-struck peons. And with how they all stared at her sans Adam, they very much were her subjects.

“Good morning, everyone! I am Iris Violetta Mordredus! And it is my pleasure to meet you!"

Her announcement sent a quiver through the classroom. Everyone gasped in shear awe of their new classmate, and she basked in their audience. But there was one outlier from the rest, one who had his hand on his head as he tried to fight off the monstrous pain he was suffering. This wasn't a migraine. This was like feeling an iron rivet being drilled into his head.

“Nnngh!"

But Adam's pained grunt went silent against the class.

“Miss Mordredus hails from a distant land," said Miss Comet, “So she may be alien to some of our customs. I hope that does not make it hard for you all to find things in common with one another! Ah! But here I am, getting all excited at our new student!" she turned to face Iris, “Miss Mordredus, please, take your seat. Any empty spot will do!"

“Any empty spot...? Hmmm..."

Iris' eyes looked back over the class, seeing the near gleeful looks of her fellow classmates. Many of them wanted her to sit beside them... save for one. And that one student was trying to keep his head from exploding.

“Fufu..."

A grin adorning Iris' lips, she began walking forward.

Tap... Tap... Tap... Tap...

Her every footstep sent a quiver through Adam's body; she was coming closer and closer. Looking up, his eyes fell upon his purple-haired classmate, watching as her hips swayed from the left to the right in taunting strides. Everything she did was flawless. Everything she did was titillating. Everything she did seemed to demand the gaze and admiration of others.

And everyone admired her... everyone but Adam.

And it was Adam who she sat beside.

Iris pulled out the chair, then sat down at her desk, her hand slipping into her black satchel (itself adorned with various trinkets) to pull out her phone. Now, class was in session; she shouldn't have her phone out. But that didn't stop her from fiddling with it briefly... before stopping and looking over.

Her red eyes. Her hellfire eyes. They looked directly at Adam, and a smirk adorned Iris' lips. Seeing it – seeing her – caused the blond to pull back, cough briefly... and then stand up from his desk.

“Hm? M-Mr. Winchester?" said Miss Comet as he became the center of the class's attentions, “Is... something wrong...?"

“Ghghgghh...!"

But he didn't answer her.

Stepping away from his desk, his movements became crossed as he huddled over and clutched his head. The pain in his skull had increased tenfold; it was unbearable! What did he think before? That it felt like a rivet was being drilled in his head? That was nothing to what he was feeling now. Right now, Adam felt like someone had a tiny, little nail... and was jabbing that nail into his brain with pound after pound of a hammer.

Wham! Wham! Wham! Wham! Wham! Wham!

It's the smallest pebble that shatters the window.

“GAAH!?"

Adam fell over.

Thud!

And sank into darkness. All around him, he could hear his teacher and fellow students all shout and scream, alarmed by his sudden descent, but he was already too far gone to care. All he could think about – all he could see through the shadows – were eyes that burned like hellfire.

…

Red skies. They burned, not like a setting sun, but instead like doomsday. Crimson, it dripped almost like blood, and cast the land in a terrifying shade of reds and shadows. Standing beneath it wasn't like standing on a different planet, but instead like standing within Hell itself.

How did he get here? That question ran through his mind as he laid there, immobile... paralyzed. Was he resting on grass or some other texture? Why couldn't he tell? Even his head refused to move. He just stared up at the skies overhead, drinking in its demented stature as it overwhelmed him... belittled him.

“Aaaaaah...! Haaaannngh...! Guh!"

Even his wailing moans of pain went silence against the world around him. Clutching in with his hands, he tried to grip something – anything – but to no avail. So he laid there, nothing more than a vegetable to the whims of this deranged landscape around him.

But he heard something; footsteps that bent grass beneath their boots. Closer and closer this being came... before stopping right above him. With all the strength he could muster, he worked his head up and over to stare upon this person... and his eyes widened.

Against red skies, her shadow stood tall above him. A towering woman, her powerful height and stature was less like a human, and more like a goddess, a deity. Her figure had power infused within its every inch; she could easily crush him like an ant. But he was more attracted to the prominent horns that stood from her head, and the powerful, slithering tail which dragged on the ground behind her.

This woman – this monster – loomed over him, her fists on her hips in a belittling pose. With the way the shadows surrounded her, he couldn't see her face, nor could he make out her more defined features. What he could see were her eyes. These burning red eyes; eyes that somehow were more intense than the red skies above them. Eyes that were not the eyes of a human, but the eyes of a demon. Eyes that were sharp, with slit pupils like a reptile... a dragon.

Eyes that's he's seen before.

“Miiss... terr... Win... ches... ter..."

“Ghuh...?"

“Miisssteerrr Wwiinncheessteerrr..."

“Wh... what...?"

“Mister... Win... chester?"

“Aaah?"

“Winchester? Mr. Winchester."

Tap!

“Ah!?"

Adam sprung up. Gone were the red skies and dark landscape. Replacing it were clean, sterile white walls, and various medical equipment. He was resting on a medical bed and was surrounded by a curtain, though the area beside him was open to reveal a man.

Dr. Ted Becker was his name, and he was the academy's medical provider. An older man, he had gray hair, aged skin, glasses on his face, and a tired, if not annoyed look in his brown eyes. He was also tall too, looming over the student with an authoritative power.

They say that – back in the day – he was a doctor who worked in some secret, covert government program to produce super soldiers or something like that. Considering the pedigree of other faculty members that work at Osmond Academy, this was believable.

“Dr... Becker...?" muttered Adam in a confused manner as he rubbed his head, “What happened... how did...?" he looked around to the school's nursing office, “How did I get here?"

“You do not remember, Mr. Winchester?" asked the doctor, “From what I was told, you had quite the nasty fall in your classroom. When you arrived, you were covered in sweat. But now..." he placed his hand on Adam's head, “Hmm... it seems to have subsided. Nevertheless, I've informed your parents of this. Your mother is on the way as we speak."

“I had a... fall...?" Adam muttered.

Taking a thoughtful pose, he tried to remember what happened. At first, his memories were scrambled and wild, but after several more moments, everything came back to him. The first headache he had upon arriving at school, how that subsided, and then coming to class where Miss Comet introduced... that girl. That girl with the purple hair and red eyes. That girl with the towering stature. That girl who sat beside him. It was that girl who – somehow – triggered his headache, he knew it! It had to be! Because when he saw her – when she sat next to him – the pain he felt became unbearable!

“Wait... Dr... Dr. Becker..." he looked up at him, “How did I get here? Did... did you bring me?"

“Short though you may be, Mr. Winchester, you are still a grown young adult," he replied with a shake of his head, “I did not bring you here, one of your fellow students carried you here."

“Wh... what? Th-they did...? Wh-who...?"

Dr. Becker smiled. That's odd. Dr. Becker almost never smiles.

“You should be quite happy. Our newest transfer has already proven herself a benevolent young woman. Quite forward too," said the doctor, “Despite not knowing who you are, she – under her own kindness – saw it fit to bring you here herself. She does not even know your name."

“Glk... th... th... the newest transfer... y-you mean the new girl...?" replied Adam, sweat quickly forming on his form, “Her... her name is... I-Iris... r-right?"

“Ah... so you remember," Dr. Becker said with a nod, “Indeed, Miss Mordredus carried you here herself. Held you in her arms like a little baby, I dare say."

“Gglh...!?"

Adam didn't know what was worse! The fact that he passed out in the middle of class, or the fact that he was carried by a woman he didn't know, in front of everybody! And the way Dr. Becker described it, made him sound so pathetic! Like he was a little puppy needing to be taken care of!

He visible flinched from embarrassment, humiliation, and confusion. Just who was this girl, why was he getting a headache around her, and where does she get off carrying around his body without permission!? They don't know each other! But she carried him through the halls?

How... how many people saw them?

“Wh... where is she...?" asked Adam, “That girl... I-Iris... is she here...?"

Dr. Becker didn't answer. Instead...

Shling!

The opposing curtain was pulled open, and Adam turned around. There, sitting on the the next medical bed over, was the girl of his nightmares. The towering height, the overwhelming figure, the buxom chest, the violet hair, and of course, those burning red eyes; it all overpowered Adam, forcing nothing but quick gasps to leave his lips. All the while, she smiled at him, her lips belittling, and her head resting slightly on her hand.

“Hello, Mr. Winchester," said Iris, her voice and tone laced with this regal power, “Did you have a nice a rest?"

“Iris..." he muttered back, astonished and wide-eyed.

“Miss Mordredus sat here with you for every moment that you were unconscious," Dr. Becker explained, “She felt as if your affliction was her fault and took responsibility, and has been doting on you ever since."

The nurse said it like it was some great charity, but Adam felt it was anything but. Sitting beneath Iris' overpowering gaze, he turned pale with fear, but his classmate didn't care. In fact, her lips curled into a smirk, flashing her devilish fangs at him as her red eyes further tightened around him.

Adam tried to say a word, but nothing left his lips. He was completely and utterly trapped beneath Iris and her wiles, made worse when the phone in the nursing office began to ring. Walking over to it, Dr. Becker answered the phone, while the two students continued staring at one another. For them, the school doctor's conversation was nothing but background noise.

“Hello, Becker speaking. Uh-huh? Oh... she did...? Haaah... okay... I'm heading over right now."

That got a rouse out of the blond.

He looked over towards Dr. Becker, watching as he reached over to grab a satchel and sling it on his shoulder.

“I hate to request this of you, Miss Mordredus, but could you please continue to look over Mr. Winchester for me?" asked the doctor, “An athlete of ours has thrown out her arm during practice. Again. I'm going to go check up on her. It hopefully shouldn't take me too long. Hopefully."

“Oh... fufufufu~ I don't mind," Iris said, her red eyes trailing back over towards Adam, “I promise, I'll keep Mr. Winchester safe in my big, strong arms. Fufufufufu!"

“Gghh...!"

Her statement triggered a quake within Adam, who's eyes doubled in size as he brought his gaze over. It wasn't just what she said, it was the body language she employed with it. How she hugged those big, strong arms of hers against her big, busty breasts, squeezing them eeeevveerrrr so slightly, and making them even more pronounced. Each action sent a shiver down his spine, confused by Iris and what she was doing. But he was so focused on her, he didn't realize Dr. Becker was leaving until the door finally closed shut with an audible--

Thoom!

Adam flinched and looked over, staring at the now closed door. It took him several moments to realize that, yes, they were alone. He heard Iris shift herself, standing up from her bed and looming over his body, which caused him to look over towards the towering girl. Her lips were still curled in this devilish smile, one hand was on her hip, while the other hand rested upon her chest. What? Was she trying to guide his gaze down towards her bosom?

“I-Iris..."

“Hmm... you're... missing something," she said, making him flinch, “What is it? What is it? Ah... I know..."

“Wh-what?"

“This... you're missing... this..."

Sensually, her hands danced upon the tops of her chest, sliding left and right... before coming to her cleavage. With Adam completely engrossed in her breasts, he watched as her fingers dipped between the valley of her bosom, where she grabbed something within, and then pulled it out. And what was that something?

His glasses. She had his glasses resting between her breasts!

“There... that's what you're missing," Iris said as she brought his glasses over, “Let's just..." and then she placed it on his face, “Fufufufufu!"

They were so warm. Of course they'd be so warm! Iris had them resting between her breasts! But not only were they arm, they carried this scent with them. How long were they resting between her chest? Long enough to catch some of her body odor with it. And now that scent was traveling into his nose.

It smelled like lavender. Befitting someone with hair as purple as hers.

Gritting his teeth, Adam closed his eyes, his mind struggling to come up with thoughts. All the while, Iris walked over and placed her hand on his chest, where she gently stroked him. That caused his eyes to reopen, gazing up at his classmate. His lips moved, but he went silent as she dominated him with the smirk on her lips.

Then Iris swung her leg over.

Pat!

“GUH!?"

And sat down atop him.

Adam's eyes doubled in size. Now that his glasses were returned, he could better get a view of Iris, seeing her every defined detail now that she was straddling his lap. Her buxom bosom and wide hips were just one part of her body; what about her surprisingly narrow waist? Now that she didn't have her jacket tied around it, Adam could see just how thin her midsection was, gifting her a figure that was as voluptuous as it was amazonian.

But, right... um...

WHAT THE HELL WAS SHE DOING SITTING ATOP HIM LIKE THIS!?

The full brunt of Iris' weight pushed down on his body, pinning him to the medical bed. She was like a bull and he was a mouse, struggling to keep himself from breaking beneath the body of someone so superior. And if Iris' body wasn't dominating him, then her gaze certainly was. Those red eyes seemed to glow like lights, making him so little and submissive. If her body dominated his body, then her eyes dominated his soul.

“Iris...?" he whispered, “What are you...?"

But she shook her head.

“Who are you, Adam Winchester?" she asked back, making him flinch.

“Wh-who am I? Wh... what kind of question is that?"

“Hm? Isn't it obvious?" Iris replied in a more forceful manner, her once affable smile now shifting into something more annoyed, “You... you can sense me. You know who I am... you know what I am."

“Wh-what are you talking about!? I don't know who you are! I don't know anything!" Adam replied in a defensive manner.

But Iris did not seem to accept his response. Shaking her head again in an irritated manner, she raised her hand in a daunting manner, bringing attention to the sharp nail on her index finger. And then said finger dropped down, pinning Adam on his chest. Despite it being through his shirt, her nail felt as sharp as a knife, no, sharper. If she so much as pushed down, he knew she'd be capable of stabbing him.

But she didn't.

Instead her finger slid to the middle of his shirt, where she 'Plucked!' one button, then 'Plucked!' another button, and then 'Plucked!' another button! One, by one, by one, she released the hold his shirt had on his chest, revealing his body beneath, and making Adam further gawk in embarrassment and fear.

“W-what are you doing!?" he cried out, but Iris shook her head.

“Where is Urien Shroud..."

“URIEN WHO!?" he replied.

But again, she shook her head, dismissing his words. Dropping her finger, she poked his flesh with her nail, telling him all he needed to know by touch alone. If she so much as pushed even a little bit, she would stab him. He needed to pick his next words very carefully.

Naturally, Adam reacted by reaching up and placing his hands on Iris' hips. That was a mistake. Touching his classmate directly, he felt the perfect shape of her waist and hips. There was a strength infused in his body as it barely bent, and this flawless shapeliness to it. Mouth gaping and eyes widening, a gasp of surprise left his lip, while this certain tingle began surging through im.

“You naughty little boy," Iris remarked, “Even now, you're feeling aroused. I can smell it off you soul. Like pollen to a bee, it attracts me. Now, I ask again. Where. Is. Urien. Shroud."

Adam bit into his bottom lip and dropped his head, his eyes closed shut. He didn't know who Urien Shroud is. He's never even heard such a name until Iris spoke it! Now he was expected to tell her about him?

But what about Iris' other words? Specifically, the one about his arousal? Despite how terrified he was of this situation, she was right. With her tall, towering body pinning him to the bed, he felt a discomforting heat travel through his body. Made even worse whenever he looked up, and got an eyeful of Iris' pronounced chest.

“Grrr! I... Iris... I swear... I do not know who Urien Shroud is," Adam claimed as he looked away, “I'm not lying... I... I've never even heard of someone by that name before. I don't know what you're talking about!"

“Hmmm..."

Iris cocked her head to one side and pulled back her hand, where she rested it upon her hip. Reading her eyes, Adam could see that she was really picking apart his words, scanning every finite detail about them, and about him. And what she found seemed to... perplex her.

He... didn't know, did he? But that's impossible. He had to know something! If he didn't know anything, then why was he the only person who could...

“What are you?" Iris asked as she cocked her head to the side.

“W-what...?"

“I said 'what are you'?" she repeated, “Do not make me repeat myself a third time. You act ignorant, but your spirit is not. Of all the people in this school – in this city – you are the only one who is aware of my presence. By mortal standards, something is not normal about you."

“By mortal standards...!? What are...!?"

Iris' words only confused him more! Making matters worse, his response seemed to annoy, if not outright frustrate her. So much so, that her red eyes again trapped him beneath her gaze. Making matters worse...

“Gaaah!?"

There it was again. This presence, this pressure! It began beating down on his head like weights applying pressure. Pushing, pushing, pushing; he nearly felt his skull snap!

And then...

“Faah!? Haah! Haaah! Haaah!?"

It was gone.

Adam collapsed upon the bed, gasping for breath following... whatever that was! When he stared up, Iris retained her sharp face, leering at him a belittling and even incredulous manner. All he could do was pant back and say,

“What was that?"

But her eyes leered in.

“Interesting," she remarked, “You're aware, but unaware. Ignorant, yet cognizant. Oblivious, yet conscious. Hmm..." she crossed her arms beneath her bosom, “You, Adam, are a very interesting boy."

“Iris... who... what are you?"

Again her eyes tightened around him, only to casually swing off his body and stand up at his side. Letting out a deep breath, Adam looked up at her, watching as she sauntered off towards Dr. Becker's desk. Damn those hips; why did they have to sway like that? So flawlessly elegant, dripping with sensual appeal, and when she came to the desk, she bent over in such a purposefully flaunting manner. She rummaged about within the doctor's desk for a few moments with Adam watching, before snapping back up with a pink, spherical lollipop in hand.

Tearing it open, Iris faced him and slid the candy into her mouth, where she sucked on it gently. But her eyes kept him trapped, even as she casually walked back towards him. After a few more seconds, she pulled the lollipop from her mouth, then tipped the sweet treat towards him.

“Suck it..." she ordered.

“Wh... what?"

“You heard me. Suck it. Suck this lollipop," Iris said in a more affirmative manner.

“Wh-why would I do that? It was just in your mouth!"

“Suck the lollipop, and it will open your eyes," Iris explained.

“Stop being so damn cryptic! I... open my eyes to what exactly?"

“Open your eyes too--"

Eeeeaarrrr!

The sound of the door opening echoed out, causing both Iris and Adam to look over. Their eyes fell on Dr. Becker, having returned... and...

“I swear, it didn't hurt that much..."

A very familiar voice to Adam.

Walking in behind the school doctor was a certain tan-skinned tomboy, one in gym clothes, and one who just so happened to have a somewhat achy arm. She walked in behind Dr. Becker with a cheeky grin on her lips, but it was clear he didn't find her antics nearly as enjoyable.

“Take a seat over there, Miss Chrisom," said Dr. Becker, “You know how this goes... it won't take long."

“Okey-dokey Mr... A-Adam?"

“N-Natasha?"

They both looked at one another, their eyes wide in equal surprise. While seeing Natasha in the medical office wasn't new, seeing Adam here certainly was. And... who was this girl he was with? AND WHY DID SHE HAVE HER LICKED LOLLIPOP HANGING NEXT TO HIS MOUTH!?

Adam's mouth was agape with shock, while Iris was... nonplussed. If anything, she looked slightly annoyed by this skinny little thing who interrupted her conversation. But she said not a word, instead rolling her eyes and looking away as she stuffed her lollipop back into her lips. Eyes closed in a pensive manner, the purple-haired student took a few moments to think... before replacing her serious face with a smile. It trapped Adam, who stared up at her, and drank in her face.

“Do feel better, Adam. I'm sorry for your fall!" Iris said as she stepped back and waved, before turning around.

Ignoring Natasha completely, she walked past the tanned tomboy without another word. In that briefest of moments, Adam could see the differences between the two. He always thought his friend was tall, but there's a difference between tall, and tall. Natasha was tall, but Iris was tall. Natasha was athletic, but Iris was an amazon. Natasha was his friend, but Iris was... something else.

Wilting slightly, Adam watched as the mysterious student exited the room, and didn't move until the door closed shut behind her. Even then, he could feel her presence through the door as she walked away. That is until...

“Adam...?"

“Hm?"

He looked up and over, his eyes falling on Natasha's face. And – for some reason – he felt like he did something wrong. In fact, he was sure he did something wrong, he just didn't know what that thing was!

“Adam! Who was that!?" Natasha asked in an abrasive manner, though that only further confused him.

“Um... uh... hnn... she... she's the new foreign student everyone's talking about?" he replied.

Natasha gritted her teeth, then looked away. That... that was the new girl she's been hearing so much about? Everyone's been talking about her, but she didn't think she'd meet her so soon! And she was so tall! But... but what was she doing here with Adam!?

Before she could ask and before he could answer however...

“Miss Chrisom?" called Doctor Becker.

“Hm? Y-yes, Doctor...?"

“Your arm, remember?"

“Oh... r-right... my arm..." she then smiled sheepishly, “It's uh... it's not too odd for someone to pull their arm so early in the morning, right? Heh heh...!"

“I've been working for years, and only you have been so overzealous to injure herself so often," replied the doctor, before he swept his eyes over towards, “Mr. Winchester?"

“Y-yeah...?"

“Your mother has arrived. She's prepared to take you home."

“Right... um... right... uh..." he nodded, “Right..."

…

“You swear you're alright, right?"

“I'm fine, Mom."

“Seriously? Honest and truthfully? Seriously, seriously?"

“Yes, Mom... seriously, seriously."

The city of Amber Meadows was a bustling little metropolis. A riverside municipality, it had hundreds of little bungalows and roads that ran through its concrete jungle. On the other hand however, there was a rustic vibe to its outer limits. Located across Nimue River were dozens of farmlands and fields, including Osmond Academy, which sat at the top like a royal diamond.

Gazing out the window of their car, Adam watched it all blend by, while his mother remained worried. He felt bad having pulled her away from her job for his sake, and he even tried to remain at school, but there was no way Eve was going to let her son stay when he passed out in the middle of class. What parent would?

But even with all that in mind, Adam couldn't focus on any of it. His mind was elsewhere, thinking about that new student who just transferred in. His moment with Iris weighed heavily in his mind, making it difficult to focus on anything but her. He could so perfectly see her, so perfectly feel her atop him, and could so perfectly remember her words.

You act ignorant, but your spirit is not. Of all the people in this school – in this city – you are the only one who is aware of my presence. By mortal standards, something is not normal about you.

What did she mean by that? By mortal standards? His spirit? Aware of her presence? Why did she speak like she wasn't from this world? And who was this 'Urien Shroud' guy she spoke of? What, was the new girl crazy or something?

Despite trying to rationalize things to himself as Iris just being crazy, he knew there was more to her than that. After all, the feeling of his intense headache still lingered in his memories. He was completely fine now, but he did pass out in the middle of class, and he did suffer an intense migraine when Iris so much as looked at him. In a way, it was like she controlled whether or not he suffered.

But... how?

That lollipop. Closing his eyes, he could perfectly envision the lollipop Iris offered him. The one she stuck in her mouth. What did she say again?

Suck the lollipop, and it will open your eyes.

Open his eyes? Open his eyes to... what? She was about to tell him, but that's when Dr. Becker and Natasha came into the room, interrupting them. If he sucked on her lollipop as he was told, then what would have happened?

Yuck... suck on her lollipop? That came off as being a bit lewd... hmmmmmmm...

Before he knew it, they had arrived home, interrupting his thoughts. His mother brought their car into the parking lot and stopped, then looked over at him in a concerned manner.

“If you feel dizzy or anything, don't be afraid to call me or your Dad," Eve said, to which he nodded.

“Yeah, Mom, I know. I know," he replied.

“I'm being serious, Adam. If anything happens, just call. I'll be home in a jiffy."

“Heh..." he smiled, “I know... I know..."

Getting out off his car, Adam turned to face their home, his satchel slung on his shoulder and his head held somewhat low. He tried to appear okay in front of his mother, but his mind wasn't really focused on the situation at hand. Like in the car, he could only think about – only focus on – Iris and the words she said. There was something about the new student at school, something... otherworldly. He needed to figure it out.

As his mother drove off, he entered his home and locked the door, then headed up for his room with his head still low. Adam didn't even bother with flipping the lights on, leaving his home in this gray light as he walked to his bedroom. Entering inside, he briefly thought about playing a few games on his computer... only to wisely disregard doing something so stupid.

No, he was going to lay down in his bed and sleep. Hopefully when he woke up, he could make sense out of everything that had happened thus far.

Mondays, am I right?

Whump!

Adam fell face first into his bed, where he groaned audibly. He'll take off his clothes in a moment; he just wanted to feel his mattress against him. But as it cradled his body, a sudden--

Bwip! Bwip!

Echoed out.

Groaning, he slipped his hand into his pants and pulled out his phone. He had gotten a message from Natasha, reading--

Is everything okay?

Raising his hand, Adam was just about to answer her text when...

Bwip! Bwip!

Another text suddenly appeared on his phone.

Do you still want to suck my lollipop?

It read.

Adam's eyes widened and his pupils shrunk. This message...! No! He had to have been hallucinating, right? He didn't even give her his number, so how did she text him this message!?

But when he blinked his eyes... of course, nothing changed; the message was still there! In fact... things were only getting worse...

Bwip! Bwip!

Another message appeared on his phone, this time being a picture. And that picture was of... breasts. Incredibly large breasts. He saw a now familiar cleavage, with a now familiar animal-print bra. And in the center of that cleavage, sticking out like a tower, was a pink, spherical lollipop.

The photo was taken in such a way that he could see Iris' devilish smirk, and nothing else. But he knew there was a look in her eye, a powerful one at that. But it was hard to focus on any of that when it was clear the focus was on her BREASTS! Why did she send him this photo! In fact, she was still in school, so it had to either be between classes, or in a hall, or in the bathroom, or something! But she didn't seem to care!

Adam put his phone face first into his mattress, and stared away towards the wall. He hoped that hiding it would block the image from his head... but of course, that wasn't going to happen. If anything, looking away from Iris' chest only made it harder to ignore! Now his mind was racing with thoughts, thinking about her bosom, and the lollipop sticking between it.

That question. That damned, accursed question.

Do you still want to suck my lollipop?

Iris knew something. Iris knew something that went well beyond his understanding. She wasn't normal by any means, and he was now beginning to understand that.

Apprehensively, Adam reached out for his phone and picked it up, his eyes again falling on the picture of her chest, and the lollipop sticking out of it. Embarrassment, shame, and yes, arousal too, all mixed within the young man as he took in a deep, deep breath. Then his hand came over, and he typed back a message. It was simple, but it spoke a thousand words all its own.

Yes.

He didn't have to wait long for a response.

Bwip! Bwip!

Good boy.

Come to the academy at night. I'll let you suck my lollipop all night long.

Again, why did she have to say it like that? Or... text it in this case? Whatever! That wasn't what was most important now. No, it was Iris' first command.

At night? That's impossible! How would I manage something like that? He texted back furiously.

Again, it didn't take long for him to get a response.

Bwip! Bwip!

You figure it out.

I'll be waiting.

Gawking at her response, Adam didn't know if Iris was crazy to demand such a thing of him, or was just that arrogant! Seriously, how was he supposed to get to school at night with his family not knowing? He was eighteen, yeah, but he only turned eighteen a week ago! He still wasn't an adult in their eyes! Hell, he still wasn't an adult in his own eyes!

Iris, whoever she was, clearly thought too highly of him. Or thought he was crazy enough to attempt something like this. It would be easy, really. His parents worked tomorrow, so they'll be turning in early as usual. Alice went to bed after dinner, his parents were in bed by nine, and he himself was in bed at around ten.

In all honesty though, he didn't have a curfew. Outside of his adoration for video games, Adam was a good boy. He didn't stay out long, or get rowdy, or any of that. If he was out for long, his parents knew it was because Natasha kept him out, and not because of anything malicious. They trusted him, and he never abused their trust. So if he really were to sneak out, all he'd need to do is walk right out the door.

No one would be any the wiser.

Holy shit... was he actually considering this? No, he had to have hit his head when he fell, right? That's the only way! Why else would he actually be thinking about going to the academy at night? He'd never do something this stupid, right?

Then again...

Iris and her lollipop.

“Shit..." Adam muttered to himself.

Guess he really was stupid, huh?

…

Shit, shit, shit! Holy shit, holy shit! What the hell was he doing here? What the hell was he doing here!?

WHAT THE HELL WAS HE DOING HERE!?

Adam did it. Despite his better judgment, he actually did it. He waited until eleven o'clock when everyone was in bed, and then he left his home. He didn't even need to be particularly sneaky about it. He just left out the backdoor, and made sure to lock it as well. The next thing he knew, he was heading down to the bus stop, waiting for the Z6, getting on the Z6, then riding off for Osmond Academy. And now...

Here he was...

And despite how excitable he was on the inside, on the outside, all he said was--

“Holy shit..."

The cool, night wind of autumn sent a ruffle along Adam, and a shiver through his form. He still couldn't believe he was stupid enough to do this, but dammit, he was here now. Iris' promise of opening his eyes was too difficult to ignore, and no, getting to 'suck her lollipop' wasn't why he was here! Even if he did look at that photo of her chest for a few moments too long.

Ahem...

The familiar white walls of Osmond Academy stood tall before him... but the front gates were closed. Well, duh, why wouldn't they be? At this time of night, no one would be here. No teachers, no students, no custodians, no nothing. Of course the gates would be closed to keep out any wannabe thieves, especially with the large number of high-end tech the school had on campus.

But with that being said, how was he supposed to get inside of the school? And... where was Iris anyway? Did he just waste his time and bus fare on a stupid, wild goose chase? Was he really a fucking a idiot!?

“Ggghh! I-I swear! If she's not here, I'll--"

EEEEAAAARRRRRRRKKKK...!

“H... huh...?"

Adam looked over; the front gates of the school opened up. Shivering in place, it took him several moments to work up enough courage to walk over, where he expected to see someone on the other end. But of course, he saw... nothing. No groundskeeper, no teacher, not even Iris. The gates just...

Opened...

Hesitantly, Adam walked through the open gate, and stepped foot on the academy's campus proper. And when he did...

“Ngnghh...!"

A twinge of pain shot through his head. It was nowhere near as bad as it was this morning, and not even close to what he felt when he first saw Iris, but it was a familiar feeling nonetheless. Something was here, and for some reason, he could sense it. Was this what Iris was talking about? Was this what she wanted to open his eyes too?

Tugging on his jacket as he cautiously gazed around, Adam continued walking deeper upon the school's campus. This place was eerie at night. The usually loud and bustling courtyard was devoid of life, the windows showed nothing but darkness and shadows, and the multiple buildings all stood like phantom towers. It all told him one thing; he should not be here! But he pushed on nonetheless, all as Iris' words danced in his ears.

You act ignorant, but your spirit is not. Of all the people in this school – in this city – you are the only one who is aware of my presence. By mortal standards, something is not normal about you.

“By... mortal... standards..." he repeated to himself, “What did Iris mean by that? Where is she...? I... Iris!" he turned around, “Iris! Iris, I'm here! Wh... where are you?"

His words quivered through the night sky, but garnered no response. If Iris was here, why didn't she just come out now? Unless she was somewhere deeper in the campus. If so... why? If she wanted him to come, wouldn't it be easier to just be at the front gates? In fact, if Iris wasn't here, then who opened the date?

Pondering these questions, Adam turned around and around and around in search of the purple-haired student, while the thumping in his head continued to increase. The pain however continued to building, bringing him to a halt as he doubled over and gripped his head. Moaning and groaning, he tried shaking his head, he tried dismissing it, but the pain wouldn't stop. No... it was getting worse.

“Aaaaaaahh! Ggggnnn!"

Kneeling down, Adam could barely keep the pain from splitting through his skull. This was getting worse and worse, approaching the levels of pain he felt earlier that morning! Was this Iris' doing? Was she making him suffer?

“N-no! S-stop it!" he groaned, “Aaaah...! I... please, stop! I can't take it anymore! Nngh!"

Fog. Misty, opaque, gray, fog. As Adam winced in pain upon the ground, fog began moving around him. He was so absorbed in pain however, he didn't notice it. Thicker and thicker the fog grew, reducing visibility to nothing but a few feet in front of him. The air even grew colder, with Adam not being able to realize until the cold sweat on his brow became too cold.

“W... what...?" he muttered as he dragged his arm against his forehead and pulled up.

Staring at the fog, he flinched and looked around. Where had all this fog come from? Did it normally get this foggy around Osmond Academy at night? Getting up to his feet, Adam walked a few feet forward, his arms reaching out for the fog surrounding him. With how little he could see, it was making it difficult for him to navigate the front yard of the school. Eventually he made his way to the fountain which greets all visitors, sitting at it where he stopped to catch his nerves.

The thumping had subsided now. It wasn't as overwhelming, but it was still here. And since he couldn't find Iris, especially with this fog around, Adam figured this was all a bust. How he was so stupid as to be suckered in by the purple-haired student, he did not know. He thought himself smarter than that, but clearly, just a pair of tits and the promise of a lollipop was enough to make him surrender to his baser instincts.

Like a little animal...

“Alright... screw it," Adam muttered, his tone annoyed, no, frustrated, “I'm going home. Ugh... I'm such an idiot..."

Standing up from the fountain, he started walking towards the academy's main gates... where he eventually came to a stop.

The gates were closed.

“Wh... what the...?"

Placing his hands upon the gilded bars of the academy, Adam pulled on them in some vain attempt to open them up. But of course, he was but a young man, and this was a large gate; it wasn't budging an inch! How did it close though? When did it close? Did it happen when he was suffering his headache? But he would have heard it close, right?

But, wait, who closed it!? And, still, who opened it in the first place? Was it the same person?

These frantic thoughts raced through his head, and he turned around to face the entry courtyard of the campus once again. Through the fog, he could just barely see the school's fountain... but now there was something else. A shaded figure stood in the fog, one that was vaguely humanoid in shape. It seemed to stand on two legs, it had arms and a head, so it had to be a human, right? The fog was merely distorting them. Hell, it could even be--

“Iris!? Iris! Iris!? Is... is that you?" Adam called as he began walking forward, “Iris...? Please... s-say something..."

The shadowy figure didn't move, didn't say a word. Rapidly, he could feel his hopes start to drop, but that didn't stop him from moving closer and closer. Even if it wasn't Iris, it may be someone who could hopefully get him out of here.

So he walked closer... and closer... and closer. The shaded figure didn't move itself however, nor did it react to him.

“I... ris...?" Adam muttered as he reached out, “Is that you...? Whoa!? Oof!?"

He fell through it.

He fell through the figure.

He didn't fall into a body, or walk into it, nor did it even move to dodge him. He just... fell through it.

Getting up to his feet, Adam turned around and faced the shaded figure he fell through. It remained standing atop him; this gnarled, tall, gangling looking figure in the shape of a human being. Its arms were spindly, its torso was impossibly thin, its chest was wide and broad, while its head was incredibly tiny. But its eyes? Its eyes were wide and white.

This wasn't a human. This was a ghost, a specter a... something. And this 'something' was staring at him; face to face.

“What the...?" was all Adam could eek out, while this... thing cocked its head at him.

Then it pulled back its arm.

And it struck.

Slam!

Its thin arm was whip-like, striking the ground with enough force to make a dent. Adam – in just the nick of time – rolled out of the way of the strike, and got up to his feet... only to then stumble forward and fall upon the fountain's edge to brace himself. Eyes wide, he turned around to face the gnarly creature, watching as it pulled its thin arm back, while its white eyes snapped to him.

This... thing, moved nothing like any living creature he's ever seen. Its movements were alien at best, as it quivered like heat above a stove. Panting desperately, Adam struggled to even quantify whatever it was he was looking at... until the creature moved again.

“AAAH!?"

SNAP!

With another whip-like strike, the ghastly creature attempted to injure Adam, only to miss. Either he was too fast, or it was playing with its food. Regardless, the bespectacled youth bolted for the distance, desperate to put as much space between himself and that thing he possibly could. But it was so foggy, he didn't know where he was running, until the wall of the pool building came into view.

“What!? Ah!"

How did he get here? Wasn't he running back towards the gate? Or was the gate in the opposite direction? Because of this damn fog, he couldn't discern which direction was which! But, wait, if the pool was here, then that means the eastern courtyard was right beside it! He could duck in there to hopefully escape that thing!

That thing which was behind him...

SNAP!

“AH!?"

Its spindly arm darted forward, just barely missing Adam as it instead struck the wall behind him. He looked back as its arm retracted, then quickly bolted for the eastern courtyard. As it was with the rest of the campus grounds, the courtyard was thick with fog. He could barely see all the way down to the mess hall, save for the roof as it stood above the mist. But he knew the eastern corridor as well as anyone did!

“Ooof!?"

Or, well, he thought until he ran into a chest-high banister. Ouch, that stung! Winded him too! But the fear of being caught by that thing overrode any pain. Adam was hopping off of adrenaline, sending him bolting down the courtyard as he ran into bench after bench, tree after tree, trash can after trash can! But he never stopped!

And that thing never stopped.

Every time he looked over his shoulder, the ghastly creature remained a set distance away, it's amorphous body ignoring all terrain before it. Was it floating? Was it walking? Was it warping? How was it doing this? Why was it doing this!?

Focus! Focus!

Again Adam sprinted away from the creature, rushing to the right of where he was as he headed towards the campus' eastern half. Sooner or later, he'd hit a wall and couldn't move; even he knew that! But he couldn't stay still either! Running down the lane, he leaped over benches and banisters, putting more and more distance between him and this thing.

Or, well, thinking, because of course, whenever he looked over his shoulder, it was still there! Still just a few feet away, still quivering like heat, still poised to strike him with its whip-like arms. Why wouldn't this thing sto--

“Glak!?'

He flipped over a banister, slamming his shoulder into concrete, and knocking the wind right out of him. Groaning audibly, Adam struggled to get back on his feet, while pain surged from his limb and throughout his body. When he did get to his feet, he could only weakly shuffle forward.

If he had a few moments, Adam could have recovered. It was just a fall, and though his arm hurt, it wasn't broken. But when he looked over his shoulder, he saw that creature was coming. Its whip-like arm was raised high, poised to take his life, and all he could do was grit his teeth and brace for the impact. He didn't know what this thing was, or why it even wanted to kill him, but that point is moot, isn't it?

It moved closer and closer, while Adam pressed his back up to the wall behind him. In one final act of defiance, he looked around in search of escape, only to see more fog... and more monsters. Yes, this one creature wasn't just one, but many. They surrounded him, their bodies all quivering like mist with their amorphous shapes and white eyes.

Why did his death have to be so nightmarish?

If Adam had any final words, he wouldn't get the chance to speak them. The creature raised its hand...

SNAP!

CRACK!

And struck...

…

…

…

Only to hit the wall.

The creature pulled its limb back, staring at the fresh dent it created in the brick wall before it. Then it and its fellow monsters looked around, searching for the blond boy who encroached about their territory. But it seemed as if he vanished in the blink of an eye...

That is until they looked to their lefts. And when they did, they saw...

Her standing there...

She was a towering young woman. Her violet hair billowed in the night wind, she was wearing the Osmond Academy uniform, and she had the sharpest red eyes anyone had ever seen. She appeared from thin air, a figure that would have been impossible not to notice with how she loomed over everyone in the area. A pillar of power surrounded by a sea of mist, one hand rested on her lap, while the other hand held up...

Adam...

He remained flinched and curled, bracing for a strike which never fell. It took him several moments to realize he was no longer against a wall, and that a hand was curled around butt. In fact, his back was resting against an arm, and his feet were dangling in the air! Wait... was someone... holding him?

Adam's eyes slowly opened... and then they grew wide.

Standing before him – holding him – was Iris. His purple-haired classmate easily kept him propped up with her one arm, making him feel childlike, doll-like, before her incredible might. Mouth agape, he could do nothing but stare in awe of her, gazing upon her billowing hair, and her deadly horns.

Wait...

Horns!? Did Iris have horns!?

They stuck out from the sides of her head and curved forward to a fine point; these two deadly horns that looked like they could gored a person with ease! And her ears too were different! No longer were they normal human ears, but they were pointed. Not quite as long as an elves, but certainly longer than a humans!

Thwak!

What was that!? Adam tensed up then looked over her shoulder, his gaze falling upon... a tail!? It slithered out form beneath Iris' skirt; this long, thick tail that was coated in purple scales, and slithered as if it had a mind its own! Iris had a tail!

Astonished by the transformation his classmate went through, Adam stared back towards Iris and her face, and those eyes of hers... those red... hellfire-lit eyes. The pupils of which weren't little dots like they should be, but instead were slits like a reptile... like a dragon. Her eyes kept him pinned, looking him up and down while he struggled to form a word. And when he did, all he could whisper was...

“Iris..."

But she looked away.

Keeping Adam held with her one arm, her other hand raised up to pump some hair up, like she was casually dismissing some peon in the distance. Then her gaze focused forward, staring at all the strange, ghost-like creatures that surrounded them. Adam was a shivering little babe, but Iris?

Iris...

“Such pitiful little hounds, you are," she exclaimed as she gazed at them, “To attack anything that treads upon your domain. Tsk tsk tsk... your master has done a terrible job taming you all. But do not worry..." she extended her hand, “I shall bring you guard dogs to heel."

Bzzzzt...

Gleeeeaaaaam!

At Iris' hand, a bright beam of purple light appeared. It quickly formed into a handle, before extending out. Eyes wide, Adam watched as his classmate forged this light into the shape of a pole... and then into an axe.

Fwwwsshh!

The light dispersed...

Swhing!

And replacing it was a vicious battle axe!

Its handle was long, black, and elegantly carved with a mixture of both regal grace, and warrior power. At the bottom was a single spear-like point that could easily penetrate concrete, if not steel, if not titanium! At the top however, was the axe head itself. Not only was the blade long and flat and sharp to the point that it could cleave through anything, but at the bottom, the top, and at the midsection of the blade were golden spires that could penetrate with every slash! The axe blade was also embroidered with a rose upon its black surface; another touch of elegance for such a deadly weapon!

Iris was, what, over six feet tall? Then that means this axe was also over six feet fall! And with its large, powerful blade, it was almost cartoonish in how deadly and over the top it was! But... it didn't feel cartoonish. It didn't feel over the top! Iris held the axe as if she was trying to say...

This is my axe, and you will respect it as much as you will respect me.

For as long as it was, and as big as the axe blade was, the weapon had to weigh well over fifteen pounds, maybe even over twenty! But Iris showed no strain, no difficulty. She swung the axe around like it was an extension of her own will; yet another limb she controlled with deadly efficiency. She then brought her axe to a halt on her shoulder, where her lips curled into a grin.

And all Adam could do was gaze in awe of her, as if staring upon a goddess of war... and then her hand clinched in over him.

“Gah!?"

And she stepped forward.

“Wh-what? I-Iris?"

And then she took another step forward.

“Wait... wait! Iris!"

And then she broke out into a full on sprint!

“IRIS! IRIS! IRIS! AAAH!"

Cry, cry, cry with all his might, but his words fell on deaf ears. Iris' bloodlust had exploded, sending her careening towards her hopeless victims. The ghastly figures could barely react when--

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

Her blade was like a pen, and their bodies was the paper. With beautiful strokes of her vicious axe, Iris tore phantoe after phantoe to nothing but whispy lines, where they quickly dissipated and vanished. Adam – eyes wide – bore witness to his classmate's vicious might, as she reduced their enemies in numbers.

But one of these phantom creatures came up from behind, where it quickly launched a strike at Iris' back. Only for...

STAB!

She thrusted back with the spear end of her axe, penetrating the phantoe right through its chest. It shook in place, gave out this high-pitch wailing noise of--

“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!"

And then dispersed into nothing but darkness and mist.

Swinging around, Iris twirled her axe like a baton, before delivering a cleaving blow at another phantoe, and the another phantoe after that. It all occurred over, what, a couple of seconds? But she was tearing through their ranks with a graceful ease!

A graceful ease...

Her movements were like that of a deadly dancer. She moved lightly on her feet, prancing left and right to dodge the strikes of her enemies, before countering with deadly slashes of her own. One cut in half, one beheaded, one stabbed to death, all as she darted from one to another, to another. She slaughtered these phantoes as easily as a pretentious poet produces poems, turning these phantoes into nothing but scraps.

And Adam bore witness to it all. He kind of had no choice since she was holding on to him. Every spin, every pirouette, every leap, every stride, he was brought along with her, whether he wanted to or not. All the while, he gazed upon and drank in the image of her face.

The smile on her lips. The gleam in her red eyes. The haughty laughs she gave every now and then. Iris was in her element, and it was marvelous. She was like... graceful death.

SWHING!!!

With one final slash of her axe, Iris reduced the last of the phantoes to nothing but wailing shreds. It howled, then dispersed, vanishing into the fog which surrounded them. Straightening up, the purple-haired school girl gazed around in a cursory manner, making sure their enemies were all dealt with. Once she was sure they were free from any secret attack...

Fwwweeeeem!

Her axe vanished in a puff of light.

Shifting her gaze over, Iris came face to face with Adam, who could only look at her with his mouth agape. Everything that just happened only ever occurred within his most wildest of animes or video games, not real life! But Iris was here, sporting a horn and tail with dragonic eyes, and even an axe which she got rid of. What was he supposed to say after all of this? What could he say after all this!?

Nothing but nonsensical babbling echoed from his lips while Iris placed him down on the ground. His legs immediately lost feeling in them and he collapsed, upon the bench behind him. Placing his hands on his head, Adam tried to make sense out of everything, but this only served to make his heart race faster and harder. This was not good for his mental health!

But Iris... she bent over. Looking up, his eyes met his classmate's cleavage, staring at those big breast which had been taunting him all day long. His teeth clinched, Adam gazed into the valley of her chest, while she reached in and pulled out...

A pink, spherical lollipop.

“Fufufufufu~"

Iris' taunting giggles filled the air, sounding like a siren's call. Alert noises blared in Adam's head, but he was too far gone to pay attention to them. Focused intently on his classmate, he watched as she tore open the lollipop's wrapper, then brought the sweet treat to her lips.

“Mmmff..."

Then she licked it... and sucked it... and slurped on it... she didn't stop until the candy was absolutely drenched in her spit. Then she pulled it out of her mouth with a wet and loud--

Pop!

Keeping the lollipop between her fingers, Iris tipped the head of it towards Adam, taunting him with it like a fishing leer. He gazed upon her face, reading those bright red eyes and devilish smile, while her candy drifted ever closer.

“Do you want to suck my lollipop?"

Adam opened his mouth.

“Fufufufufu! Good boy!"

End of Part 1