Chapter 10 - The Dark Arts [2]

"For this to work I'll need Rosie to not have enough time to process that the blood on Lucy's chest is actually nail-polish. Come on Julius, you're my only hope, I need that stretcher for this scheme to work."

Opposite the hallway, Julius was in sight, he was carrying a stretcher, with a quick glance, Staxius transmitted his intention subconsciously to Julius. They were both outrunning the nurse and Rosie, "Get the stretcher ready," our hero shouted as he got in the class first. Confused, everyone remained speechless, the plan was nearly done, Silvio was still passed out, Lucy, on the other hand, laughed as she stared upon her hands. Before the teacher and nurse reached the class, both Julius and Staxius were carrying the still unconscious Silvio out of the class, they were frantically walking.

Rosie took a quick peek inside the classroom, saw Lucy's bloodied uniform but before she could investigate, Staxius called for her help, his tone was desperate. Half-way before arriving at the sick room, our hero swapped with Rosie, he acted as if he were tired.

The first phase of the plan was over, now it was time to falsify evidence. By school's regulation, everyone at this academy is obliged to have a spare of clothes ready.

"Lucy, come with me this instant, otherwise you'll be next on my hit list." Our hero was back in the class threatening the still clueless Lucy. With a few slightly hard slaps, she was out of her daydream.

"What are you doing?" She asked in utter confusion.

"Shut up and follow me." He asked calmly yet the hate in his voice was intense.

Frightened, she gave in to his authority and followed him to the girl's changing room.

"Give me your uniform, Rosie saw that blood-stained shirt with her eyes. In her mind, you're the culprit, either you listen to me and give me that top or risk getting expelled."

"Y-you planned this from the start didn't you." She was livid.

"So, what do you want from me?" She asked unwillingly.

He pushed the unsuspecting Lucy against the locker, his left hand was against the metallic door, using his right hand he held her chin using the thumb and index finger. She tried facing away but his grip was too strong, reluctant, she lifted her head. Without realizing it, Staxius got close to her face and whispered,

"All I want from you is obedience, if you promise not to get on my bad side, we can even be friends." He spoke softly and took his time pronouncing every word.

Lucy's heart began beating faster, her breathing became more vivid, she was red from embarrassment. This was the first time she was utterly humiliated and put down by a stranger who only arrived today.

Feeling playful, our hero decided to take advantage of this situation and mess with her head. He got even closer to her ears and spoke quietly,

"I'm not that bad of a guy, I only go against people who are stuck up and need a lesson in life. Now take off that top or do you want me to do it for you?" He spoke even more softly.

"F-fine, I-I'll remove m-my uniform." She finally agreed. As a parting gift, he blew into her ear which made her jump. Having no interest in seeing her n.a.k.e.d, our hero faced away and waited for her to change.

"D-done, here." She unwillingly gave her attire, with a quick wink, Staxius left. Exhausted by his pressure, Lucy's legs finally gave up the moment he stepped out of the girl's changing room, she breathed a sigh of relief and closed her eyes.

"Damn, she was easy to break, now then, time to turn this fake blood into actual blood, destination, the chemistry laboratory."

Cautious to not be seen by anyone, our hero stepped out the main building using the storeroom windowed and bolted towards the empty chemistry lab. Once inside, he made a potion which completely dissolved the nail polish without damaging the garment and added fake blood. Even with Lucy basically under his thumb, he wanted to make her pay more just so that his plan finally ended.

Silently, he made his way back inside and headed for the infirmary. On the way there, he met up with Julius, "Julius can you do me a favor and tip off the cleaner about a blood-stained shirt outside in the bin?"

"What the hell have you been up too, a blood-stained shirt? It's only been five minutes. Fine, I'll do it as soon as I see someone."

"Thanks, man, you're the best." He replied with a big smile.

"Miss Rosie, how is Silvio doing?" He asked as soon as he entered the infirmary.

"He's just unconscious, give him some time and he will wake soon."

"Teacher, I don't think this is of any relevance but I saw Lucy go outside, she had something with her. Well, it's fine, Silvio did provoke her." He replied as he left the room

Everything was set in place, the whole plan Staxius devised was completed in less than thirty minutes, everyone was back in class excluding Silvio. Lucy had a new top on and class went by without no interruption. At the end of the history course, Rosie accompanied by the director entered the class.

"Miss Lucy Villareal, will you please step out, we need to speak."

His plan was finally complete, all the evidence pointed to one person.

"Staxius, excuse me but can you explain what the hell happened?"

"Well this is a taste of their own medicine, from what I've seen in the class, people are forced to

leave this prestigious academy because of Lucy's ego and Silvio's short-temper. I can't sit idly by and let such injustice occur."

Fifteen minutes went by, the director Josiah was still giving Lucy an earful. She was deemed unworthy to study here,

"Lucy Villareal, all the evidence proves that you're the culprit."

Having had enough, Lucy gave in and gave a false confession.

"For trying to seriously injure one of your comrades, your punishment is expulsion."

Hearing her punishment, she began to breakdown and beg for another chance, her cries were truthful but Josiah made his decision.

*Click.* The door opened, it was Staxius, he overheard the conversation. Seeing the proud and egotistical Lucy beg for a second chance filled his eyes with pity.

He knelt down to comfort her as he gave her a shoulder to cry on, she subconsciously accepted.

"Lucy, do you wish to stay in Claireville Academy?" He whispered.

"Y-yes."

"Director Josiah, excuse my lack of manners, but I was worried about my friend here. If you would please reconsider your verdict on this girl's action. I saw the whole thing happen in front of me, it was Silvio who provoked her." With Lucy's head still on his shoulder, our hero fabricated an intricate story which proved both party's innocence and guilt. He was careful to not make one responsible over the other.

"I apologize for jumping to conclusions, if not for Staxius here you would have been expelled. Your punishment is to stay by his side until he's accustomed to our academy life. Now after you've accompanied her to your class, you are to report here immediately."

On the way inside the central building, tired from shock, Lucy could barely stand, her legs gave away once again and she fell.

"S-sorry about this, just l-leave me here, I-I'm not worthy to stand as your equal." She was ashamed of her actions prior to Staxius enrolling.

"Bite your tongue," He picked her up and carried her all the way inside as a princess, it made everyone's head turn seeing the new guy helping such a beautiful lady. Of course, she was completely red from all the embarrassment.

"There you are, now I need to go see Director Josiah again, I'll probably be punished for overhearing your conversation, but it's fine, just take care." His attitude towards her changed, he was altering his emotions according to her mindset.

"Thank yo…" He left before she could speak.

"Staxius Haggard Mirabelle, what the hell was that all about, I'm sure it was you scheming but for what purpose?" The director spoke as his tone got friendlier.

"Uncle, I had to give them a taste of their own medicine, they were responsible for making new students drop out. I've completely broken them from the inside, so there is no need to worry." He smirked.

"You're something else, nephew, even if I wanted to reprimand you, I can't. All the evidence and testimony has been altered to make you innocent, frankly, I called you out here because of a hunch, your scheme had no holes in it. You truly are someone scary." Josiah replied with pride in his eye, with that Staxius asserted his place as the class leader on the first day he enrolled at the academy.