“There goes the spider in your wake. 

Its silver web never leaves a trace. 

Walk with caution and beware the trusting, for the web only leads to one ending.”

-'Deceit' by Princess Sibylla of Endro

Cy: He’s off his rocker!

I concur. 

Ray stilled in dumbfounded silence. The man- the actual Headmaster of Tellowania College stood before them after they had demolished any semblance of formality in his gala, threw punches, was now bound by cufflinks and declared them hired as professors. 

Deeming this as a mere nightmare, Ray once again ran his processing algorithm.

[Error: X0V.exe cannot load.]

He remained frozen even as the chains that ensnared him cluttered to the ground, broken. All eyes looked dead centre at Headmaster Ari who stood ever so smiling. 

“I understand the immense confusion amongst yourselves, but for every decision there is a justification!” 

His jubilant laugh was cut off abruptly as eyes behind wired glasses scanned the garden, mellow emerald turning stone-cold.

“Justifications that are best said…privately. Follow me!” 

With the perplexing warning, Headmaster Ari gave a curt nod of dismissal to the officers before spinning on his heel towards the garden’s exit. The quartet stared after, none daring to brave the first step as distrust stewed.

What should I do? 

Cy: Do you see another option? Follow him, you IDIOT.  

Permitting another scowl, Raymond proceeded after the human’s trailing shadow and from the series of clacks behind, presumed the rest of the humans came to the same conclusion as well. The group walked in winding paths whilst being immersed in various shades of florals and scents. 

Vines, trees, bushes, flowers- everything. All the while, Headmaster Ari kept up a flurry of lively chatter despite the minimal reception he received, yet it did not seem to deter him. Rather, it only fueled his talkativeness further. 

However, Ray’s attention span was rapidly dwindling alongside his energy levels. His eyes flicked to the red panel that hovered in front of his vision every few seconds as unease pooled. 

[Battery Remaining: < 21%] 

Ray’s sigh morphed into a puff in the frigid air as he forced his eyelids to remain open. Combined with his prior injuries, stress and the incident at the gala, his battery did not receive the required recovery it needed and was draining throughout.

Though it could be renewed every time Ray slept, sleep evaded his grasp every time. With his antics in the van along with…vague ‘dreams’ Ray had been experiencing recently his total sleep amounted to nil. 

Just get through this. Just get through this-

Cy: Holy Freakin Mother of- this man’s LOADED!

Cy’s capslocked panel pierced through Ray’s inner panic as reality seeped through his senses. For the umpteenth time this night, Ray froze in astonishment for Headmaster Ari was well and truly loaded. 

Iron gates gave way to golden studded columns of marble stairways, floors decked with blood-red carpets. Navy tapestries with silver stitching were strung in the entrance, boldly depicting an eight-petalled hibiscus. 

As the awestruck group made their way to the inside, they collided with numerous servants and maids bustling the halls in orderly fashion whilst carrying various items.

The Headmaster observed their reactions carefully as a mysterious smile tugged at his lips. Yet, when Raymond glanced at him, the neutral mask returned causing Ray’s brow to furrow.

Cy: Talk about suspicious. 

Mhm.

“Come along professors! Now shan’t be the time for dilly-dallying, we have matters to tend to!” 

As Ari strode in front, the dual-haired male from earlier drew closer to Ray and the women, whispering conspicuously. 

“Is he genuinely crazy or are we being set up?”  

“Maybe both.” 

The spectacled woman answered followed by the ravenette’s answer. 

“I don’t know.” 

Eyes landed on Ray for his opinion to which he spoke the blatant truth. 

“I have no idea.” 

Wariness drenched them like waves as they instinctively walked closer knit to one another. Everyone looked past golden-tinted lenses in an effort to unveil any potential scheme orchestrated in the shadows of all the luxury. 

They came to a halt at twin oak doors in the middle of the hall. Illustrative models of brass angel wings decorated the doors as knobs which Headmaster Ari thrust wide. 

Bracing himself for hostiles, Ray automatically switched stances, yet the notion was utterly unnecessary. 

What lay inside were not guards with poised weapons or scientists with various chemicals at the ready, but a simple desk accompanied with numerous bookshelves and minor gadgets of numerous uses. Landscape paintings decked the halls which were a deep shade of red.

In fact, aside from sprawled pens and sheets, the only decor on the wooden desk was a silver slate with Kareem. N. Ari written across.

Cy: …that was quite a lackluster build up. 

From the wall behind the desk, hidden doors opened up to four butlers, each holding a chair that they placed in front of the desk before departing the same way without sparing a glance. The Headmaster sat down on his leather chair before gesturing at the group. 

“Please, take a seat.” 

Raymond sat down in silence similar to the rest as the doors behind them shut softly, leaving silence in their wake. Unbothered, Ari proceeded to open a yellow folder next to him, spreading the sheets in front of the group. 

Wait a second, that is-!

“Before we begin, let us start with introductions!” 

Emerald eyes caught onto amber as Ari pointed to the first sheet in line; notes ran across the page in neat scrawls as a photo of Raymond was placed at the corner. 

“Good tidings to you, Raymond. How’s Francis and Minerva?”

“How did you-?” but Ray was interrupted. 

“Oh, Miss Leila, have you been settling in well?”

“That’s-!” 

Ari parried once more.

“I suppose all your siblings are enjoying their grand sleepover, Miss Elena?” 

“What-!” Ari did not spare a look as he turned to the final member in the room. 

“Finally, Mahan Victaros-”

 Yet, Mahan beat him to the chase. 

“Respectfully, do not.” 

The men’s stares met as Mahan’s fierceness clashed with Headmaster Ari’s coolness. 

Ray swore he could have heard the word ‘loosecannon’ under Ari’s breath as he backed away.

Cy: Well, I LOVE that loose cannon, do you think he’ll forgive us for doing his face in?

Half of it is swollen and his nose is practically shattered. Are you even serious right now?

Cy: Fair. TwT

The Headmaster coughed. 

“Now that we are all acquainted, we can discuss the technicalities surrounding the occupation given your automatic acceptance.” 

“Automatic?” Ray questioned despite Cy’s protests. 

“Pardon me,what do you mean ‘automatically’ accepted?” 

Even if the situation was to Ray’s favour, the events that occurred prior as well as the Headmaster’s deliberate wording gave rise to adequate suspicion. Headmaster Ari laughed.

“Silly boy, of course you all accepted! Well-I mean, once you sign the official documents but I don’t think any of you have an alternative. As a reminder, the four of you crashed my gala into shambles and if I may add…” 

He broke into a sudden fit of laughter, barely managing his next sentence.

“THAT. WAS. SPECTACULAR. HA! Goodness me, have I abhorred the gala tradition. So many pompous fools that flock about like peacocks without a care of the actual profession, it really gets on your nerves, but YOU LOT-” 

Ari wheezed. 

“Let’s just say I’m glad for some good changes these decades. However, whilst a brilliant performance, that does not exempt you from the looming jaws of the media.” 

The Headmaster pulled out his Intra-Memo and flicked it, allowing numerous light blue holograms to appear. 

‘Tonight on 799News-’

‘Public assault within Tellowania College’s Gala-’

‘Victim left with a multitude of injuries-’

‘-none have come forward to comment.’ 

Headmaster Ari glanced at their sheepish expressions with a raised eyebrow. 

“Bribing the whole guestlist to not comment and paying for the censoring on your faces is an extreme task. I mean, imagine! Assault, crude behaviour, damages to property…the list of crimes approximately accounts for ten years prison time if you're lucky and deportation as the maximum penalty. Oh, but please feel free to decline the job offer if you wish, you are not obliged to accept!” 

He smiled cheerfully. 

“Well?” he goaded. 

Elena was the first to respond. 

“On second thought, thank you for the offer!”

“So generous of you.” Mahan agreed as his fists clenched. 

“I feel honoured.” Leila dead-panned.

“...Thank you.” Ray muttered meekly. 

Headmaster Ari brightened. 

“Glad to have you on board! Now, onto the specifics of the class you're going to educate. Class 10E sure are an…unruly bunch are they not, Anwir?" 

“Come now Headmaster, they are still children.” A siren's voice chuckled. 

Ray jumped in his seat as did the rest, whirling their heads. A young man stood behind them, his red-tinted lips tilted in lieu of a smile as smoke-coloured eyes and eyeshadow crinkled in amusement. 

The man was the embodiment of perfection, black waves of hair cradled the side of his face with the rest of it slicked back, smooth light copper skin and attire without any hint of wrinkles. 

Cy: *whistles* You have competition. 

When we go home, I’m disabling your panels as the first thing. 

The mystery man gave a small bow to the Headmaster.

“Apologies for being late, Headmaster. The media were relentless.”

“All forgiven, lad. In fact, I was just about to introduce you! Everyone, meet the final staff member and your coworker: Anwir Anansi.” 

Anwir waved as introduction. 

“It is a pleasure to have your acquaintance. Pardon me for the sudden interruption, the media refused to let me scott free unless I complied with their questions about your…” he hesitated with his words, before finishing. “your...incident.” 

 Mahan smirked.

“Had to pick up our slack, did you money-boy?” 

“Mahan.” Elena hissed. 

Anwir waved her off breezily, meeting Mahan’s eyes calmly. 

“If by ‘picking up your slack’ you mean negotiating money to censor your faces, meeting with every guest to provide a hefty sum for their silence- including the bloke you bruised up-  and brushing all media commentaries away, then yes, I was quite literally picking up your slack for the alternative would have been to let you get caught.” 

The two men matched rueful smiles as Elena sat with brewing anxiety along with Headmaster Ari, contradicting Leila and Raymond who witnessed the show in veiled delight. 

Record this, Cy. 

Cy: Are you STILL on a vendetta against Mahan?

If he irks me, this will be a stunning way to shut his trap. 

Cy: Are you four years-old or twenty-seven?! (-M-)

The Headmaster sighed deeply in resignation, signalling Anwir to retreat and glaring resolutely at Mahan until he slipped back into his seat. 

“Maybethiswasabadidea-” Ari muttered hastily.

“What was that, Headmaster?” Leila asked innocently, making the Headmaster flinch as he dodged the question. 

“About why I selected all of you: Anwir here has worked for me for quite a while and also works at the College as a substitute history professor. Recently, he applied to be full-time which brought me great joy. As for the rest of you, how should I word this?”

“You can be blatant, Headmaster.” Elena assured, annoyance in her tone. 

“Ah, you see it’s not about you, it’s just…Class 10E can be a bit…how would you describe them, Anwir?” 

“Hectic?” he offered. 

“Ah, well, erm- yes, let us go with that. 10E’s history with teachers is not a clean slate, I will be honest. However, I do believe you are all sufficient for the task and though the world deems your scuffle as chaos, I found it exacerbated your inner natures.” 

Emerald eyes paused at each respective person. 

“With Mahan’s loyalty, Elena’s humbleness, Leila’s fierceness, Anwir’s patience and Raymond’s protectiveness I think you all will make exceptional idols for Class 10E, not just teachers.” 

Headmaster Ari allowed silence to brew after the words for a couple of minutes before glancing at the clock. 

“Since it’s late, we’ll continue this conversation at Tellowania College a week before the term begins. All accessories such as ID’s, premium residential access and the like have been delivered to your respective addresses. Now excuse me, but I must be off. Anwir could you escort them to the exit please?” 

“Certainly, Headmaster. Please follow me, everyone.” 

After exchanging thanks with Headmaster Ari, the group departed from the office. They had barely descended half-way down the stairway before Mahan broke the silence. 

“So…money-boy, how is it having the Headmaster as your father?” 

Anwir choked on his saliva, almost tripping over his feet and whirled to face Anwir. Gone was the placid calm he presented himself prior as shock took over. Ray, Leila and Elena faced Mahan in curiosity and intrigue.

Cy: Talk about plot twist. O.O 

Mahan stared at them in confusion. 

“Seriously? Did none of you see it?” 

Elena raised a brow, opening her mouth in questioning before she saw what Mahan was pointing at, eyes blew wide at the realisation. 

“Oh! That makes sense.” 

Whilst understanding dawned in her eyes, Leila and Ray glanced at each other in confusion then turned to Anwir who was turning pale by the second. 

Mahan, seeing their lack of understanding, proceeded to clarify things, clearly jubliant at having the upper hand over Anwir. 

“You see, every noble house, including Endro’s Royalty, has a designated emblem that represents the legacy of their bloodline. For the King, that symbol is a fox, renowned for grace. Following them is the Queen’s family (second most powerful) and  Headmaster Ari’s house- Nazarienthia House- most known for secretiveness, hence being that no photos of any of its members can be found unless you meet them in person like we just did.” 

Mahan enclosed on Anwir who was sweating slightly as he continued his explanation. 

“The eight-petalled hibiscus is their emblem and along with a house’s emblem comes one signet ring engraved with the insignia. One that cannot be manufactured again or duplicated and is passed down to the heir of choice. Knowing such, may I ask you all to turn your eyes to Mr-Goody-Two-Shoes’s right hand.”

Ray followed the instruction, zooming in on the golden ring Anwir wore with the engraving indeed being the same hibiscus.

The fool can actually use his brain.

Cy: Would it kill you to TRY complimenting Mahan? 

It would kill my ego. 

All eyes were now on Anwir who met their stares stonily as his lips thinned into a firm line. Mahan grinned wickedly, his eyes alight with a flare that heralded chaos. 

“Do enlighten us, Mister Anansi.”

Anwir growled. 

“Damn you, Victaros!”