Chapter 7: Observing a Foe

The next day, Briar and the others are walking down the Exterior Hallway to 2F. They plan to observe Azul to gather more information about him. And soon, they run into Jack

Jack turns to see them and says, "Yo. I'm here and ready to get this Azul recon started."

"Wow, I wasn't expecting you to show up," Jasper says.

"Japer, don't say that, Tanzanite says.

"What. I'm just surprised that Jack of all people is skilling class," Jasper says.

But Sereia says, "Technically, we all are."

Trinket nods her head in reply.

"And we appreciate the help, Jack. Kind of sorry you got involved in this," Briar says.

Then Jack says, "Look, the headmage ordered this personally. He'll let an unexcused absence slide. Besides, I don't like admittin' defeat. If there's a chance to uncover the secret to Azul's power, I wanna be there when we learn it."

"Right," Briar says.

"So where do we go first?" Sereia asks.

"Hmm, from what I heard from the students, his first period is music," Briar says.

Sometime later in a Lecture Hall, the group are sitting in the far back row to observe the music class Azul is taking. Astonished, they hear Azul singing.

Azul"

Traaa-lalala-lalalaaa…

"Huh. Guy's got some pipes," Jack says, impressed.

Sereia turns to Briar, "He sings as good as you."

"Oh, I don't think I sang that well," Briar says, embarrassed.

"Actually you do. We hear you sing while you clean a lot," Jasper says.

"Maybe next year you can take this class," Tanzanite says.

Later, they watch one of the classrooms to observe Azul's next class: Animal Linguistics. They see Azul is with Trein's cat, Lucius.

Azul meows, "Mrooowr... Mrr, mrah!"

Lucius meows back, "Mrooowr... Mowow."

"Yes, yes, I see," Azul replies.

He then says, "Lucius says that the last time you gave him a treat was three hours ago, Professor Trein."

"Well done, Ashengrotto. That's correct," Trein replies.

"So he doesn't just understand animal languages— he speaks 'em, too?" Jack says, surprised.

"I have to admit, that is pretty impressive," Tanzntie says.

Trinket nods her head in reply.

Later, they arrive in Azul's third period class: Potionology in the Alchemy Workshop. They see Azul is working on making a potion for class.

He adds the ingredients, "A beluga tooth, a sturgeon egg, aurora moth scales, mermaid tears… Add in an extract from 120 types of medicinal herbs blended together, and…"

And the potion goes, "Poof!" and let out a purple smoke.

Then Azul says, "Done! You can drink this potion to transform a body part into that of a different animal."

Crewel looks at Azul's result and says, "That's a very good boy! You just formulated a potion that would usually go on the junior-year class's final exams. The rest of you whelps should learn from Ashengrotto's example."

Briar and the others continue to observe the word.

"AND the guy brews high-level potions as easily as a barista slings lattes... Sheesh," Jack says.

Jasper rolls his eyes, "Now that guy is showing off."

Later they arrive in the cafeteria to have their lunch, and they are still following Azul.

Azul orders, "I think I'll have some squid ink pasta for lunch today. Ah, but I do need my vegetables as well. An all-carb meal would be quite nutritionally lopsided… and more to the point, it would go straight to my thighs."

"Seems like Azul's a perfect honors student in every way," Jack says.

"You're right. From what we saw and what Crowley says, Azul seems like a model student, and rather intelligent," Briar says, looking at the notes.

"But how are we going to convince Azul to stop with his study guide plans?" Sereia asks.

"That I'm not sure," Brar says.

"I know what I'm gonna do. I'm going to get some lunch," Jasper says.

Sometime later, the group are now eating at the table as they have their lunch. Briar is looking over the notes from the small notebook of what they know about Azul. However, they still don't have an idea about how to deal with him. Just then, they hear groaning and moaning, and turn to see Ace, Deuce, and Grim walking over to them, looking ragged.

"Oh my, what happened to you three?" Briar asks.

Grim starts, "Mrooow... Azul sure didn't waste any time workin' us to the bone. If I wasn't dead on my feet before, I sure am now."

"Cleaning Octavinelle Dorm, waiting tables at the lounge, going on grocery runs... He's been running me ragged," Ace says.

"I got called in at 6 a.m. this morning," Deuce says, tired.

Then Ace says, "I gotta go back to help out at the Mostro Lounge after this."

"Housewarden Rosehearts was all like, 'You made a contract with Azul? Off with your head!'" Deuce says in a strong tone.

But then says in exhaustion, "He made me write lines as punishment…"

"This sea anemone on my head just won't come off, either. I look like a total goofball," Grim adds.

All three let out a sigh.

"Pah. You reap what you sow," Jack says.

"No kidding," Jasper says.

"Sounds like the work environment has some uh, issues," Tanzanite replies.

"I feel kind of sorry for them. We could find a way to get them out of this mess ASAP. But I can't seem to think how we can convince Azul to leave them alone and forget about his contracts," Briar says.

Just then, Briar hears Jade's voice, "Why the long faces, boys?"

Followed by Floyd's voice, "Aha ha, look! It's a sea anemone garden."

Everyone turns and sees the Leech twins right behind them.

Grim yelps in surprise and anger, "Myah! It's the lookalike brothers!"