twinArmageddons [TA] began trolling cuttlefishCuller [CC]!
TA: 2o what wa2 wiith tavro2 2ayiing you and cronu2 are datiing
CC: Believe me, )(e was just las)(ing out. I )(ave NO romantic interest in )(im w)(atsoever.
TA: none what2oever
CC: W)(ale )(e IS ery )(andsome. And )(e can be sweet if )(e tries.
CC: But t)(at being said, )(e can be a bit of a jerk. I doubt we'll ever pursue anyt)(ing.
TA: alriight ff
TA: whatever make2 you happy
TA: anyway when ii2 2chool gonna 2tart for you
CC: Only a day after you start.
CC: We got lucky now t)(at Trelgi resc)(eduled to Saturday.
TA: yeah
TA: and you wouldnt beliieve how ea2y iit wa2 to hack iinto the camera2
TA: ii couldve done iit iin my 2leep
CC: I t)(ink t)(at's only because you're great wit)( computers.
CC: I )(ave to go. Sc)(ool s)(opping and suc)(. Sea you later !
TA: bye
cuttlefishCuller [CC] ceased trolling twinArmageddons [TA]!

That conversation had been two weeks ago. Since then, time had flew. Everyone was putting all of their energy into the plan. She hadn't been given another assignment from the Protectors of Alternia, though her mother was taking more time to complain to Feferi about lowbloods and humans currently working with her. "Our race has gone to the fucking barkbeasts, Feferi," she would say. She was slipping into Alternian at home, and Feferi was forced to begin studying the ancient language.

Cronus wasn't available most days. He was being overworked by Dualscar. Every night, he would call Feferi and talk about the latest thing he did. At best, he stole something. At worst, he was forced to kidnap some human and transfer them to the ports. "What happens to them?" Feferi asked.

"You know what happens to them, Fef," Cronus said. "I should turn myself in. I'm horrible."

"Turning yourself in would be suicide."

"So?"

Feferi would wish she could go find him, wherever he was, when he was calling her. He had been known for making empty suicide threats when he was younger for attention, but now?

She tried asking Eridan to make sure he was okay, but Eridan rejected her offer. "We all have problems," he would say. She would resent his ability to not give a shit, but if Dualscar expected more from Eridan, what was he being put through?

Mr. Makara had transferred Gamzee out of the public school he was attending when he was absent. He would forget to send money for them, so a private school was out of the question. Now, however, Gamzee was transferred to the school Feferi, Eridan, and Equius attended. Aradia and Tavros switched districts and were going to school with Karkat, Nepeta, Sollux, and Kanaya.

There was no word from Dave or Dirk. Roxy had admitted to trying to hack into their pesterchum accounts, only to find they had been deleted. Damara was also missing.

The first day of school came and went with no significance. Most of the students were highblood trolls, with some other species from rich families. She and Equius spent their lunch period planning. "I don't know shit about this!" Feferi exclaimed, leaning on her hand.

"Neither do I, but we have to make it foolproof," Equius replied.

"Are you uncomfortable with killing a highblood?"

Equius shrugged. "I don't adhere as strictly to the hemocaste as I did when I was younger. What the PA is doing is wrong. Trelgi will kill millions, and whether he does so directly or indirectly doesn't really matter."

With homework and planning an assassination, she was busy right up until the weekend. Karkat sent everyone the same message asking if they were ready. Cronus had stolen a car and switched its plates with an abandoned car he found in the slums. Feferi drove him to Kanaya's house. She gave everyone baggy clothes and shoes that were a size too big. She gave colored contacts to Jade, and messed with Cronus's hair enough so it covered all but the tips of his horns. "I look like a fuckin' twat," he spat when he looked in the mirror.

"Yes, well, now we can hope that nobody will recognize you." Though she was practically pouring sarcasm onto her words, Cronus did cheer up.

"Anything you can do about my horns?" Feferi asked.

"No. Just say in the car and act as inconspicuous as possible."

With that, everyone piled into the car. It should've been a five minute drive to Central Park, but traffic was getting terrible with only an hour to go. She had to park near the Grist Bank building, as that was the smallest climb with, ironically enough, the least security when it came to getting to the roof.

After ten minutes of searching, Feferi was blessed with a spot. "You guys ready?" she asked. Everyone nodded.

"Do we need to go over the plan?" Equius asked.

"We'll be fine," Jade answered. She got out of the car with Equius. Together, they walked into the bank.

"Hey doll?"

"Yeah?" Feferi replied, turning to face Cronus.

He put his hand on her face and leaned forward. After a few seconds, during which she didn't pull away, he gently pressed his lips to hers. It was brief, and not unpleasant. "Stay safe for me." He pulled back and got out of the car, skulking over to wait in the park.

She took the walkie talkie out of her pocket and waited. After a few minutes, Cronus's voice came on, hindered by static. "He's gettin' ready to go on stage."

Equius's reply was instant. "Jade is in position. She's setting up her gun now."

"Was there any problem getting in?" Feferi asked.

"None," Equius replied. "The plastic gun tricked the metal detector. She was able to pick the lock to the door leading upstairs pretty quickly."

"Why do I feel like most of my friends have criminal experience?"

"I just have an awesome grandpa!" Jade shouted from the background. "I'm ready to go!"

"Alright, Feferi, there were thirteen people in the bank. Count everyone who gets out of the door and tell us when they're gone," Equius said.

There were a few moments of silence. Everything seemed oddly normal. Then a loud gunshot rang out. This was intentional; Jade wanted to make sure everyone was alerted and would scatter, making escape easier.

There were screams in the distance. "I'm coming back!" Cronus said. Feferi started the car and counted the people who ran outside. They all came out as a mass of people. She had to recount the group. Everyone was moving.

"That's thirteen," she said into the walkie talkie.

Equius and Jade ran out of the bank just as Cronus came into sight. Feferi unlocked and opened the back doors. Everyone piled in. "Good to go?"

"Just drive, Fef," Cronus said, searching the street. Sirens were going off in the distance. People were still flooding the streets, although they were starting to disappear into the nearest buildings where they would be safe.