Chapter Twenty-Three: Back-to-School Blues

Just as they had so many times before, the students of Hexside returned to school after vacation, many of them more reluctantly than others. But for perhaps the first time ever, one of the students was already present and waiting for the others to arrive. Of course, they all assumed she just got there insanely early, rather than having been living there for a few days.

"Hello there, fellow members of the student body!" Luz said, already seated at her desk when a handful of students walked in. She offered a cheerful wave. "Ready to experience the joys of learning together?"

The students weren't exactly impressed with her perceived early arrival, just writing her off as weird and ignoring her. She didn't particularly care, though, she was just glad she had given the Inquisitors the slip for so long. It wasn't long before Amity had approached her.

"Luz! You're okay, right?" she asked, taking the seat next to her. "Nobody's come looking for you? You've had enough to eat? You've been keeping warm at night?"

"Amity, don't worry, I'm fine!" Luz assured her. "And for the record, no, yes, and yes–it's actually been pretty comfy here! Crappy cafeteria food aside… Hey, are you even in this class?"

"No." Amity ignored a boy standing behind her whose seat she had apparently taken, unsure of how to approach his conundrum. "I came to check on you, obviously. We've all been worried about you since the Inquisition started leaving."

"And how is that a bad thing, that they're leaving?" she asked. "It just means that–wait, they're leaving? Like, leaving Bonesborough? When did this happen?"

"Just a day or two ago," Amity explained. "And apparently, Tia says this is happening all over the Isles. All of the Inquisitors just packed up and left for the Emperor's Palace. I don't like what that means for you, or any of us…"

Luz didn't seem to share her worry. "But couldn't that just mean they've given up? If they're all leaving, I don't think that would mean anything bad, maybe they just got bored of looking for me! Or maybe Eda finally sent 'em packing!"

"Or, maybe they know something we don't, and they're planning something sinister, and this whole 'hiding you at school' thing is going to backfire on us!" Amity took a quick breath. "Sorry, but I really do think something bad is going to happen. And soon."

Luz placed a hand on hers. "And if it does, we'll be able to stop it together, just like the last few times there's been trouble! Right?"

Amity smiled a tiny smile. "Right. We'll be right there with you."

"Hey, um…not to interrupt a touching moment, but can I have my spot back?" asked the boy.

Surprisingly, the dungeon underneath the Emperor's Palace was nearly empty. Both Mandrake and Loxton had expected it to be absolutely packed with dissidents and rebels, only to find it lacking in even guards. The rusty old bars didn't seem all that sturdy, either, though some magic-dampening enchantments meant that escape was unlikely. But the emptiness of the place bothered the both of them more than the dingy conditions, with either one having a different theory as to why.

"This is exactly what I meant when I said the guy's going soft," Mandrake growled. "And he wonders why so many people flaunt his laws and ignore his rule–it's because nobody's afraid of him anymore. If we actually won and took over, you can be sure this place would've been filled."

"I'll tell ya why it's empty: because 'e empties it whenever it gets too full!" said Loxton, in full conspiratorial whisper. "'E's probably gone through hundreds o' prisoners in this place, but when these cages're full to bursting? That's when 'e ships 'em off. Where to? Nobody knows! But let me ask you…do you know what abominations are made of?"

Mandrake was unimpressed with Loxton's theories. "Yes. Purple goop that every abomination track student learns to make by the time they're, like, five. I think we'd know if it was made from ground-up witches."

"And what is that purple goop made of?" asked Loxton.

"Simple…uh…" Mandrake realized he didn't entirely know. "That doesn't prove anything! Neither of us know anything about abominations!"

"Indeed." The sound of footsteps echoing stopped their conversation, figuring someone had come to check on them. "Of course, that isn't the only subject you know nothing about." Recognizing the voice, they realized this wasn't simply a guard bringing them dinner.

"And what can we do for you, Shrike?" Mandrake said. "Not like there's much we can do. I don't suppose you're here to lecture us on treachery?" He leaned against the wall as Shrike, joined by Grace, approached their cells. The old woman had somehow regained her mask, which had been previously taken by Belos.

Shrike's empty eye sockets almost seemed to glimmer. "As much as I would love to lecture you, it just so happens that we have more important things to do. Namely, fulfilling the objectives you were originally given. We have located the human Luz, and we are preparing to move against her."

"'Move against her?'" asked Loxton. "When you put it like that, it sounds like she's a threat that takes all of our manpower to bring in."

"She is," Shrike said quietly. "The little human is resourceful, tenacious, and has more allies than one would expect. Which is why a direct attack of any nature is likely to end in failure. As such, your separation from the main force can work in our favor."

Drawing a spell circle, Shrike traced his hand down the bars, which began to glow with heat. The metal soon started to melt, leaving Mandrake and Loxton plenty of room to simply step out of their cells. "Hold on, we could've been casting spells this whole time?" Mandrake said with a hint of annoyance.

"I may have disabled a few enchantments," Shrike mentioned. "But more importantly, your freedom is not free. There is still more for you to do." Two more spell circles appeared in his hands, growing large enough for a pair of masks to emerge, bearing the marks of the Plant and Bard Covens.

Instantly jumping at the chance for more power, Loxton snatched up the mask and donned it as soon as it was in his hands. Mandrake took his as well, though he was a bit more hesitant. "What exactly are you having us do that we couldn't have done otherwise?" he asked.

"Simple: filling in the gaps of Mattias' flawed strategy." Shrike led the three of them further into the dungeon, much to the two's confusion. Though, without much else in the way of a plan, they followed after regardless. "His desire for revenge has made him clueless, clouding his judgment. He is easily malleable, though far from reliable, meaning I have to take most of the matters concerning the attack into my own hands. And now, I pass them into yours."

Though they expected to be led to a dead end, the pair was surprised to find another exit deep in the bowels of the dungeon, one that seemed to lead in the forests beyond the Palace. Out there, a blimp waited to carry them to their destination.

Grace climbed aboard, but Mandrake was, again, hesitant. "So, you're sending us out on a mission, but you won't tell us what this mission is?"

"Grace will explain everything on the way," Shrike said. "Now be off. I have much to take care of here, and not much time to do it. I trust you are more than capable of following simple instructions?" Reluctantly, they boarded the blimp. "Good–ah, and one more thing. If Belos asks, it was Mattias who broke you two out. I had nothing to do with this. Understood?"

"Maybe," said Loxton.

Shrike nodded, heading back inside. "Best of luck to you, then." Their ride rose up into the air, beginning the journey to Bonesborough. "And but one step remains."

Briares shook the ground with his footsteps, pulling the massive carriage behind him through the streets of Bonesborough. While it was nearly impossible for him to move unnoticed, he did attempt to steer clear of most of the populace, deliberately avoiding the more crowded areas. He had been instructed to not draw unneeded attention to them, though many who did come across the sight knew to steer clear.

Within the carriage he pulled, the four other Inquisitors readied themselves for the mission at hand. Mattias, Stygma, Sanguinus, and Caelano all sat in relative silence, knowing what was coming. But while the other three were mainly contemplative, Mattias silently seethed, relishing his chance for payback. When his patience began to run out, he decided to prepare them all with something of a pep talk.

"I trust you all know what we must do?" he asked them.

Sanguinus was the only one that spoke up. "I know what you said we must do," he said, altering his tone carefully. Mattias took note anyway. "Is launching an attack on a school really the only way to capture Luz?"

Mattias got to his feet, smoothing out his coat as he shot a brief glare at the man. "Now, Sanguinus, your terminology leaves much to be desired. We are not 'attacking a school.' We are moving to apprehend a known fugitive, who just happens to be at a school. This human, whom you are apparently on a first-name basis with, is an enemy of the Emperor's Coven and a known associate of Eda the Owl Lady, another dangerous fugitive from justice. I understand why you are hesitant about this mission, but if you think about it, Luz being surrounded by her peers means she is far less likely to resort to violence, right? Meaning this mission has much less chance of any collateral damage!"

"Then why aren't we bringing any guards?" asked Caelano. "I would think having five agents of the Emperor show up at your doorstep would raise suspicion much more than some rank-and-file covensmen."

Nodding, Mattias gestured towards her. "I can see why you would think that, but the way I see it, it's only us because we won't need backup. As I said, this is less of a raid and more of an arrest. The hope is that the human will come quietly this time, which is why there's only five of us, though we have to be prepared in the event a fight does occur, hence why I brought along my best and brightest."

"Yeah, yeah, spin it any way you want, I don't really care," said Stygma, leaning back in her seat. "The sooner we catch the human and the Owl Lady, the sooner we can all go back to our lives." Mattias shot her a glare as well. She either didn't see it, or just didn't care.

"I doubt Belos will disband the Inquisition that easily," said Caelano. "Whenever there is a tyrant, there will always be those who fight against his rule. I would know."

"You will watch what you say about the Emperor!" Mattias snapped, sitting back down. "You–no, we have been allowed to move beyond our pasts in order to become servants of a benevolent leader, and I won't have you sully his name!" All the other three resisted the urge to roll their eyes.

"We are nearly there," Briares informed them from out front. "If you have any last-minute preparations, now is the time."

"Yes, thank you very much," Mattias called, before turning back to the rest. "Now, all of you, listen and listen well. This is more than a matter that affects the Empire, but one that directly affects us personally as well."

"You mean affects you–" Caelano was silenced by a tendril of abomination goo covering her mouth, something she was quite indignant about, glaring at the High Inquisitor.

Mattias continued without missing a beat after casting the spell. "We all have something to gain from this, and yes, that does include me as well. So I implore you not to lose your nerve in there, and to stay on task. Our mission is to detain Luz, so finding her should be our absolute top priority. And as I said, we are of the belief that she will give herself up to prevent harm befalling others…though we must be prepared for those who would hinder our mission."

The wagon rolled to a stop soon after, with Briares giving it a thump. "We have arrived." The other Inquisitors stepped out onto the front pavilion of Hexside, which was empty save for a lone janitor sweeping the brick walkway. He stared at the newcomers, his curiosity soon turning into worry when he got a better look at them.

Led by the battish one, they approached the man, seeming to bear down on him even without towering over him–though the ogre did that as well. "Eh…w-what can I do for you fine gentlemen?" he stammered. "A-and ladies!"

A sinister smile crossed their leader's face. "Might we speak with the one in charge?"

Principal Bump was not happy to learn that imperial goons had invaded his school, during class, no less. He was so unhappy that he immediately set out to confront them himself, despite that being exactly what they wanted. He and a small group of other teachers stormed out towards the front of the school, where the five of them were waiting. "Might I ask why," he said, holding back his frustration, "you decided to barge in here and bring your unique brand of thuggery while children are present?"

One of them, the tall antlered one, stepped up to speak, but their leader halted him. "Principal Bump," he said. "It has been some time. I don't suppose you recognize me, by chance?"

But it was clear he did, and it did not seem to be a pleasant memory. "Mattias Archoman," he said quietly. "So the rumors are true: you've left behind your life of crime to throw in with the Emperor's Coven. I'm not sure if I can consider that an improvement or not."

Mattias flashed the briefest of smiles before resuming. "So, Mr. Bump–might I call you Heironymous?"

"I'd rather you didn't."

"Regardless, I understand our presence makes you uncomfortable. I can assure you, we aren't after anything untoward, nor are we looking for a fight. All I ask of you is that you turn over a fugitive of justice we believe your school is currently harboring."

Bump stopped him before he could continue. "I assume you mean Luz Noceda? Not exactly a difficult guess, given everything that's happened. And my answer is no. Even disregarding the morality of letting you barge in and essentially abduct a student, Luz has not committed any crimes."

"Oh? No crimes, you say?" Mattias began to circle him. "What about her connection with Eda, another known ne'er-do-well and criminal? Or her raid on the Conformatorium? That's not to mention the numerous times she's caused trouble at this very school. Much like her mentor, in a way, no? Surely, if you want to keep your students out of danger, why are you allowing such a menace to attend?"

As Mattias was now growing uncomfortably close, Bump pushed him back. "That's enough. The more you try to justify yourself to me, the less likely I am to take you seriously. The only reason, the only reason, you're going after Luz at all is because she helped get you arrested. Though I don't remember you being particularly fond about learning of witch hunts–I don't suppose that plays a part as well? But that's neither here nor there. Emperor's lapdog or not, I won't let you harm these children." He ended by defiantly crossing his arms, which some of the other teachers imitated.

Mattias removed his mask to massage his eyes, any trace of affability having gone out the window. "Now, Bump…why do you have to make everything so difficult? I really wanted this to be a simple in-and-out, but you just had to play the noble educator…" Donning his mask once more, he drew a spell circle.

Behind him, a small splash of abomination goo rose up out of the ground. It was soon followed by another, and then another, before forming into progressively more abominations. The teachers retreated in trepidation as the school was soon faced with an army of the things.

Mattias held out his arms as his army approached. "This is your last chance," he gloated. "Hand over the girl, or I will have no choice but to consider you, and all of your staff, complicit in her crimes." His staff appeared in his hand. "Your move, Bump."

Though clearly wary of the dozens of abominations that now surrounded the school, Bump refused to be intimidated. "Clearly, you're underestimating the lengths I'm willing to go to protect these children." The demon atop his head detached, transforming from Palisman into staff, its owner taking on a combat stance. "Core course teachers, get ready for battle! Everyone else, get the students to safety!"

"Get them!" The abominations surged forward, followed soon after by the Inquisitors. Principal Bump flew forward, blasting through several abominations before clashing with Sanguinus, his staff meeting his sword. He sidestepped, knocking the beastkeeper away with a fireball, before leaping into the air, unleashing more spells down on the army. "He's an old man, how is he beating you!?"

Some of the other teachers joined the fight as well, fending off the slimy summons. Briares acted as the spearhead against them, his massive hammer creating a hole in their defenses–and the wall–allowing the abominations access. Despite their best efforts, they were going after the students. Although they had only one target, it was clear Mattias didn't care about those accidentally caught in their path.

"Mattias! Stop this madness!" Bump carved through several of Caelano's illusory clones before reaching the leader himself, dodging the streams of abomination goo being shot his way. "Even if you're actually loyal to Belos' cause, he would never approve of this! Need I remind you that his own children once attended Hexside?"

"Don't you lecture me on what Belos wants!" Mattias sent a cascade of goop towards Bump. The principal braced himself, only pushed back a small but by the wave. He lunged forward, but Mattias vanished into the ground, reappearing elsewhere. "Even he knows some things are worth anything! And once he sees the results, he will have no choice but to acknowledge my methods!"

Bump fired several projectiles at Mattias, who evaded each one. It wasn't until he looked for the tell-tale puddles of purple slime on the ground that he was able to determine where he would appear next, and preempted his appearance. Mattias nearly fell to the ground, managing to keep himself upright by leaning on his staff. Bump then lunged at him, pinning him to the ground with the bottom end of his staff against his neck.

"Even now, you overestimate your own magic, Mattias." He glared down at the High inquisitor, who glared right back. "What exactly was your plan, aside from attacking my school and hoping for the best?"

Mattias tried to think of a seemed he didn't need one, as he heard the first tell-tale sounds of a guitar being strummed. He grinned as the music slowly picked up, soon filling the entire campus. The teachers, as well as the Inquisitors, looked around in confusion, up until the latter began glowing red. Power surged through them as the bard magic increased their magical prowess even further than the masks. Shrike had come through with his part of the plan.

"It's almost funny how, despite all your talk, you underestimate others just as much yourself." Mattias pulled Bump's staff off of him, wrenching it away from its wielder and striking him with his own, knocking him to the ground. Frewin detached from the top, attempting to leap to his master, only to be snatched out of the air by Wulfrich. Now, it was Mattias looming over Bump, pressing his staff into the principal's chest. "Just as you looked down on me all those years ago."

Bump struggled to escape, but the enhanced Mattias was too strong. The other teachers had been detained as well, leaving the school all but defenseless. "You're still just sore about being expelled, aren't you?"

Mattias shrugged. "Maybe a little. But don't worry, my grudge isn't against you." He motioned the other Inquisitors to enter the school as well, which they did. "And once I have her, this will all be over."

Shrike ran through the halls of the Empire's Palace, the normally-unflappable Inquisitor looking positively distressed. He hurried past several guards, who were understandably confused at seeing him in such a state. His path continued this way until he burst into Lilith's office.

If the guards were confused, then Lilith was positively bewildered, though she hid it fairly well. "Shrike?" she asked, getting up. "Is there something I can help you–"

"No time!" he said, hurrying up to her. "Lilith, the Emperor, he's–he found Eda! He deployed the others to get her back, and without her palisman… He explicitly told them to hold nothing back, Lilith."

A chill overcame her, leaving her speechless for a moment. "H-he what?" she said, her voice wavering with the sting of betrayal.

Shrike nodded sympathetically. "After all this time of hunting her, I believe he's finally had enough. I…I'm not certain she will survive if they happen to find her. But that isn't all: that human friend of hers, Luz…they'll go after her next."

"Attacking a school? In broad daylight!? Full of children!?" Lilith stormed out of her room, staff in hand, heading in the direction of Belos' throne room.

Despite her fury, Shrike was able to stop her. "No, wait! They've already left, confronting Belos will accomplish nothing! Please, you must find her. I will talk with him, see if I can calm him down, though I doubt this will accomplish much. The least I can do is try and hide your absence." Distressed, he fumbled with his coat. "H-he sent them out to the forest near Bonesborough. Something about a–some kind of cave, a palisman refuge."

"The Bat Queen," Lilith said quietly. She headed for the nearest door, Shrike following close behind. "I'll try and get there first, fight them off if I have to. You're absolutely certain that is where he sent them?"

"Positive," he said. "And be careful–there is no telling what they have prepared for this confrontation. I fear even you may not be able to take them on."

"Then you must not know me very well," she said with a smirk. Outside, she mounted her staff and took off, racing towards the forest. Shrike waved her farewell, heading back inside to hold off any opposition.

But instead, like a lightswitch, every trace of distress vanished from his person. He strolled back inside, passing by the same guards from earlier. "Uh, Inquisitor?" one asked. "Is everything alright?"

"Nothing for you to concern yourself with," he said dismissively. "...Although, neither of you have happened to see Miss Clawthorne anywhere, have you?"

The two shared a glance. "Not recently, no," said the other. "Why?"

"Hmm…that is curious," he said. "Whatever could she be up to?" He strolled away, having sewn just enough confusion for his scheme to progress.