Cronus, Jake and Dirk all sneak back into the academy, seeing that no one noticed that they left. They go back to their usual place, and talk about normal things. No one suspects that the three left at all.
The week was pretty usual for them. Learning, food and being picked on for being different. Cronus noticed that Eridan seems to be having a much harsher time than him. At the end of the week, Cronus had convinced Eridan to hang out with him, Jake and Dirk.
Even though he was there, Eridan never really said anything as they talked. It pained Cronus to see Eridan not getting along with everyone, even if he was being bullied also. Even though Eridan didn't really have any friends, Cronus noticed that their teacher, Hope, seemed to be making him do certain things. He didn't know why, and by the end of the 4th week (huge time jump there, sorry. Just found it better to jump suddenly then end this chapter so shortly and start a new one) he asked their teacher why.
Cronus walks into Hope's study, finding out that it is also her room. She gazes at him with emotionless purple eyes, wondering what he wants. After Hope waved her hand toward a seat, Cronus sits down quickly and says "I'm here to talk about my brother, Eridan."
"What about him?" she asks blankly.
"I want to know why you are treating him differently from everyone else."
"If I tell you, you wouldn't agree."
"I don't care, just tell me," demands Cronus, his fear growing inside of him. Hope sighs, and explains to him about what Eridan and himself must become.
"Why do we have to be like that?" Cronus asks in the end.
"Because if you don't, if either of you choose the wrong class, then everyone, and I mean everyone will die."
