The Reckoning

## Characters Involved

* Niccolo Salinas
* Savannah
* Finley
* Ferris
* Chaison
* Fletcher Vireo
* Gagan
* Felicity Vireo
* Ice
* Rayne
* Ilya
* Tyflos

## The Event

The Reckoning began with Red's disappearance, something Kiemo quickly takes note of and starts to worry him. It's noted the Kiemo took action quickly after Red did not show up to lead a training exercise that Kiemo had to cover. Kiemo ended it soon, giving into his worries and searched his entire territory, even wandering into Niccolo's. There was still nothing and despite his questioning of his own group hidden behind his gruffness, he couldn't do something like that for long. Not without making Red look even more incompetent. His solution was to track down Savannah, Red's own sister. Despite not liking how he has to ask anyone for help, especially Niccolo's own group members, he wasn't going to risk Red's safety. Kiemo knocks on her door, trying to see if Red was there. He wasn't, which now worries Savannah. Kiemo requests that she come with him to find Red since they both are worried, though Kiemo tries keeping his true feelings a secret. Realizing that Red was probably taken by researchers, Kiemo is deeply upset, wondering if it was because of his interactions with Berris and the doctor trying to put him in his place. Already, Kiemo has begun to suspect Niccolo of knowing too much about the Missing. He recruits him to help and to test his theory. Savannah and Niccolo are confused by the team up but they both help break their way toward Red. Kiemo kills the researchers brutally in their way, using his newfound form and strength. They arrive to find Red about to be experimented on, seemingly again with his injuries and Kiemo is furious. He kills the researchers and pushes his way through to him after Savannah goes to comfort him. He's deeply worried and lets it show, taking Red back with him and grateful for the help. He does scold Red for him not being at the training session, telling him to never get captured again. Before he goes with Red, he whispers something in Niccolo's ear that only Niccolo hears, it seems to resonate with him and render him speechless.

Kiemo takes Red back to his room, believing that Red's own room will be too dangerous for him to return to. He fears the researchers will just come back and take him, so Kiemo resolves to staying up as many nights as needed to make sure no one harms Red. In Kiemo's room, Kiemo is asked about why he worked with Savannah and Niccolo. He defends his choice and confesses that he at first thought Red had left of his own will and that he believed it was his own fault. Kiemo continues to deflect for awhile, saying he only rushed because Red is an important asset. Red thanks him regardless and Kiemo suddenly feels awkward. Kiemo thinks hard about the trauma of Summer's death and that Red alive means that this time he was able to succeed. He deflects again, stating that to Savannah, it looked like his action was just because of Red's rank, nothing more, his words quieting. He can feel his thread of control slipping the more he says and he's losing his composure. Eventually he moves his chair closer to Red. Kiemo stands though, as if to preserve some dignity as he explains himself. He tells Red that Kiemo himself already had the list of the missing, a vital item, and that he knows Red must know he was better off recruiting other people. Sending disposable people. But he didn't. He admits to feeling worried and that this was going to become another one of his nightmares. He couldn't let that happen. Red catches on, reminding him again that recruiting or sending someone else would've been easier. That this must go beyond Red being an asset. He wonders if their relationship goes beyond trust. Kiemo responds with admitting that it did seem like Red was replaceable, many wanted his position, but he didn't want someone who might try to kill him or overthrow him. He knew he worked well with Red and when it comes to Red asking more questions, Kiemo reminds him that he hates questions. But yet he continues, talking about his nightmares and his own connections to the researchers. He gets upset, talking about how he told them Red was off limits, that they were not to touch him. Red is sympathetic but also reminds Kiemo that while he dislikes his questions, he still answers them. When it comes to the question of how much Kiemo trusts Red, he does what he never has, revealing all his knives to Red and putting them far out of reach on the other side of the room. Only then does he return to Red asking if that answered his question of trust. Red admits that it does, thinking that for once it didn't leave him with more questions than he asked. Red also tries to explain that of course the researchers didn't listen to Kiemo's warning. Kiemo remarks that it no longer matters as with the blood trail he left, he made himself clear. If they take Red, Kiemo will respond with bodies. He'll do it as many times as it takes until it's impossible to ignore. Kiemo at this time moves to do first aid on Red's wounds, guilt gnawing at him as he bandages him. He sees how fragile they are despite their heightened healing abilities. Kiemo also repeats the sentiment that they won't die here and Kiemo continues about the subject of questions when Red brings up that he must like them to some extent. Kiemo retorts he doesn't and that he just answers them because Red is the one asking.

Kiemo takes a gamble here and after mending Red, asks if Red wants to know why he wanted the cure, He compares himself to those who took the letters, how he knowingly let himself become an experiment. He asks by the end of the day, what does an animal do? It survives. He says he was going to be no different after nearly dying after his first splicing. He tried to get stronger on his own but Gagan beat him miserably. Eventually the only way was to work with the researchers themselves, and eventually, once he was free and could live normally, he wouldn't need his form, just the cure. To erase it all. Kiemo expands on this, explaining that he remains the beast he and the researchers made and that he thought with it, he could also control Berris. He wasn't correct and they tried to remind him of his place through Red. Kiemo laughs through gritted teeth remarking that it doesn't matter. He'll still keep his promise to Red no matter what state he's in. He still offers the cure to Red and asks if Red still is interested in splitting it. He admits he would've done the same for Summer maybe. If only he had done and said something sooner. He asks if Red understands he wouldn't use himself as a pawn for the sake of many. But for Red, he'd be willing to do that and more. That's how he feels about him. Red thinks about this and looks at the sickly looking veins that are dark purple along Kiemo's skin, fur patching it. He thinks about how hard it must be to have become an experiment and how brave it was to essentially torture himself. It comforts Red a bit to know they both went through experimentation again. Red insists Kiemo probably needs the cure more, but also know Kiemo probably wouldn't accept it so he agrees to the deal. He tells Kiemo he's glad to have him in his life and Kiemo smiles a little. It is implied Kiemo lets Red stay in his room and heal and that Kiemo himself helps tend to him and keep watch.

On the other side of things, Niccolo arrives back with his group after all that happened. His disappearances are getting worse and his disappearances have gotten even longer, now sometimes days. This puts a lot of pressure on the inexperienced Savannah. What once held his group together like a deep family unit is starting to unfurl and at last, Niccolo attempts to call a meeting. Chaison is the first to see Niccolo arrive back that morning. Chaison who was waiting in the classroom snaps to attention upon seeing him. Chaison is not impressed by Niccolo seemingly looking surprised to find everyone waiting for him despite him being the one to call the meeting. Chaison hopes he has a good explanation, especially with some rumors being that Niccolo had recently met with Kiemo for some reason. Chaison though, doesn't get any answers as Niccolo barely says anything at all as he takes a seat at his desk. He addresses no one as he looks through some papers instead. Chaison is insulted, thinking about the fact Zakra died for this. For a stalemate and for someone who said they cared about him to do little to prove it. Chaison struggles to take this repeated insult, glancing at Savannah. If he says anything, he wonders how hard he'd make things for them. He worries about being too harsh and accidentally pushing Savannah into early leadership. But he also reasons that Zakra shouldn't die in vain and that he can't go without answers. Exhaling, he rises to his feet, marching toward Niccolo. Chaison barely hears Niccolo speak his name, instead asking where Niccolo was and if Niccolo thought they hadn't noticed. Chaison argues that they've had several losses from Kiemo and other sources and needed a leader. Niccolo flinches at Kiemo's name and his eye twitches. Niccolo though, only shrugs and explains he was patrolling and went to breakfast. He says he went alone to avoid attention from those hostile to them. He explains that Savannah is capable of covering things in his absence. Chaison is only more anxious when Niccolo continues hiding more of his cards, outmatching him. Chaison comes to the conclusion Niccolo is hiding something and that he doesn't trust anyone. He doesn't trust Niccolo anymore either and wonders what Niccolo has done. Painfully, he asks if Niccolo would've told Zakra. Niccolo suddenly looks worried. He argues that Zakra wouldn't have asked. He knew Niccolo was loyal to the group and was always trying to help. Chaison wonders if he's trying to convince himself.

Chaison, more upset now, argues that someone who is loyal would've trusted them. That they wouldn't sneak off and endanger their people. Chaison accuses him of being a liar and forces himself to admit further. He tells Niccolo that he's just another flavor of Kiemo bent on dragging them along with him. He tells Niccolo he doesn't want he words of loyalty any longer as they mean nothing. He feels sick in his chest but stays by his words, taking his bag after challenging Niccolo and leaving the group. As he does, he swears he sees an apparition put a hand on his shoulder and he resolves to recover Zakra and put him to rest.

Before and after Chaison's departure, Savannah watches it all go down, noting her own stress and exhaustion. She's been tired from having to make decisions that could determine if people lived or died while not being accustom to any of it. When Chaison calls Niccolo out, she joins him in doing so. She wants answers to why he's been putting everything on her while avoiding his duties and claims he owes everyone an explanation. They want to know what Niccolo will do when his group finally stops trusting him. Niccolo wishes he was anywhere but there, guilt fresh in his veins as he wishes Morgan had been here to be leader instead of him. Part of him regrets his promise to the then dying man to take up leadership and keep the people Morgan had led once safe. Niccolo wishes he was only a fraction of who Morgan had been. Niccolo though reminds himself with everything he's done, he's probably sullied Morgan's name twice over. If he encountered Morgan again somehow, he's sure neither would be able to look at the other. But deep down, Niccolo still wonders if he deserves some happiness. Slowly, Niccolo manages to tell Savannah that he still always comes back and what he's up to is best done alone. He doesn't need or want anyone guarding him. He thinks there's little point to it as Morgan died without setting foot outside and Domingo died in his room. Where they go and who they are with doesn't matter. A lot of it doesn't. He tells Savannah that he trusts their judgement and that people won't get hurt if they're not forced into danger and learn from afar instead. He explains him going to the library and doing his own research doesn't change that. As for trusting him, he reasons Savannah won't believe him no matter what he says. His knowledge is something either best not shared or something she just won't believe. He explains that if there's a right time, he'll tell her but for now everyone is okay and there's no need. For now, his mission is to remain a secret.

At the same time, Fletcher and Gagan, the latter having been invited by the former, make it to the meeting. They arrive as Chaison is leaving, Fletcher curious as to why he had departed so soon. Fletcher also figures the meeting started without them. As Gagan and Fletcher enter late, they're met with the stares of the other students. Fletcher and Gagan take a seat by Felicity who reminds both of them that they're late. She seems worried, but doesn't speak about it, noting Gagan's presence and asking for his reason for being late. Fletcher responds that it wasn't Gagan's fault, explaining that he was just busy instead. He struggles to convince her though knowing she knows him well enough to see right through him. But his thoughts break as he realizes that the tension from before he and Gagan entered has turned on the both of them. He doesn't understand their staring. Fletcher defensively moves closer to Gagan. As he does, the tension Chaison cultivated starts to break into further accusations. First aimed at him. One student accuses him of having nothing to show for the cure after two years. He's accused more as he's been testing it on himself and is already seeing the reversal. He comes back starting to change while they see nothing. If he's such a genius, he should have more to show. Fletcher's blood starts to boil but the accusations turn on Gagan.

Gagan is ridiculed for the death of Summer, most thinking he fled out of guilt. Most aren't too concerned about Summer, but are aware of Gagan being on Kiemo's radar and that he'd probably do a lot to get to Gagan. That puts them in danger. He's also a danger as an escaped member of The Missing students. What would happen if the researchers wanted him back and maybe others. Fletcher himself also puts people in danger with his cure sooner or later getting the attention of researchers. Ferris, a newer awakened student, and a support of Chaison's actions, is inspired to join in. He raises his voice, accusing Fletcher further. He argues too that there's been no testing trials for the cure and that it hasn't been finished. If any of that information is false, Fletcher hasn't been reliable in providing updates. Fletcher didn't tell the group he was testing on himself and brings up the fact Fletcher has a history of healing those close to Kiemo and his allies. Ferris brings up the fact that Kiemo and his people want them all dead and have tried killing them before. He doesn't mean to question loyalties but Fletcher's behavior is concerning. He doesn't stop at Fletcher, adding on to the arguments about Gagan. He calls his behavior violent with his outbursts and states that concerns are valid if Gagan was to lose control. He votes for questioning Gagan's place among them before calling Fin a spy for Kiemo, citing the Zakra incident.

Fin, who was quiet until now raises his voice and snaps back about Ferris' accusation. Fin says he is a spy but that he's not loyal to Kiemo and hasn't been for a while. Fin further questions this since his ankles still haven't healed from one of his encounters with the coyote. He wonders how he could get accused after the times he's defied Kiemo. Fin explains that he has no positive relationship with Kiemo and explains that he does his job. Though he does realize Ferris might have a bit of a point and that he's been reckless. He tells Ferris and the group what happened with Zakra was a mistake, but it doesn't make Fin a mercenary wanting Kiemo's blessing. He compares himself to a hero with an off day and says it happens sometimes. Ferris buys none of it claiming Fin has an obvious affair with Kiemo or did. Ferris says he's only in Fin's business as he finds it concerning and that he only has questions. As for Zakra, Ferris says yes, it could've been a mistake but it still ended with a dead man. Heroes may have off days but this was worse. It was a death, a death that would deeply impact people. Otis, Fin, and Niccolo were all there but the group only has their word. That's why they question this. Fin doesn't get a chance to comment before Gagan does.

Gagan defends Fletcher first, arguing that Fletcher has a lot to show. During Gagan's absence, he insists the changes to Fletcher are more than evident since he had to start everything over since the lab fire. He continues to defend Fletcher, arguing that Fletcher sacrifices his time, energy, and well being to be a test dummy for them, doing something that would take a whole team of scientists, and all they want is their own version of the cure. Fletcher eventually finds it in himself to defend himself, telling them that yes, it's true the cure isn't ready. But he tells them that it's not ready because of that it'd be irresponsible handing it out now or testing on others. If it ends up injuring someone, it would be severely unethical. Some members of the group keep hounding him. One member asks what will happen if they die because they don't have the cure. Kiemo claims it's a possibility and they've seen some of it happen. If Fletcher won't give people the cure, are those deaths not on his hands? Fletcher can't completely defend himself, starting only to stop. Fletcher wonders if listening to Kiemo would've put him further ahead and he thinks about failing Niccolo and Gagan and how he didn't save anyone yet. That Gagan had to do it alone and that Fletcher couldn't save himself or probably his father either. If Fletcher rushes though, the cure could be sloppy. If he doesn't, his father and others could die. Fletcher is able to consider this as more go after Gagan. They question Gagan's defending of Fletcher and maintain the idea that good intentions doesn't and shouldn't matter. He still is a risk with the cure, though kind of hypocritical since so many want it. They do want to use the cures as fast as possible before the researchers or Kiemo try anything. Felicity shuts this down, standing up and putting an arm in front of Fletcher while using her arm as a shield. Fletcher does response to the accusation of him healing Kiemo's allies. He admits to it and that Gagan helped. But they only did it not wanting people to die. Fletcher gets colder the more he's questioned and that if any of them care, the members they helped are indebted to the group now. Fletcher also tells everyone that he won't let anyone take Gagan away. He also knows Gagan won't hurt anyone and the only reason Summer died was because Gagan wanted to protect him. Fletcher ends by him offering to take responsibility for Gagan and they can't put it all on him. He says he'll take whatever punishment and work on the cure, and that he'll surrender all of them as he won't need them. He refuses to lose Gagan again. Fin approves of Fletcher's words and also asks why people are after their loyalties so much as if Kiemo hadn't threatened to kill them both. Fin also adds that they needed the photo and that Ferris and the others weren't out there trying to get information.

Ferris agrees that Fletcher should just keep everyone in the loop after all this. But does talk down to Fletcher about healing Kiemo's members as they're unlikely to keep their promises. He lays off a bit on Fletcher but goes for Gagan and for Finley. Fletcher's defending of Gagan is first called valiant but is deemed ultimately misplaced. Some people, notably not Ferris, have seen the carnage Gagan is capable of and continues to argue that they're right to be afraid. Fletcher is not having any of this. He insists that Gagan is the nicest person and that no one accusing him knows him. He's the man he can depend on and who saved his life. He argues he should be the only one questioning Gagan, but he isn't. He tries making a deal. That everyone can have those cures but they must first apologize to Gagan and Felicity. If this is what the group is too, maybe it doesn't deserve Fletcher or his inventions. Gagan responds to the claims himself after Fletcher. He argues that he's certain the researchers are done with him and that the risks don't concern him. Gagan tries explaining he's not the one who can fix this before he realizes what Fletcher is doing and saying. He disapproves of Fletcher, in his attempt to fend the group off, accidentally implying that he's some beast. He tells Fletcher he won't be taking responsibility for him, and that Fletcher shouldn't be forced to do anything with his research. As Fletcher's right hand, he does agree that they should have full disclosure trials and consider their options. He expects Fletcher's hecklers to be among the first to sign up for those. Gagan further notes Fletcher being the most important person drowning under pressure and rests a hand on Fletcher's shoulder. He tells him he doesn't have to agree to anything. Fletcher feels like he failed to protect Gagan before concluding he offended and upset Gagan. Fletcher just thinks about wanting to flee. He confesses to Gagan that he doesn't feel like he has a choice. He's hurt these people and Gagan too. He regrets asking Gagan to come as his hides in his wings. Felicity snaps at Gagan in her own panic, though after Gagan gets the information about the cure from Fletcher, helps her by telling her to distract everyone by going over it. Felicity apologizes to Gagan and does so as Fletcher and Gagan calm down outside.

Gagan, once outside, thinks about everyone seeing him the same way, including Fletcher and Felicity. Fletcher is upset and asks for clarification while trying to apologize for upsetting Gagan. Fletcher argues it was his fault when he chose to help Ilya and the others and for what he did when Kiemo and Red showed up about the cure. He explains he was just doing what his father would do. He didn't think about what Fletcher would and should do. Fletcher does argue that morals aren't in medicine and that doctors just shouldn't want to see people suffering. Fletcher also reasons at the meeting he should've just stayed quiet. Fletcher and Gagan have a heart to heart on top of the school, looking out and seeing everything. They return to the meeting later.

The argument with Fin ends with Ferris telling Fin that Ferris himself isn't out there gathering information because he knows his limits and his skills. He tells him not everyone is meant to be a hero. That this isn't a children's story where everyone can go about and do good. Everyone needs to know their place and Ferris knows his. He asks if Fin knows his. Finley can't answer this. He has no quips, he has nothing. He thought of himself as someone who could be a hero for people back home, who could inspire others. But a hero doesn't get people killed. If he wasn't a hero or paragon, who was he? He has no quips and stays quiet for the rest of the meeting.

Niccolo and Savannah, with the group distracted, continue their spat. Savannah argues she's worried about Niccolo's safety. She tells him that everyone knows just how bad Kiemo wants him dead and how determined he can be. Savannah also tells him she doesn't want to send anyone into danger and right now they really can only rely on Finley for more dangerous missions which can only satisfy so many people. This isn't helped with people not trusting Finley. Again Savannah asks for what Niccolo was researching at the library. She says she'll believe him if he just provides a bit of proof. Niccolo argues he still won't be believed, noting how the group is bickering over scraps. That he'll be nothing but carrion for them. He knows it's safer if they all just stay together and try to survive. If Niccolo stays away, Kiemo won't attack this place. He tells Savannah he doesn't fear Kiemo. He knows his intentions, his wants. He also knows that it's near impossible for Kiemo to get that and Niccolo can make sure he knows that. As long as he can outpace him. He declares that it is his own squabble and that he'll see to it alone. Painfully, he tells Savannah that he's made his choice. He can't rally these people. They will no longer listen to him, but they will listen to Savannah. He'll handle Kiemo alone and the group will hate him as he wanted. He admits to Savannah that he has ties to the researchers and they won't want him after that. Less people die this way and maybe no one will die. He just needs to do what he should've a long time ago. Savannah doesn't know what he means but reasons it won't be good.