Change in the Wind

## Characters Involved

* Kiemo
* Emory
* Chaison
* Niccolo Salinas
* Fletcher Vireo

## Event

Emory awakens and heads out into the halls, arriving eventually in The Shrine Room. Kiemo is also there, not telling the group or his plans for being there after getting experimented on more. The scent still clinging to him. Kiemo thinks about the poison inside of him coming more with each experiment, how the researchers seemed to forget how he slaughtered their coworkers, how he was a fool for continuing to put more poison into him with each experiment. Foolish to think it would fade after he knew he was the very substance despite what some were led to believe. He hears the doorknob though and realizes Emory is there. He greets him coolly. Emory bristles in response, and he only looks at the floor as he asks if he can join Kiemo. Kiemo allows this, moving over more to give Emory some room. The encounter remains awkward for them and leads Kiemo to ask if Emory followed him as he doesn't often come here. He says he doesn't need an escort and that Red can keep things in order until he gets back. Emory retorts that no, he follows no one. Emory then tells Kiemo that when he dies, he'll be nothing more than a statistic. The same will go for Kiemo and everyone else trapped in the school. Emory confesses that he's not ready for it and knows he won't get a shrine of his own. He understands death is coming though. He tells Kiemo that he could kill him right now if he wanted to, or he could kill Kiemo right now. They will die here but will Kiemo be ready for it.

Kiemo is not amused by any of this, telling and insisting that Emory is wrong. He argues that he made a promise and that none of the researchers will have him or Emory either. He thought he would've proven that to Emory by now. He goes to tell Emory that they won't get shrines because of this but hesitates. Lying should be easy for him but now it couldn't be more difficult. He reaffirms that the researchers won't take them and that he'll kill them all in order for that to be true. He's shocked Emory thinks he'll kill him, arguing that he hadn't wanted that in a very long time. He has other people he wants to kill more and Emory has yet to piss him off enough. He doubts Emory's ability to kill him. Emory doesn't believe this, debating that they thought about killing him once and had a plan. When the day came though, they couldn't do it. Kiemo might think he's weak for it but he doesn't understand why Kiemo doesn't do it. He could do it easily right now with no one involved, he's done it before. He dares Kiemo to tell them they'll all make it. Emory admits to really coming here to remind himself that they're all living on borrowed time. Somehow they'll end up dead and that they've earned this legacy. Emory confesses that he wishes he could've been better to Kiemo and to others, but that it's probably too late now.

Kiemo tells him that many have wanted to kill him and tried. None have succeeded. He's aware of how easy it would be to kill Emory and how he could if anyone was in his way. He's more shocked that he's doubted that much since he did his whole researcher rampage to get to Red. He again reminds Emory he doesn't want to give the researchers the satisfaction of his death. Kiemo soon has enough of this conversation, steering the subject away from this and to the secret he and Red kept about the way out. He offers to take Emory to it. He tells Emory first that the Emory before him isn't the one that he remembers. Emory tells him that he's right. This isn't the Emory that he knows and this isn't an Emory he knows either. He might consider making a shrine for that Emory later though. Emory does approve of Kiemo and Red finding a way out, but wishes that both wouldn't told him sooner. He reminds Kiemo how expensive freedom can be. He also tells Kiemo that he thinks that the coyote broke him somehow and thinks that this is the strongest he's ever been. He's either less afraid or he's stopped caring.

Kiemo finally relents, saying he can't stop Emory from doing whatever he wants. Kiemo thinks about going over to the shrine for Summer but decides against it, not wanting to feel even emptier. He draws himself from his pain and anger, telling Emory that Red and him told no one about the way out, not just Emory. He didn't want to tell anyone prematurely and have someone use it against him. He is proud to have it over Niccolo though and that they actually accomplished something. He says all that's left is making sure no one follows them and that they get the cure, though that's more personal. Kiemo again argues that Emory means something to him and has a purpose, saying that the other Emory was among his more trusted people, telling Emory that he kept him alive once. He kept Red alive just as much and tells Emory that he's very popular with the group. Kiemo also promises to pay the price of freedom, whatever it is, when the time comes. He just knows he won't pay in his own blood. He'll be satisfied as long as he has the cure and Berris lays dead. Of course though, he wants Red and Emory alive too. Kiemo admits to being impressed by Emory and he again offers to take Emory to the fence leading to the outside world. Emory internally questions Kiemo's motivations and believes he'd only offer this if he had a good reason. Emory wonders if Kiemo even trusts Red anymore. Emory thinks he needs to be more observant before thinking that he doesn't want to think about that any longer. Emory remains hurt by Kiemo's closeness with Red, but ultimately agrees to come with him to the fence.

Kiemo tells Emory it's not a good look to look so dumbfounded. He reminds him how much the group appreciates him and that some may prefer his leadership to Kiemo's. Kiemo does not like this idea, though admits that approval of Emory is beneficial to him too as they walk toward the fence and into the rain. Kiemo doesn't like getting soaked but Emory doesn't seem to mind it. Kiemo continues on about the fence and that it's tantalizing as the researchers would never just give them anything. Kiemo grimaces as he has to crawl under the fence and get all muddy. He tries acting like he doesn't care but it doesn't really help. Eventually they reach the space through the trees and reveal the building below. Emory wonders if Kiemo plans on abandoning him here, though Kiemo continues to wait each time, never abandoning him for a moment. Emory reminds himself that Kiemo is cold, but not cold enough to do that. Kiemo tells Emory that no, he doesn't plan on leaving the school yet. He tells Emory that that's what makes knowing so hard. He can't have it yet. Emory confesses that he's unsure why Kiemo trusted him enough to bring him out here. If he's trying to exile Emory, he'll just go willingly. He'll leave if Kiemo wants him to. He thinks about Red again, almost questioning that with Red, why would he bring him here. But he stops himself. He wonders aloud what Kiemo might need him for. Kiemo shakes his head. He didn't bring him out here to exile or kill him. Those again aren't his methods and he's shocked Emory still doesn't believe him. He instead tells Emory that he really brought him here to give him a choice, the same he offered Red. If Emory wishes, he can leave, he can escape and never look back. Kiemo wouldn't blame him. He continues detailing what's around so Emory can make an informed decision. In the distance are cameras and the cozy homes of researchers, something that disgusts Kiemo. He hates that it's a whole complex and admits that there's more, there's always more. He says he trusts Emory with this information because he trusts him not to use it against him. He also thinks of it as repayment for what he did to Emory and how cruel he was to him. Kiemo also admits that with Red getting a choice, Kiemo was and is worried about him. He tells Emory not to tell him that, but Kiemo is very aware of how the group treats him. Red messes up and Kiemo lets him get away with it. The group knows that. The group won't kill him as long as Kiemo is there, so part of his motivation to remove Niccolo became to protect Red and install Savannah as leader. Two birds. A single stone. He confesses that should he die, he hopes that Emory can and will help lead and protect Red. He confesses that Red doesn't deserve to live the life he's damned to. He asks Emory to help get Red out, leaving it as a choice that he isn't obligated to promise to him.

Emory asks if Kiemo's asking him to be a peacekeeper. Emory gets it now as he strips off his shirt, admitting that it was uncomfortable. He admits to not knowing how to really be a peacekeeper but he'll try it and he'll stay. But this is among the several times Kiemo has asked something like this of him. If he cuts him out of his life or in general again, despite understanding, he better not half-ass his trust. If he wants him, then he should and will have him. If he doesn't, he should let him know. Emory then reasons that the woods are their friend, and that they need to keep an eye on the researchers there and figure them out. He asks if Red and Kiemo watched them regularly, wanting to ask more about Red but he doesn't. Kiemo responds first that he's not especially after peace but he mostly wants to keep people he cares about from dying. If peace does that, then sure. Kiemo tells Emory about his nightmares here, about all his groupmates having Kiemo and Red at the pool, getting ready to drown them both and finally they do. The only one Kiemo never sees there has always been Emory. He thinks that's why he can trust him. He thinks about too how snide the researchers would be to see his body on the heap, how satisfied Berris would be. He can't live with that. He wants peace if that stops that reality. He'll make Gagan and Niccolo pay, but that's not his only worry and he thinks Emory will be able to help. He admits to him messing up and that he means it when he says it. He knows things ended sourly between them but he trusts Emory and knows he can help people in ways Kiemo cannot. Emory has better plans than he does, he knows how to appeal to people. Sighing, Kiemo realizes he trusts Emory enough to show him the truth of his situation. He removes his own top and tie, showing Emory his thicker patched fur and the choked purple veins. How even less human he looks and how much he's starting to look more Hollywood werewolf. He tells Emory that he's running out of time. He's worried about Red and the dreams he mentioned. It's too late for Kiemo to turn his back and with his meetings with Berris to keep him alive and get stronger, he's probably damned himself and become what he hates. Kiemo needs to make sure they get their freedom and that those who hurt them suffer. He doesn't physically believe though that he can take much more. He hopes Emory doesn't see him further break or his fear as he requests that if things go wrong, if they get the cure, all of Kiemo's portion, every drop, should go to Red. He orders Emory not to question him on this. Just to understand that it's his wish. Kiemo finally draws attention back to the houses, admitting to not studying much but they know about a timer that is counting down to a date four weeks from now.

Emory tenses, knowing what Kiemo is describing with his fate. He argues that no, they won't do that to Kiemo. Emory will kill them all should they try. Kiemo can't die, maybe Emory can, but not Kiemo. Emory watches as he shows what he's become, and admits that he can't do any of this without him. He still needs him and if that makes him look weak, so be it. Emory realizes too that Kiemo will be messed up forever and that fact hurts him more than he expected it to. Emory then suggests that they act in three weeks and that they can do this. He's trusting Kiemo and tells him not to let him down. Kiemo reminds him that the plan is that none of them die, not the trio and not from their group. He doesn't trust them all and he doesn't think he's ready to but still wants them to survive. Kiemo though apologizes for the hurt Emory must be feeling and confesses that he doesn't want to leave him on his own either. But the researchers took everything from him and he can't let them get away with that. It's the only way to take back what they stole. Kiemo thinks this is why he didn't die in the experiments and he realizes that in a month, the researchers may be dead, but that his final lie will be what he told Emory in the shrine room. That he'll survive. He tries to be the strong husk people think he is but realizes he can't pretend around Emory or Red. He doesn't have to. Three weeks though...they better get started.

Emory tells him he's wrong and that he didn't lie with more emotion than he intended. They don't know if Kiemo will live or not, for now though Emory wants to believe it's the truth. Emory tells him to wait to apologize until they're all out of here. Emory won't apologize to him, so Kiemo shouldn't apologize back. The rain starts to let up and Emory looks at the houses one last time before they agree to head back. Kiemo doesn't go back quite yet, saying he wants to check things out for a bit longer but he'll come back soon. Emory agrees and moves toward their room to change their clothes. However, they bump into Niccolo instead.

Niccolo doesn't quite remember Emory but asks if that's his name/ Emory is surprised and remarks that that's him, admitting that Niccolo caught him at an awkward time. He asks if there's anything Niccolo needs. He also warns Niccolo about how muddy the hall is up ahead. Niccolo is relieved that Emory isn't with Kiemo though part of him suspects an ambush. Niccolo recognizes Emory as someone loyal to Kiemo's group, something Emory reminds him isn't true and that he belongs to no group. Niccolo disguises his intentions through asking about Red, wondering if he's recovered yet. Niccolo also asks if Emory was ordered to be out here. Emory bristles at Niccolo's words, admitting he's probably not the best to ask after Red's condition. He says the Red is okay and Kiemo would never hurt Red. It may be hard to believe, but Kiemo's not like that. In regards to his appearance, Emory just says he likes the rain, something enough for Niccolo. Niccolo does ask if Kiemo was the one who shared this information with him. Niccolo says he just worries about Red because he knows how Kiemo weaves and spins stories. He uses people and then turns on people when they aren't of use to him anymore. He asks if Emory can understand his concern further. Emory says he doesn't trust anyone and that he's learned not to. If Niccolo knew him, he'd know what Emory means about him. Emory doesn't want to speak for Kiemo but Kiemo is doing what he can and he knows that much. Niccolo doubts that and warns Emory to keep his distance knowing what his own plan is. He tries to get more information out of Emory about how Kiemo is doing his best and why he's suddenly caring about his leadership. Niccolo also agrees to walk back to Emory's room with him, admitting he hadn't noticed that Emory was shirtless because he was too concerned about Red.

Emory asks if Niccolo is coming and Niccolo hurries along. Emory urges for, while it sounds like a slap to the face, for Niccolo to give Kiemo a chance. Niccolo isn't sure he can do that anymore, but is impressed if Emory is telling the truth. Niccolo argues that Kiemo is beyond the chance stage and that he's killed too many people for that. Niccolo also asks what the relationship is or was between Kiemo and Emory. Emory isn't please with Niccolo's villainizing of Kiemo, arguing that he must've killed people too and indirectly counts too when Niccolo argues he hasn't. Emory explains part of his backstory and how marks show how many he's killed. He doesn't answer really what Kiemo and him were but asks about what he and Niccolo were. Niccolo remains defiant when it comes to him killing people and that he saves people but thinks of Zakra. Niccolo admits that his story with Kiemo is a long one and that they knew each other when they were both younger. Kiemo blames Niccolo for most of what happened then and their relationship, whatever it was, soured quickly. He didn't intend on finding Kiemo again. Emory declares if Kiemo crosses him, he'll kill him simple as that before they reach Emory's room and Niccolo takes a seat as Emory sorts himself out. Emory asks further about what relationship was had between Kiemo and Niccolo. Niccolo thinks about what Morgan would think if he truly was a murderer and then about the relationship question. Niccolo tries deflecting again and saying they were both young and that it doesn't matter. Emory gets blunter, asking if Niccolo loved him. Emory thinks there was a time he loved him too. He tells Niccolo he only needs to answer if he wants.

Niccolo answers at last, asking what would it mean if Niccolo admitted they both were the same in loving Kiemo. Emory remarks that Niccolo is a lot less innocent than he claims to be and that everyone dies for their sins and no one builds them shrines. It doesn't matter how good someone thinks they are. He can reject the humanity in Kiemo and Emory but it won't save him or anyone else. Niccolo realizes that Emory knows a lot about him and that Emory is dangerous because of it. Niccolo realizes he doesn't have much left to lose. Everyone he loved is gone. He's only fighting for himself and he's getting weaker. He offers a meeting if Kiemo wants it though admits he has no control over a group and no access to the cure. He'll grant an audience though and he might not trust Kiemo but if Emory's right at all. And if Niccolo can gain anything from the interaction. Niccolo does say though that he'll get to kill Kiemo first out of the two of them, and Emory isn't so sure. Emory agrees to this meeting at the fountain, a place important to both Kiemo and Niccolo. Niccolo knows it's probably too late for him but he made a promise no one else would suffer if he could help it. If this helps, he'll do it. Emory will see what he can do, but wants to be there too, not because he trusts Kiemo but because he just trusts himself. Niccolo agrees on the condition he also gets to bring someone too. Emory takes Niccolo's hand, thinking about how this gesture made the atmosphere in the room-the entire campus-shift.

Emory goes to fetch Kiemo and finds him training some recruits who the leader had observed mess up so badly they'd probably be killed in moments. He steps in and participates only for Emory to pull him aside. Kiemo protests this at first, arguing that he was certain that this is something Emory should want. He's helping people not die, though Emory argues most will be dead in a few weeks anyway, it doesn't matter. If Emory and Kiemo were both honest, Kiemo was relieved Emory pulled him away. Emory continues though, bringing up how Kiemo wanted him to bring about peace. He brings up that he might've found a way they may be able to sway even Niccolo. Emory asks if Kiemo can just hear him out. Kiemo is not amused by this. Kiemo is still hung up on the recruits and how he thought Emory wanted him to at least try to keep them alive. He doesn't stay on the topic long, fixing on Niccolo's name and snorting. He doesn't think Niccolo can be swayed and doesn't think his approval matters. No group supports him and the neutral parties hate him. There's an almost wild look in Kiemo's eyes here.

Emory agrees that Kiemo shouldn't care about swaying Niccolo specifically. Niccolo doesn't want any spilled blood, except for maybe Kiemo's. Emory argues they'll do better as a united front and if anyone betrays them, they can kill them. And if Niccolo doesn't, when they get out, Kiemo can go after him. But for now Niccolo and Kiemo more or less want the same thing and Emory reminds Kiemo that he has to think about Red now too. Emory then brings up the meeting Niccolo wishes to have and that together they can figure this out. And that Emory only did this for Kiemo. Emory feels more like a pawn in this moment, that one false move could kill him yet he was still backstabbing Kiemo. Kiemo doesn't get the point of sparing Niccolo. He's sure he can make some alliance with Savannah work. Red can help with that. He's not worried and brings up that it's another positive of the leadership change. Kiemo asks though what the great Niccolo wanted since Emory spoke to him only to growl when Emory mentions Red. Kiemo tells Emory if Niccolo thinks he can use Red against him, he's dead wrong. If he threatens Red, Niccolo will die just as the researchers had and just as brutally. He agrees immediately to the meeting, but stations Fin as Red's bodyguard in case Niccolo tries anything. Kiemo tries to hide how upset he is and wonders if Niccolo planned this. Niccolo had seen how Kiemo hadn't harmed Red, Emory, even Fin and would dream of exploiting it. Kiemo will still go but he trusts nothing Niccolo says or will say.

Emory is jealous of how close Red is to Kiemo and how much Kiemo is willing to protect him and fight for him. He wishes they were still like that and realizes they might still be in denial, hoping things were different and better. Emory does tell Kiemo the meeting is at a fountain and Kiemo knows the place. Emory refuses to answer Kiemo's question about whether or not Emory is jealous of Red and Emory leaves instead to shower before they meet up again. Emory notably brings a hidden gun and Kiemo doubles his amount of knives before they head out. When they arrive and Niccolo reveals himself and that he brought two people, not one, Kiemo and Emory challenge him, Kiemo getting defensive. Niccolo argues that Chaison is a neutral party who hates both of them since the rest will be biased. All take their seats. Kiemo questions Niccolo's breaking of his agreement with Emory and asks if he was ballsy in doing so or a coward. Niccolo tries putting the idea of the meeting on Emory to stop Kiemo from coming after him verbally. Emory reminds him that it was his idea and that they are also here to discuss Niccolo as well. He can't get out of this. Emory explains they all want to get out and that should be their priority. Emory says they should at least make a pact to share information. Emory watches specifically Kiemo as this happens, wondering what he'll do and say as Emory says anyone who betrays the group will die. Chaison agrees with Emory, saying that they have a point. This all is stupid and and too many have been thrown into this. Fletcher suggests turning their attention to the missing too since no one has been trying to help them. Fletcher points out Niccolo knows a lot about the labs and asks him to explain. Kiemo adds that he's dying to know too. Niccolo argues going in would be a suicide mission. That there's no saving most of them without losing many in the process. Niccolo again tries to weasel out of things but Kiemo has none of it, arguing that the great Niccolo must have forces rallied and ready to help. Kiemo explains the leaders should be willing to help and offers himself, Emory, and Fin to look more into the Missing and the labs. Kiemo also brings up the Missing list, asking Niccolo and pressuring him for more information. Kiemo also asks whose lives Niccolo was saving. The students or himself. Kiemo knows how hypocritical he sounds but wants to verbally attack Niccolo more and gain his information. Kiemo also says his group is more than ready and able to help share what they know, but in exchange, he gets Dr. Berris entirely to himself at the climax of their escape.

Emory notes that Kiemo is very bold for standing up to Niccolo while he's a hypocrite himself. Emory also figures Kiemo put in the Berris clause knowing that right now, Emory and Kiemo were both outmatched. Emory didn't plan on this but at least it was something, and he should've expected something like this with the biggest wild cards on campus. Niccolo, Fletcher, and Chaison agree to Kiemo's terms. Though Niccolo wants to know why Kiemo should get Berris to himself. Kiemo says it's a personal matter and that Berris hurt people close to him and that this is really in Niccolo's favor. Kiemo will be out of the picture in a solo dual. Niccolo realizes as Kiemo keeps talking that he's trying to get more out of Niccolo and get him to spill. Niccolo also wonders what Morgan would do in this position and what he would say. He wonders if Morgan would make fun of him and it gets him to smile for a moment. Niccolo continues about the cells and labs, knowing Kiemo probably brought it up just to shame him. Niccolo prefaces with the fact that the information he's about to share is important to keep secret and to think about carefully. He shares the story about how when he got the photo with Zakra, Fin, and Otis, he knew about the photo already. He knew what the picture was and where it was taken already. To save his own image and secrets, he'd ran with the others and let Zakra be taken. He regretted it and shares the information about the outside walls just being another cage. Everyone's homes are nothing but rubble, destroyed. The letters were fabrications. No one is out looking for them and there's no where to return to. All of them are alone.

Emory tries calming the group, arguing they can still come to a solution but Chaison takes the opportunity to confront Niccolo over his dead brother. Chaison furiously and through his own grief, repeats that Niccolo knew about all of this and still risked Fin, Otis, and Zakra's lives. He left Zakra behind over something useless. Chaison demands to know if Zakra knew about it, knew about Niccolo knowing. Niccolo says it was among the few things Niccolo couldn't tell him. Zakra was always full of hope when it came to the outside world. He couldn't ruin that for him and take away his hope. Chaison argues he couldn't do that but he could kill and abandon Zakra. He could lie to him. Chaison pins Niccolo to a wall but Kiemo pulls Chaison back, arguing that if he wants to threaten Niccolo, he needs to get in line. Chaison agrees to yield for now but is still hurt and Fletcher won't look at Niccolo.

Niccolo tries defending himself and how the majority want to return home unlike Emory and that it keeps them going. His plan was to keep them here as long as possible, safe from that reality and safe in general from worse things outside. He thought he could protect everyone but his voice is weakening. Kiemo speak up again, announcing his plan to act in three weeks and saying it's up to Niccolo if he wants in. Kiemo plans on having his members lead others out, implying he knows a way out without saying it and still keeping some control over the situation. Kiemo says they may need a distraction though, suggesting that Niccolo does it as he owes them all. Niccolo asks if that's what Kiemo wants. Kiemo asks if Niccolo thinks he's above that. Kiemo knows Niccolo is close with researchers too, exposing him in front of everyone as Kiemo now advances on Niccolo. Niccolo realizes the same about Kiemo, calling him a hypocrite and asks for Kiemo's involvement. Kiemo explains it's the same reason Berris is his alone, his capabilities came from more experimentation. He then asks what Niccolo's involvement is. Niccolo doesn't want to answer and didn't expect Kiemo to so he falls silent. Kiemo leans closer, whispering in Niccolo's ear, telling him his fans are waiting.

Niccolo admits before the group that he once had an affair with a researcher that is now over and gained information that way. He won't let Kiemo use that against him though. If he's to lead a distraction, fine, he'll do that. But it won't be as successful as Kiemo seems to think it will be. They won't care about him but now Niccolo is making this choice alone and sticking to it. Not because he's been pressured into it.