(sorry i havent posted here, i hope i get this all right)

Cyrus hadnt spoken through the whole thing. Normally when he got in trouble, he would either make a bunch of jokes to make himself look dumb, or even lie to get everyone but him out of trouble. Although he had a good lie put together, he knew that he couldnt lie here. Not only did he disobey orders, he was also a coward, making him feel weak on both sides...

Cyrus kept his silence through the whole thing, and he remained still until Shinu announced he was leaving. He hadnt known Shinu for too long, but he was like a role model to Cyrus now, and he felt both angry and sad about all of this, 2 emotions that are rare for him. He silently got up and went to his dorm, keeping attention away from himself.

Old man had seemingly faded from notice, once the students began stepping up and taking responsibility. He hadn't expected that from most of them. The room quickly emptying, Erk heaved a sigh.

"Cid... what is happening these days? Darkness seems to be creeping nearer by the day. Soon, it will have consumed us all." He looked back over the few students remaining in the ballroom, milling about in shock. He turned back to Cid,

"What are we going to do?"

Cid himself let out a sigh that matched that of Erk's. Sitting back in his chair he looked at his trusted friend.

Well old friend, there's not a lot we can do. My guess is that Shinu has a plan, probably not a good one though. In the mean time, the kids need a leader amongst them in his absence, and we just have to see to it they find one they like.

"Hrumph. Let me know when they do, then. I'm going to.... take a walk. I have some things to think about." Without a further word, Erk strode from the ballroom, and out into the coolness of the night.

The rain had cleared somewhat, and the first hints of stars were beginning to peek through the fog of angry clouds above. The ground still yielded softly beneath the foot, but the ancient wizard took no heed. He'd soon lost sight of the Garden in the darkness behind, dim as its lights were at this time of night.

He'd been just as shocked as the rest of them when Shinu had appeared, shaken and emptied. It was so uncharacteristic of him, to lose his jolting, active energy. Black thoughts must be running through his head indeed, if he had been so disturbed.

But what could have done it? Beyond the murder, he'd seen nothing to cause such despair in the young man. The killing, gruesome as it was, couldn't have been the reason. What was left? They'd killed everyone on the mountaintop, so nothing they'd found out there would have done it...

Or had they? Erk suddenly halted in his tracks, almost throwing his back out with the sudden jolt in his gait. And again, what was the reason that Shinu had been late? He must have been preoccupied with something of deadly importance...

Without a further thought, Erk turned around, searching for the walls of his beloved Garden behind him. He set off into the night.

((As a final note, the classroom punishment thread is now up and in the missions section. Please post there everyone!))