Power Struggle

Chapter Thirty-Four

  Elaine explained what she had learned and who would be involved in the fall of Wellston.

  "So that's it huh? Four pillars and this Jerikah chick that Randy is afraid of?" John asked. *Jerikah? Is it really you? After all this time you decided to come back?* he thought as Elaine continued.

  "Plus Eren." Elaine said.

  "OK, we have a choice here. Inform the headmaster and Keene about this right away before its too late, or get some sleep, and inform them first thing tomorrow." John said.

  "I vote, sleep" Taz said leaning back in the recliner.

  "I think we all do" Sera said yawning. "Its like 3:30 in the morning or something."

  Elaine was tempted to say something, about how they should inform Keene and the headmaster, but remembering they were most likely asleep she agreed they too should get some.

  "It's late, and we definitely want to be together and prepared for what is coming, you can all stay here tonight, spare bedroom is through there." John said pointing to a door. "Figure out who gets it, and who gets the couch." He walked to a closet and grabbed a blanket and pillow. "Need any more they are in there." He dropped them on the couch. John and Sera turned and went into John's room where they promptly fell asleep.

  First thing in the morning John and Taz went to the headmaster's office with Elaine. They explained what they had found out that night.

  "So six people? That's it?" The Headmaster questioned.

  "We don't know, we just know there will be at least six, most likely seven, but who knows how many they will send as cannon fodder." John said.

  "Keene, how many students and staff members do we have that can heal others to some extent?" The Headmaster asked.

  "Two staff, three students, and Darren's tonics." Keene answered.

  "Call them all down. I want a designated area set up for wounded individuals." The Headmaster said. "I fear the infirmary won't be enough, and I know Darren won't be able to keep up with the wounded."

  After an hour the attackers arrived outside.

  "Whats the plan mam?" A man asked.

  "Surround the school. Leave the north entrance as an escape point." A girl with long black hair said. "The Art of War's most important rule, never press a desperate enemy too hard, always leave one way for escape."

  "As you order mam." The man said. He began to order and move people around and into position for the upcoming attack.

  "Now let's see what your made of." The black haired girl said.

  "Jerikah,  can I talk to you?" Randy asked.

  "Damn it Randy, I really hoped the second pillar would have killed you." The girl said.

  "He almost did." Randy replied.

  "Almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades."

  "John, the second pillar, he is powerful,  he may even be able to defeat you. Don't get-" Randy started before Jerikah slapped him.

  "Shut the hell up!" She screamed. "You may know him, but you will not act like you know ANYTHING about me! You don't know shit!"

  "Whats up with her?" Someone whispered as Jerikah continued unrelentingly laying into Randy.

  "He said something wrong. Most likely something about her past." Someone's responded in a whisper. Suddenly Jerikah went quiet and turned to face the gathering crowd.

  "Get your asses back to work before I decide to kill all of you too!" The crowd immediately dispersed. Jerikah then turned her attention back to Randy. "John and I, we have unfinished business. If you, or anyone else her regardless of rank will be killed. Even Pillars. They will not interfere with me. Do you understand or should I just do the world a favor and KILL YOU RIGHT FUCKING NOW?!"

  "I understand." Randy replied.

  "Good. Now get the fuck out of my sight." Randy got up and walked away. "John, I'm sorry we have to meet again  like this." Jerikah mumbled under her breath.

  Meanwhile, John and Taz were sitting in class when Keene came running into the room. Everyone looked to the door in shock and surprise. John and Taz looked at Keene, then at each other, then back at Keene. They jumped up and ran to the door. Where they followed him out.

  "They're here." Keene said. "Be ready." They arrived at the Headmaster's office where Sera and Shannon were already waiting. While they were standing in the office Headmaster Vaughn got onto the loud speaker to make an announcement.

  "Attention students and staff. I have very bad news for you all. Wellston has fallen under attack. There is a great force gathering just off school grounds. Intel suggests this force is made up of extremely powerful God and high tier individuals. I warn each and everyone of you about the dangers ahead. Anyone who wishes to stay and help defend the school, may please report to the gym for a briefing. Anyone who wishes to leave, the north exit is still open. Nobody will fault or blame you if you leave. God's speed everyone." With that, Vaughn clicked off of the loud speaker, concluding his announcement.   He looked at the royals and Keene and said: "This may very well be the last time we see each other. You are all fine individuals. It was an honor to work with you."

  In unison the royals and Keene all said "The honor is ours sir." They then turned and walked out of the office  and ran to the gym to see how many had chosen to stay. Vaughn eventually got up and followed.

  Once they all arrived in the gym Vaughn and Keene had estimated anywhere between 40-45% of the student body had stayed to fight and all of the staff members were present, having been made aware of the situation before hand they were given an opportunity to leave, but many of the staff being part of Wellston for years had no intentions of running, even if they stood no chance against the enemy at the gates.

  Vaughn started to speak. The crowd immediately when silent. "This is your last opportunity to leave. Anyone who stays from here on out will be expected to follow the plan." Vaughn quickly ran through the plan he and Keene had created. He finished with "it has been an honor. God speed." As soon as he finished people broke into different groups. Elaine and others helped set the gym up as the medical center. While Arlo and the other high tier students along with Isen, and Sean took up positions with the royals.

  "I can't believe I'm actually going to help you." Arlo said.

  "Me neither, but having another barrier for defence will definitely be helpful for anyone." John said.

  Just then there was an explosion as the western wall was blown apart. Project Phoenix had started making there move. The Fall Of Wellston had begun.