Soldiers and Spies {y/n x demetrius desmond}

•mr + mrs blackbell•

•—————Eden college—————•
•——7pm——•

There is a hum of polite anticipation in the air. Parents and students file into the grand assembly hall, all draped in silk shawls, top hats and glittering jewellery that would make a thief foam at the mouth. Loid, Yor and Anya Forger stay close together, feeling out of their depth.

'I wonder what this is about...' Yor says, gripping Anya's hand tightly. She glances around nervously, noting that all the other women here look significantly more expensive than she does. Loid, even though dressed in his usual suit, radiates a sort of majesty, that he doesn't need expensive clothing. 'Only time will tell.' He says, with complete composure. In actual fact, he knows exactly what this is about, but what else would you expect from the greatest spy in the nation?

Anya wishes she was at home watching Bondman right now, because her hand is starting to lose feeling with mama gripping it so tightly. On the other hand, chichi's thoughts are so exciting. Even if she can't understand them.

The night is cool and clear, so the stars twinkle like tiny little diamonds. The crescent moon glows a pearly white, and provides a flattering contrast against the pitch black sky. Leaking out from the assembly hall, is a warm, jazzy tune played on an expensive piano. That, paired with the low buzz of talking and laughter, creates the perfect atmosphere. Loid for once, feels at ease.

A few minutes later, the Forgers perch in their warm, velvet seats. It's so tempting, Anya thinks, to just sink down into the soft material. But she knows Papa wouldn't be happy. Soon, all the seats are taken and the entrance doors creak shut; the piano dies out without anyone noticing, until the warm yellow light begins to dim.

A man steps up to the speaker, clearing his throat. 'Good evening, ladies, gentlemen, and students. I gather you all here tonight to discuss up and coming events, and further stress our school's expectations and aspirations for the future.' The old man takes a look at the audience, not intimidated by the sparkling jewellery and hard stares that shoot back his way.

Professor Chamberlain. A man who has taught here for decades and worked his way up, finally landing himself the role of assistant to the headmaster. He's an intelligent, patient man. One that cannot be easily used for the good of the mission. Loid watches his slightly plump figure and determines this fact.

Anya, however, becomes entranced with the shiny-ness of the man's smooth bald head. Does he polish his head every morning? Sure seems like it.

'I'm sure most of you have heard of, or even attended our famous Eden Academy opening evenings, held annually on the 25th of next month. Well, yes, that time is approaching once again, so I ask you, students, parents, to offer your support.'
Professor Chamberlain licks his finger and turns the page, adjusting his reading glasses.

'On the day, the school doors will be opened up to the public, and Eden students will display their values and talents for all the people to see. This is done in the hopes, that other elegant individuals will consider enrolling their own children after witnessing the quality we offer here at Eden Academy. This is an opportunity for the students here at Eden to shine. Stella stars will be up for grabs for students that truly embody Eden's values on the evening.'

Anya suddenly feels a lot of pressure. It may be something to do with the sudden shift in Loid's mood. The efficient cogs in his brain can be heard whirring as his mind pieces together a plan.

Anya gets the feeling this open evening thingy is not going to end well for her.

'As always, we don't just want to showcase Eden's academic talent, but our talent in a huge range of activities. I'm sure every single one of our students has something they excel in that they would be prepared to perform.'