Corruption

Plan

Everything was revealed in that lunchtime. Everything except William's situation. It took him a while to figure out how he would explain it to them. Or if he would just let Layla do the talking for him. But, despite his ever-growing anxiety on the subject, he decided that actions spoke louder than words. He rolled up his sleeves as far as they would go to reveal the severe scars and bruises on his arms. 

"W-Who the hell did this?!" TJ exclaimed.

"My parents. That oath they signed to cause no harm as doctors might as well burn. You see-" he started before rethinking. A long, thought-out explanation would waste time they didn't have. Therefore, he growled "They're fucking sadists"

Once the message was conveyed, which didn't take long, Lily asked: "Why would they do that?!"

"I think I know the answer to that. I was trying to tell you earlier but I didn't get the chance. Besides, we might as well have everything out in the open" Layla started. "Remember when we figured everything out from all the newspapers in my room? I'm pretty sure Will's parents were one of the Heavenly Virtues. They probably knew that he'd be Wrath. Basically, they wanted to beat the anger out of him"

The table grew silent. There was nothing that could be said after that was revealed. However, there was something that could be done. 

"First, we need to find Patience. I'm pretty sure I know who Kindness is" Layla broke the silence. 

"I'm pretty sure we all do. Either way, there's more of us than them" William agreed.

TJ started to panic. "Have you forgotten that everyone will die if we don't-

"Shut up, TJ!" Rebecca cut him off. "Do you want to die?!"

"Why? What was he going to say, Rebecca?" a voice appeared nearby.

Everyone jumped slightly before realising who was next to the table. Speak of the angel and he shall appear, William thought. 

"Nothing much, Jackson. Actually, I wanted to congratulate you for owning up" she replied.

"Thanks. I honestly didn't think that they'd react like that. Anyway, Layla, can I talk to you for a second?" he asked, quickly changing the subject. 

Just so that she wouldn't sound suspicious, Layla agreed to it, even though she didn't trust it at all. Jackson led her out of the lunch hall to the corridor. "So, what did you want to talk about?"

"Listen, I kinda wanted to warn you about those guys. I'm pretty sure they're the ones that killed the others. I-"

"Jackson, that's sweet, but I can take care of myself. Besides, they're my friends. I know they didn't kill anyone" Layla lied, playing along with his little game.

Jackson sighed. "If you say so. But, if you ever think they're the culprits, then you can always come back. In fact, here". He took off his necklace with the gem inside and wrapped it around Layla's neck. She tried to ignore the stinging feeling as his fingertips grazed her neck. Her horns burned her scalp as she prayed that her new beanie would hold. 

"I know it might sound stupid, but use this as a good luck charm. I trust you, Layla" he kindly continued before strolling back into the lunch hall. 

Layla didn't have time to follow suit since the bell signalled for their 'curfew' as the teachers called it.

Lessons didn't matter much when the school were only concerned with finding a murderer. Therefore, Mr Castel was extremely thrilled to not have to show up to lesson while his form group talked amongst themselves. Jackson kept stealing glances at Layla, waiting for the gem to absorb Layla's powers. However, there was only one problem.