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Dr. H had stepped behind Clarice, and Gale shifted on his feet, waiting for the inevitable -

CRACK.

And then she was down. Gale didn't even flinch, instead letting out a small sigh, his arms folded across his chest, still playing idly with the ring on his finger.

<< Poor Clarice. >>

Yep.

<< That doctor has issues. >>

Yep.

Rin's jaw all but slammed into the desk at the crack as she frantically crawled up the back of her blue chair, what a time to be front row and close enough to have felt the body hit the floor through her shoes.

"WHAT THE ******** IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" She half-scolded half-shrieked at Dr. H, not about to answer his question anytime soon as her gaze darted from the body to him then anyone else as if they were too blind or busy to have noticed what just occurred.

Deryk couldn't help but cringe at the way Clarice died this time. He was somewhat expecting it, but still. That was not a very pleasant sound. It was a curious thought as to why she wasn't in the gas mask golem, but he had his doubts that was her real body that H just killed.

He hoped.

It was at least interesting to see the various reactions of the lambs. From amazement to utter horror.

And then there was Justin.

"Could say it's a game. Only. No respawns. Hardcore mode?" he said to both Justin and Ofelia.

Clerise's replies to Candace and Ofelia regarding her history with the circus, prepared to regale them with tales of lions and trapeze arts, of the glory of the contortionists and how everything stank of frying oil and peanuts--

It all died in her throat at H's words, and the sickening snap of a neck.

It was a sound she was familiar with, from the trial-- she'd snapped some b***h's neck with a feral laugh, eyes wild and hair bedraggled.

She didn't even really have words for seeing death happen so nonchalantly before her. Not when she wasn't worked up on in a frenzy.

"Murder in the first?" she offered, red lips tightly pursed.

The first thing that Mercedes could even think to do was vomit. UGH. That was... without a doubt..

Maybe the body wasn't what bothered her but the sound of that crack made her just slightly queasy. (the understatement of the century.) In fact she reached up for her own throat and gently rubbed it to ease the phantom pain she was experiencing.

The others seemed to have a very similar reaction save for the few younger dolts that treated it like it was the funniest thing they'd ever seen. Mercedes however tentatively lifted her free hand to reply to the good doctor.

"A demonstration of control?" she asked softly but without stammering. "To prove a point certainly, since you wouldn't be asking otherwise.." Maybe that's the way things went around here. You ******** up, you get some sort of public execution. Seemed like a non problematic part of the trials no?

Assured that the girl was alright Candace sat down and made herself comfortable in her seat, watching with obvious curiosity as H introduced himself and Clarice. That was definitely Clarice! Why wasn't she using a golem this time? That was strange. Maybe H was just breaking up the monotony. But the way he was holding her chin and introducing her like she was some sort of livestock was fairly unnerving even for Candace.

CRACK!

...Well then. Candace winced and watched as Clarice fell limp to the ground. There was no way that was really Clarice, right? H wouldn't kill his assistant, right?

..Right?

"I just learned how strong your hands are." Candace answered in reply to his question.

You have terrible taste in men. Atropos sighed, causing Candace to snort and pull her scarf over the lower part of her face to hide her amusement. Don't lie, you think it's hilarious. There was a slight pause before Atropos finally chuckled. True, I do find it intriguing how shameless you are getting with this. You purred when you greeted him, do you realize this? Candace refused to reply to that.

However, there was one thing awesome about watching Clarice die...the reactions. At Ofelia's answer Candace chuckled. "Aw, but she's such a good assistant I don't see how anyone could want to replace her."

Oh, but it was Rin's reaction that was the best. "Oh God this is amazing." Candace snorted, shaking her head. It was unnerving to see him kill Clarice while she had a face. She desperately hoped it was a golem. Though Mercedes' answer may have been her favorite. It wasn't stupid. Candace gave the girl a smile before she turned back to H. She liked Mercedes already! She was quiet, had a sense of humor, and she didn't seem stupid.

She stopped laughing when one of the newbies mentioned Avatar. Damn, how did she figure that out so fast? Candace glanced Sydney's way a moment. "...Have you even seen that movie, Doctor?" It was actually an honest question. It had only been out a couple of years and H had surely been a hunter way longer than that.

He stepped over the body and slowly began to circle the room. A shark in the water. "Yes, yes...special little clubs and games and smurfs. Some of you are indeed quite stupid, thank you for assuring us all on that point." He stopped behind Mercedes, placing his hands on the back of her chair. "Though you, my dear, make a valid point. That little lesson however, is not for you." He smiled again and moved on, "Not just yet."

Reaching Candace's desk, his smile shifted slightly and he opened his mouth to answer when-

The door crashed open with a sharp bang, and once again, Clarice walked into the room, looking fairly pissed off. "Oh? I didn't think you'd be back, my light, as you tend to ah...sulk, after these little demonstractions."

The blonde pursed her lips and bit out, "The sun leads have just returned, the council is meeting now."

"I see," the doctor murmured before turning to the rest of the room, "Well, I'm afraid I won't be able to finish this little chat, but I leave you in Clarice's gentle hands. If you're quite lucky then we'll meet again." And with that he was off, leaving the assistant staring at the class, slightly less than enthused.

She took a moment to nudge the body with her foot. It kept it's form. He'd really gone for realist this time, hadn't he? "a*****e." Bringing her attention back to the matter at hand, she sighed and began with, "This is what we call a golem, you fought and died in one of these. Which may seem a bit cheap and cruel, but it's neccesssary to bond. Once you leave here, you'll have the option to visit the cove to start your initiation and find the other being that holds your bond. I know it all sounds kind of weird and spiritual, but you'll be dealing with what can be considered magic on a daily basis, so get used to it."

Blue eyes glanced at the body again...still no break down. What kind of timer did her have on this thing...was he going to make her carry her own dead body out of here? "When you've finished initiation, you'll be given a coat, a division assignment, and a room. Whatever you packed prior to coming here has already been moved to your rooms. There's five divisions total: Sun, Moon, Life, Death, and Mist. Each division has their own leadership, training and purpose. Once you've settled, i suggest you ask your more senior trainees," she nodded to those overseeing this latest batch, "for direction. You can always go ask your division leaders," she smiled wryly, "but keep in mind they tend to make you pay for their time."

She paused the small lecture, and irritation faded into an expression that was simply tired. "Right...well, I'm sure you have more questions, but I think at this point you'd just get overloaded. Take some time to get used to simple being awake and regaining who you are. Welcome to Deus Ex Machina."

Clarice didn't just leave like the prior speakers, but she didn't seem in a very sociable mood either. Every so once in awhile, she'd prod the golem and make a little face. Seriously, that sick ******** better have something good in his desk for her to confiscate later.

Turning tired eyes to Death Spy, she explained sweetly, "Caelius got in a ******** slap fight with Conquest while dicking around with portals and blackholes. He hasn't returned yet, but they aren't ready to declare him dead. Have fun playing with a*****e McBetterthayou."