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 Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 5:04 pm
Quickly this was turning into quite the disaster. Ardanay felt he had to act quickly or else it would be the end of things. Now that the grass was on fire, everything could quickly be over. They were on an island. An island.... and the Science building was near water. There had to be some sort of bucket or hose around the vicinity. And there was always the back way to get in. Professor Veilwood had not yet seen the back of his building explode yet.
"Headmaster," he replied, wanting to take charge. Keeping Greg back had been a barely gripping thing, but he had to. Had to keep everyone calm. What would happen otherwise? The chaos would engulf them and the madness would continue. People would die. "Headmaster, I think there is still hope..." and he looked at Herei, trying to wonder if he really could take charge of this afterall. He was still keen on the idea of going into the building after Alex and he noticed RuiZhi by his side. He offered a gentle smile at the student, his first one, and hoped he could do something for him. He looked so different from the kid who'd sat in his Lab Safety class only a short time ago.
Unfortunately, it looks like somebody had rolled a one. But this time, they wouldn't be writing an essay.
"RuiZhi, you won't stay here if I say I'm going to find Ms. Alex, will you?" It was more of a comment than a question, but he still curled the end, almost with hope that he could go for it alone and not have to worry about the others. But if he was, then he'd rather the students be with him than by themselves.
Nathaniel looked over at the students for a split second, only to hear Professor Larina barrel through the crowd towards the building and then be grabbed by Professors Araquenosse and Veilwood. They seemed to be struggling, but a word from Advisor Fang took it all away. The Brit grimaced and ruffled his golden locks of hair. What to do... what to do? And... then he was distracted.
Breaking glass. Shards everywhere. Flying. Reflecting. The whole building was not looking good. It was looking pretty done for. Hadn't anyone ever prepared for an emergency like this? Didn't the Headmaster think these things could happen? Didn't anyone think? Was there nobody with a plan?! It was a fire! Any normal fire department could've put it out by now. But the smartest damn people on the planet? No way. They sat around arguing over it's molecules.
Even Nat wished they had enough common sense. Although genius often overlooks the obvious, that was not the case for him. And when the meadow went on fire, he knew that they had to stop chatting and do. Pushing away from Jaden, but grabbing the other's hand and dragging him along closely, he stumbled over to the teachers, just like RuiZhi had.
"Forgive me for interrupting professors, but surely we have a hose? An emergency plan for a fire? A sprinkler system?" He wasn't trying to be rude. No. He'd never be rude in front of a teacher. It was a soft and helpful voice, attached to any one of the teachers who would listen. Any one of them. His emerald eyes were partially fearful, his mask slightly cracked. This school was his only hope.
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 5:05 pm
What should I do? What can I do? There's gotta be something... anything? So many thoughts ran through the young boy's mind as he stood in shock before the flames. Everything at this point was moving so fast it was like watching a movie as the people screamed, hissed and darted about around him. He had vaguely noticed a woman runnning back into the building, her name screamed in the process. His head shot toward the action taking place where he stepped forward for a moment. But what could he do? It was the fear that caught him and siezed his steps. His hands and brow forming a sheen of sweat, his heart racing, pulse pumping... It was then that his footsteps moved backwards he was frightened that much was sure. Almost everything around him suddenly began to move in slow motion as he saw people talking but heard no words, he saw them moving and reacting but he did not follow. His eyes caught with another boy but he quickly turned his gaze away in shame.
He didn't know anyone around him and that only upset him more...
More explosions... more fire. When would this end? Nash looked up eyes wide at the horrific accounts taking place before him. His head was spinning at this point but a familiar voice spoke up through the crowd. The slow motion effect slowly wearing out as his gaze scanned the small group to fall on the headmaster. Like a beakon in a sea of darkness, Nash suddenly felt better. It wasn't unusual for a boy with no father to look to the next available candidate as a potential father figure. Still he didn't want the man to see him in such a state. Straightening his back and trying for all the world not to let his fears show through his eyes he listened to the man. With the fire spreading there was no time to have a panic attack it wouldn't help the situation. And so he balled his hands into fist to gather his courage.
Again his eyes fell upon the taller boy (Alex) near him. "I-I want to help but... " No time for talking it appeared it was time to take action.
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 5:16 pm
The brunette had put his hand upon his little brother's head as soon as he was within reaching range, grateful that they could do something. The smoke was starting to engulf his senses and he pulled his shirt over his nose and mouth. Another blast interrupted them. He turned and growled, raking a hand through his hair. This was just so annoying. He wanted to get Alex and who ever was in there out and he wanted to go collapse into a warm bed and not think about this.
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 5:20 pm
RuiZhi watched another part of the building explode, engulfing the near by fields in flame. Turning his surprisingly serene face to Ardanay, he shook his head in response, his smile thin. "No, Professor. More than not being willing to stay put, I'm not willing to let someone else go in there alone. If I rolled a one, I would have told you that, too," he unintentionally voiced the older man's thoughts.
He glanced to Weiyuan, and then to Scyeth, back to Ardanay. Taking a few steps towards the side of the building, he looked at those gathered near by. "Let them take care of the rest. Fields can grow back...buildings can be rebuilt. But..." Lives are gone forever, he wanted to say, but he couldn't. RuiZhi looked at Ardanay pleadingly. Let the other teachers take care of it; their building was burning, and was going to take the life of at least two people if they kept standing around watching their world turn to ash.
Waiting for answers wasn't going to make the situation any better. They were the answer.
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 5:46 pm
He heard a new voice beside him and Sasha looked to see a new boy watching the blaze. Sasha held his soft fur hat over his mouth out of a self-conscious habit and worried whether he should speak up or not. As if he had answers. Alexander was probably more in the dark than most of these students as they seemed to have much more of a resolve to help than he did.
Which was sad. This was his home now, whether that scared him or not and he needed to protect it or else where would he go? Pulling his hat down from his lips, he stepped closer to Nash. "... Me too..." He just hoped the teachers would pull together and do something.
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 6:01 pm
Scyeth followed after RuiZhi dutifully, letting the Chinese youth grip his hand as the professor began to explain a plan. Scyeth still didn't like him. Scyeth really did not like him, but that was something he'd have to put aside for the moment. So was the fact he was also grouped with Smartmouth McGee over there. Micajah. Whatever the hell his name was.
And then something exploded.
Scyeth jolted, shielding his face from the smoke and flying debris. He coughed and shook his head, sparing Weiyuan a glance before looking back to the professor. "We need to go now," he commented quietly. If they were going in, they had better not waste anytime. It shouldn't matter what the Headmaster had to say at this point. Chaos had broken loose. Either they were going to take matters into their own hands and save the day, or they weren't and the building would burn, people would die and the survivors would be sent home, because hell, if they couldn't at least save their own, they weren't much of saviors, were they?
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 6:22 pm
The explosion hadn't really caught Micajah off guard, as he was prepared for loud noises to come out from something such as a fire, but it wouldn't be fair to say that he wasn't completely expecting it either. The sound jarred him from his thoughts of what he could and could not do to aid in this situation, having been paired in a rag-tag group consists of the two Asian youths, the human Sparkler, and a teacher, and he winced a bit as he stuck a finger in his ear in an effort to alleviate the ringing.
Great. More dead ear cells to let me know I'll probably never hear that frequency again. Bugger.
"I do agree with you, Scyeth. We need to get moving before anything else should come to pass. Professor, what should we do now?"
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 6:33 pm
Herei shook his head. No. No, no, no. "You are not taking students into the building, Professor," he said firmly, smiling at the Head of the Science Department. What was he thinking, exactly, taking students into a burning, collapsing building? They were responsible for the boys' lives. This was not okay. "I suggest you help the rest of us contain the fire instead and please keep the boys away from the building."
With that, he turned and looked for the rest of the boys. "Does anyone have a match or a lighter?" he asked, looking around. A strange question, but you never knew with the smart ones. "Or an ability to create a spark?" Anything would do. If they could get a backburn going and put it out, the fire would have nothing left to burn. And it would die. It was risky, but they'd have to take some chances, at this point. There was very little left to do.
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 6:53 pm
"And you would like to burn more things down Advisor Fang?" Ardanay replied calmly, coolly. Obviously he knew very well they should not be taking students into the building. But he had all intentions of going in and trying to figure it out from the inside. Nobody would say he stood outside while his department burned with people inside. Sure, the fire could burn forward. But the building was caving in! With people inside! And if he went in, he knew the students would follow.
But of course... there was a point. They could stop the students. He could go himself. Then it would be one less teacher to watch them while they fought fires. Alex was an adult herself, wasn't she? None of this boded well with Ardanay but it was quickly becoming clear that his plan was indeed impulse and not going to work. He folded his arms, looking back towards the building, and then at the students, and shook his head. Pointless. The door could be locked. And it would definitely be dangerous. He'd rather go himself... but that wasn't possible. They'd follow for sure. So he had to stay. How might he? Backfire? Burn everything else? It still had the building to eat up... with people. He was sure that the fire liked people. Nice and burnt. Frowning, it was a gruesome thought. And not at all welcome.
Nathaniel didn't quite know what was going on anymore, but he wanted to be a part of the group to organize the chaos.
Unfortunately, he didn't understand the phrase 'fight fire with fire' and so the idea of creating another fire seemed worse than anything else. Not that he'd help with it anyway: he was only wearing pajamas. And unless he was a pyro, which he knew he wasn't, he didn't have a lighter on him. Ruffling his brown hair with a sigh, he looked at Alex and Nash who were banding together also near the teachers. He didn't know them, but he felt like the crisis brought them together.
"Trust their decision..." Nat offered, wondering if he himself even believed it. His mask, although a little broken, was in full play now. Not even Jaden was allowed behind it right now. That could ruin it all. Especially because Nat needed Jaden to stay safe. He needed the blonde to be okay more than himself. And so, he squeezed the other's hand a little tighter, and kept waiting. There had to be something else they could do!
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 7:13 pm
Well, this is rather dumb isn't it? Even adults like these can't make their minds up, and rather now we've got two people in there probably dying from smoke inhalation as we chatter and act.
But still.
"He can make sparks."
Micajah raised an eyebrow and pointed at Scyeth without any hesitation, the look on his face mirroring one of a kid ratting another out towards an adult figure. It was the classical 'he did it' look, mixed in with amusement.
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 7:17 pm
Dr. Kenth Larine didn't need to ask what happened after just returning from the annual international health conference. From the helicopter he could already see the science building set ablaze.
Perfect. Just...perfect.
The doctor was glad that he still had the laptop with him, and some of the back-up files were at his dorm. On a personal level, there wasn't much loss...Regardless, Kenth rushed to the scene as soon as he got off the helicopter simply to show that he cared just a little bit.
"What is going on?" Kenth asked when he arrived in front of the burning building. He wanted to know how it happened rather than what he had actually said, however.
"Dr. Kenth!" Norman turned around and was the first person to respond. "There was...an explosion of sorts, and..."
"Dr. Kenth!" It was Lorioth this time who called. The poor doctor was nearly in tears when he ran up to Kenth. "Please! There must be something! We can't get near the building, there's simply too much heat for a human to bear and there are two people still trapped in there! There must be a way to save them, Lina and Alex..."
In midst of the chaotic speeches and loud noises Kenth wasn't sure he had understood what Lorioth just said. But one thing stood out and stabbed at the doctor like a brutally sharpened knife. Kenth stood quietly, shocked for several seconds before actually registering the current situation.
Alex is still inside.
With a swift motion Kenth reached out and grabbed Norman's collar, pulling him up close. "Send someone...call a rescue team, do SOMETHING."
"THESE ARE YOUR EMPLOYEES! TWO HUMAN BEINGS ARE DYING IN THERE!!!" Norman's words clearly didn't reach Kenth's ears. The doctor shouted back, already lost his logic and patience.
"Dr. Kenth, you must consider the difficult situation here." Herei demanded. "The temperature around and within the building probably could roast anyone alive. The doors are too dangerously hot to touch, and breaking the windows will only cause more fire to outburst. We don't know if Alex is with Lina. But if they are both in the animal room, which Lorioth said wouldn't be on fire for several hours, they should still be safe. Right now, we are doing our best to put out the fire and prevent it from spreading. We expect you to cooperate."
Kenth grinded his teeth. "Several hours. So you are just going to let them suffer."
Herei smiled grimly. "We are all suffering right now, believe me. Our current feelings are the same."
The doctor fell silent. Releasing Norman, his hand clenched into fists. Some of what Herei said was unfortunately the truth, but there was one thing the advisor was wrong...Kenth felt like he was suffering much more than others, his mind clouded with despair.
I owe her my life, but now she's dying...
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 7:42 pm
A lighter.
"Ah!" For the first time this hellish night he was grateful to have brought his hat. He turned it over quickly and dug his fingers into the little pocket beside each flap. Uhp, first one was empty. He tried the other.
Aha!
He pulled out a flimsy half used Russian matchbook and pushed past the few students gathered around a Chinese teacher, presenting his discovery. His brother and he always had an endless supply of matches back home to light lanterns and fires every night lest they freeze to death. "I... dunno how old they are, but--" Well, nothing more needed to be said. He handed them over readily, and a sense of pride washed over him. He finally felt worth something. And of course the one time he stepped forward on his own, his brother wasn't here to see.
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:00 pm
Herei blinked and took the match from the boy. "Wonderful," he murmured, flashing Alex a warm grin. Finally! Finally, they were getting somewhere. So without a moment to lose, Herei started to usher everyone away from where the grass fire had started. "We're starting a back burn!" he called. No need to get anyone else needlessly trapped in the fires. Once he was sure everyone was a safe distance away, Herei struck a match and started to light small patches of grass, creating a small arc. Yes, it was small. But they could manage it. "Make sure the wind carries it towards the fire," he instructed. "If you see it straying, snuff it out!" It was certainly small enough that dirt-kicking or stomping (for the students with shoes) would put an end to its feeble life.
A gust of wind picked up just then and Herei nodded, watching his little fire burn towards the inferno and use up fodder. Perfect.
Scyeth was surprised when the Advisor put an end to their brash plan, but really, the more he thought about it, the stupider it sounded. He was shirtless and in loose pajama pants. He'd go up faster than a torch. And with that thought, the blond shuffled and began to steer (or drag) his Chinese friend away from the door. "We can help with the back burn for now," he muttered. He could never understand what RuiZhi was going through, but he had to try and keep him safe, at any rate. "We can't...just wait a little longer." There wasn't much else to say. Wasn't much else he could offer. But that was what he had, and he'd stick to his guns as he started to drag RuiZhi over to help with Herei's plan.
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:21 pm
Micajah was more than glad to actually be doing something now, something other than standing around and getting a nice tan thanks to the heat of the flames that warmed his snow-white chest like a marshmallow to a fire. He was sure tomorrow or even later that day he'd feel sore and itchy when he tried to pull a shirt over his shoulders, but for now there wasn't anything to be done about it.
So instead he busied himself as this new Professor, one who seemed to have at least a remote idea of what was going on, instructed him to do so and he found he enjoyed stomping at the ground with the flip flops he wore on his feet. They made a pleasant sound when they hit the little tufts of fire that went out too far, and the smell of melting plastic that they left behind wasn't all that bad as well.
It seems like things are calming down considerably since that teacher, I think his name is Professor Larine?, came and let everyone take a piece of his mind. I wonder why someone didn't let everyone know about that earlier and this could have gotten done faster.
He went about his business, all the while making his way closer to the Russian boy he'd first spoken to, the one who'd had the matches. Curiosity was getting the better of him, naturally, as Micajah found it odd that someone should and would carry a packet of matches around with them...in their hat. Not that he could talk about carrying odd things, what with his sewing kit always in his pocket or at least nearby, but...
"Hey, Alex is it? Why did you happen to have matches?"
Dumb question, but what did it matter?
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:28 pm
RuiZhi allowed himself to be drawn away, if not only because there was nothing else to be done. He stared at that burning point in the building, unable to get his head around the fact that people were up there...and they were down here. He had missed Kenth in all the excitement, which was just as well, as the boy was beginning to feel apathetic again. At least he'd sleep well after this emotional roller coaster, no matter how it ended.
With his bare feet and bare chest, he could not help, and even if he could, he might not. His mind felt numb, his skin heated from the flames and cool from the light bit of sweat that his adrenaline had brought forth. Still feeling utterly helpless, the young boy finally moved to sit down, eyes locked on the burning building. If one more thing exploded...he didn't know what he'd do, but he guessed it'd include a lot of screaming and being hauled off.
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