THIS IS WAR ,, SITE-WIDE PLOT

[alexandre]

[Pretty much everyone should reply to this with an In-Character reaction, as well as a little note announcing who your character is siding with.]

Alexandre was slumbering peacefully in the dormitories when the knock sounded on his door. It was quiet at first, easy to ignore. The teenager opted to simply cover his head with a pillow and release a muffled groan into the fabric of his mattress. I don't care who you are, I'm not in the mood. He'd stayed up almost all of last night cramming for a stupid test on Monday and he sure as hell wasn't moving an inch. Today was a weekend and that meant he could sleep in all he wanted. He even planned to miss breakfast if possible. Alex didn't usually skip meals or anything, but these circumstances were pretty damned special. Alexandre Blackthorn did not study. At least not with any regularity. He was the type that was fully capable of leaving everything until last minute and then scraping a pass. His grades weren't great, but he wasn't failing. He'd only failed his sophomore year because of the stint in juvenile hall.

"Alex, open the fucking door!"

BANG, BANG, BANG!

The sound reverberated around the small room, assaulting his ears and making him cringe into the bed. "Ugh, fine," he snapped, not in the mood for whomever it was to bust his door in SWAT-style. He slid out of bed and yanked the door open unceremoniously, bags under his eyes and his hair sticking up in all manner of odd angles. The very angry female Fire leader lost her rage for a moment as she giggled, but regained seriousness when she caught his glaring expression. "The fuck do you want? You woke me up." Alexandre usually wasn't a very nasty person to those he got along with, but if you caught him on a bad morning you were in for something special. Alex Blackthorn was not a morning person.

"Cyn is dead. An Earth student killed her. The Thunder element has declared war."

- - -

Half an hour later and you never would have guessed the state Alexandre was in when he'd been awoken. He'd showered, brushed his hair, and changed into something more applicable than pyjamas. He sat with a scowl in the common room of the Thunder dormitories, never having been in here before but having absolutely no time to admire the windows that encircled the room. "You're vying for the support of my element, I take it." It wasn't even a question, but the male Thunder leader nodded regardless. He looked upset, something that made sense. He didn't know if the boy had been friends with Cyn, but losing your partner would still be pretty shocking. It was upset in the Thunder elemental sense of the word however--he was quieter than usual, but there were no tears or even lip bitings to be seen. "Well you've got it. Nell Shepherd must be taken down by order of the alliance."

His own female counterpart voiced her agreement, and the temporary stand-in leader for female Thunder did the same. With simple words, the pact was made and the blacklist now included a new name: the name of an Earth girl who probably knew very little about Cynthia Bainbridge, but whom was now being called her killer. It was announced at breakfast. The attention of most was grabbed when the four of the Thunder/Fire Alliance walked in together, something which was very rare, but panic was solidified when the male Thunder leader called the attention of the room. "It has come to our attention that the death of our leader, Cynthia Bainbridge, was no accident." A ripple went through the students, worried whispers and friends turning to their groups to chatter. "In fact, it has been reported to us by a very trusted source that her death was in fact a murder." The boy was going for dramatic effect, and it seemed to be working. Alex leaned against the edge of a table and waited. "Not only that," he went on, "but the murderer sits in this room, enjoying her breakfast with you all." He sneered. "Your cover has been blown, Nell Shepherd. Did you think we wouldn't expose you for what you were? A murderer?"

Alexandre knew nothing of this Nell girl, only what he'd been told--one of the Thunder students had been a witness to the murder and Cyn herself had named the assailant. So Alex was trusting his allies and placing some firepower (pun intended) in their side of the ball court. "We're not going to let this go," the male leader continued on. "The Thunder element hereby declares war against Nell Shepherd and all those who desire to protect her. This war will only last for as long as it takes to rid our beloved Academy of this threat. The longer you shelter the murderer, the longer this hunt for blood will last." He glanced expectantly to Alexandre then, and the Fire leader was calm as he spoke. "The element of Fire is in agreement to this proclamation of war, and we will stand beside our allies for as long as it takes." His female counterpart voiced her agreement, then Alex went on, "Any Fire elemental who stands against our cause will not be welcome amongst us." The male Thunder leader nodded. "The same goes for my element," he said darkly. "All those who chose to protect my enemy become my enemy."

[Alexandre Blackthorn is very clearly in the Thunder/Fire alliance xD]

[vladimir]

Vladimir dropped his tray of food when he heard... Cynthia was dead he had met her a few times but She wasnt the nicest but murdered? he hadnt seen that one coming. Vlad became angered when he heard that the murderer was sitting in their room he sent his tray flying across the room with full force of his element behind it. The tray smashed and fell perfectly into a trashcan. He heard the name nell and looked around for her. He had seen her hanging out with freshmen there was no way she was a murderer... She was an earth for god's sake! They were the peacekeepers! Vladimir walked right up to alexandre [glow=silver,2,300]"Blackthorn are you insane? Are you really beliving an earth is a murderer?"[/glow] With that vladimir took off not waiting for an answer he had to think There was always the element to think about when he took the stand in position it wasnt about himself anymore and he had to think of everyone else even the female wind leader Philomena dae bird. He could only think of one way to make sure that he didnt just royal fuck his element... He had to step down from wind leader.

[OOC] The silver glow is what i decided to use to show that Vlad's really mad and has a insulting tone. VLAD Is supporting Nell.[END OOC]

[NELL DOE DALE]

Nell decided instantly upon waking up that today was going to be a good day. Which usually happened anyway, but she would go out of her way to make sure it held true. And she would start with breakfast, since it’s the most important meal of the day. And she just loved it. Approaching her usual table of friends, her tray was stacked with everything she could get her hands on. ”Food, glorious food,” she singsonged as she sat down. ”Hot bacon and toast…” She then giggled before starting in on her meal. So far, her day had been successful: her father hadn’t called yet, she bloomed some flowers in the dormitory, and her outlook as usual was bright. Which is why—to the chagrin of some of her less enthusiastic friends—she hummed as she ate.

But there was also a rather disturbing rumor going around. Except it wasn’t a rumor. It was a fact that the Thunder leader, Cynthia Bainbridge had died last night. Nell had long since attached the face to the name, learning that her one-time bully was in fact the Thunder leader. But as quickly as she’d made the connection, she’d forgotten about it. She didn’t hold grudges. And so she felt greatly sympathetic toward the Thunder students for their loss. Any loss of life was devastating, though it also proved as fodder for the rumor mill, unfortunately. People liked such scandal, but she’d kept respectfully silent about the whole ordeal that had spread like wildfire after just one night.

There was a lull in conversation as she thought about the tragedy when the leaders made their entrance. The four of them together, all serious faced and looking rather intimidating. She vaguely recognized a few of the leaders, and conversation around her revealed them to be Thunder and Fire. Nell didn’t pay much mind to it, too absorbed with food, but they certainly drew in the attention of other breakfast-goers. It wasn’t common that you got these four very-important people making an appearance together.

And then the male Thunder leader spoke.

It was about Cynthia, and how apparently her death was not an ‘accident’. Nell’s sympathy for the other students—people who must have been her friends, especially her family—when it was revealed she had been murdered. She stopped eating out of respect now, and folded her arms on the table as the Thunder leader paused for melodrama. A murderer among them? Oh dear, that’s not good, though if I were to admit I am one. Though I’d never hurt anyone, I’ve made sure not to get into fights—

Her thought process stopped as she heard her name, and she was pretty sure for a second there that her heart stalled. She could feel everything in her slow to a stop, like an amusement park closing down for the day. Turning her eyes up to look at the leaders very intently now, she couldn’t hide the shock in her face. Nell barely noticed her friends looking over to her for answers, confusion now apparent. Cover…blown? They couldn’t mean to say… They were blaming her for Cynthia’s murder? Something in the way the leader had phrased it stabbed her in the gut, because there was more truth in the words than anyone in the mess hall thought. But she did not kill Cynthia. What even got that in their heads? What would make them suspect that she of all people murdered the Thunder leader?

Shock now gone, it was replaced by exasperation and a tingling a fear. Especially when it came to the declaration of war. She had to pause again to take that in, the fact that they even used the word. Ashton had told her about wars, tensions between elements and the such, but to actually see it in action. And because she was blamed for killing someone? Nell wanted to stand and declare just how ludicrous this was, that she wasn’t even anywhere near Cynthia last night, and to stop being so damn dramatic when the Thunder alliance should be mourning the loss of one of their own. But no, it wouldn’t do to draw any more attention to herself. Though it was rather difficult now with glances passing between her and the leaders accusing her of murder. There was no way to just fade into the background, so she sat silently, staring up front with an irritated and still-confused expression.

Hunt for my blood? My god, this was just…no, she would not go through this again, especially for something she didn’t do this time. She already had people out for her for a crime she did commit, she didn’t want this. She felt cold dread lace up her spine and through her gut. Maybe she should have eaten so much. War. As much as she’d like to believe this was just the leaders overreacting, even she understood the gravity of the situation. One didn’t just declare war willy-nilly, and the leaders up front looked like serious business. The male Fire leader went on to state their allegiance to Thunder during this time (of course, they’re allies) with the female’s agreement. This is goddamn war. They were choosing sides and declaring those who stand against them as enemies and this was all just too much.

Who she recognized as the male Wind leader—Phil’s counterpart—called the Fire leader out and immediately afterward stormed off. And she decided to follow suit. Nell stood up, still silent and still with a blank expression, and moved to walk out of the lunchroom. Did it look suspicious? She didn’t even care. She wasn’t just going to sit there like a stunned idiot while she was being accused of a murder she did not commit. And besides, this is how she dealt with problems: walking away from them, ignoring them. But as she exited, she knew it wasn’t over. War. What was going to happen from here? What was a war even like? It’s certainly not good, she thought grimly. Her day had plummeted from good to very, very bad.



(I think Nell may be on Earth's side for this. >.> xD)

[marci5]

Lissa didn't do mornings. Her usual spunk waited until the third hour she'd been awake to show through her tired exterior, making her move slowly and think even more slowly. Not to mention, she usually slept so late that she barely had time to run her hands through her hair, change, and brush her teeth before she ran down to the cafeteria. But this morning....this morning had been different. Cynthia Bainbridge had been very nice to her, helping her out when she was a freshman and even until she was found dead that past night. She hadn't been able to sleep that night, just sitting on her side of her bed silently. She figured many of the thunder student had done that, fighting their own anger, fear, and grief in their own silent ways.

She had finally come out of her dorm to find the fire leader sitting in the common room. Stunned, she'd just looked on for several moment before the stand-in female thunder leader waved her own. She got a commanding look, dull from the grief but intense with muted rage. So Lissa had nodded quickly and wordlessly, skirting past them and hurrying her way into the cafeteria. Her wind was reeling, however. What were the fire leaders doing in the thunder dorm? Was that usual for when their allies' people were lost? Was it just condolences? No, she decided. It couldn't be. They looked too grim, too determined about something for that.

She barely thought about what she got on her plate, nor where she sat. She was racking her brain for some sort of clue she might have seen or heard. What was this? She started eating mindlessly, eyes riveted to the entrance to the hall, waiting for one of her leaders to enter. But it seemed to take forever. And her usual gaggle of friend just kept talking animatedly. What was wrong with them? Xouldn't they see something was wrong?

When the leaders finally did was in, there was an impressive spectacle. The entire hall of kids stopped moving and just stared at them. They hung onto every word, all including Lissa, as the situation was explained. She didn't cry, not in times like these, so when they announced that Cyn had been murdered she accidentally shocked her friend. Then they pointed out the perpetrator, and she turned with everyone else to stare. Nell. Nell Shepherd. She'd seen her a few times, but they hadn't really interacted. But...killed someone? Killed Cyn? Did they really think she could do that?

Lissa couldn't decide what she believed. She didn't think they would lie. They could have made it up, but it was too real. The tension was too deep, the expressions on their faces quiet and wrathful, not raging and angry like one would make it if they were pretending. So could they have gotten it wrong? But they wouldn't say anything like this without proof, right? Real proof? Lissa wanted someone to call out and ask what proof they had, but she didn't dare herself. She couldn't call attention to herself. In a critical moment like this, she wouldn't be forgiven for undermining her own leader's authority.

But all of her troubling thoughts halted when they made their last announcement. Slowly, she looked at Nell again. Then she looked at her leaders and the fire leaders. She would be dead meat if she was kicked out by her element. She didn't have anywhere else to go. The earths and waters wouldn't take her—she was a thunder! So she stood up slowly, feeling all eyes on her, and walked slowly over to take up a position behind her leaders, silently showing that she would back them up. She hated this, hated putting herself in a position wher she would have to hurt someone, but she needed her people.

((Lissa chooses Thunder))

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[JOSHUA DONOVAN DALE]

It wasn't surprising to see Joshua pouring over a study book even though they were in the middle of breakfast, a cup of tea in one hand as the other worked on flipping pages. He'd ate a quick breakfast and then got straight down to cramming for his classes, nothing apart from the usual. Joshua wasn't into gossip and rumour, so anything about the female Thunder leader's death had went straight over his head. Josh was immersed in his own little world, with little care as to what went on at the Academy now that he had efficiently distanced himself from politics. He cared enough about minding the boundaries that he didn't flaunt his friendship with Jake, but that was more for Jake's sake than his own. Jake was the leader, and he needed his element to rely on him. Josh's time as a leader was over and done. They weren't that fond of him to begin with. They had only liked his strengths and what they thought that he could do for them.

When the four walked in looking as if they meant business, Josh's eyes were on the text. The words almost seemed to be blurring together in his exhaustion from having no sleep the previous night, but the Fire graduate just shook his head and downed two generous swallows of his drink, hoping that the caffeine could jolt him back into a more functional state. He didn't have any classes, but he certainly didn't plan to fail the test that he had coming up in tomorrows lesson. As per usual, the graduate sat alone and didn't so much as glance up periodically to see what was going on around him. Frankly, Josh didn't care about the Academy and its happenings like some did. This was a place to learn, but it would never be the second home that many saw it as. He'd never made everlasting and possibly lifelong friendships here. He'd just came into its ranks and would leave them just as easily when his time for true graduation came.

A mild sigh brushed past his lips, and he just happened to glance upward when he heard the loud voice of the Thunder leader calling out for the attention of the Academy. Oh? What's this? Hand went slack and allowed the half-turned page to fall back onto its sisters as Joshua tuned in on the words. His expression flashed with surprise as they spoke of Cyn's death. No one else seemed surprised following a quick scan of the room, and he mentally smacked himself for not paying attention. At the word 'murder', he was even more thrown for a loop. He'd known Cynthia could be a bit of a bitch (even though they'd... gotten along... quite well) but not enough to warrant murder. He was almost in agreement with the Thunder element, until...

What.

If he'd spoken aloud, it would have been a flat and toneless word. Nell? Shepherd? No. No way. His expression was unreadable, but as seconds passed it slipped from neutral to scowling. He could see the Fire leaders hanging out casually as the Thunder element called a fucking war against Nell, then stepping up to agree with them. He glanced around almost sub-consciously to see Nell looking just as shocked and horrified as he was. There's no way she could have--just no. But Alexandre certainly seemed convinced. Nell left in a hurry and Joshua frankly didn't blame her. They would be on the attack from now on. He had a feeling there was one thing on Thunder's mind: an eye for an eye. They want to kill her.

Joshua stood up, his study material forgotten. "You've just lost some of your firepower, Blackthorn," he said shortly to the Fire leader as he passed on the way out of the mess hall. "You'd best hope you don't regret it."

[Josh is oh so totally with Nell. <3]

[alexander]

Alex had been eating his food and talking to the person sitting next to him when the fire and thunder leaders came in. That one must be Alexandre he said to himself looking at the fire leader. When they announced that Cynthia the thunder leader had died he felt the pain of everyone who was close to her as old memories and emotions came back to him before they said it was murder he had already got up to throw his food away. He didnt have an appetite already then they said the word 'Murderer' When he heard Nell's name he lost it and he felt a tear go down his cheek wiping it off of his cheek he watched nell leave. Alexander followed suit but glared at the much older Alexandre as he took left. When he was in the hall he started back towards the dorms sprinting. War had been declared he was a freshmen that couldnt control his power good and war had been declared he felt the water or earth dorms were the only safe places for him now and it felt bad.

ALEXANDER IS WITH THE WATER AND EARTHS.

[marci]

Ugh, the mess hall never got better. She couldn't learn it, because things got moved around so darn often. The tables would be two feet apart, then six feet apart, then ten feet apart. And don't even start her on the chairs! God! It was like all the students intentionally formed a totally new labyrinth for her at every meal. Elaine was not in any better a mood in this sit down than she would be in any other. Indeed, it was worse today, because she had stayed up half the night trying to find a book she'd lost. She couldn't read braille with her wind, so she'd had to locate books with her wind and then read them, and then it had't been there...it was just bad.

Elaine sat on her own after a couple minutes of meandering to a table. Since Alex wasn't there, she didn't feel right sitting with his crowd like she sometimes did these days. She was tempted to sit with Josh, who she'd seen with a cursory wind on her way into the building, but he was very much involved with some book, so she skirted to the very end of the table he sat on, giving him room to read and starting to eat in silence. As per usual, she set her food out at even intervals, so she could reach them without missing or accidentally getting another. Then she tuned out the chatter and started in on her nameless food.

It was not hard, however, for the blind girl to note the silence that swept over the place. No one spoke, and she certainly couldn't see the reason, so she lifted a hand and sent a slow breeze through the room. Alex. Her face brightened a little on reflex. Then it fell into grimness. He was with three other people, and the very air of the room was starting to spark with the tensity of the moment. This was a big matter. Which made her insides turn. What had happened? What side of Alex would she see right now, what would he do in front of this great gathering of people?

A blank expression came over her face when the one guy spoke, and it only grew more and more withdrawn and intense with every word that was uttered. Killed? Murder. Cynthia Bainbridge, a young woman would had caused Elaine more discomfort than had ever been necessary, had been murdered. Not even Elaine could like that thought. It was horrid, it was vile. Who would kill? She reached for her drink, meaning to take a swing to quench a sudden onset of thirst and stand to question them. But then they announced who had done this.

The bottle of orange juice fell from her hand, hitting the floor with a loud bang. The top popped off and orange juice went everywhere, but for one Elaine didn't notice. She hadn't been facing the four who had entered before, but when Nell's name was called out she stood, turned, and fixed her sightless eyes on Alexandre. Her face was devoid of emotion, but the wind in the air picked up a little, starting to lift hair and ruffle clothing. Nell. Nell! Elaine had once promised herself never to say a bad word about a friends in her life, but this was idiotic! Nell wouldn't kill anyone! Elaine had been Nell's friend long enough to know this.

Minutes passed before she was able to control her feelings enough to calm the winds that had been starting up. War. She continued to stare straight at Alex, wishing she could show him her thoughts. It couldn't be Nell. It would never be Nell, ever. They didn't need to start this war! But as much as Elaine found herself wanted to be by her friend's side on this, she couldn't get Alex out of her head. She couldn't fight him. She'd never fight him, ever, and it would kill her to have him attack her. She couldn't get involved. God, she was a terrible friend.

((Elaine is Neutral))

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[marci4]

Em was having a good morning. She was able to get up early, take a shower, use her multitude of hair products, brush her teeth, dry her hair, and get dressed up in a very cute outfit all before the cafeteria even opened for breakfast. She lounged in the common room for several minutes, thinking about things, including Xav, how hilariously her brother might react if he heard who she'd chosen as a probable boyfriend, and the like. It had her grinning and laughing, but then the leaders passed her.

She hung out with Alex regularly enough—enough to know that he was not a morning person. So when he walked past her with the fire leader, grim and intent, with perfectly brushed hair and teeth, she knew something was up. Em asked what they were doing, but they ignored her. She had to hear from the gossip of the girls in the dorms that Cynthia Bainbridge was dead, and that there was some sort of scandal tacked onto that. Dripping with curiosity, Emilia decided that the best place to hear of any news would be the cafeteria, so she ran down there immediately.

She ate a very small breakfast and waited for them to enter. She was fidgeting and bouncing a little, completely out of character as she tried to keep up a conversation with her friends. But every so often she would glance hopefully at someone entering the mess, only to have her hopes dashed again and again. God! This was killing her! What the hell was up with this? Finally, however, they entered, along with the thunder leader and thunder stand-in. Emilia shushed her friends and pointed to them immediately, feeling a bit of the tension that the four leaders brought into the room.

She was on the edge of her seat during the entire time the thunder leader was speaking, but she stood up with a startled cry when he pointed out the murderer. Her gaze was filled with hate and incrimination was she glared at Nell, feeling her fingers heat up with the power it would take to form real fire. She might have actually let loose some fire if her friends had not been between her and her target. As it was, she yelled out, ”You murderer! You'll pay for this, bitch!”

Again, she would have spat had her friends not been in the way. But she kept her fiery gaze of Nell as the leaders continued to speak, following the girl under the earth student had fled beyond her sight. What a bitch! She deserved what they were going to give her, and so did anyone who tried to protect her. Emilia would show no mercy! She was a little put in her place when Joshua Dale stood and proclaimed that he was going to side with Nell, a little twinge of fear in her stomach as she watched him leave. But that would not be enough to sway her.

She looked at Alex, addressing him, ”You have my support.” Then a thunder girl stood and made her way over to the leaders, positioning herself behind them in a sort of supportive gesture. Liking the idea, Em strode of with confidence and put herself shoulder to shoulder with the female fire leader. She looked out among the other students in the mess, challenging them to do the same.

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[shiloh]

The morning had started off pretty normal for Harley. She was enjoying her breakfast at the far end of the table. She had her ipod plunged into her ears, and was studying for a test she had later. Sure, she probably should've studied before, but how could she when everyone was whispering about Cynthia. Harley hadn't known her very well, but she felt bad. She hadn't been able to study because people just wouldn't mind their own damn buisness. Harley huffed, and closed the book. She gave up. She let her green eyes wander the mess hall, and saw Josh doing what she had been doing moments ago. Except with him, he always seemed to be studying. Harley shrugged, and played with her cereal.

She glanced up when she saw the Fire Leaders, and the male Thunder leader with the temporary female leader. "Oh, this should be swell," thought Harley. She took out her head phones to listen, though she hated school politics. She sighed, and leaned against her elbow as the Thunder male boomed, and called everyone to attention. He began to talk about Cynthia, and how she had been murdered. Harley looked genuinly shocked at this news. "Sure they wouldn't...", Harley thought.


When she heard a name be called, and accused of murder, Harley knew that war was going to be declared. She also knew that Fire would take with Thunder, as they always do. Harley groaned, and wanted nothing to do with this. Why?! From the corner of her eye, Harley saw a girl get up, and walk out. She quickly turned back as people started to side with whom ever. What shocked her the most was when Josh stood up, and said he was against them. Her green eyes became overly large as she watched him stalk out after the girl. Harley was confused. She wanted to side with her element, but Josh must've had a good reason, right?

Harley stood up, and looked toward the leaders. She trusted Josh a hell of a lot more than Alexandre Blackthorn. Harley cleared her throat, and said, "Blackthorn, you've just lost another major player in your war."

[/color] Harley walked out after Joshua, and didn't look back.

[harley sides with nell]
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[AMBER SAVANNAH JAMES AMBROSE]

Ace was happily eating breakfast with his friends. He was eating his favorite breakfast food item, a slice of toast covered in bacon, an over easy egg, some salt and pepper, and another slice of toast. It was his favorite and the only reason he had gotten up this early. He had gotten up without fixing his hair so it was all over the place his eyes were half open with concentration on his food. His clothes consisted of a wrinkly t-shirt that smelled okay and a pair of jeans he wore twice that week. He was running out of quarters and need to ask his friends for some so he could do his laundry. Else he would threaten them with the thought of throwing them into his dirty laundry. Which some didn't doubt because he had done it once or twice.

He was midway into his chewing when he heard the announcement. He nearly chocked on his food. Another war! That's just amazing more work for him having to go to the medical wing. When he was in the Medical wing though he would end up helping everyone and he would help carry some students to the medical wing even if they were thunder or fire. But when he had to fight he would fight. Ace swallowed his food and shook his head.

(Ace is Neutral but leans toward the water side)

[samson]

News traveled fast, and Samson was a listener. So he quickly heard about Cyn’s death. It was quite a crushing blow to the Thunder students, though they wouldn’t allow it to show. Thunders did not cry or break down, they held a calm and stoic demeanor. And Sam did just that. Soldiered on. He hadn’t gotten along too well with the leader, not that he hadn’t respected her. He just found her a bit too abrasive for his likings. Usually he messed around with girls like that, but not her. Cyn had been his leaders. And the loss was sudden and disturbing. But so far, the only information he had was that she’d died. Nothing else.

At breakfast, he sat with his fellow Thunder students, who all solemnly ate, their expressions withdrawn and not really differing from usual. There was just this eerie kind of silence. That is, until the Thunder and Fire leaders entered, and he immediately picked up on something being wrong. He had a keen feeling on what it was, too, but he couldn’t be too sure until they spoke. And when they spoke, it was as he expected—the male Thunder leader talked about Cyn. But then came the surprising development: she’d been murdered. This got everyone’s attention, and most everyone in the cafeteria dropped their eating utensils and food to look at the leaders. And then came the name.

Samson didn’t recognize it, but eyes went toward a group of Earth students, where she must have been. An Earth student? That didn’t sound right. But that was the conclusion that the leaders had come to, and Samson supported them, along with every other Thunder who he was sitting with. He could feel a collective static-hum, a sort of vicious aura his allies were giving off. He didn’t adhere to the usual stereotypes with the affiliations. He was supposed to be enemies with Water, but he enjoyed their company. And now? Well, now it seems like that was not possible. He was loyal to the Thunders, always had been, always will be. And when it came to situations like this, he always took their side no matter what. And he always had Beatrice’s support with it. Even though she was a Water, she completely understood and encouraged his allegiances. He was a Thunder after all.

And it didn’t require any more thought for him. He continued to eat as more people left, his decision set in his mind. Would he attack the Earth girl like he knew his allies would? Probably not too viciously, but he would screw around with the Earth and Thunder. Nothing personal, though. It was just fun sport.



(Sam is with his Thunder homies, yo).

[arielle]

As soon as Arielle woke up this morning, she knew something was off. Call intuition or whatever, but her gut feeling told her that something bad had happened, or was going to happen. She got out of bed, showered, and brushed her teeth in an eerie quietness. As soon as she walked out of the bathroom, she noticed the plant on her bedside table was a little down too. That plant was special to her; it was the same one at the therapist’s office. This plant helped her in discovery her powers; she raised it from the dead and it’s been alive ever since. For some reason, ever since she brought back to life, it’s been connected to her ever since, copying how she felt and other things friends would have in common. She walked over to it and caressed it, kind of cheering it up for the day. If only someone would have done the same to her.

As the day passed, she still had that feeling that something was wrong, well her gut confirmed her sense at lunch when the Fire leader announced the death of the Thunder leader, Cynthia. She sighed and shook her head. “What a shame.” Then, the unthinkable happened: Alexandre proclaimed Nell the murder and declared war on the Earth students. Her jaw dropped as well as her fork that was in her hand. She turned to her right to look at the girl they claimed who killed Cyn: Her friend Nell, well “bffl” would be the correct term. When Nell first arrived here, they almost immediately clicked. They had so much in common, and their relationship grew stronger ever since. She looked at her best friend’s facial expression and held her hand while glaring at the fire leader.

The outburst from the fire girl nearly caused the earth student to erupt. She watched as her friend left the mess hall with a blank expression. How dare they… “This is nonsense!” She stood up sharply, nearly knocking over her tray of food. “How dare you proclaim Nell the murderer.” Anger burned through the girl, so much that for a split second, she could have sworn she was a fire student…just a split second. There’s no way she would compare herself to them, not now. Arielle hated taking sides; she really did, but this time calls for it. This time she had to take a stand for her ‘bffl’: Her Best Friend For Life. She took the term very seriously.

“You want a war big shot? You got it. You just make sure you bring it. Don’t hold back.” Seething in fury, she stormed out of the cafeteria after her friend, ignoring the looks the other students were giving her. They didn’t matter, the only one that did was Nell, and she was sure as hell was going to protect her, even if her own life was at stake.

((If it isn't obvious....Nell))

[amps]

Conrad hadn't just heard about Cynthia's death, he had been there. He had seen her in her dying moments. But unlike what the leaders were making it out to sound like, he had not actually witnessed it. In order to keep him 'safe' from those that were not allies, the Thunder leaders had opted not to reveal the name of their trusted source, and he doubted that he would have been 'trusted' if not for the fact that everyone just wanted closure and someone to blame for the death of their 'friend' and leader. They wanted a martyr to take the fall for her loss, and Nell Shepherd would be that martyr.

Had Conrad believed that Cynthia was telling the truth about the Earth girl? Well, somewhat. It had clearly been the work of an Earth elemental, but he'd hung around and watched a little of Nell and her friends. Not in a creepy stalking way--considering Conrad was homosexual and everything--just out of mild curiosity, wondering what sort of chick she was. And there didn't seem to be a drop of bad blood within her. Granted, he wasn't the most reliable judge of character, but... she was an Earth student. They radiated purity and innocence.

He could have owned up to the fact that he might have been wrong. Conrad could have approached his leaders and admitted that there might have been a mistake. But he did not. No. Instead, he blinked at the two Fire leaders seated in the common room and moved along when his own leaders nodded at the door in an indication that he was interrupting. Leaders didn't crash the dormitories of their allies for no reason. Something serious was going to take place and he was aware of it even before he reached the mess hall. Conrad sat with some of the other guys from his element, pretending to be just as confused and curious as everyone else.

They announced the war, and Conrad followed the collective gaze of the room to where Nell was sitting. She looked stunned and confused and maybe even a bit intimidated. Who wouldn't be when half of an Academy was sicced on you? But he still didn't take back what he'd said. Instead, Con got up and followed a couple of the other Thunder students to stand behind the leaders in a silent and threatening show of support.

[Conrad is being an ass, and he's siding with Thunder.]

[ASHTON CAMDEN RALEIGH]

As Ashton was standing in for the male Earth leader, he was one of the first to learn about Cynthia Bainbridge's death. It made him feel strange inside, like he was missing something he never really had to begin with. They had never interacted, never spoke. Maybe she might have glared his way a few times by chance, but even if she had Ash had never really taken notice. He wasn't the type to get into the nitty gritty fighting that politics always demanded. He was just standing in, he didn't really plan to solidify this position into anything special. He was glad to help out where he could with his element, but some things were just not a part of his personality. Like fighting. Ash was, and would forever be, a pacifist.

He hadn't seen the war coming. Truly, he hadn't. He had known that Cynthia's death had shaken up the Thunder students and that their friends in the alliance might be a little sore as well, but he hadn't expected anyone to chalk it up to murder. And Ash especially hadn't been expecting them to blame an Earth student for the crime. Even if he had, his brain blanked when they spoke the name: Nell. Nell Shepherd. The female Earth leader looked at him with concern as he dropped the bottle of water he'd been toying with, not paying any attention as it spilled and pooled on the table. "Ash?" Her soft voice sounded worried. He just shook his head. "No, not Nell," he disagreed. "She--I know her--she can't be a murderer." The shaking became more insistent until the point where he would start making himself dizzy, and then he snapped out of it. "Geez... I can't fight her. If--if you plan to... please leave me out of it?" His tone was choked and begging. "I'll resign if I have to, I just... I can't."

"It's okay," she soothed, putting a hand on his arm. "I didn't know her well, but I trust your opinion, Ash." Eyes of muted blue met his green ones. "Why don't you speak for Earth? I certainly don't plan to outcast one of our own, but you know her better than I do." It was with her quiet approval that Ashton stood up, nervously clearing his throat. "The Earth elementals stand behind the innocence of our own," he said, swallowing to stop his voice from trembling. The Fire and Thunder students were forming a small army of loyalists behind their leader and it was honestly beginning to freak him out. Calm down! he willed himself worriedly. "We will not subject Nell Shepherd to your violence, and we plan in every way to stop you from targeting the innocent. I understand that you're all grieving, but... we won't allow this."

[Speaking for Earth since there are no other leaders in it, LOL. Ashton sides with Earth, Earth sides with Nell.]

[dannica]

So, Dani's day has been great so far: the shower was finally opened for her in the morning, she received her test back and earned an "A", and she hanging with friends for the first time. Things were looking great, until four students walked in the midst of the mess hall. Their grim facial expressions told her that something bad has happened. They announced the death of the female Thunder leader, Cynthia. Dani felt bad, but not too much because she didn't know the girl personally. And from what she heard, she's really mean.

What was stated next caught her off guard completely. Nell was the murderer apparently and they wanted to declare war on the Earth students and those who are with them. Say what? No, that couldn't be.Not her Nell. Not the same one who helped her open up and make friends. They must be talking of someone else. Had to be...

But, her doubts were wrong when she saw the very Nell she hoped it wasn't walk out of the mess hall. She shook her head furiously. No. That wasn't Nell. She was set up or something. Dani knew in her heart that Nell wasn't a murderer, or a cold person at that. She could tell when she was around her that she was nice and sweet, like most Earth students. Dani didn't know much, being only 13, but she did know that Nell is innocent.


She pushed her food away, immediately loosing her appetite, and put her hand to her face. Nausea came upon the girl as thoughts of violence and war portrayed in her brain. They wanted to kill her because she supposedly killed someone else. She watched as person after person left the cafeteria announcing who they stood with and how they felt. Fear ripped through the girl as a tear fell down her face. What on earth has she come upon? A school that will openly kill a girl? Where's the justice system? Were there any in this school? In the country? She didn't know, all she knew is that she needed to get out of the place and get some air before she fainted. She stood up slowly and poured her food out in the trash. She vaguely heard the calls of her friends behind her, but she ignored them. She walked out of the mess hall like a ghost, torn between her friend, or her own safety.

(Dani is neutral for now, but is leaning towards Nell.)