-CHAPTER NINE-
•Deadly Decisions•

James woke up early that morning and headed to the armory to get some last minute practice in before the start of the survival exam. On his way, he noticed nurses and other members of staff rushing through the halls. He ignored the commotion and kept on his path until he finally arrived at his destination. He was calm, ready, and for some reason he couldn't take his mind off of Jennifer, or the night before. He had a short blade; slicing through multiple practice dummies around the room.

The static of the intercom bounced against the walls and Crowley began to speak.

"Good morning, Gifted Academy." His voice was cracked and he talked with a sense of depression.

"Something has come up and there's been a terrible accident. All of you know Principle Ronald--our friend, our mentor, our savior; also known as the "King of Veritas". He's given us all a place we can call home and for years he taught and watched over us, so that one day we would be ready to go back out on our own and experience the world outside the Land of Tranquility peacefully. He's always had a place in our hearts and that's why it pains me to inform you all that Principle Ronald was found dead in his office this morning. We have no further information on who did this or why, but we will find out and they will be dealt with."

He cleared his throat.

"Also there has been a change of plans. The date of the exams that was scheduled for next week will now be taken will be taken today, so do what you have to do to prepare yourselves. We have special guests coming this afternoon and I want them to see the very best in Gifted Academy; even when faced with terrifying news. The exam will start in one hour. Be ready for anything."

The intercom shut off and left James in a state of shock. He couldn't believe what he had heard. He knew that if he was hurt, William must have been taking the news the worst. James rushed to the cafeteria; the halls were quiet and empty. He entered the cafeteria to the sight of confusion, depression, and fear--three dangerous emotions you don't want anyone to see here. It was Valentine's Day, but not many people were feeling the love.

"James." Lucille called out. "Come talk to me."

James made his way to the empty lunch line, scanning the rest of the room; no one was eating and no one spoke a word.

"I'm sorry about what happened," said Lucille. "Principle Ronald was one of the nicest people I've ever known and it hurts to know he's no longer with us."

"Everyone has to go eventually, but his time ran out too soon. When I find out who did this Crowley won't have to do anything, I'll personally deal with it myself."

"James don't do anything reckless. I know you're in pain, but if you interfere the Council might punish you just as bad as the assassin."

James didn't want to listen but he knew Lucille was right. Seeking out revenge would only make things worse.

"I hope William is okay," she said. "I haven't seen him all morning."

"Me either. William can't control his anger once he's been pushed to the limit."

The cafeteria doors slid open and William walked in with his head down. He remained silent as he took a seat at an empty table.

"He doesn't look so good," said Lucille.

"Yeah...I'm just glad to see him here in one piece."

William laid his head down, and one of his friends came up from behind him and placed his hand on his shoulder. William grabbed his arm and flipped him onto the table; his eyes were smokey-grey and he stared deeply into the other boy's eyes. The boy on the table lost control of his body and suddenly began to have a seizure.

"He's going to kill him!" A girl screamed.

James rushed towards the scene, pushing other students out of the way.

"William, let him go this is not what we do!"

"Stay out of this, James, this has nothing to do with you."

"You're going against the rules of our clan; it has everything to do with me."

James pushed his palm into William's chest and blew him across the room. He crashed into a group of tables and quickly stood back to his feet, angrier than he was before.

"You shouldn't have interfered. Now I have to hurt you too."

He rammed through the tables like a wild rhino and charged towards James. James didn't want to fight but if it was the only way to stop his enraged brother, he had no other choice.

A cloud of smoke appeared between the two brothers; two hands sprouted from the vapor and Crowley revealed himself. His smoke gave off a dark shade onto the tiled floor and he sent his shadow in two different directions; connecting to William and James' shadow it trapped them where they stood.

"That's enough of the family feud." Crowley said. "If you really want to kill each other finish your fight in the exam. Speaking of exams, that's what I've come to inform everyone about."

Everyone fixed their ears on the announcement.

"There have been some last minute changes to the exam."

"What kind of changes?" James said, as he stood frozen in place. "The exam was ready decided."

"Yes, but I've been given permission to alter the exams. And I'm announcing that the exam will once again take place in the Forbidden Forest."

"Didn't you hear what Principle Ronald said; we can't go there its too dangerous."

"Speak for yourself." Jinx said. "It might be too dangerous for you, but I'm more than ready. And I'm pretty sure everyone in this room is ready to take on the next level to test their skills."

In just a matter of seconds students began clapping their hands, agreeing with Jinx.

"You see, James, just because you're afraid doesn't mean I'm going to let you drag down the rest of the academy. As the new leader of this school I want to push everyone to the limit so that they excel, not fail."

"You know just as well as I do of what's inside that forest," said James. "If you really value their lives you won't let them go in there."

The countdown on the flat screen finished and dinged loudly.

"Well, well, looks like time is up. This conversation is over."

Crowley released James and William from the shadow hold, and William switched his eyes back to normal.

"Everyone get your gear, your weapons, and anything else you may need. When you're ready meet me in the courtyard; you're dismissed."

William was now back to his regular self, but his heart was still full of rage.

"I'm sorry I went crazy in front of everyone." he said.

"It's fine. Just try to keep your head, you know what happens when you lose control."

"Yeah. Well, let's get ready."

"Don't tell me you're going into that forest," said James.

"We don't have a choice," he replied. "It was only a matter of time before we found ourselves going right back in."

James slammed his hand onto a table. "Seeing as there's no way of changing everyone's mind, let's just hurry up and get this done and get out safely. It's been eight years and I have a feeling that place has only gotten worse with time."

*****

They headed to the armory and everyone was in a hurry to get what they needed; people were fighting for weapons, arguing over whose was better, and what power it possessed. James grabbed an equipment vest and stocked up on throwing knives, daggers, and medical supplies. As he gathered up everything he noticed a shiny snake-like sword mounted on the wall. He took it with one hand and felt a surge of power shoot through his veins. A hand landed on his shoulder; it was a guy with curly brown hair that slightly covered his face.

"The Golden Basilisk. They say it's blade is so sharp that it can cut through anything it touches--that's a nice blade."

"Thanks. Are you a blade fan?"

"Nah, I'm more of a distance fighter."

"Let me guess, sniper rifle?"

"Ha-ha, no way. What I got is way better than that. Check it out."

He reached for his bow that sat on his back and got in position like he was he was about to shoot. The silver sparkled around the lime-green trim, and the name Quick Silver was engraved in it.

"So you're an archer?"

"Yep; I like to think of myself as the best around. My name is Hawk by the way."

"Nice to meet you, I'm James. What clan are you from?"

"Evolution; you know, the brainiac's."

"Oh...I see. And all you use is a bow?"

"Not necessarily; I'm good with a crossbow as well."

James pushed back the urge to laugh.

"I don't mean to be a buzzkill but have you noticed that most of the people in this room have powers and weapons that are faster, more precise, and are deadlier than a wooden arrow?"

"Yeah I know, but I'm really good. Do you want to see?"

James chuckled. "Sure, why not."

Hawk took a minute to scan the room. He found a guy standing in the middle of the field holding a water bottle.

"Okay I got my target. Watch this."

He pushed a button sitting on the bottom limb of the bow and the weapon began to change like a transformer. It grew in size and was completely mechanical. He took an arrow from his quiver and placed the tail along the string. He aimed for the bottle, closed his eyes, and released. The arrow flew smoothly through the air, like a feather riding a cool breeze. Everyone stared as it passed by. It nearly took someone's head off, luckily they managed to duck just in time.

The guy holding the bottle had no idea what people were staring at until the bottle was pierced. The arrow barely slipped through the cracks of his fingers; water leaked all over the floor and onto his shoes. The guy threw down the bottle and shouted, "Who did that?!"

"Oops," said Hawk.

"What do you mean, oops?" James replied.

"I didn't know the guy was him."

"Who is that?"

"You don't know? That's Trevor Diablo, a.k.a. Casper--known for his power of illusions and ice."

"I've never really experienced an illusion before," said James.

"Trust me, you never do. It fogs up your mind and makes your brain play tricks on you, turning your greatest fears into reality."

"Well, that sucks."

"Yeah; tell me about it.

Casper turned and noticed the bow.

"Hey! Did you shoot this at me?"

"Well, technically I was aiming for the bottle."

You could tell he was nervous because of his constant shaking, and from the sweat dripping from his curly hair.

"Smart guy, huh? You know what, since this was obviously an accident I'm just going to let it slide."

He placed his hand on Hawk's shoulder.

"Really...? Thank you. I really am-"

Hawk's facial expression suddenly went blank. James waved his hand in front of Hawk and noticed that Casper's eyes were changing to the color of mist. Hawk stood there frozen (he wasn't literally frozen; he was in a trance-trapped in his own mind).

"Hey, watch it!" James said.

He pushed Casper and Hawk's emerald green eyes returned. Everyone stopped what they were doing and focused on them.

"You shouldn't have done that," said Casper.

He took off his gloves and revealed his pale icy hands. They were so cold that the room temperature dropped; even the synthetic grass began to frost. (I'm getting Goosebumps just thinking about it).

"I don't want to fight you," said James.

"It's a little too late for that, punk. The gloves are off now."

Hawk suddenly fell to his knees and started swiping at the air, like he was trying to keep something away.

"Hawk, are you ok?"

"I'm fine," he said.

He was sweating up a storm, and side conversations began to spread throughout the armory.

"Are they really about to fight?"

Crowley unexpectedly entered the room stroking his goatee.

"Is everything okay in here?"

He looked over at Casper's hands.

"You should put those away before someone gets hurt."

Casper looked him up and down.

"Looks like the mixed breeds are finally out of their play pen. You might have everyone else fooled, but you can't fool me."

"What did you say boy?"

"You heard me. Stay out this, Shifter!"

Crowley snickered and clapped his hands hysterically.

"You've got some good eyes."

He snapped his fingers; his body rippled and his appearance began to change. His shaggy brown hair was now black and his beard turned into peach fuzz. James recognized him from the night he attacked the members of the Warrior clan.

"I go by many names: Shifter, Blaze, Quake, the list just keeps going."

Casper approached him and they were looking eye to eye.

"So what...? You're wasting my time. Get out of my way."

"Now that's going to be a problem."

He paced back and forth rubbing his arm.

"Wow, is anyone else cold? I know I am. Let's heat things up, shall we?"

He waved his hand over the other and a fireball formed.

"Aw, that's better. Now what were you saying?" He chuckled.

Casper backed down and his tone began to change.

"I'll see you guys in the forest." He put his gloves back on and the temperature returned to normal.

"Good talk, frosty. I'll see you soon."

The shape-shifting boy approached James and Hawk.

"Are you guys okay?"

"We're good, thanks," said James.

"Cool. My name is, well my real name is Charles."

"Hey, it's nice to meet you. I'm glad you showed up when you did. This is Hawk and I'm James."

"Hi." Hawk said, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"James and Hawk; I'll remember that. Hey, weren't you the one from the cafeteria the other night, the one who stood up to the Warrior clan?"

"Yeah, that's me."

"You've got guts; most people wouldn't dare stand up to them. I've been evading them for years. Oh, and thank you for standing up for Rose. I really appreciate that."

"No problem."

"I owe you; if you ever need something just let me know."

"No, that's okay."

"I insist."

"Well, now that you mention it, there is one thing." James whispered in his ear and told him his request.

"Hmm. I see. I'm sure I can handle that."

The intercom came on and the real Crowley spoke.

"Times up. I need everyone to report to the courtyard, immediately."

"I guess I'll see you guys in the forest too." Charles said, as he walked off bouncing a fireball against the floor.

James helped Hawk stand to his feet and they headed to the courtyard.

*****

All the students met together in the courtyard next to the glorious water fountain. Crowley stood dressed-up in a black trench-coat, despite how hot it was outside.

"Everyone gather 'round. We are about to make our way to the gates of the Forbidden Forest, but first there is a special item I must give you all before we start. As you clearly see members of the staff have volunteered to join us this evening."

They were all standing in front of the crowd, wielding strange guns with over-grown needles sticking out of them.

"What are those guns supposed to do?" James asked.

"I'll let you be the first to try it." Crowley insisted. He grabbed a gun from one of the others and loaded it with a blue, metal ball that was the size of a marble.

"May I see your arm?"

James didn't like the idea of where things were headed but he complied with Crowley's demands.

He stuck the needle through James' arm and pulled the trigger; the metal ball made its way down the tube and continued, soon slipping through his skin. He could clearly see a dim, blue glow flashing within his arm.

"And it's as simple as that. You are now in the system and will show up on the monitors I have set up around the academy and the local community of Veritas. I figured this was necessary considering how dangerous the Forbidden Forest is known to be. It is your assignment to make it through alive, and even though we cannot interfere it is still our duty to watch over you at all times. That's why I've come up with this pre-caution that will show us where you are within the forest and if you are still alive and well. With that being said, everyone, step forward and receive your injection."

One by one the students formed lines to receive their very own tracker, which was embedded within their arms. The process stung but it proved to be otherwise harmless. Jinx and Jennifer were last. They were given their injection from Crowley; he discreetly pulled out two red, metal balls from out of his pocket that resembled the blue ones in every way. He placed them within the tube of the gun and then pulled the trigger; the intense force quickly pushed the objects into their arm.

"You may proceed." Crowley said, with a smirk upon his face. They could see the dim, red glow flashing through their skin--an obvious difference from what the other students had been injected with.

"Has everyone gotten their tracker? Good. Let us go, now."

Crowley approached the water fountain and laid a hand on one of the angel statues circling the rim of the fountain. He twisted the head and the fountain was put in motion; it split apart, pushing the sides moved further away from each other. The exposed area crumbled, revealing a hidden stairway which all the water went flowing downward into, creating a wall of water.

"Follow me."

Crowley walked down the stairway and into the wall; he vanished as he passed through. Each student followed behind and found themselves at the gate entrance to the forest; electrical bob-wire, guard towers, and automated sentry guns were placed along the perimeter. Along the huge fence was a sign that read: Beware the Forbidden Forest. No one shall enter. Trespassers will be eliminated.

Crowley ordered the guards to disable the security and everyone entered; they were shocked by what they had seen. From atop the hill that Gifted Academy sat on you can only see the creepy, exterior of the forest, which stretched far, almost endlessly; but once you step inside passed the security gate it appears somewhat peaceful; butterflies flapped around and bright flowers were scattered everywhere. For a second, oddly enough, the beautiful scenery makes you question why someone would call the Forbidden Forest such a dangerous place.

"Is this a joke?" William said. "What's with all the flowers, this place is supposed to be dangerous and scary-looking."

"Oh, it doesn't intimidate you, eh?" Crowley replied.

A bush started to rustle and everyone got in position to attack. Unexpectedly, a pointy-eared animal chewing on a carrot hopped out from behind the bush.

"A bunny; are you serious?" William said.

All the girls lowered their weapons and let out a little, "Aww, it's so cute."

William let out a sigh. "This is stupid. See you guys on the other side."

The bunny hopped in front of him and tilted its head sideways.

"Move fur ball," he said, as he cocked his leg back.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Crowley said. "They hate violence."

"Whatever." He kicked it softly and the bunny fell on its face.

"Can we go now?"

The bunny got back up, slightly twitching, as its eyes started to turn bright red. It grew larger in size, it's fur puffed up, ears slouched; and its buck-teeth were now razor-sharp. What was once a tiny, harmless bunny, was now a seven-foot-tall hare on steroids that stood like a human. The group and the infatuated girls grew silent.

"What's up with you guys; what are you looking at?" William turned around and carrot crumbs hit his face.

"Oh...my..." His voice grew weak with fear.

"Tsk, tsk. I told you not to harm it," said Crowley.

"Help me out here, Crowley."

"I'm afraid I can't. You got yourself into that situation, so you have to get yourself out. Good luck," he chuckled.

William reached for his hammer but the bunny knocked it away as he pulled it out. He tried to run, but the bunny warrior snatched him up and pounded him against the ground.

"William, I'm coming!" James exclaimed.

The ground rumbled underneath his feet and a cage made out of vines and tree roots imprisoned him.

"What the-let me out!"

"Sorry, but I can't let you interfere with his fight. Crowley he's going to die if I don't help him."

"Well he started this and only he will end it. The way I see it, he only has two options: he can either take down the beast and advance, or he can be forever known as the fool who got himself killed before the exam even started; it's all up to him."

James tried breaking out but it was no use; he was trapped and Crowley wasn't up for the idea of setting him free. He thought quick. He stuck his hand out of the cage and focused on the bunny. A force flew from his palm to the bunny and the beast flew backwards into a tree.

"Ah, Telekinesis what a nice power." Crowley said.

James continued pulling on the vine-like bars of the cage, despite not making any clear sign of progress.

"Let me out!"

"As soon as this is over I will."

The bunny shook the leaves and dirt out of his fur and let out a high-pitched scream that echoed throughout the forest. The trees suddenly began to shake and the ground trembled with every passing second. A tree fell and two more bunny warriors sprang from the forest. James was surprised to see Jennifer, as she rushed toward Crowley with rage.

"They're going to slaughter him. Let us help him!"

He stroked his beard as he thought it over.

"Fine; it's your funeral."

"I'll help, too." Hawk said, aloud.

"Me too," Charles added, as he rushed through the crowd. "And we're going to need him too if you don't mind, sir."

Crowley crossed his arms with rejection.

"Fine. I'll do it myself." He clapped his hands and the cage sunk back into the ground.

Crowley witnessed his power and felt a little intimated.

"Thank you."

"No problem. We're going to need someone like you out there fighting with us."

"Agreed."

*****

The four-man team approached but remained at a safe distance away from the beasts as they quickly thought of a strategy.

"So, there's three big-no let me rephrase that, three huge bunny-like warriors against the four of us. I didn't think the exams started off this exciting." Charles said.

"Don't get too carried away. I doubt this will be easy," said Jennifer.

One of the new arriving beasts was carrying weapons; he tossed them to his partners. One carried a sword that resembled a carrot; the other a spikey hammer, and the last one held a carrot-orange battle-axe.

"Uh...does anyone have a plan?" Charles asked.

No one spoke up. And each second they spent not doing anything, the longer William was going to have to suffer. Charles looked over and focused on Hawk.

"Hey, what about you? You're from Evolution, right? Strategic combat is like one of your biggest strengths."

"I-I don't know." Hawk said nervously.

"Come on, kid. We don't have all day."

"Okay, okay. Maybe we could split them up. That'll take their attention off of William, and we can finish them off faster."

"Not as complex as I was expecting, but it'll have to do. Two of us are going to have to go solo. Who's it going to be?"

"I'll do it." James spoke out.

"Me too." Jennifer added. "I could use a little challenge."

She ran her hand across her strange dagger and it began to glow. She rubbed her finger across the blade and a few drops of blood splattered onto the ground; seconds later two replicas of her were formed and stood by her side.

"So, that's how she does it?" James thought to himself. "Clones created using her own blood; the greater the numbers, the bigger the risk-similar rules that apply to my summoning rituals."

"Those are some pretty impressive illusions." Hawk said.

Jennifer felt offended. "Illusions? They're just as real as we are."

"I highly doubt that."

One of the clones approached him and slapped him so hard that it left a handprint on his cheek.

"Ouch, okay they're real."

While they continued to argue, James focused hard, and took a deep breath just before he cut his palm with one of his knives.

He yelled, "Summon" as he slammed his hand down onto the ground. His blood spread onto the grass. A crack suddenly formed and the ground began to crumble away, releasing a glowing red aura; unpleasant growling and howling echoed from below.

"What did you summon?" Charles asked.

They backed away as the noise grew louder. The ground collapsed without warning and a fiery dog emerged from out of the ground.

"Is that a--you can summon hellhounds?"

"Yeah, just something I've been working on for a few years."

"Whoa, who are your parents? They passed down some serious power." Hawk said

James was hesitant. "That's not important right now," he said.

"Agreed." Charles added. "Alright, James, you and your hellhound go for one, Hawk and I got the other, and Jennifer, you get the last one."

They took off in different directions to their assigned beast.

Within the crowd, Crowley stood there snickering.

"They'll be dead before the test even starts."

A girl standing next to him heard his remark and replied, "I doubt that, sir."

"And why is that?"

"Because they're a lot stronger than you think. I've watched them all; their skills are nothing to look down on."

"Interesting. What's your name, kid?"

"Rose Parker. I'm from the Evolution clan."

"Aw, I've heard a lot about you. You're basically considered a legend in your clan."

"So you've heard," she said.

"Oh yes, I expect a good performance from you."

She looked down as if she was worried.

"Vice-Principal, Crowley, I have a question; if you don't mind me asking."

"Of course not. What is it?"

"Well, it's concerning the mixed breeds; do you think they have a chance at passing the test?"

"I can't really say. They have the power, but can they control it, is the question. Why do you ask?"

"I was kind of hoping they would, and then maybe that would help restore their reputation."

"Restore their reputation? Wait...you're not thinking of co-existing with them are you?"

"I don't expect it to happen right away, but one day...maybe people will be more open to listen to my beliefs when I become the Council. The mixed breeds aren't some kind of monsters, they're just as normal as we are. Don't you agree, sir?"

Crowley stared blankly at her. "We will never co-exist you naïve little girl." He thought to himself. "After today the mixed breeds will only be a distant memory that no one will care to remember."

He grinned and nodded. "Certainly..."

Their conversation ended in an awkward silence, while the battle raged on. Jennifer and her clones were going head up with the axe beast; throwing shurikens and daggers. They tried their best to avoid the huge axe it wielded, but each swing seemed to stretch farther and closer towards them.

Hawk and Charles played it safe, but equally effective. Charles conjured a wall of flames in front of the beast and Hawk released a volley of arrows; the arrow-heads passed through the fiery wall and the flames attached themselves to the tip of the arrows. One by one they hit their mark and set fire to the beast, burning off bits of it's thick fur.

James and his hellhound charged at the warrior holding the carrot sword--the one who had first attacked William. The warrior raised its sword and struck aggressively as James approached. Their blades brutally collided; the force was so great that James lost his balance atop the fiery dog. James rode off in a separate direction to recover his balance, but the bunny just followed. It placed the sword between its teeth and positioned itself on all fours. It got a running start and then sped off with unimaginable speed.

James quickly recovered and turned around, but the beast had vanished. He felt a quick gust of wind pass by his face and then felt a sharp pain shoot across his cheek. The injury wasn't bad but James knew that if he didn't find the beast soon, that the next attacks wouldn't be as pleasant.

James quickly reached for his weapon and another gust of wind came flying by. He swung his sword around blindly, hoping to somehow strike the beast as it passed. The hellhound could sense its presence and growled loudly, attempting to warn James. The bunny unexpectedly appeared in front of them and lunged forward with its sword out in front. James could see the bunny in his peripherals-it was fast, but James quickly reacted and matched its speed; he quickly leaned backwards and the blade passed over him, nearly slicing the tip of his nose. James managed to dodge the blade, but the bunny spun around and kicked him in the dead-center of his chest. He lost his grip on the hellhound and flew backwards, rolling onto the grass. The fiery beast went for the bunny's legs, but its efforts were futile. The mythical beast was killed with one mighty blow from the carrot sword.

Recovering from his tumble, James saw that he was in trouble as the warrior approached. He couldn't get close enough without nearly being cut to pieces, and the beast was just as fast as he was, maybe even faster; and if it came down to a battle of brute strength, he was completely outmatched.

James looked over to a tree behind the beast; he tried picking it up with his telekinesis, but the tree was too heavy for him. He saw that it was time to get creative. He reached for his golden sword and threw it sideways towards the tree; it resembled a flying saucer floating through the air. About mid-flight, the blade started to slow down, and the beast made an attempt to grab it. James quickly raised his hand and "pushed" the blade with full force; it sped off making slashing sounds, and sliced through the bottom half of the tree, causing it to slowly begin to fall.

"Everybody, get back." James said.

"Don't run away," said the beast.

"Wow, you can talk, too, how nice."

"I got you now, puny human."

The tree's shadow covered the beast in darkness. James smiled.

"That's funny because I was just thinking the same thing."

"You really thought a falling tree would be able to stop me. I'm very disappointed in you, kid."

It attempted to run as it came crashing down, but he was stopped. James connected his shadow to the beasts and it was stuck in its place.

"Hey, let me go! Are you crazy? You'll die too."

"Maybe, maybe not."

The beast was now engulfed in darkness; it turned around with a puzzled look. James watched closely so that he could time the impact just right.

"Timber!" Someone yelled out from the crowd.

The tree tumbled down and smashed him into the ground. The only thing left in sight was his flattened carrot sword.

"One down." Rose said, hysterically.

Crowley's face turned red like an apple.

James recovered the Golden Basilisk and rushed to Jennifer.

"Jennifer, I'm...coming." He paused.

She was sitting on top of one of the beast's huge bodies, smiling and waving at James.

"About time," she said.

"How did you--when did you-." James couldn't get a word out

"Come on we don't have much time left."

She ran off towards Hawk and Charles; James followed behind, still trying to look at the defeated beast.

"Thanks for showing up, we're having a little trouble with this one." Hawk said.

"Yeah, that hammer is a pain in the a--"

"We get it, Charles," she said, cutting him off.

"Finding an opening is going to be hard with all that armor on him. There's no way we're going to hit him directly," said Charles. "I couldn't burn or freeze it off,"

"Freeze? You can control ice too?" James said.

"Yeah, I can control different types of elements."

"That would have been nice to know," said Jennifer.

"I can't just go around flashing my powers off in front of everyone. That's dangerous, especially in a survival test."

"Ok guys, chill. New plan."

I only have one arrow left so we have to make this count. First, Jennifer, you're going to distract him; do the best you can. Second, James, I want you to try and pull that armor off. And lastly, Charles, I need you to heat this arrow up as hot as you can, and I'll finish this."

"Alright. Let's go."

Jennifer created two more clones; they threw knives as they circled the beast. It swung its hammer and knocked a clone into a tree.

"It'd be nice if you'd hurry, James."

"I'm working on it! This armor weighs a ton!"

"Almost done with that arrow, Charles?"

"Just about..."

Jennifer continued throwing knives. She accidently tripped and fell to the ground. The beast spotted her and reached out its puffy hands to pick her up.

The boiling arrow was now engulfed in flames.

The other exam participants continued watching the intense battle; as safe as it was just watching rather than fighting, some actually preferred action.

"Guess it's my turn to step in."

A guy with red hair approached. He was wearing body armor with a sword sitting on his back; he was sweating up a storm, like he had been exercising all morning.

"It's the demon," people whispered.

"I prefer Mcduff," he said.

He sliced his finger then weaved a sign in mid-air and yelled, "Summon!"

A portal appeared out of thin air and his gargoyle made an appearance.

"Yes, Master?"

"Take care of that beast for me, would you?"

"With pleasure." He shot off towards the beast.

"I need that arrow, like now!"

"Almost...okay, I'm done. Here!"

Hawk was about to grab it just before he realized it was covered in flames.

"Wait, how am I supposed to hold this?"

Charles thought for a moment.

"Gloves."

"What? They'll melt. Any other bright ideas?"

"No, not just any pair of gloves...Casper's gloves; they seal his elemental powers while he has them on."

"Good thinking. Hurry!"

"I'll be right back."

Charles fled and raced over towards the crowd of participants.

"Hey, Casper! Let me borrow those gloves."

"Forget it punk. No way."

Charles lit his finger up like a match.

Casper's eyebrows rose.

"Hurry up," he said, throwing his gloves. "You better not ruin them."

Charles returned and tossed the gloves to Hawk.

"Here put these on."

The gargoyle attacked and sunk it's claws into the bunnies' arm. The scratch put it in so much pain that it released Jennifer from it's grasp. She quickly recovered from her fall and started helping James remove the armor.

"You have to hurry, James."

"I'm doing the best I can. You got any other ideas?" said James

She took notice of his sword sitting on his back.

"As a matter of fact, I do." She took the Golden Basilisk away from James and covered the blade with a little of her blood. The blood made the sword grow in length and it gave off a weird reaction

"Charles, you're with me. Get his arms and legs."

He ran towards the beast, dodging the deadly swings of it's hammer. He sent a wave of ice at it, slowly freezing it's arms and legs, leaving the beast unable to move.

"My turn."

Jennifer quickly joined him. As she was running the blood covering the blade suddenly began spiraling up towards the tip. Up ahead she could see the ice beginning to crack; the beast was slowly beginning to break free and in just a matter of minutes he would be.

She threw daggers at it's exposed areas, hoping to delay his escape, but all it managed to do was fill the beast with additional rage.
As she reached the warrior, she showed no hesitation; she leaped upward and attacked. Leaning in with all her weight, she ran the sword forward and struck the armor; the blade ran through it with ease and made contact with the warrior. It let out a horrible screech and it's rage grew even more intense.

The blade might have made contact but that was just the beginning of it's suffering. The blood covering the blade entered it's body and slowly began killing it from the inside. They could see it's fur beginning to shed and fall to the ground, and the warriors abnormal muscles began to sag. Jennifer sliced the rest of the armor off and fled from the area.

"Shoot!" she commanded.

Hawk put the arrow in position and focused on the shot. He took a deep breath and released the flaming arrow; a trail of fire followed it on its path. The beast was trapped and had no way of dodging the final blow. It let out a screech of terror and roared as the blazing arrow pierced through it's furry chest and into it's heart.

Charles broke apart the ice and the beast fell backwards onto the ground.

"Good riddance."

"Finally." They all said, with relief.

Crowley clapped with a smirk grin stretching from one cheek to the other. William slowly began to awaken; his face and body both bruised from the enraged beating. James helped him to his feet and pulled the Golden Basilisk out from the chest of the deceased beast.

"Are you okay?" James asked.

William was panting; chocking but still managed to give a smile.

"Are my teeth okay." he joked. His laughter began to shoot a pain in his ribs. "Ah."

"Yeah, you're going to be okay; tough guy."

Crowley brought over the rest of the participants. He was clapping with a smirk grin stretching from one cheek to the other.

"Good show. That is a perfect example of teamwork. And to my surprise none of you died...how nice."

They all looked at him with disgusted looks.

"Now that you're done with your warm up, let the games begin. If you look closely there are seven oak trees with an assigned clan marking on it. Go to your rightful place, and we can begin."

All the students got in position in front of their assigned portals; the setup was different from what some of them have witnessed in past exams, but they came to terms with it. Crowley set a timer on his advanced wristwatch and waited for the time to pass. The time winded down-- 10...9...8...7. It crept closer. 7...6...5...4. Even closer. The moment was intense with the final sequence; everyone had their weapons ready and their hearts were pumping rapidly. 3...2...1. The timer came to a stop and a loud echo sound rushed through everyone's ears.

"Let the games, begin!"