Chapter 8
Central Plaza, Cornell Academy, City: Three Prongs Fork, Republic of Shantu, Continent: Barat, Year 2050, Planet: Grimoire
As they stood quietly talking, Grifton Tinroy was contemplative. It was rare that he would even want to talk to people. Yet, he'd taken the time to call them to his side and it just so happened right when such multiple catastrophes struck simultaneously. That was the worst kind of coincidence to happen.
Grifton frowned when he studied their wry expressions. Wait, it wasn't a coincidence? He shook his head in confusion. Huh, what was it that they were implying now? It took a few seconds for what Daryl and Harper to sink into Grifton's now very overloaded brain. It would take longer to process it completely and he was flabbergasted.
Wow, outsiders had something to do with that sabotage? This was news to Grifton. "I could've sworn that this was instigated by Tremont or Fang's Cliff since this is typical for them around this time of year." He'd just thought it stemmed from the usual cross-city academy rivalry that had heated up with the graduation challenges heating up the frenzy to complete with the highest honors.
The brothers just shook their heads. "Nope."
Just then their watches began beeping and bleating. Grifton made a sour face. He'd turned off the sound function for the notifications because they drove him insane when he least needed the distraction. He knew the two brothers used it to keep their sanity intact.
In that instance, they had opposing reasons to keep those noisy things working all the time.
Grifton grunted in dismay. He wasn't in the mood to put up with junk that was flowing in at such a time.
"Ah right, there were other reports that came in as well." Daryl chimed in with another comment.
"Oh?" Both Grifton and Harper glanced at him. "So no word on who the culprits were yet?" The older brother wanted to know.
Making a disappointed face, Daryl shook his head. "Nope, some fools from rival academies decided to wreck the area just out of malicious precociousness." He scowled. "However, they really weren't the main perpetrators and seemed terrified that you and other crafters were nearly killed. Evidently, they gave all evidence they could to prove their innocence."
This was an entirely new twist. Those outsiders must've been pretty bad that the other troublemakers were that terrified enough to come clean. Grifton wasn't sure whether he was pleased with this latest surprise or not.
"Huh, that is a first," Grifton commented sourly. "That circumstance must've been really bad for them to go that far."
Will wonders never cease? This was actually turning out to be not half bad. On the flip side, it meant that he had more work to do. He would have to create gifts as thanks for the Payne and Frost kiddos. Although they wouldn't really know what to do with what he made for them right away. However when they went to deal with combat sites, then they would appreciate his items.
A sigh escaped him as Grifton realized what else was necessary. He would have to thank them later, once they were off probation that was. As for Harper and Daryl, for once they'd chosen to remain uninvolved and he couldn't blame them, not when it meant their freedom was at stake.
"I see." Grifton watched them with bemusement. No one looking at them would know they were siblings, except that they exuded unusual charisma that had both men and women eyeing them curiously.
That's when he registered what they said about their siblings where they'd been and who they'd likely pummeled making Grifton wince. Oh boy, that was the definition of crazy, when he thought of the other six siblings. Another less palatable concern hit him. "Uh, should I be worried about their mental health after this latest mess?"
"Nope, they would be displeased if you did so." When the two brothers immediately shook their heads in negation, Grifton sighed with relief and almost choked when one of them muttered.
"I'm just glad I got wind of what was going down and just happened to not go anywhere near the area." Clearly, Harper hadn't wanted anything to do with the events.
In this instance, Grifton was glad that he hadn't run into them when it came to dealing with the aftermath of those places burning down. "Yeah, it is a good thing." He agreed with some thought. "Not even I want to remember what happened in there."
The two brothers frowned at the realization that he'd actually been there and winced. The fact that Grifton was glad that they hadn't gotten involved seemed to make them feel even more uncomfortable. That hadn't been what he'd been going for and now Grifton felt a bit guilty. However, that sensation faded away when he understood they'd been legitimately busy with activities related to their work and study credits within the Academy.
"Not to mention I didn't have the time to get involved either." Daryl grimaced. "Minding my own business is something I've managed to master. The others haven't and now they're reaping the consequences."
The two brothers grimaced at each other. "Though I suppose this time they had good reason," Harper muttered grudgingly.
Grifton's eyebrows rose slightly. "What do you mean by that?" He wanted to know when they grimaced.
That was...ambiguous to say the least.
"Not here, please." Harper glanced around uneasily. "I feel that we might cause a furor if we continue speaking so openly."
When Daryl nodded in agreement, Grifton sighed. Clearly, something was going on but he knew better than to insist. Right now, the two brothers weren't going to say another word.
"Fine, I think it is past time that we go within." Grifton consulted his watch saw the reminder flashing and winced. "Oh dear, we're about to lose the reservation."
That would be embarrassing after all the hard time he'd gone through to acquire that particular slot. It was viewed as a prime area to get since people enjoyed watching the vendors and night travelers traversing the roads.