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MGUA: The Star of Gloom Part 1

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Malkin Grey University Anecdotes “The Star of Gloom”
By Sephzero

It was late at night, Elaine was busily burning the midnight oil working furiously on her latest project the light on her desk provided the only luminance in her dark room. She had spent a couple of hours already on it too; time had passed by relatively unnoticed for her when she worked. Things had definitely been rough since the start; things were turning out to be more of a challenge. As she gave the final touches to it with a smile as she brush her arm against her forehead in relief.

“It might have been more difficult then I thought, but I finally got it finished.” She beamed as she held out the finished product before her.

Her school uniform was a completed whole at the very least. She’d sewn together as much of the rips and tears as possible in order to restore it back to its original state. At least it still had the basic form of the original state. The rather large strings she used stood out quite prominently where used given the whole uniform a rather odd look to it.

Elaine bowed her head in defeat a she dropped the “fixed” uniform back on the desk knowing it would be a pipe dream if anyone not take noticed to the fixes. It wasn’t like she was going to have to wear this to school yet, Elaine already had several school uniforms ready in case something happened before this occurred. She just didn’t like the idea of having to throw one away like this. Also with her recent problems, it may not be long before she might have to resort to restoration effort.

The school regulation allowed for repairs to be made to the uniform in case of damage by the students and she was sure even this uniform would still clear. It just didn’t bode well for her to be walking around in something which looked like a kid tried to sew it together.

Her general lack of sewing skill was a new thing for her as well, she knew she had some problems at first with it, but she’d assumed it was just being new to it. Her gaze turn down to her fingers as they all still ache from the numerous punctures from accidental use with the sewing needle. Bandages wrapping around her fingers and hands were testament to her lack of finesse in sewing. It was probably not going to be easy explaining this away at school tomorrow, maybe she should wear gloves?

Folding up the uniform and her sewing kit, careful not to poke her fingers again on the needle, she moved them to a side of her desk.  Checking the time on the clock by the nightstand, Elaine guessed she was going to get anything else done tonight. Stretching her arms out, Elaine yawned as she turned off the desk light before flopping onto her bed.

She had left the window open by her so she can still look out into the night sky while resting on her bed. The stars and moon in the sky looked so serene over the lights of the Malkin Grey, Elaine thought looking out there. Looking out at the night also invited memories of recent days back to her as she turned away from the view.

It was only four days ago Elaine found her life taking another change from what she had intended for it as something she’d tried to hide away from was unleash in a new form. Four day since she last saw Dr. Jekyll and what she had tried to do in order to get her vengeance on what he had done to her. A certain surreal sense of those events would have made her laugh if she thought of them as real earlier. Yet they were real and she was living with the consequences of it now.

The fact Dr. Jekyll had left her a parting present didn’t exactly make her problems run any smoother either. Inside the letter attached to the present did she even realize he had the title Doctor to his name, but then since he was posing as a substitute teacher it would be difficult to have such a title known. His letter beamed of his admiration for her and what she’s gone through, she wonder if he was being sarcastic though part of her knew it was all genuine. It certainly made everything for more uncomfortable for her regardless.

The rest of the content of the present weren’t helpful to her problems either; it seemed Dr. Jekyll wanted to keep her well supplied. She had the detail instructions of how to create the Hyde formula along with the necessary equipments and supplies. Apparently the special salt was something he had provided her with another supply to last her out. It wasn’t like she was planning on indulging more, but she found herself powerless in part to deny her urges to an extent.

Her body desired the Hyde formula and the addiction was threatening to consume her life at times when the urges spike at times. She’d manage to retain control of herself from letting herself slip back completely, but she couldn’t count on how long she’d be able to maintain herself. It was pure attrition as she found herself being wean away from letting herself indulge that side again.

Even her attempt to go cold turkey by removing the Hyde formula from reach nearly proved disastrous as her urge made trying to function practically impossible. Her mind and body became a complete mess and it only relieved itself when she finally had a sample close at hand. Only by luck, she didn’t completely let herself go into it at that moment. Elaine suspected this aspect was part of Dr. Jekyll’s motif to ensure she could never truly stay away from it.

The situation made her feel sick to stomach, both how that man had used her and her relative powerlessness in rectifying it. Her first time had completely overwhelmed her and she still felt great enjoyment from her actions. Disgust and annoyance over it were only an after thought feeling which only produced more conflict in her mind. How easily it was for her to let herself fall into that trap of self gratification and indulgence despite all she’s done to restrain those impulses.

Allowing herself to fall into despair or letting the Hyde within herself consume her life were options she couldn’t allow to happen. As dangerous as it was going to be for her own humanity, she was going to have to unlock all she could about the Hyde formula. She wasn’t sure if she’d be able to discover anything before she might find herself no longer caring of such matters, but she wouldn’t let things simply continue like this.

But first, it was a late night and she really could use some sleep. Closing her eyes, she let sleep take her as unconsciously one of her hand drifted to where a vial holding the Hyde formula rested in her pocket resting itself on top of it.

---

The Fortress of Forbiddance rested on top of a mesa located amongst the rocky formations which littered the badlands. It was an impressive sight if there was really anyone who’d come by in order to see the sight which there weren’t. The location specifically ensuring no signs of civilization was nearby and competed against two other similar mesas for the prize of having the fortress built upon it. In fact, the closest thing would be an abandoned gas station which was at least about hundred miles or so away from it. A camp site was discovered in proximity between the other two sites and was ruled too much of a security risk for use.

Only the occupants and the dastardly heroes who have siege the fortress have looked upon its grandeur.  Perhaps a note could be made about the fact some hostages also were able to see the site, but they were largely irrelevant group for consideration. Not to mention some heroes were actually captured and taken to the fortress so being able to fully admire the locale was not always a given. As of recently besides the occupants nobody else had visited upon the fortress for ill times had come to this one great site of super villainy.

Master Gloom impatiently paced back and forth in circles over the fine Persian rug which draped the floor of the studies. The fortress had many rooms serving all sorts of super villainy purpose, but this one was set aside to allow a super villain to relax and lose himself to the gentle comfort most other homes possessed. Even the crackling fireplace casting a glow across the room couldn’t relieve the heavy burden on his shoulder.

“How could this has happened?” He asked as he turned and look at the great massive picture frame position right above the fireplace.

There was no picture inside of the frame as it originally hosted a stolen artwork which was unfortunately recovered so the frame now stood at empty. Still the whole dramatic feel for it warrant it remaining there despite being empty.

“And this happening would be referring to what exactly?” one of the cyborg armored henchmen asked position to the side of the entrance to the study.

“It was a rhetorical question, dimwit.” Master Gloom barked over his shoulder at the henchmen. “It was a feeble attempt to try and make sense on how such horrible misfortunate could befall the once villainous family of Gloom.”

“You mean the fact you are practically bankrupt and been forced to buy the cheapest help available to staff your lair?” the henchmen inquired again. Being one of the cheapest help on the mark, he was not required refrain from poking holes on everything.

“Exactly, we were once a top tier family of evil and now we’ve been reduce to almost comedic relief in the villainous circle.” Master Gloom said as held his hand in his face. “Why have we fallen so low?”

“It was probably the fact your parents blew most of the money on that huge death satellite to threaten the entire world which ended up exploding upon reentry into the atmosphere.” The henchmen guessed, he had read about the spectacle in the weekly newsletter.

“Mother, Father, your son has tried so hard to restore the family, but it seems like we are doomed to go into bankruptcy.” Master Gloom cried pitifully to the empty picture frame. “There just seems no way we can restore our fortunes.”

“We did pull off that armored truck robbery today.”

“Yeah, an armored truck saddled with bags of useless changes. I’m sure we’ll be able to expand our villainy arsenal with that to help us!” he barked back at the henchmen stomping his feet on the floor.

“Just trying to help.” The henchmen muttered dejectedly leaning against the wall.

“I know I’m sorry I snapped at you.” Master Gloom apologized as he turned and looked into the fireplace holding his hands behind him. “But it seems there is no hope for the Gloom family to turn its fortune around.”

“The Gloom family will rise again!”

The door to the studies went flying open as they sent the two henchmen on each side of the door flying forward crashing in a heap on the ground. A short blond hair girl dressed in a school uniform triumphantly walked inside as she stood poised before Master Gloom her hand on her hips.

“Katherine, what are you doing here?” Master Gloom cried as he recognized the girl. “Shouldn’t you be at school?” he demanded pointing an accusing finger at her.

“Heh,” Katherine laughed as threw her hair back with a move of her hand, “I took a vacation from school to come here Brother. We can’t allow the Gloom family name to fall into disarray.”

“But Katherine, I’ve told you can’t get into the super villain business until you had a proper education. The Gloom family has always prided itself in upholding a high education standard. I myself was in the process of getting my doctorate when I had to take on the mantle cause of mother and father dying.” Master Gloom said crossing his arms across his chest.

“But if we don’t do something now then there won’t be a Gloom family left by that time.” Katherine protested to her brother. “Besides it is because of school that I have the perfect idea on how we can turn our fortune around in one clean sweep.” She smiled giving a wink.

“How might this be?” her brother asked not entirely getting her angle.

“At my school, Malkin Grey University, we have the one and only child star Sirius Anthony.” She explained holding out a picture of him in school uniform.

“Sirius Anthony, I’m a big fan of his.” Master Gloom beamed as he snatched the photo and rubbed his face against the surface to his sister’s disgust. “I just love his syndicated TV shows and the movies he star in he was such a big hit.”

“Exactly, which is why we are going to kidnap him from my school and hold him for ransom.” Katherine announced as she struck a pose to accent it. “With his richness we can easily rebuild our family’s reputation.”

“And I’ll get to me him too. It is brilliant little sister.” Master Gloom smiled squeezing his hand into a fist in happiness.

“Well said, older brother. He’s just s child star kidnapping him will be like a cake walk and all of our problems solved.” Katherine added with a devilish smile.

The two broke out in villainous laughter as the two henchmen merely twitched a bit at their place sprawled on the floor unnoticed by the laughing pair.

---

Morning shined over Malkin Gray University as the entrance gate to the school opened as the early students and faculty slowly filter their way into the campus. Steward gave a sigh as he adjusted his hat a bit watching them all pass through. He was happy things had return back to a semblance of normality, for what some might accept as normal, compare to the incident four days ago.

A shiver went down his spine as he thought about the encounter.

“Good morning Steward.” Elaine said greeting the gate guard.

Snapping out his thoughts, Steward replied sheepishly, “Good morning to you too, Elaine. Sorry about seeming a bit spacey there just been one of those nights.”

“Okay,” Elaine remarked not entirely buying his statement, “well, I’ll see you later then.”

“See you as well.” Steward waved to her as she walked on by. He was at least relieve Elaine was not something he’d ever had to worry about with this job. Just hopes he doesn’t have to run into that Hyde girl again.

Another shiver went down Steward’s spine.
---

Elaine walked up to the path to the school as she reflected on how Steward was coping; it was somewhat awkward for her dealing with him. Back when she was Hyde, she’d rough him up a bit and it looked like he was still affected by it. He was always such a gentle guy, Elaine felt ashamed she had treated him like that before even if she wasn’t in the right state of mind at the time.

Her hand rested over the interior pocket she had hidden the Hyde formula in her coat. She had to try and keep control of herself to prevent such a thing from happening. The whole feeling of freedom it gave her was not something she wanted. The boundless excitement and sensation it brought to her while she was like it. It was completely intoxicating feeling she had denied herself for so long.

Slowly her footstep came to a halt as Elaine just stood there in the path, other students and faculty walked on by her not realizing the struggle the girl was starting to go through. Her hand started to shake and twitch as the fingernail dug themselves into the coat feeling the Hyde formula shape. She felt her breathing starting to pick up as she dipped her head down a bit. It was growing within her again, the urges the desire for it. Just let herself go for a bit, allow herself to feel that freedom another time.

Her hand slowly peeled itself away as it slip itself inside of her coat closing itself around one of the vials as her mouth started to open in anticipation.

“Elly!”

Elaine froze as her mind snapped back into attention as she realized what she was doing. She pulled her hand out of her coat just before Trixie tackled her from behind. Stumbling a bit trying to keep her balance from falling down from the abrupt tackle, Elaine looked over her shoulder at Trixie.

“Trixie, what are you doing?” Elaine asked as she managed to keep the two of them standing up straight.

“I just wanted to greet you this morning.” Trixie beamed with a childish smile letting go of her grip on Elaine. “I don’t always get to see you until later so I’m glad we can meet now.”

“You always were an exuberant one.” Elaine smiled back to her friend. “I don’t see Fina, don’t you to usually come to school together?” she noted looking around.

Crossing her arms across her chest, Trixie sulked, “Fina has been spending a lot of time late at night so she doesn’t get up to walk with me to school.”

This was the first Elaine had heard of this. She remembered back in the days, the three of them would come to school together. Of course, Elaine’s busy arrangements eventually had left it so only the two of them were able to continue it. It was probably how strain the communication has become between them that she hadn’t heard about this until now.

“I’m sure Fina isn’t doing it out of any spite. She just probably has things to do.” Elaine said patting Trixie on the head.

“It just seems everyone is getting too busy.” Trixie whined as she waved her arms in the air. The girl certainly could try and act her age, but her antics had a charm to it.

“Well then lets walk the rest of the way together.” Elaine offered holding out her hand.

“Yay.” Trixie beamed as she grabbed Elaine’s hand and almost started to drag the girl forward as she raced toward the school buildings.

Elaine managed to match the girl’s pace after the sudden jolt as she smiled at the simple joys it was to be with her friends. Not to mention it was good Trixie hadn’t noticed the bandages covering her hand either. It would be impossible to try and explain it way to that girl. The thoughts that nearly threatened to overwhelm her before faded away to the recess of her mind. A part of her was happy it was over, but another still felt a chill on how welcoming and enticing it felt for a few brief moments before.

---

Katherine Gloom examined her watch impatiently as she rested against a streetlight as she looked up on occasions to watch the road. She had given them pretty specific instructions to meet her at this time and they were already fifteen minutes late. These henchmen really earn their reputation as being the cheapest and most useless of the available lot. It was a sad situation for the Gloom family had to rely on these dirt-cheap unreliable fools instead of the top-class unreliable fools.

All that would change; she smiled reflecting on her plan. Soon the fortunes of the Gloom family will turn for the better and they will once again be the rising star they once were. She knew somewhere the burned up remains of her parents were watching over her somewhere in the atmosphere where their remains were scattered when the satellite exploded.

She was annoyed at her brother’s reluctance to let her help him in carrying on the family instead sending her here in order to finish her education. School life was alright for her, she did manage to hold herself as an A rank student, but in her blood runs super villainy. Perhaps there was a twisted irony that her school participation allowed her to come up with this plan, but such is the life of a super villain.

A sputter sound caught her attention as she noticed what appeared to be a flower van slowly making its way up the road toward her. The other motorist on the road were constantly changing lanes to go around the slow moving vehicles as it continue to sputter out exhaust from the rear. In a final lurch, it came to a stop in front of Katherine with the brakes making a loud fit.

“It took you guys long enough.” Katherine complained as she crossed her arms looking toward the rolled up window of the driver seat.

Slowly the window rolled down, revealing the cyber-armored henchmen at the wheel as he apologized, “Sorry it took us awhile to find a flower van to steal.”

“And then to drive it all the way here. I had to fork out money for gas.” Another henchman piped in from the back.

“Shut up, I’m the one in front so I can do the talking.” The driver yelled back before turning back to Katherine. “So we ran a bit late.” He finished to her.

“I don’t want to hear your excuses. This operation is going to be extremely simple; I’ve already put in a call for a flower delivery so the gate guard Steward shouldn’t give you any problem. You’ll be arriving during the PE portion when it’ll be easy to drive in and snatch our target.” Katherine explained to them carefully.

“Gotcha,” the driver nodded in affirmation before asking, “So what do we after we get him?”

“You take him to a secure location so we can hold him for ransom you idiot!” Katherine yelled back at them ignoring the strange looks some of the passerbies were giving at the sight. Reaching up and grabbing the driver by his cyber-armor collar, she growled, “This is a simple operation I don’t think you can screw up so make no mistake about it.”

“Alright.” The driver whimpered despite no actual strain was being place on him thank to the armor, but it was always good to let the boss think they are threatening you. It cuts down how much complaining you get later.

Letting him go, Katherine added, “I won’t be able to help you with these since I’ll be at school, but I will be monitoring you whenever possible. Got it?”

“Right Boss.” The driver nodded as he rolled up the window and the flower van began to sputter away.

“Why does good help cost so much?” Katherine asked herself before she heard the sound of a ringing tone from the school.

Her face twisted in terror as she realized what it means, looking behind her at the growing form of a dust cloud heading straight toward her. The student rush had started again.

---

Morning classes had gone smoothly for Elaine since the urge had struck her earlier in the day; there hadn’t been a repeat of it so far. She counted herself luck for that. It was a break for her right now before PE started most students typically took the time to relax or catch up with one another, but she had student government business to attend too.

The message was a bit unorthodox approach for a meeting, but she knew who the sender was and she acknowledge he would prefer to do things this way. As a member of the student government, it was her duty after all to look out and check up on concerns of the students in certain matter.

Walking pass a group of students along the pathway, she made her wave to the orchard and greenhouse area of the campus. During the spring and summer time, there would be classes to help teach the students about plants and also to help pick the fruits grow at the orchard. This typically precluded a festival which the student government also was busy planning at the moment.

She stopped beneath the shade of a tree as she waited for a pair of students to walk on by before she looked up at the canopy of leaves.

“I cam as you request.” Elaine said up to the tree.

The tree rustled for a bit as if in reply before a figure hopped out from behind the leaves onto the ground before her. He was dress in the student uniform attire, though he kept the top bottoms of his coat open and rolled up the sleeves of his shirt too. Standing up from his landing, Elaine noted how short he was the top of his hair not even touching her shoulder line as the boy looked around a bit first before turning to her.

“Thanks, as you know I don’t want other people knowing about this meeting. Especially the News and Media club” He remarked as he dusted off his pants a bit and removed leaves from his hair.

Elaine nodded; the News and Media club can be a terror when Brenda has her eyes focused on a story and would pursuit it to no end. For the former child star, Sirius Anthony, almost anything happening to him was a source of news for the club.

“I understand,” Elaine said, “but I’m afraid I can’t give you any good news about your request.”

“I’d figure as much.” Sirius grumbled digging his hands through his spiky black hair making it more of a mess then before.

“The Sirius Fan club, while perhaps exuberant in their activity hasn’t violated any stature which would give us jurisdiction on them.” Elaine explained to him.

“As compare to the Wrestling Club, whom you smack down and in the process of dismantling.” Sirius remarked as he kicked a stone with his feet. “You certainly lay the smack down on them from what I’ve heard.”

Elaine tensed a bit at hearing about the wrestling club; her recent encounters with them were not something which brought good memories for her. They were still in the process of handling the club, so she unfortunately couldn’t avoid the topic. Not to mention since there were no official note of her encounters with them it would mean the club members would still be around for a bit longer.

“That is matter of the student government and is not relevant tour discussion, Sirius.” Elaine responded. “I know you’ve been having a lot of problems with people chasing after you because of your popularity, but there isn’t anything in the student government power to deal with it.”

“Fine then,” Sirius sighed as he rolled his eye, “it is no surprise you can’t help me. It seems I always have to fend for myself. I came here to get away from it all and instead I get dogged about this school like some sort of toy.”

“Perhaps you need to tell them to leave you alone?” Elaine suggested understanding the sort of problems Sirius has faced here in the school.

“Heh, they don’t listen to me. When they look at me all they see is the cute kid whom they want as their own cute little brother or something.” Sirius complained as he shuddered at the thought. “I’m older then more of them.”

“You are?” Elaine blinked.

“I’m eighteen years old,” Sirius yelled standing on the tips of his toes to try and get into Elaine’s face without much luck, “I’ve been held back a bit because of me being a star, but it doesn’t change my age at all.”

“I guess it probably doesn’t help you still look like a young kid from your star day.” Elaine remarked as Sirius continued to get annoyed.

“So I have a late growth spurt.” He reasoned as he shoved his hands in his pant’s pocket. “Anyway, there isn’t any more point to us talking. So I’m off.”

Sirius stormed off from the orchard as Elaine stood there watching him go off in a huff. He didn’t even make it outside of the orchard before the sound of squealing could be heard and Sirius gave out a cry of frustration. Elaine sweatdropped as she watched him start to run off while being chased by a bunch of obvious fans of his with what appears to be Trixie amongst them.

“He’d make a cute young brother I hate to admit.” Elaine said to herself aloud.

---

Many educational facilities have in recent days removed physical education or PE from their assigned roster for different reasons. Some considered it an outdated and demeaning exercise for kids which could be spent better times for studying. Other cites necessary need to cut back on the budgets taking PE off as a necessary sacrifice to save funds. Such excusing and thinking do not exist in Malkin Grey University which still holds PE as one of the time honor aspects of education.

Some would argue though it more so due to a particular member of the founding Grey family being somewhat of a pervert. PE was an excuse to have the students especially the female dress in the proper PE uniform attire. This argument has largely been scoff and ignored since most would cite it was simply preposterous an individual of such family would use his influence to feed his taste. Further that the school would maintain such an unsavory use long past the individual’s passing.

Regardless of it all PE was a time for students to get some exercise and to use the locker room.

Elaine opened her locker as she took out her gym uniform and commence removing her normal school uniform taking care to fold it nicely. Other girls were also in the locker busy changing to their gym outfit too as they talk and gossip with one another. She paid them no mind as took a wristband out of the locker and put it on. Carefully checking to make sure no one was observing her, she slip her hand into the uniform coat and removed a vial placing it into a small pocket on the surface of the wristband.

As long as she kept it close to her, her little addiction shouldn’t bother her too much during PE about not having any formula nearby. She’d much rather not have to deal with this complication, but there was little recourse as of yet. It was only lucky, another urge attack hadn’t hit her yet handling them was dangerous when it hits.

“Almost done Elaine?” Elisa asked leaning forward over Elaine’s shoulder.

Startled a bit, Elaine moved her arm behind her back as she turned to her friend. “I’m almost ready; I just had something on my mind that’s all.”

“Always having your head in the cloud with all the stuff you’re doing.” Elisa smiled as she opened her locker opposite of Elaine’s and took out her uniform. “I’m surprise you even showed up today for this.” She added as she unbuttoned her shirt.

“Why do you say so?” Elaine asked as she glanced back to Elisa.

“You’re an S-rank student, so you have a lower requirement then the rest of us when it comes to fulfilling the mandatory time in PE. I know some of the others spend their time on other things then coming down here if they can’t help it.” Elisa explained as she put on her gym shirt and pulled the elbow pads down her arm.

“Participation is an important part of a healthy academic life.” Elaine said as took out a ribbon and tied up her long hair into a bundle on her head.

“Whatever makes you sleep at night.” Elisa replied as she closed her locker and turned to Elaine. “But I must say I personally enjoy it that you’re here. All the other girls are pretty much light weights compare to us.” She said with a smile looking straight into Elaine’s eye.

“So I see you are still itching from how I showed you up last time?” Elaine returned the smile.

“Don’t think you can get all high and mighty just yet.” Elisa retorted her competitive side coming to the fore. “We’ll let the field settle this.”

“I won’t be showing you any mercy then.” Elaine promised back.

“I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

The two girls locked their eyes together as the fearsome competitiveness between them almost seemed to manifest itself as an electrifying energy between the two. An aura of fire seemed to emanate from the two of them as they ready themselves for what was to come.

“If you’re done already just go outside and wait like everyone else.” One of the other girls said it was always like this between them.

“Oh sorry,” Elaine apologized snapping out of it, “I guess we went a little overboard.”

“It was just getting good too.” Elisa sighed shrugging her shoulder.

“Save it for outside.”

“Fine,” Elisa waved her hand to the girl’s concern, “I’ll be waiting for what you got to show me, Elaine. Don’t disappoint me.”

Elaine watched as Elisa walked out of the locker room as her eyes gazed back to her wristband as she rubbed her hand against it. Hopefully PE would be able to keep her mind clear from all of this.

---

Coach Wilson considered himself a man of many words; the problem was the school had asked not to repeat some of those words in front of students. This of course was something he couldn’t help; he spoke his mind and his mind happened to like using some of those words. Still he prided himself on his role as an educator to the students. Despite some claims by the faculty to the extent he really wasn’t teaching them in truth which just goes to show how wrong they were about PE.

PE taught students something they could never lean in a class or a lecture hall. It taught them something so pure it could only convey in this medium. This was something everyone used to learn before the time of civilization which in turn made it the most important lesson of all compare to anything else in the school. Sure Math and English might help you get a job, but PE was the one that taught you how to build real character.

Trust.
Conduct.
Cooperation.
Teamwork.
Integrity.
Sportsmanship.

These were just some of the things he knew they would gain from taking his PE class and would go on to serve as the fundamental aspects of their lives. He was in that way the most important teacher of all in the school. The others might teach how to work, but he taught the students how to live in this world around them. He knew his words would serve to inspire these kids for the rest of their lifetime.

“Alright you weaklings I want you all front and center.” He bellowed out at the top of his lungs before blowing furiously on his whistle.

The students all cringed at the noise, before they reluctantly all fell in line before the PE coach as they waited anxiously for his instructions for today’s course. Everyone knew the coach suffered from some serious delusion of grandeur and most were not going to enjoy where these delusion might coordinate his actions for today.

“For today PE course, I know you’ll be all happy to hear we’ll be doing Track and Field.” He announced with a hearty smile puffing his chest out. A number of groans and inaudible complaining erupted from the student, though the coach was not in the state of mind to hear them as he continued, “Now everyone knows the important thing to do before any major physical activity is to perform some proper stretches in order to prevent injury. Too many times have needlessly injured themselves by not taking proper stretching regime before starting; well we aren’t going to make that mistake now are we?”

“No coach.”

“Excellent, well I will be conducting the boy’s stretching regiment and well…Elaine.” The coach called out spotting Elaine standing in the front of the students.

“Yes coach?” Elaine asked holding out her hand and stepping forward.

“You will be conducting the girl stretching regiment because apparently there has been complaints that I might be a sexual predator who gets his fix from watching young girls prance about in tight gym outfits of all the nonsense.” The coach bitterly complained as he walked off with the boy side of the group.

“Alright girls,” Elaine said turning to the remaining girl students, “lets get started.”

As the girls commence their regiment, one student in particular Katherine was doing her best to feign interest in their activity. Her eyes were instead focus to the boy side as she spotted Sirius performing stretches on the boy side.

A smile cross her face as knew everything was in order, all that was necessary was for the henchmen to enter through the gate and perform the kidnapping. She didn’t think there was anything which could possibly mess this up.

“Katherine, please focus on the stretches.” Elaine called out to Katherine who was oblivious to it.

---

Steward had seen a lot of things come by the gate in his four years as serving as the gate guard so the slowly approaching flower van didn’t even strike him as the least bit odd. Stepping in front of its path, he held out his arm as he waved for it to stop. The brakes of the van made a painful screech as it came to a stop as he then walked over to the driver side and tapped on the window.

“Excuse me, but what is your reason for entering the campus?” Steward requested the lines were ones he had repeated a few hundred times now.

The window of the driver side rolled down as Steward blinked for a moment at the sight of who was in the seat. Dressed completely in what appears to be some sort of cybernetic power armor, the driver turned his head to the gate guard as the visual sensors light up a bit as it scanned him. This was certainly out of the ordinary.

“We are part of a flower delivery company, you received a call about our coming did you not?” the driver said his voice filtering out the voice box equipped on the helmet.

Steward had received a call expecting this; of course the call did not mention anything about the driver being dressed like some sort of armored cyborg. He didn’t want to push forward the investigation about it cause if things turn bad, it’ll mostly be bad for him, but his job stipulated he must at least make the effort.

“And my I ask why the outfit?” Steward asked hesitantly hoping for a reasonable excuse.

Pausing for a moment before the driver looked himself over as if for the first time, he quickly rolled up the window obscuring Steward’s view as he could make out inaudible murmuring going on within the van. This probably wasn’t a good sign of things to come, he thought as the window came rolling back down again as the driver leaned his helmet head out.

“You see,” he started before looking back and forth a bit then continuing, “The person who ordered these flowers wants to give it to a special person and well the sender is a geek.”

Steward wager it was good of excuse as any, “Alright move along.”

The van exhaust gave an awful sound as it bleached out some black cloud of smokes before it moved through the gate as Steward stood to a side watching it go through. He certainly didn’t buy the excuse on the matter, but it wasn’t the worse he has been given. Looks like he’ll be filling out another incident report about what happened today.

““I’m not paid to fend off armored cyborgs.” He sighed as he took off his hat and wiped his forehead.

---

The starting stretches had gone without a hitch and the students had split into different groups in order to take turns at the different track and field activities. Elaine and Elisa were both on the hurdles as the two were quickly leaving the other racers in the dust as they tore through the track. Shooting occasional glances at one another, they leap over the hurdles as they made their way to the finish line.

“And Elaine finished first.” Fina called as they passed the line.

“You certainly have improved, Elisa.” Elaine remarked as she wiped away some of the sweat.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from an A+ student in PE.” Elisa replied with a smile. “Though I can’t say as much for Denise on the matter.” She added with a smile as the other racers pass the finish line except for one who was straggling.

“You really shouldn’t pick on her.” Elaine remarked as she too noticed Denise rather fatigued struggle to finish the hurdle.

“Considering how much she hates you, I’m surprise you defend her.” Elisa said crossing her arms. “The girl really has a bad attitude for anyone she is going to use to advance herself before carelessly tossing them aside. I don’t like such people.”

“I’m sure Denise isn’t all that bad.” Elaine said as looked over to Denise. “Good job in finishing the hurdles.”

“I don’t need any words from you,” Denise sputtered between her breathing as she rested her hands on her knees, “Just cause I’m not athletic as others don’t think you can look down on me.”

“With you leaning down like that it is kind of hard not to be looking down.” Elisa joked as Elaine gave her a poke for the comment.

Denise didn’t even bother to reply as she just walked off to the benches and plopped herself down there taking a wet towel and just draping it over her head as she took off her glasses. The other girls started to whisper and talk amongst one another as they waited for the next activity rotation signal.

“Someone should fix her attitude.” Elisa said turning away from looking at Denise.

“I don’t think your antagonizing her helps thing.” Elaine commented. “She probably has reasons for why she acts like this; we shouldn’t really judge people so easily.”

“You’re always the mature one.” Elisa laughed patting Elaine on the back.

“And you are always the feisty one.” Elaine replied as the two laughed.

The sound of blaring horns interrupted them as a speeding flower van came tearing through the field as students tried to stumble out of its way. It seemed to veer in wide turns, as it slowly made its way to them. They only managed to duck out of its way as it blazed by them before it made another wide turn back in their direction again.

“What is their problem?” Elisa cried as she lifted her head up from the dirt glaring at the rampaging flower van. “Are they blind or just plain idiots?”

Elaine didn’t reply as she kept her eyes squarely on the flower van as she wanted it move about almost as if it was searching for something. Suddenly, she spotted Sirius who was standing along from the others who had scattered. The van did a sharp turn as it seemed to lock onto the boy as it went barreling straight toward the child star.

Katherine smiled as she watched all of this unfold, it was a bit messier then she had expected but it seems like the idiots finally found their target. Jackpot, she chuckled in her mind.

The van speeded straight toward Sirius as the boy could only stare like a deer caught in headlight as it barrel down to him. Just as it was about to come screeching toward him, Elaine dived toward Sirius as she managed to tackle him out of the way the two of them rolling in the dirt as the van passed them by. As they came to a stop, Elaine opened her eyes to scan for the van in case it turned around again.

The van, however, seemed to have lost control for itself as it went sailing into the padding for the high jump and went flipping straight into the air. It did almost three full turns in mid-air before it landed in a heap so distance away. A still moment passed before it exploded as several burning figures came running out of the wreckage yelling at the top of the voice-box allowed them too.

Elaine sighed in relief as she looked down Sirius who she had held tightly to herself after she’d tackle him away from the van.

“Are you okay?” she asked him.

Sirius could only make a few guttering noise as his face was turning a bright shade of red. Elaine blinked a bit at why he was being embarrassed before she realized how tightly she was holding his face against her chest. Flushing a bit herself, she released her grip as Sirius scuffle a bit of distance between the two.

The other students had quickly found their courage as they came running up to the two of them surrounding them as questions and comments started to fly.

“That was so amazing Elaine.”

“I can’t believe you risk your own life to save Sirius.”

“Are you hurt Sirius?”

“What was with that crazy van anyway?”

“What is going on here?” the coach hollered over all of their questions as he came stomping through the circle.

Stepping forward, Denise stated, “There was an out of control flower van which was running amuck on the field. It nearly hit Sirius, but Elaine was able to push him out of the way. The van then hit our padding cushion for the high jump which set it flying into the air before it landed after three rotations and exploded. The occupants appear to be on fire and were running heedlessly about.”

“Alright then.” The coach stuttered at the full explanation given by Denise. “Well, I’ll go get Maddox on the line and have security take care of this problem.” He stammered as he turned around and walked off.

The rest of the students slowly started to filter apart into their own group leaving Elaine, Sirius, Denise, Fina, and Elisa remaining there.

“I’m surprise you decided to pipe in.” Elisa remarked looking toward Denise.

“Having the actual account be presented was simply a necessary to appease the teacher.” Denise responded flatly.

“Thanks for your help.” Elaine said smiling to Denise.

“This wasn’t done out of any sense of gratitude or concern for you.” Denise snapped as she fixed her glasses a bit before turning around. “I simply saw no point in letting the coach waste time in doing his duty.”

“And here I thought there was no one more obsess with duty then Elaine.” Elisa reflected as watched Denis walked off.

“Guess she has some strong issues.” Fina sighed. “So how are you doing Sirius?” she added as the boy was busy dusting himself off.

“Nothing broken like it matter.” Sirius said he stretched himself a bit. “Guess it was bound to happen that someone tries to kidnap me.” He stated as the girls looked shock.

“Are you serious?” Fina gasped at Sirius.

“I’m a famous child star and the van came straight at me. Either they were trying to kidnap me for my money or kill me cause they are some crazy obsess fan.” Sirius explained as he started to walk off. “It comes with the whole glitz and glamour.”

“I’m worried about him.” Elaine said as Elisa nodded.

“Things are definitely getting strange again.” Fina said as she looked at the other two.

Katherine gritted her teeth as she glanced behind her at the girls, that annoying over-achiever Elaine had ruined everything. If she hadn’t gotten in the way, the boy would surely be in their clutches now instead of them being on fire. The fact she couldn’t’ do anything as it was right now was equally vexing; she was going to have to leave it to the others to complete the plan despite this setback.

“The Gloom family will not fall because of this.” She promised herself as she squeezed her fist.

---

“Idiots! How could you screw up something so simple?” Master Gloom roared over the phone.

The former driver of the flower van winced a bit at the tone as he answered, “There was a bit of a complication we didn’t factor into it.”

A stress nerve pulsed on Master Gloom’s forehead at the news he got about the initial failure of the kidnapping plan. He had thought it was so simple scheme whichever these henchmen reject would be able to pull of without a hitch. Instead in the middle of his lunch, he gets a collect call from them telling him they managed to gaff his little sister’s plan.

He really hated getting bad news like this. It also completely ruined what was turning out to be before this news a rather pleasant lunch. Master Gloom was definitely not happen with things.

“And what sort of complication could foil you? It wasn’t like there were any annoying heroes to come in and foil you.” He demanded as he chewed on some slices of salmon from his plate.

“There weren’t any official sanction heroes of the costume sort.” The voice responded on the other end of the line hesitantly. “It was more like one of the Good Samaritan intervention sort thing.”

“I can’t believe this.” Master Gloom barked as he cleaned his mouth with a napkin. Not only had their plan been foiled, but it was by some stupid Good Samaritan act as well. This was truly the last straw of last straw for him. “What is your status now?”

“We managed to avoid being caught by the campus security, but we are holed up in one of the buildings right now to avoid detection. None of us are severally injured the armor mostly protected us from the fire, but it is rather blacken as a result.” The henchmen gave as the status report.

“Do you realize how much it is going to cost to clean those armors?” Master Gloom whined as he massed his temples with one hand. “Fine then, continue on with the kidnapping scheme.” He ordered pushing back his lunch plate.

“How are we suppose to do that?” the voice on the other line asked.

“Adapt and Improve.” Master Gloom quoted as he got up from his seat. “Just be sure to have the boy in hand when I come there myself.”

“You’re coming here? But how?” the henchmen questioned given the difficult circumstances of transport they had to go through to get here.

“I’m using the Aerial Dreadnaught; it is the pride of the Gloom Family back in the days.” Master Gloom announced triumphantly striking a pose which obviously the person on the other line would never see, but it was more for posterity sake anyway.

A long silence followed before the henchmen said, “You are using the blimp?”

“It is a dirigible, a fearsome fortress in the sky which I will use to strike fear in the hearts of all who oppose us!” Master Gloom corrected shaking his fist in the air at the symbolic people who opposed them.

“That thing hasn’t been used since the late 30’s is it even safe to use?” the henchmen asked inquisitively.

“Silence, I will not have you insult the pride of the Gloom family. Now get to work, I’ll be there by late afternoon owing to good wind.” Master Gloom ordered as he slammed the phone down. “It is time we show the world why the Gloom family must be feared once more. Henchmen prepare the Aerial Dreadnaught for departure!”
Seem to be in the mood for writing. Here is another installment of the Malkin Grey University Anecdote "The Star of Gloom".

Here we get to see a bit more of some students I was only manged to briefly touched upon in the first installment. We also get to see how well Elaine has been coping with her little trouble too.

Things are quite more quirky in this installment I must warn you. Once again things have been broken up into different parts for the story.
Part 2. [link]
© 2007 - 2024 Sephzero
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Well this story is Funny as hell! You need to work on your English dough, other then that its awesome:)