demons were solitary, crocus demons were notorious for hunting in large packs. And they were deadly as well, especially to zombie hunters.
“The Department’s demon slayers are already stretched thin, so they’ve asked everyone at Burtonwood to help,” the principal continued, his voice laden with authority. “The seniors and juniors have already been informed and will be joining us. People, this is serious. It’s code blue.”
Emma turned to Loni in excitement. Code blue meant fighting. Finally something was going her way. She was going to get some real field hours and, more importantly, the chance to prove herself once and for all as a great slayer of things other than fairies. In short, the perfect Plan C had fallen into her lap, and Curtis had better watch out, because soon she would be back in her rightful spot as dragon slayer. The surge of relief she felt was overwhelming.
“So here’s the drill,” Principal Kessler said in a cool voice. “We’ll be pulling out in an hour to launch a preemptive attack on the crocus demons so the Department can get on with their job of containing the zombies. In the meantime, there are agents waiting in the gym to brief you. Questions?”
No one raised their hand, but after the principal had dismissed the class and they all started to pour out the door for their briefing, Curtis finally coughed. “What about me?” he asked as he glanced down at his cast.
“I’m sorry, Curtis, but you know the rules. If you’re injured, you stay here. No exceptions.” Principal Kessler shook his head as he came over to where Curtis was sitting.
Emma got to her feet and shot him a smug look. She normally didn’t delight in other people’s misfortunes, but she couldn’t help but think that karma was starting to work with her on this one. However, before she could follow Loni and Tyler out of the room, Principal Kessler stepped in her way so that only she and Curtis were left in the room.
“Emma, we need to talk.”
“We do?” She frowned. “Is this about the explosion on Saturday? Because I swear it wasn’t my fault, and most importantly, no one was hurt.”
“Except you,” Curtis pointed out in an unhelpful voice from his chair.
“He’s right,” Principal Kessler said. “You’re injured too, which means you have to stay behind. You and Curtis can start work on your assignment.”
Emma felt like she had been hit by a truck. “But that doesn’t make sense. There’s a demon crisis about to unfold and you’d rather that I stay back here and do an assignment? Please, you can’t leave me behind.” With Curtis.
“I’m sorry, Emma, but it’s not open for debate,” Principal Kessler said.
“This is all because of my eye patch, isn’t it?” She reached up and pulled it off her eye. Ouch. “Well, now it’s gone. Does that mean I can go?”
“Just because you’re not wearing the patch doesn’t mean your eye’s better. It’s policy. I’m sorry.”
“But I can help,” Emma pleaded while secretly trying to refocus her left eye, which felt a little fuzzy. Not that Principal Kessler needed to know that.
“That’s right,” the headmaster cut in. “You can help. By doing your schoolwork. These questionnaires are based on field observations, so while neither of you is fit to slay, there is still plenty you can do. In the folders you can see how I want the reports written up, and Mrs. Barnes will issue you the passes. You know this is twenty percent of your grade, right?”
Emma couldn’t believe it.
“Please,” she tried again. “We all know that fairies aren’t exactly the epitome of evil, and as for dragons, well, I think I know better than Curtis how to slay one. I mean—”
“Emma, I think you’re forgetting yourself,” Principal Kessler said in a commanding voice. “This assignment still has to be done, no matter what you think of it. End of discussion. Now I’ve got to go join in the briefing.”
She stared in openmouthed frustration at the door Principal Kessler had just walked through. Up and down the corridors she could hear the sound of running feet as students prepared for the mission, which just made her feel even worse. But her pity party was interrupted by a coughing noise next to her.
Her eyes narrowed.
“This is all your fault,” she said, spinning around and glaring at Curtis. Her eye was a little less fuzzy but it still hurt like crazy, and there were now all sorts of shadows dancing in front of it.