Sanders School of Magic (Analogical)

47: ...Virgil?

The school atmosphere is suffocating. Rumors may be bad, but at this school, they were almost completely accepted as fact, with few people daring to doubt them.

Logan walks the halls to the library, the prickly feeling of judgment around him. Though he is bad with social cues, this is less of a cue and more of a slap in the face. 

Rather quickly he decides he'd rather work outside, where nobody else is. It may be cold, but he had a jacket and scarf. He grabs his backpack and phone, not bothering to tell anyone he's headed out.

Logan's one bright side in all of this is still getting to see and be with Virgil. Janus and Remus hadn't shielded him away from anyone. Of course, Virgil wouldn't let them do that, but Logan got the impression both were protective, to say the least, of him.

He walks outside, breathing in the mildly chilly air. Logan prefers the indoors, but he knows fresh air is better for him. Not something he got a lot at home, either. He walks to the garden areas of the school, as there are benches and tables there. He pulls out his first bit of homework. Calculus. 

He sighs, knowing this will take a little while. He may be good at math, but that doesn't mean he's fast with it.

As he works, trying to ignore numbness in his ears and his nose growing cold and runny, he hears someone near. Two someones. Talking in hushed, secretive tones.

"Look man, I got the book down there. I swear dude. I know Mr. Principal didn't find it 'cause I kept findin' it hidden around the library. Someone's readin' it. They're gonna be ours any day now!" one says, sounding like they're trying to convince themself and who they're talking to. 

"Yeah, but we don't know who, dumbass. You kept tabs on Duke and J. And that annoying Emlo kid who kept telling them to stop. And now they did. So now we're in this mess because of you!"

"Ay ay ay, keep your voice down. I get it, I get it. I screwed up. But hey, rumor's out that Lo did it. Logan?"

Logan frowns and puts down his pencil. He knows exactly who these people are talking about and that worries him, especially the part about Virgil. He had overlooked his 'illegal' stuff he told him about, as he didn't think it was actually illegal or serious. But this. This was starting to prove him wrong.

"No. It's not him."

"How do ya know?"

"I just... do. There's only so much trouble someone can get into, especially when little Snow likes them."

"Oh oh ohhh. Yeah, you got a point!"

"I know I do. So stop with the flattery and go fix your mess. Find out who the person we got is or I will be framing you and reporting you to the authorities."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Logan ducks down to the ground as the person walks out of the gardens, grumbling to themself.

"Stupid bit-"

They pause for a second, and Logan worries he's been spotted. He looks through the bushes and catches a glimpse of a boy with dyed blonde hair.

"Ugh, what now- oh great she's texting me the plans! I'm not that stupid and forgetful..."

Once their footsteps fade, Logan decides it's safe to get back up again. He debates between finishing his homework or reporting what he heard. But he didn't record, so there's no proof, so it's unlikely anyone will believe him. But he did see what he looks like- maybe it would be better to follow him and stop him before whatever he's planning actually happens.

He soon finishes what work he has left, despite his focus fluctuating. He grabs his bag and reenters the building, going up to first his dorm to drop off his stuff, and then to Virgil's.

He knocks on the door but nobody answers. So he knocks again. 

"Logan? What are you doing?" 

Logan turns around to see Janus behind him, dorm key in hand.

"I wanted to talk with Virgil, and I assumed he would be here. It is rather urgent, do you know where he is?" he asks.

Janus shrugs carelessly.

"Not a clue. Grabbed a book and ran off a few hours ago. Haven't seen him since." he answers blankly.

"I see. I also have something I need to ask you later," Logan says, walking away.

"Wait you can just ask me-" Janus starts to say, but Logan already speed-walked out of sight. "...now."

Logan searches around somewhat frantically, trying to remind himself to keep a level head. He checks the library, the lake, the cafeteria, and just the hallways in general. He is nowhere.

Then comes an obvious solution. Calling him. Logan pulls out his phone and calls, but he gets no response.

Me: Virgil, I need to talk to you.

Virgil: On grounds. Back entrance

Me: Are you okay?

No response. Logan rushes outside again, where he sees three figures.  All wearing dark, baggy clothes. One of which is Virgil. 

"Hey!" Logan shouts.

The two others look up and quickly run and Logan sprints towards Virgil. Why is it always them?!

He's too late. Virgil is on the ground, tiny bolts of electricity flowing through his veins. He looks to be in pain, his eyes pleading for help.

"L- Lo- get away away AWAY!" he shouts, repeating the last word. Even in panic, his habits remain.

"Virgil, what happened to you?!" Logan asks desperately.

"I- I-" Virgil stammers.

"You heard him. Get away. Or both of you twerps will be leaving in an ambulance." another voice says. It's one of the people from before, approaching the two.

"Who- who are you? Why are you doing this?!" Logan asks, feeling a sense of terror build up inside of him.

The girl laughs.

"Isn't it obvious, Lo? You didn't really think two random students would suddenly become friends with the freakish new kid, did you?"

"...Rosa?"

HEHEHEHE ANGST >:D! Sorry for the late update again- I injured my arm and it takes a super long while to type. But I hope you enjoyed reading, feel free to leave any thoughts or feedback in the comments, and have a splendid day/night you magnificent peep!