A Place for Peace

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{OoC: Gabe first ^_^}

A soothing ocean breeze blowing through, at times this place seemed almost peaceful. Of course at any given moment it was quite likely there was a fight or two in progress. It was hard to find any measure of real peace at this school for many people, however Zachariah had found such a spot behind the main campus up a hill. There was a Mulberry tree that he often sat under when reading or relaxing, nice to find that it remained. He slowly walked up to the tree and playfully patted the trunk as though to great it as an old friend, one he hadn’t seen in a long time.

Zachariah slowly walked around the tree as though inspecting it, but really he was just taking in the day. Here he had his measure of peace within the chaos of 259. He sat underneath the branches, facing toward the school and rest against the trunk in an attempt to unwind before his meeting. That meeting was with the school’s new captain, a man named Gabriel Seran. Having never met the man before made that slightly difficult but being a tutor for students as Zachariah was, finding a messenger became easier and allowed him to inform the school’s new top student of a meeting. The was no real agenda, contrary to what one might think, Zachariah had no real connections to the rest of the student body and had no real hand in the politics and violence that surrounded it. Even when he was a pillar for so long he really didn’t.

There was a sigh soft from Zachariah as he thought about what he might say to this man. Perhaps it would be advice about picking pillars, though this man was obviously not a simpleton or weakling. He would have to let the conversation find its own path. Unfortunately this line of thought lead him to all he didn’t do as a pillar and the apology he had to make.

[Gabriel Seran]

"Captain, I have a message for you..."

Gabriel looked down at a small freshman standing right outside his classroom bouncing around hesitantly as he seemed to be slightly afraid, or at the very least nervous.

"Yes..?"

"Um this kid told me to get you to meet him on the hill for a little talk," The kid bounced about finding a small flinch as Gabriel raised a hand to scratch his head calmly.

"Alright thank you.."

Gabriel took off right after class heading out the school's back entrance; his calm facade never faltering for an instant as he thought through the implications. He didn't especially care who it was but off the top of his head he was hoping he didn't have to deal with Matrim yet again. He shrugged it off calmly heading up the dirt path to the tree line where he made a small shrug.

"So you the one looking for me?" Gabriel stood tall with his hands situated in his pockets.

It was odd how much he was changing since he became Captain. The regal stature never faded but his attitude changed from one of cold prospects to that of unwavering calm. Probably due to what was said with his meeting with David, Emily and Alex.

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“Indeed, I am.”

Zachariah spoke cordially with a small grin to assure that he was indeed friendly and no threat, not that he would be a threat even if he was hostile. He gestured for the captain to take a seat beside him underneath the tree while they talked. It was uncertain how long they would be discussing whatever they might discuss and standing might be somewhat tiresome.

“I don’t suppose you know me, Gabriel, then again why should you. Anyway my name is Zachariah… though many have called me ‘Saint’.”

The former pillar introduced himself while not expecting much recognition to be made of his name or alias. Despite his past possession of a title, he was unknown to a great deal of the school, which though it had perhaps been a negative during his time in power, it was a positive now. With anonymity came the ability to move amidst the students without hassle and to observe then without being noticed due to any misbegotten prestige. Zachariah sighed softly as the contemplated how exactly to continue.

“Being school captain is, of course, no easy task… how are you coping so far?”

A small tinge of concern was present in his voice as Zachariah spoke. The position held much responsibility and could be overwhelming he assumed. Being a pillar had been overwhelming, he could imagine captain.

[Gabriel Seran]

Saint? Gabriel couldn't imagine why he was called as such though once again he didn't know the man. However a certain bit of reputation was often to follow about a man with such a name, Gabriel undoubtably didn't live up to his own. Gabriel made a generous smole and nodded.

"A pleasure,"

Gabriel remained brief and silent as 'Saint' Gave his reasonings. The pressure's of the Captain's position; it was an easy enough end result. Gabriel felt more pressure in past experience, leading the Black Knights was by far the most stressful power he ever had. Their duties resembled his own engame, their actions a foreshadowing of future results.

"Making changes to the system... Dealing with trouble students, certainly no bit harder than things I've dealt with in the past although this time it's very hard to find friends."

Gabriel smiled breifly, "I had expected only as much." He chuckeld unconcered about it.

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Zachariah listened intently while letting the small bit of relief that Gabriel was unfazed by his new position, though the idea that their had been other, perhaps more, troubling ordeals in his life left a tinge of sadness. It was never good to hear on someone’s struggles even if they were better for it. This small reassurance was a pleasure to hear.

“I’m glad to hear you are doing well.”

Another pleasant smile graced his features as he spoke. Zachariah did find his interest peaked however when the idea of changes to the system had been brought up. True enough the system needed to be changed but the idea that it would be a simple as the school captain deciding to change it seemed far too good to be true and was thus approached with some skepticism. Of course this was assuming his read was correct and Gabriel had positive changes in mind.

“What changes do you intent to make? If you don’t mind my asking.”

It was kept as polite as possible while the undertone of hesitant skepticism remained. Zachariah did not know this man and without using his Qi could not be sure in his intentions.

[Gabriel Seran]

Gabriel was almost optimistic about hearing what that someone at least had the curiousity to ask what changes Gabriel would be changing; the whole load of them who knew Gabriel automatically assumed he'd be reinstating a form of baby killing or mass brutal slaughter camps. Their imaginations having obviously been far flung since the events at Moral Crest didn't see the here and now and most certainly didn't see what the future held.

"Well as odd as it may be, I plan on getting rid of the pillar system." Gabriel said with a trustworthy grin.

He meant every word of what he was saying, he knew the implications of what he was about to do. Knowing clear well what'd come of it, Gabriel would become both hated and remembered. Without a sense of control undoubtably Anarchy would rise to power, and from there control would be unattainable, which is why Gabriel had yet to give up his title the changes needed to be slow and gradual dispite his rapid movements.

"It may take some time though... there are many issues to work out."

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A grand smile came to Zachariah’s face upon hearing of the captain’s intention to remove the pillar system. There was the small problem of the debate between the monster you know and the one you don’t but the resilience he seemed to show and at least being aware of the issues that he at least had a chance to succeed. The former pillar turned his attention to the school and he let his mind wonder about what it would be like without the pillar system, how much better a place it could be. Even with the apparent wisdom he held, Zachariah was much the idealistic optimist about many things.

“True enough… you are going to be walking a dangerous path. And it is lonely at the top.”

Zachariah said in an almost melancholy manner, part of him feeling that this ordeal should have been his burden to bear so long ago and he had forced it onto another. It was a selfish to think that way in some ways but it was how he felt. He should take the burden’s of everyone upon himself so that they could live free and happy lives. There was a thoughtful sigh as he turned back toward Gabriel.

“If there is anything you need assistance with do not hesitate to ask me.”

Again his gaze shifted this time back to the school, Zachariah eyes seemed to gloss over with the memories.

“All that is required for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing… that was my sin last time.”

[Gabriel Seran]

Gabriel nodded, quite honestly he had no questions of his own to exploit, seeing as he had gotten to the position he so desired now for the rest of his time at this school he didn't need to playcate towards other students goals. He should encourage them, even provide a certain benefit to positive behavior but he should not be dependant on them. He would forever be lonely from the day he accepted the title. It's weight secretly tearing heavy knots unto his shoulders.

"Well I could ask you to come to a certain meeting I'll be having the next few days, it reguards this changing of power." Gabriel nodded attempting to be as amiable as possible.

"It should affect every student in the school, so I figure you'll have as much say as the rest do."

Gabriel worried however for the outcome, all that pressure, all those stares towards him. He knew the overall effect it'd have on people. For those who were weak, they'd have an opportunity to complete their goals, to better their schooling; as for those like David, Katsuri, and Emily however he feared that dispite their great morality they'd favor a strong dominated society. Shaking his head he disengaged from those worrysome thoughts.

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Zachariah nodded as the captain spoke, mentally noting posture and expressions. It wasn’t obvious but ehre were indications of the pressure on him, which he would not pry into. He knew that being captain was no easy task and Gabriel was putting effort into showing that it wasn’t effecting him. Zachariah thought it would be disrespectful to pry deep into that matter, though it might do some good much of the captain’s power and prestige was built from the perception that they were unflappable. Putting chinks in that armor would do more harm than good to the man’s cause.

“I will be there.”

It seemed as though Zachariah had been correcting in letting the conversation dictate its own agenda. He had gotten a sense for the new captain’s intentions and was pleasantly surprised. Of course there was one more thing that he felt he must say, though perhaps off subject. Also it might give insight as to why he held such a nickname.

“If you ever feel there is something you need to get off your chest and speak to someone about, whatever it maybe, see me. I spend much of my free time at school here under this very tree.”

An olive branch of sorts.