StV: The Logistics of Staying in School

"He actually asked to remain at the school?" Jonathan Saint-Vincent was surprised, though in retrospect he probably shouldn't have been. 

"He did," answered Dianna Salvatore, "and I have never in my life been more frustrated at not being able to read someone's mind."

Saint-Vincent chuckled at that. "No, I imagine not." He considered. The boy might cause problems, though so far he seemed to being going out of his way to avoid that. His sister might object; all of Team Dragon might object. "You spoke to Sophia about it, I assume?"

"Only in passing, but she seemed a little embarrassed that she hadn't brought it up herself. As far as she's concerned, it was kind of her idea. She's encouraging him to do it, at least."

"Well, that's a start." Probably I should have spoken with the rest of Team Dragon before I let him stay at all. I certainly should now. "What about the others?"

Dianna hesitated. "I haven't had a chance to talk to them about it."

"And Jade still wants him to go with Team Phoenix to Colorado?"

Dianna nodded. "She asked about it again today. I think she's confused about why we haven't just made a decision yet."

Saint-Vincent sighed. "I'd rather have him working with Team Kraken. They could use an additional member." 

"Maybe," answered Dianna, "but I'm not sure he'd bring much to the team that Gaunt doesn't provide already. I'd rather add Cloudburst to their roster and see how she does there."

That made sense, he had to admit. "All right. If Tempest agrees, Cloudburst can join Team Kraken. Lyceus can accompany Team Phoenix, and I'll talk to Team Dragon about letting him stay here at the school."

"It's going to be awkward if he works well with Team Phoenix and we decide he can't stay," Dianna said.

"Do you really think that's going to happen?"

Dianna shivered, and her expression changed. For a moment she didn't look as if she were entirely here -- or, stranger still, as if she were entirely now. "No." She shook her head, suddenly certain. "He's going to stay here. It's going to be a mess, but we'll muddle through. And at some point he's going to save Sophia's life."

"Is he?" asked Saint-Vincent. The question was rhetorical; if Dianna hadn't been certain of her premonition, she would have said so. 

"He is. Maybe others, too. He's--" She cut that thought off. 

Saint-Vincent wondered what exactly she wasn't saying, but he didn't ask. If she thought he shouldn't know, she wouldn't answer; and anyway, he trusted her. "We're still going to have to put the work in," he reminded her. 

"Yes." Her tone was firm, now. "I'll arrange interviews with the Dragons. You should start with Wrecker and Veil -- the two he injured. Meanwhile, I'll let Jade know he's cleared to go with them, and ask her to give me a report on how he performed; she won't think that's anything out of the ordinary."

"Very well," said Saint-Vincent. "Whatever happens, we'll learn a bit more about our young friend, at least."