PND discovered

'Hi, sir.'

'Oh, hello-'

'Are you okay, Jude? What happened?'

'Yeah, I'm fine. Just an accident from wrestling training. Not a risk-free sport, unfortunately.'

'I see... that looks sore.'

'Oh, believe me, you quickly get used to pain. I don't feel it much any more.'

'That kind of career must take its toll in the long term.'

'It does. That's why most of the older wrestlers are pretty banged up. It's not something you can do forever... though it doesn't stop some of 'em from trying.'

'What about you?'

'There's no guarantee I'll make it anywhere. It's hard to break into the industry. So... if I can make it, I'll go to uni and get an education.'

'What do you mean, if you can make it?'

'If I get the grades I need to get in.'

'Why wouldn't you? You're intelligent, and you always put in a lot of effort. There's no reason why you won't be successful in your exams.'

'Well, I'll do my best...'

'I know you will. You can always make the most of the school's resources, whether it be for academic or emotional support. It's what we're here for. That includes me.'

'It's just... difficult. Actually, there's a point, I came here to tell you... I don't need to see you any more.'

'Are you sure? You know you're always welcome here.'

'Honestly, I feel a lot better because of our sessions. And a lot of the problems I've talked about have got better recently. So there's no point in me taking up your time when you could be giving it to students in greater need than me.'

'Oh, I have time for everyone. But if you insist, then...'

'Yeah. Thanks for everything.'

'If you change your mind, don't hesitate to come back. And, well, you know I live with Charon. If you feel like you're taking up my time at school, I can be available outside of it.'

'I appreciate it. You do a great job here, sir.'

'Thank you, Jude.'

'See you around.'

'Well?'

'It's a no-go. I can't teleport into the grounds at all. The nearest I can get is across the street. I had to go in the end because his guard was getting suspicious.'

'I see... That clears that up, then. It has to be a PND.'

'What's a PND?'

'A power nullification device. It stops all non human abilities from working within a certain radius, such as your teleportation. I would presume that you're unable to use your pyrokinesis at Tate's new house as well. I can see why he's done it. But... it's curious.'

'What is?

'It's ORTOS technology. In fact, it was the Captain who developed it. So how has Tate got access to it?'

'...That's a good question.'

'It must have been what Edward and that white-haired vampire woman brought over. It's not as if Edward would just pop over for a social visit, after all. They went for a reason.'

'Why would Edward want to protect Tate? He hates him.'

'I doubt it's Tate he's protecting. I imagine he's done it for the sake of the twins. Clearly, he thinks they're at risk from me.'

'...And are they?'

'What? No! How could you think I'd do that?!'

'You are the man who took a teenager's eye out.'

'I know, but... these are toddlers! I'm not above threatening it, but I'd never hurt anyone as small as them!'

'Good.'

'Even I have my limits. Attacking tiny children is wrong. Who could derive pleasure from hurting helpless babies?'

'Abraxas could.'

'Indigo and Wednesday's father?'

'Yeah. You know, she told me their little sisters are living with them now because he hit one of them. Probably both. The sick fuck can't be trusted near them.'

'That's barbaric... I never thought there could be a creature as foul as Tate, but this Abraxas character certainly gives him a run for his money.'

'After hearing about the way he treated Wednesday, I feel like teaching him a lesson.'

'Well, do let me know if you want any help.'

'Yeah. Though I have to ask... Can we just stick to Tate and Abraxas? No more messing around with innocents from now on? Rikard'll be disappointed in me, and I guess it's rare for a demon to be moralistic, but I don't feel comfortable with it any more.'

'So long as you're still on board with getting revenge on Tate, I'm okay with that.'

'Oh, yeah, Tate's the exception. And his bestie.'

'Then it's agreed. The last thing I want to do is alienate you, Hazel. You have the right to your own feelings and opinions, and I'd like to respect them.'

'Thanks.'

'It's okay. I suppose for now, I need to focus on finding out just how Tate has access to PND... Not that it'll mean anything.'

'If he thinks that can stop me from getting to him altogether, he's in for a nasty surprise.'