Asim declared his love for Sean after the dance. Sean was quick to reject him.

"You mean he just-"

"Yeah!" Sean interrupted the next morning at breakfast. Asim was not sitting with them. He had, instead, chosen to go on a morning jog. "He was all, 'You kept looking up at me and I felt there was a connection between us and I just went for it,' and I was all, 'Well yeah! You were standing across from me at the punch bowl!' Like, what was he thinking?"

Kyle took a sip of his orange juice while Fledermaus stole a piece of toast from his plate. "Was it you or someone else who told me he's had a crush on everyone at school?"

Sean shrugged. "I'm sure I've said it once or twice." He bit into a piece of sausage and shook his head. "That's going to make things awkward."

Kyle nodded, then stared past Sean a bit. Someone caught his eye. He leaned in closer and whispered, "Here he comes,"

Sean had to stop him from choking on his water. Without another word, without even turning to see if Kyle was right, he grabbed his plate and water the best he could and sank under the table. Drake followed him.

"I feel like there are better ways to deal with your problems, Sean."

"Agree to disagree," he replied.

Less than a minute later, Asim pushed his way through the crowd with a bowl of porridge and berries. "Good morning, Kyle," he said as he sat down where Sean had been. His voice forced some enthusiasm, but his face was tense and his movements stiff. Kyle felt Sean pressing against his legs. Leonidas leapt onto the table and offered Fledermaus a blueberry from Asim's bowl. "Have you seen Sean?"

Kyle felt a fork against his leg. He nodded, taking a sip of juice. "Just missed him," he said.

"Oh." Asim sighed as he stirred the berries into the porridge, revealing streams of cinnamon, too. "Well, did he say where he was going?"

"Probably went to take a nap or something," Kyle said. "It's still pretty early for him."

Asim nodded. "Alright..." He took a small bite of porridge, barely covering half his spoon. He sighed again and asked, "Did he tell you?"

"About last night?" Kyle felt the fork press just a bit harder into his jeans. "Not really."

The tension in his face relaxed a bit, and he allowed his shoulders to sag. He looked funny with broad shoulders anyway, not like himself. "Good."

Kyle reached for another piece of toast, only to find a chunk of it already missing. Leonidas, meanwhile, wiped crumbs and a bit of an orange gel from his beak. Fledermaus looked as though nothing was different. Kyle could tell Asim was upset, but the habits of his dragon made it hard to keep a straight face. "Did you have fun at the dance, by the way?"

Asim hid his face in his hands, pushing his glasses up to the top of his head on his fingertips. He groaned a very long, low groan.

"Oh, Kyle, I fear I made a fool of myself!" he moped. "I felt Sean was leading me on. He kept looking my way, the dim lights revealing the full beauty of those emerald green eyes of his. He hardly danced with anyone, I thought he might have been interested in me, but too shy to initiate. I must say, I had cold feet, too. It wasn't until after everything had come to an end that I worked up the nerve! I confessed I fancied him, but he rejected me! I should have known better than to express my feelings on a whim, but oh, Kyle, I was weak!"

By now a few other students had turned to see what the commotion was about. Some, seeing it was just the same story from before, turned away. But others, those who had, perhaps, not known about the drama, continued to watch, keeping their heads turned partially away as to hide their interest.

Kyle tried to ignore the onlookers. "Look, Asim, we all act on impulse sometimes. You asked someone out after hanging out at the dance, I burn a barn down. It's all the same." It really wasn't, but sometimes it helps to hear about the flaws of others.

"Oh, but Kyle, you seem to be more level-headed than I. This is not the first time I've grappled with rejection, and I'm sure it won't be the last. You've been romantically rejected before, and yet it doesn't phase you. How do you do it?"

Kyle's eyebrows pulled themselves closer and he screwed up his face. Who? What? When? "Well, I guess it starts with having no idea what you're talking about..."

Asim peered through his fingers. "You haven't even noticed? Kyle, I am impressed by your immunity to the powers of the heart."

"I guess," Kyle said, biting a piece of toast. "I really don't know."

Asim pulled his hands away from his face. His eyes were brighter. "That's really admirable."

It felt odd to accept praise for something he did not do, or something he was unaware he was doing. But at least Asim seemed to be cheered up.

Asim took up his porridge and rose from the seat. "I have to go, I'm going to do some studying by myself while I eat. Thank you, Kyle." And Asim once again disappeared into the crowd.

The fork pulled away from Kyle's leg. Sean emerged between the table and bench, peering out like a groundhog from its burrow. "There he goes," he sighed. He set his plate and cup back on the table, then pulled himself out from underneath, sitting on the same side as Kyle. "Sounds like he's your problem now."

Kyle recoiled a bit. "How so?"

"He thinks your lack of understanding when people are crushing on you is attractive," Sean said. "Probably a forbidden fruit-type deal."

"But who's been crushing on me?" Kyle asked.

Sean shrugged. "Don't know. I was thinking about that myself. Maybe he thinks Aoife likes you. He's probably still upset she didn't like him back, that crush lasted a while. It might be easiest to rationalize she just likes someone else."

"But why?"

Sean shrugged. "It just is. I know that if I like someone, and they don't like me back, I feel bad about it. If I really like someone and they don't like me back, it's easier to tell myself there's a reason other than them just not being interested."

Kyle thought about Sean's words. He understood what they meant, but was unsure if he understood the feeling. "Guess I just haven't felt that way about anyone else before."

"Well hang onto that," Sean said. "It's no fun getting rejected."

It didn't sound fun. But it was still an alien concept. Maybe he wouldn't have to deal with it.

Sean stood up and stepped over the bench. Drake leapt from the table into Sean's pocket, carrying a bit of toast in his - FLEDERMAUS! Sean put his now empty cup on his now empty plate and picked it up. "Well, now that you mention it, I think I will go take a nap."

Kyle nodded. "Have fun. Oh, and Sean?"

Sean turned to him.

"Were you eating under the table?"

Sean nodded. "Yeah. Why?"

Kyle pulled up his leg to examine his pants. "Were you jabbing me with your dirty fork?"

Sean shrugged. "Your jeans are black. No one will ever notice."

Kyle went for a walk a bit later in the day. He bumped into Aoife on the way down, and so the two decided to walk together. They walked through the woods and, when they got too cold, returned to the school. As they walked, they discussed classes, and upcoming missions, tests and teachers, and things of the nature. He still felt bad for his recent distance, so he wanted to let Aoife speak instead of weighing her down with his burdens. But Asim's words still stuck with him, like a splinter he could not free from his skin. When Aoife finished talking about what she did at the dance, she asked Kyle if he had heard about the drama.

And, though he wanted to let her speak, he was glad to share the splinter with her.

"Heard it from both of them this morning," he said. "Don't tell Asim."

"He's so upset," she said. "And I guess it's his fault? He gets these crushes so easily and no one knows what to do with that."

"And he seems to see things where there aren't any," Kyle added. "He told me I handle rejection well, and said something about how it's admirable I don't notice crushes, or whatever."

Aoife chuckled. "Well I didn't realize so many people were after you, Kyle."

He laughed, a bit uncomfortably. The idea of someone thinking about him in that way... eugh. "I remember Nixie made a joke about that early on. I think it's because I hang out with so many girls or something?"

"I'm sure she was just teasing," Aoife said. "But that is a common taunt."

"Yeah," he said. "But sometimes I think I'm just not meant for that stuff."

Aoife looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise. Even Joy peered out of Aoife's coat to look at him. "Kyle, that's a terrible thing to say!"

He shook his head. "No, I don't mean like that! And, even if I did, I don't really mind?" He felt his cheeks grow warm, and felt his body growing smaller. "I mean, like, maybe I don't want to find my match? Maybe I'm happy on my own?"

Aoife's face relaxed. She took her eyes off him and put them on the path ahead. Joy slipped her head back inside Aoife's coat. "I guess that makes sense for you."

He was sure she meant no offense by her statement. Though, he was too busy wondering if he what he just did was considered coming out.

The two returned to the archway. "But yeah, I guess that is pretty cool," she said. "Love isn't everything."

"That's what I like to hear."

The two jumped and turned to face whoever had just spoken.

She was tall and attractive. She had full lips and dark eyes. Her hair, kept in a series of neat little braids all over her head, came down just past her jaw. She wore golden eyeshadow highlated with specks of blue, which clashed regally with her dark complexion. She wore a golden tunic and a heavy white coat, black leggings and thick snow boots. Playing in the snow beside her was a massive lioness.

"Sorry for butting into your conversation," she said, "it just does my heart good to see young people who don't think life is meaningless without a partner."

"We've got a friend who'd drive you crazy then," Kyle said without thinking.

She narrowed her eyes, and the corners of her lips pulled into a smile. "For some reason I think I know. You're Kyle Akfernen, correct?"

Kyle and Aoife both took a step back. That statement almost never came before something good.

"Relax, I'm not going to hurt you. If you are who I think you are, then chances are, you're talking about my little cousin, Asim."

Aoife breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, you're Cleo."

She smiled. "Guilty as charged." She extended a hand to the two. "Pleased to meet you."

Aoife shook her hand first. "Aoife."

Cleo chuckled. "Oh, I've heard about you."

Aoife went red. "Oh dear."

Cleo then turned to Kyle. "And you're Kyle."

He shook her hand. Her nails were painted with colors of gold and sky blue. He was starting to sense a theme.

"Giving you the heads up, I've been assigned to go on a mission with you and Asim sometime soon." She then turned to Aoife. "You, however, can opt out if you wish, all things considered."

Aoife raised her boot from the snow. "I appreciate it."

Despite the cold, Kyle's palms grew sweaty. Fledermaus, who had hidden away in the large front pocket of Kyle's sweatshirt, enjoyed the increased warmth.

"Where are we going?" he asked. He tried not to make his nervousness too obvious.

Cleo smiled with pride. "To our roots, me and Asim's: Egypt."

Aoife chuckled. "Is that why you dress like an Egyptian queen?"

Cleo let out a laugh of her own. "Really now, you're too sweet. It's no wonder Asim had that crush on you." She composed herself, and said, "It's only a small fraction of our ancestry, but it's always been my favorite fraction to research." Then she turned to the lioness, thrashing about in the snow. "Isn't that right, Bast?"

The big cat ceased her rolling and looked up at Cleo, a mountain of snow on her head and nose.

Cleo laughed at the sight. "She's queen of the jungle, but behaves like a housecat." She turned back to the two. "I suggest you get some rest. We'll get the assignment any day now."

Kyle and Aoife took the rest of their day easy. As much as Kyle enjoyed being with the Gargoyles, he did miss spending time with his human friends. The more he thought about it, the more he realized he had been rather foolish to blow them off in response to his own personal drama. He felt bad, and wanted to make it up to them, but then the mission came from his Flight Class, of all places.

Mr. Hawking appeared very upset, but battled to keep his composure. "Due to an incident involving a student falling from their Familiar, it pains me to say we will be suspending flight-related exercises for a week while the incident is investigated. I am not allowed to state my opinions on the matter at the moment." He shut his eyes and took a deep breath, holding it for a moment. "However, I must still give you something. So, you will be investigating some cryptid sightings."

There were a few excited murmurs in response, while one student raised their hand. "Isn't this Mr. Cava's territory?"

To which Mr. Hawking responded, "Yes. I had to borrow one of his favorites. I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it, too."

Kyle was not a cryptidzoologist. He knew of a few, and was fascinated with them, but there were a few he knew which were fairly dangerous. Jenny Greenteeth, for one. The chupacabra, if you were a goat. He was not a goat, and none of the students were - well, there were a few Satyrs wandering around. Would they be in danger if another chupacabra got loose? He was getting off topic.

"Now, some of these creatures can be a bit dangerous," Mr. Hawking continued, "and so you will have older, more experienced students to accompany you on your missions." He went down the list of students, group by group. Kyle tuned back in when he heard his name. "Kyle, Asim, you two will be accompanied by Cleo, who I've heard you've already met. You will be investigating a recently unearthed pyramid in Egypt with what was described as strange snake activity. And Aoife, you will have your approved alternate assignment."

Asim shuddered and leaned over to Kyle as Mr. Hawking went on. "I don't quite care for snakes."

Kyle shrugged. "That doesn't sound so bad." Until... He swallowed hard. "Until you realize all their snakes are venomous."

The class came to an end once Mr. Hawking came to the end of his list. As the students got up to leave, he added on one last pearl of wisdom, "And please, know that if your next action begins with the phrase, 'Watch this,' it's a bad idea."

Preparations began immediately. The trio finished their other assignments and gathered outside a door. Despite the cold, they were dressed in their warm-weather attire. Cleo also carried a fairly large turquoise-colored purse. Aoife came to see them off.

"I have to see Mr. Hawking about my mission," she said. "I hope you have fun. And stay safe."

Kyle sighed. "I'll do my best."

Cleo gave him an assuring pat on the back. "Don't worry, I've been given anti-venom and a special get-away spell."

The three younger students turned to face her.

"What, pray tell, does that mean?" Asim asked.

"Don't worry about it, it's just a way of making a door. Problem is too many students were misusing it, so now they only give it to certain people. That's why they aim to make these missions safe. Or, relatively safe, but it seems your group has a knack for finding trouble." She then pinched Asim's cheek and grinned broadly. "But hopefully you'll be good for the babysitter."

Asim fought to keep poker-faced. He swatted away his cousin's hand the way one would - or should - swat at a bee: carefully.

"These squares?" Aoife teased. "They'll give you no trouble at all. Not on purpose, at least."

Cleo retracted and fished a piece of chalk from her purse. It was in a plastic bag to keep the dust from getting everywhere. "Okay, are you two ready?"

Kyle and Asim turned towards the door. Both nodded.

Cleo drew the circle on the door. Inside, she drew a pyramid in the center, and put a wavy line of sand beneath it. She put the chalk back, and then retrieved three dust masks and goggles. "Put these on," she instructed.

Kyle and Asim took the items and examined them. Kyle took the dust mask and pulled it over his head, fitting it at the nose, and then pulled the goggles on over. Asim did the same, but had to be more careful with his glasses. "For the sand?" he asked.

Cleo nodded. "For the sand." She then turned to Aofie and added, "And it's best you keep your distance now. I don't know what it's going to be like once we open the door."

Aoife nodded. "Good luck you three." She then turned and trudged back through the snow.

Cleo pulled her mask over her mouth and nose and pulled the goggles on. "Are you two ready?"

They nodded.

Cleo opened the door. The dark stairwell appeared as always. She let herself and Bast through, holding the door open so Kyle and Asim could join her. The two entered, Kyle trailing in the rear. Cleo shut the door behind him. The lights rushed to greet them, but did little to illuminate the dark stairwell. Cleo took the lead once again, Bast slinking behind her. Asim and Kyle followed, huddled close together. They were still cold. Cleo waited until they joined her on the bottom step, and then opened the second door. A rush of hot, dry air poured through, melting the snow which they had tracked down straight into water. Bast darted through the door, her sandy coat making her invisible. Cleo took the first steps outside. Though her face was mostly covered, it was clear she was content.