The sun was barely starting to rise over the horizon as the plane begins to slowly descend into the nearby city that was below. The sleeping passengers are either awoken by their classmates or by the flight attendants to put on their seatbelts. The girls shriek and hurriedly do their makeup and ready for themselves. While the boys sleepily yawn and begin to stretch.

The only non-reacting member is the gray-haired female student, who is slapped awake by a certain fuzzy bear. #017 barely reacts to the slaps until Mr. Wilkins says in a dark ominous voice, “Seventeen, I’m going to eat your snacks.”

Immediately #017 sits up and protects her insanely expensive snacks bought from the airline store. Mr. Wilkins huffs with displeasure as #017’s actions at being thought less than snacks. Seeing Mr. Wilkins pouting #017 says, “Want a cookie?” Holding out the last precious chocolate chip cookie in her snack bag. And even though Mr. Wilkins couldn’t eat a cookie, it was the thought that counted. Mr. Wilkins ruefully shakes his head as his ears twitch with pleasure. Knowing she was forgiven, #017 tosses the cookie into her mouth.

The flight attendant passes by collecting trash and alerting the passengers to put on their seatbelts and their trays up into the upright position. A flight attendant stops next to the gray-haired female passenger and collects the trash. Before leaving the flight attendant softly says, “Please remain behind when the plane lands.”

#017 doesn’t react and the flight attendant continues down the aisle. A few minutes later, the flight attendants strap themselves down as the plane begins to descend for landing. The time continues to tick until a slight screech and bump are felt as the plane lands on the landing strip. The more anxious passengers let out sighs of relief as the takeoff and the landing was known as the seven minutes of death when most airplane accidents happened.

The plane slows down and stops on the landing strip. Men in orange jackets run out with the landing stairs as cars pull up directly on the small airplane terminal. The light for seatbelts goes off as the students scramble out of their seats as the pilot says, “The sun is just coming over the horizon and the weather looks perfect. Please enjoy your stay and thank you for flying Dawn Airlines.”

The door barely is swung open when the students, particularly the males scramble to be the first out of the door. The morning air is crisp and a quite a beautiful sunrise can be seen over the horizon. The air smells of pines and the sweet bird calls can be heard in the distance. But all of this is wasted on the racing students. The airplane swiftly empties out as the students gather in clumps and move towards the sleek black transportation vehicles. To each vehicle, five students can fit comfortably.

Groups are quickly settled as the last passenger leisurely unbuckles her seatbelt and that of a fuzzy teddy bear. Carefully gathering her snack bag, #017 makes her way down the aisle and politely thanks the pilot and flight attendants for the safe trip. The crew smiles at the polite gray haired female student who makes her way to the only car remaining on the tarp, that is surrounding by several SUV’s, a security detail.

A guard in a black suit and tie pats his waist as he waits for confirmation. A message is relayed via the earbud in his earpiece before he reaches over and opens the passenger door. The suit is tight against his arms and chest from bulging muscles. #017 slides into the car seat and carefully sets Mr. Wilkins on her lap as the door closes behind her.

The door instantly locks as the car moves forward following the front SUV’s and the guard rushes into one of the SUV’s that are following behind. A dark-haired young man with bright beryl gray eyes the woman before him. Albert Cross frowns at finding nothing particularly special about the person before him. Average face, body, and weight, the only noticeable features was her gray hair neatly pulled back in a bun and the fluffy teddy bear in her lap in a silver school uniform.

Albert Cross coldly says, “If you’re the best money can buy, then I’m better on my own. I’ll have you know that my shadow is much more impressive than you are, but I suppose it’s fitting considering you’re my watcher.”

#017 frowns at the tone of voice of her twin brother. “He’s an utter idiot. Figures, that he not only would inherit Giselle’s looks but her brains as well. Who’d have known or much less guessed that I would one day be grateful for taking after Atlas,” #017 thought to herself. #017 leans back into the comfortable leather seats and turns her face towards the window. Somewhat dissatisfied, #017 gazes out at the scenery.

Albert Cross frowns at the lack of response from his watcher. Not accustomed to being ignored, Albert Cross can only silently glare at the figure seated across from him. Not soon enough for the both of them, do they arrive at the school entrance grounds. The car barely pulls up at the entrance, before Albert Cross swiftly opens the door himself and steps out.

From the other passenger door, #017 emerges. The two walked towards the grand entrance hall and up the stone steps. Their figures perfectly match each other in sync even down to the speed of their steps, causing their images to overlap for a second and for the guards to blink for a moment with confusion.

Albert and #017 move towards the group ahead, when Albert softly mutters, “I am sure you are aware we will be different classes. I except for there to be zero contact between us except for the approved means of communication. I am not your friend, just your client.”

“The feelings mutual,” #017 flatly replied causing Albert to narrow his eyes at her.

Albert marches forward and joins the chatting group. His friends swiftly move to surround him failing to notice the figure trotting after him. A bronze haired young man subtly moves forward, the shadow assigned to Albert and a friend, Jonathan Walker. #017 eyes flicker as she feels a gaze on her. She subtly turns her head and sees a cheerful young man with an arrogant face and sweet smile.

#017 eyes flicker for a moment as every part of her body tenses, ready for action. #017 pauses to pat Mr. Wilkins and forcefully relaxing her body before moving through the crowd of students. The gaze of the young man darts away, but #17 is unable to shake off the feeling of danger emitting from that gaze. She would have to take care, after all, it would seem there was much more here than previously meets the eyes. Mr. Wilkins hadn’t failed to take note of the male student either. Mr. Wilkins was already researching everything he could get his hands on and reviewing the airplane footage for any missed signs or further indications to confirm an identity and possibly associates.

A burly man in a too-tight collar shirt and vest loudly says, “Get into groups of five and introduce each other.” The groups suddenly move and change as #017 swiftly joins a smaller group of four people, short of a fifth member.

The groups made from the leftovers include the nervous looking girl from the plane, a buff coco skinned young man, a young boy with purple dyed hair, a pretty girl who purposefully left her uniform open to show off her boobs, and the weird gray-haired woman carrying a teddy bear. Everyone instinctively gives the woman with the teddy bear a wide girth as they stand in a semi-formed circle.

The nervous looking girl fretfully says, “I’m Tanya, 17. I’m an Esper, my ability is controlling plant growth. What about the rest of you?”

The sexy young woman with her open silver school uniform sweetly says, “I’m Brooke, 18. A feline Changelings. And I don’t have a mate yet,” Brooke pauses and winks at everyone.

The muscular coco skinned young man snorts and mutters, “I bet.” Everyone’s eyes flicker towards him at the comment as Brooke pouts at his grumble. The buff man firmly says, “Dave Johnson, 18. An Ursidae Changelings and it’s a pleasure to meet y’all.”

Brooke lets out a huff as Tanya nervously nods in response. The purple-haired teenager excitedly raises his hand and says, “I’m George, 16, which makes me the youngest in the group. And I’m here because of my computer skills, I’m the infamous Hacker known as Enigma, (3n16m4)!” Seeing a lack of response to his statement, George swiftly says, “Just kidding, you guys, no need to be so serious. I’m an Esper with the ability of Telekinesis.”

The teddy bear unconsciously narrows its eyes at the troublesome little hacker freak who had been a thorn in his side for the last six months. The gray-haired young woman notices the dark malevolent aura and swiftly rubs her teddies ears. The teddy bear calms down choking back the growls of anger directed at the pest. The teddy bear’s aura somewhat disappears except for the intent glare sent towards the foolish teenage boy.

George shudders and scratches his neck feeling an intense glare. His eyes scan the room, but he finds no glares coming from anyone in the group except that the teddy bear that held in the gray-haired woman’s arms, the dark black eyes glow sincerely. George shudders and hastily says, “You haven’t introduced yourself yet stranger. What’s your story?”

The group towards the young woman with gray hair. The young woman dully says, “My name is Victoria Starr. I’m currently 21 years old and I was drafted against my will.”

The group gazed expectantly at the young woman for more details especially given her age, but #017 remains silent. George coughs and clears his throat. “So, uh, what’s up with your teddy bear? I think it’s glaring at me,” George mumbled.

The group members smile at various degree until #017 says, “Oh, Mr. Wilkins definitely glaring, he doesn’t like you very much. And I forgot to introduce him, so everyone please meet Mr. Wilkins, who is my familiar and a member of the faculty.”

The group members begin to laugh until the laughter stops at seeing #017’s serious expression fail to change. “You’re joking, right?” Brooke swiftly said. But #017 doesn’t respond and merely turning to stare at the crowd.

“Freak,” Brooke mumbles under her breath. Suddenly she feels a sharp glare as her eyes meet the teddy bears soulless black eyes. A nervous laugh escapes her throat as Brooke swiftly says, “Anyway, so does anyone know what department they’re going into yet?”

George eagerly shouts out, “Cybernetics, of course. I heard there are incredible software’s and coding to learn here!”

“Private Military Forces,” Corporal Johnson dutifully replied.

Brooke swiftly jumps in and says, “The Business Department. What about you, Tanya?”

Tanya nervously as her usual stutters, “I’m joining the Culture Department.”

Brooke nods and says, “Nice.” Brooke either purposefully or not, she skips asking the two freaks about their path choices and jumps into another conversation. The group chatters constantly the entire time until a rather plump woman waddles over.

The plump’s woman’s pale skin and slightly red eyes giver her away as a Sanguniem Vorpal. The female Sanguniem Vorpal excitedly says, “Welcome to Black Woods Academy, please follow me inside for a tour!”

“Hell is other people,” #017 drily remarked out loud as the group begins to move.

Mr. Wilkins whispers back, “I think this will be good for you. You never had a normal life, so going to school and making friends will be a positive impact on you.”

#017 drily replies, “I think I would rather go back to prison.”

Mr. Wilkins growls, “Listen here, Seventeen. I have been very supportive of your decisions, but it’s high time you made some friends that did not include felons, computer/video gamers, or your customers. Make friends with people your age!”

#017 ponders the comment for a moment, before gravely saying, “But they’re all younger than me and they seem like a great deal of pain to deal with. Besides I’m more worried about you, at least I have real friends my age, can the same be said about you? All your friends are virtual or exist only on online forums.”

Mr. Wilkins grinds his teeth together despite not having any teeth, to begin with. “FINE. Now hurry up! We don’t want to get lost on the first day of school,” Mr. Wilkins growled. #017 sighs and grudgingly trots after the group.