Sam Araeise's Story

"Yeah, either that or they're just waiting for the moment this orientation is over to haze the new kids," Sam whispered as she took a seat behind Bekah and Julian, a broad smile across her face. "I heard they already started by moving the orientation sign. Couple new kids got lost, including me."

While it was true the orientation sign had been moved, there was a sparkle of mischief in Sam's eyes. Her face appeared somber though, apparently truly distraught at the fact she was already having problems on the first day. Walking into the auditorium was easy enough though. Sitting in the back was the obvious choice so the front it was for Sam. It was a shame though, she had thought, considering the people in the back probably wouldn't be so uptight as the goody two shoes in front. People were predictable, even the seats they sat in.

"Tch, I wouldn't talk to them. I heard from my older sis that the older kids like to pick on the kids who approach them in the first day asking for help. She says they target 'em to make tough and help them although everyone knows its basically bullying," Sam continued fretfully. "The worst part is the teachers don't even stop it. They buy into the kids the older ones say cuz the new ones are usually delinquents or somethings. You think hazing's bad, you should see blazing hazing. It's got the principle's seal of approval."

She shook her head and then offered the two students a bright smile, "Name's Sam by the way. What's you twose names?"

"Jesus," Julian replied. "Isn't my name. I'm Julian featherdancer Campile."

"Well ain't that a delightful name," Sam said sarcastically. "Is that really your middle name? Geez, no wonder you're here. If my parents had given me a name like that, I would've probably been sent straight to prison instead of having the choice to come here."

A sharp, barking laugh escaped her and she shook her head, dispelling the last of the fit of laughter.

"I should of gotten a grip," Julian scolded himself. "No really though, I'm Julian Maund. Earth." He said with a smile. The auditorium had filled up to near capacity now as the last of the students entered. "Looks like it's starting," He muttered as he sat in his chair and the lights of the auditorium dimmed. The curtain on stage raised and from behind it the faculty stepped forward, under a dozen teachers but still an impressive bunch. In their center was a large man with black, curly hair and beady eyes. He stepped forward and raised his arms out to the students before him.

"Welcome to the Luna Academy for the Fisted," The man said in a deep voice. "My name is Sir Wayne McKnight, my late father founded this Academy ten years ago, though he unfortunately could not live to see it's current glory... And so I am your headmaster, I am your warden."

McKnight placed his hands behind his back as he looked over the crowd. "Many of you have not been sent here willingly. The choice between the Jupiter Prison and the Academy is an obvious one to all. The world fears you, even here some will fear you... I know how that feels like, for I too am one of you," The large man said with an outstretched hand. "I too am Fisted. You are not monsters, you are not freaks of nature. You are powerful, and that power can either be a threat to humanity or an aid. We can teach you how to achieve either of to the fullest, but what road you choose is up to you..."

Julian looked up at the man who stood on the stage before them with a frown.

"And now, to tell you more about your curriculum, I hand the stage over to my colleague, Professor Gruggulax!" McKnight said, clapping his hands as to the podium a large, insectoid creature approached...

"Hey guys," Sam whispered, resting her arms on the the backs of Julian and Bekah's seats. "You know all that stuff I said before? Yeah, that was pretty much all lies. I don't even have a sister. These teachers though, they're pretty scary huh? Especially that Gurgle guy. S to the c to the a-r-y. You know, I bet, under that hard exoskeleton is actually a pretty nice guy. Hey, I have an idea! If we have free time after this whole boring intro thing, we should go say hi to him! I bet he would love that and we'd be his favorite students!"

"Who does that?" Julian asked, referring to Sam's awful lies. "And okay."

Professor Punts walked forward. "Yes, thank you all for your patience. You will be staying on Tower Island and we have already posted your room assignments on the Tower's first floor. Thank you all again for your time." With that the teachers rose, bowed at the student's, and made their way back off the stage, leaving the student's in further confusion.

"Gotta be honest, this place isn't brilliant," Julian commented as the students began to raise, already in groups with the people they had sat with...