[IC] Crestwood Hollow

[Lord Wraith]

C R E S T W O O D H O L L O W

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^{◼ G M: Lord Wraith ◼ C O - G M ( S ): Roman ◼ G E N R E: Superhuman, Modern Fantasy, School, Slice of Life ◼ T Y P E: Linear with Sandbox Elements}
_{"He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying."
-Friedrich Nietzsche}

▼ S U M M A R Y:

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► S E A S O N O N E: N E M E S I S

EPISODE 01.01.0 || Pilot

The bell has rung kicking off a brand new year at Crestwood Hollow Collegiate and Vocational Institute, the largest secondary school in the sleepy city of Crestwood Hollow. This school year signifies the start of Jonas Lehrer's career at Mather Memorial High School, a recent addition to the school's staff. An ambitious young teacher, Jonas arrived at Mather Memorial with plans to inject life into the school, starting a new study program. Seemingly recruiting at random, Jonas has put together a study group consisting of both new and returning students. Due to this, it seems the students aren't necessarily going to get along as cliques and rivalries quickly form on the first day of class.

The first week of school is quickly highlighted with the 'Welcome Back Lunatic Dance', a themed school dance for all students. While the Social Conscience class each attend in their own manner, some more eagerly than others, they are all caught in disaster when creatures that could only be called werewolves are unleashed upon the school. Herding the students into the gym while Jonas fights for his life, the Social Conscience group is confronted by a mysterious hooded man who sets the gym ablaze before taking the memories of each student except for Winter Carlyle and Jonas. Now bonded with a secret of the true events of the dance, Jonas and Winter will have to find some way to reverse the damage and reveal the truth to the rest of the class.

EPISODE 01.02.0 || Into the Woods

In the aftermath of the dance, the hamlet of Crestwood Hollow had been thrown into something of a tizzy. Word of the fire spread across the city in a manner not unlike that of the flames that had threatened to engulf the school. An investigation turned up several leads, including Aiden McKenna, a member of the Social Conscience Class. Despite this, that lead quickly fizzled out when the report came of two missing students, Elroy Bain and Louis Pine. Evidence seemed to pile up quickly connecting the two boys to other suspicious fires. This chain of questioning quickly led to Aiden McKenna being let off the hook much to his parent's relief.

But then things changed when Louis turned up. Stumbling out of the woods near the school, he was found dehydrated and disorientated. Once he regained his senses, Lou admitted to everything, he claimed he had abducted Elroy and coerced the other teen into committing arson with him. Two weeks passed, and the study body seemed to forget all about the fire at the dance despite the ongoing repairs. Jonas likewise continued on with class as usual, even organizing a weekend excursion for the Social Conscience class in an effort to break the ice between some of the students and build them together as a team.

Currently ongoing...

[Lord Wraith]

N O R T H O F C R E S T W O O D H O L L O W:

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^{Three Nights Ago}

The pale light of the moon shone down through the swaying branches of the thick woods as the eerie quiet was disturbed by heavy footsteps as a man and woman holding their daughter between them burst through the bush. A glow emerged from within the woods as a man dressed in black appeared causing the family to scream. A second man suddenly appeared from above, dropping on the family as a third came from in front of them to cut them off.

"Get back!" The father warned as he spread his hands, the ground beneath the gathering group shaking. Suddenly he was dropped to the ground as a fourth man appeared from behind him delivering a stunning blow to the back of his neck. Startled and afraid, the mother pushed the girl forward as she cried out before being restrained.

"Run Baby run!" She pleaded to the girl who looked back at her mother, tears of fear in her eyes before she suddenly took off.

"Don't let the girl get away!" A booming voice commanded as a fifth man appeared.

"What do you want with us?" The woman asked as the final man approached. Her restrainer suddenly forced her onto her knees as the other man stood over her. A gloved hand suddenly reached out, gently stroking the side of her face before suddenly gripping her chin and forcing her to look upwards.

"Every man has a hobby, some collect stamps. I collect freaks." Releasing the woman, the man turned to the others. "Bring the girl to me!"

Running through the brush, the little girl pushed herself as hard as she could but it simply wasn't fast enough as one of the men caught up to her. Finding her ankles suddenly entangled, her feet went out from under her as she was hauled back to where her parents were restrained. Watching the men bring the girl forth, the leader of the group smiled wickedly as she was marched into his arms. Placing a hand on either shoulder, the man's smile suddenly was replaced with a scowl as he turned towards the mother.

"Is this your daughter?" He asked, the baritone voice was cut with a gravely edge.

"Yes... The mother answered meekly as the man's hands moved up from the shoulders to the girl's cheeks.

"Is she your biological daughter?" The man asked, his voice becoming steely.

"N-n-no!" Sobbed the mother as the man's face flared in a fit of rage, his hands moving in a blur as the snap of the girl's neck echoed through the woods. Her small body fell lifeless as the man's feet as he stepped away disgusted by the girl.

"Take those two to the compound and dispose of her." The man ordered as he vanished into the night, the woman's sobs echoing behind him.

M A T H E R M E M O R I A L H I G H S C H O O L:

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^{The First Day of Class}

The morning sun shone over Mather Memorial Park as the American Flag blew proudly in the gentle Atlantic breeze as a new day dawned on Crestwood Hollow and a new academic year upon Mather Memorial High School. The gentle lull of birds gleefully chirping was broken by the steady roar of an American built motorcycle as it made its way towards the school. Pulling into the school parking lot, the rider made his way into the faculty parking spots before dismounting.

Removing his helmet, Jonas Lehrer ran a hand over his smoothly shaved head as he entered the school. Students lined the hall as they checked for their homeroom class while catching up with friends that hadn't seen over the summer. Unzipping his leather jacket, Jonas noticed several of the students giving him a strange look. It was to be expected however, he wasn't a returning teacher, this was his first term at Mather Memorial. Turning into his office, Jonas took a seat at his desk and logged into his laptop. Loading the daily schedule, Jonas noticed he had an assembly to attend. A soft groan escaped his lips as he leaned back in the chair. 'Welcome Assemblies' were hardly exciting, the teachers didn't look forward to them anymore than the students did.

Pouring a coffee for himself, Jonas took a sip from the black liquid as the bell rang signalling not only the start of the day but the start of the school year. Taking a deep swing, Jonas swallowed hard as he put the mug down and stood up. Rolling up the sleeves on his collared shirt, Jonas straightened his tie as he left the office and made his way towards the auditorium. The dull roar of students chattering to themselves filled the halls as the student body proceeded towards the auditorium. Taking his seat on the stage, Jonas looked out over the gathering crowd, his Hyperhuman abilities buzzing in the back of his skull as he closed his eyes and gently massaged his temples. With such a large gathering of people, there was no doubt in his mind that they'd be more than a few Hypes among them. In fact, Crestwood Hollow's significant Hype population had been among one of the biggest draws for Jonas when he applied at Mather Memorial. Now he had a program built specifically to allow him to recruit and train Hyperhumans all without the principal knowing or even suspecting the true purpose behind the 'Social Conscience'.

Not that there was any reason to suspect 'Social Conscience', Jonas had pitched the study group program as a way to encourage individuals to grow and develop within their community, finding a way to contribute to society with their own gifts in their own way. Though to be honest that was exactly what Jonas had in mind, if not slightly outside of the law.

"...And please give a warm Mather Memorial High School welcome to your new faculty member, Mr. Lehrer!" Principal Fitzgerald's voice echoed out through the auditorium. Leaving both his seat and thoughts, Jonas stepped forward replacing Fitzgerald at the podium overlooking the student body.

"Greetings Mather Memorial. I think we can all agree this year is going to be magical." Jonas' gravely voice said with a slight chuckle as he elicited a combination of groans, cheers and laughter from the students with his reference to the school's chosen team name. The Mather Memorial Magics.

"It's a please to be joining the faculty this year here. To some of you I'll be teaching physics, to others I'm sure I'll meet you on the field as your new football coach. Still more of you will be participating in my advanced calculus class but there are a handful of you I'm really looking forward to meeting." Pausing for effect, Jonas flashed a smile as he extended a hand towards Principal Fitzgerald. "If it wasn't for the generosity and open-mindedness of Principal Fitzgerald I wouldn't be able to have founded my pioneering Social Conscience Program here at Mather Memorial. Those of you who were recruited show truly great potential and I can't wait to work with each of you on an individual level. Again thank you to Mr. Fitzgerald and my new home here at Mather Memorial High School!" Jonas finished raising the microphone into the air. The student body exploded into cheers Jonas returned the microphone to the Principle and returned to his seat.

---

The rest of the assembly went by rather quickly. The student council performed a rather awkward skid on the dangers of unprotected sex and the meaning of the word no. After a closing rap by the gym teacher, Fitzgerald sent the students on their way. Checking his watch, Jonas inwardly groaned at the agonizing wait he was still faced with until he could meet the Hyperhumans he had handpicked. Leaving the auditorium with the rest of the teachers, Jonas took the stairs to the upper floor of the east wing, the air immediately becoming cooler as he entered the newer addition. Heading to the physics lab, Jonas entered the room with the rest of the students before standing behind the podium.

"Welcome to introductory physics, take your textbooks out and turn to page twenty. Notes will be posted online so please follow along and the first person caught on their cellphone will regret it." Jonas' voice boomed out over the room with a steely edge as the excited students fell quiet. "That said..." Jonas paused as he removed an object from his pocket and threw it. The object ricocheted across the room until a student cried out in shock as their cellphone clattered to the floor as the the object came to a rest.

"There is always one who doesn't listen." Jonas said with a cross smirk. "Now physics can be exciting and we can do a lot of lab work that you will learn from and excitedly explain to your friends no matter how nerdy it makes you sound." Jonas paused, placing a hand on the text book. "Physics can be incredibly dull, painful to sit through and you'll dread coming to every class. But the decision is up to you, you respect me and my rules, I'll respect you. Disrespect me, and you'll do the time." Smiling, Jonas placed both hands on the podium as he looked at the class.

"So what will it be?"

---

As the bell sounded signalling the last break of the day, Jonas packed up his things and left the calculus class behind. Making his way to the top of the main building, Jonas unlocked the door to a musty old classroom as he coughed slightly from a slight gust of dust. Within the next fifteen minutes, the Hyperhumans would be coming through the door. Turning to the blackboard, Jonas reached towards the ledge and picked up a piece of chalk as he quickly wrote out a question on the board. As the bell rang signalling the start of class, the students began to file into the class, taking their seats as Jonas stood leaning against the desk with his arms crossed as he studied each and everyone of them. They didn't know how or why they ended up in this class, but they would find out soon enough. For the time being it was best they believed this class was exactly what it appeared to be and so Jonas cleared his throat.

"Welcome to the Social Conscience Program, as you should all be aware of by now, I'm Mr. Lehrer but you can call me Jonas." Turning towards the board, Jonas pointed to the question on the board. "Who am I?" He stated, reading the question off the board. "Who wants to take a crack at answering that?" He asked turning the question over to the class.

[FantasyChic]

W I N T E R C A R L Y L E

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^{First Day of School - Mather Memorial High School}

Winter woke up in an empty house, apart from the household workers milling around, cleaning up, and getting things ready. She was hopeful her Dad would be home to wish her good luck for her Junior year of high school, probably the biggest year considering it's the time you start picking out colleges, taking tests, and basically determining your future, but he was not home. He was out with his new wife, touring the world while she remained at home. With a short sigh, she got up and prepared for school.

After getting ready and saying goodbye to everyone, she hopped into her car and made her way towards school. She turned the radio up and sang along to a few current hits (that Justin Bieber, such a douchebag, but his songs are so catchy!). She eventually arrived at school along with the multitude of others. She found her parking spot and got out of her car, just in time to hear some squeals of delight, "Winter! There you are! Oh my God you look so cute! I love your shoes, where'd you get them?" The array of questions came from a group of girls walking over to her, their heels clicking against the ground. Considering just last year the girl who complimented her shoes told her that those same shoes were for homeless people, she took the compliment with a grain of salt. Instead, she plastered on a fake smile and did her own small scream before running up to hug these girls she almost wanted nothing to do with. The fake-ness resumed before their attention was taken elsewhere. Winter looked and saw a new face getting out. He was an older man with a shaved head. He looked around and made his way inside. One of the girls started talking, again, "That must be the new teacher. God, isn't he kind of cute? I heard he has a wife though, but his marriage is on the rocks. Maybe I can help with that." The girl grinned wickedly as the others made simple-minded compliments about how she was already dating the Quarterback and how he was too old and too icky. Winter continued to stare at the man. Something about him gave her a small twinge in her stomach. It was the same twinge she felt when she looked at her class schedule and noticed she had a new class she never heard of. A new addition to the school that came with the new teacher.

Social Conscience.

---

The school had a mandatory assembly and she sat down with the same girls as before, but she looked around the auditorium for some more familiar faces. She caught a few glances and waved at the ones she actually liked before the assembly started. Principal Fitzgerald started his speech and she was about to play on her phone before he introduced the new teacher, Mr. Lehrer. The man seemed comfortable on stage, but during his speech, a few of her classmates made rude comments and started talking about other things, so Winter leaned in closer to hear what he was saying. She was especially hopeful he would go into more detail about this new class, but before she could get her wish, he ended his speech. She clapped along with the others before the assembly started with some horrible skit about safe sex.

She would have to get her answers later, it seemed.

---

"Oh mah God, is that Winter?" she heard called after her first few classes. Winter rolled her eyes before turning around to look at Trinity Sandwell. Her long, Auburn hair covered a pretty, newly tanned face over a body that had the latest fashion trends on it. Despite the girl's smile, she knew she was about to get a full burn and she needed to come back. This was a new year, she would be damned if this bitch was about to ruin it on the first day. "You look soooooo cute! I remember owning that same jacket last year, you know, back when it was in style. Oh, I'm kidding! You make it work! It didn't look so good on me, I was too skinny, but on you, it looks amazing!" It was almost impressive to see how one could be so mean and so nice in the same sentence, but Trinity mastered that to a fault. Winter gave her a small hug before pushing her off quickly, "Nice to see you too Trinity. Thank you for the compliment, but I wore this jacket because my dad gave it to me before school started. Obviously, I didn't want to overshadow you by wearing it better, but I mean some things just can't be helped. You look tanner, I guess all those hours in the tanning booth paid off!" she said with a small (i hope you get a skin disease) hidden underneath it. Trinity laughed and made some stupid comment about how she had to run off and Winter gave her the bird before she turned around and made her way to her new class.

---

She entered the room with a few familiar and unfamiliar faces and Mr. Lehrer was at the front. After welcoming them, he posed the question written on the blackboard.

"Who Am I?"

Winter took a seat a little bit towards the back before she looked around the room, hoping someone would answer so they can get to the reason why they were here.

[Tyler]

A I D E N M c K E N N A

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^{The First Day of Class, Mather Memorial High School}

The ageing doors of Mather Memorial High were wide open, beckoning in the year's students and allowing its musty corridors to receive a welcome breath of life. Indeed, these doors had seen generations pass in and out of them throughout the school's lengthy servitude to the town of Crestwood Hollow, and today was the first page of yet another chapter; sure to come with its own laughter, sadness, challenges and achievements. The air was alive with energy, as excitement and trepidation in equal measures oozed from each pupil that arrived on the campus. Girls in trendy get-ups squealed and embraced as though they had presumed each other dead; young men fist-bumped in and poked fun at one another, each jacket emblazoned with the Magics iconography; and pale youths in dark clothing loitered in inconvenient areas, spikes and studs embellishing every inch of their clothes and faces. Mather Memorial was decidedly 'neat' - everything was in its rightful place, dictated by years of conditioning.

Aiden sighed as he stood at the foot of the school's entrance, gazing up at the weathered building as it loomed over him. Memories flashed back to him, and within those few seconds it was as though he had watched a movie of his entire time at the school thus far. Of course, he had never been wildly popular, but he had enjoyed school and performed well as a result. He remembered fondly the laughter he shared with friends, the wonder he'd felt as he began to build an understanding of the world and how it worked, the sense of achievement when he'd been awarded his first A grade.

And then, of course, it had ended. Aiden's rapid decline in what was supposed to have been his final year of education had pushed his grades down and his friends away from him; he'd become reclusive, they'd said. He was acting weird. It was as though his head was somewhere else. He didn't talk much. He'd lost his spark. His teachers agreed - and so did his parents, to an extent, but at least they were able to understand why. It was terrifying, really, as Aiden considered it for what had to be the thousandth time, just how quickly things could change. And the monument of brick and mortar that stood before him only acted as a constant and inescapable reminder of that very fact.

Hesitantly, he pulled the sleeves of his XXL hoodie down over his hands, hoping to avoid skin contact with the mass of pupils as he reluctantly took his first step into the building. It might have been the beginning of something glorious for most of the congregated students, but as far as Aiden was concerned... He couldn't wait for this all to end. With his head down and his earphones firmly inserted, he managed to keep a low profile as he made his way through the hallways and towards the welcome assembly.

^{Later that day...}

It had been a long day. Indeed, most of his acquaintances had since graduated the school, passing their exams and moving onto better things. In truth, Aiden was thankful for that. He had every intention of keeping himself to himself and getting this year out of the way with as little fuss as possible. But of course, not everyone had been so fortunate and, like he, had found themselves back at Mather Memorial for an additional year. Aiden!, they'd gawked as they spotted him sitting in the corners of whatever classroom they were being held captive within. Where did you vanish to last year, man? He had repeated the same spiel a half-dozen times already, curtly informing whomever was prying that he'd had a family emergency to attend to. He kept his exchanges both brief and blunt, and soon his former peers understood that this year Aiden was not particularly interested in conversation.

It wasn't that he had anything against them, or even that he considered himself superior. But this whole school was a reminder of a life he once lived quite happily; a life he could never again hope to live. And he wanted nothing more than to leave it behind him and forget all about it.

He snapped his attention back to the paper in his hand, checking the room number assigned to this mysterious Social Conscious class he'd been allocated. The digits on the door before him were a match. It had taken him a while to find, in part due to his temporary absence from the school, but also largely because it was so tucked away. Aiden couldn't ever remember taking a class out in this little nook, all on its own in a particularly old-smelling corridor. The layer of dust and streaky glass also implied that this part of the building was fairly low on the janitor's to-do list.

Gingerly, Aiden twisted the handle and slinked into the old classroom, noting that the new teacher whom had been introduced that morning stood at the front of the room. Aiden nodded politely, before making his way to the corner of the room and taking a seat. He quietly took out his things, and began doodling intricate drawings along the lined paper of his textbook as he waited for the class to begin. Soon enough, the question: "Who am I?" was posed to the class. The group largely seemed sheepish to answer.

Aiden, too, opted not to verbally answer the question, instead writing it along the top of his page and absent-mindedly beginning to scrawl words he associated with himself in his decidedly messy script. He wrote phrases such as "Outsider kept inside" and "Time waster", but one word in the centre of the page stood out amongst the rest, drawn heavily in dark ink: "FIRE".

[LancerOfBlue]

Kenneth Sokolvo

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_{The First Day of School - Home}

The morning sun was not even awake when Kenneth woke up, his body rising from his bed as his hand disarmed the alarm that was next to him. Glancing at it as he swung his body up from his bed, it read '5:20' as it was way too early for most people to be going to school even if they had a zero period in the morning as well. Way before any of that, he was up and quickly grabbed one of the two towels that were hanging and ducked into the bathroom as the morning cold bit the entirety of his exposed body. The sound of water hitting against the tub could be heard moments along with the fogging of the mirror as he would later finish his morning routine in the next few minutes... After being done with the bathroom, he left and went into his rook as he hung his towel over his bare shoulder for now as the prickling cold gave him goosebumps against his warm skin. It was probably best for him to get some clothes out now, it was getting pretty cold fast as he stood in the cold air.

His parents were never home early, they always left for work at impossible times which was amazing at their age but in return, they were always home in the afternoon and evenings. Giving him privacy in the morning and company during the evenings which was fine, and a schedule he became used to a long time ago. It was especially good now, as he walked through the halls casually as he began to get himself dressed freely. Walking out of his room every now and then with a few changes of clothing before finally settling on one... When he was finally done, he left the house after a good helping of breakfast which consisted of some instant noodles, eggs, and some toast which he carried a piece on the way to school.

_{First Day of School - Mather Memorial High}

Finishing his food long time before arriving at school just before the stroke of 6 am, he quickly walked to the student council room where he was greeted by the teacher Mrs. Crox who ran the associated student body, had prepared for the first day of school last week with everyone else. Alex MacAtee was there, like always who waved him over as he held several brushes in his hand which he was holding for several other people in the council. Together, his group and the various other worked their parts in the different sections of the school as they put the topping on all of their work. With the last of the posters were being put up along the hallways of the school and the various materials needed for them were put away for the assembly that would be happening today. This was it, everything else was done and they were finally done preparing for the first day of school and all of that jazz. With the sun finally piercing and warming the chilly air as they were finishing up and a small trickle of students coming to school very early as well.

"Ahhhh- That was fun!" Kenneth said sarcastically as he stretched himself before he swirled around and walked backwards while looking at Alex and the rest of the group. "Ha, yeah right." Alex said halfheartedly "You know how she is whenever we are getting ready for anything- I barely slept last night with the posters." He gave a light laugh as he rubbed his eyes, walking around with everyone. Together with the rest of the group, they talked the rest of the morning and even went to the nearest convenience store to grab something to drink along with munchies before going back. Walking around until the assembly was nearing where they left early to get a good spot with their friends.

^{Several Classes Later, Some Food and A Bunch of Papers...}

The day was long and stressful with the events of applying to college coming this year, despite him preparing for it last year, he was more nervous than ever with everything. He had good grades during his last three years in high school, mostly A's speckled with a few B's here and on a rare occasion a C but besides that, it was fine. Despite his worries over his academics, he was nevertheless, happy to see all of these friends who he met over the summer and those that he didn't. Hungrily engaging conversation with a multitude of his friends during each classroom, as they exchanged stories over the summer with each other which was quite entertaining. From how it was going, it was going to be another great year, but there was always that nagging feeling in the back of his head for him to now prepare for college now he was a senior which he knew that he would procrastinate with...

There was also the rumor of a new teacher that was hired by the school during his last year here at the school and he heard that he was a rather good looking guy who pulled off the bald style. A few whispers here along with bits and pieces of the conversations he picked up, he had a rather rough idea of who this guy was and how his first day at Mather Memorial was like for him. He honestly wanted to peek inside his classroom before he actually met him for the first time, just in case really... It was a new class and one that was frankly untalked about when he asked everyone in the Student Council on what it was about, besides the general explanation of it being a 'study group'. It was apparently different from AVID but yet the same thing, which was confusing but he shrugged it off as he heard it was a relatively small class.

"Social Conscious, huh..."

While he expected the class to be small and unheard of, its reputation did not justify itself... Even as an active member of the school, where he was traveling was somewhere even he didn't know, as there were few old and unused classrooms in the school but he never knew which ones were they. This must have been one of them as the distinct smell of 'old' could be placed in the corridor and when he entered the classroom, smelt the same odor. Entering the room with a brief scan of the students inside and the new teacher who he rarely knew about, unfortunately, he took a seat after giving Winter a brief wave before he sat down in one of the front seats of the class. Taking in his surroundings for a second, looking at everyone again before moving on to something newer...

Perhaps it was not polite, but a glance here or there and a few accidental times of eye contact was not considered staring, at least in his book. Studying Mr. Jonas for a while before the class actually started, taking noticed of his facial features like his eyes and the facial hair on him before eventually moving onto his clothes and general body. Either way, he had an answer to the board, raising his hand and didn't wait to be called on frankly as no one else seemed to be answering his question. Using what he knew about the teacher which to be frank, was nothing much but at least he tried but he got far enough when he hit a private wall on his social media page, so yeah... "Hey Mr. Jonas" He said respectfully to the teacher "I heard that you are the one who knocked down Vanessa's phone in your Physics class." He said with a small laugh and that was only one of the things that he heard about the new teacher which was amusing but it wouldn't be appropriate to say anything else he heard... Like some of the girls in his year and younger wanted a piece of him, which Kenneth will keep to himself for his teacher's sake and his own. Well, at least for now... "Other than that... I got nothin'!" Kenneth lied with a smile on his face and shrugged before leaning again against his seat, waiting for what will come of this class.

[Polaris North]

E V A N D E R D A R I O

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^{First Day of School, Mather Memorial High School}

Evander had arrived earlier than most. He didn't want to be involved with that amount of people lined up to look at their homeroom classes. He couldn't help but let out a smile as he watched people socialize with others. The most amusing would be the interaction between the popular girls. He doesn't doubt that most of the girls know that they're just faking it. Acting all buddy buddy when they're in front of the other but they would often talk about the other behind their backs, spouting off insults and things like that. This is one of the reasons why he actually avoids making friends with others. It's not a lasting relationship anyway. He noticed some students passing by him and giving him a weird look. Considering that he was dressed out of the season, it was obvious why. He paid them no mind and drifted back to the mass of people.

His eyes were drawn to another person who had entered. A bald man. Someone he hadn't met before. No, hasn't seen before. This must be the new teacher then. He never caught the name but he had caught wind that someone signed up for a teaching position here. Probably the teacher who set up this new class he had never even heard of before. Social Conscious. The name of the subject already makes him want to bail the class and hope that the result wouldn't affect his grade. But it looks like it will so he would be more or less forced to go.

He was forced out of his thoughts when something smacked onto his back. "There you go again, staring off into space." Evander turned his head to look at his only friend in this entire school, Emily. She probably smacked his back again, a not so good habit she had developed whenever he was lost in his thoughts. She had a smile on her face and her hands on her hips as if reprimanding him for doing something wrong. "Not too excited?" She continued to ask.

"Between having to go to classes and socializing, what do you think?" The way he said it made him sound like he was angry, as if the answer to the question is obvious and you didn't even have to ask to know what the answer is. His neutral tone. Emily's smile grew wider and then patted his back again. "Now, now, you should take this chance to make new friends!" Evander just shrugged in response. Before they could take any further, the bell rung. The two looked at each other and then headed straight for the auditorium.

---

The mandatory assembly was still as boring as Evander remembered it to be. He doubted anyone would come if it wasn't required of them. He sat there, staring at the stage. Beside him was Emily, who had long since started texting on her phone. Who she was texting was none of his business and frankly, he didn't really care. She had her own business and he had his. When he was thinking of drifting off to daydreaming land, the new teacher came up front. Sir Lehrer. This guy must've been used to talking in front, given how comfortable and confident he was.

He started talking about what classes he would be taking. When he had mentioned the Social Conscious Program, Evander's ears perked up. He was hoping the teacher would actually explain more about the class, or at least an introduction to it, but he didn't. Disappointing. The next ones didn't particularly interest him any longer. Emily seemed to have dozed off somewhere in the middle and he had to wake her up when the assembly ended.

---

The hours went by quickly. Familiar faces in his classes, none of which he personally knew. Their name was the only thing that stuck to him and that was everything he needed anyway. Soon enough, he was already walking to this new Social Conscious class he had been wondering about ever since he got his schedule. Emily was walking beside him. "You think this is some shady class where they're gonna train you into assassins or something?" She mused, hands behind her back as she walked. "Keep your imagination running Emily." Was his only reply. Reaching the classroom, he turned to her and then waved goodbye. "See you later then." And with that, she left and headed to her next class.

Evander entered the room and the teacher from earlier, Sir Lehrer, was there. He breathed out a small greeting with a nod before heading off to one of the seats. He sat at the middle leftmost part of the room, keeping some distance with the other students. He then propped his elbow on the table and rested his head on his hand. Sir Lehrer, or rather Jonas, pointed at the question on the board.

Who am I?

Like him, it didn't seem like anyone wanted to answer the question. He hoped someone would pipe up though, so they could get this over with and they'd finally know what this subject is all about and why they were here. While waiting for an answer, he peered at the other students inside. He could name a few but there were others he didn't know as well. And someone did actually say something. And it was something interesting. He then took a peek at the person who spoke up, it was a guy named Kenneth if memory served right. And it almost always did.

[Roman]

Belle

---

Belle hugged her notebook to her chest, looking up at the door that loomed in front of her. The dreaded 'first day' had been and gone; rapid-fire and blunt, like many firsts in life - built up to and ultimately disappointing, underwhelming. An excitement for a new experience, only to find it overly similar to all the others already felt. Social Conscious was new, however; perhaps the newest thing on campus. New teacher, new class, new year...new room? No. Just because Belle had never tread these floors before did not mean they were new. She triple-checked the number on the door with the number she had scrawled on the back of her hand, and then smoothed herself down - a simple white shirt, tucked in to black jeans and wedges.

She was still looking at the door when a skinny, over-clothed boy opened it in front of her. Belle started slightly, letting out a slight gasp, before giggling softly, a warm smile breaking out over her face. Only Aiden, and she was glad to see him again. She followed him in, sitting slightly behind as she set her notes down on the table in front of her. Mr. Lehrer - Jonas - stood at the front, tall and proud. The blackboard on the wall had three simple words scribbled on it in scratchy, quickened handwriting: "WHO AM I?" Belle looked upon it solemnly, thinking of all the ways the question could be posed, and all the ways it could be taken.

It took Jonas three minutes before he challenged the class with it, and for a second Belle thought he had started early before realizing this was everyone in the class. In front of her, reactions varied; Aiden scribbled notes furiously and without caution; a girl to her side simply waited, and a boy further in front of her answered with a cavalier remark about one of Jonas' previous classes, and the reputation the man was already building for himself. Belle paused; how did she desire to present herself to this group? These were not socially or para-socially related people, nor were they all of the same academic caliber or achievement. Jonas himself was an unknown quantity, a new professor on his first day that had somehow accomplished the difficult task of creating his own private class that not only appeared to have an exclusive, hand-picked cast, but also took priority as a closing period, forcing the schedules of those involved to adapt to it, rather than the reverse. Belle raised her hand, and smiled politely when Jonas nodded towards her.

"It depends, sir." She started, lowering her arm, gripping her notebook with both hands, and clearing her throat as she felt the eyes of her classmates fall upon her. "You are a young teacher, obviously accomplished in your career and with some kind of prestigious reputation behind you, to be able to put this together."
Belle paused, waiting for a response. Jonas gave none, only a lingering, stony glare that betrayed little. Belle continued.
"We are a mismatched group of near-adults, none of whom float within the same social or academic circles. So there's an ulterior motive to gathering us, or a shared quality none of us are aware of."
Again, Jonas gave her nothing. Belle stuttered a little, his intense gaze giving her anxiety.
"And I am a French-born girl with a severe gene malformation that nearly killed her before an experimental treatment saved her life with unparalleled results." Her voice came out strong, despite her body shaking. There wasn't any part of her immediately post-natal and pre-USA life that most of the school didn't already know about.

She cleared her throat and opened her notebook, pulling a pencil from her pocket and beginning to twist it between her forefinger and thumb as the anxiety climbed within her.
"I-I'm not sure how else we take the question, s-sir." She finished, before scribbling 'YOU', 'WE' and 'I' on the first empty page she could find.

[Typical]

B R Y N N R E Y E S

---

^{First Day of School, Mather Memorial High School}

To say Brynn was annoyed was a gross understatement—she was positively fuming, not that she let it show. Students passing the brown-haired girl in the halls merely got a clipped smile, and her classmates from last year received waves and hellos. Behind her slightly-annoyed facade, however, laid a girl furious whose plans had gone astray.

What does Megan not understand about arriving on time? Brynn raged internally, a frown making its way onto her face as she thought about the flub of a presentation the council had made at the assembly earlier that morning. And Timothy! Why can’t he just speak up a little? I told him to go practice last week, but did he listen? Why can’t they all just be like Corben? Don’t they understand that they’re dragging the council—

“Brynn!” a voice called from behind her. Brynn turned around, eyes lighting up when she saw Tavia.

“Tavi! You look amazing, as always,” Brynn said, grinning as she skimmed her eyes over Tavia's chosen outfit. After suffering through their history class together sophomore year, the pair had become good friends. They'd fell out of contact during the summer when when Tavia had gone to a prestigious fashion camp in Paris, but school was in session now and they had plenty of time to catch up. “What class do you have first? I have history with Matthews.”

“Same!” Tavia said, matching Brynn’s grin. “Looks like you'll be stuck with me this year as well.”

“Not the worst thing that could happen,” Brynn said, laughing. Just then, the second bell beeped to signal the start of first period. The two girls looked at each other with wide eyes before breaking out into a sprint for their classroom.

Senioritis strikes early, I suppose, Brynn thought as the history classroom came into sight. Her mind was whirling, searching for an excuse.

“Hi Mr. Matthews, Brynn said, offering the bespectacled man a polite smile. "Tavia and I are a bit late since we had to stay behind and clean up after the assembly. I hope you don't mind."

One teacher down, six to go, Brynn thought as the teacher accepted their excuse with a welcoming smile. Absolute trust from teachers was one of the perks of being a star student, and Brynn wasn't shy about using it when she needed to.

Sitting down in a seat in the back, she slid a pen and notebook out of her bag and put on a polite smile, waiting for the class to begin.

---

Brynn let out a loud sigh as she exited her final classroom, brightening up to wave goodbye to a few friends. The first day was about uninteresting as she’d expected, save for the Environmental Science teacher that’d made them act out a fishing simulation with Goldfish crackers that had expired a few years ago. She could have just had us take notes, Brynn thought as she slid her unneeded binders into her locker by the front of the school. No need to make us hash it out with spoons and cups

Spotting Corben emerging from a nearby English classroom, Brynn called out to him. “Bye Cory! See you tomorrow!”

Corben gave her an ‘Okay’ sign before jogging to catch up with his friends at the front gates. Almost all Brynn’s friends had something planned after school today, from driving to the port to spending a few hours around the mall, but Brynn had opted out after she’d gotten her schedule.

Since when had Crestwood had mandatory study groups? Brynn wondered. It was rare that she wasn’t informed about the going-ons about the school, being part of the student council and all, but then again she shouldn’t be surprised. Hopefully this wasn't a complete waste of time, Brynn thought, closing her lockers and making her way to the classroom for the “Social Conscious” group listed at the bottom of the letter that had come in the mail.

The room number indicated that it was at the top floor of the main building, which had been largely empty after the music department had gotten their own building a year ago. Brynn opened the door and walked in, offering a smile to the few faces she recognized. So, definitely not an academically-orientated group. Wonder what the school’s thinking, letting the new teacher lead a study group his first day of class, Brynn thought. She took a seat on the left side of the classroom, near the windows and not too far back.

Brynn frowned when Mr. Lehrer posed the question to the class. Did the man want to start a philosophical debate at three-thirty in the afternoon? As Brynn was thinking up a proper response in the unlikely scenario she was called on, a dark-haired boy interupted the quiet atmosphere to question Lehrer about something in one of his physics classes.

He threw something at a student? Brynn thought, eyes widening. Most new teachers are overly polite since their job is on the line, but... The girl paused, a smile creeping its way onto her face. This could be interesting.

And it was, considering that a curious girl sporting a nose ring and a buzz cut raised her hand to answer the proposed question and promptly spilled the details around her birth. Brynn sat up a little straighter in her chair, opening her notebook to the first page and uncapping her pen. Color me interested.

[Ichorus]

T a v i a W o n g

---

^{The First Day of Class | Mather Memorial High School}

She'd set an alarm the previous night for half an hour before school started even though she lived an hour away because it wasn't like she wouldn't make it. It was useless though because Tavia had actually woken up half an hour before dawn because her bratty older brother decided to trumpet his fat mouth in her ear. She had flailed awake and punched him right on the nose (on accident) before screaming at him and punching him in the stomach (on purpose). After he left, she'd burrowed back under the covers because she still had two bloody hours before she had to get ready.

When she finally woke up again, only half an hour had passed. She wasn't going to go back to sleep any time soon. Flinging off her sheets, she grumbled as she stomped her way through her morning routine. She clambered through the mirror in the bathroom into the plain to head downstairs. Every few meters was a reasonably large mirror to help her move around. Stepping out from the standing mirror in the corner of the dining room, Tavia scowled at Vincent as he cheerily ate his breakfast. He winked at her and hummed. The bastard. She sat down across from him and glared for a good, solid minute as she waited for her other brother (the good twin) to hand over her breakfast.

Damien passed her a plate and a glass of orange juice, apologetically. She ate quickly and said nothing. When she got up to leave, Vincent chirped (actually chirped, this was why she didn't like him), "Last year of school, don't go failing us now!"

Damien rolled his eyes. "You'll be fine," he said, "but try and get your grades up, will you?"

"I'm a quality student, shut up," said she, the C average student, to her valedictorian brother and his high school drop out twin. She disappeared into the mirror and holed up in her room until she had to leave. (She decided that figuring out her outfit was the easiest part of the day, as she pointed at a white blouse and a black skirt and a pair of open-toed red heels and big red sunglasses without thinking too much about her choices.)

---

In the girls bathroom next to the auditorium, Tavia teetered precariously on the edge of the sink as she stepped out of the mirror. Thankfully, it was the disabled toilet stall and no one was inside. Nearly slipping, she jumped down. Running her fingers though her hair and smoothing out her skirt, she washed her hands before heading out. From the looks of it, she'd just miss the welcome assembly. Oh well. She supposed she would have to thank Vince for helping her map out the way to school after she got back from Paris. Schedule in hand, she wandered towards class, bumping into Brynn. They made small talk and ended up late. As Brynn gave them an excuse, Tavia smiled slightly in the background. I'll probably thank her later for this. The Paris camp, too. As history started, she doodled on her schedule. The only interesting thing about the first day would be figuring out why she was in this new Social Conscience program.

As the day progressed, Tavia asked around about it and all she got was "Mr. Lehrer, hot bald guy" and "study group," two things she didn't care about. Maybe she could ask about dropping it since the class sounded like a waste of time. And when her heels clicked up the dustry stairs and through the little used top floor, all she wanted to do was get the day over with.

She sat down, getting out her scribble-covered schedule and continued doodling even as class started. Lehrer didn't seem like a bad guy, but philosophy didn't seem necessary for a study group. When a couple of students answered his question, she sighed and raised her own hand before saying in a clear voice, "Sorry, Mr. Lehrer, but I just want to say that I'm a girl who doesn't want a study group, thinks this class isn't the right fit for her, and should really be getting to dance practice."

Even though she said this, she made no move to get up. Tavia wasn't the best student, but she'd wait until he gave her permission to leave the room at least. Her tone was bored but polite so he really didn't have much reason to get annoyed with her.

[Hillan]

R I T A R O S S

---

_{First day of class.}

WHO AM I? The question was posed to the girl with the bandanna tied around her forehead, her leather cap was turned backwards, she wore her leather jacket and a guns n roses T-shirt, going with the 80's Rose-Aesthetic she was going with today. Her cold blue eyes looked at the empty sheet of paper while everyone else seemed to be writing books about themselves. She couldn't think of anything to write. Who was she? If you asked her former classmates, they would say things like 'Stuck-up', 'bitch' and 'angry'. Was the reason she couldn't think of anything because she felt insecure about herself?

No. She needed a cigarette. Her need for nicotine was driving her crazy, each stroke of the pencils pissed her off more, as she clenched the pen between her fingers, and as if nothing, the pen snapped in four different places under the pressure. "Fuck." she said, softly. "I'm gonna go take a leg stretcher, I need to go to the bathroom, and to get a new pen. Be back in five." Rita said, she had regular fights with the faculty about her tendency to just walking out of lessons, like that.

She left the classroom and headed outside, getting out her pack of smokes, lighting one before she was anywhere near the ashtray. It was perhaps a hundred meter walk to the ashtray, she checked her phone. Four texts from her mom. She wanted her to come to her father's promotion dinner tonight. He made senior partner at his firm, Reed & Associates. Anton was gonna become the youngest senior partner in the firm's history, it was quite the affair.

She was gonna blow it off. She shot a text to George. "Beers 2nite?" Almost immediately, George - Harrison, as people called him, due to his resemblance to a fourth of the Beatles, due to his hipster style, responded. "U kno it. My or urs?"

"Mine. M&D are out. Bring wine."

"K."

She closed down her phone, and finished her third cigarette, before heading back to class. She arrived just as the girl wtih the buzzcut finished speaking, sitting down. She dug out a new pen from her bag, and began writing down words that meant nothing to her. She wrote down "Hard Working" "Reliable" "Trustworthy" "Respectful" "Pretty" and "Driven". She went onto write about ambitions, how she 'wanted' to become a lawyer like her dad, working wirh the rights of children, because she looves kids.

She hated kids. And she hated the idea of working in law. But it was what people expected from her. Now, in her senior year, more than ever. She finished writing down her lies, and then let the pen rest, sitting back and plugging in her headphones, Pearl Jam was playing. 'Just Breath' from backspacer, one of her favorites, one of the few calm songs in her entire playlist.

But as she did, she started thinking, putting a hand into the air, not waiting to be allowed to speak, she spoke anyway. "We're punkass kids who think we're smarter than we really are. Everyone who's attended this school before knows that we're quite a bunch of characters, meant for a after school special. You're a new teacher here, and you're trying to bring some Good Will Hunting shit in here. Or maybe you're trying to give the finger to the principal, which is always a blast."

She took a break for a second. "This question is bullshit. Besides being perhaps a little less dull than our peers, we have nothing in common."

[Lord Wraith]

J O N A S L E H R E R:

---

^{1:55 PM, First Day of Class | Mather Memorial High School}

Students stared blankly at Jonas as he posed the question to his class. He could see several of them opening notebooks and scribbling down answers before the suffocating silence was broken by a male student. Kenneth Sokolov was the first student to brave an answer as he stated who he thought Jonas was. It was amazing to see the power coursing through his body, Jonas could practically see the electricity sparking in his veins as he turned his gaze towards Kenneth. Raising a hand to his neck, Jonas waved it back and forth in a motion to silence Kenneth.

"Perhaps I didn't state the question correctly, I want to know who you think you are." Jonas said as he clarified himself almost getting cut off as a second voice piped up. The voice belonged to Abelle D'Voire, a rather keen student based on Jonas' review of her file. The girl began to prattle off nearly every interpretation of the question that she could listing who she believed him to be, who the class could be and who she thought she was. Her gifts were more subtle than Kenneth's from Jonas's unique perspective, the pores of her skin emitted a faint aura showing where the pheromones emitted.

"Closer Miss D'Voire but that is only simply what you are. I'm looking for what really makes each and everyone of you tick." Turning to the board, Jonas picked up the chalk as he underlined the question before he began writing underneath it. Buzzwords like character, personality, weaknesses, and strengths.

A voice disturbed his teaching however as Jonas turned around to find Tavia Wong standing at her desk stating that the class wasn't for her and he was keeping her from dance class.

"As much fun as I'm sure you have watching yourself practice in a mirror Miss Wong, I can assure you are in the right place if you'd just give the class a chance." It seemed Tavia had started a movement as a hand was raised by Rita Ross as she went on a spiel of her own.

"There's no such thing as a bullshit question Miss Ross. Every question has a purpose, and the purpose of this question is to lead to the introduction of why you're all here." Jonas stated as he pointed at the girl with the chalk. Strength practically seemed to radiate from the girl as she stared him down with her arms crossed and feet slung over her desk."And get your feet off the desk."

Wiping the board, Jonas turned back to the class, addressing the group. "Let's try this a different way, I want you all to prepare something that shows who you are, whether it be a paper, a piece of art, a dance or whatever you feel is true to you. I don't want to know about your medical history, I don't want to know about your parents, your sibling or your friends. I want to know about your character, what makes you each tick, what do you care about and what drives you crazy." Pausing, Jonas looked at each of the students, his gifted eyes seeing them for what they were, teenagers harnessing talents far above those of their peers. "In order for us to learn Social Conscience, we must first learn ourselves. It's only then we can find a contributing role in society in order to better our communities. As we move forward in this class, I'm going to help you focus your gifts and talents, not just where they would be used best but where you'd use them best."

The door slowly creaked open as a dark haired male poked his head in, making eye contact with Rita he raised his eyebrows suggestively before winking as he creeped into the room.

"Mr. Scott, I don't understand how you managed to be this late for class. Take a seat on the other side of the room. In preparation for tomorrow's paper why don't we break into groups and discuss character traits. Get opinions from classmates about how they view you and what they've heard about you through the grapevine. Society will always form opinions about those within it, and the highschool is a great microcosm for society."

S E B A S T I A N S C O T T:

---

^{Twenty Minutes Ago | Mather Memorial High School}

The sound of soft moans haunted the woods of Mather Park behind the high school as a girl sat up out of breath, dry leaves and pine needles stuck in her tousled hair. Laying beside her was Sebastian Scott, a cocky grin plastered on his face as the girl began to push down her skirt and pull her shirt back on.

"Fuck, how do you do that with your tongue?" She panted before continuing. "My god it's amazing." Winking as he sat up, Sebastian began to button his shirt up before speaking.

"Just my talent Hotstuff." Sebastian stated as he ran his fingers through his hair. "Far more talented than that monkey of a quarterback you're dating. He added as the girl playfully swatted him.

"Be that as it may, boy pays for everything. You just get the benefits of it." The girl stated as she coiled a scarf around her neck to hide the marks from their make out session. "Now screw off, I can't have Andy seeing you with me and besides unlike you I actually want to make it to class on time."

"HEY!" The voice of an angry male echoed through the woods as the quarterback in question stepped towards Sebastian and the girl. Behind Andy was two of his linebackers, flanking him. "Get the fuck away from my girl!"

"I think you mean out of." Sebastian snarked back. "Though I doubt you've ever made it as far with Alyssa as I have.

"Not exactly diffusing the situation Sebastian." Alyssa snarled.

"I'm going to fuck you up Scott!" Andy yelled as he unbuttoned his letterman jacket and began to shrug it off. Suddenly Sebastian flinched and Andy found himself trapped in the jacket, the arms of it tied up.

"Y'know, give me like twenty minutes and maybe then I'll be up to another fucking. Alyssa's got me pretty wore out." Sebastian taunted with a yawn as Andy flailed around before one of his lackey's took a hold of him while the other pulled the jacket off.

"Alright, enough fucking around." Andy yelled as he ran forward. Raising a fist, Andy swung at empty space as Sebastian side stepped the blow. The fist collided with a nearby tree, an audible crack filling the forest as Andy howled in pain. Smirking, Sebastian raised his eyebrows to Alyssa who merely let out a sigh of annoyance.

"We had something good here Sebastian, too bad you had to fuck it up." She muttered as she went towards Andy while the other two lackey's eye up Sebastian.

"Really?" He asked with a smile before the two apes followed behind Andy and Alyssa. "That's what I thought"

S E B A S T I A N S C O T T:

---

^{2:10 PM, First Day of Class | Mather Memorial High School}

"Dibs on Rita!" Sebastian called as he moved across the room, sliding into the desk in front of his fellow infamous student. "Sup Bitch?" He asked with a cocky nod and wink as he surveyed the rest of the room. "What is this? Lord of the Flies? How'd we end up on an island with a bunch of preps and suckasses?" He asked as he looked at the rest of the class. The majority he recognized straight off the honor's roll while a few he was less familiar with. More than one belonged to the rich kid cliques that roamed the school's hallways and outside of Rita there was no one else here with a grunge feel. They were the roughest people in the room and that worried Sebastian, were they some kind of social project for the teacher?

"Yo, M.I.A, Sinéad, you sit with us today." Sebastian called nodding towards Aiden and Belle.

[FantasyChic]

W I N T E R C A R L Y L E

---

^{Mather Memorial High School - Social Conscience}

As the others spoke, Winter felt a little bad she wasn't contributing to the conversation. It's not that she didn't want to, but she didn't know exactly what this class was all about. It was easy to tailor how she was in other classes. In English, she would make sure to compliment Mrs. James on what she was wearing and she wouldn't be called on the whole period unless she wanted an answer. In Math, she remained an A student under the guise of pretending she didn't know what was going on. In Gym, that was easy. She was a cheerleader, that came with respect from Mr. Torres, who she felt had a thing for girls in tight tops and short shorts.

This class, though, was an unknown. It wasn't something she was prepared for. It came as a shock that her chosen elective was taken away and this one replaced. She called the school, she Googled the class itself and the teacher, each yielding very little results. The school told her it was for her benefit, that with her grades and her extra-curriculars, she would excel in this class and it would look good on a college transcript. That is why she was here, not to play around with whatever notion Mr. Lehrer wanted to shove down their throats.

However, before she could answer, the door opened and in walked Sebastian Scott. She took a cursory glance at him. She never knew what to think of the guy. He was tough, he was cute, but he always seemed to have a grudge against everybody. She rarely saw him interact with anyone save for a few people she assumed he thought were cool. He never went out of his way to being mean to her, but she could tell he wasn't her biggest fan.

After being chewed out, they were told to group up. Normally, she'd have no trouble finding people to be in a group with, her classes were usually filled with her "friends" or people who wanted to be close to her. Fakers. Posers. She looked around the room and tried to make eye contact with Brynn. She was one person she really liked in this school. She wasn't like the other girls in her clique. She beckoned her over, hoping the girl would accept. She assumed they needed more than just two people, so she also looked over at Kenneth. Kenneth was cool. He was considered Mr. Likable, he seemed to have friends with every group in school. It was almost impressive. She would motion him over, hoping he would join as well.

Once one or both of them joined, she would finally speak, "All right, I suppose we can get started. Either of you want to start?"

[Polaris North]

E V A N D E R D A R I O

---

^{Social Conscience, Mather Memorial High School}

It was Evander's style to let others speak first before he answered, especially in more personal questions like these mostly because he didn't know what to say. However, Mr. Lehrer had started to speak against them leaving the ice-powered male to just lean back on his chair. He then took another peek around the class. He still couldn't tell what exactly this place was. There were popular students, honor kids, the vice president, infamous students... This was a class given to them, meaning they were chosen. But for what reason? To force them to interact with each other?

Bring something that would show who he was? Evander doesn't know himself all too well. Hm, maybe he should ask Emily about it? She would probably joke around and tell her to being some ice, because he was so cold... literally and metaphorically. But that would be the only thing the ice would signify. First day and he already had something to worry about. Great. Just great. He looked down at his closed gloved hand. He then opened it again and smiled as he created the small ball of ice.

The door opened prompting him to close his hand and look at the student who had just arrived. Sebastian Scott. Evander didn't know what to think of him. Then again, the two never spoke. Evander doubted they ever will if things continued on normally without this class. He knew he would be forced to talk with the guy. He wasn't looking forward to it all that much. Perhaps it was because of the rumors he heard of him or because Emily just wants to avoid the guy completely.

He saw as everyone grouped up. Ah crap. He would always be picked last in these kinds of things, and he was right. Four was already gone, that girl named Winter took Kenneth and the other popular one, Brynn. That left him with...

He approached Tavia and rubbed the back of his neck as he spoke, "Er, looks like you're stuck with me. Or maybe we'd have to join up with another group." Gods he hated started conversations. Or conversations in general. It feels forced, awkward, whenever he was the one who started it. Well, it was forced, somewhat. It's an unfortunate side-effect of not having too much friends to talk to and the only friend who does talk to you tends to start and guide the conversation.

[Typical]

B R Y N N R E Y E S

---

^{First Day of School, Mather Memorial High School}

Brynn listened as Lehrer shot down her classmates’ answers one by one, half impressed and half exasperated. She’d come to the class with the impression that it would be a easy one—a class where she could walk out with a stunning grade without even having to put in much effort. However, with how serious the teacher seemed to take himself, Brynn realized that was entirely not the case, and she was once again irritated.

First the school adds me to a class I didn’t sign up to take, and then they give the class to a teacher new on campus who thinks my life should revolve around his experimental philosophies? Brynn thought, frowning. When she’d received her schedule a week before school started, she’d been confused to find a class called “Social Conscience” on her schedule, but she’d brushed it off as a mistake. When she took it to the office, Brynn was unhappily surprised with the first “no” in her stellar high school career.

”No, you can’t switch out, the principal had told her, giving her a sad smile. ”I know that you were intending to take another AP science class this year, but the we decided that we wanted you to be in this new class. It’s an experiment, sure, but we’re sure it’ll make the school better.

Brynn had bent to the airy principal’s kind persistence, and now she regretted it—too late. I should have known that something was wrong when they put the deadline to drop before school even started, Brynn thought, pursing her lips. Now she’d have to live with the consequences and suffer through a year of this class. And it didn’t look like Lehrer was one to hand out hundreds on a whim either.

The entrance of Sebastian Scott didn’t even faze Brynn at this point since the class was already undoubtedly a collection of random students across campus, but she had to raise an eyebrow at his crass language. You’d think most people would tone it down in front of the teacher, the girl thought, flicking her eyes to Lehrer to gauge his reaction. He seemed oddly pleased at Sebastian’s arrival despite the fact that the boy had arrived much too late to be excused. I suppose it’s expected that teachers cut students some slack on the first day of school. Some teachers at least.

Brynn groaned internally when Lehrer made a side comment about a paper as he instructed the class to break up into groups. Having signed up for a full plate of AP’s, Brynn’s mental schedule for the night was already chock-full of assigned readings and projects, and she didn’t like the prospect of having to delegate time to her only non-honors class. She spotted Winter waving her over from around the room and felt a surge of warmth for the younger girl. Winter was one of Brynn’s favorite underclassmen, and it helped that they were family friends. Plus, she always liked when the blonde girl smiled—really smiled. Not those half-smiles she put on for her clique-members or those dazed, doe-eyed lip-lifts she gave to the boys in the school. No, Brynn like the full-on cheesy and almost cringe-worthy smile Winter couldn’t help but grin out.

Spotting Tavia, Brynn gave a little wave—an invitation to their group, since the class seemed to be segregating at record speed. Maneuvering her desk over to Winter’s, Brynn recognized Kenneth Sokolov, the senior vice president of student body. The position she wanted next year.

Brynn liked Kenneth enough. While a little laid back compared to herself, Kenneth was a person who got his work done on time. He was responsible, charismatic, and confident—three traits that were vital to a member of the student council. While she didn’t know him personally, their shared experiences would give her adequate positive feedback to throw at him.

Brynn gave the quintet a friendly smile, glancing around to see if there were any stragglers that needed a group to join. At Winter’s prompt to start, Brynn looked at the others before shrugging. ”I suppose I can. So, do you all want to lay your opinions on me first, or should I go around and tell you mine?”

---

@fantasychic@lancerofblue@ichorus

[Ichorus]

T a v i a W o n g

---

^{Social Conscience | Mather Memorial High School}

He's a tad crabbit, ain't he? Tavia sulked to herself, back in her seat after Lehrer told her off all polite-like. Wanted a bit much from them, though, for a class none of them wanted. He was all twinkly eyed and shit, too. Ain't any of them here to be his HP to his Dumbledore, nuh-uh. She bounced her leg as she waited for him to get on with it. He clearly had a point he was trying to get them all to.

She stopped paying attention after he stopped talking to that Ross girl or some other. Yawning, she laid her head down on her desk and closed her eyes for a bit. Not napping, just a bit of a doze. Even that wasn't possible as she looked up when the door creaked and frowned when Lehrer started talking about microcosms and society. What kind of intro project was this supposed to be anyhow? Felt more like some sort of punny eccy than anything. It was like writing words on the board back in primary after she pissed of that teacher again. The very memory of those wasted hours of her life made her grimace. But anyway, how'd he want her to talk rumors if she didn't even talk with anyone who heard this sorta shite?

Tavia watched the room group together quickly when Lehrer stopped talking. Were these school types always so quick to split? She'd thought it was just a history thing, but apparently it wasn't. She stretched languidly as she stood up to head over to Brynn. Ey, a gal's gotta take the easiest outs she can and Brynn was the only pal she had in that room. She blinked when she stopped popping her fingers and saw some overdressed bampot next to her. He was dressed like it was baltic outside, the lil daftie. He said something about joining up with each other, but most of her thoughts were on the fact she had no clue who this guy was.

If she didn't even have an inkling about who some guy dressed like an Eskimo during summer was, how the hell was she gonna fare with other people? Honestly, load of rubbish, this.

"Sorry, mate." She shrugged a wee bit and nodded her head towards Brynn and her group. "I'm joinin' up with them there." Pausing because she'd assumed that was the end of that, she realized how rude it sounded and how that moment of silence between them wasn't great. Scrambling internally to say something to make up for it, she said, "Wanna come with, though? Sure we got room for you," she said. It wasn't the best thing she could've said, but it was the only one she meant with this guy acting awks and looking sad.

Heading over to the little cluster of desks, Tavia grabbed a chair over to Brynn and sat backwards in it. It might've been hitching up but she didn't care, the thing was long and gauzy, not some tight mini cloth. She leaned forward and wiggled her fingers at Brynn in hello before saying, "Hope you don't mind if I join you. I brought a pal." She waved behind her at... what's his face. "Gotta tell though, I haven't much to say about any of you. Don't bother much with talking about people around here."

Folding her arms over the top of the chair, she relaxed and let her posture do the same. Brynn, she knew. Knew well enough anyway. But the rest of them were blanks. Eyeing up their clothes, Tavia could at least be glad none of them looked like they were dressed by some plastered dobber. Not even the chilly one back somewhere.

Mm, wait. No. She eyed them up for real, this time. The girl was still an unkown, but probably some preppy type if her clothes meant anything. The guy though, she was pretty sure she'd seen him somewhere before. Snapping her fingers, she pointed at him and said, "Never mind, I do know you. You're friends with some of my theater buddies. Don't remember your name, though, you mostly hung out with the actor kids." Tavia then shrugged and leaned back into her arms again. She only knew him by proxy, not by rumors though so that bit of info probably didn't count towards anything. She knew she should've just left when she had the chance to.

[LancerOfBlue]

Kenneth Sokolvo

---

_{Social Conscience | Mather Memorial High School}

---

After his initial statement which was testing out the waters in this class he understood what this room was, a pressure cooker of different personalities from literally everywhere in the school. Receding back into the backdrop of the classroom environment, he made sure to keep his smile up for now as his mind juggled with what to do in this classroom. It was simply impossible to make a person entirely likable inside a classroom, for a mask can be made for a single-liked mind of individuals to be accepted into them and reconstructed many times. In classrooms like these there were too many conflicting personalities to simply incorporate into a single one, so you had to go with the majority. The best solution was to simply continue stick to an outgoing and happy go lucky attitude it seemed, besides he can change it when he needs it be.

Reviewing what he knew of the class a final time, he finally let his thoughts settled as he began to tune back into the lesson that Mr. Lehrer was trying to make everyone understand. The question itself was fairly simple if you really wanted to be quick and scratch the surface thoughts. In a more clinical glance from a psychological viewpoint, to understand yourself means that you must look at every angle in a general sense.

To start, you must look at it from yourself and from the people that see you to determine who you really are from every perspective. There are things that you freely express and other people see which are the parts that you are most comfortable with, which is known as the 'arena' and then there are things that you hide from people and keep to yourself, the things you are not comfortable with which is called the 'facade'. However, it gets more complicated than that when people can also see things about you that you never knew about yourself, known as the 'blind spot' and a final portion of what both you or anyone else don't know that you have which is called the 'unknown'. Essentially, this was from a viewpoint of the Johari window which would have been a valid answer to toss at Mr. Lechrer but then again, gotta maintain appearances right? The question was only a portion of this technique but even then if he was overthinking it, this question was an effective one to trigger various depths of 'critical thinking' which was interesting to Kenneth for now. Having a rhetorical question is the best kind of question to stimulate responses on a wide level, it just so happened that this class is verbal about it...

With the class so far going to quite this fun in his head, perhaps it wouldn't be that bad considering if it continued to be like this. Even some of his peers bothered him little, which he had marked as potential hazards for both the heart and mind such as the infamous Sebastian Scott and for very good reasons. There were a few more students in class whom he placed some markers on but so far it was fine so long he didn't get into any crosshairs, he'd be fine. Who was in his crosshairs, however, was someone he couldn't wait to try and learn about in his class since the beginning...

After a handful of normal answers, some pouts and an existential crisis which he didn't expect, his hypothesis was correct so far. This was indeed a pressure cooker with a joyful bunch of personalities so far which he intended to savor each flavor. The lesson so far was perfectly drawing out the character of his peers and even him which was quite interesting to see. Unfortunately, there were a few things he disagreed with the lesson so far but he was willing to keep those in his mind for now. Either way, Mr. Lehrer just called for everyone to get into groups so why not just do that? It even seems like he found his group right now as he walked towards Winter as she called him over which he obliged in a slightly dramatic fashion. Walking up to them and listened in to their conversation...

[Lord Wraith]

A B E L L E D ' V O I R E , A I D E N M c K E N N A , R I T A R O S S , & S E B A S T I A N S C O T T:

---

^{2:15 PM, First Day of Class | Mather Memorial High School}

Clambering onto the surface of his desk, Sebastian swung his legs over the side as he dangled them while picking a hair out of his teeth with his finger. Looking around at the group he and Rita had formed, He pointed to each one of them as he called out his impression of each.

"Bitch, hot accent and hot mess." He said with a smirk pointing to Rita then Belle and Aiden. "'Course I have inside info on 'RR' here since I've actually been inside her." He added with a wink in Belle's direction. Belle blushed, cleared her throat, and looked away, hoping to avoid further 'attention' from Sebastian. "You're just interesting due to the 'mystery' around your dissapearance last year, was it medical? Was it AIDs?" Sebastian continued in an obnoxious tone as he eyed up Aiden.

"Not for very long, quickshot." Rita rebuttled to Sebastian's mention of their relationship last year. "I ever tell you you talk too much, asshole? Oh wait. I do. Everytime I see you."

Scoffing, Sebastian shook his head before shooting Belle another quick wink. "Even if that were true, we all know I pack a revolver Babe, I've got so many rounds in the chamber you couldn't even notice. And you should stop lying in front of everyone, you know for a fact you've never complained about my tongue." Sebastian stated matter of factly with a wide smirk.

"Hey, Seb. Shut up." Rita said, proving her previous point.

Belle glanced at Aiden, a look of awkward pain marring her face. She straightened in her chair, gripping her notebook in both hands.
"So anyway...I was thinking we could all, maybe, write a page about each other? I mean...that's what Mr Lehrer seems to be getting at. Not so much what we know about ourselves, but what others think we are. And then, that way, we'd have 3 pages each, all with different opinions!" Belle smiled, pleased with her thoughts on the assignment, and looked at the faces of each of her study-mates, guaging their reactions.

"Or not.." Sebastian retorted his voice trailing off as he eyed up the blonde girl across the room before throwing her a wink and blowing a kiss. "I'd like to find out where her legs meet..." He commented, his tongue practically hanging out of his mouth before Sebastian turned back towards Belle. "But... um yeah, your idea sounds like work so I think I'm going to wait for a better suggestion."

"What you got Swaggy?" Sebastian asked turning to Aiden.

Aiden's nose wrinkled at the crass direction the conversation had somehow taken. He wasn't a prude; his thoughts were governed largely by the same hormones as any boy his age. It was discourse like this that made him lament his predicament and long to be out of high school. He rolled his eyes but managed to suppress the sigh that threatened to slip from his lips.

He had never been particularly fond of Sebastian, but Aiden did reserve a slither of respect for the guy. After all, whilst he was an undeniable wind up merchant, Aiden had never really felt targeted by him. There was something almost endearing about the lad who provoked without discrimination; anyone was a potential plaything to Sebastian, and for some reason that gave Aiden a sense of comfort and allowed him to take Seb's jabs without thinking too much into it.

"I would disagree with Belle," he said, shooting the bald girl a cursory glance to ensure he hadn't offended her, before returning his gaze to the doodles that were seeping idly from the end of his pen. "In the sense that, like, I don't think Mr. Lehrer is particularly interested in what other people think of us. It's the Social Conscience, after all. I think he wants us to like, self-reflect or some shit." Aiden peeked up from his scribbles, checking the response of the group.

"Besides," he added, eyes flicking back down to his journal. "I don't expect any of you have enough of an opinion of me to fill a whole page."

"You're not the biggest idiot in the room, is about all I know about you. The young blonde said, she was fidgeting with her lip piercing, as she turned her attention towards Belle and Aiden, to weigh in on their conversation. "But I agree. We're definately supposed to do self-reflection. It's another bullshit exercise to try and make us more aware, or whatever."

"That would be why the course is called Social Consience." Came a retort from Sebastian as he too joined the discussion. "All I know is that time is a valuable thing and this man is wasting mine. I was supposed to have a free period before I was forced into this." Jumping down from the desk, Sebastian turned and leaned on it as he peered towards the clock. Its hands seemed to be moving painfully slow as the impatient teen glared at it before looking back at the group.

"Rita's a tough chick, but only until you get to know her. In which case she becomes a total jerk. Sinéad here is a real keener, eager to do well academically and prove herself to everyone and then there's Swaggy. Dresses like one of us..." Sebastian stated as he paused to motion to the rougher attire that both he and Rita wore. "But acts like one of them. He continued as he pointed to Belle. "Academically gifted up until last year when you went M.I.A. The rumors flew in and out of here but no one actually knows what happened. But your downward spiral happened to correspond with that mall fire." Suddenly Sebastian's arm moved blindingly fast as he snatched Aiden's notebook and turned it back towards the student, his finger underlining a single word.

"Got a nasty vice have we Firebug?"

"Sebastian, give that back." Belle intruded, quietly protesting against Sebastian's entire personality. She wasn't a fan of pranks or antics, and didn't see the purpose in irritating people just to irritate them. "If Aiden wants to tell you about last year, he'll tell you. It's not our place to pry." She gave Aiden a sympathetic smile as she held a hand out for his notebook, which Sebastian dutifully ignored. She understood why someone could be secretive about their past, and in truth she believed it was only the present that truly mattered regardless.

Aiden's eyes seemed to burn with rage, but his disposition was otherwise cold. He'd had barely a second to react before his book was swiped from beneath his lax palm, and now that very same journal was held up at him; one ugly and incriminating word staring him down across the table, emboldened and underlined by his own hand. Aiden had never considered anyone would ever attach him to the fire. Not that it was even his fault, anyway. In truth, he'd theorized that people paid so little attention to him, that they would likely not even notice his absence. Never mind connect it to the local gossip.

The classroom felt hazy as Aiden seethed, in the background, he could hear Abelle defending him, but nothing was really registering in his head. His skin was hot with anger as he furiously looked Sebastian dead in the eyes, and the air around him soon followed suit as the temperature began to climb. Fuck, no,, he thought to himself, panicked as he noticed the other students begin to feel the heat. Not here, not now.

In a flash, he rose to his feet, snatching his book from Sebastian's smug grip in one violent movement and cramming it into his bag. "You're an asshole, Scott." he muttered with venom, then excused himself from the class with efficient haste. "I need some air. It's way too hot in here."

Rita grinned a little at Aiden and Seb's antics. As Aiden left the room, she looked at Sebastian. "That sure got me all hot and botherered." Spitting sarcasm with every word. "Just can't help yourself from being an asshole, can you, Seb?"

Slumping down in her chair, Rita crossed her arms before muttering to herself.

"I need another smoke."

[Typical]

B R Y N N R E Y E S , E V A N D E R J O S H U A D A R I O ,

K E N N E T H S T E P H A N S O K O L O V , T A V I A W O N G ,

& W I N T E R C A R L Y L E:

---

^{2:15 PM, First Day of Class | Mather Memorial High School}

At Tavia's invitation, Evander nodded and headed to the group. When Brynn had asked the question, he replied, "Hm. I suppose I should start with my opinion of you. In all honesty, I haven't talked with all of you so I don't really know much aside from the usual knowledge. What I know of you is that you're one of the popular kids, rich, has a lot of friends, the usual." He then ended it with a shrug. That's pretty much everything he knew about the girl.

Brynn smiled politely, unaffected by Evander's words. She didn't know much about the boy other than the fact that he often sported thick clothing that was much too hot for Crestwood weather. "Well, along that note, I don't know much about you either," Brynn admitted. ”However, I'd guess that you're fairly content with yourself and willing to stand up even against popular judgement--a rare trait to have. You'd probably best be characterized by your individuality.”

Happy that the others led the way, Winter spoke up "I'll go next for you Brynn. I may be biased, but I consider you a close friend of mine. Out of everyone, I think you are the one who would tell me the truth and not be fake about anything. You are a warm, considerate person all things considered." She looked at Evander now, the recent addition to the group, "As for you, I also know nothing of you apart from rumors, and I tend to not believe those having been on the rough end of a few of them. I would second Brynn's opinion though, you seem a truthful sort and one not afraid to stand against the norm."

Evander simply nodded at what they said. He expected it. Considering that he hadn't spoken to a lot of people, and even if he did it was only for projects, he didn't expect the others to know about him. "As for you Winter, well..." He paused for a while, thinking of what to say. "You're a popular girl, just like Brynn. However, I have noticed that unlike the rumors that you're 'dumb, stupid' and stuff like that, you're actually not. You have high grades after all."

"Aw, you compliment me too much Winter," Brynn said in amusement. "But same goes for you. I know that underneath that mask you put up for everyone, you're a sweet and intelligent person who's kind and loyal to a fault."

Looking at Tavia, Brynn decided to give her opinions first. "Tavia you've been one of my favorite people since we met during that horrible history project," Brynn said honestly, grinning as she the memories surfaced. "You're simple in your own way, but that's by no means a bad trait. Rather, you make it work, carving out your own kind of individuality. As for Kenneth," Brynn started, looking at the older boy, "you're responsible, dedicated, and charismatic. You know to enjoy life, which has its own virtues, and people naturally flock to you because of that."

Looking at the three, their conversation was open and direct with each other surprisingly about their qualities that they liked from each other. Smiling as he listen to them exchange their thoughts between each other, he wasn't sure he would do the same. At least, not in full detail as he would be likely to mirror them in responses between each other. "Can I just say that we are enitirely a smart group individually? I mean, Brynn is probably the smartest out of us all as contendor for Valedictorian, but with a some elbow grease we can catch up to her. We also have a pretty nice sense of style if I can be materialistic with you guys" He smiled as he pointed out a few things he liked about everyone's outfit as listing them would be tedious. "If anything should stick to you guys about that, its that we are looking damn fine" He said with a hearty grin to the group

Winter grinned at Kenneth, "Ever the people pleaser Kenneth. Not a bad thing either, I think you make friends easily, but not because you want to be liked by everyone, I would say you care about those close to you and it is very impressive."

"If we're talking pure intelligence, we're all on the upper half of the school," Brynn said, smiling in amusement as she turned her attention to Tavia. "Stylistically, however, I'd have to hand the highest praise to Tavia. I honestly wish I could drag her along every shopping trip, and in the morning I sometimes ask myself: 'Now, what would Tavia wear?'"

Tavia, who'd been leaning back in her seat and watching the discussion go back and forth like some unsaid competition to out-nice the others, perked up. And she'd thought it'd just be a boring circle wank to their intelligence.

"Dunno, mate. That stuff's all instinctual," she said. Rubbing her neck, she added, "Anyhow, I ain't that smart of a gal if we're talking 'bout pure intelligence. I gotta ask though, weren't we supposed to be talking rumors? This is all compliments and that's nice and all, but didn't Jozza say we tell each other what we heard about them from others?" Tavia gestured with her hand questioningly.

"I think you all are just being nice. I don't know about you guys but this..." He then grabbed his scarf. "... isn't what others call stylish." As for intelligence, Evander agreed that they were at least close to each other in terms of intelligence with Brynn being the smartest, he assumed. He turned to Tavia when she spoke. He leaned back and crossed his arms, thinking back to the things he randomly heard in the hallways, between the talk of friends or even when he passes a group of people.

[color-blue]"I've been hearing bad rumors about Winter for sure. Coming from that Queen Bee girl... what's her name? Anyway, been hearing talk of you cheating in tests and that you only use your friends to get to the top... or something like that." He was confident in remembering things but he tends to put it at the back of his head when it's just useless information. Rumors being one of them.

Winter cringed at the words, but she already knew. It was nice to put a face to the vicious lies spread about her, "That would be Trinity. She has it out for me, that's for sure. Would explain why I had to take a retest." She let the other rumor sit there. She had to admit, it was partially true. She wasn't friends with most of the populars, but she liked the attention and felt it was the best place for her to be. She didn't hate them, but she also didn't like how they acted. If anyone knew if it was true or not, it would be Brynn.

"Trinity's..." Brynn trailed off, pulling a face. "She's not the nicest or easiest person to deal with. Winter's most likely right in assuming that Trinity spread some rumors," Brynn said before looking at Evander. "As for you, I've heard that you're dating a certain Emily Watson? Or at least you're rumoured to be."

"Guess that's rivalry for you. It's pretty harsh for you to take retests because of rumors." Evander then shook his head when the rumor about him dating Emily sprouted up. He knew that fully well though. It's the main reason why Christopher seems to be out for his blood. "She sticks around but we're not dating. She has her eyes on someone else anyway." He said.

"Trinity, eh? guess that means she feels like you can dethrone her as queen of the school then," he said with a small laugh "You might as well try, I'll support that idea!" Leaning now against the desk with a smile from his own amusing thought, listening to the ongoing conversation between Brynn and Evander. "Since we are talking about people, what do you guys think about Mr. Lehrer? I heard someone in our class thinks he's cute" Kenneth nonchalantly asked as he was interested in knowing what the others though about their new teacher.

"I Googled him when I found out I was in this class, but almost nothing came up. He doesn't seem to have a Facebook page or anything. I mean even Miss Raymond has one and she is nearing 70."

"I didn't bother," Brynn admitted. "I knew he was a new teacher, but he doesn't act like one. New teachers are generally pushovers and suck-ups to try and keep their jobs."

"He's a new teacher; I don't know what to think of him yet. He's different though, just like what Brynn there said." Well as long as he was a teacher who can actually teach his class, then Evander was fine with it.

The group of five looked up just as Lehrer cleared his throat, interested in what the teacher no one seemed to know anything about had to say.

[Lord Wraith]

J O N A S L E H R E R:

---

^{2:25 PM, First Day of Class | Mather Memorial High School}

Sitting back as the class broke into two groups, Jonas watched from his desk as they interacted with one another. It seemed that highschool cliques were alive and well as the academics huddled into their own group, the sound of exchanging pleasantries reaching his ears as they remained civil and respectful of one another. The other group one the other hand was far more diverse and anything but pleasant as Sebastian Scott riled up one student to the next with Rita occasionally joining in. Watching as the time counted down towards the end of the day, Jonas stood to interrupt the group as suddenly a wave of heat washed over the room. His eyes saw the flare up beneath Aiden's skin as the boy stood up in a hurry moving for the door. As Aiden reached the door, a knock came from the other side causing Jonas to stand up and answer it. A single look from the teacher caused Aiden to change his path and move to the otherside of the room, taking a seat far way from his former group.

"Hello," Jonas stated as he swung the door open to reveal a young man standing on the other side. His arm in a cast, the boy was recognizable to most of his classmates as Elroy Bain. A member of the student council, Elroy was fairly well known around the school due to his activities on the council, although perhaps he was more well known for the freak incident that left his father missing over a year ago. Having gone camping last summer, Elroy's father mysteriously vanished in the night and no trace of him has been found to this day. In keeping with tradition, Elroy's mother was currently held in Crestwood General after being viciously mauled by a wild animal three weeks before school began. Elroy too was a victim of the attack, the animal being responsible for the cast on his arm.

"Sorry to interrupt your class Mr. Lehrer, but I was wondering if I could give a quick spiel about the upcoming dance this Friday? My name is Elroy Bain, I'm the student activities coordinator." Elroy asked as Jonas looked back at the class.

"They're just finishing up group work, so I suppose that would be alright Elroy." He answered motioning for Elroy to enter the room. Complying with Jonas' gesture, Elroy walked into the room, standing patiently in front of the desk as Jonas waved a hand to catch the class' attention.

"If I could have your attention back to the front, Elroy here wants to talk to you about some of the activities happening this week at our school." Jonas stated as Elroy beamed at the class, a piece of paper held tightly in his hand.

"Hey everyone! As I'm sure you're all aware, we at Mather Memorial High like to kick off the first week back each year with a themed dance. Since this Friday happens to be a full moon, the Student Council has decided to kick off the school year with a 'Lunatic Dance' so everyone can get a little bit crazy. Y'know blow off those new year jitters." Elroy said with a smile shaking his uninjured arm. "Admission is free to students naturally, refreshments will be available and there will be a contest for 'looniest' outfit that comes with some considerable bragging rights." He added with a wink. "Hope to see you all there and thank you for your time Mr. Lehrer." Elroy said with a head nod as he left the room.

"I can't believe they still do that kind of stuff." Mused Jonas as he turned back to the class. "Alright so what do you all discover about each other?" Jonas asked before the bell interrupted him signaling not only the end of class but the end of the school day. "We'll pick it up again tomorrow, hopefully what you learned in your groups will help with your assignments, look forward to meeting each and every one of you tomorrow. Have a great evening everyone." Jonas said over the sound of students packing up and bee-lining for the door.

[FantasyChic]

W I N T E R C A R L Y L E

---

^{Social Conscience}

After their group dispersed, she felt somewhat relieved. It could have been a lot worse and, from what she saw of the other group, it would have been had she not been with the other four. Her worries were confirmed, though, it seems Trinity had it out for her. She knew that simple rumors would not be enough. She would have a battle this year, for sure.

As she moved from her seat she watched Aiden leave in a hurry. She wondered what happened, but she knew Scott was a part of that group and it would be fair to assume that he had something to do with it. However, before she could say or do anything, Mr. Lehrer grabbed their attention with a message from Elroy. Elroy, student council member, one person everyone knew from his dedicated work in said group, but she always found the boy a little odd. Nice enough guy, though. She worried about his parents. Rumors spread, of course, and even in her toxic group, she knew that talk about his parents was met with distaste.

The beginning year school dance. She forgot all about it. She was so worked up about this new class and about starting a new year fresh that it slipped her mind. Would she go? Of course, she would! It was now in her best interest to get ready for the dance. Trinity would, no doubt, work hard to make sure she won the prize, even if were simply for bragging rights. Not this year, though. What better way to show the girl that she was not to be messed with than to step over her and claim the prize she consistently won.

As they were let out for the day, she grabbed her books and looked at Mr. Lehrer again. She couldn't read the man and that bothered her. Almost no information on him. Was he even a teacher? Never mind that now, she had a dance to get ready for.