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Here, There Be Monsters
- Thread starter Sovereign
- Start date
Sovereign
We Glorious Fallen
Cimeres wanted to hide with a desperation that could not truly be measured. The shock and guttural horror of what he witnessed upon his arrival wore off quickly. While not particularly practiced in the art, lying came easily to the human with the assistance from his forced stoic indifference. Thankfully, he managed to keep up his calm, belonging facade to hide the panic that mounted in his heart like rolling thunder behind a runaway train. The first day or so passed in a terrified second-to-second blur of activity. All he could remember from the day; a constant mantra of 'oh please don't let them find out.' Luckily for him, as per special instruction in his transfer paperwork, the human received his own room --a safe place to hide and keep a low profile while he figured out just what the hell was going on.
The cyclical thought process of 'who, what, where, when, and why' kept him up the first night, not a wink of sleep nor sign of the sandman to ease his nervous paranoia. Quickly his thoughts devolved into plans for basic survival --he needed to live, and go undiscovered. The peculiar rules of the school complicated the matter, however. No student could leave campus without express permission, and those that left and did not return would be hunted down and returned with punishment; apparently a few of the... species... at the school had impulse control issues. Asking questions didn't matter as much anymore, going incognito became his main focus.
He started with an alibi --an explanation of his own species. He made up an obscure species, human in all appearances and without any provable special capacity save for a few party tricks he could muster up to seem different. The first couple days of orientation passed, and he spoke only when he needed to do so. Cimeres sat at the back, stood behind those taller than him, and kept away from the larger and more intimidating creatures. His stoic mask kept him under the radar --indecipherable. At night he retreated to his room and locked himself in to reinforce his alibi and try and unwind from the stress that would no doubt lead to illness or suspicion. The days passed slowly, like watching candle wax melt from the flame, but by the time he made it back to sanctuary, the whole thing felt lost in the fog of exhaustion.
By the time classes started, Cimeres managed to solidify his alibi and perfect a few party tricks to make sure he could prove difference from humans should someone try and call him out. The practiced mask of indifferent apathy held strong and fell into place the first morning. Life could no longer be fun, it could no longer be normal or without worry. From here out, Cimeres could only work on survival and understanding the other students in the school. Studying them could prove most useful; if he could figure out what made them tick, maybe he could use it against them in a pinch --not that he wanted it to get that far.
Thoughts of escape died quickly, and there, sitting in the back corner chair of an oddly shaped metal and wood desk, he resigned to his lot in life. Cimeres didn't know what any of his classes were supposed to be, but he intended to be the best, Nobody questioned a quiet, apathetic, star student --they just let them pass right on by. Cimeres could do that, he'd study hard and stay away from everyone. Without a social life grades would come easy. The hard part came from the other students. Bullying and social stigma had been bad enough in human school, he couldn't imagine it in a monster school.
Ice blues locked on the board, books set out neatly on his desk, Cimeres made eye-contact with no one. He just wanted the lecture to start, and the day to be over.
The cyclical thought process of 'who, what, where, when, and why' kept him up the first night, not a wink of sleep nor sign of the sandman to ease his nervous paranoia. Quickly his thoughts devolved into plans for basic survival --he needed to live, and go undiscovered. The peculiar rules of the school complicated the matter, however. No student could leave campus without express permission, and those that left and did not return would be hunted down and returned with punishment; apparently a few of the... species... at the school had impulse control issues. Asking questions didn't matter as much anymore, going incognito became his main focus.
He started with an alibi --an explanation of his own species. He made up an obscure species, human in all appearances and without any provable special capacity save for a few party tricks he could muster up to seem different. The first couple days of orientation passed, and he spoke only when he needed to do so. Cimeres sat at the back, stood behind those taller than him, and kept away from the larger and more intimidating creatures. His stoic mask kept him under the radar --indecipherable. At night he retreated to his room and locked himself in to reinforce his alibi and try and unwind from the stress that would no doubt lead to illness or suspicion. The days passed slowly, like watching candle wax melt from the flame, but by the time he made it back to sanctuary, the whole thing felt lost in the fog of exhaustion.
By the time classes started, Cimeres managed to solidify his alibi and perfect a few party tricks to make sure he could prove difference from humans should someone try and call him out. The practiced mask of indifferent apathy held strong and fell into place the first morning. Life could no longer be fun, it could no longer be normal or without worry. From here out, Cimeres could only work on survival and understanding the other students in the school. Studying them could prove most useful; if he could figure out what made them tick, maybe he could use it against them in a pinch --not that he wanted it to get that far.
Thoughts of escape died quickly, and there, sitting in the back corner chair of an oddly shaped metal and wood desk, he resigned to his lot in life. Cimeres didn't know what any of his classes were supposed to be, but he intended to be the best, Nobody questioned a quiet, apathetic, star student --they just let them pass right on by. Cimeres could do that, he'd study hard and stay away from everyone. Without a social life grades would come easy. The hard part came from the other students. Bullying and social stigma had been bad enough in human school, he couldn't imagine it in a monster school.
Ice blues locked on the board, books set out neatly on his desk, Cimeres made eye-contact with no one. He just wanted the lecture to start, and the day to be over.
FaithWynters
The Cuppycakecreep
The hallways bustled with life. Creatures of all shapes and sizes walked around, and talked to their friends as they walked the large hallway to their separate classes. Some stood around at lockers, and others were horsing around. Two girls walked around groups of larger creatures in an attempt to get to their first class. They were lucky enough to enjoy most of their class time together, and through it, they had become great friends.
“Oh come on! That what was so hard about that worksheet that you had to stay in all night to do it, huh?” The girl’s ears twitched in the silence as she waited for an answer. The second said nothing for a few moments. She was trying to come up with a fib that would get her out of the lie, but she knew now that her friend had already caught her.
“Well, you know, Sara, I did have more than that one worksheet.” The two walked at a normal pace to class. One held her books in her hands and the other had no books. There was an obvious priority difference between the two of them.
“To hell you did, Genevieve! I walked in at ten and you were passed out. If you had so much work then you would have still been up.” She laughed quietly and gave her friend a look—they both knew what that meant. There was a long silence between them as they walked into the classroom. There were kids sitting everywhere.
“So who is he, Genna?” The girl giggled as they made their way toward the back of the class. The two always sat next to each other, and Sara insisted on sitting as far away from the front as she could. It wasn’t the best for Genevieve, but she never complained.
“He is no one, Sara! Really!” She had always been embarrassed about talking to her friend about what she did when she was gone. Just because she had almost completely mastered her strengths didn’t mean that Genna had. She ran a hand through her hair as she sat down in the desk. “I did my homework and turned in. I don’t have to go out all the time like you do!” She began pulling out her notebook so that she could take notes. Class would start soon and she didn’t want to be caught without her things out.
She looked up when she realized that there was silence from Sara. It wasn’t normal for her to not have some sort of comment towards her denial. When Genevieve looked up, she saw the back of the girl’s head. She watched silently for a moment. Sara’s ears twitched as she watched someone across from them. Genna leaned forward to try and see around her friend. Sara had been staring at a boy. He was a stranger to the two of them. There were always new people showing up at the school, but not usually in their class. It was almost time for them to go off on their own, and starting anew in a new school was unheard of.
“Who is he?” She mouthed the words to Sara when she finally turned around. Her eyes were wide and she shrugged. She looked toward the front of the class. The longer she thought about it, the more she realized that she knew every name of every person that now sat in desks and talked amongst themselves. From the elves to the goblins, to the trolls and nymphs—they had been through everything together. They were learning their powers and abilities at the same time as Genevieve, and that made them their own kind of family.
She then looked back to Sara who looked ahead. She was usually pretty talkative. Did she know something about this kids that she didn’t? Was something scaring her away? If he was new, he was probably nervous. Would he want to have something said to him? Maybe…
“Hi! I’m Genevieve. Are you new here?” Class would be starting soon so there would be little time for conversation, but she could at least say hello. Sara shot her a harsh look, but Genevieve ignored her. She just smiled at the boy. He looked pretty normal, but what was normal anyway, right?
“Oh come on! That what was so hard about that worksheet that you had to stay in all night to do it, huh?” The girl’s ears twitched in the silence as she waited for an answer. The second said nothing for a few moments. She was trying to come up with a fib that would get her out of the lie, but she knew now that her friend had already caught her.
“Well, you know, Sara, I did have more than that one worksheet.” The two walked at a normal pace to class. One held her books in her hands and the other had no books. There was an obvious priority difference between the two of them.
“To hell you did, Genevieve! I walked in at ten and you were passed out. If you had so much work then you would have still been up.” She laughed quietly and gave her friend a look—they both knew what that meant. There was a long silence between them as they walked into the classroom. There were kids sitting everywhere.
“So who is he, Genna?” The girl giggled as they made their way toward the back of the class. The two always sat next to each other, and Sara insisted on sitting as far away from the front as she could. It wasn’t the best for Genevieve, but she never complained.
“He is no one, Sara! Really!” She had always been embarrassed about talking to her friend about what she did when she was gone. Just because she had almost completely mastered her strengths didn’t mean that Genna had. She ran a hand through her hair as she sat down in the desk. “I did my homework and turned in. I don’t have to go out all the time like you do!” She began pulling out her notebook so that she could take notes. Class would start soon and she didn’t want to be caught without her things out.
She looked up when she realized that there was silence from Sara. It wasn’t normal for her to not have some sort of comment towards her denial. When Genevieve looked up, she saw the back of the girl’s head. She watched silently for a moment. Sara’s ears twitched as she watched someone across from them. Genna leaned forward to try and see around her friend. Sara had been staring at a boy. He was a stranger to the two of them. There were always new people showing up at the school, but not usually in their class. It was almost time for them to go off on their own, and starting anew in a new school was unheard of.
“Who is he?” She mouthed the words to Sara when she finally turned around. Her eyes were wide and she shrugged. She looked toward the front of the class. The longer she thought about it, the more she realized that she knew every name of every person that now sat in desks and talked amongst themselves. From the elves to the goblins, to the trolls and nymphs—they had been through everything together. They were learning their powers and abilities at the same time as Genevieve, and that made them their own kind of family.
She then looked back to Sara who looked ahead. She was usually pretty talkative. Did she know something about this kids that she didn’t? Was something scaring her away? If he was new, he was probably nervous. Would he want to have something said to him? Maybe…
“Hi! I’m Genevieve. Are you new here?” Class would be starting soon so there would be little time for conversation, but she could at least say hello. Sara shot her a harsh look, but Genevieve ignored her. She just smiled at the boy. He looked pretty normal, but what was normal anyway, right?
Sovereign
We Glorious Fallen
Cimeres could feel eyes burning into the back of his head, and sweat threatened to bead on his forehead as he did his best both to keep his eyes averted and look natural doing it. If this school functioned anything at all like his previous school, a lot of these students --if not all-- had been together in the same classes and same years for a long time. His 'outsider factor' only amplified when those who never saw him before found him occupying a desk. Keeping a low profile seemed downright impossible, but could anyone really blame him for trying? Humans were not supposed to know about this place, let alone attend the school.
Whereas one in his situation might have jumped out of their skin at the sudden directed conversation, Cimeres fostered the 'liar's bluff' --an utter failure to react to the sudden attention at all. It took him a moment, but her turned his head towards the girl and blinked. Her words rolled off him like water on a windshield, and it took him an extra moment to absorb the information. What did she just say her name was? Right Genevieve. What did she ask? His name? No, no she asked 'are you new here?' Right.
"Yes, I am new," he said finally. He didn't offer his name, though it had not been a conscious decision --he simply forgot in his borderline panic. His cool mask of apathy gave off an air of indifference however; perhaps he might have even come off as arrogant, though all he really wanted to do was save his own skin. Cimeres did not want to have anything to do with the school let alone the students inside, he just needed to glide on by while keeping to himself and passing his classes.
Icy blues turned immediately back to the board in anticipation of the class starting; rather they turned back in raw unadulterated hope that the class would start and cut short the possibility of any further interaction with the other students. It occurred to him briefly that some of these creatures might have senses beyond the normal human capacity, and that he might look even more suspicious than he felt. Perhaps he smelled human, or something about him just gave him away like a bad poker tell. Still, perhaps if he played his cards right he could still pass it off. After all, people trusted in the institute of structure --if the school was meant only for creatures, then surely they'd only allow creatures inside. How could a human get in let alone be allowed to attend class? Surely it couldn't happen.
Cimeres opened his notebook and took the pen back into his hands in preparation for taking notes.
Whereas one in his situation might have jumped out of their skin at the sudden directed conversation, Cimeres fostered the 'liar's bluff' --an utter failure to react to the sudden attention at all. It took him a moment, but her turned his head towards the girl and blinked. Her words rolled off him like water on a windshield, and it took him an extra moment to absorb the information. What did she just say her name was? Right Genevieve. What did she ask? His name? No, no she asked 'are you new here?' Right.
"Yes, I am new," he said finally. He didn't offer his name, though it had not been a conscious decision --he simply forgot in his borderline panic. His cool mask of apathy gave off an air of indifference however; perhaps he might have even come off as arrogant, though all he really wanted to do was save his own skin. Cimeres did not want to have anything to do with the school let alone the students inside, he just needed to glide on by while keeping to himself and passing his classes.
Icy blues turned immediately back to the board in anticipation of the class starting; rather they turned back in raw unadulterated hope that the class would start and cut short the possibility of any further interaction with the other students. It occurred to him briefly that some of these creatures might have senses beyond the normal human capacity, and that he might look even more suspicious than he felt. Perhaps he smelled human, or something about him just gave him away like a bad poker tell. Still, perhaps if he played his cards right he could still pass it off. After all, people trusted in the institute of structure --if the school was meant only for creatures, then surely they'd only allow creatures inside. How could a human get in let alone be allowed to attend class? Surely it couldn't happen.
Cimeres opened his notebook and took the pen back into his hands in preparation for taking notes.
FaithWynters
The Cuppycakecreep
For a few moments, Genevieve was almost certain that the boy hadn’t heard her. He kept his face forward, and didn’t worry himself with turning to look at her. She noticed that he kept his eyes away from everything except the board. There was nothing on it, but he looked at it—with this emotionless stare—and looked to no other creature in the room. For a moment, Genevieve was a little worried about her decision to call upon the boy. Sara was shooting her a look like she had grown another head. You never knew what kind of things the beings around you could do. Because of that, you had to be careful not to piss the wrong person off. Not only that, some people had the mindset just to be vindictive for the sake of being so.
Then, he turned to her. So he had heard her after all; that made the introduction less awkward and made him a little more…strange. He had taken a little normal that one probably would have to respond. Had he been debating on whether or not he should answer her? Either way, she harbored a pleasant smile. She knew how it was to be in a new place; she had been in his place once too.
“Yes, I am new.”
The words caught her off a little bit. Her smile never fell—she was good at keeping a pleasant look even through the response wasn’t as pleasant. She had waited for more. He returned with no smile, and there was no other greeting. He never said it was nice to meet her. He never even said his name. Genevieve glanced to Sara; her eyes were slits. If she had been in the conversation, she probably would have said something to him about his unpleasant reaction. It wasn’t in Genevieve to quarrel over something. He didn’t want to talk. He wasn’t interested in pleasant interaction. She understood.
“Uh…Well…” She was lost for words. She took a moment to clear her throat and check her watch. Class would be starting soon. “It was nice meeting you.” Her voice had softened—only speaking loud enough to talk over the few that were still talking. She wouldn’t even say anything about the fact that she didn’t know his name. “I-If you need help finding a class or something then—“
“Okay! You’ve had long enough to talk children.” Genevieve gave one more look to Sara. She had been looking forward since Genevieve had looked away the last time. She wasn’t going to show her aggravation; she tried to make it none of her business. Now, Sara turned slightly to give her friend a reassuring smile before turning forward again. Genevieve gave the boy one last look. His eyes were glued to the board again. Her smile fell and she turned forward.
“Now I know you’ve all had an amazing time talking amongst yourselves, but it’s time to test you.” There was a female voice that had no body. White lines that slowly turned into words began etching themselves across the blackboard ahead of them. Genevieve watched silently, turning a pencil in her hand. “While I check the roll and ensure attendance and correct placement within my class, I wanted you to answer these questions.”
A figure appeared at the front of the classroom. Skin that blended into the colors behind her turned to a beautiful green color. Large brown eyes now looked out across the classroom. Genevieve smiled; she had always enjoyed the personalities of the teachers she had. She looked away from the being and to the question on the board. They were simple enough questions:
Genevieve didn't take long to read the question and begin writing her answers in the notebook she had out on her desk. She was sure that this was some introductory exercise, and they would be discussing momentarily.
Then, he turned to her. So he had heard her after all; that made the introduction less awkward and made him a little more…strange. He had taken a little normal that one probably would have to respond. Had he been debating on whether or not he should answer her? Either way, she harbored a pleasant smile. She knew how it was to be in a new place; she had been in his place once too.
“Yes, I am new.”
The words caught her off a little bit. Her smile never fell—she was good at keeping a pleasant look even through the response wasn’t as pleasant. She had waited for more. He returned with no smile, and there was no other greeting. He never said it was nice to meet her. He never even said his name. Genevieve glanced to Sara; her eyes were slits. If she had been in the conversation, she probably would have said something to him about his unpleasant reaction. It wasn’t in Genevieve to quarrel over something. He didn’t want to talk. He wasn’t interested in pleasant interaction. She understood.
“Uh…Well…” She was lost for words. She took a moment to clear her throat and check her watch. Class would be starting soon. “It was nice meeting you.” Her voice had softened—only speaking loud enough to talk over the few that were still talking. She wouldn’t even say anything about the fact that she didn’t know his name. “I-If you need help finding a class or something then—“
“Okay! You’ve had long enough to talk children.” Genevieve gave one more look to Sara. She had been looking forward since Genevieve had looked away the last time. She wasn’t going to show her aggravation; she tried to make it none of her business. Now, Sara turned slightly to give her friend a reassuring smile before turning forward again. Genevieve gave the boy one last look. His eyes were glued to the board again. Her smile fell and she turned forward.
“Now I know you’ve all had an amazing time talking amongst yourselves, but it’s time to test you.” There was a female voice that had no body. White lines that slowly turned into words began etching themselves across the blackboard ahead of them. Genevieve watched silently, turning a pencil in her hand. “While I check the roll and ensure attendance and correct placement within my class, I wanted you to answer these questions.”
A figure appeared at the front of the classroom. Skin that blended into the colors behind her turned to a beautiful green color. Large brown eyes now looked out across the classroom. Genevieve smiled; she had always enjoyed the personalities of the teachers she had. She looked away from the being and to the question on the board. They were simple enough questions:
What do you believe is the most important reason that we maintain a connection with the human world?
Why don’t we just keep to ourselves?
Could humans and monsters live in peaceful coexistence?
Explain.
Why don’t we just keep to ourselves?
Could humans and monsters live in peaceful coexistence?
Explain.
Genevieve didn't take long to read the question and begin writing her answers in the notebook she had out on her desk. She was sure that this was some introductory exercise, and they would be discussing momentarily.
Sovereign
We Glorious Fallen
The questions on the board caused a line of tension to pull at Cimeres' jaw, like the wires suspending a scaffold he tried to ease the tension quickly. If he didn't ease back, he might give himself away. Turning his eyes down to the page, he started scribbling away in his notebook. How could he answer these questions as a human? Monsters and humans didn't seem like they could mix --hell, until he got here Cimeres didn't even know that monsters really existed! Now suddenly he needed to know and understand the dynamic intricacies of human-creature interaction? A knot formed in the pit of his stomach as his viscera tightened and threatened to constrict him to death.
Think like a monster, he needed to think like a monster and try to write his answers from their point of view. The only problem was how did they see humans? Well, context clues always made for some useful observations. Humans didn't know monsters really existed --that, or they forgot a long time ago that they did. Monsters here accounted for many all across the world, so humans must outnumber them by quite a bit. Modern technology proved to be exceedingly deadly so perhaps a fair observation was that monsters hid from humans to keep from being rooted out and destroyed. A good place as any to start.
He detailed his answer to the first question in his notebook. Monsters needed to keep a connection with the rest of the world to stay aware of it --breaking off and keeping separate would lead to a widening rift between human and monster and in all likelihood, cultural isolation would breed deepening animosity. There, that sounded like he knew what he was talking about. Cimeres looked up from the page and back to the board to retrieve the next question and relieve the strain on his eyes.
Could humans and monsters live in peaceful coexistence? A good question, as a human Cimeres did not know. Before his time at the school he'd never met a monster before. They seemed just like everyone else, but with hyped up, exaggerated traits that set them apart from the rest. Culture shock rooted itself in him deeply. Still, he needed to answer this question like a mercenary --what kind of answer would garner the least suspicion while also keeping him out of the spotlight. Saying that they could exist together if it was not the popular opinion could lead to unwanted scrutiny. However, saying they could not with any sort of force might also yield the same result.
He decided on a diplomatic answer. Humans and monsters are both capable of good and evil, and like anyone else animosity exists on the level of individuals. Only when individuals speak for the mob does change --good or bad-- occur. Ostracizing and acceptance happen even between different groups of humans in varying degrees; surely that applies to monsters just as much. Cimeres felt confident that his answer was insightful enough to keep the teacher off his back; it might be one of those responses that spark conversation and debate beyond the base question and once more drag the spotlight off of him. True or not the goal was to survive and stay away from the public eye, not to change the world and challenge the views of his peers.
Think like a monster, he needed to think like a monster and try to write his answers from their point of view. The only problem was how did they see humans? Well, context clues always made for some useful observations. Humans didn't know monsters really existed --that, or they forgot a long time ago that they did. Monsters here accounted for many all across the world, so humans must outnumber them by quite a bit. Modern technology proved to be exceedingly deadly so perhaps a fair observation was that monsters hid from humans to keep from being rooted out and destroyed. A good place as any to start.
He detailed his answer to the first question in his notebook. Monsters needed to keep a connection with the rest of the world to stay aware of it --breaking off and keeping separate would lead to a widening rift between human and monster and in all likelihood, cultural isolation would breed deepening animosity. There, that sounded like he knew what he was talking about. Cimeres looked up from the page and back to the board to retrieve the next question and relieve the strain on his eyes.
Could humans and monsters live in peaceful coexistence? A good question, as a human Cimeres did not know. Before his time at the school he'd never met a monster before. They seemed just like everyone else, but with hyped up, exaggerated traits that set them apart from the rest. Culture shock rooted itself in him deeply. Still, he needed to answer this question like a mercenary --what kind of answer would garner the least suspicion while also keeping him out of the spotlight. Saying that they could exist together if it was not the popular opinion could lead to unwanted scrutiny. However, saying they could not with any sort of force might also yield the same result.
He decided on a diplomatic answer. Humans and monsters are both capable of good and evil, and like anyone else animosity exists on the level of individuals. Only when individuals speak for the mob does change --good or bad-- occur. Ostracizing and acceptance happen even between different groups of humans in varying degrees; surely that applies to monsters just as much. Cimeres felt confident that his answer was insightful enough to keep the teacher off his back; it might be one of those responses that spark conversation and debate beyond the base question and once more drag the spotlight off of him. True or not the goal was to survive and stay away from the public eye, not to change the world and challenge the views of his peers.
FaithWynters
The Cuppycakecreep
It really didn’t take Genevieve long to get adjusted to the class room. It also didn’t take her long to begin writing her answers to a point where she had successfully gone overboard. As she reread the first paragraph, she made fixes and continued to write. If there was one thing that Genevieve did have, it was an educated opinion. She didn’t always share it with others, and she saw no reason to squabble like other people did, but she still had her own beliefs.
Well she was happy with the first answer that she gave. It was only when she had finished reading over the answer one last time that she realized that she still had an answer to go. She was a little worried about this question. Teachers could have harsh ways of starting conversation, or at least turning classmates against one another. It was all for the sake of ‘acceptance’ or something like that, but Genevieve wasn’t one for enjoying just a practice. Sharp eyes looked at the board another moment before turning to look at Sara. She was bent over her paper, writing quickly. She only had about a line and a half. Genevive was sure that she had now gone overboard with her first response. Oh well…
She couldn’t help looking around Sara to the boy on the other side of her. He no longer looked at the blackboard at the front of the room. He too looked down at his paper and scribbled away quietly. It really bothered her—the more she thought of it—how he had simply let the friendly introduction roll off of him. He answered her question and continued on. Genna felt the plastic of the pen snap a little bit in her grip, and it called her attention away from her thoughts. She hadn’t noticed that she had been playing with the pocket clip until it snapped off in her hands. She let out a slow breath of air; that always happened. She turned back now and began to scribble the second answer on her paper.
(2.) Yes. If monsters and humans could both accept one another as brethren of this planet, the two could live together in peace. Humans vary in race just as we vary in species. While there are still some negative ties between our species, most live together in harmony—just like the humans. Even though we look different and act differently, the tendencies of man and monster are both very similar.
There was silence across the class room. It seemed, as she looked up and around the room, Genevieve was one of the last to finish writing her answer. Of course, most of her classmates put forth the least amount of effort they could get away with. Sara was smiling at her as their eyes met, but Genevieve looked back toward the front of the class to see what the teacher was doing.
“Alright.” Her voice rose over the quiet sounds of moving feet and papers. “To break the ice, I now need you all to stand up, and,” She waved a hand to the left side of the classroom,” if your answer to the second question was no, please walk to this side of the room.” She then signaled to the right side of the room with her other hand. “If you have chosen yes, step to this side of the room. There is no in-between. Either yes or no.”
Genevieve felt her heart sink. She knew the people that were in this room with her. She knew her classmates. They were trolls, vampires, and werewolves. There were creatures of all shapes and sizes. She was pretty sure that she knew how most of the class would chose. She took a look at Sara. Noise erupted as people began getting up.
“This is where we part” Sara smiled at Genevieve as she spoke, and one of her ears was twitching nervously. She was excited to see how this poll turned out. Sara picked herself out of the desk and walked to the left. Genevieve dropped her pencil and moved against most of the crowd to the right. She really hoped that she wouldn’t be the only one. It seemed right now that she might be though.
( 1.) We still hold strong ties with the human world because, without the human world, our world would fall into chaos. The existence of a common ‘enemy’ is the only thing that keeps the wars of our world from growing large. The fear of human acknowledgement is one that all creatures can accept and must live around. This means a much less abrasive living than one that might flourish if we were to have the freedom of a human-less life.
For example, the creature that humans most commonly refer to as ‘Bigfoot’ is often hunted for at night. Its constant vigilance is one that allows it to survive. Because of this, these creatures are not allowed to flourish within their natural habitat because—if they are able to stay in a single area—they fight for territory with animals and other creatures. Others must travel to find food and shelter from the elements as the seasons pass. The constant threat of the human’s hunt keeps their quarrels with Unicorns in the same area short.
This same example proves true all throughout the world. Since the population of the humans is spread throughout the entire world, there is hardly any place that a being can go to keep away from the human eye. Vampires are not able to fight for territory between clans, and werewolves tribes cannot set up a permanent territory.
For example, the creature that humans most commonly refer to as ‘Bigfoot’ is often hunted for at night. Its constant vigilance is one that allows it to survive. Because of this, these creatures are not allowed to flourish within their natural habitat because—if they are able to stay in a single area—they fight for territory with animals and other creatures. Others must travel to find food and shelter from the elements as the seasons pass. The constant threat of the human’s hunt keeps their quarrels with Unicorns in the same area short.
This same example proves true all throughout the world. Since the population of the humans is spread throughout the entire world, there is hardly any place that a being can go to keep away from the human eye. Vampires are not able to fight for territory between clans, and werewolves tribes cannot set up a permanent territory.
Well she was happy with the first answer that she gave. It was only when she had finished reading over the answer one last time that she realized that she still had an answer to go. She was a little worried about this question. Teachers could have harsh ways of starting conversation, or at least turning classmates against one another. It was all for the sake of ‘acceptance’ or something like that, but Genevieve wasn’t one for enjoying just a practice. Sharp eyes looked at the board another moment before turning to look at Sara. She was bent over her paper, writing quickly. She only had about a line and a half. Genevive was sure that she had now gone overboard with her first response. Oh well…
She couldn’t help looking around Sara to the boy on the other side of her. He no longer looked at the blackboard at the front of the room. He too looked down at his paper and scribbled away quietly. It really bothered her—the more she thought of it—how he had simply let the friendly introduction roll off of him. He answered her question and continued on. Genna felt the plastic of the pen snap a little bit in her grip, and it called her attention away from her thoughts. She hadn’t noticed that she had been playing with the pocket clip until it snapped off in her hands. She let out a slow breath of air; that always happened. She turned back now and began to scribble the second answer on her paper.
(2.) Yes. If monsters and humans could both accept one another as brethren of this planet, the two could live together in peace. Humans vary in race just as we vary in species. While there are still some negative ties between our species, most live together in harmony—just like the humans. Even though we look different and act differently, the tendencies of man and monster are both very similar.
There was silence across the class room. It seemed, as she looked up and around the room, Genevieve was one of the last to finish writing her answer. Of course, most of her classmates put forth the least amount of effort they could get away with. Sara was smiling at her as their eyes met, but Genevieve looked back toward the front of the class to see what the teacher was doing.
“Alright.” Her voice rose over the quiet sounds of moving feet and papers. “To break the ice, I now need you all to stand up, and,” She waved a hand to the left side of the classroom,” if your answer to the second question was no, please walk to this side of the room.” She then signaled to the right side of the room with her other hand. “If you have chosen yes, step to this side of the room. There is no in-between. Either yes or no.”
Genevieve felt her heart sink. She knew the people that were in this room with her. She knew her classmates. They were trolls, vampires, and werewolves. There were creatures of all shapes and sizes. She was pretty sure that she knew how most of the class would chose. She took a look at Sara. Noise erupted as people began getting up.
“This is where we part” Sara smiled at Genevieve as she spoke, and one of her ears was twitching nervously. She was excited to see how this poll turned out. Sara picked herself out of the desk and walked to the left. Genevieve dropped her pencil and moved against most of the crowd to the right. She really hoped that she wouldn’t be the only one. It seemed right now that she might be though.
Sovereign
We Glorious Fallen
Cimeres' teeth ground against one another in silent frustration. Getting up from his desk to go pack in close with other students did not exactly give him the warm fuzzies. To make matters worse, based on his answer he needed to go to the significantly less popular side of the room. Talk about singling yourself out. But if he chose to go to the more populated side just to blend in, he ran the risk of being discovered as someone who changed their answer just to fit in --which also garnered unnecessary attention. Gathering his gumption, he rose from the desk and made for the side of the room which actually reflected his answer.
From the look of it, only he and one other --the girl who tried to introduce herself-- ended up on that side of the room. Maybe one or two others would show up while everyone settled into their places; it looked more and more doubtful with every passing second. The human shoved his hands into his pockets, and curled them into fists. His nails bit into the palms of his hands, but not enough to draw blood, just enough to keep him grounded and from displaying his discomfort.
His expression remained apathetic and impassive, eyes averted from the accusing stares across the room to the ceiling, to the wall, to the front board, to just about anywhere but another person... monster.... person? Were the people? Did they still count as people despite their inhuman nature? It dawned on Cimeres that he already answered that question when he made his board responses. People. They were people. Different shapes, sizes, and... appetites, but people nevertheless.
Pulling his hands back out of his pockets, Cimeres crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall. He felt the eyes of his peers burning into the side of his head as he directed his own icy blues to the professor. At least the professor looked at other students than him. The creatures that moved to the opposite side of the room settled their gazes hard on both himself and the girl... Genevieve was it?... beside him. Their skepticism washed over him in palpable waves. The human's jaw threatened to tighten up again, but he curled his toes tightly remind him to keep calm.
What a way to start a class --turn the majority against the minority with a question designed to garner animosity and heated debate. A pang of bitterness shot through him, both at the teacher and his classmates. Humans killed each other and treated one another like garbage, but many also preached acceptance and peace. Most humans did not even know monsters existed. So if there was a continuing lack of coexistence, it came on the part of those on the far side of the room --those not willing to try.
From the look of it, only he and one other --the girl who tried to introduce herself-- ended up on that side of the room. Maybe one or two others would show up while everyone settled into their places; it looked more and more doubtful with every passing second. The human shoved his hands into his pockets, and curled them into fists. His nails bit into the palms of his hands, but not enough to draw blood, just enough to keep him grounded and from displaying his discomfort.
His expression remained apathetic and impassive, eyes averted from the accusing stares across the room to the ceiling, to the wall, to the front board, to just about anywhere but another person... monster.... person? Were the people? Did they still count as people despite their inhuman nature? It dawned on Cimeres that he already answered that question when he made his board responses. People. They were people. Different shapes, sizes, and... appetites, but people nevertheless.
Pulling his hands back out of his pockets, Cimeres crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall. He felt the eyes of his peers burning into the side of his head as he directed his own icy blues to the professor. At least the professor looked at other students than him. The creatures that moved to the opposite side of the room settled their gazes hard on both himself and the girl... Genevieve was it?... beside him. Their skepticism washed over him in palpable waves. The human's jaw threatened to tighten up again, but he curled his toes tightly remind him to keep calm.
What a way to start a class --turn the majority against the minority with a question designed to garner animosity and heated debate. A pang of bitterness shot through him, both at the teacher and his classmates. Humans killed each other and treated one another like garbage, but many also preached acceptance and peace. Most humans did not even know monsters existed. So if there was a continuing lack of coexistence, it came on the part of those on the far side of the room --those not willing to try.
FaithWynters
The Cuppycakecreep
**
It didn’t surprise her, as she stood on the side of the class that her opinion truly coincided with, that she would be practically the only one that stood here. The nervousness in her stomach seemed to rise up her throat. She felt like she might be sick. Her cheeks tinted themselves a sweet rosy color. Eyes burned into her flesh and she stared back at the crowd. The range of faces before her told her so much about the way that most of her brethren lived.
Then, a single figure pushed past the people to walk on her side. Genevieve was in awe. It was a single boy—the one with no name. She turned her head as he walked to her side of the room. She tried to put a smile on her lips. She had been in so many of these little polls throughout her time in the school here that she was very aware how things usually came out. She seemed to always be on the opposite side of opinion.
An eternity seemed to pass as the two groups stared at one another. Disgust filled the air as the two were watched. She was sure that part of the reason she was so able to side with such an opinion that always drew such negativity was because she was half human herself. She could think of no other creature—besides her brother of course—that was half human like she was. Still, his strength and power showed no weakness due to his human roots. She was sure that they didn’t know. As Jack had done before her arrival, he kept it a secret. She was not allowed to embarrass them by telling anyone that she was half human—it wasn’t a good thing in a place like this. Besides, in Jack’s case, he would have been seen as weak—something he was not—and probably would have been ruined by the news floating around school. He was very much in the loop with all of the social circles of this place. The eyes were not of hate for knowing what she was, but what she believed in.
Finally, the sound of movement drew her attention away from the group. Genevieve had locked eyes with Sara; it was the only one she could find that wasn’t judging her. The space that divided the two groups was filled after a few moments. The teacher walked into the void and smiled at the two groups. She seemed very pleased with herself.
“Well. I don’t think I’ve ever had a class so…one sided” She turned and looked at the Genevieve and the boy. She gave them a reassuring smile before turning back to the others. “Tell me one reason why you think that your side dominates the argument?” She spoke to the entirety of the class as she turned so she could see all of her new students. “Come on. You’ve got an opinion; don’t be shy.” She held her arms out a moment before leaning against a desk. Her skin where she touched the wood turned a deep mahogany color.
“Humans cut down the trees in my family’s grove” A small voice spoke out of the group. No one needed to look; they knew whose voice it was. Beautiful purple wings fluttered over the crowd. The being was strong, but all knew the power she held. “They kill the animals of the forest and kill of our mother planet.” Her name was Elma. There was a small grumble of agreement through the one side of the room. The teacher just smiled and shook her head; no one was sure what her language told the class. Was she happy at the example? Did she think they were hopeless?
“How can a being know not to take our land if they do not even know we exist?” It was strange for Genevieve to speak, but she feared that it may look like she wanted to oppose popular opinion for the sake of it if she didn’t. Not only that, but she had spoken against Elma Cedar—a very mature and highly thought of student. It probably wouldn’t go well for her if she continued. Before any more could be said though, they were silenced by a raised hand.
“I am sure you have all looked on your schedules by now and realized what this class is, hm?” There was silence that followed. No one spoke. “The history of man and monster” She walked back toward the front of the room. “I will prove to all of you—through historical example—times where both sides can fight for the dominance in a question we have asked ourselves for centuries. She walked back to the board and began erasing the questions. “Take your seats”.
It didn’t surprise her, as she stood on the side of the class that her opinion truly coincided with, that she would be practically the only one that stood here. The nervousness in her stomach seemed to rise up her throat. She felt like she might be sick. Her cheeks tinted themselves a sweet rosy color. Eyes burned into her flesh and she stared back at the crowd. The range of faces before her told her so much about the way that most of her brethren lived.
Then, a single figure pushed past the people to walk on her side. Genevieve was in awe. It was a single boy—the one with no name. She turned her head as he walked to her side of the room. She tried to put a smile on her lips. She had been in so many of these little polls throughout her time in the school here that she was very aware how things usually came out. She seemed to always be on the opposite side of opinion.
An eternity seemed to pass as the two groups stared at one another. Disgust filled the air as the two were watched. She was sure that part of the reason she was so able to side with such an opinion that always drew such negativity was because she was half human herself. She could think of no other creature—besides her brother of course—that was half human like she was. Still, his strength and power showed no weakness due to his human roots. She was sure that they didn’t know. As Jack had done before her arrival, he kept it a secret. She was not allowed to embarrass them by telling anyone that she was half human—it wasn’t a good thing in a place like this. Besides, in Jack’s case, he would have been seen as weak—something he was not—and probably would have been ruined by the news floating around school. He was very much in the loop with all of the social circles of this place. The eyes were not of hate for knowing what she was, but what she believed in.
Finally, the sound of movement drew her attention away from the group. Genevieve had locked eyes with Sara; it was the only one she could find that wasn’t judging her. The space that divided the two groups was filled after a few moments. The teacher walked into the void and smiled at the two groups. She seemed very pleased with herself.
“Well. I don’t think I’ve ever had a class so…one sided” She turned and looked at the Genevieve and the boy. She gave them a reassuring smile before turning back to the others. “Tell me one reason why you think that your side dominates the argument?” She spoke to the entirety of the class as she turned so she could see all of her new students. “Come on. You’ve got an opinion; don’t be shy.” She held her arms out a moment before leaning against a desk. Her skin where she touched the wood turned a deep mahogany color.
“Humans cut down the trees in my family’s grove” A small voice spoke out of the group. No one needed to look; they knew whose voice it was. Beautiful purple wings fluttered over the crowd. The being was strong, but all knew the power she held. “They kill the animals of the forest and kill of our mother planet.” Her name was Elma. There was a small grumble of agreement through the one side of the room. The teacher just smiled and shook her head; no one was sure what her language told the class. Was she happy at the example? Did she think they were hopeless?
“How can a being know not to take our land if they do not even know we exist?” It was strange for Genevieve to speak, but she feared that it may look like she wanted to oppose popular opinion for the sake of it if she didn’t. Not only that, but she had spoken against Elma Cedar—a very mature and highly thought of student. It probably wouldn’t go well for her if she continued. Before any more could be said though, they were silenced by a raised hand.
“I am sure you have all looked on your schedules by now and realized what this class is, hm?” There was silence that followed. No one spoke. “The history of man and monster” She walked back toward the front of the room. “I will prove to all of you—through historical example—times where both sides can fight for the dominance in a question we have asked ourselves for centuries. She walked back to the board and began erasing the questions. “Take your seats”.
Sovereign
We Glorious Fallen
Cimeres kept quiet; not because his opinions were his own, or because he didn't want to throw his own argument onto the table, but because he'd rather not step into the spotlight any more than he already had. Thankfully, the girl from earlier put herself forward as sacrifice for the piercing gazes of the classmates opposite them. They could care less about him now that Genevieve put forth her own argument to counter that of some... fairy? Fae?... girl on the opposite side of the equation.
Thankful when the teacher asked them to retake their seats, Cimeres moved immediately for his own. Slipping past the other students without so much as a grazing contact, he settled back into his own chair and looked down to his notebook. Part of him feared that should he look up, a few of the students might still be staring at him. The human waited for the professor to start talking again before bothering to look up and take notes. At the very least, he felt confident in his note taking abilities --he'd always taken good notes.
They key for good notation was to write down what was being said in conjunction with what was being shown, not just the notes on the board. The rhythm of note taking and focusing on the professor's lecture helped Cimeres put himself at ease. The rest of the class melted away in a sort of tunnel vision where the human concentrated only on getting what he needed to get down on paper. For the entire length of the class, Cimeres managed to stay int he zone without losing interest and letting his notes devolve into doodles and prose.
As the class neared its conclusion, he wondered briefly if there was a place on campus he could go to work out or if he'd have to do it in his own room. Keeping in shape always made its way to the top of his priority list. Kids in school can be cruel, and one of his oldest and closest friends was a very large person. The way the other kids picked on him and bullied him left a bad taste in his mouth. Cimeres wanted to be strong and fit not to avoid being bullied himself, but to make sure it didn't happen to other people.
Some might say that the human had anger issues --but not in the common sense of the word. Not everything pissed him off, and in truth he felt fairly calm most of the time. But when something did manage to stroke his righteous anger just right? He lost it. Cimeres only ever got into two fights in school, but there probably would have been many more if not for the manner in which his fights... concluded. People usually left him alone from that point. But in this place? He probably wouldn't stand a chance if anyone really decided to get confrontational. It made him feel weak, and made him want to go to the gym even if it wouldn't really make anything better. These were monsters, and he was just a human.
Thankful when the teacher asked them to retake their seats, Cimeres moved immediately for his own. Slipping past the other students without so much as a grazing contact, he settled back into his own chair and looked down to his notebook. Part of him feared that should he look up, a few of the students might still be staring at him. The human waited for the professor to start talking again before bothering to look up and take notes. At the very least, he felt confident in his note taking abilities --he'd always taken good notes.
They key for good notation was to write down what was being said in conjunction with what was being shown, not just the notes on the board. The rhythm of note taking and focusing on the professor's lecture helped Cimeres put himself at ease. The rest of the class melted away in a sort of tunnel vision where the human concentrated only on getting what he needed to get down on paper. For the entire length of the class, Cimeres managed to stay int he zone without losing interest and letting his notes devolve into doodles and prose.
As the class neared its conclusion, he wondered briefly if there was a place on campus he could go to work out or if he'd have to do it in his own room. Keeping in shape always made its way to the top of his priority list. Kids in school can be cruel, and one of his oldest and closest friends was a very large person. The way the other kids picked on him and bullied him left a bad taste in his mouth. Cimeres wanted to be strong and fit not to avoid being bullied himself, but to make sure it didn't happen to other people.
Some might say that the human had anger issues --but not in the common sense of the word. Not everything pissed him off, and in truth he felt fairly calm most of the time. But when something did manage to stroke his righteous anger just right? He lost it. Cimeres only ever got into two fights in school, but there probably would have been many more if not for the manner in which his fights... concluded. People usually left him alone from that point. But in this place? He probably wouldn't stand a chance if anyone really decided to get confrontational. It made him feel weak, and made him want to go to the gym even if it wouldn't really make anything better. These were monsters, and he was just a human.
FaithWynters
The Cuppycakecreep
Genevieve just assumed that he didn’t want to speak because he was new. The looks some of her friends and classmates were giving them weren’t pleasant. She almost wanted to apologize to him for their behavior. She couldn’t of course, but she thought over everything as she walked to her chair and took her seat. There was no better time to make enemies than your first day with a group of people. That said a lot about his character though. He wasn’t afraid to stick with his opinion. Genevieve smiled quietly; there were some that she knew that went with the crowd no matter what. As she began taking notes, she realized that she couldn’t get her mind off of what had happened. She was sure this was the teachers intentions, but she couldn’t keep from glancing over to the boy every once and again. He looked down at his notebook intently, scribbling notes. She just wished she could be as focused as everyone else in the room.
She looked down at the words on her paper a moment, before looking up to the board. The whole class went by like this. She would scribble as much as she could down, trying to make notes as she went of what she thought was important, and then she would get lost looking around the room. Time seemed to fly, but only because the lapses in Genevieve’s note taking grew longer and longer.
“The only assignment you have is to think over the questions I posed at the beginning of class, and start looking at them from a different perspective” The words drew Genevieve from her notes. She looked up. People were already packing up their things. She quickly shoved her notebook in her bag and turned toward Sara. The girl excitedly watched her; one of her ears twitched.
“You should have seen the look on her face!” Sara laughed and walked around her desk to pick up her bag. “She didn’t know what to say!” Genevieve was aware that Sara had been sitting for too long. She always had so much pent up energy right after class. Her tail twitched as she watched Genevieve. The only response she receives as a small hum in agreement and a shrug. Sara let out an exasperated sigh—she was always so dramatic. “Come on, Genevieve. That was great” She rolled her eyes. Genevieve picked up her backpack and slung it over her back. She walked to the other side of the desk.
“I hate when they ask questions like that.” She held her textbook against her chest. “I mean…why do I deserve to have to face the whole class because my opinion is different?” The words brought the boy back to her mind. Sara shot past her and started toward the door. She never had answers to questions like those. The boy was left in her view. She watched him for a moment before deciding to swallow the nervous feeling that was growing in her stomach.
“H-Hey.” Of course, she lost her words again. “I’m Genevieve” Damn. She had already said that before. A flush grew on her cheeks, and she could feel Sara watching her from a few desks over. She had stopped to wait on her friend. “Can I know what your name is?” That didn’t sound right. “I mean—you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” She smiled a nervous smile that showed just how awkward she was. “Because, I said hi earlier, but you seemed completely uninterested in giving me your name.” She thought over all the stupid things that came from her mouth. “You know…I should probably just go” Her face was red, and she turned to make her way toward Sara. She could see her friend, and her face was a mixture of pity and giggles. She hadn’t particularly decided yet why Genevieve got so nervous around everyone—it was something about where she grew up—but she didn’t really pay attention too much with stuff like that. Genevieve came to a slow stop next to her friend.
“Can we just go?” There was a tremor in her voice. She was so embarrassed. She had been through some rough conversations before, but she wasn’t sure she had ever said so much to make her feel like an idiot.
She looked down at the words on her paper a moment, before looking up to the board. The whole class went by like this. She would scribble as much as she could down, trying to make notes as she went of what she thought was important, and then she would get lost looking around the room. Time seemed to fly, but only because the lapses in Genevieve’s note taking grew longer and longer.
“The only assignment you have is to think over the questions I posed at the beginning of class, and start looking at them from a different perspective” The words drew Genevieve from her notes. She looked up. People were already packing up their things. She quickly shoved her notebook in her bag and turned toward Sara. The girl excitedly watched her; one of her ears twitched.
“You should have seen the look on her face!” Sara laughed and walked around her desk to pick up her bag. “She didn’t know what to say!” Genevieve was aware that Sara had been sitting for too long. She always had so much pent up energy right after class. Her tail twitched as she watched Genevieve. The only response she receives as a small hum in agreement and a shrug. Sara let out an exasperated sigh—she was always so dramatic. “Come on, Genevieve. That was great” She rolled her eyes. Genevieve picked up her backpack and slung it over her back. She walked to the other side of the desk.
“I hate when they ask questions like that.” She held her textbook against her chest. “I mean…why do I deserve to have to face the whole class because my opinion is different?” The words brought the boy back to her mind. Sara shot past her and started toward the door. She never had answers to questions like those. The boy was left in her view. She watched him for a moment before deciding to swallow the nervous feeling that was growing in her stomach.
“H-Hey.” Of course, she lost her words again. “I’m Genevieve” Damn. She had already said that before. A flush grew on her cheeks, and she could feel Sara watching her from a few desks over. She had stopped to wait on her friend. “Can I know what your name is?” That didn’t sound right. “I mean—you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” She smiled a nervous smile that showed just how awkward she was. “Because, I said hi earlier, but you seemed completely uninterested in giving me your name.” She thought over all the stupid things that came from her mouth. “You know…I should probably just go” Her face was red, and she turned to make her way toward Sara. She could see her friend, and her face was a mixture of pity and giggles. She hadn’t particularly decided yet why Genevieve got so nervous around everyone—it was something about where she grew up—but she didn’t really pay attention too much with stuff like that. Genevieve came to a slow stop next to her friend.
“Can we just go?” There was a tremor in her voice. She was so embarrassed. She had been through some rough conversations before, but she wasn’t sure she had ever said so much to make her feel like an idiot.
Sovereign
We Glorious Fallen
Cimeres packed his things slowly. The very last thing he wanted to do --especially after that question fiasco-- was garner any unnecessary attention. That included rushing for the door and bumping into a bunch of other students or rubbing elbows to get by. No, he'd rather let them all filter out and be the last one into the halls where everybody already started to clear out into their next periods. At the very least he could avoid the initial hallway blitz of students trying to make it from point A to point B with enough time to sit and chat before their next class or whatever. The human incognito swallowed his urge to sigh.
Only when approached by the girl from earlier did he feel his posture stiffen again. This girl again? So persistent! Maybe he should just try and act normal, if he forced too many people away he'd pick up a reputation as the weird kid and that could not be good for his predicament. Shoving his last book into his book bag, he shoved his pen into his pocket and turned to face the girl. The practiced mask of even stoicism held true to form and allowed him a little social breathing room.
"My name is Cimeres," he said. "I'm sorry about not offering my name earlier, I was..." he hesitated, looking for a viable and believable excuse. "...distracted." That worked, it even fit in with the pause in his speech. People could be distracted by any number of personal or exterior factors, it probably made for the best blanket excuse he could muster given his precarious position. Genevieve seemed like she wanted to get going just as badly as he wanted to be rid of any company. The break in social niceties would provide a much needed breather and allow him time to study his schedule and see just where he was expected next.
He slipped out of the room quickly and into the halls; he hugged the wall as closely as he could, and stayed as closely to the center of the hall as possible when traffic along the fringe exceeded his comfortable tolerance. To think he had years of this ahead of him, each passing day augmenting the probability that he'd be discovered for what he was.
(Short, sorry!)
Only when approached by the girl from earlier did he feel his posture stiffen again. This girl again? So persistent! Maybe he should just try and act normal, if he forced too many people away he'd pick up a reputation as the weird kid and that could not be good for his predicament. Shoving his last book into his book bag, he shoved his pen into his pocket and turned to face the girl. The practiced mask of even stoicism held true to form and allowed him a little social breathing room.
"My name is Cimeres," he said. "I'm sorry about not offering my name earlier, I was..." he hesitated, looking for a viable and believable excuse. "...distracted." That worked, it even fit in with the pause in his speech. People could be distracted by any number of personal or exterior factors, it probably made for the best blanket excuse he could muster given his precarious position. Genevieve seemed like she wanted to get going just as badly as he wanted to be rid of any company. The break in social niceties would provide a much needed breather and allow him time to study his schedule and see just where he was expected next.
He slipped out of the room quickly and into the halls; he hugged the wall as closely as he could, and stayed as closely to the center of the hall as possible when traffic along the fringe exceeded his comfortable tolerance. To think he had years of this ahead of him, each passing day augmenting the probability that he'd be discovered for what he was.
(Short, sorry!)
FaithWynters
The Cuppycakecreep
Sara’s grin was even wider as Genevieve looked at her with hopeful eyes. She could tell that Sara was trying to keep from laughing at her. Genevieve’s cheeks were red, and she knew that Sara would never forget this lapse in what she saw was her better judgement. All she could think of was his face; the way he seemed to hide his emotions. She wondered what he was. Not many people were like that around here. They would smile or say something rude, but they wouldn’t keep a straight face and only answer the questions you asked. He was so cold. It wasn’t until Sara saw him walk from the room that she let out the tiniest of giggles.
“Well at least you know his name” Genevieve let out a quiet sigh as her friend poked fun at her. A deep breath escaped her lips and she started back toward the door. She needed to get to her next class. It wouldn’t start for another fifteen minutes, but she knew that she would need to be ready for the next class. “Hey! Come back here!”
The girl quickly ran up beside Genevieve and walked with her. She was smiling softly, and she knew that Genevieve would be over the embarrassment soon. The two walked down the hallway holding books in their hands. After this next class, they both could enjoy lunch.
“So what class do you have next?” The voice was one of genuine curiosity. Genevieve looked over to her friend, her ears twitched as she waited for an answer. She let out a quiet groan and ran a hand quietly through her hair.
“Offensive and Defensive Tactics.” She spoke quietly, her eyes trailing the ground. It was the only class she had that she couldn’t just sit in the back of the class, take notes, and enjoy passing tests. This was the only hands on class she had and she was dreading it.
“Oh…Well that can’t be completely awful.” Sara knew just how incapable Genevieve was of using her powers to protect herself. It was the only class she couldn’t completely excel in. The dark-haired girl shook her head.
“Do you want to know who one of the upperclassmen mentors is for that class?” Genevieve had been uncomfortable about this class since she received her schedule. They now walked quietly through the hallways. They would have to split up soon because this was a class that—she was sure—Sara didn’t have with her.
“I’m sure it’s not that bad. Who?” Sara stopped at a junction of two of the hallways.
“Jack” There was a quiet gasp. It was a mixture of multiple emotions and Genevieve couldn’t determine whether Sara was more disappointed that she didn’t have ODT with Jack because he was the best student in the school, or if it was because she couldn’t look at him shirtless for a full hour and a half every day. Genevieve rolled her eyes and readjusted the books in her hands.
“…Maybe he’ll go easy on you?” Sara was being hopeful. Genevieve just shook her head and turned away. She would have to walk down this hallway and towards the dueling room used for the class.
“He’s never been easy on me in my life.” She turned back halfway to give a small wave and a smile. “It’ll be fine, but I’ve got to go.” Without waiting for a word from Sara, she started off alone down the hallway.
“Well at least you know his name” Genevieve let out a quiet sigh as her friend poked fun at her. A deep breath escaped her lips and she started back toward the door. She needed to get to her next class. It wouldn’t start for another fifteen minutes, but she knew that she would need to be ready for the next class. “Hey! Come back here!”
The girl quickly ran up beside Genevieve and walked with her. She was smiling softly, and she knew that Genevieve would be over the embarrassment soon. The two walked down the hallway holding books in their hands. After this next class, they both could enjoy lunch.
“So what class do you have next?” The voice was one of genuine curiosity. Genevieve looked over to her friend, her ears twitched as she waited for an answer. She let out a quiet groan and ran a hand quietly through her hair.
“Offensive and Defensive Tactics.” She spoke quietly, her eyes trailing the ground. It was the only class she had that she couldn’t just sit in the back of the class, take notes, and enjoy passing tests. This was the only hands on class she had and she was dreading it.
“Oh…Well that can’t be completely awful.” Sara knew just how incapable Genevieve was of using her powers to protect herself. It was the only class she couldn’t completely excel in. The dark-haired girl shook her head.
“Do you want to know who one of the upperclassmen mentors is for that class?” Genevieve had been uncomfortable about this class since she received her schedule. They now walked quietly through the hallways. They would have to split up soon because this was a class that—she was sure—Sara didn’t have with her.
“I’m sure it’s not that bad. Who?” Sara stopped at a junction of two of the hallways.
“Jack” There was a quiet gasp. It was a mixture of multiple emotions and Genevieve couldn’t determine whether Sara was more disappointed that she didn’t have ODT with Jack because he was the best student in the school, or if it was because she couldn’t look at him shirtless for a full hour and a half every day. Genevieve rolled her eyes and readjusted the books in her hands.
“…Maybe he’ll go easy on you?” Sara was being hopeful. Genevieve just shook her head and turned away. She would have to walk down this hallway and towards the dueling room used for the class.
“He’s never been easy on me in my life.” She turned back halfway to give a small wave and a smile. “It’ll be fine, but I’ve got to go.” Without waiting for a word from Sara, she started off alone down the hallway.
