Some teaser illustration

 “Please wait in the lobby here. I’ll take your paperwork in a moment.

Three students idle in the lobby. There are pretty chaises, which one students use as a bed. I settle for pacing, while another student with pink hair bites a pen.

I’ve been waiting for what feels like days.

I cough, turning slightly at the kid next to me.

“Yes, what?” he says. He has wavy pink hair that clipped his chin, small horns, and watery blue eyes. His expression was vaguely displeasured.­­­

“Mm. Uh, my name is Sun,” I say hopefully

“I didn’t ask.”

Sun bites her lip, fiddling with the hem of her shirt. Ah. I didn’t mean to be annoying. But really? She watches him until he gives her a flat stare. What are you looking at?

I glance over to the boy on the chair farther away. He’s making a face. “What do you mean I can’t take my pistol with me?”

She frowns. “No weapons on campus.”

“...” I look back at my hands.

Eventually, the woman meets her. “Phone,” she says, and Sun shakes her head. 

The woman regards her with obvious disbelief, but accepts the papers in Sun’s hands. She repeats a similar process for the boy with the pink hair.

“I’ll take your bags and put them in the dormitories.” 

Alright, then.

I came to Karisong Academy after my junior year in high school. It’s the most prestigious school in the region, and there’s a reason. It’s unique curriculum. 

Unique has a double meaning, though.

“You three have private invitations, but the rest the class is taking their entrance exams right now. But here’s a small test even you have to take.”

“Here at Karisong, you’re going to learn risk taking, discipline, and above all, talent. It’s hard to believe, but you’re going to be the next generation of leaders, heroes, and villains.”

She smirks. “Mostly villains.” 

“So tell me right now: are you ready?”

Cold hands grab my from behind, and my eyes widen. “Wait–” 

Everything turns dark.

Are you ready?

Blood. Everywhere.

The room is fuzzy and dark. Gloved, clinical blue hands hover around my face and body. I moans. It hurts. It hurts so, so much—

Something is wrong.

“Doc, she’s heating up—” 

“Her stats are about to go haywire, doc.” 

“Damn, are you all blind? With her makeup, she’ll light us all up in a hot second.” 

“Get the anesthesia, quick—” 

( experiment with color/ panel effects and shapes to convey fear) 

“ Saints…”

Sun winced. My head is pounding. Where am I?

“Another success.” The woman from before exclaims, a smirk in her tone. Sun frantically locate her with a bleary gaze.

Success?  “What…what are you talking about?” 

“The operation, I mean. That was the test everyone had to pass. Well, you probably forgot that by now.”

Her attention was drawn again to the bed. Not just any ordinary bed…a scratchy bed made of that terrible papery fabric. Sun looked down at myself and found a simple white shift.

“You scared the doctors, apparently.”

“I’m...” (cut to hands)

“Where’s the blood?” Sun asked, still feeling dizzy. Anesthesia. Or shock. 

The woman looks at me as If I was a child wondering why the sky was blue. “We don’t have time to waste. Classes start tomorrow, and we have a tour tonight.” 

“Sorry, what was the operation? What—what did they do?” I say quickly, tilting my head. “How long has it been since—? 

Glancing in my direction, the woman says, “--It’s just past nine.”  She ignores my other questions and strides out of the room.

I frown. 

“Hurry up,” I hear from the hall.

Nonetheless, I follow, ignoring the chills running down my back. She looks so creepy. This whole affair is shady. But this school raises a lot of criminals. I shouldn’t be suprised…

(cut to small cut in place of operation, then footsteps).

In an adjacent foyer, I findthe other students, who appeared just as confused and disoriented as myself. (characterization: tenmi’s standing very straight, with a calm expression, except for perhaps the cut of his mouth or eyebrows. zyri’s standing defensively, looking disinterested, but farthest away from the speaker.

The woman announced upon my arrival, “Welcome to Karisong Academy. You’ve been officially admitted…and enrolled. This is the beginning of a NEW CHAPTER.”

An awkward silence ensued. 

“Now, you’re just bounding with opportunities here at— saints, this script is awful…oh, screw it. Let me introduce you to our dearest Mr. Clairmonte.” 

Everyone’s head turned towards the large wooden door at the end of the foyer as it makes a noise.

With a sheepish, lopsided grin, a man entered the room. He had a roughly shaved beard, hazel eyes, and a wiry, tall frame. He donned a spiky punk jacket and matching collar.

“It’s me!” Mr. Clairmonte chuckled.

Dean Quentis continued, “Mr. Clairmonte teaches our psychology classes. He’ll guide you on the tour.” 

Mr. Clairmonte nodded in vague agreement. 

“There’s also a list of instructions for school. And another list of rules. Those are taped to the refrigerator in the domitory’s kitchen. Which one of you is Tenmi? Is that you?” 

One boy, the pink-haired one from earlier stepped forward, a serious expression on his face. I frown.

“Mr. Tenmi. I need you to gather everyone and make sure they understand the rules. I’m also going to put you in charge of the consumable supplies until further notice.” 

Tenmi nods. “All right.” 

Mr. Clarimonte smiles. “If you’re Tenmi, then who is everyone else?” 

“Zyri.” (But blank out the name and face)

“Sun.” Sun said. 

“Oh. You’re one of the students from out-of-state.” Mr. Clairmonte clapped his hands. “Then, let’s head out.”

His hand still resting on the door, he points to a nearby wooden bucket with the tip of his parasol. 

“Though you might want an umbrella.”

The school is enormous and a dazzling work of art and architecture, even in the rain. Sun stood for a second, awestruck.

Then Sun snatched an umbrella and stepped out. Zyri was already several paces away, his long hair unsheltered from the blusters. Tenmi’s a few inches in front of me.(we can see his face) Sun considered matching his pace, but remembered his chilly demeanor and decided against it.

In a few moments, we reach the grand double doors. On them are five seals. (have winged snakes)

“These are the insignias of the school’s parent company.” noted Mr. Clairmonte before opening the doors. “Kind of important. For later. All right, here’s the grand foyer hall. And the dean’s offices to your left, and the principal’s to the right.

Over the next hour, he showed us the two wings, east and west. Sun peeked into a state-of-the-art science lab, astronomy observatory, greenhouse. Sun glanced at the track and gym, and observed the grand mess hall. Some students were milling around. We get a glimpse at their wild hair colors, animal and wings, and strange appearances.

Unlike all the other schools, Karisong  Academy is for the special members of society. The talented. It’s so colorful and grand though.

I guess I shouldn’t expect anything else from the top school in the state.

There were some more startling things, too. A hallway of saints; colorful explosions in some rooms.

“These are the matriarchs of our states. You can see the saints from the founding to our current day,” Mr. Clairmonte explains. “This is one.” 

He gestures towards a picture of a woman with long, floor length hair and brilliant red eyes. She holds a scale in one hand and a sword in the other, and below her warm smile, lying at her feet, are millions of tiny skulls.

Sancta Kari. I step closer and lay a hand on the frame. She’s beautiful, I think.

“She’s so creepy. You look just like her,” Zyri says, in a mocking tone. What?. I look at Tenmi, who inspects the painting further and stares. Zyri strikes a creepy pose, and I shy away. 

We keep moving.

“There’s pottery?” Tenmi said in disbelief. “In a school for talent?”

“Oh, sure,” said Mr. Clairmonte. “Our entire current understanding of superpowers and talent is based on soul, sentiment and vision, so why not study the arts?”

Zyri rolled his eyes and gags.

They finally found themselves approaching the dorm rooms.

“Tenmi, don’t forget to tell everyone about the food situation. And, uh, also here are your schedules. If you could, hand them out to everyone.” Mr. Clairmonte told him.

Tenmi makes an acquiescing noise.

“Everyone, first year dorms are on the fifth floor. Yeah, I know, freshman year sucks.” 

Mr. Clairmonte nods to himself. “There are three basic rules. Don’t stab, don’t suck, and shut up. If you follow those, you’ll be fine. Stay cute!” The last part is said with a salute, and he turns on his heel.

The door closes.

Tenmi, Zyri, and I watch the door. 

What a strange teacher…

He opens the door again. “Lights out at ten thirty!” 

Shuts it again.

“Are we cute?” I say. 

“Not really,” Tenmi says. “That is a figure of speech.” 

Zyri sighs. “The hell are you on about? I’m going to scope out this fridge and make something to eat. I’m so tired. Help me cook and eat. Or don’t.” 

“I’m not hungry, I’m taking some time to rest…” I say, rubbing my eyes. “Some really weird stuff happened—”

“--I’ll be in one of the rooms, I suppose. If anyone needs me,” Tenmi interrupts. “Let’s just all go take a moment.” 

I blush again at his interruption. He’s so…rude. I glance at Zyri’s back, and after a few minutes, he says, “What’s with the staring? It’s annoying.”

Oops.

If I keep this up, I’ll have no friends at all.

“Sorry,” I say.

When I get to my dorm, I pull out a notebook from my bag.

Finally, I write, First day of school tomorrow. Going to 

* figure out my unique talent 

* graduate top of the class, as usual.

* Make friends

(flashback).

Partner project being assigned, but Sun sits by herself. The teacher comes over, and shakes her head, but Sun already has the entire assignment completed.

She goes outside for recess, and when the rest of the class comes out, they rush past her. She walks over to the swings, but by the time she’s there, everyone has left.

“Top marks again, but nothing to show,” she sighs, quietly slipping into the house, avoiding her parents watching TV in the living room.  “I don’t know anyone…” 

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Shakes her head irl, slamming the notebook shut. “It’s going to be different this time.” 

Dramatic images of rain. The scene pans down to a kid in all white, with long, unruly hair and a painted face. She’s wearing all white silks, and stares up into the rain. She’s also lying on the ground. (her name is Lupe, but we don’t know that yet.) (The other character is called Veda.)

“All that water’s going to get in your eyes.” says the unpictured speaker.  (veda)

We see the reflection in his eyes. The speaker (veda)  is holding out his hands.

The kid (lupe) gets up, and when they converse, you can’t see their heads.

“It can’t be very comfortable down there. Would you like to come to my house?” (veda)

“...”

“Come on. It’s getting worse.” He (veda) reaches for Lupe’s hand, but Lupe smacks him away and takes two steps back. 

The silence fills the air. The other person pulls out an umbrella, and stretches it to Lupe, who only stares.

“You’re not going to make me stand like this forever, are you?” 

“I’m not coming.”  (lupe)

“Die of hypothermia then,” the other person says. “Just do it somewhere where I’m not watching.” 

Lupe hesitates, lifting his head slightly. “Then go away. Leave me alone.” 

“Are you afraid of me?” the kid scoffs. “I live alone. I’m not going to pull any tricks on you, either, I swear. “

Lupe’s gentle footsteps, until he catches the umbrella himself. 

“I ran away from home, too.” the kid says. “I was just luckier.” 

(lmao i switch pov here from third to first i’m so sorry-)

I didn’t run away, I think. “I’m going to have to go back. I can’t survive more than a day without the housekeeper’s potions.” I say. “Thank you, but you shouldn’t bother.” 

“I have some iced drinks. It’s like coke but it burns when it goes down. I swear, if you take a sip of that spicy stuff, you’ll never have to go back to the house.”  He opens his door, and the warm light is a stark contrast to the cool city. “Come in.” 

“Really?”

“Yep.”

“Where should I sit?” Lupe asks.

“You can’t sit. I’m not letting you stay for free.” he says.

“W-what do I need to do…?” Lupe says, taking a step back. 

“Cook!” 

(timeskip)

(his face, a little flush with energy, holding up a plate)

“My name’s Veda. What’s your name?” 

[ next morning ] 

(also switching to first person bc i cannot)

Oh. I’m at Karisong Academy now. I think. What…what was I supposed to be doing? 

Wakes up in a weird position , notebook on head. Quickly gets up. Flustered.

Right—classes start today!

Something smells heavenly.

“SAINTS someone knows how to cook,” someone exclims . “Damn well I’m coming down now.” 

Looks at skirt, and shirt, and vest. Pulls on tie.

I stumble into the foyer.

Zyri first catches my eye. He  wears a white dress shirt with a dark vest, black dress pants, and long socks inside shiny heeled boots. His hands are gloved, and a silver chain swings from his belt loop. 

Zyri glances at me with a generous serving of scorn, and then back at the cook. “Didn’t know our Mr. Mafia was a domestic hand.” 

I glance at the cook, behind the counter that Zyri’s absently leaning on. Zyri shifts his hand to his chin, staring at the boy behind him, who is obviously uncomfortable.

There’s an awkward beat/ pause. The cook freezes up.

(the same scene from the last part

I tentatively glance at Zyri.

“You’re Zyri, right? I’m Sun. I….”

“Boring. You guys are making me tired already.” Zyri walks away from me, shooting me a derisive look. I blush, looking down. I can’t even….

The kid with the pancakes gives me an apologetic smile. “Sorry.” he tells me. I’m unfocused and he’s quiet, so I don’t recognize him.

. “Would you like something?” 

(same pic from before in part whatever)

“Hello?”

My head jerks up, and I glance up.“T-thanks. Thank you, I mean.” I say, and we both stare for a second as he serves my plate.

“Um. Are you a mafia?”

He coughs into his hand, chuckling a bit. “You know, people always look at godfathers differently when they find out. I’ve seen it myself—tough life.” 

My eyes widen. “You’ve seen a godfather before? That’s…so…wow…” He doesn’t look like he’s in a gang. I think. He looks more like a server than a gang member.

He looks at me like I’m an interesting sculpture on display. “I’ve seen a lot.” 

Zyri laughs aloud from the corner of the room. “Oh my SAINTS—” 

“What I mean to say is—” the cook starts.

“Let me escort the princess to first period,” Zyri says, flipping up. He stalks toward me and leans over the counter with a grin. “We don’t want her running into any godfathers.”

I frown. “What?”

Zyri takes my pancake platter and stacks it on his empty one, and takes my arm with his other arm. “Come on, sweetheart.”

“I’m not your–”

“It’s an expression, dear.”

We trudge down. 

“So, you’re Sun Song?” he says. “You seem like the weird but smart type.” 

I don’t know about weird, but…I nod. “I’m the smartest in my class.” I say. 

“Humble, too.”

“...”

“So, is Song your middle name?” he asks. “Cus that’s a really weird middle name.”

“It’s my last—” Frowning, I push open the classroom door. 

Bang!

Then a click and a clatter and—

Bang!

Bang!

I gasp, startled by the loud noise, and between a blink, the next thing I knew, I was staring into the barrel of a gun.

No what wait—

“Eep.”

The revolver lowered, for me to see a sheepish grin. “Oops. Sorry, my bad. Habits.”

I slowly lower my hands from my head, wincing. A man with a long braid and short spiky hair grins. “I’m the combat instructor, Min. May I have the pleasure of your name?” 

“Sun.”  I shy away.

“Who’s this young man?”

Zyri’s slouching, completely unfazed in comparison to my fright. He gives a flat, bored stare, his hands in his pockets.

“Zyri,” Zyri mumbles. “You have the guns?” He stood just behind me as I came in, without flinching for a moment. 

“Yes, I do indeed.” 

“Well, have you seen my Auto C-40?” 

“Oh, I don’t know.” The professor of arms smirked. “Have I?”

Scoffing, Zyri says, “You’re on.  Old man.” He reaches for a gun, but I shoulders cautiously. 

Aack. They’re about to fight. It’s the first day…

 “Maybe—” 

“F*ck off.”

“H-hey, um, I don’t think—?”

The professor nods. “I’ll use my other hand.” He gestures to the table. “This or any one you like.”

Oh. They’re not actually fighting…I think, somewhat relieved.

Zyri whips out a gun, twirling it around his finger.

(show the accuracy of Min’s shots)

Each of his shots were put through the board by the professor of arms.

Zyri frowns, and finally mutters a curse.

“Not half bad.” Min smiles. “But you’re going to have to be a lot better than that to pass this class, haha.”

I turned away. What did he expect, anyways? “Humble, too,” I mutter.

“Are you laughing?” I feel a rough and slight shove, enough to make me glance towards the source. Zyri. 

“What?, no, I—” 

I look toward the professor of arms, and he stares back.

“Speak up.”

“...I—”

Zyri steps closer me, his eyes glowing silver. 

The same build as him. Same eyes. 

They want to consume.

“Don’t do it—” I flinch away.

“Do what?” he questions, irritation in his intonation. I can’t separate the faces, and I start to breathe more heavily. I try to slap away his hands, but it doesn’t make a difference.

Zyri leans closer, too much. I can smell his clothes—something woodsy and crisp. His nails delicately digging into my sweater vest.

“Y-your eyes.” I wince, gasping a little.

And then I’m pushed back and blown away.

“It’s the first day.” the interjecter says. “I know you’re not trying to pick on a Novian girl, are you?” 

Zyri scoffs. He seems to do that often. “What’s it to you?” 

“Never come between a Karisonian and his gun.” the new guy says to me. “Anyone would be sour.” 

I notice his face at this point. He has pretty, gray eyes and dark skin. His hair is in locs, adorned with silver clips throughout. 

My gaze flicks to his face to the professor’s. Our teacher’s head is cocked, something close to interest playing on his face. 

I make a face. Help me, please??

The teacher whips his head away.

Seriously? Shocked, I peek out from my defensive position. The two boys are staring each other down.

I’m still flinching a bit when the dark-haired one sticks out his hand, turning to ignore Zyri. With a wide smile, he says, “Hello.” 

“My name is Sun.” I say shakily. “Thanks.”

I reach out to grab his hand when he scoops my back and twirls me around before I can even blink. “Nice to meet you, I’m Memphis.” he adds, and drops me. “Shall we?” 

I glance at Zyri, who is already stalking away.

“Shall we…what?”

(Sun’s shocked/startled expression)

“See, just raise your arm like this. You have to use two hands, Sun. It's not like in the movies.” Memphis says with a smile. “This is more stable.” 

His name is Memphis. He’s tall, I notice, blinking twice. Enough to see the top of my head.

“BAM!” he laughs, and I press the trigger, but it doesn’t register. “Safety.” he says.

“What if I.. kill someone?” I say. “Can’t we really hurt someone with guns?”  In my home state, they don’t use weapons like this. Just batons.

“Don’t worry, there are no live rounds,” pipes in a boy just behind Memphis. The cook from this morning, actually. “They’re little soft plastic pellets.” 

“I bet we could blind someone though. Or, like, blow out their eardrums. My aim is terrible, though.” pipes in a girl just behind him. She has a sweet, round face and warm brown eyes. She mimes shooting a gun.

“Yeah, it is.” Memphis walks away from me, chuckling a bit to say something else to her.

“Do you guys…know each other?” I ask.

“Nope.” Memphis says cheerily. “Well...not formally.” Solo says. “I have a guess, though. They exchange glances.

I look around. Students are talking to each other. I start to feel shut out. It’s a familiar sensation. I hope it’s not going to be like last time, last school. It’s like everyone knows everyone here. But it’s literally the first day. 

I look at the gun with dismay.

Solo taps me andoffers a smile. “What’s your name? Why don’t you sit next to me for lunch?”

I look at them again. “Sun.” 

 Solo’s pretty, with small freckles. Memphis towers over her as they talk. I

Zyri catches my eyes. He’s by himself now, making perfect shots with a cool face. Now that I think of it, I don’t think he was really upset at me. Even still…I think I’ll keep my distance. (she shudders)

I look down at my plate. Steaming hot rice, glazed salmon, and lots and lots of eggs. What’s with the eggs? They look good.

“AAAhhh I LOVE EGGS!”

I turn my head, but can’t see the exclaimer, so I continue. The mess hall is expansive. The walls are made of that light brown, rich, economical wood, and decorated with various green plants.

I scan the room, to no avail. I know no one; yet the room is full of first year and other students chatting and laughing.

No one to sit with. Was she just messing with me?

Reminds me of last school year. I always sat alone, then, too. The faces of my former classmates blur in front of my eyes, and I have to shake my head.

This is fine. I’ll just find the library and—

“Sam—er, wait, no, Sun!” 

Lupe’s warm hands wave in my direction.

Oh. “Lupe.” I say. Solo turns around and waves excitedly. “Sun! Memphis decided not to sit with us after all. But you can sit right here by me.

I settle my plate down and look around. Me, Lupe, Solo, and—

Him?!

I frown, peek at him, and glance away. I can feel the heat of his stare, though.

(Flashback to tamrin at school)

“SO. How was you guy’s first day? What happened? It’s not every day you’re inducted into the most prestigious school in the state.” Solo exclaims, jerking me out of my thoughts. “TEA!”

Characterization – Lupe sits and engages with everyone, open body language. Solo’s all over the place, and might elbow someone else’s tray, always looks cheerful. Tamrin’s more controlled, but he smiles at everything. Kind of lost in thought, though. Sun’s very calm and takes up very little space as possible.

Lupe smiles. “Well. We all had Combat first period. Second was advanced physics. And we all kind of split up for third and fourth period, 

I visualize these classes.

“The seven AM classes suck, though.” Tamrin says. “Luckily I get out at three.”

“Three? I get out at three-fourty?” Solo whines. “Ugh.”.

Lupe says, “Beat two-thirty.” 

Then the room’s volume draws as everyone turns to look at me.

“Well, what’s your last class ending time?” Solo questions.

“Uh.” 

I memorized the entirety of my schedule.

“Four thirty.”

Everyone shrieked in horror. 

I tuck my hair back. “It’s alright, though. Some of these classes are intense.” 

We compared schedules. This is easy, I thought.. It’s kind of nice. Nicer than back home, at my old school, by far, and it’s only been three hours. My cheeks warmed at the thought.

“What’s up?” Solo looks at my expression with curiosity.

I blink hard. “Oh.”

“Um…” Then I say, “What about that surgery, we all had that, right? What’s that?”

“Isn’t it implants?” Solo adds. “Ugh. I would check but I don’t have the equips with me,”

Lupe frowns sharply. “I really don’t appreciate the idea of having a piece of metal in my arm.

Tamrin  says nothing, looking down at his food. 

“What do you think? “ Solo asks him. “I don’t want to be that girl, but I’m missing my phone, too. You know? All this secrety stuff is getting a bit creepy.”

Tamrin smiles blandly, clearly avoiding my direction. He’s avoiding me. I spare him a cold glance.

“Well, it’s sort of obvious to me. This is a ground for learning. They’re the trainers…”

“And we’re the dogs.”

No one says anything.

“Saints,” Solo says. “Uh. Tamrin.” 

Tamrin then gives a plastic smile. “Sorry guys, I ruined the mood, didn’t I?” He picks up his tray.

“Wait, don’t go—” Solo starts.

He shakes his head a bit. At that point, I turn away. “I’m done.” Somehow I manage to slam my water a little too hard, grabbing the attention of Lupe and Solo.

“Hey guys? Do you know each other? What’s up?”

“Nothing,” Both Tamrin and I say coolly. I go up to grab a fork and return soon.

Do I know him?  I think, stabbing a fillet.

I thought I did. 

The rest of our meal was consumed in uneasy silence, conversation appearing like tumbleweed in the desert. Tamrin didn’t return. I eventually take up my tray to the front. 

Just before I put it away, I feel a small piece of paper underneath.

I feel chills running down my spine. I pocket the note and put my tray away. 

* your dearest fan :) 

* p.s. … what shade of red does your blood run?

(close ups, multiple frames before, weird lighting to enhance drama!!!)