The incoherent voices in my head droned on for what seemed like an eternity. On topic questions like Why did I agree to do this? accompanied by random thoughts such as I think I'm walking, yeah I'm walking, up and up and up, along with a slew of mumbling. Each step added to my fear of falling back down and starting over. By the time I climbed the impossible staircase, I was more than out of breath. I glanced down at the world below and fell back, only barely regaining my courage to look down once more.

Death City. For some, a city of opportunity, known by the alias "Death Vegas" by those here to gamble and bet all they own. But, for most it's a beacon for a brighter future. After gazing across the array of sunlit red rooftops, I turned my attention to the real reason I trekked up here. At the center (or in reality, at the top) lies the city's greatest wonder, Death Weapon Meister Academy. It's always been my dream to attend, even if it's not a very realistic dream. Knowing my luck, I won't last and will just be sent back home. The skull covering the entrance seemed like it was giving me a disapproving glare, like I shouldn't be here. Even my imagination is against me.

I took a deep breath and cautiously stepped inside, not letting myself focus on the what-ifs of it all. People bustled about in the entrance. Across from where I stood hung a billboard. I walked over as fast as I could without drawing attention to myself and looked it over. "Student Orientation" one paper read. I skimmed it down and found my name, well, my stage name. The little details like this make a big difference. Kenji S. S. 7:30 AM Monday. Ten minutes. As I hurried up even more stairs and through winding hallways I split my attention between noting every candle sconce lining the walls, finding my class, and watching people pass me by. Every few moments or so a student would dart past, but I was in such a hurry I didn't pay much attention. Even so, one in particular caught my eye. From the few seconds I saw him, I took note of his formal attire, golden eyes, and black hair before losing sight of him by the turn of a branching corridor. Must be an E.A.T. student, I thought.

I only realized I was standing there gaping like a moron when I felt something bump into me. "Oh, sorry," came a voice, snapping me out of my daze. It was a boy, ten years old, I'd say. He had black hair and tan skin, but it could have just been the lighting. He wore a violet tie-dye shirt and baggy jeans. "Uh...Are you okay?" I only just noticed that once again I was staring.

"Oh, yeah I'm fine. I probably shouldn't have been standing still at rush hour," I took a quick glance behind me, hoping I could somehow prove my point with the people dashing back and forth. Sadly, the halls were quiet now. I decided to help him up, trying not to zone out again.

"You can call me Dawson," his energetic voice was becoming slightly grating, but I shoved the thought off due to it being a long day. I was too busy self narrating to put two and two together and figure out he wanted to know my name. "Do you have a name?" He finally asked, expectantly.

"Kenji. So, where was it you were heading to?"

"The freshman orientation, I think it's that door behind you."

Sure enough, I had been blocking the right door the whole time. Typical. "Oh, sorry again." I slid out of the way, a bit embarrassed by the fact I was here already and spent a total of five minutes staring after some student. He went in first, and I followed close behind.

Inside, a wide array of students of all sorts were bustling about. I hung by the doorway, afraid to step in farther for fear of being in the wrong room or being a social outcast like I always am. The woman who seemed to be hosting the orientation this year caught on and strolled over, a bright smile on her face. "Excuse me, are you a new student?" I gave a curt nod, then glanced down at my feet. My shoelaces were untied, again. She knelt down to get my attention. "It's okay to be shy, most people are. It's not easy to move into a routine for a new way of life, but you'll adjust. I was a student here, too, and even I still get lost. I'm Miss Marie, would you feel comfortable telling me your name?" She talked down to me, knowing I was terrified about my current situation, but I didn't want to be rude and tell her it was bothering me. I gave my reply in a whisper and let my attention drift back to the ground. She inspected the clipboard I had just spotted under her arm. "Ah, you're a weapon. Then, you'll need this," she handed me a small red pin. 'Weapon' was scrolled across it. "If you need anything, you can always talk to me," and with that she strode off back to the front of the room.

Almost immediately, the boy from earlier sprinted up to me from across the room. "Hey, you're a weapon!? That's so cool!" If I hadn't known his intentions were pure I would have decked him right then and there for singling me out. Instead, I nodded patiently. "I'm a meister! Why don't you be my partner?"

I took a step back. "I don't know. If we aren't compatible. . . Besides, I can't even transform, I don't have much control!" That was true, but a lot of my fears were because I didn't feel ready. Even so, I doubted I would get another chance like this. "What if we try it for now? I mean, until you find someone more permanent." He didn't seem to understand what I meant, or even regard it, he just shrugged and clung to me.

"Hey! Guys, I think I've got a partner!"

This would be the longest trial run of my life.

It took a few attempts at pulling him off of me, but the only reason I was successful was because Ms. Marie pointed out she personally baked snacks for everyone, located at the back of the room on a few folding tables. Dawson wasted no time in rushing back to the first pie he saw. I sighed. Not quickly, but my usual drawn out exaggerated sigh.

At that moment, everything froze. Not literally, mind you. The door creaked open, but no one really payed much attention. Why would they? Ms. Marie is probably an amazing cook, but I didn't feel left out. Back to the door. The blonde teacher spoke up for the first time in awhile. "Late this month again, it's okay, it happens." It was like there was something physically keeping me from turning around. Instead, I just listened from where I stood. "Don't worry, this year for sure you'll find someone who will work out."

I waited patiently for one of them to speak, be it Ms. Marie or the unknown figure. I felt eyes boring into my back. That's when I realized I was standing in the very center of the room, while everyone else was at the far end.

I had been noticed.

This is actually something I'm not going to give up on. For once. I admit, this is for someone really important to me. Too important for words. Of course, they won't know what's going on until I add another chapter. I have this entirely planned out, not much planning was really needed. It's a story I know by heart. One that I'm willing to write down. Eh, I need to stop being so mushy. That's what the last chapter is going to be for. I hope to update soon. I don't mind if no one reads it, at least I'll have written it. 'Til next time.