Prologue

"Wow!" a trainee exclaimed. "You beat up that jumbo spawn like nobody's business!"

"Thanks," the monotone reply was strained, as if the other found it hard to talk. A few other trainees ran up.

"Can we group with you?" most of them were level ones', begging for the help of a level two. "We'll be useful!"

"I don't mind," coffee brown eyes turned to examine the three who had come to her. "If you promise me one thing."

"Sure!" the only boy who had come piped up. "Anything!"

"Good," she hissed though her teeth. "Keep in mind, I'm the boss here."

"So," a level one girl was grinning at her groups' 'leader' with more empathy than needed. "What's your name? Where are you from? I'm Marin VonKeeper! I used to live in Citiesville, but had to evacuate my area."

"Cassidy Comet," her pale face turned to look at the one called 'Marin.' "I've come here from farther North- Lakesville, actually."

"Wow!" a taller female trainee came from behind the two. "That's so cool! There's a lot of freshwater lakes there, right? Oh! Sorry, I'm Lynn McAvalon! From Townsville!"

"Since we're all introducing each other," a tan-skinned boy with dusty black hair sat down by Cassidy, "I suppose I can't be left out. My name's Marrok Cankcrow. Actually, I used to live down in Genius Grove."

"Did you know Dexter?" Cassidy seemed to pay little mind to the others, focusing on cleaning her weapon of Fusion gunk.

"No, but I'd heard of him while I was there," he shrugged. "You a Dex fangirl?"

"In a word," the level two set down her weapon and pulled her long, thigh-length braided hair out of her uniform. "Actually, sure. His logical thinking and amazing discoveries are a plus to the younger group of humans everywhere. He has the respect of many adults, something I do so envy." Cassidy put the gun back on her arm, "I'm simply glad another exists who is not afraid to show their intelligence to the… 'higher power' many adults think they are."

"Sounds like you were in the KND?" Marin asked.

"No, but I like being treated like an adult."

"Oh," Lynn sighed. "Now what?"

"For now? Wait. The Fusion creatures we need to kill will come to us. I don't like mindlessly running around. Makes me feel like an idiot."

Cassidy Comet was nothing if not formal and passionate. Wearing the general trainee attire and Lightning Gun, she wouldn't appear to stand out. Yet her slitted, dark eyes, long braid, and black-rimmed square glasses were quickly becoming known around the camp. The whole of the way she spoke and moved were becoming common topics.

'What do you think Comet would do?' and 'Geez, she really must hate fusions!' or 'She's fourteen and that sour?' even things like 'Could she be any meaner? She has followers, not friends. She has workers, not allies! When that stabs her in the back, I'll have to get it on video!'

The last part was very, very true. Cassidy didn't like 'friends.' Though a group of kids did begin considering her just that. Despite warding them off, she couldn't seem to shake them.

One of them, and the first trainee to approach her, was Marin VonKeeper. She was certainly… interesting in Cassidy's eyes. With bleach-blond hair and darker 'highlights' (oddly enough), gray eyes (which actually leaned somewhat to green), and pale skin, she seemed to be the typical 'wannabe.' However, she was also willing to help if she could, though not without whining. Marin was fifteen.

Another, Lynn McAvalon, was a whole other story entirely. She had darker blond hair, almost like dirt, green eyes, and slightly tanned skin. Lynn stood a good six inches over most girls her age (about fifteen). Very strong, yet very stubborn. It drove most of the kids up a wall.

Then there was Marrok Cankcrow, who was the typical 'I sit in the bleachers and watch' boy. With black hair that looked dirt-covered (though wasn't), tan skin, and eyes so brown they were black, he made a few of the girls gawk at the sight. Thin but muscular, he was willing and ready for just about anything, and never stopped smiling. Marrok, also around fifteen, liked to pick fun at Cassidy, but was ready to follow her command at the drop of a hat.

Later on, others came along. Like Sarah Brownhorse and Emily Archertank. They were sisters (with different fathers, apparently) and where Cassidy's age. Sarah prided in keeping her hair dyed bright blue, and Emily bright green. Sarah's was down to her shoulders, while Emily's only went to her neck. Both hairstyles were… spiky. Their matching caramel skin color and lavender eyes had people mistaking them for one another all the time.

With them came Anderson Redkeep. He was thirteen (and rumored to have been in the KND), with brown hair that had red streaks dyed in it. His eyes were almost orange, and his creamy, freckly skin was almost comical. Anderson had circular glasses with tan rims, and kept them on a small gold chain (as not to loose them, which he seemed to do often).

The group, though a little odd, was quickly making it through the 'popularity ring' of The Academy. With Cassidy's leadership, their tasks were often completed not first, but the most effectively. She would point out loopholes in the assignments and exploit them, often finding hidden treasures for herself or her group members.

Around camp, their little group had become known as 'Comet.' Young trainees often asked for their assistance. Many were refused, yet Cassidy did pick a select few to help every now and again. They were often admitted into her group later on.

With much effort, the group graduated just below the top of their class. Their mission now? Head to the graduation area, choose a guide, and join the battle to save the Earth!