A/N: This story is mainly around Laura, so…

Franz and Nigel might be getting some dates too… *wink* (And all the fluff may seem useless and horribly written)

Also, on another note: I completely forgot about Tom and Penny, if any of you are wondering. And I was already so much into the story when I remembered about them, so just pretend they never came to HIVE.

Happy reading!

~Kukipye~ # . #

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Otto slowly walked down the halls of HIVE with his eyes closed, his hands in his pockets. He was sure of where he was going – he already memorized the correct layout of HIVE. But his eyes weren't closed because he was testing himself, it was because he was busy chatting to HIVEmind. The albino (but with no red eyes!) was currently engaged in a conversation with HIVEmind about how much longer the volcano would stay 'dormant'. HIVEmind was trying to assure Otto, but he was still sceptical.

You may be wondering why Otto is allowed to be wandering around HIVE when technically; it should be lesson time for a student. But you see; Otto isn't a student anymore. He's already graduated from HIVE. Ah… he can still remember to that exciting day.

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"We're graduating! Us!" Shelby squealed excitedly for like, the seventeenth time.

"We get it Shel. You don't have to remind me every five minutes." Laura nudged her roommate.

"It is nice to be finally getting out of here, though." Wing announced calmly, walking up behind them.

Normally, Shelby would have been startled, but hey, after having a ninja as your boyfriend, you get used to it. "Hey!"

Laura jumped slightly. "Oh, hey Wing." The red-head peered around him. "Is Otto with you?"

Shelby tutted playfully at her. "Oh Laura, you and Otto really just can't get enough of each other, can you?"

Laura flushed red enough to match her hair. "I could say the same about you and Wing!" She shot back. "But really, has anyone seen Otto? I haven't seen him all day."

"That's true." Wing confirmed. "I think we'll probably see him at the dining hall… for the graduation ceremony."

Shelby's broad grin took on a certain manic quality to it, and Laura wondered whether it was due to the excitement of finally being free from their volcano school.

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Laura peered anxiously through the crowd of excited graduating Alphas. "He's not here," she muttered dejectedly, her shoulders slumping. Otto would definitely be coming, but she had been hoping to be able to wait next to him until it was her turn to go on stage.

"Who's not here?" a familiar voice behind her asked. Laura spun around, her red ponytails flying.

"Otto!" she squealed, hugging the white-haired teen.

"Hey," Otto whispered into her hair. He pushed a sleek, silver and small device that was smaller and thinner than her blackbox into her hands. It had a rectangular button on the back with a power symbol engraved on the button. "Turn it on after," were his instructions.

Laura nodded curiously but didn't say anything and slid the device into the pocket of her black jumpsuit. They both turned to watch the graduation ceremony.

One by one, each Alpha was called to join Nero on the stage. (refer to book 1 page 7!) Each time, the Alpha was given a folder of his or her achievements and downfalls in HIVE and inside another folder would be a 'prize' based on the other folder. Basically, if you'd done well, you get a better prize. Needless to say, most of the Alphas not on stage were chatting amongst themselves instead of watching the boring procedure.

Shelby walked up next to the couple. "What do you think Malpense will get, Brand? I bet he's done more bad than good for HIVE."

Laura grinned. "Maybe. I'm more interested in yours, Shel. Haven't you been sneaking things from HIVE recently?"

Otto nudged Laura. "Weren't the things for you? Besides, I did help Professor Pike improve some of the weapons yesterday."

Wing appeared next to Otto. "We've all done our share of good and bad things for the school, I believe."

"I'm guessing you think you've done more good things than bad, compared to the rest of us, right?" Shelby joked.

Wing kept a straight face but if you were accustomed to his emotions, like his three friends, you could detect the faintest hint of a smile.

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A/N: So… Did'ya like it? Tell me if you think the chapter is too short. I usually like to keep my chapters from 700-1100 words, but sometimes it's less or more than that. This chapter is only 663 words! (Not including the authors notes and the little 0 0 0.)

~Kukipye~ # . #