Eine Kleine

by StalkSongGo55

Stork is a college student living with four high school teenagers and an ambiguous pet. He's been their caretaker for five years since he's the oldest and all they have is each other. Meanwhile he has to deal with bullies, two Blizzarian partiers that claim to be his best friends, and new girl that happens to be a famous journalist. So far, he isn't doomed yet...

1. Chapter 1

AN: This is an AU(Alternate Universe) that does take place in Atmos but is slightly modernized and has Earthly elements.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but this story I have created because I felt like it! First Storm Hawks fanfic, YAY!

Warning: Rated T for some foul language. Not necessarily in this first bit but there will be in later chapters.

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Prologue

Sky Log Entry #1

September 8

Hello, my name is Piper, age 16, beginning my third year in Atmosia High. Though I have written many other logs in my previous journals, my last one ran out of space, right when I talked about my last days of summer. So I'm starting fresh in this new one I bought recently. The cover is so pretty and it has a drawing of one of my favorite crystals on it!

Anyway, I'm currently in the train with my friends/family Aerrow, Finn, and Junko. Radarr is with us, hiding in Aerrow's sports bag because pets aren't allowed in here, at least according to Boltz, the captain of this train. I swear he has a habit of picking on all of us despite the many rules other students break in here. Stork did say he likes to bully students at random. I guess we're just special. Good thing we haven't run into him yet.

Speaking of Stork, he's probably at the university by now, since he wasn't in the house when we woke up. I hope he at least ate something. I was the first one up and it was already past 5:30! Then again, that's nothing new…

"Hey Piper, stop geeking in that book of yours! We're almost here!"

Piper looked up to glare at Finn for interrupting her writing.

"Says the person who can't even keep his eyes off of his 3DS!" she retorted back. She does a yelp and quickly jumps off her seat when he barreling at her. "And is it necessary for you to move around while doing that? You almost rammed into me!"

"Not now, so close to defeating this boss!" His eyes are glued to the screen of his portable device, pressing random buttons in a flurry, uncaring of the world around him.

She growled and was about to mangle the blonde when Aerrow places a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry about it Piper. If we're lucky, one of the teachers might confiscate it."

"Or he trips over and breaks it," she adds, sighing. "He's been on that thing ever since Stork got it for him as a birthday gift."

"Oh yeah!" Junko joined in. "After that, he dubbed it as the biggest mistake he's ever made in his life and that next year, he'll just get him a book."

"A book labeled, A Thousand Life Lessons for Air-Headed Idiots," Aerrow finished.

They laughed. Meanwhile, Finn, after groaning about getting killed in the boss level, eyes them with confusion.

"What? Did I miss something funny?"

Which only resulted them to laugh harder.

The moment was short-lived however when the train suddenly jerked to an abrupt stop, making the occupants tumble if they were not holding onto something. In Finn's case, he fell flat on his face.

"Alright kiddies, we have now arrived to Atmosia High… NOW GET OUT!," came the voice of Captain Boltz through the speakers.

"Some things just don't change do they?" Aerrow shakes his head. "I can only imagine how the freshmen are taking this."

"Scared out of their wits most likely. I can already see them running," says Junko, looking out the open doors.

"We should go too. I don't want to start the year running into him again." The redhead made his way out, followed by Junko and Piper. The dark-skinned girl calls over her shoulder.

"Get up Finn, we got to go!"

"R… Right behind ya… just gimme a sec…" The blonde groans as he slowly picks himself up and Piper sighs in disappointment when she sees that the annoying device did not break with his fall.

Atmosia High is one of four schooling establishments in Terra Atmosia. Atmosia itself holds two of the four (elementary and junior high schools) while the other two have their own little islands a little ways off the terra. Atmosia High while the other was the Atmosia Capital University. A common way to get there is by train designed to transport students to their respective schools. Another way is by sky ride if one has a license and happens to own one, which is common for college students and some high school students.

Far enough away from the station, Aerrow frees Radarr from his bag and was happily riding on the redhead's shoulder. The gang made their way towards the school entrance.

"To think that after this, we'll be seniors, and after that, we'll graduate!" Piper beamed.

"Yup, time sure flies fast," Aerrow agrees.

"Too fast if you ask me," Finn says after dying again in his boss battle. "I haven't finished my list of summer goals yet!"

"Don't worry Finn. I'm sure you'll complete them next summer," assured Junko.

"That is, if you don't let videogames distract you before you attempt to do them," says Aerrow.

"Oh come on! Stupid boss…" Finn grumbles at the device, then looks up. "I'm sorry. What was that?"

Aerrow rolled his eyes. "Exactly my point."

"Is that seriously all you're thinking about?" Piper scolded. "We have one year left after this. Don't you think it's about time we started planning our future? Find out who we want to be when we become adults?"

"Oh I already know who I'm gonna be," Finn grinned with upmost confidence.

"Oh really, and that might be…"

"The greatest rock star in all of Atmos baby! I got everything planned, including a band! I'm the lead guitarist, obviously. Aerrow handles the bass, Junko will play the drums, and you Piper, will work the keyboard."

Silence fell amongst the group, until a question hits Aerrow.

"Wait. Who's gonna sing?"

Finn takes a moment to think, having not thought of something that's pretty, well, crucial for a band. "Uhh… Stork?"

"Can Stork sing?" Junko asks, finding that hard to picture.

"No idea, but I think he'd most likely faint from stage fright before trying to utter a single word," said Aerrow. "And with that, this 'band' would be a instant wreck."

"Besides, Stork already has his mind set in engineering and becoming a carrier plot," added Piper. "In fact, I plan on becoming a geologist; a crystal specialist specifically."

Finn gives a look, as if she's betrayed him by not keeping a very important promise, and crosses his arms. "Well fine then. I guess it's just us dudes. Right Aerrow? Right Junko?" He turned to the boy and the Wallop. The two chuckle nervously.

"Uh… not that it doesn't sound cool and all, but I don't think it's something I plan on doing for the rest of my life."

"Yeah, me neither. Sorry," says Junko, feeling bad for crushing Finn's dream.

"You abandon me too? Even after all my plans? I even came up with a band name for us!" Finn slumps forward dramatically, heaving a heavy sigh. "Now what am I going to do?"

"Well, like Aerrow said, the idea's bound to become a wreck one way or another," Piper smiled. "And let's face it Finn, you suck at the guitar."

Just as the blonde was about make a retort about his guitar skills (they're great, don't listen to her) a familiar voice calls them.

"Hey guys!" The sight of two female students come jogging towards them. Piper shrieks and the girls gather in a group hug.

"Lynn! Dove! It's so good to see you two again!"

"Same here," says Dove, smiling.

"Yeah," says Lynn. "Sorry we didn't hang with you guys this summer."

"You had to visit your families in your home Terras, so it's understandable."

"Hay ladies," Finn cuts in, putting on his 'smooth' lady killer smile. "Hope you didn't miss me too badly during summer break. I did have a sweet ass birthday party after all."

"Ello Finn. I'm sure we didn' miss much," Dove grins while Lynn giggled.

"Trust me, you didn't," Aerrow grins back. Everyone laughs except for Finn, who grumbles while Junko pats his back in mock-sympathy.

"Alright you brats! Those who are not through the gate in next thirty seconds will not only miss their first day, but will start off their year with two weeks detention! So get moving!" the small reunion was ruined by the school's PE teacher, Snipe. Apparently it's his turn to watch the gate today, and just like his classes, he takes enjoyment out of seeing students suffer.

The group wasted no time getting through the open gate as quickly as possible.

Every year the school starts its first day with an annual opening ceremony welcoming returning students and new students before they receive their schedules and start class. It's just like any other school that exists in Atmos, right? Wrong.

Atmosia high had gone through drastic changes since Aerrow and the gang enrolled as freshmen. For one thing, the school was bought off by the Cyclonia family, a wealthy family known for running big businesses and companies all over Atmos. They were also rumored to run shady underground businesses, though none of it was proven to be true. Why they wanted to buy the school was unknown, but since then, they had replaced some of Atmosia High's teachers and staff, including their old principle, and the new head of the school was not only a family member of Cyclonia, but was no older than the students themselves.

"Well, let's go see what the witch has to say," Finn droned as they headed towards the auditorium.

The others say nothing because if there's one thing Finn was absolutely right about, it's the fact that their principle is indeed a witch. This witch goes by the name Clyclonis, but it's mandatory for all students, teachers, and staff to call her Master Cyclonis.

Once they were inside and found some seats, they waited for the ceremony to be over and done with. Thankfully, they didn't have to wait too long.

The lights dimmed in the audience and the stage lit up. On stage stood the school's teachers, the staff, and in the middle, behind the podium stood Cyclonis herself, in all her dark glory. For someone so young, she definitely looked business-like in her vest, dress shirt, knee-length skirt, and tights, all black except for her red tie. It was a darker colored uniform compared to the standard navy vest, white dress shirt, red tie, and navy pants/skirt all the students wore. All the vests have the crest of the school sewn on them.

"Greetings students of Atmosia. I hope you all had a nice relaxing vacation," Cyclonis began, her smile bitter behind the sweetness. The returning students had been around long enough to pinpoint her fakeness and freshmen will catch on eventually. "For all you newcomers, allow me to introduce myself. The name is Cyclonis, head of Atmosia High, and standing next to me is my vice who likes to be referred to as Dark Ace. The rest of the teachers and staff you'll know shortly."

Dark Ace stood stall next to her in his red and black suit, smile looking far from friendly. Aerrow gave him a cold glare in his seat amongst the sea of students around him and yet, Dark Ace seemed to notice as his smile grew more sinister.

"Now, I know what you might be thinking," Cyclonis continues. "Why is a young girl the school's principle? Shouldn't she still be educated like the rest of us? Well to answer your first question, it's quite simple really. It's because I can." She grinned. Murmurs were heard among the freshmen. "And to answer your second question, my intelligence is far greater than what any of you are capable to achieve. So with that said…"

Her smile vanished and her voice took a darker tone. "What I say goes in my school. When you address me, you must call me Master Cyclonis. Failure to do so will result in punishment. Same goes for any rule you decide to break on our watch. I would tell you what punishments we have in store, but I think it's best if you found out yourselves. Or better yet, let those who've experienced it tell you instead."

The poor freshmen cowered in fear as if Cyclonis was going send them to their funeral. Lynn rolled her eyes.

"I swear, I think the only reason she even bothers with this opening ceremony is so she can torment the new kids," she muttered.

"I agree," says Piper.

Junko peered in to whisper to Finn. "How do you think Stork's doing at the university?"

"Probably better than us. I mean he never had to put up with this crap when he was in high school." The blonde boy slumped in his seat. "Lucky bastard."

Meanwhile…

Stork wondered if the great deities of Atmos hated him, or found some immense entertainment in his suffering. Perhaps both.

Any longer like this and I might to pass out, he thinks, feeling the blood continue to rush to his head. Suddenly, he felt the wind knock out his lungs from a harsh impact to his abdomen, one of many. That's gonna bruise up later… stupid Raptors.

Stork was hanging upside down in a tightrope attached to one of his ankles by one of the Raptors holding him up from the rope's other end. The others were playing a game of target practice, chucking fruit at him. Stork managed to calculate in his woozy mind that this had been going on for about twenty minutes. He's surprised they hadn't run out of fruit yet.

"Keep him still Luegey so I can get a good shot at his face!" roared Repton, the infamous leader of the group. The fruit he held was the size of his giant fist. It was a melon. Stork winced. Being covered from head to toe in sticky fruit juice suddenly didn't seem so bad, because melons are different. Melons have hard surfaces. If that hit his face, he'd be out in an instant. He wouldn't be surprised if he wakes up with a black eye. If that happened, he'd never hear the end of it from Piper.

Stork awaited his doom once he was stilled by Luegey while Repton, with a predatory grin, readies his aim with the melon in hand.

"Aren't you done yet Repton?"

The lizard-like creature growled when having lost his concentration, the melon crushed to mush in his grip. For Stork, he was relieved, but knew this was far from over.

The voice came from the cheerleader captain of Atmosia Capital University. Every person knows her as Robin, a slender blond with wild curls, tan skin, and blue eyes. Her squad stood behind her, all in their uniforms standing stall with their hands on their hips like an army.

"Can't you shut your trap for five minutes girly?" Repton sneered, picking up another fruit. Thankfully, it was a sky peach.

"You have no right to speak to me like that Repton, not after I gave you privilege to use the gymnasium so you can play your childish games. Plus we had a deal," a grin spread on her glossed lips. The girls giggled behind her. "We have plans for the Merb too so don't rough him up too badly. After you're done, we plan on giving him a little makeover."

"Starting with his god-awful hair," said a brunette at her left. "It looks like giant leaches that shriveled up and died!"

The cheerleaders laugh. Repton and his brothers blankly stare at them.

"And you call us childish? A makeover? Please! That's got to be the stupidest thing I've ever heard!"

"Oh and you think playing with your food is even better? Did you just come out of preschool?"

"Perhaps you have if you think of putting the Merb in some pretend fashion show for shits and giggles. You're the childish one!"

"No you are!"

"No you are!"

"No you are!"

"No you are!"

The way I see it, you both are, Stork thought to himself, wishing more than ever to just pass out and not deal with the headache inducing argument. This was absolute doom at its finest. For Atmos' sake somebody please take me out of my misery!

As if his prayers were answered, somewhat, a mysterious blast erupted, hitting both the Raptilians and the cheerleaders. Stork felt the room temperature drop significantly, but it appeared to be nothing compared how they were taking it. The blast was apparently so cold, they were covered in snow and ice and were shaking like leaves. Luegey was forced to let go of the rope to try to keep himself warm, making Stork fall face-first onto the wooden floor.

"W-w-w-what t-the hell?! It's f-f-f-f-freezing in here!" yelled Robin, who was unfortunate considering the cheer squad uniform didn't cover much.

Laughs were heard from the top of the bleachers and there stood the culprits, Suzy Lu and Billy Rex. Billy Rex held an energy blaster housing an ice crystal.

"Oh please. You think that's cold?" asked Suzy Lu, blowing a bubble from her chewing gum.

"Makes you wonder how they'll handle Terra Blizzaris, eh?" says Billy Rex. "They probably wouldn't last a day!"

Robin practically hissed at the Blizzarians, making a face that was the opposite of attractive and pointed a menacing finger at them.

"As if we'd ever want to set foot on a flea-infested Terra filled with rodents like you!"

The room was deafly quiet, so thick you could cut through it. Stork's eye twitched.

Oh now she's done it…

"Oh no she did not," Suzy Lu said in boiling anger. She held out her furred hand. "Rex, hand me the blaster."

He gave her the blaster without protest, knowing well enough her anger is not to be messed with. She aims the device at Robin and the cheerleaders.

"Time to receive your just deserts ya plastic wannabes!"

And all hell broke loose. It was chaos. It was maddening.

It was the perfect chance to escape.

Stork went and bolted to the nearest exit of the gym, but not without giving a silent salute to Billy Rex, which the male Blizzarian did in return. Sadly, his escape didn't go unnoticed.

"He's getting away! Get him!" roared Repton.

Stork shrieked and made his way out the building. The Raptors followed.

"H-hey! Don't j-just l-l-leave us here with t-them!" Robin shouted in the cold, her and the girls getting the brunt of the ice blast attacks.

"A Raptor never lets its prey escape! You are on your own." And with that, they took off to catch the Merb. Robin growled.

"W-wait until my b-b-boyfriend h-hears about this you st-t-tupid lizards!"

Outside, Stork was trying to run as fast as his sticky legs can take him. Sadly, that wasn't the main issue that was slowing him down.

Oh god! Who knows how much germs and bacteria I've managed to carry because of this substance! Gross! Disgusting contaminants! I need a shower! A long hot shower-

His thoughts were interrupted when he hears the Raptors gaining on him from behind.

But first, a place to hide or else I'm doomed!

He turned the corner of a building, out of sight of the Raptors for a while so he could quickly find a potential hiding spot. But before he knew what was happening, Stork was yanked by the arm and pulled into a giant shrub. He was about to scream, thinking one of the Raptors had captured him when a hand covered his mouth. The figure Stork could not identify in the darkness of the shrub shushed him and he finally caught on. Just in time, for the Raptors have appeared.

"Where is he?" Repton raged. He turned to his brothers. "Idiots! I told you not to lose sight of him!"

"But we were thure he went this way boss," reasoned Spitz. The look he received from the leader made him cower behind Hoerk. Repton rubbed his temples.

"No matter. I blame those blasted Blizzarian friends of his for getting in our way. Come on boys, the Merb will show his face soon enough. And when he does, we'll teach him and those Blizzarian pests a lesson they'll never forget!"

From inside the shrub, Stork sees the Raptors tread elsewhere on campus until they were out of sight. He released a heavy sigh he did not know he held in.

"That was close."

Stork jumped. He forgot about the stranger who saved his life from impending doom. He still couldn't see who this person might be, but from the voice he could tell it was feminine with an English accent. Most likely a female. When the person stepped out of the shrubs and into the light, he guessed right.

She was a young woman around his age, maybe younger. She had short violet hair, light skin, and hazel eyes. Her attire consisted of a light blue sleeveless button-up blouse, jean shorts, and brown boots. Stork watched her dust the dirt off her clothes, not moving from his spot in the shrub since the Raptors left.

"You know it's safe to come out," she said to him. "They won't bother you now."

"Oh but they will soon." Stork slowly crept out of the dark, eye twitching rapidly. "They are known to be very… persistent."

"I'm guessing this comes from experience?"

"You could say that." Stork eyed the girl suspiciously. "Why did you help me?"

"Well, mainly because you looked like you needed help," she responded, feeling a bit uncomfortable under the Merb's scrutiny. "Is that wrong?"

"No… I guess not." Still he could help but feel something was off. Not about the girl helping him, but more of her presence. "Do I know you? I could've sworn I've seen you somewhere before."

The girl looked away abashed, making him raise a brow in confusion.

"W-well, you may have heard of me, but-"

"There you are!"

Stork nearly had a heart attack, thinking the Raptors came back and found him, but it was instead the Blizzarians, Suzy Lu and Billy Rex. No energy blaster was on the female and Stork was grateful for that.

"Yo Storko! Looks like you escaped dem lizard dudes in one piece." Billy Rex whistled at the Merb's appearance. "Wow, you're a mess, eh?"

"Don't remind me." Because of the sticky fruit residue and hiding in that shrub, Stork came out looking like a sickly green chicken. He shuddered, thinking of the bugs and insects that got stuck onto him as well. He tries to ignore it for now. "So I suppose I owe you one for this?"

Stork did not like the smiles the two were giving him. Not one bit.

"Well, we are hosting a party in a few weeks," began Suzy Lu.

"At Awesome Joe's." Billy Rex continues. "We got the whole place on reserve from seven to two in the morning. Be there."

Of course Stork knew they'd ask him to go anyway if the situation never took place and they knew he'd most likely refuse. Parties, especially wild Blizzarian parties, were not his thing and despite becoming acquainted with these two in particular, he took every chance he could get to not be part of their mischief (mostly Billy Rex). But now, he has to go and he can't back out on it. He sighed.

"I sensed I was doomed the moment I stepped foot in this hellhole of a school. Fine."

Billy Rex hollered in victory, making Stork roll his eyes. At least they didn't ask him to go to Blizzaris with them for the summer like they did last time. They'll never convince him to go there even if he was drowning in debt.

It was at that moment Suzy Lu finally noticed the young woman next to Stork and squealed, startling the boys and the anonymous girl.

"Oh my heavenly stars you're Starling!"

Billy Rex stares in disbelief. "No way… the Starling?"

It all came back to him like a hurricane and Stork had to smack himself for not noticing earlier. No wonder she's so familiar. Piper talks about her all the time.

Starling is known to be one of the best independent female authors/journalists in Atmos. She has written a variety of books from novels, to biographies, to documentaries. Despite being raised from a wealthy family, she's very studious and uses the money she's earned to make donations and hold fundraisers for numerous causes all over Atmos. She's basically an icon in helping people get their voices heard and close to everybody knows her name.

The girl shifted, smiling nervously. "Yeah, that's me."

"Well what brings you all the way over here?" asked Suzy Lu.

"I'm attending school here actually. Sure I have a career and all so I don't really need it, but I feel a degree in my record would be nice." Starling paused for a bit, rubbing her neck. "This is my first day here and if I can be completely honest with you, I've never attended public schools before. I've been home schooled my whole life, so you can say this is pretty new to me."

"Well, if you want my honest opinion, you're lucky," said Stork. Starling looked to him incredulously. "Trust me, high schools are terrible, especially if you're a new kid moving in from a different Terra. Right away they dub you as fresh meat and won't leave you alone no matter what you do. First, they become real 'friendly' towards you, then they start spreading rumors about you, and after that comes the bullying, and even worse-ouch!"

Suzy Lu elbowed his rib hard and gave him a stern look. Stork returned the look while rubbing his sore spot.

"What? Am I lying?"

"High school isn't that bad."

"Oh yeah? From what I've been through, it was plenty bad."

Starling silently watches them bicker back and forth, hoping to receive some sort of explanation. Thankfully, Billy Rex saves her from the dilemma.

"Storko moved here as a sophomore back in Atmosia High. Long story short, he didn't have the best experience there, but we were there for him when things got tight. Right buddy?"

Stork only stares at him, refusing to answer, and the Blizzarian laughs.

"Aw come on ya sourpuss, you know meeting us was the best thing that ever happened to ya."

Stork hid his face from all of them with his hair and grumbled what could be heard as, "More or less…"

Suzy Lu chuckled and returns to Starling. "I guess we should introduce ourselves, eh? I'm Suzy Lu, that over there is my partner in crime Billy Rex-"

"Sup."

"And this dramatic sad clown over here is Stork," she says as she nudges said sad clown gently.

"Hi," was all he says with a small wave. Suzy Lu shakes her head.

"Anyway, welcome to ACU, and despite everything he says, I'm sure you'll do great here."

"A pleasure meeting all of you, and thanks," smiles Starling.

"Do you know your way around the place yet? 'Cause if not, we could give you a tour."

"A tour would be nice. That is, if you don't mind."

"Nonsense! We'd love to, right boys?"

"Yup! Our tours are the best ever. Why you can ask Storko! We had a blast when we gave him a tour of Atmosia."

"I vomited twice when you gave me that tour Rex."

"Yeah, you did," he laughed. "You were a real hoser back then."

"Glad to know you found some enjoyment in my suffering," the Merb huffed. "As for the tour, you guys can go ahead and do that. I for one need a shower. If I have to stand this stickiness for another minute I'll scream. And I swear I think I feel something crawling in my shirt…"

The three made a face at that statement, but Stork pays no mind and leaves quickly, determined to get cleaned as soon as possible.

"Will he be alright?" asks Starling.

"Don't worry. He's a tough cookie, that fella," assured Suzy Lu. "Not only that, he's quick. He'll be back before we even notice."

"If you say so…"

Billy Rex called out. "When you're done Storko meet us at the parking lot!"

Stork didn't answer back. He was already gone, but he knew the Merb heard him. With his hands in his pockets, he steadily follows to the two females.

Despite what Suzy Lu said, he couldn't help but feel bad for Stork and he knows she feels the same. It's only the start of the semester and already he's being picked on by those no good hooligans. You'd think they'd give it a rest by now, since they've been at it since high school, but no.

Billy Rex sticks his tongue out in thought. Maybe later he and his homies can plant ice explosives in the Raptors' dorm rooms. As for them girls, a few jars of skunk beetles won't hurt them none. If Stork asks, he'd just say they were bored and just wanted to play a few pranks. After all, if there's one thing the Merb hates more than being bullied, it's having someone pity him.

..

The opening ceremony was over and after the students received their schedules for the year, they immediately began their first two classes. Hours later when lunch time rolled around, our favorite group reunited on the grassy fields under a shady tree, their usual eating spot.

"I wish we had the option to not take PE," said Finn, looking sorrowfully at his schedule while eating his sandwich. "Especially with Snipe as our teacher, again."

"I agree, but at least you don't have him as our kickboxing coach," says Junko, eating his own questionable food no one wants to find out what. "I mean a Wallop coach is worse, but Snipe is just as brutal with his training."

"Can't be as bad as having Ravess as an archery coach."

"No kidding," says Lynn. "She gonna work us to the bone this year since didn't reach the championship last year. My fingers are getting sore just thinking about it!"

"You know, I'd take either of those coaches any day over Dark Ace," said Aerrow, glaring at his half-eaten burger. "The rest of my team would agree, even our captain."

Radarr chirped in agreement.

Dark Ace is not only the vice principal, but is also the coach for Atmosia High's HAMA* swordsmanship team. Ravess has two jobs as well; being an archery coach and a teacher of the school's orchestra.

"That aside, let's see what classes we have together this year," says Piper, taking out her schedule. The others did the same.

They were glad to have some classes together their first two periods. However, the same can't be said when looking at the rest of their schedule, fewer than last year.

"Wait. Finn, why do you 'ave physics?" Dove asked, looking at his schedule.

"Dunno. Uh, isn't that just another PE class or something?"

They all stare at him as if he was an adult who couldn't count to five.

"What?!"

"Finn, physics is the most advanced science class we have in this school, usually only given to seniors taking college level courses," Piper explained.

The boy's eyes widened. "Wait. I'm taking a college level course? And it's science?!"

"Yup. Pretty much," says Lynn.

"Don't worry, we'll fix this," says Aerrow, seeing Finn hyperventilating in panic. "It's probably an error and you were given the class by mistake."

"I don't want a college level science class man! I barely survived biology and that was boring and confusing as hell!"

"We just need to go to office and explain the situation." Aerrow stood up and grabbed Finn by the arm. "Come on. I'll go with you."

"I'll go too," joined Junko. The two were able to hoist Finn up to stand, since he was apparently too paralytic to move, and they walked him to the school's main building.

Unfortunately once they got there, the only person in the office who was available to talk for the time being was Dark Ace. They were sent to his desk in one of many rooms and were greeted with blood red walls that hung a variety of weapons, mostly swords used in ancient times, but still looked deadly and menacing if the vice happened to wield one in his grip in front of you. And speak of the devil, there he sat behind his desk, eyeing them like a hawk about to catch its prey.

"Why if it isn't my most favorite students," Dark Ace began with that grin of his. "And what do I owe this meeting on the first day of school? Already in trouble?"

"No," Aerrow stated flatly, not wanting to be here any longer than necessary. "Actually, we came on regard to Finn's schedule. One of them is a college level class meant for seniors so figuring it was a mistake, we were hoping to have it changed."

"Hand me the schedule."

Finn handed the schedule to vice principle. Finn, Aerrow, and Junko waited as he examined the piece of paper, Finn anxious to get it over and done with. What they didn't expect was for Dark Ace to say,

"I see no mistakes here."

Finn gaped in disbelief. "What are talking about? I have physics on there!"

"Yes, you do," says Dark Ace, eyes dancing with amusement. "Master Cylonis wanted this specific change to be made just for you after doing surprisingly well in your final exam for biology last year." He smile grew seeing the blonde boy break in sweat. "Didn't think we'd find out did you?"

He leaned in his comfy black chair. "You know, our usual policy is to expel students for cheating, but Master Cyclonis made a good point seeing no fun in doing just that. So we decided you redeem yourself by taking an extremely difficult course with no tricks whatsoever. If you manage a passing grade by the end of the year, you may continue school here and graduate."

"And… if I don't pass?" Finn asked tensely.

"Then I suggest you find another school to partake in."

"That's not fair!" raised Aerrow. "Sure, what Finn did was wrong, but forcing him in a level he has no experience in will give him no chance to pass at all!"

"You're forgetting who makes the rules here Aerrow. If you don't like it, just say the word and you can join your friend out the door. Be grateful we didn't settle with an expulsion letter mailed straight to your home during summer break." He tossed the schedule back to them and Aerrow moved to catch it. "Now if you're done wasting my time, I have important matters to attend to."

Aerrow glared at the man, but Dark Ace ignores him, writing in his small stack of papers without care. Junko placed a hand on his shoulder.

"We should go Aerrow."

"Yeah. Coming here turned out to be a waste of our time," said Finn, swiping his schedule from Aerrow and headed to the door. Aerrow sighed and followed the two out until they were outside the accursed building.

"Sorry things didn't work out Finn," said Junko.

Finn sighs. "What am I going to do? There's no way I can pass physics! I had to cheat just to pass biology!"

"And look where that got you," Aerrow droned. "Didn't, I don't know, studying ever cross your mind at all?"

"I study," Finn defended. "It ends the same way I listen to a lecture. I fall asleep."

"Or you get distracted and procrastinate." Aerrow shook his head. "Well I hate to pull a Stork in this one but, you're doomed."

Junko's face lit up. "Hey, Stork took physics when he was here. Maybe he can tutor you."

"Are you kidding? Do you know how long he stays in that university? He practically lives there! Plus if I tell him about this he'll kill me!"

"Either you tell him or you don't. The chances of you doing well on your own are below zero and when that happens he'll still find out. So either way he'll kill you."

"Thanks Aerrow. Thanks for shoving reality into my face."

Aerrow shrugged. "Somebody's gotta do it."

..

For the most part, in Starling's point of view, the place lived up to its standards as one of the most prestigious public schools in Atmos. Since the campus was so huge, her escorts Suzy Lu and Billy Rex only showed her a small part of it, mostly where her classes are located and food courts that don't rip you off and burn a hole in your wallet because that's a thing that happens to a lot of students except for rich kids because they're rich and don't care (Billy Rex pointed out that he meant no offence on Starling and she understood). The whole 'sub-tour' as they like to call it, took about forty minutes before migrating to the parking lot so they could get started on the real tour.

There, they stopped next to two skimmers Starling guessed belonged to the Blizzarians, but noticed they had been tinkered with if the opened toolbox and some small parts scattered around the floor were any indication.

"Looks like Stork's been here already," said Suzy Lu, not worried in the least. "Must've been bored waiting for us."

"Indeed I was."

As if by some unknown dark forces of magic, Stork appeared behind them wiping motor oil off his hands with a rag. This time, he looked non-sticky/messy and was wearing a whole new set of clothes. Before, he wore a simple plain t-shirt and worn out jeans. Now he was wearing a flannel over a black shirt and grey jeans with multiple belts and chains. At first glance he fits well with the typical punk outcast type. What caught Starling's attention though was what appeared to be a golden locket around Stork neck. It was oval shaped and had pretty floral carvings engraved on it, a big contrast to the entire look.

"I was wondering why you looked so dull before," said Billy Rex. "What, did you anticipate dem reptiles coming to get 'cha all along?"

"Let's just say I had a feeling." Stork went over to his tools and cleaned up. "Do you two ever maintain your skimmers after tossing them around during your daily stunts? I had to replace some parts that, if left inside any longer while in use, could've caused the whole vehicle to explode."

The two Blizzarians chuckled sheepishly while Starling broke in cold sweat.

"Well, aren't we lucky to have you save our hide then, right Rex?"

"Yeah, you're a lifesaver, eh?"

"Yes, what could you possibly do without me, even though you could've easily handled this yourselves?" Stork spoke sarcastically. "But that aside, why am I here other than to serve as your auto mechanic?"

"Why to take part in the tour of course! No way we're gonna leave you behind." Suzy Lu mounted on her skimmer and looked to Starling. "Ever ridden on one of these before?"

"I do own one, but I never really had the time to ride it much."

Suzy Lu grinned. "Well aren't you in luck, hop on gurl!"

Starling smiled excitedly and climbed onto the vehicle with her. Stork however, visibly paled. He chuckled nervously and took a step back.

"Um, how about I set this one out? B-besides, I don't have my helmet and goggles. Safety is essential you know-oof!"

Shoved in his arms were the helmet and goggles he needed. He stares at the items, eye twitching and gives a heated glare to Billy Rex, wanting so bad to wipe that grin off his furry face.

"I hate you."

Billy Rex mounted on his skimmer, grin never fading. "You talk as if you've never ridden on one of these before."

"It's not the ride, it's the rider and past experiences taught me to never let my life rest in the hands of a friend who drives like crazy daredevil on crack!"

"Just get on. The girls are waiting."

Stork sighed in defeat for the second time today and readied his head gear. After that, he got on Billy Rex's skimmer.

"If I vomit on you and it ends up plummeting to our doom, just remember that it's your fault."

The only response he got was the roaring of the engines and not a second later, the two vehicles sped off the edge of the island and soared to the skies. Since it had been a long while for Starling, she had her eyes closed the moment they left the surface and held it there for about a minute in the air, feeling nothing but the wind in her face and her hair going in all directions.

"Keep'em closed and you're gonna miss the beautiful view!" she heard Suzy Lu say and it was enough encouragement for her to open them. Her hazel eyes shinned at the sight below her.

There's just something about riding out on the open air, making you feel like you were flying as you stare down at the terra below. It's so different compared to how she usually gets around, cooped up in an expensive cruiser while her personal valet takes her wherever she needs to go with a number of guards and servants. If she had it her way, she would ditch that method of transportation and only rely on her skimmer, but concerns for her safety were always a big issue in the family and they'd rather not risk it. Now, she didn't have that weighing her down. She can do whatever she wants as long as she's here. The thought gave her thrills. Starling shrieked in surprise when Suzy Lu did a few spins and loops that got both their adrenalines pumping as they cheered and hollered in the wind.

Just as they had settled down from their round of tricks, Billy Rex zoomed passed them at lightning speed, almost making them loose balance.

Stork wasn't kidding when he said the male Blizzarian was a crazy driver. He howled as he did flips, sharp turns, loops, and nosedives without taking a break. The Merb enduring the ride, holding onto his seat for dear life and was slowly turning a pale shade of green. His cries and pleads for him to stop went unheard as Billy Rex did another dangerous trick, during which they were upside down and he winked at the ladies below them. Suzy Lu rolled her eyes.

"Show off!" she yelled as they sped away. She smiled, shaking her head. Starling giggled at the silliness of it all, but hoped the Merb will be alright.

"Say, you wanna take'er for a spin?"

Starling was taken aback at the question. "You want me to take the wheel?"

"Sure, why not? It's nothing new to ya."

"But-"

She wasn't given a chance to protest as Suzy Lu did an amazing flip out of her seat above her and land sitting behind her. Starling had no choice but to quickly scoot forward and grab the handles of the skimmer so they wouldn't go plunging downwards. She felt slightly afraid to take control so suddenly, but it died down once she developed that familiar feeling she hadn't felt in so long and instantly took off with Suzy Lu cheering her on. She may have felt amazing before but now she felt alive and she couldn't stop smiling. It was simply the best.

"That's it! If I have to deal with this reckless driving any longer, I'll definitely get sick! Move!"

Her thoughts were interrupted by Stork's voice, followed by sounds off shuffling and commotion. Seconds later, she sees Billy Rex's skimmer beside her, driven by Stork with Billy Rex in the back, rubbing a sore spot on his head."

"Could've done that a bit softer…"

"Shut up."

Suzy Lu laughs at the two. Then an idea lights up in her head.

"Hey boys, let's have a race around Atmosia! First one to reach the parking lot of the school wins! Whaddaya say Starling?"

Starling grins. "I'm up for the challenge. What about you Stork?"

"What!? I don't remember signing up for this!"

"You're the one handling the wheel, so you do the honors," says Billy Rex, leaning back comfortably. "Besides, you wanted to become a pilot, right? Think of this as practice."

Stork ground his teeth in controlled anger. "I hate you so much right now. I hope you know that."

"Depends on what kind of hate we're talkin' here."

"I will toss you off this skimmer and into the wastelands."

"Answer Stork," Starling called to get his attention. "Are you in or out? Unless you're afraid of losing to an amateur…"

"Ooooooooooooh…" the Blizzarians drawled in unison.

The look Stork gave her was unreadable at first until it formed into an evil grin that was unexpected, creepy, and slightly gave her the shivers all at once.

"You're on sister. Don't cry if you lose."

The goose bumps wore off, her blood boiling at the comment. "Yeah? We'll just see who cries in the end."

The rising tension got the Blizzarians excited, neither caring that their vehicles are being used for the race, and began setting them off.

"On your marks…"

"Get set…"

"GO!"

In no time, the pedals were slammed and the two skimmers blasted off at high speeds along the invisible track around Terra Atmosia. It was fun. Everyone had a great time, including Stork, who was reluctant at first, but was now grinning the whole way through. Starling admired his moves when they went through obstacles in some of the rocky areas. They were clean and well calculated compared to Billy Rex's, which were wild and hazardous. She herself stumbled a bit, but managed to get through to the end. And though she didn't win, her smile never left her face as she congratulated her opponent on a good game. It was the most fun she's had in… ever!

"Wow, you were just a natural there," Suzy Lu complemented, patting her back. The group of four were back on school grounds and time indicated it was already close to four in the evening.

Starling's face flushed slightly. "I didn't do that great…"

"Maybe not, but I can guarantee you fly better than Rex," Stork smiled. It's the first time she's seen him do that and for some reason, she felt accomplished.

"Hey now partner…" Billy Rex wrapped an arm around Stork's neck in a tight grip. "Don't say anything you'll soon regret, eh?"

"Gah! Get off me! You might have fleas!"

"You little…"

"Boys!" Suzy Lu held her stomach in laughter when Stork slipped free, yelling about fleas, germs, and the types of diseases he could catch while Billy Rex tailed after him. Both were running in circles around the ladies and Starling could not hold in her bouts of laughter as well.

"Starling! There you are!" The voice made everyone freeze, thier moment dissipated instantly.

At the steps of the main building stood Robin with two of her female followers. They were no longer in their cheer outfits and instead wore clothes covered even less of that were possible. Robin pouted her lips at Starling, looking hurt.

"Do you have any idea how worried we've been?" she said in sick sweetness. "We searched everywhere for you! How could you ditch us like that when we were just about to show you around? We were charged to watch over you after all."

The Blizzarians and the Merb stare in shock at the blonde, then at Starling. The young journalist forced a smile.

"My deepest apologies, however, though my family means well with their intentions, I'm perfectly fine on my own. I do not need you're assistance."

The girls laughed, sounding like a pack of hyenas. "Don't be silly Starling! We're friends! Roommates even! Why you'll have a better time with us than with those… animals."

"Why don't you say that to our faces ya plastics!" Billy Rex had to hold Suzy Lu back so she wouldn't lash at them physically.

"And that only proves my point." Robin examined her painted nails hautily. "Come on Starling, I think you've wasted enough time with them."

Staring raised a brow. "And who says you have control of what I do with my time? Am I a child? I can hang with whoever I want for as long as I want."

Robin forced a small laugh. "What are you saying? That you'd rather hang with them than with us?"

"Yes, I believe that is exactly what I'm saying. Now that we have that settled, I think we're done here."

The cheer captain sighs, disappointed. "You'll realize your mistake soon enough. Come on girls." She flips her blond curls, her followers doing the same as they sashayed their hips back into the building.

"You're roommates with her?" Suzy Lu asked, astonished. Just existing in the same space as Robin is nightmarish enough.

"I wasn't my decision I can assure you." Starling sighed. "Our families have a history together in terms of business and assumed that I'd be safer with her once attending this school. I hardly knew her but she was alright when we were young. Now…"

"She's a bitch?"

Starling smiled. "Basically."

Because I'm happy~

Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof

Because I'm happy~

Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth

The group eyes Stork, the directed source of the music, in a mixture of surprise and amusement. The Merb clears his throat, slightly embarrassed while he quickly fishes out his phone.

"That must be Junko." He hit the answer button, silencing the Wallop's ringtone.

"Hello?" Noise came from the other line. "Well I have one class left, and I was planning on working on the Condor after that. Why?... uhuh…. uhuh- wait, why does Finn have physics?"

Starling, Suzy Lu, and Billy Rex watch the Merb stiffen as he listens to Junko's explanation.

"He did what?"

His fist clenched and they swore they could see dark clouds form around him, releasing every deadly storm imaginable.

"Where is he?... Piper's restraining him? Good….. No, no, no need to hand the phone to him. Just make sure he doesn't try to escape by the time I come home. I'll handle this personally..." He hangs up.

"Uh, Storko?" Billy Rex was afraid to get close to the twitching Merb. "You okay buddy?"

"Oh I'm fine. Just perfect!" Quite the opposite what with his body shaking and eye twitching hysterically. "A certain idiot just brought himself to his doom, and now I'm being asked to help clean up the mess he's made once again."

"Ain't nothing new is it?"

"No, except for the fact that if he doesn't pass physics, he's going to get expelled from high school."

Starling gasped. Suzy Lu winced. Billy Rex whistled.

"Ouch."

Stork pinched the bridge of his nose. "Anyway, I have to get to class. Then, Imma have to go home early. So much for spending quality time with the Condor." He bid his friends a farewell and heading towards his destination.

"Don't punish him too badly!" he heard Suzy Lu say.

"No promises," he murmured, not caring if she heard it or not. Finn ruined his plans with his ship and he will pay dearly. Sure the injustices of the 'new-and-improved' Atmosia High had fault in this as well, but seriously, Finn should know better.

Stork sighed for the umpteenth time today. Five years he has lived alone with four teens and an ambiguous pet under one roof. Since then he, being the oldest, took it upon himself to be the responsible one even though he's no better than any of them.

Looking back, he tries to figure out just where he went wrong.

.

AN: Like it so far? Hate it? See any mistakes? Find any characters that are OOC? Let me know!

*HAMA: Historical Atmosian Martial Arts. Took it from HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts)

Age Catalog (Part 1) so you know what's up:

Aerrow: 16

Piper: 16

Finn: 16

Junko: 16

Stork: 21

Starling: 19

My god I didn't expect this chapter to be so long! I don't think the others will though… hopefully. I am currently working on chapter four so expect updates soon. Support this story by giving faves, follows, and/or reviews! I really want to know what you guys think so…

TRIVIA QUESTION: What do you think this story will be about? Take a guess! Any guess! Will there be love? Angst? Or maybe it's just what the summary described and it's all fluff and happiness between the characters… or is it?

Find out soon!