Enjoy my dark friends...

Disclaimer: Whatever I said before.

The forest was beautiful... Not in the reformed and orderly way the town had been, but in the way nature makes everything seem. The ground was soft with moss covering it as it's quilt. I felt as if I could lay down and sleep on the forest's floor for eternity, never to be disturbed. But I kept walking, careful to keep from straying off of the path even the slightest bit. Through the dense foliage, I could see light shimmering in the distance. Feeling an unexplainable abundance of joy, I broke into a run. My head spun with questions, but none of them seemed to matter except what laid at the end of the pathway.

Where the forest ended a spectacular meadow began. I stopped running, content with where my curiosity had led me. Blocked at first from my view, I discovered that my meadow held a large pond near the end of it, surrounded by weeping-willows. I had found my safe haven. The only place I could escape to after a long day in hell (I was sure that was what Cross Academy would be to me), and a paradise fit for a queen. I looked across the pond and to my astonishment and happiness found the outer wall of Cross Academy. I knew then that this place had been a gift to me. From who, I didn't know. Not yet, anyway.

"Well? Do you like it??" I jumped. The sound of the voice was sudden and young and full of a burning curiosity I wasn't sure I could quench. I turned around slowly, only to be met face to face with a little boy who couldn't have been any older than seven and only a nose length away.

"HOLY FRICK!" I screeched, and fell back in surprise. He just stood there, with a look of disapproval on his face.

"You know, you shouldn't swear in front of children." He corrected, flashing me a toothy grin. I sat there, frozen, trying to figure out what he was doing here alone. As I said before, he couldn't have been any older than seven or eight... He was pretty adorable. And I don't even like kids. His hair was short and brown and very curly. His face was round and sweet, but his smile told of mischief and tricks. And his eyes... They were the best part. One was an icy blue, as deep as the oceans, while the other was the color of melted chocolate. "Hello? You were so busy SWEARING you didn't answer me! Do you like this place or not?"

"I... Uh... Well yes but... Are you lost?" I asked, baffled. Why would he care whether or not I liked this place when he was so far away from civilization? His smile widened, and he nodded.

"I knew you would! I did all of my research, you know. I figured out your favorite trees and flowers and birds because I knew you would like it all put together. I told them it was perfect. I told them it would satisfy you completely! I can't to show off!" His little body shook with laughter. What the hell was he talking about?!

"How did you... Who's they??" I asked, kinda sketched out. He stopped laughing and looked at me blankly.

"I told you I did my research... And they're not important! I did this all by myself!" He snapped, almost like he was jealous. His eyes were bright with pride, his knuckles white from his clenched fists. His moods changed so quickly I was afraid of what it might bring on if I said the wrong thing again.

"Right, of course... This place is beautiful. Can I please know the name of perfections creator?" I asked. Okay, maybe I was over doing the brown nosing... But I didn't want to get on this kids bad side... He smirked, soaking in his praise like a sponge.

"My name? It's Chiron. You know, like the centaur from Greek mythology? Pretty cool, huh?" I nodded my agreement. He seemed pleased.

"Um... I want to show one of my new friends how beautiful this place is... I'll be right back, okay?" I had to get away from this little freak. Or tell the Chairman about him. I turned towards the forest, only to find him blocking my path. I yelped.

"You're nice and all, but I'm not allowed to let anyone in here but you. So... No friends, okay? I'll be watching." And with that, he was gone. He literally disappeared from my line of vision.

"Hey! Wait! Little boy! Chiron?!" I yelled after him, although I didn't want him to actually return. I sighed. Couldn't I just have one normal place in this world of abnormality? I reached into my bag, pulling out my newly energized ipod. I needed to lose myself for a bit...

Girl, what's come between you and me
look right through me
I won't let it go
I can't help this feeling anymore
I will go anywhere
maybe you'll see me

I turned to the forest, but was suddenly reminded that the outer wall of Cross Academy was only a few yards away. Why back track when I could just climb over the wall? I was awful at staying on my feet, but actually quite good at climbing. Lucky me.

We are
We are the shaken
We are the monsters
Underneath your bed

I made my way slowly around the edge of the pond, until I was where it met the wall. I reminded myself that falling would mean plunging into the freezing water and ruining all of my tech. It couldn't happen. I adjusted my bag to a more comfortable position, then began moving. I climbed very slowly at first, but soon realized the wall was basically made to climb. I shivered. That boy did know everything about me...

Believe what you read
We are
We are mistaken
We are the voices
Inside your head
Believe what you see

I was almost to the top. Just a bit further, and I could cuddle in a warm bed and never return here again.

It came as no surprise
You bring me back to life
Believe me
You bleed for me
I'll bleed for you
I caught you walking through walls
Drowned with applause
From a world that makes me crazy

I sat on top of the wall, wondering how I would possibly get down. Apparently the boy hadn't thought that far. A little farther down the wall, a very tall oak tree stood, as if reaching for something beyond the gates of Cross Academy. I inched my way over to it. It was only when I sat across from the tree I realized it was farther away then I had thought. I began preparing for the leap across to the branches.

We are
We are the shaken
We are the monsters
Underneath your bed
Believe what you read
We are
We are mistaken
We are the voices
Inside your head
Believe what you see

And suddenly I was in the air, as if flying, into the trees awaiting arms... But I guess it wasn't meant to be. I felt the tips of my fingers brush the tips of the branches, before I began my plunge towards the ground.

We are the monsters
We are the monsters
We are the monsters
Underneath your bed
We are the voices
We are the voices
We are the voices
Underneath your bed
We are the monsters
We are the monsters
We are the monsters

There was a flash of yellow, and then strong arms made of flesh took the place of the expected arms of death. I cried out, surprised by the sudden stop of the blur of fast motion, but also by the smell.

We are
We are the shaken
We are the monsters
Underneath your bed
Believe what you read
We are
We are the mistaken
We are the voices
Inside your head
Believe what you see

Before I realized what I was doing, I shoved myself away from the person. The arms resisted at first, but then let go. I fell to the ground, keeping my eyes focused on the shoes of the stranger who saved me.

"That isn't a very kind way to treat your savior. A pretty girl like you should have better manners." A rich voice chuckled. It was boyish, but mature. I tried not to think about how many times I'd have to wash my clothes to get the stink out now.

We are
We are the shaken
We are the monsters
Underneath your bed

"I didn't ask for your help. I don't even know you." I murmured, still keeping my eyes down. I watched his shoes take a few steps towards me, and before I knew it he was kneeling down right in front of my still form. His cool fingers gripped my face, forcing my gaze to shift to him. My green eyes met his icy-blue, and his fair, curly hair framed his face perfectly. Another perfect one. And he smelled just like the others. I had to get away.

"My dear, you must know me. I am Hanabusa Aido. And you are in my backyard..." He smiled while I shivered.

Believe what you see...