Jack Nexson walked down the hallway toward the principle's office with his hands in his pockets. He wasn't in trouble, not that he knew anyway. After all it wasn't as if he had been in any fights lately, or done drugs, or any of that nonsense. All things considered, and if he was being completely honest, he was currently best described as the most infamous nobody in school. He didn't have much in the way of close friends, mostly just endless numbers of acquaintances. Yet somehow he was the person who everybody came to when they had a problem that needed solving.

Most kids seemed to think of Jack as the smartest kid in the school, even though his grades were dead average. Have a problem with your parents? Go find Jack. Issue with a teacher? Ask Jack. Bad relationship? Medical problem? Trouble sleeping? Jack'll fix it, or he'll know who can. Even the teachers seemed drawn to the strange mystique of Jack. Hell, half of them saw him as their personal advisor/teaching assistant.

Yet for all that, not many people really seemed to know much about Jack. He rarely hung out with anyone after school, at lunch he typically had his head in a book or was napping in the nurses office, and he rarely went to any parties. Add to that, that some of the kids were actually afraid of him, and thought he was dangerous, and Jack didn't have much of a social life. He was a paradox, the guy everyone talked to, but that almost nobody knew.

"Wonder what they need me for today?" He grumbled, adjusting the strap on a bag loaded down with books. The only real friends, with one or two exceptions, he ever seemed to have. Jack sighed, it likely had something to do with the odd couple he saw at the building's entrance that morning. At first he had thought they were part of some kind of school wide activity. Maybe a semi-professional theater troupe. They had been wearing what Jack could best describe as: Victorian era royal family clothing. That said, there was something off about it. Certain designs and flourishes on the outfit that didn't quite fit the era. Additionally, he could have sworn that the diamonds and pearls the woman wore were actually real. Jack shook his head, if they were planning to ask him for help with a theater performance they were gonna be disappointed, Jack didn't do crowds. . . not anymore at least.

Opening the door to the principle's office, Jack waved a greeting to the receptionist. She smiled and returned the wave with easy familiarity, greeting him almost as if he was a teacher himself.

"Go right in Jack, they're expecting you." Jack gave his usual forced smile that was utterly indistinguishable from the real thing. Jack was tired, and would have been far happier reading a book than dealing with whatever this was. Unfortunately Jack could hardly say no, even aside from all the favor he garnered from the school, and that he actively sought to maintain, he never could ignore a cry for help. Jack was almost always exhausted or had a headache, and he mostly moved through life in a fog. He was only sixteen, yet these days constantly felt like he was in his eighties. Thanks to the various medications he was prescribed by his psychologist, he never seemed to have any energy anymore. Yet, no matter how tired he was, when people came to him for assistance, he never turned them away. Stifling a yawn and trying his best to perk up, Jack entered the principle's office with the best smile he could manage.

"Afternoon Mr. Yodwick, you wanted to see me?" As Jack gave his customary greeting and actually examined the interior of the room, he noticed its singular other occupant. It was a girl, about his age and height, with blond hair and a thousand watt grin. She wore a pale green sun dress trimmed in white lace, with some strange cutsie cartoon blob in pink on the front. A purse of sun yellow in the shape of a star hung at her waist. Her maroon boots looked like the heads of cartoony dragons, and she had on purple and orange striped stockings that reminded Jack of what a friendly witch might wear. Strangest of all however, was that beneath her sapphire blue eyes, were two marks on her cheeks in the shape of hearts. Blinking, Jack almost did a double take when he realized the marks, weren't makeup, but that her skin quite literally had two symmetrical darkened sections on each cheek that formed a perfect heart shape.

"Ah, Jack, glad you're here, please come in." Jack nodded, closing the door behind him as he tried to ignore the extremely attractive girl who was staring at him like he was the most fascinating thing in the world. "Jack, allow me to introduce miss Star Butterfly. She's going to be going to school here starting tomorrow, and isn't terribly familiar with the area." Jack was momentarily distracted from the principle's explanation as the girl in question moved to stand right in front of him, her face far closer to his than he was comfortable with.

"Oh WOW!" She gushed. "A real live earth boy! Do you like warnicorns?!" Jack, stared at the girl, arching an eyebrow as he tried to process what she had just said.

"I. . . beg your pardon?" He asked, genuinely uncertain if he had heard that right, only for the principle to clear his throat as he cut in.

"Star isn't from around here, she's. . . well she needs someone to help her adjust and fit in. Someone who she can trust, and will answer her questions." Jack once more looked into the staring eyes of the girl before him, trying very hard not to let his mind wander anywhere it shouldn't.

"She needs a guide then?" Jack asked uncertainly. The principle nodded, seeming oddly unsure of himself.

"Yes, exactly. I was hoping you'd be willing to do it?" Jack sighed, then his eyes fell on something behind the principle's desk. It was a chest, filled to the brim with gold and jewels.

"Mr. Yodwick, may I ask what that is?" He asked, his tone slightly pointed as he gestured toward the chest. Mr. Yodwick sighed.

"Its a donation to the school, more of a bribe really. Her parents dropped it on my desk when I had to stop and think about how quickly we could enroll her." Jack nodded, unsurprised at the remarkably straight answer. Mr. Yodwick was a decent sort, more to the point, he knew Jack could be trusted. With a sigh, Jack ignored all the voices in his head screaming about potential danger and begging him to say no, as he looked the principle in the eye.

"There's some gym equipment needs replacing for the after school kids, and the drama club needs some props and costumes for their next production. Throw a little of that cash their way and I'll do it." Mr. Yodwick smiled.

"Agreed, I'll make sure it happens. Thank you Jack." Jack nodded, before returning his gaze to the new girl and offering his hand with a smile.

"Jack Nexson, pleased to meet you miss Butterfly." Star, looking like he had just told her she'd won a month's vacation in Hawaii, gripped Jack's hand and shook it vigorously. Jack's eyes widened at the strength of her grip, it was almost painful.

"Wow, impressive." Jack remarked before he could stop himself. Star just beamed at him.

"Thanks! I'm usually fighting monsters or running around, so I'm pre-ty strong." Jack arched an eyebrow, uncertain how to reply.

"Perhaps you could demonstrate that for me one day." He stated, deciding to humor her. "I've never fought monsters outside of video games." Jack didn't think it was possible for Star's grin to widen any further, yet somehow she managed it.

"COOool! What's a 'video games'? Is it a forest? A mountain? A deep dark scary cavern filled with man eating bugs?!" Jack glanced over Star's shoulder at the principle, who just shrugged, no more certain of things than Jack himself.

"Um. . . maybe I could show you after school some time?" Jack offered, not used to this level of direct personal interest by a pretty girl. Most girls in the school only spoke to him when they had a problem in need of solving, so all this was leaving him scrambling for how to act. In response, Star wrapped Jack in a bear hug, nearly crushing the life out of him as she lifted him easily off the ground.

"I'D LOVE TO!" Jack swore he heard his spine crack as he struggled to breath.

"Happy to do it!" He gasped out, his life seemingly about to start flashing before his eyes, as Star placed him back on the ground. The principle shot Jack a nervous look, as Star skipped out the door.

"See you outside, new bestie!" She declared, Jack managed to keep the smile on his face until she left, before falling to one knee with a grunt of pain.

"Are you sure you can do this?" Mr. Yodwick asked, clearly concerned for Jack's health. Jack nodded.

"I'll be fine, besides, its not like she's mean or rude, just. . . different." Jack chuckled. "And anyway, who else is there to handle this?" Mr. Yodwick nodded.

"Look after her Jack, she might physically be able to handle anything, but we both know that's not the problem." Jack nodded.

"If only I were younger right?" He joked with a self deprecating grin. "Not to worry, I'll make sure she knows who to trust." So saying, Jack rose and headed for the door. As he left, the principle shook his head.

"If only the old you could come back." He muttered, glancing sadly at the mountain of disciplinary reports he had on his desk.


Star was brimming with excitement as Jack exited the principle's office, determined to make a good impression. The instant she had seen Jack she liked him, he looked interesting. He had long brown hair with a slight curl that was pulled back into a ponytail, and brilliant green eyes. He wore a black T-shirt and a button up black hoody, currently unbuttoned, over that. He wore blue jeans and sneakers of black and sliver. His jeans held up by a simple brown leather belt. Finally, perched on his nose, was a pair of thick glasses. All in all, his appearance was a strange mix of bad boy and nerd. Looking up he gave Star a tired smile.

"Come on, its almost time for lunch." He stated.

"Oooh! I love lunch!" Star declared with her unique brand of unflappable enthusiasm. Jack just chuckled.

"Well unfortunately its cafeteria food, so don't expect prime rib or anything. Good news is, it's pizza day, so we should be alright." Star nodded energetically, trying not to let a sudden case of nerves cause her smile to slip. Unfortunately, Jack gave her an appraising look.

"Not to sound condescending, but do you not know what pizza is?" Star forced her smile to widen as a drop of sweat trickled down the back of her neck.

"I-uh, I mean. . . of course I do!" Jack gave her a hard look.

"So do you prefer yours with eel intestines or gasoline on top?" Star failed spectacularly at looking nonchalant as she made a dismissive gesture.

"Gasoline, I mean obviously." She declared confidently. Jack let out a sigh.

"First rule with me: never be afraid to admit you don't know something. I don't think less of others for not having information, I only think less of them for lying about it." Instantly, Star's face fell.

"Sorry." She muttered sheepishly. Jack shook his head.

"Don't worry about it, its obvious this is all pretty new to you, but never feel you need to lie to impress someone." Star nodded.

"Ok, got it, I promise not to lie. So, what's pizza?" Jack chuckled.

"It's a dish that originated in Italy, made by baking a disc of bread dough with tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings. Trust me, you'll love it." Star smiled, her grin once again blinding.

"Cool! So what's gasoline then?" Jack smiled, strangely enough, this girl, despite obviously being a little crazy, was starting to grow on him.

The pair walked down the hallway deep in conversation, Star peppering Jack with questions that he did his level best to answer. Every once in awhile Jack would stop to point out a particular part of the school or comment on the layout, all of which seemed to fascinate Star to no end. Finally, they ended up in the cafeteria, the tables already filling up with students. A line forming nearby for food.

"Grab a seat anywhere you like, I'll get us some food." Star nodded happily, before watching as Jack grabbed a pair of plastic trays and joined the lunch line. Looking around for a good place to sit, Star eventually settled on a seemingly empty table in the far corner of the room, surrounded on two sides by large windows looking out on fields that seemed like they were meant for some kind of sporting event. However, no sooner had she sat down than she noticed that easily a full half of the room was staring at her.


Jack desperately wanted a nap, his whole body seemingly wracked with exhaustion. Shaking his head in an attempt to clear it, he struggled to keep his eyes open. Every day it seemed to get worse, the exhaustion, the fog in his head, the weight of his eyelids. There was a time when Jack had had more energy than he knew what to do with. A time when he had been able to keep up with his job as unofficial problem solver. Back when he had the wit and passion to do more than just wait for people to come to him with trouble. Back before that last fight, and the fallout after. Now. . . it was all he could do to keep on his feet.

"JACKIIIIIIII!" The jubilant shout was accompanied by a heavy arm falling onto jack's shoulder. Despite himself, Jack grinned.

"How's it going Ricky?" He asked, glancing up to offer a rare genuine smile to the face of one of the few people he considered a friend. Ricky was a giant, nearly a full head taller than Jack, with short black hair, hazel eyes and an extremely well muscled figure. Ricky, in his black football jersey and black jeans covered in chains, looked like the kid who you'd find shaking down others for lunch money. The reality however was quite the opposite, Ricky was easily the nicest guy in school, if a little too trusting at times. He and Jack had known each other since kindergarten, Jack kept Ricky out of trouble, and Ricky lent Jack a little extra muscle when he needed it. He also helped keep Jack informed about the goings on throughout the school. Ricky put on a smile that gave Star a run for her money.

"Great! The playoffs are tomorrow and we are crushing it! You're gonna come see us play right?" Jack chuckled.

"Have I ever missed one of your games?" Ricky let out a loud boisterous laugh.

"Never once." Here Ricky's expression darkened slightly, glancing around as he leaned closer to whisper in Jack's ear.

"Getting a little worried, some of the guys might be using performance enhancers. I'd talk to them but. . . well I think they might be getting them from you-know-who." Jack let out a sigh as he snagged two slices of pizza each for him and Star. "If you could just maybe help lean on em' get em' to stop. . . ." Jack shook his head.

"Sorry Rick, but you know I can't do that anymore. I. . . I'm not what I used to be." Ricky looked crestfallen, before becoming angry.

"Dammit! Its not fair you didn't do anything wrong it was all-." Jack silenced his friend before he could go any further.

"The world isn't always fair. I'll come with you to have a talk with the team, but you know that's the most I can do." Ricky nodded sadly.

"I know. . . still ain't fair though." Jack chuckled, the bone deep tired that plagued him feeling a bit less severe thanks to his friend. "By the way, who's that girl you were with?"

"New student, principle asked me to show her around make sure she knows what's what." Ricky nodded.

"You want me and the boys to keep an eye on her too?" Jack smiled.

"I'd appreciate it. She's no helpless damsel, but she's clearly out of her element, she needs good friends." Ricky nodded again.

"I'll put the word out to everyone we can trust, and I'll let Sara know, assuming I can pull her from the tech lab." Jack smiled wearily.

"She still doing that white hat thing? Just remind her that I'd rather not have to sit through another NSA interview if at all possible." Ricky smiled and let out a laugh.

"I'll try and pry her out of her lair so we can all have coffee with the new girl after school today, usual place." Jack nodded as the pair fist bumped.

"I look forward to it old friend." Jack declared with a smile.

"Oooh! Is that some kind of super secret warriors greeting?!" Asked a familiarly exuberant voice. Turning around, Jack and Ricky stared at the smiling face of Star Butterfly.

"I thought you were getting us seats?" Jack asked, in mild confusion. "Oh, and Star Butterfly Ricky Tompson, Ricky Tompson Star Butterfly." Ricky, rallying quickly, gave a welcoming smile as he offered his hand, only to wince slightly when Star took hold of the offered limb and shook it like it owed her money.

"Woooow are you a knight in training?" Ricky let out a laugh, thinking Star was joking.

"Nah, just captain of the football team, glad ta' know ya' Star, welcome to Pine Creek High." Jack was sure Star's smile would outshine the sun.

"Did you need something Star? I was about to head back?" Star shook her head.

"Nope, I just came to pick up the celebratory lunches for my new friends!" Instantly, Jack felt his stomach tighten.

"What celebratory lunches?" He asked, careful to keep his tone neutral. Star, clearly not suspecting anything, simply kept smiling.

"Oh, you know. . . the ones that the new kid has to buy all her friends!" Instantly, Ricky made a face.

"What?" Star asked. Jack struggled to keep from growling as he replied.

"Star, who were these friends that told you to do this?" Star, still grinning from ear to ear, just pointed across the lunch room, to the table she had vacated, now occupied by several kids. Jack's eyes narrowed as he glared at their leader.

"Ellie Lawson." Ricky snarled, making it clear just what he thought of the individual in question.

The girl was tall, had fiery red hair, and a figure that was a fair bit more. . . mature, than most girls her age. Dressed in a preppy looking blue dress, white sandals and with a blue hairband, she would have looked like a perfect angel, if not for the arrogant, superior smirk on her face. Noticing Jack and Ricky's glares, she offered a cheeky wave.

"Star, trust us when we tell you that every word that has ever passed that harpy's mouth has been a lie, including 'to' and 'the'." Jack declared coldly. Star however, just kept smiling. "She's a snake if ever there was one."

"Oh come oooon, I'm sure she's not that bad." Jack simply shook his head.

"Trust me, she is, and she's trying to trick you into giving her and her cronies a literal free lunch." Ricky nodded.

"You gonna go teach her some manners Jack?" Jack shook his head.

"Not worth it, let's just sit someplace else." He stated, shooting another venomous glare at the redhead across the room. Star, for the first time since meeting her knew friend, felt her smile falter. It was rare that she heard or saw someone speak with such obvious hatred for someone. She didn't know what had happened between Jack and this Ellie Lawson, but she was now determined to find out.