chapter two: Jenos Hazard

Finally the long awaited day has come. The day when a new number ten will be assigned. A dull ache begining to spread through my chest.

'Sure it'll be nice to have a new number around, but no one will ever be able to replace Ash. I never really knew him that well but he was very close to Naizer and that was good enough for me.' I sighed softly, letting my mind drift back to the time I shared with Naizer and Baluga.

'But they're both gone now.' I winced, feeling like a rusty nail was being driven into my chest. Ever since they were murdered by Creed nearly two years ago I haven't really felt like being around anyone and after a while of my mourning, people don't want to be around me either. 'It's still so hard to believe that they're gone...' I stared at the ground, suddenly feeling lost.

''Jenos.'' A voice called me from far away. ''Jenos?'' I looked up, putting on my best fake smile.

''Anubis.'' I greeted him.

''You seem depressed.''

'Gee I hadn't noticed.'

''Maybe a little.'' I admitted, my voice suprisingly steady.

''Sephiria went to get the newcomer.'' I looked up slightly.

''Good, all this boring talking with everyone is starting to get annioing.'' The dog chuckled.

''You say that as if you've actually been talking to people.''

''So what do you know about this newcomer?'' I asked to change the subject.

''Not much, just that they were born in China but was raised here in Chronos.''

''Yeah, and the teacher was Mason. I got that already, how about something new?''

''Thats all I really know but I guess we'll find out what kind of person he or she is soon enough.''

''Hopefully not another psycho...'' I grummbled.

''Sanity would be nice.'' Agreed Anubis. All at once the irritating chatter in the gathering hall silenced and Sephiria could be seen standing at the top of the stairwell. She strolled confidently down the stairs, a young woman wearing a dark purple suit and rediculously long raven black hair tied back in a ponytail that shinned with an almost purple hue. She trailed after Sephiria, looking at the ground and tugging on an especialy long strand of black hair nervously but still managing to look formal. My breathing hitched slightly.

'shes absolutly beautiful...'

'Wait. That isn't a woman!' I realized with shock as they drew closer. 'Wow, I don't think I have ever seen a more feminine guy in my entire life.' I noted.

''Jenos, come on.'' David urged as he passed. I quickly snapped my attention back to reality and followed the other numbers to stand in a half circle around Sephiria and the beautiful newcomer. I barly listened to the speech Sephiria was giving, Things like that have never interested me. Throughout the speech my eyes kept being drawn back to the newcomer's shinny black hair with interest.

'I wonder how long it takes him to comb it...' Sephiria had said his name was Lin Xiaoli, 'thats certaintly an interesting name.It has a nice sound to it. I'll have to remember how to pronounce it so I don't make a fool of myself in front of him later. Wait, why do I even care? Hes just some newcomer, not anyone important. Even if he is kind of hot... But this is nothing new for me, I'v been attracted to other guys before and to women too. I don't really care much about gender, I guess I just like both. So why is this bothering me now?'

'Oh the speech must be over.' Sephiria is about to give him his first weapon as a true number.

'What the hell is that? It looks like a pink scarf... What is he gonna do with that?' The other numbers shifted around me uncomfortably. I could tell they were thinking something similar.

''Miss Sephiria.'' Xiaoli said suddenly in a silky voice that sounded like bells. ''Might I make a suggestion for eliminating Creed?'' She looked at him oddly for a moment.

''Yes, you may speak.'' She answered in her always superior tone.

'This Xiaoli guy... He is very interesting...'

'But also, a little weird...'