Disclaimer : Disney owns Sky High and it's characters , all the OC's belong to me
The Transferees
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Wright Residence , Wales , Europe
Serenity Wright wrung her hands together as she sat beside her mother listening to her father talking to Director Drake the Principal of the Royal Superhuman Universtiy , better known as Mountain High.
" Sir, are you certain the tests are accurate ?" Emmet Wright asked , then he sighed " So the changes are permanent "
Serenity took a deep breath and let it out shakily , tears began to well up in her eyes. Her mother draped an arm around her shoulders , Serenity looked at her , Rosa Wright's eyes were filled with sympathy and sadness. A lump formed in her throat but she forced it down
" The changes are permanent " those words echoed in her ears like funeral bells
Her large brown eyes drifted on the various singing awards and pictures of her mother singing in the opera. , a petite dark haired latin beauty Rosa's voice was the most sought after in the stage , and was once hailed as the Goddess. Her mother's voice was both her livelihood and her power , to the world at large she was Rosa Alesi the Goddess of the Opera , and to the Agency she was the Nightingale , her voice possessing the ability to heal others both physically and mentally.
More than a decade ago Rosa Alesi met and fell in love with Emmet Wright the Chief European Liaison between Supers and Civilians , after a whirlwind courtship they got married and a year later Serenity Alesi Wright was born. Serenity inherited her mother's small stature of 5 ' 1" and her brown eyes , but she got her father's chestnut hair and slender build. And as she grew up she discovered that she also inherited her mother's vocal powers of healing , though she also inherited her father's intense need for privacy . At first Serenity was afraid that Rosa will be disappointed that her daughter did not want to become a singer like her , and that she was more like her low key and soft spoken father , but much to her immense relief her mother understood and wanted her daughter to be happy in whatever life she chose. And while Rosa loves to sing in public , Serenity loves to sing just for herself . One thing that she had in common with her mother though is that she wanted to become a Heroine like her , to be a Heroine that like the Nightingale who heals people with her voice , to ease away their pain , to save lives.
That all changed last year , during freshman year when the White King and his cohorts attacked Mountain High , they were intent on kidnapping students , for whatever reason is still unknown , even up to this day. A number faculty members and a few students were able to hold them at bay long enough for the Agency's reinforcements to arrive. Serenity joined the group that defended the school , healing her companions with her voice . it was an event she will never forget as long as she lived .Five students and two teachers lost their lives that day , and there were several casualties , Serenity was one of those casualties. One of the White Kings cohorts Torment possesses the power to create imaginary pain on his victims. It was because of him that the course of Serenity's life changed forever
Serenity was in one of the classrooms healing a classmate when Torment crashed in. Torment then used his pain powers on her , Serenity held on as long as she could , fighting the pain until she was able to heal her fellow student , but when it became too much Serenity screamed as the imaginary pain seared through her mind . She screamed so much that it altered her vocal chords , thus changing her power. Her voice once a thing of healing beauty became a instrument of destructive power. Her voice depending on it's intensity cause damage fom torn eardrums to shattered glass to disintegrated metal. And to make matters worse she can't control her powers , she can cause damage even with the simple act of talking.
Serenity touched the vocal sound supressor collar on her neck , now she can only communicate by writing and sign language , a skill she acquired years ago because one of her uncles was deaf.
"Is there anything that can be done " her father listened intently on the phone " training ? , I see , yes , yes we'll be there "
Emmet hangs up the phone. then looks at his small family
" Permanent , " Rosa choked out
Sighing Emmet sat in the couch with his wife and daughter , " There is a strong possibility that it is "
Rosa let out a sob and hugged her daughter very tightly. They were quiet for a few moments , until Serenity drew back
= So ,what know ? = she signed
" The Principal said he wants to talk to us tomorrow , to give us options " he said ,then he looked at his daughter his eyes tormented " We'll get through this love , I promise you "
Serenity hid her despair and smiled at her father
= I'm sure we will Papa = she signed.
(_______________________________________________________________________((V))_________________________________________________________________________)
St. Clair Estate , Wales , Europe
At the other end of the city in a large manor Lady Elizabeth St. Clair - Burke closed the file folder and looked at the horrified face of her son Jules St. Clair. The tall slender boy was wearing a flamboyant fuchsia dress shirt , white slacks and Italian brand shoes on his neck he wore a white bandanna , his entire look screamed metro-sexual. Jules ran a hand through his platinum hair in agitation
" Maman , this - this must be some mistake " his voice comically high pitched.
" Darling , your Papa and I have agreed that it will be good for you to spend some time with his side of his family " Lady Elizabeth said
" B-b-but - but " Jules stuttered
" Son , your Grandad wanted you to experience how it is to be a Burke " his father Thomas Burke added , unlike his wife and son's overly stylish appearances , he is wearing a plain white shirt , a pair of worn jeans and bulldog shoes
Jules stared at his father in horror , the image of his huge muscular grandfather flashed before his mind , the loud laugh , the coarse language , and his tendency to give monster bear hugs and how his huge paw would ruffle Jules' hair into untidy mess.
" Isn't it enough that we spend the summers with him ?" Jules whined
" Julie . it will be a good experience for you to be exposed to other cultures " his father said
" I've experienced a lot of other cultures " Jules said defensively
" Going to Japanese Restaurants , shopping in Italian stores and hanging out in Moroccan Cafes is does not qualify as really experiencing other cultures darling " his mother said
" You need to experience the real thing " his father said
" But-but its almost the start of classes " Jules said , then realizing what he said grabbed on that line of reasoning " Yes - yes!! it will be impossible to enroll to another school now and-"
" All taken care of my boy " Thomas said smugly
" What !?!??! " Jules squeaked
" We and the school already did it for you , your now enrolled as a Sophomore at Sky High in Maxville" his father said
" But my life is here , my friends , everythiing !!!!! " Jules burst out in horror
" Darling , you can always visit them during summer , and knowing you , you'll be making new friends in your new school in no time " his mother said
Thomas stood up and walked over to his son , he placed his large hands on Jules' s shoulders and squeezed reassuringly"
" We're doing this for your own good Julie , C'mon just give it a chance , Please ? " his father implored
Jules looked helplessly at his father , he resisted the urge to stomp his foot in frustration , Instead he excused himself and headed out of the living room , he began climbing up the wide marble staircase , He felt shaken , What on earth were his parents thinking he mentally railed.
His father Thomas Burke's Hero alter ego is the Iron Titan , a Hero with the power to change his body into metal , granting him invulnerability and increased strength , his mother Lady Elizabeth was one of the civilians that his father saved , their relationship developed for a few years and in the end they married , and they've been happy ever since. Thomas moved to Europe to be with his wife , but kept an office here in the Estate to help Jules' Grandfather run their business in the States Like his father Jules possessed the same power , it seemed that several males of the Burke family throughout the generations inherited this ability. His Grandfather Tobias Burke once worked for the Hero Agency as Metallo ( which never fails to make Jules cringe ) , until he retired and founded the now successful burger chain known as Burke Burgers. Physically Jules has his father's grey eyes and height but he took after his mother's delicate structure and fair coloring. And due to his upbringing inherited his mother's refined nature and delicate sensibilities.
However he inherited his father's sense of daring and courage , as proof of that Jules was one ot the students who defended Mountain High from the attack of the villainous White King .
Jules reached the second floor and walked down a long carpeted hallway and finally reached his room. He opened the door and got in. The beautiful paintings and expensive draperies adorning his room failed to lift his mood. Leaning back on the door he closed his eyes and let out a long tortured breath
Bloody Hell , what a fine mess his life has become , he thought.
(_______________________________________________________________________((V))_________________________________________________________________________)
Hero Agency , Asian Chapter , ( Undisclosed Location ) Asia
Raman Ashwar , one of the Agency's Internal Affairs Attache and also the Hero known as Gatekeeper sat in his office desk reading files , the room was quiet except for the bubbling sound from the large wall aquarium behind his chair. He looked at his watch , perfect he thought with his paperwork almost done he'll be signing out early today.
His intercom suddenly beeped , Raman leaned over and pressed it's answer button.
" Yes ? " He asked
" Mr. Ashwar . Matheo Saccay is here to see you " his secretary said
" Ah , yes , please let him in " Raman said
He released the intercom button then leaned back and waited. A few seconds later his office door opened and young boy around fourteen years old walked in, his hair is jet black and straight , his skin is pale but healthy looking , he's about 5' 8" in height and has a slender but muscular build. He's wearing a gray longsleeved shirt , black pants and black shoes. His facial features would have been considered angelic except that his black eyes are flat and emotionless.
Raman smiled " Theo , come in "
Matheo " Theo " Saccay walked in
" Your sent for me? " he flatly asked"
" Yes , yes , Please sit " Raman gestured at a chair in front of his desk
Theo smoothly sat on the offered chair and waited.
Raman searched through the folders on his desk , then he pulled out a folder from the pile , opened it then read its contents.
Afterwards looking back to Theo he smiled " Your medical reports are all good and the doctor gave you a clean bill of health " closing the folder and setting it down on the table ," but personally how are your feeling? "
" I feel fine , thank you " Theo answered quietly.
" Good , good " Raman said " I hope your living accommodations have been satisfactory ?"
" Yes " Theo responded
" Your didn't experience any problems during your stay here I hope ? " Raman pressed
" No " was the curt reply
Raman chuckled " Still the talkative chatterbox I see " he teased
Theo remained silent , his face showing no emotion . His body relaxed as he sat on the chair.
Shaking his head and smiling Raman took out some papers and slid them in fron of Theo. The teen leaned forward slightly and looked at them.
After a few moments Theo looked back up , " These are enrollment papers " He said
Raman smiled " Yes , they are "
Theo stared at him " Why? "
" The Agency believes that attending high school will greatly aid your continuing development" the Attache said " And the Education Department recommended that you are to be enrolled in Sky High "
" I already completed all the basic high school courses two years ago , I don't think Sky High has anything more to offer me " Theo stated flatly
Raman nodded " Precisely , basic courses , you still lack support electives that can be very beneficial for you "
Theo looked at the older man , his face expressionless " Such as ?"
Silently Raman slid a piece of paper toward him , Theo picked it up and read the list. Raman looked at his own copy and began reading aloud.
"Interpersonal Relations , Proper Team Dynamics , Hero Ethics , Hero - Civilian Dynamics- " Raman began enumerating but was interrupted by Theo
" I don't need these electives " Theo said " they are unnecessary and frivolous , I don't see how they concern me "
" I beg to differ " Raman said " These electives are very important, and they make your integration into Hero community infinitely more easier "
Theo stared at the Attache " But I haven't chosen to join the Hero community "
Raman leaned forward " But at least that option is open to you , isn't it more logical to have several options to choose from when the time comes ? "
" I suppose " Theo acceded
" Besides " Raman continued " The Agency's rules are very clear , all SPBs ( super powered beings ) under eighteen must be enrolled in an accredited SPB School for power training and development "
" But why Sky High ?" Theo asked " why not simply enroll me in Ocean High , it's closer and geographically more convenient " Theo commented
" Sky High is outside the jurisdiction of the Asian Superhuman Development Division ,meaning Megatech does not have any influence there " Raman said " That is the main reason why your in the custody of the Agency right now , Megatech and the Order violated child protection laws when they drafted you a few years back "
The Attache leaned back on his chair and steeples his fingers " Of course , the skills you already possess will not be left to stagnate during your stay in Sky High "
Raman picked up another piece of paper and handed it to Theo " Since your support electives will only be for four hours a day , you still have another five hours to fill " he shrugged and smiled " the SPB Educational System Guidelines dictates that you as a full time high school student must complete nine hours in school "
Raman picked up his copy and began reading aloud " Advanced Combat Training , Investigative Research , Advanced Chemistry and several more classes I'm sure you'll find interesting "
Theo looked up " Sky High has facilities for this ? " he asked
Raman nodded " Indeed , they are usually reserved for Faculty and visiting Heroes , but given your circumstance and qualifications I was able to convince the school to grant you access to them "
he took another piece of paper and handed it to the teen " Now , in terms of where you will live , the Agency believes it will be best if you will stay with a family member"
" I don't have any , their all dead " Theo said flatly
Raman looked at the boy with sympathy in his eyes " Your immediate family , yes , and I am so sorry for that " he pointed to the paper Theo is holding " However you have an aunt living in Maxville ,in fact she has been looking for you for several years " he laced his fingers and leaned forward " The Agency contacted her recently and she insisted that you should live with her from now on , in fact she's quite adamant about it "
Theo read the file then again looked at Raman " Megan Rhoubes ? " he queried
The Attache nodded " Yes , she's a relative on your mother's side , and she's an active Hero in the Agency , her Heroine name is Steel Magnolia " he tipped his head " she's well known in the Agency " Raman hesitated and grinned " She can be a bit , Uuuuh , overwhelming but she's very nice "
Raman pulled his computer's keyboard closer and began typing , for a few seconds the room was quiet save the typing and the aquarium sounds.
He turned back to Theo " Now , you'll be flying to Maxville three days from now , I need to take care of a few formalities , but basically your all set "
Theo nodded then remained silent for a minute , " Is there anything else ? " he asked
Raman blinked " Uh no , no , I think we covered all we need to discuss today "
Theo nodded " May I be excused then ? "
The Attache nodded back " Oh , of course "
He watched silently as Theo stood up and headed for the door. He didn't need to ask where the boy is going , he already knew that Theo will be spending most of his time in the Agency's training room. As the door closed behind Theo , he sighed and leaned back . Theo may be fourteen years old, but the way he behaves it was hard to imagine him as a kid , he acts and behaves more like a machine than a boy.
Frowning he takes a folder containing Theo's file and read it again. It still angers him every time he reads it . Raman looks at a picture on his desk . it shows Raman with his family , his two sons he thought , he can never imagine either of them experience the things that. Theo did during his early childhood , and he fervently prayed that they never will.
(_______________________________________________________________________((V))_________________________________________________________________________)
The next day
Mountain High , Main Hall , Europe
Serenity and Jules with their families sat in silence in the School's empty main hall , they are waiting for Principal Drake to finalize their transfer arrangements to Sky High.
Serenity sighed , she and her family had talked with the Principal earlier , He has strongly recommended that Serenity should transfer to Sky High , he said that she can get better training there , since the North American Power Research Division there is the leading authority on sonic powers. At first her family balked at the idea of her changing schools . but Principal Drake convinced them that it will be best for Serenity to be with specialists who understand her powers , so her parents relented , Fortunately her father can easily transfer to the North American Chapter , already his superiors have made the arrangements and Emmet will start working in the US Office as one of it's Head Liaisons the moment he reports there.
She looked at Jules sitting with his parents, they know each other , but they're not exactly friends , Jules and Serenity don't hang out with the same crowd. Jules hangs out with the aristocratic set , who usually keep to themselves and exclude everyone else. While Serenity's friends are mostly musicians and artists . The two groups don't exactly mix , since the aristocrats see them as oddities and in turn they see the aristocrats as spoiled brats. But still Jules always been nice to her , they seldom socialize , yes, in those few times he always treats her with the utmost of respect.
Jules looked at Serenity and smiled when she waved at him , she always reminded him of a puppy , all hair and big eyes . They may not be friends but he liked her , not in a romantic sense but he liked her as a person. He struck her as someone so gentle the she couldn't even hurt a fly. He was shocked when Serenity joined the students who defended the school from the White King. Her songs were both inspired them to keep fighting and soothed their injuries. Inwardly he shuddered , he'll never forget the soul rending scream she made when Torment used his power on her , the Villain fled in pain clutching his bleeding ears . They succeeded defending the school , but Jules knew that Serenity paid a high price that day , like most of the student body , he knew the situation Serenity is in.
The Principal's door opened and he stepped out carrying two large folders
" Now , these are your files " he said handing it to them " I also sent copies to Sky High , everything is set , all that's left , is for the two of you to do is show up on the first day of class "
All of them nodded at the Principal.
" If it's alright with you two " Principal Drake looked at Jules and Serenity " I would like to talk with your parents "
Jules and Serenity both stood up and headed for the hall exit.
They kept walking until they reached the school's garden and the stood in silence for a few minutes.
" I must say this is bloody unacceptable!! " Jules finally blurted out
Serenity turned to look at him.
Jules sighed " I'm sorry , it's just that everything is so Topsy turvy lately , and things are happening so fast that it makes me so bloody frustrated "
She smiled slightly and nodded sympathetically
Jules began pacing in front of her , and chewing on his thumbnail.
" I have my whole life here , my friends , my clubs , not to mention my admission to the Unicorn Club has just been approved , and it was such a bloody pain to get accepted " his voice was near-squealing by the end of his tirade
Serenity folded her arms and patiently listened while Jules vented.
" My-my car , there is no way I'm leaving my baby here while I'm trapped in the States , How about my dietary needs I'm extremely particular with what I eat , to maintain my figure you know , and -and my clothes , Oh dear lord my clothes " Jules' face filled with horror " Do you have any idea how difficult it will be to have my wardrobe transferred overseas? , I'm very particular with what I wear "
Serenity smiled to herself as she took in her companions outfit , Jules was wearing a rich purple silk dress shirt , on his sleeves were large Rosetta cuff links , matched with a pair of expensive custom made khaki pants , complemented with a stylized interlaced leather belt , a platinum rolex watch and two gold rings adorned his hands. And to finish of his ensemble he was wearing a pair of Italian leather shoes.
"And will they fit my new room !! .... Good Lord , how big will my room be !! , Will all my things fit , theres my clothes , my toiletries , my -!!"
Jules stopped his ranting and noticed that Serenity is still looking at him , her shoulders shaking slightly and her eyes danced with amusement.
He sighed heavily " I -I apologize Serenity , I'm just a bit overwhelmed at the moment "
Serenity pulled out a small Electronic Touch Pad and began writing on it ,
= It's alright , I know how you feel = she showed to Jules
Jules smiled a bit sheepishly " So you feel the same way "
She nodded ,
Jules turned an looked at a Starling land on the lawn and began pecking around , " Serenity , I know we are not exactly friends , but I am sincerely sorry for what happened to you "
Serenity smiled softly , reached out and squeezed Jules' arm.
Jules looked back at Serenity , " But if you would be amenable , I will consider it a pleasure and a privilege, " with a dramatic bow , he continued " if you will accept my most humble offer to be your friend ."
Serenity soundlessly giggled at Jules' comically imploring face and nodded ,
= Friends = she signed
" Smashing !!! " Jules grinned ,
He offered his arm to Serenity , Smiling widely Serenity slipped her arm into Jules' , and together they began walking , with no particular destination ,around the garden.
" We may be plunging into the unknown in a few days , but we're smart , we're talented , we're stylish ... by the way I love your sweater the color really goes well with your hair color !! "
Serenity smiled at that and just shook her head.
" Now where was I ? ... Oh yes !! , We are dashing explorers of to an adventure and no matter what challenges that faith will throw us , we just put our hands on our slim hips , lift our head with our hair flowing dramatically in the wind and laugh confidently , because there is nothing , no matter what it is , the we cannot overcome!!!"
With that the two new friends walked jovially deeper into the garden.