[u][center] School Entrance - Stairway [/center][/u]

[i] Why am I here?[/i]

The question had been a constant in Tyler's mind for some time. Even as it now pertained to the school, it was nothing unique or different to inquire, and thus meant no offense to the large and obviously ancient establishment. Not that anyone could possibly read his mind, so there was no reason for a polite 'no offense', but these were the things the eighteen year old thought about, and he couldn't exactly help every last internal comment that flitted through. Still, the original question remained. Why [i]is[/i] he here. Why a college of all places in a strange land he didn't understand. Was he even on Earth anymore? Even stranger was the fact that Tyler had never even finished [i]High School[/i] and yet some long established college sought him out, [i]found[/i] him when even his mother knew not of his location, and had presented him with a hand freaking written letter of acceptance that he hadn't even dreamed of applying for.

The entire situation seemed questionable at best, so there could only one obvious solution. Tyler was dreaming. Or dead, but that seemed unlikely. He felt he should at least remember his own death, so dreaming it was. And yet, how long had it been since receiving the initial letter? Too long to be a dream. So that left zero other options other than that this whole leg of his adventure was actually reality. Glancing around, Tyler tried to take it all in - the alien foliage and crumbling yet almost powerful architect. he pinched himself. Nope, definitely not a dream.

But that still did not answer his original question. Why is he here? This was not the plan - it wasn't even close to the plan. He was to keep moving and keep searching, dodging obstacles and avoiding side trips. And yet here he was - one very large obstacle in the [i]form[/i] of a side trip. To be completely honest, it frustrated him to no end, and yet he felt a strange sense of... right in association with the college. If he were to stay here, he had to make the most of his time here. Research when he can, study a few maps if possible, maybe even write home to mother. Well, maybe not the last one. Yeah, probably not.

Pursing his lips, almost as if the subtle movement solidified his decision, Tyler started off towards his assigned dorm room - Onyx - thoughts of the tuxedo and upcoming ball moving to the forefront of his mind.