“Aaaand done!” Alexander exclaimed as he set down the large box was carrying. He and his family had just finished moving the last of their stuff into their new apartment. It was spacious with a large den connected to a dining room. The kitchen had white marble counters, brand new stainless steel appliances, and a spacious island in the middle of it. “Umm son a little help,” a voice said from behind two massive cardboard boxes. “Sure thing Dad,” Alex rushed over and grabbed a box revealing his father. Damien Masters was a short balding man in his early forties. His hair was the same fiery red as his son’s. “Whew,” his father wiped a hand over his sweaty brow,” Thanks. How are you not sweating?” Alex shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips,” Maybe I got lucky and didn’t inherit your sweat glands.” Damien rolled his and ruffled Alex’s smoothed back hair, much to the teenager’s dismay,” Yeah well thankfully you got my rugged good looks.” He looked out the large window that dominated most of the living room’s wall,” Man it’s really coming down, didn’t know Japan was so wet.” “That’s what it’s like in autumn here dear,” a melodious voice sounded from the kitchen. A moment later a tall woman with short dark brown hair stepped out from the kitchen doorway. Her blue eyes flicked between her husband and son with an amused glint in them,” Reminds me of Shieffield to be honest.” “Only less goats,” Damien laughed. Alex rolled his eyes at that. Shiefflied had been a nice place but was surrounded by goat farms. Heaven forbid you commuted by car, there was rarely a day the roads weren’t filled with goats. Alex wandered into his new room jsu as his dad opened one of the boxes and began rummaging through it” Patricia dear have you seen my note book?” “It was in the-“ Alex closed his door and slumped in the chair by his desk. The movers had come in yesterday and moved their furniture and most of their belongings in. what boxes they had just unloaded were last minute knickknacks and the like. His room was large with a queen size bed against the far wall. A pair of book cases holding all manner of romance, mystery, and true crime novels. There was a flat screen tv mounted on the wall. Alex’s desk held his laptop and a thin black case that held his old hunting crossbow. He took a look at the clock above his desk read 8:38. He stretched and stifled a yawn. Tomorrow would be the first day at his new school. [i] I wonder if Japanese schools are any different from European schools. Welp I’ll find out tomorrow.[/i] With that he stood up and trudged over to his bed. He was asleep the second his head hit the pillow. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Alex gave himself another once over in the mirror. [i] Looking good.[/i] He smirked and ran a hand through his auburn hair, smoothing it down. He grabbed his silver pocket watch and bag and started to the door. His mother was in the kitchen fixing breakfast. Alex grabbed a bagel and started smothering it with butter. “Morning dear,” his mother said cheerfully,’ How’d you sleep?” “Like the dead,” Alex bit into his bagel,” Gotta get to school early. See ya Mom love you.” He gave her a peck on the cheek and jetted to the door. “Hey don’t you want a proper breakfast!?” She called after him. “Gotta get there early for the ceremony!” Alex slipped his shoes on and rushed out the fornt door. His mother shook her head and chuckled softly,” Like father like son.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alex was able to easily find the train to Satoru High School. He jumped onto the latest train and took a seat. He saw a pair of girls looking his way. They each had book bags meaning they were stu8dents. Alex flashed them a smile garnering a blush from one and a giggle from the other. “You two going to Satoru High as well I gather,” Alex said. “Yes,” One of the girls said,” I’m Aiko and this is Emiko.” She gestured to the still blushing girl. They both sported soft brown hair. Aiko was slightly taller and kept her hair in a ponytail while Emiko let her hair stay unrestricted. [i] They’re both rather cute too.[/i] “Alexander Masters,” he stood up and gave a flamboyant bow,” A pleasure to make the acquaintance of two lovely young ladies such as yourselves.” Emiko giggled,” So are you American?” “Well I was born there but my family isn’t really into staying in one place for too long,” Alex chuckled,” But I’ve a feeling we’ll be here for a while.” “Well then let me be the first to welcome you too Japan Mr. Masters.” “You are too kind,” Alex lightly grasped her hand and gave it a chaste kiss,” And please call me Alex.” She blushed slightly before chuckling,” Trying to charm me right out of the box hmm?” “Is it working?” Before she could reply the signs above the door lit up. “Entering Satoru Distract. Two minutes to disembarking platform.” “Would you ladies be averse to my tagging along with you for a bit,” Alex scratched the back of his head," I confess I’m not at all familiar with where the school is.” Emiko looked to her friend who simply nodded,” Alright.” The three walked to the school at an easy pace. Alex had been able to get a few words out of the shyer girl. He found out they had been friends since middle school and were first years. As for Emiko she was rather chatty, asking him about places he had been and other such questions. When they reached the school gates they had to go their separate ways. “Good luck on your first day!” Emiko shouted as Aiko led her away. Alex watched them go with a smirk. [i] I have a feeling this will be an eventful year.[/i] Alex turned on his heel and started toward the Gymnasium. Once there he spotted several other students just standing around, each more than likely waiting for the ceremony to start. He pulled a small book form his bag. It read ‘Autumn’s Grasp’ on the cover. [i] May as well get some reading in while I’m waiting. [/i]