Kassandra stared out the window, watching the scenery of the surface world go by outside the car window. She was excited, and nervous, or maybe it was just sheer nausea causing tiny fish to flutter in her belly. [color=f26522][b]"Oh... Is it too late to turn back and go home?" [/b][/color]

[b]"Yes, miss Kassandra. It is too late. I'd rather not deal with morning traffic again besides."[/b] Her driver gave her a look in the window. His weathered face softened from irritation to concern. [b]"Are you going to be alright?" [/b]

[b][color=f26522]"I think I will. Eventually. I just wish I had time to become acclimated to... to all of this."[/color][/b] She gestured with her arms to everything around her, the trees, the people, all of the buildings and the busy-ness, and... [color=f26522][b]"It's overwhelming."[/b][/color] How humans lived in such a state, she'd never know. Didn't they just stop sometimes, and enjoy themselves? 

[b]"You'll be fine, miss, I'm sure of it. Our king sees something great in you, and this school will help you bring it to the surface. Have strength."[/b]

Kassy managed a weak smile, one that she didn't feel at all. [b][color=f26522]"I will try, Sir Ainsley."[/color][/b] The man was an old knight who'd been appointed her guard and teacher, and now he was the one to take her to her new school. 

[b]"Oh, miss, you know I haven't been a "Sir" in years. Outside the palace, you can just call me Ainsley if you like."[/b] 

[color=f26522][b]"Alright, mister Ainsley."[/b][/color] 

[b]"...eh, it's close enough."[/b] After several more miles of driving, Ainsley pointed out the window. [b]"Look! Your new home approaches!"[/b]

Kassy rolled down her window to stare at the Academy. So many people, and some of them were obviously not human, even from a distance. The grounds were expansive and full of shiny buildings. [b][color=f26522]"It's beautiful. It's massive. I'm sure this will be a wonderful experience and I-"[/color][/b] Her stomach twisted. [b][color=f26522]"I'm afraid, mister Ainsley."[/color][/b]

Ainsley pulled the car to the curb and got out, collecting Kassy's things from the trunk and setting them down before helping her out. The rest of what she would need was already in the specialized dorms. She wasn't the only student who required some environmental adjustments. The school made that kind of thing readily available. [b]"Some fear of the unknown is good, miss. That's a fighter's instinct. Keep your eyes wide and chin up. You may learn something after all. And if you need anything, you contact me, alright?"[/b]

Kassy could only nod, her breath growing rapid with fear. But she took the steps to calm herself, until she stood square and let out a slow exhale. [b][color=f26522]"I will be fine. I will be just fine."[/color][/b]

[b]"That's the spirit!"[/b] He smiled at her like a proud grandfather, and wished her well before driving off. 

[b][color=f26522]"Well... here goes nothing!"[/color][/b] Kassy set her satchel and her water jug on her back and headed toward the school, trying her best not to feel like a lost little guppy. She did feel lost though. So many people. Would they hate her, too? 

No, no, she couldn't think that way anymore. She was in a new place now, she was out. She could be whoever she wanted, now.