[URL=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMBtbACXyGM][COLOR=SLATEGRAY][INDENT][B]
[SUP][SUB][H3]N O R T H   O F   C R E S T W O O D   H O L L O W:[/H3][/SUB][/SUP][/B][/INDENT][hr][/COLOR][INDENT][sup][color=silver]Three Nights Ago[/color][/sup][/INDENT][/URL]
[INDENT][INDENT]The sound of metal slicing through the damp soil broke the silence of the dark, quiet night. A thick fog hung low over the dark horizon, hovering just above the cool, wet grass. The stillness of the dark was suddenly broken as a dull thud echoed through the forest. Freshly overturned soil fell from a raised shovel before hitting against the dense moss-covered forest floor. 

The faint call of an owl in the distance only helped to enhance the eerie atmosphere as the shovel dug into the freshly exposed dirt again. A muffled sob came from behind the hooded figure holding the shovel, interrupting the steady toil of soil against grass. Behind the figure sat a teenage girl, her mouth gagged and her hands bound. She sat on her knees, frozen in fear as her bloodstained face was forced to watch the hole grew larger with each additional strike of the spade while her captor continued to dig.

[b][color=#a64d79]“Down in the valley,”[/color][/b] The deep gravelly voice sung as he dug, [b][color=#a64d79]“Valley so low.”[/color][/b] More soil fell from the shovel as the girl began to sob harder, tears mixing with blood from a gash above her eye, staining the rag that muffled her dread. 

[b][color=#a64d79]“Hang your head over, hear the wind blow.”[/color][/b] The hooded man continued to sing, the hole becoming deep enough that he could stand in it now, prompting the man to climb into the opening. As he stood in the hole, he lifted the shovel to widen the walls, all the while continuing to sing his lullaby. 

[b][color=#a64d79]“Hear the wind blow, dear, hear the wind blow,”[/color][/b] His voice grew louder as the man climbed back out of the hole, his head turning towards the girl as the pale light of the moon illuminating a smile on his stubble covered chin. [b][color=#a64d79]“Hang your head over, hear the wind blow.”[/color][/b]

Taking a step towards the girl, a long thin blade slid down the hooded man’s sleeve and into his hand as he neared her. A gloved hand took a hold of the girl’s chin, lifting her eyes to meet his before he leaned down, whispering in her ear.

[b][color=#a64d79]“Roses love sunshine, violets love dew. Angels in heaven know I love you,”[/color][/b] The knife tapped lightly against the girl’s throat as her sobs became heavier.  As he continued to sing, the man lowered the knife, its blade slowly moving down her sternum, opening her shirt and exposing her chest.

[b][color=#a64d79]“Know I love you, dear, know I love you. Angels in heaven, know I love you.”[/color][/b] Suddenly the man’s leather-clad hand moved from the girl’s chin to her neck, tightening around her throat as the blade dug into her skin. Her screams were inaudible as the gag staying firmly in place while the man carved into her chest.

[b][color=#a64d79]“Writing this letter, containing three lines,”[/color][/b] He continued to sing gently as the girl’s body struggled against her bindings. [b][color=#a64d79]“Answer my question, ‘Will you be mine?’”[/color][/b] Smiling as he pulled the bloodied blade back from the woman, the assailant stood, lifting the girl by her throat before turning towards the hole he had dug. Releasing the girl, the hooded figure tossed her inside all the while his haunting voice continued to echo in her ears as his resumed his song.

[b][color=#a64d79]“‘Will you be mine, dear, will you be mine?’ Answer my question, ‘Will you be mine?’”[/color][/b] The sound of his singing was interrupted by the sound of metal sliding through dirt. A shovelful of soil suddenly landed on the girl as she quickly realized was happening. Shovelful after shovelful began to rain down on the girl as she desperately fought against her bonds but it was to no avail. Her eyelids began to grow heavy as the taste of dirt saturated her mouth. 

[b][color=#a64d79]“Down in the valley, valley so low. Hang your head over, hear the wind blow.”[/color][/b] The man smiled, resuming his song while continuing to bury the still living girl. Her head quickly disappeared as the dirt rose over her. The surface layer shaking as the last of the girl’s fighting spirit continued to struggle for air. More and more soil was piled on top until the man stopped, resting on the shovel as he watched the earth cease to move, a satisfied smile crossing his face.

[b][color=#a64d79]“Hear the wind blow, dear, hear the wind blow.”[/color][/b] He whispered before turning away and walking into the thick forest. His voice echoing between the trees as he vanished into the darkness of the night.

[b][color=#a64d79]“Hang your head over, hear the wind blow.”[/color][/b][/INDENT][/INDENT]
[URL=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoAnLHSLHGQ][COLOR=SLATEGRAY][INDENT][B][SUP][SUB][H3]M A T H E R   M E M O R I A L   H I G H   S C H O O L:[/H3][/SUB][/SUP][/B][/INDENT][hr][/COLOR][INDENT][sup][COLOR=SILVER]Tuesday, August 21[SUP]st[/SUP], 2018 - 08:16 am | Teacher’s Lounge[/COLOR][/sup][/INDENT][/URL]
[INDENT][INDENT]The morning sun shone over Mather Memorial Park as the American Flag blew proudly in the gentle Atlantic breeze. A new day had dawned on Crestwood Hollow and a new academic year upon Mather Memorial High School. The gentle lull of birds gleefully chirping was broken by the steady roar of an older motorcycle as it made its way towards the school. Pulling into the school parking lot, the rider made his way into the faculty parking spots before dismounting.

Removing his helmet, Dr. Jonas Lehrer ran a hand over his smoothly shaved head, tucking the helmet under his arm as he walked around to the rear of the bike. Unclasping a pair of buckles, Jonas freed his leather messenger bag, swinging it over his torso before entering the school as he pushed open the set of double doors.

Numerous students lined the hall as they checked through the various postings on the walls, looking for their name and assigned homeroom class. Though Jonas quickly noted that none of them seemed to be in any particular hurray as the hallway quickly grew crowded.  Those who had found their names stood in the way of those who had come later, blocking their fellow students from finding their own homeroom assignments, while they caught up with their friends who they hadn't seen over the summer.

[b][color=#cd5c5c]“Welcome back, Mather Memorial Ravens!”[/color][/b] The student radio was clearly broadcasted over the din of noise in the hallways as the host continued to speak. [b][color=#cd5c5c]“I hope you all aren’t having any trouble finding your room assignments if you are look for the Student Council members in the black and blue. They’ll be happy to assist in any way they can!”[/color][/b] The student's voice said with a slight chuckle as Jonas continued to walk the hallways.

Unzipping his heavy leather jacket, Jonas noticed several of the students giving him a strange look. It was to be expected however, he wasn't a returning teacher, he was a new face and this was his first term at Mather Memorial. Turning into his office, Jonas took a seat at his desk, placing his messenger bag on the desk before gently running a hand over the embossed leather. 

Opening the bag, he reached inside, pulling out a rather new laptop before logging into the school’s network. Loading the daily schedule, Jonas noticed he had an assembly to attend. A soft groan escaped his lips as he leaned back in the chair. 'Welcome Assemblies' were hardly exciting, and as a teacher, he didn't look forward to them any more than the students did.

[b][color=#cd5c5c]“...And in local news, the search for Kaitlyn Stewart still has no leads. Local authorities are asking for any and all information that friends and family might be able to supply…”[/color][/b] Jonas suddenly realized the radio was still playing as he began to listen to the student announcer’s words. A hand absently scratched at the five o’clock shadow on his chin as he rubbed his tired eyes with the other.

Standing up from his desk, Jonas moved into the Teacher’s Lounge, the rich, earthy smell of a fresh pot of coffee immediately drawing his attention. Pouring a cup for himself, Jonas took a sip from the sharp, black liquid before returning to his desk. Time seemed to have flown by as the bell rang suddenly, signaling not only the start of Jonas’ day but the start of a brand new school year. 

Taking a deep, final swing, Jonas swallowed hard, gulping down the remainder of his mug before putting it down and standing up to leave. Rolling up the sleeves on his collared shirt, Jonas straightened his tie as he left the office and made his way towards the auditorium. The dull roar of students chattering to themselves filled the halls as the student body proceeded towards the auditorium. Taking his seat on the stage, Jonas looked out over the gathering crowd before he closed his eyes and gently massaged his temples. 

With such a large gathering of people, there was no doubt in his mind that they'd be more than a few Hyperhumans among them. In fact, it was Crestwood Hollow's significant Hype population that had been one of the primary draws for Jonas when he had approached Principal Fitzgerald regarding the Hyperhuman Social Conscience Program. 

Jonas had pitched the in-school program as a way to encourage ‘gifted’ individuals to grow and develop within their community, finding a way to contribute to society with their own gifts in their own way.  Though if he was being honest with himself, that wasn’t exactly what Jonas had in mind. 

[b][color=#cccccc]"...And please give a warm Mather Memorial High School welcome to your new faculty member, Mr. Lehrer!"[/color][/b] Principal Fitzgerald's voice echoed out through the auditorium. Leaving both his seat and thoughts, Jonas stepped forward replacing Fitzgerald at the podium overlooking the student body. 

[b][color=#3d85c6]"Greetings Mather Memorial. I think we can all agree this year, the school will truly spread its wings."[/color][/b] Jonas' gravely voice dictated,  a slight chuckle appearing midst the traveled accent as he elicited a combination of groans, cheers, and laughter from the students with his reference to the school's chosen mascot. 

The Mather Memorial Ravens.

[b][color=#3d85c6]"It's a pleasure to be joining the faculty here, this year. To some of you I'll be teaching physics, to others I'm sure I'll meet you later this year on the court as the new basketball coach. Still, more of you will be participating in my advanced calculus class but there is a specific handful of you I'm really looking forward to meeting."[/color][/b] Pausing for effect, Jonas flashed a smile as he extended a hand towards Principal Fitzgerald. 

[b][color=#3d85c6]"If it wasn't for the generosity and open-mindedness of Principal Fitzgerald I wouldn't be able to have founded my pioneering Hyperhuman Social Conscience Program here at Mather Memorial.”[/color][/b] A slight hush fell over the crowd at the mention of the Hyperhuman-centric program as Jonas continued to speak, hoping to win their affection back with his following words. 

[b][color=#3d85c6]“Despite the controversial topic, I am quite pleased with how many of you have opted sign up for the program in lieu of pursuing other credits, and I do hope all of you take the time to attend. Again, I want to express my deep felt gratitude to Principal Fitzgerald and my new home here at Mather Memorial High School for allowing me this opportunity!"[/color][/b] He finished, raising the microphone into the air as the student body exploded into cheers before Jonas returned the microphone to the Principle. Turning away from the student body, Jonas allowed a small, satisfied smile to appear across his face before he took his seat, quickly returning to a stoic expression as he turned to face the student body again once sitting.[/INDENT][/INDENT]
[hr][INDENT][sup][COLOR=SILVER]Tuesday, August 21[SUP]st[/SUP], 2018 - 10:40am | Physics Laboratory[/COLOR][/sup][/INDENT]
[INDENT][INDENT]The rest of the assembly went by rather quickly, which was surprising given the events that followed his speech. The student council performed a rather awkward skit on the dangers of unprotected sex, sexually transmitted infections and the meaning of the word ‘no’. This, however, was topped by a closing rap performed by the school’s elderly librarian who somehow managed to twerk with a collapsed hip. Thankfully it didn’t go any further beyond that and Principal Fitzgerald hastily dismissed the students to pursue the rest of their day and the start the new school year. 

Checking his watch, Jonas inwardly groaned at the agonizing wait he was still faced with until he could formerly meet the students who had signed up for his program. While he was sure there would be some who joined later, those who had registered in advance, Jonas had taken the time to look into and read their files. 

Leaving the auditorium with the rest of the teachers, he took the stairs to the upper floor of the east wing, the air immediately becoming cooler as he entered the school’s newer addition. Heading to the physics lab, Jonas entered the room with the rest of the students before standing behind the podium and addressing the seated class.

[b][color=#3d85c6]"Welcome to introductory physics, please take your textbooks out and turn to page twenty. Notes will be posted online so please follow along and the first person caught on their cellphone…”[/color][/b] Jonas stopped mid-sentence, his eyes surveying over the room with a steely edge as the excited students fell quiet. 

[b][color=#3d85c6]“Will, regret it.”[/color][/b] He concluded before his eyes fixed on a girl in the corner, her head hanging over her lap as a small smile crossed her face as the subtle clack of manicured nails against glass echoed through the tense room.

[b][color=#3d85c6]"That said..."[/color][/b] Jonas paused as he ran his hand over the top of his bag before reaching inside and drawing forth a small object. Throwing it, the object ricocheted across the room until the girl in the corner cried out in shock as her cell phone clattered onto the floor, the eraser Jonas had thrown landing exactly on target.

[b][color=#3d85c6]"There is always one student who isn't listening."[/color][/b] Jonas said with a cross smirk. [b][color=#3d85c6]"Now then, as I have all of your attention, I should explain that physics can be exciting. I can teach you how to do what I just did and we can do a lot of lab work that you will learn from and excitedly explain to your friends no matter how nerdy it makes you sound."[/color][/b] Jonas took a breath, placing a hand on the course textbook in front of him. [b][color=#3d85c6]"Or, physics can be incredibly dull. Even painful to sit through and you'll dread coming to every class.”[/color][/b]

[b][color=#3d85c6]“But that decision is up to you.”[/color][/b] Jonas said as he extended his arms towards the class. [b][color=#3d85c6]“You respect me and my rules, I'll respect you. Disrespect me, and you'll do the time."[/color][/b] Smiling, Jonas placed both hands on the podium as he looked at the class.

[b][color=#3d85c6]"So what will it be?"[/color][/b][/INDENT][/INDENT]
[hr][INDENT][sup][COLOR=SILVER]Tuesday, August 21[SUP]st[/SUP], 2018 - 02:20pm | The ‘Loft’[/COLOR][/sup][/INDENT]
[INDENT][INDENT]As the bell sounded signaling the last break of the day, Jonas packed up his things and left the calculus classroom behind. An eager smile crossed his face, it was time to make his last introduction of the day, but it was also the introduction he had been most looking forward to all day.

Walking the aged hallways of Mather Memorial, Jonas made his way to the top of the main building. Unlocking the door to a musty, old classroom, Jonas coughed slightly as a cloud of dust met his nostrils as the door swung open. Entering the room, Jonas placed his bag on the antique desk as he turned and looked towards one of the school’s last operating analog clocks.

Within the next fifteen minutes, those attending the Hyperhuman Social Conscience Program would be coming through the very door he had just unlocked. While originally the room had been set up with aged single piece desks, Jonas had arranged a more comfortable situation and instead the classroom was now made up of several large leather couches arranged in a ‘U-shape’ adjacent to his desk. Opening the pair of windows at the far end of the classroom in an attempt to make the room breathe, Jonas moved through the room, placing a passcard and syllabus at each seat cushion. Walking over to the storage closet in the back corner of the room, Jonas opened its doors as he found a new package of chalk before returning to the head of the room.

Turning to the blackboard, Jonas reached lifted the tab on the new box of chalk, pulling a piece out before quickly writing out a question on the sun faded blackboard. As the bell rang signaling the start of class, the students began to file into the class, taking their seats as Jonas stood leaning against the desk with his arms crossed as he studied each and every one of them. As the group settled, Jonas cleared his throat before he began to address them.

[b][color=#3d85c6]"Allow me to welcome you to the first class of its kind,”[/color][/b] Jonas said as he extended with arms to add some showmanship to his introduction. [b][color=#3d85c6]“The Hyperhuman Social Conscience Program and as you should all be aware of by now, I am Mr. Lehrer but that’s far too formal for my liking.”[/color][/b] Jonas stated as he shook his hand beside his throat. 

[b][color=#3d85c6]”Please, call me, Jonas instead."[/color][/b] He said as he boosted himself onto the desk, taking a seat on the edge while alternating between rubbing a hand on either of his wrists. 

[b][color=#3d85c6]“Beside you, on your seat, you’ll find a passcard and a program syllabus. That card will allow you access to this room should you ever need it. I hope you’ll come to find this room to be something of a sanctuary.”[/color][/b] Looking over the class, Jonas could see their minds at work, curiosity was a driving trait among them. They were just as interested in studying him as he was them. 

[b][color=#3d85c6]“The syllabus, on the other hand, outlines our class and my expectations for you. Those of you who have taken have no doubt noticed that we’ll be drawing on a broad scope of subjects in order to find understanding of what exactly social conscience is and how a Hyperhuman can find their place in a world that so obviously doesn’t want them.”[/color][/b] Jonas paused before continuing further. [b][color=#3d85c6]“I’ve also included some helpful websites and other information on the back, the Hyperhuman and Human Alliance or Triple ‘H’ ‘A’ as they call themselves is on there if you ever need a support line and can’t call me.”[/color][/b]

[b][color=#3d85c6]“Now then, as some of you might have already noticed, I’ve written a question on the board that I want to use as an icebreaker and to begin to get to know a little about each other. It’s the last class of your first day of school, I’m not going to work you too hard today”[/color][/b] He chuckled while pointing over his shoulder to the chalkboard behind him.

[b][color=#3d85c6]”If you were a Hyperhuman, what ability would you have?”[/color][/b] He asked quoting the question behind him. [b][color=#3d85c6]“While some of you might already be Hyperhumans, that doesn’t mean you necessarily know or like your so-called ‘god given’ abilities. So I’m asking for what would you have wanted if you had the choice.”[/color][/b]

Jumping down from his desk, Jonas began to pace the front of the classroom as he extended his hands in an open invitation. [b][color=#3d85c6]"So what brave individual wants to be the first to take a crack at answering the question? Any ability you want, I just want you to say it and a quick reason why."[/color][/b] He stated turning the floor over to the class.[/INDENT][/INDENT]