Perimeter Red

By M. W. Morrison

Xaverie is scheduled to attend one of Second Earth's most prestigious schools. She soon becomes an integral part of a group of peers, and they all come to find that the school is more than it seems to be. Every cage has a lock that can be picked, and this group is about to break free. However, freedom has its own consequences, and Xaverie and her friends will find themselves in more trouble than they can imagine.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9781667140490

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

MOVING DAY

alking had never been as complex as it was right then. The young adults were all around her in groups she assumed to be their families, all carrying boxes and heavy luggage that she was forced to dodge. Giving one hard pull on her own single (albeit large) bag, she stopped and waited for the chance to board the elevator that would take her to the floor listed on her

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assignment form. Next to the floor number was her room number and the name of a girl she did not know. In fact, there were a lot of other numbers and words she did not recognize, but she was jostled by another passerby before she could begin to concentrate. Instead, she watched as the elevator approached the lower floor on which she stood

When the door finally opened, she stepped inside, hauling her bag after her with another hard pull. The sigh of relief that was about to come from her lungs hitched in her throat as she saw a blaze of blue fly through the closing metal doors. Apparently, the momentum it took to get to running at that speed was not easy to squelch, and before she knew it, she was on the ground underneath a very flustered person.

She sucked in a short breath, thinking that the decision to go forth with her education may have been a mistake.

"Tey'sho, I’m so sorry! A young man’s voice stated as he yanked her off of the floor. As their eyes met, she suddenly wondered if this was indeed a ‘he’. He was slightly shorter than she, and extremely androgynous, with brightly colored clothing draped over his slim form. His face was smooth, and his eyes had a childlike gleam; Colored bright green which complimented the blue of his hair and rainbow-colored clothing. It's my first day here and I have no idea where anything is. He (she decided to stick with her instincts) stated as he looked around. Searching for other victims? No, she was the only casualty of his elevator entrance. Finally, his bright eyes settled back on her. I'm Taisu!" he said, holding up a palm in greeting.

She mirrored his hand gesture, hoping he would not notice her hesitation. I'm Xaverie.

"Nai, I love it! How about Xay! or maybe Xaver?" he responded with a surprising amount of excitement.

Xaverie's eyes snapped back to him, her brows lifting at his outgoing nature. His voice was loud; just short of grating, and his energy level was over the top. Still, she did not understand his desire to mutilate her name. It's Xaverie. she said again, more slowly this time.

Ah! Alright then. You can call me Tai! he stood up straight, proud of his nickname. She offered him a smile and made a gesture as the elevator stopped on her floor. Stepping away from the elevator without a word, she nearly winced as she heard Taisu following. This is your floor too? We're neighbors then!

Looks like it, she mumbled as she looked for her room, grudgingly dragging her bag alongside her. The halls were muted in color, and the doors matched, only boasting different numbers in black across the center. She managed to walk a fairly short distance before seeing the door that listed her room number.

Dropping her bag at her side, she reached into her jacket and pulled out her assigned key-card. As she held it in front of the computerized lock, it blinked an entry message: ‘Confirmed’.

Before she could open the door, she felt another presence at her side. Xaverie turned and stepped back as another female moved to where she had just been standing.

So, you're the roommate? The girl’s eyes moved over Xaverie slowly, who likewise took in as much as she could. This person also stood slightly shorter, but she held herself in a way that gave off a commanding vibe. Her hair was black, cropped as short as Taisu's tousled strands all the way around her head. The bottom was shaved except for the back, where she let it cascade down to her shoulders and tied it back into a short, spiked tail. Her eyes were also dark; A deep brown that pooled into the blackness of her pupils. Under her right eye was a curving line of green dots that looked to be permanent. She wore a long black coat and was followed by a small floating device that seemed magnetized to her left shoulder. Xaverie's brows lifted in surprise as she noticed the girl's bags also followed her on their own accord.

After giving her a once-over, the female nodded to herself and stepped back. Moro. Take note: residential dorm. she said, rolling her eyes as Taisu's gasp coincided with the motion of the black device (serpent-like, upon closer inspection) lifting into the air behind her. It beeped a few times before coolly replying Floor twenty-three, room Z W six. Residence confirmed, Kireille.

The girl, Kireille, then turned and gestured, giving Xaverie a glance. Take note: roommate. This was said in a more bored tone, and Xaverie shifted backward when the serpent device flew up to her and seemed to run a scan over her entire body. Roommate confirmed, it concluded.

When the serpent did not move, Xaverie looked to Kireille, who rolled her eyes. You have to say your name.

She lowered her brows and focused on the device, which was no bigger than her forearm, but somehow more intimidating than it’s operator. Xaverie. she offered.

Confirmed. replied the device as it flew back and seemed to attach itself back to some sort of magnetic field behind Kireille's shoulder.

C'mon then. the girl ordered, stepping into the room. Xaverie sent Taisu a parting gesture and hefted her bag, following the shorter female in.

"Nai, sha'tre! You have a Z-Guard! I didn't know they came in that form! What is it, a dragon? Where did you-"

Kirelle shut the door on Taisu's questions and sighed in annoyance. "Is that

yours?" she asked, glancing back at the closed door.

Xaverie just shook her head in response and looked around. Her eyes scanned over what would be her new home as Kireille stopped in the entryway, her rolling bags halting at her sides.

Moro, scan vicinity, she ordered, watching with a bored expression as the small black serpent flew from behind her shoulder and made its way through the small apartment. I sincerely hope you brought some food with you.

Yes, Xaverie confirmed. She began to step forward but stopped as Kireille lifted her arm.

Let Moro finish. He'll tell us if the place is safe.

It was, from what she could see, a fairly simple place; One hall to the left, and one to the right, which she could only assume would lead to their bedrooms. In front of them was a sitting room, with a small sectioned-off kitchen area to their left. There was nothing suspicious or unsafe about it.

I'm sure it's safe. This is a school, not a weapons camp. Xaverie replied, speaking out loud before she could stop herself.

Kireille turned and looked at her this time, her face taking on a slightly amused look. You'd be surprised.

Xaverie opened her mouth to reply but was cut off as the tiny dragon flew back into the room and once again took its place behind Kireille. Residence clear. No threat detected, Kireille.

She nodded and walked down the hallway to the right, Moro and bags following on their own. Xaverie took that as a sign that she could move and did so.

*******

She stared at her own disgruntled face in the mirror as the music surrounded her. Kireille had taken it upon herself to fill their shared domicile with alarmingly loud sound in the form of what she called 'music'. Sure, Xaverie enjoyed music, but this was something altogether different than what she knew. Either way, this was a time to rest, and the tunes were at a volume one would keep at a raving party. It was nerve-wracking, and her reflection showed as much.

Her lavender eyes were half lidded, lips pursed in annoyance, and brows drawn down low. Stray brownish hair hung in her eyes, and the rest of it spilled over her shoulders, despite being bound behind her head. She had hoped to find a measure of solace in the washroom, but the walls could only muffle the sound.

Home at last, she muttered, giving herself an ironic smirk. The small apartment was nothing like the home she knew; Closed off and isolated within rows and columns of others just like it. It was a box within a box of walls with no windows, but it would suffice. Unpacking her bag had at least made the bedroom she was left with seem more familiar.

Xaverie's eyes moved downward as her fingers pulled at a small triangular piece that seemed stuck at the base of her neck. With one tiny pop, she removed the skin-toned sticker and wrapped it in a disposable hand towel. She sent the disguised bundle down the trash shoot, picked up the box on the sink and closed

it up. Xaverie had made sure that the box was labeled with some sort of embarrassing toiletry title in which one would not likely be interested. Shoving it to the back of the cabinet, she stood up and focused on her neck area once again. There was a small indentation in her flesh; A tiny port where she deftly laid another sticker to blend in with the surrounding skin.

A shiver coursed through her frame as the sticker's serum took effect. The tall female shook out her limbs quickly, tightened her hair’s binding and pulled her high-collared jacket back on. She steadied herself as the slow rush of feelings took over, and caught her breath before exiting the bathroom and entering the land of mind-shattering noise once again.

She walked down the short hallway to the sitting room, hands over her ears. Once in sight, she yelled to Kireille (who looked perfectly content sprawled on the couch with the music blaring in her ears), "Why is it so loud?"

Kireille met her gaze with an exasperated look. "Because our annoying blue- haired neighbor was trying to talk through the door. I cannot put up with that every single waking hour of the day." She gestured angrily toward the door, and then returned her gaze to Xaverie. After giving her a once-over, she spoke softly to her device, Moro. The tiny device’s eyes glowed and the music lowered in volume.

How did he end up here? Xaverie asked in a softer voice, moving her eyes

toward the door. When Kireille did not answer right away, she continued her

thoughts. He obviously isn't human, her tone softened toward the end of the

sentence, and she hoped her awkwardness was not as noticeable as it felt.

Must be a mixed floor, Kireille vocally shrugged, and Xaverie turned to see

that she was poking at her tablet. "As long as the same species room together,

they aren't breaking any rules." The black-haired human spoke of the strict policy that was enforced not only by the school, but city wide. Segregation of species was a must in their area, and even Xaverie (who had spent most of her childhood on the outskirts of the city), knew of it.

What made her nervous was the fact that she technically did not belong in this room any more than Taisu. It was a secret that she absolutely had to keep to herself for the duration of her stay at the school. Worse still, Xaverie knew that if it were to be found out, her life would be on the line. They took the species rule very seriously.

So, what color did you decide on in your room? Kireille's voice broke through her stream of worried thoughts.

Xaveie blinked. Out of pink, orange and white, I'll take white, she answered, unimpressed.

Feeling more comfortable with her roommate's presence, she moved and sat in a large chair near the occupied couch. It was surprisingly comfortable, and she felt her muscles relax as her mind did. Perhaps it would not be too hard to get used to. Unpacking had taken hours, but now it felt more like a home.

Kireille sat up and scoffed, drawing her attention from the comfortable

chair. What color would you decide on, had you the choice? she asked with a spark of amusement in her dark eyes.

Shaking her head, Xaverie shrugged. I'd go with a dark blue, I guess, she

answered after a moment’s thought. Her eyes lifted to Kireille as she saw Moro fly from the girl's shoulder, moving down the hall that held her room. She lifted a brow in question and Kireille shrugged.

He'll hack the school's wall coding. It's actually quite simple. She leaned back on the chair, once again poking at her tablet.

Xaverie looked between her roommate and the device a few times before standing to cautiously follow the robotic dragon. When she caught up, she watched in awe as the walls of her room flickered through various colors. Moro was very obviously controlling them as he hovered over the small glowing pad that controlled the environment. One could play music, check reports, and shift the scenes in the 'window' screen that adorned the far wall. Slowly, the colors

stopped flickering and were left at a dark blue. Xaverie stepped quickly to the side as Moro flew back to his commander.

Ah... thanks! she called, smirking as Kireille grunted in response. She had a feeling that not all of the students at the T-Sector Educational Facility were as

knowledgeable as this moody human. ‘Maybe I'm not the only one with secrets.' she thought as she leaned into her room to give the walls an appreciative once over. She was running her hands over the smooth texture when she heard the apartment door open.

You two have to check this out!

Xaverie's hand dropped from the wall when she heard Taisu's unmistakable entrance, and Kireille's even more unmistakable reaction.

"Chensey! Don't you knock?"

Xaverie left the room and padded down to the sitting room. She stopped at the end of the hallway, stifling a smile as she saw Taisu sitting on the floor in front of a now tense, straight-backed Kireille. He was making a comment about her use of 'bad language' and the human simply rolled her eyes.

Somehow, this scene alone made her feel right at home; Although, the apartment was definitely lacking a certain woodsy scent, and the lighting was much more tolerable. Her eyes drifted to the floor as she thought.

Oh Xav! Look!

Her brows drew together It's Xaverie. Zay-ver-ee she looked up as she enunciated her own name, but her annoyed expression faltered at the sight of a very feminine looking Taisu. You-

It’s the map of the school. They've got so many flight terminals. I can't wait to try out the bikes! Taisu interrupted without noticing the look on Xaverie's face.

Kireille, however, noticed and rolled her eyes once again. He can be either or; Male or female. Though they usually make a choice by his age. She sat back and glared as Taisu got up off of the floor and sat next to her on the couch, mumbling a lax response. His bright hair and mood were a complete contrast to Kireille's dark.

Xaverie approached the chair she had sat in earlier at a slow pace, her eyes on Taisu's form. It was much softer and rounder than when she first met him. He was even wearing a tighter shirt, and his hair seemed to have a curl at the bottom. Definitely female. So, wouldn't it be... she?

Taisu shook his head, and Kireille took over the explanation again, not bothering to look up from her tablet this time. "The Aa'tse Sune, or Shifters, have a base sex, and he was born male. You can tell by the way they are named..." Kireille seemed as if she could continue on with her lecture, but her voice faded off and stopped.

You're not from around here, are you?

Xaverie broke her thoughts to find both looking at her. She shook her head quickly. No... well, yes, but not here! she rushed out. Her curiosity took over for her as she stared openly at Taisu, who went back to clicking through the school manual. Why does he look so... I mean, how- Xaverie let out the rest of her questions on a breath, deciding to stop before she said something insulting.

Kireille's brows were drawing lower and lower over her dark eyes. Her voice was much more pressed as she spoke, which made it clear that her patience was running low. He must feel more comfortable being female around other females. It's a choice they can make up through adulthood, usually based on social or sexual interest. Her voice droned toward the end of the sentence, as though she were speaking to a classroom. Kireille's demeanor was shattered a moment later as Taisu leaned in closer to her, his form suddenly shifting.

Exactly. I can be as male as one would like me to be. His voice was deeper and noticeably smooth. The shift itself had been barely noticeable, but the result was very clear. Taisu's intentions, however mocking, were also more than clear.

Kireille's recovery was as swift as the shove she applied to his shoulder. As he fell back from the couch, she stood stiffly and stalked from the room. Don't ever ask me why we lock the door from now on, Xaverie! The black-haired female was out sight in moments, and her bedroom door slammed shut. How she managed to slam a sliding door shut was another on Kireille's growing list of mysteries.

Xaverie looked back at their guest with wide eyes and stood to help Taisu up. The Shifter accepted her hand and scowled as he rotated his shoulder, his eyes taking on an innocent look once again. "Nai, she's mean," he commented.

We’re all...tired. I think," was all she could think of to say in response.

I'll see ya later Xav, he said, his eyes already locked excitedly on the manual. Clearly, he was not at all dissuaded by Kireille's reaction. "Oh, I can't wait! You have to see the bikes they have here!"

The door slid closed behind him, leaving her blinking in his wake. Xaverie took in a slow breath. It's... Xaverie.

It was quiet all at once, which was somehow more uncomfortable than the earlier music. Xaverie touched the pad on the wall to turn down the lighting, made sure to lock the main door, and made her way back to her own room.

She still had so much to learn, and she had a feeling that tomorrow would only add to the list.

CHAPTER TWO

THE STRANGER

averie's eyes never wavered from the window in her room. The early morning hours were fading slowly to dawn, but she had attained her necessary slumber hours ago. She only needed a few hours each night, and usually spent the rest of the time working while others slept. It was a quiet time, when there was no one to watch her and no one to tell her that her

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work was incorrect or too slow.

Tonight, however, she sat by the window and flipped through the channels offered by the school. The window itself was technically a view-screen, since her room had no direct outlet to the outside world. The floor on which she lived was so high in the atmosphere that the air was nearly unbreathable. Knowing this, the school kept cameras with several panning views of the city in which it was located. Live shots of the bustling roads and stores were available at all times, if just to emulate the feeling of being close to the ground.

It had been three days, and she still was not used to living this high up, much less in such a crowded environment. The small, nomadic colony she had come

from was much more conservative, and they always stayed on ground level. The only time she could remember going into the city was when she was brought in for registration as a student, and even then, they had only stayed for a few hours. Otherwise, they stayed strictly beyond the outskirts of the city. Now, she lived strictly within the city, and this was to be her home for the immediate future.

Xaverie had originally been born in the Fifth Star System on the planet Trius, where she had spent the first eight years of her life. In her ninth year, she was smuggled into Perimeter Red and thrown into her present life on the planet Second Earth. Besides her weekly need for vitamin supplements and having to keep her hair bound at all times, she blended just about perfectly with the human inhabitants of Second Earth. Humans sported various hair, skin, and eye colors, which made it fairly easy to pull off.

Many of the other species (both mixed and pure born) who made their home on the planet were already marked by the Regen’s vast collection of information, but Xaverie knew that Trians were not well researched. She was bipedal, with two eyes and one mouth, air-breathing and intelligent. Therefore, she was human, and being a human meant being safe. This was technically their planet, after all.

As she lifted her gaze upward, Xaverie could almost see the lights on the horizon. Somewhere deep down, she wanted to learn every part of the planet. She knew there were a total of four other cities like the one in which she now lived, and in between those cities were thousands of miles of landscape that she had never seen. She quickly shook those thoughts from her mind, though. First, she would need to concentrate on earning her official citizenship as a human.

That would be a test in and of itself.

Her thoughts were broken as she heard a noise from the kitchen. Checking the clock, she realized that it was about time for other beings to wake from their rest.

She got up and stretched her arms in various positions as she walked toward the main room. A smirk lifted her lips as she realized it was Kireille's tiny Z-Guard who had been causing the noise. Leaning against the wall, she watched amusedly as it took a cup of some unknown liquid to a very tired-looking Kireille.

That's so convenient; I wish I had one, Xaverie said, watching as Moro took his place at Kireille's left shoulder.

She took a short sip and squinted up at Xaverie from her seat on the couch. Why don't you then? she asked groggily, leaning back and away from the sunlight filtering through the view-screen.

Xaverie scoffed. Too expensive, she moved to get herself some breakfast. The true answer was that she had never even heard of a Z-Guard before meeting Kireille, but that could be left un-said.

A loud knock at the door broke the calm in the room as the girls looked at each other.

"I swear on my life if that little chensey-"

Xav, Kireille! Come on! It's after sunrise, and we can get our bikes today! came a muffled voice from the hall outside.

Neither had to guess who was at their door so early in the morning. Kireille was nearly steaming at the ears as Xaverie bit back another correction of her name.

Taisu, we just woke up, give us a half hour, she called, moving to grab a drink of her own, and smirking at Kireille's addition to her statement.

"Hell, give us two hours. Go wait in your room, we'll come and get you!" the human snarled out, quickly swallowing the rest of her drink and standing. She glared at the door as she waited for his reply.

A soft whine was all the two could hear. Clearly, he had learned a lesson about Kireille's temper. At that, both females shrugged and walked to their respective rooms, preparing for what would surely be a long day.

*******

It was less than an hour before the three made their way to the main docking deck. It was in place well below their room locations, where the air was breathable, but still cold. The wind was blowing hard lower in the atmosphere and as they stepped outside the building, Kireille's long black jacket billowed in the wind behind her, and Xaxerie pulled her own high-collared coat tighter.

Taisu followed both, wearing what could be called a 'riding outfit’: Matching deep gray jacket and pants, and thick black goggles tucked above his hairline. Xaverie could feel the excitement coming off of him as they came upon rows and rows of personal bikes. There were many different colors, but similar models lined up in rows that seemed to go on for miles. There were only a few who were checking in with the Regen worker to get their keycodes this early.

She hoped her anxiety was not as easily detected as Taisu's excitement. She had only been on a bike once, and at the time she was a passenger. Each student was to have passed through physical and mental testing courses in order to get into this school, and Xaverie had evaded those tests on the possibility that she would be caught in her lie. Random blood tests were one thing, but a full physical would surely give her away.

State your names and social IDs, the Regen worker ordered.

Xaverie never got used to their voices, which seemed to add a strange vibration to the air around them. The distinctive eyes and silver hair that belonged to any one of the Regen species was another dead give-away. Their mouths and noses were almost always covered by a yellow barrier device that apparently guarded them from inter-species infections.

Kireille, said the bored voice from her side, followed by a jumble of numbers.

The worker handed her a small card with a shimmering number on it. Memorize it. The number will be incomprehensible in one hour, the Regen stated, nodding to a row off to their left. Yours is the black one, row 345 G.

Xaverie watched as she nodded, glancing quickly back to her companions before walking off to the direction of her bike. Moro was tucked somewhere underneath the black duster jacket she wore, perhaps because of the wind. Then again, something told Xaverie that Z-Guards were not an everyday appearance at the school.

...on the same floor as I do, Taisu was finishing.

Xaverie's eyebrows drew together as she saw the Regen worker scanning Taisu. She stopped herself from rolling her eyes. Only because Taisu had come in with two humans was he being scanned. These random scans detected any and all mixes of bodily fluids, from saliva to sweat. If one was found to have mixed with a different species, the scanner would pick it up, and the being would be detained, and eventually destroyed, arrested, or deported. Luckily for her, the scanners were basic, and not something that would be able to detect the difference between Trian and human readings.

Taisu was trotting off to his bike and before Xaverie knew it, she too was being scanned. Her breath hitched in her throat, but she made no outward sign of her anxiety. The worker nodded as she stated her name and social ID and handed her the card. Xaverie's bike was located two down from Taisu's. As she approached, she let out a long sigh, leaning on the silver bike that could very well be her undoing.

Everything ok? she heard his voice, the androgynous tone that was oddly comforting, and nodded. He seemed to notice her glances to the Regen worker and spoke up. Eh, I got used to it. I haven't hung around my kind much since I got to the city, so I get scanned all the time. I hope you don't mind.

Xaverie looked up to him, noting he was already astride his black bike. I'm fine with it, don't worry! she spoke up, keeping a sharp eye on his hands as he turned his bike on to warm it up. She repeated exactly as she saw.

Hey, I hope you two can keep up, they both turned to see Kireille smirking from beneath her red toned goggles. I'm headed to the store to get supplies. Follow if you want to, or if you can. She lifted a hand and ran it over her bike, which was oddly no longer all black. It seemed to have more of a shine to it, with red accents along the sides.

Xaverie shook her head and smirked as Moro's tiny red eyes peered from the shadows of Kireille's collar.

In the blink of an eye, she turned her bike in a swift maneuver and was gone in a streak of light.

Hnn.

Xaverie looked up at Taisu, who lowered his black goggles over his eyes and smirked, his form shifting to a more masculine build. Oh, I can, his voice now matched his form, and just as his smirk pulled back into an almost feral grin, he was gone.

Xaverie gaped and looked down at her bike controls with wide lavender eyes. This was not good; She had no idea how to work the thing. She had hoped that Kireille or Taisu could give her some pointers but had not anticipated their competitive outburst.

Lowering her goggles nervously, she allowed herself to look around the flight deck. There were more and more students lining up to receive their bikes, and a second worker had shown up to help. Xaverie flinched and turned away as she realized that the second worker was looking her way.

Ohhhhh no, she breathed out, staring at the control pad. She had an idea of what would make it move, but forward, backward, left, right? It would be a guessing game at best.

Please leave the flight deck at once! she heard a voice from behind her, knowing exactly to whom they were speaking. Another glance showed her that she was now being approached. She heard footsteps, and her eyes darted back and forth underneath her dark goggles as she thought quickly.

It was the moment she was able to feel the presence of the Regen worker behind her that she turned around. Ah, something must be wrong with my controls, she tried not to exaggerate frustration, and worked to steady her breathing.

The worker’s scowl was obvious, even underneath the yellow face guard. He motioned for her to move and she watched as he hit a black button on her handles. Try leaning now. Keep pressure on the foot rests.

She did as she was told. Immediately, she felt a click at her heels, and the bike was off in a dash. Her voice vibrated in a yell as she flew away from the deck at top speed, unable to control her own reaction. Xaverie did her best to hold onto the bike as she went, and was even able to put herself into a seated position that made her feel as though the bike was still under her. Luckily, her control did not start to waver until after she was out of sight.

However, two pairs of eyes did not fail to notice her haphazard maiden flight. One two-toned pair belonged to the second Regen worker. The other pair were ice blue, hidden beneath dark goggles.

Both made the decision to follow her.

*******

She was panting by the time the bike jerked to a stop. Her breath had refused to even out after flying for several blocks on a very erratic path, barely dodging buildings before finally figuring out how to slow down. After that, it was a matter of getting to the ground in one piece, while somehow navigating a natural obstacle course. Her leg was throbbing from an impact on her descent to the ground, but both she and the evil machine were still in one piece.

Groaning, Xaverie stood carefully, throwing all of her weight to her right side as she slid clumsily off of the bike. She just about fell back into a seated position again and leaned forward with her head in her hands, glad that this was not a populated area. Above her, huge lines of traffic were split in their paths, creating a web of moving light between buildings. High-set walkways and flyways seemed to be swarming with people, but this area on the ground was generally a place for stray litter and small beasts. Trash-ridden or not, she was glad to be away from the gasping, screaming public that she had just flown through.

If you can call that flying. she mumbled to herself. No, I wouldn't say you could.

Xaverie's eyes and body shot up, and she unconsciously winced as her leg protested. A cloaked figure was walking his bike over to where she sat, and as he stopped, he lifted his goggles above his eyes and set them on his forehead. Now, his only noticeable attributes were his obviously male voice, and clear blue eyes. Xaverie's eyebrows quirked in confusion as she watched him look behind himself.

You've got about two minutes to get back on the bike and find a way to get yourself out of here, he announced.

What are you talking about? she threw back, leaning forward again and running a gloved hand over her aching leg.

We're being followed, he answered with another glance over his shoulder, come on. He moved to mount his bike, his dark cloak billowing around his form before it settled.

Xaverie blinked a few times and looked at him in a fog. "I believe I'm the one being followed, she said incredulously, trying to stand and feeling another throb of pain. And if my pursuer hasn't already noticed, I'm not exactly good at this."

He scoffed and moved forward on his now-hovering bike. Get on and do what you did back at the deck. There was an edge to his voice now. I'm telling you, that Regen is on his way right now.

Xaverie let out a questioning word on a breath as she carefully mounted her bike, her head shifting quickly in all directions at the thought of being caught. What does he want? she fumbled with her handles, looking for the button. A black gloved hand reached over hers and deftly pushed the button, bringing her bike to life once again.

The students at the school should all have passed a course to get in. That course included basic knowledge of these bikes, he answered in an impatient tone. You can’t even turn yours on.

Xaverie sneered and refused to meet the icy gaze she was sure was directed at her.

Come on, he urged. Put pressure with your heels and lean into turns. Just follow me, he stated and lifted into the air.

Only now did she take in the dark blue color of his bike, and the way his cloak flowed about him, almost as Kireille's jacket had around her bike. Xaverie wondered snidely if her riding skills would increase if she were to dress the part. Cloaks had not been on the school’s list of required items.

Slowly, she applied pressure and felt her bike lifting into the air. The world around her wobbled, and she cursed aloud, but followed him as he obviously

kept a slow pace in front of her. She hit the first turn with difficulty, but completed it without trouble. It was much easier when they stayed close to the ground, where the trade winds and wakes from other vehicles were not pushing at them.

They had traveled about five blocks when a Regen bike cut them off in an alley between two buildings. The cloaked man turned his bike and headed back toward her, and Xaverie could swear she saw his blue eyes through the thick black goggles.

Turn the handles and lean left, push with your right foot! he yelled as he passed by, and Xaverie followed his orders as best she could. Unfortunately, the bike sputtered as she turned, and her leg jarred with pain as she attempted to utilize it. Up ahead, he stopped and she froze and squeezed her eyes shut as he moved in reverse toward her.

A small jolt, a 'clicking' noise, and a short command to hold on came before Xaverie could open her eyes. When she did, she saw that the back of his bike had somehow locked to hers, and she held on for her life as they took off.

She found herself genuinely respectful of the stranger as they flew, taking sharp turns at speeds she had not experienced. Her bike hummed with life, but the terminal was lit a soft orange, signaling what she guessed was 'neutral'. Xaverie did not even try to turn around when she heard the unmistakable barking command from the Regen worker behind her, threatening to call for backup if the two did not stop.

Her body shifted, and she held on more tightly as she felt him speed up. Just as she felt settled, something clamped around her neck and she was ripped from her bike. A short, strangled scream erupted from her throat before she found herself floating helplessly to the ground. She caught her footing as her feet touched down, but when she tried to move, she realized that her body was being restrained.

The pressure and pain around her neck proved to be a collar, which was holding her in place. It had kept her from injury on the way down, but also kept her prisoner. Xaverie realized that she could not walk, but she could move her arms. Instinctively, her hands pulled at the pulsating collar, and she felt panic beginning to set in.

A distraction came when her eyes picked up motion nearby. It was the Regen who had been after them. Clearly, the collar was his work, and he was just then stepping off of his bike and looking her over. The sight of the trademark two- toned eyes caused her to gasp for breath and claw at her neck, but that stopped when black filled her view.

The black cloak. The stranger who had been trying to help her escape now stood protectively in front of her. Her hands went still on the collar, and she took in a breath. Why was he being so persistent in saving her? He tried once, but she had failed. If anything, he should be running now that the Regen had his prey.

She's my understudy, he offered from his place in front of her.

Move, the vibrating voice of the guard ordered. The stranger was not phased.

Took a bump to the head, he continued, to her surprise. Doesn't remember much about riding the bikes, so I was giving her a lesson, he finished.

We need to take her back for testing. Standard procedure, the hum in the air made her shiver.

Put procedure on hold then would ya? It's her first- he was cut off and thrown abruptly to the side.

Xaverie gasped and tried to move again, but was held in place. Her eyes scanned the ground beside her to find her savior's unconscious form. His cloak splayed out below him, looking much less gallant crumpled beneath his prone frame.

The Regen worker moved, and she found panic welling up once again. He was slowly pulling a glove back onto his hand. Follow without struggle and I won't have to do the same to you, the buzzing voice warned. The Regen was close now, and the yellow face cover shifted as he spoke. She could not even back away.

Instincts took over before Xaverie could even think of speaking. Panic swirled with adrenaline and mixed into purpose, and her hands moved from the collar to set her long hair free. She took