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<br/>​</div>"Before we get started, I'd like to say a few words."<br/><br/>The man at the podium was hard and set, planted firmly in his place on the stage, the sun shining brightly overhead. It was a pleasant spring day, warm without being terribly hot or humid. The grass was lush and green, the landscape around the stage accented with multiple flowerbeds. The young man standing at the pulpit had dark, thick hair. He was dressed nicely, though not in a suit and tie like some may have expected him to dress. But that wasn't his style. He preferred utility over appearance. His knuckles, white from his grip on the edges of his podium, were scarred and bruised, clearly having recently been used in a fist fight, and those who stood too near to him felt uncomfortably warm.<br/><br/>He stared into the crowd with his multi-colored eyes, letting the noise dull down until it faded completely before speaking again.<br/><br/>"Those of you gathered here today go by many names: Gifted, freak, blessed, Inhuman, Metahuman, Enhanced... the list goes on. None of that matters in here. In here, you are all the same. Within these walls, you will be tested over and over again, taught to defend yourself against any opponent. You'll face challenges greater than anything in your life. It won't be easy, but if you can stick through to the end, you have my word that it will be worth it. Now, without further delay, I welcome you to Battle School."<br/><br/>As the words left his mouth there was a loud, vicious growl that echoed through the grounds. Almost every head in the audience whirled around immediately, the sound of the growl jolting everyone from their passive boredom. There, walking down the center, strolled a petite woman, confidence pouring off her like a waterfall. Her hair was black and choppy, her eyes vibrant, shining with what could only be malicious glee.  Mortified, the students watched as a large canine nearly twice her size followed behind, two human males held in its mouth.<br/><br/>Upon reaching the podium she turned to the hound and ordered it to let go of the boys it had. Reluctantly it obeyed, and released them. No sooner had their feet touched solid ground did they attempt to flee. With an annoyed grunt the woman flicked her wrist, and the entire student body watched as they ran into what seemed to be a solid wall, though nothing was there.<br/><br/>"I found these two humans trying to pass themselves off as students." She said, turning towards Ezra. Her voice was cold, she was clearly not amused. "I taught them a lesson in in what it means to trespass here, and why it is important not to lie to superiors." Pausing, she looked out at the field of wide eyed new recruits and raised an eyebrow as if she hadn't noticed they were there. A half smirk fell across her lips, her gaze drifting over the horrified faces. After a moment of silent observation she turned back to the Headmaster, "Who is to take them to the Liaison? Shall I?"<br/><br/>Ezra's eyes never left her, his expression exactly the same as it was before she entered. His body temperature elevated slightly, but not enough for anyone to really notice a difference. He listened to the young woman, his multi-colored eyes flicking between her and the humans she had arrested on the property.<br/><br/>"This institution," he began as he spoke to the humans directly. "... is for the training, education, and development of those who have transcended the typical human boundaries. It is not a place for those without abilities to take a look around and see what trouble you can cause. Our boarder captain, whom you just met, doesn't take kindly to trespassers. She must be feeling generous today, as she has full authority to use deadly force if she feels it's necessary."<br/><br/>Of course that was not the whole story. Ryliee and Ezra had already gone over the rules, and how much force and authority she was given. She could be rough, but she was not to endanger a life unless other lives were presently at risk. An incident between Metas and Humans could spark more conflict, and that was exactly what he was trying to avoid.<br/><br/>"Sasha. Leo. Take them to the gate and make sure they are delivered back to town as quickly as possible. File a report and make sure that our security recording is readily available if necessary." Immediately, a pair of Metas flanked Ryliee and her prisoners. Leo, a massive mountain of a man, grabbed one by the collar and hoisted him up to eye level effortlessly. Sasha, on the other hand, was a small young woman, barely five feet tall. She simply lifted her hand and watched as sand collected underneath the second trespasser until it pushed him off the ground. Immediately they were 'escorted' away. Ryliee jerked her head and the massive hound, Pig, followed them silently to escort them to the edge of the property where it would stay to patrol.<br/><br/>Ezra turned his attention to Ryliee, the look on his face as blank as always. She would know what it meant, but none of the students had known him long enough to figure it out. After several seconds, he averted his gaze away from Ryliee and addressed the crowd once again.<br/><br/>"We take security very seriously at Battle School. Trespassing is not usually a problem, but we do run into issues from time to time. The term trespassing, mind you, goes both directions. While you are here, you must check out with security before leaving campus, no exceptions. It is as much for your safety as it is for theirs. Our border captain and head of security..." Ezra gestured to Ryliee. "... takes her job very seriously, and will not hesitate to correct those who do not follow that rule."<br/><br/>"Now that's settled, this ends the welcoming ceremony. Please enter the administration building," Ezra continued the welcome speech, and gestured to the building on the right, "inside your acceptance packets you will find your designated houses. Find your house, log into the system and you'll recieve your dorm assignments. Your Heads of Houses will assist you. Welcome, all of you. Good health, and good luck."