<div class="floatright">(http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x401/callmecapone/Wallpapers_-_Headphone22.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong>Phenex<br/><strong>Time:</strong>6:00am to 6:30am<br/><strong>Location:</strong>Dorm room, hallway leading to class<br/><br/><hr/><br/>Phenex's fingers picked and strummed at thin air as his room filled with the sound of heavily distorted guitar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5jvUXij7nU), trying to figure out where his finger placement ought to be if he were to try and perform such a song. He had only listened to it a few times by now, but it had managed to hook itself into his mind, repeating over and over as he slept during the night. Or at least, tried to sleep.<br/><br/>He was nervous. He couldn't hide it, at least not from himself. He had woken up over an hour ago to shower and change, just too nervous to get any more sleep. He just couldn't place<em>why</em>he was feeling so nervous. He'd been around Incubi and Succubi before. He'd been outcast by them, too, and just chose to live things his way. Perhaps it was that he was actually excited to learn more about human culture. Then again, it was human culture through the eyes of other demons. Could he really learn about them in such conditions? He'd much rather learn about humans by being surrounded by them, like this mother.<br/><br/>His eyes opened, his fingers halting their attempt to mimic what he believed would be the finger placement upon the fret board, letting out a heavy sigh. He reached for the small shelf nailed to the wall above his bed, grasping some of the CD's his mother had left him, a note resting between the cases for Megadeth's<em>Countdown to Extinction</em>and<em>Youthanasia</em>.<br/><br/><em>My beloved Phen,<br/><br/>I know you wouldn't want to speak with me on the way to the academy, so I packed this note and these CD's into your baggage while you were otherwise distracted. I am sorry to have been away for so much of your life, and to have been absent even more these past few years. If I could, I'd have you on these expeditions into human society with me, teaching you of their ways, how surprisingly swiftly their technology and cultural perceptions can change, how each passing generation has a new set of values, often contradictory with those that came prior and yet taking on the very same arguments and mentality. They are a curious group of creatures, and for all their numerous flaws, they are certainly <strong>something</strong>.<br/><br/>Sadly, I do not have the time to truly prepare you for the human world. I should have done so long ago, should have foreseen your curiosity. Instead, you will be going to the Academy. I know you have had a rough time living with the other Incubi and Succubi, but I hope you will find new friends and blossom into the wonderful Demon I know you to be.<br/><br/>I've packed some new musical discs for you, recommended by your Uncle Belgoroth. He spent a lot of time in what is known as the "Bay Area" in the 1980's and 1990's. He claimed that these bands influenced the one you are so fond with. I still don't understand the appeal of these songs, but will try to keep a look out for more for you. I'm so delighted that you found some part of human nature to latch onto and explore. Hopefully you can join me in my studies after you graduate from the Academy.</em><br/><br/><div style="text-align: right;"><em>With love,<br/>Your mother</em></div><br/>She had been right. Had she tried to say any of this to him in person, he'd have interrupted her and an argument would have begun. He didn't want to be here. She should have spent her time teaching him about humanity so he could have been ready. So he could be working with her right now, learning the<em>real</em>secrets, discovering real findings. Instead, he was stuck at some stupid academy with a bunch of judgmental succubi and boring incubi. What did they know? What did they ponder about the ways of humans? Even now, listening to this song, Phenex couldn't help but question what a Pied Piper was, why and how he'd be leading rats through streets, what marionettes were and what they danced like. Did such questions ever occur to the others of his kind?<br/><br/>He didn't have the heart to admit it to himself, but only some of his fear came from an assumed inability to relate. Part of his fear and nervousness was simply due to his lack of wings. He had no idea why they hadn't grown in yet, but he knew other demons loved to mock him for it. His tail was thick and long, a positive sign evidently, and his stubby horns didn't seem to get much attention, but the lack of wings... it was almost a death sentence, it seemed.<br/><br/>Phenex sighed as he finally sat up. He figured he'd be late for class by this point, but he also didn't really care. He grabbed his bag and hoisted it over his shoulder, stifling a yawn before exiting his room. As he walked down the hall his eyes caught posters hung up, each one displaying a young woman full in the nude. He knew that risque photographs were more welcome in this academy, but it still seemed a bit too straight-forward, even for succubi.<br/><br/>He stepped up to the poster, looking more closely at it. His immediate instinct was to scoff at the notion of making friends with other demons so easily, but that scoff quickly turned into ponderously chewing upon his lip. He could feel his body nearly growl with an ache, the first signs of his hunger. If he wanted to last, he'd need to feed soon. Perhaps this was the best way?<br/><br/>His eyes darted side to side, making sure no one had noted him before descending down the steps. He let out a sigh, wishing he could wear a hat or hood so that he could have his headphones slipped into his ears. As it was, he had to walk the quiet, boring hall in silence.<br/><br/>Ah well. He was used to the lonesome silence.