<br/><div class="floatleft">(http://i62.tinypic.com/330z2o0.jpg)</div><br/><strong>Name:</strong>Sparx Larsa<br/><strong>Location:</strong>The Institute --> FALLING?!<br/><strong>Tagging:</strong>Zenobia<br/><br/><br/><hr/><br/>"Before I hand you my paper, just a few things I want to tell you and make clear, based on your answers to the questions, Sparx." The young Human's eyes snapped to attention when Zenobia spoke to him. Something told him she was going to say some things that he wasn't going to like hearing. He held his breath, but wasn't caught off guard. She seemed far above a feeble human like himself. His answers probably revealed that about himself. Oh well...<br/><br/>"First and foremost?  You don't really seem like a loser to me.  Sure, maybe you do need a little work on the physical capabilities department.  Maybe you do need a little bit of work, especially in the self confidence area...but you know what?  I don't partner myself to losers, and the fact you're stuck with me should say something.  You're pretty damn smart...I can tell that much.  That makes up for a lot of the flaws you seem to be focusing on for yourself.  A good mind is the most valuable asset anyone can look for, and just about everything else can be worked on.  As far as I am concerned, I grabbed one of the best partners in the room, even if I am going to have to work with him a little bit."<br/><br/>The young human was visibly stunned from her words. At first, he didn't believe in the sincerity, but something about her eyes reassured him of her word's authenticity. His self-esteem has always been a social crutch for him, but nobody has ever taken the time to rehabilitate this handicap. She even through in a few compliments to stroke what little bit of ego he had. He had to physically resist the urge to smile. Here he was, scared and lonely one moment, then paired up with a badass monster the next: One that is actually willing to stay partnered with him. He wanted to thank the woman for her kind words, but was halted by her gesture as she continued.<br/><br/>"Secondly, about what your parents were hoping for you in sending you here.  I'm taking it on myself to cover both at once.  You met someone new, and she's going to whip you into shape.  I would like, in return, to learn more about this technology thing.  We start training tomorrow morning, I suggest you get your beauty sleep tonight.  We'll get you those twenty push ups yet, and then some."<br/><br/>Sparx had to laugh a bit at that, even if he was dreading it on the inside. She seemed very physically adept, which worried him slightly about how hard she would push him. Hopefully he would survive. At least, on the side, he would have a chance to play around with technology and show her his world. That might be an interesting change of pace for the young tech-geek. He's done plenty of online forum tutorials, but he's never taught someone face-to-face. Zenobia seemed pretty smart herself. It shouldn't be too hard to teach her.<br/><br/>"Thirdly and lastly...if you really do like me, don't sound so sad next time you say it.  Actions speak louder than words, and honestly...those actions told me you were somehow disappointed.  Like you wanted to not like me, or something."<br/><br/>The last one stunned him a second time, but this blow hit deep in his gut. His first reaction was to vomit all the reasons why he really did like her, but Zenobia was right.<em>'Actions speak louder than words'</em>. He never realized his own issues could hurt another; especially someone who he really wanted to like him. His eyes fell down towards the table. It was easy to see he was disappointed in himself. How ironic would it be if he chased away a potential friend with his own stupidity?<br/><br/>As he stared down at the desk, Zenobia's paper entered his line of sight. "Just wave me up if we're free to go when you hand these in.  We've got more to talk about, I'm sure.  Even if it's just you showing me more about human technology and how it works." He looked up into her ruby eyes. They still seemed just as sincere as before. He still felt bad about his words and actions, but decided to suck it up.<br/><br/>He smirked at her, "Thanks for that." He cut himself off there. When in the presence of Zenobia, his actions meant more than his words. Hopefully, in the near future, something would happen where he'd have the chance to show his gratitude.<br/><br/>Oh how cruel fate can be...<br/><br/>Just as soon as he stood to turn the paper in, there was a clacking sound beneath him followed by the sensation that he was floating.<br/><br/>He blinked and looked down.<br/><br/>There was no floor.<br/><br/>He then looked forward.<br/><br/>As soon as his synapses registered that he was floating, gravity snatched the young human down into the pit of darkness. "FUUUCCCKKK!!!!" Terror filled his lungs as he was swallowed up by gravity and the absolute darkness of the pit he'd fallen into. As soon as he made an actual friend, he was about to fall to his death.<br/><br/>Fuck this school.