Its finally my first day of school. Do you remember your first day of Kindergarten? I didn't. I remember the feeling, being able to get away from my parents, being around others my age. Learning something I didn't know. But actually remembering that day, not a chance.

I put on my ears and tail from yesterday, I figured I might as well make them my trademarks. There was one huge difference between my kindergarten experience and this morning though.

"Are you ready Tasha?" And there it is. Because having The Gift is public knowledge, I now have to have a guard everywhere I go. I was assigned Priestess Natalie. And Mom made it blatantly clear that if I attempted to ditch her, not even Demeter would be able to save me. I actually hadn't planned on it, I know what 1 in 10,000 means to kidnappers and extremists.

The two of us step out of the garden that makes the main entrance to the temple, and head straight toward the Zeon Academy. There are a few people looking, but it's not bothering me like it did yesterday. Today is just formalities. So I picked some baby's breath and had Mom braid it into my hair. She didn't cover my ears today.

Natalie already knew where I needed to go, so we just walked straight to the classroom. The girl with the orange aura from yesterday went to a different class, but at least I know she is here.

Charles, the boy with the faint black aura from yesterday walked into my classroom. He saw Natalie standing next to the door first, then he looked around the room, and decided I would make a good target. I saw this immediately for what it was, the noble was feeling his oats.

"Peasant, that's my seat." He said, well I see where this is going. I pulled my notepad out of the pocket on the inside of my Name Day cloak, then my pencil , and took my sweet time writing my message.

'Seats are assigned by the teacher, look at the board, Charles Ironwood, your in the back, get lost.' I could tell he was having trouble reading it. About that time the teacher walked in and saw him trying to read it.

He came up behind him and didn't say anythnv for a moment, and read the note from over his head.

"i dont give a damn about the teacher, no orphan is going to be in my class." His comment gets me to laugh, not just at his mock pride, but also that half the class was now in the room.

"Then, Charles Ironwood, before picking a fight with someone, know their strengths. you lost this fight the moment she decided to start writing. Take your seat.". once the boy was lead away the teacher looks at me. "You must be Tasha, i heard about you already. keep that pad out as long as you need to.". I nodded to him.

I don't know why i started writing when i was mad, but i know that ive done it since i could write on my own. and now that its public that i have the gift, people rarely make me mad. I smile at Natalie once the teacher's back is turned. she put a hand over her mouth and looked away, failing at stifling the laugh.

"Welcome to Mr. Simon's Rabbit class.". at this point, the game 'Simon Says' pops into my head. I nearly fell out of my chair trying not to laugh. "We will start the day off with Introductions. Since Mr. Ironwood wanted to make a scene, we will start with him. State your name, city of origin, and the results of your three tests. This is for your fellow classmates, as I already have your correct information, and will give you half points for the day if you lie to them."

"Charles Ironwood, son of. . ."

"STOP! your parents have no authority inside these grounds. That treaty has been in place for a long time. and I know that no respectable parent would have neglected to tell a child who would be attending here that revealing possible political connections is equivalent to self expulsion." I gave a light chuckle as i heard the rebuke.

"Charles Ironwood, Home city of Karh. Name Day test result was No psyonics, No Gift, novice level Ki." Was his monotone reply.

The teacher then went to the 12 other students in the class, then looked at me, then to Priestess Natalie. "I'm assuming you are her Temple Guard?". he said looking at her, she nodded then looked toward me. I wrote 'all your allowed to'. she nodded once more.

"I am Priestess Natalie Stonefoot, I am the Demeter Temple guard and part-time voice for Tasha Heart, her home city is Karh, Her Name Day Test was conducted yesterday. No reaction in Psyonics, Adept reaction to Ki, five affinity, ten pathway gift positive result, negative Necromancy Path result. Due to some health concerns, please do not damage her cloak, or the temple will bill your parents for a replacemet.". the last sentance was aimed at Charles, and i looked around at him and he was gigging.

"what does an orphan robe cost? 5 copper? I have underwear more expensive than that!"

"you dont recognize that robe at all do you?". the girl directly in front of me said, defending me. " just one of the clasps on that robe would easily go for 8 silver, and there are five of them, the top clasp is a Demeter Idol. . ."

at this Natalie moved off the wall when it looked like she was going to say more.

"Miss, I understand its the nature of Psyons to see the physical Soul Flow, but please refrain from saying more. Saying it's obvious she is not an orphan will suffice." Natalie's usual playful side was gone, and the Blademaster Natalie Stonefoot was showing a throwing knife in her hand.

"Yes, My apologies. Her garments alone prove she is not an orphan." She sat back in her chair. i tapped her on her shoulder, and wrote a simple 'Thank you.' She gave a natural smile back.

The boy in front then posed to her a question.

"Why did you call yourself her 'part-time voice?"

She was about to answer the. I waved her off.

"The best way to explain it is that there are times trying to talk doesn't work. So in those cases, I either rely on Priestess Natalie, or my notebook. I'm not mute, just don't talk often." I told the half-truth I had rehearsed often. Mom and Oracle Darien both told me that this lie would help keep her in the room, just in case something really did happen.

"One with the gift and can't even speak properly. What cruel joke have the gods played on you?" Charles piped up, while laughing to his heart's content. This time I wrote 'I volunteered' and showed it to Natalie.

"I'm sorry Tasha, We aren't allowed to say anything about that here." I looked at her, and then to the teacher, he pointed for me to sit back down. Once I did, the rest of the day went fine.