W.E Database

Noise

So much noise.
Was school always this loud?

Walking down the corridor, his eyes darted back and forth. Scanning the people loitering around. And of course, they were staring, people always stare at the new kid. Whether it's curiosity, a sense of challenge, or just looking down on the fresh face. They stare.

Maybe they can't help it, perhaps they need to "scout out the new competition". It was annoying, but nothing new to Toby. He took in details about each of them.

A girl with purple tipped hair and eyes to match, confident, clear.

A young man, definitely older than him, he looked professional, and his pale blue eyes pierced through him.
A detector of some kind? Toby thought to himself

A boy with a bright look and a bright eye to follow, split down the middle with a darker side, and a black eye.
Toby found himself raising his eyebrows, although not willingly. He was not expecting to see black eyes in public schools.

He kept walking down, trying not to draw attention, of all the things that could happen today. A confrontation was not something he wanted.

A bubbly girl, pretty, stunning even, with the attitude of someone experienced with people.

A tomboy, dressed for action rather than style, and another black eye?

Perhaps in school, the teachers cared not for the stories, perhaps all that matters was teaching them. If special colours were dismissed, that would at least make his time here easier, he found himself considering.

And lastly, a pair of boys.
One big and rough, he seemed sharp and explosive. His bright red eyes beamed with power. Completely on the other side was a small figure. Nothing about him particularly stood out, but his glasses looked advanced, and the eyes behind them glowed green with knowledge and wonder.

Even as he walked past them, he could feel them all, staring him down, trying to get a read on him. Naturally, of course, your ability would naturally determine your attitude. Someone with raw strength can afford to be loud and proud. But someone with a tactical ability needs to be able to fly low. If people know your weaknesses, then they've already got a plan to beat you.

Toby didn't blame them for staring. He didn't exactly fit in. His hair mixed dark colours, mostly black, with marks and scars of grey. Despite nobody knowing where he came from, he dressed well. They probably assumed he was from some fancy family.

Well, if the clothes didn't suggest it, his pale white eyes certainly did. A few shades darker than pure white, they almost looked grey, but they knew. They could see.

His mother always said there are only two types of people you should fear. Those with 2 white eyes. And those with 2 black.

Most people with a shaded eye only wielded a single eye with such colours. And they show incredible potential. These shades boosting abilities far beyond their intended capabilities.

Staring was something he'd come to expect over the years. "Whether they stare out of respect or out of fear is determined by your choices."

His mother's words echoed in his head as he walked into the teachers lounge and let out a sigh of relief. Mr. Sanders was waiting for him and offered him a seat.

"So..." The man's voice was warm and clear. He spoke with pressure and confidence. His words alone prompted caution to those around him

"Toby, is it? I see you stated no last name, might there be one?"

He looked the man in the eyes and responded clearly.

"No, sir."

A look of confusion briefly occupied the teachers face. He wanted to ask more, but surprisingly, he didn't.

"Okay then... Just one more question then."

Toby knew what was coming. His eyes alone had gotten him into the school without any further screening. And now he had to explain his capabilities.

"Enlighten me, Toby. What is your ability?"

A question that haunted the young man's entire life.

3 schools, more hospitals than he could count, years of practice.

And yet, the answer to that question always remained the same.

Toby's lips didn't shiver as he spoke plainly to the teacher.

"I don't have one."