If We Go Down Then We Go Down Together (Talenny)

Talon - New School

I get out of the MADmobile and walk up to the big iron gates. I push them to open them but they don't budge. Being the naturally lazy (and undeniably handsome) teenager I am, I activate my boots and fly over the gate onto the other side, pressing a red button to open it for my Unlce. We don't make eye contact as we walk up to the main building and walk inside.

I push open the doors to the reception and see two figures as we walk in.

One of these figures is a tall woman with a white and blue suit and white bobbed hair. She's stood up straight, and she looks me up and down, causing me to shift my weight uncomfortably.

The second is my brother, William. I have to bite my tongue to stop myself bursting out in laughter. His dark hair has been gelled sideways, and he's wearing a gray blazer with white seams, a darker gray tie, white blouse, black trousers and fancy shoes. He glares at me, daring me to say something, and I reply with an innocent smile.

'Mr Claw.' the lady greets, stepping forwards and shaking my Uncle's hand. 'It's Doctor Claw.' my Uncle replies harshly, sending spikes out of his claw for effect. I have to stop myself from rolling my eyes at how extra he is at times.

She then sidesteps a bit and extends her arm out to mine. I raise my eyebrows and shake her hand. 'Miss Delven.' she says, looking me in the eyes. 'Talon.' I reply, pulling my hand away.

'Nice to meet you both, I'm William.' Will says, walking up to us. We grin at each other and fist-bump, and he then shakes my Uncle's hand.

'Nice to see you too William.' my Uncle greets him coldly, ignoring Will's joke. Will's facial expression changes from smiling to nervousness at his tone. I shake my head at my brother, indicating he doesn't need to be worried.

'If you follow us we'll take you on a tour of the school.' Miss Delven says, indicating for us to follow. My Uncle walks next to her, talking about "the good old days" whilst Will and I hang behind.

I barely pay attention to what I'm being shown, occasionally nodding at what we're being told.

'So you've got a fake arm?' Will asks quietly. I nod, and tap a button on my bracer bringing up an X-Ray screen. I scan it over on my arm, and the hologram of skin fades, leaving metal and wiring. 'So cool!' he whispers in awe. I grin, and put the holodisguise back on.

'So what's it like here? What agencies are there?' I ask, the first thing to do with school I've actually said. 'The majority of the students here don't belong to an agency, they're just training to become agents. But there are MAD agents, and HQ agents, and some of Baron Von Steel Toe's people too. If you're not in an agency, like me, at the end of the year the Chiefs of all the agencies will come and deliver a speech on why you should join their agency.' He replies. 'Makes sense I guess.' I agree shrugging.

'And that concludes the tour.' Miss Delven says dramatically.