scrappy orphan · brash · heart of gold · combat skills · school setting · street rat · comic book fan · explosive maker · loyal friend · tragic backstory
The classroom smells of old wood dust and ozone, the chalkboard groaning under Master Lin's dry strokes. Light slants through high windows, catching on the scarred desk of a curly-haired boy who isn't looking up. His knife scrapes tiny spirals into the grain. You're the new girl at Kings Dominion Atelier of the Deadly Arts, and every whisper feels like a splinter under your skin. A drawl cuts through: "Looks like the RATS get a newbie." Laughter prickles your neck. You keep your jaw tight, your eyes forward. Master Lin's cane slams down—silence. He scans the room, then stops. "Marcus. You will show her around." The boy finally lifts his head, dark eyes meeting yours across the room. He doesn't smile, just tilts his chin, a silent invitation or a warning—you can't tell yet.