CHAPTER ONE: PAVEMENTS

"Jean!"

I jumped up and headed to the bathroom. Its still early in the morning. Maybe like 6 something? I grabbed my brush that was balancing on the basin's corner. I started combing through my hair as I looked at my open closet. Mom brought me a new denim. I could wear that, tank top and my sandals. That's not so fancy and I wount stand out. I went back to the bathroom to examine my face. No pimples. Good. I opened the tap and watch the water struggle to come out.

"Mom, there's something wrong with the tap in my bathroom!" I yelled to my mother downstairs.

"Shake the pipe under the basin a little!"

I did as she said and peeked over the basin. Water started flowing out rapidly.

"It worked!" I yelled.

I splashed my face with water and towelled my face off as I headed back to my room. When I was dressed I headed downstairs to eat. Mom was busy going through her work. First day at a job must be stressful, I guess.

"Bye Mom" I greeted and gave her a peck on the cheek.

"Bye sweetie, do you want a ride?" Mom asked. I knew she was getting worried. She always did on the first day, but it will vanish soon.

"No thanks. I'll take the bus. It will give me a chance to learn the new kid's in school." I replied smiling. I grabbed my bag that was hanging the chair.

"Bye! Enjoy the day!" I heard my mom yell after me when I closed the door.

I started walking down the street to the bus stop, it wasn't so far. Only two blocks from my house, but apparently it's early and I'm late! I saw the bus stop and opened its door. Oh hell! I started running down the path way. The two short blocks to the bus stop felt like fifty blocks. I just couldn't get to the bus stop any faster. The door closed as the last kid entered and sped away. "No!" I yelled, still in running motion towards the bus. This is just terrible! Really, was this really happening to me now? On my first day. I started walking, eyes focused on the bus. I remember my mom saying it was just a few blocks from our house. And to tell the honest truth I don't know where the hell this school is. I should have worn my sneakers. I stopped and took off my one sandal, just as I was about to take the other one off. I fell backwards over a huge branch on a flat concrete surface or in other words the pavement. Where the hell did that branch come from? A soft chuckle unearthed itself behind me.

"Sorry, but do you need help babe?" I heard a voice asked.

"Babe?" I mimicked. This must be some cocky basterd. There are always a few in each neighbourhood where I stayed. I looked up into icy blue eyes. I felt my cheeks burn up. Wow, this is one hot basterd…I mean guy.

"So do you want help?" he asked again. "That would be nice." I replied and stretched out my right hand. "I meant with your bag." He said. I froze. "Wait what?" I said astonished. "I'm just kidding. Here take my hand." He extended his hand towards me. I hesitated. "I'm really not going to harm you. I'm a high school student. The worst I could do to you is steal your pen or something."

"A student you say. Where do you go school?" I asked taking his hand. He pulled me up. "Saint Fort High, down the street from here." He pointed in the direction the bus sped off. "I'm a new student there. You might find this funny." I said looking down.

"I might." He was smirking, "But please continue," He said when he realised I wasn't going to talk. "I don't know where the school is and I missed the bus." I looked away in embarrassment. He started laughing. "You must be some kind of woman!" He said between laughs. "Ha-ha." I said as sarcastically as I could. "Ok let's go then." He said and started walking down the street. I walked after him. It felt so awkward. I was still holding my one shoe in my hand when he said: "Are you going to put that shoe on or take the other one off?" I nodded put the other shoe in my hand on. I know I was going to pay for this, but I was walking next to a hunk. There was no way I was going barefoot now. I'm guessing he isn't into cave woman with bare dirty feet, what a shame. My legs kept running to keep up with him. He was a lot taller then me and his strides a lot wider. "So what's your name?" he asked. "Mary-Jean, but just call me Jean." "Alright, Mary." He winked at me. I was going to say something nasty, but that wink made me swallow my words. He was truly a well made specimen of a man. I started looking him over. He had snowy white hair, strange for a teenage boy. He must have dyed it recently, no root showed. And he was wearing a red leather jacket that came just above his hips. Long black denim that was quite tight at his bum. I nearly choked. Maybe he's gay? That would sum up the babe nickname.

"Sorry, but are you…" I stopped mid-sentence. What if he is? I might hurt his feelings and could get a law suit if I didn't act properly. The act could be called homo harassment or something like that.

"Are I?" He asked peeking back at me.

"Uhm…Its okay if you are, I had a few friends like that back in Ohio. So uhm are you gay?" I asked preparing myself for a mad homo. Don't get me wrong I don't have anything against gays, but it would be a waste if he is. He started laughing uncontrollably. "Gay?" He said and continued laughing again, "Listen babe. I like girls a lot. And when I say a lot, I mean A LOT." Oh shit, I'm too forward with these kinds of things. We were walking quite awhile now. "How much further," I asked. "Around the corner," He said, "Oh and prepare yourself. We're late." I kept my running pace next to him. I felt the blisters on my ankles protest; they felt like mine fields ready to explode. I made a mental note to go buy ointment after school. We turned at the corner and I saw the school. It was oldish looking and was in dieing need of a new coat of paint and repairing on either side of the school wings. "Oh great," I said out loud.

He smiled, "Not what you expected, huh?"

I nodded, "Is there at least a bathroom here?"

"Yeah, but not so clean, so rather pee at home or behind a bush, it's the safest option at the moment. The school apparently doesn't have enough money for new bathrooms or new desks in the classrooms, but the Principal rides in the newest Audi and dresses in Gucci."

"Has no one ever tried speaking to him?" I asked.

"Trust me, everyone has tried, but he always worms his way out." We were in front of the school now. "I'll help you to the office," The boy said smiling. I nodded in response to what he said. I felt nervous. It felt different to the other schools I attended. I kept walking close to him. I didn't want to get lost. The halls felt like a maze and I was the experimental rat. "Its big, the school I mean." I said after another short silence. "Yeah it is kinda. This was a hospital once. They transformed it into a school a few years back. Don't know why they picked this exact place. They might as well have built a new school. It would have been cheaper and been in much better shape." He said and gazed around the hall." A lot of the lockers were rusty and looked heavy dented. I can imagine kid's cutting themselves and having to sterilize their wound's after. I wonder if they have a nurse here.

"Hey does this school have a nurse?" He looked down at me and back to where he was walking. "They did, but she died a few days back. Apparently a heart attack, but I don't buy it." He seemed focused now, as if he was thinking real hard. "Wha-?" I wanted to asked what he meant by he doesn't buy it, but was stopped by another voice. "Miss Lockheart, a pleasure to have you here in our school." I looked into an elderly man's face. He knew my name? They must be up to date in the matters of students at least. I wonder if they had a guidance counsellor in the school. The man had a kind look in his eyes. "I'm Mr Morris, the principal." He held out his hand. I folded my hand gently in his and shook it. His hand felt unnaturally cold, must be from the school. It was a hospital after all.

I looked over the suit he was wearing, really nice for a principal. Must be 'Franz' I presume. "Mr Sparda, so nice of you to help this lady to the office, but you must be late for class? I'll take it from here. Thank you so much." Mr Morris smiled kindly at him. So the boy's surname is Sparda? Weird surname must have some Greek or something in his family? Sparda looked disgustedly at Mr Morris and replied: "Will do Sir." He turned on his heels and headed down the hall. I didn't even ask his name. I wonder if I'll be able to see him again.

"Come dear. We just need you to sign a form or two and then you'll get your time table and classes." He kept a smile on his face the entire time as he spoke. He looked like he enjoyed his job; it has to be the money. Who said money doesn't buy you happiness. It surely worked for Mr Morris. He gestured me towards the office doors. I smiled politely and walked in. The office was neat much better looking then the rest of the school building. A peaceful light green was painted on the wall and a dark brown couch stood across from a dark brown desk. A woman was busy typing on the computer. She had the real secretary vibe with her glasses and her hair that was tightly pulled into a bun. She didn't look up from her papers. Mr Morris gestured to another door on the other side of the room. A golden plate read Mr Morris Principal. I walked past the secretary. I could have sworn I heard her whimper, but I shook it off. Mr Morris opened the door for me. I went and sat on a chair in front of his desk. He went and sat on the opposite side behind his desk. It was quite big and looked very luxurious. He had a laptop on his right side and a few pens that lay aimlessly next to it. He opened a drawer and started going through papers. I took this time to look around. My eyes fell on a glass cupboard. I saw all kinds of tools. The type of tools you see in those horror films where they torture people in asylums. I started to feel afraid as I took it all in. It was weird and un-natural for principals to have things like THAT in their offices. Its suppose to make you feel homey and safe, not true?

"Miss Lockheart, here are the forms." I nearly jumped out my seat when he spoke. He saw what I was looking at. "Those are souvenirs from when we first opened the school. It used to be a hospital." He said.

"I heard, the boy I came with told me." I said.

"I was sure Dante would have told you that." Mr Morris said with a knowing look. Was it just me or did Mr Morris and Dante have a history or something? Maybe Dante was the bad type who usually got scolded by the principal for skipping school?

"Miss Lockheart, I know Dante Sparda is a handsome looking boy, but for your own good and school reputation. I will advise you to keep your distance."

He gave me a threatening look or maybe it was just a concerned look, but whatever it was. It wasn't meant for the faint in heart. I nodded and started filling out the forms in a dash.

When I was done, I gave it to Mr Morris and he filed it away. He gave me a time table and classes for the rest of the year. It was the beginning of the third semester, so I had lots of work to catch up. Mr Morris took me to my first class. I felt awkward and I kept quiet. I didn't like the aura that Mr Morris gave. He made me scared and not in a stern elder type of way. I noticed for the first time that he was grey. He could be like 57, if I guessed right. "This is your class." He gestured for me again to enter. I went in and was greeted by 30 staring eyes. Our teacher looked a lot more welcoming so immediately I turned my sights on her. She was old looking and was wearing a long dark blue dress and had shoulder length black hair. She looked like a woman right out of the 1940's. She must have been pretty in her younger years. "Good Morning, I'm Mrs Dellar and this is your English class."

"I need some tasks to attend to, Good day Mrs Dellar and good luck Miss Lockheart." Mr Morris greeted and exited the classroom, while I was left there with Mrs Dellar and 30 staring eyes. "What's your name?" Mrs Dellar asked. "Jean Lockheart." I replied. "Class this is Jean Lockheart, she's a new student and-"

"No shit hey?" Came a sarcasric reply and broke Mrs Dellar mid sentence. A red headed boy got a few high fives and a lot of laughs from his classmates.

"Like I was saying Mr Joker, she is new and I want you guys to make it pleasant for here in Saint Fort High."

Is that guy's surname really Joker or was it a joke?

"You can take a seat Jean." Mrs Dellar said.

I scanned the room for an open seat. The class really was broken down and the wooden desks and chairs look rotten. I saw an open seat in the back of the room and moved through the kid's to the back. Just as I was about to sit in my seat a dark haired boy jumped into my seat, I froze. What should I do? I immediately scanned again and saw another seat. I moved through to the seat. Again another person jumped into the seat. Ok. I guess I'm the bully bait this year. Just fabulous, this would look so great on my report card. I turned again and saw another open seat. I headed over over. The red headed boy jumped into that seat.

"Stop your crap," I heard a familiar voice say. I looked across at the back of the room, to see Dante sitting there. Legs crossed and balanced on his table. I smiled, seeing his face. The red headed boy stood up. "Or what?" Joker asked with a threatening look. Dante stayed laid back, with no care what so ever. I got a little worried. What if Dante was that type that had all bark and no bite? I stood back. Isn't Mrs Dellar going to do something? I looked and saw she was peeking over a book now and then, but she kept quiet. Was she scared? What could this school be hiding then? The next Bruce Lee? Joker kept throwing remarks at Dante, but Dante did nothing. Joker moved across towards Dante's table. He pointed a finger in Dante's face. "Listen you fucking nut job, I don't know who you think you are, but this is my school. Got it?" Joker said still pointing his finger. "If you don't get that finger out of my face now," Dante said calmly, "You might not have it in the future."

"Well, I'll take my chances." Joker smiled.

"Your loss." Dante replied. In a split second Joker was held by his finger. Dante's grip started tightening more and more. Joker cried in protest and was on the ground in no time with Dante still holding him by the finger. Dante didn't move from his position by his desk. I was shocked. That happened so fast. A sudden crunching noise came from Joker finger and he yelled out loud. Cursing as he cried. Dante let go and smiled. "I could have ripped it off, but I'm way too nice." Dante smiled. "Oh and don't worry you only got most of your finger broken. Two months and it would be as good as new." Joker looked up and spit on Dante's jacket. Dante's one leg lifted high into the air and came down rapidly with a swift movement. Dante's boot slammed across the red headed boy's face. He crashed down onto the floor blood spilling from his mouth.

"Oh my God," I said softly. I looked down and at the classroom. Everyone was staring, some even hiding behind the frames of their chairs. Joker was a mere feet away from me.

"You," I said at the dark haired boy that took my seat earlier. "He's your buddy, right?" The dark haired boy nodded.

"Take him to the infirmary and take care of his wounds." He nodded, but didn't move. "You heard her." Dante said. The dark haired boy whimpered and dashed to help Joker. Joker made moaning sounds as his buddy struggled to get him up and moving. I gave the other boy that also took my seat earlier a meaningful look. He understood that look very well and went to help Joker and the dark haired boy. "Oh and guys," I yelled after them. They froze. "Clean this mess up when you're done, ok?" I said. They nodded and headed out the door. Dante chuckled lightly. There was an open seat next to him, though the table looked crappy; I seated myself next to him. Everyone was still staring at us. "You can look away now." I said frowning. Everyone turned around. Mrs Dellar was still reading her book, but now and then I caught her glancing at us.

"Dante…" I spoke. His whole aura gave me a be-scared-vibe, but I was also thrilled at what happened. It was obvious now that Dante wasn't your average lazy student, but had a real story behind him. I felt like a journalist finding out about a lead story and like any journalist I was curious.

"Yeah?" Was his reply.

"I just want to say thanks, but it wasn't necessary."

"Oh it was. He was already pissing me off before you came into the picture."

Dante was still staring straight forward, but more to his left. I leaned in and saw what he was staring at. It was gently placed between his desk and the wall. It couldn't easily be spotted which is good.

"Is that a naked girl magazine?" I whispered.

"Yeah and?" He said in a dull voice. Oh the excitement this guy brings.

But I have to admit, he had guts and a whole lot of it. Looking through such a magazine in a class room of all places! I giggled. He peeked at me. "What you laughing at?" He asked confusion plastered all over his face. "Oh nothing," I replied and giggled again. He looked at with intense eyes; I could have sworn his eyes got more blue then usual. My cheeks must have been on fire. He has beautiful eyes. His whole facial features were perfect in each and every way. He kept leaning in closer and closer. What was he doing? He leaned in closer, his head tilted to his left; mine automatically tilted to the right.

"Don't get your hopes up, Hun." He replied smirking.

"For what," I questioned with a huff. He smiled and went back to reading or whatever you call it.

RINGGGG!

"Time to go," He said and stood up swiping the magazine into his backpack. He did it without anyone noticing. "Wait!" I yelled after him. I grabbed my bag and ran after him; he stopped at the door for me. "Can you show me where… Biology is?"

The rest of the day went by slowly; I kept glancing around as if to catch Dante striding past in hallway, but he was nowhere to be seen. I made no friends, but I mostly kept to myself, it was useless making friends and then having to move shortly after. Lonely lunches became normal and walking alone at school was easier after I learned where my classes were. I moved frequently and didn't want unnecessary baggage holding me down. It sounded horrible, but it made a lot of sense after I got use to it. By 12 o' clock I heard Dante's voice between the droning of school students. I dashed to the source. I peeked around the corner to see Dante and Mr Morris talking calmly, but there was a tense feeling in the air. Both seemed postured and threatening to one another. I wonder if Dante was in trouble because of the incident earlier. If I said something maybe Mr Morris would toss it aside and forget about it.

RINGGGG!

I needed to get to class, but I could quickly go help Dante out and safe him from something permanent in his record, If it was possible to safe his record anyway. Kids were pushing past me in the hallway trying to class in time. The hallway started clearing up. Someone yelled behind me. I glanced back and saw two boys, screaming at each other laughing all the way. 'Idiots' I thought. I peeked around the corner again. Dante was gone and Mr Morris also. Darn, I walked down the hall and looked everywhere, or well everywhere my eyes would let me. I really wanted to help him out. He helped me so much today. I walked back and realized I really don't know were I'm heading to.

Oh great, lost again…

Hey all, I did a read over and was rather depressed by the first chapter so I did it over. I have over 900 hits on this story, so I plan to make a great success of this hopefully. Feel free to review, those who have read this before, I made some tweaks and added some twists.

I should do this...

Disclaimer: I do not own DMC or any of their character. I just use them for my own weird pleasure.

Thank you for reading!

BloodyCourse =)