A/N: Welcome to the rewritten first chapter of What They Need. I know some of you have suggested not to rewrite it, but I have absolutely no motivation to continue writing the old version. I hope that this new version will be just as great (in my opinion, it's a lot better.) Opinions are welcomed! Compare it to the old first chapter and tell me what you think!

My Fate has been Sealed

My head was throbbing. Absolutely throbbing. Without opening my eyes, I grip my red bed covers and sighed. It was Monday morning; it was one of those mornings that everyone hates. I didn't like them any better than the kid next door. As my eyes fluttered open, I rubbed my aching head. Out of all days to get a headache, it just had to be today. I forced myself out of bed; I had to get up sooner or later right? Chills were sent down my spine as a wave of cold air slapped me in the face. I've been living in the basement for as long as I can remember; I should be immune to this - immune to the cold air that occasionally swept throughout the area. But sadly, I'm not. I never got accustomed to anything in this house. To me, everything about it was constantly changing. It was like I'm running in a maze; once you think you found your escape route, the formation changes and you're back to square one.

I stepped into my bathroom. It wasn't anything special, just any old bathroom that you would see in any house in the middle of downtown. I flipped on the switch; the light flickered for a split second before lighting up the plain bathroom. I sauntered towards the sink, picked up my toothbrush, and began my usual morning routine.

As I turned off the tap, I could hear a muffled voice coming from upstairs. Shivers crawled down my spine as I realized the unpleasant voice that could come from no one but my stepmother. I gripped my toothbrush tightly; I didn't even realize that I was trembling slightly until I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. My messy blond tresses was frizzy and quite unattractive, but a few strays framed my pale and skinny complexion. My azure colored eyes were wide as if traumatized by a horrific event. As I hear the garage door opening, I let out a sigh of relief. I placed my toothbrush back in its usual spot and resumed my routine.

The large mirror in my bedroom was very useful. I spun around, surveying myself in the mirror. My outfit consisted of nothing more than a pair of long, black sweats and a simple white hoodie. I swung my bag over my shoulder and closed my bedroom door. As I walked up the stairs, I could hear the rushed footsteps of a person as if late for some important meeting. Once I reached the top, I turned the handle and peeked outside; there, standing in the kitchen was Faye, my stepsister.

I pushed the door open and stepped into the kitchen. "Morning," I greeted quietly. Faye's gray eyes shifted towards me, her lips forming a neat line. Her gaze showed no signs of hatred but nor was it friendly. She continued buttering her toast, treating me like air. Faye Saunders and I never really got along. Actually, we barely talked. Occasionally, we would acknowledge each other's presence, but other than that, we only made eye contact. Even at school, we act as if we are complete strangers, despite living in the same house.

I opened the fridge, dug out the sandwich that I made yesterday night and placed it on the counter. As I poured myself a glass of milk, Faye dumped her lunch inside her bag and hurried out the door.

"Goodbye to you too," I muttered.

I chugged down my milk and placed the jug back inside the fridge. I took a quick peek at the clock; it was only 7:30; class doesn't start until 8:15. I rummaged through the cupboards and storage, hoping to find any medicine that will ease this horrible headache I have. After finding no traces of medicine, I rubbed my temples. Calm down, Namine. Just take it easy today and everything will be fine.

Walking to school wasn't a bother. I actually prefer walking than driving; I honestly don't see a point in driving to school when it's pretty much right around the corner. Then again, it was not surprising to see cars lined up in front of the school every single morning. Gekoukan Academy - a school for the rich. The only school that would be able to match its superiority was the University. Compared to other high schools, Gekoukan was number one. Not only in wealth, but academics and athletics as well. Gekoukan was amazing in its own ways, but if you ask me, I would rather attend a normal and simple high school. Gekoukan was too flashy, too high tech and much too high class for my tastes.

Even though I'm a senior now, I still get strange looks every time I walk into the school; I'm not too surprised. Every student was dressed so nicely, and I stuck out like a sore thumb with my usual clothing which consisted of sweats (sometimes jeans) and a hoodie. Everyone, including my classmates, have the impression that I managed to snatch a scholarship. That's the only way for a commoner (like myself) to get into the school. But nope, they were all wrong. I wouldn't consider myself stupid, but I was definitely not a genius. My grades weren't amazing but they weren't horrible either. I consider myself to be an average high school student. My stepmother, who was loaded, paid for my tuition at this school.

Amazing, right? Wrong.

I never had a choice; I was forced into this school, all because of my "blind" stepmother. If I were to attend any other school, it would only hurt her "status" and growing ego. Anyone who lives under her roof had to have a status. For a plain girl like me, attending Gekoukan was my status. Faye, on the other hand, was blessed with athletic genes. She didn't need a status forced on her; she made her own.

The people I walked by never muttered a greeting. My fellow classmates, who I occasionally greet, walked right past me like I was air. I'm not surprised; who would want to socialize with a "commoner" like me? The way they stared at me made my blood boil; didn't they know it was rude to stare? As much as I want to shoot them a dirty look, I refrained from doing so, knowing that would get me nothing but trouble. I, Namine Avery, was a walking target with my differences.

I slid the classroom door open; none of my classmates greeted me like I predicted. I walked to my desk located at the back of the room and sat down. With my elbow propped on the desk, I surveyed the classroom. The power of wealth was frightening; just by overhearing these outrageous conversations from people your age really made you question their sanity.

"Where did you get this? This is absolutely stunning!" Selphie, a girl with short, light brown hair that curled outwards gasped in astonishment.

"My father bought it for me." her friend replied proudly. "Amazing, isn't it? I heard it's worth millions!"

"It can't be worth millions!" Selphie laughed, "that's ridiculous! The most is five thousand. Max."

I rolled my eyes; this was preposterous. I tuned out the rest of their conversation, hearing the rest would only make my headache worse. I groaned softly; as I place my head on my desk, the door slid open. Immediately, I spotted Xion Decastro, a girl who I would actually consider to be normal. Her short black hair reached until the middle of her neck, and her opalescent eyes always seem to be shining.

"Xion!" Selphie waved frantically. "Come here! I need your opinion on this!"

Xion smiled and ambled over, eager to be with her friends. I buried my head inside my arms, but out of the corner of my eye, I could still see their figures. Unlike the other girls in the school, Xion barely wore any accessories. The most I've seen her wear was a simple ring and expensive looking necklace. In other words, she was not the type to decorate herself or cake her face with make-up like some girls did.

"Take your seats everyone!" A loud voice resonated throughout the room. Immediately, the conversations stopped, and everyone scurried to their seats.

I closed my eyes for a brief moment; my headache was worsening by the second. I should have stayed home. Whatever motivated me to come to school under these circumstances was beyond me. I forced myself upright, and took out the various notebooks sitting in my bag.

Class went by a lot slower than usual. Suffering through my teacher's boring lecture and dealing with this monstrous headache was a serious pain. My writing started to look like scribbles after the first twenty minutes; I even had to squint just to make out what I was trying to say.

"Miss Avery,"

The call of my name nearly made me jump. My head whipped up, completely startled. "Y-yes?" I said, my voice squeaky.

"Would you be so kind as to answer the question that's on the board?"

I was flustered. Not only was the math question a foreign language to me but I had to narrow my eyes just to make out the whole thing. Slowly, I stood up, aware of the stares that seem to burn right through me. I mustered a nod, and made my way to the front of the classroom. As I passed, the whispering commenced. I swore under my breath, making sure it was inaudible to the people around me. I'm pretty confident to say that they were in the boat.

I picked up a blue marker and uncapped it. The teacher was staring at me so intently that I really wish a black hole would form on the ground and swallow me whole. Why me? Out of everyone he could have possibly picked, why me? I placed the tip on the board, hating this sickening feeling that was growing in the pit of my stomach.

"Well, Miss Avery?" the teacher tapped his foot impatiently.

My eyes scanned through the question once more. Nothing came to me. After twenty seconds of complete silence, I admitted defeat. "I...I don't know,"

The teacher shook his head and sent me back to my seat. My face was red, but it wasn't from the embarrassment. What was so embarrassing about admitting something you didn't know? My head was spinning, and my breathing became heavier than usual. I caught a few nasty remarks from my classmates, and like usual, I ignored it. What was the point anyway? Talking back gets you nowhere in life.

As I sat down, I saw Xion approaching the board. I sunk deeper in my chair as she solved the question almost instantly. I groaned softly; she just made me look like a bigger idiot than I was before. As the teacher nodded in approval, Xion made her way back, and for the first time, we locked gazes. Despite being in the same homeroom for the past two years, we rarely spoke. Occasionally, I would be staring at her, but not in a creepy, stalker-like kind of way. It was more of admiration than anything else. I quickly looked away, not wanting to succumb to her intimidating stare.

When class finally ended, I felt extremely relieved. With my cheek placed against the cool desk, I could feel myself coming down with something. Since we have a eight minute break between classes, I decided to head to the nurses office. The school's so wealthy, they must have something to treat this headache, right? If they didn't, I would really have to question their money usage methods. As I stepped out of the classroom, I could feel the glares coming from my classmates.

My vision started to blur slightly; I really need a bed - preferably mine. I stopped in front of a large, cerulean door. As I slid it open, I noticed a kind looking woman with long ginger curls and large jade eyes. Ria Owens, more famously known as Axel Owens' older sister, was our school nurse.

Ria spun her chair around, greeting me with a large smile, "Good morning, Namine. What can I do for you?"

"Morning," I forced a lopsided grin. "Do you happen to have anything that'll treat a headache?"

"You've been getting sick a lot recently. Are you sure you've been eating properly and getting enough sleep?" Ria frowned. She opened the top drawer and fished out a container filled with small pills.

"I have been." I said as I walked towards her. Ria placed the pill in my hand and stood up. "I don't know why I've been getting sick so recently. Maybe it's something I ate. Besides, it's nothing serious. Just a little headache," I dumped the pill in my mouth and swallowed it whole.

Ria poured me a hot cup of water and placed it on the table, "A little?" Ria's eyes widened slightly, "You're so pale!"

"Am I?" I asked quietly, picking up the hot cup of water and feeling its warmth. I placed the hot cup against my cheek for a brief moment before taking a few sips.

"Lie down for a bit, alright? I'll call your teacher to tell you that you're feeling ill and you'll be a little late for class." Ria suggested.

"But-"

"Go," Ria ordered.

I sighed softly in defeat. Winning an argument against Ria Owens was close to impossible. Having that thought in mind, I placed the cup on the table and quietly walked towards the other side of room where the beds were located. As I got closer, I realized a boy occupying one of the beds. His dark blond tresses was fashionably spiked upwards, and his skin was nicely tanned.

Roxas Decastro, a notorious playboy who was mischievous and quite the charmer. As much as I hate to admit it, he was quite attractive. I first noticed him in our sophomore year; if you believe in stereotypes, Roxas was your typical white jock. From what I observed, he was cocky, ignorant, arrogant, and the list goes on. I have no intention of ever talking with this boy. That would get me nowhere but hell.

"Don't mind him," Ria said, shaking her head.

"How long has he been here?" I asked curiously.

Ria rolled her eyes, "a couple of hours. No matter how much I shake him, he won't wake up. I even blasted music in his ears, for heaven's sake!"

Ria's facial expressions were hilarious. As she turned back to her mountain of paperwork sitting on her desk, I bit back a chuckle. I quietly slipped into the empty bed beside him. As I place my head on the comfortable pillow, the sweet scent of cologne filled my nostrils. I pulled the blankets over my face, concealing everything but my eyes. As my consciousness started to fade, the last thing I saw was Roxas' sleeping face.

"Namine! Namine!"

In a desperate attempt to tune out the sound, I completely pulled my blanket over my head. It was too early! I need more sleep!

"Namine! I know you're awake! Your class ends in ten minutes!"

My eyes shot open. I bolted upright, and rubbed my tired eyes. "W-what?" I stammered, still trying to visualize my surroundings.

"You've been asleep for fifty minutes." I hear Ria sigh.

"What?" I screamed. I jumped out of bed and immediately glanced at the owl clock hanging on the beige colored walls.

"I tried to wake you," Ria continued. "You're a heavier sleeper than Roxas!"

I turned towards the bed beside me. It was empty. I shook the thought from my head; right now, I need to get to class.

"Thanks for everything, Ria," I said as I dashed out the door.

"Take it easy!" I hear her call before I slid the door closed.

As I sprinted down the corridors, I was glad that my massive headache managed to die down. Maybe I do need more sleep. I recalled the numerous times I had slept late because of various reasons. Maybe that was why my acne had been acting up lately too. I stopped in front of my classroom door and hurriedly slid it open.

The muffled chatter that I heard before completely stopped. Everyone was silent. What a dramatic appearance I must have made. I turned towards the female teacher who was smiling warmly at me.

"Are you feeling better now, Miss Avery? I got a call from Ria saying you were sick."

"I...I'm feeling better now, thanks," I said, just loud enough for her to hear.

"Are you like...not eating enough?" A girl asked, blinking various times. I could easily tell she was feigning innocence.

"I am." I replied dryly. "Thanks for your concern though,"

Before I sat down, I heard her friend speak up, "Are you sure? You're starting to look awfully thin. Are you a bulimic by any chance?"

I clenched my fists; I can assure you that I have been eating properly, thank you very much. Before I could argue back, the teacher loudly cleared her throat.

"Let's get on with class, shall we?"

I shot the girl a glare, which she responded with an innocuous smile. As I dug through my bag, I realized that all of my notebooks and textbooks have been vandalized. Are you serious? I bit back a loud sigh; not only were my school books nearly destroyed, my pencil case that had been sitting on my desk had vanished. Today was not my day.

"This project will be worth twenty percent of your final grade!"

My head shot up. What? What did I miss? The students started to chatter amongst themselves, while I was dazed and confused.

"Uh-oh. Here it comes!" A boy gasped.

"Not this project again..." a girl groaned.

As the teacher wrote the words: Malnutrition on the board, I instantly pieced the puzzle pieces together. Every year, the seniors have to do a project that was worth twenty percent of their final grade. Everyone works with the same topic, but won't necessarily have the same outcome. You and a partner will have to collaborate to incorporate Biology, Chemistry and Physics to your final product as a way to solve the global issue that the teachers have assigned you. Pain in the butt? Yeah, I think so.

"We can't choose are partners, right?" a boy confirmed.

"Nope," the teacher replied. "It's like every other year. We pick your partners for you."

The students groaned and the whispering commenced as the teacher started passing out the dreaded yellow sheets with all of our names on it and our designated partner. It didn't matter who I was with; it's going to be hell either way. I closed my bag and slowly awaited my impending doom.

The paper was placed. I pushed it towards me and scanned my eyes down the paper. A soft sigh escaped my lips as I realized that I wasn't paired up with those kinds of people that barely did anything. Okay, maybe this wasn't going to be so bad. As I got to the bottom of the page, I blinked. I wasn't seeing things right? I squinted my eyes and held the paper in front of my face. The words weren't going to change, no matter how hard I stare at them. There, beside my name, was the name that had never crossed my mind ever since the teacher introduced this project.

Xion Decastro.