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General Discussions => RPG Forum => Topic started by: Kasawa Lanford on August 11 2007, 05:05 am
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OOC: This is currenty a One on One story between Onii-chan Touya and Myself
Chapter 2, Page 44, reply 861 (http://www.capturedwings.org/forums/index.php/topic,4180.msg224703.html#msg224703)
Good day all :)
Story:
Twenty five years ago, the faction of Sulon was at peace with everyone on the world, however that peace was short lived. On the same continent as them another faction, known as the Ketens, wanted war and thus declared war on Sulon.
The front lines had been drawn, and blood was spilled, for twenty five years the war raged, hundreds upon thousands upon millions died each year.
Over the intervening years the war moved closer to a small rural town known as Lomachislots, this town had a population of only a couple thousand. Everyone knew each other, and everyone knew that the war was getting closer, five years ago a general had assumed this and had the town 'upgraded' in terms of defense.
The town was equiped with a Paling, which effectively made bombardment from both aerial and ground, impossible. However, much of the towns 'look' was unchanged and thus no one really noticed the differences.
Children went to school, adults went to work. People were just enjoying life - to bad no one realized that the mechanized war would be on their door step in less than a week.
However, some of the children of this town, some young and some older, would possess the ability to fight against the coming oppresson.
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Bios
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-Kasawa's Characters-
Name: Anise Outren
Age: 10
Grade: 4th, 1st class
School: Coursecon Academy
Division: Elementary
Occupation: Special Needs Elementary Student
Hobby: Cloud watching
Eye Color: Left eye is red, right eye is green
Hair Color: light brown
Personality: Very shy, she doesn't feel safe around people she doesn’t know. Also cries very easily, which is why some people tease her and call a big baby.
Appearance: Almost always wears her school uniform, in fact, pretty much all of her casual clothing 'are' her school uniforms. However, she also has clothing that shows just how frail she is - most of her clothing is white or light blue, like the sailor dress her mother often has her wear when she goes out.
Description:
Anise is one of the holders of a Starlight jewel, something that is incased in her body that gives her the ability to utilize magic. She was born with a frail body and because of that her mother and father, along with her older brother and sister treat her very carefully. She can't dress herself, due to a brain defect that causes her to not retain that portion of knowledge.
However, despite her disorder, she still gets things done. She's very athletic despite the frailness, this is accomplished by a special medicine that her mother gives her each morning that strengthens her bones for the course of twelve hours, what Anise is not aware of however is that the medicine is very expensive in their culture, and that if she doesn't take it at least once every seventy two hours - she can potentially die or at the very least fall into a deep coma which she can only be revived from the medicine that Rin and her mother carries.
No one knows why Anise has two different colored eyes, it’s a rarity and a couple other children in the town have the same 'defect' as the doctor now calls it.
Name: Rin Outren
Age: 10
Grade: 4th, 1st class
School: Coursecon Academy
Division: Elementary
Occupation: Elementary Student, Council Tresurer
Hobby: looking after her twin sister
Eye Color: Left eye is white, right is light blue
Hair Color: dark brown
Personality: Childish, and easy going.
Appearance: Rin is like her twin sister, she always wears her school uniform.
Description:
Rin was born just a few minutes before Anise, so technically Rin is Anise's big sister, but only by three minutes. Rin is also a carrier of the Starlight jewel, but like Anise, she doesn't know it. Rin can be found with her twin sister anywhere, as she is always taking care of her special needs, which includes dressing her for some of the very 'few' special occasions, even then their school uniform usually is enough since its formal wear.
Rin is very suspicious of the medicine that she gives to Anise, especially since after a few days without the meds Anise get's very weak and tends to collapse. Rin always has a pack of syringes in her school bag used specifically to bring Anise out of any coma she might go into, fortunately she hasn’t had to use them.
Name: Larenten Mox
Age: 10
Grade: 4th, 1st class
School: Coursecon Academy
Division: Elementary
Occupation: Elementary student, council president (temp)
Hobby: Watching the stars at night
Eye Color: Left eye is dark blue, right eye is dead.
Hair Color: light blue
Personality: Serious and outgoing, but can be childish when in the presence of his friends
Appearance: Always wears clothing that depicts his nature.
Description:
Larenton, or as his classmates call him, Laren, is the student body present for the elementary division of Coursecon Academy. He's rarely in class though as his council duties often take him away, but his fourth grade teacher always makes certain he does the work. (After all, if he doesn't then he can be held back and will loss his position on the council)
He's serious, but also outgoing. His childish nature comes when he's around his friends, but he loves to tease Anise about her 'special needs' including her requirement to have someone dress her. In short - he's disgusted and thinks that she should've been thrown out of school, but his statement lead to him almost being removed from his position when the students nearly voted him out. Since then he only tease's her when not in the presence of other students, or rather, just when in the presence of her friends.
Laren's blind in his right eye after an incident involving Anise where she kicked him in the head, this alone is the reason why his term as president will be up. After his term is up, he's just a normal student, of course tell him that as he still believes he should've retained the right to remain on the council.
Name: Sakura Ramie
Age: 8
Grade: 2nd grade, 3rd class
School: Coursecon Academy
Division: Elementary student,
Occupation: Kindergarten student, Chorus star. (IE - Head of the chorus club)
Hobby: Singing
Eye Color: Left is yellow, right is pink
Hair Color: brown
Personality: innnocent and shy, always hides behind her big sister, Katherine.
Appearance: She's got a bruise on her cheek from an incident that occuried in her past, its something her big sister never talks about.
Description:
Sakura is the 'pop idol' of the academy, her voice is so soothing and pleasant that its not uncommon for people to fall into a trance upon hearing it. She's considered the best singer in the whole land which is why many of the other towns and even the capital want her to come there to sing for them. She doesn't wear the schools standard uniform, but instead wearin something that shows her innocence, a completely white sailor dress.
Currently Anise is her best friend as the two get along quite well together, but everyone in the academy is her friend.
~Director of Musics characters~
Name:Andrew (Andy) Baldwin
Age: 10
Grade: 4th, 2nd class
School: Coursecon Academy
Division: Elementary
Occupation:Elementary student, soccer captain
Hobby: Playing sports
Eye Color: Left eye is Grey, Right eye is light blue
Hair Color: Blonde
Personality:Rather outgoing guy, very charming, intelligent, easy to get a long with. Very rightous, but loves to bend some rules.
Appearance:Tall for his age, hates the school uniform, so he usually doesn't wear it, but gets in trouble often for it. (But somehow manages to get out of trouble)
Description: The popular boy in school, he's very intelligent and charming. A teacher will be trying to get him to admit something, but with his charms he's able to get out of any sort of messy situation. He loves to break some rules, the adreniline rush, but is very righteous and loyal in his own ways.
Name: Phineas Williams
Age: 10
Grade: 4th, 2nd class.
School: Coursecon Academy
Division:Elementary
Occupation: Elementary Student Council.
Hobby: Reading.
Eyecolor: Left eye is Green, Right eye is Brown.
Hair Color: Brown.
Personality: Very reserved and serious. Nickamed 'No Emotions'
Appearance: Looks very intelligent and serious. Very mature for his age
Description: (NONE)
Clouds covered the sky, snow fell, and a cold breeze blew through the border town of Scoten. The ground was covered in a thick blanket of snow, as the sun rose above the northern mountains, it vasted a red glow across the snow causing it to shine.
The breeze stayed calm as the sun rose higher into the sky. The clouds became darker and soon the snow was replaced by a combonation of both rain and snow, the rain would turn into ice the moment it got close to the ground.
The snow was ecliped however by the beautiy of a school located in the center of the town, beautiful trees, bushes, and rose's rose from the ground. on the roof of what appeared to be a school, two young ten year old girls watched the snow fall. "Pretty...." the youngest of the two said, her name was Anise. "You know the teacher will scold us if we aren't in the class when the bell rings right?" the oldest said, her name was Rin.
Anise sighed. "I know, but its so fun watching the snow fall!" she said and raised her arms into the air as if she was trying to catch the snow. Rin shook her head and walked toward the door that would lead back down, she didn't use it however and instead just leaned up against it.
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Andy's messy blond hair blew through the wind. He had an irresistable smile on his handsome face. He put his hands behind his head and layed down on the hill.
Nearby, Phineas stood rigid. "Andrew. You're going to get in trouble if you don't hurry up. And pray tell...why are you not wearing your uniform?"
Andy's smile never faltered. "Oh, Finny. Relax! And I told ya to call me Andy." He hesitated slightly. "It's a wonderful day, and these kind of days are best spent with your best pal...which you are."
Phineas's eyes widened slightly. In times like these, it was very hard to admit things like that. Phineas shrugged ever so slightly. "Just..let's just go. Bell's about to ring. You've already been late 3 times this week!"
Andy grinned and stood up. The two boys ran toward the school as the bell started ringing.
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OOC: Darn character limit..
OOC2: Story Continuation below this detail, look for the three lines ^_^
Coursecon Academy is the only school located on the border town of Scoten it’s a pre-k to twelve grade academy which is run partly by the students. The total student population is rather low, but also considered quite high for a border school - a total of 576 students attend the school, give or take a few, that comes out to roughly twelve students per class room, forty eight per grade (each grade has four classes)
Divisions
The academy is divided into three divisions, pre-school, elementary and high school.
Pre-school division is the nursery school, pre-k and kindergarten.
Elementary division is first to ninth grade.
High school division is tenth to twelve grade.
Divisions are there for more than just to divide the grades, they are also used in events so that students know which event they can go to and which they can't, but commonly all events are open to all students.
Student council
Both the elementary and high school divisions have their own councils, a council consists of six students each student comes from a different grade (except high school, where there are only three grades)
The ESBC chooses students starting from the fourth grade all the way through ninth. The high school council chose's two students from the tenth, eleventh and twelve grade.
It's not unheard of, however, for the high school to actually choose a grade school student to be on the council. In fact, while its rare, the elementary school board council president has in the past offered a position to a student below the typical fourth to ninth grade area, sometimes offering it to productive second and third graders who has a real good grasp areas that help the council (mathematics, organization, etc..)
Uniform
The school uniform was voted on by the student and instituted by the two student councils, it soon began the perma uniform for the school. At the time it was put in, however, Coursecon was originally just an all girls school so no one knows why a new vote wasn't made so the male student wouldn't have to wear a long dress...
The standard school uniform consists of a black sailor dress with a white scarf and red trim, the cuffs are white with red trim (look at CCS, that’s where I've based this off of) becuase the school was originally an all girls school no male uniform was made, however, male students can request a different uniform. This uniform is a two peice, but intead of a dress the student wears long pants (or shorts depending on the weather) this uniform isn't widely advertised, mostly because most male students don't seem to care either way.. but some do. On some days though students are required to wear the actual uniform, and not the altered version.
There are also uniforms for this school, including a PE and Field trip uniform, along with a sports festival uniform.
Punishment
Punishment at this school is determined by the headmaster/headmistress. Detention exists but in a limited fashion, instead of staying in a classroom and writing a sentence on the board, students instead go around the entire school and pick up trash and dispose of it. (This can be handed out if a student verbally insults another student, or if the teacher feels that student needs punishment for some other infraction)
The second form of punishment is where the student is reduced a grade, this can be permanent or temporary, and only happens in some of the more severe cases (a fight)
The third and final form of punishment is where the student is reduced three grade levels, this is permanent and only occur's in the most exthreme of cases (verbal insult to a teacher/staff member and/or headmaster or headmistress.)
School Life
Students tend to arrive at school at eight thirty, they have a recess period from then on to nine were home room begins. Each class period is one hour, lunch also lasts an hour and starts after noon. Students rotate between eating the cafeteria and eating in their classrooms, typically three grades will eat in the cafeteria, then six grades will eat in their classroom.
This is done on a week by week basis, basically the first to third graders will eat in the cafeteria one week, but then the week after the fourth, fifth and sixth graders will eat in the cafeteria while the first to third eat in their classrooms. Then the seventh, eighth and ninth graders will use the cafeteria, while the first to sixth graders eat in their classrooms, then the process repeats itself.
Each grade has its own garden to take care of, students tend to that garden during the free period provided to them after lunch. The garden is used to grow many things, including fruits, vegetables, and other note worthy items.
Another thing about the school is the freedom that students typically have, the school is open twenty hours a day, even on the weekends. Students are allowed to come in and get help from either their teacher or another teacher, like-wise the playground and the pool area and sports complex are open for the same number of hours.
Other details
The school is located on a hill that overlooks the border town, because of that the towns security forces use it to monitor any movement that comes near the town, which is why students almost always see a soldier standing guard outside with a pair of binoculars constantly observing the border.
However, despite that little fact, the school is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, trees, bushes, flower gardens, everything allows the school to be brought to life.
Anise and Rin had just arrived in the classroom when the first bell rang. The classroom had fifteen desks arranged by rows, five desks up front then five behind that and then the last five behind that one. Each desk had a 'clip' located on the right side to hold the students school bag and a clip on the right for their school hat.
The teachers used a podium and not a desk to teach. As the two girls took their seats they wondered what home room would be like today, yesterday the teacher talked about how the weather had changed for the worst - a blizzard was going to blow through town later tonight and most likely bury the town in several feet of snow - which basically meant there would be no school tomorrow most likely.
As the students entered the class, a young girl appeared in the door way. "Anise!" the young girl shouted and waved, Anise smiled and walked over to the young girl and knelt down. "Yes Sakura? You should be in class, your teacher will scold you for being late," she said softly. Sakura smiled childishly and said, "I know! But I wanted to see how you were doing!" she said, both hands clasped in front of her.
Anise smiled weakly, two weeks ago she had gotten into a fight with the now ex-council president, ever since then Sakura had been constantly asking if she was ok. "I'm doing ok, now, get to class ok? I'll talk to you during lunch."
"You mean-" Sakura said before Anise raised her finger. "The teacher gave me permission to invite you to eat lunch here, so once you grab your lunch just head up here ok?" she winked, the young girl nodded excitedly and ran off.
She stood up and sighed. "What's wrong?" A student asked as he walked in, he placed his school bag on the desk and looked at her.
"just thinking is all..." Anise said, before the student could comment she raised her finger and looked at him. "Don't even dare..." she said and walked back to her sesk and took a seat.
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The teacher rolled his eyes as Andrew Baldwin and Phineas Williams entered the classroom 5 minutes late.
"Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Williams. Take a seat, then explain to me why you were late. Again
Andy grinned while Phineas paled.
"Well, you see, sir. It was just a beautiful day and we couldn't ignore it, so me and Finny here we had to stay and see the snow you see. I mean there are so many moments that you just HAVE to watch and this was one of those times, you see, sir."
The teacher tried not to smile but couldn't help it. "Alright, Mr. Baldwin. I expect you to be on time, no matter WHAT beautiful scene there is. You too, Mr. Williams." The boys nodded and took their seats. The teacher had even failed to realize that Andy wasn't wearing his uniform. Andy grinned and looked at Phineas, while Phineas rolled his eyes.
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Anise let out a sigh; it was the same lecture that the teacher always gave them. sometimes being a grade schooler is bothersome, she thought to herself as the teacher explained fire safety rules, and how to evacuate, she also told them what to do in the event of an earthquake.
Finally the teacher stopped with the safety lecture and told them about the upcoming assembly. "Tomorrow the chorus club will be putting on an assembly, they'll be singing several songs but one of them will be signal sang by second grader Sakura Ramie," she said before the girls in the class suddenly went wild.
Anise and Rin covered their ears for several seconds until the teacher managed to calm the class down. "There is also a fourth grade field trip coming up next week, everyone here has their permission slips right?" she asked and the students handed them in. "Alright good," she said. Their field trip would be to the near by mountain sky range, there the students would be taught how to sky and of course safety tips while on a snow capped mountain. Anise was looking forward to this trip ever since she heard of it back in the second grade, Rin was equally if not more excited.
The teacher smiled and turned to the board and wrote down the class schedule for today: Math, Reading, Language, Lunch, Music, Home Economics.
Rin smiled. Sometimes they had days where they had two special periods, like today where they had Music Class and Home Economics. She loved both, but loved Home Eco better because she's an excellent cook.
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Andy slouched in his chair feigning a look of curiosity as the teacher drilled the safety rules into them once again. However, once the teacher started to talk about the trip, he immediately perked up. He wanted to go on the trip ever since he had first heard about it and his grey and blue eyes glistened.
Phineas remained tensed up as always, but one could detect a small smile in the corner of his stony face. Then the bell rang and they were dismissed to their next classes. It progressed that way until lunch. Andy started jabbering to Phineas about the trip, while Phineas just sighed. That was when Andy saw Anise and Rin coming their way.
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Rin let out a sigh, Anise was still rather excited about the field trip. "Would you calm down already?" Rin asked her twin sister, "b-b-but!" Anise tried to say but her twin cut her off. "No buts... we still have awhile, and besides-" she said before noticing Andy and Phineas heading their way.
Anise followed Rin's gaze and soon came upon the two kids, she got some-what excited to see Andy, but before she could say anything her sister spoke up. "did your teacher grill the safety stuff into your heads as well?" Rin asked, she could sense that coming from the two of them as it had from everyone else, including students from the younger grades.
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Andy smiled that award winning smile of his. "Hello, girls." In answer to Rin's question he rolled his eyes, "Yeah, for about half the class period. Old Finny here, he got EVERY word though, didn't ya, buddy?"
Phineas jabbed Andy quickly in the ribs. "I did not. Morning Anise, Rin."
Andy motioned for the other three to follow. "Let's eat outside!" His eyes sparkled.
Phineas scowled. "Andrew. Lunch is to be eaten in the classrooms."
"Aw, lighten up! You're too serious! Just waste some time with us."
"You very well know I don't like 'wasting' time."
"I know. That's why I have to do it for you."
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Rin and Anise smiled. "We'd love to, but Anise promised a certain someone that we would eat in the classroom today," she said. "Why not-" RIn was about to say before hearing someone call Anise's name. Anise and her turned to find Sakura running toward them, Anise knelt down and told the girl to stop running, to that Sakura merely stopped and looked away. "You're no fun..." Sakura said.
"Well, if you run and fall you'll hurt yourself and then what will happen to the assembly?" Anise said. Sakura sighed, she knew Anise was right. "I'm sorry...." she said looking at the ground. Rin smiled and placed her hand under Sakura's chin, "don't look so sad, Anise is merely watching out for your safety, now," she said and turned to Andrew and Phineas. "I'm sure you know these two right?"
Sakura nodded. "Andrew!" she pointed at the boy to her left, "Phineas!" she pointed at the boy to her right. She blinked before looking at Anise and Rin, "why isn't Andrew wearing a uniform?" she asked curiously.
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Andy and Phineas both nodded when they heard their names.
The blond headed one grinned, "Call me Andy." He looked down at his clothing. He shrugged. "I hate wearing the school uniforms. I mean...for you girls it's alright...but for us guys...."
Phineas stepped forward. "Andrew has quite the reputation here, Sakura. Although...I daresay yours is quite a lot better than his..."
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Sakura blushed at Phineas's comment and turned away, she was embrassed and was trying hard not to show it but the redness of her face gave her away, "I-it isn't t-that good..." she said rubbing her hands together. She stood there for a couple seconds before speaking up, "Umm a-anyway shouldn't we get in class for lunch?" she said, noticing down the hall the staff wheeling the lunch carts that had come from an elevator that was used strictly by the cafeteria staff and disabled students.
Rin and Anise smiled, to them Sakura always looked so cute when she was embarassed
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Phineas showed one of his rare smiles as Andy went to get something to eat. The music teacher walked up and saw Andy without his uniform. The teacher however, was rather fond of Andy.
"Andrew. Why are you not wearing your uniform?"
Andy turned and gave the teacher that half smile of his that won him millions of conflicts. "Well you see, Mr.C, (His name was Connery, few kids called him 'Mr.C' as he got quite irritated by it, but Andy was one of the few) It was such a beautiful day outside when I woke up this morning, I was just so...dazed. I walked out and was just so...amazed, it was almost...musical It was quite brilliant, sir. " Andy stated with all seriousness.
The teacher tried hard not to smile, but gave a quiet chuckle. Andrew Baldwin was one of his most talented students, and he thought of him as a son. He had that charming apperance, and just about all the kids knew who he was. Even when he said the strangest things, in a way, it made perfect sense.
"Alright, Andy. I'll let you go this time."
Andy grinned. "Thanks Mr.C, I owe you one."
The teacher smiled and went to eat lunch with the other teachers. As Andy trotted over to his friends, Phineas was looking at him awestruck. "You got off the hook with CONNERY?! He's like...the most strictist guy!"
Andy laughed. "Mr. Connery's an awesome guy, Finny. I'm amazed you don't see that."
"Bb--but, Greg Connery...he's..."
Andy smiled mischiveously. "Guess I'm living up to my reputation."
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The twins just sighed and looked at each other, before heading to the classroom to wait for the lunch cart, Sakura followed close behind. "I wish Andy would wear this uniform though, would make it easier on my job..." Rin said as they walked back into the classroom.
Several of the students there had already put the desks together, there were twenty-two desks in total in the classroom but only eighteen were ever used. Five groups in total was what it came out when all the desks were put together, for the twins and Sakura, they had put five desks together since they were expecting Andrew and Phineas to eat lunch with them.
"You think they'll come here?" Anise asked her twin sister who shrugged. "Hopefully," Rin responded.
Sakura just looked out the window. "I hope the assembly goes ok..." she said with a heavy sigh. In the distance, a small twinkle of light caught her attention, but quickly vanished. "Huh?" she blinked before rubbing her eyes, but after a few, she figured it was just her imagination.
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Phineas grumbled at Andy. "Let's hurry and meet up with the girls. I'm starving."
Andy smiled, "Oh! So you DO have emotions after all, Finny?"
The two boys walked over to the classroom where the twins and Sakura were. The boys waved and sat down next to them.
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Once the lunch cart arrived the twins went and fetched everyone at their 'group' lunch. "Milk... juice.. a sandwich... apple..." Anise said as she set them down in front of Andy and Phineas. "Lady said that tomorrow's lunch will be better, just that today the burners didn't work," Rin said and grumbled.
As the twins took a seat, they noticed Sakura wasn't paying much attention. "Sakura?" Anise said, the young girl blinked and looked at Anise, "huh?"
"Lunch is here," Rin said, taking Anise's lines. "Oh!" Sakura said suddenly and turned to eat.
Rin smiled. "By the way Andy, we have Home Economics today and we are making cakes. I think Anise said one time that she'd like for you to try one of her cakes," Rin said. Anise suddenly stopped and smiled weakly, she couldn't believe Rin had just asked that, for that she didn't say a word as she was now to embarrassed.
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Andy smiled easily at Anise. "Sure thing, Anise! I'd love to try your cakes."
Phineas just rolled his eyes. Andrew and his charm...makes me wonder how many girls are getting jealous...
-
To Phineas credit, several of the female students glared at Anise. Their heated gaze's made Anise feel uncomfortable, causing her to rub her arms, "man... what's with the heated gaze...." she said as she glanced about the class room.
Shortly after Anise was finished; she looked out the window and noticed the far away clouds. "Anise?" She heard Sakura say, she looked at the young girl. "I want to go to the roof... but the teacher said I couldn't go without an upper classman..." she said.
Anise smiled. "Sure, I'll go with you," she said and got up. After the two of them disposed of their trash they headed for the roof. Rin just sighed, "Sakura is more like a kid sister to Anise than a lower classmen...." she said and took a bite out of her apple. "What are you two doing after school?" she asked Andy and Phineas.
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Andy saw the glares and coolly smiled at the girls who immediately smiled. He turned his attention back to RIn and Phineas.
Phineas replied evenly. "I was going to go ho-"
However, Andy cut in. "Home? Not a CHANCE!" He jumped up, knocking his food to the ground. He hardly payed attention. He grinned. "You know that tree that's real old? Right over the hill? Us younger years aren't supposed to go there. Only for the Seniors. Me and Finny are gonna climb it!"
Phineas looked startled. "I'm going to do WHAT?" He sputtered on his water. He hardly broke out of his calm demeanor. But with Andy around, that seemed almost impossible. He could barely keep up with Andy's ideas.
Andy grinned. "Oh comeon. If they can do it, so can we! There are a lot of weird stories 'bout it, but none of that stuff is weird, so why not?"
Phineas could hardly believe what he was hearing. "They're EIGHT years older than us! Be reasonable!"
Andy shrugged and gave Rin a half smile. "What do you think, Rin?"
-
Rin smiled weakly. "Um.. er... I think you should listen to Phineas.... I mean.... you could get hurt if you make a mistake.." she said worridly and got up from her chair. "Besides... Anise would be worried sick if she found out you went to do something dangerous... you KNOW she worries about you.." Rin said pleadingly.
***
Sakura ran over to the fence that surrounded the top part of the roof, it was ten feet high effectively making it impossible for a student to climb up on top and just sit there, there were other reasons but most weren't listed. Sakura gripped the fence with her two small hands and looked out, in the distance she could see a lake sparlking against what little sunlight remained from the clouds.
"Hey Anise, do you think I'll do fine at the music assembly?" Sakura asked, Anise smiled and walked over to her, placing both of her hands on Sakura's shoulders."I think you'll do just fine, you've been practicing for months and you've got a beautiful voice. You'll make it here, then you'll go to the capital for a singing tournament, you'll beat everyone there," she said.
Sakura smiled. "I-I hope so.." she said.
"Don't worry," Anise said. "You'll do jus fine ok?" she smiled and walked toward the door.
"Can we stay awhile longer?" Sakura asked suddenly, Anise blinked and stopped. "Sure, we can stay a little while longer. But remember if it starts raining we have to go in," she said and Sakura nodded.
-
Phineas gave Andy an 'I-told-you-so' look and gave Rin a nod of appreciation. Andy just sighed. "It's just a tree...but Anise..." and he started mumbling, off in his own world. Phineas smiled slightly. He knew Andy to be very outgoing, but never showed preferences in the girls. But maybe... Phineas started to pick up Andy's forgotten lunch and threw an apple at his head.
Andy quickly grabbed it, flashed a quick smile and ate it. Phineas just stared. That was incredible He then cleaned up the water he had spilled earlier too.
-
It was then that a sudden flash of light illuminated the ground for several seconds; Anise and Sakura brought there arms up to shield their eyes. When the light vanished they looked around to find the source of the light, "thats odd... there's clouds all over so where'd that light come from?" she asked herself.
That was when she saw a spec in the sky, it grew bigger and bigger until it was the shape of a person. This person landed on the ground between Sakura and Anise.
"Huh?" Anise blinked when she saw the black suited person. In their left hand was a glowing object, it looked to be a sword, the same was present in their right hand, only a different color.
"Who are you?" Anise said. Sakura gave the person a wide berth and ran around the person to Anise, gripping her clothing.
The person looked around until their eyes came upon Anise and Sakura, but before Anise could say anything she felt something hit her in the chest. She doubled over in pain, before blacking out.
"Ani-" Sakura said, but the figure cut her off when they did hit the back of her neck with the straight side of their hand. Sakura hit the ground with a thud, unconcious.
"err..." The person said and took out a small crystal and placed it above Anise, it glowed light green for several seconds. They did the same to Sakura before putting the jewel back into its pocket. "Sorry you two, but I can't have you seeing who I am.... not yet anyway..." they said before vanishing, leaving the two on the roof.
As the clouds moved over rain began to fall, at first it was light, but soon turned into a down-pour.
***
Rin looked outside, the rain had started five minutes ago but Anise and Sakura had not returned. "I wonder why Anise and Sakura aren't here? Anise knows better than to stay on the roof when its raining," she said before letting out a small yelp. She hated thunder, but hated lightning even more, so when she suddenly heard thunder above them she couldn't help but become fearful.
-
Andy jumped out of his thinking when he heard Rin yelp. He went around and put an arm around her. Quietly, he said, "Hey, don't worry. It'll be okay." He said soothingly.
Meanwhile, Phineas stood up and decided to go look for them.
Andy turned and looked at Phineas, "You're not going up there, are you?"
Phineas glared at him. "Why wouldn't I?"
Andy stated simply, "You'd fall off. I'll go." He pushed Phineas to Rin and headed outside. It started raining harder and Andy actually got worried. He ran and stopped at the fence. He gazed around but didn't see them.
But then, he looked down and his eyes widened. Both Anise and Sakura had fainted (Or so Andy thought) On the ground. He gently picked up the younger girl with one arms and hoisted her over his shoulder. He then did the same with Anise. He started walking back to the school, slowly. He blinked a couple of times to get the rain out of his eyes. His eyes, unbeknowst to him, had started glowing.
-
In the classroom the teacher had returned, she noticed the nervous Rin and wondered what was going on. "Everyone here?" she asked as she walked toward Rin.
"No Ma'am," one student said, "Anise isn't here."
The teacher stopped. "Where was she headed?"
"To the roof with under-classmen Sakura Ramie," another student said, "but... they hadn't come down here like you told us to when it rains so another student went up to find them..."
The teacher was now worried. "Stay here," she said and headed toward the door that would lead her to the roof.
-
Andy, dragging the other two along, had just missed the teacher. Andy dropped Sakura off to her teacher, explaining clearly what had happened. He brought Anise to her class and told the same thing. He told them to tell the teacher that he had brought her here and that she'd be alright. He then headed off to his classroom, where his teacher's disapproving glare met him.
"Mr. Baldwin. Explain why you are soaking wet and NOT IN YOUR UNIFORM."
Andy sighed. "It's raining outside." He muttered angrily, then added, "Sir."
-
Anise's teacher had Anise taken to the nurses office, Sakura's teacher had gone the same. Rin had gone with her teacher.
"Looks to me like they just fainted," the nurse said as she examined them, finding no bruises or anything that would signify that they had been in a fight or had been struck by lightning, which was very much possible since the school roof was actually the highest point in point, minus a few trees.
"May I stay here?" Rin asked, worried about her twin. Another student from Sakura's class also asked, but the nurse shook her head, "they won't be going anywhere, you two should head back to your classes. They'll be alright," she said, reassuring the two of them.
Relunctantly, Rin headed back to the classroom.
-
The class was in a hushed silence. Even Phineas was startled. Where was the smiling, getting out of trouble, Andy? This Andy was...too serious..too downtrodden.
Apparently, the teacher thought the same because his frown deepend. That was when he noticed Andy's eyes were shining. "Erm. Baldwin. Your eyes..."
Andy hardly bothered said, "Oh. Contacts. Can I go to the nurse?"
The teacher nodded dumbstruck. Didn't Andrew have perfect eyesight? Phineas chuckled but with a well timed cough.
Andy hurried off to the nurse's office. He wanted to see the two girls, however he was of course stopped by, the nurse.
"Mr. Baldwin? What can I do for you?"
"Erm. I'd like to see Anise and Sakura, please ma'am." He smiled a bright smile.
The nurse, charmed, agreed right away. "Of course...you must be worried about your friends." She led him to the two girls and handed him a towel to dry himself off. He sat down on a chair, looking at the two of him
-----
Phineas however, realized that the class was looking at him. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. The teacher cleared his throat.
"Mr.Williams. Your eyes are...shining."
Phineas hurridly looked for an excuse. "I'm eager, sir."
The class laughed and teacher relaxed. "Alright, then..."
-
Rin's class was just as silent, some of the students looked at the empty seat near Rin.
The teacher had noticed that many of the students were worried, as most weren't paying attention as the teacher tried to teach class.
She turned and addressed the class, telling them to pay attention. For Rin, though, the teacher understood why the girl was sulking and had her head on hr arms. "Rin, do you want to go to the nurse's office?" the teacher asked.
Rin smiled. "Y-yes, please..." she said and the teacher nodded. "Be back before the next period ok?" she said. Rin nodded and left the classroom.
When she got to the nurse's office she found the nurse sitting in her chair, "Ummm..." she said as she approuched her. "You want to see your sister right?" she smiled, Rin nodded. "Very well," she said and showed Rin to the bed that Anise was in. Rin was surprised to find Andy there, "I guess you were worried to... huh?" Rin asked as she took a seat.
-
Andy looked up to see Rin coming, "Worried!? I- ha!...erm...yeah. I was." He sighed and looked over at Sakura, then at Anise. His light blue eye was shining still, but his gray one was not. He turned to Rin, and noticed only one of her's was shining as well. "Hey...what's up with our eyes? You have any idea? I bet Finny's is like that too...cos yours are shining. I dunno about Anise and Sakura because their eyes are closed..."
-
Rin blinked. "Huh?" she said and grabbed a near by hand mirror that was laying on a table. She brought it up to her and noticed that her right eye was in did shining, "I-I don't know, I've never seen this before so I don't know..." she said and brought the mirror down from her face.
"Wh-what happened though? The nurse said they didn't have any bruise's and if they had been struck by lightning they wouldn't be here.." Rin said worriedly.
-
Andy looked up at the ceiling. He then made sure the nurse was not nearby and went to Anise. He double checked any bruises then gently turned her on her back. He was rather embarrased at doing so and Rin looked shocked, however he continued. He ran a hand down her hair, then stopped at her neck. He frowned. As captain of the soccer team, he knew how to treat injuries. This definetly felt like a bump. It was very small though. "Hey Rin...come here and stop glaring at me like that. Touch here."
-
Rin blinked and got up from her chair, she walked over to her twin sisters and felt around until her hand encountered the bump. "I don't understand..." she said.
-
Andy grumbled. "Damn school nurses" He said quietly. He walked over to the nurse and was just about to be rude to her, "Hey Lad-" Rin shoved him in the ribs. "Um. Ma'am? I think I found a bruise you over looked." The nurse's eyes widened and ran over to where Anise was.
-
She examined the bruise and was dumbfounded. "You're right," she said and then examined Sakura and also found a bruise. "Ok...." she said and walked over to the medicine cabinant and pulled out some gel. She placed them on her hands and spread it across both of the girl's bruises. I better talk to the headmistress, someone attacked these two girls, she thought as she continued to spread the gel around.
When she was through she stopped and looked at Andy and Rin. "Thank you, I must've missed it when I was changing them out of their wet uniforms, guess it just wasn't visible..." she said.
-
Andy just shrugged, clearly agitated. "My pleasure...ma'am." It was just then Phineas ran in out of breath.
"Andrew. Your dad. Strange heart. attack." He gasped for air. Andy froze. "M-my dad?" He pushed past everyone and started running. It was at least a couple of miles, but he didn't care. He was healthly...really young....something's not right...
-
"An-" Rin said but stopped when Andy rushed out of the room. She looked gloomy and turned to Anise, the nurse poured a cup of water for Phineas before turning her attention to the still worried and tired Rin. "Phineas, can you stay here and comfort Rin please while I call her older sister and brother?" she asked him.
-
He nodded while he gulped down his water. "Certaintly, ma'am." As the nurse went to call, Phineas came up behind Rin and held her. "She'll be fine. Come on, take a seat"
-
Rin smiled. "T-thank you.." she said.
In her office, the nurse got ahold of the high school nurse and told her what happened. After several minute's she hung up and went back into the main room, "you're older sister will be here in a few minutes, but it seem's your older brother is still doing a test so he'll meet you at home," she told Rin who nodded. "Thank you...."
The nurse smiled and walked back into her office. She sighed and went back to filling out reports.
-
Andy made it home just as his mom went out the door.
"Mom!"
"Andy! What are you doing here?"
"I heard about dad"
"I was just about to pick you up!"
"No need too."
"Apparently not." She gazed at her son for a bit. "Let's go on to the hospital then. Your father should be alright..." Mother and son got into the car and drove to the hosptial. Once there, she tried to get Andy to look more presentable. "If your hair would just-"
"Aw, mom, dad won't care! He's just had a heart attack!" He cracked a small smile.
The mom just rolled her eyes. "Just like your father..."
They arrived in the room and Andy ran over to his dad.
"Hey Andy! How's my boy doing?"
Andy grinned. "Fine, dad. You?"
"Hah, takes more than this to get me out."
Andy's mom walked over and gave Andy's dad a kiss.
"Awww, not HERE mom, dad!"
The father grinned. "You'll love 'em sometime, Andy."
-
Rin bid Phineas a farewell. "Rin, go to your classroom and get both yours and Anise's school bags," her big sister said as she hefted the sleeping girl onto her back.
Nodding, Rin left for the classroom only to find it vacant. She realized that they must've gone somewhere, she went over to her desk and retreived both her's and Anise school bag.
She meet up with her big sister at the entrance. "Is mother and father home?" Rin asked. Her big sister shook her head, "they are still out of town," she said.
Rin sighed. "I.. see.." she said and followed her big sister home.
-
Phineas sighed and sat down as he watched Rin go. He rubbed his eyes. "What a day..." He stood up and walked out of the nurse's office and walked outside. He was supposed to be at class, but he knew the teacher thought he had gone with Andy. After all...Andy was his...his best friend. Phineas grabbed his back pack and ran out the door. He ran to Andy's house, to obviously find they were not there. He heaved heavily. He wasn't like Andy, wasn't that athletic. He sat down on the door step.
-----
"Andy. Go on home now, I'll be okay."
"If you're sure..."
"'Course I am. your mom can drop you off then come back."
"Nah. s'okay. I can run" Andy grinned.
the father laughed. "Alright. Becareful."
Andy waved and ran back to his house to find Phineas.
"Finny!" Andy exclaimed.
"Andy!" Phineas replied, sarcastically.
-
When they got home, their older sister took Anise upstairs to put her in bed. RIn had gone into the kitchen to get something to drink, while she sat the kitchen tab, thoughts rolled through her mind. She was wondering what had happened, she knew those bruises weren't caused by some fall. "I wonder who would start a fight with my sister..." she said, resting her head on her arms.
"What's wrong?" Her big sister said when she noticed Rin in a sad mood. "Just..... worried..." Rin said and placed the glass in the sink and went to her room, she noticed that Anise was sound asleep.
Smiling, she walked over to her own bed and flopped down onto the sheets. "I wonder if Sakura was also attacked..." she asked herself before closing her eyes.
-
Phineas glared at Andy. "Why weren't you at you bloody house?!"
Andy grinned. "YOU were actually WORRIED about ME?"
Phineas glowered. "I didn't say that, did I? And- OH CRAP."
Andy jumped. "What's wrong with you?"
"SAKURA! I LEFT her in the nurse's office!"
"You're an idiot, Finny. And here I thought I was the dumb one." Andy grinned. "Race you there."
Phineas groaned
-
The nurse sighed. "I guess you'll be here for awhile," she said to the sleeping second grader, "your mother is just to busy to come and pick you up... and your older brother has been missing for weeks...." she sighed and walked back over to her desk.
-
Andy and Phineas arrived at the school sooner this time. Andy was hardly out of breath, but Phineas was gasping for air. They both made a final lunge to the nurse's office as the nurse looked at the two boys, who ran over to Sakura
-
"What are you two doing back so soon?" The nurse asked as she walked into the room, only to find them by Sakura's side. It answered her question, but she had another when she noticed Phineas was out of breath. "Did you run from your classroom to here?" she asked curiously.
-
"I...-gasp- yeah. I mean, yes, yes ma'am." Andy could harldy believe his ears. Phineas just told an outright lie to a staff member. The nurse nodded, and handed him another glass of water. Phineas muttered his thanks and drank it. They waited for about 10 minutes . Then Sakura woke up.
-
Sakura opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling, she tried to get up but the back of her neck hurt so bad she didn't move. "You're away," she heard the nurse say and turned toward the direction of the voice. "Andrew? Phineas?" she said and blinked, "what are you doing here?"
-
Phineas, still out of breath could not talk.
Andy joked around. "You should stop smoking a pack a day, Finny."
Phineas just glowered at him. "You. Bloody. Well. Know. That -cough- I. Don't -coughhack- smoke."
Andy faced Sakura again. "Well...you fainted clean out. I carried you to your class, and your teacher brought you here. How are you feeling?"
-
Sakura blushed. "C-c-carried?" she said. She was embarrased, the only person to ever carry her was her mother and her older brother. "I'm feeling fine," she lied. In reality it wasn't just her neck that hurt, but she had pain in other area's of the body.
-
Andy rolled his eyes. "No need to be the hero, Sakura. You're in pain, aren't you? Most likely, your neck?...By the way...did someone hurt you?"
-
Sakura thought about it and placed her hand on her head. "I-.... I don't know.... all I remember was looking out the fence and at the lake... then I wake up here..." she said trying to remember.
-
"Dang..." Andy replied, clearly troubled. Phineas, able to talk now, asked. "Did you see all those recruitment signs up?" Andy turned to stare at Phineas, "What?"
-
Sakura, being young, didn't know what they meant by 'recruitment' but the nurse on the other hand did. "You boy's shouldn't be concerning yourself with stuff like that," she said, walking over to them.
-
Andy's face brightened up immediately. "What do you mean we shouldn't worry? It's our duty! I'D fight!" Phineas nodded. "Yes...I suppose I would too.." The nurse looked disapprovingly at the two boys.
-
"Fight.. .at age ten? you are only fourth grade students and have a lot of time on your hands, not to mention there are older people out there fighting to protect your right to a free society," she said, folding her arms over he chest.
"The best thing you can do is live a free life each day, enjoy it... because you never know when you'll lose it so suddenly..." she said and stared intently at the two of them.
-
"Bah." Andy muttered. "Last time I heard, they were running out of able bodied soldiers. THAT means, they might want us for recruits!" The look in Andy's eyes was shining very brightly.
Phineas nodded. For once, he agreed with Andy.
-
The nurse sighed. "The military wouldn't let you in regardless, so stop dreaming of being a soldier be thankful for what you have right now," she scowled at them, she was getting tired of their childish antics.
-
"Well then, " Andy retorted, "I'll PROVE myself to them!" And he flashed his dazzling smile which Phineas plainly ignored.
Andy thought, To join the army...and fight...that'll make mom and dad proud of me...
Phineas likewise had the same feeling. Make people see I'm something more than just an intelluctual..
-
The nurse grumbled. "You two just don't understand," she said and then heard the door open. She turned to find four people walking in, she didn't recognize the youngest two but figured they might be new students, the other two were older and wore a military uniform. The male of the two had his uniform decorated with ribbons and medals, the same was on the female's uniform.
"Ms. Yokito," the male military man said and bowed, "its been two years since I last saw you, how are you?"
The nurse smiled. "Been doing fine, what brings the military here?" she asked.
The two of them looked at each other then down at the two kids. "The headmaster informed us to have our little sister and brother go to you for their medical information and uniform fitting," the female military soldier said.
She nodded and walked up to the two young kids and knelt down to their height. "What are your names?" she asked them.
"Yoko," the young girl said. "Nine year's old," she said a second later. The nurse wrote her name and age down on the medical card then turned to the young boy. "Yuki, nine year's old.." he said. Yokito nodded. "Very good, let's go into the back and get your uniforms," she said and guided the two nine year olds into a back room.
"Guess we'll wait," the male soldier said and took a seat, the female soldier did the same. Niether of them had noticed the other three students in the room.
-
Andy's gray and light blue eyes widened as he saw the two officers come in. He hardly payed attention to the kids. His mouth slightly ajar, he promptly walked up to them and then grinned.
"Hello sir, ma'am." His dazzling smile and tousled blond hair made him look strangely more alert than ever. "Are you two really officers?"
Phineas had walked up behind Andy also. His green and brown eyes looked at their decked out uniform and stared at them in awe
-
The two soldiers looked at him. "Officers?" the female soldier said and smiled. "I am, but my brother isn't." she said
"Corporal Manson and Leutinant Lurea," the male soldier said, gesturing to his sister when he said her name. "You two look like you have questions," he said and stared at them. Lurea also stared, but no one not even the nurse had noticed that her eyes were slightly different in color, her left eye was white while her right eye was al ighter shade of white.
-
Andy's smile widened.
"Whoaaaaaa.. Yes sir. You see, my buddy Finny-Er, Phineas and I...we wanna join the military."
Phineas had not said anything, but his eyes were eager. However, he unlike Andy, had noticed the woman's eyes. They were of two different colors...just like himself and Andy..
-
The male soldier laughed. "We appriciate your patriotism, but your to young. The military would never allow a child to join, no matter how much they would want to. You're better off staying in school, once you start high school you can join the military's junior training program, but until then the only thing you can do is keep your grade's up," Manson said and placed his hand on Andy's shoulder.
"Don't be in a rush to join the military," Lurea said. "I'm sorry, but while you two look very strong and able to handle your own, the training we had to go through was very tough and even my brother here, who was a five year gold medal athletic for this academy, had trouble getting through some of the training." she said, she wasn't trying to discourage them, but rather tried to explain that its not a walk in the park.
The two soldiers knew they had other questions and waited.
-
"Oh..." replied Andy glumly, his smile sliding off his face.
Phineas looked up. "No other....other way at all?"
-
"Nope, thats how the military runs. Trust me, you two aren't the only one's who have wanted to enter the military at such a young age, but we value a person's childhood which is why we don't let kids join," Lurea said.
Sakura shook her head and turned in the bed, she closed her eyes and soon went to sleep.
Above them, the bell to end school rang.
-
Andy stood still for a moment, his head whizzing. He then asked a totally ridiculous question that even Phinas gawked at him.
"What if..." he hesiated. "What if I don't want to be a kid anymore? What if I want to grow up right now?"
-
For once, both of them burst out laughing. They laughed so hard the nurse came out wondering what was going on, Lurea shook her hand and tried to tell her it was nothing but wasn't able to speak.
After a few minute's the two had calmed down and told the nurse that it was nothing. "Y.... you want to grow up? Trust me, adult life isn't as easy as it looks..." Lurea said. "She's right, we wanted to grow up when we were your age, but when we discovered just how hard life is right now, heck, sis and I would rather be your age again," he said.
Manson sighed. Of course, technically sis 'can' revert to a younger body... but thats only because she has that ability to shape shift her or anyone she wants.
-
Andy, not abashed at all, looked up at them. As he blinked, his blue eye gleamed for prehaps a split second. The room was immediately filled with a seriousness, that Andy himself was shocked by. Phineas felt it, but didnt immediately draw into it. The nurse however, looked very serious indeed.
-
Lurea narrowed her eyes and stared at Andy. Sooooo... he's one of us.... his powers are manifesting... but I wonder if he'll be able to control it... she thought and folded her arms.
The nurse stared at Andy and Phineas. "School's over you two, I think its best you head home right now," she said in all seriousness. Behind her, Yoko and Yuki stood wearing their new uniform. Lurea instantly fell in love with it, her brother shook his head. "God she's a stickler for cute things," he said.
Yoko blushed and rubbed her hands together. "Y-you think?" she said, knowing exactly what her sister was thinking.
Yuki rolled his eyes and folded his arms over his chest.
Sakura had been awoken by the laughing. "You know," she said and looked over at Yuki. "It's best if you just enjoy the time you have here, don't look all serious, if you do then you'll not be able to enjoy yourself."
"Yea? And why should I believe someone like you," he said in a harsh tone.
Lurea snarled, Manson grumbled. "Yuki!" Lurea shouted, causing the nine year old to jump. "Apologize this instant!"
Yuki looked genuiningly afraid of his big sister, he turned away from her and sighed. "Sorry...." he said, but the way he said it made Sakura realize that he wasn't being truly apologetic.
-
Andy knew when his welcome was worn out. He quickly walked out, leaving Phineas behind. He told the two soldiers, "Sorry about him...he just really wants to help."
Once outside, Andy kicked the ground. He grumbled furiously. "I'm old enough!" he shouted to no one in particular
-
Lurea sighed. "We know, there are a lot of people here who want to help. We know he could turn out to be a great soldier, and trust me if it was within our power we would gladly run you two through the entrance test... but its not in our power, the only one's who would allow such a thing are very busy with the war currently going on... they'd never allow kids to get involved in this war, they have kids as well..." Lurea said, head low and looking at the ground.
"That kid is stupid..." Yuki said, causing Sakura to throw the sheets off her and out of bed, but she stumbled and fell to the ground, hitting her elbow on the table, she let out a small yelp, tears in her eyes. "He is NOT stupid!" Sakura shouted, tears choking her throat.
-
Phineas, slightly alarmed, quickly went over to Sakura.
Soothingly, he replied. "It's alright. Don't listen to him. You know Andy, how he really is." He helped her back in the bed and turned to glare ferociously at Yuki.
"Don't you dare insult my best friend in front of me."
-
Yuki grumbled. "Want a peice of me short stuff?" he said before Lurea walked between them and slapped Yuki across the face, leaving a red print. The boy didn't cry, but was very surprised.
Behind Yuki, Yoko was very nervous. "S-stop it..." she said to Yuki, who looked at her and noticed how scared she was. He blinked and turned back toward the student who had helped Sakura, he looked toward the floor before leaving the nurse's office along with Manson.
Lurea sighed. "I'm sorry," she said and looked at Phineas. "He's not usually this rude to people, but today he's been acting rather strangely," he said. Sakura looked at her but didn't respond.
"Ummm... Lurea?" Yoko looked up at her big sister. "Can I stay awhile?" she asked.
"Sure, I'll be right outside," Lurea said and walked out of the room. She walked toward the bed and bowed to Phineas, "I'm sorry about my brothers attitude," Yokosaid, even though her big sister had already apologized. She lifted her head and looked at the young girl before looking at the young boy. "What's your name?" she asked him.
-
Phineas just nodded. His face had returned emotionless. He turned to Yoko. "I am Phineas. Phineas Williams."
-
Yoko smiled. "My name's Yoko, Yoko Transgemine," she said and smiled at Phineas and looked at Sakura. "What's your name?" she asked her.
"S.... S... Sakura Ramie.." Sakura said, she never did like introductions, which was why every new school year when they had first day introductions it was always a big hastle for her to talk. "N-nice to meet you," she said to Yoko.
Again, Yoko smiled. "Nice to meet the both of you," she said and bowed. "Umm..." she said and noticed their different eyes colors. "What's with your eyes?"
-
Phineas arched an eyebrow.
"Our eyes? I'm not sure...it's always been like this. But...I don't mean to be rude...I just...never seen anything like it before but...your eye is black..and no...well...pupil.." Phineas hesitated.
-
Yuki's expression turned to sadness. "Thats.... because I'm blind in my right eye... something happened a few years ago...." she said and looked toward the ground. "An... accident when my older brother was training in my old home town.. he made a mistake and... well...." she tried to say that he his shot had gone wild and hit the wooden boards behind her, causing splinters to fly into her face, one peirced her right eye causing instant blindness, but she couldn't bring put it into words.
-
Phineas frowned slightly, and in his smooth velvet voice, replied, "It's alright. I understand."
Andy, finally finished raging, turned around to see Lurea looking curiously at him.
-
"I know what you are thinking," Lurea said and walked toward him. Behind her, Yuki and Manson stayed behind, Manson was scolding Yuki on how he acted toward Sakura.
"However, why are you in such a hurry to grow up?" he asked him. "Don't you have a loving mother and father?"
Nurse's office
Sakura smiled. "I may look young, but I do understand that sometimes there are things in life that we want to forget," she said and looked at Yoko, who looked surprised to hear such a thing coming from a young girl. "We can only do so much...." Sakura said and laid her head against the pillow.
Yuko nodded. "I... don't understand what you mean... but I have been trying to forget it..." she said.
-
Andy quickly put a smile on his face. "Sure I do. That's exactly why I want to join. I want them to be proud of me."
----------------------
Phineas couldn't have agreed more with Sakura's words.
-
Lurea shook her head. "You may want them to be proud of you, but they'll be worried sick, you don't want to worry your parents do ya?" she asked him
Nurse's office
"Is.... it ok if we can be friends?" she asked Sakura and Phineas. Sakura smiled, "we already are."
-
Andy answered quite simply. "My dad was a soldier once. He'll understand."
--------------------
Phineas shrugged. "I suppose. What's the harm in it anyways..."
-
Lorea shook her head. "You're wrong there, while you father, Army General Gregory Keith Baldwin, received five purple hearts, was awarded the medal of honor twice , also received the silver star, gold star, and bronze star, also rose to the rank of General in less than two years.... he was also the man who put in a request that the recruitment age be eightteen years old, and not thirteen like it originally was. He said, and I quote 'children are a life line to our future, we can't have them join the military at such a young age as to tarnish their childhood, to do so would be an insult to themselves and result in a difficult future' the others agree'd with him and so a policy was passed that no one under eighteen was allowed to join the military," she said and stared at him.
Nurse's Office
Yoko smiled. "T-thank you, but.... I won't be in the same grade.." she said in a sad tone.
It wasn't Sakura, but the nurse that spoke up. "Just because you aren't in the same grade, doesn't mean you can't be friends, there are several students here who are friends with high schoolers... even though they have a large gap grade wise, they are still able to meet and have fun," the nurse said.
-
For the first time in his life, Andy was close to speechless. "M..m..my d-dad? B-but he...he never..told me that! He always..." Then he remembered a time when his father actually talked to him seriously.
Andy...You know I love you and that I'll support you in anything you want to do, right? If you ever have an urge to do something I don't know....honorable...think it through first. Promise me that much.
Andy stared at the lady. "H-how do you...how did you know he was my...dad?"
-------------------------
Phineas nodded, "Yeah. No need to worry about it. Let's go on home." He supported Sakura and Yoko followed them outside to see Andy looking...very...crestfallen.
-
Lurea smiled, "that's for me to know, and you to find out," she winked at him and turned to find Yoko standing there. "You ready to go home?" she said to her little sister who nodded. "Then let's go home, but first let's stop at an ice-cream stop along the way," she smiled at her little sister who jumped in excitement.
As they walked away, Manson turned to his sister. "How did you know that kid was the son of the general?"
She grinned. "You remember how I can shape shift right? Well, a year ago I shape shifted into a young girl to attend a field trip to locate a spy.... I heard his name a few times, and his last name, thats how I knew he was 'that' generals son."
"You think he'll put two and two together?" Manson asked. She snickered and shook her head, "not a chance.. for starters the general is tight lipped and won't discuss the mission to 'anyone' not even his own son."
"W-wait a minute, the general was the one who sent you on the mission?" Manson said in disbelief.
"Yep, although he hasn't a clue how I found the spy... said it must've been hard hiding from all the third graders there... I wonder what he would say if he ever found out I was a student 'amongst them," she snickered and continued walking, leaving Manson to shake his head. "She is scary sometimes..."
****
Sakura looked at Phineas. "You know the nursery down the street? My mother always picks me up from there when she has work late, if you can just take me there and the attendent will know what to do," she said to him.
-
Andy gaped after Lurea as she walked off with her sister and brother. Phineas caught up with Andy and tapped him on the shoulder. Cautiously he said, "Let's take Sakura to the nursery." Andy nodded still in shock.
He hadn't even known his father was a general!
-
Sakura waved good bye as they let her off at the nursery. The attendent watched them as they left, "good friends of your's?" she asked Sakura who nodded.
"Your mother called a few minutes ago and wondered if you had come here, I told you had even though you hadn't. She said she would be by in an hour," the woman said. "what do you want to do in the mean time?" she asked her.
Sakura thought it over before heading into the building and to the playground.
***
Meanwhile, Rin hadn't been able to get much sleep. She looked at her hand and noticed something odd, it was transperent but she saw fur, it was there for only a few seconds before it vanished. "Huh?" she blinked and sat up, but saw nothing on her hands. "that was odd..." she said.
She looked over at Anise who was still asleep, the girl was having a nightmare it seemed as she had been mumbling something in her sleep and tossing and turning. "Wonder what type of nightmare she is having," Rin asked herself.
-
Andy turned over to look at Phineas. "Do you want to stay at my place?"
"Sure" agreed Phineas. Soon they arrived and Andy's mom was there.
"Oh! Hello Phineas!"
"Hello Mrs. Baldwin. Pleasure seeing you again."
"Thank you very much Phineas."
Andy rolled his eyes. "Hey mom, Finny's stayin over. Dad's coming home tonight, right?"
The mom smiled, "Yes, Andy. You two go and wash up for dinner before he gets home from the hospital. He insisted on driving home himself."
-
Elsewhere in town; a meeting was occuring amongst a group of indiviuals. A large round table took up the center of a room, eight people sat in chairs, several more stood around.
"So... what's the status?" a person said in one of the chairs.
Another sighed. "They are massing their forces, we can estimate an attack within the next two or three weeks.."
"Freaking fools... do we know the target?"
"Its not the city persay, but the academy. Word has gotten to them that there are several children in the academy who possess the ability to use magic and other abilities, while these kids can't exactly 'access' these abilities to their fullest, they were deemed as a threat." A female said, but this female wasn't in human form but instead in a wolf's form and sitting down in a chair.
Another female, this one human but wearing medevil armor, spoke up. "We've identified several of these children, Andrew Baldwin, Phineas Williams
, Anise and Rin Outren and Sakura Ramie," she said, in the blackness of the room a young boy grumbled when he heard Sakura's name.
"Crest... they're children all right.. barely outta diapers for pete's sake," an older man said.
Some of the people there laughed. "A second grader while the rest are fourth graders? They've been well out of diapers trust me..."
"What about Anise? We know she's got two medical conditions, her paralysis and inability to dress herself..." The older man said. "Well ok.. perhaps your comment does have marit for her.."
"so? why allow a damn baby to take control of a power that she is obviously to young to wield?" The man said.
The boy in the darkness laughed. "Man are YOU stupid.. just because Anise is in diapers due to her medical condition, doesn't mean she should be exempt from using her powers. Plus you seem to be forgetting something, we need all the users we can get." he said and walked out, he wasn't in human form but was in a cat form with nine tails, hence his name - Nine Tails.
The man grumbled. "Fine.. then what about the others? We have a second grader, and three other fourth graders who don't even know the history of their country, let alone the entire number system."
Nine Tails shook his head. "You're stereotyping again.. just because they are young doesn't mean they are stupid..." he said and walked forward and jumped onto the table. "We have a few weeks... I feel we can let them enjoy what little time they have left... before they are forced into this war.." he said solemnly.
The others nodded. "What about the battle?"
"We can't stop it... the town will be turned into a battle field.... hundreds will die... possibly thousands.." Lorea said as she walked in, behind her Manson and Yoko followed.
"Yoko, mind showing them what you found?" Lorea asked her little sister who nodded. She closed her left eye, her right glowed before displaying an image on the table. It showed the troop movements of the enemy faction, and what they saw frightened them.
-
Andy's father came, sooner than expected. He was grinning broadly. "Andy! C'mere and give me a hug."
Andy, ran over and gave his dad a hug. "Hey dad. Finny's here."
The smile widened on his face, "Phineas! Long time no see!"
"Doing well, Mr. Baldwin?"
"Course, of course!"
The group sat and ate dinner comfortably, but Andy was lost in his thoughts. He wanted to talk to his dad privately. Phinea recognized the silence of Andy and continued to eat, although he was slightly bothered. After dinner, Andy spoke up.
"Dad, can I talk to you?"
Greg looked up. "Well sure, son. What is it?"
"I well...can we talk in private?"
His father arched an eyebrow but nodded. Father and son went to the parents bedroom.
"Dad.." Andy started at once as his dad closed the door. "How come you never told me that...you were a General? You..you always said you were just an infantry man..."
Andy's father's face lost his smile. "Who told you that, Andrew?"
"I...a lady named Lurea."
"I see." Realizing his son had asked a question, replied, "Ranks are not necessary Andrew. It is whatever you can do that is best for your country that matters-"
"...You also made the recruting age 18, dad." Andy almost pouted. "Why?!"
The father couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Because you boys are not yet men. Because you have much to look foward to in your life. Andrew, you have plenty of time to be an adult. But not much time to be a kid."
-
In their home, Lorea and Manson sighed. "This war is moving to fast..." Manson said as he took a sip from his tea.
"Nine Tails is apperently the only one amongst them that realize's the true danger... the academy is the primary target, but thats not the only target in this town," Lurea said.
"Sis?" Yoko said from the stairway. "Can you read me a bed time story?" she asked.
"Sure thing Yoko, give me a minute though please," Lurea said. Yoko nodded and went back upstairs to her room. "I hated having Yoko realize her power at the age of five... but it was the only way to thwart every action the enemy has thrown at us.." Lurea said.
Manson sighed. "Yea... but Yoko use's up alot of energy just using her powers for several seconds.. Nine Tails doesn't have that problem does he?"
"Nope, he's mastered his abilities and doesn't get tired. I know those kids 'will' though once they start actually using their powers." Lorea said, she looked at the empty cup in front of her and sighed. "This war will be fought by our children, not the army, air force or marines... god I can imagen the horrors that'll be instore for them..."
Manson nodded and looked at the window. Outside the storm had settled down but he could feel its intensity, "tomorrow will be a very stormy day," he said.
Lorea nodded. "Yes, but its merely the calm before the real storm begins... we'll have to be ready to spirit those children away from the battle field and to a safe haven, so they can be taught how to use their powers.."
"And their families?" Manson asked.
This time Lorea sighed in frustration. "If there anything like our parents, they'll fight to make sure their children aren't taught how to use their powers... but by 'law' we have to evacuate them to..."
"Law.... and yet the military keeps 'us' on a very tight leash." Manson said as he got up out of the chair and walked over to the window. "Those chains will break when this town is attacked.."
"That's what our military wants..." Lorea said. Her brother looked at her in disbelief, "they want us dead?"
"There are factions within this faction that don't trust us magic users and would prefer we just drop dead... in other words they fear what they don't understand, and besides, what better way than to have us all in one location? Why do you think the miitary hasn't spirited away those children under the pretense that they are carrying a deadly disease? Because they know those kids will die anyway in the battle..." Lorea said and got up. "That's you and I, along with Nine Tails and Amaterasu, must protect those four kids as while we evacuate them to the sanctuary... and thankfully no one will be able to follow us there," Lorea smiled.
"A dimension that exists that only magic users can enter. And only I can enter because i possess a medallion," Manson said and ran is hand over a small round object that was around his neck. The object was of pure gold, with an insignia of a dragon clutching an arrow and a sword.
Lorea nodded. "It's just a matter of time...." she said.
-
Andy's handsome face scowled. "But dad!-"
"No buts, Andrew. I told you didn't I? To think it through? That's my final word, Andrew. Go on and take Finny to your room."
Andy sighed heavily as he trudged through the door.
Phineas was on the couch, drifting off, watching the television.
"Finny, comeon, I'll take you to my room."
Phineas nodded and walked over to Andy's room. He had been here enough times that the Baldwins thought of him as a second son.
Back in the parents' room, Andy's father sighed and rubbed his temples. "I knew it would come down to this..."
Andy's mom came in a little while and sat next to her husband, wrapping him in her embrace. "Are you alright, Greg? What did Andy ask you about?"
Andy's dad turned and gave his wife a kiss on the hand. "Oh, just man-to-man talk. Andy knows more than I thought." He smiled at her. "Don't worry, it wasn't anything important. Let's go to sleep. I'm completely worn out from that dang hospital."
She laughed her soprano laugh, and turned off the lamp. In a few minutes, they were both asleep.
In Andy's room, Andy was muttering furiously to Phineas as to what happened. Phineas was even more so shocked. "Your DAD?"
"Yes!" Andy said through gritted teeth. "Why didn't he ever tell me?" Andy moaned. Phineas shrugged.
"I suppose we all have our reasons from keeping something away from loved ones..."
Andy rolled his eyes and threw a pillow at Phineas. "I don't want to hear your intellectual talk tonight, Finny."
Phineas rolled his eyes. In 10 minutes time, they were both fast asleep.
-
One Week Later
During the course of the week, Sakura had spent her time after school in the chorus club practicing. Anise and Rin had also been watching along with their newest friend - Yoko.
Yoko was amazed and excited to hear Sakura's wonderful voice, in some cases she almost fell asleep as how soft it was.
Then came the big day of the music assembly; the chorus club would be singing several songs to the students, amongast those however were four songs that Sakura would be singing on her own.
****
"Anise! Time to wake up!" Her mother shouted from downstairs. Rin was already awake and combing her hair, dressed in her winter uniform due to the hot weather outside. "ugh... I hate mornings..." she heard Anise say as she got out of bed.
Rin smiled and went to help her twin sister out of her pajamas. Rin didn't seem to be bothered by the fact that she had to dress her sister every morning and every night, she had done it enough times that it was just automatic. "Its very cold outside so we'll be wearing the winter uniform," RIn said as she placed the winter uniform on the bed.
"I thought it was always winter here?" Anise rasped. Rin shook her head, "last friday it was very cold in the morning, but then the weather changed so suddenly that the school was worried some students might pass out from heat stroke," she said as she rolled up the sailor dress and brought it down over Anise's head and body. Anise straightened the uniform out while Rin straightened her collar and scarf, she then put a light red bow on, instead of the normal light blue tie.
Rin's own uniform was slightly different; because she was a council student the trim on her uniform was gold and not the standard red. Once Anise was dressed and ready the two grabbed their school bags and headed downstairs for breakfast.
-
Phineas awoke first, surveying his surroundings. He got up and stretched, and washed his face, brushed his hair, etc. He took Andy's uniform, because he knew Andy wouldn't be bothered wearing it again. As he put the uniform on, Andy woke up. He was in a better mood.
"G'morning, Finny! Ugh...you're wearing the uniform..."
Phineas nodded. "I wore yours because I knew you wouldn't care. It IS the music assembly, and Mr.Connery wants all of us to dress nice. I suggest you wear a suit or something. I mean...you COULD request the other uniform if it bothers you THAT much."
Andy sighed. "I don't like uniforms either way, Finny. It takes away our indi-....indvi-"
Phineas replied, "Individuality?"
Andy sighed. "Yes, yes." He took out his black jacket, white collared shirt, and blue tie, along with black slacks and shoes. After he was dressed, the two boys headed toward the kitched where his dad was already gone and his mom had made breakfast for the two boys. After eating rather rapidly, Andy and Phineas ran off toward school.
-
After breakfast Anise was given her medicine, once she gulped down the nine pills she and her twin sister RIn left for school. Along the way they stopped at a flower shop and bought a bundle of flowers and then headed to the local cemetary.
A grave stone marked the location of the twins oldest brother, who had been killed in the war just a year ago. "I wish you were still here, big brother... you would always play with us, take us to the park, read us stories, and even turn the hose on us when you were cleaning the car," Anise said, choking back tears.
Rin watched; she had a bitter memory of what happened to her big brother. She was visiting her big brother at the base when it was attacked by the enemy, she had seen him blown to peices by a mortor round, the image burned into her mind, it was something she saw every night before bed and sometimes during the day.
Often times she ignored it, but sometimes she couldn't and would just start crying. Anise wasn't there, but Rin realized that some-how Anise had seen the same thing she had, which was why Anise feared war and death, and didn't want any part of it.
"C-come on Anise.." Rin said and walked up to her twin sister and placed her hands on the girls shoulder. Anise looked up at her and nodded, tears in her eyes. Rin took out a hankerchief and wiped the tears from Anise's eyes. The two of them then headed to the school, once they got there they took off their walking shoes and placed them into the locker and then took out their school shoes.
Rin was glad that Anise could at least tie her own shoes; when her mother said that she would responsible for all of Anise's needs (minus a few) she had worried that Anise couldn't tie her own shoes, but was thankful when she discovered that her twin sister could. "Homeroom first period, then after homeroom the teacher will take us to the assembly hall huh?" Anise said. Rin nodded and the two headed to class.
In the assembly hall, or rather, auditorium, another student was practicing for the assembly. She sang at almost the same level as Sakura, but wasn't as good. The chorus teacher wanted to make sure the students singing would carry well, and she was glad when a staff membe gave her the thumbs up. "Excellent!" she said. "Ok students, we have an hour before the assembly. Some of you are probably thirsty from spending the past thirty minutes practicing, god knows some of you have been here all night," she said and looked at Sakura and three other students, who smiled back at her.
"Head to the cafeteria and get yourselves some breakfast," she said, the students bowed and left for the cafeteria.
She sighed. "This will be the greatest assembly ever!" The chorus teacher said excitedly as she left.
-
Andy and Phineas arrived to school on time for homeroom. The teacher, nearly dropped his coffee when he saw Andy.
"M-Mr.Baldwin!"
Andy replied, innocently, "Yes, Mr.Kerth?"
"Y-you're wearing a...a suit."
"Is there something wrong with that, sir?"
"W-well...no...I mean, it's not the school uniform but...ah, nevermind, Mr.Baldwin. Take a seat."
And Andy, grinning happily, sat down along with Phineas. Homeroom was over soon enough as their teacher led them to the assembly hall.
-
In the auditorium the students were sat depending on grade, for their part, the fourth graders were roughly in the center of the row of seats.
High school students were seated above them in an overhang. Some of teh students there waved banners for Sakura, this only made Sakura blush but also smile when she saw them. "Sheesh.. you even have the dang high schoolers on their cute list..." One of Sakura's classmates said. "At least they love me, and not hate me..." Sakura said and looked at the ground. "You're worried about today's performance?" the student asked.
Sakura sighed. "How can I not be? I'll be singing in front of the entire school, pre-school and high school included.... plus the staff and even some families..." Sakura said, her body shivered at the thought. She had never had any problems singing for just a few classes, but this was the first time she would be singing in front of an entire school, let alone for people not even attached to the school itself.
***
Anise and Rin took a seat in the middle roof, beside them their fellow classmates did the same. "I can't wait!" one student said, getting all excited. Rin smiled at them and told them that if they got to excited they might bring the house down, "boo!" the student said in response to Rin's attempt at humour.
-
Andy and Phineas were just as excited, although Phineas didn't show it much. They searched around and then spotted Anise and Rin. Andy grinned and waved and both boys ran over to the two of them.
Andy's eyes just sparkled with amusement.
-
"Morning Andy! Phineas!" Rin said. Anise looked at Andy and then away from him, her heart pounded. "Umm.. Morning.. Andy..." she said nervously
"Hey... shouldn't you two get back with your class?" another student said, noting their own teacher was already beginning to make her way over there.
-
Andy shrugged at the student. He sat down and tried to loosen his tie. But from a fierce look from Phineas, he left it alone.
Andy turned to Rin and Anise. " Heya Rin. G'morning Anise." He said, smiling happily.
Phineas nodded his hello. Their teacher spotted the two boys, but just let them be. He knew how close those boys were to their friends.
-
Their own teacher stopped when she noticed that the other boy's teacher wasn't doing anything.
"I hope Sakura isn't nervous, I never expected such a big crowd to show up," Rin said.
Behind her another student, an upper-classman, said. "That's because some of the people watching are judges who will choose whether or not Sakura can go to the capital for the finals," the student said, her arms on her chair and hair face on it. "You must be friends with her huh?"
Rin nodded, "we've known Sakura for a long time, my mother used to babysit her before she started kindergarten."
The student smiled. "I see..." she said. "I guess it'll be a bit while longer before they start the assembly..." the student said noting others walking in.
Behind the curtain, the chorus club got set up. They formed four rows a touch a bench, one row just higher than the other. On the bottom row, by herself, Sakura stood there. Unlike the other chorus members, she didn't hav a sheet in her hand.
"Ten minutes," the chorus teacher said. Sakura sighed and took a gulp from her water bottle, "calm down Sakura-chan!" a friend of hers said. Sakura turned and smiled nervously, her friend was the only one who used honorifics around her.
Her teacher looked at her watch but noticed that Sakura was nervous. She then watched as Sakura placed her hand in front of her and counted, then placed the hand up to her mouth and acted as if she had just ate something. "Thats the way Sakura, thats how you get rid of your nervousness..." her teacher smiled.
-
Andy sat next to Anise, while Phineas, next to RIn. Andy looked on the stage and realized Sakura was nervous. From where he was, he shouted, "HEY SAKURA!! GO FOR IT!" Several students and teachers turned and stared at him. Andy just grinned broadly at them.
-
Sakura's face turned bright red. Some of her friends giggled, even her own teacher couldn't help but laugh. "Err... why did he have to do that..." Sakura said and looked at the ground. She repeated what she had gone before and gulped down the audiance she had drawn in her hand.
Toward the edge of the stage, the chorus teacher was sitting at a piano. In the back, however, the high school band club was sitting things up. "A single where Sakura is singing solo?" The high school junior said and shook her head. "She sounded excellent at practice, can't wait I hear here here," another sounded.
As the auditorium began to get quiet, the chorus rose from her chair and welcomed the students to the assembly. She told them what song they would be playing, the first was a typical grade-school song, but she had told them it was changed slightly. Her piano told the tail, the song was much more soothing.
Sakura waited as her fellow chorus memebrs started singing; she had her eyes closed, waiting for her part - then she started.
-
As soon as Sakura started singing, the audience was hushed. Even Andy, stopped talking. He knew Sakura was a brilliant singer, but he hadn't heard her voice in this long. It was almost like a dream. His arm brushed Anise's as he leaned foward.
Phineas, was also awestruck. "Beautiful... he murmured.
-
Anise was to transfixed on Sakura to even notice, but her heart apperently did notice as he began to beat faster.
Sakura continued to sing, stopping every so often for the other members to sing their peice. After ten minute's she and the chorus club stopped, it was the ending of the first of several songs. The curtain came down and the students gave out a sigh of relief, Sakura took the water bottle that as under the bench and took in some water. "That was wonderful Sakura-chan!" her friend said.
"Yea, a lot better than in practice!" A chorus member said. She smiled, "but.. its not over yet."
"Five minute break," The chorus teacher said.
Out in the audiance, everyone applauded even though the curtain was down. Anise smiled and Rin nodded, "I told her that practice would make perfect!" she said, nodding several times.
-
Andy snapped out of his reverie. "That was brilliant!" Phineas nodded. "It certaintly was. I wonder how Sakura's feeling..."
Andy shrugged. "She shouldn't worry She's doing great." He stood up and stretched, taking his jacket off. He sat back down after a moment. He then noticed that Anise had turned rather red.
Andy, concerned asked, "Are you alright, Anise?"
-
Anise blinked and stared forward. "W-what?" she said before answering his question. "I-i-i'm fine... w-why?" she said, not even realizing that her face was red.
-
Phineas inwardly groaned. How can Andy be such an idiot? Anise likes him!
Andy frowned. "It's like you're burning up..." He moved to put a hand on her forehead. It WAS very hot, but not for the reason Andy thought. "Are you sure you're okay?"
-
Anise blinked. "Maybe I'm running a fever..." she said. Rin sighed and shook her head, sometimes Anise can be so dense.. doesn't she realize that she likes him?
In the back, Sakura was almost ready for the next song. This one was also a grade-school song, but it was completely original with just her and two other members of the chorus singing it.
The curtain went up and the Chorus teacher told them who created the song. Then she turned to the piano and began to play, another soft tone, and soon Sakura and her two chorus members began to sing.
-
Andy and Anise both quieted down as Sakura and two other members of the choir started singing. It was relaxing...soothing...as if nothing could go wrong at all.
Phineas relaxed, his tension gone.
-
As they sang, the students all went into a trance, they all appeared to be very happy. As she neared the end of her song she stopped and smiled at the students, the other two members also stopped a short time later. The curtain then went down and the teacher gave them another five minute break.
-
This time, Andy stood up and walked outside. It was snowing gently. It was so peaceful and serene, that Andy couldn't help but sigh. He didn't bring his jacket, so he got cold. He walked around a bit, thinking of what his dad had said to him.
He went back inside and shook the snow off. The snow on his hair melted, making it damp. He went to his seat and put his jacket back on, sniffing.
Meanwhile, Phineas turned to Rin. Anise didn't hear.
Whispering, Phineas said, "Andrew can be such an idiot sometimes...I don't understand why he isn't catching on..."
-
Rin gave a soft giggle. "Yea... but the same can be said of Anise, she hasn't caught on either," Rin whispered and smiled.
High above them, the support columbs that held up the roof began to show signs of stress as bolts began to snap apart, but the bolts didn't fall to the ground like they should've but instead turned into fine sand that was blown away by the light wind that blew through the building.
Below on stage, Sakura had just finished singing. She let out a sigh of relief and then smiled at the audiance, the curtain went back down. "Almost time for teh band huh Sakura-chan?" her friend asked her.
"Uh huh, after my solo peice the headmaster will dismiss the students for a one hour recess, after which the high school band will play a song with me singing," Sakura smiled at her friend who smiled back.
The teacher came out and asked Sakura if she was ready for her solo peice. "You have five minutes," she told her. Sakura nodded, the song she was singing had no music attached to it, instead she would be using her voice to add the music to it.
As the curtain's rose, Sakura stood there on stage in the center. Her fellow chorus members stood on the bench and watched her, her friend smiled.
Sakura smiled. A wild song, a solo song, I wonder if the students will like it? she thought as she looked across the audiance. She brought her arms and hands up to her chest, clasped them, and then began to sing.
-
Curiosity filled Phineas. This song was faster, wilder, more out-of-the-box. He smiled slightly. It was new. He liked it. A seat away from him, Andy was smiling happily too. He liked upbeat songs. Add to that, an incredible singer, it was just breath taking.
-
When Sakura was done she let out another sigh and smiled at the audiance. As the curtain closed the headmaster walked in front of it and adressed the students, "I hope everyone here is enjoying the assembly so far," she said and got an applause from almost everyone.
She nodded. "The chorus club is going to take a one hour break, in the mean time everyone here is also on break. You can either go on recess or go to the cafeteria and eat lunch," she said and gestured to the clock which read eleven forty five. "In one hour return to your classrooms so your teacher can bring you back here, is that understood?" she asked.
Everyone said 'yes' or 'yes ma'am' with the students were dismissed.
Behind the curtain Sakura sat down on a chair and wiped the sweat from her forehead. "You ok?" her friend asked her. "Huh? Yea.... I'm fine..." she smiled. "What do you want to do?" her friend asked her. "Practice some-more.." she said before the chorus teacher came up, "Sakura, let's return to music room and see if we can improve upon your next song," the teacher said. Sakura nodded and followed the teacher out another exit.
***
Anise and Rin smiled, "that was exciting, but looks like Sakura is saving the best for last," Rin grinned. "Can't wait," she said and looked at Andrew and Phineas. "I don't know about you two, but Anise and I are going to head back to our classrooms and grab out coats and head outside in the snow, want to join us?" she asked.
-
"Yeah!" Andy replied enthusiastically. He hadn't brought anything but his coat jacket so he just buttoned it up. Phineas had brought a jacket and wore it. They followed Anise and Rin to their classrooms, then the foursome headed outside in the snow.
Once Andy was outside, his eyes were gleaming mischiveously. He quickly made a snow ball and thew it at Phineas which promptly knocked him up side the head. Phineas turned and glared. He quickly made a counter attack, but Andy dodged, grinning gleefully.
"C'mon, Anise, Rin!, Finny! Let's have teams!"
-
Anise and Rin grinned and the two of them made a snow ball. Anise threw hers at Phineas while RIn threw her's at Andrew.
-
Rin's snowball hit the back of Andy's head, causing his hair to get even wetter. Good naturedly, he made one and aimed at Rin.
Phineas, clearly trying to get back at Andy, threw another one at him. This time, it got the blonde on the back. Phineas smirked happily.
Andy quickly hid behind a clump of trees, pulling Anise with him.
-
Anise blushed. "eek!" she said.
Rin dodged the ball, but the snow ball hit a student behind her. "Sorry!" Rin said and rolled up another snow ball and threw it at Phineas.
-
Phineas was able to dodge. "Hey!" He said softly.
Meanwhile, Andy and Anise were safely behind the clump of trees.
"Okay, here's what we do. We just have to make a load of snowballs, then start throwing and we just don't stop." Andy grinned. "We'll be sure to get them that way."
-
Anise blinked. "Um.. ok..." she said.
**
Rin made two snow balls and tried to find Andy, but failing that, she turned her attention back to Phineas and threw two snow balls.
-
Phineas groaned and dodged. However, not being the talented athelete like Andy, he was to slow and the two snowballs hit him upside the head.
All of a sudden, there was a flurry of snowballs descending on both him and Rin.
-
Rin tried to dodge but several of those snowball found their marks on her body and one smacked her clear in the face causing her to hit the ground hard. "Oooowww..." she said as she rubbed the back of her head.
Anise continued to show, unaware that she had just hit RIn rather hard.
-
Phineas saw the snowball hit Rin. He covered her with his body and yelled out, "STOP!!!"
Immediately, Andy came from the bushes grinning. However, his smile quickly disappeared once he saw Rin somewhat hurt.
-
"Ow...." Rin said as she wiped the snow off her face. "Hey now that hurt!" she scowled at Andy and Anise, Anise looked away, "sorry...." she said.
-
Andy smiled slightly. "Aw, Rin. You know Anise didn't mean it!"
-
Rin stared at Anise, who was looking away. She then sighed, "You need to not throw so hard," Rin said and got up.
Anise nodded and picked up another snow ball. Rin then grinned and through one at her and toward Andy
***
Meanwhile, a staff member was up on the roof of the Auditorium. She was inspecting it, noting that the snow was quickly piling up, she could see a depression on the roof. "Its sagging..." she said as she walked toward the center, "the snow is getting to heavy for the roof to support, I better tell the headmaster to cancel the rest of the assembly," she said and made her way back down.
She only got as far as the exit before being stopped by someone. "You will continue checking the campus, but you will forget what you saw on the roof," the person said. She nodded as if hypotised and then went about her business.
The person grinned before disappearing.
***
In the chorus room, Sakura let out a sigh. "That was very good," she heard the female teenager say. "I think this peice will be perfect," she smiled and gave her a thumbs up. Sakura smiled back and then went back to practicing.
-
Rin's snowball caught Andy by surprise as it hit him full in the face. He laughed, his eyes sparkling. "I see how it is!" Before Phineas got to have another chance to throw one at him, Andy rolled, made a snowball and threw it.
-
Sakura smiled when the headmaster came in and told them that the assembly would continue in ten minutes. Thats when the intercom beeped and the students were informed to head back to their classrooms for roll-call.
Anise and Rin sighed. "Time fly's when your having fun, didn't know an hour had already passed," Rin said. Anise nodded and looked at the two boys, "Ok.. meet you two in the Auditorium!" she said before running off to their class.
-
Andy grinned and ran toward the auditorium, not bothering to shake off the snow. Phineas trudged behind him. Soon, they arrived back in the auditorium and sat down at their seats. They waited for Anise and Rin and waved them over when they saw the two girls.
-
Sakura smiled on stage as the curtain rose, behind her the high school bang had already started up. Drums rolling, gaiters playing, a flute going off, and a harp also being played.
She stood there with her eyes closed, waiting for the key note. Then she started singing.
-
Andy and Phineas both tried to slow down their breathing. They started listening to Sakura sing, once again, enveloped by her talent.
-
As Sakura sang, a teacher who was watching noticed snow falling over the crowd, at first she thought nothing of it but then realized that snow shouldn't be falling. She looked up and saw a hole in the ceiling with snow coming through.
Thats when she heard a loud 'snap' the sound made students looked around and caused Sakura and the band to stop playing. "Evacuate the Auditorium!!!" A teacher shouted when a peice of ceiling suddenly collasped and hit the stage. Sakura crouched down, the drummer in the band rushed over and covered her as more debris fell.
The teachers began rushing the students out, "Sakura!" Anise shouted but wasn't able to get to her as the students were all in a panic, even Rin wasn't aware that Sakura was in danger and instead was forcing Anise, Andy and Phineas out.
Sounds of metal twisting went through the building until finally the last support columbs holding up the ceiling could no longer hold the weight, combined with the weight of the snow and the lack of bolts, the ceiling caved in.
It was systematic, as the ceiling fell one after the other until it got to the stage. The drummer was on top of Sakura when a peice of the roof landed on top of him, forcing the two of them onto the stage, but even the stage couldn't hold the weight and soon it collasped as well. Sakura, along with several of the band, were buried under tons of debris.
-
Andy and Phineas could barely comprehend what was going on. They were being pushed out by Rin. Andy frantically looked on the stage for Sakura, but could not find her. Once they were outside, Andy said,
"RIN, I Can't find Sakura. I'm gonna go back!"
Phineas looked at him. "Andrew! Are you crazy? Don't be a hero right now! The whole roof is going to cave in completely."
Andy ignored him and ran back into the buidling amongst the debris
-
A teacher who had been watching suddenly noticed Andy and went and grabbed him. "Stop!" he shouted and held the boy, just then the doors Andy would've gone through suddenly collasped inward along with the wall they were attached to. Seconds later the west and east walls also collasped inward with a loud 'thud'
"Sakura!" Several of Sakura's classmates shouted when the three walls collasped.
Lurea watched with growing concern. Nine tails, status! she said telepathically.
Nine Tails grunted, using his power he was holding up the roof that had collasped over the stage... but he already knew that he had been partially to late, he couldnt' stop it from falling onto the first row of chairs which he knew some students had still been in. Fifteen... perhaps sixteen students.. were still stuck on the first row... possibly dead... Nine Tails grunted as he held up the roof, but his own power was waning due to the weight.
In the distance he heard the sirens of emergency vehicles descending upon the academy
Under said debris
Sakura moaned, she hurt all over and could taste something sweat in her mouth and could tell she was lying in a puddle of liquad, but didn't know 'what' it was. She opened her eyes and found that it was some-what dark, with only a little bit of light showing through. She saw someone on top of her but didn't know who, she tried to speak but no words came. What... happened.. she thought as she tried to move but discovered that her legs and arms wouldn't respond. What's wrong with my body?! she began to panic as she couldn't do a thing.
In her mind she heard a voice, a female voice telling her to stay calm.
Outside
Sakura, don't panic... just stay calm and let the rescuers get to you.. Lurea said telepathically to her. The girl looked around and survayed the disaster, students cried, some hugged each other, and others looked on in disbelief at the destruction.
Teachers also looked on in disbelief, some had already began to discuss how this could've happened, but most were worried about those who hadn't made it out - students and teachers alike.
-
Andy struggled against the teacher's grasp even after it had collapsed down. He couldn't believe Sakura was still there.
"Let me go!" He gritted his teeth.
-
The teacher held Andy. "No! Its far to dangerous," he said as firefighters and medics arrived. The firefighters began to remove debris while the medics tended to the injured.
Nine Tails where are you? Lurea said as she stared at the now destroyed auditorium.
I'm in the bell tower, its becoming very difficult to hold up the debris, theres just to much weight! Nine Tails grunted as his powers began to fade. Against another magic user this would be easy! But against mother nature it isn't!
It was then that some of the debris shifted, Nine Tails scowled. Damn it.... if anyone was under that they are possibly dead...
Below Lurea began rescue operations by talking with several of the military soldiers who had arrived on the scene. "Start from the front and work your way toward the back of the auditorium!" she ordered one group. It was then that an air raid siren sounded, "What the hell?!" Lurea shouted and then gave orders. "EVERYONE TO THE AIR RAID SHELTERS!"
The teacher who had been holding Andy back suddenly picked the boy up. Anise and Rin followed the teachers and students as they rushed toward an entrance to a shelter.
Under the debris, however, Sakura could barely hear the siren. All she did hear was the pounding of her own heart, she was a little tired, but had no idea that she had a large gash on the side of her chest.
-
Andy, however helpless it was, continued struggling. "No! DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?! SAKURA'S THERE!!" He exploded.
Phineas's forehead creased with worry. He looked back and wanted to go in, but he knew he'd be trapped there as well. "Andrew..."
"DON'T YOU ANDREW ME PHINEAS." Andy was beside himself. Phineas stood agape. That was the first time Andy had called him by his full name, and not by 'Finny'
-
Lurea had been following the teacher that was holding Andrew, she snarled under the boy's apperent disregard for his own life. "Keep running!" she shouted. It wasn't until she heard the tall tail signs of an F-94N engine in the distance. Frags.... she said.
Nine Tails was forced to lower the debris, knowing that dieing wasn't going to save anyone still trapped. Lurea go! I'll handle the fighters and bombrs.. get those kids into the shelter! And by god SHUT THAT IDIOT UP! HE DOESN'T REALIZE THAT HE'S TRANSLATING THROUGH TELEPATHY!!! Nine Tails shouted, referring to Andrew on the last part. He crouched down and stared at the dots in the distance, near the border anti-aircraft batteries began to fire.
Meanwhile Lurea had caught up with the teacher. She noticed Andrew was still struggling, "Andrew keep quiet and calm down! There are people trapped in there but we can't do a DAMN THING if we are DEAD!" she said to the boy.
-
Andrew stared at the person. "Lurea..." He said. He tensed up slightly, but calmed down. Phineas trotted beside Andrew, relieved that he had stopped shouting. They arrived at the shelter and the teacher put Andrew down with a weary look. Phineas went over to Andy. "Look...I know-"
"Sakura's in there, Phineas. Sakura's in there but they won't let me get her." He said in a low voice.
Phineas replied. "Andrew...she might...she might not..."
"Don't you dare say that Phineas. Sakura's alive and she's there."
Phineas exhaled sharply. He sat down on the ground. Andy decided to stay up and just glare.
-
With the door closed, Anise could only think of Sakura and cry at the same time, held in an embrace by Rin."She's ok..." Rin said, although she to was crying as well.
It wasn't quiet, most of the students in the shelter either cried or whined. The teachers went around calming everyone down also giving students something to drink. WIth the Air Raid Siren still sounding, it was going to be awhile before the doors could be opened.
Lurea was standing near the exit of the shelter. "What a damn time for them to be attacking..." she grumbled. "This is to much of a coincidence.." teacher said as he turned and looked at the students. "This is to much for some of these kids to handle..."
-
Andy held the drink in his hand, and paced around. He was mumbling to himself. Phineas looked at Andrew. He had never seen his friend act like this before. He stood up and walked over to Anise and Rin and sighed. He sat down next to them, still watching Andrew.
"Anise, Rin. You two should drink something. I daresay we'll be down here for a while..."
For Andy, thoughts kept on circling inside his head. She's the youngest in our group! Why did SHE have to be the one under there? Why wasn't I fast enough?! Teeth grinding, Andy paced around for a full 10 minutes.
-
Anise nodded, it was easy to tell she had been crying as her face looked terrible. She picked up the cup of water that the teacher had set down on the ground and took a sip, Rin had also picked up her cup but hadn't taken a sip. After some minute's Anise laid her head down in Rin's lap and slowly, she fell asleep.
Rin sat there on the ground and stared toward the exit, she wondered what was going outside. Not even the sound of the air raid made it through once the outside doors closed - and those could only be closed by those outside so she knew someone was out there.
Under the debris
Sakura wasn't sure how much time had passed, but the one thing she did know was that she was slowly lossing streangth. She could feel the numbness slowly creeping up her body, she had told herself several times not to cry, but for once she didn't tell herself this and was instead crying - but more out of pain than anything else. The smell of copper was present in the air, she didn't know what it meant but it did make her gag a bit, she had managed to get her right arm loss and was able to pull what little remained of her torn uniform over her face.
She had looked at the person was on top of her - lifeless and immobile. "Hey...." she managed to say, it taken her awhile to realy say anything as she had been in shock the whole time. "W-wake up..." she said and placed her hand on his face, it felt cold to her touch. She also noticed a red liquad dripping from his mouth, "W-w-wake up... p-please... I don't like being alone..." she said with tears in her eyes. After she tried for several minute's she gave up, assuming the person was asleep, not realizing that he was actually dead.
-
Andy gave up storming after awhile and drained his cup of water. He knew that was rather stupid, because he had no idea how long they were going to be here, but at this point, he didn't care. He sighed and sat next to Phineas, not saying anything. He looked over at Anise and Rin, both whom had fallen asleep. He ran a hand through his already messy hair. What was going on?
-
Nine Tails was watching the horizon, the sun was starting to descend below the clouds and a subtle rain began to fall. "Tell me again why can't intervene?" Nine Tails asked the person beside him.
The girl shook her head. "Because, even our country considers magic users to be enemy... its taboo for us to get involved in they'll instantly turn their weapons on us and possibly kill us," she said and looked down at the destroyed auditorium.
Firefighters and soldiers were going through the debris, despite the air raid sirens still going off. "Gutsy they are..." the girl said.
"at least they can act..." Nine Tails commented.
"Not our fault we can't do a damn thing because the politicions are fearful of what they don't understand," the girl sighed and looked at the nine tailed cat next to her. Nine Tails shook his head and sat down, taking his paw up to his face and licking it before running it over his head, "you know... thats not sanitary..." the girl said, disgusted.
Nine Tails smiled. "Hey, I'm a cat ok? Well.. I have the form of a cat, and besides its a lot easier to bath in this form than in my human form," he said and began to wash behind his ears.
Enough idle talk you two! Lurea shouted telepathicaly. What's the status on the survivors?
"I can see only nine hearts beating... thats ten less than before I reported..." The girl snarled. She balled up her fist and slammed it into the bell, causing it to let out a violent ring that made her and Nine Tails grab their ears. "You idiot!" Nine Tails, barely able to hear now thanks to the ringing in his ears.
Lurea shook her head. kids.... she grumbled.
Disaster Site
Sakura wasn't sure how long she had been under the debris, only that it was longer than she hold her bladder. She was whimpering now due to the accident she had, but knew that there was really no way around it as she was still stuck under seveal pounds of debris. "I hate this.." Sakura said, sniveling.
A foul odor had also begun to permiate the room, at first she thought it was coming from her but then she realized that it was coming from the person who was on top of her, his body was giving off an odor that made her vomit.
As she laid there, she thought she had heard something. "Huh?" she said as she strained to listen, however because she had blood all over her left ear, and because her right ear had cuts all over it, she had a difficult time hearing anything except her own heart. "I... must be hearing things..." she said in a sad tone and closed her eyes.
Above her, a firefighter crouched down; his face to the debris. "Anyone down there?!" he shouted.
Sakura's eyes opened wide - she wasn't just hearing things. "H-help me!" Sakura whimpered, tears pouring from her eyes.
The firefighter was amazed. "H-Hey! We got a survivors here!" he shouted as several of his fellow companions rushed over to him. "I can't see them," one said.
"She might be on the very bottom, if these floor plans are right, this area is where the stage used to be." Another fire fighter said, opening up a blue print on the debris. "Ok gents, let's take this slow and easy... everyone becareful, Mark, Julian, continue to search for survivors... if you hear any let me know." The fire chief said as he took the blue plans and looked them over. "Ok, get some equipment from the trucks and lets start excavating this area.. be very careful."
"The voice sounded like a little girl.." The firefigher who had heard Sakura say.
"Then be extra careful, I don't want us to be known as the department that killed a little girl because we rushed and didn't take proper safety measures," the fire chief said. His fire fighters all nodded, knowing what to do, before going off to do their tasks. In the distance mighty storm clouds had gathered, "It'll be raining soon..." the chief said to no one in particuler, with a sigh, he went back to work.
-
Another hour passed and Andy and Phineas both were getting rather restless. Andy got up and started pacing around again.
-
Finally the doors to the shelter were opened and medics came in. "Anyone injured?" one called out and noticed several students lying on mats. "We've got a few hurt here, some are in the back," a teacher said and pointed.
The medics nodded and sent some of his men toward the back. "What about everyone else?"
"Most of the children here just want to get out and go home to their parents..." A teacher said, noting some children who are cried themselves to sleep. The paramedic smiled, "I understand. We'll take the injured out first, then we'll start moving everyone to the schools gym so they can wait for their parents."
The teacher nodded and started going around to the other teachers to relay the plan.
Anise and Rin were both asleep when the teacher noticed them, she didn't have the heart to wake them up though and asked another teacher to help her carry them to the nurses office where they could sleep in a warm bed until their mother arrived.
***
For Sakura, the firefighters had managed to remove much of the debris that was on top of her, but some of it they couldn't remove due to improper tools. The Rain that had begun to fell thirty minute's ago had found its way into the small hole that Sakura was trapped in. The water level had risen above her neck, she feared for her life until a slap of the ceiling was moreved and a firefighter jumped down into the hole.
He placed the oxygen mask around her face, noting that she had numerous deep cuts that were trickling blood. He could tell however that she was very weak right now, her face while bloodied, was very pale. "Chief, this young girl is lossing blood but I don't know from where... we need to cut her out of her quick!" he said over his radio.
The firefighter looked at the teenager who was on top of her and placed his fingers against his neck, but alas he felt no pulse and was forced to looked away. "We also got a DB down here..." he said over the radio.
He ran his hand over the girls wet and bloody hair. "You'll be fine," he said to her, she gave a weak nod and stared straight up toward the sky.
-
Andy and Phineas were both greatly relieved. They followed the group to the school gym. Andy looked over at Phineas. "Do you want to come to my place? I-"
But Phineas declined. "No...I..think I'll have to..um...check up on...my father."
Andy nodded his head. Finny never talked about his family. And when he did, it was the least information possible. Andy had never even SEEN Phineas's dad. Phineas started walking out.
Andy said, "Hey...isn't your dad coming to pick you up?"
Phineas shook his head and continued walking out. Andy bit his lip. In about 30 minutes, Greg Baldwin came rushing in, his face pale. "Andrew!" He said. Andy ran into his dad's open arms. "Are you alright?"
"Yea."
"Where's Finny?"
"He...left."
"His dad pick him up?"
"I..er...yea."
"Alright. Let's get home. Your mother is worried sick." Andy nodded, then stopped. "Dad...Sakura.."
He turned around and looked at his son. "What's wrong?"
Andy sighed. "Can we wait for a moment to see if Sakura is alright?"
His father shook his head. Gently, he said, "I'm sorry, Andy. I have to get back to work and figure this mess out. I'm sure she'll be alright."
"Okay..."
-------------------
Phineas arrived home, grimacing. He knocked on the door, and his father, drunk like usual, opened the door. "Where the hell have ya been, boy?! Swaggerin all over town wit your rich friends?!"
Quietly, Phineas answered. "School had an emergency."
His father laughed. "Pbth. Emergency. Some dumb kid set off the fire alarm or somethin?"
"No." Phineas said, irritated.
His father stopped and looked at him. In a low voice he said, "You been hangin wit that Baldwin boy, havent ya?!"
"So what if I have been?"
"I Tol ya hes a bad influence!"
Aggravated beyond all means, Phineas replied, "He's a better influence than your are... father"
Slap
Phineas stepped back. A red handprint on his face.
"GET OUT!" The man yelled.
"Gladly." Said Phineas. And he did just that. Walked out in the rain, trudging back towards Andy's place.
-
Several an hour of cutting, the support beam that was on top of the debris was finally removing, allowing for the debris that was on Sakura's leg to be removed granting access to her legs. Sakura's rescuers took several towels to wrap what remained of her legs together, then the firefighter who had been with her gently picked her up.
She smiled slightly and watched as her surrounding's went by her, she was feeling rather weak and was barely able to keep her eyes open. When she was handed off to a paramedic she blacked out, unable to keep her eyes open.
Loaded into an await ambulance, she was rushed to the children's hospital and into emergency surgury.
***
Anise and RIn had been sleeping in the nurse's office when their big sister and mother came. Like the nurse, they didn't wake them up and instead thanked the nurse for taking care of them.
Loading them into the car, their mother drove them home where they were put to bed.
An announcement would soon be made that the Academy would not be opened tomorrow or the day after pending an investigation of what happened.
-
Andy arrived at home with his father. His mother had been fussing over him when the doorbell rang. Andy ran to get it. He opened the door, very shocked to see Phineas standing there, drenched.
"Finny! What happened to you?"
Dryly, he said, "It's raining, Andrew. I walked over. I hope you don't mind?"
"'Course not, but hey-...What happened to your face?"
Phineas's left cheek had turned a deep shade of purple. "Oh. I just...banged it into something."
Andy's father came up to greet Phineas. "Hello, Finny. You're soaking wet, come on in!" He also noticed the bruise. "Are you alright? You have a nasty whack on your cheek."
"I'm fine, Mr. Baldwin, thank you. I just ran into something."
"Mmkay..." He replied, but he knew better. Andy got Phineas a towel and some extra clothes to change into. Andy's mother forgot about Andy and started fussing over Phineas. While Phineas was being checked over, Andy got the phone and dialed Anise and Rin's phone number.
-
The ringing of the phone brought the twins older sister, who answered the phone. She realized who it was base on the number, "I'm sorry Andrew, but Anise and Rin are asleep right now.... you'll have to call them tomorrow," she said and hung up. She stood there and sighed before hearing her mother, "who was it?"
"One of the twins friends," She said and walked into the kitchen. "A hell of a thing to happen to two ten years olds.. to witness such a disaster."
"I heard what happened to Sakura from her mother, she asked if the twins could come by tomorrow to see her, provided she's not in surgury," her mother said. "If they are awake," the big sister said. "Anyway, I'm heading to bed.. today's been rough, good night..."
-
Andy hung up, dejected. However, at least he knew that they were alright. Sakura however...he had no clue what had happened to her. He sighed and went over to his room where Phineas was. Phineas just stared at the ceiling in his own thoughts. Andy layed down on his bed and did the same. The night seemed to never end.
The next morning, Andy and Phineas trudged to the kitchen. His mom replied rather brightly. "Morning boys! No school today, have some breakfast! Your father should be coming back shortly. He has some news for you two. Mr. Baldwin came 5 minutes later. "Andy, Finny-"
Both boys said in unision, "Is Sakura alright?"
Andy's father raised his hand. "She's fine. She's at the hospital recovering." He didn't want the boys to know all the details.
"Can we go visit her?"
"Er. I suppose so, yes, yes of course." He grabbed his jacket while the boys scoffed down their breakfast. In another 30 minutes, they arrived at the childerns' hospital.
-
In the main lobby, Rin sat on a chair alone. Her older sister was talking with a nurse while she sat there thinking about Sakura, all she knew was that her friend wasn't out of surgury yet.
-
Andy and Phineas rushed into the hosptail ready to barge into Sakura's room. However, they stopped short when they saw Rin.
-
Rin's older sister nodded at the nurse before walking over to Rin and sitting next to her. Rin leaned over against her sister who hugged her.
***
The doctors wiped the sweat from their foreheads. "Eleven hours of work..." One said as he finished stitching up the wound. "Now we can only hope that her body doesn't reject her new legs.."
"She's lucky we can make biogene legs here, but I can assure you she'll be in for weeks of rehab..." Another doctor said as he put his surgury tools down.
"Nurse, take her to her room but she needs some rest so if anyone comes to visit tell them they'll have to wait until tomorrow or the day after," the head doctor said as he took his mask off.
The nurse wheeled her out of surgury and toward an elevator, taking her up to the third floor and into her room.
In another lobby, the one used by families, her mother had been awaiting the news. She had been told that her daughter had survived surgury and that she was now in her own room asleep and well, "the drugs will wear off sometime tomorrow," the doctor said to her. "Can I at least see her?" Sakura's mother asked. The doctor nodded and lead her to Sakura's room, but along the way she saw Rin.
"Rin?" Sakura's mother said and walked up to the young girl, "your here to see Sakura aren't ya?" she asked.
Rin nodded, Sakura's mother smiled. "I'm glad she has such a great friend," she said before noticing the two boy's staring at Rin.
-
Andy and Phineas both walked over to Sakura's mother. Andy smiled that half smile of his. "Hello ma'am. I'm Andrew Baldwin." He pointed to Finny. "And this is Phineas Williams. We're friends of Sakura..." Here, his smile faded. "How is she?"
-
Sakura's mother smiled. "The doctor says she's fine," she said and gestured for the two boys and Rin to follow her. The doctor lead them to Sakura's room but instructed them that they could only look through the glass, that they couldn't enter her room since they weren't family.
Rin looked through the glass as her friend, Sakura an IV bag hooked up to her arm, and a blood pack hooked up to the other arm. "Why'd this have to happen...." Rin mumbled. Sakura's mother sat down next to the bed and squeezed Sakura's small hand.
***
Lurea watched from outside, using Rin's eyes to see what was going on inside. "So... your saying her voice caused it?" Lurea asked Nine Tails, who nodded. "Evidence certainly points to her..." Nine Tails said.
"What did Yoko say about the military?" Nine Tails asked, but he both liked and didn't like the answer that he was given. "From what she could see... it seems they moved their plan of attack back at least six weeks.... but from what I hear instead of a troop movement it'll be a full scale bombing campaign to whip out this town.."
Nine Tails scowled in disgust. "Bastards.... and here we can't do a damn thing to warn these citizens because then we'll be made the bad guys.."
"I'm... always working on a way of warning them.." Lurea said, referring to Anise, RIn, Andy, Phineas and Sakura. "In the next few days they'll begin to have dreams, they'll be pleasant dreams at first.. however those dreams will progressively show a darker side as time goes by... eventually leading up to showing them what will happen six weeks from now.." Lurea said. She stuffed her hands into her left pocket and pulled out a pair of sun glasses and put them on.
Nine Tails just shook his head. "What a way to warn them..."
-
Andy completely flinched while Phineas's mouth just twitched. This was unbelievable. This could have happened to any one of them, and it happened to the youngest. One moment, she was singing, vigorous, full of energy...and now...
-
The doctor looked at the boy's and Rin, she then looked at Rin's big sister. "You said you wanted us to dispatch a doctor to your house right?" he asked her. Her big sister nodded, "Come on Rin, we are going home." She said to her little sister who nodded.
"Take care Andy, Phineas.." Rin said in a not so cheerful mood as she followed her big sister.
-
Andy nodded vaguely. Phineas just kept staring at Sakura. The doctor gently put his hands on both their shoulders. "Come now, boys. Your friend will be alright. You two should go back home."
With that, Phineas nodded and Andy followed. Mr.Baldwin was on the phone, furiously talking with someone on the other end. When he saw the boys, he immediately hung up. He opened the car door for them without saying anything and they drove back to the Baldwins.
-
At home, Rin was laying on her bed reading a book. Her twin sister was asleep on another bed that was near the window, the doctor had just taken her temprature. "A hundred and four.." he said upon looking at the thermometer. "This happened a few years back," he commented as he got up. Anise was fast asleep, but she was sweating all over.
"Just give her the usual fever medicine and she should be fine by tomorrow morning," he said and bid Rin's older sister a farewell.
Rin sighed and put the book she had been reading down. "Sis?"
"Yes?" Rin's older sister said as she began to change Anise out of her sweat soaked pajamas. "why did that happen?"
"did what happened?" Her big sister said without looking at her.
"Why did this happen to Sakura..." Rin asked.
Her big sister stopped. "I don't know... I... can't answer something I don't know," her big sister said and continued to undress Anise. "Rin, will you go into the dresser and fetch me a dry pair of pajamas?" her big sister asked her, Rin nodde and went over to the dresser and retreived a pair of pajamas. She walked over to her big sister and handed them to her, "thanks... you should try and get some rest," she told her.
"How can I rest...." Rin said as got into bed and pulled the covers over her. Her big sister sighed and pulled the pajama top down over Anise's head. Once she was done she pulled the covers over the young girl and walked over to the door, she could barely hear Rin sobbing, she knew her little sister was very upset but there was little she could do but comfort her. With one last look she closed the door behind her.
-
The boys were deadly silent as they reached the house. Andy and Phineas both were very pale. They went inside and Andy's mother frowned, but with a look from her husband, said nothing at all. The boys went to Andy's room and sat down. After a moment, Andy said, "I guess we should try and sleep."
Phineas noncommitally said, "I suppose so." There was more silence, and then they both drifted off in an uneasy sleep.
-
Afternoon soon came; the clouds above the town still lingered and had continued the rain that had fallen the night before.
Rin was awoken by the sound of her twin sister having a nightmare. She looked over at Anise, who was tossing and turning in her bed, she wondered just what type of nightmare the girl was having.
She was tempted to go over and wake her up, but thought better of it and just got out of bed. She walked over to the window and looked at the storm clouds, she wanted to do 'something', being stuck in the house with only a few books and toy's didn't make life enjoyable for her at least not right now.
"I guess I'll ask big sis if she can take me to the park..." she said, knowing full well it was raining. She found her big sister in the room beside their own, she was working on school work it seemed. "Uhh.... Sis?" Rin said nervously after poking her head into the room.
Her sister turned around, "afternoon Rin, what's wrong?" she asked her.
"Um... can you take me to the park?" Rin asked. Her big sister looked at her oddly and turned toward the window, "in this weather?"
RIn nodded.
"Well... mother's home so I guess ok, get dressed into something a bit warm though as its cold outside," her big sister told her.
Rin smlied and went back to her room. Most of the clothing that her and her twin sister wore had mainly been dresses or two peices sailor outfits, due to her mothers love of the school uniform, there for after looking for ten minute's and not finding something 'normal' she resigned herself and just choose a sailor dress and put it on over her pajamas.
At the door her big sister was waiting; she handed her her school issued weather coat for which she put on. "You told mother?" Rin asked. Her big sister nodded, "I did, mother said she'll check on Anise like always does."
With that Rin nodded and followed her big sister to the park.
-
Mr. Baldwin gently knocked on the door. "Boys? You should get up now. It's one in the afternoon."
Phineas got up first. "We're up, Mr.Baldiwn, don't worry." He turned to look at Andy who was dozing lightly. He went over and nudged him. "Wake up, Andy."
Andy opened his eyes wearily. He silently got out of bed. He opened his wardrobe and grabbed a worn looking white t-shirt, blue jeans, sandals, and a baseball cap.
Phineas realized Andy was planning something and did the same. He rummaged through his bag and brought out a gray t-shirt, khaki pants, sneakers, and a baseball cap. In a little bit, they both changed and walked out. Andy's parents didn't say anything and let the boys go. Once outside, Phineas looked at Andy. "Where are we going?"
Andy didn't answer at first. He adjusted his cap so the rim was over his eyes. He shoved his hands in his pocket and answered simply. "Taking a walk."
-
Rin had walked out of the swings, she looked at the seat which was wet with rain water, but she didn't care as she took a rock and rocked back and forth. The rain gently ran down her face and onto her coat, her big sister just watched, knowing that her little sister needed time alone. "She's still thinking of Sakura, but why is she blaming herself? Even if she didn't say it directly it's obvious..." her big sister said and shook her head.
-
Andy's eyes had hardened as he still wasn't saying much to Phineas. Phineas pushed his hat down lower and didn't say anything either. All they needed at the moment was each other's company, they didn't need to talk. They were passing the park now. Andy kept on looking straight ahead but Phineas looked at the park. That's when he saw Rin. Phineas tapped Andy on the shoulder. Andy swiftly turned and looked at Phineas, then looked at where he was pointing. His face relaxed slightly as he back tracked and made his way back into the park with Phineas right behind him.
-
Rin sighed and looked at the mud covered ground. "Why did that have to happen to her," she said and placed her hands up to her face.
-
Andy sat down next to Rin wordlessly, the rim of his hat still covering his eyes. He leaned back and sighed. Phineas stood there, staring up at the sky, and the raindrops falling down.
-
Rin continued to stare at the ground, lost in thought, not even noticing that Andy was sitting on the adjacent swing.
-
Andy began to hum softly. Phineas looked over at Andrew and saw him closing his eyes, humming peacefully.
-
Rin still hadn't noticed though, she brought her hands down and continued to stare. "why...." she said softly.
-
Phineas walked over to the other swing on the other side of Rin.
"Rin." He said in a low voice.
-
Rin flinched upon hearing her name, she turned to find Andy sitting next to her. "A-A-Andy!... ummm..." Rin blinked and looked away. "Umm..." she tried to find something to say but the words wouldn't come.
-
Andy slowly got up and knelt beside her. Pushing the cap up slightly, he said, "Don't worry. Finny and I know what you're going through. We understand." With that, he hugged her gently and let go.
-
Rin smiled. "Y... you don't understand... I felt something before this happened... like something was going to happen to her... but I just stood by and did nothing!" she shouted and stared Andy in the eyes, tears coming down her face.
-
Andy winced slightly. "No matter which way you think of it, you're not all to blame. You understand?" He took a hand and started to wipe the tears from her face.
Nearby, Phineas was grinding his teeth. It was ridiculous, at a time like this, but he was jealous
-
Rin was surprised; and her eyes showed it. She stared at him for a minute or so before looking back toward the ground, "but... still... why Sakura?"
-
Andy sighed and sat down on the wet ground. "I've been asking myself that same question. I've come up with no conclusions. Stuff happens I guess. Life happens. Sakura was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Did you know, if a bloody teacher hadn't stopped me, I could've found her, possibly?"
-
Rin turned her head slightly toward him. "Yea....but.... uhhh.. I just don't understand," Rin said and placed her hand on her head.
Her big sister walked over to the swings and knelt down next to Rin. "Don't force yourself to understand, it's not possible to understand 'everything' that goes on in our world," she said to Rin who nodded slowly.
-
Phineas always got the shivers around this place. Andrew claimed it helped him think, but Phineas's house was nearby. He nervously glanced around. Andy noticed. He stood up and looked at Phineas.
"You alright, Finny? You look real pale."
Phineas's hand unconciously went to his bruised cheek. "I'm fine, just fine." But that's when Phineas's dad came out of the house, lumbering a long. Phineas froze.
-
Rin's head came up, she looked toward where Phineas was. A cold chill went down her back, colder than it was outside. She was getting a very bad vibe from the person, she looked up at Phineas. "P-Phineas... d-do you know that p-person?" she asked nervously and continued to stare at the man.
-
Phineas's father rambled up the side of the park. All would have been well, except he saw Phineas.
"PAH! THERE YOU ARE YOU GOOD FER NOTHIN!" He went up to Phineas.
Quietly, Phineas replied, "You told me to leave."
The father ignored this completely. "So THIS must be who you hang out wit, HUH boy?!" He jabbed a finger at Andy, who grim lipped, thought he knew who this man was.
Andrew replied, "I'm Andrew Baldwin. If that's what you mean."
The father stopped talking and glared at the boy. "Baldwin? YOU'RE that Baldwin boy?! I know your father, he's a damn good for nothing!"
Andy stood still. "I don't appreciate you making jabs at my father, sir" He replied vehemently.
Phineas's father ignored that too. He turned to look at Rin. He had a crooked smile on his face. In a low meanacing voice, said to Phineas, "So...you hangin out wit a girl too, aren't you? A piece of trash at that...."
Phineas's muscle twitched as he lunged at his father.
-
Rin shot up from the swing and stared at the man, rage in her eyes. "I'm not trash!" she shouted at him, anger in her voice. She stared at him before a flood of image's suddenly shot out, she stared forward, almost as if she was looking 'through' him. She could see his life, everything from birth, school, a job, then his life went down hill.
She saw him get married, they had a kid, she was shocked to find that it was indeed Phineas. But then she saw the abuse, a slap across the face, but there was more - the memories flooded her conciousness. "Y-you slapped your own son..." Rin said, shocked.
-
Phineas's father threw Phineas off. With a haughty laugh said, "HIM? A son of mine? This..." He kicked Phineas who was on the ground. "...This THING is no son of mine."
Phineas rolled over and winced as he got up. Andy helped him up, while glaring at the man.
-
Rin glared at him before lunging at the man, grabbing him by the chest. "Take that back!" she shouted in anger.
-
Reagan Williams smirked. Then into a cruel laugh. "Well, would ya look at that, boy?! You gotta girl defendin ya too?! Jesus, that's pathetic." He looked down at Rin. "Why should I take it back?" He smirked. " I meant every word." He pushed Rin off, roughly.
-
Rin hit the ground but got back up, throwing a kick straight to the mans groin.
-
"Aww F**k." he groaned as he hit the ground. Both Andy and Phineas winced.
-
Rin towered over him. "Now! Take back what you said about Phineas!" She said, now she had tears in her eyes.
Rin's big sister was dumbstruck.
-
The man still had some pride left in him. Either that, or he was stubborn. "Are you F**king crazy?!" He glowered, still in pain. "I'm not taking back a damn thing I said!"
Andy had had enough, he was about to charge at Phineas's father, but Phineas layed a hand on his shoulder. Phineas slowly walked over and stared at him.
With all the venom he could manage in his voice, said. "I understand why mom left you."
-
Rin glared at the man; but then more memories rushed into her. She saw what happened between the man and his wife, why she had lett, the slap across the face was only just a bare image of what had actually happened.
Sweat began to permiate her face, she took a step back. Placing her hand on her head and using her other to grip the support beam that was being the swings up.
Her big sister was still in shock after seeing what Rin had done,and wasn't aware that Rin was in trouble.
-
Reagan winced as he stared up at Phineas. Roughly he said, "Brought that up, did you?"
Phineas just glared as his answer. He showed his back which had scars. "YOU did that. Do you remember? HUH?" Phineas's voice rose.
-
Rin stared at the ground, a massive headache had formed and the memories kept coming. She didn't know how, but she knew where they were coming from. She turned around and walked over to the man.
"STOP WITH THE MIXED SIGNALS!" She shouted and brought her foot down, hard, with her shoes on, on the one spot a man values the most.
Her sister turend away; awaiting the inevitable scream of pain.
-
"UgahhhhhhhhhhhHH!" He yelled and his head hit the floor. Andy covered his eyes and whispered, "Jesus Christ Almighty." Phineas just continued glaring at the man.
-
Rin stared at him, her head pounding.
"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned..." Her big sister said.
A park office came running, having noticed the commotion."What's going on?" he asked, noting the man on the ground in excrushiating pain.
-
Andy, recovered, put on his charm.
He smiled, and put on an accent. "Why, nothin' officer. This feller here had somethin' bad fer lunch, thas all."
-
The officer raised and eye brow and looked at the man. "Umm..... riiiiight...." he said noting the man had his hands down below. "something 'bad' for lunch.."
"Either way, you look drunk..." the officer said and knelt down. He took in a whiff from the man's mouth, "yea.. your drunk.. and around children for christs sake," he said and took out a pair of handcuffs and cuffed his hands together. "You and I are going down to the station, getting drunk in a childrens park will land in you in jail for three days..." He said and took the man away.
-
Andy nudged Phineas in the ribs,
"Ouch." Phineas grumbled. In a low voice, Andy said, "Why don't you tell the officer about well..you know." Andy looked meaningfully at Phineas's cheek.
However, Phineas just shook his head.
-
Rin watched and smiled. "At... least we don't have to worry about him..." she said, her words were broken and slightly incoherent, but her big sister hadn't noticed. "Y-you ok P-Phineas?" she asked.
-
Phineas, being Phineas just nodded.
"Never felt better, Rin. Thanks for asking."
Andy just rolled his eyes.
-
"T-thats good..." Rin said. She had sweat on her face, but thanks to the rain it was difficult, if not impossible to notice.
"Rin, how about we head home right now, we can visit Sakura tomorrow. Do you two boy's need me to call my mother and take you home, or do you live near by?" Rin's older sister asked them.
-
Andy smiled briefly. "No worries ma'am, we can walk. We're rather close by." They waved to Rin, and headed off toward Andy's house.
As they just exited the Phineas's breathing grew heavier and he stumbled. Andy was throughly alarmed. He grabbed Phineas just before you fell. "Finny! Finny?! You okay?"
Phineas just nodded painfully. Andy looked at his friend and said, "You know...you don't have to be a hero right now. You're in pain. My dad'll know what to do."
Phineas winced at the word 'dad'.
-
Rin watched them leave. "What's wrong?" she heard her big sister say.
She blinked. "N-nothings.. wrong..." Rin said, her voice low and trembling.
"No, something IS wrong!" Her sister said and knelt down in front of her. She placed her hand on Rin's head, "your burning up... but you were fine before."
Rin slapped her head away. "I'm fine!" she said in a louder voice before staggering and collasping onto the wet mud.
"Rin!" Her big sister shouted and knelt down and cropped Rin's head up with her hand. "Rin! Wake up!" she shouted.
She took out her cell phone and called her mother, but only got a dial tone. "Errr... crap," she said. Rin began to breath heavily, gasping for air in some cases. She looked around but didn't find anyone who could help her, so she did the only thing she could do and called for an ambulance.
-
Andy barely managed to get Phineas home. Both boys were soaking wet.
Greg rushed how. "Jesus, boys! Andy, what's going on?"
"It's Finny...I think he's hurt.."
Mr. Baldwin gently took Phineas from Andy and layed him on the couch. Phineas winced slightly when there was pressure on his rib.
"Hmm... I think he might have something broken. A rib to be exact...What happened?"
Andy hesitated.
"What happened, Andrew. Tell me immediately."
"HIs father...kicked him."
Andy's father stared at him. "Kicked him?" He sighed. He turned away and began to work on Phineas
-
Rin's older sister waited until the paramedics arrived. They asked him what was wrong, but she couldn't tell them as she didn't know.
One medic took her temprature... and the gauge prompty exploded. Showing mercury across Rin's mouth.
"What the..." the medic said in disbelief as he placed his hand on her forehead. "Damn she's burning up, we need to get her to the hospital right now.." he said and they loaded her into the ambulance, not even bothering to use a streetcher. Rin's older sister went with as they sped to the children's hospital.
First Sakura, Now Rin.. and Phineas didn't look that good either... what is going on? Rin's older sister thought as she starred at Rin.
-
After working on Phineas for hours and with no better results, Andy's dad called the E.R. He could have sworn it was just a broken rib, but Phineas's breathing had gotten weaker. The E.R came in a matter of minutes and took Phineas on a stretcher. Andy and his father went in the ambulance with Phineas.
Once at the hospital, the doctors told Andy and his father that they would have to wait in the waiting area.
-
The doctors looked Rin over, not finding any physical reason for her to have problems breathing. "We can only assume its a virus thats she's contracted," the doctor said as he stared at her through the glass. "She'll be fine after a nights rest, but I want to keep her over for a couple days to be safe."
Rin's older sister nodded. "I'll let our mother know then,"
He nodded. "She'll have to stay on the breathing machine for about a day though, even though we can't find a physical problem, it seems that the lung just isn't providing enough oxygen for her.. its as if there's a hole in it that we can't find..." he rubbed his chin, thinking.
-
The doctor who was in charge of Phineas walked out.
"Mr. Baldwin? I'm Dr. Reynolds. Phineas is slightly better. We did manage to fix his rib. It's just his breathing that we're worried about. It'll stablize for a moment, but then go into a frenzy, and then he'll hardly breathe. We're doing everything we ca-"
Andy cut in. "Can I go see him?"
The doctor looked down at the young boy. "Yes, you can. But you have to be gentle." Andy nodded and ran to the room. Mr. Baldwin shook hands with the doctor and nodded his thanks. He followed Andy.
Inside, Andy was frozen in shock. Phineas had an oxygen mask on him, a cast that covered his torso and lots of tubes. His eyes were closed. Slowly, Andy made his way foward to Phineas. Andy's father stayed behind from the doorway, leaning against it.
"F-Finny?" Andy asked hesitantly.
-
In another room, Sakura screamed in pain when she hit the ground. She had spent the past few hours trying to walk, but had fallen over several times. She cried, for she was in pain, but she also cursed herself for not being able to walk again.
WIth encouragement from her mother and several of her classmates, she held the rails tightly, a nurse was behind her helping her along.
***
Anise turned in her bed. "Mmmm....." she mumbled.
-
Phineas stirred. In his subconciousness, he could hear someone calling for him. He didn't want to wake up, this was peaceful. However, the voice grew persistant. He dully opened his eyes to see Andrew peering over him. Phineas groaned. "You'll never leave me alone, will you?"
Andy smiled happily. "Glad to see you too, buddy."
-
Anise had arrived at the hospital, having heard what happened to her twin sister. Her mother brought her by, while Anise stayed by her twin sisters side, her mother talked to the doctor.
"Good day, Ms Outren." The doctor said and shook her hand. "My name's Doctor Laveren, I'm in charge of your daughters care here," he said.
She smiled. "How is she?"
"Well, as I told your daughter, shes doing fine but... her breathing is shallow and I've had to put her on an oxygen mask," said the doctor as he handed her his clipboard. "I see you still remember...."
"Four years ago you used to work here as a doctor.... you left though..." he told her. She nodded, "you know why I had to leave, the hospital couldn't afford to have someone who was into mercy killings..."
The doctor nodded. "If the person is going to die and requests that it be quick, I see no problem. After all they are prepared for it," he said.
She sighed. "Yes.. but thats not how our society works.."
He grumbled. "Yea... anyway, I think its best you take your other daughter home,"
"No... is it ok if she stays here? She freaked when she found her twin sister not home.." She asked.
The doctor sighed. "Alright, I guess there won't be a problem since there are adults here," he said.
She smiled and walked in to tell Anise that she could stay the night, the young girl was happy and laid her head on the bed.
-
Mr. Baldiwn asked if Andy would care to stay for the night. Andy beamed. "Yea!" Phineas weakly rolled his eyes. Andy's dad smiled and told Andy to be good and went off. Andy grabbed an extra pillow and blanket and propped up on the couch slowly falling asleep.
Phineas was already in dream land.
-
DREAM STATE
Rin opened her eyes, only to find that she was standing on a field of Sakura flowers. "Wow..." she said and looked around. She wore a light blue kimono that covered the majority of her body.
As she looked around she soon found Anise laying on the ground. "Sis?" she said.
Anise blinked. "W-what are you doing in my dreams?" she asked nervously.
"Huh? But.. I thought this was my dreamm," Rin said, confused.
-
Phineas awoke on a field of flowers. He was smartly dressed in a tuxedo. He arched his eyebrows. "My dreams get stranger every day..."
Andy rolled over and stood up. He grinned as he saw Phineas. "Hey Finny, nice suit."
Phineas groaned. "In my DREAMS, too?" But then he smirked. "I wouldn't be talking, Andrew."
Andrew looked down and groaned. He was wearing a tuxedo, but unlike Phineas who had a black bowtie, Andy had a red one. Andy's hair was also combed.
-
The twins stared at each other before shaking their heads. "Ok.. this is strange.." they both said in unison and stared at each other again.
After a few minutes they decided to explore the field together, only to find Andy and Phineas. "You two are in our dreams to?!" The twins in unison, for the second time in less than ten minutes.
-
Andy grinned. "YOUR dream? Man, if this were MY dream I'd wish for-"
"Oh shut up, Andrew." Phineas groaned. He then looked at the girls. "This is getting stranger by the minute. Are we supposed to do something?"
-
"Huh.. whaa? What are you doing in my dreams..." A very tired Sakura said as she walked up to the group. She wore a pair of light pink pajamas, splashed with cat heads and paws. She was rubbing her eyes as if so show how sleepy she was.
Anise and Rin looked at each other, "now this is getting strange," they both said, again, together.
Before anyone else could say anything; however, they were all enveloped in a bright white light. "W-what the..." Rin said as she covered her face, Anise and Sakura did the same. When the light vanished just as suddenly as it appeared, a young girl stood on the grass.
She wore a light blue kimono, it was adorned with different sizes of planets. The girl looked over her shoulder and at the three girls and two boys, she smiled and turend toward them, "Y-Yoko?" Rin said, Anise and Sakura blinked and looked at the girl. "It IS Yoko," they said.
-
Andy and Phineas's mouths were wide open. Phineas blinked several times. Then mainly to himself said, "It's a dream...my dream...right? So...I guess I just imagined...all of them..."
Andy looked over at Phineas. "Stop muttering to yourself, Finny. Do you honestly think this is just YOUR dream?" Phineas shrugged. Andy unbuttoned his tux jacket and looked over at the group.
-
The girl gave a slight smile when she heard the name. "I look like Yoko, but I am not Yoko," she said.
Anise blinked. "Huh?" she said and placed a finger up against her chin. "But.. how can you be Yoko.. and not be..." she said confusingly.
She shook her head. "If thats the case then just call me Yoko," she said and lowered her head. "I'm sure you five have noticed some strange things going on.. yes? People suddenly being calm, relaxed... the strange incident at the auditorium...?" she said, eyes closed and hands clasped in front of her.
-
Andy arched his eyebrows when he heard 'people suddenly being calm' because he remembered quite well that that had happened to him in the nurse's office.
Phineas frowned slightly as the mysterious girl talked about the "incident."
Andy spoke first in a cautious, yet friendly tone. "Sure," He said, smiling, "We've noticed some strange things going on, but what's that have to do with us? I mean, we've known each other for years. S'about all."
-
The girl shook her head. "remember back in the nurse's office, how the nurse and those in it suddenly became real calm?" she said and looked at Andy, "that was your doing..." she said.
Sakura, Anise and Rin blinked and looked at Andy.
-
Andy blinked, quite taken aback. "I-Tha-...That was my doing? I DID that?" He looked shocked, then rather pleased with himself. He grinned, "Cool."
-
The girl shook her head. "There's nothing 'cool' about using a forbidden art, Andrew Baldwin," she said and stared straight at him.
-
Andy's smile faltered just slightly.
"Forbidden art?" He arched his eyebrows. "Well, I think that's pre-"
However, Phineas nudged him.
"Er...I think that's pretty bad." As an afterthought he added, "How do you...know who I am?"
-
She opened her eyes and looked away. "We know the names of everyone who can use 'magic'" she said and looked at Anise and Rin, "some of you haven't manifested, while others," she said and looked at Sakura."However, some of us can use magic in a different form,"
Sakura blinked. "Huh?" she said in an innocent way. "Your voice is your magic, you can do all sorts of things with it - however it manifested in the worse possible situation," she said.
"Your voice caused the collapse of the auditorium," the girl said. Sakura blinked, "you mean... I caused the deaths of several... people...." she said and brought her hands up to her face.
The girl shook her head. "they aren't dead, tomorrow morning they'll mysterously wake up at the hospital as if nothing happened," she said and smiled.
She then looked back at the group, she knew they had questions. "So, any questions before I go on?"
-
"Er. Yes." Phineas ventured. "What exactly happens when we...manifest?"
-
"When you first use your powers, it'll occur mostly without you knowing it. Meaning you've manifested, your powers came to life," she said and walked toward and past Andy and up onto a hill. She looked over the rose and flower covered plains with a big smile.
-
Phineas shrugged. "I'm not in a hurry anyways."
Andy grinned. "This can't be all, can it? You're not just going to tell us we have powers and walk off, are you? Isn't there a saying or something? 'With great power comes great responsibility?'"
-
The girl nodded. "Yes, that is true. You mustn't use your power while around normal humans... doing so could prove fatel to yourself and those around you," she said and clasped her hands. She turned toward the group. "You must discover your power yourself, I can't tell you how to get it..." she said to them.
"However, there are those out there who would want to prevent you using your powers. So you must becareful of who you talk to - in your cases, don't talk to your parents about it. They wouldn't understand, and if anything, they would most likely make every attempt to 'stop'," she said.
-
Phineas's eyes narrowed. "That won't be a problem for me."
For Andy however, it was a different story. He frowned. "Not even my dad?"
-
She shook her head. "Not even your father, those who can't use magic would never be able to understand," she said.
-
Andy crossed his arms. " I bet my dad WOULD understand."
-
She shook her head. "If you want to try it, then be my guest, your father would probably think you were just joking around or pulling a prang, if your lucky, however, Yoko nor anyone else will be able to save you if your father calls the military to have you thrown in a cell. You DO realize that the military forbids people like us from existing right?" She stared him straight in the eye.
"But why?" Rin asked, curious.
"Because they fear what they don't understand," the girl said solemly. "They'd rather kill us than let us live, and it doesn't matter how old that person, whether it be a child like you and I, or an adult like Lurea and Manson."
-
Andy grimaced. "My dad wouldn't do that. He's not that type of man. Besides, I'm his son. He wouldn't let any harm come to me." He stated firmly.
-
The girl sighed in disbelief. "Your ignorance is amazing," she said. "If you want to run that risk, then fine, its your life your putting at risk," she said and turned away from him. "Lucky the others here don't seem to interested in risking their own lives," she said.
She shook her head again though. "You want to know what could happen if you revealed this information to your father? Then talk to Yoko, her mother and father were both country ambassadors and when they discovered their daughter had magic, they instantly had her death warrent signed. Mind you, her parents loved her a lot, but after they found out they discarded that love like it was nothing," she said.
Rin and Anise looked at Andy, and then back at the girl. As for Sakura she did't really understand any of this, but just kept listening.
-
Phineas had never seen Andy in rage, but he certaintly saw it now. No smile was evident on Andy's face. All trace of friendlieness was gone. He heard Andy speak. It wasn't the light, almost musical tone Phineas had grown accustomed to. It was low, hard, and with....dare he say it? No emotions.
"Listen here. Don't you dare make an insult at my dad. This is a dream, isn't it? This whole cruddy thing is just a stupid dream. Rather, it's more like a nightmare. So I want to wake up right about now."
-
The girl laughed,"So... this is how military youth is raised.. to be so damn ignorent of the facts and the truth's around them..."
She shook her head. "Let your ignorance guide you then, when your dead, you'll realize that what I said was very much true this is no kids game, but obviously you think it is. Now, get lost." she said and turned her back to Andy. "The rest of you can stay if you wish, but you can make yourselves wake up. However, I suggest you heed my advise, and tell no one. This child here seems to think his father is perfect, that he wouldn't hurt a fly, my how little he knows how the real world, oh well, he'll learn eventually," she said.
Rin and Anise were about to say something before the suddenly turned dark. Storm clouds appeared everywhere, lightning shot out and hit the ground, the girl looked around. "What:?! No, damn it!" she shouted and raised her hand. Suddenly the twins and Sakura felt a rush of air, before the dream went black.
Post Revised
-
Andy flew his eyes open. He gritted his teeth and rolled over to look at the clock. It was 6:30 in the morning. He looked over at Phineas who was still sleeping. He was still dreaming because he could see his eyes underneath his eyelids flickering. He got out of bed and walked out of his room. To his surprise, the light of his dad's study was on. He knocked softly and opened the door. His dad looked up and smiled at him.
"You're up early buddy." And returned to his paperwork.
Andy sat on one of his dad's leather chairs. "Dad, can I talk to you?"
"Mm." Was the reply.
"Dad...what if I said that I had powers?"
His dad still half listening, while working said, "I think that would have been perfectly normal."
Andy blinked in surprise. "Really?"
"Of course. It's only natural to think about those things at your age..."
Andy slumped. "No, dad... I mean...I really do. I think I can make people calm in a tense situation."
His dad looked up, a half smile that resembled Andy's on his face. "Really, now?"
Andy nodded seriously. "Kind of awkward feeling in here right now, right dad? I can make you calmer."
His dad laughed, "I'm calm, Andy."
Andy didn't listen and continued to focus his energy. All of a sudden, there was a slight change in the air. Mr. Baldwin tensed up slightly. However, his brain was telling him to completely relax. He looked over at Andy. For about a minute all of Greg Baldwin's muscles relaxed and he felt peaceful. Then the room returned to its normal state.
Andy looked at his dad.
The General's face had gone pale. He stood up and walked over to Andy, crouching down at his son's level. In a low and furious whisper he said, "You must not be so rash about this, Andrew. There's a war going on! There are people who will KILL you if you show any sign of magical prowness. Not a word to your mother about this, you understand?"
Andrew nodded, eyes widening. His father quickly left the room.
-
Anise awoke to a spinning sensation, it took her awhile to regain her senses. "Uhhh...." she groaned as she lifted her head off the medical bed that Rin was still sleeping in. "That was an odd dream..." she said.
A couple minute's later Rin also awoke, but in a more pleasant way. "Hey Anise," she said.
Her twin smiled. "Morning Rin, how are you feeling?"
"Fine.. well.. had a strange dream though..." Rin commented, placing her finger on her chin in an effort to remember it all.
Anise blinked. "I had an odd dream as well, quite creepy to be honest, some girl talking about magic and stuff," she said and laughed. "but.. thats not possible is it?" she said. Rin shrugged, "we've seen some pretty strange things already, no reason to think its not possible."
Near the room, a nurse had been listening in. Her eye's narrowed at the mere mention of the word 'magic' she took out a pad and wrote something down before leaving.
-
Phineas awoke, his mind spinning. He looked over at Andy's bed to find that he wasn't there. He got up, quickly smoothed his hair down and went down to the living room where Andy was making a phone call.
"Yes. Hello, I'm Andrew Baldwin. May I talk to Rin or Anise Outren, please?"
-
A nurse walked into the room that Rin was in. "Rin? Someone wanted to talk to either you or your sister," the nurse said.
"Anise went down to the cafeteria with another nurse to get us some breakfast, who is it?" RIn asked curiously.
"Someone named Andrew Baldwin," the nurse. "Ah!" She smiled, the nurse made a motion with her hand and the phone next to her bed rang, she picked it up.
"Hello? Andy? How are you!" Rin asked excitedly.
-
Andy smiled over the phone. "Heya Rin. I'm alright I guess. Listen, me and Finny are gonna drop by over there, alright?"
-
Rin nodded, even though Andrew couldn't see it. "Sure! Thats fine!" she smiled.
"Who's on the phone sis?" Anise said as she walked in with a tray in her hand, the nurse behind her was holding another tray. She placed the tray over Rin's lap. "When are you coming though?" she asked Andy over the phone.
-
Gripping the phone tightly he replied. "Now." He hung up, grabbed Finny, and ran out.
-
"Ummm..." she looked at the nurse and asked her if it was alright for her friends to come down, the nurse said it was ok. "That's fine! My nurse said you can come," Rin smiled.
-
In five minutes, record time, Andy and Phineas knocked on the door of Anise and Rin's hospital room.
-
The nurse looked up and walked over to the door and opened. "Hello," she said to the boys.
"Phineas! Andy!" Anise said, getting up from her chair and running over to them. She smiled at Andy and Phineas before turning to her sister, "how are you doing?" Rin asked them.
-
Andy just waved his hand. "I've got to tell you three something." He hesitated. "Last night...I had a real awkward dream."
-
The nurse smiled. "If you need me Rin, I'll be by the desk, just ring," she said. "Ok, thank you!" Rin smiled at her as she left.
When the nurse was gone Rin sighed. "Awkward dream? You know, I had a strange dream as well.."
"Me to..." Anise said after taking a sip from her juice craton. "Everyone was there, was kind of creepy though.." she said
-
Andy's eyes narrowed. "This girl. She looked like Yoko. But she was awfully rude to me and made jabs at my father."
-
Anise giggled. "Well, you were kind of rude, not letting her explain and such.... but I do hope you didn't talk to you father," Anise said.
Rin shook her head. "I'm more worried about what the dream meant... I mean do we really possess these 'powers' she speaks of? And if so, what actually would happen if we told someone... I don't know.. I think we should talk to Yoko when we see her at school," she brought her finger up to her chin before adding, "umm whenever the school is reopened that is..."
-
Andy looked indignant. "I did tell my father." Phineas swiveled automatically and looked at him, shocked.
-
Rin sighed. "And what did he tell you?"
-
Andy grinned daringly. "Still alive, aren't I? Still here, aren't I? Haven't been sent to the loony bin. He just...got pale and that I must not tell anyone 'bout this stuff. He's going to protect me. I'm his son. He's my dad."
-
"Do you really think... that what that girl said is true?" Rin asked nervously, "I mean... would they really... kill... us if we showed our power?"
Before Andy or Phineas could answer, Anise spoke up. "Enough of this gloomy talk!" she said, changing the subject, "Andy! Phineas! You two looking forward to the upcoming field trip?" she asked.
-
Andy hesitated, not really wanting to change the subject. However, Phineas gladly jumped in.
"Of course. It's what we've all been looking foward too."
-
"I wonder how our teacher will set the groups up," Anise said, looking over at Rin. Rin shrugged, "Who knows, we won't find out until school re-opens," RIn said.
Anise nodded. "Andy, your quiet..." Anise said, now looking at Andy.
-
Andy jumped. "Hm? Haha, what are you talking about? Not at all."
-
Anise looked sad. "Your still thinking about what that girl said.. aren't ya?" she asked.
-
Andy clearly fumbled with the words, which was highly unusual for him. "I-wha...er...tha--I,...No! Of course not. WHy would I care what the old goat says!"
-
Rin sighed. Anise shook her head, they both wanted to say it but realized that doing so wouldn't do any good. Again, silence fell into the room until Anise, once again, broke it. "There's really not much to do here, huh?" she said to her twin sister.
"Yea I know, the doctor won't let me leave..." Rin said. "Anise, why don't you head home? I'm sure Sakura is worried, its best that at least one of us be there to let her know everything is ok."
Anise nodded and got up. "What are you two going to do?" she asked Andy and Phineas.
-
Phineas answered. "I'll stay here with Rin. Andrew, why don't you go with Anise?"
Andy looked up. "Hm? Oh, sure, sure thing."
-
Anise smiled and grabbed Andy's hand, she then dragged him out of the room.
Rin smiled sheepishly. "I wonder if they'll ever discover their feelings for each other?" she wondered.
-
Phineas gave a rare smile to Rin with a shrug of his shoulders. "Who knows?" He sat down at the edge of her bed.
-
Rin smiled, before sighing and having a sad expression. "I... just worry that with all that is going on neither of them will discover each other's feeling."
The nurse who had been listening walked into the room. "Childhood love can be complicated," she said and placed a tray with a glass of water and medicine on the desk. She took the medicine and popped it into the water, which dissolved, she then handed the glass to Rin.
She grabbed the glass and gulpe down the water, gagging at the taste of the medicine. "Yucky..." she said as she handed the glass back to the nurse.
"It's not tasty, but it'll you out," she said and left the room.
Rin watched her leave. "I wonder what it was she gave me..." Rin wondered.
****
Anise dragged Andy outside of the hospital and past the bus stop. "Come on come on!" She said, not letting the boy go.
-
Phineas chuckled softly. "It's medicine, Rin. It's not supposed to taste like candy anyways. You shouldn't worry about what the nurse gave you anyways, it should make you feel better. And Andy and Anise, they'll have to figure it out sooner or later. They're not THAT thick headed."
----------------------------
Andy stumbled with Anise's pull. "I'm coming I'm coming." He managed to say. His balance was not with him today.
-
Anise kept smiling as she dragged Andrew toward the park. She stopped short of a bench, letting his hand go. "Hey Andy? Why do you think thing have been happening lately?"
****
Rin shrugged and shook her head. "Anise.... well... for her it might get... tough.." she said, she wasn't willing to tell Phineas about Anise's past, it was something they had all agreed to keep in the family.
-
Andy shrugged. "I don't know, I really have no answer to that, Anise. Believe me, I wish I did though. Things are just getting a bit too strange for my liking.
-------------------------------
"Tough?" Phineas inquired. Phineas smiled slightly, "Andrew's not THAT bad of a guy."
-
Rin shook her head. "It's not Andy thats the problem..." she said simply.
****
Anise sighed and walked over to the playground. There weren't many children playing, only a few and they were out on the field. As asnise walked into the sand box and up to swing set, she gripped the metal rod that was apart of the set. It felt cold ot her touch, and wet as well. She released her hand and looked at it, small dropltets of water dripped off her hand and onto the sand.
She smiled and looked at the swing, it was dry due to the sun being out. Taking a seat, she sat there and thought about the past everything that had been going on. "I... just don't understand..." she said, more to herself than to Andrew.
-
Phineas gave her a questioning look. "Then what's wrong? I don't understand."
-----------------
Andy sighed heavily. "I kind of wish that things were back to normal." Andy sat on the swing next to Anise. The weather was oddly enough, getting colder. Andy looked around. "Strange..." he muttered.
-
Rin gripped the bed sheets tightly. "It... I.... I can't tell you..." she said, tears in her eyes. She watned to tell Phineas, but she knew her parents would be angry at her if she did.
***
"W-we should head to my home... my big sister will get worried if she calls the hospital and they tell her we left.." Anise said and got up from the swing. She looked over her shoulder at Andrew, before making her way toward the park exit.
-
Phineas was slightly surprised seeing tears in her eyes. Hastily, he replied, "It's alright. Sorry. Really, don't worry about it."
---------------------
Andy smiled slightly. "Alright. Let's head on to your place then."
-
Rin shook her head. "B-" she was about to say before the door opened and a doctor walked in. "Rin, we need to you to get some x-rays, I'm afraid your friend will have to go home as only family are allowed," he said.
She looked at him, then sighed and looked down at the sheets. "O-ok..." she said and looked at Phineas.
***
Anise walked along the sidewalk leading to her home, the atmosphere was strange. She didn't see many people, those she had seen looked to be more considered about something else than about the nice weather. She slowed her pace and looked around, "I-I-I don't like this feeling..." Anise said nervously, both of her hands up against her chest.
-
Phineas nodded. "Yes ma'am." He looked over at Rin. "Take care, alright? I'll be in touch with you soon." He stood up from the bed and walked out of the hospital. In all reality, he had nowhere to go.
-----------------
Andy felt it too. He himself couldn't stop his heartbeat from furiously beating. He put an arm around Anise. "Let's walk quicker."
-
Anise blushed, she looked at him, then at the ground and then right back at him. Her heart began to race, W-what is this feeling I'm feeling.. she though as she made her way back home.
"I-I'm home..." she said upon opening the door. Sakura was on the sofa, she looked up from her reading but noticed the truobled look on Anise's face. "What's wrong?" she asked, getting up from the sofa and walking over to her, she knelt down to Anise's height.
She looked at Sakura, and then away from her. "N-nothing... I-i'm fine..." she said and walked into the kitchen to get someting to drink.
-
Andy's hair was even more messy as he pushed his bangs out of his eyes. He cautiously walked in and mumbled a hello to Sakura.
-
Her big sister smiled and walked into the kitchen, she noticd that Anise was staring into the refrigerator. "Want me to make some juice?" she asked. "Can you please?" Anise smiled.
"Do you want some to?" Her big sister then asked Phineas.
-
Andy stared into space until he realized he was being asked a question. "Hrm? Uh..oh...uh. Yeah. Yes. THat would be wonderful, thanks."
-
Anise's big sister nodded and went to work on making the juice. "By the way, would you like to help Anise with some of her homework?"
"Sis!!" Anise said, embarassed.
"What? Your teacher said you are falling behind in language class," Her big sister said, staring her down. Anise felt rather small now, "I... err... uhh... umm... " Anise said, stuck for words, she then looked at Andrew. "W-would you help me?"
-
Andy smiled slightly again. "Sure, Anise. Which language are you taking?"
-
"Japanese and Creina," Anise said.
"I still don't understand why you have to learn that other country's language," Anise heard her big sister say while mixing up various powders.
Anise smiled. "Umm.. I'm sure the school has a good rea-" she said before her big sister turned to her and leaned over toward her. "There is NO good reason to learn a language you don't need," she said to her, her voice hinted that she was annoyed.
"Umm... err..." Anise said and grabbed Andrew's hand and yanked him up to the girls study room. The room had two desks, side by side. A book shelve had various texts on it, including Math books, science, over forty nine different language books, and more.
"This is our study, we do our home work here," Anise said.
-
Andy gaped at the books. "JEEEZ....You STUDY THIS MUCH?" A hint of the old self came back. "My god...this is incredibly ridiculous. Hrm...let's see...German, Italian, English, Japanese, French, Chinese....."
-
Anise smiled. "Our mother used to take us on archeological digs, so we had to learn a lot of languages to get by," she said and walked over to the book shelve and opened the german book. "But.. we haven't gone on many lately," she said and flipped through the pages.
"What about you Andy? You don't like studying?" Anise asked.
-
Andy grinned mischievously and cleared his throat.
"Je ne me soucie guère au sujet de Français.
Ich interessiere nicht mich für Deutschen.
No cuido alrededor de español para esa materia cualquiera
Although...I suppose I do have to care when my dad makes me."
* I don't give a damn about French
I'm not interested in German
I don't care about Spanish for that matter either.
-
Anise giggled. She understood what Andrew had said, "don't say that in front of my big sister, she would give you a lecture," Anise smiled.
Just then a knock came to the door, "come in!" Anise said and her big siste walked into the room with a tray on her hand and two glasses and pitcher of juice on it.
She set the tray down on the table. "Dinner will be in the next few hours ok?" she told Anise who nodded, and then she left.
Anise sighed and took out a japanese language book and set it on the desk, she then went to her room and grabbed her school bag and brought it into the study and took out her homework.
-
Andy had smiled innocently as Anise's sister had walked in. He turned to look at Anise taking out her homework. He pulled up a chair beside her. "Hm... Let's see, this isn't to bad."
-
Anise smiled, she pointed at some of the words and tried to pronouce them, but she couldn't get it off her tongue.
After trying a few more times she got up from her chair and walked over to the table and poured her some juice, she took a sip and realized it was cherry. "Mmmm... Cherry Juice," she said and walked back over to her desk and sat down.
***
Rin was laying down on a bed, the room was well lit with four lights pointed at her. She was inside a machine which was rotating around her, the bed she was on moved forward and back every so often.
She was nervous, scared, she didn't know what it was doing, or why she was here. She had noticed a glass window when she came in, but it was one way glass so she couldn't see through it.
Behind that glass, two doctors looked at the information being displayed. "So... we found another?" a man behind them asked.
"Seem's so sir, this one's ten years old, the other one was nine..." the doctor said, "the nurse has already begun to admistrate the 'medicine' but it'll be rough for her."
"And?" The man said, now slightly annoyed.
"In about a week she'll begin to feel very sick, vomiting, and what not, as the medicine goes through her body and destroy's any trace of a magi gene... of course... it'll also cause damage to her heart and lungs, and she'll suffer from memory problems...." the doctor said, he didn't sound the least bit concerned about how he was close to killing someone.
The man scowled. "Up the dose..."
This time the two doctors turned to look at him. "But that would kill her!" one objected. "You're point? We can't have these magi freaks in our society, best to take them out before they blossom.. now do it," he said.
The doctors looked at each other, then sighed and made the request. Rin felt something before she fell asleep.
In her hospital room, a nurse injected her two times with a strange red liquad. As she left, someone appeared by her bed side. "How gross..." the girl said and placed her hand over Rin's chest. "While I can't stop you from getting very sick, I can stop the 'medicine' from destroying what you are," she said as a faint green glow appeared for several seconds before dissipating.
She then vanished.
-
Phineas stood outside for a full 5 minutes contemplating what to do. He decided to sneak back inside to see Rin. However, as he walked back in, the place was eerily quiet. There was no sound as Phineas made his way to Rin's room. To his shock, she wasn't there. Shivers ran through his back as the room looked like as if no one had been there just 5 minutes before.
-------------------------
Andy smiled. He pronounced the words for her slowly in order for Anise to get the pronounciation.
-
Anise blinked before saying them, she gave a cher when she managed to get them right. "Yay!" she said, and wrote them down, then she looked at Andrew to see if the spelling was right.
***
"Who are you looking for?" A nurse said, noting Phineas standing in front of a vacant room.
-
Andy smiled. "Yeah, that's right."
--------------------------------
Phineas jumped, startled. He turned to stare at the nurse. Surprising himself, he grew taller, at least 6 ft tall, he started growing greys on the side of his hair, his voice was deeper. Without hesitancy he said, "I'm looking for Rin Outren."
-
The nurse, full of fear now, pointed down the hall. "S-she's on the fourth floor resting, room thirty one" she said and backed away.
***
Anise smiled. She turned the page and then came upon some harder words, she had tried to pronouce them but failed miserably. "err... uhh... egh..." she said as she tried but sighed when she couldn't get the words out.
-
Phineas bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, ma'am." He walked up to the 4th floor and glided down to room 31. He knocked softly and turned the doorknob.
--------------
Andy encouraged her. "Don't worry, these are a bit harder, but they don't change much. See?" He pointed, "That word has the same root as this one."
-
Rin slept soundlessly in her bed, unaware of what had gone on. She was having a pleasant dream, in her hands was a stuffed kitty cat that she hugged tightly.
***
She nodded. "Ahhh.. so thats why I kept messing up..." she said and wrote it out. "I wonder why they are having us write such difficult words when we are only fourth graders?" she said, noting that at the top of the page it said 'seventh grade work'
-
Phineas walked in slowly, not making any sound. He sat at the edge of Rin's bed, watching her peaceful face.
-
Her eye's opened just enough to where she saw a blurry image, she was able to recongize the boy's features as that of Phineas. "Oh... Phineas...." she said tiredly, "w-what are you doing here?"
-
Phineas had unnoticably changed back to his normal self. He smiled slightly. "I couldn't just leave you here."
-
Rin smiled weakly. "I'm fine.. just tired is all... it's getting dark..." she said and raised her shacky arm at the window, outside the sun was starting to go down. "I'm tired..." she said and brought her arm but under her face and soon went back to sleep.
-
Phineas watched her close her tired eyes and pulled the covers up for her. He pulled up a chair and sat, keeping an eye on her. However, soon he could barely keep his eyes open as he drifted off to sleep too.
-----------------
Andy rolled his eyes. "Yeah, they think they're trying to 'prepare' us or something. But they're really failing us."
-
Anise smiled, she didn't like hearing the 'fail' word and avoided it. "I-it's getting late," Anise said when she noticed that the sun was going down.
-
Andy looked up also. "Man, time sure goes by fast...I guess I better get going."
-
Anise walked with Andy to the door and bid him a farewell. "I'll talk to you tomorrow then.." Anise said.
As she walked back over into the kitchen, her big sister was reading a book. "What's wrong?" she asked Anise when she noticed that the girl was nervous.
"Uh... umm... can...." Anise tried to say it, but the words wouldn't come, she was just to embarassed. Her big sister smiled and walked over to her and knelt down in front of her, "sure... if thats what you want," she said, knowing what Anise was trying to say.
Anise smiled brightly and nodded.
Three Days later
Three days had now passed since Rin was brought to the hospital, and her friends, Andrew and Phineas, had visited her. She was released the day afterwards but due to the medicine she was given she was unable to attend school.
Finally, however, the day of the field trip had arrived. While Rin still felt groggy, she was still up for it.
---
Rin tossed and turned in her bed. She awoke to the sound of the alarm going off, opening her eyes, she sat up and yawned. She looked down to her left and found Anise sleepingly innocently next to her. since I got back, she hasn't slept in her own bed... RIn thought as she swung her legs out from under the sheets and stood up. She stretched before turning and nudging Anise awake.
"Huh? Morning already?" Anise said tiredly. Rin smiled, "Yep, and its field trip day to..." Rin said as she walked over to the dresser and pulled two field trip uniforms.
"Y... hmmm.. you think Andy will wear the uniform?" Anise asked as Rin was removing her night shirt. "He has to, even though we are on a field trp, we are still representing our school," she said.
It didn't take her long to dress Anise, it was the normal every day routine, after she was done she herself got dressed and packed her school bag. "Lets see... notepad... pencils... pens..." she said as she placed the named items in her bag, "done!" she said.
Anise watched as Rin packed her bag, once done the two girls headed down stairs. Their big sister wasn't home as she had to leave for school rather early due to a sports game, they searched the fridge and found the food that she had prepared for them.
After breakfast they headed to door and grabbed their skates, putting them on a few seconds later. They both grabbed their winter coats and put them on before heading out and making their way to school.
-
Andy had put up a fuss. He absolutely would not wear his uniform. His father however did not want a word against it. 30 minutes later after much fussing, Andy was wearing his uniform. He trudged to school.
-
As the twins made their way to school, the wind began to blow. The cold wind caused Rin and Anise to zip up their coats, "Brrr....." Anise said, rubbing her shoulders.
When they got to the front gates they walked inside and into the locker room. Rin undid the buckles on Anise's skates and pulled them off and then placed them in the locker, Anise then took her shoes and put them on, but Rin was the one to tie them.
"I'm going to wait for Andy," Anise said as she got up and checked to make sure her shoes were on right.
Rin smiled. "I'll wait with you," she said after putting her skates in the locker and closing it. The twins then made their way over to the main doors, but before they could do anything, the nurse walked in. "Anise, i need to talk to you about some of the things we need to bring," she said.
Anise sighed, she knew what the nurse was referring to. "Do I have to...." she said witha heavy sigh.
The nurse folded her arms over chest. "Yes, you do," she said, partly scolding the young girl. "Alright..." Anise said and followed the nurse back to the nurse's office.
Rin smiled. "Anise hates her condition... but I wish she'd realize that there's no way around it.." she said and leaned her back up against the door.
-
Phineas could not hide his glee as he met up with Andy. He kept on nudging the blonde haired boy. "Is this really you, Andrew?" Andy, finally being pushed over the edge, shoved Phineas. However, Phineas just smiled and jumped back. They finally arrived at the school and that's when Phineas spotted Rin. He waved at her.
-
Rin smiled at him, but then she caught notice of Andy next to him. She blinked, as did several other students, both older and younger, who had never seen Andy wear the schools uniform before.
She walked down the steps and over to Phineas. "Morning," she said to him and then looked at Andy, she blinked and smiled. "Morning to you, Andy," she said.
-
Andy grumbled incoherently as a dark look covered his handsome face.
Phineas smiled uncontrollably. "I really love our uniforms."
-
Rin smiled at Phineas's comment. "I hope so," she said and turned to her side, "considering Anise and three other students helped design the pattern," she said, giving Andy a side-ways glance.
-
Phineas turned his laugh into a well timed cough as Andrew tried to put on a good face.
-
WIth a smile, Rin headed back into the school. "You two better head to class, I hear our teachers will be taking roll call the moment the first bell rings," she said and walked through the double doors.
Yoko and Lurea soon arrived. Lurea noticed Andrew and Phineas, and had just caught a glimpse of Rin as she headed back into the school.
The two of them walked the boy's and into the building, if anyone had noticed, Yoko was wearing the schools field trip uniform.
-
Andy and Phineas just made it in time for roll. As soon as everyone was accounted for, the teacher lined the kids up waiting for all the other teachers. The teacher checked the watch for the busses.
-
When Anise had arrived in class the teacher began her roll-call, the students all sat at their respective seats and listened for their names.
Once roll-call was finished the teacher told them to line up outside the classroom. Anise was excited, as was Rin, along for the ride was also Yoko, who had been invited by twin's teacher.
Outside the school they waited for the buses to arrive, soon, two buses arrived. The teacher turned to their students told them that they would be sitting with their class.
As class one boarded the bus, class two boarded the other bus. Anise looked over at the other class and saw Andy and Phineas, she wanted to wave but found it hard to. "Anise," Rin said, the girl turned and realized that it was her turn to board.
The twins took a seat to the right in the fourth row. Yoko sat with her older sister, who was on the trip as a chaphiron.
-
Andy and Phineas boarded the bus, Andy still scowling. Phineas waved to the twins and sat in the 5th row.
-
Once all the students were onboard, the teachers did a head count and then nodded to the bus driver. "Everyone stay seated ok?" the teachers would call out, getting a satisfied 'yes' or 'yes ma'am' from the students.
As the bus's rolled out of the school, Anise snuggled up against Rin and soon fell asleep. Rin shook her head, oh well... guess she'll miss the nice scenary she thought as she watched tree's go by.
The buses soon made their turn onto the main highway, Rin knew it would be a few hours before they arrived so she decided to just observe the scenary.
Yoko had also fallen asleep, her head laying over Lurea's lap.
-
Phineas decided he had tortured Andy enough and tried to make him feel better instead. But nothing seemed to be helping.
-
Rin and Anise continued to sleep, Yoko as well. Lurea watched the three, its to bad their innocent lives will end soon... well... end in such a way that won't mean death of course... she thought as she watched them, she glanced over the seat and saw Phineas and Andy, Andy seemed annoyed, she had a good idea at what though.
As the buses continued down the road they soon exited the city and were out in the country side, the bus began to warm up as the driver turned the heater on.
-
Phineas gave up after a while to make Andy feel better. After all, there was only so much he could do. He gazed around the bus, his intelligent eyes roaming. His eyes met Lurea's.
-
Lurea smiled. "You'll only have to wear that uniform during field trips, so I don't see why your pouting.." she said.
-
Andy mumbled something inaudible and turned over to face the window.
-
Lurea sighed and turned back toward the front of the bus. The driver hummed to a song that was playing on the radio. Outside the clouds had given way to snow which fell lightly.
The bus continued to roll until it arrived at the snow lodge. Rin had woken up a few minutes earlier and noticed that the sign read 'Snow Lodge Educational Center'
Soon the buses stopped at the front of the lodge. "Ok, everyone grab your school bags and meet in the lobby for room assignments," the teacher said.
"How are we doing assignments this time?" a teacher asked.
"We'll handle it by having groups of four, no mix though. So four boys in one room, four girls in another, and so on and so forth," the fourth grade class one teacher said.
Rin nodged Anise awake, whom moaned at being awoken from a good dream. "Anise, we are arrived," Rin told her. Anise mumbled, "huh?" she said and looked out the window. "already? but we just left..." she said. Rin smiled. The two girls waited until the three rows in front had been cleared then they grabbed their school bags from under chair seats and headed off the bus and into the lobby.
-
The teacher herded the boys out and splitted them into groups. The girls were seperated from them as they walked into the lodge.
-
The twins teacher read off a list of names, she had started off with the last name and then the first name. Anise and Rin were together along with Yoko.
"Anise, before you go with your group, check in with nurse ok?" Their teacher told her. Anise sighed and nodded, "ok..." she said and walked away.
"We'll be in room twelve Anise, meet ya there!" Rin said, she gently grabbed Yoko's hand. "Shall we go?" she asked the young girl who nodded. With that RIn and Yoko headed to their room, school bags in hand.
-
The teacher got the boys into a room where another instructor was there, welcoming the groups. Andy barely payed attention, having been pretty athletic, learning how to ski wasn't too much of a deal for him. Actually being here, now THAT was exciting. Andy kept looking around until the instructor said, "Excuse me, yes you, blonde hair. Would you please settle down?"
Andy grinned that charming smile of his.
-
After Rin and Yoko were done they headed back into the lobby, most of the students had been assigned their own rooms. An instructor stood near a fire-place, noticing the two of them he put his gloves back on and walked over to them. "You two look excited, is this all?" he asked tem.
Rin shook her head. "Nope, we have one more," she said and turned around. She waited a few minutes before Anise appeared from the stairway. "Sorry," Anise apologized as she ran up to the two of them. Rin smiled and turned back to the instructor, "Ok first off," he said and gestured for them to follow him.
The instructor took them into a dressing room, other female students were there being taught by other instructors. Their own instructor started off by taking them through some safety procedures.
-
After being drilled safety instructions into them, in which Andy thought Phineas had memorized but which Finny vehmentely said he didn't, the instructor took them to the lobby to wait for the other groups.
-
The instructor smiled when he finished. "Any questions?" he asked them. After a few seconds of silence he smiled, "very well, let's head back to the lobby and wait for everyone else to finish," he said.
Rin and her group followed the man to the lobby, there she saw Andy and Phineas. "Is it ok if I go and talk to my friends?" Rin asked the instructor who nodded. "Sure, just remember that once another group comes out of the dressing room we'll be leaving," he said.
She nodded and ran over to where Andy and Phineas were. "How are you two doing?"
-
Phineas smiled when he saw Rin. He seemed to be doing that a lot now lately. "Well, I'M doing fine but Andy here is-" He turned but couldn't find Andy. He gazed around and then saw Andy in a heated argument with the instructor on how to properly ski.
"Oh jeez." Phineas moaned.
-
Rin grumbled. "Errr... why can't he just...." she said and stormed her way over to Andy and grabbed him by the ear. "Hey!" she shouted into his ear.
-
"Gaw!" Andy turned and looked at Rin. The instructor rolled his eyes. "Look kid, I've been teaching this stuff for 25 years. I'm pretty sure I know what I'm doing by now. And how old are you? 8?"
"10." Andy replied, rubbing his ear.
"Right. Just go off with your friends, and let me take care of the other stuff, alright?"
Phineas walked up and shot a look at Andy. Andy stiffly nodded and shoved past Phineas.
Muttering under his breath, Phineas said, "Honestly...ever since he woke up this morning.."
-
Rin grumbled and stared at the instructor. "Is that how you treat all kids who come here?" she grumbled at him.
"What of it?" he said and stared at her. She kept staring back, "look kid how about you mind your own damn business and let me do my job?" he said to her.
Rin scowled. "You shouldn't even be teaching!" she said to him.
The teacher's brow rose. "W-what was that?" he said and took a step toward her. She took a step back, knowing full well she had just made a mistake.
"What would a child like you know of me teaching? All you know how to do is basic numbers and how to talk! Your here to learn from us!" he said to her and back her against the wall, conviently they were in a part of the lobby where hardly anyone saw them. Rin was now rather scared, she wasn't sure 'what' to do.
-
Andy heard the thump against the wall. He quickly turned around to see Rin cornered by the instructor. He saw Phineas look ready to jump in, but Andy wanted to handle this guy. He swiftly walked passed Phineas and tapped the instructor. The instructor turned and glared at him. "Don't you kids listen to your adults?!"
Andy, his temper rising, kept his voice calm. "Look mister, I know this may sound rude but, didn't your mother ever teach you how to treat women?"
-
The instructor's eyes now twitched more. "And what would you know on treating others?" he asked him.
Rin looked at the instructor, and then at Andy. She was regretting breaking stopping him from schooling the teacher, as it seems he really needed it.
Behind Phineas, an older man shook his head and said. "Is that man causing trouble again?" he asked Phineas.
-
Andy growled, "A heck of a lot more than you do... sir
Phineas jumped, startled. He was so busy watching Andy, he didn't notice an older man come up behind him. The man had gray hair and looked very elegant and kind. However, his eyes were alert and sizing up the situation.
Phineas wasn't exactly sure how to answer. "I..well...you see..." The man looked at him. "It's alright son, I think I might know."
-
The instructor was about to scold Andy when his boss walked up to him. "I've had about enough of this," he said and stared at the man down. "So many complaints come across my desk of you harassing students," he said and gestured for Rin to come to him. She nodded nervously and walked over to the older man.
"You're here to train these children in how to ski, although they might already know, that doesn't mean you tell them that they don't know anything," he says to the man.
The instructor grumbled. "You hired me to teach them sir, you didn't hire me to hear them whine and moan," he said.
The older man shook his head. "As an instructor, you are required to listen to their concerns, if they whine or moan then you find out 'why'," he said but then added. "I'll find someone else to train these kids, since it seems you don't have the ability to, now leave, go home, perhaps a six month vacation will bring you back to your senses," he said.
"W-Wait your forcing me on vacation," he said before his boss shouted. "You want to me be FIRED?!" he shouted causing Rin to wince.
The instructor sighed and shook his head before leaving the lobby. The older man sighed and turned around and looked at Andy and Rin, "I'm very sorry for how he acted," he said to the two of them.
-
Andy ran a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry too, sir. I shouldn't have gotten into the argument but he well...." Andy left it at that.
-
He nodded. "He doesn't listen much to kids, stubborn he is, but I'm sure the other instructors here would gladly listen," he said to Andy.
Rin fidgetted, she had never been backed into a wall like that before and it made her feel vulnerable. "H... uhh.. err..." Rin tried to find the right words but was stuck for them, instead she bowed to the man and went back over to her group. "Is she a friend of yours?" The older man asked Andy.
-
Andy nodded. "Yes sir." He turned to leave. "Thanks, sir." He put an arm around Phineas and walked over to the more crowded area.
-
Rin sat on a bench, she shivered nervously. "What's wrong?" Anise asked and sat down next to her.
She shook her head. "I-it's n-nothing..." she said.
After awhile another group of female students came out of the dressing room. "Seems we have more now," the instructors for Rin's group said. The instructor for the other group was then called away to instruct Andy's group.
-
The boss led the new instructor over to Andy's group. The instructor smiled. "Alright guys, how many of you guys are ready to tear up the slopes? Show those girls we're louder than them!" The boys hollered, and was met with the girls yelling. Andy smiled slightly as they all trooped outside
-
Anise and the other girls shook their heads. "They are actually challenging us!" one girl said.
"Well, then let's show them that girls are better!" their instructor said, strangely enough he was male though.
Outside the students were each given a pair of ski's appropriate for their age and shoe size. The instructor instructed them on how to properly use the ski's. "We'll be starting on the beginniners slope, once everyone here has mastered it we'll allow you to try the other slopes got it?" she told them, the girls all nodded and went to work.
-
Andy and Phineas grinned and with the rest of their group went outside. At the beginner, or bunny slope as it was usually called, Andy groaned slightly. However, Phineas, never being on skis before, felt intimidated.
"Come on Finny, it's not that bad at all, just remember bend your knees."
Phineas looked pale but nevertheless tried. He immediately went down the slope and was shocked. Andy grinned from the start of the slope. He followed Phineas down. "See? It wasn't that bad."
-
Anise stared down the slope, nervous at wha she was seeing. She looked at the instructor who nodded, she moved off and went down the slope, remembering what he had told her, she made it down.
It was then Rin's turn, she started down and managed to keep a straight line. She let out a sigh of relief, "t-that was fun," she said nervously, Anise shook her head. "Then why are your leg's shaking?" she asked, pointing down at Rin's shaking legs.
"Err.. ok... maybe I was nervous..." Rin admitted.
-
The instructor from Andy's group noted that Andy was having a real easy time on the beginner slope. "Hey kiddo, do you want to try the next slope?" Andy turned and grinned. "Yeah!" The next slope was a lot steeper and Phineas's eyes widened. "Um...Andrew, I don't want to sound chicken or anything but..."
Andy smiled slightly, "Don't worry Finny, you can just stick with the other slope till you get used to it." Then with a final grin, went down the steeper slope.
-
The twins continued practicing on the beginners slopes until they noticed Andy on the much steeper one. "Is he showing off again?" Rin asked herself and shook her head. She ignored him and just kept on going down and back up the beginners.
Clouds soon opened up, depositing fresh snow on the slopes. "Becareful!" The various instructors told their groups.
Deep behind the trees that saturated the northern part of the lodge, several things moved against the whiteness.
-
Andy was completely carefree at the moment. No bad thought was in his mind. Sports was his strengths and he never tired of them. He was in the groove as he jumped high off the slope.
-
Rin and Anise watched Andy for several minutes until an instructor came by. "Everyone inside!" he shouted as the wind began to pick up. All around them it began to get whiter and whiter, the twins moved toward the doors and waited for Andy and Phineas.
"Full blown blizzard..." One instructor said.
-
Phineas yelled for Andy as he heard the instructors. Andy quickly jumped off and ran inside with Phineas, meeting up with Rin and Anise.
-
"What's with this storm?" Rin asked Andy as the instructors closed the double doors. "I've never seen a storm this bad before."
Anise smiled. "We've never been 'up' here before though sis," Anise said, prompting Rin to blink and nod. "Oh.. err... yea.... your right..." she blushed.
-
Andy shrugged. "It's nothing to be worried about. Things like this happen a lot on the slopes."
-
"A-ah..." Rin said sheepishly, "let's go sit in front of the fire," Anise said and grabbed Rin's hand. The two of them walked over to a fireplace and stood there, rubbing their hands together to warm up.
-
Andy took off his jacket, revealing the school uniform. He pursed his lips at this but didn't say anything. Phineas glanced at Andy. There was a change in his friend, but he didn't understand why that had happened. The two boys walked over to Anise and Rin. Andy, next to Anise, and Phineas next to Rin.
-
"It's getting cold in here..." Anise complained as she felt a chill along her arms, despite having her jacket on.
"Someone's walking on your grave," someone said. The twins turned to find a student from their class sitting on the sofa drinking something hot. "It's an expression, you'll usually feel a chill although mostly along your back," she said and took a sip.
Rin wondered. "But who created that.. um.. exprssion?" she asked. The girl shrugged, "beat's me, my father used it once and I felt like using it,"
"err... so you don't really know what it means..." Anise said, glancing at the girl. She nodded, "well, I know it isn't cold in here so.." the girl smiled.
Anise and Rin both sighed before taking a seat on the sofa. A student walked by carrying a tray with several cups on it, he handed one each to Rin and Anise before walking over to Phineas and Andy and offering them a cup. "Oooh.. hot chocolate," Anise said and took a sip, forgetting just how hot it was. "Aie! Hot hot hot!" she said and placed the cup down.
-
Andy, apparently lost in thought grabbed a cup himself. He just about poured the liquid down his throat and then started sputtering and hacking.
Phineas, alarmed whacked Andy on the back. Then realizing what Andy had done, rushed to get something cold and handed it to him.
-
Some of the students who were sitting on the sofa laughed at this spectacle. Rin was already gulping down some cold water and couldn't say much due to a burnt tongue.
"You ok?" Anise asked Andy.
-
Andy waved a hand. He couldn't speak at the moment, but he sure could glare. He turned and gave the kids who were laughing at him a great glare. Phineas arched his eyebrows. Once again, that wasn't like Andrew. Andrew would have just laughed it off. The other kids must have thought that as well because they hushed down.
-
As the blizzard tore on, the light in the lodge dimmed slightly. Instructors and teachers alike went about checking on their respective students and or groups.
"Everyone ok in here?" A teacher asked upon walking into the lobby. Anise nodded, as did Rin. "Well, dinner will be served soon, after dinner there will be a lecture ok?" she told them. Most of the students groaned at the thought of a long lecture, Anise and Rin just shrugged it off.
-
Andy, exhausted just sprawled out on the ground. His hair was getting longer now, and his bangs covered his eyes. Andy closed his eyes, his face peaceful, his tall form layed out.
Phineas just gave a small smile and shook his head. "Andrew, you do realize, we're eating dinner soon?" Phineas could detect a faint nod from Andrew. Phineas frowned. What the heck was up with Andrew?
-
"He's probably just tired, let him get at least a few minutes rest," Rin said as she got up from the sofa and left for the dining hall. Anise got up a few seconds later and followed her, in the dining hall they found the lodge staff setting up various tables, some long, some short, a few round tables were also thrown in.
"Anise," Rin said and turned to her twin sister, "perhaps you should go and check in with the nurse," she said.
Anise nodded. "I guess so," she said and ran off to do just that. For RIn she walked over to a table set up near the window and looked out, it was a white blanket outside, she could barely see past the window.
****
Near the dorm portion of the lodge, a back door opened so silently that a security guard nearby didn't hear it before his neck was promptly snapped, his body was then pulled out into the cold and tossed down the side of the cliff, vanishing into the whiteness in just a few feet. "Two man teams, keep watch of the kids until you locate whom we are active, stay cloaked though.. we don't want to alert them to our presence," a man said just as his figure vanished, leaving behind a very faint shimmer.
The other three in the group nodded and also disappeared. For one of them, however, he wondered. Is killing a child really worth all this? he thought as he made his way up a flight of stairs, as he did so a group of children who he assumed were on the field trip walked by him within a foot, they never noticed the slight 'waver' in the air. Whew... close one... he thought as he positioned himself within a dark portion of the hallway. His partner then went up to the next floor, also positioning himself in a dark area, even with cloaked, with it being dark they couldn't be seen either way. Now for the waiting game, grumbled the soldier.
-
Phineas nudged Andy. "Hey come on, let's go eat." Andy mumbled. "You go on ahead, I'll be there in a bit." Phineas shrugged and walked off to the dining hall. He found Rin and sat across from her.
-
"Where's Phineas?" Rin asked the moment Phineas sat down
She then sighed and added. "Probably pouting that he has to wear the uniform,"
-
Phineas shrugged. "He said he'd come in soon. He'll be alright. I guess we should just give him some time."
-
Rin sighed. "Well I hope so, don't want him to go without food ya know," she said.
The dining hall had already begun to fill with students and teachers, most of the teachers went and got something light, most of the students were getting something light as well. "Well," RIn said and got up, "I'm going to get me something to eat, Anise should be back soon, so if I'm not back let her know ok?" Rin childishly smiled at Phineas and then headed for the Salad Bar.
-
Phineas nodded, and looked across the hall where Andy was. He could barely see him, but he could see Andy's figure still
Andy stared at the ceiling. He wasn't that hungry. He didn't fee energetic anymore though. However, he felt he should go to the dining room before Phineas thought something was up. Sighing, he got up and walked over to the hall.
Phineas saw Andy walk over. He held a hand up so Andy could see him.
Andy took a seat and faintly grinned at Phineas. Phineas replied, "Go and get something to eat. I'll wait here so no one else can take this seat." Andy waved a hand, "Naw, go on ahead. I'll wait. Go on, go on." Phineas shrugged. "Alright." and headed off to a line as well.
As soon as Phineas was in the line, Andy just put his head down.
-
Anise walked into the dining hall just then, having had to check in with the nurse. She walked over to where Andy was, assuming that's where her twin sister was also sitting, "what's wrong Andy?" she asked him, worried that her friend might be ill.
Meanwhile Rin was loading up two plates at the salad bar, both Anise and her loved salads, although Anise liked her's more loaded than Rin. After she was done preparing the salad's she then walked over to started pouring some dressing on. "Alright! Check!" she smiled and placed both plates on a tray and started back to the table.
-
Andy slowly lifted his head. He smiled warmly, completely ignoring her question. "Oh hey, Anise. Rin and Phineas went to get food, why don't you go and get something to eat as well?"
Phineas grabbed something light and started heading toward the table.
-
"Something light?" Rin suddenly said behind Andy's chair.
Anise smiled and looked over at her. "A salad? Yummy!" she said, clasping her hands together in a sort of childish manner. She took a seat in her chair as Rin was placing the plate in front of her, she took the salt and pepper shakers that were on the side of the table and sprinkled her salad with both, once done she started eating.
Rin then took a seat and looked over at Andy "You know, you should get something to eat," she said to him before starting on her salad.
-
Andy put his hands behind his head. "Nah, I'm alright. Not too hungry." he said, smiling. He leaned back on his chair, balancing. Soon, Phineas came to join the group. He brought a bowl of soup and a chunk of bread which he promply threw at Andy.
"You have to eat something." Andy caught it gracefully and put it down on the table. "Maybe later."
-
The twins sighed and kept on eating, when Anise finished she asked where the bread was and Rin pointed her to a table next to the salad bar. She walked over to it and stopped short of it, she looked toward a vent and blinked, rubbing her eyes, when she opened them again she noticed that what she had seen wasn't there anymore. "Must be my imagenation," she said and grabbed some peices of garlic bread and went back to the table.
***
The soldier was tense for a few seconds, but relaxed when he saw the young girl turn away from him and back to what she had been doing. Whew.. that was to damn close, now, where is this girl, he thought as he scanned the room, it didn't take him long to locate the girl he was looking for - after all she was the only one wearing a student council uniform.Ranmaru, age eleven, fourth grade, damn it.. a child for christ sakes... he grumbled as he watched her go from table to table.
***
Ranmaru sighed as she walked over to the table that Rin and company sat at. "I hope you four as enjoying yourselves," she said to the four of them.
-
Andy turned and arched his eyebrows at this girl. His mind scanned for any indication that he knew her. He shrugged as he realized he didn't. "Why do you look so down? Stu Co. have extra work or somethin?" He grinned.
-
"Eh?" Ranmaru said, blinking. A smile creased her face, "Yes, I guess you could say that, even though we're on a field trip, it's difficult 'not' to have work to do," she said and turned to RIn. "Of course, you've been neglecting your duty's as the treasurer for some time," she said, scolding Rin.
Rin just sighed. "With what's been going on lately, can you blame me?" Rin said. Ranmaru thought about it for a second before nodding, "I guess you have a point, just remember that we have a budget meeting when we get back," she said and then left the group to go and check on everyone else.
As Rin ate, Anise popped a question. "So, what shall we do since it's already getting night fall," she said and glanced out the window, while it wasn't easy to tell due to the whiteness, the clock on the wall told them that it was seven in the evening.
-
Andy shrugged. "Get rest?" Phineas promptly choked on his soup and Andy whacked him on the back. Phineas spoke. " I never thought I'd live to hear you say that"
-
"Rest is good," Anise said before she stuffed some salad into her mouth and chewed. "I wonder what we'll be doing tomorrow?" Rin asked, changing the subject.
When Anise was done she replied, "I think the teacher mentioned something earlier this morning that we would have most of the day for free time, except after lunch when we would be having a few special classes," she said and sighed. She picked up her plate and got up from her chair, "I'll talk to you two later," she said and winked at Andy. "I'll talk to you in our room Rin," she said before tossing her plate and then leaving the dining hall.
-
Andy shrugged, then nodded. "Yeah, sure Anise." He turned to Phineas and Rin. "I'm going for a walk, you two have fun." With that, he slowly got out of his chair and left the hunk of bread there. He strolled down the hallway where he had fought with that instructor. Plants lined the hallway. Then, just for a second, he thought he saw a glimmer. But he rejected the idea of something so stupid. He continued walking down the hallway.
-
The soldier sighed. Kids are almost to damn perseptive... the man thought as he watched the hallway.
***
Rin sighed. "Something wrong with Andy? I thought maybe it had to do with him wearing the uniform but I can't help but feel it's something.. .different..." she asked.
-
Phineas sighed, looking at the empty space where Andy had sat. "I don't know... It's something I've been trying to find out this whole evening...I don't understand what's wrong. He's never been like this before."
-
"Maybe he's just having one of those days?" Rin suggested. "I'm going back to the salad bar to get seconds, want anything?" she asked.
-
" I don't know, Rin. Even at his worst, he never showed it..." He tapped his fingers on the table. "You go on ahead, I'll wait."
-
Rin nodded, "alright," she said and went to get something more to eat.
***
Anise fast walked down the hallway, she was about to enter the room that the nurse was staying in when Ranmaru approuched her. "Hey Anise, can I talk to you real quick?" Ranmaru asked, her voice full of concern.
"Um," Anise looked at the door and then back at Ranmaru. "i umm..." she was stuck for words. Ranmaru smiled, "it's important, don't worry you can get changed after we talk, I'll just tell the nurse that I kept you waiting ok?" she said. Anise thought about it for a second and the nodded, "ok.. if it's that important," she said and followed Ranmaru up a flight of stairs.
They walked into the room that Ranmaru and some of her fellow classmates were staying in. She then closed the door behind her and walked over to the window, "Anise, would you be interested in becoming a council secretary?" Ranmaru asked. Anise blinked, "Huh? umm.. you sure you want someone like me.. with my condition?" she asked.
Ranmaru smiled and shook her head. "You know how to handle your condition though, it's just that you are very organized and I need someone with those types of skills," she said.
Anise brought her finger up to her chin, thinking. "Sure," she said.
The council president smiled. "Ok, here's what you need to know about the position," she said and went on to explain what she had to do as a council secretary.
***
"Hmm...." Rin said as she held the spoon and looked at the various types of salad dressings. "hmmm.. what to put on.. what to put on..." she said before humming a song she had once sang back in the second grade.
-
Andy strolled a long the hallway in deep thought. His mind once again went back to his parents. He sighed, "I'm supposed to be enjoying myself...why do I feel so dang depressed?"
------------
Phineas peered out the window as he saw the snow fall peacefully down.
-
Anise smiled. "It's not that difficult of a job then," she said after listening to Ranmaru explaining to her what she'd have to do as a secretary for the student council.
"It's not, I'm not very organized and because of that we almost didn't have this field trip," she said and smiled at Anise. "Anyway, you better head off and report to the nurse's room."
Anise nodded and got up from her bed. She turned and bowed toward Ranmaru ,"thank you very much, I appriciate you talking to me," she said to her.
"No problem, I appriciate you talking to me despite you having to do something that is beyond your control," Ranmaru said.
She bowed once before and then headed toward the door. She grabbed the knob and opened it, then blinked when she saw something shimmering in front of her. She merely raised an eye-brow she felt something sink into her chest, before being thrown clear across the room and into Ranmaru, causing the girl to fall onto the ground.
"Who are you?!" Ranmaru demanded, her voice slightly different.
The two figures just stared at her, their cloaking devices disengaged revealing two fully suited soldiers. "Wait... you're part of the-" Ranmaru said before being cut off by the muffled shots from the soldiers weapons.
It happened in less than a minute, both soldiers stared at Ranmaru's dead form, lying on the ground. The girl that was next to her covered in the girls blood, "what do we do about the girl?" one of the two soldiers said to the other.
"Just leave her," the other said before both soldiers recloaked and left.
Anise laid there, fear, shock, all present on her face. She stared at Ranmaru's dead body, unsure how to react, she finally fell unconcious when she could no longer stand the sight.
***
In the dining hall Rin had just returend to the table that Phineas was at when she flet a cold chill run down her back, she didn't know why, but she some-how felt that something had happened to Anise. "Phineas, I'm going to use the restroom so I'll be right back" she said and left the dining hall, however she didn't notice that the dining hall already 'had' a set of restrooms.
-
Phineas nodded absent mindedly at first, but then realized Rin was going the opposite direction of the bathrooms. Arching his eyebrows, he started to follow her. He nearly bumped into Andy who looked alarmed.
"What the -" However, Andy didn't finish what he was about to say, because as soon as they had turned a corner, there were two bodies lying there. One of them was Anise. Phineas and Andy both paled.
-
Rin stared into the room, unaware that right behind her Andy and Phineas had also walked in. The smell of copper in the air caused her ot bring her hand up to her nose, as she searched the room her eyes fell upon Anise.
She walked over to her twin sister and knelt down next to her and placed her trembling hand on her. "A-Anise.. w-wake up..." she said as she nudged the girl, she felt something wet and pulled her hands back, looking at them she noticed it was blood. "B-B-blood...." she said fearfully and backed away quickly, she then brushed against Ranmaru's dead body. She began to shiver all over before letting out a frightening scream.
-
Andy gently pushed Rin away, checking first Anise's pulse, then Rammaru's. Phineas swiftly walked over to Rin and put his hands on her shoulders. Steadily he said, "Look at me, Rin. In the eyes. I need you to breathe calmly and start walking away. Andy's going to do what he can."
Andy turned and looked at Phineas grim. "Anise has a heart beat. She must have passed out. Her however...." he motioned to the dead body, "She's gone."
Phineas bit his lip. "What're you going to do?" Andy looked over at Phineas. "I need to carry Anise to the medical center or clinic or whatever it is. And then we need to get adults and police on the scene as fast as possible."
-
Rin listened to the two, but avoided their talk and just pushed Phineas away. "Anise!" she shouted and knelt beside her twin sister and nudged her several times, tears falling from her face. "Wake up!" Rin demanding as she continued to nudge her sister.
In short order the commotion had drawn the attention of some of the staff and two of the teachers.
-
Both Phineas and Andy had to drag Rin away from Anise as the staff and teachers ran foward.
-
"Anise! Anise!" Rin shouted fearfully, tear's still falling from her eyes. "Let go!" She said trying to pull Andy and Phineas off her.
-
Andy and Phineas struggled to hold Rin back. Some of the staff who were trained in emergencies took control of the situation.
-
As Rin struggled her teacher soon came by. She looked into the room and noticed a staff member tending to Anise, she heard Rin constantly shouting Anise's name and walked to her and knelt down. She could tell the boy's were lossing the battle to hold her and that she could break their grips at any momment, then it happened, Rin wrenched her arms out of Andy and Phineas's grips and ran toward Anise.
She ran back into the room and dodged a staffer; but then he nose picked up on the copper smell and she became dizzy. She repeated the word' blood' again and staggered backwards toward Andy and Phineas, before she collasped in front of them.
-
Andy and Phineas caught Rin just before she fell. The teacher told them to escort her back to her room. Andy and Phineas both took Rin quickly back to her room. She looked as if she might get sick at any given moment. Thankfully however for the boys, she didn't try struggling again.
-
The staff had finished checking Anise over and taken her to the on site infirmary. Because of the blizzard though there was no way for the authorities to arrive, and worse off, no medical services.
In her room, Rin was fast asleep in her bed. One of her classmate's watched over her with concerned eyes, "thank you," the student to Andy and Phineas. "It's rare for her to be brought in like this, but I'm guessing she had a panic attack at the sight of blood huh?" she asked.
-
Phineas nodded. "Yes...I knew she didn't care for the sight of blood, but I never knew it was this bad."
-
The student smiled. "She doesn't really talk much about it, so I'm not surprised you don't know," she said and took a seat on the chair next to Rin's bed. "I don't know what happened up there, someone said someone was hurt, but telling by the way she looked when you brought her in, I think 'hurt' is not the word to describe it, eh?" she smiled and then shook her head.
"It's night, I think it's best you two turn in, I'm going to stay by her side all night," the student said and got up. "And I doubt the teachers will let you stay in here even 'after' what has happened," she winked at the two of them.
-
Phineas remained clueless whilst Andy nudged him. "Let's go Finny, she's right. The adults won't let us stay." Phineas frowned slightly but nevertheless, followed Andy out. Just outside the doorway, Andy sighed.
"What a vacation, huh Finny?"
Phineas nodded, a nervous laugh coming from him. "Tell me about it. Both of them are hurt in someway or another. I think for both it's more shock then anything..." He trailed off. Andy slapped him on the back. "They'll get through it. We've known them for a long time. They'll make it through because we'll be there for them every step of the way."
-
After the girl watched the boy's leave she sighed and turned toward Rin. "I don't know what it was you saw, but it's obvious whatever it was was frightening.." she said and got up.
She walked over to her own bed and laid down. "The storm is still going, I wonder if it'll still be here tomorrow?" she asked herself and pulled the covers over her.
***
In the nurse's room the nurse checked Anise over. She was confident that the staff had done their job but she just wanted to make sure, she had an extra uniform for the girl to wear so she undressed her out of her blood stained clothing and into a plain white shirt and skirt. She was tempted to take her to her room but decided against it and instead put her to bed in one of the spare bed's that was lying around.
***
Elsewhere, Lurea and Yoko were examining the scene. Yoko looked disgusted and had already thrown up in a basket, she wiped her mouth and stared back at the corpse. "This is what our government does to those of us with magic?"
Lurea grumbled. "Not even a child is safe, sickening..." she said and covered her mouth and nose. Already the room was beginning to fill with a foul smell of a rotting corpse, "Yoko, go back to your room and rest.. I'll deal with this," Lurea said and got up.
Yoko sighed and looked away. "I don't wanna though..." she said. Lurea sighed and shook her head, "get some rest, while we've seen many of these before, in this case it was someone who you already knew.. someone who got you into the academy... a family fri-" Lurea was then interrupted when Yoko shouted, "Shut up!"
The little girl stood there, tear's down her face. "I get it ok?" she said and walked out of the room. She walked down to the floor and into the room she was assigned, she saw Rin fast asleep, along with a classmate who was also asleep. She sniffled and walked over to a bed and laid down, for a few seconds she couldn't sleep, but then she felt something come over herself and soon was out like a light.
-
Phineas nodded. "True. We'll help them." Soon, they arrived at their room. Both boys were exhausted and landed onto the beds.
-
Next day
The morning was brought with a strong wind that was blowing up the loose snow. Yoko awoke to the sound of the wind slamming the shutters against the window, she yawned and got into her uniform. She walked out of the room and up to the floor of last nights incident, she saw military officers and personal looking through the crime scene.
"I guess they are still looking for stuff," Yoko said and yawned. She made her way back to the room and heard someone crying, she looked over and saw that Rin, while she looked to be asleep, was actually awake and crying. She was about to ask if everything was ok when she felt someone's hand on her shoulder, she looked to find the nurse standing there. "Let her cry," the nurse said softly. Yoko blinked, then looked back at Rin, her own expression of sadness.
She relunctantly left the room and went to the dining hall. There she found Lurea sitting at a table eating breakfast, she walked over and took a seat. "Morning," Yoko said.
Lurea smiled. "Morning, sleep well?" she asked, knowing the answer already. "No," Yoko said and laid her head down.
"Get something to eat," Lurea said and took a sip from her milk. "The nurse told me that she's going to let Anise rest most of the day, we'll be able to talk to her later... provided she'll want to talk..."
The third grader nodded and got up from her chair. She sighed and left for the salad bar, which was now a breakfast bar.
***
Anise was awake and staring out the window of the room she was in. Her eye's dead, her expression full of sadness. She was at a loss of what to do, the nurse had told her she could sleep there and that if she needed someone to talk to she could talk to her.
"Ranmaru...." Anise said and laid back down, tears down her eyes.
-
Phineas and Andy both awoke at the same time. They felt at a loss as if what to do. It frustrated Andy because he wanted to do something to help, and yet he could think of nothing. Phineas rolled over to look at the ceiling. Things seemed to be hapeening so quickly...things so unexpected. Phineas got up and put on blue jeans and sweater. Andy slowly rolled out of bed and smoothed out his clothing from yesterday as best as possible.
The two headed down to the dining hall where people were already filling up. They each took a roll and juice. They really weren't that hungry. After eating, Phineas and Andy spoke up at the same time.
"Let's go see Rin"
"Let's go see Anise."
There was an awkward silence among them, as they tried to figure out the best course of action. Andy broke the silence. "We'll see both of them...of course." Phineas nodded. "Yes...whoever's room we go upon first, we'll go to that room first and then the second."
Andy smiled slightly, a glimpse of his old self. "Good compromise Finny."
-
Rin sighed, she was up and staring out the window. She knew what she wanted to do, but didn't have the courage to do it. "What a pathetic sister I am... unable to even go to my twin sisters aid cause I fear what she might think... I've always protected her through these years and this time I wasn't able to," she said sourly and sat on the bed.
***
The nurse had returned to her room and found Anise asleep once again she knew however that the girl had been awake. She left a carton of juice on the table and sat down in a chair and began to write in her daily journal.
-
The first room they were able to arrive at was Rin's. Phineas slowly turned the doorknob and walked in. Andy was right behind him. Phineas broke the stunned silence. "Erm. Good morning." He said in all casualness. "How are you, Rin?"
-
Rin looked up from her pillow and stared at Andy and Phineas. She stared at them before laying her head back down, her friend was sitting next to the bed and smiled. She whispered something into Rin's ears, which made the girl jump in surprise. "A-Andy! Phineas! I.. umm... err...." she said, shocked.
The young girl rubbed both of her hands together, embarassed and unsure what to say .Her friend whispered to her again, telling her what Phineas had asked. "Oh.. ummm fine.. I'm fine.. why?" she forced a smile.
-
Andy slapped his head while Phineas passed on a strained smile as well. "Er, well, if you're feeling up to it, why don't we take a walk? Er...get some fresh air and stuff. And Andy doesn't have to come either if you don't want him too."
Andy waved. "Yeah. Take a walk, Rin. With Ol Finny here. I'll be back later." Andy ran out of Rin's room and stopped at the door of the infirmary.
-
Rin sighed. "A walk.. huh..?" she said and shook her head. "I'm fine... I just need to relax is all," she smiled weakly at Phineas.
***
In the infirmary a doctor stretched his hands and opened the door to head out, he then noticed the young boy standing there. "Hmm? Something wrong?" he asked Andy and knelt down to the boy's height.
-
"Really, Rin." Phineas said pleadingly. "You need to get some air. For me, please?"
-----------------
Andy inwardly groaned as the doctor kneeled down to his height. For goodness sakes, he wasn't THAT short. And although he was the tallest in his grade, he couldn't wait to have his growth spurt. Calmly he stated,
"No sir, nothing's wrong. I'm just here to see a friend."
-
The doctor blinked. "No one is in the infirmary right now, unless you talking about a ten year old girl who is being taken care of by her school nurse," he said and handed Andy a note with the room number.
***
Rin closed her eyes. "Very well...." she said and relunctantly got up from her bed. Her leg's were partly shaking, as was her hands. She walked over to the door and smiled at Phineas. "L-Let's go..."
-
"Oh." Andy replied, slightly taken aback at getting information so quickly. "Thank you." He hurridly ran to the room number on the piece of paper that was written there. Very soon, he arrived at the door and gently knocked.
--------------
Phineas gently steadied Rin. He knew that she was weak from her ordeal, but in order for her to get better, she had to get out of this clamped room. Wordlessly, he opened the door and with Rin's hand around his arm, the two went down slowly down the hallway.
-
As they walked, Rin let out a weak smile. "Phineas.. why do you do this?" she asked him.
***
The nurse, upon hearing the gentle knock, got up from her chair and walked over to the door and opened. "Hello, Andy, something I can do for you?" she asked him.
-
Phineas looked over, slightly puzzled. "What exactly do you mean, Rin?"
----------------------
Andy smiled softly. "Er, could I see Anise?"
-
The nurse looked over her shoulder. "She's asleep right now, you'll have to come back later," she told Andy.
***
"Why do you help me?" Rin said, her expression blank, her voice lacking emotion.
-
Andy shrugged. "I could wait. I have plenty of time."
---------------
Phineas stopped suddenly. HIs voice for a change, full of emotion. He stared right into her eyes. "Because I care about you. A lot."
-
Rin smiled weakly. "Why do you care about a weakling such as me?"
***
"You might be waiting awhile, and besides the instructors will be teaching a class in just an hour so I can't hae you stay then," the nurse said.
-
Phineas gently squeezed her shoulders. "It's something called friendship. Perhaps...even something more. I don't know." He turned back to face foward, slightly embarrased.
-----------
Andy was not to be deterred. "Erm, well, would it be okay for me to try and wait till it's time for me to go?"
-
"Sure," the nurse said and took a seat at her desk and continued to look after Anise.
***
"Friendship..." Rin repeated the word and walked over to the window, outside it had started to snow. She placed her hand on the window and smiled, ignoring most of what Phineas had said after words. "I always told Anise that I would be there for her when she needed me to the most... and yet..." she said sorrowfully.
-
Andy took a seat next to Anise's bed and watched her while she slept.
-------------------
Phineas replied, "You didn't know this was going to happen. No one did. It's not your fault. I may have not been there, and I know you may feel as if it's your fault, but it's not."
-
"But it is!" Rin said, her voice raised slightly. "How can I show myself to Anise.. knowing that she's hurt the way she is... she probaby hates me right now..." she said, her eyes welling with tears.
-
Phineas struggled to remain calm. "It isn't. I bet you're the only one she wants to see right now. At this moment, she's the most vurnable. She needs you right now. You haven't let her down. At all." Phineas's words were short, but he wanted to get his point across.
-
"That's a lie..." Rin said, tears down her face. "She hate's me... because I broke my promise..." she said, choking back tears.
***
Anise was jolted awake, a sense of worry about her. "Anise, your awake," the nurse said.
"You're friend is-" the nurse said before Anise interrupted her. "Where's my sister?" she asked worriedly.
"Huh? Umm... her room I think," she said. Anise, ignoring Andy who was sitting on the chair, got up from her bed and left her room.
-
Phineas grimaced. Without another word, he half dragged, have carried Rin back to her room. To his surprise, they almost crashed into Anise.
-----------------
Andy just shook his head. "Girls.." He muttered.
-
"Girls have instincts, Andy, sometimes we know things and can feel things.." The nurse said and followed Anise out.
***
"Hey! Let go of my arm!" Rin struggled, when they approuched her room her eyes met Anises. "A-Anise..." she said nervously.
Anise stared at her sister. "Rin..."
Rin pulled her arm out of Phineas's grip and turned away. "W-what are you doing here?" Rin asked her.
"I wanted to see you... I was worried..." Anise said.
"But I broke my promise... to protect you..." Rin said, even though Anise couldn't see it, she knew Rin was partly sobbing.
Anise glanced at the floor. "Yes... you did promise... but it was my choice to talk to Ranmaru..." she said, stopping briefly at the name of the person who was killed, "it's not your fault I was caught up in it, you couldn't possibly have been there to protect me,"
Rin turned around but found Anise staring her in the face. She childishly smiled at Rin and hugged her, Rin, taken back by this, was at a loss of what to say.
-
Andy groaned and followed suit.
Phineas was so tempted to say, "I told you so." but held it in. He decided now wasn't the time.
-
The nurse watched and smiled. "I see everything is fine," she said, causing the twins to look at each other before looking at the nurse. "I guess we'll leave alone," she said and stared at the two boys. "I think it's best you boys have breakfast, classes will begin soon and I'm sure the instructors don't want anyone to be late, but I will tell them that you two will be late, as I'm sure you want to talk about things," she said to the twins.
With that said she turned her back to them and began down the corridor to the stairs.
-
Andy shrugged, looked at Phineas who also shrugged. They nodded to the twins and went off to get food.
-
The twins looked at each other before heading into the room. A cold chill ran through the room, causing Anise to shiver. "You really shouldn't have left the room without putting some cloth's on," she said, commenting that Anise was only wearing a night gown.
"I was worried that you might blame yourself, and I was right," Anise said. Not turning toward her sister, but instead, staring out the window.
Rin stared at the ground, not even noticing that Anise had grabbed Rin's sheets and covered herself with them. The two stayed silent for some time until a student came in and told them that classes would be starting in just five minutes, the twins looked at each other and smiled. "We.. probably should be going..." Anise said and got up.
"Not in that outfit your not," Rin said and opened her school bag that was lying up against her bed. She pulled out another pair of the field trip uniform and helped Anise get dressed.
Once the two were dressed they left the room and headed to the dining hall. "Rin, think later tonight we can talk?" Anise whispered to Rin. Rin nodded, "sure... but are you sure you'll be fine? After last night?"
"I'll be fine ok?" Anise said cheerfully.
Rin stopped, causing Anise to also stop but she didn't turn toward Rin. "You're lieing... deep down inside your in a lot of pain..."
"What do you expect?" Anise said, she sounded a bit upset now. "I saw something... something that I shouldn't have seen.. at least that's what the nurse said," she said and turned Rin, tear's running down her cheeks.
Rin shook her head and stuffed her hands into her pockets. "Don't force yourself ok?" she told her. Anise, still choking back tears, nodded. "Go back to the nurse's room, talk it out with her ok? I want you to be happy and cheerful, not hiding your pain or your hurts..." she said to Anise.
The young girl nodded and hoped some distance away before turning toward Rin, hands clasped behind her back. "Then promise me that tomorrow... tomorrow we'll play together during free-time ok?" Anise said.
Rin gave her a thumbs up before watching her twin sister run off. She stood there and sighed, "she's still hiding her pain..." she said and headed for the dining hall. She found Phineas and Andy sitting at a table, but before she could go to them a teacher called her over to talk to her.
-
Phineas and Andy watched as Rin was coming toward them, then getting stopped by a teacher. They looked at each other, shrugged and continued talking.
-
Rin sat at the table and listened to the teacher drone on about being responsible, she had her arms folded over her chest and was partly looking outside. Stupid teacher... most of our teachers understand... but this screw ball doesn't she thought as she continued to listen.
Finally after what seemed like forever the teacher told her he was done. She got up, pushing the chair back and then walked back into the dining hall. She clasped her hands behind her neck and went over to the table that Andy and Phineas were sitting at and took a sit on the other side of them. "I hate that teacher," she said placed her arms on the table and rested her head on them. "Always goes on about responsibility this and responsibility that... we're kids for pete's sake..." she grumbled.
-
Andy grinned while Phineas spewed out his drink. They had never heard Rin talk like that about a teacher. Andy commented good naturedly, "Well, no one likes that one anyways." He got up and grabbed a couple of napkins and handed it to Phineas. Who, slightly embarassed, cleaned the table.
There was an awkward silence at the table as Andy strove again for some kind of conversation. "You doing okay?"
-
Rin smiled weakly. "I'm doing fine... just annoyed is all. Everytime I'm not around Anise when something happens to her that teacher get's on me, I mean... I respect every teacher at our school but.. that one... I don't know.. I get a very odd and pershaps fearful vibe from him.." she said and sighed before burying her head in her arms. "Ugh... this was supposed to be a fine field trip," she said.
***
In the nurse's room Lorea and Yoko sat waiting for Anise to come, which as luck would have it, was right after they had arrived. "Anise, how are you?" Lorea asked her.
"I'm doing ok, still feeling it from last night though," she said and flopped down onto the bed.
Yoko got up from the chair and sat on the bed. "You want us to block that portion of your memory?" she asked her.
"No... you do that and when I do remember it'll be a repeat of what happened earlier today and last night.." Anise said.
The wind outside had calmed down to a gentle breeze; the snow had piled up around the lodge but was low enought to where the staff could easily shovel it away.
Anise just laid her head on the pillow and soon fell asleep. Lorea and Yoko watched, "you think we should force wipe their memory? If only for the rest of the field trip?"
"Anise's? No... but Rin's... it might be a good idea," Lorea said, prompting Yoko to turn toward her with a confused look on her face. "Why?"
Yoko asked.
"Because out of those two, she's the most hurt.... and if we don't-" Lorea said before Yoko stopped her. "No, I may not understand it, but Anise would hate us if we erased her memory," Yoko said.
"If we don't then-" Lorea said and shot up from her chair, but Yoko's expression caused her to stop talking. "Fine..." Lorea said angerily and walked out of the nurse's room. Yoko sighed and soon followed suit.
-
Andy half heartedly said, "Well, it certaintly has been eye opening..."
Phineas groaned at the remark. Leave it up to Andy to try and ease up the mood in the worst possible way: Making a very corny joke.
-
Rin groaned and sat there until a teacher came in. "Ok everyone, we'll be starting classes in just a bit. Head to lobby and get with your respective groups!" she shouted.
"Well, I guess I'll talk to you whenever we have free time," Rin she said and forced herself to get up. She looked at the teacher who had scolded her and just shook her head before leaving for the lobby.
-
Andy sighed heavily and patted Phineas on the back. "Let's go, bud. Don't wanna stir up anything now, too much has been happening anyways..." Phineas got up slowly and walked with Andy to their group.
-
Rin stood in the lobby and glanced about. She soon found her group standing near the entrance to the girl's dressing room, one of her friends waved at her and she walked over. "Morning Mira," Rin said and walked up to her, "how are you?"
Mira shrugged her shoulder. "I'm doing ok, let's get dressed before the instructor comes in and tells us to," she smiled.
She quickly got dressed and was ready before anyone else, standing near the door that led out onto the snow. She gripped her skie's with both hands and waited. I wonder if Andy and Phineas are ok... she thought as she watched one group leave the boy's dressing room, but Andy and Phineas weren't apart of it
-
As the rest of their group hurried into the changing room, Andy and Phineas lagged behind. Andy tried to make the mood around them lighter, but both boys could feel the tension in the air between them. As Andy grabbed his equipment, he glanced at Phineas. The darker haired boy was in deep thought. Of course, that was usually normal; Andy however could feel a change in Phineas. He wondered if Phineas thought that about him too. They seemed distant, not at all close as they were, just days ago.
Phineas remained silent as he grabbed his items. He knew Andy was troubled just by the look on his face. What the heck is he worried about, why doesn't he just mind his own business. His mind was having a conversation with him. A part of him didn't know why he was acting this way towards Andy. Another part of his mind was jealous of the handsome face looking at him. He's my best friend....always the best at everything....he's helped me through a lot....thinks he can get away with anything... Phineas slammed the locker door, startling Andy.
Andy ventured a question. His voice light, but his eyes troubled. "You okay, Finny?"
Phineas grimaced at the nickname. He wondered vaguely why it bothered him so much.
"Fine." He answered curtly. "Let's go." The boys now quickly grabbed their stuff and went out, trailing behind their classmates.
-
Out on the snow bank, Rin and Mira had been listening to the instructor as she instructed them on safety procedures, after a ten minute lecture the fourth graders made their way over to a ski lift and went up the mountain to the practice course.
Once up top the instructor took out a clipboard and asked each student to practice what he had just taught them, making sure that everyone understood her safety instructions.
-
The instructor slowly made his instructions clear on what he wanted everyone to do. Andy lost interest in the instructor talking, for he had troubles of his own.
What's up with Phineas? He's acting so...cold toward me...did I do something? Andy looked up at the sky, sighing loudly, and not realizing it.
The instructor however, did. "Hey!" He glared, "Tune me in, please. This is for your safety!"
Andy nodded slightly, and the instructor contnued on.
-
Rin skied down the hill with ease, it wasn't much of a problem for her but that was only because the hill was only partially slanted.
"Good," the instructor said and placed a check mark by her name. She just ignored her and walked over to a snow pile and sat down, looking up at the endless blue sky.
She was so deep in thought she didn't hear the instructor call her name not once, not twice, but three times. Finally the instructors head appeared above her, with the instructor saying her name for a fourth time. "RIN!" she shouted, prompting Rin to literally jump in shock..
"H-hai?!" she said, staring at the instructor, her fellow students laughed. The instructor sighed and gestured to the hill, "we are going for another run, get your ski's on and head up with your classmates to the top," she said.
Rin nodded and reattached her skis to her shoes and then followed her classmates back up the hill.
-
Andy skiied down expertly down the slope with the instructor somewhat annoyed, somewhat astonished at Andy's graceful movements.
"Right." The instructor looked down at this list. "Next..Phineas Williams."
Phineas stepped forward with his teeth gritted. The instructor saw this, "Don't worry about it, son. Just relax, and remember what I've said."
Phineas faltered slightly as the instructor had said "son" He hoped no one had seen that as he made his way to the starting point. Of course, Andy had and his frowned deepened as he watched his friend questioningly. He watched Phineas go down the hill easily and he turned his attention Rin, who was walking with her classmates.
-
Rin glanced over at Andy, but for the most part ignored him. She turned her attention back to the instructor who had called for Mira to go down first, her friend made it look like an art as she dodged a tree along the path, the same tree that the instructor had told them 'not' to go for.
As the instructor scolded Mira on her lack of safety, Rin herself made her way down the slope. "Why am I getting such a tense feeling whenever I look at Andy and Phineas..." she asked herself, avoiding the same tree that Mira had and making it down to the bottom. This time it was her turn to be scolded.
-
Andy mumbled slightly as Rin also ignored him. Frustrated, he yelled out, "WHAT THE *%^& HAVE I DONE?" Phineas, who had climbed back to the top, stared at Andy, shaking his head.
The instructor looked astonished at the boy. He walked over and grabbed the collar of Andy's jacket. He pulled him over to the side and began furiously talking to him.
-
Both Rin and Instructor turned toward the group of boys. Rin was surprised, if not shocked, to hear what Andy had just said.
Her own instructor stared toward Andy and the instructor scolding him before she turned her attention back to Rin.
-
The instructor crouched down to Andy's level, making sure he was making contact with the young boy. The instructor kept his voice calm. "Andrew.-"
"It's Andy."
The instructor took a deep breath. "Right. Andy. Listen, you just can't say those things around here, buddy. It's very rude. Your parents would be upset if they heard that, wouldn't they?"
Andy growled. "How would you know what my parents think?!"
The instructor held a hand up. "Cool down there buddy. I'm just giving you a warning, but next time, I might have to send you home.
Andy briskly turned his back and ran toward the lodge.
-
Rin watched Andy, shaking her head in the process.
Inside, nurse's room
Anise was staring out the window, much like what she always did when she couldn't sleep. The nurse was working on a journal writing, but she couldn't help but notice that Anise seemed worried.
Another room
Lurea was sitting on a bed, stroking Yoko's hair, the girl was fast asleep on Lurea's lap. Lurea herself was worried about her little sister, but her attention had begun to turn toward the slow increase in magical power in the area around the lodge, "someone here is not able to control their magic, I just hope that the military doesn't get wind of it like they did with Ranmaru..." Lurea said worriedly.
-
Phineas watched Andy run inside. He stared after him for a bit, then returned to the slopes, trying to forget Andy, at least for a little while.
Andy, inside, was breathing heavily. He glared at the fireplace, his mood, furious.
-
"What's wrong?" A student council member said, the boy looked to be twelve year's old. His hair nice and kept, he had his hands clasped behind but stared toward Andy, curious at what was wrong with the boy. His clothing was that of a council member, with a patch on his right sleeve dictating his position - he was the council vice president.
-
Andy slowly turned toward the voice. "Nothing." He replied in a monotone voice, his face expresionless. He turned back to the fire.
-
He shook his head and sat down on a chair. "It's not nice to lie, Andrew, I can tell you just got yelled at, perhaps for doing something bad... mind telling me about it?" he asked in a soft tone.
-
Andy froze. His body rigidly turning back to the older boy. "How the h-..how do you know me?"
-
The vice president shook his head and turned toward the fire. "As Vice President, it's my job to know everyone and all their faces, else what type of a president would I be?" he stated and tossed a log into the fire place, crackling sounds could be heard as the log caught fire.
-
Andy shrugged. "I wouldn't know. Was never into places of power." He gazed into the fire, his hands clenched into fists. His eyes, blazing.
-
He shook his head. "Andrew, if you keep on hiding your anger, it'll only spill over and eventually erupt, you could make the mistake of erupting onto a friend, a very close friend," the vice president said.
As he finished, a staff member walked over to him and handed him a glass of milk. "Thank you," he said to the older woman who nodded and walked off. "So, tell me, what seem's to be troubling you. If you do, I might be able to help you, it is my job after all to make sure there are no problems amongst my fellow students," he said and took a sip from his glass.
-
Andy fumed not at all welcoming this V.P. "You think you've got me all figured out, do you?" He turned and faced the older boy angrily. "You don't. Not one bit. So just sod off, why don't you?"
-
The vice president wasn't surprised by Andy's attitude, in fact, he merely smiled. He got up from the chair and turned his back to Andy, "one of these days you're going to learn that your actions can hurt people, and today, you'll learn that your actions have consequences," he said and left the room.
In the other room he took a seat at a chair and removed a student report from his bag that he had been carrying. "I hate paperwork..." he grumbled but realized it was something he had to do.
-
Andy fumed. Muttering, "Stuck-up jerk." He sat on the rug and breathed deepy, his ears ringing. He tried to calm down. There was just the crackling of the fire and his breathing. He layed down on the rug, closing his eyes.
-
Clouds became darker as a blizzard started to blow in. "Ok everyone! Grab your things and head for the lodge!" an instructor shouted to both groups. Rin and Mira grabbed their things and followed their class back into the lodge.
-
Phineas grabbed his equipment and ran a long with the herd into the lodge. He shook his hair of the snow and shivered slightly. The place was now crowded but he could see Andy's inert form lying down on the rug. Phineas slowly walked over and dumped his stuff next to a chair and sat next to the fire, and next to Andy. He stared down at the blonde hair boy. Even when sleeping, he seemed to look troubled.
He cleared his throat. "Andrew."
Andy opened an eye. Seeing who it was, he closed his eyes again.
Phineas tried again. "Andy..."
Andy got up and stared at Phineas. "What? What do you want from me?"
Phineas, somewhat shocked at Andy's reaction returned the feeling. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe act sane for a change?"
Andy jumped up and Phineas soon followed. The boys glared at each other.
Andy whispered angrily. "Oh, so now I'm a lunatic, am I?"
Phineas glared back, just as angrily. "Yes, I suppose you could say that. Lost your marbles already!"
-
Bits of snow fell onto the ground as Rin shook her hair. "Ughs.." she grumbled as she tossed her hair back. Mira blinked, "what's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing, I'm going to see how Anise is doing.." Rin said and ran off. Mira blinked and watched her, "hmm.. odd..." she said and walked down the hallway until she meet up with Andy and Phineas, "have.. you two noticed something odd about Rin today?" she asked them both.
Meanwhile, Rin continued down another hallway until she showed her pace and looked around. She gripped the handle of a door and pushed it open, then went outside, and closed the door behind her.
Somewhere else in the lodge, within a locked room, a young girl moaned.
-
Andy and Phineas, too angered by each other did not even hear Mira. They kept glaring at each other until Phineas turned swiftly away and almost ran into the girl.
"Oh." He said, non comittedly. "I don't know. I suppose."
-
Mira placed her hands on her hips. "You 'suppose'?" she said, somewhat annoyed by their demenor. With a sigh she shook her head and turned, "well, I don't know about you two, but she doesn't usually ignore people like she did today, even YOU two should know that since you've known her longer than I have," she said and began to walk away, she stopped though and turned toward the two boys. She turned halfway and said, "please talk to her ok? She went to see how Anise is doing, and it worries me when she's like that,"
Elsewhere in the lodge
Meanwhile, in the locked room. The young girl slowly opened her eyes, the room was pitch black, she couldn't even tell where the door was. When she tried to move her arms and legs, she found that something was wrapped around them, but she didn't know what.
As she laid there, she wondered where she was, and what had happened. She could feel a pounding headache, and could smell copper in the air, she couldn't see it, but felt a liquad in her eyes. As she struggled to get loose, she began to loose her streagth before blacking out.
Outside, some distance from the lodge
"So, how many?" A man asked as a Rin look-a-like approuched him. "Three.. possibly four... strange how this country has mages..." the girl said and placed her hand against her chest. Her form suddenly changed to that of an eighteen year old teenage girl, "trying to immitate someone is difficult," she said as she straightened her hair out.
"I think it's harder cause you don't know her," the man said and handed her a mirror. She looked into it an grumbled, "yea, well, I'm glad I won't have to do that again, let our boy's know they can target the lodge."
"Time frame?" The man asked.
She folded her arms in thought. "Let's see.... they'll be here for three days... let's have them 'enjoy' at least a day or so of peace," the girl grinned and shroud off into the forest.
second floor of the lodge
"You sure?" The field trip cordinator said as she listned to the person on the other end of the phone.
She nodded a few times, and then finally sighed. "Very well, have the buses come tomorrow morning, I'll have to make up some sort of excuse.." she said and hung up. With a frustrated sigh she got up from her chair and walked over to the window, "can't even have a damn field trip without our enemy trying things..."
-
Andy looked at Phineas, the anger still in his eyes. "Well, go on. Go talk to her."
Phineas turned, absoultely raging. "I will, Andrew" He spit the name out. He quickly turned and began walking away.
-
Anise let out a sigh as she read a book that the nurse had given her. "Why do they always give sad endings to these books..." she grumbled and closed it, then laid it down next to her and glanced out the window.
The nurse wasn't in the room, instead out talking with some of the other teachers and making sure no students were injured. Anise was about to get some rest when she heard a knock on the door, "Hmmm? Come in..." she said curiously.
-
Phineas opened the door quickly, and went inside. Realizing he still might look angry, he tried and composed himself.
"You alright?" He managed to ask.
-
Anise blinked. "Yes I am, thanks, nurse doesn't want me to do much right now though," she said and made a side ways glance at the window. She did this for a few seconds before blinking once more and turning toward Phineas and noting that Andy and Rin weren't with him. "Where's my sister and Andy?" she asked him.
-
Phineas replied, "Your sister is probably in her room." He decided to ignore the latter half of the question. He leaned against the doorway. "Are you...are you sure you're alright?"
-
"I am, thanks," she smiled at him and swung her leg's out from under the sheets. She sat there and stared at him, then sighed and looked away. "What's going on? You're not telling me, but I can tell that something has happened..." she said, her voice slightly nervous as if she was afraid of something.
-
Phineas grimaced. "Absolutely nothing's wrong. Just tired is all."
-
Anise nodded, in the back of her mind she felt Phineas wasn't telling her everything. "Well, if you see Rin, can you please tell her to come talk to me? I can't... help but feel that something is wrong with her..." she said worriedly.
Below the lodge
A young girl, her hands bound behind her back, shifted slightly in the darkness. Her eye's opened, fluttering due to the blood that had seeped into them, her vision hazy, she barely had enough strength to crawl toward a door, she sat up and leaned her back against it. She tried to bang the door with her back, but the only thing she managed was a light tap. With a fearful sigh and slid back down onto the ground and could only lay there, hopeful that someone might find her soon.
-
"Don't worry about it. I suppose..." Here, Phineas tensed up. "Baldwin can check on that."
-
Anise blinked and glanced at him, she'd never heard of him refer to his friend by his last name, not since they've known each other. "T-thank you..." she said and pulled the sheets over her.
-
Phineas nodded stiffly and quickly walked out of the room, closing the door behind him. He sighed and leaned against the wall. He had a headache. He rubbed his temples for a bit, and then headed back to the common area.
-
Below
She had tried several more times to make a sound, but she didn't have the steangth. She resigned herself to the thought that perhaps no one would find her, she couldn't even cry nor could see say much in terms of words.
Up top
Rin's teacher had been going around checking on her students, as she did this she noticed that she couldn't find Rin. As she walked into the common area she glanced about, her expression growing more worried with each passing second.
-
As Phineas was walking back, he noticed Rin's teacher searching frantically around. Being ever such the gentleman, he asked. "Ma'am, what's the matter?"
She turned and said, "Oh! Your Williams, aren't you? Phineas Williams?" There was a note of desperation in her voice.
Phineas nodded. "Yes ma'am."
The frantic teacher replied, "I can't seem to find Rin."
Whatever ounce of calm Phineas had around him was gone. His face pale, he ran off, bumping into Andy a long the way. Pausing briefly, he called out, "Rin's missing!"
Andy, without another word, went off the other direction to start looking. The teacher decided she should tell the younger sibling. Sighing, she walked swiftly to Anise's room and gently knocked. She opened the door to find the young girl sitting up straight in the bed.
The teacher hesitated, then stated, "Don't be alarmed now, but your sister hasn't been around. I'm slightly worried. I believe Phineas Williams and another boy...um, he has blonde hair, have gone looking for her."
-
Anise blinked and hastily got out of bed, but in her haste she slipped and nearly fell, caught just in time by her teacher. "Didn't I tell you not to be alarmed?" she told the young girl who nodded, with her help Anise was back in bed.
Lower part of the lodge
She continued to breath, it was the only thing she 'could' do as she didn't have the streangth to do much else. She couldn't see the light that was once under the door, figuring that either someone had turned it off, or perhaps the light had gone out.
As she surveyed the room with her free eye she noticed the air vent above a shelf, she couldn't reach it naturally but she wondered if she could some-how make some noise. That was when she noticed the shelves were stacked with bottles, near her were browns and several large snow shovels and near the shelve was an empty propane tank, she realized it was empty when she noticed the that the small hand on the gauge was settled over the red portion.
She moved her foot over to the browns and pushed as hard as she could, which caused them to fall knocking into the shovels which also fell toward the propane tank. The tank slammed against the shelve with a very loud, and hollow, 'clang'.
The shelve them shifted and fell over, hitting the ground with a sound far louder than what the propane tank had made. She smiled in relief, at least until the bottle she could barely see burst apart on the ground. A spark caused by the falling metal shelve ignited the contents, and soon a small fire erupted and spread across the liquad.
Her excited expression shifted quickly to fire as the black smoke quickly engolfed the room; she coughed and laid low against the ground, her hands still bind behind her back. I... just made it worse... she thought and managed to close her eyes, how stupid I am...
-
Phineas ran through the left side of the lodge, calling as loud as possible for Rin
Andy was not having a bit of luck either. He had ran through the right side at least three times with no luck.
-
The fire had already begun to grow in intensity, soon the black smoke reached the silent alarm which tripped in the security office. However, strangely enough, the office was empty with no security guards in sight.
On the fire control panel, a room in the basement was flashing red with the words 'fire alarm triggered'.
-
Andy was not having any luck whatsoever. He had gone through the right side of the lodge three times and there was no sign of Rin.
Phineas decided that this had gone on far enough. He knew he should alert security. He ran to the hallway where the security office was. He looked in, out of breath, but then saw no one was there. He was angered by this, but before he was about to leave, he saw the words 'fire alarm triggered' and a blue print of a room which looked like a blue print. Bells started going off in Phineas's head as he took a deep breath and rushed down to the lower layers of the lodge.
A couple of minutes later he was standing in front of the basement door. Smoke was pouring out of it as he started hacking. He looked around and saw a fire extinguisher nearby. He broke the tap off and sprayed it against the smoke. The door, weakened by the fire inside, opened easily as Phineas kicked the door open. He extinguished the fire as best as possible and then saw Rin there. The young girl was unconcious and Phineas put her on his back and ran back towards the lodge.
-
By now Rin's teacher along with several other staff had been alerted to the fire when they to had gone to security to get help. They all grabbed fire extinguishers on the walls and rushed to the basement to find Phineas heading out.
Rin's teacher handed off the fire extinguisher to another adult and helped Phineas. "Take her to the nurse's room," she told him.
-
Phineas nodded and quickly ran with Rin. On the way he bumped it Andy who held the door open to the nurse's room. The nurse, quite frazzled, gently took the child off of Phineas's back and layed her down on the bed. She put an oxygen mask on Rin's face and began inserting fluids.
The two boys stood side by side, breathing heavily.
-
Anise had been startled by the sudden apperence of both Andy and Phineas, but also by Rin's teacher. She sat up and then saw Rin laying on the bed, she didn't get up though and instead just kept watching.
Rin's clothing was mostly burned, only her skirt and shirt that were under her uniform remained. When the nurse was done inserting the IV lines she noticed the plastic wire that was around her wrists, she didn't say anything, instead taking some clippers and removing the wire. She tossed it aside and just went to work on her wounds.
A sudden blizzard blew in, cutting off the phone lines and power. Anise looked up at the ceiling light as it flickered several times before going out, their oly source of light was the sun outside that was quickly being covered by both the blizzard and night fall.
-
Both boys were greatly alarmed by the sudden loss of power. They knew that if Rin didn't have heat...well... Andy shed his jacket and so did Phineas. They put it around Rin, ignoring the glaring looks given by the nurse to mind their health as well.
-
As expected, the lodge was quickly becoming cold. Teachers lit up the fireplace and students gathered around to stay warm. In the nurse's room the nurse was tending to Rin's burns, the girl was unconcious. Anise got up from her bed and walked over to her twin sister, gently grabbing her hand and holding onto it.
"Boy's you should get to a warm place," Rin's teacher said and walked over to the door, "let us know if you need anything," she said to the nurse who nodded. "All I need is some towels and water," she said.
-
The two boys remained in a stony silence, all attention towards Rin. They hadn't even heard her teacher tell them something. They couldn't feel the cold. Just then, Phineas turned slightly towards Andy. "What do you think happened to her?" he asked with some difficulty.
Andy took his time gathering his thoughts before answering. "Things have been weird lately. I don't know. This isn't natural happenings though, I'll give you that for sure." He replied in a furtive whisper, making sure the nurse couldn't hear.
-
As the nurse waited there she ran her hand through Rin's hair, she was wondering what had happened. She took a wet wash cloth and ran it over her face, removing the blood that had collected over both of her eyes, when she was done she placed the cloth on the table and pulled the sheets over her.
She got up and wiped her forehead. When she turned she found the boys still standing there. "If you want to stay, then take a seat in those chairs," she said and walked over to her medical kit and picked it up, bringing it over to Rin's bed and setting it down. She removed a bottle full of anti-pain medicine and spread it over her burns, the medicine acted both as a anti-burn regiment and an anti-pain medicine. When spread on burns it would 'eat' the burned skin, allowing the body to grow new skin as the dead skin was being eatin. It was very painful, which was why the nurse was glad Rin was unconcious.
-
Andy nudged Phineas and Phineas, with some difficulty, moved into a chair. Andy sat next to him, wondering what could have happened to her. He looked at Phineas and was very alarmed to see the sides of Phineas's hair was turning grey, almost white. His friend looked twice as old.
"Erm..Ph-Phineas..."
Phineas wearily turned.
"Y-your hair."
"What about it?"
"It's well...the sides...are white."
"Oh."
"Oh? You know?!"
"Yes. Andrew. Don't let something that minor distract you."
Andy looked dumbstruck. "But-"
Phineas glared at him, which promptly shut Andy up.
-
The room was getting colder and colder with each having second, the sun was quickly dipping below the mountains. The nurse rubbed her shoulders as if warding off the cold. "damn it.." she said softly and placed another planet over Rin, Anise had crawled into the same bed as Rin to help keep her warm, but also because the nurse had removed the blanket from her own bed and placed it over Rin.
-
Andy was starting to feel the cold, but as he looked over at Phineas, realized either, he was feeling it and didn't respond to it, or he didn't feel it at all. the room was deathly silent except for the nurse's mutterings. Phineas sighed softly and moved over and held Rin's hand.
-
Some time passed before a teacher came into the room. "The fire's out," she said to the nurse. "Anyone else hurt?" she asked the teacher.
"A few bruises, and some burns, but nothing serious," the teacher said and glanced over at Rin before looking at the boys. "There's a warm fire in the lobby, if you need a place to sleep then head there," she said to the boys.
---
The girl watched the lodge, growing more and more angry as time went on. "I made this blizzard and still the lodge stands, you'd think these winds would've been more than enough to destroy it," the girl said, arms folded over her chest. "Someone's interfering with us..." she grumbled.
-
Phineas turned to the teacher. "We'll stay here, thanks." However, Phineas interferred. He spoke quietly, but very distinct. "Why not move Rin to the lobby? There's a couch there and since the heat there is a lot warmer than here..."
Andy looked up at the nurse. That sounded like an excellent idea to him.
-
The nurse thought about it then nodded, she also thought it was a good idea. She woke Anise up, whom had fallen half asleep not long before. "If you boys can carry the sheets and blankets for me, I'd appriciate it," the nurse said to the boys.
While she carried Rin to the lobby, Anise followed close behind. When they got there she placed Rin on the couch, Anise laid down next to her, worried about her sister. The nurse applied more of the healing gel onto her skin while waiting for the boy's to return with the sheets and blankets.
-
Andy and Phineas quickly grabbed the sheets and blankets and hurried over to the lobby, handing the items over to the nurse.
-
The nurse laid them over the two girls, she let out a sigh and laid her back against the couch. "All we can do is wait..." she said and looked at the boys. "The fire's warm, best to get as close as possible," she said.
Behind her staff and teachers discussed what to do next, none of which had ever been in a situation like this before.
-
Stonily, Phineas remained standing, hovering over the sisters. Andy started pacing back and forth.
-
Even before everyone started falling asleep the fire was already beginning to go out; only flickers of light could be seen with the cold quickly rushing back in.
Anise shivered as a cool breeze blew in through the air ducts above and down over the couch that Rin and her were sleeping on. The teachers were also getting cold, some had taken out jackets that they had stuffed in their bags. Most of them, however, gave their jackets to the students to try and help them keep warm.
The nurse was up against the couch; trying to keep warm, her legs up against her chest. "Here," she said to the boy and handed them her jacket. "Not worth catching a cold," she said.
-
Phineas, although expresionless, still remained chivalerous. "Keep it, ma'am. It'll only get colder." Phineas and Andy had both given their jackets to the sisters.
-
As the night wore on the bitter cold continued to set in. Teachers had found themselves huddled together to keep warm, as did the students themselves. The howling wind outside kept most up and made some even wonder if they would get out alive.
Anise mumbled something incoherently as she opened her eyes and found that mostly everyone was asleep. She looked over at Phineas and Andy but due to her own tiredness she couldn't tell if they were asleep or just faking it. With a yawn she fell back asleep.
Not to far from the lodge, however, a group of rescuers were making their way through the heavy packed snow. "This'll take us hours," one of the rescuers complained as he slammed his shovel through the snow. "Better late than never," another said as took a backhoe and began removing some snow.
"By morning the helo's will be able to fly and will air lift all those in the lodge to the hospital," the captain of the team said as he lit up his cigerate. "Provided they are still alive," he said with a woried tone. "Ok put your backs into it people!"
-
Phineas winced a little as he sat down on the hard ground. He had done something to his leg earlier and hoped he hadn't sprained or anything. He looked over at Andy who was asleep, but restlessly so. He got up, and found a thin blanket and placed it on top of Andy. He hobbled back to his spot in the corner, and leant against the lodge. He looked around to see just about everyone sleeping. As soon as he had relaxed, he could feel the cold seeping into his skin. He gritted his teeth with dismay but said nothing about it. After all, there were people who needed to keep warm. Like Rin. Like Anise.
Andy rolled again as he curled up into a ball to keep some heat for himself. All of a sudden, he felt a cloth being thrown upon him. He wearily opened his eyes to see Phineas hobbling back. Despite himself, Andy couldn't help but smile.
-
By early morning the cloud cover above the lodge and across the mountains hadn't dessipated, in fact, it had only grown worse. The blizzard has ceased and the rescue teams were almost to the lodge, inside the lodge it was already seven the morning but thanks to the cloud cover it made it appear to still be night.
Anise was one of the first to wake up, she rubbed her eyes and yawned. He looked at Rin, whom was still asleep, she then glanced at Andy and Phineas. The nurse was already awake along with several adults, most were tending to the needs of some of the students, others were taking hopeful glances out the window for someone to rescue them.
"You ok?" The nurse asked Anise. "I'm fine," she said, yawning. "You didn't eat or drink much last night, so no need then?" the nurse asked her. Again Anise said she was fine and the nurse left her alone. She was more concerned about her twin sister than about some medical condition she had. She sared at her sister for a seconds before laying her head back down on the pillow and gently squeezing it before she fell back asleep.
-
Phineas, who had stayed up, watched as Anise talked to the nurse and watched as she had fallen back asleep. But it was Rin who was really worrying him. She hadn't moved at all. He looked at Andy who had fallen asleep soundly. Phineas rolled his eyes. Only Andy could sleep during a time like this. He struggled to get up, and slowly and painfully made his way over to the twins.
-
The nurse had been looking outside when she noticed Phineas moving about; curiously she watched him but didn't say a word. She occasionally was glancing at Rin though, the young girl was very still, almost dead like, and it was making her nervous.
Anise apperently hadn't noticed and instead kept on sleeping.
-
Limping, but ignoring the pain, Phineas quietly made his way over to Rin. He grimaced as he sat down, but managed to do so without to much trouble. He put two fingers on her neck to feel her pulse. It was there, but very faintly. Phineas stood up again, and hobbled over to the window. Oh how he wished help would be quicker.
Andy, who was awake, watched as his friend limped towards the window. Andy cocked his head. He stood up and walked over to Phineas, gently tapping his shoulder. Phineas turned slowly. Andy spoke quietly.
"You okay?"
"Of course I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be? Just a ray of sunshine, aren't I?"
Andy looked into Phineas's eyes to see worry there. But his appearance was rather stony.
"I just...well, you seem to be favoring your left leg."
Phineas spoke back in an intense whisper. "It's none of your business!"
Meanwhile, the nurse saw the boys quarelling. She sighed, but had seen Phineas check on Rin. She herself went over to feel the pulse and felt it weakening. Her hands trembled slowly as she looked at the young girl. "Just hang in there, sweetheart" she whispered.
-
The clock had just struck eight when the rescuers breached the snow bank had been giving them so much trouble. Beyond they spotted the lodge and smiled when the wind calmed down to a simmer, the captain gave a smile and spoke to someone on the other end of his walk talkie. In the distance the sound of four tri-bladed helo's came into view, their engines being pushed to the limits.
As they flew over the captain knew that everything would now be fine, he watched as two of the helo's came about and inverted their tri-blades and began to settle toward the snow bank. Their engines were so hot that the snow melted away, running down the side of the mountain.
Paramedics and officers disembarked from the passenger compartment of the Helo and into the lodge. "Is everyone ok?" One yelled before he was told to shut up by a teacher, she gestured toward the children that were still asleep near the fire place. The rescuers all smiled sheepishly, but still had a serious look on their face as they began to carry the students out of the freezing lodge and onto stretches and then into the rescue copter.
The nurse stopped one paramedic. Anise, whom was still asleep, and Rin, who had yet to be woken up, were both placed on a stretcher together. The nurse didn't have the heart to seperate the two and followed the paramedics out of the rescue copter. She stopped briefly at the door through and turned toward the boys, "come on you two, after what happened last night, your going to be checked as well," she said.
-
Andy, rather astonished replied, " I- what? We don't nee-" Phineas jabbed Andy in the ribs.
"Of course, ma'am." Andy worriedly watched as Phineas hobbled out. He quickly followed Phineas and got into the copter. At once, paramedics were all over the two, asking them a series of questions that were both humorous, (In Andy's opinion) and humiliating. He got through his "interview" quickly. He turned to look at Phineas who was muttering answers at the concerned paramedic. The paramedic turned to another and they discussed it quietly. They were able to get a quick scan, as it were, since it was in a copter. Andy leaned forward to hear the paramedic.
"Son, you've got a leg infarction. It's rather odd for someone as young as you to get it, but it's when-"
"The blood flow is obstructed, and I happened to get it in my thigh muscle."
The paramedic looked shocked. "Yes, and well...we might have to am-"
"Sir, there is no way I'm going to let you amputate my leg."
The paramedic sighed. "We can go in and remove the clot once we're in the hospital, but you'll be in pain, kid."
"I get it." replied Phineas.
-
As the copter flew through the cold morning air; the pilot let out a yawn as he scanned the horizon. "What a desolete morning this is," he said as he banked the copter slowly to the left to correct his course. If he had been paying more attention to the left of him and just outside his cockpit window he'd have seen a person flying close to the copter, she wore a bluish outfit that covered everything but her head.
Her hair fluttered as she moved closer to the copter; she then peered through one of the port holes and smiled. Their safe, thats all that matters, but they'll be making their move anytime now, she said to herself and pushed off the copter and plummeted to the ground below. Just a few feet from the ground she summersaulted and landed squarely on both feet. "Is it time?" a boy sitting under a tree said.
"It is, alert the rest of the council. They've made their intentions known to us, and now we can't afford to keep those five under survalance. We must evac them from the city and take them to Exies," she said. The boy got up and bowed before dispersing into several hundred particles.
The girl sighed and extended her hand. "This'll be trying times for them," she said and spun around, as she did so she disappeared.
-
Phineas leaned against the wall of the copter. His leg was hurting already and he knew that if they didn't get to the hospital quickly, he really wasn't going to have the use of his leg anymore. The paramedic sensing this, handed him a bottle of Vicodin, a pain reliever. Phineas took two and swallowed easily. The paramedic looked in awe. "You just dry swallowed two pills."
Phineas arched an eyebrow. "Erm..okay, that's really amazing, I guess."
The paramedic said, "Well, kids don't usually swallow pills without a liquid of some sort."
Phineas shrugged lightly and turned away, resting his leg.
Andy looked at Phineas, and at Rin and Anise. The only thing he was glad for was that all of them were together, safe, for the time being.
-
Anise's eyes slowly opened; she could feel herself bobbing up and down slowly. She blinked at first and glanced about the cabin. She wondered were she was, she could hear the 'womp womp' of a ropter blade somewhere nearby. Ignoring the sound she merely looked at her sister, but then fear crept into her when she noticed Rin's pale face. "Rin?" she said and nudged her sister, but got no response. "Rin!" she said again but again got nothing.
The next thing anyone on board the copter heard was a young girls fearful screams. Two paramedics who had been handling some fragile bottles covered their ears as they were the closest, the bottles breaking apart when they hit the ground. The nurse along with two paramedics rushed into the cabin to find Anise fractically trying to wake her twin sister up, nudging the girl harshly.
One of the paramedics ran over to assess Rin but wasn't able to do much due to Anise being in the way. The nurse instead ran over and wrapped her arms around the young girl and lifted her off the stretcher, she continue to fight though, saying stuff incoherently as she tried to get back to her sister. Relunctantly the nurse placed a cloth over Anise's mouth, the girl tried to fight but then she stopped struggling and fell unconcious.
The paramedics checked her pulse and found it to be very very faint. "I don't understand," one of the medics said as he checked Rin's blood pressure. "This makes NO sense at all,"
"What?" the nurse said as she picked Anise up. "Her blood pressure is dangeriously low, she's alive, but comatose," the medic said.
"
-
Phineas, his head throbbing, couldn't help but put in a sarcastic comment. "Which means, she MUST be in a coma."
Andy, couldn't help but smile at this comment.
-
The paramedic grumbled. "I don't expect a child to understand," he said as he truck an IV line into Rin's arm. She's not suppose to be comatose, a person with this lose of a blood pressure should be DEAD.... even an adult wouldn't be able to survive with a blood pressure of only eight... so what the heck is keeping her alive he thought to himself, but couldn't find an answer.
-
Phineas straightened himself up, his head torturing him. As if reading the paramedic's mind, he said, "Although her BP is that low, as long as she has a steady heart rate, how ever low it is, she'll be alive. Thus however, putting her into this state."
Andy looked alarmed at all this information. He knew Phineas was smart...but this was...way too much information. "How do you know all this stuff, Finny?"
"I read a lot." He shrugged, looking over at Rin.
-
The paramedic mearly rolled his eyes. Kid thinks he knows everything, last I checked he isn't holding a medical degree, the medic thought as the copter flew over a hill and toward the childrens hospital. It's tri-bladed system slowlying turning so that the chopter could make a Vertical landing, on the hospital landing pad there were numerious nurse's with stretchers awaiting to unload the rescue copter.
"Seriously wounded first," a paramedic shouted as the ramp came down, he then turned to Phineas. "You as well," he said.
-
Phineas shrugged lightly as he limped his way down. He knew he was "seriously wounded" but hated thinking that way. A nurse rushed to help him and they made their way into the hospital. Andy slowly helped Anise down and they too, made their way to the stone building.
-
The whine of the machines was the only thing that could be heard in Rin's hospital room. She sat on a hospital bed with a mask over her mouth constantly feeding her oxygen, a nurse continued to monitor her slowly falling life signs and estimated the ten year old only had a few more hours to live - in short by the next morning Rin would be dead.
She didn't have the heart to tell Anise who was awake and squeezing Rin's hand. When she turned she found the doctor standing in the doorway. "Anything?" the nurse asked as she walked up to the doctor.
He glanced at Anise and Rin and then back at the nurse, in a whisper he said. "I can't raise their parents, I called up a police friend of mine who went to their home, he found their parents shot dead," he said. The nurse almost dropped her clipboard but thanks to it being attached to a ring on her neck the clipboard merely hung there beside her chest.
"Poor things, we'll have to admit them to an orphanage in the capital," the nurse whispered. The doctor nodded and sighed, "let's wait until tomorrow before writing out the paper work," he said and then made his way to another room that had Phineas and Andy in it. The nurse just watched him leave before letting out a sigh and walking back into the room that Rin was in.
-
The doctor entered. "Phineas Williams?"
Phineas slowly looked up and nodded. He managed to get up and walked over to the doctor. The doctor looked at the chart. "It says here that you have a mild leg infarction but refuse on an amputation? Is that correct?"
Phineas replied briefly. "Yes, sir. That's right."
The doctor slowly looked him up and down. "And you're sure? If you don't, you'll be in constant, brutal pain. Why don't I call your folks up?"
Phineas glared at the doctor. "I do not have any parents. I'm keeping my leg and I'll have whatever pain killing medicine there is. I'm just keeping the damn leg, doctor."
The doctor shrugged. "Alright, Phineas. Your call. But we will have to remove the damaged muscles. We also will need to get you fitted for a cane. If you'll follow me, please."
Phineas briefly nodded at Andy and went with the doctor. The doctor led Phineas into an operation room. "It shouldn't take that long. Hold tight, Phineas." About two hours later, Phineas was wincing when he walked, but did not show the complete pain on his face. He hid it rather well. The doctor handed him a cane and a bottle of Vicodin. Phineas took both and nodded thanks to the doctor and went back to Andy.
-
Outside of town, just beyond the hills
The roar of tank could be heard for miles around; even the hills that surrounded the city weren't enough to shadow the sound. While most of the cities inhabitents had just chalked it up to the sound of air craft flying over head but some already knew what was headed their way.
A large man wearing a military uniform walked between the tanks; behind him a line of artillery had their barrels pointed into the air. "Targets painted," a small man said as he looked at a display, "we've painted the mayors house, several schools and even their fire and rescue and hospital.
"Give it another five minutes, our agents should be 'removing' the threats as we speak," the large man said, grinning from ear to ear. In less than ten minute's he would level the city and continue his campaign to the capital.
Behind the row of artillery were over a hundred soldiers dressed in robes. Each had jet black hair and carried a staff but also hed red eyes which burned with fury.
Hospital
Anise was sobbing, worried about her twin sister. The nurse had been telling her to get some rest but she had refused, the nurse had also been aware of her medical condition and was bugging her to be changed but Anise refused, saying she cared more about her twin sister.
With a heavy sigh the nurse walked out of her room and stopped near the nurse's table. Her collegue snapped her head toward the room and she nodded. "Their ready, time to remove them..." the other nurse said in a low tone. Her collegue smiled and slowly pulled out a two foot blade from the inside of her nursing jacket and slowly made her way back into Rin's room.
Unbeknowst to the two nurses a cloaked figure was observing their actions; and ready to pounce.
-
Phineas leaned back in the chair next to Andy. They were silent and then Phineas broke it. "God, it hurts." He cracked a smile, Andy grinned back. "An infarction, Finny? I had no idea what you were saying half the time."
"If only you payed attention in class."
"Which, you know I never do."
"Which, makes this conversation even more useless." After Phineas said this, the boys started laughing together. Phineas, grimaced suddenly though, and popped a pill in his mouth. "Well...whatever happens, happens..."
-
Anise had looking at her twin sister, not even noticing the nurse walking up behind her. As the nurse raised her knife, a machine on the wall suddenly beeped, getting Anise's attention. She turned her head and then out of the corner of her eye, she saw the knife.
All she could do was watch; her eyes widening, as the nurse brought the knife down she closed her eyes in fear. Nothing happened.... she heard gurgling sounds and slowly opened her eyes, in front of her the nurse clutched the knife which was firmly in her chest.
She coughed; blood splattering onto Anise's face which startled the young girl. "Y-Y-You..." the nurse struggled as she turned her head toward her attacker. "F-F-Freaks...." she managed to say before all life left her body and she collasped. Anise was in shock at what she had just witnessed, but what happened next scared her even more.
The hospital was shaken violantly when several outside explosions occuried. The windows shattered inward and showed glass all over the place. The girl who had saved Anise's life knelt down and placed her fingers over her mouth, "stay calm ok?" she told the little girl who only barely nodded.
Near Rin's bed a young boy appeared and started removing the IV lines from Rin's arms, she then wrapped the hospital sheets around her and picked her up. "Lurea... if we don't get back to our world and treat her she'll---" he said before Lurea shot him a 'shut it' look. Anise, surprised, just blinked.
Outside artillery shells rained down on the city; fires broke out and buildings exploded outward.
-
The explosion shocked the boys in the room next door. Andy, quick with his reflexes, grabbed Phineas and pushed him down also. Helping the darker haired boy, they managed to get to a place where there were no windows. Phineas was in a lot of pain. His face was contorted as he bit down on his lip not to cry out. There was a lot of sounds and crashing and shards of glass flew everywhere.
-
Lurea and Anise rushed out of the room while Lurea's partner carried Rin. They looked around and were about to leave when, Lurea wait! Andy and Phineas are still here! Yoko shouted telepathically as she appeared next to them. Yoko was wearing a light blue sailro dress with a hood over her head.
The nine year old looked around before staring at the room where Andy and Phineas were in. She quickly ran over to the door which had been blown off it's hinges and looked inside, she saw Phineas and Andy against the wall with peices of glass around them. She was generally amazed that they were mostly unharmed.
As she was about to tell them to move she caught a speke in the sky on the corner of her left eye. She turned to find an artilllery shell barreling down on them. She brought her hands up and formed a barrier in front of the room, when the shell hit it hit with enough force to shatter whatever windows remained in the building. The resulting explosion tore apart the walls around her and the ceiling began to crumble.
Lurea.... grab Andy and Phineas... hurry.... Yoko grunted as the power of the explosion was more than she could handle, she found her powers wanning. Lurea would appeared in seconds between Andy and Phineas, she didn't give them time to say anything before grabbing them and disappearing, only to reappear next to Yoko and grab her as well. Her partner quickly grabbed Anise before disappearing.
The group would reappear a short distance from the hospital; just seconds later two massive shells impacted the hospital, completely destroying it and sending debris in all directions. "That.. was to close..." Lurea said as she looked down at the two boys and her tired little sister.
-
Phineas was perspiring and Andy was breathing heavily. Thoughts swarmed his head as he tried to calm his heart rate down. He looked at Phineas who was hunching over, and at the twins. He then realized a lone figure was missing from their group. He trodded carefully over his words. "Um..." He spoke softly.
"Whe...where's Sakura?"
Stunned silence. Phineas jolted his head at Andy, then back over at Lurea and them.
-
Lurea smiled. "We 'rescued' Sakura just a few hours before you four arrived, in fact, she's been asking us to get your four back to our world. See seem's very worried about you Phineas," she said and looked at Phineas.
Yoko was still wheezing when a suggestion came a right. "Sis... we... need... to get.... moving..." she said between breaths. "Not until you've caught your breath, we need you in order to open the doorway to our world," Lurea said in a concerned voice, she removed her cloak and laid it over Yoko and then brought up a stealth barrier. "We'll be safe in here for ten or fifteen minutes, i n the mean time you take a ten or fourteen minute nap ok Yoko?" Lurea said. The nine year old just smiled and soon fell asleep.
With a heavy sigh Lurea turned to Phineas and Andy. "I'm sure you two have a lot of questions for us, we'll try and answer as many as possible," Lurea said to the boys.
Meanwhile her partner who was carrying Rin laid her down and placed his hand just a few inches from her chest. "Monitor Luiea Healina," he chanted as a green aura appeared around her body and began to heal some of her wounds. I can heal the external and only a few internals, but the exthreme damage done to her insides will require one of the cleric elders to do... he thought, concern filling his thoughts.
-
Phineas leaned back against the wall, his head slightly bowed, tapping his cane in a steady beat. Andy watched him awkwardly but didn't say anything. Phineas looked back up again. "Alright." He said quietly. He shifted his weight slightly as to be more comfortable.
"Question one. Where are you taking us? Question two, what do you mean "Your world." And three...three..." Here, his eyes got hazy. He shook his head briefly and continued. "And three..." He looked over at Rin, his concern rising even though he tried to push it down. "Will Rin...be alright?"
Andy, who was standing up, crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall, looking up at the ceiling. Closing his eyes, waiting for an answer to the millions of questions to his head. Although, Phineas HAD asked some very direct questions. He wondered...
Cracking open an eye, he looked at Finny. He seemed to have changed so much. Phineas was always stoic, but now he seemed completely emotionless. What HAPPENED to you, Finny?
-
Lurea nodded and outstretched her palm. A sudden image appeared and slowly rotated. "We are taking you to a world full of magic, where you will be safe for however long you desire to stay," she said, answering his first quesiton. "Our world was created by master mage roughly a thousand years ago so that those with magic could develop it in safety, so they wouldn't be shuned by the world we now know," she stopped and took in a breath.
"Our world is mostly referred to as a magical realm, which in it's own right is as you can only cross into by those who are gate keepers, like my little sister," she said and looked down at the sleeping Yoko. "While there you can develop your own magic as you see fit, or you can attend school and just learn what is needed to survive in this world," she smiled and then looked over at Rin.
With a heavy sigh she turned her gaze back toward the dirt. "I'm afraid... I don't know if she'll be alright... if we make it back to our world in time then the elder clerics can save her... but it's a slime chance. I don't know what the idiots here did to her, what they administered into her blood stream, but whatever it is is killing her from the inside out," she said, unsure if the boys would understand. "If she were to awaken now she'd scream out in pain," Lurea shook her head. "As long as we get back in time she... might be alright..." she said and smile at the boys.
"I'm sure you have more questions for me, like perhaps who we are, why was magic created, or why were you gifted, or perhaps cursed depending on how you look at it, with magic," she said and laid her back up against the stealth field.
-
Phineas nodded, waving a hand at all of them. "Yes, yes all of them." However, he was quite furious when he heard about Rin. He shakily stood up, his eyes flaring. "She'll be alright. Rin. I know her. She won't give up. She'll make it."
Andy nodded. "Yeah. Both of em will. They'll make it...They have to..."
-
Lurea almost knew that Phineas was going to ask for them all. "I can explain a few things, but some are better explained by the elders," she said as she looke to her right. Outside the stealth field a group of foriegn soldiers ran past the alley were they were hiding. One soldier stopped, raised his rifle and scanned the alley with the rifle's powerful light.
After two minutes the soldiers lowered his rifle, turned to his right and said something that none of them could hear before running off. As they watched them leave Lurea let out a low growl that made Anise shiver. She let a minute pass before turning her attention back to the boys and their questions, "I can't really explain the magic part very well, espically since the person most fluent in it is asleep right here," she said and looked down at Yoko.
Anise blinked and placed her finger up to her chin and asked. "How come?"
"Yoko.... is a special case within our group; she's the most knowledgable about magic and as such, retains a high position. However, she's also one of the youngest in terms of apperence," Lurea said. Anise just nodded, she didn't really understand much but was trying. "There's a history behind Yoko, but it would take a long time to explain, it'll be best to wait until we get to our world," she said and relaxed her hand. "My collegue and I are apart of a 'rescue' team, Yoko is also a member as well as a few other people you might've met. We search for potential magic users like yourselves and try and protect you behind the scene's from those who would interfere with your lives. However, once you start showing magic then we usually jump in and either help you learn to control it... or to banish it," Lurea said.
Her partner shifted on his right leg in order to get more comfortable. "My name's Syran by the way," her partner said. He smiled slightly and looked away from the boys and toward the exit. "We can't explain how the process works, how a person is 'selected' to inherit the ability to use magic. All we know is that it just happens, you three, myself, Lurea... we've all been through the same process of discovering our powers. Each one of us has a unique ability that no one else has, Sakura is one of the examples, and perhaps is the one person who has a wide range of use's. As I'm sure you know her singing is beautiful, but she is also able to use it as a deadly weapon," he said before his head snapped to right and down the alley.
"What's wrong?" Lurea said, tension in her voice. "Trouble... seem's someone is using an anti-stealth spell to look for us, we have only a few minutes left before they find us. Lurea, I can't use Crisalise since I've using my current magic to keep Rin alive..." Syran said. Lurea nodded and stood up, "you boys want to know the full extend of a magi's power? Then watch and learn," she said and stepped out of the stealth field, which promptly collasped it.
She dipped her hand into her pocket and pulled out what looked like a small medallion, she then pulled out a second one from her other pocket and placed them on the ground. "Inheriters of the light, of power, of nature. Grant me thy armor, thy skin and bring upon thee my weapon," she chanted as the medallions glowed green before a power wave of energy lashed out. The shockwave shattered the windows, causing the glass to fall to the ground, yet strangely not toward the group.
Lurea's normal attire suddenly pulsed; her jacket vanished revealing a plain white shirt which also vanished and was then replaced by another shirt that was dark blue, shoulder pads appeared on her shoulders and chainamil along her arms. Her hands were covered in a gauntlet and her legs were covered in chainmail leggings.
On her face four long metallic bars appeared just under her eyes and nose and ran toward the back of her head where they disappeared under her long hair. In her hand a large staff materealized. She spun the staff around before taking a defensive stance, "this... is what it means to be a Magi..." she smiled, even though she knew they couldn't see it.
-
Phineas merely nodded, alert. Andy however, was beside himself. "HOLY...WOW...THat's the...what the...how....I...can we?...Wow..." Flushed, he looked over at Lurea who was smiling down at him, and Phineas, who remained motionless.
Andy, who was just pumping with adreneline said, "I sure am ready to go to that...magical transport thingy!"
Phineas slowly got up. "It's called a magical realm, Andrew." He briefly looked around at the small group. He glanced at Yoko, who was stirring, and back out the window. "This is all nice catching up and all, but we..really should go. They're..." he hesitated, "Making me nervous."
-
Lurea nodded. "Yoko, you awake?" she asked.
Yoko was aroused by Andy's sudden burst of excitement. "Am now..." she yawned and stood up. "Want me to teleport us out of here?" she asked. Lurea nodded and kept her stance while looking around, Yoko nodded and cuped her hands in the center of her chest.
A gold diamond suddenly appeared and began to spin around; as it did Yoko started chanting a spell in a language that no one, not even Lurea, could understand. As she chanted her words a blue orb of energy appeared in her hands and began to expand. "Two min---" she said before stopping her chanting and thus the teleport spell. "Lurea, someone is blocking any teleport magic!" she said.
"How? We just used a teleport spell a few minutes ago to get out of the hospital how can----" Lurea said before it dawned on her. She had been so focused on answering the boy's quesitons that she hadn't bothered to scan the area of any other magical signatures, sure enough there were several nearby casting a teleport cancellation spell.
Lurea didn't miss a beat and took off for the alley exit; knowing full well that they had to get out of the city, outside the range of the cancel spell, before Yoko could teleport them. As she ran two soldiers appeared by the exit and raised their rifles, but before they had a chance to fire there was a blur of motion as Lurea appeared behind them, followed a second later by the two soldiers collasing to the ground in a pool of their own blood.
"Don't stop!" Lurea shouted as Yoko and Syran exited the alley, she bother to look behind her to see if the boys had as well but she had assumed by how Andy reacted that he was most likely following. As she lead the group down the wide street and toward the market square she suddenly stopped in her tracks, causing everyone else to do the same.
She looked around; her eyes darting the roof tops. "Ok I sense your sorry butt.. where are you?!" she exclaimed before seeing a blinding flash in the sky. She brought her staff up just in time to block an attack from her unseen attacker, the attack was powerful enough to split the ground beneath her and cause a small ten inche deep crater.
Her attacker broke off his attack and jumped backwards, landing a few feet away. The man wore a blood colored road; he held a two handed greatsword, yet wielded it like it was as light as a feather. "Golden Rose," the man said and liked his sword. Lurea, disgusted, just spat on the ground and shook her head. "Black Rose, my... I thought I'd never see your sorry mug again," she said to him.
Black Rose laughed; his laugh was menacing and caused Anise to cover her hears in fear. Yoko stood in front Anise and the boy's, her arms stretched out as if she was telling him not to come closer. Syran was beside Anise and had his hand to his side, a black ball of energy at the ready in the event he had to attack.
"So, you've decided to rescue these children.. hmmm?" Black Rose said and gestured with his head toward Yoko and the rest of the group. "What a waste of time, and here I was hoping to give them a very quick death," he grinned evilly and licked his blade a second time.
Lurea shook her head and stood up straight; she then slammed her staff into the ground and left it there. "You know I can't let you do that," she said. "What? And you think you can stop me?" he shot at her.
A faint grin appeared on Yoko's face. "No... Lurea can't," she said. Black Rose raised an eye brow and looked at the little girl, "oh.... and you think you can?" she said. Yoko raised her head and smiled childishly at the man, this made him feel slightly uncomfortable. "nope," she said in that soft voice of hers. Anise and Lurea both blinked and wondered who Yoko was talking about; the girl exibited exthreme calmness despite the man they were up against, and despite all that, she still showed her childish side to him.
There was a sudden burst of wind as someone flew by her, their image blurred by their speed, papers and fallen debris flew up in the air. Black Rose followed the motion only as far as his eyes could track before losing it, he struggled to find his unseen foe. Second's later the wind cracked as a large mallet connected with his armor, spliting it open and sending the man flying through a lamp post, then the post office, and then through a water tower that was fifty feet away and sixty feet high.
"Sheesh... what a motor mouth could hear him from the school for pete's sake.," A young girl said as she floated in the air. She hefted a large mallet and wore a school uniform, oddly enough, it was the same uniform that Anise and her twin sister wore. It took Anise only a second to recognize who it was. "Ranmaru?!"
-
Phineas closed his eyes as his leg was throbbing. Andy turned and whispered, "You okay?"
"I'm fine." was the abrupt reply. He grinded his cane into the ground as he watched a familar figure rapidly come to their midst. "Ranmaru?" He arched his eyebrows. Andy steadied Phineas as he looked shocked as well.
-
Ranmaru stood there; her gaze partially on Yoko and her group, while keeping her other eye open for trouble. "I see you've been busy," she said as she tore her gaze away from the group and toward the now crumbling water tower. With loud 'clang' the metal roof hit the ground and rolled several feet before coming to a stop just a few feet away from Ranmaru.
"Was hoping to delay my appearance, but it seem's bucket head over here won't let that," she growled as she started at Black Rose, who was struggling to get back onto his feet. It was easy to tell that his leg was broken by how he limped toward the group, as Ranmaru readied her sword, Lurea stepped past her and brought her staff up. In low whisper so only Ranmaru could hear she said, "get them to the outskirts of town, I'll deal with him.."
Ranmaru blinked and responded. "You realize that the only way to kill him would be to...." she stopped herself and then shook her head. "Yoko still needs you... you die here and she might go back to her silent state again," Ranmaru said. Lurea glanced over her shoulder at Yoko, who had a determined, yet worried look on her face.
"Very well, I'll heed your advice," she said and turned her back to Black Rose. The man stood there and grinned, "you honestly think I can allow you out of this city? I'll DESTROY this place be-" he said before Ranmaru vanished, only to appear behind him, her blade through his chest. "You talk far to much bucket head," she said as his limp body fell to the ground. Pulling her sword out she shook her head, "this is enough blood shed for one day," she said and turned toward Lurea and the rest.
She walked over to the boy's and smiled at them. "We need to move fast, can you run?" she asked Phineas.
-
Andy just gawked at the skill being displayed. Phineas, kept a cool head. He wanted to say a sarcastic comment, but decided this wasn't the time, nor place. He gestured to his leg. "Leg infarction. I can limp." He lowered his gaze to the ground. "Running is now never an option for me."
-
Ranmara and turned to Lurea. "Lurea, carry Phineas please," she said and then turned back to Phineas. "As much as I'd rather you walk and not put much stress on that leg, staying here would be deadly for us all," she said as Lurea walked over and gently picked Phineas up.
"Let's go, the faster we get out of here the sooner we can report in and get some rest," Ranmaru said and then glanced at Anise, her hands were clasped together, a slight tear down her eyes. Ranmaru couldn't help but smile and walked over to her friend, "sorry I worried you," she said and placed her hand on Anise's cheek. "I'm very sorry for scaring you, I'll try and explain when we are in a safer place," she said and Anise nodded.
Syran looked down at Rin; noting the girls slight color change. He hadn't told Lurea, but his magic was going to run out in just ten minutes and when it did, so would Rin's life. Ranmaru had taken the lead, with Yoko, Anise, Syran, Lurea and Phineas along following behind. She kept the alley ways until they made it to the main gates, she then stopped to let them catch their breaths.
Anise watched as Ranmaru handed Syran what appeared to be a small crystal, the man smiled and placed the crystal up against his Crysalise, then Crysalise had been rather dim since they started for the door but now it was bright. "Ok kids, lets rest a few," she said as she brought up a stealth barrier. Lurea nodded and laid Phineas down on a mat that had been lying up against the wall, she had instead taken it and rolled it out for him.
-
Phineas, rather resenting the fact that he had to be carried, however, had not said anything. As he got set down on the mat, a shock of pain went through him and he jolted involuntarily. Andy, seeing this, gave Phineas his pain pills. Phineas shakily screwed the cap off and downed 3 of them. Sweating, he leaned back and closed his eyes.
Andy, who was worried that Phineas might get dependent on the Vicodin was trying not to let him take too many, but there seemed to be no use. His friend was in pain.
-
Ranmaru let out a sigh as she thrusted her blade into the ground and sat down. She glanced at her Crysalise, which was a sapphire that was handing off her necklace. It had a semi-dim glow to it, and pulsed only once and awhile.
"Yoko, how are you?" she asked the young girl. "Huh? I'm fine why?" Yoko asked innocently. "because you teleported the group, you ended up getting very tired. Was worreid you might've over-done it again," she said.
Yoko smiled and looked down at the ground. "I'll be alright," she said a few seconds later and walked over to the edge of the stealth barrier. She ran her small hand against the barrier, it ripped as her hand made contact. Just as she turned away something caught her attention and she snapped her head behind.
The stealth barrier rippled with energy before it was blown apart; Yoko who was the closest was thrown across the ground like a rag doll. She stopped several feet from the group, seriously wounded from the impact and subsiquent concussion. Lurea spun and saw who it was that attacked, "H-How the hell..." she said when she saw Black Rose standing there.
Black Rose stood there, his hands clutching a hammer instead of what he had before. Blood dripped from his open wound, "like i said... you will not survive.." he said and took a step forward. Lurea scowled and bolted from her position and slammed her staff against the mans hammer, "Ranmaru... go!" she shouted as Black Rose pushed.
"Bu---" Ranmaru tried to say before getting a glare from Lurea. "Just go..." she said softly. Ranmaru nodded and turned to Syran. "Can you carry Yoko?" she asked him. Syran just nodded and ran over to where Yoko was and picked her up, Ranmaru then knelt down beside Phineas. "Andy, can you help me carry him to the gates?" she asked.
-
Andy nodded. "Yeah." He put an arm under Phineas, and the three of them were off running; more like gliding than anything.
-
As the group disappeared through the gates; Lurea turned toward her foe. Black Rose was mostly covered in blood, "So... I kill you then I go after those kids... what hope do you have..." he said and pushed her away, then slammed his hammer against her battle armor. The armor cracked in several place's and sent her sliding across the ground. When she finally stopped she realized that her left leg was useless, she couldn't use it.
With her staff she managed to get back up and use her right leg for stability. Black Rose scowled and wacked her a second time, polverizing her right arm and causing it to fall limp. She in turn was thrown another few feet before crashing into the wall, she heard something snap and found she could no longer move her legs at all.
Figures.... guess I won't be able to help Yoko... Ranmaru.. take care of her for me please, she said and lowered her head. She struggled for an item in her pocket and pulled out a red crystal. She began to chant a spell as Black Rose approuched, she closed her eyes as she awaited his finishing attack, even with her eyes closed she could see the hammer being raised to crush her skull. Then, blackness.
Outside the city
Ranmaru had managed to get the group well over a mile from the city when she stopped suddenly. "I thought I just heard something..." she said to herself as she stared at the city. Then seconds later a massive explosion of magic erupted from a location near the gate, the walls were blown apart along with the gate, buildings shattered and the ground heaved.
Yoko had been struggling back to her feet when she saw what happened, all she said after wards was: "LUREA!!!!!!!!!"
-
As Andy lowered Phineas to the ground, he immediately heard the younger girl shouting. He turned, just in time to see the bright explosion. He bit his lip. That means Lurea didn't make it... Andy sighed. He rubbed his eyes and jammed his hands in his pocket. Phineas merely sat, and swallowed another pill. Andy was rather beside himself at Phineas's seemingly lack of concern. "What the hell is the matter with you?!" Andy shouted. "Why don't you..you...care?!"
Phineas slowly stood up and looked at Andy. In a calmer voice, he said, "Who said I didn't?"
Andy was furious. "You don't show any emotion, you don't seem to care about anyone. You're swallowing those pills as if they were candy. Soon, you're going to become addicted! You don't...YOU DON'T GIVE A DAMN! What's your problem?"
This time, anger arose out of Phineas. "Bum leg! What's yours?!"
Andy was breathing heavily as he glared at Phineas. Phineas glared right back.
-
Syran scowled and looked at the two boys. "This isn't the time to fight you two!" he shouted as he looked past them and at the distant explosion.
Yoko stood up and just continued to stare. "Lurea...." she said in a tone that told anyone that she was crying on the inside, tears then formed on her face and slumped to the ground. Burying her face in her arms, Anise walked over to her friend and hugged her, trying to calm the girl down.
As much as Ranmaru wanted to let Yoko cry her eyes out; she knew they had to teleport back to her world. As she turned her gaze to the sky she saw over a hundred or so enemy mage's heading theirway. She walked over to Yoko and placed a hand on Yoko's shoulder, she didn't have to say a word as Yoko just nodded and stood up.
She spread her arms out and started chanting something; the occasional sniffling caused her to rechant the spell every now and then. The ground beneath the group lite up as a diagram appeared, then the diagram moved upward and over their bodies, in seconds they disappeared.
Magi World - Sugira
Yoko floated in an area between the real world and the magical world, she could see people, hear their thoughts and see where they were. Memories of her past bombarded her, then Lurea's face appeared. She knew the girl was dead, she knew she'd never see Lurea again.
A flash of blinding white light enveloped a small circle flower bed located near a large field; several people who were on the field turned at this spectacle and watched as several people suddenly appeared. As the light dissipated; the group just watched, near them however several priests ran by them and headed toward the newcomers.
Anise shook her head and opened her eyes. "Ow...." she complained as her head hurt. When Anise finally regained her sight she noticed several buildings in the distance; along with a large plot of land that resembled a soccer field. The sky was an assortment of colors: light blue, light red and light orange. Birds and Dragon's flew in every direction, almost ignoring the group.
-
Phineas looked around, aware of his surroundings. Although he was not going to admit it, Andy was right. A part of him had died. He knew he should be feeling some kind of amazement, but he felt none.
Andy was in shock. Dragons? Bright colors? Felt more like he was in a dream. Well, in a way, he kind of hoped that this was all a dream. He didn't like fighting with Finny, he didn't like how people had to die. He didn't like it, but he knew he had to accept it. He looked at Yoko, and Ranmaru, wondering what the two of them were planning.
-
Ranmaru shook her head to clear her senses after the teleport. "Phineas, the Elder Clerics can fix that leg of yours if you want," Ranmaru said, ignoring the group of priests that were approuching them.
-
Phineas looked up, a bit bitterly. "By magic, though, right?" He looked down at his leg. "I'd rather not."
Andy gawked at him. "Did you eat something funny?! They'd fix your leg for you! Who cares if it's magic or what not?!"
Phineas merely looked forward. "I wouldn't expect you to understand my reasons, Andrew."
-
Ranmaru shook her head. "If that's your wish, then we won't interfere," she said bitterly and waved to the approuching priests. "Take Rin and Yoko to the infirmary," she told them.
"Yes Meister," the priests said. Two of them helped Yoko up and off to a large building that was near the church, while Syran and three of the priests headed to another, slightly smaller, building adjacent to the larger one.
The sun was beginning to set over the distant mountain; casting a orange glow aross the land. Birds were settling down for the night while wild foxes rose from their daytime slumber to begin their nightly rounds. In the distance, people could be seen moving into buildings as darkness began to fall over the grounds. "Guest rooms were prepared for you earlier today," she said and looked at the last remaining priest. "Markas, take Andy and Phineas to their guest room," she instructed the white robed man.
He bowed his head. "Yes Meister," he said and walked over to the boy. "Please, follow me," he said.
-
The two boys followed the priest down a series of twists and turns. They arrived at a grand oak door. The priest opened it and bowed slightly. Andy stepped in first. His jaw dropped. The ceiling was a brilliant shade of gold and white and the huge columns ran through the ground. They intertwined with the grand curtains which swayed at the open window. The floor was padded with a very plush, soft green carpet, and Andy could sink his feet in them.
Phineas stepped in next. He took his time in observing the ornate room. Two king sized beds furnished either side of the room. The room was about three times the size of Phineas's home. There was a sofa near the middle of the room, and a fireplace, already lighted, heated the room up with a soft bright light.
Phineas managed to speak first. "Well. It seems we're...welcomed here."
Andy managed a nervous laugh. "Yeah...no kidding."
-
The priest bowed a second time. "Miester Ranmaru will be with you in an hour, until then feel free to make yourselves at home. If you are hungry just let me know and I'll guide you to the cafeteria," he said and stepped out of the room and to the side of the door.
***
"How bad?" Ranmaru asked upon stepping into the infirmary. The room was bathed in a light white color with several beds and a few machines, these machines appeared to be both technologica, yet magical at the same time. One displayed a heart rythem, while another displayed breathing.
"Miester, uh... ahem... I wasn't expecting you so soon," the doctor said. "Rin's condition is serious, her bloods been poisoned and her immune system is attacking it's own blood, thats why she is dieing."
Ranmaru sighed. "So that's why she seemed to be in such a bad shape, how long before the Elder Cleric arrives?"
"He'll be here in a few minutes, but I think its best you take care of Yoko. I could hear some yelling coming from her quarters," the doctor said.
Ranmaru blinked. Yelling? "I thought I told them to take her here?" she said. "Ok, keep me informed," she said and let the infirmary.
-
After the priest left, Andy plopped down on the couch and sighed. Phineas sat on the edge of one of the beds and looked out the window. Silence gripped them until Andy broke it. "So how long do you think we'll be here?"
Phineas shrugged. "I don't know. I wish I did though. I have a lot of questions that are still unanswered. But I have a feeling they'll be answered one way or another in due time."
Andy looked over at his motionless friend. "I trust you."
Phineas turned and looked at Andy. "Why would you trust me?"
Andy was surprised. "I...what kind of question is that?!"
Phineas replied, "A serious one."
-
"Serious.. not serious.. we all have questions and we all want answers," a cat said from a top one of the beams that ran across the ceiling of the room, "I've never seen you two children before." The cat jumped down from the beam and landed on all fours. His fur was gold with some strands of red mixed in. His paws were flour white and he showed signs of just coming out of a cat nap. He sat down and stared at the two boys, "So? Who are you?" he smiled at them.
***
Even before Ranmaru had arrived at the building housing Yoko's quarters she could hear the commotion and see the results. An exterior window of Yoko's room exploded outward from an unknown force that was applied to it. The glass shards fell until they were ten feet from the ground then turned into liqued that melted into the ground.
She made her way up the stairs until she got the floor that Yoko's room was on. Beside the door leading into the room was an Elder Meister trying to talk to Yoko, but everytime he came around the doorway a pot or something would fly his way and shattered onto the wall behind him.
"Having trouble I see," Ranmaru said in a calm tone. She peered around the corner and into the room, Yoko was crying into the pillow on her bed, the room was in utter disarray with furniture overturned and windows broken.
The Elder looked at her and smirked, "to much trouble, you'd think an eight year old wouldn't understand the concept of death," he said. "We might have to use a snare spell just to stop her from ruining her room further," he said before watching Ranmaru walk past him. "H-Hey! Wait!"
Ranmaru strolled into the room and toward Yoko's bed. "Get away! I want to be left alone!" Yoko shouted as a lamp near by suddenly lifted off the table and flew toward Ranmaru. She caught the lamp with her hand and set it down, repeating this process several times with multiple objects until she got to Yoko's bed. Yoko looked up at her, tears flowing down her face like a waterfall, before burying her head back into the pillow.
"Is it true..." Yoko said, her voice muffled by the pillow.
"It is..." Ranmaru said and sat down on Yoko's bed. "She gave her life protecting your own," she said.
Yoko gave a light nod and continued to cry. "I know.. but I wish she was still here..."
"I do to, we all do, Lurea was a piller of light to many mages here, and well respect," Ranmaru said and placed her hand on Yoko's head. Yoko just shook her head and continued to cry.
-
Andy jumped, throughly shocked. Phineas managed to stay seated and looked at the cat. He stood up. "Phineas Williams."
Andy, still rather scared replied shakily, "Aaa-Andy Baldwin."
-
The cat smiled, amused by how Andy had responded. "My name's Yukita, Yukita Alwen," he said and walked over to where Phineas was stting. "so, what brings you two kids to our humble enclave?" he said and laid down onto his stomach and stretched his two front paws out, then placed them under his head and awaited their reply.
-
Phineas shrugged, sitting back down. "I don't rather know. All I know is we-" He gestured to himself and Andy, "Have...powers. And I suppose we're going to learn how to control them and what not."
Andy managed a weak nod to agreement with Phineas.
-
Yukita nodded his head. "I see..." he said and got back up and walked over to the curtains before sitting down in front of them. "You two will be one of many children who come here in hopes of learning how to use their powers," he said, his back against them.
"However, what do you hope to get out of learning how to use your powers?" he asked them.
-
Phineas slowly stood up, sighed and limped patiently over to the window sill, his focus not on the question.
Andy spoke instead. "Make a difference. Not just be some....some random person. Someone people will look up to."
-
Yukita smiled. "I see, thats what a lot of kids here desire, but training your powers isn't like going out on recess and playing a soccer game and winning. It'll take you days, perhaps even weeeks, maybe even months before you'll be proficient enough to us your powers," he said and turned toward Andy, then looked up at Phineas.
"I myself have been here for quite awhile," he said to them.
-
Phineas barely nodded, listening to what the cat was saying, but not saying anythng.
Andy continued to fill in the awkward silence. "Yes...well, I figured that...but it's just that...well...erm...but you're a ...a...cat.." He finished lamely.
-
Yukita smiled. "You think that I am merely a cat? This is but a form I choose to take," he said and walked over to Andy and sat back down. He was about to say more when a knock came to the door; his eyes perked up and his head shot toward the door. "Look's like you have company," he said.
Outside the door, Sakura waited patiently, she wore a light red mage's robe. The hood was down to reveal her face, she had no visible signs of injury despite what happened back at the gym days before.
-
Andy jolted towards the door and tugged it open.
"Sakura!" He said, pleasantly surprised. He hugged the younger girl as he stepped out of the way for her to enter.
Phineas turned slightly and acknowledged her before turning back to the window.
-
Sakura hugged Andy and smiled at him. "Andy!... nice to see you again," she said and looked past him and at Phineas. "You too, Phineas," she said.
She walked into the room but stopped when she saw Yukita. "Yukita-senpai!" she chirped as the cat ran across the floor and jumped onto her shoulders. If anyone had noticed he went from being an adult cat to being a kitten, "you know the doctors told you not to come out right?" he told her.
Sakura grumbled and shook her head before placing her finger on Yukita's nose. "The doctors were the one's who told me that a couple people I know are here, now hush," she said. Yukita lowered his head against her shoulder and laid there, not saying a word. "Where's Rin and Anise?" Sakura asked, glancing about the room.
-
Andy sat at the sofa, wondering how to break the news to Sakura.
"Um...well...they...well you see..."
Phineas quietly stated, "Stop beating around the bush. Sakura, they're most likely still hurt, sick, endangered. They're trying to figure out what's wrong with them." His voice was flat, but his eyes told another story.
-
Sakura lowered her head and stared at the ground. "So.. what they said was true.." she said.
"What they said?" Yukita said, now curious about something. "After I was rescued I overheard one of the elder's talking about Rin, saying something about some poison that was put into her body by the doctors back at the hospital," she said and then shrugged her shoulders.
Yukita rubbed his head up against Sakura's face, causing her to giggle as he tickled her. "H-hey stop that!" she giggled. The cat smiled at her before saying, "It's past your bed time, remember?" he said.
"Booo..." Sakura grumbled and turned toward the door. "I'm sure if you two do-" she said before the priest walked in. "It's getting late, the Elder told me that he'll talk to you and your friends tomorrow morning," he said. "Try and get some rest," he said.
"Huh? Elder? I didn't see him," Yukita said. The priest looked at him before rolling his eyes, "well if you didn't spend so much time in that form you'd be a bit more aware of his presence, and I still want to know why you insist on taking a mle cat form when your female!" he said.
"Because I'm more lovable this way?!" the cat said to him, causing the priest to throw his arms up into the air and walk out. The cat just giggled in his own way, Sakura bid the boys farewell before leaving the room.
-
Andy's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. "You're a..'she'?"
Phineas nodded at Sakura's departure, and slowly limped back over to the sofa, popping another pill in his mouth. He leaned against its soft exterior and closed his eyes, breathing heavily.
-
"Yukita, where do you think Anise is?" Sakura asked as they walked down the hallway.
"Hmm... I don't know," he said and ran over to the stairway. "I'm sure she's ok, we'll probaby see her tomorrow, I'm sure," he said. Sakura just nodded and followed him out of the large building and over to another; this building was built more like a dormitory as it had a main central lobby and several stairs. She walked up one flight of stairs until she got to the third floor.
In her room Sakura quickly got into her pajamas and laid down, Yukita smiled and laid next to her. "You know, are you going to change back into your human form?" Sakura asked him. "Oh alright, I'll do so tomorrow morning. Besides, I'm sure Ranmaru will want me to run you and your friends through the orientation class, well, provided the Elders allow them to join," he said.
"I'm sure they will," Sakura said, her voice trailing off as she fell asleep.
***1:00 AM***
Ranmaru stood before a large table, around the table were eight Elder Mage's, each one wore a different color robe and each sported a different type of staff. "How are they doing Ranmaru?" an older mage said, he looked to be in his late seventies and sported a black robe.
"I checked on Phineas and Andy, they are both doing ok but I'm concerend about Phineas. Anise managed to cry herself to sleep and Sakura is doing fine. The purge on Rin worked like a charm, the doctors said she'll be up and active by nine am today," Ranmaru said, her hands shifted from one side of her body to the other: she was always so nervous when speaking to the elders.
"That's good, I'm glad they are ok," the black robed mage said.
Another mage coughed. "We have four confirmed kids who can use magic, and then we have another who isn't even potty trained for christs sake and can't even use magic!" the mage said, this one wore an orange robe and sported a staff that had a sword on it.
Ranmaru shook her head. "Anise is an insecure girl, you should all know that as I've been observing them since they started pre-school," she said, then turned her attention to the head Elder. "Elder Lucious... I can assure you that these four will be a great asset to our force. We just need to train them, while I'm aware that Anise can't use magic yet, there's no question that if we were to seperate her from her twin sister it would cause her much problems,"
Lucious nodded. "You are rest Miester Ranmaru, for that I'll keep those two together. Today I want you to bring the two boys, the twins, and Sakura along with Yoko to the orientation classroom after they've had breakfast," he said.
"As you wish," Ranmaru bowed. "Elder.... what of my team? I know Lurea is dead, but there were at least six more..."
The Elder shook his head. "I'm sorry, they were murdered shortly before the attack on the city," he said. Ranmaru sighed and looked toward the wall, "damn... they weren't even teenagers for heavens sake.." with that she shook her head and retired for the night.
Once Ranmaru was away the mage's all looked at Lucious. "You can't seriously be allowing them to train? All the children here started very young, these kids are ten years old, one of them is nine, how do you expect them to learn so fast," a green robed mage said.
"We all know that they are the only one's who can assault our enemy's city," Lucious said and stood up. "Andy, Phineas, Anise, Sakura, Rin, Yukita, those six have never been labeled by our enemy as being agents to our cause. While I don't want to send mere children into combat, we all understand what is at stake. The power to control the human realm can only be achieved if our realm is taken," he said.
The mage's nodded and, one by one, they all retired. Lucious sighed, "Yukita, your early..." he said.
Yukita strolled into the room and jumped up onto the table. "You want me to wake them up today and run them to breakfast?"
"Yes please, and do it in your human form please," Lucious said.
"No problem," Yukita said and jumpe down from the table and out of the room. Lucious just shook his head.
***8:00 Am***
Sakura yawned as she stood in front of the door to the room that Andy and Phineas were in. "I usually can wake up at nine... why are we up this time in the morning?" she said to Yukita. The girl stood beside her and wore a golden robe, she looked to be around twelve year's old and had four red beads in her hair.
"Because the Elder wants to meet with them," she said and knocked on the door. "Andy, Phineas," she said and awaited a response.
-
Phineas hadn't exactly slept, so as soon as he heard the knocking on the oak doors, he slowly got up, took his cane and limped slowly over, opening the door.
"Hello." He said gruffly. He looked down at Sakura, then at the woman next to her. He raised an eyebrow. There was something rather familiar...something Andy had said last night...You're a girl?! It clicked.
"You must be Yukita, then."
-
Yukita smiled. "So you heard," she said and looked past him. "Sleep well I hope?" she asked.
-
Phineas gave a curt nod and slowly tapped his way over to the couch. By that time, Andy had woken up, he ran a hand through his already messy hair, Yawning, he replied, "Hello!"
-
"Good Morning," Yukita said gave a curt nod. Sakura was standing outside the doorway "Ummm.. Yukita, are they going to be in uniform like me?"
"After breakfast when we talk to the Elder they'll be fitted with a uniform here," Yukita said and looked at them. "Get yourselves cleaned up then meet us outside the room. We'll be down the hall near a large window," she said and walked out of the room.
-
Andy groaned. "Awwww, man! A UNIFORM?!?!" He covered his face with his hands. "I HATE uniforms!" he complained.
-
Yukita laughed. "It's not the same uniform you'll be wearing, look at Sakura," she said and gestured to Sakura. "Your uniform is merely a mage's robe," she smiled at him before closing the door behind her.
-
Andy looked over at Sakura. "Oh." He replied, a little embarrased.
Phineas rolled his eyes, grabbed a pill and drank a glass of water from the jug from the coffee table. He then stood up and went to the restroom, brushing his hair and putting on a decent change of clothes. Andy merely shoved a hand through his hair and changed his shirt from the day before. The two of them went outside and met up with Yukita and Sakura
-
Yukita stared out the window; outside a group of young kids were playing a game of tag. One was trying to hide behind a tree while the others were using some old stone blocks as hiding places. Most of them wore darkened white robes while one wore a gold robe. This one appeared to be just observing, watching, the others as they played.
Sakura didn't say a word; mostly because she was still half asleep. It was evident by how she kept on rubbing her eyes and yawning. As they waited Yukita wondered just how this day would turn out. They'll be fitted with a robe, then I'll need to lecture them on safety protocals.... she thought before hearing the door behind her.
"You two ready?" she asked as the two boys approuched them.
-
Andy grinned- a smile which had seemed forgotten had now come back. That ever charming smile that had lit up the room, it had seemed the old Andy was back. "Yup!" He put an arm around Phineas who immediately stiffened. Andy hardly seemed to notice. "Ready when you are!"
-
Yukita nodded and lead the three of them out of the building and across the grounds. Along the way the group passed several fountains spewing water, petals floated in the water and kids and teenagers sat on the fountains stone tops and ran their hands through the water, some of them gave curtious nods to Yukita and the three who were with her, while the rest just seemed curious.
As they approuched the cafeteria the doors suddenly disappeared, revealing a vast interior. The floors were polished granite that shined when the sun hit it, casting more light further into the room. Several salad bars dotted the room and were within walking distance of the center, which was a massive counter that had various other foods displayed.
"Wow..." Sakura said, she was astonished, no, shocked at the magnificence of the room. Curtains were drapped over the windows on the eastern side of the room while chandiliers that looked to be made out of either gold or silver hung from the ceiling. The cafeteria was a bustle of activity as kids and teenagers went about getting themselves something to eat, one thing Sakura noticed however was that every darkened white robed group of students always had either a gold robed or a red robed student with them.
-
"Whoaa..." breathed Andy, as he continued to drag an unresponsive Phineas around to get some food. Phineas merely got a glass of juice and a piece of toast. Andy, seeming to have a bigger appetite, grabbed just about everything that appealed to him. They both sat down, Andy, looking at eating at the same time, trying to get as much of the room as possible. Phineas, just glanced around once, and began eating.
-
Sakura had grabbed herself several peices of toast and a couple peices of fruit along with a glass of juice and milk. As she sat down at the table the doors on the far end of the room, opposite of where they had come in, disappeared and Rin and Anise walked in, accompanied by Ranmaru.
"Sakura!" Anise shouted when her eyes set upon the young girl. The twins ran up to the table and smiled at the group, "nice to see you again, been awhile," Anise said to Sakura. Sakura smiled, "it has, how are you?"
"I'm fine!" Anise chirped and looked at Rin. Rin smiled at her, "nice to see you again Andy, Phineas, Sakura," she said and looked at each of them. "Anise, Rin, you two go ahead and take a seat, is there anything you want?" Ranmaru asked. The twins looked toward the salad bar, which also had fruit on it. "A couple apples and oranges please and a glass of milk," the twins told her.
Ranmaru nodded and left to get their food and drink. As she walked away RIn looked over at Phineas, "what's wrong?" she asked, sensing an odd aura about the boy.
-
Andy beamed when he saw Anise and greeted her with a cheerful 'hello' he saw Rin go up to Phineas and thanked whatever up there- Rin would possibly be the only one to get through to Phineas.
Phineas's hand shook as he reached for another Vicodin. "Nothing's wrong. Everything's fine." He took the pill and downed it with his orange juice.
-
Rin's eye brow twitched at Phineas's tone. "Could've fooled me," she said and looked away from him. "What about you Andy? How are you doing?"
-
Andy grinned at Rin. "Great, actually. Excited. Can't wait till we get to learn howta use our powers and whatnot. I'm still rather curious about our...uniform fitting..."
Phineas slowly got up and grabbed his cane as he limped over to throw his stuff away.
Andy glanced over at Phineas, as a worried look came over his face. "Erm.." he said, losing his train of thought, "yeah...Can't wait."
-
Rin continued to watch Phineas. What is wrong with him.... she wondered as Ranmaru placed a plate of food down on the table, along with a glass of milk and juice for Anise and Rin. "Enjoy," she said to them and sat down and picked an apple and bit into it.
Anise took an orange and peeled it, then bit into it. Rin took an apple and also bit into it, turning her gaze slightly away and at a group of young females who where sitting at a table eating something she didn't recognize.
-
As Phineas threw his trash away, he lost his balance slightly and tripped. He managed to regain his balance, but a jolt of pain went through him. He closed his eyes and murmured, "Damn." He took another pill- this time just dry swallowing it, and almost immediately, that helped. He carefully went back to the table and sat back down.
Andy had seen all this, and his expression grew even the more worriedsome. But he dared not ask Finny...Andy knew if he asked, he'd get his head bitten off.
-
As Rin and Anise ate, Ranmaru had kept her eye on Phineas and had noticed what he had done. She made a mental note to mention it to the Elder when they got to the orientation class.
"Umm.. excuse me," a young girls voice said. Ranmaru blinked and looked over at a group of whtie robed students. "Yuri, how are you?" Ranmaru asked.
Yuri, the youngest of the group, smiled. "I'm doing fine Ranmaru-senpai, can I ask you something?"
"Sure," Ranmaru said and turned toward the four girls.
"Do you know what we are doing ok? We were told by our senseies that we had this morning off until the afternoon when we have our magi class," Yuri said.
Ranmaru nodded. "Today the Elder decided to give the first year's a break from morning class, but after lunch you'll have your magi class," she told them. Yuri nodded and thanked her before running off with her fellow white robed students.
-
Phineas leaned back in his chair, his thoughts far off. He was trying to focus on anything but his leg.
Andy coughed slightly. "Phineas..." There was no reply from him. Andy was not to be dettered. "Phineas."
Phineas slowly glanced at Andy.
"Are you...are you okay?"
"Fine."
"Okay..." Andy's usual cheerful demeanor had slightly dampened to Phineas's not exactly truthful answer.
-
As Rin and Anise finished off the plate of fruit a bell suddenly rang through the cafeteria and the grounds. "Morning roll-call," Ranmaru said, "you won't have to worry about that until tomorrow morning."
"I'll be just outside that door," Ranmaru said and pointed toward the western door. "When your done eating just meet me out there ok?" she asked and got a chorus of 'yes ma'am' from Rin, Anise and Sakura along with Yukita.
-
Phineas and Andy stood up first and walked a long until they reached the door. They stood quietly side by side, each in their own thoughts.
-
Anise and Rin followed the boys after putting their trash away, then Yukita and Sakura joined them a minute later. Outside the weather had grown some-what nasty as dark clouds covered the sky. "Seem's the Elders decided on rain," Ranmaru said as she snapped her fingers, a translucent barrier suddenly appeared above her. As Anise and Rin walked out of the building a barrier appeared above them as well.
When the boy's came out they to had barriers above them, blocking the light rain that was starting to fall. "So, you ready?" Ranmaru asked them as she crossed her arms over her chest.
-
Andy, his energy regained replied quickly, "Yup yup!" He said enthusiastically, as he got the hair away from his face again. All they got from Phineas was a quick nod.
-
Ranmaru nodded and lead the group down a similiar path as the one Yukita had brought them on from the building they had been staying in for the night. The building they were headed toward looked like any typical school building, each floor had about ten long windows, denoting at least ten classrooms per floor.
She brought the group into the main lobby; the lobby was decorated with various flower vase's and plants. The walls were painted bright white and pictures were hung from the walls, they looked to be cruddly made. "In here," Ranmaru said as she opened the door into a semi-large classroom. Inside there was eight tables, each had two chairs behind them. "Take a seat please whlie we wait on the Elder," she said.
Yukita just walked over to the far wall and leaned up against it, while Anise and Rin took a seat at the nearest the door. Sakura sat on a chair at another table to the right of the one Anise and Rin were sitting at.
-
Andy took a seat next to Sakura, while Phineas sat at a table by himself. He was perfectly alright with that. He shifted his 'bum' leg to the side, as if to be hidden from view. There was an electric tenseness in the room as they waited.
-
Yukita looked up and at Ranmaru. Ma'am, haven't you noticed something odd about that boy? Yukita said telepathically.
Yes... I plan on telling the Elder via telepathy when he comes in, Ranmaru glanced over at Phineas.
Good.. because I can already tell his current state will make some of our students feel uncomfortable, Yukita didn't look at Phineas and instead kept one eye on the clock that was over the door.
-
Phineas's head was throbbing. He wanted to take another of his pain-killers, but decided against it. He had already had at least three. He had forgotten how many by now he had taken. He just clenched his hands underneath the table and closed his eyes.
Andy kept glancing around the empty, yet magnificient room.
-
A couple minutes passed nine the doors to the classroom opened and a black robed man entered. "Elder Lucious," Ranmaru and Yukita said together and stood up straight. "Morning Miester Ranmaru, Yukita," the older man said as he placed his staff on a table that was up against the front wall. "So, these must be the kids you rescued," he said, looking over at Ranmaru. "Yes Sir," Ranmaru said.
Lucious nodded. "I see," he smiled at them, for a second his eyes twitched toward Ranmaru, almost like she had said something not in words. "Well, before we begin, do you have any questions?" he asked and stood there.
-
Andy watched in awe as an elder man walked into the room. Even though he was beginning to show signs of age, he still walked gracefully, and with an alert presence. For once in his life, Andy was speechless.
Phineas opened his eyes as he watched the Elder walk into the room. There was something to be respected about this man- Phineas was immediately drawn to him, even though he did not say anything.
-
The Elder waited two whole minutes before nodding his head. "In that case," he said and walked down the center asle between the two tables that were occupied and the one that Phineas was sitting at. "I want to welcome you to Surena, the magical world set apart from the human world," he said as a ball of energy suddenly appeared in his hands. The ball hovered several feet off the ground and then settled inbetween the three tables. It flattened out to show a vast landscape.
"You are located within the Magi Grounds, here you'll be able to live and attend school peacefully without worry of being harmed," the elder said, his voice sounding reassuring. "While you are here you have full freedom to move to anywhere 'but' marked locations. There are certain place's you can't go without an upper classmen like Ranmaru or Yukita," he said.
As if on cue the image suddenly shifted, a green border appeared along the landscape. "This show's the area that you are allowed to explore, even the forest is open for you. The wild animals there will not harm you, they are friendly to us and will even come to your aid should you get in trouble," he said.
Anise and Rin were mesmerized by the image, she had never seen something like this before, not even in school. "As of right now, you four are first year students. You have access to the dormitories, cafeteria and the academy. However, you can only go to the practice range if you have an upper classmen with you. And you are forbidden from entering the council chamebers untlil you reach your third year, or are summoned by either myself or another elder."
As he spoke the image shifted to show each of the buildings he spoke of, first the dorm, then the cafeteria, and then the academy building itself along with the practice field and hall.
"Before I continue, do any of you have any questions?" he asked and stood there before the image.
-
Andy shook his head. He really couldn't believe what he was seeing. It was simply all breath taking. He was amazed. This is cool...
Phineas shook his head as well. He figured he'd figure everything out in due time.
-
The Elder smiled before contiueing. "Because you are new here, your robes will be the same color as what Sakura is wearing," he said and gestured toward Sakura. She wore a darkened white rob with a hood, on the left sleeve was a patch of the Magi Academy, while on the right was her name.
"While in uniform please remember to listen to your senpai's and sensai's, they might say something that you really need to know," he said and looked over at Yukita.
Yukita shifted her weight to left leg and then looked over at the four of them. "Each of you possess a unique ability, wheather it be something as simple as heightened senses, or extravent as being able to teleport to anywhere on here or within the human realm," she said.
"Yukita speaks from experience, she possess a rare ability to shapeshift into animal, or insect, that she desires," Ranmary said. Yukita shook her head and looked over at her, "don't remind me.. shape shifted into a fly and nearly got swatted when my sensei thought I was an actual bug. Thank god I can talk while in these forms."
The elder smiled, amused by the conversation. "I can still remember when your sensei came into my office complaining of what you did," he said. Yukita just shook her head and turned her attention back to the four kids. "In either case, Sakura is the only one right now that we are aware of that has a unique ability, but that doesn't mean any of you don't,"
"Except, possibly, Anise," The elder interjected and walked past the tables and toward the board. "Anise hasn't displayed any magic that we are aware of, but like the abilities, that doesn't mean you can't use magic. However, despite that, we are allowing you to remain with your sister," he said.
Anise smiled but didn't say a word, her mind was still trying to process everything that had been said.
"By the way Anise, have you noticed that you don't seem to have your disorder here?" The Elder asked, folding his arms over his chest. Anise blinked before placing a finger up to her cheek. "I.... I thought something was odd...
"While you are here, any illnesses, medical conditions or disorders you might have had are gone.. however it's only temporary, once you go back to the human realm they'll be back," he said. Anise sighed while shaking her head, "and here I thought I was finally free of it..." she grumbled, folding her arms over her chest.
The Elder smiled once more before looking toward the door. "Before we get you three fitted with a uniform, I want you meet your senpai and the one who's actually in charge of Yukita and Ranmaru," he said. "Enter."
The doors parted and a young girl wearing a black robe stepped into the room; it took Anise and Rin only a second to realize that it was Yoko wearing the robe. "Y-Yoko?" Anise said in disbelief.
"Hi," Yoko smiled at her, then bowed to the group. "You already know me, but not enough to call me senpai, you know me as Yoko, but not how old, or what rank. My real name is Miester Yoko, and I'm...." she stopped suddenly and glanced at the Elder.
He shook his head. "Might as well tell them, they'll find out eventually," he said.
"But it's so embarassing..." Yoko said in an embarassed tone.
"They'll learn about you in class Yoko, and then they'll have more questions, might as will let the cat out of the bag," the Elder said.
Sighing, Yoko turned her gaze back to the group. "I'm..... well older than anyone here-"
"Yoko!" The Elder snapped at her, causing her to wince slightly. "Oh alright... I'm over nine hundred year's old," she said, giving the Elder a side ways glance.
-
Andy nearly fell off from his chair that he was balancing on when he heard the answer.
"O-oo..over 900 years old?!" Andy gasped.
Phineas however, did not concentrate on the answer. any illnesses, medical conditions or disorders you might have had are gone.. however it's only temporary, once you go back to the human realm they'll be back
Looking down at his right leg he softly went to the side of his leg where a part of the muscle had been removed. There were no indentions, scars, or misfigurements. or anything. Phineas looked back up, only to make eye contact with the Elder for a short while. The gaze made Phineas feel as if the man were staring into his soul. It was a very odd feeling; one Phineas did not enjoy at all.
-
Yoko smiled at Andy's reaction. "It's a long story, one you'll hear in class so I won't bore you with the details," she said and walked over to where Yukita is. "The Elder failed to mention one thing: an exception to the 'no illness, medical conditions or disorders' is that if you already have a broken bone that won't be healed, but we can do it naturally. There are other certain other disorders that our natural enviroment may block, but we can fully heal so that they aren't present when you leave," she said and looked over at Phineas. "Like your's, Phineas."
-
Phineas grimaced again. "I'd rather not. Everything happens for one reason or another."
Andy glanced over at Phineas, wondering what his real reason behind it was.
-
"That may be so," the Elder said, raising his hand so to tell Yoko and the other Miester not to get involved. "But Magic works by requiring the whole body to be in good form, if some part of your body is injured in some way then you'll have problems controlling your magic, but, I'll talk to you about that later," he said and turned back to the rest of the group.
"That's it for me," he said and clasped his hands together. "I'll leave you to the care of Ranmaru and Yoko, Yukita, I want you to come with me for a bit. And Phineas, I think it's best you see first hand what I mean by having an injury that makes it hard for you to control magic. Because trust me, that injury of your can have deadly consequences on those around you," he said and raised his hand. His staff levitated off the ground and into his hands, he then left the room.
Yukita bowed to the group before following the Elder out. When she was gone Yoko and Ranmaru looked at each other before turning their attention to Anise, Phineas, Andy and Rin. "Before I take you down to the student center to be fitted with our uniform, do you have any questions?" Ranmaru asked.
-
"Mm...Nope." Replied Andy. He stood up, as did Phineas, who seemed to look very tense. Andy eyed his friend carefully, aware of the changes of him. As Andy had stood up, his motions were very fluid and relaxed. Phineas on the other hand, was very mechanical and precisioned like.
-
As Anise rose from her seat she asked. "The Elder said there were dorms here, will we getting one or will we be staying in the rooms we had when we arrived?"
"After today's morning basics, we'll be taking you to your new rooms. All of you will be grouped into one room, along with Yukita who will be your senpai in charge of the room. Anything you need you ask her," she said.
Sakura smiled. The twins looked at each other and gave themselves a thumbs up. "Just for you to know, as I'm sure you'll find out anyway this afternoon. You are first year students, or first graders since you are new to magic. We have five different first year classes grouped by age, four to six, seven to ten, eleven to thirteen, fourteen to sixteen, and seventeen and above. This is true for all years, including second, third and fourth," she said. "Do any of you have any questions concerning the academy before we move on?" she asked.
-
Andy smiled brightly again. Looking over at Anise, although the question was for Ranmaru. "So all of us..." he gestured around, "Will be in the same class?"
-
"Yep, Sakura is nine year's old so she'll be in the same class as the rest of you," Ranmaru said.
Anise thought about it, then asked. "What about our education? Sakura would only be a typical third grader so... uhh..." she tried to find the words but couldn't.
"School is four days a week, with two days being magical training. The first day she'll teach stuff appropriate for seven year olds, the next day will be eight, then nine and finally ten," she said and crossed her arms over her chest. "While you four may find learning eight year old material, consider it a review," she smiled at them. "Anymore?"
-
Andy shook his head. "Nope! I'm good ta go. S'long as Anise-...and uh everyone else of course is with us, then I'm ready for anything."
Andy stretched his arms and just smiled brightly at the group.
-
Ranmaru nodded and then looked over at Phineas. "You've been rather quiet," she said, "something on your mind?"
-
Phineas arched his eyebrows. "No." He answered curtly. "Nothing's wrong."
-
"Riiight..." Ranmaru said, not satisfied with Phineas's answer. "In that case, let's go, the sooner you are fitted with your new uniforms the sooner I can get you started on the basics so this afternoon you can take part in the practice sessions... oh.. and one more thing," Ranmaru said and pointed at the clock.
Anise blinked and looked at it. "Tell me what you see that's different," she heard Ranmaru ask.
-
Andy gawked at the clock. HE didn't see anything bizzarely different...he looked over at Phineas. He saw that small smirk start to spread over his friend's mouth, his eyes, still cold, yet full of thought. Then he heard Phineas's answer.
"It has 36 hours. Quite odd."
Andy did a double take as he heard the answer. "By golly..."
-
"There are thirty six hours in a day here, roughly eighteen of those are day hours, the other eighteen are night hours. You'll spend between almost thirteen hours in school, but don't think it'll be slow or boring, our teachers here aim to make it a pleasant experience so," she said and smiled at them before placing her arms to her sides. "Now, let's get you four fitted with a uniform," she said, opening the door and walking out.
-
Andy breathed heavily, resigned to his 'fate' and trudgingly followed Phineas, who brusquely walked in.
-
Ranmaru lead them into another room just down the hallway, above the door were the words, which seemed to float in the air and were in different colors: Student Store.
"Hey there Yukimura," Ranmaru said as she walked through the door. A young man wearing a dark green robe was sitting cross legged. "Ahh.. Miester.. these must be the kids I heard about from the Elder," he said and stood up."My name's Yukimura, I'm in charge of the student store for first and second year students. If you need anything, uniforms, other clothing, or weapons for practice just talk to me," he said. "They are here for fitting right?"
"Yep," Ranmaru said.
"Then please follow me," Yukimura said and gestured to the group, minus Sakura who was already in uniform.
-
Andy groaned softly to himself. "Things always gotta be so complicated with uniforms..."
Phineas, acting as if he hadn't heard Andy, kept on walking, his pace quickening.
"Hey Finny, wait up for a minute bud!"
Phineas tensened up at the use of 'Finny' and if even possible, sped up even more so, because his leg didn't hinder him...at least for the time being.
-
A few minute's later Anise and Rin came walking out of the fitting room. They both wore warkened white robes over their clothing, as they walked back over to the lobby Anise happened to have noticed a collar sticking up out of Sakura's robe. "Sakura, isn't that collar from our old school uniform?" Anise asked.
Sakura blinked and looked down. "Ahh... yep. I like our old school uniform so I asked the Elder if I could turn it into every day clothing, he said it was ok so I wear it under this robe," she said.
Anise nodded.
"By the way, the Elder said you no longer have to worry about your disorder while here.. so why are you still wearing them?" Sakura asked, prompting Anise to blush slightly. "I think it's a 'just to be safe' type thing," Rin answered. "In case she her disorder occurs while she is here she won't be so embarrassed," Rin smiled at Sakura, whom in turn nodded.
-
Soon after, Phineas and Andy came out wearing the robes. Andy looking as if he had swallowed something bad, had a distateful look on his face. "Just a robe or not....."
Phineas looked even more serious, his eyes more enhanced.
-
Ranmaru mischivously grinned. "Well, if you want, I can have Yukimura order you a sailor dress from the local elementary school," she said.
-
Andy jumped, literallly quite high. "A...WHAT?!?! N-NOoooooooooo way! I'll stick with THIS, thank you very much."
Phineas just shook his head at the display of childness in Andy.
-
Ranmaru laughed. "Ok then,"
"I wouldn't mind that..." Sakura said, Anise nodded approval. Ranmaru laughed and looked at Yukimura, "I'll have them in the next few hours, will send them up to their rooms," he said.
Rin just shook her head. "I'll pass, I like what I'm wearing right now thank you," she said and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Ok kids," Ranmaru said. "Follow me out to the practice field, and do keep in mind that there will be others out there so don't be embarassed if you make a mistake," she said and gestured for them to follow her.
-
Phineas sighed. Mistakes...
Andy cautiously looked over at Phineas. He really wanted to know what was going on. He'd ask Ranmaru or somebody soon about Phineas. For the time being, he walked next to Anise, smiling down at her.
-
"Before we go, any questions about your robes?" she asked.
-
Phineas grimaced. Another headache was about to set in.
"Why..." He said, trying to sound calm, "Is there anything unusual about them?"
-
"You might say that," Ranmaru said. "Your robes act as a sort of personal barrier, in the event of an accidental. Physically you can still be injured, but the damage from a physical hit is cut in half," she said. "Certain magical spells are also cancelled out, like the training spells you'll be learning this morning and afternoon," she said.
She walked over to Sakura and looked at the girl. "You'll also notice that the robe is very light, you can move very easily in it," she said. Sakura nodded and spun on her heels, her robe was loose enough to where it fluttered in the air, revealing the uniform she wore beneath it. "It is, while the fabric is suppose to be heavy, it isn't." Sakura smiled.
-
"Riiiighht.." Andy drawled out. "Could we start learning....pleaseee??" He asked, his adreneline rush getting the best of him. As Andy kept walking forward, Phineas stopped for a split second- he hesitated. His headache seriously hurting his vision. The heck...I thought no injuries or what not were supposed to happen here...
-
Ranmaru had smiled and lead the group out of the first year's school building and over to the practice field. A large fence surrounded the field and divided it into several sections, each section was occupied with a couple students, some were throwing spells around while others seemed to be meditating. One group, who appeared to be roughly as young at Yoko appeared, seemed to be practicing stances.
"Here," Ranmaru said and raised her hand, which caused a weak portion of the fence to rise up. "We'll use this one, go ahead and warm up," she told them.
Anise could feel it even before she walked under the fence; they were being watched by several students, she knew some of the gaze's were out of curiousity, others seemed to be of suspiscion.
-
Phineas groaned softly as he walked slowly out to the bright light. He felt, more than saw the other students staring at him. He tried to not let his migrain make him look weak. He was the last one of the group to go inside the practice barrier that Ranmaru had set up for them.
Andy turned around to see Phineas stumbling along with that quiet reserve. Andy frowned. He tried hard not to look to hard at his friend and turned back to Ranmaru.
"I..uh...warm-up?"
-
"In other words we exercise," Anise said as she stretched her arms and legs. "Remember in PE?"
Rin shook her head and sat down and stretched her left leg out, then put her right over her leg. "Of course, I bet you Ranmaru will have us go through some exercise's even after we warm up," she said.
"Why not?" Sakura commented. "Exercising's good for you," she said, going down and doing some push ups.
-
Andy went through his usual routine of stretches and endurance, then slowly walked over to Phineas who had done everything a bit slowly.
Phineas saw Andy approach from the corner of his eye.
Andy touched Phineas lightly on the shoulder. What he was not expecting was Phineas to flinch.
"You...okay?"
Phineas sighed heavily. "We've been through this already. How many more times are you going to ask me that question? My answer isn't going to change based on how many times you ask."
"I...I was just. Fine. Forget it." Andy stalked off.
-
Mentally, Ranmaru shook her head. Physically she didn't show any expression of anger at Phineas, but instead, just continued to watch.
"Ranmaru-senpai?" Someone said behind her. Ranmaru glanced over her shoulder to find four darkened white robed students stading there. They looked to be around year older than Andy and his group. "Yes?" Ranmaru said, addressing the girl who had spoke.
The girl, who had a pony tail, rubbed her hands together nervously before saying. "Is it... ok if we join you?"
Ranmaru thought about it and looked at the others. "The only thing you'll be learning here is basically what you learned a few months ago, how to wield and use magic, and how to tell someone can use magic," she said.
"That's alright, it'll be sort of like a review," the girl said and looked at her three classmates, whom nodded in agreement. "Very well, it'll be a few more minutes before I start so go ahead and do some exercises," she said and allowed the four students in. "However we start, I would like you four to help me,"
The girl, along with two of her other classmates, beamed with excitement at the request. "Certainly! We'd be honored!" the three of them said together. The fourth one, a male student, didn't say a word but excitement was written all over his face. Ranmaru nodded and allowed the four onto the field.
Once again Ranmaru saw dark clouds approuching in the distance; she knew it wouldn't be long before rain would start to fall. However, she wasn't worried as the robes they wore also acted as a natural umbrella to rain, as it threw up a barrier roughly a foot or two from the head.
-
Andy, who was quite sulky, returned to his usual demeanor. "Can we start with all that magic stuff now?" he asked.
-
Yoko shook her head. "Patience Andy, we will start once Ranmaru is ready, though please remember, you need to train the body first before you can properly use magic. While Ranmaru will be teaching you the fundementals of magical usage, you still won't be allowed to fully utilize it for the next few months," Yoko said, her hands clasped behind her back.
-
Andy sighed softly. "Aw man..." He said as he kicked the ground gently. He glanced at Phineas who was just staring out in the distance lost in his own thoughts. Andy decided now would be a good time to ask.
"Yoko?" Andy ventured. "What's wrong with Finny?" He asked softly so Phineas wouldn't hear.
-
Yoko shrugged her shoulders. "I know something is wrong, but I can't figure out what. The Elder wants to perform the surgury on Phineas cause if he doesn't, then the magic that we are learning will do far more damage to Phineas's body," Yoko said softly. "The other thing is that if Phineas doesn't change his attitude soon, the other students will take notice and I fear that some of them may decide to fix the problem themselves, that's why the Elder plans on talking to him after this morning's session, perhaps try and figure out 'what' is wrong," she said.
Ranmaru, even though she wasn't close, nodded as if she had heard the whole thing - and in fact, she had, via telepathy. Yoko, let's wait a few more minutes then we'll begin, Ranmaru said telepathically.
Fine by me, Yoko responded. "If you want to try and help Andy, thats fine, he is your friend after all," Yoko said softly and pushed off the fence. "Ok everyone, we'll be statring in just a few minutes," Yoko shouted. She then looked over at Phineas, a smile creased her face as she watched him, then she turned her attention toward the sky.
-
Andy nodded, now lost in his own piece of thought. He had to help Phineas. He just had too. Phineas had always been there for Andy, even if it didn't feel like it sometimes. Now, Andy decided, it was HE who was going to help Phineas. He'd support his friend. He'd make him change his mind too.
-
As the clouds covered the sky a distant rumble could be heard; it quickly got the attention of some of the students who began to leave the field, others just stayed and continued to practice.
"Ok," Ranmaru said. "Let's begin," she walked over to the center. "We'll start off with a lecture, so go ahead and take a seat in front of me," she told them. Anise and Rin did as they were told and got down in what was known as a seiza, or they sat on their legs, with the top of their feet on the ground while the bottoms were facing upward.
-
Andy quickly followed suit, sitting next to the twins. Phineas sat slightly farther behind the group and cautiously sat down.
-
"As you four already know, each of you has a special ability that only you possess. While you don't know yet what it is, you'll figure it out as you train," Ranmaru said as she paced back and forth. "This ability can allow you to do things that others can't. Like calm a histrical person, or move from one point to another in the blink of an eye. As example is Yoko's teleportation ability, she can move a person from one point to another. However, the more powerful the ability, the more taxing it is on your body. As I'm sure you noticed, when Yoko teleported us out of the hospital she became very tired."
Yoko nodded. "The more people I teleport, the more power I need. While the less I teleport, the less I need," she said.
Ranmaru nodded. "Another thing about your abilities. Some are good in certain situations, like what Yoko has. However, others like what I possess are not always useful. My own ability turns me into wind, as you probably felt when I attacked Black Rose back there. It's useful when there isn't much weather, but during heavy weather that ability is useless," she said to them and clasped her hands.
Behind her Yoko walked around her and toward the group. "Our abilities aren't our only means of helping others; we also each have our own personel armor and weapons. Right now none of you can summon either of them, because you need a cresilise," she said and stretched her hand out, palm facing upward. A dark orange sapphire suddenly appeared in her hand, "this is called a Cresilise. It control's our powers and allow's us to use more advanced spells,"
"Also," another student said, interupting Yoko. Yoko glanced at the student but didn't say a word. "You only have a certain amount of time when using your armor and weapons. For us first year's its a five minute limit, because we don't possess much of a power pool. A power pool is where our magic come's from, be warned that if you use up all your power than you'll be dipping into your reserves," the student said and placed her hand on her arm. "As you do that you'll become more and more tired, that's why the instructors here will insist that as you get low on power you should abandon the match," she said and then bowed and took a step back.
"Thank you Sasha," Yoko said.
Ranmaru smiled. "Your armor is called a 'battle dress uniform' or 'BDU' and it protects you from both physical and magical attacks. At this current time your BDU is your current mage uniform, you won't be able to access your personel BDU until after you pass your basic test. Now, your weapons are different, those are based on what type of magic you use," she said and then shook her head. "You are only allowed to use training weapons right now, once you pass the advanced test you will be allowed to summon your personel weapon," she said and then collasped her hands in front of her chest. "Any questions?"
-
"Erm..." Andy ventured. "You said that we don't exactly know what our powers are but what if..." He hesitated.
Phineas finished the question for him. "What if we already somewhat know what it is?"
-
"That's possible," Yoko said. "Sakura herself told the Elder that she possibly knows, because of the incident that happened during her school assembly,"
Sakura smiled weakly; it was a painful memory, something she would've rather not recalled.
"If you already know then practice it from to time, but don't use it on other people. Some abilities are not affective against mages, like those that deal with the mind," Ranmaru said.
-
"Well I..." Andy started, but then hesitated once again.
Phineas sighed, glancing at Andy he finished the sentence once more. "We did it once. But how would we do it again? He-" Phineas nodded towards Andy, "Can change the mood of the people around him. I...I can make myself look older and such."
-
"Hmm... interesting. The ability to change one's age was something that only Lurea was able to do, it's a rare ability. Same with your's, Andy. However, you must be the one to figure that part out. We can't tell you how to use your ability, we can only help you train it. Abilities can occur either by hearing certain words, spelling a some aroma, or doing something that just coincides with the ability," she said and then shrugged her shoulders. "It's something you'll have to figure out, I'm afraid."
-
Phineas just sighed softly and ran a hand through his hair. Andy groaned. "As if this wasn't hard enough already..."
-
"It get's easier as you learn," one of the other students said. "Trust me, when I can here nine months ago I thought I'd have it hard, but the teachers here, along with your fellow classmates, will help you so don't hesitate to ask," she smiled at them.
-
Andy seemed content with the answer, but Phineas did not.
"9 months, did you say? How long....how long will we be here?"
-
The student shrugged. "That's up to you, as long as you show faith and willingness to learn the academy will let you stay."
-
"Faith and willingness..." Phineas mumbled. " I see." He looked away from the group and stared up at the sky, sighing and thinking to himself.
Andy cautiously looked at Phineas, wondering at what he was planning. Distracted, at the moment, by the odd look in Phineas's eyes.
-
"Well, enough of the lectures. You'll get an ear full from your teacher anyway, let's get on with the basics, you'll only be observing though but this afternoon you'll be doing the same thing everyone else is, ok?" Ranmaru said. Anise and Rin nodded along with Sakura.
The students who Ranmaru had allowed to in stood up straighter before bowing to Ranmaru. Each were given a training weapon and begun to swing the weapon, each of them were in perfect unison, swinging at the same time as the others, perrying at the same time as the others.
-
Andy, his attention back once they started clashing weapons, watched; entranced and eager.
Phineas watched them, but clearely, his mind was on other matters.
-
The demonstration went on for several hours; the twins were entranced and couldn't keep their eyes off the group. Above them the storm clouds had broken open, rain was falling but strangely enough it wasn't hitting anywhere near them, but instead, around them.
-
Phineas , slightly bemused, looked up at the rain drops that were falling around them. Taking his eyes off the two practicing, he looked around. Close by, he could see other kids practicing, meditating, or just laughing while they practiced spells on each other. Farther off, he could see the Elder walking the grounds, stopping every once in a while to stop and talk.
-
Ranmaru clapped her hands which told the demonstrating students to stop. "I hope just this breath demonstration will show you what you will be leaning here, this isn't all though," she said to Andy and the others. She was about to say something when she looked to the right briefly.
"Sasha, even though these five won't be in your first year class. Can you please give them a tour of the academy until lunch?"
Sasha smiled. "Sure!" she said and turned to face them. "Please, follow me, we'll go to the student gardens first," she said, her smile beaming with excitement.
-
Phineas sighed to himself. He always hated the whole touring, getting-to-know, process. He lagged behind on the others, and followed the girl named Sasha
-
Sasha lead the group past a large set of statues, each one depicted an indivisual. On the bottom of the statue was a plaque that showed when the person was borned and when they passed away. Anise, intrigued, stopped and read one of the plaques. "In honor of Miester Viola, who passed away protecting the academy," she said and clasped her hands together in prayer.
"Miester Viola died two year's ago along with her six year old little sister, her sister took the shot that was meant for her. However, during the battle Viola was killed shortly after her little sister was," Sasha said and looked at the other statues. "Feel free to read the other plaques,"
-
Phineas, after truding a long, stopped at a plaque farther off, this one not as glamorous as the rest. It was eroded from years without proper care. The statue's plaque read:
"Phineas Valkyrie"
and underneath:
One of the Academy's brightest students, however, Valkyrie-
The rest was cut off. Phineas traced a hand over the words.
-
Sasha watched Phineas as she walked away; stopping at a plaque in the distance. She looked away from it and back at the other plaques, those that had been better taken care of.
"Hey Sasha, how many plaques are here?" Anise asked, breaking Sasha's train of thought. "This is one of two fields, you'll find the other behind the dormitory," she said.
-
Phineas, feeling someone watching him asked aloud. "What happened to this man?"
-
Sasha, hearing Phineas, didn't say a word as she walked over to the plaque and ran her hand along the dirt covered words. Behind her Sakura was curious as she read the words to herself.
-
Phineas turned around, his eyes strikingly alarming as he watched Sasha's expression.
"Obviously, the guy either did some terror on the world or what not. Otherwise, he wouldn't be in this condition." He stated matter of factly.
-
Sasha still didn't answer him as she read the word 'Valkrie' to herself. Sakura noticed that Sasha was apperently ignoring what Phineas was asking, and it made her curious as to why.
-
Phineas was getting agitated. He wanted to know what this man, Phineas Valkyrie, with the same namesake as himself, had done.
"What happened to him?" He repeated once more. "If you don't tell me, I'll find a way to get the answer myself."
Andy had walked over and had quickly analyzed the situation.
-
"He lead twenty five students to their deaths and killed an entire village, that is what happened," an Elder wearing a dark blue robe said. Sasha turned to find the elder walking down one of the many stone path's that lead up to another set of plaques. "Forty year's ago, Phineas Valkrie joined our academy, he had a lot of potential and quickly rose in the ranks. He was our brightest student, very adept at using magic. However, he was arrogent and rude, often thinking that he didn't need friends,"
The elder walked over to Phineas Valkrie's plaque. "One day our Academy was attacked; arrogantly he felt he could take on the person who was attacking. He lead twenty student to their deaths by saying they were more than capable of taking him out, all those students, including himself, were first years. The attack lasted only seconds." The Elder shook his head and looked down at Phineas. "After the battle was over, twenty students lay dead, clutching only training weapons, but he didn't stop there,"
"After the attack Valkrie locked himself up in one of the science labs and attempted to create a spell that would help him gain more power.... however... as he was making the spell he ignored all the warnings from his instructors that what he was creating was very dangerous. He kept saying that it was dangerous for them and that he was different," he shook his head. "While creating the spell he used teh wrong chemicals, the same chemicals he was warned 'not' to use, the resulting explosion killed nine hundred villagers, along with several more students," the elder said and pointed to the north. On a hill was a destroyed village, it's building turned to ash, the mountain side was blackened as if hit by fire.
"He managed to survive the explosion, only long enough to be exiled.. he died shortly after words. The only reason he is given a plaque to remind students what arrogance and short sightedness can do to people," the elder scowled, recalling the events as if they had happened just yesterday.
-
Phineas mused on this piece of information for a while. "That fits, I suppose. The name Valkyrie does mean one of the maidens of Odin who chose heroes to be slain in battle and conducted them to Valhalla in myth... Although in this case..." Muttering to himself, he stared at the plaque. He smirked without humor. "It always has to be me, doesn't it. The unlucky one. Trust it that I'm the one who's name is similar to one who killed thousands. How typical for me to have that fate." He faced away from the plaque and started walking away.
Andy was shocked beyond words at the story the Elder had just told. His mouth was open and his eyes were wide.
-
The Elder turned and watched as Phineas walked away. "You decide your fate, not some plaque or words," the elder said.
-
Without stopping, Phineas replied, "Well, look what's happened."
Andy raced over to Phineas and put a hand on his shoulder. "Wait a minute."
"For what?" Was Phineas's sharp reply.
Andy, having just wanted to distract Phineas, didn't know what to say. "I...uh..."
"Really, Andy. Don't waste my time." Phineas said softly.
Andy retaliated. "The Elder wanted to talk to you!" Andy turned to the Elder, his eyes, pleading.
-
"It's exactly that kind of attitude that got hunderds killed," The elder scowled. "Including my own son..." he said, his voice full of venom. Sasha, fearful, took a few steps back as she had never seen the elder angered so much. His anger also made Anise and Rin nervous.
-
Phineas turned, his temper out of control. "Right. So why bring me here? I'm just a screwed up kid with issues!"
-
The elder shook his head. "We all have a chance for change, Phineas, that kid while he has the same first name is not you." He said and walked toward Phineas.
He placed his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Only you can change that, but we can help," he said to him. His voice was calm and collected, but hidden under it was the Elders own anger at the arrogance Phineas had displayed.
-
Phineas flinched at the touch, as if he were afraid of being hit. Andy saw this, and remembered immediately of Phineas's father.
Andy cleared his throat. "Sir. He wasn't...Finny...Phineas never used to be like this. He...."
Phineas kept his voice firm. "I don't need you to tell him my life story."
Andy was taken aback. "I was just...trying to help!"
-
The Elder shook his head and took a step back. "If you won't let your friends help, then maybe you should see for your own eyes the Valkrie Incident," he said and raised his hand. Eight piller of blue light suddenly appeared around Phineas, encasing him in a circle.
He chanted several words as the light's suddenly shifted to red, then orange and then settled on white. Finally the beams light up and Phineas's body was encased in a white sphere, floating as it was in water.
Sasha, Rin, Anise and Sakura could only watch.
-
Phineas blinked. In front of him stood, what he could only guess, was Phineas Valkyrie. He was a tall, handome looking boy;slightly older than Phineas himself. His eyes were piercing and he looked very bright. Valkyrie had a concentrated look on his face as he ran up the stairs of the Academy. Phineas followed him, interested. Valkyrie knocked on the door, it opened and the Elder stood there, looking calmly down at Valkyrie, although he seemed very frazzled.
"Ah, yes Mr. Valkyrie. What can I do for you? I'm a bit-"
"Sir. I can take them on. I've heard of the intruders."
The Elder's eyes pierced Phineas's. "No. Absolutely not. You're a first year! That is OUT of the question."
Valkyrie's eyes flashed. "Sorry, sir." He quickly turned and ran back down the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs were a group of students. Phineas's age and older, all looking attentively at Valkyrie.
-
"The intruder is somewhere on campus, we can him on," Valkrie said.
"But the instructors-" A concerned student tried to say before stopped when Valkrie spoke up.
"The instructors are to busy dealing with another threat, however, this one is sure to be weak and not strong. I assure you we can take him off and win," Valkrie said reassuring. The student noded, believing Valkrie."Our training weapon's should be more than enough,"
The other students nodded and lifted their training staffs and followed Valkrie out of the building and into the stormy weather. Lightning criss-crossed the sky and struck the ground just feet from the group of students and Valkrie. In the distance they could barely make out the silloette of a man wearing a dark cloak and carrying a large bladed weapon.
"Attack!" Valkrie shouted as he raised his weapon. The man turned toward him and his group of students, and grinned.
-
The hooded man whispered, but his voice carried quite well.
"You poor pathetic children. Your teachers have taught you poorly. Heroric people? HA. Those don't ever exist."
The man raised a palm. It seemed he was pulling the lightning from the sky, and then aiming it at the group of mere children.
"Goodbye."
The shock was tremndous. It knocked every single one of them out. The kill however, was clean. No disembered body parts. However, the 20 or so children were fried. All except...Phineas Valkyrie. Valkyrie layed there, wondering if this was the end of him. He was barely breathing, but alive. He knew he had to stay down on the ground and wait for the intruder to leave.
-
He looked around to see if any of the children would get up; but none rose. He turned around and headed into a void before disappearing from the campus grounds.
Valkrie slowly rose to his feet; he looked at the dead students, but showed no emotion at their deaths and instead walked away.
One day later
The Elder was furious. "I TOLD YOU NOT TO ATTACK THE INTRUDER!" he shouted at the top of his lungs at Valkrie, who stood a few feet from his desk. "Because of your arrogent actions you let twenty of your fellow students DIE! And yet you didn't bother to check if any of them were possibly alive!"
Valkrie just stood there; staring at the Elder. His had a look of 'whatever' on his face, he didn't feel like listening any further to the elder and instead turned around. "Stop right there boy..." The elder scowled, but Valkrie left his office, leaving the elder speechless.
-
Valkyrie walked out of the office, and turning many corriders until finding an empty lab room. Entering the room and locking the door with enchantments, Valkyrie barred himself from the outside world.
"They were pitiful. Each and everyone of them."
-
As Valkrie worked he quickly realized that much of the labs materials and spells were restricted to him; but he knew from experience that the lab on the village that over looked the academy was freely open to the students. He removed the enchantments and walked out, several teachers confronted him and, seemingly knowing what he was doing, advised him against making a spell. "You are not knowledable enough to create a spellf of power," one student said.
"And how would you know what I'm making?" Valkrie said, aggitated by the interruption.
"We know you Valkrie, and we know you are trying to create a spell of power. It can't be done, if you try and create asuch a spell you'll only cause untold amounts of destruction," the same teacher warned.
Valkrie rolled his eyes. "Only if you or any of the others were to attempt to create it. Me? No.. I can create it without any trouble, now, if you'll excuse me," he said and pushed them aside and left the room. One of the teachers was tempted to go after him but was held back by the rest.
He made his way up the path and into the village; it was silent, the previous nights attack had instilled fear into the villagers. For Phineas it was perfect, "good.. no idiots to disturb me," he said and made his way to a research building and into another lab.
-
In the silence of the laboratory, he concocted a very lethal enchantment. He grinned to himself. "Perfect...now, just one more ingredient..." He took out a knife and slit his finger, allowing a drop of blood into the vial. The enchantment started swirling like an agitator. Valkyrie's usual sharp eyes were lost in the sea of horror.
-
The room was bathed in a horror of varied color just seconds before the building exploded, sending shards of glass outward and into near by buildings, the resulting explosion enveloped the surrounding structures and also destroyed them: killing all the inhabitents.
As the mountainside turned to fire; Academy students and instructors and staff came rushing to the aid of the village. As the mage's landed near by several of them started casting water spells onto the fire, but due to the fire being fueled by chemicals that were normally stored in shielded containers, the water did little to effect it.
Valkrie was burned all over; pain coursing through his body. He crawled out from under some ceiling tiles that had fallen on him when the explosion occuried.
***
The Elder watched; he had noticed from time to time that Phineas's body was flintching.
-
Valkyrie screamed. His scream was an agonizing one. He thought his life was over by now. As another shelf hit him on top of the head, he got knocked unconscious. One of the older mages had managed to get inside and drag Valkyrie out. The memory then gets blurred as it is fowarded to a day later. The older mage is looking harshly down at Valkyrie who looked dejected, but not defeated. Valkyrie was not answering the questions properly, and the mage was harming him.
***
Phineas flinched each time Valkyrie got hit with the spell from the mage. His own body trembled as his body went into auto pilot as it did when his own father had beat him. He put a hand up as if to shield the invisible attacker.
-
The elder, who had folded his arms over his chest had now placed them to his side, he had also been observing the events unfolding and was realizing why Phineas was trying to shield himself.
***
Valkrie kept on being hit with spell after spell; the Elder kept on watching until he raised his hands. The older mage stopped and looked at the Elder as if asking 'why are you asking me to stop?'
"Nine.. hundred... villagers dead... all because you didn't listen to a single damn word I said," the elder said and took a step toward Valkrie. "They're blood, along with the blood of your fellow classmates are on your hands... because you continue to fail to understand our rules and why we follow them, I hear by exile you from the academy," he said and turned around. "Your own parents informed me that they have disowned you based on your actions, so you have no where to go," he said, not turning to face Valkrie.
Tear's began to appear along Valkrie's cheeks, the older mage scowled. "Now you cry.. after those you killed..." he said and brought his hand up and slapped Valkrie across the face. The Elder shook his head, "it pains me to do this.. you were a very bright student and someone I had planned on passing the academy onto in my death, but you've failed me... so I'll pass the academy along to another," he said and started his way out of the room.
-
Valkyrie shuddered as he stood up and shakily left the building. The memory then showed Valkyrie walking by foot to the outskirts of the city. It showed him live a desolate, and isolated life from the rest of the world until his death, a couple of years later from the group of mercenaries who came in and murdured him.
***
Phineas took a step back and seemed to tumble out backward from the white envelope that had enclosed them. He came out with a ragged breathing, sweating, and trembling.
-
The Elder closed his hand and the sphere slowly faded away. He walked over to Phineas and took the boy in his arms, he didn't say anything, for the Elder knew that the experience had already taught Phineas something important.
-
Phineas couldn't feel the Elder's arms close around him. His breathing shallow, his brain could still see the images flashing by in his head. Somehow, those images managed to connect to his father-the one person whom he hated. The abuse, the days he had spent stuck in his room, the struggle...
"No...No...." He whispered.
-
The Elder swept Phineas off his feet and carried him away. "Sasha, continue with the tour.. I'm going to take Phineas to his dorm room so he can rest," the Elder said.
Sasha just watched, she had never seen the Elder utilize his ability before, but she did know what it was called. "Memory Recap," she said, prompting Anise and Rin to look her way. "He has the ability to show people another persons past, but last I heard he can only show it to them if they have the memory, or if he has the memory," she said, folding her arms across her chest and looking at the ground.
"That would mean the Elder would've had to have been there, hmm.. how long has he been an elder?" Rin asked.
Sasha thought about Rin's question for a few seconds. "I think he became an Elder well over thirty one year's ago," Sasha said and then shrugged her shoulders. "However, I might be wrong.. it's not exactly widely known," she said and glanced over at the Valkrie plaque.
-
Yet still, Phineas could not feel that he was being moved. As the Elder placed the boy on the bed, he sat down on a chair next to him. He understood quite well why Phineas was having a seizure more or less. However, he could only guess as to why he had been subjected through unknown terrors. He stared down at the boy who was still shuddering, a blank look upon him.
-
Sasha wasn't sure what to do right now, sure she wanted to show the rest of the campus to Andy and the others, but at the same time she was concerned about something else. "L-let's continue to the garden," she finally said, breaking the ackward silence that had fallen over the group since the Elder had showed Phineas, Valkries past.
-
Phineas, after seizing for an estimated time of about 5 minutes stopped completely. An odd silence filled the room as his eyes cleared. He looked over to his left to see the Elder perched there, looking at him.
The Elder, to his credit, was not going to leave until he got the full story from Phineas.
-
Sasha silently lead the group through the remainder of the plaques and into the garden. Rows and rows of flower beds lined either side of the walkway, tended to by students and staff alike. Some beds even had Sakura trees in them which were several feet high. "This is the student garden, we students tend to our own indivisual garden. You'll be allowed to have your own as well," she said.
"I thought this was a magic school though?" Anise asked, kneeling down and taking in the pleasant aroma from a red rose.
"It is, but the head Elder feels that we can't always be learning magic, that we need to learn responsibility as well," Sasha said and looked over at Andy.
-
Andy had remained silent for a long time, ever since his friend had been taken away. He looked moodily down at the flowers, wondering what was happening to Phineas.
**
The Elder gazed down at Phineas. "Are you feeling alright?" He asked, the slightest hint of concern in his voice.
Phineas merely nodded his head and made move to get up. However, the Elder pushed him back down. Phineas looked at him quizzically. The Elder replied, "Rest. However, while you're resting, tell me your story."
"My story?" Phineas choked out.
The Elder nodded. "Yes. That flinching...when I showed you that memory. That is not usual. Of course, shock, horror, and some pain shown is guarenteed, but not as heart wrenching as yours. You must have something connected to that. Am I correct, Phineas?"
"It-...It's nothing."
The Elder sighed calmly. "On the other hand, it is everything."
-
"Andy," Anise said, walking up to Andy and placing her hand on his shoulder and a rose in his face. "What's wrong?" she asked calmly.
Rin did a double take when she noticed the rose in Anise's hand. Where... did she get that? Rin wondered when she examined the rose beds but found that none of them at been picked.
-
Andy looked up. "Oh..I..I'm just worried about Finn-...Phineas is all."
***
"What do you mean, it's everything?" Phineas inquired.
The Elder gazed at Phineas. "Those horrible memories might be what's suppressing the full extent of your powers."
Phineas seemed to glower at the thought. "Power isn't everything."
The Elder slowed down slightly, knowing he had insulted the boy. "I'm sorry. Let me word that differently."
"It's fine. You don't have to."
There was silence, and then the Elder spoke again.
"Phineas. You have to tell me what happened.
Phineas looked away.
-
"If you don't, it'll make using your powers difficult. When we have magic, we have to have a clear mind, or else we'll be unable to concentrate on what goes on around us." The Elder said.
***
Sasha smiled. "He's in good hands," she said and placed her hand on Andy's shoulder and smiled at him. "The Elder has been around for about as long as Yoko has, he's seen a lot of students come here whom were in a lot worse shake than your friend is," she said and looked toward the dorm building.
"Uhh. Sasha-sama?" Anise said, nervously and unsure what honoric she could've used.
The girl smiled and shook her head. "Just Sasha, I'm a first year just like you," she said and turned toward Anise. "What's wrong?"
"Uhh.. I'm just wondering but... umm.. do you know what class we'll be in?" she asked.
"Well, I'm in class one for the first years. So it's possible you'll also be in the same class as me, our class is rather small with only seven people right now," Sasha said. "Anyway, is there any place you wanted me to take you? Pool, Gym? Just name it and I'll tell you if we have it," she asked, mostly to Andy though as she knew the boy was worried.
Sasha hadn't noticed it, but in the distance two boys were watching her and her new friends. "Hmmm... new kids?" one of the boys said. "They came with Ranmaru, so I'm guessing they are new.. good.. fresh meat for us to pick apart," the other grinned before the two walked away.
-
Something in Phineas clearly snapped apart.
"He hit me! Okay? My dad hit me! He was drunk, he didn't know what he was-"
"Phineas...you don't have to justify your father's actions. You don't have to protect him."
"I'm not...I'm not..." Phineas kept silent for a moment. "The last I saw of him, was at the park..."
**
Andy shrugged. "Any place where I can kick a ball around sounds good."
-
Sasha smiled. "Follow me," she said to Andy and the others. She brought them through another garden and across what appeared to be a park then past another building before arriving at a large field. "This is our exercise field, but we also use it to play sports, well, sports that the Elders allow that is. Soccer, volley-ball, dodge ball, those types of sports is what we have here amongst others," she told Andy.
The field was laid out before the group and cut into several squares much like how the practice field was. However, each field was roughly the size of a football field, and had goal posts on either end. Some had volley ball nets in the center's while others had walls to b used for dodgeball.
"Take your pick," she told him.
-
"Soccer's my sport." Andy slowly walked over to the green. He inhaled deeply. He had missed this, he just hadn't realized this until now. He grabbed a soccer ball that was nearby and started kicking the ball around, his skill, amazingly good for a 10 year old. Andy's face was furrowed in concentration as he became lost in his own little world.
**
The Elder looked at Phineas. The boy was clearly distraught. The Elder was about to put a hand on Phineas, but realized, that human contact, would rather scare the boy. "Do you...miss the man?"
Phineas looked appalled. "NO. Of course I don't!"
-
"Then why fret over him? He isn't here in this place,. he isn't around you or your friends," The elder said. "However, I feel something 'else' happened.. perhaps at the park?"
***
"Not bad," Sasha said, clapping her hands. "He's pretty good."
Rin smiled. "Andy is the soccer captain at our---- err.... was a soccer captain of our old school," she said and looked partially at the ground before shaking her head. "Do you know when we'll be allowed to do these things?"
"You make it sound like all we learn is magic, on school days before lunch we usually have several recess hours. The teacher will tell you, but... class starts at nine like normal. Then we have our first break at ten, then we have class until twelve and have another break. Basically each 'period' is two hours. We have six periods a day, two hours each period, but we have recess every now and then depending on who is teaching. Sometimes, like during math or language class, the teacher might have us only do work for an hour then take us out for recess," she smiled at Rin.
Rin nodded. "Recess.... is it the same for everyone?"
"First, second, third and fourth years. The Elders do treat us like kids, but then again, we 'are' kids so...." Sasha shrugged her shoulders, hands up to show her discomfort. "It does seem like no one minds how we are treated; it just makes life easier on us since we don't have to worry about to much responsibility, other than controlling our magic and the occasional academy chore's," Sasha said.
-
"I..he just...I...he got arrested." Phineas looked away, concentrating more on a spot on the ceiling.
***
Andy stopped kicking the ball around. His face, flushed. "Awww...y'mean we still have math and science and all that boring stuff?"
-
Sasha nodded. "Science and Math do play a part in our magic believe it or not. It's not like a video game where you can point a mouse at a location and hit enter," she said.
"Not to mention that we need science since it's needed for us to create our own spells. Once you start your third year here you'll be allowed to create your own spells, and for that you need to know science. You need mathematic's in order to know how much of a certain material to use, but we don't use any of the complex math here, mostly just the simple stuff. Plus, Minus, Times, Fractions, Geometry, Algebra, that kind of math," she smiled at Andy. "You'll find it won't be so boring since our teachers make the classes rather fun," she winked at him.
***
"How long ago was he arrested?" The Elder curiously asked.
-
Andy grinned back. "S'long as it's fun, i'm all in for it." He said, returning to the soccer ball, kneeing it up in the air and bouncing it off his head.
**
"I..I don't..don't remember."
-
He nodded. "It's ok if you don't remember right now, don't force yourself. Youv'e had a rough day already, want me to leave you alone so you can get some rest?" the elder asked.
***
Sasha sat down on a bench and watched Andy while Rin and Anise walked over to another field and watched as a group of twenty students, whom they assumed were first years due to their uniform, while they played dodge ball.
-
Phineas turned to stare at the Elder. "Why does it matter that I remember? And why do you care?" The Elders seemed as if he was going to speak. Phineas cut in. "Don't tell me that it's because of my 'powers' not working properly. Something happened to you too, didn't it?"
-
The elder sighed, then folded his arms over his chest. "Forty year's ago, Phineas Valkrie had family also atttending this academy, guess who his younger brother was?" he said.
-
"I have no idea" replied Phineas blandly.
-
The elder sighed. "Someone you'll meet very soon," he said and got up. "Get some rest, let sleep calm your mind. You have quiet a few hour's before your first practice session will begin," he said and then left the dorm room.
-
After the Elder left, Phineas slowly got up from his bed. Why sleep? There was no use, he knew that for sure. He walked over to the window sill and sat there, staring out of the window. Someone you'll meet very soon.... Phineas Valkyrie had a brother? Phineas leaned his head against the cool glass, contemplating this thought.
-
Back on the field; Sasha watched Andy as he had his fun. As she watched him though her eyes occasionally glanced to the north where a storm was coming. "Andy!" she called out his name. "I want to continue to give you a tour, and I think it's best we start now before that storm arrives," she said, thumping toward the storm.
Anise and Rin looked over their shoulders and as the approuching storm; spouts of lightning appeared here and there.
-
Andy looked up as he could see the storm move alarmingly quicker than it had before. He kicked the soccer ball over to the side before running towards Sasha.
----
Phineas looked out of his window, the sky had begun to darken rapidly and rain drops began falling.
-
Sasha brought Andy and the others to a large enclosed ampatheater. Students from the varying years talked amongst each other, a couple were practicing their singing voices while others were giving opinions on how to improve said voices.
Sakura listened to some of the student; but their voices grinded at her ears and made her want them to stop. "Sasha, may I?" Sakura asked. Sasha just watched as Sakura walked up onto the stage and began to sing, instantly mesmorizing the students, even though the theater was enclosed, her voice carried through the walls and began to envelop the Academy grounds.
-
Andy stopped moving around as soon as he heard the lone voice pierce the air. All around them was silence as everyone looked on first, to locate the singer, then to just pause and listen to the beauty of it.
-
Sakura continued to sing; her voice was quick to flood the surrounding region. Workers in their blacksmith shops stopped and looked out their windows, people in windmills likewise turned toward the location of the singing.
"Beautiful voice..."
"Must be a student at the academy...."
Some people said as they listened.
At the amphitheater, Sakura hadn't realize that while singing the above ceiling rafts and guide beams began to show signs of spliting, cracks ran across the . Sasha continued to listen, her eyes closed and her head bobbing back and forth.
The twins looked at each other, smiled, then looked back at Sakura and continued to listen. Sakura's uniform fluttered in a nonexistant breeze, whipping up into the air.
-
All was very peaceful. That is, until the first person heard a sound of wood cracking. At first, they dismissed it, but then the sound grew louder. The mass of people looked up just in time to see a pillar come crashing down.
-
Sakura had continued to sing until she noticed the glances up at the ceiling; she looked up just as the ceiling crumbled apart and began to fall. Sakura instinctly ducked, covering her head, as debris fell around her. Not again.. not again.. not again! Sakura thought as she covered her head.
"Sakura!" Rin and Anise shouted and ran toward her; she made it to the girl before they all heard a large 'crack' above them, a large portion of the ceiling suddenly seperated from the beams that had initially held it up. The two looked up, petrified with fear.
-
Andy heard the cracking and immediately sensed trouble. He knew he wasn't that fast, but he just had to try. Mustering all the strength he had he raced over to Sakura, grabbing her, just seconds before the pillar fell, right where Sakura would have been.
At the other side of the room, Andy set Sakura down, panting heavily.
-
Sakura had her eyes closed and hadn't felt anyone grab her; but when she heard the crashing and subsiquent silence fall over the amphitheater, she thought for a second that she was dead. Then she opened her eyes and saw Andy holding her, then setting her down. "Umm.. t-thank you..." she said nervously and glanced back at the destroyed stage. "I did it again," she said sorrowfully.
-
"It's not your fault." Andy mumured quietly. "You can't help it." Andy stood up, surveying the damage of the amphitheater.
-
"It's the same as last time though," Sakura said, not looking up at Andy. "I several people killed the last time this happened....." she murmured.
Anise and Rin hurried over to Sakura and knelt down beside her. When they saw her look like were stuck on what to say, instead Anise just embraced the young girl while her twin sister look at the damage, she didn't say what was on her mind.
"So, this is the power that girls voice can do," An elder said, walking into the amphithreater. He shook his head as if he was disappointed, but then smiled as the students made a path for him.
He ran a finger through the air and drew a pictogram, then the symbol spread out and the room was bathed in a greenish hue, for several seconds there was a bright light - then the light dissipated and the debris on the ground was gone. The elder smiled and looked up at the ceiling, causing Rin and Anise to look up to find the debris that had once been on the ground was back up in the ceiling, with no sign that there had been any damage.
-
Andy plopped down on the floor, not aware of the speed he had just shown. "I thought you knew she could do that?" Andy asked.
-
"The head elder might've known, but not the rest of us," the Elder said and looked at Sakura. "I guess this mean's I'll spending the whole night reinforcing the academy, that way there this young one can sing without worry of bringing the house down," he smiled.
Sakura managed a weak smile as she looked back toward the stage.
-
Andy leaned against one pillar that was not broken. He felt sorry for Sakura. She had an absolutely wonderful voice, but if this kept on happening, it would degrade her confidence.
Phineas had heard the explosion and had gone down to see what had happened. His eyes widened.
Andy saw Phineas approaching. Andy was very over protective of Phineas, even if he had been somewhat of a jerk. "What are you doing out of bed?" Andy asked, his arms uncrossed.
-
Sasha smiled; she had seen the elder use his abilities time and time again espically during practices when students would accidently destroy something.
"Elder?" She said and turned toward Sakura. "I've completed the tour the head elder asked me to perform; the academy tour I can do tomorrow during recess," Sasha said.
"Very well if you---" The elder said before noticing Phineas.
-
Phineas stayed silent for a moment. A bit taken a back by all the stares he was getting from every one.
" I was...I wwell... I heard a commotion. So I...came down to see."
Andy didn't know why, but he was angry. "You shouldn't be here right now. You're not feeling well!"
-
"He's right," Rin said. "You didn't look to well earlier, so please get some rest ok?" she smiled at him.
-
Phineas sighed. "I'm fine." He looked down at the rubble beneath him.
-
The elder nodded and was about to say something when he noticed Anise yawning. "How about the four of you get some rest while Phineas performs fireguard?" he suggested, looking over at Phineas..
"Fire... guard?" Sakura asked, confusion written on her face.
"At night five student are selected from five of the dorm rooms on that floor to perform a night time patrol of the dorm, that person makes sure everything is ok and that no fires, or anything else, disturbs their fellow classmates while they sleep. They rotate every couple hours, so while one is patrolling the other four are asleep. These four sleep in the fireguard room. However once your patrol is up, you may head back to your own dorm room and rest the night away," the elder said. "Phineas, why don't you show your friends to the dorm room please?" he asked.
"I am tired," Rin said, yawning a second later. The thought hadn't even crossed her mind yet that she, along with Sakura and Anise, would be sleeping in the same dorm room as Andy and Phineas. "What about you Andy?"
-
Phineas nodded, motioning with a tilt of his head for the group to follow him.
Andy nodded. "Yeah, more or less." He followed Phineas down multiple hallways until they stopped in front of a bronze door. Phineas pushed it open and Andy's eyes widened. There were multiple beds, all looking very comfortable. There was a recreational area with a sofa and fireplace, and even a kitchen and a well sized bath.
-
Rin and Anise blinked several times. "If this is what just the dorms look like.... I wonder what the Elder's sleep in," Rin said, taking in the sight of the room.
Along with the beds; the dorm room was also split into several smaller rooms. One room had two beds, while another had one. Another room, located more-so toward the front, had a sign on it 'senpais room' while the other two didn't.
The kitchen was roughly the standard size of a house kitchen while the living room was only half that size. A balcony connected to the living room through a glass door; the balcony wasn't that big, in fact, it was your standard hotel size.
Anise, Rin and Sakura glanced into the room with one bed. Then into the room with two, "Ok..." Anise said confusingly before letting out a sigh. "You two get this room," she said and thumbed toward the two beds in the room, "we'll be in the other," she said and walked into the one bedroom.
It still hadn't yet occuried to Rin though about her being in the same dorm room; but it would.
-
Phineas shrugged as he and Andy took the other room. Andy sat quietly on the bed while watching Phineas. His friend had dark circles around his eyes which made him look as if he hadn't slept for days. Andy noticed, but decided not to say anything. He also saw Phineas's limp; it was more pronounced today, it must have been hurting him more. But again, Andy dared not say anything.
Phineas grabbed a jacket and put it on, the left the room.
-
Anise sat on the bed and stared at the window. "Hey Sis, how long do you think we'll be here?" she asked.
Her sister shrugged as she pulled the sheets back, "don't know, perhaps a few months maybe?" she responded and got under the bed sheets. Sakura crawled across the sheets and toward the middle before going under the sheets.
"I see, I wonder what we'll be doing this afternoon..." Anise wondered aloud before laying down. "By the way, isn't it odd that its just the three of us in this bed?"
"It's big enough," Sakura smiled and as she snuggled up against the pillow. Above them laying down on a cross beam that ran between this room and the one that Andy and Phineas were in was Yukita who was in her cat form. The sound of someone entering the room had woken her up from what had been a good one to two hour sleep. She glanced down at the three girls, Anise had just pulled the sheets over her.
She then walked a short distance over to the boy's room and looked at Andy and Phineas. With a satisfying smile she strolled back to the center of the beam (over the hallway) and curled back up into a ball and attempted to get some more sleep lunch.
-
Phineas stopped in front of Yukita, not exactly looking her in the eye as he spoke.
"I'll...leave now for...uh...that duty thing."
-
"Phineas, don't worry about trying to understand this 'fireguard' thing. Later tonight I'll be explaing it in more detail to you and the others, so for now just do what you have to do and watch the hallway and this room," Yukita said as she spread her paws out and curled back up into a ball.
-
"..Right." replied Phineas. However, he felt the need to be away from people, so he exited the room. Andy came out of the room he was sharing with Phineas and grinned like a child usually does.
"I'm starving." He grinned, "Can we go and get something to eat?"
-
Yukita blinked, before spreading her paws out. "There should be food in the refrig, though it isn't junk food which I'm sure you're after," she grinned at him before curling back up into a ball, but keeping her ears perked incase Andy says anything.
-
Andy laughed. "Darn it." He replied. He walked to where Yukita had pointed out and opened it.
He selected a small plate of salad and a sandwich.
-
"Tell me, Andy, what do you hope to get out of this academy?" Yukita asked, her eyes still closed. "As in, is learning about magic the only thing that you desire? Or is there much.. more..?"
***
Rin sat on the window sill and stared out at the students practicing in the field. She sighed and glanced over at her twin sister and Sakura, whom were both fast asleep. She wondered how long they would be away from their world, and how long it would take to learn magic. "I hope... we are doing the right thing..." she said in a low voice.
-
Andy shrugged noncomitally. Of course there was more he wanted to learn, he just didn't know how to express it.
"Yeah, magic and other...stuff.." he replied vaguely.
-
"'other stuff'" Yukita repeated Andy's words. She lifted her head and stared down at him, she had more to say but held her tongue since it was stuff she wasn't sure she 'should' say. "Anyway, get some rest after you eat - because trust me you'll need it. Why do you think I'm taking a cat nap," she said, pun intended.
-
"Mmkay." He nodded, eating his food quickly. He thew the wrapper and trash into the trashcan as he went inside his room. however, before going in, he expressed a concern,
"D'you know where Phineas went, Yukita?"
-
"Out in the hallway I think, probably keeping watch," she said and stood up on all fours and walked over to a small vent that was above the doorway. She peered through the slits and saw Phineas standing in the hallway. With a smile she pawed the vent closed and turned back toward Andy. "Yep, he's in the hallway," she said, repeating her last words.
-
"Oh..." Replied Andy.
"But...isn't he kinda...in pain?" Andy questioned.
-
"He's doing a good job hiding it," Yukita said. "Though it's only a matter of time before he'll have to have his leg checked, thats for sure," she added. "I suggest you leave him be for awhile, even though you are his friend, sometimes a friend has give some breathing room to another friend," she smiled.
-
"Yeah..." Andy nodded, running a hand through his already messy hair. "You're right. I just hope he gets his leg checked out soon, but knowing Finny..." Andy sighed softly, shaking his head as he went inside the room to get a bit of shut eye.
-
Yukita smiled and was about to get back to sleep when she sighed. She pawed the vent open and starred out at Phineas before jumping down and walking over to him.
"If your tired, go ahead and get some sleep. I'll take over for you, besides, you'll be involved in the training this afternoon anyway. Don't worry about the Elder, he trusts my judgement," Yukita said and transformed back into her Neko form. "Now, get some rest," she smiled, not letting him get a word in.
-
"Umm.." Was all Phineas was able to say before Yukita gently shoved him back in the room. Phineas sighed irritably. He didn't want any sort of human contact. He slowly walked to the room he was sharing with Andy and walked in. The other boy was sleeping as Phineas quietly dawned his coat and sat on his edge of the bed, just staring listelssly out into space.
-
Yukita shook her head as she watched Phineas disappear back into the room. She turned toward the window and planted her arms on the sill and smiled, her tail twitched and her ears were high. "These kids..." she said softly and smiled. "Perhaps they are the answer..."
Three hours later
Sasha made her way into the lobby of the dorm building. She looked tired and worn out but kept her composure as she headed up to the third floor where Andy and his friends were staying. When she got on the floor she found Yukita with her back against the window staring out. "Hey Sasha," Yukita said when she spotted the young girl.
"Hi, they asleep?" Sasha asked, looking toward the room door.
"Last I checked," Yukita said. "You going to take them to lunch now?"
"They still have an hour to go," Sasha said. Walking over to the window she pushed it open and sat down on the sill. "That's a slow moving storm, I can tell all night tonight it'll be nothing but rain and lightning," she said.
In the distance the storm she had spotted earlier in the day had gotten some-what closer. By now she was able to hear the rumbling of thunder, but it was Yuktia who could hear it plainly due to her cat ears.
"I'll let them rest another thirty minutes, then we'll wake them up and head to the cafeteria," Sasha said.
"Say, you haven't shown them 'everything' huh?" Yukita asked.
Sasha just shook her head and continued to watch the approuching storm.
-
Andy awoke to find Phineas leaning back against the wall, nodding off here and then.
"Hey.." Andy said timidly.
"Hey." Replied a very stoic Phineas. "Get enough sleep?"
Andy just nodded, feeling awkward. "I guess we should head out?"
"Yeah." The two boys in mutual agreement headed out into the commons.
-
Rin continued to sleep until a gust of wind woke her up; she blinked and realized she had fallen asleep on the window sill, with her left leg dangling out the window up against the building. "eeeek!" jumping back into the room she breathed heavily.
"What's wrong?" Anise said, sitting up and noticing Rin's frightened expression. She rubbed her eyes to banish the sleep and stared at her sister.
"N-nothing... n-nothing at all," Rin stuttered as she headed for the door. "W-wake Sakura up, I think we should get ourselves ready," she said and opened the door to leave the room.
Outside in the hallway between her room and the boys she took in several deep breaths and stared out the window in the dining room. "I'm not suppose to be afraid of heights.. so why did I freak?" she asked herself and sat down on the couch, running her hand across her face and hair.
-
The two boys lounged around the couches, a silence stilling between them. Phineas stood up as Rin entered the room as way of greeting. Andy smiled and quietly said hello.
-
Rin blinked when she noticed Rin and Phineas. "E-eh?... when did..." she was about to say before shaking her head. "No... err.... ughs," she sighed and threw her head back over the couch. "I must be blind, I didn't even notice you two, I'm sorry," she said to Andy and Phineas.
Down the hallway the door to the girls room opened and Sakura and Anise came out. "That was a nice nap," Sakura said, stretching her arms. She then ran over to the couch and lifted herself up by pressing her hands down on the arm of the couch. "What about you two?! Sleep well?!" Sakura said gleefully.
-
Andy laughed good naturedly at Sakura's eagerness. Phineas merely shrugged.
Andy answered for him. "He probably didn't sleep. I did though, it felt nice." He grinned.
-
"Thats good," smiled Sakura. She planted both feet back on the ground and stared at Phineas, then shook her head.
The dormroom door suddenly opened and in wakled Sasha, her presence grabbed Sakura's attention as the girl spun around to see who had entered. "Sasha-senpai," Sakura said and ran over to the young girl.
"S-senpai? I'm a first year like you... so---" Sasha said before Sakura jumped up infront of her and said. "Senpai is senpai! You were here before us so you are SENPAI!" she said.
Sasha shook her hands and said. "Alright alright! I'm your senpai," she said, surrendering to Sakura's persistence.
"Yay!" Sakura giggled.
-
Andy laughed. "Jeez, Sakura." He said, teasing the younger girl. "Are you sure you didn't consume a whole tray of sugar or anything?!"
Phineas avoided the gaze as he distanced himself from the group. He walked slowly as to not define his limp. He sat on the window looking over a lake, peering out.
-
Sakura blushed. "Uh.. err.. I-I-am just excited thats all," she said.
"Anyway, can we go to lunch now please?" Anise asked, followed by a nod from Sasha. "Let's, the earlier we eat the better. This academy 'does' have a lot of students so the cafeteria will begin to fill over time," she said and walked out of the dorm, followed close behind by the twins and Sakura.
-
Andy liked the sound of that. He was about to follow, when he saw Phineas. He hesitantly walked up and tapped his friend on the shoulder. Phineas turned around, with a questioning look on his face.
"You wanna...?"
"Alright..."
The two silently followed the rest of the group.
-
The cafeteria was quiet; only a few students were there eating. "Seem's we made it in time," Sasha said. "It's lunch, so the salad bar should be open," she smiled. She pointed toward where the bar was. "I'm not hungry so you five go ahead and get something to eat, I'll be sitting near the window," Sasha said.
"Ok!" Sakura smiled and grabbed Anise and Rin and yanked them toward the Salad bar.
On the other side of the cafeteria, Yoko watched the group with piked interest. She wore an elders garb that covered her whole figure, yet was short enough so that it wouldn't brush along the ground. A smile creased her face when she saw how excited Sakura looked. "Young girl will have a lot of fun here," she said to someone behind her.
"Still though; you sure it was ok for us to keep the past a secret?" A man said. His figure was transperent and not noticable from a distance.
"Yes.... at least for now, continue to observe the situation though, let me know if anything changes," Yoko said. The man bowed his head before vanishing completely. Yoko sighed, lowering her head and glancing to her left, She then walked over to a nearby table and sat down, her eyes staring out the window.
-
Following Sakura's example, Andy dragged Phineas over to the commodities. Andy was starving and grabbed plenty of items. Phineas merely picked a few things here and there. They found Sasha and sat down opposite of her. Andy dug in right away. Phineas took his time.
-
When Sakura got back to the table she saw that Phineas didn't have much. "You won't get healthy if you only eat THAT little!" Sakura said, placing her plate on the table and running back to the salad bar - coming back a few seconds later with two full plates of salad and a plate full of fruit. "Here!" she chirped, causing Anise and Rin along with Sasha to laugh.
Yoko had been watching, she eyes went wide when she saw what Sakura had done, she then chuckled and lowered her head. "That girls going to be a handfull," she said and shook her head.
-
Andy managed to hide a grin behind his hand while he watched Phineas's face. One could barely see a very small smile in the corner of his mouth. It was only there for a milli second, because after Andy had blinked, that small smile was gone.
Finny's still in there... Andy thought. Trying not to laugh, he replied 'seriously' "If Phineas doesn't want it, I'll take it!" Andy mockingly reached for some of the salad.
Phineas just nodded thanks, but nothing else.
-
Sakura's cheeks puffed up. "No! Only Phineas get's it!" she said but stopped when she felt Sasha's hand on her shoulder.
"He's only kidding Sakura," Sasha said. Sakura nodded and sat down, she stared at her food before bigging in. Rin just shook her head and went back to her own meal.
By now the cafeteria was still quiet, but more students were beginning to arrive.
-
Andy laughed, seeing Sakura's expression. Phineas ate what he had gotten from his own plate and stood up. He finally spoke. "Thanks, Sakura. But I'm not that hungry. I'm going to take a stroll or something." Without saying another word, he quickly left the table. He managed to get out of the cafeteria and leaned against a pillar. He covered his face inside his hands and tried to stop shaking.
Human contact
The one thing he didn't want right now, he was getting the most of.
Why are they being so friendly?
Phineas stayed there in the empty hallway for a moment, before walking down the stairs to go outside.
-
Sakura watched; an expression of sadness on his face. She couldn't, and wasn't, able to understand his mood. "Is he mad at me or something?" she asked, watching him leave.
Rin sighed. "No, I don't think he's mad at you...." she said and looked at Andy, giving him the 'am I right' expression.
-
Andy replied casually.
"Nah, he isn't mad at you, Sakura. Who could ever get mad at you?" He winked at the younger girl. "Finny's just..." Andy searched for the right word. "Figuring stuff out right now..." Still seeing the worried look he added, "He talks to you. That's a good thing."
Andy looked at Rin. "Why don't you try and talk to him?"
-
Sakura blushed and rubbed her hands together nervously.
"I can try," Rin said, interrupting Sakura's peaceful nature. "Though right now I doubt its the right moment," she said and looked down at her salad before taking a small bit.
"I wish I could help your friend," Sasha said. "But I fear if I do it'd only make matter worse, though I am curious, has he always been that..... distant?"
-
"Now would be as good a time as any." Commented Andy. Shifting in his seat to face Sasha, he gathered his thoughts.
"Yes...and no..." Andy replied. "He's always been very weary of...human contact, I guess? He's some what of a loner. But his silence was...I don't know...comforting? Now it's..." Andy hesitated.
"Cold."
-
Rin relunctantly nodded and got up. "I guess your right, perhaps now is the best time," she said and made her way toward the hallway that Phineas had headed to. When she got there she didn't see anyone, but when she glanced down the stairway she saw him near the door getting ready to head out. "P-Phineas wait!" she shouted and ran down the stairway toward him.
***
Anise sighed. "Cold... is right... he's scary the way he is now, and makes me nervous sometimes when I'm around him," she said, hugging herself to show her fear.
-
Phineas heard that familar voice and cringed with alarm. He didn't want to talk- he'd lash out. But perhaps....
Phineas turned around, his hands jammed into the pockets of his jacket. He courteously waited for her.
*****
Andy defended Phineas. "He's not scary, Sakura. You know him better than that. He'd never do anything to hurt somebody."
-
Rin carefully made her way down the stairway, "Phineas.. can we... umm... talk?" she asked nervously.
***
"I.. I know that its just..." Sakura said but stopped when she found it hard to find the right words to describe her discomfort.
-
Phineas merely nodded, his eyes piercing into Rin's own. One glance showed him that the girl was very scared in approaching him. He couldn't blame her.
***
Andy continued to make his point. "You've always liked Finny. He's helped you out a bunch of times."
-
Rin glanced around. "Phineas... umm..." she looked down at the ground, "why are you... uh..." glacing to her left she sighed and looked him in the eye. "Why are you trying to be so distant from everyone? We are your friends, we are trying to help you... but its as if you don't want us to help," she said. She was afraid of him, for the first time since meeting Phineas she was truly afraid of how he would react.
***
"Y-yea.. but.. h-he seems very d-different now..." Sakura said. "I... I'm sorry, ple-please excuse me for a second," Sakura said and ran from the table and out the door.
"Sakura!" Anise shouted but sighed when her voice didn't carry. "She's such a sensitive girl...." Anise said.
-
Phineas knew this was coming. He wasn't sure how he was supposed to respond. He hesitated for a moment before responding.
"I've always been distant, RIn. You're the only one who really..." Phineas stopped. What was he trying to say? "Don't worry about it. I'm fine."
-
"I have to worry," Rin said. "We are all worried about you, we are afraid the more distant you become, the harder it'll become for all of us," she said. Glancing toward the ground, then at the door, she then turned her gaze back to Phineas. "Phineas, when you hurt it makes Anise afraid. When you show no emotions it makes Sakura nervous, Andy appears to be confused on what to do, and I can't help but worry that you'll do something that you'll hate yourself for later on," she said softly to him, placing her hand on his shoulder. She wasn't sure about his response, but deep down inside she was quivering with fear at the possible lose of a friend.
***
Sakura leaned up against a piller outside the cafeteria; tears rolled down her cheek as she stared up at the darkening sky. She looked down at the ground before shaking her head and taking off down through the field, crying as she went. Soon rain began to fall upon the grounds, coming down ever harder as the seconds ticked by, making it difficult to see.
-
That gentle, light touch scared Phineas more than anything. He inhaled a breath of air and expelled it slowly. It hurt. Inside, it hurt deeply. It was tearing him apart.
"I've already done many things that I regret, Rin." He stated calmly. Trying not to let emotions overwhelm him.
-
"We all regret something in this world," she said, continueing to speak softly. "Just because you've done something you regret, doesn't mean you should give up on life - nor should you give up on your friends," she said, smiling.
***
Anise sighed. "I wonder what those two are talking about," she said, sitting back down and staring at the two trays of food.
-
"You forget however, that some people have more to regret than others." Replied Phineas. He pointed to his leg, "I'm in constant pain. But I refuse to have an operation done. You know why?" Phineas didn't even wait for an answer, "Because it's to remind me of what I went through." His eyes bore into Rin's own, trying to make her understand.
***
Andy shrugged. "All I know is that Phineas is actually talking to another human being." Andy smiled half-heartedly.
-
Rin sighed. "One of these days though, you're going to wish you had taken that operation..." she said and turned her back to him. "However, just because you want to remember things; doesn't mean you should try and forget others," she said in a low, if not sad, tone before walking toward the stairway.
Baka.... stop thinking only of yourself and start thinking more about those around you! She thought as she walked up the stairs. For a second though she stopped and glanced out the window; heavy rain and high winds buffeted the windows and caused them to rattle, in the distance she saw lightning coursing through the skies. Scary weather they have here, she thought before continueing back to the cafeteria.
-
Phineas sighed irritably. Girls. He thought. If only she knew.... Phineas shrugged it off and continued to limp outside into the rainy weather.
****
Andy saw Rin first, and waved. "How'd it go?"
-
Rin sighed and shrugged her shoulders in defeat. "He just won't listen," she said and took a seat at the table. "hmm?" glancing about she noticed Sakura wasn't around. "Where's Sakura?"
-
Andy nodded towards the outside. "She ran out shortly after you left"
-
Rin blinked. "I guess Phineas's attitude upset her..." she said. As she sat there looking at her food she heard thunder outside, glancing up at the clock she began to worry. "Sakura is more fearful of these types of storms than any of us, she should've come back in by now," she said and got up. "I'm going to go look for her," she said and was about to leave before she heard Anise's chair move.
"I'll go with," Anise said. Rin smiled and the two headed for the door.
Sasha watched them ."You've got two great friends right there, even though this weather may make them sick they still choose to go out looking for their friend," she said.
-
Andy nodded. "Sure. It's what friends should do. That, and the fact that Sakura's the youngest might have something to do with it. Speaking of which...I need to go find Phineas...he's out there in this weather...that idiot..." Andy quickly got up, forgetting his jacket, and ran out to find Phineas.
-
Sasha smiled and watched Andy. "They'll get along just fine with everyone here... well.. except 'him'," she said, glaring toward the door that lead into another room that was adjacenet to the cafeteria.
***
Rin grumbled; as the rain fell it soaked her uniform. making her cold and very uncomfortable. "I wish this uniform was water-proof," she said as they trudged through the rain.
"I can't see her, the rain is just to heavy," Anise complained as the ground was lit up by a bolt of lightning. "errr.. and I hate this type of weather," she moaned.
Rin laughed. "Yea but its better than always having sunny weather, come on," she said and grabbed her sisters hand and continued. They only got so far before they both heard someone crying, they stopped and listened. "That sounds like Sakura," Rin said as she struggled to determine 'where' the crying was coming from.
-
Andy was completely drenched in under 10 seconds. He squinted, trying to see his friend from all this mist, rain, and wind.
"Phineas!" He shouted. But his voice wouldn't carry. The wind was howling. Andy wouldn't give up though. Running around, he kept on shouting Phineas's name over and over again.
-
The twins followed the sound of crying until it lead them to a tree. They couldn't tell if they were near a forest or if it was a single tree, only that underneith it they found Sakura sitting there crying; her head buried in her arms.
As the twins approuched though they noticed something that made them nervous; Sakura had two foxes flanking her from left to right, they glared the twins with hatred in their eyes. Rin and Anise both didn't know what to make of this development, nor did they know what to do.
"Stay here," Rin told Anise, who nodded nervously. Rin gulped and then continued her advance toward Sakura, the fox's watched her carefully as she approuched.
"S-Sakura?" Rin said, kneeling down in front of the crying eight year old. "Let's go back in, the weather is-"
"No..." Sakura said, shifting her left and right.
Rin smiled. "Why not?" she asked calmly.
"Phineas doesn't like me, doesn't like us.. he's very cold now," Sakura said between sobs.
"Andy already said he--" Rin said but stopped when the two foxes got up. She backed away slowly as if knowing what the foxes were saying.
-
Andy dejectedly was walking around when he saw Phineas. His eyes widened as he saw him slumped down near a tree. Andy ran over, tripping endlessly to reach him. He finally did, and reached out to shake him, when Phineas opened his eyes. His eyes shone brightly as he wearily looked up at Andy.
Andy bent down and managed to hoist Phineas up and ran inside quickly, not saying anything.
-
"I wonder if Andy found his friend and if Anise and Rin found Sakura," Sasha wondered, sitting alone at the table. With a sigh she got up and shoved her hands into the pockets of her uniform. She discarded both plates of food into the trash and then placed the plates a top the trash can.
She had only gotten as far as the double doors leading down the stairs when she spotted Andy carrying his friend. "What happened?" Sasha asked as she ran down the stairway.
***
Sakura kept on talking quietly to herself, making Rin and Anise some-what nervous in the process. The two foxes circled her and made certain no one got close, they occasionally beared their fangs when they looked at the twins but otherwise didn't bother them.
When Rin attempted to get close the foxes began to approuch her but then they stopped. Rin looked at the two animals before getting closer to Sakura, she placed her hand on Sakura's cheek and smiled at her. Sakura's tears rolled onto her hands and dripped onto the already soaked ground. Rin didn't say a word and instead just stayed in a kneeling position in front of her.
-
Andy breathlessly shook his head. "Found him...drenched....just sitting there...hasn't said anything...." He slowly managed to put Phineas down by the stairs. Phineas grimaced as pressure was put on his bad leg.
Andy keeled over, breathing hard. "Jeez..." He muttered, taking in big gulps of oxygen.
-
"Don't breath so heavily," Sasha said. "If you breath to hard you'll only cause more problems for your lungs." she placed her hand on Andy's shoulder.
She was about to say something when she glanced over her shoulder and toward the forest.
***
Both foxes had stopped moving and were instead lying on their stomaches in front of Sakura. "This is odd.." Rin said as she and Anise slowly approuched Sakura. The foxes at first snarled but when Sakura placed her small hand on one of the foxes head they both stopped and looked up at her with worried eyes.
Rin knelt down and placed her hand up against Sakuras head; her forehead was very hot. "Her uniform is drenched," Rin said and glanced back toward the building. She scoped the little girl up into her arms with Anise helping her a bit. As they headed back to the cafeteria, both foxes followed them.
-
Andy nodded, and in a bit, he was feeling slightly better. He stood up properly and saw that Sasha had her attention elsewhere. "What is it?" He asked.
Meanwhile Phineas closed his eyes, his breathing softening up.
-
"I feel.... a demonic presence..." Sasha said as she stood up.
Yoko had just gotten up from the table when she sensed a presence nearby, snapping her head toward the double doors she spotted the twins, soaking wet from the rain and carrying Sakura. Two students opened the doors for them and they ran in, "Thank... you..." Rin said as she stumbled over to at able and laid Sakura on the chair.
"Huh? Where'd those two foxes go?" Anise said as she looked around, noting that the two foxes that had followed them were now missing.
-
Andy immediately got up and ran over to the girls as soon as they arrived. "You two alright?" He asked, his voice stricken with worry.
-
RIn nodded; still drenched in cold water. "I am, but Sakura doesn't look to well," she said. Sakura let out a sigh, whether it was from frustration, illness, or some other reason was unknown only that she moved over to the bench that was by the table and leaned her back up against the window.
-
Andy frowned, helpless to do anything, and let Sasha take control of it. He returned his attention to Phineas, who's breathing was very harbored. He knelt next to his friend, feeling his head, "Hot..."
-
Elsewhere
"It's here," a fox with white fur said as it and its partner calmly walked into a large chamber. When the two approuched a pedastal their forms changed to that of two teenager females light red kimono's.
"It's not here!" The younger teenager said suddenly when she noticed that the pedastal was bare.
"Looking for something?" Ramnaru said, hidding behind a curtain and swirling her sword around the palm of her hand. "This place is forbidden to all first, second and third years. Though, that wouldn't mean much to you since you aren't even students," she said, walking out from behind the curtain.
The two teenagers scowled and summoned swords that appeared in their hands. "Shier, go," the older teenager said to the younger. The younger one nodded and crept toward the window, before blowing it out and flying away.
Ranmaru smiled, amused at the teen's calm attitude. "You realize you won't leave this place alive... right?"
She growled. "So, you are no different than my master," she said.
"Wrong, I'm very different from your master. At least *I* didn't kill hundreds upon thousands of kids just to obtain a power that even he doesn't understand still," Ranmaru said, lifting her sword.
Both girls stared themselves down before lunging toward one another.
Second's later Ranmaru came walking out of the chambers, blooding dripping from the edge and tip of her sword.
Cafeteria
"Let's take them to the health office," Sasha suggested, Rin nodded and picked Sakura up, placing her on her back.
She then looked at Andy. "Need Anise to help you?" Rin asked.
-
Andy shook his head. "No. I'm okay. I can take Phineas by myself."
Andy crouched down. "Kay Finny..." He murmured gently. "Try and get on my back. You can barely walk so helping you walk is gonna be out of the question. Here..."
Phineas tried to move his body foward onto Andy's back. Sweat was pouring from him, but he managed to grab a hold of his friend.
Andy stood up, a determined look in his eyes and quickly went to the health office.
-
Anise smiled and followed Andy and twin sister to the health office. There the nurse was tending to a report before noticing the four of them.
"Place them down on the beds," she said getting up from her chair and pulling back the sheets on two different beds. Rin nodded and walked over to the one nearest the window and laid Sakura down on the mattress, before pulling the sheet over her.
While she did that she watched the nurse as she went to retrieve thermometer and several other items.
-
Andy managed to haul Phineas over to the other bed, making sure his friend was some what comfortable in the current situation. "Hang in there, Finny.." He murmured softly, putting a hand on Phineas's shoulder.
On his part, Phineas was fading in and out of consciouness, and reality and hallucinations were mixing.
-
Sakura's breath had become shallow, her lungs constricting. The nurse had looked at both of them and brought over oxygen masks and placed them over both so they would get pure oxygen. "They are both going in and out of conciousness," the nurse said worriedly as she checked each of their pulses. "They both appear to have a high fever but...." she said and looked confused.
"The oxygen I'm giving them will calm their body's down and allow them to breath normally," she said and sat down. "What about the rest of you, feeling ok?" she asked.
-
"Pefectly fine." Andy muttered, never once taking his eyes off of Phineas who had begun to sweat profously.
-
"I'm ok," Rin says, Anise nods the same. The nurse smile's at the three of them and turns toward a window, outside she spots a growing number of students gathering out in the field.
"Your friends will be fine here, let them rest a bit. In the mean time, it seem's your afternoon class is starting up," she says, glancing over toward a small cat that was purched on the table.
The cat give's a smile, before jumping down onto the ground and changing to full height. Yukita stared at the three of them before moving to the side. "Come on you three, let's get going," she said.
-
Andy started, startled at the quick transformation by Yukita. With one last hesitant, lasting look at Phineas, Andy slowly followed Yukita to the field. Although his body was physically was with Rin, Anise, and them, his mind was still back at Phineas's side. Andy bit his lip. He knew that Phineas would be alright, but his friend was so stubborn...they had been friends for years. He knew Phineas's language. He could decode it. He could translate Finny's movements into words. By now, Andy's brain was screaming at him. He was supposed to be with Phineas, wasn't it?
He had to stop these thoughts. He had to clear his head.
-
The weather was still wet; Anise had commented along the way that she wondered how they would be training if it was raining, her answer came when they stepped out of the building and found that, while it was still raining, none of it was hitting the ground. A couple feet above their head's a transperent bluish barrier hung in the air.
Rain water slid across this barrier and onto the sides and into small holes meant to allow the rain to hit the ground, but not where students may be at. Ahead of them on the field where several classes of students, most of them wearing the same color uniforms that Andy and his friends were. Several, however, wore second and third year uniforms while only a couple wore uniforms that didn't match any that had been told to them.
"Find a place and take a seat," Yukita told them, glancing at Anise, Rin and Andy. "We'll be starting shortly, you'll mostly be lectured today but you will be given a chance to practice," she said.
-
Andy was on autopilot. He sat down near the back of the field. His thoughts were swirling inside of him. It wasn't that he thought Phineas would get worse, but knowing Phineas, the first chance he got, he'd want to get out. Phineas wasn't the type to like being restrained down. Especially in a medical sort of environment. That's when it clicked. His leg. Back when they were in the regular human world, the paramedics and such said that they might have to amputate it. But Phineas knew that if they did, he'd be stuck in a wheelchair his whole life.
But how was that to account his behavior right now? Andy chewed the inside of his mouth. His brow furrowed as he concentrated. The aura around him was rather strong, a mini red flame arising around him. Maybe it was because Phineas wanted his leg. Just the way it was. Infarction or not. Yes, that was it. It had to be it.
-
"What's wrong?" Anise whispers to Andy when she notices the look on his face. Rin watches him with curiousity, while Yukita herds some of the more younger students into the practice field.
-
"What?" Andy replied, clearly distracted. He looked up, and all at once the aura around him disappeared. A smile jumped immediately on his face, the frown lines disappearing.
"I was just thinking, is all." He commented, much like as if he were talking about the weather. Speaking of which..
"Nice day, yeah?" He asked, forgetting that it was, well...raining
-
Anise blinked. "N-nice day?" she said and glanced up at the rain. Playfully Anise grabbed Andy's arm and smiled. "The instructor is talking you know, you should listen," she said, giving him a mixture of a pleading and please look.
-
"Huh?" Andy looked up, embarrased. "Sorry. Right. Paying attention..."
-
Anise sighed and turned back toward the instructor.
"Now, who can repeat the safaty instructions I just stated?" The instructor said and scanned the line of students. As if she was reading Andy's mind she smiled and said, "Andy, how about you tell the class the instructions I just said," she said.
Anise and Rin both looked nervously at Andy.
-
Andy jumped. Oh crap. Not good. Why does this always happen?
He cleared his throat. "Right. safety instructions..." There was a long pause. Just guess, just guess...Ah damn it, what would Finny do?. Putting on a small, nervous, but nevertheless a charming smile, Andy guessed.
"Don't try and use something you don't know yet?" He asked, cocking his head. Sounded good enough to him.
-
The instructor smiled. "Perhaps you 'were' listening, though that isn't exactly what I said, it'll pass, however next time pay a bit more attention to your instruction and not to the sky ok?" she said and went back to explaining the usage of magic.
"Not bad Andy," Rin said and gave her friend a thumbs up.
-
Andy expelled a breath of air, quite relieved. He grinned at the twins and turned to pay attention; a bit more to the teacher
Andy was right about Phineas. Back in the hospital ward, Phineas was thin lipped and pale, but was half arguing, half pleading with the woman in charge to let him go.
-
"No," the female doctor said. "You've been through a lot, no level of pleading will work - and no level of magic will work either," she says and glares at him. "You want to attend that class yes, well while you can't attend it in person," she says and raises her hand.
A thousand small red, blue and white particles suddenly appear in the air and collect into what appears to be a small floating monitor. This monitor flickers to life and shows the field, along with the instructor and the students. "You can watch and you can learn from just observing," she tells him and turns her attention the monitor, though she does keep 'another' eye on Phineas.
--
"I wonder how Phineas is doing," Rin said as she listened to the teacher. Several students near her had summoned their staff's to show what the instructor was talking about. One student apperently casted what to be a shield, as thousands of small transperent gold squares appeared in front and around the student in a sphere. The other student, who appeared to be perhaps a year younger, also casted a shield but this shield came out in a light purple transperent Octogan that only appear in front of the student.
"The first shield you saw, that was gold, protects you against physical attacks. While the light purple barrier protects you against other magical attacks. Do note, that at this point most of your barriers won't be very powerful. Right now, your physical and magical barriers will not protect you from an attack used by an upperclassman, or a physical attack thrown by 'any' strong person. However, as you grow in both knowledge and magic, your barriers will gradually become stronger," she tells them.
She scan's the area of the students and then looks back at Andy, a grin forms on her face. "Andy, how about you stand up and tell the class what I just said please, but not the way I say it, but more how 'you' would it," she says to them and folds her arms over her chest. Beside her, both of her helpers watched with curious interest.
-
Phineas was indignant. Grinding his teeth down, he glared at the monitor. But then cocked his head. There was Andy. Looked like the teacher was having quite a ball picking on him. "You show her, Andrew.." He muttered.
---
Andy grinned painfully and stood up, walking towards the front. Putting on that charming smile which was quite pleasant and had earned him that reputation, he spoke.
"Well..." He said, using hand motions. "Basically we have two types of defense mechanisms. Or shields. Or barriers. But both are quite useless to us, us first years that is, because we're basically vulnerable to all the upperclassmen who have more power than we do." Andy grinned.
----
Phineas grinned slightly, trying to hold in the laughter that wanted to erupt from him. Thatta boy, Andy...
-
"Well said," the instructor said, putting on a smile before adding. "Please return to your seat."
As she watched him she then turned her attention back to the class and said. "Andy is right," she smiled. "Today you'll learning how to summon a shield and a barrier, you won't be learning how to cast them consecutively just yet, not until you've mastered your first part of training," she said and went back to her instruction.
---
The nurse didn't say a word; though she didn't need to. Anyone who knew her knew full well what she was thinking. "That's your friend I take it?" she said to Phineas.
-
That's your friend, I take it?
Phineas paused, jaw locking. Not looking at the nurse, he gave her ever so slightly a deft nod of his head.
----
Andy grinned, quite pleased with himself. He sat down next to the twins, relieved that the spotlight was not on him again. Honestly, these teachers. Ha, they just couldn't resist this charming young boy.
-
Yukita looked at the instructor and closed her eyes. "Your not impressed are you?"
"Would you?" the instructor said telepathically. "Remember, when holding a staff you use both hands. Your staff is your source of power, but it also your source of blocking your opponants attack," she said.
"I don't know, the boy is cute, no doubts there," Yukita smiled.
"His looks won't save him on a freaking battlefield Yukita, you should know that. You being im-"
"Ok!" Yukita shouted telepethically, it was loud enough to where the other upper classman only partially turned their heads toward Yukita. "I'll talk to him after this class." she added.
"No, leave it. Let him discover the hard way that his looks won't get him anywhere here, I'd rather he learn it that way than for someone to openly tell him," The instructor smiled. "Before I continue this instruction, does anyone here have any question?" she asked.
Yukita just smiled weakly and scanned the students.
-
The group of students shook their heads no. They were quite eager to learn what was coming up. For the next hour or so, the instructor continued to demonstrate proper techniques and such. She didn't pick on Andy again. but Andy was okay with that. He merely watched and took in everything she was showing with the demonstration with some of the older kids.
A bit later however, the class ended. Andy stood up, and so did the twins.
Andy glanced at the hospital ward. "I'm gonna go and check up on Finny again."
-
"Why don't we all go? I'm sure Anise would love to check on him," Rin grinned. Anise blushed and turned away, causing Rin to giggle. "Nah, I want to check on Sakura anyway, she's probably still asleep but still," Rin said and placed her hand on Andy's shoulder. "So, let's go and see how our two friends are doing," she smiled.
-
Andy grinned, slightly amused. "Sure. Alright. That sounds alright." The trio made their way back to the hospital wing, each, presumably in their own thoughts.
-
Upon arrival at the wing; the group meet up with the nurse incharge. "You three are here late," she said to them and glanced over at where Phineas was, his bed was surrounded by a curtain sheet so he'd have some privacy. "Phineas awoke shortly before your magi class, he seem's to have a chip on his shoulder though," she said, though making the last bit somewhat into a whisper.
"Sakura hasn't woken up; though she does seem to be dreaming peacefully," Said the nurse as she turned toward Sakura's bed, her's was also surrounded in a sheet for privacy. "You three have just an hour to stay, after which you can speak with them again tomorrow," she smiled.
-
Andy grinned, almost apologetically. "Sure sounds like him." He murmured, stepping foward to Phineas's bed. Not much to Andy's surprise, Phineas was sitting up, looking rather bored.
"Hey." Andy stated, relieved, but feeling quite awkward with this situation. I mean, what was a guy supposed to say?
"Hey." Phineas returned. There was a long stretch of silence where neither of them said anything, but then Phineas broke it. "Had fun, I suppose. The class, I mean. The teacher seemed to be...favoring you."
Andy grinned, glad for the start of conversation. "All of 'em are like that." He sat on the edge of Phineas's bed. "You know teachers, they just can't resist me." He added jokingly.
Phineas shook his head, a slight scowl forming. "Yeah. Keep on dreaming."
-
Rin smiled and walked up to Sakura's bed; the girl was sound asleep, her expression peaceful. While she sat on the foot of the bed, she noticed that Anise was peering through a small opening she had made and was looking straight at Andy.
For Anise, she felt something odd when she stared at Andy, she couldn't understand what she was feeling, so when she heard Rin call her name she visibly jumped and gave her an innocent, yet nervous, smile. "Watching him?" Rin grinned.
"N-no, n-not at all," Anise said and walked over to Sakura's bed. "I-I hope Sakura is ok," she added.
"She is, I doubt we have much to worry about," Rin said and looked back at Sakura. The young eight year old turned in her bed and snuggled up more against the pillow, but didn't wake up at all and just kept sleeping. "Nothing much for us to talk about huh?" Anise said with a weary smile.
"Not really, but lets stay here for awhile until Andy is ready to go back," Rin said.
"Your not going to talk to him?" Anise curious asked. Rin sighed, looking toward the ground, she then shifted her gaze toward the window and shook her head. "No, I-I'm just not in the mood to talk to him right now," she said, her voice low yet full of concern.
-
Andy stayed quiet as he let Phineas reminince about something. Andy, being 'sensitive', gave him about 30 seconds to do so before inturrupting.
"You'll be ready for classes then?"
Phineas nodded. "I better be." He remarked. "I refuse to be tied down here."
Andy grinned, "I'm surprised they haven't used the wrist straps on you."
"Funny, aren't you?" Phineas growled.
Andy held up his hands. "Oh come on, Finny. Get a hold of yourself. Besides," He said, glancing over at Rin. "She--They've been worried, you know."
Phineas followed Andy's gaze to the twins. He shrugged noncommitedly, but on the inside, something seemed to be constricting him. "I see."
-
"You two done?" The nurse asked she pulled the curtain back. "Phineas you'll be able to leave here tomorrow morning, but I want you to stay over at least one more night to be sure."
***
Rin and Anise both got up from the bed and sighed; Rin placed a small plush toy that she had secretly placed in her robe's pocket and placed it under Sakura's small hand. "So, tomorrow start's normal classes," Anise said with a hint of excitement in her tone.
"Yep, I wonder how different it'll be from our old school," Rin asked, her voice curious. Anise just shrugged and the two walked out from behind the curtain and over to Phineas's bed. Anise blinked, when she saw Andy her heart began to beat faster, she looked away from him in an effort to calm her heart.
-
"One more day?! Phineas said, appalled. "I'm fine now. I'm not hurt or anything. I'm able to get up and move without any trouble!"
Andy hid back a grin. His Finny was back. He turned when he heard the twins. He flashed that charming smile of his at the twins, not knowing what the effect would do to Anise.
-
"If your going to argue then I can freely strap you onto the bed all 'night' and make you relive the most horrifying of embarrassments," the nurse grinned mischiviously at her comment and placed her hands on her hips.
Anise and Rin both smiled nervously, Rin holding up her hands said. "I-I'm sure Phineas doesn't want to cause any trouble so I'm sure he'll stay, right?" Rin said to Phineas, her eyes more of a pleading gesture.
-
Phineas paled, and his mouth opened and closed like a goldfish. "I-...This is ridiculous!" Phineas muttered, catching the wary glance from Rin. He looked to see Andy who, amazingly had a straight face.
"One more day, Finny. What's it gonna hurt?"
Phineas glared at him, very riled up. "Oh, I'll tell you wha-". But that look from Rin. Phineas grumbled to himself. "Fine." He muttered. "Fine."
Andy quickly glanced at Rin. Hmm, Andy thought.
-
Rin smiled.
"In that case, the three of you had best get back to the dormitory before curfew," the nurse said as she sat back down.
"T-Then shall we go?" Anise asked, trying to not look at Andy.
-
Now it was Andy's turn to groan. "There's a curfew?! Aww, man..." He heaved a great sigh and mumbled something under his breath as well. "Best get all the kicks before we go, then." He said, smiling. He put an arm around Anise. "Shall we get going, then?"
-
Anise blinked; her heart raced as she stared at Andy and what he had just done. "Uh-uh... s-s-sure..." stuttered and stared into his eyes.
Rin looked at Andy, then at Anise, a grin formed on her face. "Well well," she said softly.
-
Phineas supressed an eyeroll. Andy looked just so confused, it was rather adorable. "Well well, what?" He asked, a question in his eyes.
"You dolt." Phineas replied easily.
"Hey now. Don't you be going off in tangents calling me names."
"But it's true. You're an idiot, Andrew."
-
A faint smile appeared on Rin's face. "Now now let's not start fighting," she said and walked behind Andy and Anise and started pushing them out of the infirmary. "We'll talk to you tomorrow Phineas!" Rin said.
-
Phineas merely nodded, watching the group walk away from them. Oh well, he thought to himself. Tonight should go by pretty quickly...
****
As soon as they had walked out of the infirmary, Andy was still confused. "What was that all about?" He asked, completely in the dark. His arm was still wrapped around Anise almost protectively. The most however, he got out of Rin was a knowing smile.
"Well. Then." Andy grumped slightly. "I guess I'll head in early." His hand slid from Anise's back. "Good night then, you two."
-
"Have a good night," Rin smiled.
Anise shivered and watched as Andy went into the room that he and Phineas shared. "You ok?" she heard Rin ask her as the girl took a seat on the sofa and glanced out the window.
It was still raining outside; the constant 'patter patter' against the windows reminded Rin of home. "So pleasant here," Rin said and opened the window enough so that the smell of rain would flow in, but not the rain itself.
Anise shook her head. "I-I'm going to call it as well," she said and disappeared into the girls room. Rin herself stayed on the sofa for a couple minute's before heading off to bed herself; getting dressed into her pajamas and then joining Anise. Between them both was Yukita in her cat form, the cat sleeping soundly.
-
Andy promptly crashed onto his bed, exhausted. He fell straight asleep despite his earlier complaints of there being a curfew.
***
The next morning, Andy seem to wake up on his own accord. Phineas however, was already opening the blinds.
"Whendidyougethere?" Andy asked, slurring his words slightly.
"A couple of minutes ago." Phineas replied formally. "The nurse just discharged me. Hurry up. Get dressed."
-
The sound of Yukita's purring was more than enough to wake Anise and Rin up; when Rin opened her eyes and saw a cat face in front of her she at first didn't think much of it --- until a second later when she yelped in surprise and promptly fell out of bed, banging her head on the floor.
"OOowww..." Rin whined as she rubbed her head.
Yukita just sighed and jumped down, changing back into her natural form. "Sorry, I thought you would be used to seeing me in my altered form," Yukita said.
"When your not sleeping on the bed then yes," Rin said, still rubbing her head.
Anise couldn't help but giggle at the exchange, she quickly got into their school uniforms. "So, breakfast in the cafeteria?" Rin asked Yukita whom nodded. Anise and Rin didn't say anything as they grabbed their school bags and waited in the hallway.
"Every morning we'll eat breakfast in the cafeteria, however, dinner we can either make here or head to the cafeteria for," said Yukita as she walked up to the boy's room and knocked on the door. "Andy, you up?" she asked.
-
Phineas answered immediately in his curt voice. "Yes. Just about got Andrew up as well."
"Grmpbth." Was Andy's muffled reply.
"I think he's trying to say he's up." Phineas said sardonically. "Give us about 2 minutes." Phineas swiftly went to where Andy was still laying down, and tore the covers away.
"Awww, come ON." Andy grumbled. "It's cold. Give 'em back."
-
Rin and Anise both sighed. For Rin she turned her head toward the door and glared at it, "would those two hurry up," she said. Unaware that a sheet of ice cold water had just appeared in the room above the two boys, and had splashed down atop them.
-
Sploosh
A torrent of ice cold water sloshed down in immense amounts on top of the two unsuspecting friends. Andy was the first to recover, yelping as he jumped out of bed, running a hand through his soaked hair. He glanced over at Phineas who was also soaked. Uh-oh. Andy thought. This couldn't be good.
Phineas was glowering, and his fists were clenched so hard that his knuckles were turning white. Andy had to admit to himself that it was rather intimidating. Phineas's hazelnut hair was drenched, as his, and his robes were just as wet. Phineas stoically turned around and yanked open the doorknob with such force that the door slammed against the wall. Andy jumped again, "Really!" He said, slightly indignant at Phineas's temper.
-
Anise and Rin both jumped at the sudden appereance of Phineas in the doorway. "Um.. g-good morning," Anise said nervously.
Yukita just blinked when she saw that Phineas soaking wet; she then looked at Andy and found him in the same state. "err... it might be a good idea if you two dried off and got into some dry clothing," she said though she could fell Phineas's anger and knew who the culprit was that caused the sudden icey wake up call.
-
Phineas didn't think he could answer. He had grit his teeth down, and was shaking, quite violently.
Andy jumped into action. "Right. Right, good idea." Andy was still soaking wet, but he knew Finny, and Finny wouldn't do a thing about him being wet. Phineas would just stand there fuming, allowing himself to catch a cold.
"Erm. Why don't you guys....just go and uh...ahead of us. We'll...we'll follow." Andy said, managing a small smile. He half dragged, half carried Phineas back into the room, closing the door behind him.
"Finny...Here..Come on. We need to get you out of these clothes."
Phineas was noncommital so Andy continued to find some dry clothes for both of them.
-
Rin and Anise didn't say a word as they left the dorm room; Yukita sighed. "You two go ahead, I'll stay here and wait for them," she said. The two ten year olds just nodded and left for the cafeteria.
Along the way Rin stopped and looked up at the cloudy sky, it was still raining but the lightning had gone away. "I wonder how Phineas got so wet..." she niavely asked herself, but with a heavy sigh she and Anise continued to the cafeteria.
-
Patiently, Andy sorted Phineas out into some dry clothes as well as himself. Phineas still hadn't said anything. He was probably still fuming. So, Andy even dried Phineas's hair as best he could. He then half dragged, half carried Phineas back out, and was surprised to see Yukita waiting for them.
Andy, being a pretty polite guy said, "Now really, you didn't have to wait for us. It's okay, you know."
-
"I felt like it seeing how Phineas was somewhat fuming at the mouth," Yukita said and pushed herself off the wall. "Now, shall we get going?" she asked.
***
In the Cafeteria the two girls looked at the salad bar, full of mostly breakfast materials, but also items needed to make a salad. True to her eating habits, she made herself a morning salad while Anise placed two eggs, bacon and some pancakes on her plate. The two them grabbed a glass of milk and juice and headed for a table that was near one of the massive windows.
-
Andy nodded, placing a guiding hand on Phineas. The trio walked down to the cafeteria, where Andy laddled his plate up with tons of breakfast items. Phineas would grab something off his plate if he had the need to eat. That was how it usually worked with the two of them. Andy carefully balanced the tray and still kept an eye on Phineas quite well. He spotted the twins not far off and made his way to them.
-
At the table, Rin and Anise barely said anything as they ate. That was, until Anise saw Phineas and Andy approuching. Moving to the other side, she gave her seat to both boys.
"After you four are finished eating meet me by the door, I'll be taking you to the teachers lounge to meet your teacher," Yukita said as she walked over to the main door and leaned up against it; one eye kept on the four kids while the other was on the rest of the cafeteria attendees
-
Andy nodded, hungrily digging into his food, smiling at both the twins right before he dug in, to assure them that it was fine. Phineas sat next to Andy, his features did start to ease up. His body was still rigid though, as it had always been. Sighing however, he nicked some toast of off Andy's plate, which caused Andy to grin.
"Knew you'd come back." Andy smirked.
"Bah. Go boil your head." Phineas retorted. But Andy just laughed.
-
Rin just sighed and kept on eating; Anise shook her head and finished off her pancakes. "I wonder what our teacher will be like..." Anise asked, more to herself than to anyone else.
***
In the infirmary, Sakura was up and getting dressed. She dawned on her school uniform, though beneath the robe she still wore her old elementary uniform. "You like that uniform don't you?" the nurse asked her, for which Sakura smiled.
"You hungry?" She heard the nurse ask, but Sakura shook her head as she grabbed her school bag that had been left there by Yukita earlier that morning. "I'll take you to the teachers lounge then and there you can wait for your friends," the nurse smiled.
-
The boys kept on bickering. To the onlooker, it was actually quite humorous. Andy nudged Phineas. "Come on, cheer up."
Phineas glared at Andy. "Leave me alone. Just because I don't want to talk to chatterboxes like you doesn't mean I don't have a soul."
"You have a soul? That’s a miracle." Andy quipped.
"Geek." Phineas retorted.
"Twit." Andy retaliated.
"Wimp." Phineas snarked.
"Crip." At this, Andy hesitated slightly. He wasn't sure if he should have brought that up, but whatever remorse he had was taken up by surprise by Phineas's next reply.
"Friends?"
"Yeah." Andy replied quietly.
"Cool."
-
The twins just stared at the two boys until they stopped argueing. "Yea... he's back..." Rin said in a low tone before going back to eating her breakfast.
Anise just smiled and got up. "I'm finished, so.. umm.. I'll be waiting outside," she said and tossed her trash away before heading outside.
-
The two boys shared a quick smirk before finishing as well. They headed over to the door where Yukita had told them to be after they had finished. They lounged around, apparently quite at ease with each other again.
-
Rin sighed as she watched them walk away. "Leave a girl alone why don't you," she grumbled and stuffed her food into her mouth. Unaware that an ice cold sheet of water had appeared in the boy's restroom and soaked six students who were going about their business.
With a grumble she got up and tossed her trash away, then meet the group by the main door. "Well I'm ready," she said, smiling and hiding the fact that she was somewhat upset.
-
Phineas shifted his weight on his stronger leg, gazing apparently, on the other side. "Why're they all..."
Andy looked up to see a group of boys looking distraught; though, none as furious as Phineas had been. All of them were soaked.
"Good God..." Phineas muttered under his breath. "The heck is going on today?"
-
"Seem's we are having a case of indoor showers," Yukita said, staring at the boy's now. "Might have to tell the Elder about this..." she said, though anyone who knew Yukita would know she was just kidding around.
As for the twins, they looked just as curious as the boys. "An-anyway!" Anise said sheepishly. Yukita nodded and lead the group to the academy and into the teachers lounge.
When Yukita opened the door; the group was greeted by Sakura's charming and beautiful voice. "Hiya!" She said with a smile.
"Sakura!" Anise beamed and ran over and hugged the young girl tightly, causing Sakura to gasp for air. "Uh.. h-help me..." Sakura said weakly.
-
Andy was just as overjoyed to see Sakura as the twins. He bounded over as well, giving Sakura a big hug. Phineas lingered by the doorway. He merely smiled slightly. Getting in-close and personal was not his style. He awkwardly put his hands inside his pockets and watched as laughing, Andy pulled away from Sakura after a bit, tugging Anise as well to give Sakura some air to breathe.
-
Sakura breathed in some fresh air. After a minute or so she looked at the twins and smiled, then over at Andy and Phineas. "Phineas still being a bad boy?" she said, grinning as she stared at him.
-
Andy brightened up. "Oh, well you know him, he's so-"
"Hardly." Phineas cut through Andy's blabber. He took his hands out of his pockets, pushing himself off the wall that he was leaning against. "You alright, then?" He asked, shifting his gaze onto Sakura.
Andy smiled to himself. Phineas did care. It was evident. He may not show it; he may recklessly deny it, but he cared.
-
"Yes.. I'm fine," Sakura said and turned toward the door. "I wonder who our teacher is going to be..." she asked herself and then turned back at the twins and Andy and Phineas. "Don't suppose the four of 'you' may know," she said, placing both of her hands on her hips and feigning a glare at them.
-
Andy and Phineas shrugged, both quite amused at Sakura's behavior. She wasn't very good at acting angry.
"Guess we'll just wait and see." Andy said. "I mean, however it is, I think we'll all get by alright." Andy laughed, "I mean, it's not going to be anyone we know, so they won't know how me and Finny are like." He said, quirking a grin at Phineas.
-
"Uh huh," Sakura grumbled, folding her arms over her chest and glaring at the two boys. "Perhaps I should let them know how you two act eh?" she said, a grin forming on her face.
Anise stared at Sakura, in the back of her mind she couldn't help but view Sakura as rather cute when she was like this.
-
Phineas mocked sighed. "What do you mean how I act?" He jabbed a finger into Andy's chest. "It's him who they need to be worried about. Flashing your 'charming' smile off; getting out of trouble. God, I hope it is someone we know." He muttered bitterly.
Andy grinned, now amused at Phineas's behavior. "You're just jealous." He answered childishly. "That they like me better than you."
Phineas supressed the urge to roll his eyes. "Yes. Yes, that's EXACTLY it."
-
"Becareful Phineas, you may get what you wish for," Sakura said. She loved teasing the two boys, though she herself doubted they would get someone they knew, though her gut was telling her she was about to regret thinking that.
-
Phineas was just about to make a witty remark when the words seemed to die in his throat. His eyes widened, the look of surprise that was rarely there, was clearly plastered on his face.
Andy, who had been waiting for Phineas to reply, quickly whipped around to see what Phineas was looking it.
Actually, it was a 'she.' And actually. All five of them knew her.
Andy was the first to recover. "Ms. Xellos?"
The lady smiled as she approached the group. "Hello, you five. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
Phineas blinked, regaining his composure. Lyra smiled at the dumbfounded group. She saw Phineas and opened her arms. "C'mere, Phineas. Give me a hug." She said, teasingly. Knowing full well that Phineas wouldn't do so.
"I...I well...that..."
Lyra laughed, her tinkling, soprano overjoying the rest of the group. "Quite alright, Finny."
Andy grinned. Miss Xellos was the only one besides him who called him that.
-
"Hello Lyra," Sakura smiled childishly.
Lyra turned toward the young girl and smiled at her. "Hello Sakura, been two year's since I last saw you," she said.
Sakura didn't say anything but smile. The twins themselves just shook their head and blinked, "of all the teachers to get," Rin said, but it was Anise who finished for her. "It had to be the one that knows us,"
"Something wrong you two?" she grinned at them, but the twins just shook their heads. "I didn't think I'd see the four of you, let alone Sakura so soon. I thought Yukita was just teasing with me when she said it was a couple kids I knew, so you five are here now in this world, I'm glad your here and not out there," she said, referring to the 'real world' that the five of them came from.
-
She grinned at the group, and they all beamed back at her.
Phineas didn't say anything, merely shifted his weight again.
Lyra saw the movement quite quickly however. She also saw the pain that was reflected across Phineas's face. Her face showed immediate concern, enough to make Phineas turn slightly red.
"Are you alright, Phineas?"
"Perfectly fine, ma'am."
Lyra bit her lip. She knew he was lying, but decided not to press any further. Andy glanced at his friend and back at his teacher. He needed to break the tension.
"Anyways," He said, grinning. "Least ways you know how much trouble Sakura can cause." He said, teasing.
-
Sakura blinked, then grumbled and as her face puffed up. "Annnndddddyyy..." she said in a scary tone.
"Well," Lyra said, tapping her chin. "He 'does' have a point, you were ball of trouble back then," she said with a smile.
-
Andy grinned mischiveously, flashing his grin to Sakura.
Phineas tried for a smile, but it came as more of a grimace.
Andy instinctively reached over to support Phineas.
Phineas grabbed the bottle that was in his pockets and dry-swallowed two.
Andy cringed slightly. Those pain-killers again...
-
Sakura's face turned a bright shade of red as she suddenly found herself embarassed by Lyra's comment. "B-but.. y-you know... I..I.." Sakura tried to say but her words kept getting stuck.
"Your just a young child so I expect it, just like how I expect this to be a very interesting school year now that you five are joining us," Lyra said and then turned to the side. "Either way, classes start soon so about we head to the classroom," she said and lead the group up three floors. The hallway was adorned by curtains and rich colors, students wearing first year robes stood around talk to one another, some held books, while others were wearing backpacks.
As the teacher approuched their classroom, room A, she stopped short of the door. "You five should wait out here for a couple minute's while I lecture the class ok, I'll let you know when to come in and introduce yourself," she told them just as the bell to begin homeroom rang. With a smile on her face Lyra headed into the classroom as some of the students around them followed her in.
-
Andy nodded deftly. He turned to face Phineas. "You okay?" He murmured anxiously.
"I'm okay. Don't worry. Pills will settle in soon."
Andy nodded, still worried. "Okay, Finny. Okay."
-
Lyra closed the door behind her and started addressing the class; first by doing rollcall for those who were there.
Outside, Rin and Anise let out a sigh and walked over to the window. "Who'd have though we'd get our old kindergarten teacher as our teacher," she said.
"Well, better someone we know than someone we don't," Anise said to her twin sister. Rin smiled briefly at Anise and nodded, "I guess your right," Rin said.
Sakura just stared at the door, her face still somewhat red from Lyra's earlier comment.
"What do you two think?" Rin asked Andy and Phineas.
-
Andy grinned slightly. "Yeah, I'm fine with her. She's amazing, anyways."
Phineas just gave a wry nod.
-
"Hmmm?" Rin said, leaning toward Andy and Phineas, with both her hands collasped behind her back. "Ah well, we know she's gentle and kind, so perhaps things will turn out fine," she smiled.
Just then the door slid open and a student walked out; the young girl wore the same robe they did only on the collar was a gold band that ringed around it. "You can come in and introduce yourselves now," the girl said, her smile serene. She stepped to the side as the twins and Sakura passed her, heading toward the podium at the front of the classroom. The girl then glanced at Andy and Phineas, still displaying her smile at them.
-
Andy grinned right back at the girl as he headed in, followed closely by Phineas. The girls were in front so Andy graciously let them go first. He and Phineas stood to the side, and Phineas quickly surveyed his surroundings.
-
Rin nervously smiled at the class; there were twelve students in total, not including themselves. Each ranging in age from nine to thirteen, the young girl who had greeted them was thirteen.
"Please, introduce yourselves to the class," Lyra said and walked over to the large window and stared out it.
Anise glanced at her sister and then smiled and took lead, giving a bow to the class she spoke. "My name's Anise Outren, I'm ten year's old. Happy to meet you!" Anise said and turned toward her sister as if telling her it was her turn.
Rin stole a quick glance at Anose and also smiled before speaking. "My name's Rin Outren, I'm Anise's twin sister. I'm also ten year's old and very glad to meet your aquatence," she said, only she bowed to the students instead of smiling.
Sakura took in a deep breath and spoke up. "M-my name's Sakura Ramie, I'm eight year's old. I'm very glad to meet you," she said and bowed curteously.
The girls all gave a somewhat childish smile at the students before stepping aside to allow the boy's to introduce themselves.
-
Andy stepped up, confidently, his smile; dazzling. Already, some of the female students were smiling back at him.
"Hi!" He said, his eyes filled with evident excitement. "I'm Andrew Baldwin. But call me Andy." He stated, "I'm ten years old as well. I hope I'll be getting to know a lot of you better, real soon." he said, winking as he made room for Phineas.
Whereas Andy's effect of the room had been bright, Phineas's was more business like, more snappy.
"I'm Phineas." He said, not bothering to give his last name. "I'm also 10 years old." He said sharply, and quickly stepped aside. However, like Andy, Phineas's impression on some of the girls took immediate effect.
They could distinctly hear one whisper to her friend, "Oo, the strong and silent type..."
-
Rin and Anise hadn't changed in their expression, though Sakura seemed somewhat more excited.
"Ok, let's see where I can seat you." Lyra said as she checked her seating chart.
As they stood there, Rin gave a quick glanced out the window and then said. "This will be a very interesting school year," in a low voice so that only her friends and perhaps even Lyra could hear.
End Chapter 1
New Charters for Chapter 2
Name: Sasha
Age: 10
Grade: 1st Year
School: Magi Academy
Division: Elementary
Occupation: Magi Student
Hobby: Keeping the peace
Eye Color: Left eye is white, right eye is black
Hair Color: light blue
Personality: Very caring and out going, easy to make friends with.
Appearance: much like all the students, Sasha wear's her school uniform. She has a scar on her lower right hip and a bruise on her legs, she doesn't talk about either.
Description: Sasha is a first year student at the Magi Academy, but in reality she's a repeater, meaning she's repeated the year twice already. Her reason for repeating is directly related to the scar and bruise on her body, however, despite that she's a very cheerful young girl who treats everyone around her with a certain level of respect.
Sasha has a little sister who is only five year's old, but her little sister is permenantly paralyzed due to an innocent involving their past, because of this she seems to have a fondness for Sakura.
----
Name: Alexandra
Age: 13
Grade: 1st Year
School: Magi Academy
Division: Elementary
Occupation: Magi Student
Hobby: None
Eye Color: Left eye is red, right eye is black
Hair Color: light green
Personality: Competitive and rude
Appearance: Alexandra wears her uniform much like everyone else, but her rebellious nature has resulted in her uniform having a somewhat 'gothic' apperance.
Description: Alexndra is a girl who hates being outdone and will stop at nothing to get rid of someone who may be doing better than her.
Alexandra's magical powers are up to the point where even the Elders view her with caution, she's a troublesome student and often times 'hurts' other students who get in her way, but she's always been able to get away with it.
Other than her magical skills, she's gifted with amazing archery abilities that supercede most of the instructors.
-
Chapter 2
One Month Later
Over a month has passed since Rin, Anise, Andy, Phineas and Sakura joined the Magi Academy. Making friends quickly, they've risen through the first year ranks to become the five top students in less than a month.
Night
"Ughs," Rin said as she flopped down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. "These Magi classes are getting somewhat harder each day," she said and glanced at her sister.
Anise was standing in the doorway, her figure somewhat shadowed by how the hallway light wasn't on. "But you are having fun, I can't use magic," she said.
"But you've been doing a great job with the class homework and thus are in fifth place amongst the first years, with Andy being in first, my in second, Phineas in third and Sakura in fourth," Rin said with a smirk.
Sakura was in the living room, her figure stretched across the sofa reading a book. She wore her old school uniform, with Yukita in her cat form laying on her back, asleep.
-
Andy and Phineas had been outside, dueling with each other when it started to rain. Grinning slightly, Andy said, "I suppose we should go back in.
"Yes, you dolt. We should." Phineas replied, slightly agitated.
Andy grinned, "Is the great Mr.Finny mad because he's currently in THIRD?"
"Oh, shut up." He said, scowling slightly.
The boys walked through the rain, mainly due to Phineas's leg. They didn't mind getting wet.
At least...Andy didn't. They arrived in the commons where the girls were.
"Hey all." Andy said, absolutely grinning.
-
Anise blinked and looked over at Andy. "H-hey, y-your all wet.. h-here," she said and grabbed a single towel and handed to him.
Rin blinked and looked over at her sister. A broad smile creased her face as she watched her twin sister handing a towel to Andy.
Sakura herself hadn't noticed them as she was to engrossed in her book.
-
Andy blinked, a bit surprised, but thankful nevertheless. "Thanks, Anise." He replied, flashing one of those 'drop dead' smiles of his.
Phineas merely rolled his eyes, passed a nod to Rin, and agonizingly limped his way to the lavatory to find a towel to dry himself off.
Andy rumpled his hair with the towel, and excused himself to change into some dryer clothes. Inside the room, he found Phineas taking those accursed pills again.
He frowned, "How many have you had, tonight?"
"Not enough." Snapped Phineas, sliding a hand through his hair as he went back out to the commons area.
-
"You realize that your addicted right?" Anise said from just outside the lavatory.
Sakura had, by now, looked behind her and noticed the boys. "Hi hi!" she chirped, Yukita barely had time to jump off before Sakura sprang up with a childish disposition. "So, what were 'you' two doing?" she asked.
-
Phineas promptly ignored Anise's comment as he moodily sat himself down on another comfy armchair near the fireplace.
Andy had followed Phineas out, a small frown appearing on his usually cheery face as his eyes gazed at his friend. His thoughts were interrupted by Sakura and he plastered on a grin. "Hey, Sakura." He said, "We were outside, practicing." He replied to Sakura's inquisitive nature.
Andy's gaze however, kept on going back to Phineas who was staring at the fireplace with a dejected look on his face.
-
"Is that so?" Sakura asked, now giving a questioning look. "Then why does Phineas look like he's been beaten on one to many times," she grinned.
"Sakura, your probing," Anise said, the tone she used made her sound almost adult-like as she crossed her arms over her chest.
-
Andy put up a hand. "Nah, it's alright, Anise." He glanced a look at Phineas. "He's just tired is all, his leg is actin-"
Phineas had gripped his thigh and had reached for the pain-killers. Before Andy even knew what he was doing, he lunged, knocking the pill bottle out of the other's hand.
"Are you INSANE?!" Andy yelled, snapping. "You just TOOK two! You haven't even given it time for it to work yet, Phineas!"
Phineas merely looked at Andy. "I suggest you not worry about my medication, or myself." He said, coldly.
"I bloody well WILL worry about you because obviously, you're too DENSE to take care of yourself! Honestly, Phineas. You're the smartest dumb person I've ever known!"
Phineas cocked his head at Andy. If he wasn't mistaken, this was the first time he had heard Andy yell.
-
Sakura tore a look between the two boys, her facial expression turning to fear. "P-Phineas, you've been acting very wierd ever since you started taking those pills," she said, her arms up to her chest and her expression shifting to being afraid.
"P-please," She said. "S-stop taking the pills ok?"
Anise watched, with Rin peering around the corner of the bedroom.
-
"Stay out of this, Sakura. I know you're trying to help, but just stay out." Phineas murmured through gritted teeth. Andy still had Phineas pinned down and was glaring daggers at him.
"You have a pain managemen-"
Phineas snapped back, "I do not have a pain management problem, I have a pain problem. There's a difference, Andrew. Get off of me."
"No."
"What?"
"I said no."
Phineas pressed against Andy, shoving the other off. Out of his fury, green sparks flew and hit Andy in the chest, sending the other boy flying off, and crashing into the couch. Phineas got up shakily, his weight balanced on his left and with his right hand, gripped his affected right thigh. He went passed all of them, and slammed the door, making his way back out to the rain again.
-
Sakura huddled against the Sofa as the boys fought; tears rolled down her face as they fought. When the sofa went flying, she imminently backed up against the window and stared at Andy as he laid there. Hearing the door slam was enough to make her realize that something indeed was wrong with Phineas.
"A-Andy?" she said, tear's still flowing slowly. In a heart beat she sprang up and ran out the door and cought up to Phineas. "What's your problem huh?!" she shouted, standing firm behind him.
**
Back in the room, Rin and Anise ran over to Andy, with Yukita returning to her full form. "Andy..." Anise said as she helped him.
-
"Don't- I..I'm fine." Andy mumbled, painfully trying to smile. "I'm okay. I'm fine."
He stood up, shaking slightly.
Phineas didn't answer. He merely limped faster into the rain.
-
Sakura choked back some tears and ran ahead of Phineas, then stopped in front and spread her arms out blocking his path.
She wasn't wearing a rain coat and thus the rain was soaking her short sleeved jacket and skirt, the rain mixed in with her tears but also gave her a sort of divine look.
With the shake of her head she said, "You're acting very wierd, you attacked your best friend who is only looking after you!" Her voice somewhat whiny and shakey, she then lowered her head slightly and said, with all her might. "Do you like those things that much, that our worries don't matter to you?" she glowered at him and shouted, snapping her head up suddenly, tear's flying off. "Y-your a coward, attacking your best friend, then ignoring our worries!"
***
"You shouldn't move much," Anise said as she placed her arms under Andys.
"Yukita, I'll stay here with Andy and Anise, can you--- huh?" Rin said when she noticed Yukita staring out the door. "What's wrong?"
"I'm worried about Sakura, with Phineas being very angry-" Yukita said and got up.
Rin shook her head. "Phineas would never attack Sakura if that's what you're about to say," she said.
"Maybe if he was in his right mind, but right now he's not, he's very angry and his emotions are uncontrolled - he might not even realize he's attacking her until after the fact," Yukita said. "Do I believe he would normally attack her? No, I think deep down inside Phineas adores Sakura much like everyone else, but right now he's not himself and could do 'anything'," she said and walked away.
-
Phineas gritted his teeth, a muscle jumping in his jaw. He kept reminding himself that she was only eight. That he shouldn't yell at her, however, she was ebbing onto his patience.
"Get out of the way." He murmured quietly. However, dangerously nevertheless. When she still hadn't moved, and started accusing him, Phineas lost it.
"What the hell would you know?!" He roared. "You don't have to do much to get attention. You have a perfectly happy family. You're adored. You wouldn't understand PAIN. You weren't there when they told me what was wrong with my leg. You weren't there when I made my choice to keep it." Phineas's eyes were glinting. "Did you know?" He snarled, "That they wanted to amputate it? To cut my damn leg off?! But no. It was my leg, my choice, and most importantly, my life. Do you understand?! I don't need you out of all people to shout at me for something you have no idea about! Go on, run on over and help Andrew. He's the one you look up to. HE's the optimistic one. Mr. Righteous. Those pills I take..." He jerked his head back towards the way he had come from, "Help me cope with my leg pain." He was trembling with fury. "Do you know how it feels to have a chunk of muscle missing from your leg?! Can you even IMAGINE what it is the pain I deal with? Think about that, why don't you."
And with that, Phineas roughly shoved her aside, and made his way deeper out into the rain; never looking back.
****
Even though it was Phineas who had attacked him, Andy still jumped to his defense. He bracingly walked over to Yukita. "Whatever mindset Phineas is in, he'd never hurt her. I know him." He muttered, his voice trailing off; a slight uncertainty there. Did he really? Did he really know who Phineas was?
-
Sakura hit the ground hard; while she was upset, she wasn't going to give up. She sprang back to her feet, but then suddenly fell foreward, pain shooting through her ankle, she realized that when Phineas had shoved her aside she had broken her ankle. "Ugh..." she grimaced and tried to get up, but the pain that shoot through her ankle was more than she could stand. "Y-you... coward..." she said with gritted teeth, laying there on the ground with rain pouring onto her.
***
"But do you truly know him?" Yukita asked Andy. "Our medical technology would allow us to fully heal Phineas's leg without having to 'remove' it, he wouldn't have to take any pills and he wouldn't have to worry about not being able to walk," she said to him and continued her way out into the rain
-
And it was like something deep inside Andy erupted. "No." He said, almost immediately. "No, you can't do that. Phineas made his choice. He has to stick with it. It...he'll...he's going to cope. I know he will."
-
"And? The more of those pills he takes the more addicted he'll become, it'll turn into a drug addiction that'll never end and WILL cause him further pain!" Yukita said, her voice authoritive, yet caring.
***
"Ugh!" Sakura grunted as she hobbled toward a tree. He's being very stubborn about his choice, she said as she rubbed her head. Yea, I'm adorable, yes I lead a good life and had a good family, but that doesn't mean I didn't have my own problems, she grumbled and kept her pace in the direction that Phineas had gone.
-
"So what if he needs them? If he'll just limit the amount he takes, it'll be fine!" He didn't understand why he was doing this. But all he knew that Phineas was his friend. And thus, being his friend meant protecting him, and respecting his choices.
***
Phineas didn't stop. He just felt Sakura follow him and that irritated him beyond means. He kept walking, the rain, drenching him and his steps getting shakier as his weight was now on his left to cause the least discomfort to his right.
-
Sakura kept going; she wasn't about ready to stop and just let him go.
***
Yukita stopped and took in a deep breath. "So, getting addicted to a drug means he'll be fine eh?" she said, her voice devoid of any emotion. "You don't understand what an addiction can do to someone, espically a child like yourself, its the reason why we prefer to cure all injuries and not have them take pills," she said and turned toward Andy.
"I know your trying to protect your friend, but you need to learn when to let things go. The pill's he's taking are pain killers, those will eventually start poisoning his blood stream when he take's 'to' many of them, would you rather he get help 'now', or wait until he suddenly falls ill due to those pills poisoning his blood?" Yukita asked him, her voice still devoid of emotion.
-
"I'm not...I'm not trying to protect him." Andy replied, his voice even. "If you take too many, then yeah, your liver can shut down, it can cause jaundice. But don't you think he knows that? I mean, if I know this, than Phineas certainly knows the risks of the pills. He chose to keep his leg for reason, Yukita. I'm merely respecting his choice. He's gone through more than a guy his age should."
-
"If he truly knew that, he wouldn't be trying to pop so many pills just because of a little pain," Yukita said. "Now, he's not in his right mind and you know it," with that she took off in the direction that Sakura and Phineas had gone in.
***
Sakura kept up, but as the rain fell harder she started to lose sight of him. She sped up her pace until she lost her footing on the muddy ground, but instead of falling forward she fell to her side and slid down a muddy slope, rolling until she got to the bottom. "Ow...." she grunted as she picked herself up. "Phineas...." she said while choking back tears. "Andy.... Rin... Anise...." her clothing wet and full of mud, she just laid there and cried.
-
"He's not in just a little pain!" He shouted after her. How could she say that? Had she not seen the pain that he had seen on Phineas's face? Had she not seen the turmoil that was raging a war inside of Phineas? Had she not seen how Phineas was struggling to find a stable reality in himself? Sighing furiously, Andy stayed where he was. There would be no point in following her. She wouldn't listen.
-
Yukita shook her head. Little pain as in popping pills everytime a small amount of pain occurs, not whenever a large amount occurs... she said with a sigh and kept her pace.
The rain outside was getting worse with each passing minute; visibility was getting very poor and to the point where she couldn't see beyond ten feet. "Man, I've never seen rain this bad before, I mean yes we do get bad weather and it does rain a lot - but never this much and this hard," she said and kept walking. After a couple minute's she heard the sound of a little girl crying, it took her a second to realize that it was Sakura's voice.
"Sakura!" she shouted.
***
Rin and Anise didn't say a word throughout the entire exchange. They knew both sides were more or less correct, but they also knew that they had to do something about Phineas. "Andy... how long have you truly known Phineas?" Anise asked. "I-I mean we meet in preschool, but I mean before that..."
-
Andy sighed, sitting down on the chair. He ran a hand through his messy hair, closing his eyes.
"I met him two years before preschool." He muttered softly. "We were inseparable. You couldn't see one of us without the other."
-
"I see, but why does Phineas have a father who's so... I mean.. was he always like that?" Anise asked.
-
Andy looked up. "His father abused him." He said through gritted teeth. "It was bound to catch up with Phineas sooner or later. He usually doesn't lose it like this. But I suspect everything's finally caught up with him. I don't care what Yukita says. Phineas needs those pills. The pain he deals with on a daily basis is enough to make anybody coil up and refuse to come out of the house."
-
Anise smiled somewhat. "That may be so, but -- err... I.. while I don't really understand it all, I do think that Phineas is making a mistake taking all those pills," she said in a careful tone, but also trying hard to upset Andy.
Rin sighed. "We can't do anything to help him Anise," she said. "He may be our friend and while we do want to protect him, we must also protect him from himself," she said.
"Yea, I know... but why did he suddenly lose it now though? I mean we've been here a full month and he never lost it before..." Anise said, her voice becoming shakey with fear.
-
"Pressure." Andy replied automatically. "Everything builds up. Frankly, I'm really amazed he hasn't lost in sooner." He glanced over at Anise. "He's not making a mistake, Anise." He replied firmly. "Phineas knows what he's doing. He just needs to watch the intake better, that's all."
-
Anise smiled weakly and then stared out. "But.. I am worried about Sakura, she hasn't come back," she said and stared out into the rain.
***
Yukita had searched high and low, but the constant rain had made it hard for her to find Sakura. Finally after several more minute's she found Sakura's prone form in the mud. The girl was still crying though it was muffled by both the rain and the fact she crying into her arms, Yukita ran over to the girl and placed her arms under her. "Sakura, you ok?" she asked.
She saw the way Sakura's foot was bent and knew the girl had injured herself. Mud caked the girls clothing and she was wet from top to bottom, she picked Sakura up and began to carry her, though Sakura was still crying.
-
"She'll be fine." Andy said. "Yukita will find her. You'll see."
-
Anise just smiled. "Y-yea, your right," she said.
Yukita continued to sluge through the rain. Sakura still in her arms, she had become quiet after a few minutes, but Yukita coud still her sniffling every now and then. As she approuched the dormitories several students had come outside after hearing the commotion, "Yukita what happened?" one student asked, concerned.
"Just a scuffle between two friends," she said, though the others students didn't by it when they saw Sakura and how she looked. The students followed her to the dorm-room where Yukita threw open the door.
Rin and Anise looked up and saw her, but also Sakura in her arms.
-
Andy glanced up. As he had said, Sakura was back. Drenched, miserable, and possibly with a sprained ankle, but back. Andy stood up. But no Phineas. While he was glad that Sakura had returned, he needed to find Phineas.
Andy quickly grabbed his jacket and started to head out wordlessly.
-
"Anise get me a towel please," Yukita said as she took Sakura into the girl's room. Anise had gone into the bathroom and retreived a towel and laid it out, there Sakura was sat down and Yukita began to clean her off. During that time Sakura explain what had happened between sobs, that she had stopped Phineas and tried to talk to him.
"So he did attack her," Rin scowled.
"Attacked? No, but shoved her out of the way instead," Yukita said, but when she turned to tell Rin something else she noticed the girl was now gone. "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned," Yukita said in a low enough tone that Sakura nor Anise heard. All they heard was Sakura crying once more after she had finished talking, their discussion reminding her of what happened.
-
Andy had jogged out into the pouring storm. He couldn't see a thing. He proffed his jacket tighter around him as he began to shout for Phineas. He nearly collided into about 5 bushes, tripped about 10 times and still, he couldn't find Phineas. How far had he gone? How far can he have gone? Not far, Andy muttered, Not far...his leg would be holding him up...
He continued to run, not caring that he'd probably end up hurting himself as well.
-
Rin followed Andy at a safe distance, he was just barely in range, but far enough to where she knew he wouldn't see her. "Just lead me to him..." she said softly to himself. I don't know if he did it intentionally or unintentionally, either way, I'm not going to let him get away with hurting Sakura, she thought as she continued following Andy.
-
"Phineas!" Andy roared against the howling wind. Andy was close to tears as his voice cracked several times. Up ahead, there was a small pavilion. Maybe, just maybe... Andy sprinted as fast as he could to the pavilion. He squinted his eyes against the shadow of the building and saw a forlorn form against one of its pillars. Andy ran up to it, trying to regain his breath. "Phineas?" He murmured. "Phineas, you okay?"
There was no answer.
-
Rin had continued her chase and soon came upon where Andy had gone, squinting near a bush, she stayed there and watched Andy as he approuched the lone figure.
***
"You feeling better now?" Yukita asked after drying Sakura off and handing here a clean set of clothing.
The young girl nodded as she helped into a skirt and t-shirt. "I-I'm fine.. t-thank you.." she said and sat down on the bed. "Where'd Rin go?" she asked while Yukita tended to her ankle.
"Don't know, she left a few minute's ago, possibly after Andy and Phineas," Anise said and took a seat next to Yukita. "It feels somewhat gloomy here, want to head to the cafeteria for a bite to it?" she asked in a soft tone.
Sakura nodded. Yukita smiled, "you two go ahead, I wanna check up on a few things," she said and left the dorm room. Anise nodded and gently grabbed Sakura's small hand, within seconds the two were out of the room and headed to the cafeteria.
-
"H-hey..." Andy muttered, his voice shaking. He touched Phineas's body. It was cold. Phineas hadn't exactly worn anything warm, so his whole body was freezing. His eyes were closed and Andy immediately checked for a pulse. It was there, but it was really faint. It was then, as Andy had deftly checked for any broken bones or anything, that Phineas's face was scratched heavily and his right leg was bent painfully underneath him.
Alarmed, Andy straightened the leg out, so that Phineas was laying completely down. He felt the affected thigh and noticed it was pulsating heavily. "Crap..." Andy said quietly, muttering under his breath. He had to get Phineas out of here. Who knows what else had happened. There was no light and he could only guess the extent of the damage. He shifted his body so that he could carry Phineas on his back. Once that was done, Andy was swaying slightly, but started to make his way solidly back to the academy.
-
Rin watched from the bush's as Andy slowly walked by her hiding spot; looking at Phineas on his back she felt some worry about his condition, but despite that she still felt that any pain he was going through was deserved after he harmed Sakura. With a grumble she got up from her hiding spot and quickly approuched Andy from behind, "need help?" she asked, while she wore an angry expression, it was merely a faint.
-
Andy did not seem surprised at all by Rin's appearance. He was rather good at reading people's expressions and the one Rin had on, however subtle it was, gave danger signs to Andy.
"I got him." Andy replied evenly. The last thing he needed was Rin to go rampaging all over Phineas when he was already in pain. He kept up a slow and steady pace all the way back. The rain had slowed some, but it wasn't much better. The ground was muddy and Andy's feet kept sinking into the squashy mud.
-
"Are you sure?" Rin said as she walked past Andy and infront of him, her demenor somewhat relaxed.
-
"Yeah. I got him, Rin. It's fine." He stopped however, for she was blocking his way. "Er..." Andy said, slightly irritated, "Would you mind moving a bit?"
-
"Ummm.. no?" Rin smiled mischiviously at him. "Why would I want to move? Such a silly thing to ask eh?" she said.
-
Andy blinked, slightly taken a back. What the heck was Rin doing? Could she not see that Phineas was hurt? Instead of trying to reason with her, Andy tried to detour around her.
-
Rin grinned and got in Andy's way. Her arms still clasped behind her back, she gave off a childish disposition as she stared at him before saying. "I mean, after all, won't he just continue to hurt you and the others?" she said, the rain started falling heavier now, shadowing her image, though if anyone looked closely enough they might've noticed something odd about how the rain interacted with her.
***
"This is strange," Yukita said and she stared out into the rain. "This rain is not natural.... wait... oh no..." she sprang up off the ground and ran out of the dorm room. "No, shit... I completely forgot to warn those three!"
-
Andy took a step back, faltering. "What the hell are you talking about?!" Andy said, scared more than anything. "I'm not leaving him here. Get out of the way!" He said, his voice hoarse.
-
"I. Think. Not." Rin said as a spear appeared in both hands. "Now, be a good boy and stand still while I remove a growth on your back," she said, a horrid grin forming on her face. She angled the spear downward and then rushed toward Andy.
-
His heart beat rapidly against his chest. He had no room to think. He ducked, and swerved, hitting the ground hard. Him first, so that Phineas wouldn't get harmed even more. He layed Phineas on the ground and quickly, though he was shaking now, turned to face her
"What the....what's wrong with you, Rin?!" Andy said, utterly perplexed and scared. She had just tried to...to kill Phineas.
-
"Stand still damn it!" Rin said, her voice changing into something more menacing and hateful. Energy emerged on the tip of the spear as she swung it hard toward him.
"Andy! Where are you?!" someone shouted from behind Rin. The voice sounding earrily familiar to someone he knew.
-
He ducked again. And just in time. He could feel the hairs on the back of his neck rise on end and he could feel the heat of the spear. He jumped up again, ready to lunge, but then heard a voice. Andy jolted. What? But that was...that was Rin's voice. But how could that be?
"Rin?" He shouted, still keeping an eye on the other Rin as well, her lips curving up to a devastating cruel smile.
-
"Where are you?!" The voice shouted. "I-I can't see you through the rain!"
-
Andy knew at once that the voice was Rin. So if that was Rin...then who was...was she? His eyes gazed at the other Rin who was still holding the spear.
-
The other Rin watched him, before a smirk appeared on her face. "Well," she said and licked her lips. "The real 'me' is finally here, perhaps I can have some 'fun' now," she grinned.
"An-" Rin said before noticing the other girl. "What?" she said with a curious expression. another me? Rin blinked and followed the girls hands to a spear, instantly she summoned her training staff and took up a position in front of Andy. "How is this possible?" she whispered to Andy.
-
"I'm as lost as you are." He muttered back. "She nearly ran Phineas through the heart with that and almost chopped off my head." He said distastefullly. Like Rin, he summoned his training staff and stood next to her.
-
"I see," The real Rin said as stared at the fake one. "So here's my next question, who is she?"
"A question you'll likely not get an answer for," the fake Rin said as she straightened up. "However, perhap's I'll give ya a hint if you let me please with you a bit longer!" she shouted as a trianguler formation appeared below the group.
Glancing about, Rin quickly grabbed Andy and Phineas and jumped backwards, narrowly avoiding the black of superheated plasma that erupted from the ground. Landing just a few feet away, she set Phineas on the ground and glared at the intruder. "Don't suppose this has anything to do with the weather eh?" Rin said, trying hard to relieve the tension that was building the air.
-
"I wish." Andy muttered wistfully. He was getting angry with this intruder. Sure, he was scared but this was out of line. No one got away with hurting his friends. He stepped in front of Rin and jumped, charging at the fake Rin.
-
The girl shoke her head. "Tut tut, ya think that'll work?" she asked and smiled, she side stepped Andy's lunge and brought her spear down, but was blocked when Rin rammed her spear in the way.
"Using my image to harm my friends?" Rin scowled and lifted her training staff, only to have it snap in half and end her twirling backwards into a heap on the ground.
Edit: Wrong word - substituted 'Image' for 'Body'
-
Andy's mind was racing. Phineas was in the most danger, as he was unconscious and injured. Rin's staff was broken, and he had just lunged. No matter. He wanted to cause pain. He lunged again, not caring about the imminent effects that it would, and might have on himself.
-
She grinned and shook her head as Andy's body passed right through her. "You can't hurt me," she said and turned toward him. She stole a glance at the real Rin who was picking herself up off the ground, just as she was reading another attack, a strong hold took over her.
Rin stood her ground as she casted a holding spell. "Andy! Grab Phineas and run for the dormitory! I'll be right behind you!" Rin said as she concentrated.
-
Andy didn't have time to act chivalrous. He didn't have time to tell her that he'd fight this illusion off. He merely threw her a worried glance, and nodded. He had to see to the extent of Phineas's injuries. He swiftly grabbed Phineas and put him on his back and started to hobble back towards the building that was looming ominously nearby.
-
Rin stood there and watched as Andy went out of her line of sight; then suddenly she felt a surge of magical energy as her hold spell lost it's effectiveness.
"Err.." she grumbled as the illusion of herself walked forward. "I'll give you an A for effort, but an F for failing to--" the fake Rin said before glancing to her left. "Ughs, not you!" she snapped as she spun forty degree's to left but failed to counter what hit her, sending her flying in a heap against the muddy ground. Second's later her form disappeared in a spectacle of particles.
Rin stared in the direction that her other self 'had' been facing before, then smiled when she saw who it was that had helped her. "It's not safe here," the person said and grabbed her hand. Second's later she found herself just outside the dormitory, the person who rescued her gave her a smile before heading up to the dormitory. Rin herself just sighed and waited up against the door frame.
-
Andy arrived way after, having to guess his way in the dark and having to untangle himself from the many vines, bushes, and muddy paths he had to get out of. Finally however, he made it up to the commons where he turned a right, heading to the dorms. He stopped, slightly taken a back when he saw Rin there. "You alright?" He asked, breathing a bit heavily.
-
"I'm fine," Rin said and pushed off the doorframe. "Let's get Phineas to the infirmary, Anise and Sakura are there as well as Yukita and Yoko," Rin added as she walked up behind Andy and helped him with Phineas.
-
Andy nodded and made his way with Rin to the infirmary. There, he once again dropped Phineas off on the bed, and he smiled wryly to himself. How many times are you going to go and do something reckless? I won't always be around to come save you, Finny...
-
Sakura sat on one of the infirmary beds; the nurse tending to her ankle. "It's bruised and will require a few days to heal, you won't be able to take part in any training during that time ok?" the nurse told her. Sakura just nodded and glanced over at Phineas, then sighed and turned toward Yoko.
Yoko was leaning up against the wall, if it wasn't for her robe and the fact she was holding a staff, she could be mistaken for a first year. "Mind explaining why the heck the three of you were out there on 'this' day? If memory serves, your teacher should've already told you that going out at night on the last, and first day, of each month is forbidden for 'all' students," Yoko said, her voice full of anger. She tapped her foot on the ground, the way she carried herself made her appear to be much much older.
-
Andy's jaw was set as he didn't answer right away. He merely watched the nurse's deft hands run through Phineas to check for any lasting injuries. He winced when he saw Phineas's leg pulsating. He turned around to face Yoko.
"Had a riff. Phineas and me." He said in a low voice. "He walked outside for a bit. Sakura followed. He went deeper. I went after him."
-
Yoko just stayed there and stared at Andy. "Uh huh," she said and turned to Sakura.
"It-it's true, they did get into a scuffle, I went after him to try and talk to him. I-I tried to talk to him, but after two tries he shoved me out of the way and ... well..." Sakura said and glanced at Yukita.
Yukita sighed. "Damn, we usually don't mind the occastional scuffle, but having injured another student, if Yoko's nice she may not punish him... ," she said in a low, almost inaudible tone.
"I see," Yoko said and closed her eyes. "I'm guessing the scuffle was over his medicine and how much he takes right?" she asked, a grin spreading across her face when she saw Anise and Rin's surprised expressions.
-
"Er. Well, yeah. Something like that." Andy nodded. "He didn't intentionally hurt her. Phineas wouldn't ever do that." Andy glanced over at Sakura for confirmation. Seeing her nod, he continued. "He's in a lot of pain. It helps him. Yes, he takes too many sometimes. He never exactly told me how many he took tonight. All I know is that he...he needs me to help him. He's not going to come right out and say it. But I'm going to be there for him. It was his choice." Andy spread his arms out, gesturing to his friend on the hospital bed. "I'm going to do everything I can for him. He's my friend. I owe him that much. He's having a hard time. Why can't any of you understand that? All of you..." He turned, peering into every person's eyes for a couple of seconds. "You all only think he's a drug addict. There's something underneath that that all of you have overlooked. He's a kid. But, he's a kid going through immense physical, and emotional pain no kid should ever endure. I'm sure all of you here have had your own times of pain. Own times of overwhelming sense of doom. But it was only one 'time.' For Phineas, it's daily."
-
Yoko shook her head. "You're right, we've have had our own pains." she looked over at Phineas. Though some of us have felt pain far worse than death, and far worse than what Phineas is feeling.
"Yea, no kid should have to stand that pain," she said, glancing over at the nurse.
Pushing off the wall, Yoko stuffed her hands into her robes pockets and turned toward the window. "It's only a matter of time, Andy, before your friend will be 'forced' to choose between us fixing his leg, or him lossing it. Because we won't have that medicine forever," she said and stared him straight in the eye.
"W-what do you mean?" Rin asked, Yoko turned toward her and said. "The medicine Phineas use's isn't exactly common in our world, we keep a supply of it yes for emergency purposes and for use in killing pain quickly and for long periods of time. But it's not a cure, it won't stop the pain forever, eventually the medicine will stop working - his body will have developed an immunity to the pain killer. Once that happens...." she stopped and let out a long, disappointing sigh, she then sat down on a chair and ran her hand through her hair.
"Yoko, you aren't going to 'force' him right?" Anise said worriedly.
"No," Yoko said and looked up at Anise. "As long as he can control the pain and it doesn't cause problems with his training we won't intervene."
With that Yukita decided to break the tense mood. "Let's put this issue aside," she said and materilized a flyer. "How many here have heard of the upcoming festival?" she asked.
Yoko just blinked, along with the nurse. Talk about a complete one eighty on the subject.. the two of them thought.
-
Andy couldn't help but feel a rise of disappointment in him. He turned his back, walking over instead, to Phineas. He sat on the edge of his friend's bed. He peered down sadly at the darker haired boy and grabbed his hand. Phineas stirred. Andy managed a small smile.
"Hey." He murmured, his voice low.
"Hey." Phineas replied, his voice hoarse. Andy could see the wince that Phineas had as he shifted in the bed. He could see the pain build up in the other's eyes and that broke Andy more than anything.
"You have to let them operate on it, Finny." Andy said pleadingly, his voice in a soft whisper so the other's wouldn't be able to hear.
"It's my leg. It's my life, Andy."
Andy squeezed Phineas's hand tighter. "You might die!" He said, his eyes frantically trying to gauge and expression from Phineas.
There was a moment of silence, but Phineas replied slowly, "I'm not going to die." Andy gave out a half-exasperated chuckle, weary. "Yeah, I'm so reassured. Finny, Finny the pain you're going through is intense. Why won't you let them operate? You'll probably get full use of your leg back. And if all else fails, I bet they can get you a prosthetic leg."
"S'not as pretty, is it?" Phineas replied, trying to break the tension. Andy shook his head, willing himself not to cry in front of his friend. "Weirdo..." Andy murmured, his voice strained. "Would you give up your leg to save mine?"
"Of course." Phineas muttered.
"Then why won't you do it for yourself? Why do you think that your life is more worthless than mine? Why don't you want to be happy? Why're you doing this to yourself? Even if you keep your leg, the pain itself will drive you crazy."
"I know. I know." Phineas replied, his voice fading. "It's a funny thing, Andy." He murmured. "You tell someone that they're dying...and then..." Phineas took in a shuddering breath, composing himself. He swallowed, trying to steady his heartbeat. He looked up and searched to find Andy's eyes. Their eyes met and locked. Phineas opened his mouth to speak.
"It's a basic truth of the human condition that everybody lies. The only variable is about what. The weird thing about telling someone they're dying, is it tends to focus their priorities. You find out what matters to them. What they're willing to die for...What they're willing to lie for." He lowered his eyes again, but then Phineas's body seemed to arch in pain. He let out a soft groan of pain and Andy subconciously gripped his hand tighter.
"Finny, wha-"
"They need to up the morphine or whatever the hell it is they're using to stop my pain."
"But...you just...they put it to nearly full. You just got out of a nasty incident, you can't think straight, it's the pain."
"That's why I need the damn thing." Phineas muttered, his eyes flickering. But after a moment however, Phineas's breathing seemed to have eased up again. Andy slowly let go of Phineas's hand, eyes darting from his friend's face to the affected thigh.
-
Yoko, who had been listening, let out a hidden sigh. The nurse shook her head and turned toward the medicine cabinet and pulled out a syringe. "I can only safely up it a couple more milograms, anymore and you'll be risking organ damage," she said and took out a syringe and filled it up.
Searching for a vein, she injected the new dosage into Phineas's body. "Rest your body for a couple hours, then I'll let you return to your dorm," she said and looked up at his friends. "If you want to stay thats fine, but it's almost curfew so no longer than that, ok?" she said.
Anise and Rin both nodded, Sakura did as well. "I guess we should head to bed, you coming Andy?" Rin asked as she hoped down from the bed that Sakura was sitting on, landing gracefully.
-
Phineas visibly relaxed, his breathing not so labored anymore. Andy looked promptly relieved, and nodded at the nurse. He slowly turned to face the girls and he shook his head. "I'll be up later. I'm going to stay here for a bit longer."
Phineas gave out a weary laugh. "Don't stay on my behalf. Go get your sleep."
"I'm the one who's supposed to be telling you that."
"Technically." Phineas motioned weakly to the nurse. "She is. I'll be fine. Go."
Andy hesitated. The words Phineas had said just seconds ago still ringing. Everybody lies. "...Alright." Andy murmured softly. He gently squeezed Phineas's hand one last time before slowly following the girls.
-
The walk to the dorm was quiet, Rin and Anise hadn't said a word, nor did Sakura. In their dormroom, Sakura took a seat on the sofa and opened up a book while Rin and Anise went into the kitchen to fix them a snack. "Hey Andy!" Rin shouted, "want anything before bed?" she asked.
-
"Nah." Andy yelled back faintly, as he went into the room he and Phineas shared. He gently closed the door behind him, the lights were already off as he sank slowly into an armchair that was in the room. He sighed heavily and turned to look out the window.
-
Rin nodded and made herself some ice-cream while Anise chose instead a cookie instead. After they were both finished eating they went into their room and quickly got dressed, Sakura joined them a short time later.
"Andy, we're going to bed early, talk to you in the morning," Rin said as she walked up to Andy's door and knocked gently.
-
Andy nodded, then remembered that she couldn't hear him. "Alright. Sounds good. Good night." He replied, trying to keep up his cheery demeanor. He heard the padded footsteps going further away as he slowly nodded off fitfully.
-
Next Morning
Night gave way to morning as the sun dipped over the northern mountains. Clouds pock marked the sky and showers fell in certain area's.
Standing near the window, Rin looked out at the sky and let out a sigh. She hadn't been able to get much sleep, her mind constantly wondering about the flier that Yukita had but they had never discussed.
"I wonder what the Hollon Festival is..." Rin asked herself as she took a sip from her glass of milk. Glancing over at the two doors, her sister was still along with Sakura, she knew Andy was also awake, but had no idea if Phineas had come back to the dorm or not.
-
Andy hadn't slept well. The sun had peeped its head across the hills, and Andy shifted slightly, eyes open. He stayed in bed for a couple of moments, turning his head to his right to see if Phineas had come back. He hadn't. Andy slowly got up, running a hand through his hair. He picked up some clothes on the floor and put them on. He walked over to the door, grasping the doorknob and stepped out into the common room.
Quietly, he made his entrance and murmured, "Morning, all."
-
"'All'?" Rin smirked as she turned toward him. "Only you and I are up right now, where's Phineas?"
-
Andy glanced up, looking around. And then noticed his mistake. "Oh. RIght, right of course. I...Finny...Phineas...I imagine he's still with the nurse."
-
"Huh, wonder why she hasn't released him," Rin said, looking back out the window. Even though it was early morning, she saw some students outside on the training grounds practicing.
"Hey Andy, that flier that Yukita had, did you get a good look at it by chance?" Rin asked.
-
At the mention of Yukita, Andy had twitched slightly. "No." He replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "Didn't get a chance. Was worried about Phineas." He commented coolly. Hey, it wasn't his fault he was slightly mad at Yukita for just changing the subject like that on him. Phineas or a festival? Seriously. Andy knew Yukita cared, but it was really rather irking for him.
-
"I see, just curious," Rin said and continued to stare out the window. After awhile she heard the door to the girls room open and out came Sakura and Anise, both dressed for school. "You two certainly took awhile," Rin said.
"I was tired," Sakura said as she placed her hand over her mouth and yawned. Anise just shrugged her tired shoulders and grabbed her school bag.
"Shall we head to the infirmary and see how Phineas is doing?" Anise asked, Rin smiled and nodded and then looked over at Andy.
-
"Sure." Andy replied, almost automatically. He opened the door ahead of the girls and started to head down to the hospital wing. Once there, the nurse ushered them in, telling them that Phineas was still asleep. Andy quietly went over to the bed and watched Phineas's chest rise and fall. It was peaceful. Watching him sleep, that is.
-
"Why is he still here?" Rin asked the nurse, but she shrugged her shoulders.
"I was going to release him this morning, but he was sleeping so peacefully I decided not to wake him," she said and turned in her chair. "You can stay here for a couple minutes, but once the clock strikes eight I'll have to ask ya to leave so you can get some breakfast and get to class ok?" she said.
Rin and Anise both nodded. "And in the mean time," the nurse said and looked at Sakura. "I want to check on your ankle, it seems to have healed quite a bit during the night," she said and gestured toward a room. Sakura sighed and followed the nurse into the backroom where she took a seat on a table.
Outside, Anise walked by the curtain and up to Phineas's bed. She gently gripped his hand, she knelt down and just held his hand, her eyes stuck on his face. At the sight of this, Rin blinked and looked at Andy.
-
Andy watched as Anise clasped her hand around Phineas's. Andy smiled slightly to himself. Any other time, Phineas would have flinched, afraid of the human contact, but not today. Today...today Phineas was at ease. And at peace.
-
The room was quiet, so quiet in fact that Rin was beginning to become uncomfortable with the setting. "I-I'll be outside," she said and headed for the door at a quick pace.
Anise watched her leave, a concerned look on her face before she turned toward Andy.
Outside the infirmary she pressed up against the window and took several deep breaths. "The smells... the bedding.. why now.. why suddenly now...," she said to herself and stood there.
***
Outside the academy grounds, hidden in the forest and beyond the sight of the elders and magi. A group of teenage looking figures hudled around a camp fire, looking at maps and small pictures. "Her?" one of the figures said, but another shook their head and said. "Nah, not a threat,"
"Him?" the same said, but the other one replied again much the same as before.
"Hmmm, then what about this kid? I seem to recall that there is a girl who deeply cares about him," another figure said, holding up an image of a young boy.
The other figures looked at one another and nodded. "If it means shattering the soul of one of their little minions, then I say we go for it,"with that the group grinned and snuffed out the fire. They grabbed their weapons and began to make a slow and stealthy walk to the academy grounds.
-
Andy gave Anise a reassured smile, before walking to her and giving her a hug. He couldn't say much, just merely give her the tactile comfort he knew she needed. Maybe later, when all of them were out of this, then they could lead a somewhat normal life. He and Anise could be together, and if Phineas could sharpen up, he and Rin could be just as happy.
Andy slowly backed away from Anise, trying to reassure her. "If you need anything, I'll always be here."
-
Anise gave a wery smile, unsure of what to make of Andy's actions just now. "T-thank you," she said a moment later and glanced at the bed, her hands still clasped in front of her.
***
Outside, Rin sighed and ran her hand over her face. Her eyes narrowed and she seemed tired for some reason, staring up at the ceiling .
-
Phineas stirred, opening his eyes. He saw Andy and Anise, both of them had weary smiles on their faces. His leg was merely throbbing today. It would be a good day. He'd be okay.
The dark haired boy made a move to get up, and the nurse bustled over. "One second, Phineas." Phineas stood still as the nurse checked his heart monitor, and made sure everything was in order. Glancing down at him, she murmured, "You be careful on that leg, now. You understand."
Phineas nodded, getting off the bed slowly. He walked over to Andy, placing his hand lightly on Andy's shoulder.
Andy felt the pressure and immediately turned around. "Finny." He murmured, his smile ever so slightly widening. "Are you..."
"I'm alright, Andrew." Phineas turned to Anise. "You should stop frowning like that. It'll give you wrinkles later on." Phineas turned, and saw the nurse come over to him. "I almost forgot. Here." The nurse handed him a cane, and Phineas grabbed it. His mouth twitched. It was set then. He was now a cripple. But, it was his choice.
Andy, feeling the uneasy silence settle, looked up. "Hey. It's 8. We should head to class."
-
The distant ringing of a bell got Rin attentions that it was nearly, or is, eight in the morning. She blinked and glanced over at her shoulder and saw Phineas was up and out, but for some reason she couldn't get herself to go in there and instead rushed out of the infirmary section of the building and into what was a light rain. She allowed the drops to land on her face without resistance and made a slow walk to the cafeteria to get something to eat.
***
Anise smiled slightly at Phineas's remark, but also grew a bit worried when she saw the nurse hand him a cane. "Phineas..." she whispered slightly to herself, then shook her head and headed toward the door. "Sis! Phineas is---" she said before noticing that her sister wasn't around. "Eh? I wonder if she went to the restroom," she pondered and shrugged her shoulders.
"Shall we head off-" Anise said before being interrupted by Sakura shouting Phineas's name, the little girl then jumped off the ground to hug him - but was suddenly stopped in mid air.
Sakura blinked and looked around, she was floating the air. "Waah!" she paniced and thrashed about, trying to reach the ground but found she couldn't. The nurse shook her head and said. "Tsk tsk, Sakura, you should know better," the lady grinned, her hand raised in the air, cover with bluish particles that swirled around it..
"Merr......" Sakura muttered as the nurse slowly let her down
-
Phineas shifted his weight over, and started walking now with a limp. Andy, behind him, watched with saddened eyes. Well, it was his decision. It was up to him.. However, the unfamiliar gait of his best friend still rung in his ears.
Phineas murmured in that soft voice of his. "Hey, Sakura." He, however, made no move to hug her, merely stepped closer to her. That was just Phineas. He had always had a lot of trouble initiating hugs.
-
Sakura gave a weary smile as she gently hugged Phineas. "Don't... hurt yourself anymore ok?" she said, looking up at him with concerned and sad eyes.
Anise couldn't help but think of how innocent, not to mention cute, Sakura looked when she was like that.
-
Phineas had a hard smile on his face. Sakura wouldn't understand. She couldn't understand. And he wouldn't explain it to her either. She was much too young. She had to retain her innocence for as long as possible.
"Yeah. That's the idea." He said, patting her awkwardly on the back.
Phineas turned his head to the group. "Shall we get a move on?"
Andy nodded, putting his hands inside his pockets, as he strolled up to match strides with Phineas.
-
Sakura smiled and walked beside Phineas. Anise gave a sigh that was either of 'what am I going to do with her' or 'there she goes again'
***
Rin sighed heavily as she leaned up against the wall; she watched the building where the infirmary was and waited for the others. She looked up and around, wondering if anyone was practicing at all in this light rain. "I wonder what everyone is up to..." she said.
-
The group went its way silently, save for the occasional thump thump of Phineas's cane. Andy kept one eye trained on his friend, and with grim satisfaction thought that Phineas was getting rather good at using it.
He thought that too early, Phineas tripped, but Andy was quick enough to catch him before he fell. The blond haired boy could see Phineas's face contort with first shock, then anger, then embarrassment. Andy kept waiting for Phineas's sharp comeback, but it never came.
Phineas merely gripped his cane tighter as he stoically made his way to the building.
Andy looked at the girls and gave a helpless shrug.
-
Sakura sighed and walked ahead of the group, her hand clasped neatly behind her back. She walked in a stride as she made her way down the path, it was only partially covered with rain water but not enough to make it hard to walk on. She glanced quickly over her shoulder at Phineas, then returned to looking straight.
Behind the group; Anise was smiing as she watched Sakura. She shook her head, knowing that Sakura was trying to put the 'cute' to good use. Then a sudden chill ran down her arms and back, she stopped briefly and looked around, curious as to why she gotten cold for that brief second. She glanced at her wrist and two numbers appeared magically just a few inches above her clothing: eight five degrees. She shrugged it off and assumed it was nothing.
-
Phineas caught Sakura's glance at him and he grimaced. People would treat him as an invalid. A cripple. The word rung in his ears, as he continued walking. He had a heavy feeling, but ignored it. He'd do okay. He'd be fine. He didn't need pity from anyone. Didn't want it.
Andy felt the unease settle into the group, so he did what he did best.
"Come on, guys! I'm starving! Let's look a little enthusiastic, eh?!" He started jumping around, trying to pep the group up.
-
Anise blinked, along with Sakura, both found the sudden change in atmosphere a bit... sudden. With that Sakura couldn't help but join in, and ran behind Phineas and gently began to push him forward, but making sure not to push to hard.
-
"I'm going, I'm going." Phineas muttered irritably.
Andy smiled. Irritable or not, that was the old Phineas. The group arrived to the cafeteria, and they managed to get a light breakfast. Andy helped Phineas get his food, although he murmured darkly that he could get it himself.
Sitting down, Andy looked at the group. "I saw a bunch of the older guys out in the fields practicing. We should totally go and see! It'd be awesome!"
Phineas chewed slowly on his toast. "This reminds me of that tree you wanted to jump off of. I'm not going."
"Oh, Finny. Come on! For old times sake!" Andy grinned that charming smile of his that was irresistible.
"No way." Phineas muttered, but a small grin tugged on the side of his face as well.
-
"I'll go!" Sakura chirped, but Rin shook her head. She had been quiet the whole time, including when the group had arrived at the cafeteria, she had just fallen in line with them and hadn't said a word. "You are going with me to the classroom," she said and Sakura moaned.
Anise giggled and then said. "I'll go with you Andy, I can't use magic right now but maybe watching them will help me realize why," she smiled.
-
Andy practically beamed at Anise, his joy emulating.
"Awesome!" The boy could hardly sit still with the excitement flowing through him. "Whadya say, Finny? yeah? Yeah? You'll go, right? For your bestest buddy? Yeah?"
Phineas waved his hand in Andy's general direction. "The things I do for you..."
"Great!" Andy grinned.
-
The twins just smiled.
Anise took a bite out of her apple and then left the core on her tray, taking a sip from her cup of milk and then relaxing somewhat. I wonder what mother has been up to... it has been awhile now.. she thought.
On the other hand, Rin wasn't thinking about their family, rather, her mind was focused on Phineas and his leg. I wonder how much longer it'll be before Phineas decides to take that operation and completely heals his leg... she soured somewhat at the thought of Phineas 'never' getting proper attention for his leg.
Mentally, Rin sighed at that possibility. She then took her focus off Phineas and planted it on Sakura, who had just finished eating her fruit. "Sakura, how about we head to the classroom ok?" she suggested. Sakura nodded and, along with Rin, discarded her trash in the trash can. "We'll see you three in a few," Rin smiled and soon the two of them left, leaving Anise alone with Andy and Phineas.
-
"Let's go!!!" Andy grinned, throwing his food away. "Come on, come on!" He enthused, grabbing Phineas and Anise. They should be starting right about now!
Andy started to run off, when Phineas called, "Hey. I can't run."
Andy stopped. "Sorry, Finny." He slowed his pace down, but he still walked quickly down the hallways.
-
Anise didn't say much of a word, though in the back of her mind she was glad things were starting to get back to normal. The group was still walking down the hallway when Anise once again felt a cold chill go down her back, stopping for a second she looked around but shrugged her shoulders, passing it off as another trickery of her concious.
-
In about eight minutes, the trio arrived in the grassy fields to see the older members practicing. Andy put his hands on his hips as he grinned jovially. His blond hair was rustled by the gentle breeze that was blowing through. If there was any uneasiness, Andy didn't notice it. He was completely content. His eyes watched with awe as he followed the movements of the older kids, his grin stretching every second.
Phineas stopped a little behind Andy, shifting his weight over to his left leg, but supporting himself with his cane. No smile was on his face, but he seemed to be at peace. Or...as much peace as someone like Phineas could manage. His eyes darted to and fro, watching the movements from the older kids as they passed from one form to another in a fluid motion. Phineas's mouth twitched, but his poker face was on. Nothing else seemed to have changed.
But then, for a moment, as Phineas took his gaze away from the training grounds, there seemed to be a change in the wind. His eyes narrowed as his mouth pressed even firmly together. Something felt wrong. Something felt out of place. He shifted his weight again, grabbing his cane fiercely.
-
Anise smiled, not paying much attention to anything but Andy's attitude and how he was acting. Suddenly, the air around her began to feel heavy and she found herself having difficulty breathing - then the scene changed from being serene and full of life, to being a blackness, the only other people she saw was Andy and Phineas.
Two figures robed in black appeared to either side of her. "So, this is the little girl who is in love with this man?" the one on her left said.
"Yep," the one on her right said. She tried to speak, but found herself unable to, she tried to move her head, but again she couldn't. The two figures rounded her and grinned, she realized that Andy and Phineas probably couldn't see them, for if they had they would've responded by now. As she watched them, one of them walked in front of Andy, who was unaware of their presistence. The figure looked at him, he was somewhat taller than Andy but not by much, "ugly..." the figure scowled and raised his hand up into the air.
Particles comprised of various colors appeared and took the shape of a long, metallic sword. Anise blinked, horror filling her, her eyes moved and wided. Wait! Don't! she shouted mentally.
The figure smiled, walking around the boy and taping the sword against the sword.
Tears began to appear from Anise's eyes as she realized what was about to happen; the boy turned toward her, an evil grin formed across his face, then he struck - thrusting the sword deep into the right side of Andys chest - easily bisecting his right kidney and causing the sword's tip to appear on the other end, dripping with blood. The blackness exploded outward, revealing reality, with Andy's attacker standing right there in front of him with a very big smile on his face - and Anise with a horrifid expression.
-
The smog blurred Phineas's vision, Andy and Anise had disappeared in front of him. He dared not to move, he couldn't concentrate. He couldn't breathe. Choking, gasping for air, he vainly tried to look around.
Finally, the smog cleared, leaving Phineas blinking and gulping in the sun and air furiously. He saw Anise looking stricken at something. He followed her line of sight, landing on...landing on...
Andy?!
It had all happened so quickly. At first, the brightness of sunshine, the woosh of the wind. The pain hadn't settled in at Andy first. But then a split second later, pain erupted from his insides. His eyes widened in surprise as he fell, the smile on his face had faltered.
Andy?!
Phineas saw Andy fall as if in slow motion, not daring to believe.
-
The figure kept his smile as he wrenched the blade out, taking what remained of Andy's right side chest and blooding the ground. The blade had moved in slow motion, leaving behind a bloody red arc in it's wake, Anise couldn't do anything - to stunned at what she was seein, all she could hear was the sinister laughing of two others somewhere near her.
-
Something snapped inside of Phineas as the two figures started laughing. That laugh poured into his system, eliminating any other feeling except revenge. Revenge and vengeance.
Letting out a mangled yell, he avoided Andy's body looking forlorn on the ground as he lunged, bad leg or not, head first into one of the attackers. His cane shot out, crushing the person on his head.
-
The figure recoiled from the attack and landed with a dull, and disturbing, thud. Behind Phineas, one of the figures scowled and took out a sword and about to attack when he stopped suddenly in his tracks, he blinked and strained to look down only to find five long claws sticking out of his chest. Again, he strained to turn his head and saw an Anise with blood shot eyes and a look of shear anger on her face.
He tried to move; but instead felt something ripe and then snap, the next thing he saw was blackness as his limp body was thrown fruitlessly across the ground. Anise then moved and skewered the one who had attacked Andy, but didn't kill him outright. She twisted the figures arm, hearing the cracking of the bones as his arm fell limp, releasing the sword that clattered to the ground.
***
Sakura and Rin had just arrived in the classroom, the elder was talking to some of the students about their grades. Suddenly a telepathic red aura fell through the classroom and everyone glanced toward the window. "An alert?" one student muttered as he looked around, "Hey! What's going on over ther?!" another said and pointed.
Sakura blinked and walked over to the window, while she strained to see what was going on she got the erriee and chill that her friends were in trouble. "I'm going to check!" she shouted and took off.
"Sakura wait!" Rin shouted and gave chase, but slowed when she saw the blurry image of an Elder rush past her.
The elder cought up with Sakura, Sakura only blinked a second before she felt something slam into her conciousness, suddenly knocking her out. She fell forward, but was caught by the Elder who held her unconcious form. Sorry young one, but what is going on out there is not for you to see, for it would tramatize you.. he thought and sat there with Sakura laying on his chest.
-
It was over in less than a blink of an eye. Phineas stood there, half standing, half kneeling, over Andy's body, his ragged breath coming short. He was gripping his cane tightly with his right hand, the cane, holding his weight. There was a silence as the two friends tried to catch their breaths, their heartbeats slowing down.
But in a strange way, Phineas didn't want it to be over. If it was over, and truly over, then he would have to admit what was right below him. He would have to accept that his best friend was dea-
No.. Phineas thought bitterly to himself, a mad denial going on in his head. Any moment now, Andy would spring up, and shout, Surprise! And give Phineas that crooked grin he was so famed for having.
But as the seconds flew by, Phineas's heart thudded against his chest, a pain swelling there. Kneeling very slowly, he looked at his best friend's face, the surprise still etched on his still features.
Phineas started shaking in rage, not soothed that revenge had been met. His best friend? Andrew Baldwin? Not a chance. It couldn't be true. He was only 10 for godsake.
-
Word had spread quickly through the academy despite the incident happening in just mere minutes; the grounds had been locked down, and students who weren't in the higher grades or didn't have proper training in defending themselves had been restricted to the dormitory. On the training grounds, there was activity as the elders, along with a full medical crew, were rushing to the scene of the attack.
For Anise, things had slowed to a mere crawl, her heart was racing and she felt a burning sensation all around her. She fell to one knee and noticed the blood dripping from her hand, curiousity plagued her face as she looked away from her hand and toward her best friend - whom lay on the ground. "A-Andy?" she quietly said and slowly walked over to his prone form. She looked him over, noting his still expression and the blood poll that was getting bigger, yet at a slow pace.
In the distance she heard the Elder's shout if they were alright, but she blocked it out, her concern being more for her bestfriend.. and someone she now realized she had bigger feeling's for. She fell onto both knees and placed both of her hands on his chest, tear's welled in her eyes and streamed down her face, dropping onto his chest. "Wake up.. Andy...." she said through sniffles. "Wake up... please..."
***
Rin watched from a distance, her rage burning inside her. She, along with all of her classmates in her class, had been teleported out of the room and back to their own dorms, however she had been given permission, albiet relunctantly, to leave her dorm and be with her friends. However, even so, she could only bring herself to head to the roof and watch from a distance, knowing full well that if she got closer she might break into a rage that she could not control. "Andy..." she softly said and placed both of her hands on her chest.
-
The world around him was muted, and diminished. Phineas barely felt Anise come up and see Andy. All Phineas could think was that now she would be in her own grief. But he didn't even pay attention to that fully.
It was merely him and Andy. He stared hard at his best friend, as if the longer he stared, Andy would get back up. Phineas would not believe that his friend was gone. Phineas felt a gentle pull, trying to pull him back to reality. He didn't want to go back, he didn't want to face it now.
The pull got stronger, and he felt himself being snapped out of whatever place he was in. He looked around frantically like a mad man, and realized the Elder had come himself and was trying to pull both Phineas and Anise away. He could have easily done so with magic, but knew that he should take care of the two personally.
-
The Elder had been trying to snap both Phineas and Anise out of their grief, but was finding it difficult, though he fully understood why. He stopped briefly and knelt down, then spoke softly them. "Andy wouldn't want you two to sit here and solk over him," the elder said, "he'd want you to move on with your lives and to keep going," he looked at them, unsure if it had any effect.
Anise had heard it; though she wasn't sure about it. She realized, much to her surprise and grief, that she had true feeling for Andy. What a time to discover... she told herself and shook her head. She slowly got back up onto her feet but she only staggered a bit, Yukita appeared beside her and caught her before the full weight of the situation fell on top of her, causing her to faint. The elder sighed, A sight that no child should see, espically at their age he shook his head and glanced at the medics. "Tend to Andy, take him to the infirmary," he instructed them and looked at Phineas.
Yoko was the one to appear near him, and embraced the young boy. She spoke softly to him in his ear and told him it would be alright, she also told him that while it was alright to grief, grieving to much might cause Andy to tease him in other ways.
-
There was silence as the few people who were on the field looked uncertainly at Phineas. He numbly got up, still staring at Andy, eyes never leaving him. He heard the Elder, and heard Yoko, but he didn't want to accept it. There was still time! Andy wasn't dead! Andy couldn't be dead.
Phineas struggled to come up with a logical answer. Being the intellectual he was, he should have known, but that part of him that was still a child, still yearned for his friend to rise from the dead. Gripping his cane, his heart felt heavy.
Staring at his friend's anguished face, he couldn't help it.
The next thing he knew, he was crying uncontrollably.
It was the first time Phineas had cried in years.
-
Yoko blinked, as did Yukita. The Elder smiled and embraced Phineas, knowing full well that the kid needed companionship rather than anything else. As he did so, he watched as the medics carefully placed Andy on the stretcher and began to move him to the infirmary. "Let's go," the elder softly said to Phineas.
Yukita turned away from the scene, took one last look, then disappeared from the scene. Yoko took up her role and stayed by Phineas's side.
On the roof, Rin continued to watch, tears rolling down her face.
-
Phineas didn't try to struggle as the Elder carefully guided him off the fields. His mind was roaring at him to not leave Andy behind, but what could he do? Nothing. Nothing at all.
But there had to be something.
Everything around him was blurry, his face was streaked with recent tears as he placed one foot in front of the other, needing some kind of distraction. Some kind of barrier so he wouldn't have to think of this.
The surroundings changed as Phineas went inside. All he knew was....well...what DID he know?
In a couple of minutes, the Elder had guided Phineas to his study. Phineas just stood there motionless, unsure of what to do.
-
Yukita's figure appeared in the dorm used by Anise and her friends; she gently placed Anise onto her bed and covered her up. "Try and sleep," she said softly and glanced around the room, realizing that Rin wasn't around. She sighed and took one last look at Anise before disappearing for a second time.
***
Only to reappear on the roof, she found Rin standing there staring out at the field, which was devoid of all life except for that of a few Elders and upper classmen who were looking over the scene. "You should be with your sister," she said.
Rin glanced at her briefly, only nodding to her presence, she then turned back and looked through the fence and at the distant scene. "I know," she finally said and turned her back and leaned up against the fence. "Yukita... why is this happening?" Rin asked, gazing up at Yukita.
"Hmmm?"
"First our families, then Yoko's friend, then Sakura, and now this.... why are we always having this happen?" said Rin before she turned her head to the side of the fence and watched the scene from the edge of her eye.
Yukita stood there, she couldn't think of an answer, she didn't know the answer as even she was curious as to why Rin and her friends were targetted. "I'm sorry, but I don't know the answer," she finally said.
Rin let out a sigh, but didn't say anything else, instead she walked past her with an upset expression, heading back to her dorm.
***
"Phineas..." Yoko said and gently guided Phineas over to the sofa. "Go ahead and sit down, rest please, ok?" she said softly. "Let your mind rest, or else the events of today might overwhelm you," she added.
-
He was on auto pilot. His body just seemed to automatically do as he was supposed to since his mind was obviously malfunctioning. Phineas couldn't think straight. He seemed to have reached the couch, but no tension left his body. He angrily ran a hand through his hair, and looked at his hands.
Why did this had to happen to them?
And why, oh why did it have to happen to Andy?
Why couldn't it have been him?
In a hoarse voice, he finally spoke. "It shouldn't be like this. Andy should be here with me. Or at the very least, I should have been the one to have...died." He spoke the last word strangly, as if it were caught on his throat. He didn't look up, but he knew that Yoko was about to speak, "Why? Because life shouldn't be random. Because lonely, misanthropic, cripples should die, and energetic, friendly, who get dragged out of their structured life should walk away clean.
Yoko didn't know how to answer. She opened her mouth, and said the first thing that came out, "...Phineas...Self-pity isn't like you."
"No." Muttered Phineas, "I'm branching out from self-loathing and self-destruction."
-
Yoko was at a loss for words; while she had felt the death of her friend hit her hard, she couldn't sum up the words to try and help Phineas further. For that she just stared at him, staying by his side, in hopes that he may break himself free of his grieving.
***
Rin had gone back to her dorm; the room was very quiet, with only the trickling of water being heard from a small fountain that she had bought just a few days ago. She walked over to the stand and stared into that very fountain and watched the water trickle down, normally around this time she'd heard all sorts of commotion outside, but instead all she heard was silence - with the exception being the elders and such who were going around making sure people were alright and no one else had been harmed.
-
Phineas stood up, coming to a point where he couldn't just sit still for a moment longer. He got up slowly, the hand on his cane gripping the edge. He spoke softly, the edge still there, but not as prominent as it was a moment ago. His eyes were glassy, but he spoke slowly and deliberately so that Yoko would understand.
"I want to see him."
-
Yoko sighed and glanced to her left. "Y-you know if you see him, it'll only cause you more grief right?" she said, choosing her words carefully, while she understood Phineas's desire to see Andy and his... body... she knew the sight would unnerve him and perhaps throw him into a fit of rage.
***
Rin wasn't going to be able to sleep; so instead she sat on the bed next to her twin sister and just caressed the girls hair, being the only person that Anise would see when the girl eventually woke up.
***
"Three lost, with just us two left?" One of the robed figures said when him and his companion got out of the wards that now protected the academy.
"Seem's so, though I know two are really dead and one was captured," the other figure said and glared at the wards in front of him. He tapped it with his wand, and was promptly met with a harsh electrical discharge that incinerated his staff. "Well damn..." the figure said, sounding a bit annoyed at this new development.
They both stood for a few seconds and pondered what to do next; had they just been on their guard they would've noticed a person walking up behind them carrying a large sickle that was hefted on their shoulder.
-
"I...I know." Phineas stuttered, a mental image flashing through his brain at Andy's expression once again. "But I have to. I have to see him again, Yoko." He muttered. feverently.
Without waiting to see if she would follow, Phineas slowly made his way out and to the infirmary.
-
Yoko didn't say a word, but instead, followed him as he made his way slowly. Along the path they took it was very quiet, an errie feeling to Yoko and one she had only felt two times before. Once was shortly before they had founded the academy, and another was when the academy was attacked long ago and many kids had been murdered in the process.
As they approuched, Yoko had spotted two mages, both of which where of high school rank compared to Phineas and the others. They looked at Yoko and didn't say a word, instead dropping the barrier that was in front of the door, and thus perventing any unauthorized persons from entering. "He's in room 4," one of the two mages said, taking a guess as to why Phineas was there.
-
Phineas didn't even look at the mages, merely gave them a curt nod as he tried to speed up his irregular gait. His eyes were firmly set to his destination in mind.
1....2.....3....
Room four looked unsettlingly empty as Phineas paused for possibly a millisecond. He slowly grabbed the doorknob and turned it, his heart beating ferociously against his chest. As he walked in, there was a bed by the window, and a motionless form stood there. Phineas had to hold back the bile that was already coming to his throat as he joltingly made his way to the bedside.
There Andy lay, the shocked expression still etched upon his handsome features. His eyes open, while his hands hung uselessly against his sides. There was a sheet that was covering Andy up to his neck, so the gauge was not seen. Phineas sorely wished that Andy had his eyes close, at least that way, maybe he could just...just pretend that Andy was sleeping.
But that was nonsense. He had to try and stick with reality here. He couldn't let imaginary ideal grab a hold of him. He had prided himself as being a guy of science. Simply put, Andy was...
And yet, Phineas couldn't even bring himself to say it, not even to himself, not even through his mind. He started trembling unconciously, his hold on the cane so tight, it made his knuckles turn white.
Those guys would pay, Phineas thought. He himself would track all of them down and kill them slowly one by one. Vengeance was going to be served. They would not get away with killing off his best friend.
-
Yoko didn't go in with Phineas, she had this happen in the past and was used to it; though she often times wished she wasn't. The room was a pale white with just Phineas and Andy's lifeless form, or what appeared to be his lifeless form. Yoko could tell that the boy was still alive, clinging to what little life he still had left. Though his expression hadn't changed, that was due to something 'else' that had been done to him, Yoko could just barely feel the work of sinister magic behind it.
And yet, she didn't tell Phineas that when the boy had gone into the room, more so because she knew he would rather be with his friend. As she watched him, she also heard the Elder in her mind tell her what they planned on doing and also that when Andy finally passed away, they would hold a funeral for the young boy. She knew also, that whoever did this couldn't have done it alone - seeing how the wards that protected the school also prevented anyone from entering the campus who weren't allowed.
Meaning... Meaning his attackers had help from the inside... she thought and growled.
-
Phineas didn't want to move from his spot. He didn't want to leave, but in someway he had come to terms with it. In a very hoarse voice in which he didn't recognize, he said, "When are...we...when am I...when are we going to...to...bury him?" He asked, not turning around.
-
Yoko blinked and walked a short distance into the room, but she didn't stare at him, merely at Andy. "Three days from now," she told him and then walked up to Andy. "Until that time though, you should try and rest, let your body recuperate from this event," she said and sighed. "Let your soul travel to the next word, where you may begin a new life - and find the happiness you so deserve," she said in a silent, nearly inaudible, tone.
-
"Three days?" Phineas questioned, his voice cracking slightly as the panic he had tried to hide, slipped, rising in his throat at the limited time he had.
But of course he should have known it would have been at least three days. Bodies decay. And Andy was...was....gone. Phineas's right arm, straight down to his cane was shaking, as he tried so very hard to come to terms with it. He took a couple of short, shallow breaths, but that merely increased his anxiety. He himself had never believed in the after life, or God, or anything of that sort. What Phineas had, was a difficulty in believing in the whole concept of faith. Faith wasn't based on logic and experience. Faith was just blindly believing in something so feverently, it was almost sickening. And now, for the first time in his short life, Phineas sorely hoped that there was something after this life.
For one, it would put Phineas's mind in some kind of ease, no matter how selfish that reason was. And another was that just knowing that Andy was in a better place, Andy would be happy. Andy would make even heaven a better place than it already was. With his easy going personality, his loose, goofy grin, his tousled hair...
And that just made Phineas cringe even more, and hate rise even more in him as he wanted to go and stick the people who had done this to Andy. Someone, who didn't deserve to die. This was why Phineas thought...no, believed, that there was no God. Why would God let something like this happen to someone so innocent as Andy? Phineas thought, a civil war raging in his head.
-
Yoko watched the boy, knowing that he was in deep thought. With a subtle sigh she walked over to the window and opened it to allow the fresh cool air inside, she then turned slightly toward him. "Shall we go?" she asked softly.
-
Phineas gave her no reply as he stiffly made his way again across the hard floor. Although he was walking, his mind was off somewhere else.
How could he just leave Andy like this? How could they just bury him, and then move on? Stopping in his brooding thoughts for a second, another memory flitted in. One, a very long time ago, or so it seemed, where he and Andy had been in the grass fields at their old school. Andy, as always, laying down, relaxing. Phineas stopped, haltingly, letting the memory wash over him.
"Andrew. You're going to get in trouble if you don't hurry up. And pray tell...why are you not wearing your uniform?"
"Oh, Finny. Relax! And I told ya to call me Andy." Andy grinned up at him. "It's a wonderful day, and these kind of days are best spent with your best pal...which you are.".
Phineas cursed softly to himself as he started to move again. It had not even been a full 24 hours and here he was, already missing the figure laying forlorn so damn much.
-
Yoko continued to watch Phineas and followed in his stride, she knew he was preoccupied by how she had to correct his walking every now and then - so that he wouldn't crash into one of the many path lights that were present along the concrete path.
As they closed toward the dormitory, Yoko caught sight of some students who were staring out their windows. Some were curious as to why a student was outside the dorms, others seemed to have figured it out, while at least a few were wondering if Phineas was above the law, those students got a glare from Yoko and a telepathic message that caused them to close their windows and disappear from her sight.
-
It was like he was walking in a dream, nothing seemed to be real. How could it be reality? No, Phineas decided, it was definitely a dream. He was floating a long, it felt like, and the only thoughts that swirled around him was his. No other external force was prominent. He couldn't feel anybody looking at him, at this moment, Phineas was on a one track mind.
Sooner or later, they arrived at the dorms, Yoko assisting Phineas on the bed. Phineas hardly felt it, his weary bones eased up as his breath evened out, succumbing into a fitful sleep.
-
Yoko smiled and placed her hand above Phineas's sleeping form; a light blue light appeared and cast over him and then vanished. "This'll let him to rest the entire day and the whole night, without interruption," she said and walked out of the room and closed the door behind her. She glanced into the room that Rin and Anise were in, noting the two girls were asleep.
"I wonder where Sakura is..." she asked herself and stuffed her hands into her pockets as she was leaving the room; she made her way out of the dorm and across the field to the spot where Andy had been attacked. She knelt down and saw the blood stain on the grass, she also bits and peices of the assassins blade that meet partial resistance due to the uniform that Andy had been wearing. "This is just proof that we really need to streagthen the barriers on the student uniforms, increase them four times their normal streangth," she said and stood up.
She heard someone approuching behind her and glanced over her shoulder. "Sera, back to soon?" she said when she noticed the teenage looking girl. Sera smiled, hefting a large sickle that was easily twice their height. "Ran into two people just a short distance from the academy, telling by what's going on here and the fact their clothing was bloodied, I've assumed they are partially responsible for something here today?" Sera asked.
"You guessed it, we lost a student today..." Yoko said. Sera scowled and said a few choice words in her native tongue. "Never had a chance, they blew right through the magical barriers on the uniforms, and knew exactly where to hit to cause the most damage, and yet not to kill him outright," she said.
"So, what do you plan on doing then?" Sera walked up to the blood stain and inspected it, shaking her head and looking over her shoulder at Yoko.
"We'll be performing a ritual tonight, unlike before, Andy possess a Light Jewel, which succeeded in protecting his soul from destruction," Yoko said and stretched her hand out. Particles began to form and took the apperence of a long bladed weapon, "this is the weapon used to kill Andy," she said - noting the blood that had dried on it already.
"It's a soul killer weapon, made to kill the soul of a person to prevent them from passing on into the next world," Yoko said and made the sword disappear. "Andy's body is wreaked, it's beyond any means of healing even for our healers, and the Jewel will take months, perhaps even years to fully repair itself. That being said, Andy's spirit and his soul will reside here on this plane of magic, but he won't be able to interact with anyone and will only be able to observe,"
"What about the Jewel?" Sera asked.
"You've never been to these rituals, why not attend and see?" Yoko suggested, then placed her hands back into her pocket and started to walk away. Every person possess some form of the light Jewel, but those kids have it strongest. Removing the Jewel from Andy's body will cause the body to transform into nothing more than magical particles, but Andy's soul, his spirit, and his life, will remain in the Jewel... but will he ever be brought back to life? That's something that we can't decide... only the gods can...
Yoko smiled; she knew more than she was letting on, but decided not to talk further in lue that someone might be listening into her thoughts. "This war... our enemy has awoken a sleeping giant, and filled it with a great resolve," she grinned mischiviously.
-
Phineas slept on, unaware of what was going around him. He slept fitfully, but did not wake. His aching muscles relaxed, and the tension flooded out.
-
Silence had fallen over the academy, no one talked except during the dinner period, and even then it was only small chatter between some of the younger students who either didn't, or couldn't, understand the lock down.
Some distance away from the academy buildings was a medium sized building with a dome on top, this dome has colored glass as its roof which allowed sun and moonlight into the building itself, casting the colors of the glass that it shown through. However, this night only candles and magical floating lights kept the place lit up.
In the center of the room was a large table covered by flowers; on it Andy laid. The boy no longer bore a shocked expression, instead his eyes were closed and his hands had been propped on his chest to show a serene appearance. Around his body stood figures in black robes, each one held a book of some kind that each had a different language written on the cover.
Yoko and Yukita slowly walked into the room and looked at all those present. "Everyone's in bed?"
"Yes," one of the figures that was near the window said, he glanced out and surveyed the perimeter. "None of our students who can use invisibility magic are out, and the few that are on campus right now that can use the magic aren't able to fool our eyes," he added.
Yoko sighed and looked at everyone. "It's been a very long time since we last performed this ritual..."
"Phineas.. or rather.. the Phineas of the past, who when he passed away we sealed his Starlight Jewel," another figure, this one sporting a female tone, said.
"Yes, and the seal was broken ten years ago mysteriously," Yukita said. "As were three other seals that we can in place on the other Starlight Jewels, and five years before at least six more seals had also broke, and we have yet to find the bearers of those Jewels.." she sighed and walked up to Andy's limp form.
"When did he finally pass on?"
"Two hours ago, the kids a fighter, despite losing a vast amount of blood - more than enough to kill him - he still held on to that tiny string of life. It finally snapped two hours ago," another figure said, only this one wore a white robe and had just walked into the room.
"Shall we extract the jewel, and seal it?" the same white figure asked.
"No," Yoko said. Her response made many of those in the room looked at her sharply as if she had just said something that was taboo. "I want to transfer the Jewel into Anise; her own Jewel is still very weak and can't properly control magic,"
"You realize that, in doing so, not only will she be able to use magic fully but because it will come from a deceased person she'll be able to see the spirits of the dead right?" The white figure said.
Yoko nodded and took a few steps closer to the lifeless body of Andy. "I know it's a cruel fate, but it's even crueler to keep her away from the person she loves," she said, a tear running down her cheek.
With a sigh, the figure in white nodded and walked to the front of the table while another made his way to the back. "Once the ritual is over, it'll be four days before Andy's body returns to the magical realm," Yukita said. "So we hold it in three," she didn't bare any expression except sadness.
The room fell silent for a moment, then began to pick up as each figure chanted a different verse to the ritual. Each verse was spoken in an ancient dialect that only they knew, and each verse caused a glyph to appear around the table, just a few feet off the ground. Yoko listened, and closed her eyes, then spoke her verse - only hers was in plain English.
"We commit this course, and hereby transfer that which is from the deceased, to that of the living, so they may receive the blessing," she said. A bluish Jewel suddenly appeared out of Andy's body and hung lazily in the air before collapsed in on itself and exploded outward through the walls. Blue strings of light pierced the night sky, moving across the academy campus and toward the dormitory.
In their room, Anise was still asleep, oblivious to a blue Jewel that had appeared above her and then disappeared into her. She took in a deep breath, then let it out slowly. "Andy....." she mumbled before falling back into a pleasant sleep.
Back in the ritual chamber, Yoko let out a sigh and looked at Andy's body. "Prepare him..." she said and the others nodded and began the process.
The two of them headed out of the building and into the night; making their way across the campus and toward their own sleeping quarters. "Tomorrow will be a long day," Yoko said just as she heard a distant bell. "Today rather, seeing how it's now midnight," she added.
"Tomorrow everyone on the council will be together, all student leaders will be present for the meeting," Yukita said. "After the meeting, the academy will be transformed from a place of study and peace, to a place to get ready for war..."
"Yes, the only ones who won't commit to that are our first years, but I can safely say that Rin, Anise, Sakura and Phineas aren't first year's anymore," Yoko smiled and glanced at the Elders window. "He already explained it to Sakura right?"
"Yes, and she didn't freak out, though she was unsteady and so is sleeping there for the night," Yukita said.
Yoko nodded. "She's hiding her terror, something she'll have to face sooner or later... by the way.. what’s the situation in the normal world?"
Yukita gave her a worrying look, which was all Yoko needed to see.
-
Phineas awoke the next morning in a very groggy state. He looked out the window to find that the sun had not come up yet. He suppressed a yawn, and in that tiny moment before dreams hit reality, Phineas was at peace. It was after that tiny moment however, was when that revelation that Andy was truly gone hit him with full force again. It was like a wrecking ball had hit his stomach.
Phineas got up unsteadily, groping around for his cane, and finally found it, latching onto it like life support. He changed quickly, or...as quickly as he could and slowly walked out of his room, out into the corridors. He wasn't sure if he was allowed to be up this early, but at this moment, he really couldn't bring himself to care. He walked around slowly, too lost in his own thoughts to be aware of anything else around him.
-
Rin stood on the roof, staring at the distant mountains. She surpressed a sigh and just continued to watch, until she heard the door leading back into the building open, she turned around and saw Phineas coming onto the roof. "Your up early," she turned and smiled at him.
-
Smiling. Phineas couldn't fathom how to do that. He was never one to smile, and now that action seemed even more foreign. He gave Rin a small nod, his eyes, not meeting her gaze. He slowly lowered himself down into a sitting position, placing his cane next to him. Wincing slightly, he started to massage his damaged thigh, keeping his eyes trained on the horizon.
-
Rin gave him a somewhat questionable smile before sitting down next to him and glancing up at the horizon. "Beautiful, isn't it?" she said, noting that distant sun as it began to make it's way over the mountains - causing the horizon to steadily grow.
-
"Beautiful?" He murmured, a question, not a statement. His voice was hoarse due from underuse. He appraised the colors in the sky as the light hit Phineas's gaunt features.
"I suppose so." He replied quietly, not talking above a whisper. "I suppose so." He said again, casting his eyes downward.
-
Rin didn't say a word as the distant sun rose above the mountains; the sound of bells ringing got her attention as she glanced down at her watch which showed just a quarter past six thirty. "I wonder... what is going to happen to today..." she said and brought her knees close to her, wrapping her arms around them.
-
Phineas did not even flinch as the bells went off. He did not want to move. He was comfortable here. It was an escape from reality. Up here, it felt like everything, especially time, stood still. Here, he could revel in his memories, and be lost in his thoughts. Here, it didn't matter.
-
Rin had fallen partially asleep, half of her mind aware of what was going on around her while the other half was in a dreamlike state. Even as the sun finally peeked over the mountain, and a very light rain began to fall due to the light cloud cover, she still didn't wake.
Behind them, Yoko watched silently, her figure floating just a few inches off the ground. She waited a few more seconds as the rain trailed down her face, then spoke up. "You two are up early,"
-
Phineas didn't move as he heard Yoko's voice softly float up beside him. He tilted his head slightly, as if in acknowledgment, but other than that, remained silent. He watched as the rain hit his hair, plastering it down lightly against his forehead, and watched it drip down to his hands, down to his very fingertips. It was then, that he too, spoke.
In a low monotone he asked in a quiet ferocity. "Is there something we need to do, today?"
-
Yoko shook her head, even though she knew Phineas couldn't see it. "Classes are suspended for the next few days..." she said, not bothering to mention the reason why. "Though that doesn't mean you can't practice or study, but under the current circomstances, I doubt we'll see much of either for awhile," she said, her voice falling into a sad tone.
-
Phineas felt a knot in his throat as he swallowed hard. Suspended for the next few days.... He hated...he loathed himself for being so weak, so fragile. People die every day. Maybe it was-. No. It wasn't.
"Andy didn't deserve to die!" Phineas raged, not aware that while thinking furiously in his mind, that the words slipped out.
-
Yoko's hand twitched slightly with a yellow aura, but quickly subsided. "No one deserves to die, Phineas Williams," she said in an adult like tone. "Sadly, it happens more than we think it does, while we are living here in this academy, learning and being taught how to defend ourselves, countless others are dieing to war and famine, not to mention to those who would actually harm us despite our age," she said.
She sighed slightly and turned away from Phineas. "It's almost six thirty, you two should get something to eat, then report into your teacher, if only so she'll have a general count on who's up," Yoko said, but didn't move after she was done. She noticed that Rin was partially asleep, but knew the young girl had heard her words clearly.
-
Phineas slowly stood, his cane loosely in his hands. He swept past Yoko and went straight to his teacher. He wasn't hungry, hadn't felt like eating anything for a while now. In class, he sullenly sat, his eyes glazed over as the teacher commented on and on about this and that or another.
Even that wasn't clear for Phineas as the rest of the day past in a blur. All he was aware of was his current thoughts, everything else was out of focus.
Three Days Later
The sun slowly rose, as Phineas stirred. It had been a sleepless night again, as he sat up. Rubbing his eyes, he slowly got out of bed, going straight to his dresser. It was Andy's...Andy's funeral today. Phineas paused, not wanting to change. If he changed, then that meant he accepted something he didn't want to accept. He stood there, for at least ten minutes, merely staring. But finally, after a sigh, he opened his drawers and took out a suit.
-
Rin sighed and stared out the window of the living room, looking out at the school buildings in the distant. She was frustrated, not to mention still sad after what happened three days ago. She glanced toward the room that her and her twin sister, along with Sakura, were using. Sakura still wasn't back at the dorm, when Rin had asked why, she was told that Sakura was distraught and somewhat paniced at what happened and thus couldn't see anyone at the moment. That, and she was told that Yoko was trying to help calm Sakura down.
She shook her head, and turned her attention back to the distant building, and the dark clouds that hung in the air. "I guess today will be a cloudy day, perhaps it's for the best.. considering what today is..." Rin said, and looked down. She wore a typical dress, nothing like her uniform though, the dress held a more - symbolic apperance.