...
......
........
GGRRRROOOOWWWWLLLLLL
"UUUgggnnnnn..." Kane was sure his stomach was eating itself, he lay on his back basking in the sun like a lizard and grimaced as his stomach rolled over and over again. Pounding all those phantoms into oblivion had taken it's toll and he wriggled around like a fish out of water.
"SSOOOOO Huuunnngggrrryyyy!!!!" He knew he shouldn't have eaten his lunch so fast..it never lasted him more than a few hours if he scarfed it. Another cloud rolled by and he wondered, as the shadow blocked the sun from veiw breifly, how Risa was doing..was it his fault she was upset? Had he done something wrong? He'd make a point to ask her about it later, once class was over...he didn't want to see the teacher only to get yelled at for not attending yet another session.

"YA HA!!" Kane practically leapt down the stairs as the bell rang, he caught the railing and let gravity pull him around so that he raced down the hall and out the door before too many students could file out of the classrooms. He felt better, even though his stomach was still turning itself inside out, he had enough energy to get out of Dodge as soon as possible.
He breathed deeply outside, even though he'd been on the roof and out in the open all day, when he wasn't burdened by the school's campus, the air seemed fresher and more...natural. He waited by the front gate for Risa, hoping to ask her what was wrong with her as they walked home. It hit him then..he wondered if Juri ever woke up again...he laughed to think of his sister still asleep on the couch after all this time...knowing her, she'd moved two inches, and that was to roll onto her back, or side.

Kane waved to Risa as he saw her exit the school, he adjusted his bag and smiled...trying to lighten the mood.
"Hey yourself, what did you think I was going to come off the roof in a body bag?" He chuckled then grew serious.
"Uh un..I want to know what's been going on with you all day, Risa...something's bothering you I can tell...and it didn't start when Zahara and I started our match." He gazed at her worriedly.
"You can talk to me if something's bothering you, you know that, there's been too much crap that we've dealt with for you to keep me this distanced now."

He listened quietly, nodding every so often and then smiled, ruffling her hair a little.
"No worries." He chuckled good-naturedly.
"Seriously, I promised didn't I? That no one was going to find out and hurt you anymore? I've got to keep my end of it, even if it means keeping Drac at a safe distance." He winked and shouldered his bag.
I should have guessed that would have something to do with it...I guess it still bothers her even after all this time...well....it really hasn't been that long has it? I can't expect her to be like me and shrug it off everytime...that's what I'm here for. He laughed to himself and nodded.
"Tell Juri I might be a little late, gonna go for a jog." He waved and adjusted the straps to tie his bag around his waist. He was going to wait and see if Scary wanted to go with him before heading on his rounds. He looked around but hadn't seen the little Shadow anywhere.
"Hmm...wonder if he's still inside."

(Edit- coudnt delete double post.)

"Heh" He smirked in response to her quip about his age, looking out at the murky grey sky as she walked through, looking back at her at the last moment to notice her bow.

"Noon it is.. It seems like it will rain.. Try to stay dry."
He had a sort of monotone voice as he began to succumb to his lack of sleep once again. He breathed in tiredly as he watched her run off.

Such an interest in sport.. I haven't taken notice to this before.. She is connected to Chidori and Risa.. Hopefully this one proves to be worth the time invested..

He breathed in tiredly and stretched his arms up high, crossing them behind his head as he walked down the stairs of the school. The sound of supplies rustling about in his portfolio could be heard as he walked.

The anticipation of rest fueled his wide strides on the way to his newly assigned home.
Having skipped last night's dinner, breakfast, and now lunch. He was too tired to go to the store to pick up food and prepare at home.
His stomach grumbled angrily as he stopped looking in the direction of the restaurant he had seen some time before.

Should I...?

I smiled and ducked my head down as he fluffed my hair.
I know, I know.. he's just so damn mysterious... I never know what he's gonna do, or what he's up to..." I sighed and waved to him as he ran off.
"I'll tell Juri, no worries!" I yelled after him. Most of the students were gone now, and I walked down the leaf-filled path towards my new home.. Kane's home. This.. could be bad. I didn't have a key, and I hoped Juri would be home when I got there.



"C'mon pick up, pick up..." she paced back and fourth in the empty, dark room, the phone just kept ringing. "Oh Zahara! FINE! I'll find you on my GPS if you don't pick up the damn phone!" She stomped on the floor with her heel as it continued to ring.

A chill ran down his spine as he breathed in the cold dampened air.
The rain would not wait for him.. but neither would his stomach as it grumbled louder than Bill during a midterm crit.

I'll make a run for it and take it to base.

Just as he jolted forward he heard a horrible screeching and churning noise coming from his PDA. Upon taking it out he realized he had a call but could not understand the garbled symbols that normally was his caller ID.

Don't tell me I need a new phone now..

He tapped the screen to answer but made no noise. He stood silent waiting for the caller to identify them self before speaking.

Kane had waited only a few more minutes for Zahara, then with a shrug, taken off on his rounds, even as a slighty rain began to drizzle over the city. Kane shivered inwardly, everything from the tip of his nose to the balls of his feet were chilled, but if felt good as he rounded a corner, the rain would help him cool off after this run.

Juri stared out of the window, it wasn't like Kane..or Risa to dilly-dally along the way home...but then again..she smiled and let the curtain in the front room fall shut again.
"It's odd isn't it Abel?"
"Squwak?"
"That he's going through all this trouble."
"Squwak."
"Oh for the love of--Why am I talking to you?" She rapped lightly on the cage and turned to the cats that had taken over the couch.
"Well roomies? What shall I make for dinner." Abel let out a disgusted Crwak and she glared at the cage.
"I think a nice parrot stew would be good this time of year, don't you?"

He held the phone away from him quickly as he heard the familiar voice.

They sent Mika? ..They must not trust me.

After the sound of her screaming died down he held the phone against his ear once more.

"Hello... mother."

His lips curled into an eerie smile after he spoke in a dignified manner. The thought of playing 'house' seemed strangely amusing to him.

"I'm here, there is no need to shout. Is everything ok?"

He stood poised on the corner glancing about for any reason that he would receive a call with such urgency.

He could never tell with Mika, she was very excitable and it was hard for him to decipher her emotions. Either she was worried or she was happy and excited, it all seemed the same volume to him.


(Myess. Humor is good.)

[i have a hard time changing the way I rp when im playing a different character for a long period of time, so please forgive me, but I will refer to Mika in first person, or I will get my words screwed up. Anyakan, if you need it posted in a lighter color or a symbol, signaling its Mika speaking/actions let me know. Im sorry fo the inconvenience, i just find it easier to rp 1st person x.x']

I started to sprint towards Kane's house as it started to rain and I hefted open the gate as I got there and ran to the porch, soaking wet. I panted heavily as I peered around for anyone inside- I only saw 2 sets of yellow eyes staring at me from the couch and I grinned, waving to my friends. I then knocked on the door quietly.


"Whew, Zahara, I was so worried. It's past 3:30 pm already and you should be home. Its raining, and I know you dont have an umbrella, so stay at school, and I'll come and get you okay??" I said worriedly, tapping my heel on the newly polished desk.

(soaking wet? Gah! It's pouring now and I'm just standing on the corner? I thought I had time for ramen.. -pout- -_-)

3:30.. Since when am I given a curfew? I've been living alone for over a year now.. unless.. they are up to something..

"I apologize for my lateness, we will meet up at the school then."

His words, though brief, were stern and business-like, as he stood there the light drizzle was getting heavier. He ended the call quickly, slipping the phone into his pant pocket. He threw his long coat over his head, holding the portfolio close to his side, making a dash for the school.

A hazy blur was all he could see ahead of him from under the shelter of his lab coat until he made it to the stairs. He leapt up several stairs at a time and stopped by the doors. He breathed heavily, feeling the hunger and lack of sleep creeping up on him again.

Propping his portfolio against the wall he crouched down, leaning his back against the wall.
He slicked the hanging bangs back with the rest of his tied hair and rubbed his eyes tiredly.

He wrapped his coat like a cloak around himself on a lookout for any approaching vehicles or people.

It looked dead on the streets. It didn't seem like anyone would be interested in being out on a day like this.. unless they had to be.

I wonder what she is up to..?

Juri looked at the door and smiled.
"You got lucky this time Abel, don't think it'll happen again." She chuckled and went to open the door.
"Well it's about time you two--oh, hello Risa....where's Kane? Don't tell me that idiot brother of mine made you walk all the way here in the rain alone!" She looked out behind her and cracked her knuckles.
"He's going to get dish duty for the rest of the week when I see him next." She turned back with a warm smile and stepped back inside.
"But what are we standing here talking for, hurry up and come on in before you catch your death out there."

"I'll see you in a few", and with a click, my son had hung up the phone.
Well, close enough to be my son anyway... I shrugged and pulled on my coat and grabbed two umbrellas and grabbing the keys, I left the dark home, locking the door tightly behind me. I jumped into the Sleek Black Mercedes and headed quickly towards the school, practically flooring it.
I skidded to a stop at the gate of the school and climbed out of the car iwth my umbrella popping open, and a closed on in hand for him. I walked up to him slowly and smiled, looking down at him.
"Oh Zahara, what am I going to do with you, Hm?" I knelt down at his side and brushed the stray hair from his eyes; asleep, he looked so innocent...


I smiled at Juri as she let me in.
"Kane said he was going for a walk or something, I donno, he and I have been strange all day. And don't be upset with him, I dont think he knew it was going to rain as soon as it did." I giggled and pulled off my shoes, then pants, laving my wet uniform and skirt still on. My wings were still tied around my legs.
"Uhm, .is it alright if I get a hot shower? Its getting cold and I'm freezing.." I sneezed, looking to her, my hair still dripping.

He let out a quiet yawn, cracking a weary eye at the warm fingers running across his forehead.

"Mmh.. Mika? Ah.. Hello"
He cleared his throat and stood up slowly, feeling a bit lightheaded.
"Sorry, must have nodded off there."

Rubbing his eyes he sighed and put his coat on; making sure to secure the strap to his portfolio on his shoulder.

He straightened his posture and breathed deeply, fighting with himself to keep his heavy lids open, trying desperately to keep himself awake in her presence.

He spoke tiredly; The refined character he emulated before was gone. All that was left was the raspy tone of a sleep deprived child, teetering on the edge of consciousness.

"Where.. are we going?"

"A walk?" She tucked her hand under her chin and thought hard a moment, he usually didn't want to go anywhere but straight home on Fridays...unless he had a fight scheduled, but that seemed highly unlikely.
"Aw, I'm not mad with him." She smiled.
"I just thought he'd be home already, don't want him going off and getting..kidnapped, shot at, stabbed..." She began counting off on her fingers and laughed.
"But that's not like him now is it?" She nodded and pointed up the stairs.
"By now you know where the bathroom is right? I'll make us something hot to drink while you're in there." She moved into the kitchen with a wave.
"Don't feel like you have to stand on occasion here either, you're..well...you're not home but you're 'home' okay?"
Juri stood next to the stove and put the filled teapot on the back eye to boil. For some reason, she couldn't help but smile...Kane wasn't going to want to sleep tonight, and she knew that...this could be her chance to practice some of those wrestling moves she picked up on.