Green eyes cracked open as Shin ever so slowly began to wake.  He gave a long softy yawn as he stretched, moving his neck from side to side to work out the stiffness from sleeping upright. Experimentally, he tried wiggling his toes, smiling with relief as he felt the weak motion. Good. He hadn't throw his back out further, which meant that with some luck and relaxation, he should be able to hobble around a bit by the next day. And then Thursday, when the physical therapist came, he'd be able to be back on his feet again, which would make Gijs happy if anything else, he smiled.

"You've woken, then?" a voice said from out of Shin's sight.  "I didn't want to disturb you."

He blinked, turning. "Ari," he smiled slightly, spotted the red haired man sitting on the bed almost timidly. "Good morning," he covered a small yawn.

"Yes," the redhead said.  "It's morning now."  He opened his mouth as if to say something, then stopped, eyes turning from Shin to something near him.

"Something wrong?" Shin asked, rubbing one eye as he covered another small yawn.

Ariel startled slightly, turning back to Shin.  "No," he said.  "I did warn you of my madness."

"You saw something?" Shin asked curiously. "What was it?"

"Don't let my hallucinations disturb you, Shin," Ariel said almost gently.  "They cannot harm you."

"I know," the paler boy smiled. "They don't disturb me at all, I promise. I'm just curious what kind of things you see."

"I am not a lab specimen, Shin," Ariel said, pulling his legs up against his chest.

"I wasn't trying to act like you were," Shin assured, almost wincing at the reaction. "I just... I don't think you're insane.  I know so many people who can see things others can't.  But those things are there and are real. Like auras.  At least three of my classmates can see them, all differently, but they all can tell when someone's mad because whatever color or shape they see always is that color or shape when a person has that emotion."

"I have no magic," Ariel said, voice still gentle.  "I have been tested.  A hallucination is just a hallucination."

Shin shook his head. "But it's not magic.  It's like... how dogs can hear sounds that we can't.  Or like how one person can hear the whine of the TV when it's one and someone else can't. Some people can hear things that others can't, just like some people can see things other's can't. It's all from how their brain works."

Ariel nodded.  "And I am mad.  Do not mock me for something you cannot change, Shin."

"I'm not mocking you," Shin assured softly. "I've just seen so many people who were convinced they were insane find out that they weren't to blindly agree that someone who's different must be insane."

"It will only disappoint you," Ariel said, voice resigned.  His eyes strayed again, to the same point just beyond Shin.

"I can handle disappointment," the paler boy said softly.

Ariel sighed softly.  "I see a girl behind you.  Quite young, with dark hair and eyes - Asian.  Her hair is long and loose and she has a sword shaped pendant."  He looked back at Shin.  "Are you happy?"

The younger man seemed stunned. "Sword sha--" he repeated in a small voice. "Does-- does it have a red gem in the middle?" he asked urgently, sitting forward slightly.  "On a chain that's too long?"

Ariel startled at Shin's intensity.  He nodded.

Shin sat back, eye wide and jaw slack. "Looking like she's about three years old....?" he near whispered.

"I-- I don't know....." Ariel said, voice scared.  "I have never been good with children."

The paler boy gave a very soft exhale. "Kosei..." he whispered, giving a small, amazed smile. "You can see my sister...."

"I don't understand," Ariel said flatly.

"Kosei... When there was the accident... I was the only one who survived," Shin explained, looking down at his hands. "And barely at that.  Kosei... when I was still at the hospital, before they told me she didn't make it, I had thought she had survived because I could feel her watching over me.  I-- I had thought she'd moved on," he laughed softly, shaking his head before looking up again. "You couldn't have known about her..."

"I have no magic, Shin," Ariel said again, voice urgent.

"But you can see spirits," Shin corrected. "Which isn't magic at all."

"No, because madness isn't magic."  Ariel shook his head, hands clasped around his knees.  "Don't you think if I had any talent it would have been found by now?  Gabriel has had people testing me as long as he's been able."

"Tests only find what they're looking for," Shin said gently.  "And can be skewed by so many things. It's very easy for things to be missed."

Ariel shivered, pressing his face against his knees.  "They've looked for anything.  Shin, stop this."

The paler boy looked down slightly. "Sorry," he said softly. "I wasn't trying to upset you."

"Did you think you could show up and suddenly change everything so my life isn't my life?" Ariel asked, looking up.  "I've been living it for twenty five years.  Everything has been tried!  Everything Gabriel can afford, whether or not it's safe.  I am nothing but a madman, Shin.  And all your wishing won't change that."

"Everything was tried for me too," Shin said softly, looking up to meet Ariel's eyes. "So many medications, so many doctors, therapists, psychiatrists, any one my aunt could find.  No one could find out what was wrong, so they blamed it on the accident, even though we knew it couldn't have been. That all changed in one day." He gave a small smile. "What do you wish, Ari? Do you want things to be as they've always been? Do you never wish that it's all been a mistake, that you really aren't as they say?"

"If wishes were horses, beggars would ride," Ariel said.  "Wishing the world different changes nothing."

"If you don't believe in something, it can never be," Shin countered.  "A wish is a goal that you don't know how to obtain. But as long as you have that wish, there's hope you can find that way."

"And when a thing is untrue, you learn to live with it."

"Ari... How could you have known what my sister looked like? Could I have guessed the details if it had just been a hallucination?"

"I don't know!  Madness isn't contagious.  Perhaps the details weren't there until you put them in my mind.  I don't know!"

Shin bit his lip slightly at the other man's distress. "Ari... If you had the choice... Would you want to be mad or sane?" he asked softly.

"That-- is not something you get to choose," Ariel said.  "And I prefer not to dwell on things I cannot change."

Shin shook his head. "You can choose. Insanity isn't something physical that either is or isn't.  Different people view different things to be insane. To me, this place, where shadows talk and chairs can float is insane. To what I know, it just shouldn't be.  What you think of as insane, seeing people who aren't part of this world anymore, is perfectly normal where I live. If two different people can view the same thing differently, then there is a choice."

"I don't understand why you insist on tormenting me like this," Ariel said, burying his face against his knees again.

Shin sighed softly, shoulders slumping. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I'm not trying to torment... I just... You deserve better."

"You cannot change my life by wishing."

"You can't change your life by accepting what others want you to," Shin returned gently.

"You're the one who wants to change my life," Ariel said, voice muffled by his knees.  "I only want my brother to want me again."

"You want him not to leave you behind. You want him to accept you and not use you like nothing more then a tool.  You want him to not punish you for telling a truth he doesn't believe. You don't want him to think you're only good for information, that you're just a mad child he needs to tell what to do. You want more then you're willing to admit...." Shin said softly.

"No!" Ariel insisted, looking up with anger.  "I just want him to want me!"

"And that isn't the same thing?"

"Don't presume to think that you know me because you want to," Ariel said, rising.  "You know nothing and presume everything."  He turned, walking for the door, arms wrapped around himself.

"Then tell me why I'm wrong. Tell me why you'll settle for so little and for being left behind. Tell me why you are so afraid that you'll let him do whatever he wants to you," Shin insisted, watching him.

"My brother loves me," Ariel said quietly.  "He loves me as no one else does."  He looked back at Shin.  "I am not wrong to do anything for his love."

"If he loves you, why does he hurt you when you've done nothing but what he's asked?" Shin asked softly.

"He thinks I lied to him.  So I've hurt him, not the other way around."

"Have you ever lied to him before?"

"Never on purpose...." Ariel said sadly.

"Then why would he think you'd lie to him? Doesn't he trust you?"

"My brother is concerned with the truth, and my hallucinations are not truth.  I'm no use to him if I can't tell truth from lies."

"Why do you need to be useful for him to want you? Doesn't he love you, like you've said?" Shin pressed gently.

"Yes!" Ariel shouted.  He lowered his voice.  "Gabriel loves me.  He loves me as no one else ever has."

"Then you shouldn't need to prove to him that you're useful for him to want you," the paler man pointed out softly. "He should love you the same, either way."

"Is there no one you have a responsibility to?" Ariel asked.  "You said there is a girl who treats you as a brother.  Do you not have responsibilities to her?  If you neglected the responsibilities would she not seek out another who could fulfill them?  My brother's love isn't a fairy tale that needs to ignore reality.  When I have done something to deserve his anger, he gives it to me.  When I do well, he rewards me."

"Kim's love for me is unconditional," Shin smiled softly. "When I'm sick and can't take care of her, she tries to take care of me.  She protects me when I can't protect her.  When she gets mad, it never lasts more then a short while, and she gives me things whenever she finds them, not as reward."

Ariel stared at him.  "I-- didn't say his love was conditional," he said finally, voice soft.

The paler boy said nothing, giving Ariel a small, sad smile.

"I should go," Ariel said, hands clasped tightly.

Shin gave a small nod. "I'm sorry I upset you," he said softly.

"Don't concern yourself with it.  There is very little that doesn't upset me," Ariel said, brushing off the apology.

"How long will you be here? We can talk more later, if you want."

"I will be here as long as my brother is on inspection."  He lowered his head and fidgeted slightly.  "He has already left for the morning without me," he added, voice nearly inaudible.

Shin gave him a sympathetic look. "Leaving you behind again..." he said softly.

"I had thought, when I found you here, that I could hide here with you," Ariel continued, looking down.

"You can, if you'd like," Shin offered. "You might just want to give me a few minutes so I can page someone to help me out of the chair," he said with mild embarrassment.

Ariel's eyes focussed on the chair.  "You are crippled?" he asked.

Shin nodded. "My back nearly was shattered in the accident. Some days I can walk some, but I threw my back out yesterday," he explained. "It takes a few days for it to heal enough so I can stand again."

Ariel nodded.  "I-- do not like to be touched," he said.

"It's okay," Shin laughed softly. "I wasn't going to ask you.  Aralu said I could page someone when I needed."

The redhead looked alarmed.  "I shouldn't be here then.  Not when Gabriel is away...."

"Why's that?" Shin asked.

"With Gabriel gone there is no one to protect me."

"I won't let anyone hurt you if I can help it," Shin promised. "You're my friend."

Ariel looked surprised, then came to Shin's side.  "How can I help?" he asked.

The boy blinked. "Help with what?" he asked, slightly confused.

"With your needs."

Shin blinked again. "You said you didn't like being touched, it's okay," he smiled softly.

Ariel blinked but looked very relieved.

"Maybe... if you wait in the next room until whomever comes when I page goes away, then you won't have to worry?" Shin suggested. "It shouldn't take very long."

Ariel nodded and darted into the next room quickly.

Shin sighed softly, leaning back in his chair a moment before looking around the room. "So... how do I page someone...?" he asked aloud, searching for any shadow that seemed out of place or a phone.

It was only a moment before Jack showed up in the doorway.  "You needed something?"

Shin gave a small nod. "Help to the bathroom," he admitted with mild embarrassment.

"Why do I have to do that?" the man demanded.  "No one told me I'd have to do that!"

The paler boy grimaced. "Because I can't walk...?" he hazarded. "You-- you don't have to help me actually, use it or anything. I just can't get up."

Jack made a face.  "Ok, come here," he said, reaching out and picking Shin up.  As Shin made use of the facilities, Jack stood outside the door whistling.

After a long moment, there was the sound of the toilet flushing. "It's safe," Shin called.

"Anything else you need while I'm up here?" Jack asked, levering Shin back into his chair.

The boy winced slightly. "Aspirin...?" he hazarded, moving a hand to cover his back.

"I think there was some of that in the bathroom."

Shin nodded. "Any idea when I can go home?"

"You'd have to ask Aralu about that.  But with the Ice Man here everything is screwed up.  No clue, really," Jack said cheerfully.

The boy sighed, rubbing his forehead. Wonderful. "Is there a phone somewhere I could use?"

"Um...."  Jack looked around the room.  "Next room, maybe."

Another sigh. "I'll look for it later then. Thanks anyway."

The man waved cheerfully and left.  Within moments, Ariel had slunk back into the room, holding out a cell phone.

Shin blinked, before giving a smile, accepting it. "Thanks. I won't use it long, I just want to make sure my aunt isn't too worried."

"I rarely have a need for it," Ariel said with a shrug, sitting on the bed again.

"Just for emergencies?" Shin guessed.

"If I need Gabriel, or he needs me," Ariel confirmed with a nod.

Shin nodded. "Like the pager I had in school.  Basically just a button to call for help if something happened and I couldn't move. Thankfully, Gij was with me most days so I never had to use it."

Ariel looked down at his hands.  "Usually I'm with Gabriel so he doesn't need it."

Shin nodded, looking at Ariel a long moment before dialing the phone. "Bachan? It's me," he smiled. "Un. Yeah, I'm at a new school. No, just temporary.  A few days maybe? I'm not sure. It's been a bit crazy so I don't really have any details. Just wanted to make sure you  weren't worry.  Mrs. F. might know.  Un.  Yeah.  I actually slept last night, it was amazing," he laughed softly. "Yeah.  I'm on a friend's cell at the moment actually. Yeah.  I'll call again when I'm back at the school.  Love you too.  Bye."  There was a soft electronic sound as he ended the call. He gave a soft sigh, smiling as he held the phone out again. "Thanks," he smiled.

"I have little use for it," Ariel repeated, tucking the cell into a pocket.  He didn't quite look back up at Shin.

"Something the matter?" the white haired boy asked softly.

"I feel exposed when Gabriel is gone," Ariel said softly, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Because you can't hide behind him?" Shin asked gently.

"Gabriel-- holds everyone away," Ariel said hesitantly.  "He keeps them from me."

"Just the ones who'd hurt you or everyone? Would he keep me away from you as well?"

"The only one who doesn't hurt is Gabriel," Ariel said frankly.  "I still don't know what you are."  He looked up, head tilted with curiosity.

Shin gave a soft laugh. "What I am?" he asked. "Normally people ask who, not what. Far as I know, I'm just a human being."

"But you've said you want to be my friend.  No one except Gabriel has ever wanted to be near me."

"Not even your parents...?" Shin asked.

"I-- I think Mother cared for me," the redhead hesitated.

"So you can be cared for by someone else too," Shin nodded with a smile.

Ariel blinked at him.  "Mother was different.  She had to care for me."

"She didn't have to, she wanted to," Shin corrected.

"Mothers are different," Ariel repeated, but let the subject drop.  "Did you sleep well, in a chair?"  He pulled his legs up again, wrapping his arms around his knees.

Shin stretched slightly. "I've slept worse," he smiled. "The fact that I actually slept is a miracle in and of it self, so I really can't complain too much," he laughed.

"Are you very busy?"

Shin shook his head. "I have--" he paused. "Or rather had, something wrong with me so that sleeping wasn't restful. So I'd sleep and sleep, but it would be like being awake with my eyes closed," he explained. "I actually can truly sleep now. It's amazing."

"Oh," Ariel said, seeming unable to think of anything else to say.  He rested his head on his knees, looking at Shin.

There was a long period of quiet.  "Sorry, I'm not very good at conversation," Shin finally said, sounding a bit embarrassed.

"Neither am I," Ariel said.  "It's not important."

The paler boy nodded. "Just forgive me if I nod off," he smiled softly.

"Sleep if you must.  I'm not important."

"That isn't true," Shin insisted. "You are important."

Ariel looked surprised.  "Not more than your health," he said, giving a small smile.

"A friend is more important then a nap any day," the paler boy smiled. "Especially when I just woke up," he laughed softly.

Ariel looked startled again.  "I am not good with people," he said finally.  "Do what you need and don't be concerned with me."

"But that wouldn't be fair to you," Shin pointed out, covering a small yawn. "And I'm not very good with people either. Especially when I'm tired," he laughed softly. "As I'm afraid you found out yesterday when you caught me at my worst."

"You sounded mad," Ariel agreed.

"Lack of sleep does that to me," the boy admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was trying very hard to stay awake past when I should have been napping.  It's like how you get when you haven't eaten for a day.  You're running on empty."

"I don't," Ariel said.  "I rarely eat at all.  I haven't eaten since leaving home yesterday morning."

Shin's eyes widened. "You haven't...?" he repeated. "Why?"

"I-- do not like food," Ariel said, looking bewildered.  "I do not trust it."

"Don't trust it?" Shin repeated, tone confused.

"Do you know the things people put in food?  Poisons, most of them.  Poisons and chemicals.  I will not eat those things."

Shin blinked. "What kinda of poisons...?" he asked curiously.

"Chemical poisons.  All kinds of artificial things.  Oil!  They put oil in food.  And wax.  And they genetically modify food products.  Who knows what they're doing to it?"

"Oil like... cooking oil...?" Shin asked, feeling a bit befuddled.

"Petroleum, Shin.  Like what gets put into cars.  They feed us like they feed automobiles!"

"That... doesn't make any sense...." Shin blinked. "Why would someone do that?"

"And they use poison for pests, but think that somehow it's gone when we eat it.  And petrol is in the fertilizers and pesticides.  They wear protective clothing when they take care of the plants and then expect us to eat them!"

The paler boy blinked again. "That's..." he trailed off. "... Maggy does her own gardening, so what she makes should be safe to eat, right?" he finally said.

Ariel blinked, mouth opening a few times.  "Gabriel gets me organic food," he said at last.  "To make sure I eat."

Shin nodded slightly. "So you can get some that's safe, right? So you should be able to eat something while you here," he smiled.

"I don't know where this food came from," Ariel pointed out.  "And-- and it was prepared by a vampire...."

"I can see how that would make you uneasy," Shin laughed softly. "If I knew how to give directions to the campus, I could have Maggie make you something. Because money's a bit tight, she has a large garden on campus that everyone helps out with, so I'm sure she could make you something you could eat."

"I-- cannot go anywhere without Gabriel," Ariel said, voice surprised that Shin would even make the offer.

"Why's that?"

"Because Gabriel talks to people.  I don't."

"I could go with you," Shin offered with a smile. "Especially if it's just to campus."

Ariel looked frightened.  "What if he comes back while we're gone?" he asked in a soft voice.

"Isn't that what you have the phone for? So he can call you when he wants you?" Shin pointed out with a soft smile.

Ariel appeared to consider it for a moment, then smiled at Shin almost shyly.

The door banged open and Aralu walked in.  "So, you're awake now."  She looked at the frozen tableau.  "You," she said coldly, pointing at Ariel.  "Out."

He scrambled to his feet and almost ran for the door.

Shin nearly swore, reaching out for the red head, wanting to call after him, but stopping himself in time.  He gave a deep sigh, leaning back in the chair.

Aralu watched Ariel out, then turned to Shin.  "So," she said.  "Now that you're awake we can get you fed and do something about the inside of that head of yours.  Gabriel is out on rounds for the morning at least, so you're safe as long as you stay away from his brother."

"Ari's not a danger." Shin crossed his arms.

"He's an insane spy," Aralu answered.  "If Dad could respond to anything within the same century I'd be happier, but right now I'm the one who has to keep you away from Gabriel, and keeping you away from Ariel is the first step."

"He isn't insane. He saw my sister, and he had no way of knowing what she looked like." The pale boy looked almost smug. "And considering Ariel was hiding in here because his brother is ignoring him and doesn't want him near him and think Ariel was lying to him about my existence, I somehow don't think that's even an issue."

"You are impossible," Aralu said, throwing her hands up.  "I'm not going to keep having the same conversation with you.  You're getting breakfast and then we're working on the Dreaming, and that's all you're to talk to me about."

"Maybe if you'd listen instead of assuming you know everything it wouldn't be the same over and over," Shin muttered under his breath, crossly.

Throwing him a glare, Aralu led his chair down to the kitchen.  "What do you want for breakfast?" she asked.

Shin was quiet a long moment before giving a sigh. "Something small," he finally answered. After the conversation with Ariel, he really didn't feel very hungry....

"We have a gourmet chef and all you can say is 'something small?'" Aralu asked.  "Granted, Helena's never cared about breakfast, but the point remains."  She shook her head.  "I'll get you a bowl of cereal."

"I never eat much for breakfast," Shin pointed out, leaning back against the chair again.

"No, you don't," Aralu conceded, dropping a box and bowl on the table in front of him.  "But because of your condition you've never needed much energy in the morning anyway.  That'll change now."

"Don't see how," Shin commented, pouring a bowl. "My back is still messed up."

"But you won't be dropping off to sleep every hour on the hour."

"Doesn't change the fact that I spend half the week in a chair," Shin countered. For some reason, the cereal tasted off.  With a sigh, he let go of the spoon and leaned back again. "How much longer will I be here?" he asked, voice sounding tired.

"Depends on how quick a study you are," Aralu answered, watching him.  "Quicker you pick things up, quicker you're safely gone and I can go back to my usual work."

"I'll do my best to be out of your hair as fast as possible then," the boy returned.

"Look, you're the most important thing I have going at the moment, so you don't have to use that tone.  I'm a very busy person.  Especially right now, but you can't be put off for later."

Shin looked over at her strangely. "Most important thing?" he repeated.

"More important than translating Dad's notes, finding out about the werewolf that Hawk has, keeping track of the other kids, or getting rid of Gabriel," she answered, ticking items off on her fingers.  "And that's just the short list."

"Other kids?"

"The ones that got shipped out when we found out that we were getting the official visit.  All of Dad's studies and mine."

Shin blinked a moment, then shook his head. He had to stop expecting things to make sense here.

"So they're basically safe for now, but it's best to keep track of them."

Shin pushed the bowl of cereal back and floated the chair back from the table. "So we can get on with playing with my head then?"

"Back up in your room, I think.  Just in case."
 

Aralu flopped on a chair near Kajiro's desk.  "He used to be such a sweet boy," she complained.  "Now he's a stubborn, annoying brat."

There was a soft chuckle. "Have you not said in the past that that is the fate of all of the male half of living beings?"

"Yes!  And I'd really love to figure out when it happens so I can try some experiments to make it stop."

"It would make for a most interesting study," the Shadow agreed, the page of the book in front of him turning. "However, I do believe that for this situation, Shinkou's reactions are with in the realm of his character."

"Only since he made nice with the blond psychic," Aralu complained in a mutter.  "At least he's a quick learner.  Another few days and it should be safe to get him out of here.  Then we won't have to worry about Gabriel finding him."

"Regarding that situation, there are observations that I believe should be reviewed." A page of paper covered in strange, almost hieroglyphic writing floated over to the woman on a thin tendril of darkness. "It would seem that Shinkou's discovery by Ariel will be in our favour."

"What?" Aralu exclaimed, sitting up in the chair.  "Dad!  You know it's only a matter of time before Gabriel gets tired of ignoring him and finds Shin!"

"Do review the daily observations.  The findings may present you a different view."

Aralu grumbled, but excepted the book that the Shadows recorded the day's events in.  She read it silently, brows drawing in.  "He's been tested by the best dowsers!  He's never shown anything more than a normal person's level of talent!"

"An examination of Gabriel's levels of ability today show a noticeable decrease," the Shadow commented. "His projected presence showed a decline of 1.35 inches from his projected presence when he arrived at the Castle. It would be foolish to assume there is a lack of connection between the two events."

Aralu paused a moment in calculation.  "And has any measure been made of Ariel's presence today?" she asked.

"It currently appears to be in a mild state of flux, which is most unusual. When he was in Shinkou's audience, it had expanded .87 inches from previously observed levels, yet after leaving Shinkou's audience, it has condensed to a difference of only .62 inches, which would suggest that it is responding to outside factors, most likely his level of comfort with where he is positioned."

After another moment of calculation, Aralu replied.  "And that would be quite enough of a presence to indicate an ability.  Why has this never been noticed before?"

"This is the first time in the period of observing Ariel that he has been apart from his brother's side for an extended period of time.  It is a logical conclusion thusforth that Gabriel's presence overshadowing his brother is acting in someway to repress or remove Ariel's own."

"So other than observing him, what did you want me to do?" Aralu asked.

"I would suggest that instead of forbidding contact with Shinkou, that this contact be subtly encouraged. Shinkou has made many acute observations in their limited interactions that have caused reactions in Ariel that have not been previously observed.  Shinkou seemed to have managed an agreement where Ariel was to accompany him back to his previous residence for purpose of procuring a meal, which is rather extraordinary in an of itself."

"If Ariel agreed to eat, that must put Shin on his way to sainthood," Aralu agreed.

"The Kaminaru family line showed remarkable talent for empathy and intuition. It would appear that in addition to the Tensou line's remarkable ability for dreamwalking, Shinkou most likely has the talents from his maternal family line as well."

"So I'll stop yelling at Ariel when I catch them together.  But that's all I can promise, Dad!  He's still his brother's spy."

"That may not be for much longer." The Shadow's voice held a hint of amusement. "It is entirely possible to engineer a situation in which Ariel may prove more faithful to Shinkou than to his own brother. It may appear to be juvenile of me to say, however I do feel that removing this valuable asset from Gabriel's court will being me much personal amusement and positive enjoyment."

"Amusing as it would be," Aralu said drily, "it hasn't happened yet."

"Alas, I do know this to be true. However, there is a high chance that the event will come to pass, judging by the current behaviors being expressed.   Concerning behaviors, more information has come to be gathered on the werewolf cub that you have reported on."

Aralu perked up.  "What kind of information?"

"The particular group of scientists involved in the acquisition of the group of werewolf adolescents that this cub was part of is of the designation IL, a subdivision of Omadon's personal science force that is assigned to work on the curing of curses and involuntary afflictions.  Very little research is officially produced by this division, but they use a high amount of resources and are listed in Omadon's database as being a level D, relatively unskilled, as they have not produced any successes. However, there is no other level D group who receives as high of a rate of funding as the IL subdivision appears to.  In addition, the IL subdivision in the past has worked on such projects as VASL, that sought to graft the sprit of an elemental into the body of a human, which came under much criticism from the Astral and Faerie realms.  Also of interest, it would seem that this particular lab group has no official entry in the public record."

"So rather than going for Children, the cubs were given to Omadon's dogs," Aralu translated.  "Lovely."

"And judging by the nature of the damage to the found cub, it would appear that Omadon has given his scientists licence to experiment with Alliance races."

There was a pause as Kajiro's words filtered through Aralu's awareness.  "That--  Something has to be done," she said grimly.  "Soon."

"I do agree. I would like to request that you create a portfolio study on this cub. With the weight of the action, a body of proof will need to be evident before save presentation to other Alliance members.  I fear that Omadon's Alliance will so begin to unravel in a way that is most chaotic, my daughter. I wish for us to be most advanced in our preparations for when that event occurs."

Aralu nodded.  "I'll get right on that.  Give Shin the afternoon free if I'm working on something this important."

"My thanks, my daughter. I and your father shall be observing closely this situation."

Aralu nodded and rose.  "Best get started with it now, then," she said, bowing slightly to the Shadow and leaving the library.  She made her way up to Shin's room and knocked although she didn't wait for him to answer before entering.

The boy looked up, rubbing an eye with a small yawn. "More already?" he asked, sitting carefully up.

"I have business to take care of this afternoon," Aralu said flatly.  "You have it free.  The car's downstairs and Joe will take you wherever you want as long as you're back by night.  Got it?"

Shin perked up, instantly awake. "So I can head back to campus then?" he asked.

"Be back by night, remember," Aralu said.  "But yes.  You can go wherever you want."

Shin nodded.

A short while later, he was floating the chair down the hallway. "Ariel?" he called out, looking into empty rooms.

After a few tries he found Ariel curled up and apparently asleep in a large armchair with a black coat wrapped around him.  The darkness of it made his hair almost seem to glow.

The boy gave a small smile. "Ariel...." he called softly, floating closer. "It's me, Shin. Are you awake?"

Hearing his name, Ariel started to wake.  "Gabriel?" he asked hopefully.  Looking up and seeing Shin, his face fell.

Shin smiled softly. "Did you want to go get something to eat? Aralu gave me use of her car and driver, so we can go to campus if you want to."

"Gabriel might be back at any time...." Ariel said, clutching the black coat tightly.  "Maybe I shouldn't...."

"We can head back when he calls," Shin assured. "And you should get something to eat, right?"

"Yes....  Then Gabriel can take more time to do his business."  Ariel still looked troubled.  "You're sure I will be allowed to accompany you?"

"I don't see why not.  I called Gijs and told him I was coming and most likely bringing a friend, and Mrs. F. doesn't mind visitors on campus at all."

"Well--  All right, then.  I suppose I should join you if you've readied them for me."  Ariel rose, still clinging to the coat.  "Have you warned them that I'm mad?"

"Everyone's used to odd behavior, I doubt it'd even be noticed," Shin assured with a smile.

"I'm sure you know best," Ariel said, rising.  The folds of the coat were too long for him, but he didn't release it.  "How are we to get there?"

"Aralu said the driver knows the way." Shin hesitated. "I might need a little help getting in the car..." he apologized. "If it's a problem, I can see if I can find someone else."

Ariel shuddered slightly.  "I will help you if I can," he said.
 
 

The ride to campus was unsurprisingly quiet, Shin looking out the window to distract himself from the nonexistent driver and in an attempt to memorize the route. "We're almost there," he smiled, pointing out the window. "You see that large patch over there? That's the gardens."

Ariel looked over.  "Oh, you do have a large garden," he said.  "And your food is cooked from that?"

"Most of it, yeah. Maggy still buys flour and things she can't grow, like chocolate and sugar. And there's some chickens and goats too.  Mrs. F. says it's cheaper to raise them then to go into town for eggs every week," Shin smiled.

"Goodness.  Your food must be spectacularly sound."

"So you think it'd be safe for you to eat?" Shin smiled as the car pulled up to the dorms.

"Perhaps," Ariel said hesitantly.  "I should like to inspect the kitchen first, if I may."

"I don't think Maggy'll mind," Shin nodded. "She doesn't get a chance to show off very often."

The front door was flung open and Gijs bounced his way down the ramp, pushing the wheelchair in front of him.  "Look who's dropped in to see the peons!  If it isn't Shin, coming in a driverless car!"  With a deep, mocking bow, he opened the door and prepared to heave the pale boy out of the car.

He was impeded by Kim throwing herself at Shin, squealing his name as she hugged him hard, causing the boy to make an 'oof' sound at the impact. "Careful, Kim," he laughed softly, hugging her closely. "Remember, my back?"

"Kim missed Shin," she said, lower lip trembling as she made her hug more careful.

"I know," Shin smiled, giving her a small kiss on the forehead. "I missed you too."

Ariel had pulled back in his seat and was pressed against the door.  Kim saw him as she smiled happily up at Shin and turned.  "Who's that?" she demanded, crawling across Shin and toward Ariel.  The red-haired man panicked, tugging at the handle of the locked door.

Shin carefully pulled her back. "This is Ariel," he introduced. "He doesn't like being touched, so you need to ask him before you get too close, okay?" he smiled, hugging the small girl again, giving Ariel a reassuring look.

"Oh."  Kim put her fingers in her mouth.  "Why not?"

"I don't know, you'd have to ask him," Shin smiled.

"Oh," she said again.

Before she could ask, Ariel managed to unlock the door and half fell out of the car to get away from her.  He shivered, tugging the black coat tighter around himself and standing in a way to keep attention from coming to himself.

Gijs took that as his cue to haul both Shin and Kim out of the car.  "Shin," he said after getting the other boy settled.  "You were wearing those clothes yesterday.  Am I the only one who keeps you clean?"

"I heard enough compaining just to get to the bathroom, like I was going to ask someone to help me get dressed?" Shin protested. "Ari? Are you okay?" he asked, voice concerned.

"Are-- are there many...."  He made a gesture toward Kim.

"Many children Kim's age?" Shin guessed. "No, she's the only three year old.  Yukie's six, but she's only here during the mornings."

"And no one will....?"  He huddled in the overlarge coat.

"No one will what?" Shin asked gently, keeping a hand on Kim's shoulder.

"Come at me in such a vulgar fashion...."

Shin blinked. "I wouldn't call it vulgar... but as most everyone else is old enough to know better..." he mussed the girl's hair fondly. "You shouldn't have any personal space problems."

"Enough talking on the doorstep," Gijs interrupted.  "First we get you changed, then we get you food."

"What, are you my mother now?" Shin snorted with a smile. "You alright with coming inside, Ari?" he asked the man. "You can wait in the kitchen if you'd like, it's up to you."

Ariel shifted uncomfortably.  "I-- You said you'd shield me...." he reminded.

"So you'll want to stay with me then, right?" Shin smiled.

"Yes, if...."  Ariel glanced at Gijs and Kim.  "If it's no trouble to you."

"It's not a problem," Shin assured. "Is it, Kim?" he asked the girl.

Kim snuggled up against him and shook her head, obviously too happy at being with Shin to worry about anyone else.

"And I'm no problem, of course," Gijs added, pushing the chair toward the ramp.  "If he's got touch issues then SOMEONE has to get you into your clothes."

Shin sighed. "I CAN manage it myself for the most part, you know," he half muttered. "You make it sound like I can't even put a shirt on."

"You're the one in the wheelchair, you know," Gijs pointed out with a grin.

"That doesn't mean my arms don't work!" Shin defended.

"Then push your own chair!" Gijs challenged, giving it a light jerk.

Ariel gasped.  "You shouldn't," he said, drawing back as Gijs turned to look at him.  "You shouldn't jerk a wheelchair...."

Shin nodded, rubbing his back. "Especially when I haven't had an aspirin all day," he half muttered.

"Do I have to do everything for you?" Gijs asked, aggrieved.  "You don't get changed, you don't take an aspirin.  Have you even eaten anything?"

"I had breakfast," Shin sighed. "You don't have to make it sound like I make you do everything, you know," he pointed out.

Gijs grinned.  "But where would the fun be in that?" he asked.

"Jerk," Shin stuck his tongue out with a smile. "You had me thinking you were serious for a second there!"

"Bah.  Me?  Serious?"  Gijs laughed.  "How often am I serious?  And after Kim giving us all a fright yesterday I'm all serioused out for a few months."

Shin nodded. "You shouldn't run off like that, Kim." He bent over a bit to look at the three year old. "You made everybody worry."

"Kim wanted Shin!" she half wailed.

"I know," the boy smiled fondly, stroking her hair. "But you have to stay with Gij or Maggy when I'm not here, remember?"

The small girl's lip trembled.  "Wanted Shin," she said again.  "No one else like Shin."

"I know," Shin said soothingly. "Did you want me to call Aunt Elaine to come watch you until I'm back? Would that be better?"

"Kim just wants Shin," she said, hugging him hard.

"I know," Shin sighed softly. "But I'm not done at the other school yet, so I can't stay..." he paused, noticing that Ariel had moved to the corner of the room, one hand covering his mouth as he tried to hide himself in the black coat.  "Ari? Are you okay?"

The redhead startled slightly, then moved to Shin's side and crouched to be at Kim's level.  "You must learn to be by yourself," he told her.  "So that you'll never be afraid.  Do you understand?"

She blinked wide eyes at him and clung to Shin tightly.

"Because none can take you away from yourself if you don't let them," Ariel continued earnestly.  "But if you need another person completely then you can easily be brought down."

Shin nodded, giving Ariel a sympathetic look. "So you have to be strong, Kim," he smiled at the girl, gently toying with her hair. "Can you do that? Can you be strong for me, until I'm done at the other school?"

Kim wibbled but nodded, burying her face against Shin and holding him tightly.

The white haired boy hugged her close, stoking her hair.

Ariel backed away from the intimacy, hiding within the coat again.  Gijs leaned against the back of the chair and waited for them to finish before he helped Shin change and get taken care of.

"Ne, Gij, do you know where Dallas is?" Shin asked as he smoothed down his shirt.

"The chicken girl? Probably outside, why?"

"She sees the dead, right?"

Gijs laughed.  "Ooooooo," he said, making spooky finger wagglies, "you're surrounded by dead people."

"Just one, apparently," Shin smiled. "Ariel saw Kosei this morning."

Gijs blinked at him.  "I'll be right back," he said, and strode off.

"Ne, Kim, did you want to push me a bit?" Shin asked, carefully turning the wheels of the chair to face the pair of redheads in the room.

Ariel started again.  "Can she do such a thing?" he asked.

"If I help," Shin smiled. "Between the pair of us we tend to manage."

"Shall-- shall I help, then?" Ariel asked.

"Only if you want to," Shin assured. "It isn't far to the kitchen."  As Kim began to move the chair carefully, Ariel followed, moving to help as needed but mostly leaving it to her.  "Maggie! I have a visitor who wants to see your lovely cooking!" Shin called as they entered.

The cook laughed.  "Cooking enough for any who wants, my lad," she said.  "And what can I get for you?"

"Something light, as usual."  Shin looked over at Ariel with a smile. "And a tour of the works, you said?"

Maggie eyed Ariel, noting how he shrank back at her approach.  "Well, it's all open to see, really.  Your friend can poke about to his heart's content while I get you something to eat."

Shin nodded.

There was a slight banging sound as the back door was flung open and a girl with bleached hair that looked like it had once been purple entered, a basket of eggs in her hand.  "Eat of these eggs and be cursed with the ghost of unborn chickens!" she declared dramatically as she deposited it on the counter. "I want mine scrambled."

"Omelette," Gijs put in as he entered behind the girl.

Ariel jumped away from his scrutiny of the pots and shrank back against the counter.

"Ari, this is Dallas," Shin introduced. "She can see souls,"

"Yo," the girl half saluted, leaning back against the counter. "So. I hear you saw the little dead girl that follows this guy around?" she asked, jabbing a thumb at Shin.

"... You never told me you saw her too..."

She shrugged. "Never asked."

Ariel looked as if he was trying to hide in his coat.  "Must-- must you speak so?" he stuttered.

The girl looked over at Shin a moment before shrugging. "Kay. So, I hear you also see spirits. That better?"

Ariel glanced at Shin as well.  "I am mad," he said in explanation.

"Me too," she grinned. "Seeing things that aren't'll do it to you. That's why I hang out with the chickens. They don't do that ghost thing, for whatever reason. No souls or something."

Ariel blinked at her, then seemed to relax.  "I've never met another with my affliction before," he said, looking at her curiously.

Dallas laughed. "I have! They were kookier then me!" she grinned. "So you see faces or not? Cause half the time they're just all shadowy like, but every now and then they're all detailed like a painting and I can even hear em talk."

"I-- I see people.  Sometimes they talk to me," Ariel said.  "I usually know when they aren't real, but sometimes I can't tell."

The girl nodded. "Like the imaginary friend only more dead like," she agreed, pulling up a chair as Maggie returned. "It's just when people start doing the 'No one's lived in that house since it burned down ten years ago' that you start going 'wait, what?'  Really puts a damper on your social life."

Ariel drifted closer.  "My mother was buried, but I saw her the next evening.  When I asked how she got out of the ground my nurse slapped me."

"Ouch. Tough!" the girl sympathized. "Closest I got to that was the little bald ghost doctor when my mom was in the hospital."

Maggie put bowls of soup down in front of all of the people in her kitchen.  With a start, Ariel dropped into a chair and began to eat it hesitantly.  "Did your mother die?" he asked.

"Nope. Was worried she was gonna for a while though. She's too tough to kick the bucket though. Too crazy too as well. She'll probably harass me from beyond the grave worse then she does now," Dallas chuckled before digging in.

Ariel looked very taken aback.  "Does-- does everyone speak like you?" he asked.

"Just people from where I'm from mostly," the girl grinned, finishing the last spoonful with a flourish before getting to her feet. "I gotta go round up the chickens for the night. Fun talking to ya!" she half saluted in Ariel's direction. "You gonna be coming here or you just visiting?"

Ariel looked at Shin, expression panicked.

"He's just visiting for now," Shin answered for him with a smile.

"Got it," the girl nodded before turning back to Ariel. "I'm here another four years at least, so if ya do decide to stick around, we can debate the nature of chicken soullessness and ghosties and crap," she grinned. "Until then!" she waved before heading back outside.
 
 
 

"I need to examine your werewolf," Aralu said without preamble.

Hawk looked up from the truck engine he had been taking apart. "Examine how?" he asked, tone suspicious.

"I need to know what was done to him in order to fix it," she countered. "Besides, the group that played with him puts out very little - and even less that has value - but gets a lot of funding. If I'm going to attack them with this, I need very complete findings."

Hawk set down his wrench, eyebrow raising. "You make it sound like it was a government job," he said, interested.

"It was," she said, muttering "Omadon's dogs," under her breath.

"Omadon?" Hawk repeated, leaning back against the truck. "Who's that?"

She smiled at him in a pleased way. "Omadon our fearless leader," she said. "Fearless, peerless, but unfortunately not brainless."

"Our?" Hawk's other eyebrow raised. "What are you involved with? And don't give me any halfassed answers either, I wanna know what's going on here in detail before I get any further mixed up in this crap."

"Too late," Aralu said. "Unless you're going to give me the werewolf and forget you ever saw him," she challenged with a smile.

The man gave a snort. "More like I'd take him and head for the hills with a shotgun if need be. And did you miss the word 'further' in there?" Tossing the wrench onto the work bench, he grabbed a mug of coffee, taking a deep drink.

"He's just a werewolf and I already told you no one would be looking for him," Aralu pointed out. "I need him HERE to cause trouble."

"Which is why you should tell me more of what's going on," Hawk pointed out, leaning back against the wall with his mug. "If he's gonna cause a political shit storm, I think I at least deserve to know what he's going to be taking down."

Aralu sat down. "How long do you have?" she asked rhetorically. "You know magic exists and so do other species. You know because of Nav. Most people don't. Not unless it effects them personally, like the families of these kids." She waved a hand to encompass the entire school. "So there have always been.... call them 'gentlemen's clubs' for people with magic."

Hawk nodded, pouring himself a fresh mug of coffee.

"So... imagine all the country clubs in the world uniting as a sort of rich man's mecca, you can't get into this unless you know how your great-great-great-great grandfather died, stagnating pond of the bluest blood in the world breeding for receding chins."

Hawk raised an eyebrow. "Sounds very governmental," he commented dryly. "So I take it in tried and true fashion, once united they started exploiting anyone not in their circle to their own benefit?" he asked.

"Demons are fine," Aralu said. "Any demon around can get in free. Humans can't, because there are more of them around and...." She said up and looked down her nose at him. "And they're not our kind, dear. Not unless they're so powerful that if they found out about us it would be dangerous." She sat back. "Or," she added, "So unpowerful that we can use them easily."

"Wonderful," Hawk muttered. "Though ironically amusing to think that Nav would have a good chance getting in just because of his Makuness." He drained his mug again. "And apparently humanoid types are falling into the 'not good enough' void as well, judging by Faolan?" he guessed.

"Werewolves aren't really that powerful. They just turn into ravening beasts on the full moon. And at will, depending on the type of werewolf. Vampires are pretty low down as well." She shrugged. "Now... you remember those people who were always after Nav? The 'Oh my God, you're a demon we must smite you to save the world because we are good and holy and if you don't agree with every word out of our mouths you're an unbeliever who will go to hell' types?"

"Unfortunately well," the man commented dryly, emptying out the last of the coffee into his mug before setting up a fresh pot.

"Omadon's like that. He believes that since we have magic and power that we're better than everyone else, so we shouldn't be hiding our existence and living in the shadows of your world." She smirked slightly. "So, as the first part of his plan, he brought us DEEPER into the shadows while he gathered groups of scientists to find ways to enhance our powers so we could take over everyone else more easily. Apparently, this is where your werewolf comes in."

"Wooonderful." Hawk made a face. "And the way those people think, it won't just stop at the werewolves...."

Aralu nodded grimly. "Not if it's a group that gets a lot of funds for few results. There must be more going on here. Especially if Omadon's doing it in secret."

The man nodded. "And since you're going up against an organization, you need solid proof of your accusations before you even start whispering around so you have a chance."

"Especially since I'm a halfbreed. Halfbreeds are looked on as worse than werewolves, no matter what our power level. For me to say anything against Omadon, I'd better be able to back it up Right Now."

Hawk nodded again. "And the sooner the better," he agreed. "And this is just gonna be observation like, right? No poking or prodding or anything that might screw him up?"

"I promise I won't screw him up worse than he already is, but I might need to do a physical exam."

The man nodded once more, running a hand thought his bangs. "I'll see if he's up to it. Wait here."

While she waited, Aralu peered into the car, seeming to be listening to something, then poked at Hawk's tools.

"Hey, hands off that, would ya?" Hawk scowled as he returned, Faolan half clinging to his side.

"Oh yes," Aralu said, voice half mocking. "I'm so evil that I'll rust them just by looking at them."

"It has nothing to do with you being annoying, it has to do with them being my tools," Hawk glared as Aralu dropped the tools carelessly back onto the workbench.

She bounced over to the pair and crouched down in front of the werewolf. "Hiya."

He snarled slightly, fingers digging into Hawk's shirt.

Hawk put an arm around the boy. "It's okay, she's just going to check you out some. I won't let her do anything bad, promise," he smiled, hugging Faolan against his side gently.

The boy whimpered, nuzzling against him, and Aralu blinked up at Hawk with an expression that was almost awe. "What did you do to him?" she asked.

Hawk gave her a strange look.

"This is a werewolf, Hawk! Not just any werewolf; this boy is from a pack of one of the more feral kinds of werewolves. And he's nuzzling you like you're his alpha male!"

"He's a kid..." Hawk pointed out in a very 'duh' tone of voice. "A lost kid without his family who's gone through some traumatizing crap." He hugged the boy again.

"But you're not a werewolf," Aralu said patiently. "He shouldn't be treating you like one." She looked at the boy again, then shook her head. "He needs to be out of your aura. You'll mess up the readings."

"You gonna be okay with that?" Hawk asked Faolan gently, crouching down to be at his level. "I'll be watching the entire time." He gently ruffled the boy's hair. "You're going to be doing something important that'll let her be able to help the rest of your tribe as well as make everything better for you as well."

The boy took a deep, shuddering breath and nodded, letting go so Hawk could move away. Aralu walked around him, murmuring softly to herself. A notebook moved with her, diligently writing.

"I need you to Change," she said to the boy.

His eyes widened and he frantically shook his head.

"It's okay," Hawk soothed, reaching out to squeeze the boy's hand. "You just need to do it once, just long enough for her to see."

The boy drew in on himself and crouched as he began to change. He howled pitifully as his body reshaped itself. When he was finished, a wolf puppy was in the space he had filled. With a snarl, it launched itself at Aralu.

"Faolan!" Hawk reached out and grabbed him before he could get close, holding the Changed boy closely in his arms.

Aralu drew back in surprise and fear. "Make him Change back!" she exclaimed.

"What, changing your mind the instant you got what you wanted?" Hawk snorted, doing his best to calm the wolf cub.

"He's gone berserk!" she answered, gesturing at the struggling cub. "That's enough information right there!"

Under Hawk's touch, Faolan slowly calmed, turning and licking the man's face.

The man gave a small laugh, nuzzling him in return. "He's not berserk now," he commented dryly. "You wanna Change back again?" he asked Faolan with a smile.

Aralu hesitated, the notebook still filling itself to her thoughts. "Put him down and we'll see what happens," she said, drawing back a pace.

Hawk nodded, gently setting the boy down.

Instantly, the wolf started snarling again, fiercely attacking the leg of the workbench. A rat scuttled out from under it and was pounced in, whipped back and forth in the puppy's mouth, and then ripped into pieces.

"Make him Change back," Aralu said again. Her voice drew the wolf's attention and he tensed, readying to spring.

Hawk swore under his breath, pulling the cub back into his arms.

As he held the struggling pup, Aralu stepped forward carefully. "I think I can force...." she said, holding a hand out. It was snapped at.

After a moment, the wolf shuddered, changing back into a boy. Faolan screamed himself hoarse, dropping limply back into Hawk's arms.

Hawk held him closely, rocking back and forth. "It's okay," he soothed, stroking the boy's back. "It's okay. I've got you."  He gave a deep, worried sigh as Faolan relaxed. "That didn't happen last time..." he said softly.

"What last time?" Aralu asked, moving back again to be in an unthreatening position.

"When the moon was full. It still hurt him badly, but he didn't go crazy from it.... He lashed out a bit when he first Changed because of the pain, but afterwards he was fine. Went hunting and everything." He looked up. "And he didn't go after you the second time so I can't even say it's your fault, tempting as that is."

"I've never seen a werewolf scream that much...." Aralu said, shaking her head. "They get embarrassed if they have to Change in front of someone, but it's never looked like it hurt before...."

"Because they fucked with him," Hawk scowled at Aralu as if she were stupid, still gently rocking the exhausted werewolf. "Didn't we go over this before?"

"Hush," she said without malice. "They made the Change hurt and embedded a berserk command in it. I wonder why it didn't happen on the full moon?" she mused. "I need to do another physical scan of him, so I need you to back off again, Hawk."

Hawk sighed softly. "Not even going to give him a bit to recover?" he half scowled, gently setting the boy to his feet. "Are you up for it? Just for a little while?" he asked, holding Faolan's hand. The boy whimpered, but was able to stand on his own.

"Ideally, I'd have a doctor doing this in a hospital, but I don't think the boy would let one come near," Aralu comented.

Hawk squeezed the boy's hand once more before letting go and stepping back. "Not in a hospital, for damned sure," he scowled. "Possibly the healer in Mom's village, but even that'd be stretching it."

Aralu circled the boy again, murmuring softly to her notebook. After a moment she turned to Hawk with a distracted air. "Did you have an animal talent?" she asked. "I can't recall, but that would explain the.... You're not part of the Alliance. Of course I don't know if you have an animal talent." She pushed her hair back. "Do you?"

Hawk shrugged. "Ma says I have a wolf spirit, but she's pretty wacked out of her mind most days, so I don't know how much faith I'd put into it."

Aralu's brows drew down.  She pulled a binder out of thin air and began flipping through it.  After a moment she closed it again.  "Reliable source says wolf spirit," she said, the floating notebook dutifully writing it down.

Hawk's eyebrow raised. "Reliable?" he repeated with a snort before blinking at the binder. "What the hell do you have a binder with my name on it for?"

"Put it together in high school.  Needed the research on you to complement the research on Nav."  She looked at it.  "Didn't get everything, of course, but I was looking at him mostly."

"You're a freaking stalker, you know that?"  Hawk sighed, shaking his head in exasperation.

"Your point?" Aralu asked.  "Speculation on reasons for experimentation to come after I've analyzed the findings," she added to her notebook.  "Initial discovery points to a very difficult to correct destruction of the morphogenic field, but further analysis is necessary before deciding on a course of treatment."  She paused, thinking, then added "Remind Dad to send Shadows to IL to observe the remaining children."

Hawk paused. "Wait... IL?" he asked. "You mean you know where his siblings are? You know what--" he paused, choking back the expletive, "did this?"

Aralu looked over at him.  "Yeah.  Dad figured out who it was.  That's why I know this is important."

The man's eyes gained a dangerous glint. "Who was it and where are they?"

"They're called 'Intelligence Labs.'  Mostly do research on curses and the like, but also mind/body transfers and creating new kinds of life.  Most of them explode."

Hawk nodded, giving a grin. "Good.  Where is it?" he asked, cracking his knuckles.

"I thought you were worried about getting any deeper into this than you already are?"

The man chuckled. "I said I wanted to know what was going on before I did," he corrected.

"And you think you know now?" Aralu asked with a smile.

"Taking down full of it, holier than thou group that fucks with kids? Hell yes!"

"And who's going to watch your werewolf while you're off getting yourself killed?"

"Keh. I won't get myself killed," Hawk scoffed. "I won't even have to get too near."

"This I have to see," Aralu said drily.  "Especially since there are probably still children in there."

The man smirked. "So you didn't pick up on it, eh?" he asked, walking over to the coffee maker and pouring a fresh mug.  "Too busy with Nav."

"Nav was the reason I was there, after all," Aralu pointed out, flipping open the binder with Hawk's name on it again and entering a notation on what looked like a blank page.

Hawk swiftly drained the mug before refilling it. "Caffeine rush should really kick in in about 15 min. You got a van or something for getting the kids out?"

"I can get something there, but I can't get them out.  I can't get into this at all, Hawk, if I want anyone to listen to me."

"You don't have to get them out, just have someone in the area so they're not wondering around somewhere any survivors can pick em up again."

"If there are survivors you're not the man I think you are," Aralu challenged.  "Let me get in touch with someone."  She ripped the page out of the binder and handed it to him.  It was an address.

"Better safe than sorry," Hawk commented with a smirk.  He read the address silently, nodding to himself before stuffing it in his pocket. "Do you think you'll be okay by yourself for a short while, Faolan?" he asked, crouching down in front of the boy. "You can either stay here at the school or I can make a side trip to the cabin, whichever you'd feel safer at."

Faolan looked around, then curled up under the workbench.

Hawk smiled, nodding. "I'll be back soon," he promised, pouring the remains of the coffee into his thermos. "You coming for the ride?" he asked, smirking up at Aralu.

"No.  I have other things to do."  Pulling a cell phone out of her pocket, Aralu left.
 
 

"I see there has been an exercise in making official doctrine into reality," Kajiro commented as Aralu entered his study. "The lab that does not exist, now indeed does not."

"Yes," she answered.  "Hawk gets quite angry when people harm children."

"As noted." The Shadow's voice held a tone of amusement. "It will be interesting to see what consequences will come of this action.  While those in Omadon's employment were swift to move in the obscuration of the remains of the site, there are now many rumors afloat in the Alliance."

"Well, it's not like Omadon can do anything officially," Aralu said in satisfaction.  "The place didn't exist."  She grinned evilly.

"Yet in its destruction, it now does." The Shadow sounded pleased. "And even if the origins of its downfall were to be uncovered, they would be discarded as it would indicate a human, not of a level to be accepted in the alliance, with an ability such as metal working that is often looked down upon, was able to destroy a resource of Omadon.  It would be..." there was a pause. "Quite a scandal, I believe you would call it."

"Ha!" Aralu laughed triumphantly.  "It would, at that.  A scandal of epic proportions, as our fearless leader wants us to believe that the Alliance should use all humans as cattle."

"It almost makes me wish to make it known the nature of the attack, but alas, I fear it would cause the quick extermination of a rather interesting subject."

"Don't jump to conclusions too quickly, Dad."  Aralu grinned once more.  "After all, the children had to be hidden somewhere safe....."

"Your tone indicates you wish to explain further, as it will have a conclusion of much humour. Do continue."

"Well, I can't have them here, but they need to be nearby.  And safe."  Aralu laughed.  "I gave them to Hawk.  I wish I could see his face when he finds them."

"A very fitting location, my daughter. I shall deploy a small gathering of Ones to observe. I do find enjoyment in watching the Hero Principal at work, and in your observations of his animal kin, we may have an unexpected and most unforeseen ally."

"Yes," Aralu said in a satisfied voice.  "And in the meantime, I understand from Joe that your experiment seems to be working as well?"

"Extraordinarily! Do read!"  The shadow held out a small pile of papers, voice excited.

Aralu paged through them, eyes widening at a few points.  "He spoke to people," she said.  "And ate something.  That's amazing."

"Extraordinarily so.  I do recommend that---"

He was cut off as the door burst open.  "Operation Wild Goose Chase has been concluded successfully!" Jack announced triumphantly.

"Good," Aralu said.  "Any chance he'll leave in the morning?"

The dark skinned man flopped into one the room's chairs. "Can't say. He's a stubborn one. We can hope though." He gave a grin. "But damned if that wasn't fun.  Got him nearly up to the Canadian border before he finally turned back."

Aralu stretched.  "So we've all been very busy today, haven't we?"

"Oh? You've done something?" Jack asked, grinning like an idiot.

"I'll have you know that I have annoyed many people today," Aralu said, sticking her nose in the air.

The man chuckled. "On purpose or just by being yourself?" he asked with a wink, sitting up.

"Are the two mutually exclusive?" Aralu asked with a grin.

"Suppose not," Jack admitted. "So, how goes the mutiny plotting?"

"Which one?  We've got so many plots going on I can hardly keep track of them."

"The main one we've only been going on about since you popped into existence. Getting off this train wreck."

"Well, there have been several developments today.  I think they almost qualify as separate plots in and of themselves."  Aralu grinned.  "This is what you get for being the flunky.  You only find out about these things after they happen."

"Bah." Jack made a dismissive gesture. "I'll plug in later and get the feed off the zeros. More fun than listening to you talk anyway," he grinned.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

"Gabriel!" Ariel called, face brightening.

"Where have you been?" the dark man demanded, grabbing Ariel by the arm and pulling him close.

"I--  I had my phone with me," Ariel stuttered, allowing Gabriel to hold him.  "You didn't call...."

"Where were you?" his brother demanded again, shaking him.  The temperature in the room began to drop precipitously.

"Getting food," Ariel answered simply, wincing at the tight hold.

"Who would take you anywhere?" Gabriel demanded to know, leaning close and glaring at him.

Ariel's eyes widened and he slowly stiffened in his brother's hold.  "My hallucination," he said, eyes flashing defiantly.  He cried out as Gabriel's hand swung with enough force to turn his head to one side.  The cold began to creep in through his clothes.

"How dare you," the dark man seethed, glaring into the shocked gaze of the redhead.  "Have you learned nothing from my punishment of you?  Very well!"  He swung Ariel around by the arm, causing the smaller man to cry out, and brutally ripped the black coat from him.  "Get out of my sight, you worthless bastard!"

Ariel stumbled as he was pushed away and turned to look pleadingly at his brother.  When Gabriel turned away from him, he raced out of the room.
 
 
 

Shin made a small sound, cracking an eye open as the room seemed to get colder. "What...?" he asked sleepily, sitting up. "Ari?" he blinked.

The redhead had his back pressed against the door, shivering. Slowly, his legs folded under him, leaving him curled against the door.

"What happened?" Shin asked, moving as if to get up. He winced slightly as his back twinged and his legs didn't respond.

"My-- my brother struck me...." Ariel said in shock.

The paler boy's eyes went wide. "He--- Why would he do something like that?" he exclaimed, tone a cross between horrified and disgusted.

"He's never struck me before," Ariel said, voice small. He buried his face in his knees. "He said he never would...."

"Ari..." Shin near whispered, expression pained in sympathy. He hesitated a moment, looking over at the chair near his bed. If he could haul himself into it, he could go over... but Ariel didn't like being touched...

"...Never struck me," Ariel repeated, seeming near tears. "I must be a horrible person...."

"No!" Shin protested. "You aren't a horrible person! You shouldn't ever blame yourself for what others do to you, especially when they hurt you!"

"It must have been because of something I did," Ariel said, pulling himself into a ball.

Shin shook his head. "You didn't do anything wrong. And even if you did, no one has any right to hit you!"

Ariel shivered again. "He promised he would never, so I must have done something awful to him...."

"He did something awful to you, not the other way around!" Shin insisted. "You did nothing wrong! You couldn't have!"

"I-- was insolent to him," Ariel said. "On purpose. But I never thought....!" He looked wretched. "What will I do if he doesn't take me back this time?"

"You'll stay with me," Shin said firmly. "It doesn't matter what you said or how you said it, no one has the right to hurt you!"

Ariel startled, staring at Shin, then smiled. "You wouldn't want that," he said gently. "Gabriel always says that caring for me is a full time responsibility.

"I could get help if I needed it," Shin smiled.

Ariel gave a small smile. "It's a kind offer," he said softly.

"And a serious one," Shin assured in a similar tone, smiling as well.

"I don't know why you'd want to burden yourself with me," Ariel said, pulling his knees close to his chest and shivering once more.

"I don't think you would be a burden," Shin returned. "Here," He pulled off the top blanket, holding it out to the man. "So you won't be so cold..."

"No!" Ariel exclaimed, pulling back and clunking his head against the door. "Now I feel like him again. It was too warm before...."

"Ari..." Shin bit his lip slightly, getting the feeling that there was something far more deeply wrong with the situation then he was grasping. "If it's too warm, why do you wear so many layers? Humans aren't supposed to be cold...."

"Nonsense," Ariel said. "My brother is always cold, and being with him makes me cold too. It is only when I'm separated from him for too long that I begin to be warm."

Shin was quiet a long moment. "So it's not so much that you like being cold, as you like being close to your brother," he interpreted. "Didn't you say it's when he rages that everything freezes? Wouldn't being cold be a reminder of his anger?"

"He's always cold," Ariel repeated. "When he rages it just gets colder."

"Even when he's happy?"

"That is the meaning of always," Ariel said, sounding slightly sharp. "His body radiates cold as yours radiates warmth. To be around him is to know October in August."

Shin gave a small sigh, rubbing his forehead. He was tired and knew he wasn't thinking clear enough. "Sorry," he apologized. "It just seemed that if he got colder when he was mad, he'd be warmer when he was happy. Sort of an inverse of situations thing."

"My brother could walk out of a blizzard unscathed," Ariel said with pride. "When he hasn't touched me I feel feverish."

Shin blinked. "I thought you didn't like being touched?" he asked with a small yawn.

After a moment Ariel answered in a soft voice. "You should sleep, Shin. You're tired." He didn't look up.

"I know, but I want to make sure you're okay before I do... or that you'll be okay. Or something." The boy yawned again. "You're my friend..."

"I-- would stay here if I may," Ariel said. "And you should sleep," he repeated.

"Of course you can stay here," Shin smiled. "Don't think the bed's big enough to be shared though," he yawned. "But the chair's not too bad to sleep in."

Ariel shuddered. "I would not share a bed with you," he said. "I will be fine."

Shin nodded, yawning yet again. "Did you want the blanket...?"

"No. Let me trouble you no further. Sleep now."

"If you're sure.." Shin yawned, laying back down again. "'night, Ari."