::Everybody L O V E S auburn:: {PRIVATE }

[::WOLFURchik::]

'Everybody loves auburn. Auburn hair is so pretty! Auburn eyes are to die for! Well not me. If you ask me, I hate auburn. It sounds like some kind of insect larva. Gross.'

Miguel gave his twin sister a confused look. "You're not focusing." He told her in a soft, yet scolding tone. She rolled her eyes and threw down the pair of elbow blades she had been holding.

"So what? I suck at fighting anyway. I'm too slow." Isca complained, her thoughts travelling back to the harsh words that came from the mouth of Brigid Peck, the auburn haired, auburn eyed freak of beauty.

Miguel shook his head. "Quit letting that girl control you! She isn't that much faster than you. Besides, if you would actually focus enough to land a hit, you would blow everyone in that class away."

Isca scratched the annoying, dry spot on the back of her head. Between Brigid Peck, and the cute, tall boy with the orangish hair she had a crush on for some time, she couldn't focus enough to tie her own shoelace.

"Who died and made you teacher anyway?" Isca hissed at Miguel. Isca looked down at her hands. They were tough, and redened. Not anything like little miss priss with the auburn hair. Miguel smirked. "If you would turn that jealousy into focus, you could easily beat Brigid."

Isca scoffed. "I'm not jealous." She stared down her brother for a moment, until they both erupted into rediculous laughter. After giving each other enough time to calm down, Miguel looked at his sister worridly.

"So what's troubling you this time?" Miguel asked, his dark blue eyes piercing yet gentle. "Auburn! " Miguel looked at her confused. "Auburn?" Isca nodded her head. "Auburn hair, auburn eyes... I hate it." Miguel contemplated this for a moment. "Doesn't that kid you have a crush on have auburn hair?"

Isca looked at her twin brother like he was crazy. "That is different! Its almost... orange." Miguel laughed. "Yeah, alright, what ever you say." He walked over to the spot she was standing, bent down and picked up his sister's elbow blades, handing them over to her. "Don't give up, please?" He begged her, his eyes pitiful.

"Alright, Mugi." She gave up, taking the blades. "But only for you!" Miguel smiled. "Thanks sis. I knew I could count on you. Now, put those things away. Its time to practise your water manipulation." Isca let out a long groan. "Save it for school Mugi! I'm tired of this!" Miguel frowned. She never wanted to practise. Was it because he was better than her? He didn't want to make her feel bad.

She shook her head, as if she could read his mind. "Its not you, Mugi, I just don't feel like it. Brigid doesn't use water manipulation, so she has more energy to focus on her weapons. I think I should do that too." Miguel frowned at his sister. "Isca, you are NOT Brigid, and you don't need to act like her. She can't do more than one thing at a time because she is weak, but you are not weak. I know that, Mum knows that, and Dad knew that too."

Isca glanced down at the ground. Mugi knew how to hit a soft spot. She missed her father, more than anything. She just wanted to be like all the other normal children, with a loving mother, and a living father. Was that so much to ask? Miguel gently embraced his twin, rocking her slightly like dad used to do.

Isca already had a few tears running down her face. Her father's death had been hard on her. He had been hunted down, like some animal, and killed. The worst part about it was that she had to watch him hang. Miguel had always been the strong one, but Isca was weak. She was daddy's little girl, and she missed him terribly. It wasn't that Miguel didn't miss him too, but he had to be strong, for his mother, and for his sister.

"Mugi, you are the man of the house now." The brightly green haired man leaned down to kiss his son on the forehead. "Please don't cry. I need you to be strong. I need you to take care of Isca. " The boy drooped his head, biting his lip. But he didn't cry. Daddy didn't want him to cry. "Don't go daddy, run away. They wont be able to catch you." Young Miguel pleaded with his father.

The man smiled slightly. "You know I can't do that. Please, take care of Isca. She needs you." The boy nodded his head, then he returned to his mother and his sister among the crowd as he watched his father walk towards the rope. A few moments later, cheering could be heard in the crowd, but there was only weaping coming from the Dubois family. Mugi stood strong, staring at his lifeless father, his hero. He fought back tears that steamed his vision, and he grabbed his mother and sister's hands.

"Alright, we'll practise some more tomarrow." Miguel finally gave in. "Mom probably needs help cooking dinner." Isca wiped the tears away from her eyes. "Could we stop somewhere else instead? " Miguel rose a brow. "Where?" Isca reached into her pockets and pulled out a thin book. "Its Howell's. He let me borrow it... I forgot to return it. Can we stop by the academy?"

Miguel nodded, smiling slightly at his sister. She was strong, physically. But mentally, emotionally, she was weak. More than anything, that was what she needed to work on. "I guess we could. Its on the way home. Come on." Miguel let go of his sister, and they walked towards the prestigeous academy.

'She is still too weak.' A voice whispered in Miguel's ear. 'You have to keep her from breaking down, like your mother. If she gets too weak...' 'Yeah yeah, I know.' He thought back. 'Just be careful. The lives of those around you depend on it. '

Miguel looked over to his sister. "By the way, when are you going to tell that boy that you like him?" Isca made a sound as if she was surprised at him. "Mugi, you know I can't do that! He probably hates me. After all, its our dad that caused his family's..." She paused, not wanting to admit the rest.

'Miguel.' The voice echoed in his head. 'I know, I know!' He chimed back. 'Stop pushing me.' He looked back at his sister. "Isca, if he hated you, would he lend you his stuff, like, ALL the time?" Isca shrugged, refusing to admit that he might be right. They stopped at the Academy and waited. "Maybe he hates me just a little." Isca spoke pathetically. Miguel laughed. "Stop being so emo, Isca."

[:Kol-bia:]

(Sorry, I hijacked Brigid)

"Howell? Class is over!"

A light hand shaking his shoulder jolted Howell up from his slumber. His eyes widened as he looked around alarmed.
"Nightmare?"
Howell looked up to the girl starring back at him with beautiful auburn eyes. Brigid gave a sarcastic smirk to him, "You're so weird."
"Did I sleep through the whole class?"
"Pretty much."

Howell smacked himself in the forehead, he took after-school classes for a reason, and he was sleeping through them? He groaned lightly and got up from his desk; Brigid locked arms with him and smirked again. He hated her smile, it was so… fake.

"What are you doing?" He finally questioned her as they left the class, she had been snuggling closer to him, which made him not only uncomfortable but annoyed.
"Well, I was thinking…. maybe you and I should hang out more often. Maybe go out on a date?"
Howell let his eyes wander from her to the hall they walked through. Yeah, right.

"There's a thousand guys out for your affection. Why me?"
"What, you don't want to date me?" Brigid stopped. There, her true expression was revealed. Jealousy really didn't look good on her.
"Don't tell me you like that Isca girl! I see you looking at her. After what her father--" she stopped, even she wouldn't go that far. "--she's such a loser. How old is she anyways? Twelve?"
"She's fifteen, and she doesn't have anything to do with it."

Somehow, they had wandered until they were outside of the school. Their arms were still locked (well, his hung limply as she held on for dear life). Howell stopped this time, and turned towards her. "I think you're great," lies. "and you're pretty, but I'm not looking for a girlfriend. I have to keep focused on my fighting and studying."

Brigid's eyes narrowed and she scoffed, "Whatever, Howell." she glanced over to the gates of the school. There, Isca and her brother Miguel stood. With a growing smirk, Brigid quickly stood on her toes and kissed Howell and the cheek.

"Have fun with the freak!"

Howell rolled his eyes and rubbed his cheek, even her lips were cold. He groaned lightly to himself and with books in tow, made his way to the gates of the Academy. He had another after school class, but he always skipped it. It was a fighting technique class, and he found it more useful to train at home than with others, especially if he was working on his ability. Also, Brigid was in that class as well.


With a pleasant expression, Howell finally noticed Isca and Miguel. Were they waiting for him? Howell felt his cheeks burn lightly. He never really planned on liking Isca, but he could never blame her for what had happened all those years ago. He knew that her family suffered enough, and he wasn't the only one in the village to lose family on that day.

"Isca, Miguel. How are you?" He tried to act as casual as possible, but his smile widened when he saw the thin book in Isca's hand. "How did you like it?"
Howell wasn't a very creative writer, but reading was a favourite pastime. He had almost an entire library at his disposal, after the incident all those years ago, he was put under the care of a family that seemed to read for a living.

"That edition is one of my favourites. What are you guys doing here, anyways?"

[::WOLFURchik::]

((Loz, u can have her. ^^ ))

"Why that Brigid!" Isca began to fluster after watching Brigid stroll out of the academy, clinging to Howell's limp arm. Miguel caught her eyeing them with her devious, trouble making pupils, and thinking fast, quickly turned Isca away from them. Drama HAD to be avoided with her.

As soon as he could tell that Brigid was no long a threat, Miguel let go of Isca. "I forgot something back at trails." He told her, covering for his earlier move. He looked at Howell and smiled. "Hey Howie. " He joked. "I gotta go back and get something I forgot. I'll catch you later, alright? Isca, I'll meet you at the house." And before Isca could mutter an argument, he took off.

Isca looked at Howell, trying her best to calm herself so that she wouldn't blush. 'Mugi, you are so dead!' She thought to herself, apalled by the fact that he would just take off and leave her there, all by herself with the guy of her dreams. 'Just a friend!' Isca tried to remind herself, feeling the slight change in temperature in her cheeks.

Isca looked down at the book in her arms, then shoved it towards Howell. "I just wanted to bring this back to you. The Academy was on the way, and I knew you were staying late, so, here." She told Howell, nearly shoving the book into his chest, his strong, well dressed chest.

'Shut up brain!' Isca complained to herself, embarassed by her own thoughts. She looked up into mellow, calming eyes. "Um, yeah...I loved it. A lot. Thank you, again for letting me borrow it." Man he was tall. Hansomely tall, topped with a beautiful head of wild hair. 'What is WRONG with me?' She questioned herself. "I think the message was so beautiful portrayed in this one. It was so exciting, I nearly wet myself half way through it!" 'Oh great. Wet myself? That isn't in the least bit embarassing.'

"What is up with you and Brigid? You don't actually like her, do you?" 'Oh God! Oh God! Oh universal God! Did I really just ask him that? What happened to give him the book and leave?!' Her pink cheeks turned a rosy color. "I'm just asking. I saw you walking with her, thats all." Could you make yourself look any more pathetic?!

[:Kol-bia:]

Howell nodded earnestly to Mugi, ignoring the 'Howie' nickname. He was a nice guy, and he appreciated the way to took care of Isca. It reminded him of how he and his sister used to be.
Once Miguel had left, he tuned his attention completely to Isca, who quickly shoved him back his the book.

"Thanks, I suppose you meant around the climax, it was exciting, though you seem more enthusiastic than me." he said this with a burst of laughter as he wiped an eye. "I'm just glad someone else can appreciate a good novel around here." He smiled down at her, her and her adorable eyes. She seemed so sweet and innocent, it was hard to believe what her father was convicted for... He could't help but grin wider as her face turned darker.

Of course, at her mention of Brigid, his eyes instantly glanced to the side. Awkward.
"You saw that? She… she's nice to me, but I think it's for her own sake." Howell began to walk, hoping for Isca to follow him.
"I mean, she's pretty. Really pretty. But if that's all a girl has going for her, what's the fun in that?"
He paused for a long moment. "Besides, I know it's not right to judge, but I... really hate auburn hair." He laughed again in spite of himself.

Howell shifted the books in his hands to under his arm as he turned his face to Isca. He tried to keep cool, he really did. But his face seemed more pink than usual. "Want me to walk you home? It's on the way."

[::WOLFURchik::]

Isca looked over at Howell after the auburn comment, her gaze on him in boy crazed disbelief. "Me too!" She said almost too enthusiastically. "Well, I mean... not yours. Yours is more..." She blushed, too embarrassed to finish her sentence.

Her mind was twisted towards his next comment, and she felt like she was going to keel over. He wanted to take her home? As in walk her home? As in walk, and talk, with her, home? She looked around for Mugi. Nope, he wasn't around. Crap, how was she going to talk? Oh yeah... just open your mouth, stupid.

"Sure. I mean, if you want to. " She kept herself from stuttering. Sometimes, she hated how easily embarrassed she could get. Following him, she tried to think of something to say, but honestly, she just liked walking with him. It was nice, having somebody there. I mean, sure, her brother Miguel was always there for her, but it was nice having somebody who wasn't forced into loving you because your family, and still choosing to be with you anyway.

"I heard the Library has a new shipment of books in. I was thinking of heading there tomarrow to check it out. You wanna come? I mean, they sound pretty iteresting. "

[:Kol-bia:]

Howell chuckled at her enthusiasm. He didn't understand how Brigid could be so cold to her, though he knew it was more out of jealousy than actual spite.
"I know, it's more orange... right? Not the first person to tell me." He smiled warmly.

It was actually very nice, being to walk home with Isca. He had seen her and her brother walk everywhere in the village, and in fact, this was probably the first time ever Miguel was not by her side. "Your brother is pretty protective, isn't he?" Howell turned his face up to the quaint autumn sun, about to be hidden by some heavy looking clouds. He adjusted the olive jacket he wore and hoped it would hold out against the expected rain.

Howell turned to look at Isca again. She truly was different from all the other girls. Maybe that was why she had captured his budding affection for her in the first place.


"I heard the Library has a new shipment of books in. I was thinking of heading there tomarrow to check it out. You wanna come? I mean, they sound pretty iteresting. "

In all honesty, Howell was shocked by her question, turning back in front of him to watch where he walked. "The library? Sure. Sounds like fun. I have a writing exam coming up, but I'm sure some reading couldn't hurt, right?" He lifted the book Isca had given back to him. "Besides, I heard more books with his author were going to be available. if you liked him, you could rent more of his stuff. Though.... I don't mind lending you my books, you know.."
His face darkened for reason he couldn't even think of. He was quite disappointed how quickly his 'cool' demeanour had given away to his hidden dorky personality.

Finally, Howell could see Isca's house in view, just a few yards away. He stopped in his tracks, unsure if he should go any further.
He was sad that this was as far as he would allow himself to go, but he had made a promise to himself. Of course, that promise he had made was slowly breaking; if it hadn't already shattered years ago.

"Sorry, but I have to get home. My aunt worries about me too much, I wouldn't want her to send out a search party."
With that, he turned away. He didn't want to, he really didn't, but with one final smile and a quick gaze into her dark eyes, he left.

"I'll come pick you up tomorrow around eleven."

-

Howell had taken his time walking home, though he felt bad about lying to Isca that he was in a hurry getting home, he had not been lying about his slightly whacky aunt. She was over protective, though it wasn't the kind he could appreciate.

The simple yet somehow restricting house that he had called his home for the last ten-odd years stood tight between other buildings of the same nature. It was nothing spectacular, but without Harriet's (or, his presumed aunt) kindness, he would have been admitted to an orphanage or into foster care.

Howell opened the wooden door and closed it lightly. No matter how gently he closed it, the creaking would always give him away.
"Howell!"
Her alarmed, relieved, and somewhat frantic voice made Howell shudder. His aunt didn't like going about the city at all, in fact there were very few people she wanted to have anything to do with. Her children were killed in the same incident Howell's parents were taken from, and after their deaths even after so many years, she was never as social. She was a recluse.

"Howell, I thought you said your studies were done at four?"
Howell glanced at their analogue clock hanging in the entrance way. "It's only five, I was just taking my time..."
"Howell."
She seemed to like his name, or at least reminding him what his name was. Whichever, she used it a lot. "Howell. Don't lie to me. Please." she seemed sincere now, and Howell couldn't help but submit.

"I.. I just walked Isca Dubois home. That's--"
Howell was interrupted with a very quick slap to the face. His eyes widened, and he had to place his hand over the stricken cheek to tell if he was even hit. He glared at his aunt. Her hand shook.
"How dare you." she whispered.

He knew what was coming next. "If you got out of this house once in awhile, you'd discover her family is completely normal! I'm not going to blame her for what her father did! That's immoral." His tone was surprisingly cool.

"I don't care, Howell." her voice was even more calm and chilling, but immediately became apologetic. "Look... I'm sorry, but look what her family has done to us! It would disgrace them if you continued with your shenanigans. I don't want this to continue."
"...Alright. I won't walk her home anymore.." Howell murmured. It was the only thing he could say to stop her from crying.

"Thank you, Howell." she rested her hand on his cheek, though in a motherly fashion this time. "Just... promise me you won't fall for that girl?"

The teenager smirked weakly and pulled away. With books in tow he made his way to his cramped room.
"I already promised I wouldn't awhile ago, don't worry about me."


(you can skip to next day or whichever after your post.)

[::WOLFURchik::]

Isca finally let the blush she had been holding in burn through her cheeks. Howell's last few words echoed in her head, giving her pleasure every time she thought about it. It was so exciting! It was like a real date! No... no... Isca shook her head, grabbing the door knob. This isn't a date or anything. This was just two people with an interest in books heading over the library together. That was all it was. Isca shook the thoughts of her and Howell getting real close, almost touching, and then reaching out, lips ready to-

She swung the door open, dropping her bag and everything with it next to the door. "I'm home mom!" She yelled, kicking her shoes off. She looked around. Miguel's things weren't next to the couch, the spot he usually dropped his stuff. Isca's mother peeked around the corner. "Hey sweetie." She breathed, a sad look in her eyes. "Where's Mugi?" The two asked in unison. Amai Dubois(Mom of the year) shook her head. "He usually walks with you."

Isca sighed. Who knew what that boy was out doing. "He made me walk home with Miguel today, the little snob." Amai gave her just a slight smile, almost unnoticable. "That was sweet. Isca, do me a favor. If he doesn't come home soon, go look for him, alright?" Isca nodded. "Sure mom." And with that, Amai crawled back into the bed she had been sleeping in for the past eight years.

Isca plopped herself onto the couch. This was usually the time she thought about her training for the day and came up with ways to train harder. However, she just could not get Howell off her mind. A few moments later, Miguel walked in through the door, and tossed his stuff over beside the couch.

"Mugi, where have you been?" Isca asked. "I thought you were going straight home." Miguel shrugged. "I was out getting a few things. Like these..." He pulled out two long cresent moon shaped elbow blades. Isca's eyes lit up.

"I know you aren't fast... these blade are meant to be powerful. They'll fit you alot better than the other ones, and they are more adaptable for your style." Isca jumped up and threw her arms around her twin brother, nearly sqeezing the life out of her. "Oh thank you, Mugi!" She said, taking the blade and wrapping them in her hands. "These are really nice! Where did you get them from?"
*
Miguel shrugged and smiled. "I didn't buy them. I made them. Those are one of a kind!" Isca looked over at her brother in disbelief. She knew he had been working part time with the smith, but these were a little too good. She had no idea her brother had such a talent. "Thank you thank you THANK YOU!" Isca yipped chearfully.

Miguel smiled, glad to see that she liked them. "So, how did your walk with Howell go?" He butted in, and Isca gave him a little glare. "It was just a walk, Mugi. What do you think?" Miguel shrugged. "You really should tell the boy how you feel. He just might give you a chance."

Isca let out a long 'Pffbt.' "You know why that is totally unlogical! What with the problem our family has caused his. And have you seen the looks his aunt gives me!? Sometimes, I feel like she just might come out and attack me. It gives me the creeps." Miguel frowned.

Why did people have to be like that? Can't they tell that it wasn't her fault? The memories of that night flashed in his brain like an old movie. Nobody knew that it was really Isca who destroyed so many lives. Her father took the blame, and was killed in her place. Even so, it wasn't really Isca's fault. Miguel knew that, Amai knew that. But half of the village hates their whole family. Its the main reason Amai didn't even leave the house anymore.

'The blades were a nice touch.' The voice hissed in Miguel's head. 'They really seem to have made a difference. And leaving your sister and the boy alone was smart thinking. She seems happy. Thats all that matters.' Miguel sighed. 'I wish I could do more.' If the voice had a face, it would have smiled. 'You are not alone anymore. Howell is helping you to keep her happy. Perhaps you should tell him what really happened that night.'

Miguel shut the voice out. Telling Howell that it was really Isca that killed all the people he loved most? No way. That was NOT an option.

-----------------

<<Time Skip--The Next Day @ 10:50>>

Isca was running around like a wild banshee, trying to rush to brush her hair for the tenth time, checking herself in the mirror, cursing her clothing choice, and just plain freaking out.

"Isca, calm down." Miguel interupted her long speech about how she will never amount to anything because her hair just couldn't STAY brushed. "Its not a date, remember?" Miguel smirked. Isca turned around and glared at him. "Oh shut up Mugi and help me find my library card!"

Miguel couldn't help but laugh. Watching his sister freak out like this reminded him of when his mother used to freak out over their father coming home from a long trip. "Isca calm down. Your library card is in your bag, remember? Yeesh, I hope you don't act like this when Howell comes."

Isca threw a couch pillow at him. "Shut up Mugi!" She said, pulling the library card from her bag with relief. "Thanks Mugi." She breathed. 'Calm down.' She told herself. 'This is not a date. This is just a trip to the library with the guy you are totally and completely in like with. But its not a date.' She reminded herself, staring out the window, waiting to catch just a glimpse of his almost orange hair.

[:Kol-bia:]

"Howell, where are you going?"
That damned squeaking door had betrayed him once again.
"I'm going to school. They are offering weekend classes, you know how much I need them." He gave a pathetic smile, thank god he was a convincing liar.

"That's wonderful. Please be home before four, though." She began to wring her hands, but stopped herself long enough to wave him goodbye.

Howell left without another word and hurried down the street, it was going to be a miracle if he got to Isca's house on time.

So much for looking decent. Howell's hair was once again in it's usual messy place, even combing it and trying to get it to stay down earlier hadn't helped. At least today he was dressed decently, his coat still on, but under he wore a white button down with a plain red tie. It was all he could find that was nice, but not screaming DATEDATEDATEDATE.

Howell was huffing as he finally reached Isca's house. After what his aunt had asked him yesterday, he hesitated for a moment. She had practically raised him... but he was almost an adult. He could make his own decisions now.
He knocked three times, hearing before he had someone running around the house. This made him smirk, he could only imagine Isca ding that.

[::WOLFURchik::]

Miguel patted his sister on the shoulder. "Good luck sis." He snickered, leaving the room after hearing the door bell. Isca took a deep breath, then slowly reached for the door knob. A light smile took over her panicked face, and she felt emmediately better. She swung open the door to see Howell standing there, his usual tall self.

"Hey Howell, could you give me a minute?" She kept the door open for him, and turned around to see that her mother was already standing in the room, a sadened smile on her face. She threw her arms around her mother, embracing her quickly. "I'll be back later mom, ok?" Amai nodded her head proudly. "Ofcourse, thats fine." She looked up and over at Howell and smiled wider. "Don't let her get into too much trouble, alright?"

"Mom..." Isca groaned. She felt her pocket. Yup, she still had her library card. "See you later mom!" Isca said hurridly, then turned and walked out the door with Howell. "I can't wait to see what books they have! I heard that there is a sequal to Marriz Denoume's 'Waking Up Dawn,' and I can't wait to get my hands on it!"

(sry, short DX)

[:Kol-bia:]

"Will do, Ms. Dubois." Howell smiled warmly at Amai, it had really been forever since he had seen her. In fact, it was probably the day of Isca's father's execution that he had seen her last. Had she even left the house since then?

Howell shook the thought as he began to walk close alongside Isca out the door and on the way to the library. "Marriz Denoume?" He laughed lightly. "Well, I've never read any of her books, but I heard she had a lot of series. I prefer the short and simple." He held up another one of his thin, black books. "I'm looking for the sequel to this. It's been a few years, I'd love to read it finally."

Howell was enjoying his time; laughing, talking... but was surprised when they were stopped a few minutes from the library.
Two tall boys that most definitely were in a few of Howell's classes.
He stopped with a questioning look, "Hart, Gulf? What do you want?"
"So it's true, isn't it? You actually chose Isca over Brigid??" Hart rolled his eyes and laughed sarcastically. He was fat and almost the same height as Howell, but still short a few inches. Gulf was more quiet, though the look in his eyes made Howell take a step back, arm in front of Isca.
"We're just going to the library, mind letting us go?"

Hart shook his head. "Nah. Sorry. Brigid was so upset with your rejection, she had to come to her big brother about it. What, is this freak better than her? She's definitely not prettier."
Gulf's eyes widened, a very erie smile spread across his face.

"Are you serious? We aren't doing anything to you!" Howell tried to avoid conflict whenever he could, but slowly he realized that there was going to be a fight coming on. And according to the way those two fought in class, it was going to be bloody.

Gulf's fingers seemed to grow inhumanly, nails hardening and turning black until they looked like a hand with blades instead of fingers. He held his deformed hand in front of his face, "Howell," his voice was shaky and eyes wild. "Brigid just wants us to rough you up a bit, maybe make her face not so appealing to you. Is that okay?"

With that, he ran at them both.

(you can control them too, sorry, I wanted a fight scene.)

[::WOLFURchik::]

( lolz, naw. You got them. I might bring in another soon. ^^ )

Isca quickly reached forward and grabbed Howell's arm. "Please don't fight them Howell. You know that you'll be the one getting in trouble." She looked at the two boys. The crescent moon shaped marking on her head almost seemed to glow, but just slightly. It was the same marking she inherited from her father, and the reason the village was able to identify him.

It was that same marking that envoked wrath in a lot of people. Well, that and the fact that Brigid hated her for beating her in their first fight. Unfortumnately, since then, Brigid was able to afford expensive training lessons, and Isca was stuck with playing with the water that came out of the kitchen sink.

She looked at the two boys and frowned. Trouble followed her every where. She glanced back at Howell. He didn't deserve this. He didn't deserve the trouble, and she didn't deserve him. Still, Brigid DEFINATELY didn't deserve him, and if she could save Howell from her, then her job would be done.

"We are just heading to the library. I don't know what you are talking about "chose," but we are just friends. He didn't choose me OR Brigid. Stay out of his business." She looked over at Howell and frowned. "I'm sorry, but they are here because of me. So... I'll fight them." She reached into her pocket and pulled out the only thing that she could use that was even close to a weapon, her library card.

"Don't make me use this." She said with a raise of the brow.

[:Kol-bia:]

Gulf stopped in his footsteps to throw a look over to Hart. He exchanged the expression, then they both began to laugh.
They laughed for quite a while, before Gulf wiped his eyes with his sickly long and sharp fingers. "A Library Card?! Are you serious? I'm one of the best in my class. Just because you could beat Brigid doesn't mean you can beat me."

Howell was surprised Gulf even said that much. He was a sinister looking kid, barley mumbling one word in their classes together.

Hart, who stood a good distance behind him glared at Howell. "This isn't just your fight either. This guy made my sister cry. And he's beaten me in every class we've been in. It must be a fluke. I'm going to make it even."

He began to crack his knuckles, each crack getting louder and louder. Howell soon realized he was actually breaking the bones in his hands.
Hart winced slightly while he did this, but managed to explain.
"You see, I have this little ability, my bones grow back stronger the second they break. If I do this..." He snapped another knuckle with his other meaty hand, "This should be like concrete, right at your face."
He looked at Gulf. "What are you waiting for? Cut her up."

Gulf smiled wildly. "It'll be my honour."
He jumped towards her, his speed impeccable. He slashed inches towards her face in hopes of landing a quick win.

[::WOLFURchik::]

Isca wasn't the fastest kid in the class, infact, far from it. This was something her intructor constantly chewed her out for. She couldn't run, she couldn't throw a hit fast enough. Her instructor told her it was all due to her attitude and fight style. She worked against the wind, slowing her down, when she needed to be working with the wind. It was the whole reason Isca's instructor gave her the first set of elbow blades, to teach her to work side by side with the wind.

Well, Isca still wasn't sure how to do that, she was still slow, still couldn't make decisions fast enough, and at the time being, she didn't even have a weapon, just a small plastic card with her name engraved onto it. However, though Isca was slow to act, she was suprizingly good at REacting. She could see a hit coming a mile away, and she was fairly good at dodging those hits.

This was the perfect chance to learn to work with the wind.

She planted her feet firmly in the soil beneath her, watching the distance between herself and Gulf decrease. Then just as she saw his arm twitch, his sharp fingers begin their attack, she quickly threw herself backwards, dodging his attack. It was so easy to her; the dodging part. It was all about the timing. Once a person throws their attack, there is no stopping it, and no changing it. It becomes completely and utterly predictable, which was a good thing for Isca.

Twisting the library card in her hand, she anticipated his next attack. He was still too open to attack him head on. She had to get him back between the trees, off the trail. But that was where her troubles came into the picture again. She couldn't run, so how was she going to get him away from the trails? A smile crossed her cheeks. An easy distraction was a simple method of getting to the place you need to go.

She gasped, looking out past Gulf. "Oh damn- the rangers." Anybody who lived in the city knew that the rangers were to be feared. They were the toughest people that the city had, and best of all, they were cops. Violence outside of school or the competition was strictly against the rules, even small brawls. Ofcourse, she was lying, but she was a good lyer. She just hoped that Gulf was gullable enough to believe her.

[:Kol-bia:]

Gulf's eyes bulged as Isca dodged his attacks with such ease and grace. He stumbled forward a bit to recover, every miss increasing his anger. Though he was about to reel and attack her again, his body froze with her words.

"R-Rangers..?!" he peered past his long and dark greasy hair, eyes wider than before. He had been in trouble with the Rangers before, mostly for attacking smaller children (he was a bully, after all). He knew one more strike against him would put him in a world of hurt with his father, and of course the law.

He glared at Isca before rushing into the bushes like a little coward. He hated running fro a fight, but with the Rangers, he would definitely lose.
"Follow me if you want to finish this!"
He had fallen into the trap she was spinning. Almost too well.



"Idiot! She's lying!" Hart called out after him, but Gulf had already disappeared into the heavy brush of the forest.
He turned back to Howell, still cracking his knuckles. "I'm not going to fall for that bullshit. Now fight me, Sullivan."

Howell's murky green eyes narrowed and he turned to Isca. "If you're going to fight them, I will too. It is my fight, despite what you said. They have no right to attack you, you did nothing wrong. So be careful." He turned back to Hart. "I'll deal with this idiot. Then when you're done, we can get our books."

With that, Howell began to unbutton his old, olive jacket. He dropped it gently to his side as he watched Hart slowly approach him.
"Y'know, Hart. The reason why you could never beat me, despite my poor grades…"

Howell ran at him, looking ready to attack. Hart reeled back and threw his fist towards Howell's jaw. Usually, Hart used his timing to win battles, but for some reason, he just couldn't hit him. Howell dipped, dived, and even jumped over him. Hart was too slow.

"Damnit, shit!" he cursed under his breath as beads of perspiration dripped off his chin. And Howell was just laughing. This made him even angrier.
Then suddenly, he hit something.

Howell's eyes widened, his body completely bent. Hart wasn't even sure what had happened, but after seeing him, he laughed in his face.
"Not so tough now that I hit you, huh?"

Hart had punched Howell's stomach--hard. The tall boy had to gasp to catch the wind that was knocked right out of him. Hart pulled away, and Howell stumbled back to catch himself.
"Wasn't… expecting.. that." Howell remarked with a rasp in his voice.

Hart tilted his head and he began to stretch his arms, his was just getting warmed up. "Now that I've hit you, no doubt you'll be slower. That's your problem, Sullivan. You're too predictable."

With a very unexpected and cocky smirk, Howell straightened his body to the best of his ability, though his hand still rested where Hart had hit him. He had been practising for so long, was it going to pay off? Or was he going to screw up and leave himself completely defenceless?
It didn't really matter, he wanted this to stop. Isca deserved better than what Brigid and her minions gave her, and if he could at least scare Hart, than maybe Brigid would finally get the message.

Howell closed his eyes and let out a very slow breath. He tried to concentrate, though it was hard when all he could hear was Hart's heavy breathing.
Empty your thoughts, detach yourself from your mind,…
Howell's eyes flashed open, making Hart take a step back.

"Hey, What the.."

Before he could even utter another word, Howell ran up to Hart with the same speed as before, maybe faster. He was close enough to him that he grasped onto his elbows with his hands.
"This might feel awkward." was the last thing he muttered before pressing his forehead against his.
"What?! Get off me you fa--"

[::WOLFURchik::]

(LoL!)

A smirk crossed Isca's face. "Don't suck too bad, Howell!" She joked, before rushing into the brush after Gulf. She stopped on the edge and stepped inside. Her smile faded, and she suddenly got very, very serious. This was her territory. Even as a little kid, Isca loved the trees. More importantl, she loved to climb trees.

She grabbed onto a branch and swung herself on top of it. She grabbed a hold of another branch and swung to the next. Running along the length of the branch, she found her target, Gulf, below her. "Scared of the Rangers, chicken shit?" She called beneath, her library card still grasped between her fingers.

For a moment there, she thought she had everything in control. Then she thought about it. What the hell was her plan? Yes, she was in the brush, in her element, but she had no weapon, and no plan. A gust of wind blew by and nearly knocked her off balance from the branch. 'Damn it!' she cursed to herself.

The wind... it was always a nuisance. It slowed her down. "Work with the wind" Her instructor's words echoed in her head. How?! How could she work with the wind? It only tried to slow her down.

"Isca, focus." A memory of her father came into vision. She was young, only five years old. Her father had signed her up for an archery lesson, and Isca hated it. "Daddy, I can't do it! The wind keeps messing me up!"

The green haired man walked up to her and knelt beside her. "You have to work with the wind. The wind can be your enemy, but it can also be your friend. Figure out which way the wind is blowing, and change your aim accordingly." It all sounded like nonsense to Isca, but Miguel was having a blast.

"Look Daddy!" He said, shooting an arrow at the target. It flew what seemed like far from the target, and at last second, hit a wnd stream and soared into the red dot in the middle. Isca frowned and threw the bow down. "I'll never be able to get it daddy. I can't throw an arrow, but I can still do this!" She picked up a rock and threw it at the target. It slamed into the middle, ripping straight through the target. But instead of her father looking impessed, he looked upset.

"Strength wont always be able to help you Isca." Isca frowned and pouted. "But I can't fight against the wind." Her father smiled. "Then fight with it." He moved his body until the wind was slamming against his back, then he shot the arrow. It went straight, soaring on the wind, and straight through the target, just like Isca's rock had.

The memory faded away, and finally, Isca understood it. She smiled. "Come on Gulf, fight me!" She anticipated his anger. The angrier somebody became, the more obvious their attacks. It was all about predictability...

(sorry if this post was bad... my mind is soooo far off today its not even funny)

[:Kol-bia:]

(That's quite aright)


Gulf huffed as he found himself secluded and away from any sign of Rangers. It wasn't until Isca began tormenting him that he remembered why he was there in the first place.
"Chicken shit?!" He repeated, his face burned and turned a new shade of pink.
"You bitch, you want a fight??"

Gulf spread his fingers out like a fan, trying to look intimidating before beginning their fight. The more he spoke and acted, the more his animalistic features were revealed.

In all honesty, Gulf could care less if Isca was a girl. He enjoyed hurting anyone, it didn't matter what the age or sex. Gulf liked the thought of hurting her so much in fact, that he began to giggle at the thought.

His mind got the better of him for a short moment, but quickly he snapped back to the duty at hand. His twisted smirk was still painted on his face.

"I wonder what shade of red your blood is? I suppose the only way I'll know is to find out!"
Gulf ran towards her with lightning speed. He was predictable in his movements, and even his slashing motions seemed to be tediously familiar. However, he did have one upside to his lame attack attempts. Even one cut from his nails would be enough to poison Isca. It was a family trait that allowed his fingers and nails to grow and harden like knives, his ancestor's trait to make the tips poisoned.

The poison was not deadly at all, but it caused temporary paralysis and for the victim to be ill for a few days. He knew if he could improve his speed and skills, soon it would be deadly. It was his family ability, after all.
'If I can just get one hit in..' he thought in his haste. Isca was definitely a skilled opponent, but he would never let himself lose to a girl.

-

"Hey, get off me you fa--"
The instant Howell and Hart's foreheads touched, Howell's grasp on his elbows loosened, and his entire body collapsed like a scarecrow without a post.
He lay motionless, giving the appearance that he was dead, though if one looked hard enough, his chest still rose and fell.

Hart stood, completely confused and a bit disturbed. "What.. what was that?"
He looked around, "Shit, did I-- did I kill him?"
The last thing he could recall before Howell collapsed was him mere inches from his face. His eyes.. inhuman.
Hart shuddered at the thought, what should have been the whites of his eyes were pitch black, and his irises were a pale and milky amber.

Hart swayed where he stood, still confused. That was, until he felt it.
His mind felt like it was folding inside itself, he cried out and fell to his knees. "What.. the.. hell?!" He screamed, before falling completely silent, almost as still as Howell.

Hart's eyes flickered open, a small groan escaping his lips. He moved from his knees to his butt, examining his hands and feet.
"Impressive. Didn't think his mind was so weak." He laughed. "He's got the brain of a bird, I guess. Ha!"

Hart stood, though it was obvious that it wasn't Hart anymore, just his body. His mind was Howell's now.

Howell examined his hands, big and meaty. "Knuckles hurt still from that punch he gave me." He frowned at that, though he did not feel the pain from the punch (since he was not in his body) it still hurt his pride a bit.

Howell winced, he could feel something tugging in his mind. It sounded like a small wail, but it felt like bricks being throw at the back of his head.
"He's trying to fight me out of his head? He's stronger than I gave him credit for."
Howell sighed, "Well, I guess I'll have to grin and bear it. Here goes."

Howell braced himself for the hurt, and began to punch himself. Hard.
He grunted, he wouldn't hold back. It was convenient, being able to use Hart's strength against him (seeing as he really didn't have a choice). A few blows to the stomach (for revenge) and a few more to the face would do him in.
At one point, he even had to stop to spit out a tooth.

Though once Howell would return to his body he would not feel pain, at the moment it was as real as if he were actually Hart.

He had actually never used his ability like this before. He had only managed to possess some birds, and even then he would just return to his own mind, too frightened to do anything more. He knew what he was doing now wasn't fair, but neither was trying to start a fight with two innocent kids getting library books.

Howell finally stopped his self-beating, he couldn't take another hit. He had to sit down, and so he did beside his own unconscious body. He would have to be careful from now on where he put that.

"I guess you can have you mind back." Howell murmured through swollen lips, and closed his eyes. You thought getting into someone's mind was hard, it wasn't half as hard as trying to get out. He could feel Hart's presence overwhelming him, and if he didn't leave soon, he would be pushed out. And that wasn't an option.

Howell closed his eyes, trying once more to concentrate-- through the pain, and through Hart's annoying attempts at gaining control. He blindly grasped onto his body's arm, and with that could feel his conscious separate from Hart's body.


When Howell woke up, it was at least ten minutes afterwards. He had blacked out from the exertion.
Instantly he wondered where Hart was. Sure enough, Hart was laying beside him, unconscious from Howell's beating.

Howell let out a sigh of relief then let his head hit the ground again. He was exhausted. He didn't expect that to drain him so quickly.
"I only hope Isca is alright.."
His eyes slowly began to droop, until he reminded himself of the reason for this entire outing in the first place. He shot up.
"Isca!"

(long but lame, haha.)

[::WOLFURchik::]

Isca grinned. His moves were WAY too predictable. She could feel the wind blowing past her, blowing down through the trees. She ran along the length of the branch, then leapt off of it. She did a quick flip to position herself right behind him, then landed. With one, quick blow, she threw a punch at his back, being careful to watch for any future attacks.

'Just don't get hit.' She reminded herself, remembering the fights from the academy. The wind blew her hair, bouncing off of her forehead, and she felt... angry. Angry that they had interupted Isca and Howell's da-trip to the library. Angry that gulf was attacking her, hating her. Angry at Brigid for being so rich, and loved by everyone. Angry that there were people out there that couldn't stand her, just because of what her father had done.

She could feel the anger bubbling inside of herself, causing her fist to clench tighter as it flew towards Gulf. The crescent moon shaped marking began to glow just a little, slowly turning darker. Thoughts began swirling in her head...thoughts that just didn't sound like herself. Then, she found herself wanting to hit him harder. Hit him just hard enough to make sure he wouldn't fight her again. Just a paralyzing hit, or perhaps even more-

Something grabbed hold of her wrist and yanked her back before she could even land the hit. It happened so fast, Isca couldn't even make out what was happening. Whatever grabbed her wrist picked her up and quickly backed away from the fight scene. Isca kicked and fought until she heard a familiar voice cry "ow!"

"Mugi?" She asked, but confused and angry that he had pulled her away before she could mess up Gulf. Miguel let her down, glaring at her. "You know that fighting outside of the academy is illegal! If the rangers had caught you..."

"Oh chill out Mugi!" She spat at him, ready to go back and knock Gulf off. Mugi grabbed her arm again. "Isca, calm down. This isn't you. Its alright now, you don't have to fight him." He stepped in front of her and stared down Gulf. "Go home, Gulf." He ordered him, holding a pair of elbow blades in his hands; the pair he had made for Isca. They were heavier than what he was used to, but he knew that he could still take on Gulf at any time. Mugi was just too quick, too stratigic for him.

He glanced at Isca. Her marking was beginning to return to normal. He let out a sigh of relief. 'that was a close one' a voice whispered in his head. 'if she gets too angry...' Miguel frowned. It would not have been pretty, that's for sure.

[:Kol-bia:]

Howell staggered to his feet, his energy had not fully returned to him, but he had enough to scramble around for a moment. Where had Isca ran after Gulf to? He looked around the bushes to where exactly they ran off the path, if only they would stop spinning!
Howell stood firmly, and with enough thought he managed to remember where Gulf and Isca had ran off to. With shaky feet Howell began his trek through the heavy forest.

--

Gulf's eyes narrowed, but his own weapons did not hold a candle to both Mugi and Isca's powers, especially combined. He took a step back, then another. He could feel his anger intensify in his situation, and how hopeless it really was.
"You think you scare me, Dubois?! If... if this wasn't an unevenly matched fight, I would kill you!"
With a hiss and a spit, Gulf turned his tail and bolted out of the clearing and away from the twins.

"From now on, you better watch your back! I won't forget this!"

--

"Isca!" Just as Gulf had disappeared, Howell burst through the bushes, covered in foliage and perspiration. He let out a breath and stumbled forward, but managed to catch himself.
He looked around the clearing. Gulf was gone, and Isca looked virtually untouched. At first he was surprised to see Mugi, but he had a feeling all along that he was never really that far away.

"Mugi. I... I'm sorry. I really shouldn't have gotten her into this... It's my fault they tried to attack her." he tried to defend Isca before there was even blame pinned on her, especially now since Mugi was wielding some sharp tonfa-like blades.
Howell apologetically looked to Isca. Though relieved to see her well, he knew that this wouldn't have happened if he had just said no to her offer, if he had just pursued Brigid. Now Isca was being targeted? If this was what would happen if they went about as friends, what would of happened if it had been a real date?
Whatever they had... Howell couldn't let it happen.

"Are you alright?"

[::WOLFURchik::]

Isca pushed past Miguel, her frustration towards him obvious. She stormed up to Howell and pointed a shameful finger. "Don't you dare try to put the blame on yourself! This was all because of me..." She frowned, glancing down at the crushed leaves beneath their feet. Her anger subsided, and she was left with sorrow.

"It's always because of me..."

Miguel frowned at his sister. He caught a glimpse of the crescent marking, and his head began to throb. He placed a hand nonchalantly on his forehead, but his vision was replaced by a memory. A memory he never wanted to revisit.


"Dad! DAD!" Young Miguel screamed, his eyes frozen on the path of destruction that lay infront of him. Ferdinand Dubois scooped up his son in his arms and rushed back to the house. "Amai..." The man huffed. "Take Mugi." The boy's mother took the scared child in her arms.

"Ferdinand, wait... What about-" "I'll take care of her. I'll bring her home safely." The green haired man turned and ran out of sight. The boy quivered in his mother's arms. "Mom, what happened?" He cried.

Amai frowned, looking down at Miguel. "Mugi... remember what we told you? About being a good brother?" The boy nodded sadly. "Well, that monster you saw... that was Isca." The boy's eyes widened. "But...But..."

The woman blinked, tears streaming down her face. "It's not her fault Mugi...please remember that, always. Whatever happens, you have to be a good brother to her. Keep her calm, and safe." The boy looked out at the tree line. He could hear faint screams in the distance.

"I'll take care of her, mom, no matter what." The woman nodded sadly. "Things are going to get a lot harder after this... be brave. You're a very smart boy." Miguel glanced down. "I'll try my best mom."

Reality slowly faded back into his vision, and he let his hand off of his head. Infront of him, Isca looked depressed. It wasn't fair to her, or Howell that this would happen. If he hadn't been keeping a watchful eye on Isca... He didn't even want to think about what could have happened.

"Isca, you should always take these with you." He handed her the finely crafted elbow blades. Isca took them with a fake smile. "Thanks Mugi...but next time, let me handle it, ok?" Mugi shrugged. "I'll think about it."

Miguel had to do something to change all this. Either he was going to make Howell leave Isca alone, or something had to be done with Brigid.

Isca looked up at Howell and frowned at his injuries. "We need to get you home, or to a doctor..."

That was it. Miguel had an idea... hopefully, it would work. "Isca, take care of Howell, Ok? I've got something to do..." He turned and walked off into the woods. Isca kept her attention on Howell. "I'm so sorry. If I knew that this was going to happen...I...maybe...we shouldn't go to the library."


-------------------

Miguel trodded up to the large wooden house he had been searching for. He took a deep breath and tapped his knuckles against the door. It would be the hardest thing he ever had to do. 'I hope you're home Brigid...' He thought to himself. 'Are you sure you want to do this? It doesn't seem like... you.' The voice rung in his head. 'Yeah, I'm sure. Something has to be done about Brigid.'

((sorry, this was written just terribly... the origonal one I typed got deleted... a shame really, it was a lot better XD sorry again ))

[:Kol-bia:]

(Don’t say that! Your writing is nice, much better than mine!)

Howell’s shoulders rose as Isca pointed her finger at him. Her words stung him, but only because he could feel her sadness and it overwhelmed him. In truth, it was not her fault, and Howell would never blame her. He couldn’t.

He turned to Mugi as he began to leave. He managed to save her in the knick of time (from herself, though he had no idea of knowing that.), and again Howell was grateful for her brother.


At Isca’s mention of the word home, his body instantly froze. His injuries were minor physically; in fact because of how he handled Hart, he only had a few cuts from landing so hard when he fell unconscious, and a growing pain from where he was punched. His aunt would have a heart attack.
“I’ll be fine, just a headache.” He assured her, but somehow he wasn’t sure that it would convince her entirely.

“I guess the library is out, then.” He echoed, his tone was stone, though he meant it to lighten the mood. “Isca…” Howell paused, what could his words do to help? What she had said about everything always being her fault made him think. Was that how she thought all the time? Did she blame herself for everything? Even for what her father had done?

“Isca, maybe… Maybe the library is out. But I can’t go home until I’m walking normally. I’ll be grounded for sure.” If not worse. His cheek still hurt from the day before.
“Will you stay with me? You… you don’t have to. I understand.”

----

“One hundred and three… one hundred and four…” with a horse-haired brush, the young, beautiful girl continued to comb, then stroke through her lustrous auburn hair. She smiled and stopped on one hundred and five and set her brush down. She had seated herself in front of her vanity mirror, starring at herself starring at her.

She examined her heart shaped face. Her skin was smooth and creamy, though her cheeks were naturally rosy. Her eyes were a deep blue, wide with thick lashes. Though within her eyes, there was no light; they were dim. Brigid bit her lip. Her pale, pink lip.
“Stupid Howell.” She sobbed, brushing a tear away from her eye.

She had always had a certain fondness for Howell; maybe it was because of his height, maybe his sweet smile… a long time ago, Brigid and Howell’s little sister were friends. Before her death.

She always had a crush on Howell, but he never paid attention to her. He was just kind, like always.
As the years went on, he noticed her more. Perhaps it was because her sister and her were best friends, but it made her more than happy. However, over the years, his affection turned to someone that wasn’t her. Someone that would never be prettier, more privileged, or richer than her. Sure, she was better at fighting... But was that all it took? Brigid got what she wanted. Always.

The fact she couldn’t have Howell made her blood boil with fury.
Brigid reached out and grabbed her comb, her grip tightened until her knuckles were white.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the main entrance of her house. She ignored it at first, expecting someone else to get it. She remembered finally that Hart was… ‘out’, and her parents away.
She let go of the brush in her hand, fingers cracking as she did.

“I’m coming!” She called down the stairs, her curiosity now getting the best of her.

She hurried down her winding staircase, auburn hair bouncing on her shoulders. Finally, she reached the door, and swung it open with the littlest of ease.

“…What do you want?”
She asked with a flat tone. Her expression completely dropped. She didn’t connect right away to the fact that Mugi was most likely around when Hart and Gulf were going to rough up Isca and Howell (though mostly Isca). She tried to act completely oblivious, though there would be no sense in denying it if he confronted her.