A/N: Reikan... I'm tired... not much too... uh... say...

Brie: Wake Up!

Reikan... Uh... Enjoy!

THE ATHLETIC FINALS

~x~

"Luucie's yellow yo-yo..." Check.

I silently slid the neon item back to its rightful place on the drawer and sighed.

That was the last one tonight.

I stepped back onto the fallen ceiling piece, tugged on the thin, but sturdy, black string and it lifted me from the dark room. It sealed the ceiling with a mute "click."

Back in the ventilation's, I rounded my tools up and headed back to my room.

It's been my ability to use stealth to steal... borrow things. From gossip details to taking items - I was your spy and thief in training. (Not that I actually cared about what I took, that is.)

I'd take the belongings for a day (making sure no one recognized) and put them all back the next night.

It's fun to see if I'd get caught or not and since I'm a one wo-man band (until Butch wants to get involved) I hid my equipment in little places of the orphanage and retrieved them once I was done.

To the introductions: My name is Cindy, codename that is. But it still sounds cool so I'm fine with it. The only friends of mine here are that big oaf and little Miss Red. We've had our little group since... ever... and, of course, we had enemies. You'd expect at least one guy in that group but no, it was a bunch of girls, spoiled girls at it. Even with Butch by our side, bullying was never an option; only standing up for ourselves. I hope the spineless squids in this hellhole could do the same for themselves.

Sigh...

Back to current matters: Crawling down these claustrophobic vents is now, more like, a nice feel to me... because I go through them pretty often. I have to give a thumb up to Wammy's though; they sure know how to keep a place clean (until the kids are involved, that is).

As I head down to my room, taking down each hidden camera, I feel a bone chilling breeze and heard a barely audible giggle.

It's him.

With topics (ironic it rhymes with gossip, huh) that spread like wild fire in this huge yet small place, I'm sure you've all heard of Jeremy. The ghost boy named Edward? Yeah, before the rumors had even began spread Sally -her alone- knew of his story. She didn't go to Roger, and she's not crazy, but a telepath. And before you try searching it up, most of her abilities haven't even been thoroughly investigated. It's not like she'll tell anyone else but her friends (well, we consider each other family).

I have to admit though, when a ghost passed by you, it stung like hell. Like a bunch of icicles sprouted in and out all over you. It took me a while to move again just now and I was covered in a thick layer of black. Head to toe, sweating all over. Maybe I should tell him to stop showing up like that... I mean, I was so pumped up to sleep just a moment ago.

Plus the finals start tomorrow. A new month, new things.

Uh... you guys probably don't know what I mean...

The athletic finals are for students in Wammy's who need to pass... physical levels, basically. Actually... that's more or likely all of us; even the hermits.

Let me explain: all Wammy kids are trained in basic combat and defense from personal tutors. After we've got a hang of it, those who chose to not enhance their abilities just go on in life. But kids like me, Sally and Butch continue to increase our efforts. Now, the reason why all kids must take these tests is because, if one was trained in a certain field, there are limits we have to pass just for safety percussion's.

Like a body builder who'll need to make it through vents for spy biz; they've got to know how to suppress massive weight or... or... we all know how it'll end.

I'm sure Butch does too.

As I turned a right and headed down a few more feet I heard a knock echo from a door and a creak meaning it was opened. A soft spoken voice came after.

"C-Cindy?"

"Sal- ouch!" My voice and the head bang on the metal containment echoed through vents.

I heard a gasp as I rubbed my head.

"A-are you okay?!" The door closed then locked and I dragged myself down the slanted vent where I slid to the entrance of my escape route.

"Of course she is! That hard head of hers can break a brick." The huge bastard laughed and I began to grind my teeth. I heard a hiss after.

"Owwuch, sorry! You know, your pinches really hurt."

"They should; apologize." I smiled when I heard a mumble. I turned around so my feet were planted on the vent's entrance. I heard another cry of pain.

I retracted my feet and launched them, kicking off the vent with a pop of the half-did screws and jumped down triumphly. Before I could ask for a louder apology a stinging came to my clothed nose. "Ouch!" My twice as snuffled voice suffered in providing proper sound

"You need to be careful! I thought your job was not to be noticed!" I rubbed the back of my head, then my nose.

She was kind- she was right. But instead I chuckled. I loved the irony.

"What's so funny?" Butch asked. I just shrugged.

"We've got a guest." My muffled voice now back to it's normal blocked sound. A smaller chill brushed past my shoulder, causing me to shudder as I headed to fix the stripped metal entrance.

"Jeremy!" I peaked at Sally, who was suddenly beaming a childish sweet smile. I could've sworn that time she glowed her glasses shone a small light. I turned my head back to my work. Sally first met Jeremy as the rumors go. I'm actually disappointed that I and Butch couldn't find her.

It was also kind of a bummer when we couldn't see Jeremy; you know… me and giant lance a lot. Ghosts don't show themselves unless they want to and that's sad to know someone -something- didn't trust you enough to see them. But since Sally's talked with him, he's opened up. Before he looked like he had no idea how to control his own existence; just a winded up toy that never gave out or lose track of the path it was destined to follow. There's... more paranormal stuff I can share but, I don't think much would care.

"Don't you ghosts come with a temperature switch or something?" I heard teeth clatter as I screwed in the last bolt. When I got down, I took a good, long, stretch, and sighed happily once it was over.

I pulled off my face mask with blond hair and brown streaks falling over my face. Some were glued to my forehead from the sweat. It took a while to get it all brushed back and resist the urge to scratch myself. "Maybe you should wear something more than tight shirts and jeans." What was he? The Rock? I mean, he wasn't that built. I bet he wore those clothes for a better illusion.

Show off.

"Hmmm." He happily situated himself on my bed and the sweet comforter cried under his weight. I heard a giggle and turned to the two instant buddies. Jeremy had finally shown himself.

"Hey, why do Cindy and Butch argue so much?" Our eyes met. His brown eyes glowed but... they looked like they already lost the original effort of doing so. He sounded so full of life and that made me wince. Sometimes irony backfires. Horribly. Even the way he looked... it made want to cry.

Still.

And I was cry 100% proof.

"Cause he's a brainless cocky walking twit that needs a lesson taught."

"She's a stuck up bratty know at all."

This time I and Butch stared at each other until I broke it with a huff. We both would die for Sally... but come on!

"Do we really have to hang out?" We were a great trio but for some reason Butch and me drew some lines.

"Yep."

I groaned.

"Whatever..."

I took spare clothes and headed to the girls bathroom.

"I'm going to shower. Make sure he doesn't eat my room while I'm out." He stuck his tongue out and I returned the gesture making Sally and Jeremy smile.

The halls of Wammy's weren't creepy but... a little too serene at night. I mean, how could one place be so peaceful? Moon giving it a soft glow, endless halls that whispered 'Come closer...' After meeting Jeremy I don't think I can see the place the same way.

He died somewhere in here. There were kids probably before or after him who shared the same fate, and we live here like it's nothing.

I guess I can understand why Sally never liked walking out anywhere alone. She could see it all when she didn't want to: Ghosts from wars, happy ghosts, creepy ghosts, those who died horribly, those who needed closure.

And we all just live amongst them like it's nothing...

I just have to say, if something's picking at you and it's no one, the reason is standing right next to you.

Just then, I heard water running and froze. It stopped and a rustling sound came after. It took me a while to sigh and smirk.

Sleepwalking Andy.

Just then the lanky brunette came out of the boys' bathroom, eyes closed; face locked on sleep determination and of course the moon blessing his puberty preparing skin. I've caught him like this once in a while. Sally's grown wary but said that he only sleep walked because he felt too unclean when sleeping. That always gave me a laugh... then try to not think of something out of the box... err... Red's sake.0

He came forward and I followed him until he was safe, back in his room, not much faraway from the restrooms.

"Night Andy." He just kept on breathing silently and I shrugged. He looked better with his eyes open anyways. I mean, have you seen his eyes?

The girls and boys bathrooms were separate for reasons so I, unfortunately, had to go up a flight.

I took hours to bath and lazily threw on my PJ's. By the time I came back (whenever that was), Sally was dozing off protectively under Butch's arms while the beast slept. Jeremy looked like he was trying to sleep.

Did ghosts even need sleep?

"Welcome back Cindy!" I yawned and smiled. "You are tired too?" I nodded.

He got up from the spot on his bed and patted it. I looked at Sally for a second. Her glasses lay on my drawer and the moon lit up her face. It might've been my imagination but she wore freckles well.

"She's cute, right!" I smiled and nodded. "She is a good person." My smile faded.

"Come on, let's sleep."

I got in right next to Sally, the cool feel Jeremy made was disappearing. I could feel his distant hands wrap around me and I didn't mind. I actually preferred coolness over tons of blankets trying to suffocate me when I sleep.

But instead it was hot, like he was another live breathing body, and I found myself falling faster to sleep...

~x~

"Ready! Go!"

And everybody was off.

Kids were cheering, staff were recording, children were nervous.

The athletic finals were just getting started.

The groups were divided into four sections:

The Careers, those who would continue their highly fitness based choices
The Non-required, those who didn't want to excel in any type of fitness
The Children, the youngest of the orphanage (who have already left)
And the Undecided, those who didn't know if they were to succeed in an athletic base or not

At the moment was the all round sections where everyone, despite the groups, competed over the highest spots such as basic training, long throws and what not.

Everyone were piled up in the gym, the AC's blasting fresh air, some outside getting ready for a new event.

Track was on and I was up.

Everyone were smirking and eying each other as they congratulated the current competitors.

"You ready to flash, Cindy?" Finish tying up my hair, I turned around to one of our finalists and smirked.

"Totally!" We fist bumped and he ran off. "Hey, don't trip over all that hair!"

"I'm not gonna cut it!" Maybe...

Sally and Butch, heading over to other activities, came over to me.

"Break a leg out there."

"D-don't take him literally he-"

"I was just joking." Sally looked up at Butch who continued to gaze at me. I could tell he was being sincere.

"Thanks."

"Runners come to your positions."

The loud speaker announced: "Group 5 will be running the 100 meter race; 4 laps and a timed recording. The event will begin."

One of the couches came up. "On your mark." I relaxed.

"Get set." Next position.

"Go!" And ran!

"Good Luck!"

I loved the adrenaline with things like these. The cheers, the images flashing by. Some others were ahead of me so I poked my back out and placed lighter steps to the ground.

The blood rushing to my ears brought a ringing that blended the other sounds. My legs pounded the ground in reality but I felt as if I was skipping across grass. It was actually easy to hurt your legs if you put too much pressure into them as you ran on hard ground. My breathing was controlled and my eyes focused, probably dilating, as we neared the third lap. I took this chance to slow down, use the energy I would need for the final round.

I saw my self speeding past people. Time felt as if was going fast yet we were at such a far away distance.

"Second lap." I could feel the heat we all we emitting, I could probably sleep from it. The laugh that came out of me made my speed up. I heard Sally and Butch cheering by everybody but one stood out.

"J-Jeremy?" Then the boy materialized. I gasped and staggered.

"I'm sorry. I was afraid you couldn't hear me over everyone. Before I can't move for myself..." Time seemed to slow down as he said that. "I just wanted to tell you..." His voice and existence faded and I looked around. He came back. "Good luck!" All I could do was nod. I didn't know if it was tears or the sweat but I felt a breeze brushing past my face, bringing me back to reality; seeing that I was falling behind.

"Go! Cindy! Go!"

It was coming so much closer... and closer...

"Last lap." The speaker announced but all I heard was, 'Move faster.'

I clenched my fists, knuckles going white and the blood leaving specific spots until it returned as I let the pressure go. I ignored the need for water - to breathe; that stinging in my side was now easy to deal with and I launched using the saved up energy.

I saw someone trying to catch up in my peripheral vision but began to stagger.

The gain that made me boost was seeing the finish line.

"Congrats! Oh my... I thought you were going to lose!" Sally brushed the hair that blocked her face as she stopped in front of me. She resisted the urge to hug me... sweating and breathing strongly and all. The beauty of extra clothing...

I rolled my eyes. "Thanks." It really was a good feeling to actually accomplish something. And first place, but... there was more to come.

"I- I saw..."

"I know..." We shared a silence until the speakers went on.

"Up next, Group 6, Last group for Track." The announcement boomed.

I gazed at the group, some whispers following the subject of my personal gaze.

Near was up as well.

I felt someone tense up, but not just someone: Sally.

Her telepathy didn't only limit to ghosts. She could analyze people easily, that type of person who could tell something was wrong, and from the way she reacted I had a feeling something's been going on with Near too.

Honestly, Near was like a light. I mean it could be there, shining bright by chance, but for some reason it always attracted moths. And were the moths in this situation.

I never thought so deeply on Near because I don't think I ever imagined him being some light. He was just passing by like any other - not apart of my world.

"Cindy, Sally we got you guys up for the Maneuvers Track." I just nodded and lined up, Sally staggering besides me.

This time a couched announced every thing. "Group 2, The Careers. Maneuvers Track. You all will be going through the field demonstrating how well you can move through spaces with limited freedom or items. Once the tester has completed the field or has run out of time a bell will sound." They demonstrated the sound. "Once you have heard this, another will play telling you when to go. Understood?" We all nodded.

I looked at Sally who positioned her self in the starter box. She wore contacts so she was fine. Her sight was improving any ways.

"Good luck."

Ding!

Getting out of her hand held high position, she ran up to the large wall and grabbed each rock, avoiding fake predators or faults. At the top she flipped over and landed perfectly, probably getting a good score at it.

I looked around for Butch. His side group was doing long jumps. He stood behind two other people.

If I had been breathing anymore crazy I swear I would've been chocking on my water.

I looked back at Sally and smiled. No one was cheering because it was her and she needed the concentration. Any other person could agree that Sally would make a beautiful acrobat.

She climbed the monkey bars and swung through each one as she jumped onto the high bar, flipped then came down to the low bar and flipped. She did a suicide and landed on the balance beam where she jumped back, cart wheeled and headed to the ground fields. She crawled through the barrels they assisted us with, avoided getting hit with the axes that swung from one of the devices. Her flexibility helped her through the lasers and she made it through the long jump where she caught the bar with her legs, flipped in the air, stood on it the grabbed it with her arms and did a 360 and landed with her hands up in perfect formation as from the start.

She did all this with a smile.

"That was amazing!" She regained her breathing before talking. I didn't care about the sweat and glomped her. Everyone came after.

"Ah!"

We all laughed.

"I think we can celebrate you and boo the idiot before my time."

"Thanks- hey..." I smiled and then she pinched my cheek until it became a cheek off.

"Ou- eh... owww!"

We stopped and rubbed the plumpness that were our faces.

"You guys look like make up beat you up." We rolled our eyes as the,

"Bit-"

"Don't call them that!" I looked at her and shrugged.

"I was going to say Brat Squad!"

"Right…"

"Let's go see how Butch is do-"

"Third lap." The speaker announced. Sally must've felt that weird... sense too because she stopped. No one else noticed as they lined up.

"He's pushing himself too hard." She whispered. I followed her gaze.

Near.

He looked as unemotional as always, keeping his breathing in order.

What was up with him?

Near was the only exception to these finals so why did he come in this year? He could easily pass out from exertion... or maybe I was trusting rumors a bit too much because I've seen Near when he's worked. He was actually good...

As if she read my mind Sally said: "I think something might have happened too."

"H-how long?" She turned around, eyes squinting as she took in everything around her. I bet her green eyes were like some sort of... Eden. They knew everything; had the vastest primary knowledge.

I turned to what she was looking at, and as if she knew I saw, she said: "Matt." He and Mello were taking the Undecided group tests. Then her gaze hardened. It was rare to see her actually pissed off with somebody.

"Wh... what about him?" Matt always seemed a bit edgy, well to me that is. You could obviously mark him as a delinquent with first looks. Who wears goggles all the time and don't expect to get a strange look?

"They're all hiding something... Mello seems really, really dangerous."

"He always is-"

She brought her gaze onto me. "Murder dangerous." I took this as 'shut up and listen.'

"Matt I don't know... he's silent... too reserved. And Near... something about him has changed... Matt seems to be part of it... Their existences seem too connected…" She rubbed her arm and shivered; from the blasting air or the uncertainty I wasn't sure, but I was positive when she said something was going on between 1, 2 and 3.

"Something bad is going to happen... and I don't think we can do anything..."

Because she knew yet there was nothing she could do. Near looked like the type of one who could talk his way out of things and neither of us wanted to get involved with M&M over there.

I could some how relate with her... Something did seem off.

"Let's go see how Butch is, okay?" She nodded as I lead her to his mini section.

"Group 3, Long jump, long throws and group defense. Distance recording." The announcement boomed.

We sat on the bleachers giving view on him. He was first too. "On your mark." He relaxed.

"Get set." Stood back.

"Go!" And launched.

His wrist gave his arms some resistance to throwing too far and his ball made it to the end of the fake field. Then the other and the other.

Then he was brought to the long jump where he ran and made it over the high stick.

He finally made it to the group section where he was faced with 5 over built blockers. It must've been hard because he passed them with torn clothes.

I had to laugh. "Great job King Kong!" I jumped back and avoided Sally's attack on instinct. "I- ha... I'm just joking. You did great out there... Browser!"

"Thanks Rapunzel." I just gave him a punch to the shoulder.

"I'm gonna check my score. Don't go lonely with out me."

I pulled an eye down. "Don't worry; we'll be gone before that happens."

"Let's go change." I heard Sally said. I nodded.

She was silent the whole time so I kept quiet too. When we were changed and heading back I spoke.

"I don't know, it's an uneasy feeling... like everything is going to end really soon."

Sally just adjusted her hair and nodded in agreement.

I don't know what got her so twisted up! This hasn't happened before so I honestly didn't know what to do...

"Cindy you're up for the Maneuvers Track. Where'd you go anyways?" I lifted my second uniform shirt and the couch brushed it off.

"You won first place in track yet you're so slow." Some kids laughed. Sally was already behind Butch and the idiot just motioned me over.

I gazed back at the wide gymnasium, students and staff leaving and getting ready for the next set of tests.

I caught Near again. I think I could see what Sally must've been sensing.

That was right... no matter how endless, colorless and grey his eyes were, there was eventually an end.

"Cindy?"

It was all going to end soon enough. "Coming!"

Everything eventually did.

~x~

A/N: *Suddenly awake* I don't know, I love Cindy for some reason. It was like click!

Anyways, hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Plus I might be changing my name. It's too over used with OC's xD Should I? Eh~

Reikan Out.

"The laziest get no where."

-Brie

R: *Blush* She said it's true... EVEN THOUGH I FINISHED THIS CHAPTER!

B: SHUT UP! IT'S JUST LUCK!