You're not going to tell me what's wrong are you? Alex inquired and led the equally silent pair through a door. Once through, people playing Chopsticks on a piano could be heard and a side of grey risers with chairs came into view.

Eris yawned and said nothing, scanning over the various aged teens and making a beeline for her usual seat.

Huh. Guess not. Alex narrowed her eyes and turned to Kurama.

He shrugged. I don't believe it's my place to say.

She growled and followed Eris' path to the top riser. Damn your high morals!

Ducky's head popped out from under Eris' chair. What're morals?

They all snorted, Kurama and Eris shaking their heads.

Eris raised a brow. Isn't that uncomfortable?

He grinned and put his hands behind his head, pushing her chair up a few inches with his knees.

O..kay thenI'll just go get the folder

Watching her leave with curious eyes, Ducky slid out from his hiding place and plopped himself into an unoccupied chair next to Kurama, for once not giving him a wink or suggestive look.

What's got her all worked up?

Alex threw her hands into the air. Beats me! Neither of them will talk.

He scratched through his fluffy blonde hair and sighed. It's not going to be one of those days is it?

Probably. It's around that time.

Around what time? Kurama asked.

Alex and Ducky smirked and laughed a little. Nothing. You don't want to know. Trust us.

Trust you on what? Eris sat back down and whacked Alex in the arm with her choir folder for no apparent reason.

Ah! Must you beat me all the time?!

Eris thought about it for a second and smiled. Yes. Oh, and by the way, two for flinching.

She hit her twice more, earning a death glare accompanied with giggles from Ducky. Kurama watched with amused eyes, reminded of Kuwabara and Yusuke.

As more kids filtered in, a woman with cropped blonde hair and a man Kurama remembered as Eris' math teacher entered just as the bell chimed. A few kids went up to say hello and inform her about why they were late, ask a question, or inform her about why they were absent from their voice lesson.

During this, two seniors took role call and sent a few kids down to the office for blue absentee slips that they'd never turn back in.

Finally with all the business taken care of, the choir teacher raised her voice and tried to get everyone to settle down. Not easy with a big room full of 100+ loud mouthed kids.

Mr. Ruckers shouted. Almost instantly, the din died down and turned attention towards the two teachers, sheepishly settling down into their seats.

Love it when he does that Eris stuck a finger in her ear and wiggled it. Alex and Ducky snickered behind their hands, trying to cover them up with coughs and failing miserably.

What the hell? It wasn't that funny. Eris had to bite her lip to stop the onslaught of giggles. This only made it harder for Ducky and Alex, their laughter starting to infect Kurama who tried mimicking Eris.

With a pointed glare from Mr. Ruckers and the fabled Evil Eye from their director, Ms. McGill, all was well once again. At least until Ms. McGill turned to Mr. Ruckers, who sat himself behind the standup piano, and started warm ups.

As their peers did their scales half heartedly, the four giggle delinquents let loose.

Wiping the accumulating tears from the corners of her eyes, Eris comically whispered to Kurama, What are we laughing at again??

I haven't the faintest clue! he hadn't had a good laugh at nothing in a long while. It felt rather good.

It wasn't until they went into the repeating Red leather, yellow leather, going up and down a half scale that Eris' sides began to hurt. It was always fun to watch newcomers trip over their tongues and get frustrated. The fun was short lived however; Kurama had the gift of pronunciation.*

SAT ON A POTATO PAN! Alex shouted over the inevitable uproar of conversations between tasks. Kindly oblieging, Mr. Ruckers began the little ditty to Sat on a Potato Pan.

All right! Ducky hooted and sat up from his slumped over position. Alex and Eris followed suit, sitting up straight and cupping one hand in the other so their elbows stuck out.

With smiley faces, they broke out into their favorite ditty:

Sat on a potato pan, Otis sat on a potato pan, O-TIS sat on a potato pan! DUN DUN!!

They liked to add the Dun dun's to add effect to the octave and tempo switch. Kurama sat amused as he watched them spit out their T's and P's as it went faster, then yelling DUN DUN!! American's were so funny. Strange, but funny.

Satonapotatopan,Otissatonapotatopan,O-TISsatonAPOTATOPAAAAAAAAAN!! DUN DUN!!

All three slumped back into their chairs, catching their breath and massaging their backs.

Good posture sucks, man. Alex voiced.

Alrighty, then! Are we all warmed up now?

No one answered, except a couple brown nosers, but they don't really count. The talking went up like an automatic defense against silence. Huffing a sigh, Ms. McGill blamed it on Monday.

We have a concert in less than a day! I'd shut my yapper if I were you all; we'll stop the song and start over if I hear the slightest discord today!

I guess Elf's gotta leave then! Alex joked and poked her.

Don't make fun of my name! she stuck out her tongue at the girl and poked her back. I am the Goddess of Discord, don't think I won't slap your ass!

Oooh, you'd both like that, wouldn't you? Ducky hissed, leaning forward, and then laughed. Eris leaned over Kurama and flicked Ducky's ear.

The poor boy held onto the side of his head as if his ear had been cut off. He pouted and glared at Eris who smiled back sweetly. I hope your rose wilts! he shot at her.

Don't you curse my flower! Eris raised a protective hand over the silky petals and sent an It won't, will it? look to Kurama. He winked, brushed his fingers over hers. Instantly, she felt the bud bloom a little more and a potent scent of perfume waft over her.

Kurama reveled in her happy look; she was very pretty when she smiled. The rose set off a pinkness in her cheeks and made the grey in her eyes lighten to an almost blue from the sunlit windows.

As the piano went into a lilty tune, a little creepy sounding at first, the group of rag tag-like teens scrambled to get the appropriate music. Six measures in, Ducky's voice along with the rest of the tenors and bases softly started into the song.

I dreamed a dream, a silent dream of a land not far away

What are you? Kurama whispered into Eris' ear, catching the scent of her rose safely tucked behind it and her apple blossom shampoo.

she beamed and went into unison with the sopranos. She had a very nice voice, despite her crack about being the Goddess of Discord.**

Where no birds sang, no steeples rang, and teardrops fell like rain.

Steadily going into a slight crescendo, all four parts met and precise moments, shocking the ears of off Kurama. Seems that with all their fooling around they still managed to sound pretty damn good.

I dreamed a dream of a land so filled with pride that every song, both weak and strong, withered and died. I dreamed a dream.

The piano grew from its timid accompaniment; building up to an inevitable climax that would send shivers down Kurama's spine, then softly and suddenly retract like a flower blooming backwards.

No alleluia, not one hosanna, no song of love, no lullaby.
And no choir sang to change the world.
I dreamed a dream.
No pipers played, no dancers twirled. I dreamed a dream, a silent dream

Eris hummed along with the harmony as it tinkered and plunked its way. Kurama smiled at her; she glanced over and grinned. She loved choir and was happy to be able to share it with him. Something she thought impossible last week.

Awake! Awake! Soli Deo Gloria. Awake! Awake!
Awake, awake my soul and sing! The time for praise has come.
The silence of the night has passed, a new day has begun!

Awake, indeed Eris thought and smiled. You're not in a dream world anymore. She felt the soft petals of the flower against her temple and breathed it in. You're rose has become real

Let music never die in me! Forever let my spirit sing!
Wherever emptiness is found, let there be joy and glorious sound.
Let music never die in me! Forever let my spirit sing!
Let all our voices join as one to praise the Giver of the song.
Awake! Awake! Let music live! Let music live!

Now, if you can just sing it like that tomorrow night we'll have the whole house flooded in tears! Ms. McGill beamed. Who else got the shivers on that one?

Right over here sista! among a group of boisterous senior boys, one of them waved both hands in the air, laughing and grinning like an idiot. Everyone laughed, and then went back into the chatter they had left before the song.

Class went on like this for the rest of the period; a song would be sung, then tweaked and practiced in parts while Ms. McGill got flustered with all the talking, Mr. Ruckers having to step in a few times.

Eris yawned and stretched her arms over her head. You'd think they'd get a clue and shut up.

Alex blew a bubble with her gum then sucked it back in with little snaps. Yeah really.

Ducky's eyebrow flew into his hairline as he snapped his head around to look at Alex. Haben sie Kaugummi, Alex?

Alex's eyes widened, her jaw freezing in mid chew.

Eris smirked at Ducky.

ALEX HAS GUM!! They both yelled, cupping a hand around their mouths and using the other to point down at Alex as she slumped into her chair.

Shut up, you ratfinks! she hissed, trying to swat their hands down.

Ms. McGill gave Alex The Look as the choir abandoned their talk and laughed at her. Great masses of people always like to point out each other's misfortunes.

the director said in The Voice. You have gum, again?

Eris looked up at the ceiling innocently. Speaking of never learning

Shooting her friends an annoyed look, she hopped over the back railing behind their chairs and spit her gum into the trashcan.

I hope you're happy! she muttered darkly and crossed her arms like a pouty child when she sat down again.

Eris and Ducky chanted, getting their music ready for the next song.

Kurama shook his head, smiling. Correction. Americans are all insane.

Uh oh Ducky's eyes suddenly went wide.

Eris looked up. Wha-oh shit

Alex tilted her head sideways. What're you guys-

Eris grabbed her head and pointed it in the direction of their teacher, hands behind her back and looking over her students with a in her eye.

Alex squeaked. EEP! Not today! Please, God, no!

Horribly confused, again, Kurama couldn't do anything but watch his friends cower in fear as the woman slowly walked down towards their side of the risers. Ducky whimpered and Eris tried her hide herself behind him, going so far as to grab a handful of his hair and hide her face behind it.

Now what exactly are you doing? he asked, a bit annoyed, and snatching his hair back. What's got all of you acting so strange?

She's looking for soloists!! Alex hissed, trying her best to look like she was busy and not make eye contact with the prowling teacher.

Kurama laughed, getting a swat on the arm in the process, courtesy of Eris.

It's not funny! She always picks on us!

Well what are you so afraid of?

She looked at him like he was nuts. Where the hell have you been?! I can't sing!

He frowned at her. Now you're just being foolish and lying to yourself. That's not a very good habit to keep up.

Opening her mouth to retort, Eris was cut off by an unwanted voice.



Cringing, she turned to face Ms. McGill. Yes ma'am?

The blonde woman below smiled knowingly. First verse.

Kurama grinned, but was suddenly addressed by the teacher.

Shuichi Fujimori, right?

Yes, ma'am he answered, a little apprehensive. I think I know where this is leading

How about you join in with Elf on the second verse?

Before he could even answer, she turned on her heal and motioned for Mr. Ruckers to start the song.

Kurama turned to see a smirking Eris.

Don't say a word.

She put her hands up, still smirking and trying to laugh. I'm not! Better get ready though, our duet is coming up.

I can hardly wait, he muttered, taking her music. Where's the part?

Just there, she pointed it out for him.

Oh, that's not too bad.

She snorted. Don't kid yourself. Coughing a little, she cleared her throat and joined with the rest of the choir in the song.

I will sing of God's mercy,
Everyday, every hour, he gives me power.
I will sing, and give thanks to thee,
For all the dangers, toils and snares that her has brought me out,
He is my God and I'll serve him-

They went quiet for a moment as an unlucky victim did the soprano solo slot.

No matter what the test!

It was a very upbeat song. Pure gospel with a toe tapping entity built right in.

Trust and never doubt, Jesus will surely bring you out,
He never failed me yet!

As it was all repeated once more, Kurama could see Eris' hands starting shake out of the corner of his eye. Their parts were coming in just a few lines. Slipping his hand into hers, he squeezed it gently for encouragement, smiling at the spots of pink coming into her cheeks.

Finally, with a deep breath she went into it:

I know God is able to deliver in time of storm,
And I know that he'll keep you safe from all earthly harm.
One day when my weary soul is at rest, I'm coming home to be forever blessed!

Ducky, Alex, and the rest of the choir clapped loudly before going on. She really did have a nice voice. Kurama beamed at her, squeezing her hand lightly again.

Trust and never doubt, Jesus will surely bring you out,
He never failed me yet!

Taking a breath to calm herself, and trying to ebb away some of the color in her face, Eris was glad for the comfort in Kurama's hand.

Here we go, she whispered, smiling, and giving him one of her own squeezes.

He turned his head a little and winked. Trust and never doubt.

She rolled her eyes, but smiled just the same. Ugh, you're lucky I like this song.

Will you two just shut up and sing? Alex poked Eris, who poked her back.

And so they did:

Didn't my God deliver Moses from King Pharaoh?
And didn't he cool the fiery furnace for Shadrack Mishack, and Abendigo?
When I think of what my God can do, he delivered Daniel; I know he will deliver you!

Loud applause and a few whistles (not to mention a fewchoice words from some of the ladies), expressed the people's thoughts on their performance.

I guess we make a fair team, Kurama eyes shined.

Guess so! Eris laughed.

Kurama asked, the sound of the choir still signing in his ears.

She shook her head, grinning.

No, tell me, really. What's so funny this time?

You're voice is kinda girly.



He does not! Ducky glared at her, then smiled at Kurama. Don't listen to her; it was like chocolate for the ears!

Suppressing a groan, he was glad to hear the bell ring, signaling the end of class.

Remember, it's day 2 for voice lessons! Ms. McGill yelled over the sound of tipping chairs and running feet as everyone rushed towards the door.

Shuichi, Elf, very nice today! cornered them both before they could step off the last risers. Maybe you'd like to take the solos for tomorrow night?

They looked at each other, thinking the same thing:

Damn my parents for raising me right!

 Eris stretched her mouth into a painful smile. DAMNIT.

 and off she went, happy as a lark.

Eris groaned and hung her head in defeat. I need a wall.

I'm afraid to ask, but why? Alex crossed her arms, a wicked grin on her face.

To bang my head against repeatedly.

Quit your belly aching, I don't see what your so miserable about. You were great! Ducky said, animatedly waving his hands around. Now let's get out of here, it's lunch time!!

Sighing, Eris moved down a riser, suddenly feeling a little tug on her arm and realizing she and Kurama were still holding hands. She blushed, but he smiled and continued moving, not showing any signs of letting go.

Come on, let's get something to eat. He acted as if everything were normal.

I guess there isn't any reason for me to act weird then. All right, we'll see how this goes then.

Biting the inside of her lip, she shyly obliged his wishes.

This has to be too good to be true

Ducky and Alex followed behind them through the classroom door, trying to not explode.

That is the cutest thing ever! Alex squealed in Ducky's ear.

I KNOW!! The shaggy haired teen hopped up and down while clapping his hands.

Kurama and Eris turned and gave him identical odd looks.

Ducky froze in an awkward half jump pose, and then waved with a nervous smile. Oh, uh, don't mind us!!

Yeah, we're just uhdiscussing math homework!

Eris snorted and turned back around. You're both creepier than me.

As soon as they weren't looking anymore, Ducky and Alex went straight to excited whispers again.

Are their fingers laced?? Ducky maneuvered his head around to try and see.

Alex saw that they were not. Lace your damn fingers!! she hissed, giggling.

***********************

After excessive amounts of giggles and odd looks from Eris and Kurama, the gang finally found a lovely shady place under a tree for their lunch spot.

Ducky was currently hanging in the tree's gnarled branches like a monkey and munching on chips, the bag clutched between his two barefoot feet. Alex threw a stick at him from her seat against the trunk. Eris was stretched out on her stomach, eating a cookie with pink frosting and sprinkles happily, Kurama on his back next to her and listening to her mp3 player.

Hoardes of younger kids ran past them to the cafeteria across the street. Alex, Eris, and Ducky shook their heads simultaneously muttering, Stupid freshmen.

They know they're going to get cut in front of anyway, Alex yawned, poking Ducky's foot with a stick. Gimmie some chips Monkey Boy!

He stuck his tongue out at her and dropped the bag on her head. Hey, did you guys hear about the two bodies they found by the mall this morning?

Kurama blanched. Uh ohplease don't say too much!

Yeah, I heard that on the radio. What happened to them? Alex shoved chips her mouth and squinted through the sun at Ducky.

Not really sure, all I heard was that the bodies were pretty torn up and stuff. Might have been a pack of wild animals or something. They say there was blood covering the whole alley!

Ugh, Ducky Eris went a little pale.

He instantly regretted his words. I'm sorryI forget sometimes, y'know?

She waved a dismissive hand. It's alright. I shouldn't be so sensitive about it I guess

Kurama gave her a worried, questioning look. What happened?

She avoided his gaze and busied herself with opening Alex's box of Kudos. Don't worry about it.

Trying to get a possible answer from Ducky or Alex, he looked to them for help, but found them also avoiding his eyes. What was this that he wasn't supposed to know about? A streamline of thoughts went through his mind, and finally made a potential connection.

Does this have to do with the mark on your back and shoulder?

Her movement instantly froze. Connection made.

An uncomfortable silence descended over them for what seemed like forever, but was actually more like 5 seconds.

Alex cleared her throat. Erm, who's up for a game of Frisbee?

I am! Ducky jumped from his perch, nearly landing on Eris' foot.

Count me in too, Eris sat up and dusted her jeans off.

Of course, why not?

Alex smiled. Hey, alright! Go long, Duck!

Hand me my mp3 player would you? Eris asked Kurama, all traces of their previous conversation gone. She was deffinatly hiding something.

He brushed it off, making a mental note to ask her about it at a more appropriat time, and handed her the little music player.

She unplugged the earphones and turned the volume all the way up, flipping a switch to hear some of the good oldies float through the little built in speaker.

Woo! We got the good stuff goin' on now! Alex whooped, dancing to Lollipop, Lollipop and flinging the Frisbee to Eris to caught it in a deft hand.

Ducky sang along, doing his own little sound effects for the song and waiting for someone to toss to him. God, it's such a beautiful day!

Eris tossed it to him. Don't expect it to last long.

My, aren't we the pessimist today? Alex chided her.

Oh hush, you know I'm right. Watch, we'll have the four seasons all in one week. Today's summer, yesterday was a spring shower, tonight it'll get cold, and then the rest of the week we'll have a chance of snow!

And we can only pray for that snow day. Alex laughed, catching Ducky's fling and sending the plastic disc sailing towards Kurama.

You sure do live in an odd sort of place. He thought out loud, catching the Frisbee like an expert and throwing it back to Alex.

Yeah, don't we know it. Everyone hates it here too.

Really? Why's that?

They all shrugged.

It's just the way kids grow up here. We live our lives exploring every alley and back road, doing just about everything you can do as a kid and eventually you get sick of it. Eris reminisced.

Ducky nodded his head. Aye, but once we leave for college or whatever, we'll be wishing we were back.

The three young teens smiled, laughing a little. That's how it goes! they said in sing-song voices.

Kurama smiled, reveling in the now happy moods of his odd new friends and the just bearable weather. He liked it here very much.

Your town is very beautiful. I remember seeing a few lakes on my way here. The bluffs remind me a little of home.

Yup, and plenty of parks and flowering trees, Eris rubbed her naked toes in the warm grass and smiled at him. Do you miss home very much? I know it's only been a few days.

He nodded slowly a few times. Yes. That's to be expected isn't it?

Of course. You know I'll probably come back and raise my own kids here. Eris said suddenly.

Really? I was just thinking that. Alex tapped her bottom lip and almost got knocked in the head by the Frisbee. She gave a little glare in Ducky's direction.

We could buy houses next to each other and baby sit for each other!

And go baby clothes shopping together and nag at our husbands to mow the lawn!

they laughed and clapped their hands.

You two are something else, Ducky shook his head and laughed at them.

Alex mock rolled her eyes. Fine, you can come shop for baby clothes too.

he joined in their clapping and giggled.

Yeah, you can live in Alex's garage.

He stopped clapping. Aww do I have to?

Eris sighed. Alright alright. I'll make you my first born's Godfather then, alright?

The gangly boy wrinkled his nose. That doesn't sound like very much fun. My Godfather doesn't do squat with me.

Godmother then?

Cool! First male Godmother!

Yeah, now that's a leap for mankind! Alex fell onto her butt laughing. Ducky, you are too funny!

He bowed to her. Why thank you m'lady! I do try.

Yes, and now Shuichi thinks all American teenagers need to be locked up at the funny farm thanks to you two.

Actually, I found that out for myself quite some time ago.

You know, you'd look really cute in a straight jacket Elf, Ducky rubbed his chin and peered at her.

Stop looking at me like that, you perv! she laughed and chucked the Frisbee at his head.

He rolled his eyes. Oh you wish. OOH! Turn it up Elf, my songs on!! Cry if I want to, cry if I want to! You would cry too if it happened to youuuu!! Don da don da dat!!

Alex and Eris fell to the ground laughing.

Oh Ducky, I love you! Eris said, wiping tears from her eyes. Don't ever change!

Ducky pouted. But if I don't change, how am I supposed to blossom into a beautiful swan?? Heh, get it? Ducky, swan?

Alex slapped her forehead. Nevermind then!!

*******************

Yawning, Eris gathered her materials for her next class: English.

We'll start when the clock strikes one, rodger that Little Bitch? Crrssshh! Alex said in her walkie talkie voice behind her.

Roger that loud and clear, Big Chicken, one o'clock! Crrsssh!

They walked side by side down the hall, Kurama on Eris right, Alex on her left, and then split up and went into two directly opposite doors.

Kurama soon found out why everyone called him Fatty O'Bryan, and why no one payed attention. He seemed to like the sound of his own voice and found it a lot more exciting than letting his students ask questions.

Fifteen minutes into the most monotone lecture about To Kill A Mocking Bird, (Completely ruins the mood of the book, the big ox, Eris huffed while doodling on her notebook cover), it seemed as if a subtle movement of eyes shifted over to Eris as the digital wall clock blinked to one.

Eris got up, the teacher not even blinking, to throw away a blank piece of paper and make a signal to Alex across the hall. The students surrounding them began whispered bets, debating whether or not they'd get caught that day.

But caught doing what exactly?

Sitting back down without a sound, Eris nonchalantly pushed her desk forward and inch or so and leaned an elbow on her desk, eyes watching Alex from the corners.

A flash of lime green in her hand, and Kurama recognized the Frisbee from their lunch break sailing into Eris inconspicuous hand draped at her side. With a strong flick of the wrist it was flying back the Alex.

With obvious experience with these the class each took shifts in watching the game and the nominated bookies checking their numbers.

Kurama had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. This is crazy!

And it continued to be crazy until Eris' started getting a cramp and the Frisbee got stuck in the middle of the hall. A unanimous reverberated between the two classes. Apparently the same goings on was mirrored on Alex's end.

Mr. O'Bryan blinked as his lecture was interrupted by the outcry. They held their breaths, wondering if he'd look out to the hall.

He shook his head and grinned. Yes, yes, very sad he had to shoot the dog. Now, after that, Jem and Scout learned something about their father that day

A few kids grumbled under their breathes, obviously the ones who had bet against Alex and Eris. The rest snickered and went back to daydreaming, a far less entertaining mind blocker but sufficient enough to get them through the rest of the class.

Eris looked across to Alex, both shrugging and smirking.

***********************

Well, can't say that didn't provide the most exciting thing that ever happened in O'Bryan's class, Alex met Kurama and Eris after the bell and bent down to retrieve the green disc.

Yeah, I think we made the history books with that one, Eris smiled. See you after school then?

Yep, we should hang out at the lake today since it's still nice out. You game, Shuichi?

Sounds like a good idea to me.

Alrighty then! Bye C-ya Elfy!

Bye Lexy! Eris checked her watch. Ack! We better hurry. I've got Biology in the next building.

Kurama's eyes shined. Care to race?

My, you're certainly playful this afternoon. You're on! Readysetgo! She was off quick as a bunny, disappearing into the crowd.

I won't let you win so easily! Kurama thought with a grin and was off after her, quickly locating Eris through a window and seeing her streaking through the skyway.

Remembering the way to go, he was swiftly catching up and listening to her quick patterned footsteps down the stairs of the second building.

Running down steps isn't as easy as one thinks at first. Hearing a the steps door and a door open one flight down, he raced to the bottom and slinked past the closing door just before it closed. A panting Eris laughed tiredly outside a classroom door.

beat you! she pointed and smirked, leaning on the cool wall.

Only because you cheated, Kurama advanced on her as if to tickle her.

Eris moved away. Nooo! Too tired, gonna be late. Come on!

They stepped inside the room just as the bell rang.

Nice timing! A portly man of a taller height grinned as the two teens moved to an empty lab table. The table itself was decorated by creative little drawings and inside jokes engraved with pen into the surface. The teacher, with his boyish eyes and cheeks, noticed Kurama the doodles.

You know, one of these days I gotta come in on a weekend and sand these tables down. You people doodle too much.

A kid later found out as Matt guffawed. Aww but they make it look pretty!

He picked up a yardstick from his front lab desk and began playing with it. He was really like a big kid. Haven't you ever heard of paper? Anyway, looks like Ms. Beuhler brought a friend! Hi friend! Welcome to Mr. Walsh's sophmore Biology class!

Hello, my name is Shuichi.

Welcome Shuichi! Mr. Walsh poked a foam square thing that made up a section of the ceiling. Say, has anyone else ever wondered what these things were called?

I used to know. Most of us just call them the ceiling, a girl that had been in Eris' English class said. It's easier and puts less strain on the brain.

Alright, I'll go with that. He moved over to the large windows that made up the right side of the classroom and began pulling the curtains over them.

As the class took out their notebooks, as the curtain closing ritual always indicated notetaking, a taller bald headed man wandered through the connecting door that lead to another classroom. Immediately, he grabbed a pair of scissors and started chucking it at the ceiling, trying to get it to stick.

Distracted by the noise, Mr. Walsh turned around. Heeey look everyone! It's Chops trying to stick random objects into my ceiling again. He chucked the yardstick at Chops who moved to the side, looking at the object that landed by his feet then back to Walsh.

You're losing your throwing arm, Walshie! He took a pencil and threw it at the ceiling. Say, whatcha doing after school?

Eris laughed, shaking her head, then turned to Kurama, feeling the need to explain. Chops is one of the math teachers. I actually had him last semester. He's is pretty much insane. Him and Walsh are friends, since they both really don't care much about what other teachers think.

Kurama nodded his head, a light smile appearing on his lips as he watched Chops bring forth a liter of diet Mountain Dew from behind Walsh's computer.



Eris made a face. Ugh, he drinks at least 5 of those a day. No lie.

So, have any of those government peeps been following you around lately? Walsh grinned like a little boy and hopped up to sit on his desk, back facing his chatting students.

No, thank God! I've decided to cool it with the moon landing stuff for awhile. Then I'll start annoying them again.

Kurama raised an eyebrow and Eris snorted into the sleeve of her sweatshirt. Chops believe that we didn't land on the moon. When he started looking for information on the net for it and telling people about his ideas, a strange car followed him home one night. But he's actually thought of some pretty convincing evidence.

Darn right I have! They can't keep it undercover forever! he pounded his fist on Walsh's desk, overhearing Eris. Nice rose by the way.

Eris beamed. Thank you. Hey, what kind of lunch are we having tomorrow?

Chops snickered in a slightly possessed way and began to sing One lunch! Let's get together and eat one lunch! to the tune of a Bob Marley song as he walked back through the door, slamming it obnoxiously as he went.

Walsh laughed, hopping down from his makeshift seat. Chops is one creepy guy. He kinda scurrs me sometimes.

I ain't scurred! Matt said, propping his feet on his lab table.

You will be if you don't get your feet off that desk. Anyway, how about we get our learn on?

What're we doing today, Walshie?

Walsh walked over to his computer and began fiddling with it to bring up the notes on the pull down screen. Well, we're going to chat about some fish while ya'll get your notes on about the perch. Next week we're gonna our dissect on with a perch so you all hafta know what the deal is with fish.

He pounded a key to get it unstuck. Darn this thing! It's been crappy like this all day.

Those old computers are such piles. Another kid called Jake put his two cents in.

Yeah, this thing is a pile.

Walsh, you should rockstar it!

Mr. Walsh laughed mischievously. I should, shouldn't I?



Do it!

Rockstar that pile!

Walsh continued to laugh then shook his head. Nah, last time the janitor caught me and got his yell on.

Were you scurred?

Yeah I was scurred! Have you seen that guy??

Eris stretched her arms behind her head, smiling. I love this class!

Kurama nodded his head. It is very entertaining. Your teachers are very friendly with you.

Most of them are since a good portion of the staff are younger in age and graduated from here.



Eris smiled. I told you, everyone wants to come back.

Mr. Walsh picked his yardstick back up and smacked it against the screen, finally getting the notes to come up. Come on we gotta get back on track here. So anyway, fish! Who can tell me if fish have open or closed circulatory systems?


The next half hour was fairly as eventful as the first five minutes. Mr. Walsh was actually able to make learning about fish interesting, even if they did get sidetracked a lot by meaningless, but never the less enlightening, conversations. The highlight was when he stuck an end of the yardstick into the heater/air conditioner. It was now a yardstick with several inches ground off.

Million dollar question Walsh: if the heater broke how were you going to explain it?

Walsh laughed nervously, his cheeks reddening a bit. I have no idea.***

The class erupted into laughter again. Eris began to cough, partly because of the sawdust from the stick and from laughing so hard. Kurama was also having a time trying to get his breathing back to normal. That is until he picked up familiar spirit energy.

Wiping her eyes on her sleeve, Eris noticed Kurama's sudden serious look. Eh, what's wrong?

he looked out the window, as if expecting someone to be in the tree closest to them, and then to the door. Eris followed his gaze and swore she saw someone run past.

Her eyes narrowed. Wait a minute

Something clicked and she met Kurama's own shocked eyes.

I'd recognize that black blur anywhere. What the hell is Hiei doing here?! she hissed to him.

I have no idea he said in a disbeleiveing voice. They all knew I'd be gone for at least two weeks.

We'd better find out before anyone see's him then. No one around here is accustomed to seeing a 4 foot 10 pissed off looking guy with red eyes and a sword under his belt. She murmured and shot her hand into the air.

Walsh! I just remembered I've got an appointment with the counsler in like 2 minutes. Can I leave now?

Yeah sure! Do you think you'll be back by the end of class or no?

she looked to Kurama who shook his head a little. No I don't think so.

Okay, no problem. Hang on a sec and I'll write the assignment down for ya. Wlash grabbed a piece of paper of a students desk and began scribbling something down.

Eris said, trying to act like everything was normal, and took the paper from her teacher, briefly looking over it.

Question set 9? Ah man

Thanks Walsh! she gave a short wave and was out the door, Kurama close behind. The hadn't gone ten steps when a familiar greeted them with a glare.

We have a mission, fox.

Kurama smiled. Hello, Hiei.

***********************

A/N: I'm in an evil pissy bitch mode right now, so no complaining about the late chapter. ::evil eye:: School is EVIL. Stupid teachers all simultaneously decided it would be fun to bombard us with 20 projects, papers, and tests for the rest of the year. Add a mountain of stress from track practice (we sprinted a total of 2000 meters today!! AHH!!) and everything just gets nuts. My room looks like a bomb hit it, my math grade went from a B+ to a D+, mommy is REALLY getting on my nerves, and I'm about to steal Hiei's katana to slice off my brothers hands if he doesn't stop shining that flashlight in my face.
And I'm not very happy with how this chapter came out. ::sniffle:: I need a hug. T-T

But on the bright side, all of you who asked if any of the other boys would show up in this fic now have an answer. Plus this chapter was longer than the others. So, yay. And uh, if you see a lot of grammar mistakes and typos in this, my bad. I'm waaaay too lazy and stripped of time to go through and read this over. Plus I know you all want these chapters out as soon as possible. Maybe I'll do it another day, but at this point I really don't give a poo.

Footnotes. :p

Lyrics from first song are from The Awakening, second is He Never Failed Me Yet. both of which my choir sang last semester and they both rocked my socks so I thought I'd put em in.

*-Try saying that out loud. Took me two weeks to figure out how to do it.

**-That's actually the meaning I found for Eris' name.

***-TRUE STORY!! He really did stick a stick (lol) into the heater. It made a funny grinding noise and dust flew everywhere. He looked kind of shocked when he did it too. Extremely funny. And half the stuff that happens in her class happens in mine. Chops is a real guy who does drink mountains of mt. Dew and doesn't believe we landed on the moon. There is also a pair of tweezers stuck in the biology room ceiling courtesy of Chops.

Review replies yayyy:

Reo*nari- this will be maybe around16 chapters? Not really sure yet. As for killing someone off, me?? Of course not. ::shifty eyes:: lol ^_^

ReiRei-chan- more Ducky!! YAYY! Anyway, yes writer's block sucks major booty. Luckily I'm not having that problem. Yet. ::knocks on wood:: Oh dude, I can get away with anything during English class. I doodle, write, and read and he doesn't even do anything. I bet I could pull a Frisbee tourney off too! Hmm..must try..hehe

Wood Nymph- Thank you!! ^_^

Everqueen- glad you find it amusing! I'm also happy that it was able to keep you up late. Hehe yay corruption!

Koroga- O.o Ok maybe suggesting Washu wasn't such a bright idea ::scratches neck:: Did Sesshoumaru really say that? O.O Wow ::stars in eyes::
Hiei- Now what was that? Couldn't quite hear you, you gotta speak louder. ::evil smile:: and I'm not going to leave you alone until you say it!! ::poke poke::
Gren- ::is deliriously happy:: Eh hehehe Thank you so much! I really don't know what to say. Congratulations, you've rendered me speechless!
Vash- So glad to know you've been reading Vash-kun! I believe you'll be very proud of certain events coming up. ^_^ Ack! Must leave before I say more than I should!! ::clamps hand over mouth::

Ookami Aya- Hi name changer!! lol Sequel is meant as a continuance of this story after it is finished. Even though it wont exactly be finished when it ends. ::scratches head:: umm..yeahI swear it'll make sense later!

Ever Kitsune- Nope, I'm stuck in a corner in southeast MN. Kinda close though. Duluth eh? Nope I don't think so, but I've heard of it. Cafeteria food is NASTY! But the lasagna was pretty good todayO.o Soccer rocks!! You should deffinatly try out! Legato is a blue haired psychopath from the anime Trigun and is also very yummy. ^_^ My picture of the white fox didn't come out! Im P.O.ed!! very much!! Grr!! Why did they have to be nocturnal???

TheFireYoukaiPage- didja get your chappie back yet?? lol I'll pimp your fic in the next installment since I didn't get a chance to talk to you today. :/ ttyl!

Minx Startail- Good to hear!!


Ack. I think I'll crawl into a hole now. My poor fingers::whimpers:: So soredamn coaches are trying to kill us all!!!