Disclaimer: See previous chapters.
Chap. 2
Morning...
The rays of the dawn slowly made its way over the horizon, bringing forth the new day ahead. As it came, the light passed over a certain house and engulfed it with a comfortable light.
"Morning Rei. Sleep well?"
The blue-haired zoanthrope awoke and arose from her bed on the floor. She looked over to see Shin standing in the kitchen area, making some breakfast for the two of them.
She gave a quiet yawn, "Yes."
Shin called out, "And your homework?"
"Finished." She replied. Then, "But what about you?"
"I had to cram in a few hours, but I finished it."
"You were?" That seemed strange since Shin had returned home late yesterday. "How did you get sleep and wake up so early?" she inquired.
Shin replied nervously, "Well...I kinda napped."
Rei nearly jumped from the bed, "A nap? Shin, you have to get more rest than that."
Shin didn't answer her. This wasn't the first time she had said that. His honey-yellow eyes focused on her slightly, unknowingly giving him a fierce glare
"You should get ready."
Rei shook her head as she entered the bathroom. She was worried about Shin's growing condition. He barely has time for rest given his job and school. Not to mention maintaining the house every month. He wanted to seem strong, but she knew that deep down, he was beginning to reach the brink. Still, there wasn't much she could do about it. These thoughts continued as she entered the shower. And truthfully, he was strong. Hopefully he will be able to hold out. 'I just hope he doesn't lose it. I'm not sure what I would do without him around.'
After Rei had washed up and gotten dressed, Shin had finished making breakfast. It was a small meal, but Rei understood. They had to watch their budget and thus their food as well. As they ate, she gazed at the boy across from her. She saw the slight mark of fatigue on his face and only wondered if he would be able to make it though class without passing out this time.
Meanwhile, Shin's mind was on his own task of getting through the day. Because he missed some sleep, he would have trouble paying attention in class. Even his zoanthrope abilities had a limit and he would have to really concentrate now. He would also have to find some rest period. Lunchtime would seem most appropriate. He would miss being with his friends, but they would have to wait.
But apparently, they didn't think so...
Knock, knock, knock.
Shin blink at the sound of the door being knocked on and rose to answer it. Standing outside were the faces of Uriko and Kenji.
"Uriko? Kenji, what are you guys doing here?"
Uriko gave a toothy grin, "Well, me and Kenji thought it would be a good idea to walk with you guys to school."
Kenji turned his head to the side, "Actually, it was her idea. I was just dragged along."
Uriko gave him a light elbow jab and looked back at Shin, "So anyway, you guys ready?"
"Uhhh, sure."
********
School, Lunchroom...
The classes went on and off as normal. As Rei met up with Kenji and Uriko, she began to worry about Shin. He was in another class so she wasn't able to watch him. But she still worried nevertheless. So much so that her two compatriots noticed.
"Something wrong, Rei?"
"I'm...it's nothing. Nothing at all."
Uriko decided the stay silent (for once) however Kenji wasn't quite done yet.
"Hm. Where's Shin?"
Rei looked up, "I...don't know. Last I remember, he was on his way to Math class. I haven't seen him afterward."
Kenji nodded slightly and stood up from his seat, "Hm. I'm going to see if I can find him."
Without another word, Kenji walked out of the cafeteria and into the hallway. Now alone, Uriko leaned over the table at Rei.
"All right, spill it. What's the problem?"
Rei flushed slightly, "Uh, well....uh..."
"Are these seats taken?"
The new voice came from a young man who had approached them. He had sleek black hair and piercing eyes. His ears bore several earrings and his face bore an arrogant grin.
Uriko frowned, "As a matter of fact, they are Reiji."
Reiji held up his hands, "No need to be so vicious. I come in peace. Actually, I just came to meet your friend here." He turned to look at Rei, "And who might you be?"
"I am Rei."
"Rei, huh. I like it." His grin grew and he leaned forward, "Goes right along with Reiji, don't you think?"
Uriko sucked her teeth loudly, "So does an old boot. Now get lost."
Reiji simply shrugged and began to walk away, but not before winking at Rei. Uriko stuck her tongue out in reply and then turned back to Rei.
"He's such a jerk. And what's the deal with all of those earrings?"
Rei merely shrugged, "He seemed nice."
"Well, you don't know him that well." Uriko sulked. "He's nothing more than a world class jerk. He thinks he's better than everyone."
"Well that does sound...disagreeable."
Uriko switched subjects, "Now, what were we talking about? Oh, yeah..."
**********
Meanwhile, Kenji made his way upstairs toward Shin's classroom. His movements were silent as he looked into the room, only to find no one there. As he started to turn to go back to the lunchroom, he then stopped. 'What was...no. It must be nothing.' But he heard it again. A...slight fluttering sound. It sounded like a bird. A somewhat large bird. But it was too low to hear normally. Unless you're a zoanthrope. He began to track the sounds until he reached a storage closet. The sounds were more present there and as he looked up, he saw a hatch on the ceiling. Climbing up the nearby ladder, he slowly opened the hatch. He kept his guard up as he peered in. Within was an old empty room-space. It was dusty and all sorts of leftover object remained. As Kenji's eyes roved around, he finally saw the source of the sounds.
"Shin?"
Near a window, seated on a desk, was Shin. His eyes were closed, indicated that he was obviously asleep. But that's not what surprised Kenji. What surprised him was that Shin was sleeping...in his beast form.
-------------
AN: For those who have forgotten, Shin's beast form is a harpy eagle. Thus the flapping sounds.