This is going to be a test story, I adore the Kane Chronicles quite a bit. It is fun, powerful, and interesting. I like it as much as Percy Jackson really. It's magic system is beautiful and great and needs attention.

I have some things planned but less focus than I would like. If you have any suggestions please share them.


"Late again." Erik sighed at Sadie's words as he approached, most would not hear the heartbreak in her words but he could. He had known her for two years, she was his best student and he adored her for it.

She was holding her cat, Muffin, who'd been a "going away" gift from her Dad six years before. Muffin never seemed to get older or bigger. She had fuzzy yellow-and-black fur like a miniature leopard, alert yellow eyes, and pointy ears that were too tall for her head. A silver Egyptian pendant dangled from her collar.

There was a boy next to her, he was pretty cute. Dark skin, intense brown eyes and a sort of professor air about him. The opposite of the far lighter skinned Sadie who had straight light brown hair streaked with false red and a leather jacket.

"Our plane was late," The boy told her told her.

She popped a bubble, rubbed Muffin's head, and tossed the cat inside. "Gran, going out!"

From somewhere in the house, Grandma Faust said something I couldn't make out, probably "Don't let them in!"

Sadie closed the door and regarded me as if I were a dead mouse her cat had just dragged in. "So, here you are again."

"Yep."

"Come on, then." She sighed. "Let's get on with it."

"Hey Sad!" Erik said and the girl's eyes widened. Turning, she threw herself at Erik with her whole body. He laughed and caught her, kissing her little head. "I missed you too, but it's only been a day, kiddo."

She pulled away. "I still missed you, you tool. Oh and this is my Older brother, Carter." She turned away, and pointed to where there was a man in a trenchcoat talking to another dark skinned man, "Who's that?" she asked.

They oozed agitation like they were having an argument, and he felt protective over the kiddos. Angry adults could lash out, race didn't matter in that context. He stepped passively in front of both of them, even if he was only slightly older than both kids.

"Dunno," Carter said. "He was there when we pulled up."

"He looks familiar." Sadie frowned like she was trying to remember. "Come on."

"Dad wants us to wait in the cab," Carter tried but Sadie was already moving,

Instead of going straight across the street, she dashed up the sidewalk for half a block, ducking behind cars, then crossed to the opposite side and crouched under a low stone wall. She started sneaking toward the two men. Erik felt oddly reassured, Sadie had mostly good judgment so clearly she knew at least one of the men.

"Six years in England," Carter muttered, "and she thinks she's James Bond."

Sadie swatted him. without looking back and kept creeping forward.

A couple more steps and they were right behind the big dead tree.

"—have to, Amos. You know it's the right thing."

"No," said the other man, who must've been Amos. His voice was deep and even—very insistent. His accent was American. "If I don't stop you, Julius, they will. The Per Ankh is shadowing you."

Sadie turned to Carter and mouthed the words "Per what?"

Carter shook his head, just as mystified. "Let's get out of here," Carter whispered.

"House of Life." Erik whispered back, making both look at him in shock.

"They don't know my plan," One man was saying. "By the time they figure it out—"

"And the children?" Amos asked. The hairs stood up on the back of my neck. "What about them?"

"I've made arrangements to protect them," The other man said. "Besides, if I don't do this, we're all in danger. Now, back off."

"I can't, Julius."

"Then it's a duel you want?" The man's tone turned deadly serious. "You never could beat me, Amos."

The two men edged towards a fight, their voices and stances filled with rage and aggression that led Erik to want to pull the kids away to safety.

Before He could react, Sadie popped up and shouted, "Dad!"

He looked surprised when she tackle-hugged him, but not nearly as surprised as the other guy, Amos. He backed up so quickly, he tripped over his own trench coat.

He'd taken off his glasses.

"I—I must be going," he said. He straightened his fedora and lumbered down the road.

Their dad watched him go. He kept one arm protectively around Sadie and one hand inside the workbag slung over his shoulder. Finally, when Amos disappeared around the corner, their relaxed. He took his hand out of the bag and smiled at Sadie. "Hello, sweetheart."

Sadie pushed away from him and crossed her arms. "Oh, now it's sweetheart, is it? You're late. Visitation Day's nearly over! And what was that about? Who's Amos, and what's the Per Ankh? Erik said is meant the House of Life."

Dad stiffened, turning to Erik. "How'd you know that, boy?"

Erik's heart pounded, not out of fear but hero worship. "Your Dr. Julius Kane, I've studied all your work, It's why I got into Comparative Mythology!"

The man frowned. "What?"

"Oh, sorry, sir. I'm Erik Schmidt, I am a College student and Sadie's tutor. I came to make up for yesterday, I forgot today was her visitation day. Sorry, for that. As for how is know about the House of Life, well, I am a college student in Comparative Mythologies. I prefer Greek, Roman and Egyptian Mythology and cultures. You reference the Hosue of Life in a great deal of your work."

The man frowned. "Your what, fourteen?"

"Fifteen, I graduated early. I've been a college student for three years."

The man sighed. " It is wonderful to meet you, Erik... but it is time we go."

Turning, he hugged Sadie close. "Be good, kiddo." He kissed her temple, as he always did. Sadie beamed at him. Turning, he smiled at Carter, shaking the boy's hand. "It is very nice to meet you Carter. If you need anyone to talk to, please do. Sadie will give you my number."

Standing tall, he hurried away, leaving the broken family to their day, heart breaking at the pain he felt radiating from them all. Especially Julius who looked like he would never see his children again...

'What is this feeling in my chest, why do I feel so... wrong...'

And he did, looking as the Cab sped off, wondering just what the hell he could even do if his feeling was right.


Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.

This was a joy to write.

Love, your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.