Chapter two is here... :} hehe I hope ya'll enjoy this one I made it for you! Yes just for you person reading this. :D Anywho, in this chapter their schooling and grades are different than ours, like, an A student doesn't mean they get strait A's, it's a level, the levels are based on how far along in studies a person is, and how close they are to becoming a Grand Master, the levels go from A to Z. It'll make more sense as you read... Anyway, enjoy and Happy Reading! -My signature. Haha Oh! BTW I just saw a trailer for Catching Fire! Who else can't wait? I loved the books and the first movie was amaztacular! Omgness!

Shanai;

I walk away angrily and the rest of my team follows. Hatori can get on my nerves in a way no one else can. He's a special kind of annoying, it frustrates me so much, he's such a friggin' jerk. Dammit. I take a deep breath and calm down as we walk on out. But as I think about it... It was Hatori who volunteered first! But why? None of his actions the past couple days have made any sense whatsoever. I wonder why the sudden change but don't dare ask.

First thing is to get off the school property without being noticed by the night watchers. It'll be tricky but doable. "Alright guys, split up, Tawne you take Selene, Capriss, Jor, and Acacia, Ratio you take Herold, Tanner, and Vent, I'll take the rest. Tawne will take her team around into the forest and meet at the River Crossing, Ratio will take his team around the backside and meet at the River Crossing, got it?" I tell them quickly. They all give assuring answers and we move out quickly and quietly. I've given Tawne a lot of people but she has the easiest route so that's good. Ratio's got a somewhat easy way so he's got a good number of people. But I'd forgotten about Hatori already and now I'm stuck with him. Sigh. I sneak around front leading everyone silently across the Ball Field. We're making good time until a night guard yells at us. Venture, Megga and Hatori dive for the bushes and I stay to talk my way out of this while Keenama and Folder hide behind some trees.

"What's going on miss? Why aren't you in your dorm?" The man asks sternly. "My roommate was being a pain so I came out here to get some fresh air and write my parents a letter." I say taking on the 'bratty-teenage-girl' voice. I have to say he's taking it pretty good.
"Well, you do need to get back soon, it's past curfew and with the power out-" He tries to explain but I cut him off keeping up my act. "I know, I know, but hey, I need a few more minutes K?" I ask batting my eyes and twirling my hair. "Okay-" Suddenly Hatori jumps from the bushes and knocks the guy unconscious. "Hey! What the hell?!" I yell at him in anger. He's probably just jeopardized our entire mission. "Sorry, looked like you could use some help." He answers with a shrug. "God, you are so annoying. Let's go." I say angrily and storm off.

Hatori;

As Shanai storms away I feel mad at myself for being an idiot. "Whoa, man. You two just break up or somethin'?" The guy next to me says. I think his name is Venture, whatever it is I hate him. Of course I hate pretty much everyone. Except Shanai at this point. "No, we were never together!" I yell in his face and walk on after Shanai. "Jeez, sorry man. Too bad for you eh?" He follows me and I get even more pissed. Why the hell is he coming along? It's not like we need him. "Buzz off." I say angrily and march ahead. We soon catch up to Shanai and follow her to the River Crossing where we meet up with the others. I didn't even notice Megga was with us this whole time. She scampers over to Ratio and talks to him. "Ok, let's head for the hills team." Shanai says with a beautiful voice. She's so perfect in my mind, I wish she could realize I care for her. But that'll never happen it seems. I only just came to realize that I cared for her myself a few weeks ago at the Beginning of the Year Play. The drama class did it, it was a musical of The Wizard of Oz, Shanai was Dorthy, anyway she had to sing and the moment I heard that perfect bird-like voice I fell in love immediately. I don't know why, it seems stupid now that I think about it but, she was just so beautiful in that moment and moments afterwards. It was like I couldn't think about anything else; just her. I finally admitted it to myself when I saw her sitting alone at one of the many school banquets. I wanted to go talk to her but I was too nervous.

Back to reality; we're wandering through the forest god knows where we are, I don't know if Shanai knows where she's going but I'll have to trust her.

Megga;

I walk slowly behind Ratio as we trudge along. His red hair is kind of messy but I like it. He's so kind and such a gentlemen, but that's how all the guys seemed before... I can't even accept myself what happened; I just want to forget but I know I can't. So, I distance myself from Ratio and walk by myself. It's a hard decision but I don't want to go through again what I already have. So I can't be friends with Ratio, I just can't.

Tawne;

I walk at the very back of the group so I can keep track of everyone and make sure no one gets left behind. I notice Megga walking close behind Ratio and wonder if she may have a thing for him. As far as I know Megga's never had a boyfriend, but she might've and I just don't know. I also see Hatori watching Shanai pretty close. The two of them have been enemies since day one. I don't know why though, maybe it's because Hatori is so mean all the time, he's a bully to most of the kids at school and Shanai is always saying what a jerk he is. I don't know, they just need to put their differences aside for this mission and work together. I glance back to Megga who suddenly steps back from Race and walks by herself. I can't help my curiousness so I quicken my pace and catch up to her. "Megga, what's up?" I ask casually. "Oh, um, nothing." She says plain and simple. "But you were following Ratio rather close then suddenly just stopped. Is something wrong?" I ask trying to be patient for the answer. "I-I just can't be friends with Ratio. I'm sorry." She sidesteps quickly and avoids my gaze as I look around. I wonder what's up with that!

Shanai;

We trek far away from AOM (Academy of Magic) and it keeps getting later and later. Most everyone's grown tired and restless and I have to admit, I'm getting a bit sleepy myself. "Shanai," A hand touches my shoulder and I stop to face them. It's Hatori. "What?" I demand. "I'm just a little tired, can we maybe rest?" He asks with a sleepy voice. He was probably just too tired to be grumpy and mean. I sigh in annoyance but I'd have to agree looking at the faces of the others. "Alright, we'll make camp here." I say and everyone slumps down almost instantly. They all just toss their backpacks on the ground for a pillow and lay down to sleep. I do the same and sleep follows soon afterwards.

Ratio;

Morning finally arrives and I hop up in excitement for the awesome journey that awaits. "Hey Megga," I say as I see her at the camp fire making breakfast. She glances up, gets a look in her eye I've never seen before, and then turns away without responding. "You ok?" I ask stepping closer. "Fine, excuse me." She mumbles and walks away. "What did I say?" I call out to her and walk beside her. "No-I can't-" She stumbles through. I touch her gently on the shoulder and she pulls back. "Whatever I did I'm sorry, can I please make it up to you?" I say pleadingly. I really really like this girl. And the last thing I wanna do is hurt her. She just looks at me for awhile like she's about to cry. "It's not you, it's me. Just leave it at that." She walks away and wipes her eyes.

"The best thing to do is let her go." I turn around sharp and see Hatori sitting beside me. He saw it all. "Yeah and what do you know?" I say with a scoff and walk back to my backpack and lay on it. He may be right but it's none of his business so he should've stayed out of it. I sigh, what could possibly be on her mind? I wish I knew. Girls are so complicated, I just don't get them.

Shanai;

I wake up to the smell of something cooking on the fire. As I sit up and see Megga cooking something, then Ratio goes over and talks to her. I stretch and then look around. Everyone's here looks like, so I pick up my backpack and wander over to Megga to see what's to eat. "Hey, you ok?" I ask as I see a tear running down her pale cheek. "Fine. What is it you came for?" She asks wiping her face. "Breakfast, you wanna tell me what's bothering you?" I press further. I've never seen Megga cry before, I'm not quite sure what I should do. "Ye- no," She says firmly. "I'm ok." She says looking me in the eye. "I'll take you somewhere no one will hear us," I tell her just in case that's the problem. "Alright." She whispers and we stand. I lead her away and we sit under a nearby tree to talk.

"So?" I say impatiently. "What's going on?" I ask as she's quiet. "Um, I-" She breaks down and starts crying. I don' know why, I want to help her but I have no idea what's wrong. I pull her close and stroke her hair as she cries. "I really like Ratio, but I'm afraid it's gonna happen again," She sniffles out. "Oh, Megga," I bite my lip as I remember - poor girl, and poor Ratio, he probably wouldn't do the same thing to her that Jasper did, but Megga won't trust him I know for a fact she wouldn't. "Megga, I need you to listen carefully-" I say firmly. "Yeah?" She wipes her tears once more. "I know what Jasper did to you was horrid, but Ratio would never do that I promise." hopefully she'll believe me and I can save Ratio a broken heart. I did notice he seemed to care about her a lot. "I just don't wanna be hurt." She says and wipes her tears again. "OK." I say letting out a sigh. "It's alright, you're fine." I tell her soothingly. I notice some of my crew are getting anxious so Megga and I head back.

Capriss;

After breakfast we all get our things and leave on our 'adventure'. I'm not even sure I wanna be here but Venture decided to come so I volunteered too. Venture had said Shanai needed people on her team who were beneficial to the mission. Venture is a Tech Archer and he's also my brother. A Tech Archer is someone who is especially skilled in technical matter, obviously. Venture would definitely be essential to the mission. I, too, am a Tech Archer. But Venture is an A student which means he's one step short of becoming a Grand Master, I am only an L student, almost half what he is. Jor, is a Weather Warden, they specialize in basic earth elements, they can control water, and lift the ground and mold it, shape it, and turn it into what ever they will it to be. Selene is a Psychic Master, that's the most powerful profession there is, and no one could be more perfect for it than her. Psychic Master's can create their own magic, well, everyone creates their own magic but this is different. We create our magic based on what we've learned in our classes (whichever profession we should choose to learn in school) but Psychic Master's can create their own magic even without attending the classes needed for them. One doesn't simply choose to be a Psychic Master, but if they're born with the birthmark of the Psychic Master then they train for it and that becomes their whole life. And like I said, Selene is perfect for that, she's got the perfect attitude and controlling air about her. I guess I don't like her very much then, I sigh as we walk on. I don't know very many of the people on this team, I hope to get to know them better, and soon.

Shanai;

As we move along I realize Ratio seems really sad, so I go and walk beside him for awhile. "Hey," I say wanting to start a conversation. "Hi." He says. He doesn't sound like his normal self, instead he sounds sad and really disappointed. "Listen-" I say looking to the ground. "Megga really likes you, but you have to know that she was hurt once by someone she really liked. She's just afraid of that happening again, I know you wouldn't do that to her but she doesn't know that, the best thing you can do is just let her go." He sighs but doesn't face me. I hope I haven't overstepped my bounds on this one, but I just thought telling him would be better than him waiting idly by while she ignored him.

Ratio;

I listen to every word Shanai has to say. I wish I could just help Megga, I wish she knew I wouldn't hurt her. "-the best thing you can do is just let her go." I sigh as I try to remember where I've heard that last sentence before. Oh yeah, Hatori, I guess those two are more alike than they know. "Ok, I will. But please try to get her to understand that I really like her, and I wanna be her friend I promise I won't hurt her." I say hopefully. "Ok, I'll try and talk to her but no guarantees that she'll listen," Shanai says looking at me skeptically. "Thanks." I say smiling. She smiles too and we move on toward Paleton.

Hours later the group reached a village called Kleinstadt, which means small town. They'd traveled twelve miles since the early morning and it was reaching lunch time, they all travel fast and don't seem to need as many pit stops as you'd imagine, and they all seem to get along well even if they don't know each other as well as others. The crew decided to make a stop in Kleinstadt and get some food...

Capriss;

I got excited as we neared Kleinstadt, my uncle had taken my brother and I here when I was seven and we had a blast, it's a beautiful little town full of extremely friendly people and lots of strange animals. Earlier as we walked I talked to Herald and at least got to know one of my teammates a little better. He said I could call him Hamster so I laughed but he said he was serious. I find it amusing but that's ok if he wants that for his nickname. It's just something I wouldn't choose.

We hike to the top of a little hill and that's when I see it; Kleinstadt rests jus below, it's beauty visible even from here. "Venture! We're here!" I shout excitedly to my brother who stands beside me. "Yeah I know, I can't wait to get down there." He says sounding even more excited than me. He adjusts his glasses and we all head down. There's enough light from the sun that even without the power on we can all see pretty well. Really well actually, it's afternoon so the suns almost directly overhead providing much light, and besides that people have set up candles indoors where the light doesn't reach. I smile to myself at all the memories this place holds for me, uncle was such a kind man, he did things for us that were just so nice and considerate, I miss him.

"This place looks good." I hear Shanai suggest. "Shanai, um, my brother and I have been here before and we know of a great eating place, do you mind?" I ask trying to contain my joy. "Sure, lead the way." She says gesturing to me. I grin broadly and Venture and I lead the group to Marcel's, a quaint little restaurant on the side of town facing the Shark Tooth Mountain Range. "Here guys, order what you want it's on me," I offer cheerfully. "No, I couldn't let you do that," One of the girls says to me. "It's ok, I don't mind." I tell her smiling. "Wouldn't it be cheaper if we all bought our own meals? Would that save money?" She asks brushing aside her light brown hair. "Oh I don't know," I say with a shrug. "I'll pay for it anyway, you can repay me with another meal some other time," I tell her feeling impatient to get inside and eat their amazing foods. "Ok," The girl says with a laugh. We go inside and the smell immediately attracts my attention. It's not the same as it was.

The smell is different, it doesn't smell good anymore it smells like - I take another sniff - it smells like bread, dry bread. "Venture-" I whisper worriedly as we take seats at a nearby table. The place is empty too. Not a soul in sight. "I know, I know, the smell." He returns crinkling his nose. "This is all different." I note aloud. "It's nothing like when my brother and I visited eight years ago," I tell them in what starts as an apology. "Oh I'm sure, I'm sure..." Selene announces with an angry huff. I sigh quietly and slump down on the chair. I wonder how much has changed around here... Venture rubs my back comfortingly as Selene stares out the window with a scowl on her face. "It's ok Capriss," The nice girl from before speaks up. "Things change, you couldn't have known." She says smiling encouragingly. "What was your name again?" I ask smiling as well. "Tawne." She says glancing at Venture. Then the waitress comes over and quietly asks for our orders. This isn't the same kind of people my brother and I met so long ago. They were so friendly, they always smiled and were so hospitable, I wonder if the nationwide power outage is the cause of their change in attitude and behavior. We all give her our orders and she speedily walks away. "Out of all the places we passed on the way here only two restaurant's were open for business. I wonder why?" A blonde girl asks. I think I heard someone call her Maggie. "Well, the power out may be the cause. They might've had a lot of things that used electricity and when the power went out they couldn't open." A red head boy answers with a shrug. "Oh." Maggie answers. I wonder if I'm the only one who caught the little crack in her voice.

"Here you go. I'll be back to check on you later." The waitress says returning with our food. "Wait!" I call to her and she turns around. She hasn't smiled once, she just looks on with dead eyes and a weary face. "What happened?" I ask. "You seem so sad, and gloomy, what's happened to this town? My brother and I visited when we were little, it was always so fun and lively here, what happened?" I ask confused. "Things change." She mumbles before flipping around and walking away. I feel ashamed for bringing everyone down here expecting it to be this amazing meal they'd never forget. Sure they'll never forget it but it'll be stuck in their minds as the place Capriss took them to torture with disgusting food and upset scowling waitresses.

I wish I could help these people and figure out what changed to make them so sad. But right now, I've got another important mission; bring back the power.

A half hour was spent at the little country diner for lunch before we took off in the direction the map says is Paleton. No one's said much of anything so I assume they're thinking about how awful the food was. It really was awful, I'll admit that but who can blame them? Something has changed drastically and I wish I knew what. I vow, that when we return from this mission I will discover what happened to these people and I will help them. Taking a deep breath I walk on with the others to the outskirts of the village. Every person we pass has a sad, sorry look in their eyes. Most of them cower and run to their homes, they seem really afraid of us. My brother and I walk at the back of the pack and Selene is seemingly keeping an eye on us. Although I don't know why. I soon forget about it as we take the Wilderness Road which will lead us strait to Kale, a large city only twenty three miles from Paleton. That's our next stop, then on to Paleton.

Vent;

My brother and I walk to the side of the group. Folder and I love to play pranks and we're always getting into trouble, but it's always worth it. I'm a Weather Wizard and Folder's a Fire Lord. He can make and control fire it's really cool, we sure do have some good times. I tap Folder on the shoulder and grin mischievously. He gets my idea and steps back. I bring up some water from the stream beside the path and freeze it into a snowball. I stretch my arm back as Folder laughs and prepare to sling it at Ratio. We introduced ourselves hours ago when we were at Marcel's and became instant friends. He's a cool guy and Folder and I took to him like we're long time friends. I launch the snowball at him and BAM! Right on the back of the head. Folder and I laugh heartily and he turns around with a glare. I wonder if I may of gone too far but Ratio grins and tosses a ball of mashed plants at me. He must be a Weather Wizard too! The plant thing hits my face and leaves behind green juice. "OH HO HO, IT'S ON!" I call out preparing for an epic magic battle. I launch up a dirt rock and Folder melts it into mud then I sling it at Race. Some slaps his face and some hits Jor, the guy walking behind him. Jor throws some cold water at me and I launch a leaf ball back in his direction. Pretty soon an all out magic war ensues. Everyone throwing their magic skills at everyone else. Folder and I stand off to the side and laugh our guts out. "This is awesome!" I say enthusiastically. Folder nods in agreement as laughter consumes us both. Ratio suddenly throws a giant puff of air at us knocking us off our feet. I jump up and quickly sling my arms strait out to my sides and create air wings, allowing me to fly above everyone. I launch a couple of ice cubes down and they crash my unsuspecting victims. I'm glad to see Shanai is having a good time too, otherwise I'd be in trouble with the leader.

The magic war continues for what seems like hours. I've never had so much fun in my life. This is off the hook! I throw one last mud punch when Shanai finally calls it quits. "Ok guys," She says laughing. "We've gotta keep moving, -" She laughs again seeing the many mud covered faces thanks to me. I grin sheepishly and she keeps talking. "We can't waste time like this, it was fun but we're losing daylight." She tells us. I nod in shy agreement, and look down in sarcastic shame. She laughs and we start walking again.

Shanai;

I can't help but laugh as Vent slings mud punches at random. This is a lot of fun, I haven't had so much fun since I had to live with Monty for a whole summer. Monty, hey! I could stop by her place and recruit her for this mission! Oh that'd be great to see her again! I glance at the sky and see that the sun is lowering. We've got to get going or we won't make it to Kale before dark. "Ok guys," I say laughing. "We've gotta keep moving, -" I laugh once more as I see all the mud covered faces Vent caused. He grins sheepishly as I look to him. "We can't waste time like this, it was fun but we're losing daylight." I tell them. Vent smirks and then nods in agreement before looking to the ground in shame. I laugh again and we start walking down the path.

A few hours pass and it's growing dark. Just as I thought we aren't gonna make it to Kale before it gets late. Oh well, I suppose earlier was a good team building experience not to mention alotta fun. We slowly hike up a slight hill in the walk way and then stop as I look around for a good camping spot. "Lets wander off the path a bit." I suggest as the road begins to darken. Everyone follows me like little lost puppies, I don't mind it but they could afford to be a little more adventurous and make their own paths. I find the perfect little clearing in the woods a short ways off the path and we all prepare the camp.

"Miss Shanai?" A small shy voice speaks from behind. I turn to face Keenama, she smiles shyly before stuttering through her request. "Um, I'm a Natural, if you need any supplies at all." She whispers. "A natural at what? - oh, that kind." I stop myself as I remember. She means she chose the profession of becoming a Natural, someone who can create from raw material anything she'd like.

For example, from a simple stick she could create a wooden sword using her magic, or from stone she can create a stone sword without having to
go through all those hours of shaping, carving, and melting. This can be very useful. "Thank you, I'll let you know if I need anything." I say, smiling. "Actually," I say, before turning away. "We could use some tents, if you don't mind," I say, hopefully.

She smiles brightly and nods before scampering off to find the materials needed. In the meantime, I walk around camp to see that everyone's here and no one got left on the trail, or wandered off.

"Uh, Miss Shanai?" I hear a voice call. I stop and turn down to see Vent. He'd just finished taking off his boots and stood up beside me. "Uh, I just wanted to say thanks," I look at him puzzled. "For not getting mad at us for starting that magic fight," He quickly explains. I grin and nod. "No problem, it was fun, and a great way to build our team, you know, learn to work together." I tell him. He grins and laughs. "Well, this certainly has been fun, I hope this mission proves worth it." His statement gets me thinking; will this be worth it? I mean, what will we accomplish? Will we find what I'm expecting or will this all be for nothing? Could this really just be a simple power outage and it'll come on eventually?

No. I refuse to believe that. The whole country, all of Callem gets a power outage at the same time? Nuh uh, this cannot be a coincidence. "Yeah, I'm sure it will." I tell Vent with a big smile. He grins and then sits back down beside his things. "Oh, and Vent?" I say before leaving. "Yeah?" He asks. "You don't have to call me Miss Shanai, just Shanai is fine." He grins and nods. I turn around to see Hatori watching my closely. But he quickly turns away and I continue on my rounds to check on everyone.

There's a ruckus over to one side of our little clearing, so I wander over to see what's going on. I push past the crowds to see everyone watching Keenama making the tents. I smile as she asks where everyone would like their tents.

With a big yawn I wander back to my things and put them inside the green leafy tent Keenama set up for me. Apparently she gathered leaves to turn into tents. The inside has a very leafy aroma. As I reach out to bring my shoes in the tent with me I see Hatori strait across the field from me, great. But what's this? He's letting a girl help him? He never lets anyone help him, so why now? I watch for a minute as she talks to him, he's shy but he does talk back. He's usually not shy, just mean. The little blonde girl will figure that out the hard way.

She keeps giggling, what the hell is wrong with Hatori? Can't he tell she likes him? Wait, why do I even care? I roll my eyes but can't just stop watching them. Pretty soon Keenama comes and hands him a tent and the girl he was talking to leaves.

Hatori;

I couldn't help but watch Shanai make her rounds. She was so nice with everyone, I felt like maybe I should watch how she treats others to maybe learn how to treat them myself. So when she looked at me I had to turn away. She couldn't know I was watching. She'd think I was a creep.

I'm starting to get frustrated with this sleeping bag as I can't get it to unzip. So I just slam it down and sigh in an attempt to calm my rising anger. I hear a girl laughing, it must be at me because she squats down beside me. "Here, let me help you with that," She says, in a calm, cheerful voice. Normally I wouldn't let anyone help me with something, especially not a girl. But there's something about this one that makes me just keep silent. She grabs the bag and does some folding and then gets the zipper free and zips it down all the way.

She hands it to me, brushing some of her blonde hair aside and smiling. I take the bag and clutch it as if it'll disappear if II let go. "Thank you." I grumble. I've gotta ace this 'nice' thing to impress Shanai. The girl giggles but doesn't leave. Why won't she leave? She's done helping me, so why doesn't she go?

"I'm Acacia," She says. It took me a moment to realize she was wanting me to tell her my name too. Jeez, no wonder I have no friends. "Oh, uh, I'm Hatori," I stutter. She giggles again. Jeez, what's with all the giggling? You'd think she'd know how to be polite. You don't giggle when someone tells you their name. "That's a nice name, so why did you volunteer for this mission?" She asks. BECAUSE I NEED TO IMPRESS SHANAI BECAUSE I LOVE HER. Luckily I didn't say that out loud. I just shrugged instead. "I volunteered because I totally agree with Shanai, this power out is no coincidence, and after what she told us about all the other power outages! Wow, she's really smart," Acacia rattles on. "Yeah," I say, thinking about Shanai. She is definitely smart, and brave, and beautiful. And she sure knows how to make friends, the good kind. Suddenly I realize I just completely zoned out and didn't hear any of what Acacia just said. So I nod and take the tent Keenama is offering everyone.

"Well, I'll let you get to your tent making, see you later Hatori!" Acacia stands up and waves as she walks away. I smile to be nice but secretly hope I don't see her later. I glance over at Shanai's tent and see the flaps close in a hurry. Could she have just been watching me? Maybe my plan to impress her is working somehow. I crawl in my tent and set up my stuff then quickly fall asleep.

Shanai;

Hatori suddenly glances at me and I shove the flaps to my tent closed. Hatori can have friends, and girlfriends, why should it effect me? It doesn't, so I'll forget about it. But I don't forget about it. Instead I dwell on it until it consumes me. At last my eyes close and I drift off to sleep.