All of the student went back inside to change into uniform, Nanai was keeping to herself as usual and no one approached her, she didn't mind not having attention set on her, it was let stress added to keeping her cover as a Fate. While placing her track uniform into her locker, a shadow appeared next to her, at first she was gonna ignore whoever was standing there and hope they'd leave if she didn't respond, but then there was a tap on her shoulder.

(Voice)" Hello-o-o! I said HI!" A girl with a cheerful voice spoke.

(Nanai)"..."

(Cheerful Girl)" So um, i overheard you and the teacher talking, is it true you don't have a last name?" She asked curiously.

(Nanai)" My name is a title. Its tradition."

(Cheerful Girl)" Wow, thats really cool! I wish i had a title for a name!"

Nanai paused and turned to the girl, but like normal she kept her head down so her hair would keep her golden yellow eyes hidden.

(Nanai)" No you don't..."

(Cheerful Girl)" No i really do! My name is Vanessa Ava Leslie Allison Vice, if you put it together, i'm the 'Butterfly that is like a bird in the meadowlands, born of noble birth' pretty neat, huh?"

(Nanai)" Why do you have four first names?"

(Cheerful Girl)"Well, my mum is like, from american and stuff, and some people back where i'm from do that."

(Nanai)" So what do i call you?"

(Cheerful Girl)" You can just call me Vanessa, Nessa, or VV. *sticks her tongue out * VV sound cuter though!"

(Nanai)" Ok then VV, why do you wish you had a name like mine?"

(VV)" Because! Sometimes my name seems alil too long, when i introduce myself i gotta say a whole freakin speech, and since i have like, four first names in it, when somebody with one of my same names gets called i dunno who their talkin' 'bout. it'd be wicked cool just be called somethin that describes me, like your name."

(Nanai)"Oh i get it now, so thats why...funny, i never met anyone who thought my name was unique at all."

(VV)" Its so cool!"

(Nanai)" Hey, i was thinking, would you like to have sit together at lunch?"

(VV)" That's a great idea! why didn't i think of that?"

Nanai and Vanessa got out of the gym uniform and into their regular clothes, left the locker room and headed off to lunch. The cafeteria was packed with sitting and standing people end to end, only one table was empty close to the window on the far side of the room. Nanai sat down casually, Vanessa strolled over in a goofy fashion, once seated Nanai sat staring at Vanessa for a little bit, Vanessa did the same, they she sighed and layed out her hands on the table in front of Nanai.

(Vanessa)" You haven't had many friends have you? Its cool, let me teach you a neat trick i use to get others to open up faster. Now, place your hands in mine, and you don't have to say anything if you don't want to, i'll just ask you questions and we can go from there, if you have a question for me feel free to ask anytime."

(Nanai)"O-Ok..."

Nanai placed her hands on the table in front of her, then slowly placed them into Vanessa's, its a habit for Nanai to get very nervous easily when feeling pressured, but the more she looked this girl with the silly attitude in the eyes, she loosened up and calmed herself.

(Vanessa)"So, where ya from?"

(Nanai)"well, you could say i'm from here, my dad never wanted to tell me anything about where we came from before we lived here, i never thought about it much when i was about You?"

(Vanessa)"Am from Miami, Florida! and its like, stupid hot out there, and for some odd reason i can't tan, my friends from back home said its cause i have fair skin. i use to love the beachs there though, hangin' out at the beach it the best!"

(Nanai)" I see. how old are you?"

(Vanessa)"I'm 16. Today is October 25th so...September 28th next year.

(Nanai"Really? So am i. i'll be 17 March 5th next year. So you just recently turned 16?"

(Vanessa)"Ya! And people tell me that if you look me closely in my face, you can tell i have a childlike personality since my face is really kid lookin and stuff."

(Nanai)"Seriously? *looks at Vanessa's face closely* you don't look really kiddy to me, you seem like a regular person, well, other than when you act like a kid."

(Vanesa)Oh wow, thats a first."

(Nanai)"*drawing back a little* Sorry was that weird to say?"

Vanessa caught Nanai's hands.

(Vanessa)"No, it was just...different for once."

Nanai waited patiently for her to speak, she was a little quiet for quite a while, since it was Vanessa asking the questions before, she felt it was time to start asking questions if she was to really get to know her.

(Nanai)"Do you have any hobbies?"

(Vanessa)"*looks up at Nanai slowly* I like listenin' to music, watchin' movies, playin' video games, goin jogging' in the mornin', and pretty much just havin fun. Why was i gettin all dramatic for again?"

The sudden change of mood threw Nanai off for a second, but then she smiled, just a little, smiling wasn't something she ever felt like doing in front of anyone but Hebi, so to smile for a human when humans normally treated her terribly for being what she is, it made her somewhat comfotable with Vanessa.

(Vanessa)"What about you?"

(Nanai)"Huh? oh um, i don't really have any hobbies..."

(Vanessa)"Seriously?"

(Nanai)"Yup."

(Vanessa)"what do you usually do after school?"

Now an eruption of timidity broke out in her chest, since its forbidden to tell an outsider about her lineage, how could she explain her daily lifestyle, and all that time she spent training to be strong enough to defend herself left no time to see what it was that she liked or what she was into. Calming down and thinking up a good way to explain it would be the first thing to do, but what would Vanessa think if she only knew what Nanai really was?

(Nanai)"I...I work out and meditate alot...thats about all i do everyday..."

(Vanessa)"No Way! You need to chill out from time to time, i mean yeah, a strict exercise schedule is cool but when can you just kick back, relax, and have yourself some fun?"

(Nanai)"I guess i never thought about it before, i had to take my training seriously or else it's be too easy for people to walk all over me, like my brother..."

(Vanessa)"Wow! you have bro? how old is he?"

(Nanai)"Well let's see...he's 4 years older than me soo...about 20 now, i think."

(Vanessa)" It'd be wicked cool to meet your fam sometime, especially your bro, i wonder if he's cute."

(Nanai)"Well don't ask me, i never look at him like that, and he's a pretty mean guy, he's mean to me and our dad anyway."

(Vanessa)"Would you mind if i come chill with you guys sometime?"

(Nanai)"...I guess that'd be ok...(What the hell am i saying? of course that's not ok!) when do you wanna come by?"

(Vanessa)"How about tomorrow? tomorrow is saturday so we can chill out all weekend."

(Nanai)"(So soon, we just met and she already wants to come to my house, how do i handle this? what if she finds out?) O-Ok..."

(Vanessa)"Great, its settled then! i'll catch you on the stairs at the school entrance, we don't have any other classes together so i guess after this it's later. Look at the time...sure does fly when your talkin' to a friend! Okie! See you after schoool!"

(Nanai)" Sure...see ya. (She called me...a friend...)"

Nanai stayed at the table until lunch was over contemplating whether or not inviting an outsider to her home all of a sudden was a good idea. It somewhat worried her and she nearly wanted to forget about having Vanessa over entirely. before goin to class, Nanai went to the restroom and splashed water on her face, hoping it would relieve her of a little bit of anxiety.

(Nanai)"*Sighs deeply* Oh man, what now?"

Stares at herself in the mirror.

(Nanai)" *thinking to herself* Uh-oh, she didn't see my eyes did she? My bright golden eyes would definitely make her suspicious of me, is that why she wants to come to our house, to expose my true identity? Ugh i'm so nervous now..."

After giving herself a headache from worry, she felt it was time to just stop thinking about it and go to class, the day was halfway done so it wouldn't be long before she could have more time to figure it out. Each class flew by quickly to Nanai's liking, only the final class of the school day now remained, it was an english studies class, a subject Nanai found to pretty easy, creativity came natural to her, seeing how she is far more creative and witty than she gives herself credit for. Just before the teacher released everyone for the weekend, an assignment was issued which had to be completed within seven days, each student must write a 4 page essay on what they cherish in their lives. Nanai walked through the hall crowded with chattering and texting student heading to her locker, all the while focusing in her own thoughts and blocking out the sound around her.

Nanai opens her locker and places the unneeded ones in there, then she closed the locker and left the building.

(Nanai)"I guess i can just warn Hebi and Banjin ahead of time and hope things go smoothly. But with someone so hyperactive in the house i should really be hoping we don't cause any problems instead."

On the way home, a man outside a store was yelling that they were having half price sale on everything, curious as to what they were selling half off (seeing how she never really visited any stores in the city since she lived here and had never took the time to go shopping much, as job left to Hebi) Nanai we to check it out since she had a little time to spare. It turns out to be a sweets shop, anything you can think of, gummi candy, hard candy, chocolate, a wide variety of cookies, and other treats of many shapes and flavors. After browsing the many moth watering treats in the store she came across something that really caught her eye, a bag of small chocolate covered fish-shaped cookies, they came in even bigger bags and next to the shelf they were layed out on was a dispenser for free samples of the cookies. It only took one taste of these very enticing little fishes to make this kitty want more. Although this somewhat annoy Nanai as it revealed the cat-like side of her, this was an opportunity too good to miss out on.

(Nanai)"Umm, excuse me, i'd like to buy these *She laid out 5 of the big bags on the counter and waited to for someone to come forward*."

An old man came to the counter once she rang the bell.

(Shop owner)"Hi there, what can i do for you?"

(Nanai)"Yes i'd like to buy these."

(Shop owner)"Wow, you sure do like these, these are actually the least bought in the whole store."

(Nanai)"Oh really?"

(Shop owner)"Yup. Say, would you be interested in taking a big load of these off my hands? More bang for your buck, i'm willing to give you double the number of bags your about to pay for the same price."

(Nanai)"*Gasp* Really? That's quite generous of you. If thats the case, then sure its a deal."

(Shop owner)"Great! do you need any help carrying those bags?"

(Nanai)"Oh no thank you, my sensei taught me that if i'm to stay in shape i should use everything around me as training."

(Shop owner)"Sensei? what kind of teacher do you have?"

(Nanai)"He's been teaching me how to defend myself since i first started to study under him."

The old man placed her treats in bags as she got the money out of her purse.

(Shop owner)"Well you don't say. Thats nice that there are people like that these days. Alrighty then miss, you take care now!"

(Nanai)"*smiles and waves* Thanks, you too."

Nanai was headed home now, carrying three bags in each hand, it was tempting to take some of the cookies out and eat them on the way, but considering they were made of chocolate there wasn't any room to dilly-dally when they could possibly melt. after getting nearly halfway home she got the feeling that she had forgotten something, taking a moment to ponder this thought Nanai finally reralized what it was and was thrown into a state of panic, she forgot she was going to meet Ookami in the outside part of the library to study for the upcoming test. She moaned and groaned for leaving him stranded there waiting for her and never showing up, now would be a wise time to come up with a good excuse, for why she didn't show up, and why she might end up failing the test.

(Nanai)"Nooo! Crap! What am i gonna do? *cartoony stream of tears* I'm so screwed! Waaah! Maybe if i go home and just study the entire chapter we were talking about in class the other day, i'll luckily be able to pass it. But, what chapter was it again?"

(Voice from behind her)"So you didn't go after all?" a familiar voice said to her.

(Nanai)"*jumps out of her own skin in suprise* Aaaah! Who?"

(Banjin)"Whats up with you? Its just me."

(Nanai)"*Sighs in relief* Oh Banjin its you, sorry i reacted that way, i just got myself into a little jam."

(Banjin)"What do you mean a jam?"

(Nanai)"Well...I was suppose to go study with that guy from my class, but when i bumped into this girl i made friends with in another class i have, i totally space him out."

(Banjin)"And how did that happen?"

(Nanai)"*fiddling with her fingers nervously* We-Well...I...I sort been worried cause i...invited that girl over despite the trouble it could cause..."

(Banjin)"...You did what... *vein pops out of the side of his head*?"

(Nanai)"*nervously swaying from side to side in a girlish way* I umm, i invited her over...and i know it sounds bad! Bu-But i'll take full responsibility for anything that goes wrong, i promise! So don't get so mad...ok?"

(Banjin)"*blazing red eyes have flames in them, hair flairing up* You...YOU will take responsibility? 0Do you know what you're gonna have to do if we're found out?"

(Nanai)"Wh-What?"

(Banjin)"The only logical thing...kill her."

(Nanai)"*Gasps* Nooo...*his voice echoing in her head 'kill her' over and over* why? that can't be the only way!"

(Banjin)"It is, and if you find another way, feel free to try, even if any effort to stop our exposure at that point would be meaningless."

(Nanai)"..."

(Banjin)"*walking on without her* Its up to you then."

(Nanai)"I see...so thats how it is..."

(Banjin)"Huh?"

(Nanai)"You think that mind-fucking me like that will stop me from having friends? I refuse to live a life that this!All my life you've shown me nothing but hell, not just you, anyone i met, and when i finally find someone who might be worth risking it for, you tell me to run away with my tail between my legs? That may be how you got away with living in this city for so long, living like a complete coward who is afraid to show his true identity to the world in fear that he'll be cast away like garbage-!"

(Banjin)"Say what?*becoming enraged*"

(Nanai)"But i...i absolutely REFUSE to be a scared little kitten all my life! i didn't train so hard, learn so much, become who i am, by being someone i'm not! So from this day forward, I, Nanai, will find a way to walk among these creatures known as humans, without shame, without fear, and with full pride in my own species, I AM A FATE!"

Nanai's words were intense, the atmosphere around them had become thick with the passion she had for the idea of coexitence between Humans and Fates she longed to express. Banjin was angered by her selfish sounding statement, at least it sounded selfish to him, he was also impressed that a girl like her could be born under their species, one who may be soft-hearted and timid most of the time, yet determined, selfless, and possesssing a powerful will at others. In many ways, Nanai seemed to have guts and will than even him, the idea of humans and fates living together in harmony was sounding more like a dream for the future worth striving for and less like the nonesense he always thought it to be.

(Banjin)"*smiles, for real this time* You know...your a tough little cookie, i'll give you that. For once, i like your attitude, i have one thing i have to say before i can really take your words to heart."

(Nanai)"What's that?"

(Banjin)"*takes off his beret he hid his ears under, which is where Nanai got the idea and decided to buy one for herself* Use the so called friendship you're trying to build with that girl to prove to me that its possible, possible that we can live among each other without fear of having to exterminate the other for survival, then and only then will i believe you. Heh, and maybe...maybe i'll even stop being mean to you and show you the respect you wanted all this time."

(Nanai)"*looking at Banjin in shock* Banjin...Do you really mean that?"

(Banjin)"I may not look it, but even i can keep my word...sometimes anyway."

(Nanai)"...Fine then...I'll do it! *Takes off her beret, looks at his determined and clenches her fist* I will, and when i do, you'll have to be the one to earn MY respect."

(Banjin)"What?"

(Nanai)"After Hebi sensei gave me that wake up call, i lost all rsspect for you, so i stopped wanting to be respected by you already, you'll have to make me respect you first, i only have to prove you wrong on one thing instead of two."

(Banjin)"Tch! little brat..."

(Nanai)"*walks up to Banjin, pushes some of her bags into Banjin's arms* Come on, Banjin! We have a long road ahead of us, better get a good night's sleep, because i'm gonna do everything in my power to prove you wrong, and i'm sure you'll try to get in my along the way, i won't be giving up that easily."

(Banjin)"...Guess we'll see. What did i just start?"

Together they went home still discussing the subject of whether humans and fates can live along side one another, the conversation went on all the way until they walked through the door and bumped into Hebi.

(Hebi)"*Streams of tears gush from his eyes as he lunged at Nanai hanging off her like a child missing their mother* Waaah! Nanai! Where have you been? You're 2 hours late! I"ve been worried sick about you!"

(Nanai)"Sensei-i-i! Calm down, i just stopped by the store on my way home and i ran into Banjin, we got to talkin' and lost track of time! It ok, i'm ok, see?"

(Hebi)"*Sniff, sniff,* R-Really? You're really ok?"

(Nanai)"Yes, yes! Now settle down, you're getting a lil bit too close my breasts there!"

Hebi lets go of her and stares at Banjin.

(Banjin)"What?"

(Hebi)"You didn't try to do anything to her did you?"

(Banjin)"What the hell kinda question is that?"

(Hebi)"Answer me!"

(Banjin)"No! *Not sounding very convincing*"

(Nanai)" *Narrows her eyes at Banjin* You know the tone you just said that in isn't leaving a very positive image of you right now."

(Banjin)"I"m serious! you were there right? I didn't do anything to you right?"

(Nanai)"Well...you did kinda sneak up on me, maybe before you said anything you were planning to do something really pervy."

(Banjin)"Aw to hell with the both of you! I'm goin' to bed!." Banjin said rushing up the stairs.

(Hebi)"Is that really what happened?"

(Nanai)"Nah i just felt like messin' with him. But like i said, who knows, he did sneak up on me."

(Hebi)"Whats with all the cookies?"

(Nanai)"They were on sale and i got a good deal from the shopowner." She said opening one of the bags and nibbling on a cookie.

(Hebi)"Ah! So you're a bargain shopper i see."

(Nanai)"Yeah i guess i am."

(Hebi)"Thats nice, i'm glad you found something you like."

(Nanai)"*cookie hanging out of her mouth* Want one?" she mumbled.

(Hebi)"Oh no thank you, i'm not much of a chocolate person, i prefer sweets with more natural flavors, like lemon cake."

(Nanai)"Oh, to be honest i wasn't sure i wanted to buy these, i haven't eaten very many sweets before so when i tasted them, they were just so good i had to get them."

(Hebi)"So that's what happened, well let's put them away, it gets pretty hot out during the day so it'd probably be a wise choice to leave them in the freezer. *Opens the freezer and noticed it was nearly full* Sure is gonna take up alot of space though."

(Nanai)"Sorry about that, i'll be sure to buy fewer bags next time i get some."

(Hebi)"Thats very nice of you but you don't need to worry about it, it'll be fine. but anyway, i have to go to my shop earlier than usual tomorrow so i'll be goin to bed pretty soon. I'll see you after work."

(Nanai)"Kay! Night-night Sensei!" she smiled.