Back again!

Nomi Norisu: Well, technically, no one's gotten a shout out just yet. I place the shout outs at the very bottom of the chapter so it's separate from answering reviews. And thanks for continuing to review!

Elcall: Yeah, I know. A combo of shores, homework, and a slight lack of inspiration slowed me down. Technically, that's where the Washira, book of water, was found. You need to consider the last four elements and where the core part of the element would be in Norrisville. And Yeah, I really like Julian, and the roll just seems to suit him.

Brent doesn't quite fit for the Cowboy of Air for at least two reasons. One, he's a metal-smith; metal is a heavier, more grounded part of the earth, so he'd struggle to fit into it. Two, I've already chosen his role and what he'll be doing later on in the story. Thanks for the ideas!

Enjoy!

Chapter 10: Maybe Friends . . .

Jenna walked into the words early that morning, at roughly 5:30 am. She was ready for school, which wouldn't start for a few hours. She had time. In one hand she had a few blue and pink flowers. After trekking through the woods for about half an hour, she came across a cemetery. Quite a few of the headstones were already faded, the words worn away to nothing by the elements.

She walked past them all, careful not to tread over the graves before coming across two, nestled side by side beneath a willow tree, nearly hidden by the long tresses. You can make out the engraved words with crystal clear clarity, from dates to names.

Wilma Joans and Jack Joans, from somewhere in the late sixties and early seventies to a month ago, on Christmas Eve. Grass was just barely beginning to grow, as well as a number of "weeds" that Jenna knew would be dandelions and "wishing puffballs" when spring fully hit. This particular warm spell would dissolve into one last snowfall before spring would actually arrive.

According to Poppy Jonas, at least. "Hi, it's me again," she held back tears. "I just wanted to let you know that since I started school last week, I made a friend! Kinda . . . I'm actually not sure if we are actually friends or not . . . but I'm trying, sorta, really hard! I . . ." she sighed. "I have to . . . go to school. Love you." she finished in a whisper, setting two hyacinths and two pink carnations on each of their graves, before putting gentle hands on the top of the gravestones.

For in the language of flowers, hyacinth means, "I am sorry, forgive me" and pink carnation, "I will never forget you".

She moved silently, walking out of the graveyard with tears in her eyes, streaming down her cheeks. Once out of sight of the graveyard, now hidden from it by oaks, pines, poplars, and few willows and Douglas firs, she began to run, not caring for once as her bangs flew behind her, revealing her face. Allowing anyone to see what she always tried to hide.

Julian arrived at school at around 7:15 am. He'd decided to try and catch Jenna there, to apologize for his actions last Thursday. He really shouldn't have judged her like that. She practically helped everyone, after all, yet didn't seem to have a friend. He'd decided to try and change that. After the Monster Klub incident, he'd lost what trust he had in his friends.

Very few people liked him afterwards. One of his only friends was Theresa. He was thankful to have any friends, really. When he saw her in the hall by her locker, he walked over to introduce himself.

"Hello," he began, but she cut in before he could continue.

"Hi." she replied, half cheery and half tired. She shut her locker and shouldered her pack, turning to look at Julian. She blinked in surprise. "Oh, it's you. The Top-hat guy." there was a hint of a smile on her face before it fell into a thoughtful frown. "Those seniors aren't being jerks again, are they?" she asked, beginning to scowl.

Julian paused. "Does she honestly think I'm talking to her just for protection?" he thought to himself, then shook his head "no".

"No, I wanted to apologize for my behavior last week. I should not have acted as I did, after you helped me. That was my error, and I so wish to be excused from it." he replied, with a small half bow.

Jenna tilted her head a little. "Oh, no worries. I forgive you," she didn't quite understand why he felt the need to apologize, not quite. "I-I'm used to helping everyone out, it's . . ." she stared at some thing only she could see in the distance. ". . .it's not big deal." she finished distantly, almost sadly. One hand slid into her left coat pocket, lightly rubbing against the silky feeling of her mask.

She'd lost her special picture the other day, and couldn't find it anywhere. Or at least, she hadn't had the chance, but somehow sensed that it wouldn't be there anymore, even if she did look.

Julian thought that she did sound kinda sad. "Are you alright?" he asked her, concerned. He couldn't see much of her eyes or expression, as her light brown hair hid most of her face.

Jenna snapped out of it and spoke quickly. "No, no, I'm alright, I'm . . ." tears came to her eyes. That picture held her only last good memories of her family! She couldn't just lose it! " . . . I'm just fine." she finished, voice already choking up with tears. She turned away, yanking her hood up in a moment of insecurity.

Julian wasn't sure what to do, or if he did anything to upset her, but put a hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright? You can tell me what's bothering you." he told her sincerely.

She sniffled quietly, wiping most of her tears away in one swift motion before turning back to face him. "I lost something really important yesterday, that I swore to myself I would never lose. I'm not sure if I'll ever find it again . . ." she admitted, forcing down another bout of crying.

Julian thought fast. "I could help you find it." he offered generously. "You've helped a lot of people so far, and you have only been here a week! I do say that it is about time someone helped you for a change." he told her.

Jenna paused and looked at him, as if seeing him for the first time. " . . . really?" she asked, beginning to smile a sad smile. "Thanks, but I don't think that either of us will be able to find it. I . . .I was told once it was the thought that counted. . . I think it does here. Thanks."

Meanwhile, the Sorcerer cursed as his green stank came rushing back, mere moments from capturing a victim that would never release his magic; for there was nothing but emotion to attach to. The object was long gone, and memory was what she held most dear; nothing the Ninja destroyed would free the girl. Or at least, that's how it had happened once before. The Ninja had thwarted him that time, too.

Julian grinned a little, revealing his fangs a little more than usual. "I'm glad that you are at least feeling better. My name is Julian. Julian Magico at your service." He bowed dramatically.

Jenna rolled her eyes a little, but still smiled. "And my name is Jennafern Joans, at your service, Julian Mah-GEE-coe." she replied with a smirk, doing nothing short of a mock salute.

He smiled at her, and started laughing. Soon, they were both cracking up and simply walking around the halls, talking and laughing about whatever really came to mind. Julian was also pointing out the various classrooms as they went, acting as a tour guide as well as a friend, as Jenna still hadn't memorized the schools layout.

"So, where next?" She asked curiously, "And what's all this I've been hearing about monsters? I uh, well, it sounds kinda cool at least." she hadn't gotten the chance to ask anyone about it. She wasn't sure who to ask, as most everyone didn't really see her as a person person. Sure, she was around, but people looked to her for assistance.

"We could go to the Main Lobby. The mosaic there is the pride and joy of the school! It's also where dances are held," Julian said cheerfully, walking down the hallway. He pointed out different classrooms as they passed them. "You want to know about the monsters?" Julian said slyly. "The truth is, we are all monsters!" The goth kid found that funny for some reason and laughed.

Jenna snorted and rolled her eyes, lightly shoving him in the shoulder. "Hardy har har, hilarious. But seriously, what's up with all I've been hearing about monsters?" She insisted.

"It's inescapable, nearly everyone has been transformed. Your inner monster is released and you take your revenge. Then the Ninja . . . saves us," he said the word like he meant the exact opposite. "It's a freeing experience. To be able to do things you otherwise could not." Julian squinted his eyes, like he was trying to remember something long forgotten.

She quirked an eyebrow. "I've dealt with monsters in my old school. Only problem was, some were human and others only /looked/ human. Take Bash, but with a sharper tongue, knife, and bigger brain, for example." Jenna replied, a hint of sarcasm in her words.

Julian nodded sagely. "Tis the nature of humans. Ah, here we are." The main lobby was a large, open space. Its walls were blue and white, like the rest of the school, and in the middle of the floor was the mosaic: a carp. "The carp is Norrisville High's mascot," he explained.

"Weird, but cool. Doesn't look like a fish," she tapped the edge of the mural with her boot. "Looks like some sort of crazy water demon." She finished with a shudder. She felt something extremely off about the mural, for some reason. Something truly sinister, bad, evil . . . mentally, Jenna decided to never touch the mural again if she could help it.

"Really? Hm. Would you like to see the gymnasium or the cafeteria next? It's been remodeled recently."

"Oh, uh, the uh, second one." she replied, not thinking to much on what he asked. She felt a few chills as she spotted the decorative gem in the center of the mural, that made the carps eye. For some reason, she felt repelled by it. She didn't like it one bit.

And, although she'd seen it before, she'd never gotten this feeling about it. . . . but why?

"As you wish." Julian led them through a set of doors. A minute later they were in the cafeteria. A few students were there ordering breakfast. All the tables were rectangular and blue, except for a red circular one in the middle.

"So, the color scheme is oceanic? Better than snowy crimson." Jenna commented approvingly. It really was better than her old town. Everyone but her family hated her, it seemed. No one really helped her, and she didn't have any friends.

"Snowy crimson?" Julian inquired, smiling just enough that his "fake" fangs were visible.

"Snow dripped with an innocent's blood. That was my old schools color scheme." Jenna's gaze and voice darkened. "Everything white with drops and smears of bright or dark crimson red. It always reminded me of blood scattered on snow, no matter what others said." Her tone bitter, eyes pained and angry. She didn't really want to touch upon and open those unhappy memories here.

"Sounds intriguing." Julian giggled. The bell rang and students exited the cafeteria, heading for first hour. "Can I count on seeing you later, Jenna?"

Jenna quirked an eyebrow at his response. "You're unpredictable; in the good sorta way. I'm free during lunch. Later!" With that, she dashed off to first period.

Randy and Howard were already in their seats. Jenna paused a second before sliding into her seat. She remained quiet throughout the class periods, doodling in her notebook after finishing her school work.

She kept thinking over Julians words. "Snowy Crimson" Was intriguing to him? 'Guess it would be . . . he doesn't know the meaning behind the words . . . no, I told him . . . sorta . . . .' she thought to herself absently, not really paying attention to the teacher droning on about math or some junk . . . she didn't particularly like math.

They had just finished Spanish when the bell rang for lunch. The duo were the first ones out the door; lunch was their favorite hour. Today's menu was either sloppy joe or chicken patty. Jenna and Randy were next to each other once Randy was out of the line. Jenna had her lunch bag in her hand, and only grabbed a chocolate milk. Randy was thinking over the lesson the Nomicon had showed him and Jenna.

Was she the Warrior? Was it worth it to reveal his identity to her? What if she wasn't the Warrior and she told other people? Jenna was currently thinking about friends in general. How, in an abstract way, they were like her family; they tried to make her happy when she was feeling sad,

Meanwhile, Julian was waving at Jenna from his table. Since the Klub had disassembled, Julian sat with Theresa and Juggo still, but also flute girl and a few others.

"Hey, Julian." Jenna called, sitting across from him, the only empty spot. She gave a little wave to the others at the table.

Theresa, though Jenna did not know her name, smiled. Others were indifferent; if she wanted to ruin her rep by sitting here that was fine with them.

"I'm overjoyed that you are able to sit with us," Julian beamed. The goth had only brought a sandwich to lunch.

Jenna shrugged. "Don't really see why. Back home jerks picked on the new kids. And whoever tried to be nice to them." She replied nonchalantly enough, the few drops of sarcasm making it harder to find the truth. People picked on her more whenever she tried to help the new kids. On the other hand, she helped everyone and got beat up more because of it.

"You're the one who beat Bash Johnson last week, aren't you?" Theresa asked shyly; she was sitting next to Julian.

Jenna nodded, taking out a sun-butter and honey sandwich. "Yeah. . . I didn't really want to fight him, though." she replied.

Most everyone at the table stopped what they were doing. "Say what now?!" demanded Flute Girl.

"What do you mean you didn't want to fight him?! You walked right up and did it!?" exclaimed Juggo.

"Th-then why did you do it?" Theresa asked, confused, while Julian eyed her, a small, thoughtful frown on his face.

"B-because he was hurting someone else. Someone had to do something, and everyone else was walking away. They were ignoring the bad and I decided not to. I had to help." 'Because even though no one helped me, doesn't mean I have to be like them . . .' she thought to herself.

Everyone was silent for a moment.

"You've helped me before." Juggo spoke up. "When Steven was bullying me."

"And she a-helped me, too, when Bash and the-uh others took my accordion." Accordion Dave spoke up.

Soon, others, more than half the people at the table, said something that Jenna had done to help them out in the short time she'd been there. Blushing a light shade of pink at all the attention, though mostly-hidden by her bangs, Jenna only replied with quiet thanks here and there.

Soon, everything had settled, and Jenna began to eat at her lunch, no longer feeling especially hungry.

On the other side of the cafeteria, Howard was scolding his friend.

"Will you stop doing that?"

"Doing what?" Randy asked gloomily.

"Turning around to stare at them!" Howard waved a hand. "Who cares if she decided to sit with that shoob! It's always been just us."

"I know but. . ."

"No buts!" Randy pushed his food away, no longer hungry. He still had to find a way to return her picture; he wasn't quite sure how to do it while explaining where he'd gone during the robot attack. He wasn't sure how to make it believable, as she was already sharp; she'd figured out his identity after they'd just met, and his own best friend never had a clue!

Jenna ate her lunch in under five minutes, and the others weren't even half way done. She didn't want to just leave Julian behind, as she thought they were friends, but she was uncomfortable with waiting around. This was also, quite literally, her first time in the cafeteria since she'd been there at the school.

Turning to the girl next to Julian, she said, "My names Jennafern, what's yours?" She asked, offering a smile to try and mask how unsure she was.

"My name's Theresa Fowler," she replied while simultaneously twirling her baton. "You going to be doing any sports this year?"

"Not sure. With all the exploring I plan on doing, there won't really be time. I also banged up my knuckles yesterday," the knuckles on her right hand were bruised blue and purple still; probably not a good thing. 'That's what I get for punching a metal grate with all my might . . . kinda worth it, seeing Ninjas eyes bug out, though.' she thought privately.

"That's too bad," Theresa said with sympathy.

"Did you say. . . exploring?" Julian asked with excitement, leaning closer to her.

Jenna nodded, a genuine smile coming to her face. "Yep. I just moved here, which means lots more places to find, and fun to be had." She answered, hope, happiness, and oddly enough, relief in her voice.

"There are so many wonderful places to explore! Graveyards, abandoned buildings, old libraries. . . " Julian listed.

Theresa rolled her eyes. "If you ever want some local help, you can ask me," she whispered. Ever since Twirl Team was disbanded, Theresa didn't hang with girls very often. Secretly, she hoped that she could find a friend in Jenna.

"Abandoned buildings and old libraries sound cool, but, graveyards?" Jenna shuddered. "I'm not one to disturb the dead. Besides, exploring on the map is first," she looked between Theresa and Julian. "So it's safe to say I'd need both of your guys's help." She finished with a hopeful smile. What she was really hoping for was that she'd found friendship in these two people.

Julian clapped enthusiastically.

"Do you have a phone? We could swap numbers to keep in touch." Questioned Theresa hopefully.

"Sure, that's okay." Jenna relented, not exactly sure how to input numbers on her phone.

That'd be great! We could go to the park, or whoopee world, or the lake!" Theresa exclaimed. "We actually have a lake right behind the school, hard to believe right?"

"Wow, really?" Jenna hadn't quite finished her exploration of the school grounds. "Do you think you'd be able to swim there?" she had a plan, something she hoped would help her out.

"Lake LaRusso? I bet it would be. The wave slayer relays take place there, but during off-season it's relatively empty," Theresa pondered the statement. "OMJ are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"I highly doubt we think alike. I'm more for shadowed woods fulla wolves than sparkly fields of rainbow unicorns." Jenna drawled good humoredly, grinning.

Jenna's remark didn't put a damper on the baton twirler's excitement. "You mean you don't want to go swimsuit shopping and then swimming?"

Julian had become withdrawn after the topic of conversation had moved away from dark, creepy places. Finishing his sandwich, he pushed two die around on the tabletop.

"Um, I have a suit," Jenna conceded hesitantly, glancing to Julian. "Come on, Julian. Think about all the spooky monsters that could be lurking in the dark waters of the lake." She tried to cheer him up, cringing. She didn't want to leave him out, but she was half-hoping to go alone. Because of what happened yesterday, she never got the chance to finish her weekly ritual. She was hoping to do that . . .

"It'd be fun." She tried to hide her slight unease. "And besides, we can explore somewhere of your choice tomorrow, if you want." She added. She didn't really want to leave anyone out.

"There is poetry reading on Wednesdays at the downtown bookstore," he suggested. Theresa sighed.

"Not this again! Last time you went, you were a mess because the honking dog died at the end Julian."

Julian looked insulted. "Was not!"

"That sounds like fun. Can you hand in a poem to be read?" Jenna interjected, feeling slightly relieved that the lake was dropped from the conversation.

"Of course!" Julian giggled, a habit that Theresa found irritating on occasion, yet Jenna found she kinda liked it. It was quirky but suited him. "Why, Miss Jenna, do you write poems?" he asked, the thought coming to him.

"A bit. It helps when you have no one to talk to." She replied with a shrug, pulling a dark blue, golden-star dotted notebook before handing it to them. She didn't really think anyone would question the implications of her words, and no one really did. Not to surprising for her there.

Inside the notebook, nearly cover to cover, were poems, each one with a date, going back to when she was 7 years old to just a month ago, notes scribbled in permanent golden red or silver marker next to the words. One in particular caught the goth's eyes.

It was entitled 'Snowy Crimson'.

'Snowflakes falling all around,
Drifting beautifully, softly, to the ground.
Silently floating in the chill breeze,
Thousands more follow these.

It's not as silent as it seems,
A quiet crying slipping through the seams,
Of a broken child in the snow,

As drops of liquid swiftly flow.
Weeping constantly, they cry,

Crimson drops staining snow as dye.
Awful injuries to the face, heart, and cheek,
On a child once so meek.

Snowy Crimson, all across the ground. . .
Snowy Crimson, forming without a sound. . .
Snowy Crimson, an injured child crying. . .
Snow-y Crimson. . . .A lonesome child dying.'

The date showed that it was written three years ago, and a few spots of paper were blurred slightly, by water. Julian and Theresa read the entry at the same time.

"That's so hardcore; it looks like the stuff people write in prison camps!" Theresa said. Julian, being a slower reader, hadn't finished yet.

Jenna shrugged, leaning over just enough to see which one it was, before lightly tapping the bridge of her nose through her bangs.

"I dunno, I was nine then; stuff was kinda crazy, and I. . . . " she didn't finish her thought, looking down again. Her tone had been cautious, even a bit afraid, 180 degree turn from her fearless, protective attitude people knew her by.

"You have obvious talent," Julian said, nodding his approval. "Is this what you were thinking about for Wednesday?"

"Well. . .not that one in particular. I mean, I wrote it when I was nine, and. . . ." She looked insecure as she tapped the spot again with a wince and shifted in her seat. She muttered something that sounded like, ". . . .remembering hurts. . . ."

Noticing her discomfort, Theresa tried to change the conversation. "So . . .do you like it here in Norrisville?" She had finished her lunch and was fiddling with her baton.

Jenna nodded. "I like it better than my old town. Nobody liked me." She replied, looking at the poem book for a half second before fiddling with her empty milk container.

"That's too bad. I think you're pretty bruce." Theresa smiled. "Right Jules?"

"Indeed! Jenna saved my hat last Thursday," confirmed Julian.

"Anyway, lunch will be over soon and I was wondering if you wanted to do the swimming thing today? Four-thirty-ish work for you?"

Jenna fidgeted, biting her lip hard as she thought. Reluctantly, she nodded. ". . .we might have to go buy a swimsuit, anyway. . . .Haven't worn my old one for. . .awhile." Jenna admitted.

Theresa squealed with excitment. "Ooo I love shopping! We should go to Marci's; they have sales going on right now. Wanna come with?" She turned to the pale boy.

"Too many people.. too open... I'll just wear my old one," he replied with a shiver. Julian tried to avoid crowds and open spaces at all costs.

"Open spaces. . ? No thank you! Never." Jenna said firmly, the bit of fear clear in her voice. She'd nearly finished crushing the empty milk container; finishing her sentence, she accidentally crushed it into the table.

"Julian is exaggerating, haven't you ever been to a mall before?" Theresa questioned. She was beginning to think the afternoon activity wasn't going to be possible.

"Um. . .not since I was ten? Or. . . .maybe nine?" Jenna replied uncertainly. "I got hurt, and, well. . . .I mostly dislike open spaces. . .nothing to dodge and duck around. . . ." Her voice had lowered, words clear with her uncertainty.

"But. . .I don't need a suit. I . . . Have clothes that I've swam in before. We don't have to go to the mall."

The baton twirler thought Jenna was on the strange side, but figured everyone had their secrets. "Ok, whatever works best for you."

The bell rung, and Jenna promised to be at the dock in the lake at 4:30, then vanished, leaving them with her poem book.

"Wait! You forgot your. . . book." Theresa looked unhappily at the poem book. Guess she'd have to take it with her. "Four thirty Jules, don't forget."

"I wouldn't dream of it."

Later that day . . .

Jenna froze as she walked through the doors of the school with Julian, Howard, Randy and Theresa, laughing and joking. Her eyes widened with no small amount of horror and a good bit of fear. With a shrieking squawk of horrified terror, she darted back inside the building, leaving Julian, Theresa, Howard, and Randy to try and pick up the pieces.

Meanwhile, snowflakes drifted down gently, thickly blanketing the ground, getting harder by the second.

Well, this ends it. I kinda surprised myself here. It's longer than my usual chapters, but I couldn't bring myself to cut it in half. Please review!