The Gift

[FrancisCross]

Post-Rikti Physics was the last class of the day and Francis was certain the pain in her head was a true signal of impending doom. The headache was bad enough she figured she'd be hitting some one of the school's healers for a nice superhero aspirin. She plopped her feet up onto her desk as Dr. Merchant continued to drone on and glanced back at Kali, seated behind her. She looked like she was a thousand miles away.

"Psst...Hey Kali, Salamanca just opened that new theater. Wanna blow off studying and check it out. We can probably grab, like, Jaygo and some of those guys, too?"

[Quill Windwalker]

Kali...oh dark and wonderous Kali. I might be upset, yet it is not because you took some time to yourself. I am upset because I can use my powers to defend you from hords of crazy villians or mutated undead but I am so powerless to protect you from just the simple pains of family. I dont like feeling...useless.
I wasnt that far off from you that night. I saw you talking to (whom i guessed was your father) the older gentelman that starfilled night on the beach. I made sure to be far enough away not to hear the conversation because even rule breakers deserve some privacy! I wish I could take away your pain. I wish I could make people not lie. I wish...
It takes a strong man to admit his mistakes, Kali. You have a chance with your father I will never have with mine, dont let it slip away.
And I made you something. One of my electives is wood working. Its not much but I hope youll like it. A small picture frame, made with drift wood from the ocean and hand carved stars and a full moon.
And by the way...Stars are 'spots' on the night sky, they make the dark so much more beautiful!

[Kali Jade]

As the Oceans Flow

"Psst...Hey Kali, Salamanca just opened that new theater. Wanna blow off studying and check it out. We can probably grab, like, Jaygo and some of those guys, too?" Frankie whispers back to Kali..

The words jolt her back to reality again from the daydreams she frequents so often these days.
The sounds of Jaygos name makes her heart jump. Shes been avoiding Him since she gave Him the note. Afraid to see His reaction. But she knows she cant avoid Him forever. His smiles and those eyes , and that wink He would give from across the room. All gone now.

"Pssst... Kali did you hear me? " Frankie asks quietly.
Looking up with a slight blush Kali responds.

" Oh yea , yea I heard Frankie sorry bout that. Sure I was telling Sapph earlier we should catch a movie. Maybe we can all get together and go. Might be good for all of us to get away from things for a short bit. I'll buy the popcorn " Kali replies and smiles.

After this last class of the day she runs into Quill. The older boy tucks something behind Him as she approaches.

" Gawd Quill Im so sorry for ditching you last night. I just umm.. I just had to take care of something and it took a little longer then I meant for it to. You didnt get in trouble did you? " she asks.
His answer shocks and surprises her. She hadnt known He had been so close by. And she is not expecting what follows.



"And I made you something. One of my electives is wood working. Its not much but I hope youll like it. A small picture frame, made with drift wood from the ocean and hand carved stars and a full moon.
And by the way...Stars are 'spots' on the night sky, they make the dark so much more beautiful! " He tells her as He hands her the precious gift.
As she reaches for it her eyes wander over all the delicate details put into it. She cant believe He went to all this work . She feels so lucky to have such good friends.

" Thank you so much Quill. Its beautiful. I know just what Ill put into it. " She says , still staring at the delicate frame.His words mean more than He knows. She does need to forgive her father. But she needs to know the rest of the "whys" that plague her.


"I have to go make a call Quill , maybe later you can show me what i need to know for my final exems? I am so behind on studying."
she asks then says her goodbyes and heads back to the dorms.

Maybe she will head to Founders before the meeting. Its been awhile since she has visited the Lion and told her secrets to His ever listening ear. She wonders if it hadnt been concrete how it would respond.

[Sapphire]

Angelique sits back in English Literature class, sunglasses still resting on her nose, as she reads through her textbook. She scribbles down a few notes, then glances up to the nun sitting at the front of the class. She looks around to the others, who all seem engrossed in their books. She looks back down to a hidden note that she has started to write to Kali. She finishes up the note, folds it up in her lap, making sure the instructor nun doesn't see and looks over to Kali.

Psst...

Kali looks up and over to Angel, smiling. Angel slowly passes the note over to her, looking all sneaky. Then tucks her nose back into her book, but watching Kali for a response.

"Ok, ditch P.E. and head to Founders Falls to catch a sappy chick flick? Just you and me? and what's been going on wth you and Quill? You two sure do go out patrolling a lot together..."

Kali looks as though she is about to blush, but says nothing. She writes back on the note and slyly hands it back to the blonde angel.

"sounds good to me and that I know of it's just us, unless Franky decides to come with..."

She makes no mention of Angel's comment about Quill. Angel decides that there is more to be said about it, so she couldn't write it all down. She looks over to Kali an nods, smiling to her.


The class bell rings and everyone suddenly gets up, in a rush. The two girls move together and begin smiling, laughing, and acting like best friends once more. There is giggling and whispers, as they make their ways to their lockers and to their next class.

[Kali Jade]

As ever do the skies go on

Kali stands on the far end of campus , the farthest payphone from the dorms she can find , calls the number imprinted on the small business card.
A secretary answers ,
" University of Chicago Genetic Services Laboratories .. to whom may I direct your call? " The womans voice is so calm.

" Dr. Matthew Jade please , this is His daughter "Kali tells the woman.

" Hold please "

A few moments later yet another secretary answers. This one an older woman. A professional but annoyed sound to her voice
" Dr Jade is with a patient right now.... would you like me to give Him a message? "
" Yes please let him know his daughter Kalista called and I can be reached at this number when He has a free moment"

Kali recites the dorm room line and hangs up. She leaves the payphone and makes her way across the freshly mowed green grass. Scruffy always makes sure the lawn stays picture perfect.
As she is sntering the Dorm she shares with November she sees several large boxes stacked on her side. Opening the top one she reads a letter placed inside.



Hi honey ,
yes I am aware you were back at the house. I noticed you took a few things and thought maybe sending some of your more personal items may make you a little more comfortable . If theres anything else from your things you would like shipped there please let me know.
Love ,
Daddy

Among the items in the boxes are some of her clothes , her small stereo and some cds , and the framed photos that had adorned her vanity. At the bottom of the box there are 2 new framed photos. One a photo of her Father and Mother when they were married. Both smiling and looking like they havent a care in the world. The second , the same worn photograph her father had shown her when they talked. The beautiful woman she never knew but was her real mother. She removes it from the cheap gold plastic frame it was sent in and puts it carefully into the driftwood frame Quill had so thoughtfully made her.
She places all the photos carefully on her dresser saving the Driftwood frame for a spot on the nightstand next to her bed.

[Kali Jade]

All is eternal

Kali sits in Founders Falls atop the bridge near Pocket D's manhole entrance. Her feet dangling over the edge as she is almost totally hidden between the Lions two huge concrete paws.
Its almost time for her to meet up with her father. She had chose for them to meet in Founders this time. She could see the marina docks from here and know when He arrived.
During his return call this afternoon he had told her he had something special planned and He hoped she would be pleased.
Dr Jades silver Buick Rendezvous pulls into the marina parking lot.
Kali watches as her father steps from the vehicle glancing around looking for her.
She rises to her feet and looks up to the ever watchful eyes of the great lion.

" wish me luck" she whispers into the breezy air that circles around the statue and surrounds her.
Gliding guickly across the top of the water she comes to rst on the dock and walks slowly towards her father.


" Kali !" he says happily , his arms outstretched towards her.
For the first time in weeks she isnt mad at him. She smiles and hugs him.
" I missed you daddy" she says as her arms wrap around him.

" I missed you too sweetheart, I really did" He replies , the sincerity in His voice overpowering any doubts she had before he arrived.
Her father continues to speak in that low soothing tone


" I have a surprise for you honey. I have someone I want you to meet. I wasnt sure it would be possible so I didnt mention it earlier , but I had been trying to arrange this since before i came to find you. It was only this morning I got confirmation of the arrangements."

His smile is genuine. His emotions flow through her in a flood of warmness. He is totally thrilled at whatever this surprise is and she cant help but be engulfed by the flow of radiant happiness He is emitting.

" Lets go honey , I want to take you to your surpise" He tells her.
Again she feels nothing but joy from him. Whatever the surprise is He is totally thrilled by it.
Dr Jade leads his daughter by the hand around to the passengers side , opening the door and boosting her small frame into the seat like a child. Kali is totally engulfed in his joyful state and the ever present smile on his face. Its almost like they had never been apart.
He returns to the drivers seat and starts the car.
As they drive along the scenic road, Dr Jade asks Kali,



" So tell me all about school , are you doing ok there? Making lots of friends?" This is her chance. Her chance to tell him everything shes wanted to share since she got to St Joes.

" Well... I took my final security Level exams today " she beams


" I should know if i passed soon but I think i did well. My friend Quill helped me study and train for them and Hes already passed so He knows all about them and what to expect." She watches his face as she talks,

" And we had a school dance , I went but I umm.. well I was late cause some stuff came up.... but my date was soooo nice , He didnt get mad or nothing."
" You had a date? Im assuming it was with this Quill boy thats spending time with you?" He looks at her with a concerned look as He questions her.
Kali giggles a little nervously and replies, "no no no.... Quill is just a friend. He tutors others for their exams or helps if they need a hand in training, stuff like that. Hes real nice though I think you would like him. My date was with John Drago.... Hes not around alot , I think His training keeps Him real busy or something Im not sure but Hes really nice too and makes me laugh"

" Oh I see..." He continues " so anything else exciting? I notice your still wearing that thing on your neck. I really wish youd get rid of that"

Kali reaches for her collar to remove it. She knows He hates it. As she goes to pull it from around her neck , her fingers brush the jade pendant.


" Whats that? You buy something new?" her father asks as he glances quickly over while driving.

" yea....I mean well kinda" she stammers a little while answering
" Jaygo gave it to me..... its a sunrise" she tells the older man as she absent mindly runs her fingers back across the smooth stone.

" ahh I see, and who is this Jaygo? Another boy? " He smiles now ,
" Am i going to have to move you to an all girls school soon to keep the boys at bay?" He says with a teasing grin.

She knows Hes joking with her, she can feel the playfullness in his emotions.Blushing she responds " well noooo , I mean yes Jaygos a boy... Hes very sweet , youd like Him too i think. But umm I dont see him really cept in class. And noo noo boys chasing after me. Ive been too busy studying and training to worry about boys."
" well dont worry Hon , youre growing up so fast and it wont be long before they will be. "
He smiles again.
The car turns into a small parking lot near a park , Kalis nto familiar this area of Founders and looks around trying to figue out where they are.

" Ok honey , before we get out I need to talk to you" he is still happy , however she can feel a slight nervousness in him. She nods and continues to listen.

" I brought you here to meet someone.... I had been tryin to arrange a meeting for awhile now. I just hadnt gotten confirmation til this mroning like I said earlier. I was so thrilled when she returned my call and agreed to come. .... " His emotions are changing , Hes very nervous now. Almost changing to a slight fear . Kali hasnt realized the dark mist is starting to emitt from her yet.
Quickly she concentrates , and the mist fades away.

" Its ok daddy... " she says to him and smiles.
The fear subsides and she feels more at ease. She is controlling things now and she knows it. No longer do her powers come at random times , well not usually. There are still times the tentacles come but never upon anyone else unless shes threatened. Usually only around herself when shes alone. The long dark comforting arms , holding her and cradeling her like a small child. That part she ahdnt told her instructors. She hadnt wanted to control that.

Once again Dr Jade approaches the passenger side of the car , opening the door and helping her from the seat.
They walk across the parking lot and towards a small Pavillion nearby. As they approach she can see another person sitting inside.
The woman stands now and begins to walk towards the two.
Kali stops... her feet freeze in place as she sees the womans face.
The woman from the photo is standing not 10 feet from her now.
Her face older , her hair has silver streaks throughout and is now cut to shoulder length in a bob style. But the face is hers.
The woman smiles softly at Kali... her voice soft and soothing.

" Hello Kallista I have waited so long to see you again"
... I am Imaya , your mother"

she reaches out and gently embraces Kali.
The hug is so familiar, like shes felt these arms around her a hundred times. And yet she knows she hasnt


" I brought you a gift, I made it for you long ago and have saved it for just this chance"

Kali hadnt noticed the small bag in the womans hand until now

As she opens the bag a item is inside. She pulls it carefully from inside revealing a round beaded barrette. It is approximatly 3 inches across and the beadwork reveals several long black snake looking figures , one slightly curved inward and surrounded by a light lavender colored background.

The woman smiles warmly at Kali and reaches for the girls trembling hands.
turn it this way" she says softly as she rotates the barrette so the snakes stand upright.

Looking at it from this view Kali see they are not snakes at all .... they are tentacles.
In her mind she hears the womans voice... whenever you need me I will be near , I have always been near

Kali looks up at her mother , there is so much she hadnt realized , so many questions to ask. But for the very first time , she feels comfortable with herself. She knows now shes not the freak others have called her. She is only different.
Her mothers warm smile is comforting.. The woman embraces her again and Kali holds onto her tightly unable to speak .

A few feet away her father stands , watching , and waiting.

[Kali Jade]

Nothing Forever Slumbers

Slowly Imaya withdraws from the embrace. She gently caresses Kalis face and smiles.
No words are spoken but Kali can hear her clearly inside her head.
"We are so alike you and I my sweet Kali. And yet We are so different"

Kali smiles back , still overwhelmed by the emotions flooding through her. The woman before her , emitting joy , and yet in some ways a sorrow as well. Her father emitting the same. Feelings of loss shadow those of happiness.

" Honey? ... I made other arrangements as well. You'll be taking a few weeks off away from the school. I want you to go back with Imaya and spend some time with her. Don't worry about clothes or anything all that will be taken care of and I told Mr Conrads I would have you call Him to let Him know you were ok with this. " Her fathers voice breaks the silence.

Imaya watches the young girls face , seemingly concentrating on her eyes.


I would like to take you home with me Kali, to meet the rest of your family.... and to teach you a little bit that I can if possible."
Her mother looks into her eyes again and Kali cant help but think how familiar this woman is to her. How can a total stranger feel like such a close part of you she wonders.
But shes not a total stranger.... not really. And somehow Kali knows this. They have talked many many times. At least Kali had talked and somehow she knew now that this woman before her had heard her and done her best to let Kali know she was listening.
" Before we leave ....." Kali says quietly in almost a whisper, I would like to make one stop at the school please , I need to tell someone goodbye"

Of course honey , but we're on a tight schedule , Your plane will leave soon , the arrangements we had to settle with didnt leave much time "
Her father replies.


(( OOC: I wanted to make way for Kalis absence while i was offline but now that Im back Ill lead it back into her return as well. again , feel free to jump in and write anything you want.))

[Kali Jade]

What Once Shall Be

Imaya takes Kalis hand as they walk across the grass and back towards the parked cars.
I will meet you both back at the airport , I have a few things to check on before I go she tells Kali in a soft soothing voice.
Kali and her father load into His car and head back through Founders.
AS they drive Kali calls Mr Conrads on her fatherrs cell. She lets Him know shes going with her father for a few weeks and he in turn tells her she has indeed passed her exams and will get her new uniorm and more information upon her return from the trip.
Kali squeels as she hangs up blurting out
. I passed YESSSSS and smiling brightly at her father.
As they pass one the many bridges , Kali looks up to the lions and smiles.
She watches the water in Red River as they pass. The suns reflections dancing off the water like tiny twinkling stars in the daylight.
Leaving Founders she sits back in the seat and enjoys the quiet. Again she runs her fingers over the smooth jade stone she wears. Her fingers lightly tracing the sunset pattern .
She is thankful her father isn't bombarding her with more questions.
As her fathers car approaches St Joes campus Kali sees Quill walking across the quad, a ton of books in His hands.
Oh wait daddy stop here please there He is ! Thats Quill over there ! shes blurting out excitedly.
The car pulls to astop in the visitors parking lot and Kali opens her door and runs across the grass to catch up to the young man ahead.
Quill ! Hey Quill wait! shes not sure if He hears her so she keeps running . As she catches up He turns to her with a smile.
Hey Quill .... she smiles back , a slight blush coming across her cheeks as she continues I'm leaving today for a few weeks. I just wanted to let You know I passed my exams , and I also wanted to thankyou for all your help. I prolly wont be gone long , just going to see my mother and her family. And ummm... thanks again for the frame , its beautiful the blush darkens a bit and Kali fidgets nervously where she stands

[Kali Jade]

What Is Shall Rest

Her trip is over. Shes returned back to St Joes. The time spent with her mother has opened Kali's eyes to many things she hadn't understood before.
The darkness within her, dreams , visions, the emotions that seemed to be pulled from the very air around her. It all made more sense now.
Her mother Imaya , had been right. They were so alike and yet so different.
Kali took after Imaya not only in her physical appearance , but in her powers as well.
Certain traits were not totally the same but the similarities were astounding.
Where Kali picked up emotions from objects , people , her surroundings , and had to work thru them to find what needed her help, Imaya had the telepathic abilities to read thoughts , and to project her own to others as well.
Kali's ability to heal , as strong as it was , did not compare to Imaya's. The older woman had become known for healing abilities . In her home of Taos, New Mexico , was a well known and well respected healer.
Imaya assured her daughter that her own abilities would get stronger as she grew older as well.
During one of several talks between the two during the short two week visit , Imaya told her daughter...
" Never ever fear the darkness Kalista. It is as much a part of who and what you are , as is the healing light within you. Life needs both, you cannot have one without the other. Do you understand? "
"yes I think so.. like a positive and negative... one does nothing unless put with the other right? " Kali was listening intently to everything told to her as she now answered.
The older woman smiled warmly, " yes Kalista , something like that" she replied.
Each night they spent together Imaya worked on some small project with Kali. She taught the young girl to do the beadwork like she had made the barrette with. A simple pattern , just so Kali could get the jest of the process. Working with porcupine quills, dyeing them colors and soaking them to soften. Then smashing each flat with the back of a spoon.
" In the old days , " Imaya starts to talk as she works , her eyes never leave the items in her hands , but she continues , " it was customary to pull the quills between your front teeth to smash them flat. It was part of the process. But as time went by , we discovered the matter that we pulled from insdie caused many stomach infections and ailments sometimes resulting in death. Now we use a spoon to flatten them."
Kali continued to work the quills. She was amazed at the ease with which her mother sewed them together in a beautiful geometric pattern while hers looked ragged and kept coming apart. But it was a lesson in where the emotions would help the healing. Learning to read where the sickness was in people and from what.

Each night was spent listening to one tale or another and working on some tradtional project.
On the final night, Imaya sat with Kali, Her voice soft and soothing. "Kalista, two weeks is not nearly enough time to teach you all I need to. But i wanted you to taste what our world can offer you.
You walk in two world daughter. You always will. Some people say that and they mean a culturally traditional world and a modern civilzed world. But our kind is different. You will meet others like us too. Its not a matter of what is modern and whats traditional. When it comes to you , you'll understand better."
" Like the tentacles? and the mist?" Kali asks.
Imaya smiles again , " yes " she answers, " like the tentacles & mist . And you will meet others with these gifts as well. And some with gifts much different but similar. You will be drawn to them without realizing it. And always it will be for a purpose. Don't turn away from them or brush it off as your imagination. Listen to them , learn from them. Understand? "
Kali wasn't sure she understood. But she smiled back , and nodded. When the time came she hoped she did what she should and didnt dissappoint her mother.

[Kali Jade]

What Is Shall Rest 2

The hustle and bustle of St Josephs.... gawd how she had missed this. Kali is home, home with her friends.
As soon as she arrives on campus shes greeted by a loud crash and several booms. People running aorund , mass confusion , daring rescues and narrow escapes.
yup.... this is home.
Days go by and Kali throws herself full force into her work again. Things are slightly different this time.Shes more perky , she laughs more. Shes more open around the others.
There are still secrets the others dont know. But then who else has thier own well guarded secrets she thinks to herself.

And Jaygo was back. They had run into each other briefly. The uneasiness very apparent on both sides. And yet it had went well she thought. She was glad he had returned and even happier He had took the time to say hi. She wished she hadnt made things go so terribly wrong . Why couldnt she have just stayed his friend. Why did she have to always make things go so wrong.
She had done what she thought was needed. And now look at the situation she had caused. Jaygos much understood uneasiness when she was near. She didnt blame him. If it had been the other way around she too would have felt an uneasiness around a monster such as her.
And yet there were the select few that knew and still tried to make her feel ok about it.
Oby... He had held her hand , promised her they would find a way to cure her. He had made her feel like this " sickness" she had let be brought on herself wasnt a curse. He had helped her understand it and cope with it.
And soon there would be a cure. She would be the old Kali again. No more sneaking around. no more hiding this from the others.
She hadnt just betrayed Jaygo, she had betrayed all of them. Would they still accept her after this?
And it had been effecting her more lately. The sudden mind blanks , feelings of being lost. They happened more now. Often times during missions she had gotten lost and played it off. But last night , she had not only gotten lost , she had totally blanked. Staring at a wall unable to remember why she was there. Obsidian once again had stepped in and brought her back to the here and now.
She didnt know how much longer she could hide this. If they all knew.....
She was sure she would be sent away again.
Her own family hadnt noticed. But it was getting harder. This "sickness" it didnt efect her like D or Sapph. But it did effect her.
She wondered to herself how Jaygo really was. If His absense had helped him. She hoped so. She wished the best for Him.

Her mind did this often now. Skipped around alot, it was hard to concentrate , to keep on task. More than once she heard over the com channel as she was talking...
" Wow Kali that really came from nowhere!"
Her comments were sparadic. Her actions sometimes unexplainable.
But Oby , He always seemed to cover for her. No matter how bizarre her actions had become He always turned it to a joke or some kind of play.
For this she was thankful.

Then the message came.....
There might be a cure... I may have found a way. I will contact You soon , be available at any notice.

Kali reached again and rubbed the jade stone that hung around her neck.
Could it be true? Please let it be true......

[Kali Jade]

Promises....

The promise of a cure is keeping Kali focused more. The side effects still causing her problems in patrols but she is able to focus more on herself and the other effects to keep a handle on them.

She is still having the sudden forgetfulness, but she has conciously began to write herself little notes and keep them near her books during class.
So far so good. But for how much longer.

Her friend from Korvus Academy , Joser had told her of His findings. The blackouts and such would get worse and if soemthing wasnt found soon it wasnt going to be just her mind that failed.

Her dark powers had saved her from the fate of Detective and Sapphire.
She hadnt become like them after the bite.
But , she was changing. Into what she didnt know but whatever it was she didnt like and was fighting it tooth and nail.

With Oby and Lights help she had been able to keep it from the others.
During one of her many sudden outbursts Oby had covered for her by calling it Kali's blonde moment.
Funny to hear the blonde haired dark skinned boy use that phrase.
And Lightfall... the pretty red haired girlfriend of Oby... she had become close to Kali. The 2 now are dorm mates as well and Lightfall watched over her when she slept also.

Sleep was often uneasy. Dreams would wake her that afterward she couldnt remember. Many times she had woke to Lightfalls gentle hands wiping her forehead and comforting her.

How much longer? She didnt know but she was doing everything she could to fight this and not let it take over her mind and soul as it had Detective and Sapph.

Poor Sapph , she sighed, she wished now she had tried to help her more then she had. In her own fear ofwhat was happening she had avoided Sapph in the end.
But that was her way wasnt it....

Wasn't that she what she always did when things didnt go smoothly? Run , Hide? , Turn away from the very people she had promised to stand by?
She thinks back to that day , Her promises to Jaygo and Sapph. They would stick together, they would all be ok.
And yet she was the first to avoid them. The first to break the ties between them.
Avoid the things that you fear and its almost like they dont exist.
Almost....
But they did exist. And they made themselves more known everyday.

[Sapphire]

((*sniffles, then bawls* I miss you too, Kali!!!! ))

[Kali Jade]

Moments Lost in Time

The cool breeze feels good upon her skin as she lays in the grass beside the falls.
Warming sun filled rays brighten the sky and Kali lays quietly watching the clouds in the early morning hours.
Many times she has laid here , relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the world around her.

Nearby a seagull lands watching her closely from its perch on the rocks.
Kali wishes now she had brought some small snack to toss him.

Standing she walks toward the small pool of water encircled among the rocks. with her shoes in one hand as her bare feet walk in the soft grass.

She lays the shoes on a nearby rock ledge and sits among the stones letting her feet dangle into the shallow water.

Half the morning has now gone by and she hasnt even realized it. To Kali its been only an hour or so. Her com makes a sudden chirp letting her know a message is waiting and she clicks the button with a sigh.

Kali? Kali where on earth are you? You were supposed to be in class 2 hours ago! Look I dont know where Youre at but if You dont get back here soon Oby and I will come looking! So get Your tail back here do You hear me?"


It was Lightfalls voice. Kali could tell she was worried although why she hadnt a clue. And where did she get a 2 hour time slot from anyways? She hadnt left the dorm but maybe half an hour ago, 45 minutes tops.

Kali turns her com unit on and begins to speak.
" Hey is anyone on yet?
no answer... theyre probably all in class she thinks to herself.

Hey? if like someones on here would You tell Lightfall Im fine and Im on my way back so she doesnt come looking please?
Still no answer.

Kali stands and grabs her shoes. She straightens her uniform skirt and hovers up slowly , turning toward Talos mainland and begins to fly.
In 15 minutes she arrives on campus and heads first to her dorm.

As she enters the dorm she sees Lightfall.
" oh good You got my message and didnt leave!" Kali exclaims with a grin.

What message Kali? I didnt get a message, who did you give it to and when? Lightfall asks with a concerned look.

I got your message telling me to hurry back.... so i sent one on my com.... noone answered but I left it anyways in case I just wasnt getting a good signal out there. You really never got it? " Kali asks


Kali ... hun ... I really dont know what youre talking about. You walked down the hall 15 minutes ago and have been standing at the window looking out on the quad .... You never left the dorm hallways. " Lightfalls face shows a growing concern for her friend.

No really listen ... its here the message I didnt erase it Kali is frantically searching her jacket pockets now for her com unit. She wants to play the message to Lightfall. But there is no com in her pocket.
I must have dropped it ... maybe somewhere coming back.... she says quietly. She isnt willing to accept Lightfalls explanation of where she has been or for how long.

Lightfall takes Kalis hand and leads her back to a plush chair by the windows in the small study area.

Reaching next to Kalis bed she lifts the com from the nightstand next to the small ornate jewelry box that sits there.

Kali look your coms here where you always put it at night Lightfall tells her with a smile.
She is trying hard not to let Kali see or hear or sense the concern she is feeling.

Ok Kali I have to get to class or Ill be late. Ill see you in PE ok? Lightfall says cheerfully as she makes her way out the door.

Kali sits fidgiting with the jade pendant as she holds the com unit. There is no message on it. The unit isnt even turned on. Looking out the window she wonders how much longer she has to wait. And worse yet , how much longer can she pretend everything is normal.

Outside the dorms Lightfall meets up with Oby and explains the situation that has unfolded this morning.
Shes getting worse Oby, What are we going to do?

[Kali Jade]

And Tomorrow Has Already Come

Its been 6 months since Kali came to St Josephs. So much has happened, so many changes. Changes not only with herself but with everyone and everything around her as well.

Sitting in Founders beneath the stone lion again she thinks over the last 4 of these months.
So many people came into her life . And now , so many of them were gone too.
Life is funny that way. People come and go , things change. And always theres the phrase between them of promises for tomorrow.
" We can get together tomorrow"
" I'll see You tomorrow"
So on and so forth. But Tomorrow is here. Or what is it her father always said....
" Dont put it off til tomorrow because tomorrow never comes, its always today."
Something like that anyways.

Curling up between the huge paws Kali rests her head on one arm. She is hidden here. Not even the boats passing beneath can see her. Only one person knows this spot she hides in.
She lays here quietly. Her eyes closed , relaxed , just feeling the warmth of the sun upon her.
Laying here quietly , memories of times with her friends come into view. Dances , dates at the beach, a lunch on the ledge of the security wall , detentions in the library, swimming at the falls....
How lucky she has been to be sent here.
Even with all the bad in the world these people face everyday , they are always here for each other. She smiles softly as she remembers things and runs her fingers across the jade pendant.

Everyone around her has played some part of her finding herself.

Cricket , her first friend here , taught her it was ok to fumble and fall. Just pick yourself back up and go again.

Jaygo, the first to pay any real attention to her... showed her being tough on the outside isnt always whats inside. She smiles again as she rubs the stone.

High Tower... ok now theres one to figure out still.... He had a mouth that made her nuts. She wanted to argue with Him everytime He talked in public... and yet , He could be funny , playful . She wasnt sure what she learned from Him yet.

Mimi... Mimi had taught her to just be herself. Dont worry about what anyone else thinks .

Stasis... Kali chuckles at this one. Oh how bad she had disliked Stas when she first met her. Or more she was so jealous of the other girl. She hadnt even given Stas a chance at first. And now the two laugh and joke whenever they see each other. ( funny how jealousy works huh)

Kris.. Kris had shown Kali even smart girls have problems. And sometimes those problems arent that different from your own. She had talked with Kris a few times and enjoyed ever chat. Well almost every chat. Again she laughs to herself. Kris had also shown her to believe in yourself. If Kris could pull through everything life had thrown at her so could Kali.

Quill... He had been there to guide her through security level training for most of her schooling. And he had told her one thing that had stuck with her...Stars are 'spots' on the night sky, they make the dark so much more beautiful. It was ok to be different. It was ok not to look like everyone else. It made you different and differences made people who they were and each beautiful in thier own way.

Lightfall... she had been a true friend to Kali. Teaching her above all else trust comes first.
Light had trusted Kali with her most valued piece.... her heart... Oby. She had allowed the friendship between them . She had allowed Oby the time He needed to help Kali get through the sickness. To get her the cure. And through it all Light had been there too. Watching over her and taking care of her.

Oby... He had taught her compassion , He listened to her rants, things she couldnt say in front of anyone before and yet it just spilled forth around Him. He listened and He gave advice. And He showed her it was ok to feel what she was feeling. It was all just human nature. He showed her how to be human again.

John Drago... Here was one she wondered about often. He had just vanished. She assumed at first He had been busy.. noone seemed to know what happened to Him. The quiet boy who escorted her to her first dance. Built like a brama bull He could wipe out a mob like it was nothing. And yet there was a softness about Him as well.
He had taught her things arent always what they seem.

Sapphire... the girl who could turn a roomful of heads just by entering. Now there was something about her Kali just couldnt place. None the less , Sapph had taught Kali too.


So many others had come into her life as well. Hedgehog, Tawney , November , Moth , all gone for awhile and now returning once more. She was sure there would be lessons learned from them as well.

Jubilation... Kali winces with imaginary pain as she recalls Jubi. Jubi had taught her not to judge. No matter what Jubi had done , Kali knew Jubi wasnt a bad person. She was misunderstood. " we should have been there more for her" Kali thinks to herself.

So many others. Too many to name. And so many new ones coming now. More lessons to learn .And maybe.. just maybe... she had taught all these people something too.

The mid-day sun warms Kali's skin as she lays here unnoticed.
Things have changed. Things will continue to change. But with change comes knowledge. And with knowledge comes understanding.

She wasnt the shy , introverted teen she was 6 months ago. She could walk into a room now and mingle with everyone just as if she had always been one of them. She had what she had yearned for. She belonged.