Welcome to Gaia! ::

A group of teens start going to a public high school in the middle of the school year. Nobody particulary likes this group, and they keep to themselves mostly.

This group makes up four families: Yanoi, Takashi, Gumz, Fiennd
There are two teens in each family, one boy, one girl.

Nobody knows anything about these 8 teens. Nobody dares to talk to them. Nobody has seen their parents, not even the teachers.

These teens appear to be normal, but are from a glactical empire. They were cast away, banished, from the empire. They now live in Earth until they can somehow prove to the Galactic Empire that they can do something right.

Now's their chance to prove themselfs, but will they take it?



Heres the deal. You can only be an aliens from the four families: Yanoi, Takashi, Gumz, Fiennd

Once their are two characters with one particular last name, no one else can choose that last name.

The characters have powers, whatever powers you wish. You are limited to two powers per character, and two characters per person.

Chose their picture wisely. Remember, even though their aliens, they appear to be human. Not mermaids or fairies, human. Whacky colored hair is fine, but make sure it isnt too much...
Chose their age using your brain. A 10 year old wont be in high school. Anything from 14-18 is fine.

Here is the character pro:

Quote:
Username:
Name: (first and last)
Age: (14-18 only please)
Gender:
Personality:
Powers: (max 2)
Crush: (choose another character, or leave blank)
Picture of character:
Other:



CHARACTERS

OK, if you are a mod, you can edit this post to put your character here, if not, post it and I will put your character here. I like everything to be in one place.

LAST NAMES AVALIBLE FOR BOYS: (no boy slots left)
LAST NAMES AVALIBLE FOR GIRLS: (no girl slots left)



Username: m!st and GNF
Name: Natalia Yanoi
Age: 17
Gender: female
Personality: quiet, clever, kind, caring, shy
Powers: water element
Crush: (blank for now...)
Picture of character: (<< to the left <<)
Other: Nothing I can think of at the moment.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Username: buggieray
Name: Atlanta (Lani) Gumz
Age: 16
Gender: Female
Personality: Lani is the quietest of the group, she allmost never talks and usually lets her brother do the talking for her. She is gentle and caring, and takes sympathy on alot of people, animals, and things. She is very artistic and takes her sketchbook with her wherever she goes.
Powers: Lani can create things by drawing them, whatever she draws becomes real if she wishes it.
Crush: (none, currently)
Picture of character: [+ Lani +]
Other: Lani wears a pink tanktop under her dress.

Username: buggieray
Name: Joshua Gumz
Age: 18
Gender: Male
Personality: Quiet around people he doesnt know, but outgoing around his friends and family. He is very controlling and he likes to take charge. Some people see him as heartless, but he really does care for some people... A very choice few of them...
Powers: Josh can control the shadows, build things from them or sink into them.
Crush: Renee
Picture of character: [+ Josh +]
Other: Josh is Lani's older brother.

Username: lone_Beast
Name: Rein Fiennd
Age: 17
Gender:Male
Personality: he is usually quiet, not really talkative, and has a hard time talking around Atlanta, he tries to make his conversations short so no one knows more of his personality
Powers: Psycokenesis, summoning of a black flame
Crush: secretly, he has a crush on Atlanta Gumz
Picture of character:
Other: usually keeps dark shades on.

Username: Magical_Dreams
Name: Renee Takashi
Age: 16
Gender: female
Personality: outgoing, tempermental, smart, and impolite to humans.
Powers: fire and healing
Crush: Josh
Picture of character:
Other: She'll be in darkblue.

Username: Magical_Dreams
Name: Gavin Yanoi
Age: 16
Gender: boy
Personality: wise, calm, collected, and understanding.
Powers: ice and wind
Crush: none
Picture of character:
Other: he'll be in green. He cares about his sister. despite his shortness, compared to his sister, he gets protective at points.

Username: Anna Bell Rose
Name: Jasmine (Jazz) Fiennd
Age: 15
Gender: Female
Personality: Jazz craves attention. She acts like she really doesnt want attention, but she really thrives on it. She is loud and outgoing, but she keeps quiet around those 'humans'. She has never been polite in her lifetime, though she does have a caring side to her.
Powers: Jazz can control sound waves and make sonic booms.
Crush: Gavin
Picture of character:
Other: She enjoys being the youngest of the group, feeling like she gets extra attention that way.

Username: lone_beast
Name: Max Takashi
Age: 18
Gender: male
Personality: Max is nice, except that his sister is too talkative. He tells her to shut up constantly. He has a loud voice, but because of it, he usually talks in wispers. Despite the fact that his sister doesn't shut up and he constantly tells her to, he is also talkative.
Powers: The ability to suck up energy, and release it any time he wishes. Extensive hearing
Crush: none
Picture of character:

Other: he hates the school with a passion. Other than the food, which was usually good, he is horrible at sneaking out, so he doesn't do it anymore. He can usually catch wispers from a mile away, and normal talking at two. he thinks himself ugly.

ALLRIGHTY THEN! You may now start to post and such.

+- OPEN! -+

Gavin grumbled. He mopped up the mess and cleared his tray.

Renee heard the bell and ran for her locker.

He got his books out of his locker, and headed to Computer Tech

Lani sighed and headed to her next class. Atlanta, your gonna have to tell him someday...

Josh hurried to dump his tray and rush to his next class.

Gavin went to his next class and sat down quietly.'Where does Jazz go during school hours?'He thought.

Rein sat in his chair 'this means that the day is almost over' he thought 'can't wait to get home...' he looked around the class, he was the first one in, so it was pretty empty

Renee grabbed her belongings and dashed to her next class, which happened to be history.

Gavin looked around. He found many students looking at him, male and female.'How annoying...'His face turned grim.'What am i? a Monster that is to be stared at 24-7? This is rediculous!'He averted his gaze to his books and paper. but he wasn't entertained long for his mind wandered back to his home planet where he wished to be back at.

"Hey Gavin!" Max said as he walked up to him "sorry I missed lunch"

Lani took her seat in the classroom. She largely paid no attention as students began filing in, she doodled on a loose paper in her notebook.

Josh grabbed his books on the way to his class, and then ran to the classroom.

Gavin was startled for a second but then realized who was speaking to him. "Max where've you been?" 'lucky for him, he get's to be somewhere else while i get bored out of my wits in here. which still brings me to the question about Jazz...'He thought.

When Renee entered the class she spotted Lani. She rushed to her seat next to her and grinned."What'cha drawing?"

Lani blushed hotly and quickly closed her notebook. "Nothing..." She said quietly, not wanting Renee to go blabbing about her secrets.

Natalia walked at a leisurly pace to her class, she wasnt in any hurry to get there.

Jazz had slipped away from the school grounds as soon as everyone had left to get to their various classes. This time, though, she stuck closer to the school, so she would be there when school let out and take the bus home. There was no way she was going to walk all the way there.

"here and there, in class, but I had to miss lunch, the so called 'teacher' held me in class" he said with a disgusted look on his face for a second, then it vanished, and the smile returned. "Well, later" he said as he started to walk to his next class

Gavin grumbled at the thought of being held back. He let Max slip away to a different class as he eyed the subject title on his book. 'These names they have chosen for their learning is so weird. I'm curious to know what my sis wants to tell us in the Common Room...'He pondered this for a while until he spotted the teacher approaching the classroom.

he saw the teacher walk in 'and the fun must begin'

he entered his class, and took a seat as he heard the bell ring, 'whew, made it on time' he thought as the teacher called roll 'this will take forever'

The names of the students were being checked off. Renee was getting soo bored of listening. She thought of the mysterious gathering they were going to be having back at the Common Room.'To think that Natalia has something to say. i wonder what...'Her mind trailed off to the many possiblities of what could happen. Then her mind went to far into thinking of romance among some of the siblings with a mixed match. Her thoughts stopped when she thought of herself and Josh together.'Yikes! was i really moving in on him? eek! i hope that thought doesn't...well ok maybe i do but the rest i'm not so sure about....'

"begin" said the teacher. There had been things layed on the desks, they were supposed to build something, it was both part of their grade, and to see who could get done first for an extra credit. Though he was already acing the class, and needn't the extra credit, he was soon finished "Done" he said raising his hand, he heard the other students groan, or glare at him. The teacher came over to inspect his work, to find a flaw to nail him on...The teacher was very dissappointed. "continue" she said to the rest of the class, then she went back to her desk

Gavin watched his teacher write the most horrid word ever onto the black board. Gavin groaned with the rest of the class.'WHY!?!?'He screamed inside. The teacher passed out the papers explaining the rules and something about not to go start cheating. For it is a 'personal' test. When she spoke of these things she seemed to be staring at Gavin all through it. She then turned her gaze to the rest of the class as she said begin.'She's trying to learn something from me. Too bad...It won't work.'

"Rein, would you come to the front desk please" said the teacher, sounding very stern

Rein rose from his seat, and made his way through the desks to her, almost tripped by another student, he finally made it to the front desk "yea"

"how do you do that, not even the best computer-tech trained proffessionals can go that fast"

"its...just natural I guess" he said

"okay, but I'll be watching you" he was then excused back to his seat

Natalia was sitting in class, boredly staring at the worksheet the substitute techer had given the class. She had finished a while ago, so she had nothing to do.

Lani's mind was in a similar place as Renee's. She roughly sketched yet another picture of her and Rein together at the edge of her loose-leaf binder absently. She was hardly aware of what she was doing.

Josh sighed. He liked the next class, but absolutely hated the teacher. He was sitting at his seat, near the back of the classroom, putting together his assignment. The class was seperated into groups, three students each group, and were assigned to build a working model of a plane. One of Josh's partners was absent, and the other was slacking and letting Josh do all the work.

later, the whole class had finally finished. The teacher handed out a sheet "thats homework" she said. She then took her seat. Rein, looked at the homework, and smiled 'too easy, I wonder if anyone has something harder

Renee heard the teacher ranting on about the subject. When the teacher was discussing something that had nothing to do with the subject Renee listened in. It seemed they were talking about a movie and the book that was made before it. Renee got tired of listening to something so unnessary and averted her eyes to Lani, who seemed to be not paying attention. Renee didn't want to pry on Lani but she just couldn't help but notice the slight detail of glasses that gave the character away. Renee was stunned. 'She's drawing a picture of Rein?! yikes! i wonder if she made an awesome picture of me!'Of course she hadn't thought of the feelings that Lani was probably putting into the picture.

Gavin looked at the test. 'how am i supposed to answer this...? Wait! i know!'He rappidly filled out the lines and boxes with the appropriate information. Luckily, he faked the jobs of his pretend parents. When he came to phone numbers he filled out one number. theirs. only because it's the only one he knew and because he felt that he could answer the teacher's questions when he got home.'That's only if she don't call while we're in school. heh answering machine!"He did the last touch and went up and placed his 'personal' test on the teacher's desk. He hurriedly went back to his seat, only to be stopped a second before he landed, because the teacher was calling his name.'drat!'

Lani realized what she was sketching and color flooded to her face. Thankfully, it was only a rough sketch, and the only way that someone could tell who exactly it was if that person knew Rein. Lani quickly flipped to a blank page and pretended to be taking notes in her special short-hand, written backwards and with every other line flipped upside down. She knew that nobody would understand her short-hand, unless they spent a great deal of time trying to decipher it, but she wasnt taking notes. She was, infact, working on the short story that she promised Josh she would do for him for his homework.

Josh had to keep telling himself to slow down, not to rush too much. He ended up triple checking every single little part so he wouldnt build the model plane too fast.

The teacher looked at them, and tried to make it seem like she was looking at everyone in the class, yet, she looked at Rein, who was sitting there, she went up to him. "Rein, I have an extra assignment for you, I would like you to build a computer, and a moniter in extreme working condition, its due whenever you finish"

"Alright" he said making a mental note. he looked at the clock 'the bell is due to ring soon'

RRRRRRRRRRRRIiing went the bell, and up both Max and Rein popped, ran to their lockers, got out their stuff, and left the school doors

Lani was startled by the bell, and she hurridly stuffed the paper she had been sketching on inside her binder then went from the class.

Josh had just finished building the model, but hadnt had time to make sure it run smoothly. He shrugged as he put away his suplies and went to meet the others.

Walking along the sidewalk, Max and Rein were talking together merrily "Should we wait for the others? they should be here soon"

"Yes" replied Max "we should" he came to an abrupt halt and leaned against a nearby fence

Natalia had rushed out of the classroom and out of the school building, glad to be rid of school for the day.

Jazz was leaning against the fence, contemplating wheather or not she would take the bus home or walk. She had her arms crossed and had some rock song playing in her headphones that she wasnt really listening to as she watched various kids go by.

They weren't really far from the school, both Max and Rein decided to go through with the bus, though it took longer, they didn't have to walk as much. The bus was already at the stop, so they got on, it wasn't due to leave for a minute or two yet. There were always some empty seats, which Max and Rein took one of them up

Renee and Gavin were dashing through the halls. "i hope we don't miss the bus!"

Gavin nodded his agreement and kept running. They dodged other students and teachers, all except one, who grabbed their arms as they passed.

"Hold it! No running in the halls! You two of all people should know that."The teacher gave them a nasty look and had them sit in the office chairs, as all the buses were leaving to their destinations.

"looks like your sister will have to wait for us along with everyone else. What'll we do about teach callin' our house? We're not there to change voices and such. And the others are either on the bus or are on their way to the apartment."She slumped in her seat feeling at a loss.

Gavin rubbed her back trying to think of some way to get out of the situation.'Maybe Jazz or someone other than us hasn't left already.'He thought.'And if that's so, then they could help us out of this fix.'

"where are Gavin and Renee? they are usually on the bus by now..." said Rein "Wonder what happened"

Renee felt odd with Gavin touching her but she didn't care. She had no idea how she was getting out of this fix. She had her head in her hands breathing heavily. trying to think of a get away plan.

"Renee. You're unusally quiet. I'm sure we'll think of something if not the rest of them will--"He was interupted by the giggling students watching the two in the office.'They know we're in trouble.'He stomped his foot, causing Renee to look up. He muttered."I hate being obvious."

"Sometimes it's fun...but not now."She went quiet when the principal came in.

Josh missed the bus that went to their neigborhood, and decided to walk home instead of take a different one. He ran or jogged most of the way, though, wanting to get home quickly.

Lani passed the office on her way out and spotted Renee and Gavin. She was about to ask them what happened when the principle came in, and she walked past into a nearby hall. She didnt particulary like the principle. But she wanted to help them somehow. She held her backpack loosely in one arm, and noticed her sketchbook poking out of one of the pockets. It was then that she hit upon an idea. She roughly grabbed her sketchbook and flipped to an empty page, beginning to sketch furiously. This sketch would be different, though, as she would finish it.

Gavin had just barely spotted Lani in the hall before the principal appeared. He thought to himself.'GREAT! we've got a life saver!'He poked Renee but Lani was already gone.'she'll be back with a plan.'Renee gave him a curious look but it vanished quickly.

"For running in the hall you two will be punished. You two are amoung the most brightest students in your grade. can't you at least be wise enough to not go running in the halls?! that's something a 1st grader would do. How pathetic."He turned thinking up a good punishment for them.

During that time Gavin quickly whispered to Renee about the presence of Lani. Renee's eyes lightened up with hope. She watched the halls casually hoping to spot Lani again, just in case.

Lani didnt appear back in the hallways, but seemingly out of nowhere, two boys did, fighting eachother. They seemed a little confused at first when they appeared, but then they seemed to remember something and began beating upon eachother. A couple students gathered near them, watching curiously, glad to have some entertainment. Lani kept her sketchbook open, but held her eraser to the paper, waiting for the right moment. She was standing in such a place that she could see easily the principle's office and Gavin and Renee, but only those in the same hall as her's could see her. She paid very little attention to the fighting boys, but instead looked closely to the principle's office.

The principal was distracted by the rucuss outside. Gavin and Renee averted their attention to the halls. They saw the students fighting and nodded to each other.'Now. To wait for the principal to leave here. and for us to scoot!'

Renee seemed to have the same idea. They both figured on finding Lani before they went home. Then the chance came. The principal and the vice went out into the hall to break up the fight. Renee and Gavin creeped out of the office and ran towards the hall where Lani just happened to be in.

Gavin smiled."Thanks! let's get out of here right away!"

Renee nodded her agreement and slapped Lani on the shoulder."I second the thanks!"

"Ow.." Lani said, rubbing the shoulder Renee had just slapped. "OK... But I have to get rid of these guys first..." Lani tapped the drawing in her sketchbook with her pencil eraser and bit her bottom lip. She began erasing part of one of the boy's head, and that boy began to run out of the school just then, the other one following. With her pencil, she led them to a dark place she knew nobody would be looking, and erased both boys completely, until it was impossible to tell that there had been a drawing there in the first place. "Ok, now we can go. Hurry, before the principal finds out your gone. Which reminds me, what were you in for, anyway?"

Gavin groaned."Just from running."

"It seems that while we were racing for the bus we got caught running in the halls. So the teach brought us to the office. And if it weren't for you we'd be having to do something that only these people can stand to punish us for."

"Enough chit-chatting. let's go before my sis and the others get worried."

"Allright. Lets go."

Gavin and Renee went through the halls. Passing stragglers here and there but otherwise lucky enough not to pass any teacher, who would scold them for half running half walking.
They reached the sidewalk in short breath."Phew! i'm glad that's over. Let's get home."Renee left Gavin and Lani alone on the walk as she skipped ahead home.
Gavin smiled warmly to Lani. "Lani. You've been more quiet now than you have been before. what gives?"He had his hands in his pockets letting his hair slide into his face. Gavin glanced at her."If you wanna talk. i'm willing to listen. I may not be a knight in shinning armor to talk to but i'm willing to keep some secrets for ya."'I don't have much of a friendship to everyone in the apartment. So i'm gonna try and start now. Lani looks like she could use a friend outside her own family. That's why i'm taking the time to chat with her.'

Lani glanced doubtfully at Gavin and bit her lip. "You'd just laugh if I said anything..." She wanted desperately to share a secret with somebody... anybody... But she didnt know Gavin all that well. And she didnt want to risk trusting him if he was just going to turn around and tell whatever she said to him in secret. I guess I could give him a chance... Maybe... She bit her lip some more before she finally spoke again. "If I ask you something will you promise not to laugh or tell anyone else what I asked you?"

Rein entered the building first "It would have taken much longer to walk..." he said with a sigh

"Well, I just wonder how long we're going to stay on this planet, the only thing good here is the food" he entered after Rein

Gavin nodded."Cross my heart and hope to die..."Then he whispered."and you could even stick a needle in my eye."He gave a small laugh."I promise i won't tell a soul. Nor will i laugh."He gave her a warm smile and listened.

"Do you think...." Lani hesitated again but decided to disclose her secret to Gavin anyway. "Do you think Rein... likes me?" She bit her lip hard and glanced away, slightly blushing.

Gavin was slightly surprised but he smiled anyway."He might. I haven't spoken to him lately so i wouldn't know for sure. Would you like me to find out for you?"

"You think you could?" Lani was slightly suprised at this, "I mean, could you do that without giving anything away?"

"Well, I guess...we wait for the others to get here? I have a feeling...that they wanted to meet" said Rein, taking a seat in their apartment

Gavin nodded thoughtfully."I think i could. Since i am a guy i could probably interrogate without suspicion. heh but if you tried it wouldn't be too smart. Heh let's get back to the apartment and find out."He smiled and began to walk on again glancing back to give her a reasuring glance.

Lani smiled. Maybe this whole being friends with Gavin would work out, afterall. She caught up with him and walked next to him. "Thanks." She said quietly.

"You're welcome. I thought that if we all are to go through this test or whatever it is, we mind as well get to know each other and become friends. That way we'd know how to deal with eachother in times of need. I don't know. but it was a thought that sounded like a good idea. Why should we go on in life here as strangers? There would be so much more worth if we did stuff together. Almost--like family."He blushed a little. 'i feel weird talking about this but it's best that i do. maybe she and i can connect with everyone else this way. So far that i know, she and i are naturally kind and willing to reach others, despite our shy personalities...ok i'm not that shy but at least i'm willing to admit it. In my head.'"Sorry if i give you the wrong impression. I only want to become friends. And to help you with your crush. and maybe if we can work together...we could maybe get everyone else to form some type of friendship together. do you get what i mean?"He looked at her questioningly.

"I never said I had a crush on Rein." Lani said quietly, becomming quite red in the face. But afterwards she laughed. "Yeah, I guess your right about that. But I'm not sure if everyone wants to be friends." She said, half refering to her brother.

"Well, i don't know so much about that. Maybe we all talk tough and try to stay away from everyone when really, deep down inside, we all want to have a friend to talk to. We all live in the same apartment, we all are far away from home, and we've got this thing for hating the humans. but besides that i think we could all be friends. We all just need a push to get our friendships going."

Renee reached the apartment."Finally! I thought i'd never get here."She went up to their apartment and opened the door to find Rein and her brother Max lounging about."Looks like you two made yourselves comfortable."She went to the kitchen and got herself some chips.

Lani nodded. "It would be nice... We all seem so distant from eachother, it might be nice to have more of a family, rather than a group of misfits." She smiled thoughtfully. "I've actually been thinking about that lately. My idea is... well... We might not ever get back home, so we have to be strong together if we do have to stay here. That way we have someone we can rely on, someone's always watching our backs... You get what I mean?" Lani blushed slightly, feeling she had said too much. That was the most she had ever said at once, and alot of it was from her heart, which she normally was not so willing to share.

"Yes! i feel the same way. Maybe, just maybe, we can start on someone. Have any suggestions?"'I would be going to fast if i suggested Jazz. She's been too distant lately and she seems the type to go after, after everyone has had a chance to become friends...but she seems like someone i could actually become friends with, Lani is nice and she and i have some things in common. Luckily, i won't feel awkward around her, knowing that she's got a crush on Rein...heh well it would be interesting to find out if he likes her or not.""I've just thought of something. Perhaps you can work on the girls. and I'll work on the guys. That way we'd all feel comfortable around our own genders and have natural conversations. Persay, I start on a conversation about girls. Then maybe i can learn new things about the guys...but i i probably won't tell no one about who they like, why, or even if they do or not. but you could be an exception...i guess. but if you start acting weird and unnatural around him he'd know something's up and or that you know he likes you, if he does, and then he'd loose interest. Sorry to say that but that is sometimes the way us guys work. Or we jump ahead and begin to like the new personality and end up liking the girl more. but that all depends on the guy's feelings....ok now i've said too much."He blushed and laughed it off.

Lani was completely mortified at this speech of Gavin's and resolutely set herself not to say anything more on the subject of Rein. Her face changed color from bright red, to deathly pale, to bright red again, and she absolutely avoided looking at Gavin. Lani was closing herself up again, after she had opened herself up to one of the least likely persons she could think of.

Gavin looked at her. Then he turned pale."Did i say something wrong? I'm sorry. I guess i did say too much. I'm deathly sorry. I'll keep quiet for the rest of the walk if you'd like. I guess i still need to practice my own ways of communicating with people too. I'm sorry, again."He held his head low for the rest of the walk, cursing himself for being to open and talkitive.

This distressed Lani, his hanging his head low and appologising. She felt that it was more her own fault than his, which was probably not the case, but Lani had the tendancy to blame everything on herself and think highly of everyone else. "No... dont be sorry... It's fine I just..." She frowned, not quite knowing where she was going with this.

Gavin barely heard her."Well...I'm guessing that everyone else has already arrived at the apartment. maybe some other time we can meet and talk about our accomplishments...?"He looked hopeful."Anyway,"He looked up at the sky, hands behind his head."My sister has the most weirdest thoughts. I'm curious to know what she wants us for."He gave a side glance and then went back to looking at the sky.

Renee slumped onto an empty spot on the couch and chowed down the chips. Making some crumbs fall to the floor."So...What do you--guys think Natalie wants.......us for?"She asked through mouthfuls.

Lani shrugged. "Who knows. She hasnt said anything about it to me. It may be just because she likes to have everyone in her power?" Lani grinned, "Maybe, Natalia is kinda a power hog..."

Josh arrived at the apartment. "Hey." He said as he entered, slumping into an old chair.

Renee waved then finished off the bag of chips.

Gavin sighed."I don't think she's that horrible. I mean i live with her and all, so i guess i'd know, but i don't. There's our apartment. Come on. I think she might have already started."He ran for the door.

Lani smiled as she watched Gavin, but her pace didnt change. Somehow she figured that whatever it was Natalia wanted them for would be important, and that she wouldnt start without everyone else.

Josh dug through his backpack for something.

Renee threw the back of chips away and came back to find Josh digging around."What's ya looking for?"She couldn't be quiet for long.

Gavin entered the building and had come in and caught Renee's question mid-sentence."Everyone's not here yet? Lani's coming in a second."

"Nothing." Josh mumbled as he zipped his backpack up.

Lani walked up to the door and waited for awhile before coming in. She was, by now, back to her quiet self.

Renee couldn't take Josh's answer as it was."You wouldn't be looking for something if it was nothing. Come on! Tell! TELL! TELL! TELL! TEL--"

"Renee. Maybe he doesn't want you to know. Maybe it's a surprise for all of us. or maybe he just doesn't want us to know."Gavin sat on the armrest of one of the couches with his arms folded and his head down like he was thinking really hard.

"Fine. But whatever it is...I'll find out sooner....or....later!"She waved a finger in Josh's face as she said this and walked up to her room.

Lani rolled her eyes at Renee's antics. They always amused her, for some reason. She looked at Josh for a while, making eye contact with him.

Josh narrowed his eyes a bit at his sister and then shook his head. He knew what Lani was thinking, or atleast he guessed what she was thinking, and thought it ridiculous.

Lani rolled her eyes. The Gumz not being ones to talk much knew eachother well enough to communicate fairly well without speaking. She went to the kitchen and got a yogurt out, one of the few things she would actually eat on this planet.

Jazz walked into the apartment, her headphones still on and she still not really listening to whatever was on the station. She waved to everyone as she walked in then went to sit somewhere. She deliberately sat on the couch that Gavin was on, though not next to him. Her headphones faded with static and she pulled them off, resting them around her neck.

Gavin waved back to Jazz. Gavin looked at everyone and counted who was missing.Jazz, Lani, Renee, Josh, Rein, Max, Me....Where's my sister?!'"Where's Natalia?"'hopefully some girl would know...unless they expect me to know, since i am her brother...gah!'"Be right back."He got up and left the room and went to Natalia's bedroom. He knocked waiting for a reply. But got none. He came back to the group."It seems that she didn't get here before us."He walked over towards an empty spot on the couch near Jazz, and sat down naturally."This is getting annoying. I know i'm known to be late for school alot but she doesn't have to be like me, in being late."He sighed and leaned back.

Renee came back to the group after retrieving a gameboy sp from her room. She played vividly in her own little world.

Lani made no effort to answer Gavin's question or reply to his comment, she was busy with her yogurt.

Josh waited until he was sure that Renee was lost in the video game world before he began digging in his backpack again for the lost item.

Renee's eyes were on the game and her brain was focusing on the movements and actions of the character but her hearing was pulling at her to take a sneak peak at her crush. She paused the game for a quick second and stole a look at Josh. She smiled when she realized that he was going through his bag again. She unpaused the game and smiled happily to herself as she acted innocent.'This'll be fun!'

Gavin looked at Lani hoping she'd come up with some diversion to get Jazz, and Renee's attention to talk about some girly thing for them to do while they waited for his sister. Then a thought struck him.'Why don't i give her the hint by doing something like that here, myself? But what do we guys like to do....sports? hmmm....maybe a card game? no the girls would want to join and the guys wouldn't even play unless they had someone they liked who asked them to play, unless they play hard to get even though deep inside they would play with her....oh well...something else. magazines? no. Everything i'd consider doing isn't boyish enough. ok. well i'm a guy...so i should be thinking like a guy. a game of wits...or a tournament?! yes that's it! battles of the low quality...we don't wanna ruin the apartment of course.'"I've got an idea."He waits for a dramatic effect.
When he only received blank stares he cleared his throught and spoke to everyone."What if we have a tournament? a short one and maybe make it longer next time. The tournament can have many different obsticles to face. Wits, brawn, speed, accuracy...you name it. and the groups would be split up by gender. girls against guys. I could be the referre (sp?) since my sis isn't present to make the game truly even. But anyway we'll all vote for who has the most of each catagory and that person will choose the test for that ability so that we can all help eachother upgrade to a better level of abilities."

Josh paused what he was doing, again, zipped up his bag and looked Gavin steadily in the face. "And why, exactly, would we do that?"

Lani hurridly finished her yogurt, figuering where Gavin was going with this. "Because it will be fun, a nice change from what we normally do around here and... and..." She glanced at Gavin again before continuing, "It'll be fun. I think it's a great idea."

Gavin caught her eye and slightly nodded.'That's it Lani. Take this bait and get this family friendship going.'"Well, it seems that we've all been like, well comrades in a war zone. And i'm getting tired of, like, the tension and things like it. We need a new environment. So If we all pitch in to help eachother learn where we all stand...we could actually learn to really and truely tollerate eachother, and not because we have to, but because we want to."He was practically out of his seat as he said these words. He wanted some excitement, in which he was sure the others did too.

Renee paused the game practically dropping her gameboy, hearing Gavin andLani talking about something like this, was blowing her mind."But....who said we ha....had to tollerate--I mean why should i give my intuition to someone less fortunate? I may not see where you're coming from Gavin but....where i come from sharing abilities weren't the highest fashion. Which is something i'd like to stick too."'i know i'm being hard but maybe i can strike some interest to Josh this way...and i know i was semi-lying there...hopefully Max, doesn't catch that and ruin it for me. He'll make me turn out to be the bad guy here.' Her look towards her brother was somewhat pleading that he wouldn't comment on what she said.

Jazz shrugged. "Sounds fun, I guess." She blew a bubble with her gum and glanced at Gavin.

Josh raised his eyebrows. "Really? I didnt know you were that interested in fashion."

Lani rolled her eyes at her brother, again, and turned back into the kitchen to throw away the yogurt cup and put the spoon in the sink.

Renee laughed."Of course i do! Why do you think i'm playing this?"She held up the gameboy sp."It's been an object i caught some humans playing with during class. They looked happy to be playing it. so, on my way here i stopped by a store and purchased one."

Gavin stared at her.'So Lani and me were walking for that long? long enough to have Renee get here first from buying something at the store. wow that's kinda sad.'

"Wait a minute! Josh why are you so concerned about me liking to keep up with fashion? Does that mean you like me?!?!"She clapsed her hands together, she had approached him during this question, and gave a hopeful, happy, excited glance to him.

Josh's eyebrows raised even further. "What?" He asked, moving further back into the seat, "Sure I like you..." He said slowly, glancing at Lani for help, "You're my friend... I have no choice..."

Lani covered her mouth to keep herself from laughing. She wasnt going to bail her brother out this time, it was just too funny.

Renee was a little down by what he said but she wouldn't let that stop her."So you do like me!!!! That's great! I'll go bake a cake!"She ran off for the kitchen.

Gavin raised his eyebrow now."A cake??!! Boy Josh you're going no where with this."He laughed.

Josh's face had the strangest mixture of suprise and mortification, that Lani couldnt help laughing out loud. She no longer tried to hide it, and was laughing so hard she was crying, and leaning on the wall for support.

Josh tried to say something, but his voice was frozen along with the expression on his face. Finally, getting ahold of himself, he started mumbling again, "Crazy girls.... What's the cake for, anyway? ... I didnt know I was so funny..." And digging in his backpack again, determined not to be interupted before he found what he was looking for.

Renee could be heard singing/humming to a tune that no one other than her brother would know. Anyone could hear clatter and bang and loud noises coming from the kitchen, indicating that she was cooking.

Gavin caught the giggle bug from Lani and began to laugh too."Sorry. Josh but that is pathetically funny!"He was slapping his leg to calm himself down, though it didn't help much.

Renee was going through the different colors of icing when she realized she had no idea which color was his favorite. She gasped. "OH NO!!!"

Gavin was still snickering when he heard her shout."Wha--what's...the matter?!"He laughed between words.

She came to the opening of the kitchen and yelled out."Josh!!! I don't know what your favorite color is! I need it! please tell me!"

With that said Gavin laughed even harder.

"What's so funny?"She looked at Lani and Gavin who were laughing.

Josh grumbled something unintelligible and pretended like he didnt hear.

Lani calmed herself down enough to talk, and then smiled at Renee. "Oh, Josh likes red the best, you must know that." She said, grinning in such a way as could keep her from bursting out laughing again.

Renee got happy again, ignoring Gavin's laughing."REALLY? His favorite color is red?! That's great! and luckily i've got plenty of that color!"She disappeared back into the kitchen and put away the extra icings.

Gavin got off the couch and walked up to his room, still laughing. He had to calm himself down in order to regain some composer. Not to mention he still couldn't find his sister.'heheh.....where'd...she go.....anyway?' His laughing came down to a snicker and gradually ended."Finally. I don't think i could take any more of that comedy."He went to his room which consisted of books, bookselfs, a wooden desk, a moveable chair, a twin sized bed, one window, a closet, a dresser (for guys), and an organizer. He sat upon his bed thinking. 'If i were my sister...which i'm not...where would i be?'He looked around his room and found his computer. He had downloaded a softwear that gave 3-D images of each room and building, allowed, in town. He turned on his computer and got to work. He brought up the bus schedule and the times of when each place was open and/or closed.

Lani began laughing again, though not as hard. She slid to the floor and gradually stopped laughing, though she was still cracking up on the inside. After awhile she stood up and walked over to her brother. "I'm sorry."

Josh looked up at his sister for a second and then back down into his backpack. "Sure you are. Encuraging the craziness around here, sounds like something you would stay away from. What's happening to you, Atlanta? Dont tell me you're turning into one of those crazy girls like Renee."

Gavin was going through the town looking at the many places between the school and their apartment. 'where are you, Natalia?'

Renee came back out with two strawberry smoothies. She hadn't heard the conversation between Josh and Lani, but came up to Josh anyway."Here Josh! i made you a smoothie!"

Lani paled slightly and looked at Renee, then left to go to the girls' bedroom.

Josh looked up at Renee only for awhile, then went back to digging in his backpack for the item he lost in the mess in there. "No thank you." He grumbled.

Renee looked wounded. "but Josh! I made it specially for you!"She tugged a little on his shirt."Please?! Will you drink it for me?!"She then noticed the digging and began to try to peek inside, for anything that might give her some info on what he likes, what he does when he's bored, how to cheer him up and other things like that, or maybe even something that she could use to draw him to her.

Gavin wasn't going to give up so soon. His sister was there in town somewhere. so all he had to do was figure out where.