--Day 2--
Parksville, Erbaine
Green Hills Highschool

Fred dashed to help the girl up, but she was too quick and had already started running down the hallway. Making sure he didn't leave anything behind, Fred followed suit. Catching up to the girl, he suddenly remembered her name: Catherine.

Noticing that the walls had slid nearly 35 degrees to the left, he ran a bit faster.

"I think that the building is going to collapse."

From inside the backpack, Reggie spoke, "The building has approximately 3 minutes and 15 seconds before collapsing entirely. Sensing by the radar beams emitted back to myself, the front exit has been blocked off by a segment of the building that has already fallen; I am scanning the area to find an alternative means of exit."

Fred looked at his watch. 3 minutes ... Quickly pulling out his Xoom and MicroSD card (which he promptly plugged into the Xoom), he turned on a word processor and quickly wrote: "well, we had 3 minutes and 15 seconds to get to an exit. The odds stacked against us, we died honorable deaths... under a school building. Blah, I knew that school would be the death of me." He tucked the Xoom into the front pocket of his backpack, and continued looking for a way out.

Reggie quickly said, "215 feet down the hallway to your right, you will find an exit that has not yet caved in. I am shutting down to reserve power resources."

Fred turned to the hallway on the right, and saw light protruding from a door...

— 2 AM, Day 2 —
Parksville, Erbaine
Palisade National Park
Lui's Cabin

Luisana's breathing quickened as she watched the two girls. Finally, when Terra spoke, Lui let out a whine of relief and padded toward the porch, her paws hitting the wooden stairs with dull thuds.

She stopped in front of Terra and Loretta, looked up, and wagged her tail slightly.

--Day 1--
Location: Burg
The Remains of the Music Shop
Last Post Here.
In Response to This Post.

Feeling lost and alone, Stephen squeezed Julianne's hand tighter. He had to find his younger sister help somehow. What little life was in her was quickly slipping away. But did he dare to move her? If only there was a doctor nearby.

"Hello?" Stephen heard the voice echo throught the destruction.

His heart lept. "Sarah!" he cried. "Sarah, over here! We need help!"

~Riella

Day 1, Presupernova, Avarician Desert, A few miles west of Abyssal

((I believe you meant Birdseye, Cameron; cause I'm not sure how Jared would set off a chemical weapon without affecting the squad, So I’ll just go with that @ Sonny))

Cameron replied “I read you loud and clear Commander, I’m on my way” and with that the pilot made another circle around the town and dove into a bombing run. The bay doors swung open and released a strange looking missile.

The two men who were standing guard outside the mine didn’t live long enough to be affected by the paralyzing effects of the chemical, for they were killed instantly by the mere force of the projectile impacting the ground.

With a small puff and a wisp of green mist, the poison dissipated into the atmosphere, leaving only two dead bodies and a spent armament to prove that it was ever there.

“113A5 wrapped, tied and delivered, the down draft outside that cave should suck the chemical into the drug facility. I advise you use your gas masks. Good luck down there, sir, returning to base”

“Nice seeing you again, Cameron. Semper Fi!” Jared called over the radio; all while doing a last minute check on his ammunition and C-4. “Anytime, Jarhead” Captain Farr replied, swinging his Raptor around and heading home, his job was done.

Day 2, Late Morning, Palisade National Park, Camp Watzmilion

Volt was having a great time playing with Candy and Grace. They played fetch, they played chase, and they sat around doing nothing at all when they got tired. It was during one of these lulls that he overheard Angie cry "radiation poisoning". Volt came closer and listened to the rest of their conversation. It seemed he was not the only one who had been affected by the supernova. Yet he didn't feel sick at all, so he doubted he had "radiation poisoning" like the other people were supposed to have. Volt felt confused. He wanted to talk to Jenny about this, she might be able to make sense of it. In the meantime it was more important than ever that he not show anyone, especially the Baxters, his powers. Once they decided they were ready for their tour, Volt led the way to Jenny's class. When they got there they found Jenny leaning against a tree.

"Class has been over for about 15 minutes. I was about to come to check on you guys," she said with a smile. "Well time for that tour, it'll be about lunch time when we're finished."
--------90 minutes later---------
"-and we also use the river for washing clothes here, as well as dishes. More specifically we use water pulled out of the river and then purified for all these things." Jenny checked her mental map to see if she had forgotten any points of interest. Only 1 left. "We can go to the mess hall and get some food now. However, we don't have to actually eat it there, I know a much better place." With that she led the way to the mess hall.

— 2 AM, Day 2 —
Parksville, Erbaine
Palisade National Park
Lui's Cabin

"Uh."

That was about all the coherency Terra could muster for the first couple of minutes. Staring into Lui's eyes, though, and studying her behavior—Terra could not refute Loretta's claim. Especially if Loretta's being able to talk to wolves was true. As insane as that sounded.

"Um. Okay. Lui is a wolf. What do we do now?" She faltered, having a hard time keeping the gun from slipping out of her hands due to sheer shock.

You'd think I would be used to bizarre things happening by now.

Day 2: Arida: The Convent: The Surgery Room
Previous Post

"Yes, I've got it," Julietta insisted with an edge of sarcasm in her tone. Romano was being incredibly condescending, so it seemed that some sarcasm was necessary to combat that. And yet... she loved him. What was wrong with her? "Thank you for your help," she said softly, watching him leave to go get the blood.

At Dr. Wallaby's continued fussing over his glasses, she sighed. "Here you go, Dr. Wallaby." She stood on her tip-toes to clean off his glasses with a nearby napkin, then stood back to study her work. "There. No harm done. At least I hope not."

Day 2
Arida, Arenico
de Mon Castle Grounds

Evangeline pulled her fingers through her hair. It was still blonde, the color was permanent, but the curls were gone and her natural waves were back. She had gotten dressed in the clothes provided by Candi. They were a perfect fit and she had to shake her head when she put them on, remembering the ordeal before she had gone to shower.

Satisfied with her reflection, she exited the bathroom and headed back toward the sitting room where Candi and Christopher were. Vange smiled at Christopher as she took a seat.

Glancing at Candi, she said, "The clothes fit..."

~~~

Day 2
Arida, Arenico
The Convent
The Surgery Room

Dr. Wallaby nodded. "Thank you, Jessica. I just hope that didn't delay us any in saving this girl's life. Imagine that...being lost on the operating table because of a bloody fingerprint..." He chuckled, but then turned serious, shaking his head, "That wasn't funny. Don't laugh."

He continued operating, very close to getting the second bullet out.

~~~

— 2 AM, Day 2 —
Parksville, Erbaine
Palisade National Park
Lui's Cabin

Lui knew it wasn't a good idea for her to be in the house with the two girls. She was emotionally and mentally unstable. She glanced to the right and saw the large garage that had been added to her yard about a year and a half ago.

She hated the thought of being locked up like a prisoner, but she knew it was necessary. The last thing they needed was her having a moment of insanity and going berserk inside the cabin.

She looked at Loretta. They had a connection. How it worked exactly, Lui didn't know, but she did know that everything she thought Loretta could see, as long as they maintained eye contact. But Loretta could also interpret any noise she made.

She barked and then looked at the garage. Lock me in the garage...

~~~

Supernova
— Day 1 —
Brink City, Erbaine
(Inside an elevator shaft)

Madison watched as Tripp climbed up to the ledge where a pair of the elevator doors were. They were closed, but Tripp had figured he'd try to pry them open.

After trying, he wiped his hands on his black slacks and turned to face Madison. "Nope, sorry..."

Madison released a breath and sank back down to her perch on top of the elevator. "How are we supposed to get out? I don't want to die yet! I haven't even checked out all of this season's hottest trends!"

Despite his frustration, Tripp chuckled. "How about you haven't even said goodbye to your father? Or you haven't even made a difference in this world? Not everything is about shopping, Madi..."

"Yes, it is." Madison said. "Shopping makes the world a better place, Tripp...at least it does for me...It even helps me forget that I have a father who never wants to spend time with me...or that I have some friends who only like me because I'm rich and beautiful."

"I'll get you out of here, Madi, but then we're going right back to Judicia. No matter what." Tripp turned and began pounding on the door. "Hello! Anyone out there?"

He repeated his plea over and over again. Finally, he heard a faint voice from the other side, saying, "Is there someone in there?"

Tripp turned and looked at Madison, who was staring at him as she stood. As one, they both began to shout. "Get us out!"

Day 2: Arida: The Convent: The Surgery Room

Julietta bit her lip. "Laugh? Who could ever laugh at you, Dr. Wallaby?" Her laughter was becoming even harder to restrain each second. She tried to disguise it with a cough, but that only made herself want to laugh harder. She sent Romano an amused look over the operating table and set about straightening Dr. Wallaby's medical instruments so she wouldn't be tempted to giggle.

"Ahem." She cleared her throat with as much dignity as she could muster and took a deep breath in an effort to clear her head. "Doctor, did you want your scalpel over here, or over... over..." It was useless. Julietta lost control and started giggling hysterically.

— Day 2, Morning —
Palisade National Park
Camp Watzmilion

The Baxters felt a little out of place in the crowded mess hall, as most people there were kids around Jenny’s age. However, there were some teachers and other adults scattered about.

But this didn’t bother them much, as Jenny had mentioned a much better place to enjoy their lunch. She explained to the lunch room workers that they were her guests and that they would need box lunches to go. Dan and Angie chose the BLT sandwiches – the delicious aroma of bacon had made Dan’s mouth water – while Grace selected her usual fare, peanut butter and jelly. Chips and fruit rounded out the meal, though Angie knew that Grace would be asking for her chocolate-chip cookie after finishing her own.

They thanked the food service workers, then stopped at the Baxters’ car to pick up some dog food and treats for their four-legged companions.

Then they were off; the girls skipped ahead on the trail, dogs at their feet. Dan and Angie held back just a few paces, enjoying the sight of their child running in the sunshine. Surrounded by lush green forest echoing with the sounds of children laughing and dogs barking, and a bright blue sky overhead, it was almost possible to forget that only some 24 hours before, the supernova had changed the world.

They were approaching a large ancient oak tree that hung over the trail when a brisk wind blew up around them. Suddenly there was a mighty crack and the horrified parents watched, stunned, unable to move, as a large branch snapped off and fell toward the ground – and the girls.

(((OOC: Yay for long, boring exposition and set-ups! Also known as "filler" )))

Day 2: Burg
Lawrence Manor, evening

After getting over the initial shock of discovering her host had powers like she did.. Selena and Malcom had retired to the small sitting room across from the dining hall. Currently, Lawrence was just finishing explaining how he had gotten his powers as well as a little of his background. That is, as much of his story as he was willing to share at that time.

"... so, here I am now. Living comfortably as a bachelor who happens to have superpowers." Malcom laughed slightly at the absurdity of that statement before taking a sip of rootbeer. "So what is your story? You come across as someone who has been around a bit... not in a bad way!!"

Selena laughed at Lawrence quickly trying to recover from nearly insulting her. "It's fine. I know what you meant, really. I guess I have actually, though I don't think about it much..." Selena relaxed into the chair she was sitting in before delving into her life story.

"There's really not much to go into. My parents moved around alot until finally settling in Aridia. I grew up, went to school and became a protege of at a martial arts school. Then one day I got the news my folks had died in a plane crash while on a business trip. It also turned out they owed a lot of money to various people, so I ultimately got kicked out of the house and had to fend for myself. I made a living traveling to various towns and cities, working odd jobs and helping people if I could. Then, yesterday the... whatchemacallit happened I now I can do this..." With that, Selena held out her hand as the moisture from the soda can began to float towards her hand and form a floating water orb. "I still don't know how I can do this, but I can. And then I met you and here I am." The girl closed her hand and the water evaporated.

"Well, that's still an impressive story, miss Browning." Malcom said obviously impressed with the young woman. "This is a bit awkward for me, but... if you want I offer my house to you for as long as you need. Trying to find a place out there now would be a death wish and besides, this manor is big enough for two people to stay in rather comfortably without having to constantly see each other."

"Sooo, I don't have to see you all the time?" Selena asked leaning forward and pushing her hair back.

"Only at meals and that is mostly something Jennings will insist on..." Lawrence said with a smile. Rather it was good or not, the bachelor was really starting to like this redhaired newcomer.

"Well, seeing as I have no other offers at this time, I'll gladly accept. Though I do have one request..." Selena paused to see if Malcom would object. After a few seconds without an objection, she continued, "I want a room far away from yours."

Malcom laughed at the overly dramatic way Selena had made her request. Well, this is a first. A woman wanting to be far away from me... "Sounds fair enough. I'll get Jennings to prepare a room for you. In the meantime, continue to use the my old guest room."

"Thank you most kindly, Mr. Lawrence." Selena stood up and gave a mock curtsy. "I believe I'll retire for the night. Thank you again for letting me stay."

"My pleasure, miss Browning." With a bow, Malcom watched as Selena left the room and returned to the bedroom. A minute later Jennings entered to clean out the soda bottles.

"I do trust you know what you are doing, sir. Despite my feelings than Lawrence Manor needs a woman around, you have barely gotten to know this girl. Besides, she has the same... abilities as you or at least similar."

"I understand your concern, Richard. But I have a good feeling about this one... Besides, she doesn't seem like the psycho type." Malcom reassured his old friend. "I'm going to be in the Cave for a bit. Call me if anything comes up..."

"Will do, sir." Jennings said as he watched his master enter the secret elevator and go down to the caverns. "It's always the nice ones who are the psychopaths...." The butler mused to the empty room before returning the kitchen and then to check on the latest guest at the manor.

Day 2, Late Morning, Palisade National Park, Camp Watzmilion

Jenny and Grace were a step or two ahead of the dogs when they all heard a loud CRACK. They all looked up and saw the branch plummeting down. Jenny could see that she could get out of the way in time but Volt and Candy couldn't.

Volt could see it too, and trusting Jenny to run, he knocked Candy down and stood over her, condensing his head and back to create a shield while bracing his legs with his strength. Looking up, he saw Jenny had only just dodged back with a scream, she had forgotten at first about Volt's powers and had nearly gone to help Volt, but the hesitation cost her precious moments, she was still too close for comfort. There was nothing else Volt could do, so he closed his eyes and readied for impact.

When it hit, the branch snapped against his back, sending splinters all around. Volt felt one of these enter his unprotected right fore-paw, but otherwise remained unhurt. Jenny saw the splinters coming and closed her eyes. She felt several things strike her but no pain. She opened her eyes again. It seemed that, miraculously, most of the splinters that had been heading towards her had hit her on their blunt edges or else been deflected by her clothes. One splinter had gotten through her jeans, but had missed her skin underneath. She glanced at Grace, and she seemed alright as well, although she was trembling. Then Jenny realized that she was trembling too.

She turned back to the branch. Volt and Candy were mostly concealed, but she could see Volt's paw with a large splinter in it, blood dripping out. "Volt!" she cried as she dashed forward, only to dodge back again as he hefted the branch off his back as if it were no heavier than a pool cue. Now that Jenny could see Volt clearly she forgot about his wound for a moment. On his left side his fur had taken on a dark gray like a birthmark, and as she watched it began to fade away again. She remembered seeing this yesterday during his fight with the wolves, only now she could see it was shaped like a lightning bolt.

Volt limped forward and held out his paw. Jenny knew a bit about first aid and was able to get it all out at once. She then used her knife to cut her sleeve to make a temporary bandage. Both threw a knowing look at each other. Their secret was out, and they were at the mercy of the Baxters.

— Day 2, Morning —
Palisade National Park
Camp Watzmilion

It all happened so fast. Dan and Angie had almost forgotten about the dogs, naturally being most concerned about the girls, but saw how Volt had managed to save them all, doing something that no ordinary dog – or even human – could manage.

Time began moving again and the trembling Grace burst into tears. With a bark of thanks and a grateful lick to Volt’s ear, Candy rushed to her girl’s side to comfort her, followed quickly by the adults.

Angie embraced her daughter while Dan quickly glanced over the dogs. Jenny, it seemed, had already dealt with the most serious injury, the one to Volt’s foot. “Are you all right?” Dan asked Jenny. The girl nodded nervously; he figured she was still shook up from the incident.

“Maybe we should rest here a moment, relax a little, before going on for lunch,” he suggested next. “Just to make sure everyone’s all right.” And to give me a moment to figure out what just happened, he added silently.

Angie sat down next to him, and Grace promptly cuddled into her mother’s side. A brief inspection satisfied Dan that she’d somehow escaped injury from the falling branch.

The adrenaline rush over, Dan’s analytical side went into full gear. Radiation poisoning, Sergeant Jones had said. Strange abilities. Could it be that this applied not only to people, but to animals as well? Volt had just demonstrated something astonishing. Maybe the sergeant’s stories were true after all.

He looked up to see Jenny and Volt watching him closely. They know we know.

Jenny watched Dan and Angie make eye contact with each other. No words were spoken but it was clear they were in agreement. Angie glanced at Jenny and whispered, “Radiation poisoning?” Her tone made it clear she didn’t believe the official story any more than the others. "Special abilities, anyway,” she added.

“You can trust us,” Dan tried to reassure their new acquaintance.

Not surprisingly, the words were met with doubt. This seems too easy.

It was as if he read Jenny’s mind. “I know, it’s hard to believe. You just met us and have little reason to trust us. But you just put yourselves on the line to protect our daughter. She means the world to us; how could we betray someone who saved her?”

Day 2, Late Morning, Palisade National Park, Camp Watzmilion

Jenny sighed. She had a vague impression that she had grabbed Grace as she had leaped back from the branch, but couldn't be certain, she had been so scared at the time. She was certain now that Sergeant Jones had told them about the radiation poisoning, although this was the first proof she had that it was in fact connected with powers and special abilities.

After another minute of thought, she decided the only real option was to tell them the truth. "They already know this much Volt, they might as well know the rest of it," she said to her dog. "You don't need to hide it from them anymore."

Volt turned to Dan. "In that case, since you claim we can trust you would you please give us that pager?"

Jenny turned to Volt. "What pager?" she thought.

- 2 AM, Day 2 -
Parksville, Erbaine
Palisade National Park
Lui's Cabin

Loretta was taken a back by Lui's request. Why!? she thought back to her. She was her friend, whether wolf or human, and she hated to have to leave her in the garage for the remainder of the night. She kept eye contact for a moment, well the silence between their minds continued. She saw something glint in Lui's fiery eyes and she sighed, realizing she was probably right. Such insane things had happened...it might be best. Where do you keep the keys to the garage?