Dusty was about to respond when he heard the branch snap. His instincts and reflexes took over and, using his powerful legs, he lunged into the air. He grabbed Leah and did a flip in mid-air so when they landed, Dusty landed squarely on his back, protecting Leah from the worst of the fall. He didn't move for a few minutes but finally he opened one eye to look at Leah, who he was still holding tightly, and said, "That rat happened to be my best friend."

((Hope I wasn't God-modding, I can't tell if I was or not ^^;;)) 

((It's all good. :3))

 Leah let him go, embarras$ed and quickly got off of him. She extended a hand towards him to help him up. "Sorry... about the rat. I didn't mean to... you know." She apologized, or tried. "Anyway, that was really dumb of you, hurting yourself for me. I could've landed on my feet. That's what we have them for. Besides, now that you know i'm... a ghost, i could've flown up any time." she turned from him, taking her hand away before he could grab it. "Geez, guys treat girls like they're so delicate." She laughed, heading off in the direction towards the other people.

Dusty's eyes were closed and he gritted his teeth against another wave of pain. He was grateful that she hadn't let him hit the ground, but it was still annoying now that he knew both of them would be bruised. "S-sorry," he gasped, finally forcing himself to roll off her. Even though nothing was broken, Dusty was the worst at dealing with pain and this was pure agony. He wondered if he just stayed there for a while maybe the pain would go away.

Leah quickly jumped up. "I'm so sorry. I can help you get back to the others if you'd like. YOu look like you're in serious pain. Anyway, I think your friend is worried about you by now. The same goes with my brother." She smiled and crouched beside him. This time she held her hand out when she stood, waiting for him to take it.

"No way, i'm not just going to leave you to die. Listen to me. You were just crushed to the ground by 95 pounds. I don't think you're fine." She frowned unhappily, and sat down next to him. "Guess we'll be stuck here if you don't need any help." She looked over her shoulder to glance over at him. 

Leah turned to look back at him. She wanted to believe him. Honesty was what that Rune guy told them about. She nodded and smiled, "I believe you." She turned around again and began to sift sand from the ground through her fingers. "I really do. No lie." 

((I'm not tired but my sister iz going to bed which means i have to as well. I'll be back on here around maybe 11:00 AM or 12:00 AM res time. XD Bye!)) 

Rose stared at the fire, wondering how she ended up in the forest in the first place. She was stroking Keto's fur, who had his head on her lap. Brenn was beside her, chewing on a rappit's foot. "Save some for Laanie." Rose rolled her eyes, tossing the rest of her squirrel to Keto.

(Are the others still around the fire? You know, other than Dusty and Leah?)

((Dusty and Leah are out in the forest still. Everyone else is there though. I'm not sure if Raithe is there or not.))

Jackie sighed, feeling sick to his stomach. He wondered if Leah was okay. He should have been able to find her or at least Dusty. He lay down, suddenly feeling as if the rabbit he ate wasn't the most appetizing meal in the world. The others sat around the fire for warmth. He wondered also how Rune was feeling now, as he glanced over at him. He knew what it felt like to be yelled at and rejected but he wondered how hard Rune was taking it. He turned back to the dirt this time and lay on his stomach, this time making sure not to get leaves in his mouth. 

     Rose just snorted. She felt bad about how his sister was gone, but it was her problem. If she wasn't so afraid of the... whatever it was that crawled up her arm, she wouldn't have gotten herself in this mess in the first place.

     Brennion nodded, knowing that he would've felt the same way if his sister was nowhere to be found. "I know what you mean." he sighed. "If Rose dissapeared..." he shook his head.

     "I can take care of myself you know." Rose snorted from beside Keto. Rose glared at her brother, and so did Keto. Having two pairs of strangely glowing icey blue eyes glaring at him, Brennion shivered.

     "I'd help find her for you, if I knew where she was, but... I don't no where she is." Brennion offered.

((Hi Det. Lots happened. You should probably just read through then catch up somewhere.))

"We... might as well just wait. If the night goes by without them coming back though, i'm going to go search for her. She's strong. She can take care of herself. That much i know." Jackie smiled to himself. He looked back at Ratchet who ran up his arm and onto his shoulder. Come back soon Leah.He thought to himself. "For now, night is coming really quickly. It would be best if everyone got some rest." He glanced at them all and lay down on the leaves. He took off his jacket and out it behind his head as a pillow. He looked up at the leaves above him and breathed in the pine scent deeply into his lungs. For once in his whole entire life, he didn't know what emotion he was supposed to feel. 

     Rose shrugged, not really caring what time it was. She stared at Keto, and slowly she morphed into a wolf. A wolf identical to Keto, except with platinum fur, just like her human hair. The only think that remained of her human form was her cold, icey blue eyes and the blackish-blue lightning bolt tattoo. Tell them me and Keto'll keep watch. she sent to her brother.

     "Rose  and Keto'll watch and wait to see if they'll come." Brennion spoke, sitting back down next to Laanie, brushing pine leaves of his jeans. Laanie rested her head on his chest as he layed down, putting his arms behind his head. "I feel like a freak." he whispered.