Keeping a low profile. Yeah, let's see how long that lasts. (Needs active RPers)

OOC: Since this is the initial post, yeah, it’s really long. ^^’

It was early morning as Taxtm stood in front of the Academy before him. Ayashi Academy, huh? Well, I guess it's better for a low-profile than running around from town to town like I’ve been doing. He sighed. Hopefully, this would keep him from being caught by the guards. He walked forward into a crowd of students, making his way towards the dorms of the Academy. He had to hand it to the old woman: she could definitely pull some strings. In the timespan of only one evening, she’d already had him cleaned up, enrolled in this place UNDER the radar of the higher ups in the staff, and even had him set up in the dorms of the campus! She had to REALLY have connections with some important people to do all that. If he ever saw her again, he’d have to repay her somehow. But, from what he’d seen so far, she’d probably just turn him down anyway. She really was a nice old lady. But, seeing as how she’d pretty much vanished after dropping him off and racing away, he doubted whether he’d ever actually see her again. Heck, she’d even blindfolded him before allowing him in her car that morning! After finding his room number, Taxtm opened the door, walked in, and instantly crashed onto the nearest bed. It had been a while since he'd laid down in one, and he relished the comfort. The events of the previous evening leading up to that moment played in his mind as he lay there.

---

---

---

It was getting late in the afternoon, and on the outskirts of town, a wolf emerged from the trees of a large forest. His fur was dominantly black, except for the area ranging from his underside to his muzzle, around the inside of his legs and paws, and back on the underside of his tail, where he was a lighter tan. He looked like any average wolf, except for the fact that he had a wristwatch around his left fore-paw, and a small pile of clothes strapped tightly to his back. It was just the basic necessities for when he wasn't covered in fur, which basically, just consisted of clothes at the moment. He was hungry, and the lack of food nearby was what had driven him out into the open. He debated on whether or not to shift and then go into town to try his luck there. He didn't like being in his "normal" form very often, but sometimes, it was necessary. When those kinda situations arose, he was ready. A strange guy with a wolf's tail running around in the nude was DEFINATELY more noticeable than a wolf with a clothes pack tied to it. Plus, this form just felt better. It was more natural to be in for him. It was really a win-win, and with guards looking for him, and a small bounty on his head, it was a no-brainer what form he was better off in. He decided to stay wolf, and keep hunting for food outside the woods.

The wolf sniffed the air, and, smelling rabbits nearby, began following the scent to it's source: a small cabin outside of town in a small field; obviously the home of a farmer, or at least, something like that. The sun was beginning to set as he arrived at the source of the smell. He pulled one of the strings securing the items on his back, and they fell to the ground in a pile. He'd come back for them later, but if he was caught, it was better that he look like just another wild animal hunting for food. He pushed the pile underneith some of the brush, and worked his way towards dinner. In front of him, three rabbits were eating in a vegetable garden. He crept slowely up to what he hoped would be his meal, and when he was close ehough, he sprang forward, catching one of the rabbits in his jaw.

Suddenly, a shadow loomed over him, and he froze, turning to see what it was. Next thing he knew, he had a broom whacking him in the face, and an old lady with a large hat on screaming at him! "Get out of my garden now! If you're going to steal my livestock, at least have the decency to do it like a normal thief and do it on two legs when it's dark! God! You thieves are getting more and more stupid by the minute! I swear, when I'm done with you..." She whacked the bewildered wolf hard across the head, throwing him aside a few feet. In his shock, he'd lost the rabbit, and it was now scurrying off, bloody, but alive. The wolf looked back up at his attacker with wide eyes. He was surprised she's noticed he was a humal so quickely, and pissed that she'd beat him with a broomstick right off the bat."Oh, don't give me that surprised look. I'm old, not blind and stupid! What wild animal runs around with a wrist-watch on it's leg?" The wolf looked down, and sure enough, the lady was right. She must've had eyes like a hawk to catch that so fast! "What the hell? What's you're problem lady?!? Since when is it illegal to hunt rabbits?" "Wild rabbits are one thing, but hunting one of my pets is basically murder! How could you do such a thing? My poor, defenseless bunnies..." She began whacking him again as she spoke. "Oww...OWW! Alright, alright lady! I get it! Sorry! I won't hunt your stupid rabbits! Jeez! I didn't even know they were yours!" The woman stopped, letting the wolf get to his feet. "Ignorance is no excuse! Now, get back in you're normal form so we can have a REAL conversation face-to-face." "Alright, alright. Just turn a bit so I can get dressed afterwards." The wolf said going over to the hidden pile.

The woman turned a bit, but still kept him in her periphial vision in case he made a run for it. Within moments, a young man stood in place of the wolf. He wore just a plain grey shirt, jeans (with his tail tucked down his pants-leg), and black tennis shoes. His hair was the same dark color as most of his fur was in his wolf form, and it looked messy and unkept, even though it wasn't very long. He looked like he'd just gotten out of bed or something. His skin was a medium olive color, the same shade of tan that his under-fur had been moments ago. "Alright, I'm good." He said to the old woman. She turned towards him again, and noticed his face. Her eyes narrowed a bit."You look familiar. I think I've seen you before. What's your name, son? How old are you? The young man looked back at her and answered. "Taxtm Sermax. I'm 18. Now that THAT's outta the way, can I go now? I kinda need to get going." He turned away and began to walk off towards the woods again, but he stopped when he felt a painful tugging on his ear. "Now I remember where I saw you from! I've seen you on a wanted poster on the local police boards! Noone ever looks at those anymore, but I DO! You've got a small bounty on you for crimes against the queen!"

Taxtm felt panic take over him, and he shifted back into his wolf form on the spot, wearing his clothes and all. The old woman, expecting this, wrapped her other arm arond Taxtm, and held him in place as he struggled. "Hold on a second! You've got it all wrong! I'm no-... oww... I sai-... I SAID HOLD ON, YOU DAMN MUTT!" She shouted as she pinned Taxtm to the ground. He was still struggling to break free, but she had his legs pinned. He wasn't going anywhere. "Whew... you dumb wolf! You got me all wrong! If you managed to put your life in danger enough to get a bounty on your head for going against the queen, the least I can do for you is help you out a little. You obviously caught her attention if she's put out money for you. Anyone who manages to make a blow to her, no matter how small, is a friend to me! I'm always ready to help anyone who ends up on those boards for going against the old nutcase!" Taxtm stopped struggling, and the old woman released her hold on him and smiled. He shifted back, covered in dirt, and stood back up, eyeing her suspiciously.

"You... wanna help me out? Why? Just a second ago, you were bashing me over the head with a broom. Now you wanna help me? I don't get it." His look of suspicion turned to one of confusion and curiosity. A woeful expression arose on the woman's face. "I told you. You fought back. Her forces took my family away from me. My husband and my son are gone because of them. If you're on the run from her, the least I can do is help out as much as I can." She stepped closer to him, and embraced him. Then, she grabbed his arm, and led him into her home.

"I don't know what to say." Taxtm said to her as she sat at her table next to him a few hours later. She'd trimmed his hair up a bit, let him shower off and get cleaned up, fixed up his jeans for his tail to fit through, and had even gotten him a bag for him to carry his things in. It was even rigged to where he could wear it easily in his wolf form. A Velcro strap was designed into it that wrapped around his stomach, and the arm-straps contracted with the pull of a string that he could easily tighten or release with his jaw when he needed. He wasn’t sure if she’d rigged it herself, or if it had come that way from somewhere, but it looked brand-new, and professionally made. The old woman was definitely a miracle worker. She was just telling him about the local Academy, and how she had connections with a few friends that could get him a nice dorm room on the spot if she asked. He’d have to enroll in the school to stay there, but hey, it was near the end of the year anyway, and he’d be able to stay under the radar from any guards, who weren’t likely to go near the grounds, seeing as they had far more important things to attend to than hanging out with a bunch of students. ”Are you sure I can’t do anything to pay you back for all this?” Taxtm asked the old woman yet again. He really didn’t like taking advantage of people, though he’d learned a long time ago that it was necessary for survival sometimes. But, he always wanted to at least do something to make up for it or to pay back anyone who he stole supplies from or took advantage of. ”Sonny, as long as you keep living to fight against that tyrant’s madness, that’s all the payment I need.” She got up, looked at her wall-clock, and patted his head. ”Now, go get some sleep. You’ve gotta get plenty of rest for tomorrow, and I have to get a few things done so everything will be set for you. You’re free to use the couch in the other room to sleep on. I don’t know what form you like to sleep in, but just make sure you have you’re clothes on hand for in the morning.” ”Alright... Thanks again, for everything.” Taxtm said to her. She waved him off with a smile on her face, and sat back down with a phone in her hand. He walked into her living-room, shifted into his wolf form, and jumped onto the sofa, with his clothes in a pile on the floor next to him. He felt really tired from the day, and was out within moments.

---

---

---

Thinking about what had happened had made Taxtm hungry, and he got up from the bed and left the dorm room to find a place to eat. He didn’t need to be anywhere for a few hours anyway, when he’d have a blow-off history class. Just one more advantage of the old woman’s connections: he had a REALLY light schedule (only 3 actual classes, all of them very basic blow-off classes), and he had access to all the Academy’s resources.

He made his way downstairs, and looked at a map of the campus. Overhead, a loud-speaker rang out reminding everyone to attend some assembly later on. Taxtm didn't hear anything about it. His attention was too focused on the map. Memorizing the campus layout somewhat, he made his way outside, and walking towards the food court.

Roskoe explored the outside of the Ayashi Academy. He panted as he trotted along. His slender, lean body had very long legs that didn't have trouble with taking big strides. Roskoe looked around. He sniffed. He was apart of the Academy... but he rarely went to non-important classes. He was already smart. He was a strong fighter. He was those bulk, strong, fearless dogs that didn't need help. He snorted. He smelt eggs, bacon, ham, pancakes... he trotted to the closest entrance. He knew his way around this place, he could find any room by entering any door.

Roskoe entered the food court. He saw one of his friends. One of the lunch ladies. He wagged his tail and trotted to the counter. He put his fore paws on the counter waiting. "I'll have eggs, bacon, ham, pancakes, waffles... and... milk," He grinned as the lunch lady smiled.

Roskoe was scarfing down his food. But not too fast. He like to savor and hog his food at the same time. He licked his maw after he finished. He left his plate on the table he was at. He sat at the entrance waiting for people to enter. He was pretty popular... because he sat at the doorway after breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

A dorm room door opened and Michaela cautiously peered out into the corridor. She had only found her dorm a few minutes earlier and wanted to stay inside. But she had promised herself when leaving the island that she wouldn't let her shyness take over her life. Seeing that no one was there, she forced her feet forward and she walked out into the hallway.

She walked down the hall aimlessly, not quite sure where to go. As much as she told herself she wanted to meet someone new, to make a friend, she really was hoping in the back of her head that she would not find anyone and could then just return to the confines of her dorm.

The young elf girl, although incredibly shy, was glad to be somewhere where there was more than just the odd person here or there. She had been raised in the city, after all. She was used to being around lots of people and, though she preferred to stay quiet and unnoticed, she did prefer the noise around her. Being somewhere quiet often made her uneasy and sometimes paranoid.

Michaela had no intended destination; her feet were just moving now. In the back of her head, she could sense the people wandering around the school, but she ignored them. If she paid attention to where people were located, she would not go anywhere near them and her shy personality would always control her. She wanted to try and get away from that and make some friends.

She was nearing the school cafeteria; she could smell the food. Maybe she could meet someone there. The cafeteria had been full of students when she had arrived, and she would be most comfortable in a large group of people. But would she be able to talk to anyone? Michaela was so absorbed in her thoughts, she didn't notice the teenage boy walking in front of her. In fact, it wasn't until she bumped into him that she realized he was there.

Oh! I, I'm sorry. I didn't see you there... Sorry. She resisted the urge to scurry off this time. She noticed his tail and realized he was a humal. At least the first person she had run into (literally) wasn't one of those snobby human girls or jerk human guys. She stood where she was, probably looking completely foolish, and waited for a response.

(centered for light )

As he walked closer and closer to the cafeteria, Taxtm noticed that the area was getting more and more crowded. But, something else caught his eye about a lot of the students a moment later, and he felt a wave of surprise at what he was seeing around him. A majority of the students were human, which was what he expected, but at the same time, he saw a LOT of students with animal characteristics: humals like himself.

That was a big shock to him. Taxtm had known that humals were abundant in most places, but he'd grown up in a region where being humal was more of something one would hide, rather than leave out in the open for people to see plainly. He'd always hated that, but that's how things had been. His father, who had also been humal, was ashamed of it, and had put everything he could towards hiding the fact that he wasn't human, so noone other than immediate family even had a clue about the truth. Of course, by extension, Taxtm had to keep it secret that he was humal too from anyone in his home town. But Taxtm wasn't like his father in that he was proud of being humal. Once his father had found out that his son was a wolf humal when he was a kid, and Taxtm and his mother didn't have to keep it hidden from him anymore, he'd actually spent more time in his wolf form in the privacy of their home than in his normal form. But, of course, when he was out in public, he had always had to tuck his tail down his pantsleg, and play like he was human. He'd gotten so used to it, he actually noticed that he would tuck his tail in automatically out of habit when he got dressed.

He noticed that this was currently the case. Even though the old woman had fixed his jeans with a tail-hole in the back, he'd still tucked in his tail out of habit. But, looking around, he realized that that wasn't necessary anymore, and he immediately untucked his tail, fitting it perfectly through the hole designed for it.

He continued towards the cafeteria, completely psyched about his newly found freedom in the public eye. He entered the cafeteria, and made his way across towards the serving lines, when he saw yet another thing that caught him by surprise. Sitting at one of the tables eating breakfast, was what looked like an ordinary dog. Taxtm could only assume that he was a shifted humal, and if that was the case, it not only meant that humals didn't hide themselves here, but were able to be shifted in public without anyone having a second thought about it. FREAKIN' AWESOME!!! God! This day just gets better and better! He thought with a big smile on his face. He watched the dog leave the table and head towards the entrance that Taxtm had just come through, passing the wolf humal on the way. Taxtm kept watching as the dog sat by the entrance. He was so caught up in the sights and his thoughts, he completely missed seeing the girl in front of him, and he ran right in to her. But, before Taxtm could even get a word of appology out, she was already appologizing to him!

"Oh! I, I'm sorry. I didn't see you there... Sorry."

Taxtm looked in surprise at the small figure in front of him. Her entire appearance seemed to shout shyness. She looked extremely tense, like she was ready to burst off running at the first sign of sudden movement. "H-hey! No, don't worry about it! It was my fault, really. I wasn't watching out where I was goin'. I guess I'm just getting my head wrapped around everything around here still." Taxtm spoke to her in a lighthearted tone, hoping it would help her to calm down a bit.

OOC: BTW, just so everyone knows, there's no real posting order enforced as far as I'm concerned. Just post when you feel it's necessary, or when you feel like it. That's what we've done on OW in our pack rp, and it's worked out really well. It also keeps the thread from dying as easily. Just a heads up.

H-hey! No, don't worry about it! It was my fault, really. I wasn't watching out where I was goin'. Wait. It was his fault? No, that couldn't be right. Michaela had walked into him; she was the one at fault here. At least she had run into someone nice, not someone who would get freaky out-y at her. She had expected to be yelled at for walking into him.

I guess I'm just getting my head wrapped around everything around here still. Michaela smiled slightly at this statement. She knew what he meant. She had only arrived at the school that day.

Yeah. I feel the same way, actually. I'm new here too... She looked up, her shy smile still there. It was a fair bit easier to keep her feet planted to the ground where she was than she had though it would be. I, I... my name is Michaela. she said quietly. What your name is? Aw, crap. Michaela hated that she couldn't always talk right. She never was sure if it was because she was so shy or she just had a speech problem. However, it always came up at the worst times.

You should leave. Get away from him. Spare yourself the embarrassment. Thoughts ran through her head. No. Not this time, She would stay there and talk to him... if he wanted to talk, that is. And she wouldn't run away this time. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to relax some.

Her hand shook slightly, and somehow that reminded her of something else. She really didn't look that great. She was often very sick, and the appearance of being so had kind of just become what she looked like. She pushed a lock of her wiry hair behind her ears and felt as her normally pale cheeks went red... or pink at least. Either way, it would be noticeable. This wasn't going well at all... not in Michaela's mind anyway.

((I'll just post when someone talks to Roskoe... lol ))

The girl said that she was new too, and introduced herself as Michaela. Then, she asked for his name. She was very quiet, and she seemed to mix up a few of her words. Taxtm didn't doubt that it was because she was nervous, or shy, or maybe both. It was pretty much written all over her face that she was uncomfortable. But, she took a deep breath, and she looked a little calmer. The girl was a lot smaller than Taxtm was, by probably a good half-foot or more height-wise. Her ears were pointed, and her skin looked pale, except for her cheeks, which were blushing a light pink color. Taxtm had heard of elves, but had never actually met one. He didn't think anything different of her though. As far as he was concerned, elves were no different than anyone else really. He replied to her question calmly. "Taxtm. Taxtm Sermax."

Just then, his stomach rumbled loudly, and he was reminded of his hunger again. Embarrassed by the racket his stomach made, he decided it was time to get some food in it. ”Hey, you hungry? I’m goin’ to get breakfast, if you wanna come join me." He offered as he began walking towards the serving areas again, still smiling towards her.

After he had gotten his food, Taxtm walked over to a teble right by the entranceway where the dog humal was still situated. He still couldn't believe his luck! He was in a place where humals were allowed to be shifted in the public view. Wait... he thought about all of what had happened so far that morning. Everything had been going so smoothly, it almost seemed like things were too good to be true. There had to be a catch somewhere, like this guy was an exception or something, so he was allowed to shift. Or, maybe he was going against what was allowed by being shifted then. Taxtm didn't have much of a problem with breaking a few rules, especially when it was necessary, but, considering how great this place was, and how it was still only his first day there, he REALLY didn't need to be stepping on too many toes of staff members. Besides, he was supposed to be keeping a low profile. If he was running around shifted when it was against school policy, that would draw attention, and that was one thing he needed to avoid. He leaned over towards the dog at the door to ask about it, but his attention was caught by another announcement overhead.

"Attention students and faculty: The assembly has been rescheduled for this morning in 10 minutes. Our guest speaker has arrived early, and he will be unable to stay for long, so everything has been moved to this morning. Remember: all new students are required to attend the assembly for possible recruitment. That is all."

What the heck was that about? Recruitment for what? As if to answer his questions, a couple of guys walking by the area were discussing it.

"...well I say they can forget it! Screw the recruiter! The lady's an insane tyrant, and all her little solder croonies are just a bunch of thugs! Damn them all, if you ask me! They can all burn, for all I care! Someone needs to follow that damn recruiter down an ally,and beat his ass to a freakin' pulp!!" The guy speaking was getting louder with every word, until he started drawing the attention of people nearby. His friend tried to get him to stop. "Dude! Shut up! I don't like them either, but some people here do, and if they hear you and report you to one of her guards, you can kiss your ass goodbye! You'll end up disappearing like some of the others who spoke out about her! My uncle was telling me that one of his bar buddies lost his son like that! The guards just showed up at his door, and took him away. His family never saw him again! Plus, I hear this recruiter's an actual GUARD, instead of one of the usual pencil pushers that have shown up before! If he find's out, you're gone! You want that? I'm telling you..." The two continued their conversation, but they had walked across to the other side of the cafeteria now, and their voices blended in with the rest of the students.

Taxtm felt himself starting to sweat. ...what? A Guard's here?!? I knew this day was going way too smoothly! If he sees me, I know he's gonna recognize me, and then I'm done for! ...wait, no. There's still a chance! They only have a picture of my face when I'm like this! They only have crappy rough sketches of my wolf form! If I can shift into it, and be able to stay that way without drawing any attention to myself, there may be a chance the guy won't notice me at all! He turned back to the dog by the door. "Hey, buddy! You gotta know: It's safe to be shifted like that around staff, right?"

BGM for this post (Played from the announcement onward)

Roskoe saw a humal by side side. "Hey, buddy! You gotta know: It's safe to be shifted like that around staff, right?" Roskoe tilted his head. Thinking. "Um... " Roskoe laughed slightly. "I'm no shifter... just a dog... that can talk to humans and such," Roskoe grinned and stood up next to the humal. "But, yeah it is safe. Not much to worry about. All shifters here shift in fights and sports," Roskoe smirked, perking one eye brow.

Taxtm. Taxtm Sermax. A small giggle escaped her mouth as Taxtm's stomach clearly proclaimed its emptiness. Hey, you hungry? I'm goin' to get breakfast, if you wanna come join me. Michaela smiled.

Yeah, sure. Breakfast would be good. Her own hunger became apparent to her as he asked if she would join him. She walked into the cafeteria and decided what to eat. She followed Taxtm and sat down at the same table as him. As much as she wanted to get to know him and possibly make a friend, she also really wanted to run away and hide and be the antisocial girl she had always been. The inner battle was not apparent in her eyes as she started to eat.

The announcement came on and Michaela stopped eating, her hand frozen half way to her mouth. Recruitment? Say what, now? She didn't want to be recruited for anything. She had decided to stay at the academy to learn how to act in combat and to work on not being so shy, not to be recruited to anything. But who was recruiting and for what? She listened to the guys walking by and realized what was going on.

No... this wouldn't do. She really didn't want to be recruited into the queen's service. That was the absolutely last thing she wanted to do. Her paled skin went paler as nerves overtook her. She wouldn't serve the queen; she couldn't do it. She knew the queen was the one behind her father's death, even though the guard had "investigated" it. The only thing they had done was cover up any evidence that someone in the queen's service had done it and claimed that there was no way to find out who had murdered her father.

Michaela barely heard the words Taxtm and the dog exchanged, as she was busy trying to figure out what to do. What would happen if she ended up being recruited? She certainly wouldn't follow any orders she was given... and that would just result in her death... and possibly the death of others. Her gold-orange eyes were filled with worry as she watched students start to leave the cafeteria and head to the assembly.

Do you think there's any way we can get out of going to this assembly? she asked, not really directing her question at anyone specific, just at Taxtm and the dog.

((I don't know the setting so go easy on me.))

Katasha a female demoness,walked down the long hallway.Bored and alone in this secluded school.She decided to head outside and see if anyone was there.Maybe a future alliance or a decieving enemy.

Taxtm was surprised by the dog's response. "Really? You're not a shifter?" He'd never heard of a talking dog that WASN'T a humal. He'd just assumed that this dog was like that, but apparently, he was just a normal dog... that could speak. Yeeaahhh... normal. He shook off that thought though, because it really didn't matter, especially at that moment. What mattered was the fact that he could go into the assembly under the radar now! From what he'd always been told, humals came in an endless variety, but for some reason, wolf humals seemed to be the most common. That made staying undercover for Taxtm a LOT easier. In his wolf form, he looked like just another canine humal; not very noticable in a crowd of others like him. His attention returned to the dog in front of him.

"Ah, nevermind. Thanks for the help! You have no idea how much that saves my butt!" He said. Just then, Michaela spoke. "Do you think there's any way we can get out of going to this assembly? And not five seconds later, the loudspeaker blared again: "All students please proceed to the assembly, all students to the assembly. Thank you" The students around began to rise and make their way towards the auditorium, soon becoming a large one-way crowd. At the back ends of the crowd, a bunch of staff members were going around to all the students that were staying behind, ordering them to get up and head to the assembly immediately. "...Uhhh... I take that as a no." Taxtm replied, rising from his seat. He looked down the hallways that the crowd was pushing through, and, seeing that one of them had a bathroom sign half-way down, he decided that was the direction to go.

He stood up, and grabbed his half-eaten breakfast and throwing it in the garbage next to their table. One of the teachers pointed to them, telling them to get going. "I guess that's our cue." He said to Michaela. Then he turned to the dog who had helped him out. "Hey, thanks again for helping me out. I never caught your name though."

Roskoe sat there staring into space when he heard the humal talking to him. "You're welcome? Eh heh," Roksoe laughed slightly, not knowing what else to do. He turned his head towards the speaker and snorted. Stupid assemblies. Roskoe stood up. A few people walked by, giving him left overs of their food, that's what Roksoe was popular for.

The humal spoke again. "Roskoe, yours?" Roskoe looked at him. He looked at the lunch ladies, getting ready to take their breaks. Then looked back at the humal. "Are you in some kinda trouble? How did I save your butt? Why do you need to know if it's safe to shift here?" Rsokoe slightly tilted his head in curiosity. He felt a few of his scars on his ears ache. And the one scar on his forearm ache. They ached all the time, not whole lot... but once every blue moon.

He turned to the humal, that he must have saved. "Did you need to shift er something? Cause you can, and just walk beside meh," Roskoe replied calmly. Smirking.

He had a few friends. But never really hung out with them every day. He liked to be alone sometimes. But then again... he liked friends. He watched the humal, he was prepared to hear him say his named. He was prepared to memorize it. He was prepared to give him more advice... and to see if he needed more help.

((Roskoe will follow Tax, just because he's curious. ))

The dog said his name was Roskoe, and then asked Taxtm a bunch of questions about why he needed to know if it was safe to shift. Taxtm kept a weak smile on his face, but in his mind, he was kicking himself for saying so much to arouse curiosity in the dog. "No, no trouble. It's nothing, really. I just needed to know for later, you know... just in case something... uh... a-anyway, I'm Taxtm. Heh..." He tried to change the subject by giving his name, and nervously laughing off the dog's questions.

"Did you need to shift er something? Cause you can, and just walk beside meh." Roskoe suggested, getting a smirk on his face. "Yeah! Yeah, I need to go shift real quick." Taxtm replied quickely. He grabbed his bag, and flung it over his shoulders, before leading the way into the crowd towards the bathrooms. Upon reaching them, he turned to Michaela and Roskoe, excusing himself for a moment to go in. He went in, and made his way into the largest stall.

Moments later, he emerged from under the stall door in his wolf form, with his bag attached to his back. Man, this thing really does work well. He thought. The bag didn't shift around or fall off or anything, and it held all his stuff easily. It was a heck of a lot better than tying his stuff to his back with ropes. After a little trouble opening the door, Taxtm emerged from the bathroom and joined Michaela and Roskoe out in the hall. He was a lot calmer now that he was safe from recognition by anyone who had seen the posters. Now, he felt he could practically walk by the queen herself without being in any real danger. "Alright! I'm good. So, I guess the next stop's the auditorium. He looked around, noticing that the hallways were basically empty now. Everyone was already at the assembly, he was sure. He tried to remember back to the school map, but he couldn't recall where the auditorium was. But, Roskoe probably knew. "Uhhh... so... where IS the auditorium?" He asked.

All students please proceed to the assembly, all students to the assembly. Thank you Michaela sighed as her question was answered over the PA. This was not going well at all. And knowing her luck, she would be recruited into the queen's service. No, that couldn't happen. Her internal worries were no longer clear in her eyes as she followed Taxtm and the dog, Roskoe, to the bathrooms.

Taxtm came out shifted into a wolf. Michaela could do that, but her wings would draw too much attention for her liking. She looked around at Taxtm's question about the location of the auditorium. It was a good question; where was the auditorium? Michaela really had no idea whatsoever. She looked at Roskoe, hoping he would know. Well, really she was hoping he wouldn't know. Showing up late might be unappealing to the guard member and lessen her chances of being recruited.

Unfortunately for her, a teacher had also heard Taxtm ask the question. "This way." he said before leading them down to the auditorium. Michaela stood at the door, not wanting to go in. She looked at the teacher, Taxtm, and Roskoe. She then looked back into the crowded auditorium and realized there were no more seats. They could just hover at the back. That was good.

Where do you guys want to sit? she asked. Her eyes scanned the room, subconsciously trying to locate the girl that had known all three of them by name. She wondered just how this assembly would go. The complete diversity of reactions amongst the students was already apparent. Most sat in separate groups, seemingly refusing talking to those with different opinions. Michaela didn't really care about the opinions of Taxtm and Roskoe. She wanted to stay with them for now. They were the only two she knew at the school and Taxtm was the only one she had talked to and not run away from.

Whether or not Roskoe knew where the auditorium was soon didn't make a difference, because a passing teacher who had overheard Taxtm's question was more than happy to answer and lead them to the auditorium. The teacher seemed awefully intent on making sure that they got there.

It was kinda weird. Upon approaching the auditorium, Taxtm could see that a small crowd of students was still making it's way through the doors. but, one person in the crowd caught his eye, and he had to do a double take to make sure his eyes weren't messing with him. In the crowd, dressed for a big occasion, was the old woman from the previous day! The woman who helped him out so much had come there, obviously to check in on him or something. She'd probably heard about the assembly with the recruiter, and come to the auditorium to make sure things were alright. Y'know... I really should thank her for all of this, and I'm sure she'd be happy to see that everything's turning out so well. He thought. But, before he could shout out to her, she had disappeared into the auditorium. Oh well... I'll get my chance later. If she's gonna be in there too, no duubt I'll see her again there.

When the four of them, Taxtm, Michaela, Roskoe, and the teacher, had all made there way into the main room of the auditorium where the assembly was taking place, Taxtm instantly noticed that there didn't seem to be any seats left. At least, not anywhere near the back that he could see.

"Where do you guys want to sit?" Michaela asked.

"From the looks of it, there's not anywhere TO sit. We might just have to stand back here the entire time." He replied. It was bugging him that they were just standing out in the open like that. Sure, he was blended in, since, looking around, he saw that there were plenty of other shifted humals in the room, and they WERE at the very back, but still... something didn't sit right. Taxtm looked around the crowded room while he stood there, both looking for a few extra seats, and for the old woman who he'd just seen walk in.

Throughout the auditorium, it was painfully obvious how divided the student body was about the issue of the queen's recruitment. Most of the students seemed to be gathered in large groups who agreed with them, while those at the edges of these groups bickered with one another over the subject. At the front of the room, Taxtm noticed three students like this who were arguing the loudest. Two of these students, he recognized as the two from the cafeteria who had been making a scene. The third student seemed to be a thugish looking guy who was, from the looks of it, all for the recruitment.

The teacher by the three of them at the back rushed up to the front, and grabbed the two who had been so outspoken earlier, and escorted them back towards the back of the room. But, the third guy, the one who had been supportive of the queen, wasn't even touched. In fact, he had a really smug look on his face, like he knew that the other two were about to be severely punished. That very well may have been the case, because, from the fearful looks on their faces, they seemed terrified for their lives as they were led out of the auditorium. The disappeared with the teacher on the other side of the door, and Taxtm thought he could hear them pleading on the other side with the teacher. Taxtm couldn't sweat in his wolf form, except for on the pads of his paws, but he was definately feeling nervous now. He was shocked at what had just happened. He couldn't be sure of what was going to happen to them, but, from what he'd gathered, his mind could fill in the blanks. What really surprised him was the fact that none of the other students in the auditorium seemed to notice it at all, much less give a care about it! At the front of the room, the big guy from the scene shifted into a large eagle, and flew up into the rafters, where a bunch of other winged humals were pearched. He looked incredibly satisfied with himself, and everyone around him seemed to be congradulating him for what he'd done! It made Taxtm feel sick to his stomach watching them.

But, now that the three of them were gone, there were three seats now open at the front. Taxtm began walking down the center walkway towards them. "I...I guess we should sit down there then, now that the seats are open." He said, with a nervous tone apparent in his voice.

He sat next to a blond girl with her hair in a bun, and let Michaela take the seat between him and Roskoe to make her feel a little more comfortable. From what he'd seen from her, Michaela seemed to be a very shy and nervous girl, and sitting at the front of the crowded auditorium was probably very uncomfortable for her, so he offered her that seat to try to make her feel a little safer, if that was something that would help. Then, Taxtm waited nervously himself for the whole thing to begin. I've got a bad feeling about this. He couldn't help but think. It was kinda like the anticipation of going up a huge roller coaster that you know is likely on the brink of collapse, and the cart's reached the very top of the first hill, just before it takes a plunge and crashes to the ground.

Roskoe let his tongue flap out of his mouth. He crouched under the crowd, crawling about after Taxtm. Taxtm went in the bathroom. He came out as a wolf, with a bag on his back, holding his stuff. Roskoe made a quick nod and trotted beside Tax the whole time.

Roskoe, Michaela, and Tax walked into the auditorium. There weren't any free seats to be seen. Then Tax pointed out a few seats. Roskoe's ears perked as he stood up tall. He started to trot towards the seat. Tax sat by a blond girl, Michaela in the middle, and Roskoe sat next to a female shifter. She was shifted into a grey fox. Roskoe glanced at the blond girl by Tax, then the shifter next to himself. Then just sat back and listened to people murmur and chat. He tried to get into a comfortable, more relaxing poistion. He squirmed about until he was leaning on Michaela's seat. She wouldn't of minded that much would she? Roskoe kept his head held high. Looking around. He shook his head in all directions at he felt a blowing in his ears. He growled slightly and looked behind him. It was a copper-haired girl blowing in his ears. Roskoe knew her, she was just a regular human. She was very nice to shifters and such. Roskoe laughed and smiled, as the girl waved.

Roskoe turned back. He still listened to everyone's murmurs. He sighed slightly and looked to each side of him. At Michaela and the shifter. He tried to get comfortable again, his paws hung over the seat, his head was resting on his paws. He curled up into a ball, with his head still looking about and his paws still hanging over the seat.

Katasha watched the group from afar.

>.>

Pen walked silently into the room, keeping as much to the shadows as possible. Several shifters were there, and a human or two. Her ears flicked back and forth to catch the sounds of voices and such, and her tail hung low. Shifting her shoulders slightly, the 14yr old shifter adjusted her quiver so that it slipped easily off her back. She took a seat quite far away from the others and sat looking at the floor, listening.