Things that need patching up...

Things that need patching up...
(OOC: Combined threads from the previous site)

Xian Atreides
"I knew you would be here." Xian said as he approached Keilee who was painting. The weather today was great and knowing her, she wouldn't miss this chance to paint. They've been friends since she started to go to Hogwarts. Well, he knew her even before because they were actually neighbors. He and his mother introduced her to the world of magic ever since he saw her in their porch holding her letter from Hogwarts. She and her family had no idea what it was for they were muggle-borns. But looking at her now and knowing her capabilities, he knew that she wouldn't have a problem being a witch. She was actually a natural.

He was busy this past few days. It's been a while since he last had a chat with her. And he might had broken a few promises to her because he needed to attend some meetings. He had no idea how to explain it to her. Well, he was really not in the position to tell her the things he knew.

He looked at her and decided to sit beside her. He looked at her painting and was a bit surprised to see that it was a face of a person. That was a surprise to him because he never had seen her paint someone before. It was always the nature. "Who is that?"

Keilee Ortize
Kei got up fast when she noticed that it was already morning. She walked to the window and smiled for it was a good weather to paint. It's been a while since she last painted something. She was too preoccupied with her subjects plus she needed to catch up on thing she didn't know. Everything that was happening to her was all new. She was a muggle-born. She didn't even knew magic existed if it wasn't for Xian. Xian was her neighbor and also the one who introduced her to this new world. From then on they became good friends. He would always go to her after his classes to show her around or to help her with her classes. and she was really comfortable with him. But she hardly saw him these days and she's starting to worry.

j She grabbed her things and decided to goto the school gardens. It would be a perfect spot for painting. When she found a place to paint, she tried thinking of what to draw. She looked around to get some inspirations but nothing was coming up. And then her eyes stop. She was looking at the direction on where the Forbidden Forest was and remembered something. Or someone.

Her hands started drawing. It all started when Xian missed their meetings. She got nothing to do so she would just always walked around the grounds to find some inspirations or just think. It when she was near the Forbidden Forest when it happened. She heard something and when she looked, she thought she saw a girl behind a tree. She called out but no one's answering. She was about to go to where she saw her when a couple of older students stopped her. Apparently, the forest was forbidden. They even told her stories which honestly, scared her. So from then on, as much as possible, she would go to a different direction when she realized where she's heading to. But not after she saw her again. She tried calling again but still got no answer. So she figured out that it might just be her imagination.

"Who is that?" She heard and knew at once who that was. A smile was plastered on her face before looking at him.

Xian
He looked at her painting. She really do had an amazing talent in painting. Her paintings looked really real. "As always Kei, it looks amazing. Though this was a surprise to me. I think this is the first time I see you painting a person."

He looked at the painting again. Why was it that he felt that he knew the girl in the painting. He looked at it intently. And then realized something big. "Kei, I think... I think I know her. But I'm not sure."

He had no idea how did Kei knew or saw her but still, he hoped he was right. Explanation could be given later but first he had to confirm if his hunch was right. Hoping is better than nothing. He looked around and found someone familiar. Perfect. "Luke! Luke! Can you come here for a second please? I want to show you something."

Seth (Luke) Lucas Wright
Luke had just come from chatting with Antonio about a way to get the crystal. Antonio said to let Marshall and Mika handle it. As he went out on to the grounds, the fifth year thought about Star. He was not going to lose her and especially not because of the likes of Grace Meloy or worse Liam McRyan.

After awhile, Luke shook his head as he wondered if Xian had been able to spend some time with the first year that was Xian’s neighbor. He remembered he had seen the girl around but had decided to allow Xian to help her. He inwardly kick himself for allowing other issues, like his sister’s disappearance, Shadow’s kidnappings, Grace’s infatuation with him as well as the other things that have happened to the CORE to finally get to him. The Ravenclaw had debated on whether to go and see Tia, who was in the Hospital’s Wing. He decided against it as Landon was probably with her or Lance Kildare.



He thought he heard Xian. He turned towards the voice and saw Xian.



Luke took off towards the third year as he said, "Hey Xian! Sure, what do you got to show me?"

As he got to Xian, Luke noticed the first year by a painting. He asked, "Xian, is this the girl you been talking to us about?"

He turned towards the girl, holding out his hand as he said, "Seth Lucas Wright, 5th year Ravenclaw. You can call me, Luke. Nice to finally meet you. I am also sorry we have been taking a lot of Xian's time." Luke was sorry but with both Tia and Miley in the hospital wing, Xian was even more needed.

Keilee
"Luke! Luke! Can you come here for a second please? I want to show you something."

Xian shouted before she could even stop him. She was comfortable with him but with others, she's having a bit of a hard time. She started fidgeting in her place. She wanted to hide behind Xian but his friend was already in front of them. So the only thing she can do was stand in front of her painting so she could block it from his sight.

"Seth Lucas Wright, 5th year Ravenclaw. You can call me, Luke. Nice to finally meet you. I am also sorry we have been taking a lot of Xian's time."

She first noticed his height. He was way taller than her. And with the way he talked to her, he seemed friendly. But she felt that there was something more about him but couldn't put a finger into it. She looked at his hand. It took her a moment before she took it. And with that move, the painting was insight. "Keilee Ortize, 1st year Ravenclaw. And it's okay. I'm sure it's something important."

Xian
Xian waited for Kei's introduction first before butting in. As much as he wanted her to have new friends and develop her confidence in herself, this matter was a bit urgent. The girl in her painting seemed familiar to him because he was looking for her for years. Him and her friends was looking to be exact.

"Luke, the reason I called you is because of her painting. She seemed familiar and your're the only one I saw nearby that can clarify if I was right." He explained as he was pointing at the canvass. He had no idea how Kei was able to paint her but they had been looking for her for years. And they would accept any clue that had gone there way.

Luke


Luke wondered if the young blond first year would take his hand. Most first years were nervous at first. It was the main reason the CORE tried their best to make them feel welcome. Luke mentally kicked himself again as he had been slacking on his duties as one of the founding members.



Luke smiled as she finally moved and shook his hand. He was about to ease the young one some more when he saw the painting. He had gasped as he wondered just where they had found the painting of what he thought to be a young version of his, Will and Ash's mother.



Reaching into his robes for the picture of his parents when they attended Hogwarts. As he pulled it out, he answered the young girl, "Yes Keilee, very important. Where did you guys discover this painting? It's beautiful." He wondered just why the girl he thought to be his mother seemed so frightened. Luke kept looking from the photo in his hand to the painting.



He heard that the girl had painted it and laughed as he said, "And I thought it was a painting of my mom during her days here." After a few moments realizing who was the only other one it could be, Luke's eye teared as he said, "Ash!"

He asked fanatically, "When? How?" They had finally found his twin Ashley. Smiling he said, "My older brother William had always said that me and Ash took our looks from mom and dad."

Xian
Xian wasn't surprised on Luke's reaction. This also confirmed his hunch that the girl in the painting was Luke's twin, Ash. She was missing for years and him and her friends were looking for her. At first, he was not sure, because the girl in the painting was a bit older. But then again, the photo they had was taken a few years back. Although as much as possible,he didn't want to ask Luke first. It was because he himself didn't know why Kei had painted her. And it might brought a false hope but still, they had to face this. The only clue they had for now.

He looked at him. He went teary eyed when he realized it was Ash. They were friends since he joined the CORE. Ash was actually the reason why he found out about the CORE. He was the one who actually saw her taken by someone at the Hogwarts' Express. He had no idea what was that about until the CORE looked for her. And it was also Luke who bombarded him with questions that time like what he did to Kei now. And after they explained to him what happened and what CORE was, he joined them. He didn't have the chance to meet Ash in person but Luke would always tell him stories about her. And he could feel his love to his twin sister every time he would tell something about her. He really hoped Kei could help them. He was sure that Will, the twin's older brother, would glad to hear this. But with the way Luke asked Kei, he was sure that she would just be confused. So he stepped in front of Kei and hold her shoulders. She tend to be giddy in this kind of situation.

"Kei, you're right. I missed most of our meeting because of something important. And this is one of it. I can't explain everything now but it is imperative that you tell us how have you managed to paint that girl," he looked at her eyes before continuing. "Because she is Ashley Wright and she is Luke's twin sister. She's been missing for three years."

Keilee
"Wait, what?" The only words Kei managed to say. She was getting really confused. She painted his mother? And who is Ash? She looked at Luke. He got teary eyed when he mentioned Ash. Why? She didn't know what to answer. She had no idea who and what does they mean. She was starting fidgeting at her place. She didn't like to be the center of attention. And bombarded with questions and things she didn't understand. She was too focused on Luke that she didn't notice Xian until he was in front of her and holding onto her.

"Kei, you're right. I missed most of our meetings because of something important. And this is one of it. I can't explain every thing now but it is imperative that you tell us how have you managed to paint that girl."

Why was the girl important? Why was it that she seemed important to Xian. When he started to miss their meetings, she didn't think that it was because of a girl. She was so sure that if it was, he would tell her that. He would explain it to her. She was his friend after all. Or maybe she was wrong after all.

"Because she is Ashley Wright and she is Luke's twin sister. She's been missing for three years."

"What?" Missing? Three years? Now that, she didn't expect. She cleared her throat before speaking again. "I mean, I... err... the painting... the girl. I thought it was just in my head. You know I like reading books. I thought the things I read was just creeping into my head. I'm not sure. I like walking around Xian, right? And I always see her there. I really thought it was just in my head because every time I called out, no one's answering. I don't know who this girl is and I don't know Ash. But that girl in my painting, I don't know if it's just my imagination or what but I often see her like that, creeping out of a tree,"she looked at Xian then Luke. "In the Forbidden Forest."

Luke
Luke felt bad about scaring the young first year. After Xian calmed her down and explained, Luke said, "Sorry Xian, you know I would never frighten a first year. Though I guess remembering back, I might have scared you by asking all those questions." He hated upsetting the first years but ever since he got that threat from those that have Ash, he had been snappy.

He gave a smile to the young girl as he said, "I am sorry Keilee that I scared you. It is just that Ash went missing three years ago but the truth was she was kidnapped right off the Hogwart's Express." He looked at Xian for help explaining that a very bad wizard who wanted nothing more than to terrorize Tia, now had Luke having to choose his twin or the CORE and their Leader.

He said almost to himself, "At least Shadow has not sent the other half of the locket. We must find Ash before than or I will have the hardest choice of my life." He was terrified he would betray the CORE to save his twin.

He heard the young first year say the Forbidden Forest. He cringed as he looked at Xian and whispered, "Xian, she is that close? Is it her doing, or is the Dark One playing with us? Could he be using Ash to set us up? Maybe we need to ask Julius, the Minotaur for help?" His twin was so close but that Forest was Forbidden for a reason. The CORE could enter but only because they always asked for permission from Julius.

Xian
In the Forbidden Forest."

Now it was Xian got confused. How could Ash be there? They have been looking for her for years and she might just be in the Forbidden Forest. She looked at Kei. She was not the kind of person to lie especially to him.

"I am sorry Keilee that I scared you. It is just that Ash went missing three years ago but the truth was she was kidnapped right off the Hogwart's Express."

Noticing Luke's cue for him, he continued. "Yes Kei, the girl in your painting was taken three years ago. I actually saw that happen and that was how Luke and I met. She was taken by an evil wizard and sorry to say but there are more of them. And Luke and I as well as our other friends, we try as much as possible to protect all of the students and Hogwarts from them. I know this will be a surprise to you considering that you are a muggle-born, not saying it's a bad thing and you know that I think you're awesome and natural at this, but I just don't want to involve you and jeopardize your safety. Although with this happening and the painting, I think we need to explain things to you," he sighed and move to stood beside her then turned to Luke.

"Xian, she is that close? Is it her doing, or is the Dark One playing with us? Could he be using Ash to set us up? Maybe we need to ask Julius, the Minotaur for help?"

"Luke, we need help in confirming this. We don't know if it's really her or someone is just playing with us. Either way, someone is behind this. And we need to do something sooner than later. Because if it's really Ash, she need us. There is probably a reason why she can't leave the forest." He tried to think fast and calculated things. His gaze went to Kei again then to Luke. "We have to set a meeting as soon as possible. And Kei needs some explanations. I think it's time Luke."

Keilee
Hearing Luke and Xian's explanation, Kei began questioning herself. Did she really saw Ash in the forest? Was it really her? Was it really not just her imagination? But that's not all. He also mentioned about an evil wizard. What did they do or what happened that someone would try to hurt them. They were just kids. Their problem should be just their assignments, their classes, their professors or their crushes. Right?

Evil wizards? And probably not just one? She had no idea for this. She only had few friends here in Hogwarts and she didn't hear this from them. This was better than the books she reads. And she needed answers. He looked at Xian who moved beside her to talked to Luke.

"...It's time Luke."

Before Luke got to answer Xian, she spoke. "I... I... I want to know more. I want to help in looking for her. A lot of students have pass by near the forest but she shows herself to me, I think. And it was not just one time. Maybe there something more from this. I have to know. Please." She looked at Luke directly on his eyes and waited for his reply. She was actually nervous. This was the first time she spoke of what was in her mind with someone other than her family and maybe Xian. Her hands went actually cold.

Luke
Luke's mind was racing. Xian was right about confirming the sightings. He looked at the young girl as he said pulling a special coin from his pocket, "Xian, Tia wanted to be here when you received the coin. I thought you would want the honor of calling this meeting. Touch it as only your touch will activate it. It might feel weird at first but whatever you do never lose it. Just wish we had thought of making these coins sooner as it was only after Ash was Taken that Tia asked Darik for a way to insure it never happened again. You know..." He stopped as he wondered just how to tell Xian that bringing his friend Keilee into the CORE might put even a bigger target on the young one's back than her painting Ash had done.

He listened to the young girl and remembered when Xian had also talked about helping. Shrugging his shoulders as he continued, "Xian, you know what bringing her in will mean? Do you really think she is ready to handle what we face? You know Tia will lay into both of us if she gets hurt because we brought her in before she was ready! If you are both still sure then let's pick a spot we can shield. Once here put the coin heads touching your thumb and the tail side touching your fore finger." That would bring them all running including his girlfriend Star. There three months was not up yet. Luke cringed knowing if they got caught, Tarik would have no choice but to inform Star's father.

"Xian is there a way to have this meeting and still obey Star's father rules about me and Star not being in direct contact with out an adult over thirty present? You know she will want in on this vote as well as the hunt for Ash." He wanted Star there but was it possible without ruining their chance at passing her dad's test.

Keilee/Xiam
Xian, you know what bringing her in will mean? Do you really think she is ready to handle what we face? You know Tia will lay into both of us if she gets hurt because we brought her in before she was ready! If you are both still sure then let's pick a spot we can shield. Once here put the coin heads touching your thumb and the tail side touching your fore finger."

Kei was decided. She had a feeling that what she was getting into was something big and probably dangerous. She was normally not like this but she wouldn't take it if she would just stay silent. She grabbed Xian's hand to get his attention. "Xian, I want to. I may not be physically ready but I really want to help. I can work something out on how I can be of help. And you know that I'm a fast learner. You all can teach me on how I can protect myself if that is needed."

Xian felt something cold held his hand. And when he looked at it, it was Kei's hand. She was nervous but seeing her and hearing her side, he was surprised. This little girl could be fierce if she wanted to. She was brave enough to voice her opinion to them. To think that she was just a first year student. He was like this when Luke had met him. But it wouldn't be a surprise because he was naturally brave to face things and always up to an adventure especially if it was helping others. But looking at her, he could see it in her eyes, her eagerness to join. He knew that she was scared but still choose to join. That was true bravery. Though it could also be stupidity. "Kei, your life might be in danger if we let you in this. You know I don't like that. Your parents trusted me to keep you safe here. As much as I value our friendship but I really can't let you."

"I know your just thinking of me. I understand that. But you have to let me Xian. This is the first time I felt that I can be part of something important. This is why I don't fit in before. Because this is my world. You're the one who told me that I am smart and I'm a natural at this, right? And think of this, you won't miss any meeting with me anymore because I'll be with you. You have to trust me. And besides, you got my back right?" She said and smiled at him.

Xian shook his head. No matter what he said, he was pretty sure Kei wouldn't change her mind. He was proud of what his friend was becoming. "Okay. I'll help you talk to the others. You have to understand that the other members will have a say about this and not just me and Luke." He told her before turning to Luke.

(OOC: Kei and Xian are both my characters and decided to join them in this part.)