Animal inside,

"I'm fine," Shadow choked out, tears filling her eyes. "I'm so sorry!" She started pulling at bits of his torn clothing, checking for damage to him himself. "I should try to keep her under control better but I can't sometimes. I'm so sorry!"

Makoto hugged her. "Hey hey calm down Shadow, its ok." He wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled at her. "Hey shhh everything is ok."

"No, it's not,"Shadow said, looking away from him and trying to scoot away. "Well, I guess that defeats the purpose of showing you it's not so bad."

Makoto smiled at her. "To be honest that was kinda fun. You dont need to apologize." Makoto smiled again. "Im glad we had this chat actually."

"Fun?!" I think she tried killing you," Shadow said, laughing slightly. How could he think it was fun nearly getting killed?! "And this wasn't exactly a chat. More like a sparring match."

Makoto shrugged. "At least you talk to me. Most people just ignore my existance.

"Most back home were more interested in my sister and brother," Shadow said. "I understand how you feel."

Makoto nodded. "Most people just don't want to acknowledge that I'm here. As far as they care I don't exist."

"Well, that can be good sometimes," Shadow said reassuringly. "I tried kicking one of the other residents on arrival, and I think he's watching me for now. Sometimes attention isn't too good."

Makoto laughed a little. "Well I already managed to have most of the house wanting to kill me, so I guess we are about even." He looked at her. "I tend to have that affect on people."

Shadow smiled, patting his shoulder as she sat up, sitting on the ground beside him. "Not on everyone."

Makoto shrugged. "Guess not." He looked at the claws he had. "I wish that I could keep these powers......but just like people, they go away quickly."

"If you could, I'd let you, they can be pretty handy when you can't find a real knife," Shadow joked, holding up his wrist. "People don't always go away though. Sometimes they stay."

Makoto shook his head. "My mother.....she said I was meant for greatness...but now look at me, I'm a lowly grunt working for Magneto. My life hasn't gone anywhere. All I have done is kill people.. Why can't I use my powers to help people? Why must I always kill?"

"Greatness can be defined as good and bad. She never said which now, did she?," Shadow asked, smiling slightly. She got up, ruffling his hair. "Your destiny. Your decision. Not my question to answer." With that, she walked away.

Makoto got up and walked after her. "What do you mean?" he stepped in front of her and stopped her. "Greatness comes from doing what's right?" he said a little confused. "Evil can't be great right?"

"Darkness does not always equate to evil, just as light does not always equate to good," Shadow quoted with a smile. "Marked by Kristin and P.C. You should read it some time." She stepped around him, still trying to make her way out.

Makoto shook his head and watched her leave.