9 February 2003 - A bit of the morning after feeling goes a long way

Mouse

Mouse twitched in her sleep uneasily. She could feel it. In the house. Something bad. She started to moan as one of her nightmares rushed in on her. Bad stuff in this girl's head and it all came out to play when she was asleep. Fafnir snorted in his sleep and Nevyn whimpered, his feet running blindly. The rat picked up on her emotions more then the other two did. Mouse went back to being small and helpless in her sleep. Worse then when she was awake, because there'd she'd have the others to help her. But in her dreams, she was always alone. This wasn't the Spider nightmare though. Just one of those ones of the street and cold and dark and loneliness that bit through to your heart, and the running. Always running. There was always something in the dark to run from. And it was catching up.

She started to whimper a bit louder, feet scraping along the ground. Fafnir woke up with a startled yelp as she kicked him in the stomach. He looked at Sparra. Get the kid.

I can't get out. The door's closed.

Bloody hell. Nevyn, Nevyn, wake up. Fafnir nudged the rat none too gently with his nose. The rat stirred but didn't wake. Oh, just great. I hope that boy's awake. Fafnir raised his muzzle to the ceiling and howled, filling the room with the melodic sound. KID! HELP!

In her dream, Mouse fell down. She screamed as her feet tangled each other up, sending her flying to the ground. She could sense that wahtever was chasing her was very close now, hot hands reaching out for her.


Taylor

Taylor's head shot up from the couch, where he and Ike had been for hours.

The wolf was calling for help.

He glanced at Ike, knowing he didn't understand, before pulling himself to his feet and sleepily rushing upstairs.

"Hey! Hey!" he called out in the wolf's language only, "I'm coming!"

He got to the door and hesitated, staring at the doorknob. Eventually, he blinked, grabbed the doorknob and opened it.

He saw the animals and the girl on the floor. She was obviously having a nightmare.

"It's just a nightmare," Taylor scorned the wolf, going over to the girl and kneeling down.

"Hey..." he began in English, "girl, wake up."

He shook her shoulders.


Mouse

Mouse shot up, yelling her head off. Then she saw Taylor, and gulped in some breaths. "Oh god. You so don't wanna live in my head."

We couldn't open the door. She needed help. But you touch her again when she's not needing help, or she doesn't want you to, and I'll rip your heart out. Fafnir closed his eyes again. Can we go back to sleep now?

Nevyn, Nevyn, wake up. Mouse gently shook the rat, who leaped to his feet with a frightened cry.

Dear god, Mouse, do you always havta pull me inside? Nevyn sat back down and cleaned himself briskly. If I'd known this house would bring *that* nightmare back, I would have got Fafnir to pull you away by the seat of your pants. He wrinkled his nose at her. That whole thing was two years ago, and you had nightmares about right up until a few months ago. I do not like that nightmare.


Taylor

Taylor sat back a little, listening to their conversations.

Eventually, he rubbed his face.

"Look, wolf, you don't have to be so defensive, ok? I'm a 19 year old alien, what the hell can I do?" he frowned in the wolf's language, "and I think it's up to your master there whether you get back to sleep or not."

Then he turned to the girl.

"Ah... that was some nightmare you were having, huh?" he began, in English.

He glanced at the bird and rat.

"Uh, I guess... I guess we haven't officially met. Sorry about before. I'm Taylor. Taylor Hanson," he extended his hand.


Mouse

Fafnir laughed heartily as Taylor called Mouse his 'master'. You so do not get what we have going here. She's *pack*. I'd not call any human, alien, any damn two legger my master. I'm a wolf, not a nice tame dog you can tie up and control.

Shut up, Fafnir." She snapped at the wolf, and he growled softly at her. "Yeah, assert your dominance buddy while you can. I am so not putting up with this crap. You threaten any of them again, and there will be trouble. I bleeding well garauntee it." She switched her attention back to Taylor, and grinned at him. Damn, but he was kinda cute. "Mouse, also known by the State as Jane Hall. 16, I think and I have no idea what my species is. Fafnir, the immensely overprotective wolf."

I've saved your ass a few times, you skinny midget.

"Shut up, wolf. Sparra's the bird and Nevyn's the rat."

Pleased to meet you. Nevyn said politely.

Same here, dearie. Sparra twittered.


Taylor

"Jane Hall... a year younger than my brother Zac," he repeated, fiddling a little with the cracks in the floorboards, "Zac's the one with Temperature Manipulation by the way."

He looked up at Fafnir.

"Bit over protective, huh?"

He chuckled a little as Fafnir growled.

"Well, about the species, I'd put my money on a Vulcan. It's the most dominant alien race on Earth, and we originated from the crash at Roswell. We're pretty reserved when it comes to humans... only a chosen few know, and they normally become members of the YIRAAS."

He hesitated for a moment with a frown.

"I... guess you're not a member. It's an organized that basically monitors all alien life on Earth. They deal with criminals, at the same time acting as a sort of reunion thing," he chuckled a little, "they have one of their annual tournaments coming up this month actually. It's just like a whole game thing where aliens can compete in comps and just have fun. I'll just be helping out on the day, as not everyone speaks English."

He raised his eyebrows as he brought his knees into his chest.

"I guess you have Empathy like Mom... we have quite a range of specialty powers in this family," he grinned, "if you want to know, just ask."

Before he could start another sentence, there came a soft growl from the doorway. When Taylor's head darted across, he saw a yellow ball of fluff sitting by the door. It jumped a little.

"Worried about me huh?" he said in only the Fuzzle's language, as he reached over for him.

As he took hold of him and sat him on his lap, he chuckled.

"Flavian get's a little lonely if I'm not there at night," he said in English.


Mouse

"Oh, he's cute." Mouse reached out cautiously with her empathic ability and then started to giggle. "He's all bouncy inside! Man, but not many creatures are that happy. Believe me, I know. So, this YIRAAS thing, do you think they'd know where I came from? Know about my parents? Five year olds don't take very much notice of what they think is going to be around forever..." She looked sad for a moment, and Fafnir licked up the side of her face in reassurance. "And criminals? I don't suppose I could convince you guys to look the other way while I let Fafnir eat the Spider, do you?" Mouse lounged back into Fafnir's side, NEvyn curling up in her lap as she raised an eyebrow at him.


Taylor

"Flavian's a fuzzle, there's not many alien pets on Earth," he chuckled as he leant back against the wall, "to any human they just look like an accessory. The Ka'Millens you saw - what you thought were dogs - come under the same category. Alien pets."

He tickled Flavian a little, making the fuzzle giggle slightly.

"About your background..." he sighed for a moment and rubbed his eyes, "if your parents were members, then there'd no doubt be a record available. If not I guess it'll be a bit harder, but in the end everyone's related to the few that were on the ship. Someone's bound to be missing a relative of the same name."

He looked up at her for a moment.

"They could be on the list on the Spider's victims. Sorry about going off before, but ah... My older brother, Isaac, guy with the mohawk? He met a YIRAAS agent through a friend or two on the internet and went to meet him yesterday. Spider followed them. Apparently he wanted the agent dead, and someone who was with him - who apparently is a dead ringer for me - wants my brother dead. So he kind of came close yesterday."

He hesitated.

"Spider is basically the most wanted guy by the YIRAAS. He's done basically everything from rape to murder, and he gets away with anything because of telepathy. He can..." he tried to use his hands to explain, "he can control people's minds to the point of making them use their powers to his advantage. He did it to a friend of ours yesterday, Ashley. Made him shape shift his hand into a knife and threaten the agent."


Mouse

"So, if he just disppeared quietly, it would solve a lot of problems." Mouse ran her tongue quickly over her lips. "Wanna go hunting later, wolf?"

Mouse, I gotta go hunting now. Fafnir's stomach rumbled emphatically as he rose to his feet, spilling Mouse to the floor. She squeaked in surprise as he padded out the door, tail swishing slowly.

"No cats!"

No damn furballs. Alright. They get between my teeth anyway.

"No dogs! Nothing that is a pet and belongs to someone!" Mouse called after him, and he barked slightly in acknowledgement. She stood up, stretching out the kinks in her back. "He'll be good, I made him promise. So, um. Breakfast?" She looked at Taylor hopefully.

Your mother wouldn't mind, would she? Nevyn asked the boy, before climbing rapidly up Mouse's back to his usual position inside her shirt near her neck. Food would be nice. Sparra flew over to Mouse's shoulder and also chirped inquiringly.


Taylor

"Well, I seriously doubt that you could just make the Spider 'disappear' like that," Taylor smiled sarcastically, "you obviously have no idea of the powers you're dealing with."

He glanced at his watch.

"Man it's early. I should be used to it," he ran fingers through his hair and rubbed his eyes, "ok, food. Let's get down to the kitchen."

He stood up and offered his hand.


Mouse

"You'd be surprised how quickly things can disappear down a wolf's throat. And I know who I'm dealing with. I'm dealing with the man who killed my parents and dragged me along to watch. I have no idea how he did it, but he brought my mind into his and made me watch evry single little detail. Away from the bad topic. Food is good. Let us have food." She walked to the door, ignoring TAylor's hand.


Taylor

Taylor raised his eyebrows for a moment, then looked to Sparra.

"I'm saying this so only you can understand me," he began softly, "I know you know what I mean when she doesn't know what she's up against. She just admitted she doesn't know how her parents were killed. Please, try and convince her to find out more about telepaths later."

Without waiting for a reply, knowing Mouse would be wondering where he was, he began out the door after her.

Finding her waiting in the kitchen, he made his way around the bench.

"So, what do you fancy? Cereal? Toast? A beverage?"


Isaac

"I fancy some bacon and eggs, myself," Isaac commented, walking into the kitchen. "Figure I should treat myself after yesterday."

He hoisted himself onto the bench and started telekinetically pulling out the things he needed to cook with.

"Anyone else want some?" He asked. "Good morning, by the way."


Taylor

"Nice. Don't have to do anything," Taylor grinned at Mouse, leaning away from the draers as they opened.

"I'm with you. Bacon and eggs would be great. What about you?" he looked to Mouse.


Mouse

"Uh, good morning to you too," Mouse said, fascinated as she watched the itmes float through the air. She whistled softly from between her teeth. "And here's me thinking I'd wake up, and this would be a dream. So this is what you do? You float stuff? Cool. Food is good. Food of any type is good. I'm not that fussy. Bacon and eggs sounds fantastic." Mouse smiled at the two guys brightly, dragging her fingers through her butchered looking hair. "This is just all so, wow. Really. Just wow."

Quit being all girlish. Nevyn sniffed.

Mouse stared upwards as a darkening blush spread over her face. Shut up, Nevyn. Really. Do me a favour and just shut the hell up. Can't I just be polite without you reading that kinda stuff into it? And, no. Don't even think it, you rat.

Of course I'm a rat. What, you think you could turn your back and I'd be a cat? Though I wouldn't mind being on the chasing side of the spectrum for a change. The rat mused distractedly. Mouse heard Fafnir's claws scrape on the door and she fled to open it and let the wolf in. She could hear the murmer of conversation and the sounds of breakfast being cooked.

Lots of rabbits. Lots of rats. Good hunting. The wolf informed her before lying down at her feet. Can we go now? Let's go hunting. I wanna eat the Spider.

Later. I can feel him, and we'll go chase him later. And then you can eat him, I promise. Mouse ran a hand around his ears, scratching his sweet spots as his eyes closed in drowsy enjoyment. My packmate.

Always, little one. Mouse leant down next to him and wrapped her arms around him fiercely, holding onto one the last strong anchors of her world. I'd be dead by now, if you hadn't led me away from the bait.

That's true. But I'd be dead too.

Probably not. You're very smart. You'd have gotten away from him without my help. Mouse looked up as she sensed Taylor listening in on their conversation. Fafnir turned his head regally to fix Taylor with a cold stare. That was LA, boy, where she nearly met her ending to go to the Hunting Grounds. LA was full of bright lights and poison, men in cars and suits filled with pain. We are never going back there. and I'd advise you to never go either.


Taylor

Taylor laughed.

"Well, I don't really get much of a choice in the matter when it comes to the type of travel we do," he spoke in both wolf and English, "we go where they tell us to. All over the world."

He smiled at Mouse.

"And yes, Ike 'floats stuff'. He's telekinetic. Just like I have tongue, and can understand your furry friends there. I know all human, alien, animal, you-name-it languages," he grinned, "as I said, we each have a specialty power in our species... and yours is Empathy."

Turning his back for a moment, he led her back into the kitchen where Isaac was still at work. Flavian sat on the bench near the microwave.


Mouse

"This is so way cool. Yesterday I thought I was some kinda freak and all alone in my weirdness. Now, I find out that I am not only not alone, but one of the more famous groups of people I've heard of are aliens too. Heya Flavian," she cooed to the fuzzle, who bounced excitedly. "Smells great." Nevyn poked his head out of her top and sighed happily. Sparra fluttered down to her shoulder and ran her beak along the line of Mouse's cheek. "Where ya been, Sparra?"

Around. The bird replied mysteriously.

"Cool then. We're getting fed, apparantly." Mouse bounced slightly. "This so beats grabbing the food off the tables and running."


Isaac

"Breaky's ready!" Isaac said cheerfully, as eggs and bacon deposited themselves on plates.

Knives and forks came out of drawers and sat by the plate. On set, however kept moving and started cutting up the food on one plate. Then, the smal bit sized pieces headed for Ike's mouth. He chewed them happily.

"Today is going to be a good day," he said. "And anyone who says otherwise is gonna cop it."


Taylor

"Oh it is, is it?" Taylor raised his eyebrows, ripping the bacon a little and giving a bit to Flavian.

He knew the fuzzle would take a while, so left him on the bench to eat as he sat at the table - first holding Mouse's chair out for her - to eat.

"What makes you so sure?" he questioned as he cut the egg.

Then quickly and discreetly, he called out in the bird's own language...

"Mind telling me where you were?"


Mouse

Mouse started to eat quickly. Knowing in her mind that the food was not going to be taken away, was not the same as really knowing it deep down. "This has been a good day for me already. You're a good cook." Nevyn squeaked imperatively at her and she fed him some from her fingers. "And you do know, that that is so weird to watch?" She pointed at the food going to Isaac's mouth.

I was flying around. Feeding. Sparra replied absently to Taylor's question. Not much.

"Hey, you're the one the Spider wants hey? I can set Fafnir to gaurd. He's good that way," Mouse offered. Fafnir growled from her feet, before holding her ankle in his teeth so she couldn't kick him.

"Look, that girl's still here!" She heard a young voice squeal exictedly, and Mouse turned around quickly to see a young boy *fly* down the stairs.

Her eyebrows went up. "This alien thing just keeps getting weirder."


Taylor/Mackie

"That's our younger brother Mackie, he has flight," Taylor explained quickly, before getting up and going over to him.

"Come down," he ordered, standing below where he was hovering.

"Why?"

"Because I want to tell you a secret," Taylor grinned, knowing Mouse could tell he was lying.

"Ooooh," Mac began to descend, "what is it?"

"Feet on the floor," Taylor looked down.

Mackie let his feet fall to the floor, then Taylor leant over and whispered in his ear.

"This isn't the time to be using your powers, ok? The girl's a bit nervous after what happened last night and she's still learning."

He stood up and offered his hand.

"Want breakfast?" he grinned.

"Yeah!" Mackie exclaimed.

"Well I think you'll have to beg Ike for it," he grinned, leading him into the dining area.


Isaac/Mackie

"Sometimes I just couldn't be bothered doing stuff manually," Isaac commented to Mouse. "Lots more efficient just thinking about it."

"Ike!" Mackie called.

"Yeah?"

"Can me have some too?"

"Hmm..."

"Please?"

"Yeah, okay, but only 'cause you said 'please'," Isaac grinned.

With the smell of bacon and eggs in the house it wasn't long before a few other people got up.


Mouse

Mouse started to fidget nervously. Yeah, they were nice and all but she had to get outside before she went mad. She smiled at Diane as the woman came downstairs and stood up. "Um. Going to get my bag. Will be back. As long as that's cool..." Mouse trailed off slightly.

"Of course, dear." Diane smiled at the agitated girl, feeling the sense of claustrophobia she was giving out. "Take as long as you need."

"Thanks, and um, thanks for breakfast." Mouse walked quickly over to the door and slipped out, Fafnir at her heels. Once she was outside, she felt a massive weight slip from her shoulders. Much quieter out here. Not so many people. Mouse raised her face to the sun and sighed in contentment, before heading off to get her stuff.


Isaac/Zac

"Oh rats," Zac grumbled. "Never got a chance to say hello before she ups and leaves us."

"Zac, you are not going to add Mouse to your long list of girls -" Isaac began, then remembered that certain parental figures were in the room and finished off with "that you've dated."

"I wasn't think about dating her," Zac said, rolling his eyes. "What kind of person do you take me for?"

"Don't make me answer that question."

"Why?"

"It's not wise."

"Why?"

"You won't like my answer."

"Why?"

"Because it will be cruel and unpleasent."

"Why?"

"Because I'm your brother and it's my job."

"Why?"

"Would you quit asking why?"

"Why?"

"Because it's getting annoying!"

"Why?"


Walker/Taylor

Walker raised an eyebrow at the two of them, then turned to Isaac.

"So... I hope you don't mind making breakfast for the whole family now that the scent has dragged us out of bed," he grinned, "of course, you should be doing it the conventional way..."

"Please don't start," Diana put a hand on his shoulder, "Isaac, you're doing a wonderful job."

Walker gave his wife a glance as the younger kids dashed for the table. Then he noticed someone missing.

"Where's Taylor?" he looked around.

Taylor knew, of course. Soon after Mouse had left and everyone had come out, he'd followed her through the door and watched her leave.

He sighed to himself. There was so much that she didn't know, and she obviously didn't know what she was getting into. He knew she'd need all the help she could get, not to mention actually learning something about her powers and their heritage.

He shook his head as he sat on the front porch, waiting for her to come back.


Isaac

"Naw, I don't mind," Isaac said, putting on some more bacon and eggs. "But whoever goes shopping next is gonna have to get more eggs. I've just about used them all up."

He jumped down from the bench.

"Ahh, this is the only way to cook. No chance of getting splattered by fat this way.


Mouse

Mouse whistled happily, birds quickly flying to her and telling her all their news. Dogs broke their chains and came to play. Fafnir quickly sent them packing in bewildered terror. Cats wound around her ankles and eyed off Nevyn hungrily. Patience. I'll be here for a while. Go to your homes. I'll come back. Promise. A whispering sigh rose from the animals before they did as she bid. She hoisted her backpack up onto one shoulder and rummaged in it for her Discman. Slipping her burnt CD in it, she started to sing along to Harvey Danger's Flagpole Sitta. She saw Taylor waiting out the front of the house and waved cheerfully at him. "I had visions, I was in them, I was looking into a mirror, to see a little bit clearer, the rottenness and evil in me. My fingertips had memories, I can't forget..." She started dancing, headbanging a little. "Been around the world and found that only stupid people are breeding, the cretins cloning and feeding, and I don't even own a TV!" Fafnir snorted in disgust as he climbed up next to Taylor and flopped down at the boy's feet.

Silly pup.

Nevyn clambered out of her top and fled. He knew not to stay around when she had her dancing moods. At least not to stay on her, anyway.

"Put me in the hospital for nerves, and then they had to commit me, you told them all I was crazy, they cut off my legs, now I'm an amputee, goddamn you. Ahhh, I'm not sick, but I'm not well. And I'm so hot, cos I'm in hell..." She held her hand above her head, the other one cradling the Discman, dancing in circles. She grinned at Taylor slyly, and got a little bit louder. "Paranoia, paranoia, evrybody's coming to get me..."


Taylor/Walker

"Even if you're paranoid, maybe they really are after you," Taylor chuckled slightly.

"Sorry, couldn't help myself."

He put his hand out to Nevyn.

"Climb on," he offered in the rat's language as Fafnir looked up.

He grinned as Nevyn complied.

"Is she always like this?" he asked Fafnir.

Inside, Walker looked up at Isaac who was basically finished.

"Ike, could you go and get your brother? His breakfast will be frozen soon with no help from Zac," he grinned with a glance at Zac.


Mouse

You have no idea. Fafnir said in disgust.

"Aw, is the little wolfie all alone-ed?" Mouse snickered as Fafnir swung angry eyes on her and growled softly. "C'mon, let's go back inside." She stepped up next to Taylor and opened the door, grinning at the people inside. "Good morning." Sparra flew over to her shoulder and started to scold the girl. "Do I havta tell you whenever I go anywhere? I had the wolf. He can eat people, and scare them away double quick smart. I was fine, Sparra."

It was very rude. The bird said finally.

"Taylor knew I'd gone to get my stuff. See, my bag." She lifted the tattered blue denim backpack." Containing all my worldy goods and possessions. Which isn't much." She slid her Discman back inside the backpack, still humming slightly as she moved to let Taylor inside.


Taylor/Walker

Taylor followed her through the door, then held it open for Fafnir. Nevyn watched from his shoulder.

"Taylor, where were you?" Walker asked, standing up.

"I was just outside waiting for her to come back."

"You might want to finish your breakfast."

Taylor looked at Mouse and indicated the last two places at the table.

"Want to finish up?" he raised his eyebrows, "if you don't want it we can give it to Fafnir or the Ka'Millens."


Mouse

"Nah, I'm cool. You folks finish your breakfast." Mouse noticed the young girl staring at her and tilted her head slightly to the side. "So. You'd be the telepath then? Stay outta my head and away from my memory block, and we'll be way coolio. It's there for a reason." Mouse blinked as the girl gasped and automatically sent a soothing flow of emotions to the child. "Hey, I'm not mad. I was just a bit shocked. Is all over and goodly now." She smiled and Avery hesitantly smiled back. Mouse straightened her head back up and looked around for Diane. "Thinking I might go outside and think. That cool with you?"

"Of course." Diane smiled gently at the teenager and Mouse grinned back.

"S'all cool then." Mouse nodded firmly and turned to leave. C'mon Fafnir. The wolf sighed happily and started after her. "Nevyn be cool with you? I can take him if he's a problem." She looked at Taylor directly, and raised an eyebrow slightly, before dropping her gaze again. She wasn't that brave to hold eyecontact for a long time. It kinda freaked her out.


Taylor

"Nah, it's ok," Taylor replied, smiling for a moment.

He lifted a finger to her chin and made her look up at him.

"He's no trouble at all."

Then he looked to Nevyn.

"That's... if it's ok with you. Do you want to stay here?" he asked in rat.

"Only for a while," he replied.

Taylor grinned.

"He can keep Flavian company," he chuckled in both English and rat, putting his hand down, "what about Sparra?"


Mouse

"Sparra'll probably come with me." Mouse looked around distractedly for a moment, then whistled. Sparra looked up from the back of the chair she was resting on.

Yes, dearie?

Do you wanna stay here or come with me?

I've flown enough this morning. I'll stay here.

Mouse nodded and looked at the people at the table. "Hey, kid, you wanna look after Sparra?" She asked Mackie. Stay with him she ordered Sparra as Mackie nodded excitedly. "Be good to ya sister too." I'm still not so good with the Spider being around. If he comes near them, you call me. Me and Fafnir will be here quicker then you can blink. So, you're sorta playing gaurd. Same goes for you too, rat.

Did you think it would be any different? Nevyn said almost indignantly. These are nice people, and he most certainly is not. Mouse chuckled slightly and then scratched under his chin. We'll call you if we need you.

So, are we going now? Fafnir sighed.

Yep. Can't catch me, wolf! She slid through the wall, leaving her pack in a heap on the floor, and Fafnir growled happily as he flashed through the door that had been left open a crack.


Isaac/Zac

"Well, she's certainly an interesting individual," Isaac observed.

"Unlike Ike," Zac put in cheekily. "Who is rather boring."

"Yeah, I know. I try."

"Well, stop trying, everyone can tell."

Isaac gave a mock sigh.

"So, what is everyone doing today? I plan on practicing for the tournament. I swear, I am going to with the kinetic shooting gallery this year."

"You say that every year," Zac pointed out.

"So? What's your point?"


Mouse

Mouse ran flat out, her sneakers slapping on the asphalt as she raced Fafnir. He was laughing as he bounded along behind her, this being one of their favourite games. Soon, he leapt and sent her crashing down into the grass. She kicked him hard, and he yelped then started to mock fight with her, ending up on his back with her blunt teeth at his throat.

Ok, ok, you win, mousey. Damn, are your teeth getting sharper or something? She chuckled before biting down and rapidly rising to her feet. She noticed stares, and blushed. Damn. She always forgot when she was around people how they liked her to act. She waved widely and they all turned back to what they were doing. Her blush grew deeper, and she slouched off miserably, good mood ruined.

Helphelphelp! A tiny cry to her left, accompanied by a sensation of gnawing hunger and deep loneliness/sorrow/abondonment. She went to it rapidly, and saw a black and white kitten blinking at her from the grass. Help! It demanded imperiously. Fafnir hooked his nose over her shoulder, and the kitten hissed angrily. Go away, canid!

Can I eat it? Fafnir asked curiously. Mouse frowned at him.

No, you most assuredly can not eat it. Little one, where's your mother?

She went cold. Two legger came to take my sibs. I ran away. Feed me now? The kitten bumped her head against Mouse's soothing hand and she lifted it, carefully tucking her away inside her shirt. Oh, you're warm. Ooh, lovely. The kitten started to purr thunderously for a such a small thing. Mouse chuckled, and started to make her way back to the Hanson house.

Damn it, you always pick up strays.

Could you really expect me to leave her there? What's your name?

What's a name? Is it something to eat? Can I eat it?

Obviously not. A name is something to call you. How about...Sidhe?

Sounds nice. What is it?

The Good Folk of Ireland. A type of Fey. They're very beautiful, like you, and capricous, like cats. Mouse walked up to the door, and opened it, still crooning to Sidhe as she walked inside. Fafnir was totally disgusted with her as he slunk inside.

She's going to go all clucky for the next few days. Why won't you just let me eat the damn thing?

She's not a thing, Fafnir. She's a kitten, very much alone and cold. And bleeding! Mouse looked horrified as she quickly drew the kitten out of her top and started to check it over.

Two legger kicked me as I ran. Few licks, and I'll be good as new. Food now? Mouse lowered her face to Sidhe and carefully licked the small scrape on the kitten's head. I'm not worried about that. I want food. Feed me. Sidhe was starting to get cross. If you're gonna be my dam, then at least act like it and start feeding me. I'm hungry. Mouse giggled at Sidhe's cross tone.

"I'd forgot how demanding cats can be. Can I have some milk for her please?" Mouse ignored the small stain of blood on her top that had come from Sidhe's wound.


Taylor/Diana

"Interesting? You can say that again," Taylor agreed, watching her with the kitten.

"I'll get the dear thing some milk," Diana nodded, and left the room as Walker stood up.

"Shouldn't we do something about the wound?" he frowned slightly.

Taylor glanced at Sparra before going over to Mouse. He began to pat the kitten softly, hushing relaxing words in cat. He grinned as Mouse watched him.

"You're more of a Dr. Dolittle than me," he chuckled, "you learnt to talk tot hem. My gift's basically a curse."


Mouse

"A curse? Ah, you don't get what it is to feel everything everyone around you feels. Sometimes it gets so bad I scream for days, I'm so overloaded," Mouse whispered to him, still running soothing hands over Sidhe. "The pain people feel makes me hurt as well. Sometimes, running and feeling with my family is the only way I can survive. If I immerse myself in them, I don't hurt so bad." She raised her head and grinned at Walker. "Hey, bit of a lick heals most things. She'll be fine, naught but a scratch, hey baby girl?"

I'll be fine. Now, feeding me?

"So commanding, so young! Definitely a cat. Mrs Hanson? The milk'll need to be cut with water, about three quarters milk to water. It's something to do with the cow's milk. But a bit of that'll help until I can find a momma cat with some extra milk, or steal some kitten formula from a store. Fafnir, my bag!" The wolf padded over with her bag in his mouth. She took it from him gently. "Thank you, wolf. Now, let's see about getting some antiseptic on that scrape, Sidhe." She quickly dug through her bag, retrieving her small stock of medical supplies. Ok, this may sting a little.

Don't kid the kitten. It stings like a mot- Mouse slapped her hands around Fafnir's mouth before he could complete the word.

"No. No swearing around the young and impressionable. Look how I turned out, real food for thought there."

What was he gonna say, the dirty canid? What type of word? Huh, huh? Sidhe hissed as Mouse quickly smoothed a smear of ointment over the cut. OW! That hurt! She slashed at Mouse with her claws. Owowow!

"Ah, stop it now," Mouse scolded. "Just don't lick the cut."

You could have just licked it clean. That doesn't hurt. Sidhe sounded peevish, and then settled down to a through washing of herself.


Taylor/Walker

Taylor chuckled slightly.

"Fiesty Sidhe," he grinned as he tried to calm the kitten, "one of our Ka'Millens used to be a cat. I called it 'Mama' when I was little."

He laughed at himself.

"It was a beautiful cat though."

He hesitated for a moment, still petting the cat. Then he frowned.

"Jane... if you understand the animal's languages... well particularly cats, wolves, rats and birds... do you understand me when I use their language? Because if you can you'd be the first since Sheldon who i only see at the tournaments," he grinned, "it could be interesting having someone to talk to with no one else understanding."

It was at this point that Walker crossed his arms.

"Are you sure the kitten will be ok?" he asked as Diana brought a small bowl out from the kitchen.

Taylor just raised his eyebrows at Mouse, waiting for an answer to his question.


Mouse

"Sorta. With the Folk, I sense their intent. Their thoughts and feelings are complex, but easier to understand then humans. Or aliens. I get your intent, and I understand some of it, but not of all what you say." Mouse picked Sidhe up and cuddled her, contenting the cat with a quick lick of her tongue. "Um, weird much, yes? She'll be fine, and look, here's food."

Good. Sidhe commented grouchily as Mouse set her down in front of the bowl Diana set on the ground. She settled down to lapping it up quickly.

"Calling a cat Mama ain't so weird. Lookit me. I got a wolf for an older brother, a sparrow as a mother figure, and a rat as an uncle or something." Mouse grinned slyly. "It's weird but fun. Although, people tend to get freaked out by me and them. Especially when I carry on conversations with them. Weird looks all around." She laughed suddenly. "And then no one looks for a rat in their store when they're focusing on the drifter girl. Works well."


Taylor

"Well you know it doesn't look weird for us... especially me," Taylor went on, "I mean, everyone here's used to me bringing animals home for the night and talking to them. Mom kind of has this rule now that if I find a stray and bring it home I have to find it's home within a week or it gets taken to the pound. It's not normally a problem, because the pets can describe their... owner pretty well."

He paused for a moment.

"It's a bit harder on tour though."


Mouse

"Yeah, you guys do that famous pop band thing. Um, no offense, but Mmmbop was really kinda bad." Mouse blushed suddenly. Damn, why did her mouth run away with her? She hastily surpressed the feelings of embarassment, remembering that Diana was an empath as well.


Isaac/Zac

"Oh, that's okay," Zac said. "You can't expect everyone to like everything. Even I, with my fabulously broad tastes in music, do not like everything."

"And on that note, bad pun intended," Isaac announced, "I'm going to go get some telekinesis practice in before I meet up with Ash later. Tournament stuff. Later 'gators."

Isaac waved and walked off.

"Hey, Tay," Zac said evilly. "Twenty bucks says Isaac loses the shooting gallery again this year."


Taylor

"Well, equally no offence, but we've come a long way from the 'Mmmbop days'," Taylor grinned, "but none taken. It's your opinion and you're entitled to it. We're used to it."

He noticed the confused look on his mother's face, and realised the empaths were confusing each other. He had to smile. It had been awhile since his mother was around another empath, and Walker knew it too.

Taylor turned to Zac.

"And you're on. He's getting better," he grinned deviously, "but it'll be interesting to see if Ash gets anything. He really hates that fifteen, well, sixteen-year-old girl with a passion now."


Mouse

"Tournament? You guys have mentioned that before, but shooting sounds kinda bad. Nothing to do with animals, I truly, truly hope? Ash? Who's Ash? Another brother or sibling or whatever?" Mouse asked hesitantly, still scrambling to find her mental feet in this household.


Zac

"Ash is a friend of ours. He's an alien too," Zac explained. "And the tournament is this huge umm, well, tournament for aliens. And we compete against each other. One of the contests Ike is going in is the Kinetic Shooting Gallery, and he has to kinetically shoot the targets. Nothing living, I assure you."


Mouse

"Glad to hear it. So many people like to hurt things that are smaller then they are..." Mouse's eyes went distant, then she shook her head fiercely. "Not thinking about things I can't change. No, bad train of thoughts there. Change tracks. So, what's the deal with this tournamnet? Obviously a comp for aliens, which means there are so many others. You know what's weird? I have talked so much more in this one morning then I do in a year, at least in actual speaking to people. Sides all the, where ya goin? Nowhere. Sounds cool. That'll be five bucks. Need a ride? Sure, thanks. Yes. No." She rolled off a list of phrases in different accents. "But my favourite would havta be, so, where are ya headin, ma cherie? New Orleans. Nice place. Lots of mosquitoes, but nice."


Zac

"The tournament is just for fun. Well, that and an opportunity to show off with our powers," Zac grinned. "It is so nice to go to these YIRAAS meetings and stuff, and just to be able to use our powers and not worry about the wrong person watching."

Then it occured to him that Mouse wouldn't know what YIRAAS was.

"By the way," he went on. "YIRAAS stands for 'Yes, I'm Really An Alien Society'. It's basically a big central organisation for all the aliens, humans with powers and certain humans without powers and yeah. It's a great way to keep track of each other and make friends who have powers too and stuff. It's this huge relief when you do have to keep a secret as big as this from people. YIRAAS didn't start until a few years after the Roswell crash, so there are lots of aliens unaccounted for. There are some aliens capable of finding aliens, though, and that's helped them a lot I imagine."

Zac paused.

"They're usually pretty efficient at finding aliens in North America though. I wonder why they didn't find you sooner?"


Mouse

Mouse gnawed the inside of her lip and wondered exactly how much she could tell these people. They were nice, but...She wasn't exactly picture poster child for normal devlopement and nice living. She ran a hand distractedly through her hair, bending to pick up Sidhe, who was mewing for attention. "As I told you, I hid. I hide very well. I was only five, and I hid until the Child Services came and found me. I was crying so hard...then foster homes, some good, some bad. Usual. Places where the man of the house had staring eyes, places where drugs were as easy to get, or easier, then a chocolate bar. Then when I was about 11, I cleared out and ran. Went walk abouts. This is probably the longest I've stayed in one place for ages..." Mouse cradled the kitten against her face, eyes blank with memory as she debated had she told too much, not enough. "S'not that bad a life, and the road is better then staying put. And I found a way to hide myself from people like me. I think like the Folk, and their eyes are blinded. There was a traiteur in New Orleans who saw through me right away. A traiteur's like a healer, a spirit doctor. That's where I met Nevyn."

That was three years ago.

"And then Sparra."

Hyde Park, New York, year after that.

"And then Fafnir."

Just up in the mountains, where they're trying to rebreed the wolves. Not sure how long it was. I ate some of a farmer's bait, would have et all of it except Mouse made me stop, and then throw it up. Fafnir added in softly. Saved my life.

"Which is repaid, wolf. In full."

Never will, pack. Never will. Lifedebt is what I owe you. And I intend to stay and see it paid.

Mouse sighed as Fafnir stubbornly protested what she knew was true. "I think the timing's right. I could be way off, didn't pay much attention to the years passing. No clocks, no calenders. Always just watching for the next town ahead, and then the road beyond that. I can't bear to be locked up. I was, for such the longest time."


Taylor

"I told her about the YIRAAS this morning," Taylor glanced at Zac, "it'll take a while for her to get her head around it."

He looked down at Fafnir, then looked to Nevyn still on his shoulder.

"Want to go back to Jane?" he asked the rat.

Nevyn didn't reply, so Taylor lifted his hand to the rat's feet, allowing him to climb on, then let him jump across to Mouse.

He sighed as he watched them settle down again, then turned to Zac.

"I'm guessing practice has been put on hold today? I guess it's time we had a break anyway..."


Mouse

Can I eat it? Sidhe asked curiously, green eyes fixed on Nevyn.

No, you can't eat him. Mouse sighed.

Impudent kit. You aren't big enough to take on a rat. Nevyn sniffed and turned away pointedly.

Guess that tells you, cat. No eating of the rat or the bird. Sidhe sighed longingly, eyes still tracking Nevyn's movements. No eating! I mean it.

Not even a nibble?

Not even. Mouse looked up again, and made a descion. "Here." She placed Sidhe carefully in Avery's arms. "You look after her so she won't try and eat Nevyn or Sparra." Nevyn humphed.

Like she could even get a paw on me.

Not the point. Mouse tapped Sidhe's nose. Be good, hear me?

She smells nice. Sidhe soon settled down to purring.


Zac

"I guess practice is on hold today," Zac said, nodding to Taylor.

He looked at the cat that Mouse had brought in.

"Aww, how cute," he said.

Then he laughed to himself.

"Look at what the Mouse dragged in? Ha ha ha!"

Silence greeted this remark. Zac realised no one else thought that was especially funny.

"Erm, okay..." he said. "I'll be going now. Exit, stage left."

He pointed his finger out the door and started walking.


Mouse

Mouse giggled, and then stopped as eyes swung around to watch her. "What? I thought it was funny," she said slightly defensively. "Cos, she's a cat..." Mouse lowered her eyes and resisted the urge to scuff her foot. "I just had to think about it. A bit. Um. Good exit line though. I usually find, look, there's a rat in your store works well too."


Taylor and Walker

Taylor raised an eyebrow.

"Maybe you and Zac could get along then," he said with a grin.

"I think we should decide what the future holds for you and your friends at the moment," Walker began softly, "where do you plan on going? If you have nowhere we can offer you a place to stay until you can get back on your feet, so to speak."

Taylor looked at Mouse.

"We can accommodate for the animals as well," Walker went on, "maybe even find the kitten's true home. Taylor's good at that."


Mouse

"Wow." Mouse just blinked. These people actually cared. That was a shock in itself, but for them to *care* and do something about that caring..."Finding Sidhe's home would be good. Or finding her a new one, cos she said that the guy kicked her. I don't have any plans, so to speak. I just...go. You don't havta put me up, or nothing. I can cope. I always have."


Taylor and Walker

"Well the guy who kicked Sidhe might not have been the original owner... he might have either stolen them or found them," Taylor pointed out with a wary glance at Mouse.

"True," Walker nodded, "and no, it isn't any trouble for you to stay here a while. You may be able to share with Jess, Avie or Zoe, or we could kick one of the boys out."

Taylor chuckled.

"The wolf can stay with the Ka'Millens, they can shift to speak his language - not that Taylor isn't doing a good job," Walker went on, "as for the rat, kitten and bird... I'm sure they'll be fine with you?"

He raised his eyebrows.


Mouse

Mouse nodded and swallowed against the lump that had suddenly formed in her throat. This may not be a big thing for them, but it was insanely huge for her. Fafnir thrust his cold nose under her hand.

You'll have pack.

Sparra landed on her shoulder and rubbed her beak along Mouse's cheek. They're good people.

Oh, for the love...just say yes already! Nevyn snapped at her. She nodded again, and started to smile.

"I'd be glad to. Anytime I'm a bother, feel free to kick me out though. My family won't be a problem, I'll see to that."


Taylor, Diana, Avery and Mackie

"Put it this way," Taylor cocked his head, "if they start getting out of hand, I'll know and I'll tell them off."

He grinned.

"So Dad? Which room?" Taylor looked to Walker as he bent to pick up Mouse's bag.

Walker looked at Diana.

"She can sleep in my room," Avery offered.

"No, mine!" Mackie exclaimed enthusiastically.

Taylor poked his tongue out at Mackie, and Mackie returned it.

"I think we should clean out a room. Taylor?" Diana began.

He looked up.

"Would you mind sleeping with Ike or Zac while she's here?"

He hesitated for a moment, but shook his head.

"No, not at all."

"Then she can sleep in your room," Diana smiled.

Taylor looked at Mouse, and indicated the staircase.


Mouse

"Thanks," she said quietly to Taylor as they started to climb the staircase. "You people are so cool. And who knows? I might not be here long, cos the YIRAAS might have my family listed. That would be way cool." She started to smile wider. "You know, breaking into you guys house may have actually been the smartest thing I've ever done."

February
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