He's still around. I thought catching the human's scent as I ran through the woods. I thought I'd have these two additional days and nights in peace to do whatever I wanted as per our agreement for me sparing the human's life.
Don't look to me for an answer, I have no idea why he hasn't returned to the others.
Is he looking for you?
I told him we wouldn't be around for a couple of days.
I snorted, Do all humans have problems listening to each other? Or just this one? Wolf packs would listen to each other.
He's more stubborn then most, but after last night, I thought he'd listen.
On a whim I took up his trial, following his scent though staying out of his sight. My ears flicked. He's a horrible tracker.
Oh?
His trial is leading away from those humans you traveled with.
Figures. He's not a fan of camping.
Camping?
Being out here in the woods.
Well, he wouldn't last long out here. Not with his injured forepaw. Totally easy prey.
It's a feint. Like that bird that acts injured to save her chicks. The arm is fine.
I caught him last night.
True.
So it's not much of a feint if I could kill him anyway. The mother bird would get away at least.
He's fooled the humans we live with it for most of his life. In his home territory he's survived.
I paused. Really?
Yes, he fooled me too at first. He's good at the act. Plus, we surprised him with that switch.
Which he took rather well, I replied.
He did have all night to think about it.
True. He has potential too.
Potential? For what?
To mind speak with us.
Catchya on the Flip Side!
Danny
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Sunrise
The sun couldn't have risen fast enough that night.
I approached the hole I'd toss Jake into with a mixture of emotions rushing through me.
This wasn't a situation I'd had to deal with.
So this morning would be interesting.
I crouched down above the hole. "Jake?" I called.
I knew he was in there. There was no scent of him leaving the area, and that worried me. Jake could climb out of anything, why hadn't he climbed out last night? Fear? Or had I injured him tossing him in like that?
I heard faint movement below, but he didn't respond back.
"Jake, are you alright?" I grimaced. "Okay, wrong question," obviously he wouldn't be, I'd changed into a wolf in front of him, attacked him, and put him down there in the first place. "but...I'm not going to hurt you."
"Tell that to my arm." he muttered from below.
I exhaled. I'm sure he didn't think I could hear that, but I was glad to hear his voice. He didn't sound in pain. "Well, arm, I'm sorry for biting you last night." I responded. "If it's any consolation, you tasted awful. Burnt really."
I could imagine him rolling his eyes. I swallowed, glancing towards the rising sun. "Look, Jake, I don't have a lot of time. How far down are you? I can pull you up."
No response.
"You can't expect to stay down there forever do you? Come on Jake. You're safe enough with me at the moment."
Though if he took too much longer I would have to leave him. The Wolf hadn't been happy at my interference last night, his price for that had to be met soon. But at least I'd been able to catch a kill last night. That had been a fair bit of luck that.
I heard faint movement below, the sound of dirt falling. Climbing.
"This would have been easier, if you hadn't tried to take my arm off, you know." he said, as his head popped over the edge.
"At least you sound calm enough." I responded back dropping my proffered hand when he ignored it.
"Oh, I had my hysterics after you left."
I winced. "I did warn you to leave it alone Jake."
He pulled himself out, his short ragged and torn where he'd pulled off a strip to bind his injured arm. "Well, I didn't expect you to change into a, a..."
"Werewolf." I supplied.
"And try to eat me." he finished, finally looking at me.
"I didn't eat you."
"You nearly took my head off!"
"Nearly, Jake!" I threw my hands up into the air. "I didn't did I?"
"Might as well have, do you know how deep that hole is? I could have broken a leg!"
"There was only so much I could do." I shot back. "I couldn't have you running to camp!"
"So why not kill me?" He asked. "Your secret would have stayed safe then!"
I took a step back. Ouch. "Do you think I would do tha...Jake," I shook my head. "We're friends. I trust you. Trust you more then I've trusted anyone." Besides, I wasn't a murderer.
"And what if your trust is misplaced?" he demanded. "What if I go tell the others what I saw?"
"Then my parents and I would be making a sudden move." I replied evenly enough. "We would disappear liked we'd never moved here, and the town would probably call you crazy." And I would probably have difficulty making close friends after that point too.
For some reason, that made him relax.
Honestly? Did he really expect me to kill him just for knowing this? I mean, there was the rest of the country, even the world to move to and no one else would be the wiser.
"Do they know?" Your parents?" He asked.
"Only my Dad." I glanced to the sun again. "Look, I don't have much time, Jake. Can we do the whole Q and A later?"
He narrowed is eyes. "Will there be a later?"
"Will you be telling the camp what happened?"
He gave me a measuring look, before shaking his head. "No."
Well, that was a relief. "Then, yes. There will be a later." I took a step towards him. "Here, let me see your arm."
With only a little hesitation he held it out. "I'm not going to become a werewolf too am I?" he asked.
"Ha." I unwrapped the shirt fragment from his arm revealing a rather deep and bloody bite mark. How had he managed to climb with this? It looked like I'd almost made it to the bone. "I'm not that type of werewolf. You'll stay human."
He sighed in relief. "Good, because you look awful,....what are you doing?"
He was worried about becoming a werewolf? Huh. I hadn't considered that. "I'm going to heal your arm." I replied, letting his comment about how I look slide. At least I wasn't covered in blood. "It's the least I can do for making you spend the night in a hole."
"Terrified you were waiting right outside to eat me."
"I had better things to do."
"Like what?"
"Eat something that tastes much better then you." It was a clean enough wound. It wouldn't take too much effort to fix it.
"And that was?"
"A doe. Hold still." I spat onto the wound, quickly rubbing my saliva into the bite marks. I kept a strong grip on Jake's arm as he tried to pull away.
"Hey!"
"Did you want me to lick you instead?" I said.
He stared at me incredulously. "No, but I don't want your spit infecting me either."
I shrugged. "I wouldn't either, but this saves you a long recovery period." I let him pull from my grip. Unbroken flesh met his eyes, and it was rather gratifying to see them bug out.
"No. Way."
"A talent I have, even if it seems disgusting." I said with a shrug.
He shook his head. "Magical healing spit. Who'da thought....Thanks."
My lips twitched. "It's the least I could do...for now." I exhaled. "Jake, I have to go. I'll explain why later, when I have more time, but...you're not going to see me for the next couple of days okay?"
He raised an eyebrow. "The next couple of days? Why?"
"It's...complicated." I couldn't just sit there and explain it. Not with time ticking. "Just, pretend you don't know where I went when the others ask about me alright?"
Catchya on the Flip Side.
Danny
I approached the hole I'd toss Jake into with a mixture of emotions rushing through me.
This wasn't a situation I'd had to deal with.
So this morning would be interesting.
I crouched down above the hole. "Jake?" I called.
I knew he was in there. There was no scent of him leaving the area, and that worried me. Jake could climb out of anything, why hadn't he climbed out last night? Fear? Or had I injured him tossing him in like that?
I heard faint movement below, but he didn't respond back.
"Jake, are you alright?" I grimaced. "Okay, wrong question," obviously he wouldn't be, I'd changed into a wolf in front of him, attacked him, and put him down there in the first place. "but...I'm not going to hurt you."
"Tell that to my arm." he muttered from below.
I exhaled. I'm sure he didn't think I could hear that, but I was glad to hear his voice. He didn't sound in pain. "Well, arm, I'm sorry for biting you last night." I responded. "If it's any consolation, you tasted awful. Burnt really."
I could imagine him rolling his eyes. I swallowed, glancing towards the rising sun. "Look, Jake, I don't have a lot of time. How far down are you? I can pull you up."
No response.
"You can't expect to stay down there forever do you? Come on Jake. You're safe enough with me at the moment."
Though if he took too much longer I would have to leave him. The Wolf hadn't been happy at my interference last night, his price for that had to be met soon. But at least I'd been able to catch a kill last night. That had been a fair bit of luck that.
I heard faint movement below, the sound of dirt falling. Climbing.
"This would have been easier, if you hadn't tried to take my arm off, you know." he said, as his head popped over the edge.
"At least you sound calm enough." I responded back dropping my proffered hand when he ignored it.
"Oh, I had my hysterics after you left."
I winced. "I did warn you to leave it alone Jake."
He pulled himself out, his short ragged and torn where he'd pulled off a strip to bind his injured arm. "Well, I didn't expect you to change into a, a..."
"Werewolf." I supplied.
"And try to eat me." he finished, finally looking at me.
"I didn't eat you."
"You nearly took my head off!"
"Nearly, Jake!" I threw my hands up into the air. "I didn't did I?"
"Might as well have, do you know how deep that hole is? I could have broken a leg!"
"There was only so much I could do." I shot back. "I couldn't have you running to camp!"
"So why not kill me?" He asked. "Your secret would have stayed safe then!"
I took a step back. Ouch. "Do you think I would do tha...Jake," I shook my head. "We're friends. I trust you. Trust you more then I've trusted anyone." Besides, I wasn't a murderer.
"And what if your trust is misplaced?" he demanded. "What if I go tell the others what I saw?"
"Then my parents and I would be making a sudden move." I replied evenly enough. "We would disappear liked we'd never moved here, and the town would probably call you crazy." And I would probably have difficulty making close friends after that point too.
For some reason, that made him relax.
Honestly? Did he really expect me to kill him just for knowing this? I mean, there was the rest of the country, even the world to move to and no one else would be the wiser.
"Do they know?" Your parents?" He asked.
"Only my Dad." I glanced to the sun again. "Look, I don't have much time, Jake. Can we do the whole Q and A later?"
He narrowed is eyes. "Will there be a later?"
"Will you be telling the camp what happened?"
He gave me a measuring look, before shaking his head. "No."
Well, that was a relief. "Then, yes. There will be a later." I took a step towards him. "Here, let me see your arm."
With only a little hesitation he held it out. "I'm not going to become a werewolf too am I?" he asked.
"Ha." I unwrapped the shirt fragment from his arm revealing a rather deep and bloody bite mark. How had he managed to climb with this? It looked like I'd almost made it to the bone. "I'm not that type of werewolf. You'll stay human."
He sighed in relief. "Good, because you look awful,....what are you doing?"
He was worried about becoming a werewolf? Huh. I hadn't considered that. "I'm going to heal your arm." I replied, letting his comment about how I look slide. At least I wasn't covered in blood. "It's the least I can do for making you spend the night in a hole."
"Terrified you were waiting right outside to eat me."
"I had better things to do."
"Like what?"
"Eat something that tastes much better then you." It was a clean enough wound. It wouldn't take too much effort to fix it.
"And that was?"
"A doe. Hold still." I spat onto the wound, quickly rubbing my saliva into the bite marks. I kept a strong grip on Jake's arm as he tried to pull away.
"Hey!"
"Did you want me to lick you instead?" I said.
He stared at me incredulously. "No, but I don't want your spit infecting me either."
I shrugged. "I wouldn't either, but this saves you a long recovery period." I let him pull from my grip. Unbroken flesh met his eyes, and it was rather gratifying to see them bug out.
"No. Way."
"A talent I have, even if it seems disgusting." I said with a shrug.
He shook his head. "Magical healing spit. Who'da thought....Thanks."
My lips twitched. "It's the least I could do...for now." I exhaled. "Jake, I have to go. I'll explain why later, when I have more time, but...you're not going to see me for the next couple of days okay?"
He raised an eyebrow. "The next couple of days? Why?"
"It's...complicated." I couldn't just sit there and explain it. Not with time ticking. "Just, pretend you don't know where I went when the others ask about me alright?"
Catchya on the Flip Side.
Danny
Monday, December 16, 2013
The Moment
Wait
I paused a breath away from tearing out the prey's throat.
Don't, please.
I growled. We had an agreement. I could do whatever I wanted these three nights. And this, this was prey. And I was hungry.
And you can, anything you want, but please not this. I know this human. He's...part of my human pack. Please.
My tail lashed. I'd seen his pack. This human wasn't part of it.
He's new. Please, don't kill him.
I snapped my teeth against the pale skin's throat grazing it, but not biting down.
If I don't find other prey tonight, packmate, you will regret it.
I know. But I'll regret this even more.
I laid my ears back. Fine. We'll 'talk' more after I eat.
I suddenly bit down on one of the pale skin's arms. He cried out, fighting, but my bite was strong. He couldn't escape me when I didn't want him to.
I dragged him through the snow to a hole in the ground I'd stumbled upon on my previous nights of hunting. With a jerk of my head, I threw the pale skin into the pitch blackness.
Now, I could hunt.
Throwing my head back into a howl, I dashed into the forest, seeking better tasting prey.
Catchya on the Flip Side.
Danny
I paused a breath away from tearing out the prey's throat.
Don't, please.
I growled. We had an agreement. I could do whatever I wanted these three nights. And this, this was prey. And I was hungry.
And you can, anything you want, but please not this. I know this human. He's...part of my human pack. Please.
My tail lashed. I'd seen his pack. This human wasn't part of it.
He's new. Please, don't kill him.
I snapped my teeth against the pale skin's throat grazing it, but not biting down.
If I don't find other prey tonight, packmate, you will regret it.
I know. But I'll regret this even more.
I laid my ears back. Fine. We'll 'talk' more after I eat.
I suddenly bit down on one of the pale skin's arms. He cried out, fighting, but my bite was strong. He couldn't escape me when I didn't want him to.
I dragged him through the snow to a hole in the ground I'd stumbled upon on my previous nights of hunting. With a jerk of my head, I threw the pale skin into the pitch blackness.
Now, I could hunt.
Throwing my head back into a howl, I dashed into the forest, seeking better tasting prey.
Catchya on the Flip Side.
Danny
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
I couldn't believe she'd expect me to sit in this cage for two days. My crew were somewhere in those series of tunnels and cages. Who did she think she was dealing with? I wasn't a fish anymore. I didn't have to deal with living in the moment. I would not be content with being in a cage! I needed to check in with the others. I hadn't spoken to them in months. I had to find out how they were doing for myself.
I watched the girl walk out of sight. With ears twitching, I set to work. There had to be a way out of this cage, and I was going to find it. Today.
~HENRY!~
I jumped, losing my tenacious grip on a piece of colored plastic. I squeaked, annoyed. It had taken me forever to find a way up to the portal I'd found. Let alone get a good grip on it with my new found teeth. I turned to the girl.
~What?~ I demanded, laying my ears back. I internally smirked though. She had called me Henry. Not Fishy Thief.
~You're supposed to be getting used to your new form, not attempting to escape!~
~I'm used to it.~ Honestly, why would I not be? Did she expect me to just sleep the day away or something?
~No, you're not.~
~I think I'm a better judge of my self, then you are.~
~Not when you've been a fish for the past several months! You can't run before you walk.~
I rolled my eyes coming up to the glass. ~I'm fine.~ Though I was beginning to believe that my argument would go better if I actually knew what the girl's name was. I still couldn't read her tag.
~Trust me, Fishy Thief, you can roam the tunnel system to your hearts content in two days. Don't try to leave.~ She said, turning away to help a customer.
She caught me trying to leave a few minutes later.
On my fourth attempt she took away the hut I'd been using to reach the portals located halfway up the glass.
~I'm going to put you into a smaller cage if you don't quit, Fishy Thief,~ She threatened. ~One without exits. Think of something else to do.~
I felt like tearing my hair..fur, whatever out. I finally had the ability to be on the same 'ground' so to speak as my crew, and she was expecting me to wait two days before finding them? Come on. ~I'll find a way out of that one too.~
She frowned. ~You're going to make yourself sick.~
~No I'm not.~
~Get one piece of that plastic in you and you will.~
~Come on, just let me out. I'll take it easy after...afterwards.~
She narrowed her eyes, before widening them in understanding. ~After? Oh. You want to find your fellow thieves.~
I shrugged. ~Well, duh. I haven't seen them in months!~ I wish she wasn't that quick to catch on my slip ups.
~You can wait two more days Henry,~ she said gently, folding her arms. ~They're fine.~
~As much as I believe you, I don't believe you.~
~Believe me.~
~How?! I still don't even know your name! How can I believe you if you won't even tell me that?~ I shot back.
After a long moment, she smirked. ~I didn't know it bothered you that much. Alright Fishy Thief, How about we make a deal. You promise to not try to leave the cage for two days, and I'll tell you my name.~
I laid my ears back. ~I don't need to know your name that badly. Let me out at closing time and it's a deal.~ I could wait until then.
~I'll let you out, Tomorrow after my lunch break.~ She replied. ~No sooner.~
I huffed. ~You could let me out sooner. I'm not going to just sleep the day away in this cage.~
She rolled her eyes. ~You had to be a wound up hamster didn't you? I'll give you a wheel to run on okay? But it's still tomorrow after lunch.~
And there, she'd unwittingly given me a piece of information. I was a hamster. That was good to know. I could also tell, however, that I wouldn't be able to convince her to let me out earlier. ~Fine.~ I placed a paw on the glass. ~I promise to wait until tomorrow afternoon.~ My crew could be without me for one more day.
She grinned, and put a finger up to my paw. ~My name is Lisa, nice to meet you Fishy Thief,~
#Henry
I watched the girl walk out of sight. With ears twitching, I set to work. There had to be a way out of this cage, and I was going to find it. Today.
~HENRY!~
I jumped, losing my tenacious grip on a piece of colored plastic. I squeaked, annoyed. It had taken me forever to find a way up to the portal I'd found. Let alone get a good grip on it with my new found teeth. I turned to the girl.
~What?~ I demanded, laying my ears back. I internally smirked though. She had called me Henry. Not Fishy Thief.
~You're supposed to be getting used to your new form, not attempting to escape!~
~I'm used to it.~ Honestly, why would I not be? Did she expect me to just sleep the day away or something?
~No, you're not.~
~I think I'm a better judge of my self, then you are.~
~Not when you've been a fish for the past several months! You can't run before you walk.~
I rolled my eyes coming up to the glass. ~I'm fine.~ Though I was beginning to believe that my argument would go better if I actually knew what the girl's name was. I still couldn't read her tag.
~Trust me, Fishy Thief, you can roam the tunnel system to your hearts content in two days. Don't try to leave.~ She said, turning away to help a customer.
She caught me trying to leave a few minutes later.
On my fourth attempt she took away the hut I'd been using to reach the portals located halfway up the glass.
~I'm going to put you into a smaller cage if you don't quit, Fishy Thief,~ She threatened. ~One without exits. Think of something else to do.~
I felt like tearing my hair..fur, whatever out. I finally had the ability to be on the same 'ground' so to speak as my crew, and she was expecting me to wait two days before finding them? Come on. ~I'll find a way out of that one too.~
She frowned. ~You're going to make yourself sick.~
~No I'm not.~
~Get one piece of that plastic in you and you will.~
~Come on, just let me out. I'll take it easy after...afterwards.~
She narrowed her eyes, before widening them in understanding. ~After? Oh. You want to find your fellow thieves.~
I shrugged. ~Well, duh. I haven't seen them in months!~ I wish she wasn't that quick to catch on my slip ups.
~You can wait two more days Henry,~ she said gently, folding her arms. ~They're fine.~
~As much as I believe you, I don't believe you.~
~Believe me.~
~How?! I still don't even know your name! How can I believe you if you won't even tell me that?~ I shot back.
After a long moment, she smirked. ~I didn't know it bothered you that much. Alright Fishy Thief, How about we make a deal. You promise to not try to leave the cage for two days, and I'll tell you my name.~
I laid my ears back. ~I don't need to know your name that badly. Let me out at closing time and it's a deal.~ I could wait until then.
~I'll let you out, Tomorrow after my lunch break.~ She replied. ~No sooner.~
I huffed. ~You could let me out sooner. I'm not going to just sleep the day away in this cage.~
She rolled her eyes. ~You had to be a wound up hamster didn't you? I'll give you a wheel to run on okay? But it's still tomorrow after lunch.~
And there, she'd unwittingly given me a piece of information. I was a hamster. That was good to know. I could also tell, however, that I wouldn't be able to convince her to let me out earlier. ~Fine.~ I placed a paw on the glass. ~I promise to wait until tomorrow afternoon.~ My crew could be without me for one more day.
She grinned, and put a finger up to my paw. ~My name is Lisa, nice to meet you Fishy Thief,~
#Henry
Monday, December 9, 2013
Back to Normal?
Steel doesn't have powers anymore. It feels so unreal. I mean, he seems as normal as ever, but he's not.
He has no powers.
That little bracelet around his wrist is like a neutralizer or something because he can't do anything. No flying. No super strength. Yet. He's alive. And as cheerful as ever. He doesn't act like he's not super. He's still super super, just without the powers. He's managed to keep everyone from panicking. And truly, that makes him great! He's still the leader. Even without powers, no one doubts his authority to lead.
He just can't, you know, go out and save the icing city from Surge.
You'd think that Surge would totally be taking advantage of knocking the last piece of the 'tower puzzle' out of the park with Steel now nearly as useless as the baby council upstairs.
Yet nobody's heard word of him. At. All. He's gone quiet. Super quiet. Creepily quiet. It's weird. I mean, I know Surge. There's usually some funny business going around, yet there isn't.
The city, is normal. Almost like my little town. Except, there are still 'bad guys' roaming around causing trouble and other heroes are going out to defeat them. Surge however is AWOL. Seriously, I would think he got stuck in his tower of terror, except I cut holes right through that place.
Maybe he's taking a victory lap around, well somewhere. Celebrating his defeat of Steel before he comes in to finish whatever his crazy plan is.
Because, honestly. If we haven't succeeded in taking my collar from around my neck, how do we expect Steel's bracelet to come off?
Speaking of my collar.
I'm not even sure I should be in The Tower.
I mean, Surge knew where I was.
Steel said he had a remote, but Surge had been able to hurt me just by touching my collar.
Could I even trust my own actions?
What if he'd been controlling me this whole time? How would I know? What if I was unwittingly moving along in line with Surge's plan?
Was I the next piece of Surge's puzzle?
Layters!
--> Issac
He has no powers.
That little bracelet around his wrist is like a neutralizer or something because he can't do anything. No flying. No super strength. Yet. He's alive. And as cheerful as ever. He doesn't act like he's not super. He's still super super, just without the powers. He's managed to keep everyone from panicking. And truly, that makes him great! He's still the leader. Even without powers, no one doubts his authority to lead.
He just can't, you know, go out and save the icing city from Surge.
You'd think that Surge would totally be taking advantage of knocking the last piece of the 'tower puzzle' out of the park with Steel now nearly as useless as the baby council upstairs.
Yet nobody's heard word of him. At. All. He's gone quiet. Super quiet. Creepily quiet. It's weird. I mean, I know Surge. There's usually some funny business going around, yet there isn't.
The city, is normal. Almost like my little town. Except, there are still 'bad guys' roaming around causing trouble and other heroes are going out to defeat them. Surge however is AWOL. Seriously, I would think he got stuck in his tower of terror, except I cut holes right through that place.
Maybe he's taking a victory lap around, well somewhere. Celebrating his defeat of Steel before he comes in to finish whatever his crazy plan is.
Because, honestly. If we haven't succeeded in taking my collar from around my neck, how do we expect Steel's bracelet to come off?
Speaking of my collar.
I'm not even sure I should be in The Tower.
I mean, Surge knew where I was.
Steel said he had a remote, but Surge had been able to hurt me just by touching my collar.
Could I even trust my own actions?
What if he'd been controlling me this whole time? How would I know? What if I was unwittingly moving along in line with Surge's plan?
Was I the next piece of Surge's puzzle?
Layters!
--> Issac
Monday, December 2, 2013
Disguised
"Maybe...I could just stay here....til close." I whispered. There was no way I could walk out of here in this condition. Only Hatch's arms kept me from slipping back to the floor. And at this point, I really wish he would let me do just that.
"And what happens when the next person comes in here wanting birds?" Hatch asked back.
I groaned.
"Exactly. You need to get out of here."
"How?" I mumbled into his chest.
"Let me see if this....works." His voice changed back to mine on the last word, and I felt a warm heat, almost like the feel of hot chocolate going down your throat, wash over me. "Ha!" my voice exclaimed in satisfaction. "It worked. I didn't think it would. Let's hope I can hold it until we're outside."
"Hold what?" I asked.
"The disguise."
I frowned looking down at myself. I still looked like me. "What disguise?"
"Huh, I guess you can't see it."
Obviously "What is it then?"
"You're an old lady."
Oh goodie. But if he was confident in it...I allowed him to pull me out of the bird cage, reluctantly.
"I can't carry you, but leaning on me, you should make it out to your car." He said flashing my smile back at me. That was just odd. I hadn't really smiled since....well my mom... I clutched to his arm, leaning heavily on him as my knees actually buckled.
"I don't have my-"
"Keys, I got them,"
"How!" Those were locked up.
"Trust me, I got them."
"You're a lock picker too?" I muttered, shuffling along as he guided me towards the doors. The light outside was bright enough I had to squint.
"No. It's no trouble at all Ma'am. I'm here to help." He said cheerfully. Just like I would if I were helping an old person out of the store. How did he know me so well! He even lifted his free hand and waved to Annemarie at the register as we passed by, just like I would when I left for the day. And she, ignored me like usual. I couldn't believe it. He was actually pulling this off!
Karen<3
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Black Friday
Oh Man, I have to take a break from the conundrum Prince Charming and I were in to talk about my now least favorite event.
Black Friday.
In years past, I loved this 'holiday.'
Why?
The DEALS! Shopping! Come on! It's AWESOME!
I THRRRIIIVEEEE off the crowds, the energy, and yes the occasionally cat fights between me and the other competing girls.
-I've won some, and lost some-
It's just, exciting!
Not this year.
Because I had to WORK black Friday.
I had no time at all for shopping for myself.
And that's just depressing.
It doesn't help that it seems like all the 'mean impatient' people decided to come to the pet store today.
I mean come on, it's a PET STORE. Go ELSEWHERE for Black Friday.
Yet, for some odd reason, we had steady business from opening to close.
Even Harvey was surprised at how many people were waiting at the doors before we opened at 5 am.
-I had to be in at 3 to get the animals prepped. Talk about an unhappy Karen. No sleep and No shopping? Plus Cranky impatient customers? Yikes. They're lucky I didn't bloody a few of those stuck up noses.
Really, the only bright side to my day was that Hatch was right there helping me out.
Plus, he convinced Harvey to NOT open on Thanksgiving.
And now, Harvey is happy he didn't. Because today, apparently was the best 'Black Friday' he's ever had in sales.
And that meant a Happy Harvey, because he made money, he got to eat turkey at the table, and watch the football game that went into over time without having to dash out into the store to help customers.
But really, you should have been there to see Hatch when Harvey mentioned a Evening Thanksgiving opening.
I've never seen my easy-going Prince Charming soo worked up.
It was bewildering.
I mean, 'Black Friday' has included a 'Grey Thursday' for as long as I can remember.
Yet, he acted like it was a sin to spend the evening shopping and the morning eating turkey.
'Everyday is a shopping day, but why not set aside one or two and relax with family?' he argued. 'Everyone needs a break, you'll be more relaxed. And more shoppers will flock to your store in the morning.'
Oh so true.
And once Harvey agreed to do a Friday Only thing....
Hatch relaxed. And became my Prince Charming again.
Yes, he's definitely an oddball, but I must say the results for the store and in Harvey were night and day.
He may continue this trend next year.
I can't say I don't mind it.
It was nice to actually not go anywhere, not fight the evening shoppers, just spent time at home.
...with the step-fam...but Hatch's presence made it easier going. He's even having an effect on Tristen and Annemarie. I mean, they actually played a game together! We had a 'step-family' game night. Totally crazy. Everyone got into it. I was even having...fun...which I never expect with the Step-sibs about.
Karen<3
Black Friday.
In years past, I loved this 'holiday.'
Why?
The DEALS! Shopping! Come on! It's AWESOME!
I THRRRIIIVEEEE off the crowds, the energy, and yes the occasionally cat fights between me and the other competing girls.
-I've won some, and lost some-
It's just, exciting!
Not this year.
Because I had to WORK black Friday.
I had no time at all for shopping for myself.
And that's just depressing.
It doesn't help that it seems like all the 'mean impatient' people decided to come to the pet store today.
I mean come on, it's a PET STORE. Go ELSEWHERE for Black Friday.
Yet, for some odd reason, we had steady business from opening to close.
Even Harvey was surprised at how many people were waiting at the doors before we opened at 5 am.
-I had to be in at 3 to get the animals prepped. Talk about an unhappy Karen. No sleep and No shopping? Plus Cranky impatient customers? Yikes. They're lucky I didn't bloody a few of those stuck up noses.
Really, the only bright side to my day was that Hatch was right there helping me out.
Plus, he convinced Harvey to NOT open on Thanksgiving.
And now, Harvey is happy he didn't. Because today, apparently was the best 'Black Friday' he's ever had in sales.
And that meant a Happy Harvey, because he made money, he got to eat turkey at the table, and watch the football game that went into over time without having to dash out into the store to help customers.
But really, you should have been there to see Hatch when Harvey mentioned a Evening Thanksgiving opening.
I've never seen my easy-going Prince Charming soo worked up.
It was bewildering.
I mean, 'Black Friday' has included a 'Grey Thursday' for as long as I can remember.
Yet, he acted like it was a sin to spend the evening shopping and the morning eating turkey.
'Everyday is a shopping day, but why not set aside one or two and relax with family?' he argued. 'Everyone needs a break, you'll be more relaxed. And more shoppers will flock to your store in the morning.'
Oh so true.
And once Harvey agreed to do a Friday Only thing....
Hatch relaxed. And became my Prince Charming again.
Yes, he's definitely an oddball, but I must say the results for the store and in Harvey were night and day.
He may continue this trend next year.
I can't say I don't mind it.
It was nice to actually not go anywhere, not fight the evening shoppers, just spent time at home.
...with the step-fam...but Hatch's presence made it easier going. He's even having an effect on Tristen and Annemarie. I mean, they actually played a game together! We had a 'step-family' game night. Totally crazy. Everyone got into it. I was even having...fun...which I never expect with the Step-sibs about.
Karen<3
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Some nights I wonder; if I had lived in that apartment, would I have ever figured out that there was a hamster living on top of the kitchen cupboards?
Most likely not in the first few days.
I mean, I didn't do much beyond lay on that heat pack at that point. No movement would equal no sound.
Plus people don't often look up when they're searching for something.
Maille took care of me, hiding me in her pocket when she went to work, placing me up on the heat pack when we got home. All the while she would give me that bitter drug telling me it would help me.
I didn't move much at all, for pain still wracked my body, even with the drugs. Yet, the more time I spent around Maille, listening to her heart beat, the more relaxed I became. Even with Howard lurking around at work, I grew in confidence that the hands of death would not get me. Not with Maille right there.
It was like a night and day moment for me. That first morning I woke up not in pain.
My ears swiveled, listening for signs of Maille or Isabelle stirring, as I slowly lifted my head off the cooled heat pack. My nose twitched, catching actual smells for the first time since before my companions had died. Food, I wanted food. Cautiously, I got to my feet. I was so shaky, but I was standing. Actually standing, no pain coming from my stomach, not feeling the need to be hunch up or try to curl into a ball. I could move!
Finally, I could explore my new home, I didn't need to stay on the heat any longer.
That didn't mean that it was easy. My legs had forgotten how to work, as I stumbled off the pack onto the wooden surface. They kept tripping over each other, but. It didn't hurt. This wasn't pain. It was, the best feeling ever.
Conscious of the possibility Isabelle would be getting up soon. I kept low as I explored the high place Maille had placed me on. I even took a moment to glance over the edge. Everything looked so strange. I didn't recognize human furniture. It looked like a bunch of giant chews for me.
Why would Maille live in such a place? It didn't make sense. I couldn't even tell where she would eat food.
My new home was bigger then where my companions and I had first lived, though, it still had its boundaries. There wasn't any clear air around me, but the height on which I was convinced me to try not to get down. I had plenty of space to move around, but the one thing I was looking for; I couldn't find.
Food.
There was no food up here.
I heard rustling somewhere in the distance. Maille? Or Isabelle? To be safe, I flattened myself as much as possible against the wood. With my new found movement, I really did not want to be found by the wrong sort. I could remember the hand of death jabbing me with it's fang. I didn't want to be sick, ever again.
~Martin Elek
Most likely not in the first few days.
I mean, I didn't do much beyond lay on that heat pack at that point. No movement would equal no sound.
Plus people don't often look up when they're searching for something.
Maille took care of me, hiding me in her pocket when she went to work, placing me up on the heat pack when we got home. All the while she would give me that bitter drug telling me it would help me.
I didn't move much at all, for pain still wracked my body, even with the drugs. Yet, the more time I spent around Maille, listening to her heart beat, the more relaxed I became. Even with Howard lurking around at work, I grew in confidence that the hands of death would not get me. Not with Maille right there.
It was like a night and day moment for me. That first morning I woke up not in pain.
My ears swiveled, listening for signs of Maille or Isabelle stirring, as I slowly lifted my head off the cooled heat pack. My nose twitched, catching actual smells for the first time since before my companions had died. Food, I wanted food. Cautiously, I got to my feet. I was so shaky, but I was standing. Actually standing, no pain coming from my stomach, not feeling the need to be hunch up or try to curl into a ball. I could move!
Finally, I could explore my new home, I didn't need to stay on the heat any longer.
That didn't mean that it was easy. My legs had forgotten how to work, as I stumbled off the pack onto the wooden surface. They kept tripping over each other, but. It didn't hurt. This wasn't pain. It was, the best feeling ever.
Conscious of the possibility Isabelle would be getting up soon. I kept low as I explored the high place Maille had placed me on. I even took a moment to glance over the edge. Everything looked so strange. I didn't recognize human furniture. It looked like a bunch of giant chews for me.
Why would Maille live in such a place? It didn't make sense. I couldn't even tell where she would eat food.
My new home was bigger then where my companions and I had first lived, though, it still had its boundaries. There wasn't any clear air around me, but the height on which I was convinced me to try not to get down. I had plenty of space to move around, but the one thing I was looking for; I couldn't find.
Food.
There was no food up here.
I heard rustling somewhere in the distance. Maille? Or Isabelle? To be safe, I flattened myself as much as possible against the wood. With my new found movement, I really did not want to be found by the wrong sort. I could remember the hand of death jabbing me with it's fang. I didn't want to be sick, ever again.
~Martin Elek
Friday, November 22, 2013
Back to the Story
Unfortunately, no one else demanded birds during 'my' work shift,
(you wondered if I would ever get back to telling you about my first day with Prince Charming didn't you?)
Which meant, that I hardly saw Hatch pretending to be me unless he...she...Okay I'm going to stick with He even though he looked like me....walked by.
He would glance in at me and give an encouraging smile. How was it he could make my smile look good? It had never looked good before.
Of course, I hadn't smiled much since....since....
Anyways.
Time ticked by super slowly when I had to just sit here, covered in feathers, with the noisy birds.
I never realized how much I could get done in a single shift. Certainly Hatch did an amazing job, almost as good as I could have, in finding tasks to do to make the store look nicer.
Finally, and I mean after like an eternity, the jiggling of the lock told me Hatch was finally returning.
He slipped inside, as himself. Though now wearing one of store's work uniforms. How could he make even that shapeless mistake of a uniform choice look fashionable?
"Hey," He flashed a smile at me. "Are you feeling better?"
"Depends. Do I have to stand up?" I replied. Because I felt fine right now, but I hadn't really moved much. "What are you doing in here, looking like...well you?"
He glanced out through the windows. "Harvey has gone on lunch."
I took the implication immediately. He didn't have to look like me with Harvey not around, but that also meant; "I can sneak out without him being the wiser."
"That you're sick. Yes." (I know, we're finishing each other's sentences. Can you say 'Aww!')
I groaned leaning against the wall. "So I do have to stand up."
He crouched down by me. "I'm right here."
"To not carry me, I hope."
He smirked. "I wish I could, but that would defeat the purpose."
"Of pretending I'm not ill. Yah I know. You really didn't have to do that you know." I had no idea what he'd planned for his day, but he'd totally tossed that all aside to rescue me.
"I know." He shrugged. "I chose to." He reached out a hand. "Let me help you up."
"I got it."
He raised a perfect eyebrow, but didn't force the matter.
Good. Because I wanted to do this by myself.
Carefully, and more slowly then I wanted to -I knew I was on a time limit-
I pulled myself to my feet.
And immediately felt like it was the morning all over again.
Hatch's arms surrounded me in a flash. "I got you."
I buried my head into his chest, just trying to keep my knees from buckling. "This..." I swallowed trying to keep my stomach in its proper place.
"Isn't going to work." He finished, exhaling. "I got that, let me think of something."
Karen<3
(you wondered if I would ever get back to telling you about my first day with Prince Charming didn't you?)
Which meant, that I hardly saw Hatch pretending to be me unless he...she...Okay I'm going to stick with He even though he looked like me....walked by.
He would glance in at me and give an encouraging smile. How was it he could make my smile look good? It had never looked good before.
Of course, I hadn't smiled much since....since....
Anyways.
Time ticked by super slowly when I had to just sit here, covered in feathers, with the noisy birds.
I never realized how much I could get done in a single shift. Certainly Hatch did an amazing job, almost as good as I could have, in finding tasks to do to make the store look nicer.
Finally, and I mean after like an eternity, the jiggling of the lock told me Hatch was finally returning.
He slipped inside, as himself. Though now wearing one of store's work uniforms. How could he make even that shapeless mistake of a uniform choice look fashionable?
"Hey," He flashed a smile at me. "Are you feeling better?"
"Depends. Do I have to stand up?" I replied. Because I felt fine right now, but I hadn't really moved much. "What are you doing in here, looking like...well you?"
He glanced out through the windows. "Harvey has gone on lunch."
I took the implication immediately. He didn't have to look like me with Harvey not around, but that also meant; "I can sneak out without him being the wiser."
"That you're sick. Yes." (I know, we're finishing each other's sentences. Can you say 'Aww!')
I groaned leaning against the wall. "So I do have to stand up."
He crouched down by me. "I'm right here."
"To not carry me, I hope."
He smirked. "I wish I could, but that would defeat the purpose."
"Of pretending I'm not ill. Yah I know. You really didn't have to do that you know." I had no idea what he'd planned for his day, but he'd totally tossed that all aside to rescue me.
"I know." He shrugged. "I chose to." He reached out a hand. "Let me help you up."
"I got it."
He raised a perfect eyebrow, but didn't force the matter.
Good. Because I wanted to do this by myself.
Carefully, and more slowly then I wanted to -I knew I was on a time limit-
I pulled myself to my feet.
And immediately felt like it was the morning all over again.
Hatch's arms surrounded me in a flash. "I got you."
I buried my head into his chest, just trying to keep my knees from buckling. "This..." I swallowed trying to keep my stomach in its proper place.
"Isn't going to work." He finished, exhaling. "I got that, let me think of something."
Karen<3
Monday, November 18, 2013
Exposed
Things have gone...wrong.
I can't put it any other way.
It's gone really wrong, and...I have no idea how to fix it. I've never encountered this before.
Because before, I was able to keep my secret.
Before, I wasn't friends with Jake.
Before, he probably wouldn't have tried to follow me.
Yet he did.
I guess now...is the time to tell...well, it.
The secret.
It started when I was young,
My dad knew the signs first, and so was able to hide it from my mom,
before I learned how to hide it by myself.
For me, there is a particular time of year, where I need to disappear for a few days.
To get away from people.
For their safety.
Because that one time of year, I can't control it.
In order to do what I can do, I have to lose myself for those few days.
It's a particular time of year,
and so happened to be...during the campout.
I thought I could manage it.
But I didn't count on Jake.
I'd made sure that he was good and distracted by the fire before I slipped away.
I ran through the woods as quickly as I could, because I had to wait til almost the last moment before I could leave.
I needed to get to a clearing,
And I found one.
Just as the moon rose over the mountains.
I stepped into the middle of the clearing, arms out wide, and let...my barriers down.
Allowing my other self to take full control.
It's how it works, how I can stay in control for the rest of the year.
I have to allow three days of his control, his thoughts, his actions.
It was over in the blink of an eye.
I switched forms and mindset.
For all intents and purposes, I was a wild born...
Wolf.
And I needed to hunt. I lifted my head into a howl and let it dwindle as my increased senses caught the scent of prey nearby.
I whirled, my legs aching for a chase and saw, a pale two-legged thing on the edge of the clearing.
Dinner.
I stalked towards it, wishing for it to run, to make this hunt more delectable.
And it followed my will.
Turning and dashing, a panicked cry coming from it's mouth.
Perfect.
I snarled breaking into a run,
It was too easy. This pale hairless thing. It was no elk, or deer with horns to fight with. It had nothing. In fact, it tripped against a rock before I even caught up onto it.
That mistake would be its last.
Before it could get to it's feet I jumped on it, pinning it hard against the rock.
My teeth flashed down towards the exposed neck, just as a tree branch shifted overhead, throwing moonlight onto the head of the two legged creature.
Jake.
It was Jake.
Catchya on the Flip Side.
Danny
I can't put it any other way.
It's gone really wrong, and...I have no idea how to fix it. I've never encountered this before.
Because before, I was able to keep my secret.
Before, I wasn't friends with Jake.
Before, he probably wouldn't have tried to follow me.
Yet he did.
I guess now...is the time to tell...well, it.
The secret.
It started when I was young,
My dad knew the signs first, and so was able to hide it from my mom,
before I learned how to hide it by myself.
For me, there is a particular time of year, where I need to disappear for a few days.
To get away from people.
For their safety.
Because that one time of year, I can't control it.
In order to do what I can do, I have to lose myself for those few days.
It's a particular time of year,
and so happened to be...during the campout.
I thought I could manage it.
But I didn't count on Jake.
I'd made sure that he was good and distracted by the fire before I slipped away.
I ran through the woods as quickly as I could, because I had to wait til almost the last moment before I could leave.
I needed to get to a clearing,
And I found one.
Just as the moon rose over the mountains.
I stepped into the middle of the clearing, arms out wide, and let...my barriers down.
Allowing my other self to take full control.
It's how it works, how I can stay in control for the rest of the year.
I have to allow three days of his control, his thoughts, his actions.
It was over in the blink of an eye.
I switched forms and mindset.
For all intents and purposes, I was a wild born...
Wolf.
And I needed to hunt. I lifted my head into a howl and let it dwindle as my increased senses caught the scent of prey nearby.
I whirled, my legs aching for a chase and saw, a pale two-legged thing on the edge of the clearing.
Dinner.
I stalked towards it, wishing for it to run, to make this hunt more delectable.
And it followed my will.
Turning and dashing, a panicked cry coming from it's mouth.
Perfect.
I snarled breaking into a run,
It was too easy. This pale hairless thing. It was no elk, or deer with horns to fight with. It had nothing. In fact, it tripped against a rock before I even caught up onto it.
That mistake would be its last.
Before it could get to it's feet I jumped on it, pinning it hard against the rock.
My teeth flashed down towards the exposed neck, just as a tree branch shifted overhead, throwing moonlight onto the head of the two legged creature.
Jake.
It was Jake.
Catchya on the Flip Side.
Danny
Sunday, November 17, 2013
The Second Day of the Campout
Okay, so last night didn't go too badly.
I was able to slip away when I needed to, and none noticed me.
Or so I thought.
"Where'd you go last night?" Jake asked me.
I frowned. "Go?" I had thought I'd remained undetected. I thought that Jake had actually turned in early. He hadn't been by the fire when I'd left.
"Yah." he kicked a stone as we walked. "I didn't hear you come into the tent last night."
"You must be a heavy sleeper then, I turned in with the others."
"You weren't with the others."
"How do you know. You weren't by the fire." I argued back. "I was with them, until we all went to bed." I wasn't but I couldn't get Jake suspicious. Even though he obviously already was.
"No, you weren't. I was there Danny, I saw you leave, you didn't come back. I didn't see you til this morning for breakfast."
I exhaled "You're too observant by half, Jake." I said under my breath. And I not observant enough, I hadn't seen him in the fire light.
"So where were you?"
I shook my head. "I can't tell you." I said, grimacing. This particular secret, I would reveal to no one.
"You can't tell me." He repeated evenly.
"Yes."
"Why not."
I shrugged, keeping my voice low. "Because."
"Because why?"
Were we really going to do this? "Just leave it alone Jake."
He frowned. And I could see him trying to guess what I was hiding from him, but on this I wasn't going to budge.
Now I definitely wished this trip was over already. I'd had enough to worry about before Jake told me he'd noticed my absence. Now the stakes were higher for tonight, where I'd have to 'disappear.' I'd definitely would need to check on where Jake was as well before I left. I could picture him following me all too well, and I couldn't afford to have him do so. Not if he wanted to remain uninjured.
Catchya on the Flip Side!
Danny
I was able to slip away when I needed to, and none noticed me.
Or so I thought.
"Where'd you go last night?" Jake asked me.
I frowned. "Go?" I had thought I'd remained undetected. I thought that Jake had actually turned in early. He hadn't been by the fire when I'd left.
"Yah." he kicked a stone as we walked. "I didn't hear you come into the tent last night."
"You must be a heavy sleeper then, I turned in with the others."
"You weren't with the others."
"How do you know. You weren't by the fire." I argued back. "I was with them, until we all went to bed." I wasn't but I couldn't get Jake suspicious. Even though he obviously already was.
"No, you weren't. I was there Danny, I saw you leave, you didn't come back. I didn't see you til this morning for breakfast."
I exhaled "You're too observant by half, Jake." I said under my breath. And I not observant enough, I hadn't seen him in the fire light.
"So where were you?"
I shook my head. "I can't tell you." I said, grimacing. This particular secret, I would reveal to no one.
"You can't tell me." He repeated evenly.
"Yes."
"Why not."
I shrugged, keeping my voice low. "Because."
"Because why?"
Were we really going to do this? "Just leave it alone Jake."
He frowned. And I could see him trying to guess what I was hiding from him, but on this I wasn't going to budge.
Now I definitely wished this trip was over already. I'd had enough to worry about before Jake told me he'd noticed my absence. Now the stakes were higher for tonight, where I'd have to 'disappear.' I'd definitely would need to check on where Jake was as well before I left. I could picture him following me all too well, and I couldn't afford to have him do so. Not if he wanted to remain uninjured.
Catchya on the Flip Side!
Danny
Saturday, November 16, 2013
The First Day of the Camp Out
"Danny!"
I jumped.
Which for me is rather big, I don't get surprised easily, but today, today I'm on edge.
"Yah?" I called back to Jake.
I'd fallen behind on the hike up the mountain.
"Since when are you so jumpy?" he asked jogging back to me, "Out of all of us I thought you'd be miles ahead already."
I managed a smile. "You guys have been here before, this is my first trip, I'm enjoying the scenery."
He raised an eyebrow "Ah huh."
Why did I have to become friends with someone who was perceptive? I shrugged. "Really, I'm enjoying the scenery." I had to, I hadn't been able to fake being sick. Mostly because I never get sick. So I was on this campout, and I really just needed a way to survive it without having to explain to my dad that we'd have to move.
You think I'm being over dramatic, but I'm totally serious. I had to keep some secrets secret for a reason, and if the whole town figures it out...I'm in trouble. Deep. Deep, life on the line trouble.
I increased my speed to catch up with Jake. "Plus it doesn't help that I have no idea where I'm going." I had a good idea though, I mean it's simple to hike. Follow the markers, stay on the trail. A tomato could follow a trail. That didn't mean that the tomato would know where to stop for breaks, or for the night. I just hoped I'd be able to slip away unnoticed when the time came. It's easy to lose yourself in the mountains, and I was counting on it to keep my secret hidden from those hiking with Jake and I.
"Come on Danny, there's something bugging you."
I rolled my eyes, though he didn't see it, due to my sunglasses. "Alright, you caught me. I'm not used to hiking in a group. It's kinda weirding me out."
"I can understand that." Jake replied with a nod. "I'm not a fan of the group hike either." he made a face. "My mom wants me to like camping, but I really prefer the day hikes."
"Oh? What's there not to like about camping?"
It was Jake's turn to shrug uncomfortably. "I always end up sleeping in the wrong spot."
"Wrong spot?"
"Yah, on rocks, sticks...an ants nest."
I laughed. "no."
"I was six." he replied defensively. "And that mountain of sand looked like a good pillow."
"Until you started getting bit."
He chuckled. "It took them a while to decide to attack me, but yes. I woke up the whole camp with my screams."
"Well, hopefully that doesn't happen this year."
He rolled his eyes. "I doubt that, something always happens to me."
"Hey, with me around, I can look out for you." I replied, jostling him as we went through a narrow part in the trail. As long as he didn't have 'something happen' to him when I slipped away.
Catchya on the Flip Side!
Danny
I jumped.
Which for me is rather big, I don't get surprised easily, but today, today I'm on edge.
"Yah?" I called back to Jake.
I'd fallen behind on the hike up the mountain.
"Since when are you so jumpy?" he asked jogging back to me, "Out of all of us I thought you'd be miles ahead already."
I managed a smile. "You guys have been here before, this is my first trip, I'm enjoying the scenery."
He raised an eyebrow "Ah huh."
Why did I have to become friends with someone who was perceptive? I shrugged. "Really, I'm enjoying the scenery." I had to, I hadn't been able to fake being sick. Mostly because I never get sick. So I was on this campout, and I really just needed a way to survive it without having to explain to my dad that we'd have to move.
You think I'm being over dramatic, but I'm totally serious. I had to keep some secrets secret for a reason, and if the whole town figures it out...I'm in trouble. Deep. Deep, life on the line trouble.
I increased my speed to catch up with Jake. "Plus it doesn't help that I have no idea where I'm going." I had a good idea though, I mean it's simple to hike. Follow the markers, stay on the trail. A tomato could follow a trail. That didn't mean that the tomato would know where to stop for breaks, or for the night. I just hoped I'd be able to slip away unnoticed when the time came. It's easy to lose yourself in the mountains, and I was counting on it to keep my secret hidden from those hiking with Jake and I.
"Come on Danny, there's something bugging you."
I rolled my eyes, though he didn't see it, due to my sunglasses. "Alright, you caught me. I'm not used to hiking in a group. It's kinda weirding me out."
"I can understand that." Jake replied with a nod. "I'm not a fan of the group hike either." he made a face. "My mom wants me to like camping, but I really prefer the day hikes."
"Oh? What's there not to like about camping?"
It was Jake's turn to shrug uncomfortably. "I always end up sleeping in the wrong spot."
"Wrong spot?"
"Yah, on rocks, sticks...an ants nest."
I laughed. "no."
"I was six." he replied defensively. "And that mountain of sand looked like a good pillow."
"Until you started getting bit."
He chuckled. "It took them a while to decide to attack me, but yes. I woke up the whole camp with my screams."
"Well, hopefully that doesn't happen this year."
He rolled his eyes. "I doubt that, something always happens to me."
"Hey, with me around, I can look out for you." I replied, jostling him as we went through a narrow part in the trail. As long as he didn't have 'something happen' to him when I slipped away.
Catchya on the Flip Side!
Danny
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
We Found Steel! Part 6
"Can't you do that a bit faster Sac?" Devoto complained
"Could you make ice steps into the sky your first time?" I shot back. "Give me a chance." I'd already cut through like twenty of the icing walls in this maze of a place. What did he expect? For me to be an expert after like thirty minutes of using these abilities?
"I've given you twenty-two."
"And I'm getting faster aren't I?" There was only so many icing walls I had to cut through. It just didn't help that the elevators and trap doors slowed our progress. It wasn't like I was taking a month to get through all these barriers, if anything we'd been at this closer to seven minutes.
"You're doing fine, Issac." Steel encouraged, as he leaned against a wall I wasn't cutting through. Again, bad news. Steel didn't lean. What had Surge done to him?
"Sure, fine, if that he's doing fine in taking forever to cut through these while Surge is somewhere in the building."
"If you want to switch me places Devoto that's totally fine with me--ha!" A blast of fresh air met me as another hole disintegrated in front of my glowing hands. The city skyline shown before us. A thrill ran through me. I'd done it! Ha! And no Surge breathing down our backs yet either. "Freedom!" I turned back to Steel. "Now we can just fly out of here and--what's wrong?" They were both looking at me like I'd missed something.
Steel smiled, but it had a sad undertone to it. "I can't fly, Issac."
I nearly fell out of the building. "You can't...what? Of course you can!"
"He can't." Devoto confirmed. "Guess we get to use my ice steps huh?" He brushed past me.
I barely noticed. Steel. Steel could fly. He'd always been able to fly! Unless. "What did Surge do?" I demanded.
"I thought that obvious, Sac." Devoto called out. "Come on, help him out."
"He took my powers." Steel said showing me his right wrist. On it was a bracelet that looked like, like my collar. "With this on, I'm like any other person in the city."
My heart sank. I shook my head, but I recognized it. But even normalized Steel would never be like any other person. "Let me guess." I said limply. "You can't get it off."
"Not yet." He replied putting on an air of cheerfulness. "Good thing I learned to drive right?"
"Sure, whatever, I'm sure we're still walking most of the way to the tower. Come on Sac, help him down, before I get one of those bracelets around my wrist too."
Layters!
-->Issac
"Could you make ice steps into the sky your first time?" I shot back. "Give me a chance." I'd already cut through like twenty of the icing walls in this maze of a place. What did he expect? For me to be an expert after like thirty minutes of using these abilities?
"I've given you twenty-two."
"And I'm getting faster aren't I?" There was only so many icing walls I had to cut through. It just didn't help that the elevators and trap doors slowed our progress. It wasn't like I was taking a month to get through all these barriers, if anything we'd been at this closer to seven minutes.
"You're doing fine, Issac." Steel encouraged, as he leaned against a wall I wasn't cutting through. Again, bad news. Steel didn't lean. What had Surge done to him?
"Sure, fine, if that he's doing fine in taking forever to cut through these while Surge is somewhere in the building."
"If you want to switch me places Devoto that's totally fine with me--ha!" A blast of fresh air met me as another hole disintegrated in front of my glowing hands. The city skyline shown before us. A thrill ran through me. I'd done it! Ha! And no Surge breathing down our backs yet either. "Freedom!" I turned back to Steel. "Now we can just fly out of here and--what's wrong?" They were both looking at me like I'd missed something.
Steel smiled, but it had a sad undertone to it. "I can't fly, Issac."
I nearly fell out of the building. "You can't...what? Of course you can!"
"He can't." Devoto confirmed. "Guess we get to use my ice steps huh?" He brushed past me.
I barely noticed. Steel. Steel could fly. He'd always been able to fly! Unless. "What did Surge do?" I demanded.
"I thought that obvious, Sac." Devoto called out. "Come on, help him out."
"He took my powers." Steel said showing me his right wrist. On it was a bracelet that looked like, like my collar. "With this on, I'm like any other person in the city."
My heart sank. I shook my head, but I recognized it. But even normalized Steel would never be like any other person. "Let me guess." I said limply. "You can't get it off."
"Not yet." He replied putting on an air of cheerfulness. "Good thing I learned to drive right?"
"Sure, whatever, I'm sure we're still walking most of the way to the tower. Come on Sac, help him down, before I get one of those bracelets around my wrist too."
Layters!
-->Issac
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
I couldn't just sit in the plastic hut for forever. Who would want to? I had new freedom! The foremost after being able to blink, had to be the ability to actually twist my head. I had a neck again!
I may have made myself a bit dizzy at first, just twisting my head back and forth, luxuriating in that refound movement. Of course, all the twisting, let me get a glimpse of my new body. I had no idea what it was. Okay, so I knew it was a rodent of some kind. But I definitely wasn't a mouse. I only had a stumpy little thing of a tail, not the long things I'd seen in cartoons. But I was okay with that. Having a tail would have been more of a challenge to master I think.
And I know the fish form had a tail, but really, that was like my legs merged together, not an additional appendage.
In any case, I had enough to master as I stumbled out of the hut I'd magically gotten into. Having not had use of real limbs for months, I felt like a toddler learning how to walk for the first time. Or crawl.
At least I seemed to pick it up rather quickly. Once I got the concept of crawling around in my head. My other senses, not so much. I may have known that I was human, but that thought quickly faded as the rodent's brain kicked in. Sounds, sights, smells. I had to explore, burrow, dig around.
And of course.
Find food.
It took me a couple of rounds to find that. A silvery bowl full of seeds and pellet food.
In eating, I almost felt human. Though I never stuffed my cheeks full of food. I could sit back on my back legs and use my front paws to get food into my mouth.
My change must have made me ravenous. Because I had intended to 'store food' out of this new found instinct, but I ended up emptying the bowl, pellet food and all without my cheeks retaining any of it.
Instead of feeling sleepy after stuffing myself, I had more energy then ever. I went around and around the glass box. Trying to find something to do. Some way to find my crew. But there were no exits here. And I couldn't understand that. I remembered a system of tubes for the rodents to crawl in, and looking up I could see them. But, I couldn't see a way to get to them.
~Wow. You're way more energetic then I'd anticipated.~ The girl's voice resounded in my mind. ~Almost as energetic as your friend Larry when he made the change.~
I turned in a circle before finally spotting her. I stumbled my way to the glass. She looked slightly different from my fish view. More clear and colored without the water lens to filter things out. ~What did you expect?~ I asked pressing a paw to the glass. ~Have me freak out again?~
~Oh you're freaking out.~ She said with a laugh. ~You're just not as panicked about it this time.~ She put a finger up to mine. The tip was probably triple the size of my paw.
I felt the fur on my back try to stand out of habit from when I had had a sail fin. ~I'm not stuck breathing water. I can blink! Of course I'm over the moon with this.~
She grinned at me. ~Well that's good to hear. You do seem a bit more comfortable in this form. Surprising considering you haven't been in it that long.~
~It's a step closer to being human.~ I said fervently. And the day when my ears would stop twitching would be a blessing. ~But I do want to know...what am I?~
She raised an eyebrow. ~You don't know?~
~I'm not good with animals.~ I replied back defensively.
~I thought you would since you robbed a pet store.~
~I focused on the stuff, not the animals the stuff was for.~
She sighed, shaking her head. ~Tsk Tsk Fishy Thief. You need to do better research.~
~I'll remember that next time I can use a computer.~ I shot back. ~Can't you tell me though? What am I?~
~Maybe in a while. For now you should rest.~ She said after a moments consideration. ~You're going to over tax yourself at this rate.~
~OH COME ON!~ A sort of chattering sound came from my mouth, startling me. I could make noise now?
Her eyes lit up. ~Oh, now that's cute.~ she teased. ~You may have gotten even more adorable then you were two seconds ago.~
My ears laid back. ~I'm not adorable!~ I denied, making the sound again.
~Me, and all the little kids will disagree with you.~ She gleefully replied.
~Whatever.~ I turned away from her. ~How do I get out of here? ~ I asked to change the subject. ~I've seen the tunnels.~ And frankly, being able to remember that their were tunnels was just as thrilling to me. I wasn't discovering anything 'new' in this rodent form and it felt amazing.
~A couple of days.~ She said, a hint of her laughter in her voice. ~My mom wants to make sure the change goes over smoothly. So we're keeping you separated from the others until she's satisfied that there were no ill effects.~
I glanced around the cage my ears laying back. ~A couple of days?~ I repeated incredulously. ~I've already explored this place twice over! What am I supposed to do in here until then!~ Nothing would be new, like that fish tank had been.
She winked at me before turning away. ~Oh, I'm sure your rodent self will figure that out soon enough.~
#Henry
I may have made myself a bit dizzy at first, just twisting my head back and forth, luxuriating in that refound movement. Of course, all the twisting, let me get a glimpse of my new body. I had no idea what it was. Okay, so I knew it was a rodent of some kind. But I definitely wasn't a mouse. I only had a stumpy little thing of a tail, not the long things I'd seen in cartoons. But I was okay with that. Having a tail would have been more of a challenge to master I think.
And I know the fish form had a tail, but really, that was like my legs merged together, not an additional appendage.
In any case, I had enough to master as I stumbled out of the hut I'd magically gotten into. Having not had use of real limbs for months, I felt like a toddler learning how to walk for the first time. Or crawl.
At least I seemed to pick it up rather quickly. Once I got the concept of crawling around in my head. My other senses, not so much. I may have known that I was human, but that thought quickly faded as the rodent's brain kicked in. Sounds, sights, smells. I had to explore, burrow, dig around.
And of course.
Find food.
It took me a couple of rounds to find that. A silvery bowl full of seeds and pellet food.
In eating, I almost felt human. Though I never stuffed my cheeks full of food. I could sit back on my back legs and use my front paws to get food into my mouth.
My change must have made me ravenous. Because I had intended to 'store food' out of this new found instinct, but I ended up emptying the bowl, pellet food and all without my cheeks retaining any of it.
Instead of feeling sleepy after stuffing myself, I had more energy then ever. I went around and around the glass box. Trying to find something to do. Some way to find my crew. But there were no exits here. And I couldn't understand that. I remembered a system of tubes for the rodents to crawl in, and looking up I could see them. But, I couldn't see a way to get to them.
~Wow. You're way more energetic then I'd anticipated.~ The girl's voice resounded in my mind. ~Almost as energetic as your friend Larry when he made the change.~
I turned in a circle before finally spotting her. I stumbled my way to the glass. She looked slightly different from my fish view. More clear and colored without the water lens to filter things out. ~What did you expect?~ I asked pressing a paw to the glass. ~Have me freak out again?~
~Oh you're freaking out.~ She said with a laugh. ~You're just not as panicked about it this time.~ She put a finger up to mine. The tip was probably triple the size of my paw.
I felt the fur on my back try to stand out of habit from when I had had a sail fin. ~I'm not stuck breathing water. I can blink! Of course I'm over the moon with this.~
She grinned at me. ~Well that's good to hear. You do seem a bit more comfortable in this form. Surprising considering you haven't been in it that long.~
~It's a step closer to being human.~ I said fervently. And the day when my ears would stop twitching would be a blessing. ~But I do want to know...what am I?~
She raised an eyebrow. ~You don't know?~
~I'm not good with animals.~ I replied back defensively.
~I thought you would since you robbed a pet store.~
~I focused on the stuff, not the animals the stuff was for.~
She sighed, shaking her head. ~Tsk Tsk Fishy Thief. You need to do better research.~
~I'll remember that next time I can use a computer.~ I shot back. ~Can't you tell me though? What am I?~
~Maybe in a while. For now you should rest.~ She said after a moments consideration. ~You're going to over tax yourself at this rate.~
~OH COME ON!~ A sort of chattering sound came from my mouth, startling me. I could make noise now?
Her eyes lit up. ~Oh, now that's cute.~ she teased. ~You may have gotten even more adorable then you were two seconds ago.~
My ears laid back. ~I'm not adorable!~ I denied, making the sound again.
~Me, and all the little kids will disagree with you.~ She gleefully replied.
~Whatever.~ I turned away from her. ~How do I get out of here? ~ I asked to change the subject. ~I've seen the tunnels.~ And frankly, being able to remember that their were tunnels was just as thrilling to me. I wasn't discovering anything 'new' in this rodent form and it felt amazing.
~A couple of days.~ She said, a hint of her laughter in her voice. ~My mom wants to make sure the change goes over smoothly. So we're keeping you separated from the others until she's satisfied that there were no ill effects.~
I glanced around the cage my ears laying back. ~A couple of days?~ I repeated incredulously. ~I've already explored this place twice over! What am I supposed to do in here until then!~ Nothing would be new, like that fish tank had been.
She winked at me before turning away. ~Oh, I'm sure your rodent self will figure that out soon enough.~
#Henry
Monday, October 21, 2013
Trouble
I'm in trouble.
Serious. Serious trouble.
Why?
Because my mom had to talk to Jake's mom.
And Jake's mom had to mention that there would be a neighborhood camp out next month.
And My mom had to say that I love camping.
And then they had to agree that I would go camping.
Which would have been great and all,
But I can't go camping during the campout!
Yet, I can't give my mom, Jake, or anyone the real reason why I can't go.
Which means...no real excuse....equals no real reason not to go, which for my mom equals me going to the campout.
This IS BAD.
Unless...I find a way to get out of it.
Perhaps I feel a bit of a cold coming on.....
Catchya on the Flip Side!
Danny
Serious. Serious trouble.
Why?
Because my mom had to talk to Jake's mom.
And Jake's mom had to mention that there would be a neighborhood camp out next month.
And My mom had to say that I love camping.
And then they had to agree that I would go camping.
Which would have been great and all,
But I can't go camping during the campout!
Yet, I can't give my mom, Jake, or anyone the real reason why I can't go.
Which means...no real excuse....equals no real reason not to go, which for my mom equals me going to the campout.
This IS BAD.
Unless...I find a way to get out of it.
Perhaps I feel a bit of a cold coming on.....
Catchya on the Flip Side!
Danny
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Not a Righty
I didn't get out of the house right away.
Why?
Because Jake's mom called that dinner was ready,
and you don't miss his mom's spaghetti casserole for any reason whatsoever.
I also strongly strongly believe that it may be the only food in the Nuri household that doesn't end up on the walls. As contradictory as it seems. I mean, spaghetti, meatballs, sauce. It's a total recipe for a food fight. Yet, all the kids, even the little three year old, dug in with hardly a squabbling word.
And I have to admit. The food was delicious. Just the right combination of meat and sauce to balance out the noodles and the cheese. I have no idea how it worked in the casserole format, but somehow it did.
"I never realized how clumsy you are with your right hand." I remarked as we returned to Jake's room after dinner. "You nearly dumped the plate on your lap, and you've had like your whole life to practice it?" Apparently, Jake wasn't safe to use his burned arm even in his own home. Not in front of the little ones at least. And after seeing how talkative the twins were, I could understand why.
"I may have had most of my life to practice," he agreed. "But, my brain isn't wired for being right handed. It's like only being able to carry a tune in a bucket, I may be able to sing, but it won't be good."
"So you can use your right hand, just not well." I shook my head. Comparing hands to songs, not something I would have thought of. "Seriously Jake, you need to get out of here." How could he have put up with it for so long before now, I have no idea. I would have begged my parents to move the first chance I got.
"Oh, I plan to." He muttered. "As soon as possible."
Catchya on the Flip Side!
Danny
Why?
Because Jake's mom called that dinner was ready,
and you don't miss his mom's spaghetti casserole for any reason whatsoever.
I also strongly strongly believe that it may be the only food in the Nuri household that doesn't end up on the walls. As contradictory as it seems. I mean, spaghetti, meatballs, sauce. It's a total recipe for a food fight. Yet, all the kids, even the little three year old, dug in with hardly a squabbling word.
And I have to admit. The food was delicious. Just the right combination of meat and sauce to balance out the noodles and the cheese. I have no idea how it worked in the casserole format, but somehow it did.
"I never realized how clumsy you are with your right hand." I remarked as we returned to Jake's room after dinner. "You nearly dumped the plate on your lap, and you've had like your whole life to practice it?" Apparently, Jake wasn't safe to use his burned arm even in his own home. Not in front of the little ones at least. And after seeing how talkative the twins were, I could understand why.
"I may have had most of my life to practice," he agreed. "But, my brain isn't wired for being right handed. It's like only being able to carry a tune in a bucket, I may be able to sing, but it won't be good."
"So you can use your right hand, just not well." I shook my head. Comparing hands to songs, not something I would have thought of. "Seriously Jake, you need to get out of here." How could he have put up with it for so long before now, I have no idea. I would have begged my parents to move the first chance I got.
"Oh, I plan to." He muttered. "As soon as possible."
Catchya on the Flip Side!
Danny
Thursday, October 17, 2013
A Circus
Jake's life is totally hectic. I don't know how he even finds time to think, let alone a space to call his own.
I say this, because I finally suggested that I go over to his house, instead of mine.
I mean, he had to be getting tired of always coming over to my place after practice.
Wrong, I was so wrong.
My home, with just my parents and I in it, must seem like a haven to him.
Because Jake's home is like a circus on steroids.
Even locked up in his room, we could still clearly hear at least three of his sisters, screaming up and down the hallways. Not to mention the bass of a guitar, coming from the basement, among a ton of other sounds. I would have gone crazy within a day.
"How can you live like this?"
"Like what?" He asked
"In all this noise?" I replied, wincing as the toddler in the family let out an ear piercing shriek from the kitchen.
He shrugged. "You get used to it."
"No, no I don't think I would. Surely you have some cousins visiting or something?"
Jake shook his head. "No, my older brother and sister live out of state at the moment."
"...Out of state...and there's...how many siblings do you have!"
"Nine." he said simply.
"Nine." I couldn't imagine it. "You sure there aren't twenty down there?"
"Ha. Sometimes I wonder. The twins and my younger brother seem to multiply on some days. But no, there's only the seven of us in the house, well besides my parents."
"No wonder you never invited me over here before."
"Well I figured someone would get your glasses from your face within ten seconds if I did."
I laughed. "I managed to avoid that, barely." The twins would have succeeded if I hadn't ducked in time.
"We'll see if you're as successful when we head out." He replied simply.
I rubbed my hands together. "I sense a challenge. Bet you two laps I can do it."
"Be you three you can't."
Catchya on the Flip Side!
Danny
I say this, because I finally suggested that I go over to his house, instead of mine.
I mean, he had to be getting tired of always coming over to my place after practice.
Wrong, I was so wrong.
My home, with just my parents and I in it, must seem like a haven to him.
Because Jake's home is like a circus on steroids.
Even locked up in his room, we could still clearly hear at least three of his sisters, screaming up and down the hallways. Not to mention the bass of a guitar, coming from the basement, among a ton of other sounds. I would have gone crazy within a day.
"How can you live like this?"
"Like what?" He asked
"In all this noise?" I replied, wincing as the toddler in the family let out an ear piercing shriek from the kitchen.
He shrugged. "You get used to it."
"No, no I don't think I would. Surely you have some cousins visiting or something?"
Jake shook his head. "No, my older brother and sister live out of state at the moment."
"...Out of state...and there's...how many siblings do you have!"
"Nine." he said simply.
"Nine." I couldn't imagine it. "You sure there aren't twenty down there?"
"Ha. Sometimes I wonder. The twins and my younger brother seem to multiply on some days. But no, there's only the seven of us in the house, well besides my parents."
"No wonder you never invited me over here before."
"Well I figured someone would get your glasses from your face within ten seconds if I did."
I laughed. "I managed to avoid that, barely." The twins would have succeeded if I hadn't ducked in time.
"We'll see if you're as successful when we head out." He replied simply.
I rubbed my hands together. "I sense a challenge. Bet you two laps I can do it."
"Be you three you can't."
Catchya on the Flip Side!
Danny
Saturday, September 28, 2013
We Found Steel! Part 5
I ran as hard as I could. Now that I'd found myself a 'flashlight' in my glowing hands, I could see the walls, allowing me to run in near darkness without worrying about knocking myself out on a wall or anything.
It was the other traps I had to worry about. The sudden falls down to the next floors, the surprise rocket elevators up to the ceiling. I totally felt like I was acing this action movie. And I was doing amazing! Rolling, ducking, running. Compared to the utterly dismal showing earlier with Surge, this had to be an improvement as long as I--
I skidded to a halt upon catching sight of a glowing mass in front of me. Glowing mass. Red and Yellow. SURGE. Automatically I shot off a blast of red. Surge retaliated with---a blast of ice?
"Yo! Sac! Watch where you're aiming that! You nearly took our heads off." A familiar voice called out of the darkness.
I gasped from the cold shock. trying to get feeling back into my frozen arm, as I ducked back around the corner. "Devoto?" How did he know it was me?
"Who else would be in this building? Where are you? Get over here and help me with Steel."
All other thought went out of my head. "You found him? He's actually here?"
"I'm here, Issac." Steel replied.
I knew then something bad had happened. Because I recognized his voice, but, it didn't have the same sort of quality to it. He sounded weak.
I wasn't the complete fool. I didn't rush right out to help him. I peered around the corner long enough to see that the one big glowing blob actually was two people, one supporting the other.
"Steel? Devoto?"
"You know you can just call me Danny. That works too. Are you going to help me out or just shoot heat lasers at me?"
"I wouldn't do that, on purpose." I muttered. because you know, I might hit have hit Steel. "What happened? How'd you find him? And how did you know it was me?" I asked coming forward. "No, wait." I slipped one of Steel's arms over my shoulder. "Tell me later, Surge is after me!"
"Surge?" Danny said. He didn't sound like he believed me.
"Yes, Surge!"
"Did he hurt you, Sac?" Steel asked. Even up close he didn't sound good. His skin felt chilled as well, though that might just be from his proximity to Danny.
"No. Well, yah, kinda. I'll explain later. We should really keep moving." This guy probably was watching us now. I kept my head on a swivel for any other glowing figures moving towards us.
"How about we move outside?" Danny replied. "Sac, can you cut a hole through the walls?"
A hole in the wall? I felt like hitting myself. Here I was with powers, and I didn't even think about that! Of course I didn't know I had these powers to begin with, but with Surge, I totally needed to work on thinking on my feet. "Guess we're about to find out." I said lifting a glowing hand to the nearest wall.
Layters!
--> Issac
It was the other traps I had to worry about. The sudden falls down to the next floors, the surprise rocket elevators up to the ceiling. I totally felt like I was acing this action movie. And I was doing amazing! Rolling, ducking, running. Compared to the utterly dismal showing earlier with Surge, this had to be an improvement as long as I--
I skidded to a halt upon catching sight of a glowing mass in front of me. Glowing mass. Red and Yellow. SURGE. Automatically I shot off a blast of red. Surge retaliated with---a blast of ice?
"Yo! Sac! Watch where you're aiming that! You nearly took our heads off." A familiar voice called out of the darkness.
I gasped from the cold shock. trying to get feeling back into my frozen arm, as I ducked back around the corner. "Devoto?" How did he know it was me?
"Who else would be in this building? Where are you? Get over here and help me with Steel."
All other thought went out of my head. "You found him? He's actually here?"
"I'm here, Issac." Steel replied.
I knew then something bad had happened. Because I recognized his voice, but, it didn't have the same sort of quality to it. He sounded weak.
I wasn't the complete fool. I didn't rush right out to help him. I peered around the corner long enough to see that the one big glowing blob actually was two people, one supporting the other.
"Steel? Devoto?"
"You know you can just call me Danny. That works too. Are you going to help me out or just shoot heat lasers at me?"
"I wouldn't do that, on purpose." I muttered. because you know, I might hit have hit Steel. "What happened? How'd you find him? And how did you know it was me?" I asked coming forward. "No, wait." I slipped one of Steel's arms over my shoulder. "Tell me later, Surge is after me!"
"Surge?" Danny said. He didn't sound like he believed me.
"Yes, Surge!"
"Did he hurt you, Sac?" Steel asked. Even up close he didn't sound good. His skin felt chilled as well, though that might just be from his proximity to Danny.
"No. Well, yah, kinda. I'll explain later. We should really keep moving." This guy probably was watching us now. I kept my head on a swivel for any other glowing figures moving towards us.
"How about we move outside?" Danny replied. "Sac, can you cut a hole through the walls?"
A hole in the wall? I felt like hitting myself. Here I was with powers, and I didn't even think about that! Of course I didn't know I had these powers to begin with, but with Surge, I totally needed to work on thinking on my feet. "Guess we're about to find out." I said lifting a glowing hand to the nearest wall.
Layters!
--> Issac
Friday, September 27, 2013
Busy Busy Busy
Whew. Things got a bit wild during and after Pirate's day. I'm still cleaning up the mess. Hopefully I'll be back to posting more regularly soon!
Karen<3
Karen<3
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Another Post
I've stayed pretty low in the school radar since my Mom got sick.
I guess aloof would be a better word.
People didn't bother me, and I didn't bother them.
I've heard people call me untouchable, but that's because they don't know me.
Those who do know me, know that they can always find my help in the school library during lunch time. That's where I catch up on homework. And even with the crazy life I lead, I find a distinct pleasure in teaching. Maybe, when my mom gets better, and I don't have to work like crazy...I will be able to go to college and earn my teaching degree.
But now.
That's changed.
My life has become a nightmare in the one place where I thought I could live in reality. Apparently, you can't do that, when you're no longer 'untouchable.'
Apparently people feel jipped that they thought I was this 'cool' guy.
Apparently, delivering pizza doesn't make you cool.
At least not in Annalina Aileen's eyes.
(Alex)
I guess aloof would be a better word.
People didn't bother me, and I didn't bother them.
I've heard people call me untouchable, but that's because they don't know me.
Those who do know me, know that they can always find my help in the school library during lunch time. That's where I catch up on homework. And even with the crazy life I lead, I find a distinct pleasure in teaching. Maybe, when my mom gets better, and I don't have to work like crazy...I will be able to go to college and earn my teaching degree.
But now.
That's changed.
My life has become a nightmare in the one place where I thought I could live in reality. Apparently, you can't do that, when you're no longer 'untouchable.'
Apparently people feel jipped that they thought I was this 'cool' guy.
Apparently, delivering pizza doesn't make you cool.
At least not in Annalina Aileen's eyes.
(Alex)
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
I swam in desperate circles around the tank. Twitching as something kept attacking my side. Yet, I could see no predator. What was happening?! And was it just me, or was the water feeling...wetter?
I swam further. Yes, yes it was feeling wetter. Harder to move through as I completed each circle.
And with each circuit, I felt like my skin was growing tighter, and the need to hide, to get away from these invisible attacks, to bury myself into the gravel, stronger.
The yellow plant couldn't even distract me from this foreign feeling.
I had to get...get....There! I spotted the castle decoration. That seemed like a safe place. I could hide in the hole in it. I had to get in there. Now.
I pushed my head through it, wiggling my body to force myself further in. I had to get all the way in so nothing in the tank could see me, or get me while I was this vulnerable. While the water was this wet and hard to swim through.
The fit was tight. I definitely would need help getting back out. But the urge to hide myself only grew stronger, So I wiggled deeper into the castle. Deeper then should have been possible. Flinching as more jabs of pain hit me. How my attacker could fit in here I didn't know, and I couldn't see when the next jab would strike. It was pitch black in here. Yet, I moved forward, pulling myself through the tunnel.
Soon, I saw light again. I needed to get to that light. I clawed my way forward wanting to get out of the tight space. out of the darkness.
And finally, I pulled myself into sunlight.
I crouched there in the entrance, breathing fast and shallow from the exertion.
Yes there was sunlight outside the cave I found myself in. But there was something different about this light. I blinked as it hit me. There was no water out there. None! Just air. I filled my lungs with air.
Wait, I'd blinked.
I blinked again. I could close my eyes! I shivered. This felt...so weird. Everything seemed more twitchy. My ears were twitching, my tail was twitching, my nose...well you get it. I was bombarded with new senses. The fact that I had hands! Okay, well paws. Limbs to move...
I wasn't a stupid goldfish anymore!
I definitely wasn't human, I could see my fur covered nose after all. Yet, the fact that I could recognize that I wasn't human, that I could remember that I had been human, told me that whatever creature I was now...had a much better memory then the goldfish had had!
#Henry
I swam further. Yes, yes it was feeling wetter. Harder to move through as I completed each circle.
And with each circuit, I felt like my skin was growing tighter, and the need to hide, to get away from these invisible attacks, to bury myself into the gravel, stronger.
The yellow plant couldn't even distract me from this foreign feeling.
I had to get...get....There! I spotted the castle decoration. That seemed like a safe place. I could hide in the hole in it. I had to get in there. Now.
I pushed my head through it, wiggling my body to force myself further in. I had to get all the way in so nothing in the tank could see me, or get me while I was this vulnerable. While the water was this wet and hard to swim through.
The fit was tight. I definitely would need help getting back out. But the urge to hide myself only grew stronger, So I wiggled deeper into the castle. Deeper then should have been possible. Flinching as more jabs of pain hit me. How my attacker could fit in here I didn't know, and I couldn't see when the next jab would strike. It was pitch black in here. Yet, I moved forward, pulling myself through the tunnel.
Soon, I saw light again. I needed to get to that light. I clawed my way forward wanting to get out of the tight space. out of the darkness.
And finally, I pulled myself into sunlight.
I crouched there in the entrance, breathing fast and shallow from the exertion.
Yes there was sunlight outside the cave I found myself in. But there was something different about this light. I blinked as it hit me. There was no water out there. None! Just air. I filled my lungs with air.
Wait, I'd blinked.
I blinked again. I could close my eyes! I shivered. This felt...so weird. Everything seemed more twitchy. My ears were twitching, my tail was twitching, my nose...well you get it. I was bombarded with new senses. The fact that I had hands! Okay, well paws. Limbs to move...
I wasn't a stupid goldfish anymore!
I definitely wasn't human, I could see my fur covered nose after all. Yet, the fact that I could recognize that I wasn't human, that I could remember that I had been human, told me that whatever creature I was now...had a much better memory then the goldfish had had!
#Henry
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
"You're up early." A low sultry voice remarked.
I'd heard her voice before. It had occasionally spoken when the Hands of Death had been trying to eat me. I flattened myself further into the warm bed, Maille had made for me. I was in more trouble then I'd thought. I knew Maille had no intention of harming me, but this other voice. I wasn't so sure. I vaguely remembered that tone, chattering like one of us once. Higher pitched, longer length. I hadn't liked it. It had thrown me and my companions into a frenzy. (She'd screamed. I'm pretty sure that she can break glass with a voice like that. Though I haven't had her try it yet.)
"Me? Well, I-I couldn't sleep." Maille replied. I heard the banging of metal, a hiss of air like something was cooking, then a scent of food. "It was too cold last night."
"You didn't complain at all about being cold this last winter. And why are you cooking bacon? You don't eat bacon."
Whoa, they'd been living together for at least a year. Again, I have no idea how I didn't pick up on this.
"I needed some protein, this was the closest thing, and I don't like rubbery bacon. If it's thick and doesn't bend, I like it just fine."
"But why are you complaining of the cold?"
"I'm probably coming down with a cold or something Isabelle, what's with the twenty questions again?"
Again? Did Isabelle query Maille often then? Why?
"You were pretty late getting home last night, Did Howard keep you later?"
Ah. Jealousy. She wanted to stay at work later with Howard, and she was jealous that Maille had.
Of course, I made all these connections later. Which was annoying. This could have been more helpful in the moment. Namely, I would have bitten Isabelle as often as possible. You know, to discourage her from going anywhere near the creep. And some revenge. Personal justice.
Maille exhaled. "You know he keeps us as late as possible. I got stuck cleaning up a spill in the cleaning closet."
"The...closet."
"Yah, I'd gone in there earlier to grab a new syringe, and apparently I moved something a bit too far, in any case Howard came in later and found the mess. It took me a while to clean it up."
If you want to sell a lie. Don't go into too much detail. It makes people suspicious. Though, of course, with Isabelle, too much detail is better then too little. Otherwise that jealousy rages again.
"Oh, I'm glad I wasn't there then." Isabelle said, sounding mollified.
She never liked working more then she had to. Cleaning up messes, she would avoid at all costs.
"I wish I hadn't been there either, I still feel like I smell like the cleaning agents. Bacon?"
"I can't smell it on you.....and....Thanks."
~Martin Elek
I'd heard her voice before. It had occasionally spoken when the Hands of Death had been trying to eat me. I flattened myself further into the warm bed, Maille had made for me. I was in more trouble then I'd thought. I knew Maille had no intention of harming me, but this other voice. I wasn't so sure. I vaguely remembered that tone, chattering like one of us once. Higher pitched, longer length. I hadn't liked it. It had thrown me and my companions into a frenzy. (She'd screamed. I'm pretty sure that she can break glass with a voice like that. Though I haven't had her try it yet.)
"Me? Well, I-I couldn't sleep." Maille replied. I heard the banging of metal, a hiss of air like something was cooking, then a scent of food. "It was too cold last night."
"You didn't complain at all about being cold this last winter. And why are you cooking bacon? You don't eat bacon."
Whoa, they'd been living together for at least a year. Again, I have no idea how I didn't pick up on this.
"I needed some protein, this was the closest thing, and I don't like rubbery bacon. If it's thick and doesn't bend, I like it just fine."
"But why are you complaining of the cold?"
"I'm probably coming down with a cold or something Isabelle, what's with the twenty questions again?"
Again? Did Isabelle query Maille often then? Why?
"You were pretty late getting home last night, Did Howard keep you later?"
Ah. Jealousy. She wanted to stay at work later with Howard, and she was jealous that Maille had.
Of course, I made all these connections later. Which was annoying. This could have been more helpful in the moment. Namely, I would have bitten Isabelle as often as possible. You know, to discourage her from going anywhere near the creep. And some revenge. Personal justice.
Maille exhaled. "You know he keeps us as late as possible. I got stuck cleaning up a spill in the cleaning closet."
"The...closet."
"Yah, I'd gone in there earlier to grab a new syringe, and apparently I moved something a bit too far, in any case Howard came in later and found the mess. It took me a while to clean it up."
If you want to sell a lie. Don't go into too much detail. It makes people suspicious. Though, of course, with Isabelle, too much detail is better then too little. Otherwise that jealousy rages again.
"Oh, I'm glad I wasn't there then." Isabelle said, sounding mollified.
She never liked working more then she had to. Cleaning up messes, she would avoid at all costs.
"I wish I hadn't been there either, I still feel like I smell like the cleaning agents. Bacon?"
"I can't smell it on you.....and....Thanks."
~Martin Elek
Monday, September 23, 2013
We Found Steel! Part 4
"NO!!!" I reacted like a wild animal, fighting to get out of his grip. I would NOT become a mind slave to him.
It was like fighting against a brick wall. Or concrete, Maybe even steel. Because this guy was not moving. It was like he'd become a statue or something for all my struggle. "LET ME GO!"
He raised an eyebrow. "Your fighting skills are pathetic."
Gee Thanks. I already knew that part. "What do you expect? I'm not Steel. I don't even have powers!" I shot back.
He chuckled. "Oh, now that is good news to hear. The Tower, can't unlock a hero's abilities anymore? They truly are on their last leg then."
"They are not! We're doing just fine!"
He adjusted his grip again, sending another harsh electrical shock through my body. "Doing just fine? You can't even rescue yourself."
Another dozen lightning bolts went through my system. I couldn't stay quiet this time, I screamed in agony.
"What are you waiting for, a hero?" He asked, once more upping the shock level. "There are no heroes here." I could barely hear him through my own screams. I clawed uselessly at his grey skin. It barely left a mark. "Your precious Steel can't even save you now."
That struck a cord. "What. What did you do to him?" I demanded hoarsely.
"Does it matter? He's become rather useless now. He can't even rescue himself."
No! "Not true!"
"A fan of him are you?" He laughed, truly sounding evil this time. "Change your loyalties now. He's as good as dead."
I didn't know if I had much of a choice in that. For a different vibration, like I was being pounded with a jack hammer, went through me. First he had Steel, then he had me...with the collar. A control collar. No. No. I wouldn't help him with his plan. I just had to fight...
"NO!" I yelled as a flash of heat rushed through me right into my hands.
It was Surge's turn to cry out in pain. He dropped me, staggering back a step. Somehow I managed to get to my feet. "Leave me alone! Leave Steel alone!" I yelled (yes I'd totally lost it at that point. I mean who would demand Surge to leave Steel alone? Certainly not a rookie like me.)
"So the young hero finally shows his teeth." Surge replied, straightening, already recovered from whatever I'd done to him.
"Oh you want to see teeth?" I said through gritted teeth. I raised my hands. "Here's my teeth!"
I don't know who was more shocked. Him or I, when two burning red bolts of light, like a laser, shot straight at him.
The guy wasn't an enemy of Steel for nothing though. His reflexes were inhumanly good. He rolled to the ground, the red beams passing over him.
I didn't see what he did next. For I took off running in the opposite direction, throwing red blasts over my shoulder as often as I could. I had no idea how I was doing that. Frankly, at that point I didn't care. I had to get out of there! No, I had to find Steel. And Devoto! But most certainly I didn't want to refind Surge. Not when he could control my collar if I got in his reach.
--> Issac
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