HPU - Richardson Valley

mathgrant · Post by **mathgrant** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 1:26 pm

Dylan wrote:Amelia smiled as she walked next to Brian and the new cat as they headed to the park, that seemed like a good place to start. First stop is the park, pets like to meet here a lot, relaxing and quiet most of the time...most. Amelia sat on a bench that Alex and her slept on the next he was kicked out, almost on the exact spot. She felt a little unconformable sitting where she was and moved over a bit, leaving room for Brian.
What do you think?

Brian was very enthralled by the beautiful, verdant park and the fresh air. "It's amazing," Brian replied. "So much prettier and greener than anything I've seen before." Brian took a seat next to Amelia. I don't know why, Brian thought, but Amelia makes me feel less shy than usual. She's being pretty nice to me; I never knew anyone besides Mom or Dad could be so nice to a puzzle-solving dork like me. At this moment, Brian realized for the first time that he hadn't brought a puzzle book with him to do; strangely, though, he didn't care. As Brian continued gazing at the greenery surrounding him in the park, he unconsciously put an arm around Amelia's shoulders.

Keeshah · Post by **Keeshah** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 2:26 pm

caelei wrote:Magnus came a bit closer, within reach, and Mr. Nelson clapped on hand down on the Dane's shoulder, which was near par with his own, and dragged the unwilling dog closer. "You and I will have some words at home, Magnus," he said slowly, giving a forced smile in Sara's direction without ever taking his eyes off the Dane. Magnus shivered and looked down at his feet, nose stinging and eyes swimming. For a beat, something close to sympathy appeared in Dadzilla's eyes and he gave a small reassuring squeeze to Magnus' broad shoulders... and then it was gone, and he looked up at Sara again. "You have my permission to do what you want with Pavelle. Treat her. Train her. Whatever. And if you find the other raccoon, as I said earlier, your 'Christopher' guy can handle that. I don't know if he wants to try to train the 'coon for adoption or release him to the wild. Be my guest to do whatever. I'm forfeiting ownership, considering that I never knew I owned him in the first place." He stopped talking, and looked at Sara, waiting for her to respond or dismiss him. He never let go of the quaking Magnus, and the Dane never looked up from the floor.

Sara as diplomatic as ever, assures an praises Mr. Nelson.
I must say you are handling this much better than i would ever have.. I would be chasing Rav allover the house with a newspaper if he tried something like that. Ofcourse if i had such a strong hand as you do, Rav would have never gotten so out of control like he did before.
Sara rummages through some papers..
Oh don't worry yourself at all about that other coon, since the application was forged, your not liable for his actions at all. an i'm sure there will be a capture on sight order out on him within the day.
Sara pulls out several papers,
The first one is an power of atty so i can have her treated, an get her signed up for training..
other than the obedience classes, an counselling on making the right decisions, an recongnizing the possiable results of her actions. Is there any other training or behavior modifcation you would like to see to make her a better pet for you?

Kaido · Post by **Kaido** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 2:58 pm

Teh Brawler wrote: Tory looked up from preening. He hadn't noticed that O'Connor had left yet, but even if he had, he wouldn't have wanted to leave his new friends.
"But you have to love her. She's your sister, after all. Are you two mad at each other or something?"

Pepper sighed and placed his elbows on the table and his head in his paws. Tory was right, they were siblings... sort of, anyway.
"Yeah, you're right. I do, but..." he stopped for a second for continuing, "she can get really annoying, y'know? She never does as I ask, she ran out this morning and I had to go out to search for her... then she went back and ate breakfast that I haven't even had yet."
Pepper's stomach rumbled. He'd reminded himself about his hunger, "Surely you and O'Connor get in fights sometimes?"

caelei · Post by **caelei** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 3:20 pm

Mr. Nelson tried to stop the self-assured pleasure from crossing his features; he was playing the mature, ever-loving though helplessly burdened parent right now, after all. He decided, quickly, to portray the 'high and mighty super-dad' role. He fell easily into his chosen act, eyes carefully giving away nothing of the rage he still felt. Very forgiving, that was him. Yep. Sure was. "I'm just glad that my raccoon will be properly taken care of," he said slowly, bringing a pen out of his pocket, "and will get the help she needs." He didn't bother glancing over the papers before he signed them. It didn't really matter to him what they said. "There you are," he said to Sara, extending the papers back towards her. "Signed and ready to go. I don't think Pavelle will need any help other than some basic training and therapy, thank you." He realized that he was getting rid of Pavelle for at least a day. Maybe longer. Probably longer. This time, it was a fight to keep the smile down, but he won. For a moment, he wondered when exactly he had started disliking his own pet, and what she had done to deserve his angry feelings and moods. He frowned, but brushed off the questions. Not important. He looked up, with what he hoped was parently concern, at Sara, one hand still holding Magnus still. "How long will the raccoon be kept?" he asked quietly to verify his inward question, and asked it as if it pained him to do so. Magnus stood nervously shifting his weight under his father's touch, waiting, with dismay, for Sara's answer. What if Pavelle was taken for a long time? And Felix was in trouble, too? Was he going to lose both of his siblings just that fast? The Dane felt a sinking in his stomach and a tightening in his chest, and he let out a small whine. "Quiet," his dad ordered immediately, a snap demand, tone of voice sharp, cutting. Magnus stopped making any noise, though maybe he sniffled a little. Mr. Nelson ignored it.

Buckdida · Post by **Buckdida** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 5:02 pm

Venison groaned as he awoke, slowly opening his eyes. A throbbing pain in his left leg. His right arm sore. Where was he? It was quite dusty, with a musky dirt scent permeating through the air. Light filtered through the wall in small streams, highlighting the dust that drifted through the air. He noticed he was surrounded by a mixture of old wooden planks and bright new ones, and was lying atop a simple…bed? Well, far better than a tree anyway, even if the…mattress. He was on was lumpy. He shook out his head.

‘What happened last night? There was that fight, then…well…can’t remember much after that…’

Venison threw off the blankets with his left arm, and stripped off his pants, since he noticed he was in an enclosed room, to look at his leg wound. Three marks, one from each claw. The upper most one was hardly a scratch; that claw must have missed. The middle one went much deeper, and the bottom one was a full on gash; it didn’t seem to have entirely closed yet. A large or strenuous movement would likely re-open the wound.

‘At least no stitches, though…’ Venison then looked at his pants. There were three gashes on the front left side that would have to be sewn shut. At least it didn’t hit any pockets this time; that was a pain, losing so many supplies. Venison sighed and carefully re-donned the pants, trying not to rip them further, and then attempted to get out of bed. His right leg was fine. His left leg sent a pain up his leg akin to feeling like there was a shard of mirror caught in his muscles, and Venison’s face met the hay and dirt on the floor when his leg couldn’t support his own minuscule body weight. Of course, he swore in pain, and the words easily carried through the barn.

‘That…hurt. It must have cut deeper than I thought.’ The pain subsided once again to a throb, and Venison slowly, carefully, got up. The fact that his right arm was slightly sore didn’t help one bit. Once again standing, he tested his left leg. Well, he could at least limp around on it. But…running, climbing, dodging, fighting…all out of the question, now that the adrenaline keeping him going was gone.

‘****-it.’ Where was he again? From the looks of it, a barn. Probably Rav’s. “HEY! Is anyone else in here?” Venison limped over to the door, trying to push it open, but found it wouldn’t move. Locked, maybe? Venison noted a small hole in the door, and looked through it, to see what was out there. It appeared Cier was out there, as well as a lock for the door on the outside.

He was in a horse stall. For a very, very, very big horse, appearently. Yup, Rav’s barn. Venison reached for the lock though the hole, but he wasn’t tall enough to reach the lock, just a couple inches out of reach. Oh well, he could climb up a little and…wait, no he couldn’t!

“Cier! Hey, I…uh, can’t reach the lock there…little help? Please?” (CHA 2, feel free to ignore)

Dylan · Post by **Dylan** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 6:00 pm

Stevie looked away to avoid eye contact with Cier, and averted her eyes a stall, while she avoided the question. I think someone is needs you... Stevie's hood concealed her face as much as possible but she knew she couldn't blow her cover just yet. She started to walk into the street hoping the dog would go to whoever was yelling to unlock the door.

Amelia blushed as Brian put his arm around her. well, glad you think so. "...way too long. do you know any place to catch some food around here?" Amelia looked at the other cat and sighed as she stood up so that Brian's arm was no longer around her. Well...There is The wall, they have nice muffins and coffee. she said when she pointed in the general direction. Take a right, you can't miss it.

Dylan looked at the strange dog standing just outside the doorway. he trained his eyes on the figure but couldn't make out the gender. psst! Del, what do you make of...it? saying while he pointed at Stevie.

mathgrant · Post by **mathgrant** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 6:48 pm

Brian couldn't see Amelia blushing, because the black fur on her face covered her cheeks; on a human face, of course, there generally is nothing preventing one from seeing the flesh as it becomes reddened from the flow of blood to there, but on a cat's face, this is not the case. Additionally, Brian was fixated on observing the nature now surrounding him. After Amelia got up, Brian put his paws in his lap. When he overheard Amelia mention that The Wall had muffins, he was quite relieved; he wasn't really one to drink coffee.

ArgentFlame · Post by **ArgentFlame** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 7:40 pm

Cier turned hi head as Sara brought the food and left with Magnus. He was considering if it would be a good idea to invite the strange dog in for breakfast when he heard swearing behind him, he turned and saw Venison's arm reaching through the hole in the stall. "Excuse me for a minute." He walked over to the stall and undid the latch, pulling the door open. "You really shouldn't be trying to walk with that leg." He held out his arm in case Venison needed support and looked back to find the dog in the coat gone. "Sara brought breakfast out."

Del watched the unknown dog leave. "I don't know, I don't think I've ever seen them before."
____________________________________________________________________________________
Sean woke up, stretching himself as he sat up in the bed. He got out of bed and headed downstairs, intending to find something to eat, but was confronted by Cier's owner, Mr. Burke. "Sean, you know I'm taking you to the vet today. I told you you needed a bath last night, but I can see you didn't. I want you to go up there and clean yourself off, or I'm going to do it for you." Sean stood there, staring defiantly at the human for a few seconds, before turning around and going back upstairs, grumbling. He quickly rinsed himself off in the bathtub, not really trying to get clean. He dried himself with a towel and went back downstairs to fond that Mr. Burke had begun cooking bacon and eggs. He gave Sean a hard look before shaking his head, apparently satisfied. "These will be done soon, after that it will be time to go."

Laxan · Post by **Laxan** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 8:16 pm

Teh Brawler wrote:"Ah? Weill, Ah come from Sco'lahnd, originalleh. But Ah've been in the staetes fer most o' muy luife, 'baout 24 years."

Sal' smiled at O'Connor, she just stared at him a moment. "24 years, huh. How old are you? You got any friends around here? Any family?"

Buckdida · Post by **Buckdida** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 8:52 pm

Venison gave a quiet thanks as Cier opened the door, but waved Cier's extended hand away, and started limping out of the stall. "No, I'm not trying to walk on that leg. I'm limping on it. Need to find a crutch, or something. But breakfast? Sure. Then I need to go and check and see if everyone got home all right..." Venison located breakfast, and began to scarf the food down, obviously hungry from yesterday's fatigue.

Jimmy Jazz · Post by **Jimmy Jazz** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 10:50 pm

"Ehm, what?" she asked looking confused "Coffee and muffins?..." Sekhmet raised an eyebrow. and then suddenly realised **** it! that must be some kind of pet food. god they must think me a complete idiot. she quickly facepalmed and said "sorry, I'm a little out of it today. I'm... just going to go eat some coffee." she said pointing down the street and grinning weakly.

Keeshah · Post by **Keeshah** » Sun Mar 28, 2010 1:40 am

caelei wrote: it was a fight to keep the smile down, but he won. For a moment, he wondered when exactly he had started disliking his own pet, and what she had done to deserve his angry feelings and moods. He frowned, but brushed off the questions. Not important. He looked up, with what he hoped was parently concern, at Sara, one hand still holding Magnus still. "How long will the raccoon be kept?" he asked quietly to verify his inward question, and asked it as if it pained him to do so. Magnus stood nervously shifting his weight under his father's touch, waiting, with dismay, for Sara's answer. What if Pavelle was taken for a long time? And Felix was in trouble, too? Was he going to lose both of his siblings just that fast? The Dane felt a sinking in his stomach and a tightening in his chest, and he let out a small whine. "Quiet," his dad ordered immediately, a snap demand, tone of voice sharp, cutting. Magnus stopped making any noise, though maybe he sniffled a little. Mr. Nelson ignored it.

Sara gathered up the papers an filed them in the briefcase.
For her training, i would think they might keep her at the training center the first week or so, then her training would be like sending a child off to school. she would be in training during the day an back home at night. excuse me..

She then goes to the door at the ring of the bell, an lets the animal medic's in. Explaining again, what had happened to the raccoon, as they wheel in the stretcher, an set to work.
Eyes still responsive to light, pulse an breathing irregular but steady an strong.the medic calls into the hospital on her cell phone.
Sara asks.
what has happened to her, an how long might she be away recovering?
Well there is a long medical term, but basically she has had a mental crash, it's actually a common occurance in pets.. an they handle it in different ways. some get aggressive, some run away an hide, a few self-mutilate, an then we have the ones who just mentally shut down like this. Usually a pet recovers as soon as the triggering stress is gone, altho it can take as long as a week in some rare cases.. exotics altho usually have a slower recovery time.The medic notices Magnus's horrorified look.
But i'm sure she will make a complete an rapid recovery, she still has strong vital signs.
The medics start an IV, an strap Pavelle down upon the stretcher an wheel her out to the medic unit, and drive off with her to the pet hospital..
Sara sees them out an then returns..
Well it looks likes she is going to be the next day or so before she is released from the hospital, if all goes well.

caelei · Post by **caelei** » Sun Mar 28, 2010 9:08 am

Pavelle had pushed herself into the furthest corner of the room from the door when she heard the medics. There was a *squeee**squeee**squeee* as the wheels of the stretcher turned, and she pressed herself even further into the corner, heart pounding, still completely covered by the blanket. The rotation of the wheels stopped, and there was a light thumping as the medics walked slowly across the room, cooing to her in low, comforting tones. One of them grabbed her and she nearly screamed (...he was here, so close to her, stomping around in the forest. She could smell his sweat, hear his breathing because he was so close. Where where was Felix? She hoped her brother was safe, far away from this place and safe, so that he didn't have to feel this emotion that she had never felt before. It built up, sickening, inside her, robbing her of any strength, any sureness, any hope...) but she couldn't find enough breath. She struggled weakly, but there was no getting out (...her leg was hurting. She grabbed at it, trying to get free, but the metal was clasped around her ankle, its tiny claws had raked at her shin, and she was stuck. Nothing was broken, she could tell, but it held on so tight and she couldn't possibly get away. She could hear him getting closer still...) of the grasp of whatever, whoever it was. The blanket, which had been her makeshift shelter, was gently removed, and she shut her eyes tight before she could make out anything of her surroundings. She was so confused, to the point that she couldn't tell what was memory, dream, or reality. And she was so scared. Scared that if she opened her eyes she'd be seven again, in a forest far away; a terrified child, not the raccoon she was today. She clenched her teeth and held completely still when they laid her on the stretcher, and she was shaking so much that it rattled on its wheels. She was strapped down and couldn't move, and they stuck something in her (somewhere inside she knew it was an IV, nothing to fear) and she tried to thrash around and get it out, but she had already been restrained and she couldn't do anything to protect herself. One of them pried open her eyes and shined a blinding light in them, saying something about vitals. She could hear murmurs, sound seeming far away, and then she was moving. She was brought outside and loaded into a van, and the doors behind her shut with a ridiculously load, ominous clang that seemed to echo in her head. And then she was moving again; the sounds of the van's wheels on cement, of the engine, of quiet discussion, filled her ears.

Meanwhile:
Magnus looked out the doorway of the room at a stretcher. His sister was on it, and her expression was so convoluted that he didn't have a hope of reading it. But he understood, anyway. She was so frightened. Alone. The medics said something about 'mental shutdown' but he couldn't understand besides the fact that it had to be bad. Really bad, if it had gotten Pavelle. The Dane's chin quivered, and something in his expression must've alerted the medics, because they said something about 'vitals', and wheeled Pavelle away. Magnus tried to go across the room to follow them, but his dad's hand had clamped down, hard, on his shoulder, and Magnus let out another whine, this time louder. He wanted to go with, to make sure Pavelle was okay... but Dad didn't let up, and Magnus subsided.

Keeshah · Post by **Keeshah** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 1:03 pm

Sara sits down on the couch with a glass of wine, after Mr. Nelson an Magnus left to go back to their home.
poor Magnus looked so sad an depressed..

Ah what a day, An here i thought things would be much more slow paced an relaxed out here in the country, instead of the big city..
Sara takes another sip.
An i'm talking to myself now. crazy is catching..

Sara sits back an relaxes thinking. well Rav is safe from any fallout of that animal control business, the coon is getting the treatment she needs. but will most likely not be found of me later on when she has to go to the animal school. will all be worth it, if it improves her home life, an keeps her from being thrown out.
Wonder what happened to that other coon.. speaking which, i wonder what my own stray Venison has been up too, haven't seen him since yesterday morning.

Well i gotta get up an get ready, a nite out on the town is just what i need right now. one dinner an a movie coming up.. atleast it is the right day this time.

Sara gets cleaned up, dolled-up, an drives off back to the movie show.

*** meanwhile ***

Rav had been sitting an pacing in his cage, after having finally gotten fed. reliving the months he had spent here being retrained.
When Christopher appeared..
Hey Rav, are you up for a road trip?
Yea sure, whats up?
Rav barks, his tail wagging happily.
From what i understand, a raccoon friend of yours was taken to the animal hospital this afternoon. an i believe she would like a friendly face nearby when she awakens from her sedation.
Pavelle is in the hospital? what happened?
I'll explain on the way there, here get into this harness.
Christopher, help Rav into what looks like a snug-fitting husky sled pulling harness, except it locks together in the back, making it quite difficult for a pet to wiggle or pull out of it. attaching a length of chain to the lock in back.

Christopher then takes Rav out of animal control, across the parking lots an into the animal hospital.
They go up to Pavelle's room, an push the lounge chair up next to Pav's bed. for Rav to lay on. Christopher locks the free end of Rav's 8' chain leash to the bed frame.
I'm sure you would rather sleep here tonight, at your friend's side, than in a kennel cage over in animal control right?
Oh yes, very much so sir. i was starting to have flash backs about that place already.
Good good.. They have taken her off the sedation medication i her IV, so she should be coming around in a half hour or so.
Christopher, scratches an rubs Rav's scruff briskly.
Be a good boy an remember now, when she wakes up to keep her calm, an comforted. Don't do anything to get her excited or upset.
He brings Rav a pillow, and covers him up in a blanket.
I'll see you both, some time in the early afternoon tomorrow. An sorry about having to leave you chained-up like this.
Rav holds up his paw..
No sir, I completely understand, i'm still under the protective custody order.
Christopher, looked surprised for a moment, before regaining his poker face.
How did you figure that was the case?.. oh well, your right on the nose with that. Sleep well..
You learned me to think well, right?
Christopher cringes at Rav's statement.
Er.. yes, at least we all hope so..

Christopher, dims the room lights, an leaves. the only sounds in the room are the vital monitors soft beeps.

Dylan · Post by **Dylan** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 5:33 pm

Jimmy Jazz wrote:"Ehm, what?" she asked looking confused "Coffee and muffins?..." Sekhmet raised an eyebrow. and then suddenly realised **mn it! that must be some kind of pet food. god they must think me a complete idiot. she quickly facepalmed and said "sorry, I'm a little out of it today. I'm... just going to go eat some coffee." she said pointing down the street and grinning weakly.

Amelia nearly started to laugh, she probably had a weird expression on her face but she couldn't be sure. You don't eat coffee, you drink it! Amelia looked back at Brian Actually lets go to the wall now, i'm starving! Plus it is where all the pets seem to go in the morning.

mathgrant · Post by **mathgrant** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 6:22 pm

Brian nodded and said, "Sounds good to me!" and followed Amelia to The Wall. "I can't wait to drink some muffins!"

caelei · Post by **caelei** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 7:54 pm

Mr. Nelson thanked Sara politely on the way out, ushering Magnus across the street towards home. The big dog kept up a string of small whimpers, and his eyes were so watery that he could barely see (in other circumstances he would be sobbing, but he didn't want to cry in front of Dad). He shuffled his feet along demurely, trying to drag the short walk out as much as possible, but a warning look from his father had him walking at steady pace again. Too soon they arrived home, and Magnus retreated into the living room, sinking submissively onto the couch. His dad settled into pacing back and forth, edgy as a tiger, and Magnus simply sat and watched him, wary and frightened. The pacing went on for nearly ten minutes, making a rushy feeling of nervousness build up in Magnus, till he couldn't help but fidget a little, shifting his weight and rolling his shoulders. At the movement, Mr. Nelosn stopped walking, and turned slowly to glare at his dog. In a quiet voice, the man curtly asked, "You knew about his imposter raccoon?" Magnus nodded hesitantly, eyes wide and unblinking. "You knew, and you didn't tell me about him?"

"I-I thought you k-knew, sir." Magnus stammered, a deep red blush coloring his muzzle. His dad gave him another look, and Magnus dropped silent of any further explanation, trembling slightly.

"Answer yes or no to the question. Now." Magnus, quaking, nodding again. Mr. Nelson's cool grey eyes bored into the Dane's, and Magnus fidgeted again, uncomfortable. Suddenly, his dad stepped forward, grabbing his collar and leaning close, so that they both were nose-to-nose to each other. "Listen to me. You will sit on this couch. You will not think about moving. At all. You will wait. When that other raccoon comes here, when he shows up, you will grab him and restrain him until I get back from work. That is an order. Do you remember your puppy kennel, in the basement?" Magnus nodded again, letting out a low whine as he did. "When you catch the creature, you will lock him in there. And if he gets away from you..." his dad's voice trailed off, face calcutaing and cold, "...it'll be you in that kennel. Do you understand me, Magnus?" The Great Dane, though he didn't want to, nodded again. "Say that you understand, so I can believe you."

"I understand, s-sir," Magnus said in a small voice, barely audible.

"Good. I'll be back at three. Until then..." Mr. Nelson eyed the frightened dog for another moment, then turned on his heel, grabbing car keys from a hanger near the door, and departed. Magnus stared after him until the door slammed closed, holding completely still on the couch, and waited for an unsuspecting raccoon to come home.

Meanwhile...
Pavelle opened her eyes, groggy. She felt the squirmy feeling of a vague nausea that fluttered uncertainly in her stomach, and knew something was wrong. She just couldn't tell exactly what. She was feeling all floaty. Drifty. The sensation made her fingers and toes all numb, and when she tried to wiggle them, it tickled. She let out a small giggle, and tried to look around. Her head wouldn't move quite right, and her eyes wouldn't focus, either, so that made it hard. She did manage to see, however, a Rav-shaped blur at her side, and giggled again, the sound a little nervous. "Heeelllloooo, puppeh-dawg," she slurred, and the words felt ridiculous. She didn't care, blinking at the shape and smiling a goofy grin that didn't feel like it belonged on her face.

Meanwhile...
Felix, up in the Thinking Tree, carefully remained more than silent as things unfolded around him. He was cautious to go home and confront Magnus as to the locations of his sister. He was cautious of everything, right now. Things didn't feel right. Especially because he had no idea why they had taken Edie away. And on a Sketcher (Smucker, nah... stretch-er?), no less. It had to do with yesterday, he was sure of that. But without more information, he wouldn't be able to figure anything out, would he? Of course, he didn't know who to ask, or even what specifically to ask about either, so... His eyes landed on the barn, and he wondered if any of the pets were around still, and knew what was happening...

ArgentFlame · Post by **ArgentFlame** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 9:21 pm

Cier got some food and sat down, he started eating, though not as ravenously as Venison, as he'd had some of the snacks the night before. "I don't know where you would find a crutch, and I'm certainly not letting you go out alone with your leg like that. He set his plate down and took some food to the mice, then returned and continued eating.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Once Sean and Mr. Burke had finished breakfast it was time to leave. After Sean put on the collar Cier had bought for him, they left, and after a short drive, arrived at the vet. They walked in. "Sean, I'm going to get you signed in, you go find somewhere to sit." Sean looked around the waiting room, it was quite busy for being so early, and there were only a few open spots. He sat down in one of the chairs and leafed through one of the magazines that were provided, though quickly gave up since he had trouble reading. Soon Mr. Burke came and sat down next to him. Sean rested his head on his paws, there was no telling how long it would take for it be his turn.

Buckdida · Post by **Buckdida** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 9:57 pm

"Bah," Venison said as he dismissed Cier's comment with a hand wave, "I'm fine." (CHA 2: Yeah, nope.) Venison grabbed his dishes and hopped up onto his right leg, using only his right leg to stand up. He then proceeded to hop over to a wall plucking a straight rake off the wall. "I'll just use this for now." Venison attempted to make his way out the door, towards the house, dishes in right hand, rake in left as a crutch.

(OOC: The wound affects his movement speed, but not his dexterity or balance. He can't run or climb, though.)

Djinn · Post by **Djinn** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 11:58 pm

(Dylan, I've been waiting for some kind of response.)
Djinn cleared his throat and while Pyxis wasn't looking slid the mirror tag out of sight discreetly. Before long he picked up a small gold and blue tag in the shape of a genie's lamp, rather ornate on the one side for a simple tag and on the other a flat surface for carving name, adress, etc. "What about this one?"

Keeshah · Post by **Keeshah** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 12:24 am

caelei wrote: Pavelle opened her eyes, groggy. She felt the squirmy feeling of a vague nausea that fluttered uncertainly in her stomach, and knew something was wrong. She just couldn't tell exactly what. She was feeling all floaty. Drifty. The sensation made her fingers and toes all numb, and when she tried to wiggle them, it tickled. She let out a small giggle, and tried to look around. Her head wouldn't move quite right, and her eyes wouldn't focus, either, so that made it hard. She did manage to see, however, a Rav-shaped blur at her side, and giggled again, the sound a little nervous. "Heeelllloooo, puppeh-dawg," she slurred, and the words felt ridiculous. She didn't care, blinking at the shape and smiling a goofy grin that didn't feel like it belonged on her face.

Rav looks over at the sleepy drugged coon, his ears up, tall an erect.
Hello there yourself, I have heard some things about you having a very busy if short day. Are you feeling up to talk about it?
Ravage asks, cocking his head off to the side. an rubbing his rump..
Dang inoculations are still hurting, but they don't want me catching something here, or bringing something into the hospital..

Teh Brawler · Post by **Teh Brawler** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 12:21 pm

Laxan wrote:Sal' smiled at O'Connor, she just stared at him a moment. "24 years, huh. How old are you? You got any friends around here? Any family?"

"Ah, Ah'm seveintein, ahctually. Vereh much an old mutt." O'Connor smiled awkwardly. "Ahnd Ah live with mah pop, Trevor, ahnd Toreh."

ArgentFlame · Post by **ArgentFlame** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 7:45 pm

Cier sighed quietly as Venison denied his help. He quickly finished eating when Venison got up and started to leave. He stood up and collected the mice, who were still eating. He easily caught up to the coydog as he left the barn. "Look, Venison. I am not going to let you go alone. What if you were to fall over in the road? Or are seen by animal control? You need help, whether you think you do or not.

Dylan · Post by **Dylan** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:01 pm

Pyxis turned his head and saw the lamp in Djinn's paw, Oh, that looks good! Still unaware of the broken tag, It will look great on you! Pyxis leaned closer to take a closer look at the tag. With this you won't be caught by animal control anymore...well, except if they identify us...'

Dylan started to much on the food as quick as possible, not remembering when he last ate anything, so he kept Jamming it into his mouth until he seemed to get blue all of a sudden and with a large gulp he swallowed it down and took a deep breath.

Amelia smiled as they made it to The Wall, And maybe I can eat some coffee, returning the joke as she opened the door. Amelia's nose was immediately greeted by the smell of fresh baked muffins and freshly brewed coffee, however no matter how good it smelled, she didn't drink coffee. hmmm! smells nice...

Stevie walked away from the barn while grinning, good thing that dog didn't follow her it could have been too much of a hassle to get rid of him...Stevie shook her head as she finally see saw a old looking house in the distance,Hmm...that looks like a good spot... She kept walking so that she was standing on the bridge getting a better look at the place. It looked abandoned enough, perhaps she could hide a few spies here to check out the neighborhood on the second story windows... Stevie smiled as her plan started to fold into her head, perhaps this will go much more smoothly than she thought.

Buckdida · Post by **Buckdida** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:19 pm

Venison growled slightly at Cier. "I'm fine. You saw I could stand up just fine. But at the same time, it's not like I can fight you off or convince you otherwise..." Venison would have waved off Cier again, but his hands were full. "Fine, I'll just have to be victim to more kindness again. Geez, why are the animals around here so friendly? Been here for a couple of weeks and I still can't figure it." Venison continued plodding along towards the house's back door, where he discarded the rake (it sucked as a crutch anyway), opened the door and limped inside, yelling, "Hey Sara, morning. I brought my dishes; thanks for breakfast." Venison paused a moment, looking around. 'Odd. Haven't been attacked by a German Shep yet. I guess Rav is out somewhere.' "Hey, Sara? Where's Rav?"

Venison looked back, where he was still holding the door open. "Are you coming or what, Cier? Mice distracting you again?"

ArgentFlame · Post by **ArgentFlame** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 10:15 pm

Buckdida wrote:"I'm fine. You saw I could stand up just fine. But at the same time, it's not like I can fight you off or convince you otherwise..."

"I'm glad we could come to an understanding.

Buckdida wrote:"Fine, I'll just have to be victim to more kindness again. Geez, why are the animals around here so friendly? Been here for a couple of weeks and I still can't figure it."

Cier smiled slightly. "Perhaps it's because they are genuinely nice people, or that they like you." He stopped momentarily when Dylan seemed to be choking, but the mouse quickly recovered. He continued over to the house. "You know, you are surprisingly fast for someone using a rake as a crutch."

caelei · Post by **caelei** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 10:55 pm

Hello there yourself, I have heard some things about you having a very busy if short day. Are you feeling up to talk about it?
Dang inoculations are still hurting, but they don't want me catching something here, or bringing something into the hospital..

Pavelle gazed dreamily at Rav, before turning her head to the ceiling, looking at the dimmed light. She wondered briefly how they had gotten the sun into her room, before she realized that it was just a light bulb. Then she wondered why she had thought it was the sun in the first place, but shrugged it off. "I dun't remember 'bout today." She closed her eyes, brow furrowing for a moment, as if in deep thought. Something dark surfaced from under the abyss of the sedation meds, and she shivered, eyes opening again, a little more wary, if also tired. "Wazz there this tall guy arooond? 'Bout this big?" she asked, sitting up a little and stretching her arm above her head to show height. She stared at the crook of her elbow for a moment, then her pupils contracted until they were tiny, tiny dots, and her eyes narrowed to slits. "Wazz in my arm?" she asked, sounding irritated. "I dun't want et in my arm." She prodded the IV gently, wincing.

After half a moment, she seemed to lose interest in the IV, and turned to look at Rav, eyes still narrowed. His shape had become more defined, and she could make out his face. She pointed one finger at him, shaking it a little as if in a condoning gesture, and then asked, voice ridiculously high, "Are you running for prezzident? Eman-ci-pa-tion Pro-clam-a-tion Ino-cu-la-tion?" She giggled again, feeling fuzzy, before slumping back into her pillows, watching Rav with her head tilted very far to one side.

Jimmy Jazz · Post by **Jimmy Jazz** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 11:54 pm

Sekhmet winced and followed the others to the coffee shop just ignoring the jokes surrounding her slip up. at this rate she would be found out by the end of the day.
And maybe I can eat some coffee, returning the joke as she opened the door. Sekhmet started making a rude retort but was stopped when she smelled the coffee shop food wafting trough the door she froze and sniffed again. hmmm! smells nice... Sekhmet looked at Amelia as though she where crazy "it smells amazing" she said walking inside.

----------

Isak fiddled with his hands and then sighed rolling over a little on the small platform. and shouted "Allan my good man, how close are we!?" Allan shifted to glance at Isak from the corner of his eye. "You can stop talking like that when we're flying, no one is going to hear you but me." Allan said He just rolled his eyes and sighed "IF you insist... how darn close are we then?" Allan shouted back "making a turn!" and Isak quickly grabbed one of the two small half circle leather straps poking out of the platform closer to Allan's head. Isak slid to the side as they turned, he casually looked down and saw the neighbourhood below him. "Ah, well then, you could've just said so." Isak said calmly as they zoomed over the rooftops. when they levelled out he climbed back onto the platform and stood on his knees to get a better look around and saw a barn not too far away. "Allan! go land in that barn, they're gre-" "I know I know" Allan cut him off "they make great cover for mice and pigeons." he said swerving a little to adjust the flight path.

Isak lowered himself on the platform to get ready for the landing. Allan came in low and fast and fluttered to a stop on a second level window. Isak looked around before they entered, he saw a dog shout out of the house "Are you coming or what, Cier? Mice distracting you again?" another dog walked out of the barn momentarily and said back "You know, you are surprisingly fast for someone using a rake as a crutch."

Isak ushered Allan inside and got off of him stretching "Well they seem like a friendly lot" Allan said before he started preening. "You never know lad, you never know" Isak said stretching a bit more. "those long trips really get to a man" Isak grumbled to himself, as he was extremely stiff. "So, this is our new home for a bit, huh?" Allan stopped preening and glanced out of the cracked open window. "Correct, hopefully Lara will send a messenger with orders to return before summer is over" Isak said as he finished stretching.

mathgrant · Post by **mathgrant** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 11:54 pm

Dylan wrote:Amelia smiled as they made it to The Wall, And maybe I can eat some coffee, returning the joke as she opened the door. Amelia's nose was immediately greeted by the smell of fresh baked muffins and freshly brewed coffee, however no matter how good it smelled, she didn't drink coffee. hmmm! smells nice...

While Brian was happy to be accepted so well by Amelia, he was also silently worried and nervous. He realized that he didn't have Sudoku to calm his nerves this time -- but at least he had a friend in Amelia. Maybe sometimes a friend is better than Sudoku.

Will anyone else here ever want to be friends with a nerd like me? he thought. Oh, wait -- Amelia's a nerd, too. If she has friends, then surely there's a chance I can have some, too. Brian swallowed his fears. "So, who should I meet first?" he asked Amelia.

Cthonion · Post by **Cthonion** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 12:53 am

One of the few vacant houses seemed to be receiving a new resident. A small blue car pulled into the driveway, followed bar a large moving van that parked in front of the house. Out of the car came a man in his mid-fifties with graying hair and glasses, and out of the passenger side a black furred feline, clutching a small leather case against his chest, a bit more than a foot long and four inches wide. The older man walked to the movers who were just getting out of the truck and said something to them, pointing at the truck and then to the house with quick exasperated movements, before glancing to the feline and marching to the front door, unlocking it, and stepping in.

The cat looked to the house, then to the movers and sighed, his ears and tail drooped unhappily as he walked to the unlocked back end of the truck, and watched the two movers maneuver a large sofa down the ramp, orange, maroon, yellow, and rust color, like it was vomited right out of the seventies. Once they were on their way to the house he scrambled up onto the ramp, tucked the leather case under his arm, and started grabbing the light boxes, full of magazines, important documents, glass, and other fragile objects that he could lift without any trouble, he grunted with the boxes, making trips back and forth with the movers, until the truck was empty of the lighter objects.

Keeshah · Post by **Keeshah** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 12:56 am

Buckdida wrote: "Hey Sara, morning. I brought my dishes; thanks for breakfast." Venison paused a moment, looking around. 'Odd. Haven't been attacked by a German Shep yet. I guess Rav is out somewhere.' "Hey, Sara? Where's Rav?"

Venison looked back, where he was still holding the door open. "Are you coming or what, Cier? Mice distracting you again?"

Sara comes out of the bathroom, dressed in just a towel...
What's all the racket out here? Oh it's you Vin....
Rushing over to the limping dog..
What on earth happened to you?? you look like you lost a fight with a buzz saw.
Sara looks Venison over intently than asks.
Please tell me this is'n the result of you being involved in that nasty business that happened at animal control building last night?She asks sternly..
About now, Rav should be getting transferred over to the Animal hospital, to be at the side of that raccoon Pavelle's side, when she is brought out of sedation.

*** meanwhile ***

Caelei wrote:"I dun't remember 'bout today." She closed her eyes, brow furrowing for a moment, as if in deep thought. Something dark surfaced from under the abyss of the sedation meds, and she shivered, eyes opening again, a little more wary, if also tired. "Wazz there this tall guy arooond? 'Bout this big?" she asked, sitting up a little and stretching her arm above her head to show height. She stared at the crook of her elbow for a moment, then her pupils contracted until they were tiny, tiny dots, and her eyes narrowed to slits. "Wazz in my arm?" she asked, sounding irritated. "I dun't want et in my arm." She prodded the IV gently, wincing.

After half a moment, she seemed to lose interest in the IV, and turned to look at Rav, eyes still narrowed. His shape had become more defined, and she could make out his face. She pointed one finger at him, shaking it a little as if in a condoning gesture, and then asked, voice ridiculously high, "Are you running for prezzident? Eman-ci-pa-tion Pro-clam-a-tion Ino-cu-la-tion?" She giggled again, feeling fuzzy, before slumping back into her pillows, watching Rav with her head tilted very far to one side.

Rav climbs up onto the side of the bed a bit. leaning over to hold her paw in his, keeping her from pulling at the IV. while softly petting her across the top of her head an down between her ears softly, over an over..
No i'm not running for or from anything.
wagging his tail softly..
they wanted me here to be a friendly welcoming face, when you awoke...An i guess to show that nothing bad has happened to me...apparently you were worried about me for some reason..
Rav leans down to lick kiss the back of her paw while it is still held in his firm handpaw..
his inner ears blushing red a bit..
I'm honored that you would care so much about me..

A sly coy grin sliding across his long muzzle..

Buckdida · Post by **Buckdida** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 1:44 am

Keeshah wrote:Sara comes out of the bathroom, dressed in just a towel...
What's all the racket out here? Oh it's you Vin....

Venison crinkled his face, and was glad his nearsightedness allowed him to look away before Sara came into full focus. Human nudity didn't bother most animals, but then again, Venison had picked up human modesty values as a pup.

Keeshah wrote:Rushing over to the limping dog..
What on earth happened to you?? you look like you lost a fight with a buzz saw.
Sara looks Venison over intently than asks.
Please tell me this is'n the result of you being involved in that nasty business that happened at animal control building last night?She asks sternly..

"Well...I had to fight an escaped stray...so, yes, I suppose..." (CHA 2: Something's off about the statement...and he's still looking away.)

Keeshah wrote:About now, Rav should be getting transferred over to the Animal hospital, to be at the side of that raccoon Pavelle's side, when she is brought out of sedation.

Venison went wide eyed, and his jaw opened slightly. "WHAT?!?! WHAT HAPPENED TO PAVELLE? WHAT HAPPENED TO RAV?!?" Venison nearly dropped the dishes he was holding from the news as he yelled. "WAS PAVELLE HURT? I GOT HER TO GO RIGHT HOME! WHAT HAPPENED?!? RAV DIDN'T DO ANYTHING EITHER; HOW DID HE GET HURT?!?!?" Panic. Venison was in pure panic.

Keeshah · Post by **Keeshah** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 5:18 am

Buckdida wrote: "Well...I had to fight an escaped stray...so, yes, I suppose..." (CHA 2: Something's off about the statement...and he's still looking away.)

Sara eyes Venison suspiciously.

Buckdida wrote:
Keeshah wrote:About now, Rav should be getting transferred over to the Animal hospital, to be at the side of that raccoon Pavelle's side, when she is brought out of sedation.
Venison went wide eyed, and his jaw opened slightly. "WHAT?!?! WHAT HAPPENED TO PAVELLE? WHAT HAPPENED TO RAV?!?" Venison nearly dropped the dishes he was holding from the news as he yelled. "WAS PAVELLE HURT? I GOT HER TO GO RIGHT HOME! WHAT HAPPENED?!? RAV DIDN'T DO ANYTHING EITHER; HOW DID HE GET HURT?!?!?" Panic. Venison was in pure panic.

First! sit down, calm down, an settle down, we don't need to have to send another pet to the hospital... Esp. one who doesn't have an owner..

Rav is just fine an unharmed..
He was taken in for questioning about the break-in at the control center, since that would have been something the old Rav, might have tried. an we were worried that he was reverting to his old ways. But we know for a fact that Rav was in the barn when the break-in occurred.
Rav has told us that he knew the break-in was going to happen, an that he stopped most of the pets from going in on it, getting them to join him in a sleepover in the barn instead.
It was decided that after his interview, he should stay with his trainer for his own protection. that way no one could accuse him of having anything to do with any of that business.

Sara adjusts her towel...

The raccoon, Pavelle on the other hand, is having a much worse time of it.
She came running in all upset when she saw Rav being taken away.. an while i was trying to calm her down an explain that Rav would be ok. she saw the headlines of the newspaper on the table, about a cat an two raccoons being among the pets who attacked the control building.. an she got very nervous, scampering from window to window like she was expecting to be the next pet picked up.. very strange behavior for a pet, who Rav said was in the barn with him..
When i told her that animal control had already been at her house an talked with her father..
She just.. mentally fell apart.. She was having trouble speaking, dizzy spells, an she looked very fearful an panicked. I laid her down in the kennel, an she just curled up into a ball under the covers an hissed at anyone got near..

When i called Mr. Nelson over, i found out that he was shocked an surprised to find out that he was the owner of two raccoons! Some how they were able to forge ownership paper for this second raccoon, an he was quite angry about that..
He ofcourse disowned this other raccoon, an was going to turn Pavelle an perhaps Magnus as well into animal control, since he couldn't afford at all to provide her with the kind of medical treatment, an retraining she is going to need. I offered to cover the expensives of her treatments, an he was then willing to give her an second chance.

The pet medics said she was having an stress induced metal shutdown. from there tone, it seemed that this was a very serious, if not fatal event for a pet. so she was rushed off to the pet hospital, an deeply sedated in hopes her condition would stabilize.
Rav was sent over to the hospital to be at her side, in hopes of having someone she knows near by would help bring her out of her catatonic state, when the vet's reversed the sedation.

Sara sits up taller.
Now, would you care to explain to me, WHY the pets were wanting to break into animal control?? an which pets were involved in this break-in??

caelei · Post by **caelei** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 7:46 am

No i'm not running for or from anything.
they wanted me here to be a friendly welcoming face, when you awoke...An i guess to show that nothing bad has happened to me...apparently you were worried about me for some reason..
I'm honored that you would care so much about me..

Pavelle turned to look at Rav again, blinking, then gave a large sleepy grin and said, "What're friendzz for, buddeh?" She giggled at Rav's pinkening ears, and suddenly yawned, stretching her free hand above her head. She laid back again, sighing, and then her forehead crinkled, and she fidgeted a little, listless. After a moment she looked around, and her eyes became a little more focused. The moniter starting beating a little faster as her heartbeat picked up. Her tone, as she talked, was a little more serious. "Letz get outta here, Rav. I wanna get outta here. I dun't like et at all." She held up her IV'ed arm, to show him, and pointed at the moniter. "I dun't like theze thingz. I wanna go home." Something from her memory came again, and she shuddered. Something at home... something at home that she didn't like one bit. But she wanted to go home, all the same. She wanted to get out of this place. She inhaled deeply, and the scent of disinfectant and laundry detergent from her sheets tickled her nose. She sighed again, and felt her eyes watering a bit. "Pleaze? I dun't know why I'm here. Do'ya think we can just go home, now?"

ArgentFlame · Post by **ArgentFlame** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 4:28 pm

Cier walked up to Venison as Sara did the same. His face took on a concerned expression at Venison's panic, which only grew more pronounced as Sara explained the situation. He stepped forward at her question. "I'm afraid that would take awhile to explain adequately. Might I suggest we go inside first?"

Dylan · Post by **Dylan** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 9:16 pm

Amelia smiled, I think it is only us 3 right now... saying as she looked around The Wall...Eh, at least, no one I recognize. Amelia walked over to the counter and looked at the menu, hmm, I think I'm going to get... pausing as her eye looked at the decorated menu. One blue berry muffin, and a lemonade. Amelia looked over at Brian and winked. Okay i lied, I don't actually like coffee that much.

Dylan took a while to recover from choking earlier, he eyed at Venison slightly amused of his outburst. Dylan looked up at Cier hey, what's his problem?

mathgrant · Post by **mathgrant** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 9:36 pm

Dylan wrote:Amelia smiled, I think it is only us 3 right now... saying as she looked around The Wall...Eh, at least, no one I recognize. Amelia walked over to the counter and looked at the menu, hmm, I think I'm going to get... pausing as her eye looked at the decorated menu. One blue berry muffin, and a lemonade. Amelia looked over at Brian and winked. Okay i lied, I don't actually like coffee that much.

"I'll have the -- " Brian was about to say "same", but a thought occurred to him: Crap, I'm pretty sure cafes charge money. I didn't bring any money. I could ask Amelia -- but then I'd come off as a user. Brian sighed. "On second thought, I don't have any means of paying. I. . . I guess I'll have. . . nothing." Brian shied away from the situation. Well, I made a fool of myself -- again. Way to make a bad first impression and remain friendless, Brian.

Djinn · Post by **Djinn** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 9:48 pm

"Well, then let's just stay out of the way." Finishing the last bite of pet food in front of him he leans down on the table. "What's there to do inside?"

Jimmy Jazz · Post by **Jimmy Jazz** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 10:06 pm

Sekhmet looked around the room, it was filled with tables and chairs. and quite a few pets where sitting talking to each other. hrm, this must be the gathering area for the pets. she looked around again trying to locate the cat and dog she walked in with, they seemed to be talking to the... human behind the counter and ignoring her. all the better, didn't want her disguise blown.... right?... Sekhmet sighed at her grumbling stomach and walked in a bit closer to listen to the cat. One blue berry muffin, and a lemonade. then the cat looked over her shoulder and winked at the dog Okay I lied, I don't actually like coffee that much. Sekhmet rolled her eyes and sat down near by and listened with out looking at the cat, there certainly didn't seem to be anything to catch around here, even though it smelled amazing. It was like being really thirsty but staring at a glass of salt water. it makes the thirst worse by thinking about it but you can't drink it.

-------

Allan was looking around the barn at the rafters and the floor "seems like a nice barn though, probably one of the best so far." Isak yawned "Be glad it isn't a coverall barn" Isak started walking towards a ladder presumably leading down to the first floor and swung himself onto a rung, where he continued to climb down to the floor. Allan was already waiting on the bottom floor as he had flown down and when Isak got to the bottom they walked (hopped in Allan's case) to the barns doors where Isak peeked out. they dog that had walked out of the barn earlier was standing in the door talking to a human and another dog, who seemed to be agitated, and injured.
"Looks as though someone is in distress" Isak said itching to go help whoever that dog was, but he was often scolded for rushing in without knowing what was really going on. "Allan, here's the plan, we're going to have to sneak up to the house and try and figure out if anyone needs help. if they do, we rush in and do what we can. if they don't we slip away unnoticed. alright?" he said turning around on "Alright" Allan's eyes where slightly bigger then usual and then hesitantly said "...alright" "good man" he turned around and slipped out into the grass (7 Per to notice him, his agility plus 2 for being small and hiding in the grass.) Allan, unfortunately, was a pigeon. very easy to notice. He attempted to sneak behind Isak but realised quickly that he was in plain sight and took off landing on the roof of the house where he proceeded to hop down to the gutters. Isak on the other hand just slipped up to the side of the house and was in earshot of the dogs in the door way.

Missingo · Post by **Missingo** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 10:38 pm

Matthew opened his eyes and lay still on his bed with anticipation as he heard the front door creak open and shut. The taps of shoes on hardwood floor. The jingling of keys as they were set on dining room table. "Hello? Anyone home?" a female voice called.

Matt could not take it anymore. He hopped out of bed and ran down the stairs, and lept onto the figure, wrapping his arms around her. "Mom!" he shouted enthusiastically. The woman hugged him back, chuckling at his enthusiasm. "Hey Matthew. Have you behaved yourself this past week?" she asked sarcastically.

The woman was relatively tall, and had long, curly dirty blonde hair and dark blue eyes. What would have normally been pale white skin was a blistering pink from having been sunburned. She and her husband had been on a mission trip with a church somewhere in Central America, helping to build houses, for the past week.

"Yeah, I have," Matt answered, grinning. "Where's Rachel? Still sleeping?" the woman, Liz, asked. "Yeah, I guess so," he replied. The two finally released each other from the embrace, and Liz began to head upstairs. "I'm going to go check in on her, okay?" she said. "Alright," Matthew answered, heading to the kitchen to start fixing breakfast.~

Liz slowly opened the door to Rachel's bedroom, smiling as she saw Rachel sleeping peacefully. Then she saw the leg. She gasped. "Hey mom," Rachel said, without bothering to even open her eyes. "I th-thought you were still asleep," Liz said, still a bit shaken by the unpleasant surprise. "I was until you came in here," Rachel replied. "W-what happened to your leg?" Liz asked apprehensively. "Oh, you noticed that?.... yeah, about that... I somehow got caught in the middle of some riot outside of the Wall," Rachel grimaced, sitting up on her bed.

"Do you have a crutch?"
"No."
"Didn't you see the vet?"
"No."
"Then how did you..." Liz trailed off, indicating the stitched wound.
"Oh, Matthew cleaned it up for me."

Liz sighed and rubbed her temples. "Well, you need to get that checked out right now. Get up and get ready, we're leaving in five minutes," she said. "Okay," Rachel said, slipping on her collar and climbing out of bed without protest. "Err, care to help me downstairs?" Rachel suggested. "Oh, of course." Liz helped Rachel to stand, and let Rachel use her as support for the short walk down the stairs.~

"Hey, care for some French toast?" Matthew asked as he heard Rachel and Liz come down the stairs. Liz sighed again. "Did you already make it?" she asked, exasperated. "Yes?" Matthew said nervously, his ears drooping from the twinge of annoyance he heard in her tone. "Alright, but we should eat quickly. I'm taking Rachel to the vet to get her leg checked out," Liz said.

A few minutes later, the three of them had eaten and already driven to the vet. "Well, it's awfully crowded this morning," Liz observed as they entered the waiting room. "You two have a seat, I'll get the papers from the desk," Liz instructed. "Alright," Rachel said, more than happy to oblige. She hopped over to one of the open chairs and sat in it. Matthew stayed standing for a second, observing the room. "But mom, there's only one seat left," he objected. "So?" she asked. "So, you won't have anywhere to sit," Matthew said. "I don't care, I'm fine standing," she countered. "But-" "Matthew, take a seat," Liz said sternly. "Fine," Matthew mumbled, going to take the last open seat between a familiar looking dog and the wall. As Matt took a seat, he realized the dog looked strikingly similar to Cier, even though he was pretty sure that was not the reason he looked familiar. "Hey," he said timidly to the dog, thinking it would be inconsiderate to simply sit and say nothing.