MaeveOwens: LA: ::She hadn't been feeling so well the past few days. She knows she should push herself to move her tired muscles but the strength has left her. Her tan skin is glistening with sweat and her cat like eyes are completely unfocused. She doesn't even look up when she hears a noise outside the cave::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::walks into the cave, and then runs over to her, kneeling down:: Leyla?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::he can feel the heat radiating off her skin. Her eyes flutter open but she does nothing else but stare at him::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::runs a hand through his hair and then reaches out and touches her face. He's been worried about her since she started to feel ill but he'd hoped it wouldn't get any worse:: Leyla...I...you can't stay here anymore - i have to take you into town

MaeveOwens: LA: ::her head moves only slightly; whimpers:: No...

Quantum Catz: EK: ::softly:: Something must have gotten infected...you'll die out here

MaeveOwens: LA: ::softly:: You promised.

Quantum Catz: EK: ::winces:: My brother can fix you

MaeveOwens: LA: ::weakly:: No one..can...fix

Quantum Catz: EK: I mean he can heal you ... you want to live, right?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she frowns and barely shakes her head again in the negative.::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::mutters:: You're so damn stubborn! Well I don't care - *I* want you to live. You can be mad at me all you like later, you can run off to the other side of the island if you like, but i'm not going to just sit here. ::moves forward to try and lift her as gently as possible::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she flinches and tries to press herself closer to the rock she's resting against but she's too weak to fight him. She whimpers though when he moves her but is likely to weak to do more than that::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::once he's outside with her, he changes into a dragon, trying to hold her as carefully as he can with his claws, and then flies up into the air with her towards Marquis::

yarnkittymon: :  ::of course, the guards of Marquis notice the dragon approach, and they can just hope it's Eli::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::doesn't want to get held up by any guards by landing in town as a dragon. there's a small clearing  near the edge of the forest, so he lands there, damaging a few trees in the process; heads towards his house as quickly as he can, grateful that she's light enough for him to carry her that far::

yarnkittymon: :  ::Eli is stopped very briefly by a guard::  That dragon was you, right?

Quantum Catz: EK: I was in a rush, i need to get my friend to Isaac

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she struggles weakly when she senses a stranger near her, crying out softly::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the guard nods, looking very relieved; he doesn't take a second glance at the girl::  No problem; just checking.

Quantum Catz: EK: ::nods and heads off, forcing himself not to roll his eyes and ask if the guard really expected a real dragon to come flying into Marquis; looks down at Leyla, hoping she won't try to struggle anymore::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she gets scared when they are met by people and tries her best to hide herself against him::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::when he gets to the house, he kicks at the door to get someone's attention, rather than try to open it while still holding Leyla::
yarnkittymon: JH:  ::is downstairs, and comes to the door, gasping when he sees Leyla::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::mutters:: I knew she was getting worse, but she wouldn't listen. Where's Isaac? ::heads over to the sofa to lay Leyla down::

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::frowns::  Went to the doctor with Maeve.  I figure they'll be back soon, or I an run get him.

Quantum Catz: EK: ::hesitates, not taking his eyes from Leyla:: I think she'll be alright till they get back. I'm sure Maeve would hate to be interrupted. ::distractedly:: I'll go get a cloth for her face, she's awfully hot

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she whimpers when she's set down and fights to get back up. She shakes her head, whimpering out a pathetic "no"::

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::kneels down next to Layla, holding her down; he's grown stronger since he's been exercising more; softly::  Isaac won't tell anyone, Layla, I promise.

Quantum Catz: EK: ::comes back with the cloth and puts it on her forehead, not saying anything::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::even if Josh hadn't been exercising, she's in no shape to fight him. She cries softly. She shivers, becoming rather scared::

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::softly::  I promise, we'll keep you safe.

MaeveOwens: LA: ::nothing he says is likely to comfort her::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::softly:: I'm sorry

Quantum Catz: IS: ::doesn't take long to get home, almost as soon as he left the doctor's he heard about Eli's dragon and hurries home to find him::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she hurries behind him but she's already in a slightly bad mood at being poked at all morning.::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::walks into the house and sees the boys with Leyla:: What's going on?

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::softly::  This is a friend of Eli's, and she's sick.

Quantum Catz: EK: You need to heal her

MaeveOwens: MV: ::sees Leyla and turns to smirk at Eli:: Ha, I knew it.

Quantum Catz: IS: ::frowns a bit but moves towards them. Eli takes a step back to give him room and Isaac reaches out to heal her::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::frowns at Maeve, though he knows what she means:: Knew what?

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she raises an eyebrow at him, knowing he knows what she means::

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::has drawn back from poor Leyla too::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she cries out when she comes to, flinching away from Isaac. She'd launch herself over the back of the couch if her leg wasn't still bandaged. She glares at the boys but doesn't say anything::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::Frowns:: From the state she's in, you should have brought her here days ago ::looks at Leyla:: Are you feeling alright? Does anything still hurt?

Quantum Catz: EK: ::looks away from Leyla, wincing::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she pushes herself farther away from Isaac then hesitantly reaches down to undo the bandage around her leg. She's already pulled her arm out of her sling::

yarnkittymon: JH:  Now you can hide a lot better.

Quantum Catz: IS: ::steps back, since it's obvious she doesn't want him to get too close::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she tears the bandages off with her claws then scrambles off the couch. She looks between the two strangers in the room. Maeve is unknowingly blocking her exit unless she changes::

Quantum Catz: EK: Kitten -- ::stops, not sure what he wants to say::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she glares at Eli again, accusingly:: You promised. ::her form shifts into a little tortoise-shell cat and attempts to scamper off::

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::instinctively dives after the cute cat:

Quantum Catz: EK: ::calls after her:: Don't go - you *know* why i did it! I couldn't just leave you like that

MaeveOwens: LA: ::the cute cat growls and hisses at being caught. She wiggles, and squirms, though she's careful about not using her claws. She doesn't pay attention to Eli::

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::rather surprised to have caught Leyla; quietly::  No one here's going to hurt you.

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she meows pathetically and stops struggling since she really doesn't want to hurt Josh::

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::looks at Isaac and Eli questioningly::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::sighs:: Let her go, Josh. She's only stopped struggling so she doesn't hurt you.  We can't make her stay

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::softly::  If you get lonely you can sneak back here.  ::gently sets the cat down::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::is rather confused by all this, since Eli's obviously been hiding his friendship with the girl::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she stays crouched close to the floor, staring at them all::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::once Josh let's go of her she darts out the open door::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::hesitates and then changes into a cat himself and runs after her::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::to Josh:: Where did that girl come from? Is she in some kind of trouble?

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::softly::  She's Eli's friend...she's a runaway, and doesn't want to be caught.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::her eyes widen; softly:: Running from what?

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::shrugs:: Eli probably knows.

Quantum Catz: IS: How long's he been hiding her?

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::frowns::  I don't know.  As long as he's been running off, I guess.

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she can sense Eli chasing her and picks up her speed, pushing herself towards the forest::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::sighs, running his hand through his hair and looking towards the door, though he knows he'll never catch up with them::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she looks back at Josh:: Do you know where he was hiding her? Would they return there?

yarnkittymon: JH:  There was a cave, but I don't think she had much there, if anything.  Doubt they'd go back.

Quantum Catz: EK: ::changes into a falcon and flies above her, drawing closer, though not sure what he plans to do if he catches up::

Quantum Catz: IS: So we just leave them to run off?

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::frowns::  We can try to get to the cave...but I don't think we'll catch them.  ::looks at Maeve::  Any ideas?

MaeveOwens: MV: Well, if you don't want them to get too far ahead of us I suggest we think as we move. ::she heads for the door::

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::still frowning, runs out the door::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::follows, not sure that they really stand any chance of catching up to the two shapeshifters::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::murmurs:: We'll likely scare her even more.

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she continues towards the trees, still sensing that Eli is following her::

yarnkittymon: JH:  Well, she knows me, at least!

Quantum Catz: EK: ::flies down close to her, to get her attention, trying to distract her and slow her down::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she stops, crouching low to the ground in order to hiss at him, showing him her displeasure::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::is surpised that she actually stopped, and as he tries to slow himself down he turns into a fox without meaning to (something he hasnt done in a long while) and slams into a tree, looking rather undignified as he drops to the ground, yelping::

yarnkittymon: :  ::a little girl nearby giggles at the scene before her::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she arches up, looking like a scared cat as she watches him fly into a tree. It takes a moment before she thinks to shift forms. She's too concerned for Eli to even notice the child as she rushes to his side; quietly:: Eli?

Quantum Catz: EK: ::shakes his head, looking a bit woozy, then turns back to a human, groaning:: Good thing i've got a thick skull

yarnkittymon: :  ::the little girl isn't old enough to make full sentences; she just shrieks in amusement::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::winces at the noise the girl's making and snarls at her::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she finally hears the girl and jumps. Since Eli is at least talking she jumps behind a tree, hiding:: What is a kid that age doing wondering out here alone? ::she looks around anxiously::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the girl steps back from Eli, going teary-eyed::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she starts to run further into the forest, knowing her parents can't be far away::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::starts to move after Leyla but he's disortiented and ends up falling over, realising that his leg's feeling pretty sore as well:: Leyla, wait

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she ducks behind another tree. When she notices him fall, she bites her lip; worriedly:: I can't. Her parents have to be near... ::she doesn't move, looking reluctant to leave him::

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::finally catches up, breathing a little hard, but not too much at all::

Quantum Catz: EK: You could tear them to shreds before they do anything to you, i don't see the problem! ::shakes his head and rubs at the part that hit the tree, wincing::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she starts to come out behind the tree to help him but she pauses when she senses the others are near; softly:: Your family is here... they can help you...

Quantum Catz: EK: I don't need help - i want to talk to you!

Quantum Catz: IS: ::is a bit behind Josh as he isn't nearly as fit as his younger brother has gotten recently::

MaeveOwens: LA: What's the point? I have to leave now. The whole town knows that I'm here!

yarnkittymon: :  ::a tall woman in a rather homely dress takes the cute little girl's hand, gently scolding her for a moment before she gets a better look at the girl helping Eli; she gasps, snatching the girl back away, and scolding more loudly::

Quantum Catz: EK *One* guard knows you're here, no one else really saw you

MaeveOwens: LA: ::pain washes over Leyla's face before she turns and dashes off::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::glares at the woman and then limps after Leyla::

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::goes after Leyla quickly, calling to Isaac::  Eli's hurt!

Quantum Catz: IS: ::catches up to the others and calls for Eli to stop trying to run so he can be healed::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she's following behind Isaac::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::hesitates, not wanting to lose sight of Leyla, then figures he'll catch up faster if his vision isn't swimming and stops, turning back to his older brother::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she pauses in order to look over her shoulder to make sure Eli was getting help::

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::keeps up after Leyla::

Quantum Catz: IS: This is crazy, Eli, you can't just chase her forever

Quantum Catz: EK: Just heal me already!

MaeveOwens: LA: ::once she is sure Eli is getting help, and she sees Josh still heading for her, she starts to shift forms again::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::glances at Maeve::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::quietly:: Heal him. Someone has to convince her we're not evil and that she doesn't have to run forever.

Quantum Catz: IS: ::sighs and heals his brother::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::quickly changes into a bird and flies after her again::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she's darting through the forest though when she senses Eli again she slows, not wanting to cause him to get hurt again::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::wishes he could talk to her because after that woman's reaction, he's not sure she's going to want to stop and listen::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she changes back, glaring at Eli:: Fine! You want to talk! Just go ahead before you get hurt again! ::she bites her lip, worriedly::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::stops in front of her and changes back as well; can't help but grin a bit:: So that's all i have to do to get you to listen to me? I'll remember that for next time

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she scowls at him:: That's not funny and if you so much as try it I'll rip you to pieces!

Quantum Catz: EK: ::sighs:: I know you didn't want me to take you into town...but i was worried about you

MaeveOwens: LA: It would have been better if I died! I have to leave now! Find somewhere else to hide... ::tears threaten to spill as she turns away::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::snaps:: You don't need to hide!

MaeveOwens: LA: You saw the way that woman reacted! The whole town will react the same way! I *have* to!

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::gets within sight of them at last, but doesn't show himself::

Quantum Catz: EK: I don't care about the whole town - they're idiots anyway

MaeveOwens: LA: They'll run me out anyway! I'm too ugly to have around! I look too much like those awful Shu'huh!

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::looks out from behind his tree::  That's not true!

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she jumps, almost leaping behind a tree again. She glares at Josh:: Well, close enough to have people talk!

Quantum Catz: EK: ::mutters:: Some people talk about me like one day i'm gonna turn on them, so what? If you run away, it's like admitting that they're right

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she looks away, sadly:: I'll bring bad luck to you anyway. And then you'll hate me like- ::tears make their way down her cheeks but she doesn't make a sound just starts to edge away again::

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::softly::  Maeve's nothing but bad luck but we still like her.

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she frowns, and pauses to look at Josh, trying to figure out if he's joking or not::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::smirks a bit at that:: He's right - she's nothing but trouble

MaeveOwens: LA: ::looking confused; quietly:: Then why would you keep her?

yarnkittymon: JH:  Well, Isaac and I like her.  She's a good person.

Quantum Catz: EK: She's not a toy, Kitten - you don't just throw people out cos they get in trouble

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she looks down at her feet again:: Yes you do.

Quantum Catz: EK: You do? ::looks at Josh, knowing he shouldn't make fun of Leyla, but also sure that she should know he'd never do something like that:: Then why have i had to put up with Maeve's antics for so long?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::hurt, she looks back at him:: I don't know! But it's what people do to me! ::she walks off again::

yarnkittymon: JH:  You know we'd never get rid of you!

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she knows no such thing so she keeps walking::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::runs after Leyla:: I don't want you to go

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she looks back at him sadly:: I have no where to go Eli... ::she just shakes her head and keeps walking::

Quantum Catz: EK: Just stay for a while - if it gets bad you can leave, i won't stop you

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she shrugs, quietly:: Okay. ::she moves away again, heading towards the cave.::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::keeps walking with her, not sure what to say since she seems so sure that it will get bad, but not wanting to leave her in case she still runs off::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she wraps her arms around herself, looking tearful though she hides behind her hair well enough that Eli might not notice::

Quantum Catz: EK: You're not ugly, you know. There are lots of people on this island who look different from others

MaeveOwens: LA: ::tearful:: But you don't know what people say...

yarnkittymon: JH:  Eli could probably beat them up for you.

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she shakes her head, looking pained. She starts to jog towards the cave, wanting to be alone::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::calls after her:: I'm not leaving here until i'm sure you're not going anywhere

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she keeps running, unable to answer him::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::snarls, frustrated that he can't seem to get her to believe him::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she gets to the cave and throws herself down on her blankets there, sobbing::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::hears her crying and moves towards the cave, though he stops outside, not sure whether she would really want him there::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she trembles and tries to reign in her sobs, not wanting him to see her like that even if it's too late::

Quantum Catz: EK: Leyla? Can i come in?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she sniffs and looks back at him::

Quantum Catz: EK: I'll go away if you really want me to ::though he probably wouldn't go far::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::in a small, desperate, voice:: Please don't leave me...

Quantum Catz: EK: ::moves into the cave and kneels down in front of her; softly:: You're the one threatening to leave

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she turns her face away and just sobs.::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::reaches out to touch her arm, not sure what to say::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she doesn't turn her face back to him until her tears have dried, though she doesn't meet his eyes::

Quantum Catz: EK: I'm sorry i've upset you today, i'd just hate it if anything happened to you

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she stares at him for a while; then whispers:: Thank you

Quantum Catz: EK: ::smiles weakly:: Isaac did all the work, i just carried you there

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she just lays there and continues to look at him, curiously, like she can't figure out why he's still around::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::smirks slightly as she watches him:: What? Is there something on my face?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she smiles weakly, looking a little shy again; quietly:: Yeah. ::then she pokes at his nose and grins::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::makes a face at her:: There was not ::but he smiles too::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::smiling a little more, she tucks her hand back under her and goes back to silently watching him::

Quantum Catz: EK: As exciting as i'm sure it must be to stare at me, i should probably go tell the others we don't have to chase after you anymore ::hesitates:: We don't, right?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she looks down, sadly:: I won't run. Yet.

Quantum Catz: EK: ::sighs:: I guess that's good enough for now

yarnkittymon: :  ::a few hours later, Eli has finally, reluctantly, left for the night--or, at least, Leyla thinks.  It's not much later, though, when she hears panting and sees a familiar dog poking its head through the cave entrance::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she looks up, frowning:: Eli? I thought you were gone for the night?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the dog barks once, then growls at Leyla, its fur bristling::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::her eyes widen and she scrambles to her feet, pressing herself up against the wall of the cave.:: Go away! ::trembling, she looks around for something to throw::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the dog snarls, and leaps at Leyla; if the girl were to try to change forms, she'd find it difficult, if not impossible::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she screams as she throws her hands over her head, pressing herself closer to the wall. She tries to change but only succeeds in making her cat like features more pronounced::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the dog may not be the very best form to attack a humanoid, especially not one with claws, but it bites into the girl's shoulder, trying to rip the flesh::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she screams again and swipes at the mutt with her claw hands::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the dog whimpers as it's injured, then comes back and tries to bite Leyla's leg::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::scared and still trembling, she kicks at the dog::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the dog whimpers again, cut fairly deeply; Leyla can suddenly see a familiarity in the dog's deep red eyes, nothing like Eli's::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she bites back a whimper as she tries to run out of the cave. She's still trying to change, knowing she'd have a better chance running up a tree::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the dog growls, chasing after Leyla, though it will have no chance at all of climbing a tree::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she comes to a large enough tree where she tries to use her claw hands to help her climb. She's never even attempted to climb a tree as a human though so the dog has a shot::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the dog is nipping at Leyla's heels, but one of the girl's clawed feet claws her face again, and she falls down, shifting to the form of a thin, dark-haired young woman with a once-beautiful, but now soiled and bloodied, dress::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::her heels are bleeding and she only spares the woman a glance before she continues to climb up the tree to safety. Her arms are trembling so bad it's a wonder she can even hold on::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman stands up, reaching for Leyla::  Get down here, you monster!  ::if Leyla looks back, she might notice a tail poking out from under the woman's dress::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she whimpers, and tries to climb faster, higher::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman yells::  Fine; stay up there 'til you drop!

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she reaches for the first branch she comes to, trying to climb on to it::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman just waits::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she sits down on the branch and curls herself up against the tree trunk. She watches the woman with a sad, tearful gaze::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman murmurs::  I know where you are now.  Even if *I* don't kill you, the townspeople will know you're here, and *they'll* do it for me.

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she presses herself further against the tree, crying softly now.::
yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman growls, and concentrates on shifting forms into a big cat, though all she can manage, at first, at least, are the ears::
MaeveOwens: LA: ::she tenses, and moves a little, like she's getting ready to climb higher::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::they both hear a low growl from nearby and suddenly there's a large black dog running towards the woman::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman screams, and the fear lets her change forms fully into a cat; she arches her back and hisses::
MaeveOwens: LA: ::she relaxes against the tree, looking relieved to see Eli, though she's still crying silently::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::snarls and lunges for the woman's neck, hoping to pin her rather than kill her::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman hisses, reeling back, and while Eli gets her on her back, she extends her claws and kicks at his stomach::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she starts to get a little worried for him and begins to inch her way back down the tree::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::cries out when her claws cut into him, tries to bite down on one of her forelegs::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the cat hisses, trying to rake her free paw across Eli's face::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she gets down from the tree and tries her best to fully change again::

yarnkittymon: :  ::Leyla is still having a hard time shifting::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::realising he's at a disadvantage as a dog unless he wants to just rip out her throat, he tries to pull back to give himself time to change into a cat himself::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the cat lets Eli go, then jumps at Leyla again::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she screams out in fear as she swipes at the cat, trying to keep her away; desperately:: Stop! I didn't do anything to you!

yarnkittymon: :  ::the cat just hisses::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::as soon as he's changed forms he runs at the woman again, trying to get between her and Leyla::

yarnkittymon: :  ::Eli has more practice fighting, so he gets in-between without too much difficulty::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she sniffs and glances at Eli, worriedly::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::growls at the woman, waiting for her to attack him::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::weakly:: Eli, don't... I don't want you to get hurt... ::she sniffs again::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the cat hisses again, and swipes at Eli's face::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::jumps forward to bite at the foreleg again as the cat swipes::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the cat screeches as Eli's teeth sink in::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::bites down harder, willing the woman to change back and stop fighting before either of them was any more hurt::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the cat still fights a bit more, but as she starts to lose her consciousness, she almost melts into a more human form--although she keeps the tail, and the cat ears, along with quite a bit of the fur::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::lets go as soon as she begins to change and backs away a step::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she takes a step back too, looking like she just wants to run::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman softly says::  Leyla...come here...

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she tenses, staring at the woman; weakly:: How do you know my name?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman murmurs::  Please...come here...Leyla...

Quantum Catz: EK: ::snarls and moves to block Leyla from from moving past him::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she doesn't move, looking rooted to the spot::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman softly says::  I'm...your mother...

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she glares at the woman; sharply:: Liar. My mother killed herself.

yarnkittymon: :  Your *new* mother.

Quantum Catz: EK: ::changes back to himself and tries to wipe some of the blood from his mouth; doesn't say anything::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::her eyes feel with tears again; angrily:: That's not even possible. I don't even have a father anymore. So leave me alone! ::she turns to run::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman weakly calls::  Leyla!

yarnkittymon: :  ::Leyla runs square into a guard, whose eyes go wide when he sees her::  Oh, you poor girl; what are you doing out so late?  And you're hurt!

Quantum Catz: ((why are ther eso many peopl ewandering this forest? ;-)))

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she yelps, and scrambles away from him, falling down as she does so::

yarnkittymon: ((I figured since it's a guard he could be on patrol ;) ))

Quantum Catz: EK: ::leaves leyla, sure that he could track her if she got further away; moves towards the woman:: Why did you come here?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the guard looks even more surprised::  Hey, hold up, kiddo!  I just want to get you healed!

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman shakes her head, closing her eyes::

Quantum Catz: EK: You want me to hurt you more to get it out of you?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she looks back at him, her cat like eyes huge and glowing in the moonlight. She edges away from him, knowing he'll stat trying to kill her at any moment::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the guard shakes his head, putting his hands up::  Sweetheart, you're hurt.

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she tilts her head, looking at him curiously::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the guard leans down::  I'm not here to hurt you, I promise you.

Quantum Catz: ((is the woman unconscious now? cos that's boring :-P))

yarnkittymon: ((She's technically faking :P ))

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she tenses when he leans down, only relaxing a little after he speaks; weakly:: I'm fine...

Quantum Catz: EK: ::kneels down and presses his hand to her wound to see if she's as unconscious as she looks::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man looks at the girl's wounds; after a moment, he pulls out a flashlight to see better; he can see every strange aspect of her body, and doesn't flinch at all::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman yells, a cross between an angry cat and a woman::  Get away from me!

yarnkittymon: :  ::the guard looks up, frowning::  Who's that, kiddo?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she's holding the arm of her injured shoulder tightly against her, and trying her best to avoid the light from the flashlight; softly:: She attacked me. My friend is still back there...

Quantum Catz: EK: You hurt Leyla and you have to deal with me. Why are you here?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the guard nods; softly::  Stay here; I'll deal with her.
yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman shakes her head, trying weakly to escape::
Quantum Catz: EK: ::holds on to her injured arm::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she watches him go and after a moment she gets up to follow, feeling ashamed of herself for leaving Eli alone with her::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the guard stands over the two people on the forest floor::  Eli?

Quantum Catz: EK: ::looks up and then moves away from the woman, not looking too happy about it; is rather relieved to see Leyla behind the guard though::

MaeveOwens: LA; ::she's stays back, not wanting to the woman to talk to her::
yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman looks at the guard::  That girl...she's a monster...

yarnkittymon: :  ::the guard glares::  All I see is a scared little girl behind me.  Who says that *you* hurt her.

Quantum Catz: EK: ::snarls at the woman:: Maybe you should get a mirror, lady

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she tenses again, looking ready to bolt.::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman kicks at Eli, then tries to shift into something smaller::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::restrains himself from kicking back and instead moves to hold her down::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman is too injured to change::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the guard gets out his handcuffs::  Help me cuff her, please.

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she looks a little surprised she isn't the one being taken in::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::holds the woman until the guard can handcuff her::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the guard gets the woman cuffed, then looks at Eli::  Can you help me bring her in?

Quantum Catz: EK: ::looks over at Leyla:: Will you come back into town? I don't want to leave you out here - isaac can heal you again

MaeveOwens: LA: ::her eyes fill again and she glances back at the woman. Looking fearful, she quickly shakes her head::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the guard softly says::  Kiddo, I'm not leaving you out here alone, and I'd rather get back home before another guard comes looking for me.

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she glances to the guard, looking confused again and not entirely sure she should trust him::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the guard smiles at Leyla::  My name's Art, by the way.

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she bites her lip, looking shy all of the sudden. She glances at Eli, like she doesn't know what to do::

Quantum Catz: EK: If you really want to, you can change into a cat when we get to town and no one'll know any different but us ::lifts his hand to wipe away the blood from a cut on his eyebrow, wincing::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::her lower lip trembles:: I can't change anymore.

yarnkittymon: :  ::Art frowns::  It's late; there's no one about.  And I know Isaac won't tell.
Quantum Catz: EK: ::looks at the woman:: It's probably something to do with her that you can't change

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she just edges farther away from the woman::

yarnkittymon: :  ::Art softly says::  Come on, kiddo.  It's not that far to town.

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she looks at Eli first, wondering if he was mad at her; quietly:: I'm sorry you got hurt because of me...

Quantum Catz: EK: I've had worse than a few claw marks, and it wasn't your fault

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she looks like she disagrees with him but she doesn't say anything more. She looks back at Art, smiling weakly::
yarnkittymon: :  ::Art smiles::  You okay to walk?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she slowly nods her head, not completely sure how long his kindness is going to last::
yarnkittymon: :  ::the guard looks back at Eli::  Think you can shift and carry the woman?

Quantum Catz: EK: Yeah ::looks at Leyla, to make sure she isn't going to run anywhere, then changes into a horse, waiting for Art to lift the woman onto his back::

yarnkittymon: :  ::Art hauls the struggling woman up onto the horse's back::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she stays where she is, watching silently::
Quantum Catz: EK: ::once the woman's on his back he moves towards Leyla, nudging her with his nose::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she smiles slightly when she takes the hint and starts moving in the general direction of the town::

yarnkittymon: :  ::they stop off at the prison first, where Art hauls their prisoner off of Eli's back to take her inside::  Will you kids be all right?

maggybeths: LA: ::she looks a little pale and is still clutching her arm tightly against her. She just nods her head, absently. Her attention is mostly on the town, looking for other people::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::changes back into a human, wincing when the cut on his head opens up and starts to bleed again:: Yeah, we'll go home and get healed. It's fine

yarnkittymon: :  ::the guard nods::  I may come by and check on you...although I suppose we'll need Isaac to come by for *her* when he's able.  Although, it looks like she'll live, so he might not want to bother.

Quantum Catz: EK: Yeah ::though he doesn't look like he really wants Isaac to heal the woman anyway::

yarnkittymon: :  ::Art grunts as his prisoner twitches::  Well, take care, you two.

maggybeths: LA: ::she doesn't look like she cares either. She shyly reaches for Eli's hand with her good arm, softly:: Come on, we'd better get you over there. Your head is bleeding...

Quantum Catz: EK: ::mutters:: I'll be fine. Your arm needs fixed first ::though he takes her hand, smiling a bit::

yarnkittymon: :  ::they can hear the prisoner suddenly shout::  Monster!  Kill that monster!

Quantum Catz: EK: ::turns around to look at the woman, snarling::

maggybeths: LA: ::she flinches away from Eli. She'd run but she's afraid he'll chase her instead of going to Isaac; softly:: Please, let's just go... ::she shivers::

yarnkittymon: :  ::Art has no qualms about cuffing the injured woman, and she falls silent again::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::nods and turns away, heading for his house without another word, though looking irritated::

maggybeths: LA: ::he can probably feel how tense she is as they head towards his home.::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::eventually:: Did you really not know that woman? She seemed to know you

maggybeths: LA: ::she quickly shakes her head no then worriedly looks over her shoulder::

Quantum Catz: EK: The only people here who know your name are my family and they wouldn't tell her.  Maybe you just don't remember her

maggybeths: LA: ::whispers:: Or maybe she's who she says she is and she married my father.

Quantum Catz: EK: ::a bit surprised:: He's alive? I just assumed... ::sighs, realising now why she might think that people just got tossed aside if they didn't fit in::

maggybeths: LA: ::she continues to stare down at her feet, silently::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::hesitates:: Do you...know where your father lives?

maggybeths: LA: ::she shakes her head no again::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::sighs again:: We can talk about it later, we're both tired just now ::they're nearly at his house now::

maggybeths: LA: ::she bites her lip again, looking around worriedly. She even slows down a bit, not wanting to face his family again::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::tightens his grip on her hand:: No running away once you're healed this time, I've had enough chases for one day

maggybeths: LA: ::she gasps, and looks up at him:: But... I can't stay *here*! You heard that woman! Once she convinces them of what I am I'll only lead trouble right to your doorstep!

Quantum Catz: EK: Art didn't seem to think you were anything other than a normal girl, which you are. She's a lunatic

maggybeths: LA: ::she shakes her head no again; softly:: She's right.

Quantum Catz: EK: What, because you look different? I've been stuck *between* shapes before, and I didn't notice Isaac and Toby wanting to kill me
maggybeths: LA: ::she looks away; quietly:: That, and I guess I'm cursed. ::she shrugs, not wanting to talk about it:: Anyway, I can't stay. I don't want to cause your family trouble.

yarnkittymon: :  ::Josh finally comes to the door, looking out, rather worried; whispers::  You're bleeding!

Quantum Catz: EK: ::looks at Leyla for a moment longer, not intending to let her go off anywhere, then turns to his brother:: Yeah, we got into a bit of trouble

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::nods::  Come in, Leyla...we'll get Isaac to help you.

maggybeths: LA: ::quietly:: You don't have to trouble him for me but Eli needs him.

yarnkittymon: JH:  If we already have to wake him, we might as well have him heal you, too.  ::goes inside, glancing back to make sure Layla is coming::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::is still holding Leyla's hand anyway, so he pulls her in with him::

maggybeths: LA: ::she isn't resisting but she isn't gleefully following either::

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::silently slips upstairs to wake Isaac::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::is quickly awake and dressed, and is soon coming down the stairs, lookign worried::

maggybeths: MV: ::she commotion woke her so she's up, dressed and trailing behind Isaac::

Quantum Catz: IS: What happened?

Quantum Catz: EK: ::shrugs:: Some woman attacked us, but one of the guards has her in a cell now

maggybeths: LA: ::she keeps her gaze on the floor; softly:: I'm sorry to be so much trouble.

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::grimaces::  I wish I would've been there to stop her.

Quantum Catz: EK: ::looking annoyed:: Well she's stopped now

Quantum Catz: IS: ::sighs and moves towards Leyla, pretty sure that his brother will want her healed first::

maggybeths: LA: ::murmurs:: Thanks... ::then tries to back up so he can heal Eli.::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::still isn't letting go of her hand::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::winces at the blood on his brother's face. Heals him:: You should probably go clean yourself up a bit

maggybeths: LA: ::she fidgets and tries to pull her hand out of Eli's; softly:: Thanks but I should get going...

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::slips over to block the door::

Quantum Catz: EK: You're staying here tonight, you're safer here

maggybeths: LA: ::tears threaten to fall and she tenses a little at the thought of being hemmed in; mumbles:: I doubt it...

maggybeths: MV: ::she yawns; quietly:: I'm sure Dolly wouldn't mind her using her room.

Quantum Catz: EK: ::smirks:: See? We even have a room for you

maggybeths: LA: ::she quickly shakes her head:: I couldn't impose...

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::quietly::  When will you learn that we like you?

maggybeths: LA: ::quietly:: I'll only cause you trouble.

Quantum Catz: IS: If you leave, Eli'll only follow you anyway, and after you've been attacked i'd rather you were both here were i can help you

maggybeths: LA: ::she can't deny the wisdom in that so she stays quiet::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::Grins:: So that's sorted then

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::smiles in relief::

maggybeths: MV: ::with a small smile, she offers her hand to Leyla; quietly:: Come on, I'll help you get settled. I'm sure we can find some extra clothes for you as well.

maggybeths: LA: ::she smiles hesitantly at Maeve then glances at Eli::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::smirks at Maeve:: Maybe you can explain to Kitten how she could never attract as much trouble as you do. She might listen to that

maggybeths: LA: ::she flushes slightly at his nickname for her and allows Maeve to take her hand::
maggybeths: MV: ::she looks down at Leyla with a conspiratorial smile:: I'm pretty sure there's a lot of stuff I can share with you about Eli... he has this annoying habit of being overprotective for starters. And stubborn... ::she leads the girl towards the stairs::
Quantum Catz: EK: ::Glares at Maeve:: You're one to talk about being stubborn

maggybeths: MV: ::over her shoulder:: Ha! You practically wrote the rules on how to be!

Quantum Catz: IS: ::Rolls his eyes:: You're both as bad as each other

maggybeths: MV: ::smiling, she shrugs and disappears upstairs with Leyla::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::sighs and goes through to the kitchen to wash the blood from his face and his arms::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::watches his brother, worriedly::

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::frowns, wondering how anyone could think Layla was a monster::