Quantum Catz: BM: He maybe just needs some time ::glances towards Milo's room to see if he's heading back::
maeveowens: MO: ::it doesn't take him long to find a little puzzle thing that he brings back out to Becky::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::sighs, silently shaking her head::

Quantum Catz: BM: ::turns back to Milo:: Ooh, this looks fun ::though she glances towards Libby as she says it::

MaeveOwens:  MO: ::he sits down and starts to show Becky how to put the pieces in::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::finally looks up at Maeve::  How have you been doing?

MaeveOwens: MV: ::smiles weakly:: Oh, I'm okay.

yarnkittymon: LB:  Never thought you two would adopt *another* kid.

MaeveOwens: MV: Well, she's already practically grown for one thing. And she really didn't want to go back so... ::she shrugs::

Quantum Catz: BM: She didn't have much of a fun time at the orphanage

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::smiles at Maeve, then frowns to hear Becky; looks back at Maeve::  Is she holding up okay with you and Isaac?

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she nods::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::smiles, then glances at her son::

Quantum Catz: BM: ::puts one of the pieces in, following Milo's instructions::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she nods:: Yeah, she seems happy enough. At least happier than I've seen her.

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::smiles::  I'm happy for her.  ::focuses on her sewing again::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she doesn't know if it's Milo's presence or the morning sickness but she's fighting the urge to get up and run. She takes a few more deep breathes; softly:: Yeah, me too...

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::finally looks up at Maeve::  Are you all right?

MaeveOwens: MV: ::forces a smile; quietly:: Yeah, yeah... um, I'll be right back. ::lunges off the sofa and heads into the back::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::cringes, wondering if she recognizes the expression on Maeve's face::

MaeveOwens: MO: ::when they've finished with that puzzle, he gets up and wonders back to his room for another one::

Quantum Catz: BM: ::when Maeve leaves:: Is it just my mixed up hormones that i automatically think of morning sickness?

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::softly::  It's hard to believe, but it might be...

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she takes her time coming back out. She looks hesitantly toward the door, not wanting to return home and give herself away but unsure if she should stay::

Quantum Catz: BM: ::chuckles:: no wonder she evaded the question before then

MaeveOwens: MO: ::he brings out a harder puzzle this time, one of a tree, and sits back down beside Becky::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::looks up, flushing slightly as she notices Maeve::  Are you all right?

MaeveOwens: MV: ::forces another smile:: Yeah. Sure. ::she sits down and then quickly tries to change the topic:: So, we should think of something relaxing to

MaeveOwens: do- that's not sewing. I'm rather bored sitting around all day.

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::smiles sadly::  You two can go see a film...or go for a walk.  Nothing too strenuous.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she frowns at Libby; quietly:: Unless you'd like not to be in our company I'd rather do something you'd want to do as well.

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::shakes her head::  Unless it's sitting here and listening to the radio, I don't really have the time, Maeve.

Quantum Catz: BM: Well you could let us help - neither of us have anything else to do

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she glances at Becky then back to Libby's sewing:: I'm sure Libby doesn't want me anywhere near what she's doing.

Quantum Catz: BM: ::smirks:: You could play puzzles with Milo and i'll help then

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she looks down at Milo, and swallows:: Umm...

MaeveOwens: MO: ::he slaps at one of the pieces, looking angry since it won't go in::

yarnkittymon: :  ::suddenly, they all see something a bit like a shadow, and then Maeve and Libby are in a ghost town, completely run-down and abandoned, half the buildings collapsed, the other half probably not safe to be inside::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she gulps, her queasiness suddenly returning:: What happened?

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::her eyes go wide, and she shakes her head::  I must have....::swallows::  Marquis...

yarnkittymon: :  ::at that same moment, Kizzie finds herself in a half-collapsed house::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she looks back at Libby, her eyes widen:: No, we can't be...

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::takes a few steps forward, calling::  Hello!  Is anyone there?

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::looks around, frowning, wonderng what happened::

Quantum Catz: ((is she near libby and maeve?))

yarnkittymon: ((Pretty near, definitely no farther away than her house is from Libby's))

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::leaves the house and looks around, feeling for any familiar plant life that would help her guess where she was::

yarnkittymon: :  ::Kizzie, at least, can instantly tell that all the trees left aren't from Marquis at all::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she pales quite a bit and thinks about running into one of the buildings for some privacy::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::walks around:: Hello?

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::thinks she hears someone::  Is someone there?

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::moves towards the voice, though rather hesitantly after the conversation she had with Guy::

yarnkittymon: :  ::a tired-looking woman, not more than a month from delivering, pokes her head out from another building; Maeve recognizes the woman, though she doesn't know her name::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::her eyes widen and she moves towards the woman:: Hey!

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::sees libby and runs towards her:: Libby!

yarnkittymon: :  ::the pregnant woman looks around in a daze; softly calls out::  Maeve?

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::calls out to Kizzie::  Oh, no...I'm so sorry!

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she nods:: Yes. ::pauses:: Are you okay?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman nods, shakily asking::  What happened?

Quantum Catz: KZ: Sorry? What for?

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::shakes her head::  I've sent us forward somehow; it's my fault!

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she frowns, and shakes her head:: We must be pretty far in the future for Marquis to look this dead.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman's eyes go very wide, and she shakes her head weakly::  The future?

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::frowns:: But this isn't Marquis

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::softly::  How do you know?  It doesn't look right, but it might be hundreds of years in the future...

Quantum Catz: KZ: Different trees, there'd be *something* familiar if it was the same area

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::isn't sure whether or not to be relieved; softly::  Then...::swallows before finishing softly::  We have to get home.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she frowns; worriedly:: Well, with Becky in her current condition there's no way for us to get back. ::looking desperate, she turns around and heads for one of the buildings::

yarnkittymon: :  ::a few more women, one carrying a sobbing three-year-old girl, come out from an alleyway and another building::

Quantum Catz: KZ: This...maybe this is where they've been disappearing to

MaeveOwens: MV: ::the appearance of more people just makes her need for privacy even greater and she doesn't care what the building looks like, she just takes the first one::

yarnkittymon: :  ::Maeve goes into a building that shakes as she opens the door::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::grumbles but doesn't care since she can't wait::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::looks at Kizzie; softly::  'They' who?

Quantum Catz: KZ: It was in the news...women disappearing. Guy came back to make sure i was okay ::winces:: I guess i'm not anymore
yarnkittymon: LB:  ::swallows hard, and then shakes her head, leaning close to Kizzie::  If...if what I think happened...happened...*we're* probably safe.  ::winces, then calls out::  Becky!
Quantum Catz: KZ: What do you think happened?

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::shakes her head; quietly::  You can't tell a soul, Kizzie.

Quantum Catz: KZ: I won't, i promise

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::softly::  It's Milo...::suddenly cuts herself off, looking around frantically::  Maeve!  She was just here--Maeve!

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she finds what she's looking for in the small shack and is on her way back out, feeling much better, but she makes the mistake of closing a door inside causing the whole structure to shake. She gulps::

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she comes around the side of another building; suddenly:: Libby!

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::shakes her head, calling out for Maeve, staggering forward::

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she runs to Libby's side, trying to catch her before she falls:: Are you all right? What happened?

yarnkittymon: LB:  Maeve's gone!

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she makes a mad dash for the door but that only aggravates the structure more as it comes crashing down around her::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::moves towards Libby as well:: She's maybe in one of the buildings

yarnkittymon: :  ::several of the women look up in alarm as a building collapses::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::swallows; softly::  Maeve...

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she rolls her eyes; mutters:: Well, that figures. Anyone want to take a bet on it being *that* building she was in?

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::walks forward weakly, calling::  Maeve!

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::smiles weakly and moves towards the building:: Maeve? Are you there?

MaeveOwens: MV: ::weakly from inside the pile of rubbish:: Libby!

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::is fairly shaking at this point, but she runs forward, trying to figure out the best way to get through the rubble to her friend::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::tries to forced the grass to grow up through the rubble to push some of it away, though she's not sure how alive anything is in this town::

yarnkittymon: :  ::though there's not all that many living plants in the town, a few blades of grass and even a couple plants have survived untended::

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she moves forward with Libby:: Maeve! Keep talking so we know where you are!

MaeveOwens: MV: ::weakly:: Over here!

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::keeps clawing at the rubble, frantically, calling out::  Maeve!  Keep it up!

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::uses what little plantlife there is to grow near maeve and unsettle some of the rubble around her::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the pieces of house start to give way, though it takes all the strength of several of the women to lift a particularly large section of roof::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she's cowering safely under two cross beams that are shielding her from most of the rubble. There's a bump that's bleeding on her forehead,

MaeveOwens: and a few other scratches but she was pretty lucky::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::hugs Maeve once the girl is free from the rubble::  Maeve...why the devil did you run off?

yarnkittymon: :  ::another of the women starts ripping at her own skirt, to make a bandage for Maeve::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she shivers, a little shocked to have a roof suddenly cave in on her; weakly:: I was looking for other people?

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::softly:: This place is dead, there's hardly any plantlife ::shivers:: It's creepy

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::suddenly::  We have to get back home!

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she winces::

Quantum Catz: KZ: Guy will look for me but...who knows if his power can find us here, wherever here is

MaeveOwens: SV: Well, we can't wait here. Perhaps a few of us should walk out and find the next town. We can send help back for the others.

Quantum Catz: KZ: I'll come, maybe i'll find something familiar outside of here

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::nods::  Maeve...you might want to stay back...

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she frowns:: No, if you're going so am I.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she smiles at the woman who gave her bandage and offers her a quiet thanks::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman smiles back, though she looks rather worried; she's too far along to travel too far::

MaeveOwens: SV: I know most of the Island so I'm definitely going. We should only need the three of us, Maeve.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::frowns again:: I'm going.

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::cringes, looking around at the other women::  Can any of you defend yourselves?  And the others?

MaeveOwens: MV: ::mutters:: It's a ghost town Libby. The only thing they need defending from is falling buildings.

yarnkittymon: LB:  What if someone comes up?

yarnkittymon: :  ::one of the women timidly raises her hand, which suddenly flashes white; a forcefield circles her fist::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she blinks:: It's a ghost town. Why would anyone come up? ::the forcefield catches her attention and she nods:: Problem solved, lets go.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the other women all look rather intimidated::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::shakes her head::  I hate to leave them alone...

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she crosses her arms:: Like they're going to want *me* to stay with them.

Quantum Catz: KZ: i don't think you're going to change her mind, libby

MaeveOwens: SV: Kizzie is right, because we've tried and now we're wasting daylight by arguing. Let's go.

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::cringes::  Promise you'll be careful, at least, Maeve?

MaeveOwens: MV: ::grumbles:: There is a lot more around here for me to get into.

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::starts to move away from the buildings, wanting to find more life in the ground, rather unused there being so little plantlife around her::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::promises the other women they'll be back soon, and then heads out of town::

yarnkittymon: :  ::there's a few more plants as they continue on, and they can see the forest just up ahead::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::moves towards the forest::

yarnkittymon: :  ::in just a few minutes, they're away from the ghost town, and on their way down a rather rough path, with trees growing close around it::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::relaxes a bit more when the trees are nearby::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::it's not long before she's thinking she should have thought longer before deciding to come, though she does her best to fight it::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::is glancing at Maeve every so often, looking worried::

yarnkittymon: :  ::they can see some farmland up ahead, and there's a few well-tended apple trees behind a fence, near the path::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she glances at Libby; softly:: I'm fine. I've had worse bumps before you know.

Quantum Catz: KZ: Someone must live near here, those trees are well looked after

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::quietly::  It's not just the bump.

yarnkittymon: :  ::as they pass the trees, they see a little farmhouse up ahead, with a very thin man tending to a garden out in front::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she smirks, and looks away, knowing that Libby has figured it out::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::moves towards the man:: Excuse me...?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man jumps as Kizzie speaks, and looks around defensively::  What?

Quantum Catz: KZ: We're...a bit lost

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man runs a hand over his short dark hair, shaking his head::  Lost?  What do you know about *lost*?

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she comes forward, not liking the man's reaction.:: Plenty since we are lost...

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man sighs, shaking his head::  I'm...sorry...it's just...::he sighs::  Where are you trying to get to?

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::weakly:: Marquis would be good

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she's studying the man, trying to gauge who he is and why he seems so nervous::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man is looking around rather anxiously, but doesn't offer any good clues::
yarnkittymon: :  ::Stephanie can, however, vaguely discern that his shoulders are slumped, more in misery than an intent to cross them::

MaeveOwens: MV: And a mode of transportation would be greatly appreciated. ::smiles sweetly::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head; quietly::  Good luck with that, ladies.

Quantum Catz: KZ: Can you tell us the names of any nearby towns at least?

MaeveOwens: SV: ::is still quietly watching him::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man frowns; quietly::  Looks like you came from Norspring...that's just past Dentam, which isn't much better off.
MaeveOwens: MV: ::frowns:: Why did we have to end up in the middle of nowhere?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head::  I guess that's what comes from wandering around without a man to navigate?

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::glares::

MaeveOwens: SV: ::smirks:: In my experience we'd be even more lost

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head; quietly::  If you're not going to level with me, I see no reason why I should do the same.

Quantum Catz: KZ: What happened to Norspring? It feels dead, even the plantlife

MaeveOwens: MV: ::looks confused:: Level with you? What's there to level with?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head::  Something came along and sucked the life out of it, before Dentam even...::shakes his head::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::watches him expectantly for a moment then quietly demands:: And? What's there to level about?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head; quietly::  All you ladies want to get away from here as quick as possible.  ::quickly turns away, rubbing his eyes::

MaeveOwens: SV: Why do you say that?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man softly says::  Ain't a good place for women to be.

MaeveOwens: SV: They all left then? Where'd everyone go?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head::  Only one of the women left.  ::he points down the road::  I suggest you all head to Renburg; maybe you can get a ride to Marquis from there.

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she looks a little confused:: Then why isn't this a good place for women to be? You'd think more would have left.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head again::  Just get out before something happens to you.

MaeveOwens: SV: ::looking more interested:: You think something would?yarnkittymon: :  ::the man nods once, not looking at them::  Yeah.

MaeveOwens: SV: ::gently:: Like what?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man scowls::  You're liable to be taken.

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she frowns:: By who?

yarnkittymon: :  ::quietly::  If I knew who it was, don't you think I'd have gone after him?

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she shrugs:: I don't know. Perhaps you're scared of him? Do you know where he's taking them?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man glares at Stephanie::  I told you, if I knew, I'd have done something!

MaeveOwens: SV: ::quietly:: Okay, okay. I was just wondering if you knew more than you were letting on.

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::hesitantly:: People have been disappearing from other towns...do you think it could be the same person?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man cringes::  They have?

MaeveOwens: SV: Yeah.

MaeveOwens: MV: Well, if he doesn't know anything, and if the guy is wondering out here then maybe we should..hurry back.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man swallows hard; quietly::  Were they wrapped in shadow?  And then just vanished?

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::hesitates:: I don't know. But Guy couldn't find them, not any sign. I was going to go and help him but then i ended up here

MaeveOwens: SV: ::her eyes widen; quietly:: Why? Do you know someone capable of doing that?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man slowly shakes his head; quietly::  No.  But...that's what happened to my wife.

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she winces:: I'm sorry to hear that. Can you tell me where it happened at?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man softly says::  She was out in the garden...I looked out the window...

MaeveOwens: SV: You didn't see anything else? No one else was around?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head::  I just saw her...look at me...as she was vanishing into nothing...

Quantum Catz: KZ: Where in the garden?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man motions to a small patch of carrots::  Right there...

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::looks around for something that might have held enough of the memory for her to see it::

yarnkittymon: :  ::besides the carrots, there's a small rosebush not far away; the trees are around the house, the nearest probably ten or fifteen steps away from the spot::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::goes to the rosebush, she's not sure if it'll work as well as a tree might, but since it was closer, it stands more of a chance of having held onto something. She touches it and the leaves start to sway as she tries to look back at what happened::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the rosebush knows that the woman tended to it every day, and it saw her screaming and struggling against a blanket of shadow that folded up into itself, leaving nothing behind::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::focuses on the shadow, trying to find some source for it, to make sense of what it is, though she thinks it may be impossible to work out from the bush's memories::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the bush isn't able to give Kizzie any more help--even a person would have a hard time making sense of what it saw::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::pulls her hand away sighing::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::looks at Kizzie; softly::  Any luck?

Quantum Catz:  KZ: Just a shadow, like he said

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she frowns and glances back at the trees:: Supposing that this thing is more than just a shadow, that maybe someone is controlling it or something... maybe the trees out there saw more? If someone was hiding in them that is?

yarnkittymon:  ::the man blinks, then, quietly::  You're talking to the trees?

4:27

MaeveOwens: MV: ::smirks:: After seeing that shadow thing, *that* surprises you?

Quantum Catz: KZ: It drains me to do this too often, but i can try ::smiles weakly at the man as she walks towards one of the trees::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man nods, frowning::  Is there...anything I can do to help?

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::places her hand on one of the trees, wincing as her hand merges with it and the trees branches start to weave about:: You've kept them healthier than some, that might be enough help ::tries to search its memories::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the tree does have a flicker of a memory of a dark presence, and then of something rushing away, towards the town they were in, like a storm::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::pulls her hand away from the tree, stumbling a bit as she backs away, looking in the direction of the movement that the tree saw::

yarnkittymon: :  ::there's nothing at all to be seen in that direction::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man steps forward; quietly::  Are you all right?

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::frowns, wishing that she could find a more clear answer than she got; looks at the other trees, wondering if another would have remembered any better; distractedly:: I'll be fine

MaeveOwens: SV: ::quietly:: DId you see something?

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::looks rather worried too::

Quantum Catz: KZ: There was something there, and it moved towards the town, but i couldn't tell if it was even a person

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::cringes::  We ahve to get there, then.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she looks at Libby:: But if it was still there then we wouldn't have been sent there, would we?

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::softly::  I don't know...

MaeveOwens: SV: You three should stay here. I'll go back and check the town out.

Quantum Catz: KZ: You shouldn't go on your own

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head::  You're certainly not going alone.

MaeveOwens: SV: You need to rest and Maeve has no business chasing after a criminal and it's gonna take two of you to hold her back. ::she looks at the man:: And have you ever chased after anyone before? I don't think so.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she scowls:: How do you know we aren't in just as much danger waiting here for you? Besides, you're gonna need help getting the others out.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man grimaces::  I don't know how to chase a ghost.  ::turns to Maeve with wide eyes::  Others?

MaeveOwens: MV: A bunch of us got dumped in that ghost town for some reason. I guess maybe he could be taking them there. ::she shrugs::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::frowns; quietly::  I don't know...I hate to think he's...*I've*...brought us all into danger.

MaeveOwens: MV: Or we've been put here to help.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man frowns, then goes back inside his house to get his dagger::

Quantum Catz: KZ: I'm not sure what any of us can do against a shadow...i mean, if a person doesn't show themselves, then how do we stop them?

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::a little sharply::  Well, we can't leave a group back helpless!

MaeveOwens: SV: ::quietly:: I'm more worried about finding the women he took. I'm heading back to the town now. Maybe you three can go for help, get someone to come back with a wagon or two. :she heads for the town::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she shrugs and hurries after Stephanie:: Fireball might not do much good but you never know!

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man quickly follows Stephanie as well::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::looks at Libby, not sure whether to follow or not::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::sighs, looking rather upset; glances at Kizzie::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::quietly::  Unless you think there's more clues here...I'd rather be with the group.  ::smirks::  Although, we might be safer *here* than with Maeve.

Quantum Catz: KZ: I guess we go with them, then

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::nods, walking quickly::

yarnkittymon: :  ::after a very long pause, quietly::  If something awful happened to Norspring, we have to get the ladies out of there.

MaeveOwens: MV: We need transportation to do that. Some won't be able to walk far and others have small children with them.

yarnkittymon: LB:  At least out of the town proper, then...even an eighth of a mile away would be better than being *in* there.

MaeveOwens: SV: There might not even be anything there anymore, especially if it's moved on.

yarnkittymon: LB:  But we don't *know* that.

MaeveOwens: SV: ::smirks:: I just think it'd be pretty ironic if we moved them from there to where the thing is. ::she shrugs:: We'll check the town out for clues anyway.

yarnkittymon: :  ::when they near the town, they hear some rather hysterical sobbing::

MaeveOwens: SV: Or maybe it's still hanging around a ghost town hoping people will come back... ::she takes off running::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::runs after her, though she's not sure what she'll be able to do in a town with so little plantlife::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man is running too::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::looks back at Maeve severely::  You wait here!

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she glares at Libby and of course does not stay put. She worn out from walking though, not something she's used to and is doing her best to hide it. She ends up trailing a ways behind them::

yarnkittymon: :  ::they find all the women gathered around a rather young one among them, who is on her knees, sobbing; the one with the protection power has put a white forcefield around her::

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she runs up to them:: What happened?

yarnkittymon: :  ::one of the women says::  She just started yelling and screaming and crying...

MaeveOwens: SV: Over what?

yarnkittymon: :  She won't say...

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she leans down next to the woman:: Miss? You need to tell us what happened. Was it a shadow?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman nods silently, trying hard to stop sobbing::

MaeveOwens: SV: Did it try to take you?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman shakes her head::

MaeveOwens: SV: DId it take someone else?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman chokes::  A couple dozen women...asleep...like in a hospital...

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she frowns:: So you saw where they were?

yarnkittymon: :  Saw...a shadow...a shadow over them...

MaeveOwens: SV: ::gently:: Do you know where they were?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman shakes her head::  Maybe...like a cave...beams...

MaeveOwens: SV: A mine?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man cringes, swallowing hard::  Dentam?

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::looks at him:: Is Dentam as dead as this place?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man nods grimly::  Monsters attacked...killed almost half the people...

MaeveOwens: SV: ::grimaces:: Monsters? ::she shakes her head:: Anyway, if there's any caves there then we should check it out.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head; quietly::  I'll go...but you ladies need to stay here.  There's more than enough things to kill you there...

Quantum Catz: KZ: Are these monsters still there?

MaeveOwens: SV: ::shakes her head again:: No, you'll need help getting them out. I'm at least going. Monsters or no monsters.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head::  I don't know...but they might come back if there were more people to eat around there.

MaeveOwens: SV: Then let's get there before they find out they've got free dinner. ::she heads out of the town again::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::looks back at the women, sighing::  Take care of yourselves here...you might want to get out of town; this place is cursed too.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the woman with the forcefield nods tensely::  We'll be nearby.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man tosses a key to one of the women::  You're welcome to hole up in my house, if you can make it.  ::motions to the path, then follows Stephanie::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::hesitates, and then follows after the man and Stephanie::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::runs after them too::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she sighs heavily when she sees them taking off again. Picking up her pace, she hurries to catch up::

yarnkittymon: :  ::they go on their way, the man growing visibly more disturbed as they walk::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she gets more tired but at least keeps up even if she is quite a few steps behind them::

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she's just looking anxious. She turns to look at the man:: Do you know where any caves are here?

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::looks around, trying to listen to the voices of any nearby plantlife, in the hope she might get a warning if something comes towards them::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man quietly says::  We'd be heading to the mines, but I don't know how to get in...thought the entrances were all caved in.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the plantlife is silent, although a few sickly trees do reach out to Kizzie::

MaeveOwens: SV: If it is only a shadow then it might not need an opening to get in.

yarnkittymon: LB:  :cringes::  That could be what's hindering Mr. Stowe as well...if they're in a place where no person should be...

Quantum Catz: KZ: I don't know, i suppose so ::tries to stay clear of the sickly trees, as she doesn't want to have her energy drained::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man quietly says::  I'm not sure if we'll make it to the mines today.

MaeveOwens: MV: Dentam is that big? Or have we just not gotten there yet?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man quietly says::  You think I'd want to live close to that wicked place?

MaeveOwens: MV: ::defensively:: Well, how would I know?

MaeveOwens: SV: We've got to try anyway. Maybe if we move fast enough. If they are in a cave then it's likely there's not much oxygen. ::she picks up her pace::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::turns pale, thinking of Becky, and walks a little faster, too::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man frowns, glancing at Maeve::  If there's not much oxygen, then there's no hope anyway.

MaeveOwens: SV: ::snaps:: You don't know that! Even if it's taken someone recently there will be one to save. If you want to go back, you can.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man cringes::  I'm not going back.

Quantum Catz: KZ: Then i guess we just keep going then

yarnkittymon: :  ::they keep on until the sun sets, and the man suggests they stop, adding::  We're probably only a mile from the mines.

MaeveOwens: SZ: Then let's keep going.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::forms a fireball:: We've got light.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man looks rather surprised, but he nods grimly::  Don't tire yourselves out, though.

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::looks a bit tired already, but keep going, grimly::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she shrugs:: I can keep going if I have to.

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::has slowed a bit after all the walking but she continues without a word::

yarnkittymon: :  ::finally, the man motions for them to slow down; they can't see a town ahead, but do see a mine entrance, completely covered by rocks::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she sighs in relief and reaches out to lean up against it, completely spent:: Now...what?

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::smiles tiredly at Kizzie::  Unless you can get the trees to come over and throw those rocks out of the way?

Quantum Catz: KZ: I could maybe loosen them if there're enough plants growing around them

yarnkittymon: :  ::unlike in the last town, this mine has grass growing up thickly all around the rocks, anywhere where they can get the least bit of sunlight::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::moves forward and kneels in front of the rocks, placing her hand on the ground and willing the grass to take her energy and grow more; though she's tired from the walking, so she tries not to overdo it::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the grass tries its best, and dislodges some of the rocks near the bottom, which sends the ones at the very top tumbling down::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::yelps as she stumbles out of the way::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::ends up falling to her knees as she quickly moves away::

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she tries to catch the girl; softly:: Are you all right?

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::looks rather worried, stepping back as well::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::nods, running a hand through her hair:: I'm just a bit tired

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man looks up at the entrance; there's just enough rocks dislodged, they may be able to crawl through::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she looks pale, and tired and is eyeing the entrance with a small amount of fear. Small, dark place. Wonderful. She fires up her fireball again; weakly:: I guess I should go first...

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::quietly::  I can go first, Maeve...I don't know that I like you going in at all.  It's a climb, and we don't know what's on the other side.

MaeveOwens: MV: You'll need light, Libby. You can't go in without me. ::she swallows hard, and reaches for the top rock to lift herself up::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the rocks are so heavy, it's a wonder Kizzie got the grasses to move them at all; they don't give under Maeve's weight::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::trying not to panic nor lose whatever little is left in her stomach, she inches farther into the cave to give the others room to climb in::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::climbs up after Maeve; something pops as she climbs, but it causes her more embarrassment than pain::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::waits for the others to go in, needing a minute to reorient herself, and prepare to go in the cave - she doesn't much like the idea of a dark enclosed space::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::calls out in the dim cave, startled when her voice echoes::  Kizzie?  You coming?

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she puts a hand on Kizzie's shoulder:: You can stay here, Kizzie, if you want.

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::shakes her head:: I've come this far

MaeveOwens: SV: :motions for the rocks:: Then I'll be right behind you.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man is already in, next to Libby, frowning deeply::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::climbs into the cave::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she looks around, hoping there is a torch to light::

yarnkittymon: :  ::there's not a torch, although one of the wooden roof supports has broken off, so she might try lighting that::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she figures she'll do more damage with that so she keeps her fireball. She's rather hesitant to move further though; quietly:: How deep do you think this is?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shrugs, frowning::  Could go down at least a quarter mile.  If this is the right mine at all.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she groans but forces herself to take a small step forward and then another::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::glances back towards the outside world, and then forces herself to turn around and follow maeve::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::looks at the women, frowning::  Well...there's air here...for now, anyway.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she groans, and puts a hand against the wall:: Positive thoughts... positive thoughts...

Quantum Catz: KZ: More air now that those rocks have been moved

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::sighs, wondering if she brought the wrong group here; she keeps walking, frowning when they come to a junction::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she lights up one end and then the other, trying to figure out which way to go and once again trying not to panic about getting stuck down here::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::isn't much help without any plantlife to ask::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::quietly::  I'm less worried about the direction, than making sure we can get out again.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shrugs::  Well, I'd say there's more tunnels that way.  ::motions::  That's where town is--there's probably more exits, too.  Even if they're all blocked.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::liking the idea of more exits, she heads in the way he motions::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::follows, looking rather worried::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man stays close with the group::

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she's in the back, making sure nothing sneaks up on them::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the mine is eerily quiet, and they don't see anything except the shadows caused by Maeve's fireball::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she wouldn't be surprised if they weren't hearing the beating of her heart but to her that only adds to the cave's creepiness::

Quantum Catz: KZ: I wish we could find something just to get it over with

yarnkittymon: :  ::as if in answer to Kizzie, they see something up ahead, poking out of a small alcove in the rock--it's the bones of a human hand, attached the the rest of a cowering skeleton::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::her heart beat picks up a few more notches; weakly:: He's been at this a while... ::she hurries past it. It would be nice to see one of those exits about now::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::shudders:: Maybe i shouldn't have said anything after all

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head; quietly::  That could've been the beasts' work.

Quantum Catz: KZ: Those...monsters...that attacked the town?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man nods; quietly::  They might have gotten into the mines.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she shudders; worriedly:: Do you know what kind they were or what happened to them?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head::  Beasts...you know, wolves and the like...I think all kinds, working *together*.  And they just fled...from what I understand.  Obviously the accounts were pretty mixed and confused.

MaeveOwens: MV: Oh. Lovely.

Quantum Catz: KZ: Well, let's just hope they're not coming back any time soon

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head::  Unless they're holed up in here, I don't think they'll get us.  I'd be more worried about suffocating.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::sharply:: Okay! Next topic.

yarnkittymon: :  ::they see a very dim light up ahead::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she stops suddenly, knowing she should kill hers but kind of afraid to::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::freezes as well::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she settles for dimming the fireball significantly as she inches her way towards where the light is::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::follows quietly::

yarnkittymon: :  ::there's an open wooden door set in the frame of the stone wall, and some fresh air coming in through the doorway; whoever's in front finds herself looking into an empty office with cabinets and a few files laying out on a desk::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she walks in to take a look, hoping for maybe a map or something of the mines::

yarnkittymon: :  ::Libby and the man follow, more hesitantly; the room is lit by an electric light overhead::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::glancing at the light; quietly:: Someone had to have been here recently. ::she searches through the files and the stuff on the desk:: Come on, they gotta have a map.

Quantum Catz: KZ: Well, at least we know it's definitely a person involved - shadows don't tend to need offices

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man quietly says::  Sure this isn't just an office from the mines?  ::looking around nervously::

MaeveOwens: SV: Someone had to turn the lights on recently or the bulbs would be blown out. They've been shut down for a while haven't they?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man nods, though he doesn't look very comforted::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she gives up looking:: So much for knowing where we're headed. ::she ducks back out of the room, lighting her fireball again:: Shall we continue? ::her flame isn't nearly as bright as when they started::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::hesitates, and then suddenly grabs one of the files, slipping out with it::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::glances at Libby when she takes the file, though she doesn't say anything::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::leans close to Maeve; softly::  No one else is curious as to what we're up against?

MaeveOwens: MV: ::tiredly:: Perhaps, I just figured we'd get whoever is down here and get out. ::she looks at Libby:: Why? DId you find something. ::she looks at the papers in her hands::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man has fallen behind, but he slowly comes out of the room, holding something, his hand shaking::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the file contains quite a bit of medical data, though Libby at least can make little sense of the charts::

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she looks back when she hears footsteps behind her; frowning.:: Did you find something?

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she pales a bit more:: They're running tests on these women? For what?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man silently holds out a full-body photograph of an unconscious woman in a hospital gown::

Quantum Catz: ((is this his wife? since kizzie might recognise her))

yarnkittymon: ((Ah, yes, it is))

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::pales when she looks at the picture:: I suppose we're in the right place then

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she cringes:: We've got to hurry.

yarnkittymon: :  ::suddenly, the shadows under Maeve's feet take form, and encircle her; the woman barely feels anything except cold, and then, she's nowhere to be seen::

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she looks up when she sees the light upahead disappear; worriedly:: What happened?

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::instinctively grabs for Kizzie's hand, murmuring::  Maeve...

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::weakly:: I think she's gone

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man cringes, softly saying::  I told you ladies not to come.

MaeveOwens: SC: ::she cringes:: Now what? We don't even have a light to see by...

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::softly::  If...she was taken...she'd be near the office, right?  Maybe we can feel around and find where she is...

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::is suddenly rather desperate to hear the voice of a tree, or a plant, or anything; she tries to feel if there's anything at all nearby::

yarnkittymon: :  ::Kizzie can feel the roots of a single tree up above, and nothing else::

MaeveOwens: SV: ::frowns:: What do you mean that she'd be near the office?

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::quietly::  How many hospitals have you seen where the charts for the patients are kept in a place that isn't convenient to the rooms where they're staying?

MaeveOwens: SV: Well, then they'd all have to be around here then but I didn't see another room. ::she starts feeling the walls::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::does the same, rather worried::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::copies them, glancing up towards the tree roots above her, feeling slightly comforted, though not by much::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::slowly::  What if Stephanie's right?  What if whoever's doing this is like Becky, taking them somewhere else entirely?

Quantum Catz: KZ: Well, they must still be somewhere else in these caves, or else there'd be no reason for this person to be hiding down here

MaeveOwens: SV: Besides, that woman with the vision said it looked like a cave. They've gotta be here somewhere. ::She gives up searching the wall::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::quietly::  I'd think the other door would be in the office..

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she heads back towards the office.:: I didn't see one before...

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::quietly::  Maybe it's not meant to be seen.

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she starts feeling over the walls in the office::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::looks down at the files, flicking through them to see just how many there are::

yarnkittymon: :  ::there's only a few more on the desk, but at least a dozen in a cabinet below it::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::kneels down to look at the ones in the cabinet::

yarnkittymon: :  ::Kizzie does come across one with a recent date, describing someone who shares Becky's features::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::hesitates:: Libby...

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::looks up; quietly::  Becky?

Quantum Catz: KZ: It could be her, there isn't a picture

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::cringes, shaking her head, then looking around for a door again::

yarnkittymon: :  ::suddenly, a dark-haired man in a lab coat seems to almost appear out of nowhere; he smiles at the women, disarmingly::  Can I help you?

MaeveOwens: SV: ::her eyes widen; coldly:: Who are you?

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::jumps and the ceiling shudders ever so slightly as the roots above them move in response::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man's eyes widen, and he steps back, eyeing Kizzie, almost hungrily, but he turns his attention back to Stephanie::  Doctor MacNeil at your service.  Can I ask why you're trespassing?

MaeveOwens: SV: You took our friends. We want them back.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head::  In good time.

MaeveOwens: SV: No. Not in good time. ::sharply:: Where are they?

Quantum Catz: KZ: What are you doing to them? ::she's backed away a step after the look he gave her, and is forcing the tree above them not to react to her panic in case it sends the ceiling caving in on them::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head, frowning::  Is any of you married to that man?  ::points to their rather useless escort::

Quantum Catz: KZ: What's that got to do with anything?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor shakes his head silently::  As I said, you'll have your friends back soon enough.  They likely won't remember a thing, so don't worry about them.  And you *can't* reach them.

Quantum Catz: KZ: But why have you taken them?

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she tries to be subtle about reaching behind her for the small knife she has tucked into her waste band::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor shakes his head coldly::  I wouldn't expect *you* to understand.

MaeveOwens: SV: Try us.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor smiles weakly::  You're just trying to kill time, aren't you?  What *else* are you planning to kill?

MaeveOwens: SV: ::as if to answer him, she lunges for him, trying to get the blade to his throat::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor melts away into shadow::

MaeveOwens: SV: ::sighs in disgust:: Great. Now what?

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::backs away a step again, preferring to know where he is than have him disappear:: I don't think we can fight him

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::cringes; quietly::  If he's...pulling people away...we have to get him to take us...

MaeveOwens: SV: ::looks back at her; shocked:: Are you crazy? We'll never get out!

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::swallows, reaching out to take the man's hand::  Maybe not...but what do you think...honey?

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head, looking mortified and puzzled, all at once::

MaeveOwens: SV: Are you mad? You won't be in any condition to help them Libby!

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::looks above her, wondering if it's too far for her to try and reach out to Guy, or if he'd even find her if she managed to warn him::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::glares at Stephanie::  What other ideas do you have?

MaeveOwens: SV: If anything we go *back*! Getting ourselves caught and stuck isn't the answer!

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::cringes::  Don't be stupid!

MaeveOwens: SV: We'll need to find someone who can help. Someone who can find their way through here and can get through walls! That is more logical than your idea!

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::shakes her head::  Maeve and Becky are down there!

Quantum Catz: KZ: I think she might be right, Libby - we're a long way from home - if we get caught and then can't escape, it'd be a while before anyone found us - those women couldn't travel very far or quickly

MaeveOwens: SV: And we obviously can't fight this guy.

yarnkittymon: :  ::they suddenly feel a new, cold breeze, briefly, and then the room is perceptibly lighter::

MaeveOwens: SV: ::shivers:: What was that?

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::looks around, expecting some window to the outside world, probably more out of wishful thinking than anything else::

yarnkittymon: :  ::there's no window::

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::softly::  Maybe he's gone...

MaeveOwens: SV: Gone? As in he just moved them to a new location? That could be a problem.

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::quietly::  Not if we figured out where his prisoners are.  ::looks at Kizzie, desperately::  Do you think the trees might be able to tell by their roots, what's underneath them?

Quantum Catz: KZ: There's only one tree above us that i can feel

yarnkittymon: LB:  Think there's any more in the other tunnels?  ::frowns, stomping her foot in frustration::

Quantum Catz: KZ: There might be but you're expecting an awful lot of a tree when you'd never be able to tell what was underneath your feet...i'm sorry

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man with them clears his throat and softly says::  You ladies can go on back, but I'm going to keep looking.

MaeveOwens: SV: ::she turns to the man:: Wait! Maybe you should go back to Marquis for help. If we get taken, you're our only hope and if you got out now you might stand a better chance.

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head; quietly::  Marla's around here somewhere, and I'm not leaving her.

MaeveOwens: SV: Well someone has to go back! It's crazy if we're all caught!

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::softly::  Kizzie, you're the best able to defend yourself...

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::nods:: I'll go back, if i get outside, i might even be able to reach Guy from here, though it might be too far

MaeveOwens: SV: I have a feeling he doesn't want me or our friend here. Libby, you might consider going too.

yarnkittymon: LB:  ::shakes her head quickly::  I can't.  ::smiles weakly at Kizzie::  Good luck, Kizzie.

Quantum Catz: KZ: You be careful

yarnkittymon: LB:  Of course...

MaeveOwens: SV: We will. You too. Remember to look for that fork in the path...

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::nods:: Good luck ::heads back the way she came, walking a lot fast now that she's heading back out of the caves::

yarnkittymon: :  ::there's several more rocks in the way of the entrance when Kizzie reaches it, although they aren't too heavy, and she can push them aside easily enough::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::climbs out and drops to her knees on the grass; places her hand on the ground, wishing she could talk to Guy, though she's not even sure she'd know if anything reached him, because she's only ever reached out to someone from a distance when desperate for help::

Quantum Catz: KZ: ::sighs and stands up, heading back the way they came, though she's tired from walking there from the first place, so not sure how long she'll last::

yarnkittymon: :  ::when Maeve vanishes from the office, she feels herself growing weaker, and then she's in a slightly damp room, with just a little fresh air blowing in; there's bunk beds all over, with unconscious women--most of them noticably pregnant--lying on them, all with IVs in their arms::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she gasps, paling even more and tries to get up; weakly:: Libby!

Quantum Catz: BM: ::is lying nearby, her head moves a bit when Maeve speaks though she doesn't open her eyes::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::about to panic, she looks the other way and spots Becky and then tries to move again; urgently:: Becky! ::looks back to the ceiling again; frantically:: Libby!

yarnkittymon: :  ::a dark-haired doctor appears behind Maeve, grabbing her arms::  Calm down; this will be over soon.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she screams, trying to get free she attempts to burn him:: Get away from me you creep!

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man jerks back, surprised that Maeve still has some fight in her; he quietly says::  I'm just trying to help your baby!

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she shakes her head:: I don't need your help! Let us go!

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor pulls a syringe out of his pocket, staying back::  You don't want your baby to save the island?

Quantum Catz: BM: ::moves a bit more when Maeve screams and shouts; her lips moving slightly::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::her eyes go wide at the sight of the needle and she shrinks away from him:: My baby is just fine... ::looks up at the ceiling again; screams:: Libby! Libby help!

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor shakes his head, coming forward, hoping Maeve is too frightened to fight much; he grabs at her arm, trying to inject her::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she too frightened *not* to fight and while her powers are weak right now she still tries to burn him::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor suddenly melts away into shadow, then comes up behind Maeve, thrusting the needle in::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she whimpers, trying to get away. She's shaking, and tears are threatening to fall now. Helpless. Yet again.::

yarnkittymon: :  ::Maeve feels her body go rather numb, and she can hardly move; the man comes forward to catch her::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::coldly but rather weakly:: Don't touch me.. ::doesn't care if she hits the floor as long as she gets away::

Quantum Catz: BM: ::this time she manages to actually say Maeve's name, though so quietly it's barely audible::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man keeps his hands around Maeve, dragging her towards the nearest empty bed::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::if there's even a little part of that isn't numb she fights the move, crying in earnest now. :: Let...go...

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man cringes; quietly::  You're supposed to be out by now.  Stop crying.  ::Maeve can struggle a bit, and make her hands uncomfortably warm::

MaeveOwens: MV: Always....stubborn... ::she does try to burn him again::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man pulls away, then grabs Maeve's wrists to try to keep from getting burned, and shoves her into the bed::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::starts to panic again, trying to fight more:: Libby....

Quantum Catz: BM: ::softly:: Please...

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man frowns, leaving Maeve to get a couple pairs of handcuffs::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::breathing heavily, she glances at Becky before she attempts to scoot her numb body off the bed:: Comin..Becky...

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man looks back at Maeve, yelling::  Get back in bed!

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she can't get her legs to work so she only succeeds in falling to the floor. She reaches out for Becky's bed, determined not to die without a fight. She's shaking so bad she can barely move::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor comes back, his handcuffs jingling; he glares at Maeve::  *You're* more trouble than you're worth.  ::tries to haul her numb body up again::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she pales even more at the handcuffs but she can't seem to control her body anymore and especially not her tears:: Please...

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor shakes his head::  I'm not going to--::grunts::--hurt you!  Just lend me some of your time, and I'll--::grunts again::--let you out again, better than new!

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she shudders; weakly:: Says who? ::if he even thinks of putting those handcuffs on her again she'll go back to trying to burn him::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor takes Maeve's arm firmly, well below the wrist, and tries to snap the handcuffs on::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she attempts to make her hands warm again. Whimpering in protest, she presses herself as far away from him as she can get and he likely feels another shudder pass through her.::

Quantum Catz: BM: ::tries to open her eyes but the hold of the drugs is too strong::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor cuffs Maeve, getting just slightly burned in the process; he leans over her to cuff the other wrist too::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::panicking, she tries to pull on her wrists again::

yarnkittymon: :  ::Maeve's wrists are cuffed tight::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor frowns::  If you're not still in a few minutes, I'll have to dose you again.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she whimpers, and jerks on her wrists again then shouts as loudly as she can for Libby again::

Quantum Catz: BM: ::drifts back into unconsciousness, too worn out to fight the drug::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man shakes his head, then, softly::  Is Libby going to have a baby?

MaeveOwens: MV: ::shakes her head no then yanks on her chains again::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the man looks mildly disappointed::  Then she's no use to me.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she just glares coldly at him, unable to manage much else.::

yarnkittymon: :  ::when Maeve continues to struggle, the doctor gets out another syringe::  This will calm you.  ::injects her again::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::whimpers in protest again, struggling until she can barely move. She sags against the bed, a dull look coming over her features as she gives up and gives in to the inevitable::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor smiles with satisfaction, and then vanishes again::

Quantum Catz: BM: ::after a bit, she starts to come round again, fighting the drugs to try and speak:: Maeve...?

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she forces her eyes open a bit. They look dull and unfocussed; weakly:: Yeah... ::she doesn't even bother to pull on her restraints again::

Quantum Catz: BM: I couldn't...Milo....

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she blinks then frowns:: Don't know...

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she whimpers, turning her face away as she tries to fight the drugs; quietly:: W-w-hat is he....gonna... ::she shudders and has to bite down on her lip, refusing to burst into tears again::

Quantum Catz: BM: ::weakly:: Just drugs...so far....

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she nods, and blinks again. Thinking she sees something in the corner, she tenses and starts to shake again, watching it with growing fear. Becky's words do little to calm her::

Quantum Catz: BM: ::tears spring to Becky's eyes but she makes no attempt to try and move::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she's mostly given up. Not even Seth's ghost materializing out of the shadows to play tricks on her mind can elicit a struggle out of the woman. She whimpers again, closing her eyes tight and tries to convince herself that it's just her imagination. Though she could

MaeveOwens: have sworn she left all that behind long ago::

Quantum Catz: BM: ::softly:: Toby...

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she opens her eyes a bit, hoping she said that because the guy was there to get them. She groans when Seth's image is the only thing hovering over her. She moves her wrists just an inch before she gives up and closes her eyes again::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor comes back an hour later, with a woman who's too weak to struggle; he laboriously hauls her into one of the upper bunks, looking very pleased with himself::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she shudders when she hears him return but she doesn't dare open her eyes, knowing she'll see something she doesn't want to see::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor studies his IVs, looking at Maeve intermittently::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she can't take not knowing and after a while takes a peek. She shudders again as the doctors image wavers back and forth between different assailants::

Quantum Catz: BM: ::there are still tears in her eyes, she tries to make them stop but can't::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor finally brings hooks an IV onto a stand and brings it over to Maeve, quietly saying::  If you keep getting upset, you might miscarry.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she looks over at him and tears well up again and she cries out when she mistakes the IV needle for a knife; whimpers:: Please, Seth...no... no... let...go...

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor frowns::  Afraid this won't calm you too much.  You're high-spirited, and your baby should be too.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she shudders again, crying silent tears even though she tries hard not to.::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor plunges the needle into Maeve's vein::  The worst is over, little one.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she whimpers, perceiving that whole to be much bigger than it really is::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor turns away::  You really *should* be asleep by now.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::She's been fighting it in fear of dreaming and as if the doctor's words were an order, Maeve's body relaxes as she drifts to sleep. And her dreams are anything but peaceful which is evident on her pretty face::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor checks Becky again, making sure her IV is still in place::

Quantum Catz: BM: ::her tears have calmed down a bit now but her eyelids are flickering, though she doesn't open them::

yarnkittymon: :  ::once the doctor's determined his existing patients are all right, he tends to his latest acquisition, then heads back up to the office again, to do some paperwork::

yarnkittymon: *then vanishes, heading back up to his office again, to do some paperwork::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::a while later, she breaks out into sweat. She cries out in her sleep, moving just a bit to get away from something only to give up when she can't move::

Quantum Catz: BM: ::has succumbed to sleep again::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::steadily gets worse over the next hour. She's still caught in her sleep but she's becoming more and more agitated as the fever picks up::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor finally comes down and checks on all his patients--he's most concerned about the unborn children, but he does notice Maeve's agitation, and winds up checking her, scowling when he notices the fever::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::instinctively senses someone over her and shudders again::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor makes a bit of a face, and goes to get a glass of water and a couple aspirin::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::her breathing evens out and she relaxes just a bit when he leaves::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor quickly comes back, trying to force Maeve up::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she frowns; mumbles weakly:: Don't... ::she tries to turn her face away from him::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor smirks::  It's aspirin.  Look at it if you don't trust me.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she shudders, and hesitantly looks down at his hand. She can barely open her eyes but she makes out the tiny white pills::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor smiles, trying to look comforting::  See?  Now go ahead.  I'll hold the water glass for you.

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she doesn't completely trust him but she eyes the water glass with interest. Her hands move just slightly against the cuffs::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor reaches forward to put the bitter pills on Maeve's tongue::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she reacts too late and he manages to get the pills in her mouth::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor holds out the water to Maeve's lips::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she's almost desperate for the water so she doesn't need any urging to drink that::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor looks rather satisfied, although, Maeve should be getting nutrition through the IV and shouldn't need the water at all::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she's burning up and with the dry taste in her mouth the water feels good on her throat::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the doctor lets Maeve drink the whole glass, but doesn't bring back a second; he turns away, figuring to get the next round of treatments for everyone::

MaeveOwens: MV: ::she starts to drift back to sleep again but as she does her hand moves restlessly, searching for something; softly:: Isaac... ::she frowns, knowing he should be there but when she can't find the strength to open her eyes she lets sleep claim her again::

Elsewhere

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::comes looking for Becky not five minutes after she and the others disappeared; he knocks on the door, frowning when no one answers, and then comes in; it's unlocked::

MaeveOwens: ::he might hear a lot of banging going on in the kitchen::

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::frowns, and opens the door, calling::  Becky?  Libby?

MaeveOwens: ::the banging picks up a notch::

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::walks quickly to the kitchen::

MaeveOwens: MO: ::has heard someone so he's trying to shove all of his mother's pots back into the cabinet::

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::cringes, hurrying forward::  Milo?  Where's Becky?  Where's your mom?

MaeveOwens: MO: ::he looks up at him with an "uh-oh" expression and drops the pan he was holding. His little  shoulders lift up:: They went bye bye

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::his eyes widen::  What do you mean?  Milo, where's Becky?

MaeveOwens: MO: ::frowns, concentrating. He looks down at the floor and waves:: Bye bye

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::picks up Milo::  Did something take them?

MaeveOwens: MO: ::frowns again and then nods:: They go bye bye

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::looking rather pale::  Come on, kiddo...::hurries out of the house, melting the door shut behind him; he's heading to Isaac's::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::is just heading home himself, from a home visit to someone in town; slows when he sees Toby::

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::looking rather worried::  You...haven't seen Becky or Libby around, have you?

Quantum Catz: IS: ::frowns:: I've been away healing someone. why, what's wrong?

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::shakes his head::  Milo was home alone.  That's not like Libby at all, and I know Becky went off to see her.  Milo said they went bye bye.

Quantum Catz: IS: ::surprised:: Bye-bye? You mean they were taken?

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::frowns::  That's what it sounded like.

Quantum Catz: IS: ::walks towards his front door:: Well, i'm sure one of the kids'll look after Milo. But how're we going to find out where they are?

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::shakes his head::  If Guy were here, we could do it...

Quantum Catz: IS: ::hesitates and then says:: There was something in the news the other day...

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::frowns::  What?

Quantum Catz: IS: ::sighs:: About women disappearing

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::looks rather pale at that; shakes his head::  That was a killer, though, right?

Quantum Catz: IS: That's what they said, but i don't think the women had actually been found

Quantum Catz: IS ::opens the front door; calls:: Maeve, are you here?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she looks up from the couch; calmly:: She went to see Libby.

Quantum Catz: IS: ::blinks, looking rather pale himself:: What?

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::cringes, turning to Milo::  Where'd Mrs. Kindall go?

MaeveOwens: MO: ::quietly:: Bye bye

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she sits up more, frowning:: She went with Becky. Why? Is something wrong?

Quantum Catz: IS: ::Winces, looking at Milo; softly:: Do you know who took them?

MaeveOwens: MO: ::quickly shakes his head::

yarnkittymon: TY:  What happened, Milo?

MaeveOwens: MO: ::frowning, he shrugs::

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::quietly::  Please, kiddo.  It's important.

Quantum Catz: IS: Did someone break into the house?

MaeveOwens: MO: ::sticks a finger in his mouth, looking confused::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::struggles to breath normally, rubs his eyes with his hand, trying not to take his frustration out on the toddler:: So what do we do if he can't tell us anything?

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::shakes his head; quietly::  Maybe he's wrong...

Quantum Catz: IS: ::looks at Leyla:: Is Eli here?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she shakes her head:: I think he went out to spend some time with Dolly

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::snaps his fingers::  Daniel could track a scent.

Quantum Catz: IS: ::looks at Leyla:: You could too, couldn't you?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she nods::

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::quietly::  Come to Libby's house, then...we'll see if she disappeared from there.

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she gets up to follow them out of the house::

Quantum Catz: IS: Is Josh home? He can look after Milo for us

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she nods:: He's upstairs.

Quantum Catz: IS: ::runs up the stairs without a word and knocks on his brother's door::

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::opens the door, putting down his first aid manual::  What's wrong?

Quantum Catz: IS: I need you to look after Milo, Maeve's gone missing

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::cringes, heading downstairs::  Oh no...

Quantum Catz: IS: ::follows after him::

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::reaches out and takes Milo; quietly::  How are you going to find her?

MaeveOwens: MO: ::chewing worriedly on his finger but goes silently to Josh, curling into his shoulder::

Quantum Catz: IS: I don't know - we're hoping maybe Leyla can track something

yarnkittymon: JH:  ::nods; quietly::  Be careful, Isaac.

Quantum Catz: IS: ::nods then looks at Toby:: Are we going, then?

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::nods::  See you soon, Josh.

Quantum Catz: IS: ::smiles at his brother, trying to look reassuring, and then heads for the door::

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::thrusts his hands in his pockets when they're out of the house, shaking his head::  She must have...maybe she got her powers working again.

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she follows them out::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::softly:: And took Maeve and Libby with her? Last i heard she couldn't even teleport herself ::he's looking rather worried, and can't help but think that if there'd been time to react, that Libby's house would have probably been on fire::

yarnkittymon: TY:  Or maybe Libby did it?  She does that sometimes...

Quantum Catz: IS: ::murmurs:: I guess

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::shoves his hands more deeply into his pocket, and the fabric wavers; he picks up his pace::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she looks worried for all of them as she picks up her pace to catch up with the men. She doesn't dare change her features any until they've made it to Libby's doorstep so that she can at least hide it somewhat::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::watches Leyla when they get to the house, not saying anything::

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::opens the door for her::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::her cat like nose sniffs the air as she walks in. She has her hair down in front of her face to conceal her features though so they can't see::

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::stands back, so as not to disturb the scent::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::murmurs:: All three were here.

Quantum Catz: IS: Was someone else here, though?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she sniffs around the chairs she knows the girls were sitting in, looking for a different scent::

yarnkittymon: :  ::the most recent scents, aside from Toby's, are Milo's, Becky's, and Maeve's; of course Libby's is the most pervasive, and there's a fainter scent of Jack as well, and just the tiniest fragment of another scent, nothing she can recognize, and hardly enough to even pick out::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she shakes her head then sniffs again:: There's another sent here but I can't make it out completely. It's not enough to even follow.

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::cringes; quietly::  Does it go anywhere?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she shakes her head:: I can't tell

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::quietly::  Maybe it was Milo?

Quantum Catz: IS: ::winces:: Last time that happened, Maeve ended up in New York

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::softly curses::  Where's Guy when you need him?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she looks down at the floor, feeling guilty that she couldn't help::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::smiles weakly at Leyla:: Thanks for trying, anyway

MaeveOwens: LA: ::weakly:: I'm sorry I could help...

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::quietly::  You've told us quite a bit....now if you could just catch Guy's scent, we could call it a day.  ::smiles weakly::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she looks back at him apologetically:: I'm sorry. I don't know him...

Quantum Catz: IS: ::hesitates:: Kizzie might know where he is though...

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::nods::  We'll go check.  ::tries to smile at Leyla, though his worry shows through::  Thanks.

MaeveOwens: LA: ::looking sad, nods::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::smiles at Leyla:: Don't worry, we'll find them somehow ::heads for Kizzie's house::

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::picks up his pace, walking quickly, and when he reaches the house he raps on the door, hard::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::not about to stay behind when her friends are in trouble, she hurries after the men::

yarnkittymon: GU:  ::is napping on Kizzie's bed; he stirs, frowning, and for a moment, doesn't get up, figuring Kizzie will answer it.  Then he thinks it might be a trap, and he instantly sits up, hurrying to the door--still looking rather dirty and rumpled::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::is more than a little shocked to have Guy answer the door, especially since Guy hasn't been in town in so long::

yarnkittymon: GU:  ::frowns::  What is it?

Quantum Catz: IS: We were...coming to find out if Kizzie had any idea where you were

yarnkittymon: GU:  ::smiles tiredly::  Sure she does.  ::frowns, reaching out for her with his mind; he doesn't immediately find her, and he knows she's not in Marquis::  She's gone...

Quantum Catz: IS: ::Softly:: So are Becky, Libby and Maeve

yarnkittymon: GU:  ::goes a bit pale, concentrating; his shoulders sag in relief after a few moments::  Kizzie's up...near Dentam.  Can't say *exactly* where; I'll know as I get closer.  ::instantly goes back to the bedroom to get his things::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::calls after him:: Are the others with her?

yarnkittymon: GU:  ::stops to concentrate, and then they hear him packing again; he comes back to the door, even more soberly; quietly::  Maeve and Libby are.

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::eyes go wide::  Becky!

yarnkittymon: GU:  ::quickly::  If she were dead, I could probably find her!yarnkittymon: TY:  ::shoves his fists so far into his pockets that he melts the fabric right off::

Quantum Catz: IS: But...I don't understand why Becky wouldn't be with the others

yarnkittymon: GU:  ::quietly::  I couldn't sense the other women who were...who went missing.

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::shakes his head several times, and grabs Guy by the collar::  Try harder!

yarnkittymon: GU:  ::cringes; quietly::  I tried my best, Toby.  I'm sorry.

Quantum Catz: IS: ::softly, to Toby:: Maybe once we get to the others, they'll have some clues about what happened to her

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::shakes his head, holding Guy's collar tightly::  That's not good enough!  I knew she shouldn't have gone out!

MaeveOwens: LA: ::her first reaction is shrink away from them but she finally comes forward; hesitantly:: Toby! Stop! This isn't helping. Yell at him after we get to Dentam... or whatever that place was.

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::very slowly releases Guy; the man's collar is deformed somewhat, making it a bit hard for Guy to breathe::

Quantum Catz: IS: We'll find her, Toby

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::takes several deep breaths, then reaches forward to delicately fix Guy's collar::  Let's get going, then.  ::looks back at Leyla::  You need to stay back here.

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she frowns, looking upset:: But...I could help...

Quantum Catz: IS: ::looks at Leyla:: It could be dangerous, I wouldn't want you getting hurt, and Eli'd like it even less

MaeveOwens: LA: ::quietly:: What if he can't track them but I can?

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::cringes; quietly::  Think you might be able to track Becky if we got close?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she shrugs:: I don't know. It's possible. Wouldn't hurt to try?

Quantum Catz: IS: ::sighs:: As soon as Eli realised you'd gone, he'd come chasing after us and be angry at us both most likely

MaeveOwens: LA: You and Maeve have helped me. Give me a chance to help you.

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::scowling::  We don't have time to argue.  I'm going to go rent a couple horses and a cart.  We'll have to trade them off when they get tired.

Quantum Catz: IS: ::takes a deep breath and nods:: Alright ::glances at Leyla as he turns away:: You're dealing with my brother when he catches up to us though

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she winces but nods; softly:: He should understand.

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::is already on his way to the stables::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::goes to quickly gather the supplies they'll need and meets up with Toby soon after::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she gets a few things and leaves a note for Eli on his door before she meets them at the stables::

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::is holding the horses, not even bothering to tie them::  Let's get going.

yarnkittymon: GU:  ::silently climbs into the cart::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::gets into the cart too::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::follows, watching Toby, concerned::

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::lets the horses go, then climbs up into the cart, taking the reins, though he's not the most skilled driver::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::leaves toby to drive for now, tho he watches his hands in case the man starts to melt anything in his frustration::

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::doesn't let the poor horses slow their pace at all, although at least he doesn't use the whip::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::Thinks about telling toby to lay off the horses a bit before they end up collapsing on them, but he's just as anxious really to make sure that Maeve's alright::

yarnkittymon: GU:  ::stays perfectly quiet even as the sun sets hours later, and even when Toby trades the horses in, obviously having no intent of sleeping, himself.  But a couple hours after sunset, Guy suddenly cringes, and closes his eyes.  After a few minutes he imperceptibly shakes his head, and instinctively shies away from Isaac a bit, not speaking::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::suddenly feels cold when he sees Guy's reaction; softly:: Maeve's disappeared now too, hasn't she?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she's rather wired, and is gazing out at the passing trees. She glances back worriedly at the other two::

yarnkittymon: GU:  ::looks up at Isaac; quietly::  Yeah.

Quantum Catz: IS: ::rubs his eyes with his hand, looking away from them:: Trust her to walk right into whatever trouble there is ::though his voice breaks a bit as he says it::

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::softly says::  We'll find them, Isaac.

Quantum Catz: IS: ::nods, not speaking::

Quantum Catz: : ::they hear a bird call out from above them, though still a bit behind::

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::his eyes are still on the road, grimly holding the reins, which have been a bit deformed::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::since there aren't many birds out at night, she glances up and half-smiles at the bird she spots a ways back; softly:: I think Eli found us.

Quantum Catz: IS: ::hurriedly wipes at his eyes with his hand and looks up, taking a deep breath:: Well, he was bound to eventually

MaeveOwens: (( Dear Eli, After all your family has done for me I wanted a chance to pay return the favor. I've gone with your brother to help get Maeve back. She was with Mrs. Hamilton and Mrs. Richardson when they all went missing. We're heading for Dentam. I know you'll be coming so I'll be looking for you. Love, Leyla))

Quantum Catz: EK: ::swoops down and circles the cart before landing inside it, talons digging into the wood to steady himself::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she smirks; quietly:: What took you so long?

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::hardly even glances at Eli::

Quantum Catz: EK: ::changes into his human form and makes a face at her:: Not much point in rushing, there was no way you were getting to Dentam before i caught up with you

MaeveOwens: LA: ::teases quietly:: What? You weren't anxious enough for our company?

Quantum Catz: EK: ::glances at Toby and Isaac, who's turned away from them all again; softly:: Yeah, looks like a bundle of laughs here. ::to Toby, Guy and Isaac:: If you're not planning on stopping tonight maybe one of you should try and sleep

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she winces, and loses the happy look and instead looks rather guilty. Can she help it if she was happy to see him? She hasn't exactly been comfortable sitting here with them::

yarnkittymon: GU:  ::grimaces, but he looks even worse than Toby, since he hardly got any sleep the night before, either; quietly says::  Someone wake me in a few hours, then; I'll make sure we still have the right bearing.  ::though he's worried Kizzie might be next::

Quantum Catz: IS: ::softly:: I can't sleep just now

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::shakes his head::  You or Guy can drive if I nod off, Eli.

Quantum Catz: EK: ::sighs:: Alright  ::sits next to Leyla: *you* should've gone to get me and we could've both caught up with them ::though he doesn't sound annoyed, he's actually rather pleased she's fitting in so well::

MaeveOwens: LY: ::quietly:: Why tire myself out when I know you'd catch us before we got to Dentam?

Quantum Catz: EK: ::smirks:: Just leave me to be chasing after the horses then

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she shrugs:: Sorry. ::she looks away:: I was mostly afraid you'd argue about me staying behind...

Quantum Catz: EK: ::rolls his eyes:: Me? Try to stop someone from going off somewhere dangerous...*never* ::though there's humour in his voice, he's pretty much resigned to the fact that theres not much he can do about it now::

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she just smirks at him::

yarnkittymon: GU:  ::curls up in the back of the cart and manages to get to sleep fairly quickly, despite the jostling::

Quantum Catz: EK: So how did Maeve end up in Dentam?

MaeveOwens: LA: ::she frowns:: Milo or Mrs. Richards sent them there. I guess.

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::squeezes the reins a bit tighter::

Quantum Catz: EK: I guess Dentam's better than clear across the country

MaeveOwens: LA: ::whispers:: Clear across the country she might be safe from... whoever it is we're after.

Quantum Catz: IS: ::covers his face in his hands. somehow, having her walk right into something dangerous seems so much easier to deal with now, than to just know that she's disappeared whith no idea who has her::

yarnkittymon: TY:  ::glances at Isaac; softly::  We'll save them both.

Quantum Catz: EK: ::stops short of one of his usual comments about Maeve, when he sees his brother tense::  I'm sure she'll be fine, she knows to be careful now...if she listened to us anyway

Quantum Catz: IS: I hope so

Quantum Catz: EK: ::sighs and doesn't say anything else, not sure what he can say::