Fiona

Oh, how the years had flown by, so fast yet so painfully slow. A few months time would mark the sixth anniversary of her owner's death, and the sixth year of the tortie feline's time alone on the streets and in the wilds. She would visit her owner now and again, though there remained only scattered bones to remind her of that person. Only in dreams did the two meet, as a way of conveying well-being to each other. But dreams, they were so fleeting...

Mustard-green eyes shook away past reveries before taking in the sight of the massive home. She may be aligned with the Ancient Guardians, but Fiona needed the touch of humans once more... and maybe... oh, those delicious hotdogs her owner fed to her! Mice and rabbits were nice, but they couldn't compare to the delicacy of hotdogs and sliced turkey. Or cat food drenched in gravy and bits of roast. Ah, the good old days!

Nose twitching as she thought of these phantom scents, the tortie-colored tabby sauntered across the driveway in a purposeful stride. She paused once, halfway along the pavement as flashes of memory swamped her. Her dark tail lashed in fury at horrible images that were burned in her mind, of a dead daughter and son, flinching and writhing in death after their encounter with the monsterous vehicles the humans drove. Like a shadow, the feline darted across the last stretch drive, until she came to the house.

Sitting elegantly beside a shrub, Fiona began to clean her fur, trying to make herself presentable to the next human that might open the door. She would wait here for as long as she needed, silent and patient, until she saw someone.

Toni

She was stepping outside, and heading to her garden when she spotted a cat. Why hello. What have we hear, huh? She came forward, offering her hand to Fiona to smell. Good kitty. She murmered softly, beginning to stroke Fiona if she would let her. How are you, huh? She asked her voice a soft coo. She was having a busy day. Three puppies born, a new human arrival....What next?

Fiona

The sight of a woman eased the tabby instantly. And better yet, it was not one of those skanky whore woman she had seen before, or those awful men... she hated men so much. Except the two her late master trusted, but they were not here.... so that did not matter anymore.

Fiona stretched her head up, embracing the touch she had gone years without. She did not purr yet, but her half-narrowed eyes squinted in pleasure at the caress. Her dark head was tilted ever so slightly to the side, and it had been like that for six years now, thanks to a cruel man. Though she concealed it well, her hind leg carried the faintest limp, where she had been kicked and tossed outside by the same man, while her young master was away. An accident? I think not. The BB pellets in her were no accident either; it was a miracle she was able to escape the last attempt at her life. She could survive BB pellets, but a riffle... oh, how she so narrowly dodged that one. Never would she forget the face of that man, who hated her for no reason at all; except maybe because she could see the way he lied and decieved those around him, manipulated them for what he wanted.

Fiona shook her head of these thoughts. She would visit this man again someday. He thought she was dead; they all did, but she would have her revenge someday. Not now though; now she needed a place to finally relax and collect herself. So she turned her mustard-green eyes up at Toni and began to purr at last, nuzzling her head against the hand that had been so kindly offered to pet her.

Toni

At the cats acceptance, she began stroking with long carresses, her fingers intertwining into Fionas coat. Finding no collar, Toni picked up the tabby with a smile, holding her close. We need to give you a name, baby. Then you can go play with Criss-Cross and the puppy. She was quiet for a moment, then looked up at the raging storm that was beginning to finally settle. How about Rain. Since thats what its doing, and your just like water in my arms. With that, she took the newly dubbed Fiona inside. I'm home! She called. Criss-Cross came running up, meowing and purring already. He jumped, clawing his way up Tonis back so he could settle onto her shoulders. Hello, princess. He said to Fiona.

Rain

Held in the warm arm of the human, Fiona began to purr even more, the end of her tail flicking ever so gently. She nuzzled her cheek against Toni's arm, trying to encourage more petting. Deep eye flashed open when the patter of feet came running across the ground. With amazement, she watched as another cat went scrawling up Toni's back without recieving the slightly punishment. Had she died on gone to heaven? Fiona knew of only one other person who'd tolerate feline claws like that.

"Hello yourself. I'm Fiona." The tortie responded, tilting her already cocked head to the side as she peered up at Criss-Cross. Although she tried to show a calm, cool look, there was certainly curiousity and interest lurking in the depth of her knowing eyes.

Toni * Criss

HE chuckled softly, then lightly batted one of Tonis dangling earrings. Call me Criss. Watch out for the- But he was cut off by Tonis voice. Puppy! Then her legs were slammed into. She didn't fall, the black malamute lab mix was only two months old but he was getting bigger by the hour it seemed. How you doin, huh? Lets get all you guys into the kitchen and get some lunch.

She walked into the lovely kitchen, Fiona still wrapped up in her arms and Criss around her neck. The puppy trailed after her, all happy movement.She set Fiona on the counter, along with Criss who sat down purring. Why do you like, Rain? I have Tuna, Salmon, some bologna, and...Yeah I don't know what that is. I think its Alex's cooking, but I won't force that down you. She grabbed out the tuna, made herself a sandwhich then set out the remainders for Criss and Rain. She got into the cabinets and pulled out some chips, then moved towards the table. Criss followed the plate in Tonis hand, meowing. You share, mister. She said softly. Then she set the plate on the table for Criss and Rain, and sat down herself eating chips and her sandwhich. Every now and again she'd give a chip to the puppy, and when she was done, she smiled. Criss ate half of the Tuna on the plate, leaving the other half for Fiona. They're real nice here. Theres a barn out back, and Tonis garden. Its real pretty, and when you want to see it just let me know and I can take you back there. He smiled at her. Yes, he was a nice fellow now that he had found a home with Alex and Toni.

Rain

"Criss." She replied, letting the name roll off her tongue. Then her entire body tensed and eyes flashed open wide. Oh, she hated dogs so much! Damn her owner for trying to get her to like the crazy beasts! "I didn't realize there were dogs here!" She hissed quietly, not taking her eyes off of Puppy for a second. She wasn't really afraid of them, but they were... just to boisterous for her.

Fiona breathed a sigh of relief when she was set on the table, and safely out of Puppy's reach. Her attention was distracted by Toni's voice, and she understood the questioning tone, even if she didn't understand the words spoken. Putting Puppy aside in her mind, Fiona focused on the plate of food. For a moment, she hesitated, then dug into it with relish. This was a new taste for her, and it was to die for!

When it was finished, she licked her muzzle and looked contently to Criss, "A barn, you don't say?" She really had found the perfect home! "I'd love to see these places."