It was a night to top all the others. One of the rare rainstorms that were bold enough to sweep across the Western states hit Arizona, and it hit hard. The residents in Ornament Valley, if there were any left, scrambled for cover inside their homes, businesses, or sometimes even their friend's homes. Only one town was different than the others, and if you visited said town, you'd know it instantly. For one thing, there was a hodgepodge of cars, from different eras and different lifestyles. They all seemed like a kind of blended family, if you will. However, the different types, models, and years of the cars wasn't the most shocking. What made many do a double, or sometimes even triple take was a human girl, flitting in between the others happily, laughing and greeting them, one by one. This was Foxy, and she had been transported straight between Radiator Springs and Tailfin Pass years ago, almost directly after the newest member of the family had joined them, Lightning McQueen.

Foxy, ergo me, was leaning against Fillmore on this night, looking outside at the growing storm. I was awake, as I usually would be during a thunderstorm. I hate thunder! Now, I know what you're thinking. Thunder the dog, he's like my own dog, spoiled rotten. Although that's not always a bad thing. I'm talking about the thunder that's loud enough to shake the ground, shake the trees, and scare me into a blind fear.

Yes, it's true. I'm afraid of thunder. Anyway, back to the present.

I guess I woke Fillmore up because now he's hugging my side. Great. I hate it when I do that, too!

"Sorry for waking you up. The storm outside has me a little freaked out."

"It's all good, Em." I can't resist smiling as he uses a highly-butchered version of a nickname he gave me. Emerald. After my eye color. Funny thing, though. He doesn't call me that in front of any of the others. I guess he wants to keep my 'hippie name' a secret. Fine with me. He nudges my side gently, and wraps me into a tighter hug, pulling me closer to his side. I snuggle closer, and finally think that I can fall asleep.

Just as I'm about to, a colossal rumble of thunder shakes the dome from almost directly overhead. Of course, being the pansy about thunder that I am, I panic and dart underneath the bean bag chair that I've sort of adopted as my bed. Sure enough, Fillmore comes over and fishes me out, scooping me up in a tire and hugging me tightly, always the patient one that he is. As I feel the familiar treads of his tire working their way through my long, red and gold hair, I can already feel my eyelids drooping.

The last thing I remember is hearing nothing but the low, quiet sound of Fillmore's voice. After that, everything is a blob of darkness.

The next time I wake up, I notice that the dome is silent. I look around curiously, as though expecting Fillmore to come strolling in through the entryway. When he didn't, I got up, then stretched.

I walked outside, and discovered Fillmore, looking at some strange statue-thing. It looked like a car, but was made out of stone, and had large, matching wings folded behind it.

"Whoa, what is it?" I asked, going around it in a slow circle, examining every inch of it.

"I think it's a statue, Em."

"Where'd it come from?"

"Dunno. I came out about fifteen minutes ago and found it here."

"I think we should give it a name. How about Stormy?"

"Good idea, Emerald." He cast a glance in my direction, and I gave him a small smile.

"You wanna go over to Flo's?"

"Sure, man."

I giggled, then started towards the road, casting a look over my shoulder at Fillmore and the statue. "Are you coming, slowpoke?" I teased gently, and squealed as he batted a tire at my back, aiming for my side. I sped up, unable to stop grinning. I heard a chuckle from behind me, and shot into the air as he reached around my side and pulled me closer, holding me tightly. "Fillmore, no, stop, that tickles!" I pleaded, laughing too hard to do anything but squirm halfheartedly. He chuckled and released me, then I darted ahead, out of his reach. "Can't catch me!" I taunted, and jumped forwards as he sped up. And so our game of chase began.

I froze in my tracks, nearly running into an even larger statue then the one in our yard. "Whoa!" I exclaimed, my feet pattering rapidly as I fought to stop quickly. I heard Fillmore's brakes squeak as he stopped quickly from behind me, trying not to knock me over. "Geez, these things are everywhere!" I exclaimed, looking up at the one in front of me.

"Good thing I stopped when I did, huh?" I looked over my shoulder at Fillmore, who agreed. We headed towards Flo's, our game of chase over.

"Mornin' you two." Flo called in greeting, and we waved.

"Hi, Flo."

She set a coffee down in front of Doc, then came over our way to deliver ours.

"You guys see those statues?" I asked, looking around at the others. Some of them nodded, while others looked confused.

"Where'd you see them at?" Lightning asked, not having seen one yet.

"There was one right in the yard when I went out this morning." I replied, taking a drink from my cup.

EmilyTheBrave, get ready for references! :D I dedicate this to you, good buddy! It's not over yet, so keep watching for updates! :D ~Liz