I want to thank those who have reviewed; your feedback really means a lot, and just to anyone who takes the time to read this story. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, I'm happy to hear them. I believe I've said this before but I do not own Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children. All rights go to the respectful owners.

Auntie Mariell was a rather eccentric woman to say the least. She was round and plump with rosy cheeks and an ever-present smile. Her pleasant chatter and cheerful humming while doing mundane chores such as sweeping, or washing the dishes, really brought a sense of joviality that the house had previously lacked. In fact, I think I liked her better than I did Rick and Adria; she was certainly more fun to be around than the two of them combined.

A wonderful scent filled the air as I made my way down the stairs, following it to the kitchen. Auntie Mariell was looking into the oven while grabbing her oven mit.

"Do you fancy some raspberry vanilla cookies and cinnamon oatmeal with toast this morning, Fallon?"

"Yes please" I answered happily whilst sitting on the table. Although I'd never heard of such things other than the toast, they sounded delicious.

I began eating as soon as the food was placed in front of me.

"Well, someone's hungry today! Although I don't blame you dearie, you went to bed without eating last night. Now eat up! You need the calories, you're thin as a stick!"

I paused to clean myself with a napkin, now self conscious that I was gulping down my food and I probably looked ridiculous doing so.

"Auntie Mariell," I began

"I was thinking, maybe after breakfast I could go and take a look around. I've been here less than a month, and I haven't exactly had the chance to explore the city, so I thought maybe I could go today."

I spoke through my food as I was still chewing.

"Well of course! I have to admit I hadn't been to Florida in years! I'd almost forgotten what this place is like! Oh, and the sun shining bright every day, not like the cold winter weather we have in Liverpool! Isn't it wonderful here? I'm sure you'll love it once you get to see all there is to explore! Now come on, eat up, you want to have as much energy as possible."

Well, that wasn't so hard.

It's not that I'd thought Auntie Mariell would put up much of a fight, but I hadn't guessed it would be this easy either. I hurried to finish my breakfast and ran upstairs to change out of my pajamas.

Hurriedly, I grabbed the first articles of clothing I saw, not caring what they were, but stopped while debating whether I should wear my sneakers or boots. I looked out my window and for the first time noticed the sky looked rather greyish. I decided on boots since I might end up in muddy places, especially if it was going to rain. I changed quickly then hurried down the stairs while pushing my arm into my jacket's sleeve.

Auntie Mariell sat in the rocking chair that had traveled with her all the way from Liverpool. She stood as soon as she saw me and walked over to where I was.

"Now, remember to be here before sunset; Adria might come home tonight and if she finds out I let you go out on your own she'll surely freak. Don't go into dangerous places and don't meddle with strangers for long, no matter how handsome they are! Oh, and don't you worry, if Adria calls and wishes to speak with you, I'll just tell her you're taking an afternoon nap.

Now go on, off you go!"

She ushered me out the door and stuffed a few bills into my jacket's pocket. I smiled before waving goodbye and going on my way.

I stepped outside with a smile on my face. The sky looked beautiful with its grey tint clouding over the sun. The breeze felt cooler today than usual. I decided to head for the park before checking out the stores nearby and visiting the beach once more.

I was nearing my destination when a strange sound caught my attention. I looked up. There was a beautiful blue bird flying high above me. I watched it descend as it prepared to land, then perched itself on the highest branch of a tree; strong talons gripping the rough bark.

There was such a keen intelligence in its eyes, it was unnatural, almost human-like. The bird stared out into the distance, almost as if searching for something. I drew closer slowly not meaning to startle it but wanting to get a better view. And then it saw me.

Alma made her way outside while the children played . She stood in the doorway observing them for a few moments before finally stepping out. It had taken her all morning to get Claire to leave her side for more than a few moments, but there was a few errands she needed to take care of. She'd gathered a list of items she and the children needed.

Find the girl.

That same thought kept playing on and on in her mind. Part of her believed it was futile, that it was too much of a coincidence for a peculiar child to be living here while another part of her sensed that there was more to that girl than what meets the eye. If Alma was correct and the girl was a peculiar, she needed to inform the Ymbryne council immediately. It was rare to find peculiar children nowadays and many of them weren't even aware of their peculiarity. However, they must be offered a choice to be brought to a loop for their own safety. Tthough she knew nothing of this girl, she needed to feel that she had at least investigated thoroughly and made sure that if the child was peculiar, she brought her to the safety of an Ymbryne's care. Not to mention the fact that her mind wouldn't allow her to dismiss the possibility of a peculiar child existing here, in this very city and possibly being in danger.

She set about with her intent to locate this girl. She would have to scour the entire city.

She used the altitude to her advantage, using her keen falcon eyes to search the perimeter of the land nearby.

Feeling the air on her wings, she circled the entire perimeter of the city in less than an hour, but to no avail.

Exhausted, she decided to rest on a nearby tree and perhaps try to look from there.

Realizing she was nearing the park, she decided to stop there, as there'd be plenty of trees to choose from given the fact that it was right next to the forest.

She chose the largest tree to land on and held steadily on to the branch, straining her eyesight as far as it would allow, searching for any sign of the peculiar girl.

A soft shuffling that would have been inaudible to anyone else snapped her out of her concentration, her falcon ears on full alert.

Someone was nearby.

She looked down to where she assumed was the source of the sound. Amongst the leaves and the fallen twigs, two bright grey eyes stared up at her.

She looked down to see the same girl she'd seen before; the one she'd been searching for. The child approached her with a curious expression, yet she kept her distance in a cautious manner.

Clever girl.

The child stood beneath the tree in which she was perched on. This was her opportunity. Alma flew down carefully, as to not startle the child, and once her talons touched the ground she led the way towards the woods, hoping the girl would follow. All she needed to do was observe her and perhaps even find out where she lived, that way it'd be easier to keep her in check; look for any signs of a peculiarity; since physically the girl seemed normal but she still couldn't rule out the possibility of a more hidden peculiarity existing.

At first the girl seemed stunned, then slowly, she began to follow Alma's tracks as Alma turned her head constantly to make sure the girl was still following her.

The bird was even more beautiful up close, the intricate pattern of its blue and beige plumage making it stand out amongst other birds that reside in Florida. I wondered what kind it was, and if they were common here but to be honest, I don't know the slightest thing about birds.

The way it stared at me intimidated me, almost as if it was trying to look right into my soul; analyzing me, in way.

Slowly, it flew down onto the grass, not ten feet from me, and began to walk away. But what got my attention was that it wasn't moving away in a scared manner, but more invitingly I would say. It was almost as if it wanted me to follow it.

And I did.

After a few steps, I forced myself to take my eyes off the beautiful bird and looked towards the dark forest that lay ahead of us. The tall pine trees towered above me, swaying gently in unison with the wind as if dancing to some secret melody I could not hear.

Growing wary now, I began to hesitate more and more, focusing on my feet; placing one in front of the other carefully.

My phone's sudden ringing nearly gave me a heart attack. I picked up to Auntie Mariell's panicked voice on the other end that only startled me even more than I already had been.

"Fallon, you must come home at once! Adria just gave me a call saying she's on her way here ! Hurry child or we're both going to be in much trouble!"

I didn't even have a chance to answer before she hung up. I sighed and placed the phone back into my pocket before back-tracking my steps and hurrying to get home...