"I'm a what?"

"Spanish Mustang." Keiichiro said over his cup.

"Spanish Mustang." I repeated, sounding the words out slowly. "Where is it from?"

"Originally Spain, though they're all but extinct there." Ryou said, lounging against the table Keiichiro sat at. "They were transported to America from Spain when the land was just starting to be inhabited. Though of a moderate size," He looked me up and down, seeming to measure my average height with his eyes, "And were used for their speed and stamina in travel."

"And the species is extinct?" I asked, stirring my cup of tea while adding a sugar cube.

"Not extinct," Keiichiro corrected, watching the slow motion of the spoon in the cup, "Endangered, almost to the point of being critical, but there are still some of the species in the world."

I nodded, dropping another sugar cube into my tea without breaking the steady stirring rhythm.

"So, what, I can run long distances without getting tired? I've been able to do that since-" I sudden lump in my throat choked off my words and I quickly took a sip of my tea. The tea was wonderfully sweet, with just the right amount of sugar to send the taste buds flying.

"You'll notice other things." Keiichiro assured me. "You'll take on characteristics of a horse; food types, sleeping arrangements. For example, that tea you're drinking? You added at least 10 sugar cubes to that single cup. Did you notice the difference?"

I looked down into the cup and shockingly noticed the undissolved sugar floating syrup like in my tea. I quickly set it down and folded my hands in my lap.

Keiichiro leaned forward and placed a hand comfortingly on my knee. "It happens." He said simply. "The others went through it and just like them you'll be able to work your life around these changes."

"What else will happen?"

"Well, let's think. What else do horses like?" He asked, leaning back in his chair.

"Horses like Hay." Pudding declared, beaming proudly.

I burst out laughing and said, "I doubt I'm going to start shoving hay into my mouth."

"You're right, but you might have an attraction towards oat based food. Like Oatmeal, or a granola bar."

"Horses like to run." Lettuce added.

"But I've always done that. It's just a habit of mine to stay fit."

"Horses like fruits and vegetables." Ichigo offered.

"And sugar." I mumbled, looking down at my supersaturated tea.

"Exactly," Keiichiro said, "And it will pass before you know it."

I nodded and looked up at the clock. I was amazed to see it read eight already. "I have to go." I said out loud for the others. "I still have to feed Mafin."

Keiichiro nodded, smiling helpfully. "Don't forget to come back tomorrow after school."

"Why?" I asked carefully, slipping my bag up securely on my shoulder.

"You work here now. Hope you like sweets."

"I do now." I mumbled, pushing open the door to the cool night air.

I flopped down onto the soft downy comforter that covered my bed with a very happy sigh. I ached all over and the cut on my cheek stung from being cleaned with peroxide.

Mafin jumped up after me and rested his shaggy head on my stomach. "Today was very odd, Mafin." I told him, petting his head while combing out a few tangles. "Not only has the existence of aliens been proven, but I was attacked by them. One even tried to kill me! And now it's my duty to fight them and save the world and doggies like you from their mass destructive plan to wipe us all out. And, to add to that, I now have to work. I don't even think I'm allowed to work yet." I looked down into his dark eyes and sighed. "I wish life was easier. That would be nice."

He wagged his tail in reply, pushing his head up under my hand to be pet more. I complied my giving him a good scratching behind his ear and fluffing him up with quick, rough movements.

Mafin barked excitedly, jumping down from the bed and bouncing around in anticipation of playing.

"Sorry bud." I sighed, stretching out on my bed and curling down under the throw. "It's time for bed. Apparently I have to work tomorrow."

Mafin returned sadly to the bed and looked sadly at me from under his long bangs.

"But we'll still go for our run, of course. No need to worry about that. Seems like I'll be needing it more than ever."

Mafin harrumphed down at the end of the bed and went to sleep. I followed quickly, but not without a last thought about what my life would be like from then on.