A/N:

Okay so I've had a little confusion about Talia's 'condition'. She is in fact Half-Toon now like Mackenzie was, but as she's only been through the machine twice, she's nowhere near turning into an ink-seeping psycho. Hope that clears things up.

Also, I know the 'throwing up blood' thing is improbable in medical research (I don't know anything about medicine), but it's an Animaniacs fanfic, there's going to be a little wtf moments even with things like this, lol XD

And I love how people are starting to call me 'kiddo' in reviews and PM's because of this, lol, it makes me smile XD

*Dr. Scratchansniff POV*

Talia's condition had been dwindling for weeks. The blood transfusion failures had been medically baffling. The now permanent ink in her system forced her to reject all blood which in a way is understandable; but making her regurgitate it was unheard of. As I said, medically baffling. Despite her recovery, I still wanted to look into it. I was no medical doctor, but I was still curious. As was I curious about her new condition. I had not had the chance to study the boy, the poor boy… I do not plan on making Talia a test subject, but observations are another thing. Only time will tell how she copes. And to learn how to cope, she must try and find her feet alone. Which brings us here; outside the studio in the blazing morning sun.

"So you know the plan, right?" Talia asked jokingly as the car pulled up.

"Stay on Plotzie's good side for a week and then ask him to call you." The Warner's chanted like they'd heard this a thousand times before.

"And if that doesn't work?"

"Give him the special friend treatment." They said with mischief, liking that part of the pan the best.

I sighed; of course they would like that part the most… She grinned and pulled them into a hug before making way for her siblings to say their goodbyes. They had all said their goodbyes to Slappy and the others that morning, but the Warner's insisted on walking with them to the studio gates. It fascinated me to see Talia so reluctant to move on. Not so long ago she would have loved to believe that this wasn't real and that a normal life was just a blink away, now here she was clinging to this moment with every fiber. The exact cause for this change was still a mystery to me, but what was clear was that Talia may be agreeing for now, but she was still mentally fighting tooth and nail to keep them all together.

I agreed with Mr. Plotz, it was best for the kids to try and regain what they could of a normal life, but that would be more difficult that he thought. It was obvious that they didn't want to go back to the way things were. But in Talia's case, she wouldn't be able to, not completely. I wished I could work more with her and discover the full effects, but I agreed with normality first. In my profession, to regain normality was the ultimate aim. Thankfully Talia had agreed to continue informal therapy sessions via online video-calls and to drop in whenever she should visit the toons. Hopefully answers were just around the corner.

"Promise you're not going to forget about us." Poppy said to them, "Pinkie promise?"

Wakko and Dot folded their smallest fingers with hers and nodded, Yakko tickled her under her chin, "If you're anything like you're sis, we should be asking you that question." He winked at Talia to show he was joking and returned to Poppy, "You got nothing to worry about, Red."

"Yeah, it takes a lot to get rid of us." Wakko nodded.

"And remember to practice on your cute, I want improvements on the pout next time." Dot added before looking up at Flynn sweetly, "Don't stay away too long, honey."

"And pick your fights better, Slugger." Yakko shoved him playfully.

"Like this?" Flynn asked, lightly shoving him back with a half-smile.

"That's it!" Wakko approved.

The younger sibling hugged the toons longingly and threatened to start crying at any moment. It interested me to see the boy shaking their hands, like he was trying to act older then his time. Dot didn't let him get off easy though, tackling him in a hug and having to be wrested away by her brothers. Oh my, it was going to be interesting working with toons again… Talia turned to me earnestly.

"So every Sunday afternoon for our video-chat therapy, right?" she asked.

"Ja… I vant regular updates."

"Will do…" she nodded, "Thanks, Dr. S."

She looked uncertain of what to do, and naturally she should. It was evident she was still unsure of if she should fully trust me. That was my fault, I understood that. Finally she settled on a handshake which I gratefully took. Progress, constant progress. Her siblings waved uneasily as they clambered into the back of the car, pressing their faces against the glass to get one last look at their friends.

"We're going to miss you, kid." Dot said, "And next time I see you I want that hair sorted!"

"And all the baseball bats out of sight." Yakko commented, arching his brow.

"Are you seriously never going to let me forget that?"

"Nope." They answered slyly. Yakko pointed at the imprint on her wrist, "And we're not going to let you forget us either, that's official Warner memorabilia you know."

She traced it uneasily with her eyes, but covered up with a smile, "Yeah, get me I'm a fangirl." She said sarcastically.

Wakko beamed with his tongue lolling out, "When you come back, will you bring us anything?"

"Like what?" she chuckled as the middle-child started listing all the foods under the sun, she cut him off, "We'll see how well things go. Okay?"

He nodded. His brother folded his arms, "It's only a week; how much trouble can we cause?"

"That sounds like a challenge." Dot mused.

The driver rudely honked the horn, making us jump. I felt a little annoyed at that, but the studio was on a time limit. Talia re-said her goodbyes and forced herself into the car alongside her siblings. All three waved wildly until the car was long out of sight. For a second I could have sworn Talia was crying, but the car was gone before I could be sure… I observed the Warner's behavior. It was hard, as always, to tell what they were thinking. Overall, they didn't look upset, or worried or even let down. I think they understood that this was how things needed to be for a little while. After all, they shouldn't feel the need to be too concerned. It had been drummed into them that it was only a week away from seeing them again. And to a toon, a week was no time at all. Even to a human it was barely much to think about.

The studio was in need of major revival since R.J's arrest and crimes were made public. It made me shudder to think what kind of publicity we would have gotten if the toons were also uncovered. Now with the kids back home, the repair work could begin. I knew the real reason why Plotz went though so much trouble to make sure the kids were safe. It was because he was scared that they could blame the company and kick up a fuss. I knew that Talia wouldn't do something like that, but he insisted. It was nothing personal. That was just the way he was. Paranoid and only focused on business. Always was, and always will be.

"They are coming back, right Scratchy?" Wakko asked.

I nodded, "Of course zay vill, and I have no doubt zat if zey don't you'll go and fetch zem."

Dot rolled her eyes, "Awe, you ruined the surprise!"

"Uuuuuhhhhhh-Speaking of surprises," Yakko added, "Do you think we should have told kiddo that the kids snuck Rita and Runt in the trunk of the car?"

They all paused for a minute before waving their hands dismissively, "Nah!"

I rubbed my temple in exasperation. Oh yes, it was definitely going to be interesting working with toons again…

*Talia's POV*

Seven months since we'd come home. Seven months since we'd left Slappy's house. Seven months of trying to regain normality. But almost a year since I'd walked across the mossy ground outside the church and spoken to her…

Hi mom… I brought some yellow tulips for you, your favorite. Wow it's been a while since I've come for a visit; your headstone's looking a little chipped. I'll be back later on with Flynn and Poppy, it wouldn't be fair for them not to say goodbye. But I just wanted a moment alone with you. To say goodbye. It's their last day in school before we move. Yeah, it's goodbye to the house. We could never really afford it in the first place, and we've found somewhere nicer. Smaller, granted, but it's a better place for us.

I should have come to visit sooner. I'm turning nineteen next month, Flynn turned eleven two weeks ago, Poppy isn't happy about waiting until the end of the year to turn seven but what can you do? You would be so proud of Flynn. He's turning into quite the man of the house. He's so brave. You should see some of the bruises he comes home with. But don't worry, I don't let him off easy either, I'm not that nice. And little Poppy, you would have found her so funny if you'd been able to stay around longer. People say she looks just like me; which I guess means she looks just like you too. There's still no word from dad, but what did you expect there? We never really needed him, did we? As for me; I'm still the same old me, for the most part…

I'll get into that in a minute, but here's something I think you'll like. We've got two new additions to the family. Don't worry, I didn't get myself into that kind of trouble! I mean Rita and Runt. They stowed away in the back of the car when we were heading home. It took a while for them to settle, well, Rita anyway. But now, I don't think they'd leave even if we wanted them to. Flynn loves having tousles and playing around with Runt and Poppy has a part of her bed saved for Rita to curl up on at night. You should hear Rita sing, it's just beautiful. Sorry, that's a little confusing, isn't it?

I'll try and explain. Well, you know those 'cartoon friends' I used to talk about as a kid, before Flynn was born? Well, I ended up proving everybody wrong. They were real. Not only real, but they saved my life more than a few times to say the least. Flynn and Poppy love them, I know you would too. You see, they came back to look for me. And I think we all got a little more than we bargained for.

Yakko is a little like me; he'd do anything for his sibs. Okay, he can be a little forward at times and a one hell of a smart-ass when he wants to be; but he's determined and he'll be there for you no matter what, even if you don't want him there. Wakko suffers from the same thing as Flynn: Middle-Kid Syndrome. But that's not a bad thing. He's got a stomach to match the entire army, but he's a real sweetheart deep down, between us I think Poppy's quite taken with him… Help me… Even when he pulls out the flintiness like his brother, it's not always a bad thing, but when they steal my bras it can get a little infuriating. That leaves Princess Angelina Contessa Louisa Francesca Banana-Fanna Bo Besca the Third… or Dot. What can I say? She's cute and knows it. She's a little bit of a diva but she keeps her brothers in check which comes in handy. Don't get me wrong she pulls out the charm too on Flynn from time to time, it must run in the family. But it's good for Poppy having someone like her around. You'd love them, you really would.

I was as shocked as you would be when I found out I wasn't crazy. It's okay though, I'm not as angry anymore. I used to be. I know it was a long shot to believe but it doesn't matter now. But I always kind of guessed that you used to like listening to me talk about them, even picture them real yourself sometimes. You had that way about you. You listened no matter what. Everything turned out okay for us in the end though. It tore us apart having to leave them to go home, but they dropped in every once in a while. Even when we didn't expect it. Their boss, I guess you could call him that, doesn't give them much permission to get out, and because of the distance, we can't visit as often as we'd like. But when we do meet up, we make it last. It's strange how things change. At one time it was them trying their hardest to make me remember them… now I'm the one who doesn't want to be forgotten. It's not the same though. It only hurts all the more when they have to leave again.

And yet, all of this is only half of the news I wanted to give you. I don't know how to tell you this mom, but after all that's happened; and I have a feeling you know all that's happened. I always kind of felt you were with me a little, not to sound too soppy or anything, I'm more hoping that it's true than really believing it. But after what's happened, who am I to question what's real and what's not? So no doubt you know what happened while I was in the medical ward.

You've no idea how much it's affected me. I feel more alive and, well, I guess I'm not really human anymore am I? Plotz told me not to tell anyone, which I've agreed to; but he also told me not to encourage that part of me. I didn't listen. I couldn't help it. I've tried a few things and, well… I'm scared mom. I had no idea how difficult it is to control. Sometimes I do things and I don't even realize until it's too late, what if I hurt someone mom? What if I hurt Flynn or Poppy? I need help, but the ones who can help me I can't tell; the ones that are helping me can't even imagine what I'm capable of. I have a feeling Yakko knows something, but just like I wouldn't dare ask him some questions, he has the respect to wait me out on this one. But how long that'll last I have no idea. None of the Warner's are known for their patience to put it nicely. He could help me maybe, all the toons could. But I don't know how to tell them. I can't tell them. There's no cure mom, I'm stuck like this. And I don't know how to control it… I wish you could be here mom, I really need you right now. I haven't been this scared since R.J was around. I've heard there's no chance of him getting out, but I'm not building my hopes up too much. He's an evil snake that can slither his way out of anything I'll wager. And I'm not sticking around in the same place if he does.

This is partly why we're moving tomorrow. To avoid him and also… I need the help. It's selfish, I know, but sometimes I have the right to be. Things are too hard to explain right now, but in time maybe they'll understand. We'll see how things go. Speaking of which, I have to go. I've got to call my new employer and arrange some things for the move. I'll be back in a few hours with Flynn and Poppy. I miss you mom, and sure sometimes I do get angry that you're not here. I'm not a parent after all and this wasn't fair on anyone. But it's not your fault. You didn't want this. But I'm not going to let you down mom. And I may be scared and not really human anymore… but I'm still not going to let you down. I lo- I uh, goodbye mom...

*Two Days Later*

"Jesus Christ, Rita let it go!" I snapped, struggling with the feline in my arms.

Runt bounced excitably from the backdoor, "Deck 'em! Definitely deck 'em Rita!"

"Don't deck 'em Rita! We've been here one night, how can you be fighting with the neighbors already? You're worse than Flynn!"

Rita hissed as a yapping Chihuahua poked its head through the gap in the fence that separated our back yard and next-doors. This had been the third time pulling her away from a fight with that thing. Okay it was a disgusting little animal that looked like a boiled chicken skeleton with a bad attitude problem; and each time they fought Rita had clearly been winning, but still that wasn't the point!

"Don't start with me, sister; that rat kept me up all night and now it's giving me the eye!" she argued. Just then the dog started yapping and baring its teeth. Rita tried to wriggle out of my grip again, "Oh yeah bub! You want another try!"

"Rita! Let it go!"

"What's going on out here?"

An irritable looking woman in her forties rushed out and scooped up the rat-dog. She was badly fake-tanned to the point where a tangerine would be envious and had hair extensions way past the hem of her poorly fitted belly-top. She glared at me over a massive pair of designer sunglasses and scowled. Well this was a first impression worth remembering… I think not. Well this was a change from Mrs. Fisher as a neighbor, that was for sure.

"Uh… Hi, I'm Talia, we just moved in yesterday afternoon. Nice to me-"

"Is that the animal that's making all the racket last night?"

Nice to meet you too, Is-that-the-animal-who's-making-all-the-racket-last-night… Can I call you 'Racket' for short? I blinked at her rudeness, "Rita? No she was in last night."

Rita gave the woman a smug glare, "Meow… Meow…" she said dryly.

I bit my lip so I didn't smile. The women didn't remove her eyes from me, thankfully clueless that a cat had such a humanoid and sarcastic tone, "Well how hard can it be to handle an animal? Honestly! You're on your own, you should have total control!"

Look whose talking, "Actually, I'm living with my brother and sister, and Runt too." I felt bad leaving him out, he turned out to be a brilliant guard dog in the night. Clearly this exchange wasn't going anywhere, "So, uh, it's nice meeting you… Miss."

"Don't you sass me!"

Don't you take Lohan's hair without permission! "I wasn't. I didn't catch your name but it was nice talking to you, Neighbor."

Before she could reply, I was already inside the house and closing the door behind me. Well, this was a good start to the move, wasn't it? We'd been here one night and I'd already separated three cat fights and met the Annoying Oranges' sister. Brilliant. I shut the door behind me and placed Rita on the floor who was instantly praised by her canine companion. They didn't need warning about keeping quiet outside the house, but they still got into some trouble and it was usually me trying to get them out of it. In all honesty though, I loved it. It felt good having them around, it was good for my siblings too. Speaking of which…

"What was that all about?" Flynn rushed to my side, peering through the window to look into the back yard.

"We made a friend." I said bluntly.

"Did you get him?" Poppy asked, stroking Rita softly.

"Almost, until the ref stepped in." Rita eyed me.

I blinked at my sister, "You sent her over there?"

She ducked her head, "He scares me. He's small with big teeth and makes strange noises."

Flynn smirked, "So does Pinky!"

"Yeah but when he does it its funny; not like he's going to eat me."

I couldn't argue with that one. Pinky: a small and cuddly buck-toothed mouse with a short attention span. That rat-dog next door: a small and snappy thing with piranha teeth and seemed to be on constant vibrate. But still I didn't want Rita trying to take chunks out of him everyday. Well, you know what, one little dog and its owner wasn't going to dampen this day. This move was all for us and it was going to stay that way.

"Can we go yet?" Flynn asked, then noticed how eager he sounded and cleared his throat, "I mean… so when are we heading off?"

"Soon." I promised, "Let's just get a few more boxes unpacked and we can start walking over."

"Walk?" Poppy asked.

I pretended to be shocked, "You mean putting one foot in front of the other without the magic thing on wheels?" I rolled my eyes, "Yes walk."

"It's that close?" Flynn arched his brow.

I nodded in answer with a smug smile. They exchanged exited glances while Rita shook her head knowingly from atop Runts head. Yes, this move was all about us and was going to stay that way. Just like that, they began to unpack a lot faster. I didn't blame them, I was just as excited as they were. I turned to pick up another box and gasped as I found myself upstairs in my new room by only taking a step. What the…? My shoulders slumped as I looked down at the imprint on my wrist. Things like this had been happening a lot. I still couldn't control it… And this wasn't the only thing, there was so much more. I was exhausted.

Images of Mackenzie came to mind. I vowed that I wouldn't turn into what he had. But what if it was a promise I couldn't keep? In the end it had broken him. He'd… he'd reached his limits. I didn't even know my limits. I still didn't know how I felt about Mackenzie's passing. It had been seven months, and it had come up occasionally in my meetings with Dr. S, but I was still unsure. The best way I could put it was when you hear about a famous person passing. You feel something because it's such a sad thing, but you don't go into it too much because you didn't know them personally. Last time I visited the toons, Slappy had mentioned this. She called it a 'what if' complex. She was right, I did wonder if I could have done something more, but didn't know what. I wanted to know what he was really like before all this, but it was too late. He couldn't handle it. Everyday was a constant battle to keep control. And I was terrified that I was loosing too.

"Talia?" Poppy called from downstairs.

I made my tone light and playful, "Hurry up guys, I'm doing all the work up here!"

Work was right… I just hoped that after today things might turn out a little better. After all, things had been a lot worse. Maybe I'd be able to figure some things out along the way. But for now, I just had to keep a smile bright and prominent. Really, what else could I do?

A/N:

The part where she's talking to her mom, I was listening to Rascal Flatts 'What Hurts the Most', it's just such a powerful song and thought it fits this nicely. So Talia can't control herself sometimes and she's broken the rules a little, nice one girl… What's going to happen in the final chapter? You'll see soon, but don't get to excited it's nothing major, in my opinion anyway…

One more chapter to go people!