"Again, I must apologize for my absence. I felt obligated to attend and must have forgotten." Owl shook his head, discouragingly at the baboon sitting across him on a stump. The baboon raised his hand at this, half-smiling.

"There's no need," Bartholomew remarked.

"No. I insist. Honestly, if I had known I'd be pulled into Leonard's chicanery, I would have told him to get lost." He rolled his eyes.

Bart lowered his head inquisitively, chuckling softly as he skeptically raised his brow. "Oh! Really?"

Owl tilted his head, pondering briefly as he tapped his beak. "Well, I would obviously have phrased that in a more polite manner. But it is what it is." He shrugged and sighed deeply. "Forgive and hopefully forget."

Bartholomew rests his stubby chin on the back of his hand lazily. "Careful, do that too often, and you'll be as forgetful as me." A small solemn grin crept across his face.

Owl smiled coyly. "We can only hope."

The animals shared a laugh.

However, the Owl eyed his guest. At that moment, he could see Bartholomew's eyes were half-closed and distracted. A faint familiar weariness seemingly lingered on his face. He took a deep breath then exhaled. "So, how have you been? If you don't mind me asking."

The baboon glanced downwardly at the ground, slouched over as his foot dug into the grass. "Better…Is what I'd like to say but we both know that—"

"Now, now. Let's not stress. We're here to relax. Put our feet and other appendages, up. Right?"

"I know. I know—I…" He sighed lowly, clasping his hands together.

"Well, I've got a new hobby." He caught a sharp smirk creep from the corner of Owl's mouth. A coy yet pleased look graced his face. The bird tilted its head curiously, beckoning him to continue. Bartholomew stifled a laugh before continuing. "I've been going on walks, occasionally, and I think I might start gardening." He smiles weakly. "Boring, I know, but it keeps my mind busy, plus…" He let out a dry chuckle. "You wouldn't believe what you overhear."

The Owl swayed in its perch amused, then leaned toward him, jabbing his wing into his arm. "Oh, ho ho! Pray tell. What have you heard from the grapevine?"

Bartholomew wagged his finger playfully. "Nothing scandalous, I assure you. But I do hear some rather interesting conversations here and there. Matilda, in particular, seemed rather…" He stares off, blankly finding his words as he dug into his beard. "Perturbed."

Owl nodded firmly. "Understandable, her boys were roughed up that night."

Bartholomew's tepid eyes narrowed, concern visible on his face. "Oh, I hadn't…"

"Don't tell me you've been spreading rumours? I didn't take you for the gossipy type." He slyly remarked, presumptuously staring at his guest.

The worry dissipated as Bartholomew shook his head, dryly smiling. "Far from it, just curious." He scratched his cheek pensively and narrowed his eyes. "I suppose I should temper my curiosity."

Owl turned his head dismissively, reflexively grunting. "Unless you're a prideful and sociopathic cat. I doubt that would be an issue." His eyes widen briefly before glancing at his guest. Bartholomew tilted his head, eyes narrowing sharply at the animal. The Owl coughed lightly into his wing, disappointment in his eyes. "Sorry, I'm projecting."

"No worries."

"Regardless, it's been good to go out and decompress. Its been…lovely so far."

The Owl pauses, squinting intently. It was not hard to see how dejected the baboon looked despite his hopeful tone. And yet, Owl hesitated. Adopting silence as his talons audibly dig into a stump, he perched upon. Bartholomew looked upward curiously, ears perked. "Is something wrong?"

Owl's eyes dipped dourly as if he was searching for the right words. "I…I find its rather dreadful and crude the way they've confined you together."

"Honestly, I don't mind. It's nostalgic, brings us closer."

"I'm glad you're looking at this positively."

"If we're honest. That's been the least of my worries." His brow scrunched tightly as reached for his aching head. The Owl nodded sympathetically.

"Headache? Unfortunately, that is an affliction we both share." Owl clicked his tongue "Ah! Maybe incense will—"

A shrill and harsh sounding cry came from one of the birds above, stretching across the aviary.

Squaaawk!

Owl paused in disbelief, his eyes drifting outwardly. "Oh, it seems our time is up."

"Time flies with the right company."

The Owl chuckled softly, nodding affirmatively. "It is getting late, I suppose we'll have to put a pin on it for now...Same time next week?"

"I'd… I'd like that." He replied, still grasping his head.

Owl noticed discomfort and brought his wing under his chin. "Perhaps I should give you some incense on your way out."

"That sounds...nice."

"I've got frankincense. Maybe Myrrh or Jasmine…Hmm, Lavender, a bit tacky, no. Pine would be excellent."

"Lovely."

"I'm sure she won't mind you carrying some home."

"That's…nice."

Owl squinted wearily, turning his head backward. His guest stood as still as a statue, looking drearily at the exit. "Is something wrong?"

Bartholomew silently shook his head. "No. No. I…I...I want, no." He inhaled deeply before softly exhaling. "I…relapsed." He blurted out. "I thought I had a handle on myself." He squinted discouraged.

"I'm sorry to hear." He paused. "Was this recent?"

"I'd say around the same time as the fire. The details are…murky, and when I was myself again, I was back in our exhibit. Friend…I want to try to parse through this. For my own sake."

"Pace yourself, Bart. There's no need to rush."

"NO!" He growled teeth barred angrily, his eyes shut tightly.

The Owl recoiled briefly surprised at his angered tone, locking eyes with the animal. Fearful, Bartholomew's chest tightened, shutting his mouth. "I'm sorry! I—" He stared carefully at the Owl, then slowly felt embarrassed as he held his shoulder tightly.

Owl shook his head dismissively. "I suppose that's my fault. I'm sorry."

"No. No. I…overreacted."

They avoided each other's gaze for a moment, staying silent as a cold breeze blew into the exhibit. "Are you sure about this?" Owl asked.

The baboon coughed deeply as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "If, If, If I don't try, then what's the point? I need to focus, to…to clear my mind. Maybe—" He stares outwardly, longingly glancing over at a few plants near the far end of the exhibit.

"It'd be better to use the herbs they're potent enough—"

"Absolutely not."

Bartholomew sighed lowly, eyes half-closed as he glared dourly at Owl. "Am I that much of a lost cause?"

Owl sighs, defeated. "It would be better to hear it from you, at your own pace." The Owl stretched out and placed his wing on Bartholomew's shoulder. "Now. Let's begin old friend."

The baboon mustered a calm smile and closed his eyes. "Very well. Forgive my memory."

Owl nods firmly, adopting a calmer expression as he watched his guest.

"I suspect the trigger was when we were attacked by…I, um…Ah!" He quickly snapped his fingers. "Hyenas!"

"Oh…" Owl softly ejected for a moment as his eyes narrowed dourly.

Bartholomew shook his head dismissively. "Don't fret as far as I recall no one was seriously hurt. Although…" He glanced upward, pondering for a moment before shaking his head. "Nevertheless, It was a sunny day, no, no. You old fool, it wasn't."

"Take your time, the weather isn't important."

"I…was walking back then…I stopped. Why did I stop?" He tapped his head, snorting annoyed. Then, he smiled. "Oh, Pepper." Owl squints dubiously before slowly realizing who he is referring too.

"We talked for a moment, then we walked home." He frowns and clenched his fist tightly, then shut his eyes again. "No. That's…definitely not right. I…think that came later."

"Did anyone else show up?"

"Yes! Yes." He stated elated. However, his demeanour shifted from excitement to a grim expression. Eyes narrowing wearily as he stared vacantly at the ground.

Owl noted his change but continued to press on. "What happened?"

"Both of them arrived shortly after…And then," A hitch of discomfort came from his voice, Bartholomew felt his breathing becoming heavy. "He said something…immediately regretted it…She exploded angrily…"

"Bart…?"

"They were arguing a lot. I, I cant…" He inhaled deeply, holding his head with his paw tightly. His thoughts swarmed his mind, his head started to throb.

"Why?! Why do you always do this shit?"

"I'm sorry, I—"

"Is that all you want, huh? A drinking buddy?"

"To be with him. Is that too much to ask?"

"Go to hell."

"Why don't you let him decide?" Another voice chimed.

"No. It's bad enough this jackass decides to grow a heart now. Nobody cared before, why now?!"

"Really? Can't even give him the benefit of the doubt?"

"P-p-please…" Bart spouted out as his lips quivered, his breathes becoming more pronounced. His head felt as if it was going to burst like a balloon. Owl squinted firmly, he spoke to address his guest, no response. The baboon continued to mummer and growl. Breathes hitching as jaw unhinged roughly. Thoughts continuing to echo within his head.

"I'm not letting him screw everything up. At least…At least he's talking now."

"At least? That's the bar you're setting. Isolating him isn't helping at all."

"What the hell do you know!"

"AAAHHH!"

Couldn't even…. Couldn't even… Couldn't even…

Bartholomew's vacant stare slowly turned to despair. Suddenly, Owl's eyes furrowed concerned as the baboon's breathing became more turbulent with each hitched breath. Short and dry sounding gasps escaped the animal's maw as his eyes widened intently with fear.

"Breathe…Breathe!" Bartholomew cries, his chest heaved roughly as he tried to calm himself down. However, the task seemed to be too much as his heart started to pound loudly in his ear.

Until...A warm sensation wrapped around his body, a soft, gentle caress encompassing his person. His eyes opened, drifting to the other animal clutching to him. Repeating his prior chant in a softer tone, looking stern and concerned as his breathes were ragged and erratic. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The earthy artificial aroma accompanied by the scent of sweet-smelling grass slowly made his head less turbulent, adopting the calmer haze he was accustomed to.

"It's okay… It's okay…" Owl reiterated before feeling a hand rest onto his spine. He let out a sigh of relief.

"No. I was the one who wanted this…" Bartholomew muttered lowly, shaking his head. He pulled away from the Owl, rubbing his temple. "What I remember is: they came from out of nowhere…My daughter was slammed to the ground…Her shriek pierced my ears, but I didn't move. My, my…" He shut his eyes tightly as tears began to flood his eyes. His tone growing dour and low as he tried to recall the events.

"Pepper was prepared...I saw him run to her, tackling it. He tried to rein the beast. No avail…Then…Soon afterward, I turned to find Spice being attacked by another one."

"I…I should have taught him how to defend himself. I…I…I've forgotten something important." He droned on as the Owl narrowed his eyes solemnly.

"I remember a dull thwack and the beast fell to the ground…I think I, no, I walked to him to see if he was fine. Then, he went pale. Then…then…then…He rushed past me. Another scream…A soppy sound, A red circle…And, everything just went blank…I, I, I can't recall—"

He flinched as he felt feathers patting his back gently.

"That's enough for today," Owl said.

He let out a low sniffle, wiping his eyes roughly. "I suppose so. I…I'm so sorry this got out of hand."

Owl swiftly shook his head. "You don't need to apologize. After all, this is another step toward recovery, pitfalls in all." He smiled warmly with a firm kind expression before leaning around him and staring at a bush across the exhibit. "Welcome." He hailed casually.

Bartholomew glanced over his shoulder, his eyes brightened as they narrowed halfway. "Sugar! Right on time, dear."

She scratched her head dully, walking toward them and stopped in front of them. "Yup, just got here, dad."

Her father nodded at her, but Owl suspiciously narrowed his eyes, then gleamed over to Bartholomew. "Right. Right. Oh Bart, could you grab some incense. Past the tree, walk straight until you get to the parrot's tree and take a hard left and look into the fake bush." He pointed outwards past a large tree in the middle of the aviary.

Bartholomew followed his direction and squinted intently before nodding slowly.

"And if you get lost, ask the birds."

"I'll be fine." He replied.

Owl wistfully watched him stroll past the tree. He exhales slowly relaxed, then calmly glanced back to the Sugar, shifting to a severe glare. "So how much did you hear?"

She squinted stubbornly and folded her arms as she let out a sigh. "Straight to the point…I was that obvious?"

"The cold night air doesn't usually stroll in without help, my dear."

Sugar waved the Owl off and rolled her eyes. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm not slick, sorry for being concerned."

"Still don't trust me?"

She tilted her head, seemingly unsure with a scowl, then exhaled. "I do, it's your hocus pocus crap I don't…" Sugar paused, the Owl's glare returned. 'What?"

He sighed deeply and shook his discouragingly. "At your behest, I've changed my approach for your father, but I feel as though I would be able to do more if—"

"You are NOT going to drug my dad." She emphasized maintaining a lower tone and quickly glancing around the Owl at her father across the aviary, kneeling on the ground idly. Her eyes shifted to the Owl sharply as he held both his wings apprehensively.

"Hear me out. I will continue to help by consoling him. Believe me, he's far better than he was before."

A low, frustrated growl permeated from her throat. "Yeah, I ah—arrggh! I just don't want him to be a vegan."

Inquisitively, his brow rose at her outburst. "A vegetable."

"I—" Her eyes flared harshly, immediately pointing her finger accusingly at the animal, then squinted bewildered before shaking her head. "Whatever. Those drugs will only screw him up more."

"My herbs don't harm nearly as much as those human-made concoctions, but I respect your wishes."

"Then why make a big deal out of it."

"Because your father's illness is not physical, therefore, I must look inward. It would be easier for me to grasp the issue with my method."

Sugar huffed and gave a derisive snort. "Oh yeah, you gonna shrink down into his brain to see how he ticks magic man?"

Owl blinked blankly, staring dryly at her, then let out a sigh as his eyes dipped down. "I would be able to see far more than simply talking with your father, peak into the folds of his subconscious with the precision of a surgeon."

"So in a word: easy? It would be easier for you." She pouted, adopting a dull meaningful glare.

"Yes. Yes, exactly!" He nodded silently.

The pout slowly wormed away, leaving a bitter and jagged scowl. "So you wanna speed it up, throw 'em out sooner?" She sourly stared him down. However, his eyes furrowed insulted.

"No." She flinched suddenly, a stern and determined glare graced his face as he rose his voice. "I want to help him. However, without aid, the process of bringing peace to his mind will be slower and difficult. Which I am not averse too, but I know you aren't happy with the pace. Furthermore, I don't know how much longer I can weave around your father's insistence on them as well."

The Owl shuffled to her and stretched his wing, placing it on her shoulder calmly, Sugar tensed instinctively and slowly stared at him. "I know you care about him, but you need to allow him a choice in all this." Sugar silently narrowed her eyes, darkly glaring at him with a tentative look.

Owl brow narrowed regretfully and retracted his wing, then stepped back briefly. "That's all wish to say about it." He turned back slightly, glancing over his shoulder to try and spot the other animal. However, his ear perked as he heard a disgruntled mumble. He turned to her slowly.

"Pardon, I didn't quite catch that?"

"I said: I'll think about it, happy?!" Her face reddened, averting his gaze, then loudly exhaled and sighed exhausted, holding her arm. "So…how'd it go today?"

Owl's eyes drifted upward pensively. "From what I could see, your father's recollection of the events was rather traumatic, and despite his insistence on his faulty memory, it's clear there's a gap he's repressing." He sighs a determined expression deeply on his face as he narrowed his brow. "You wouldn't mind elaborating, would you?"

Her brow furrowed indignantly, "No." Sugar lowly replied.

The Owl narrow his eyes then nodded knowingly. "Right, forgive me that was probably traumatic for you as well."

"Yeah." She frowns, looking away but abruptly swerved her head. The sharp snap of a twig drawing their attention to her father approaching them with a handful of dark sticks.

"Sorry I took so long. You were right about the pine, but I liked the others as well." Bartholomew said.

Owl shrugged casually. "I can always smuggle a few more."

He nodded affirmatively at Owl before glancing down at Sugar. "It's getting late, let's get a move on then." He started to walk toward the exit. However, he wobbled in place and stumbled forward, almost tripping.

Sugar rushed to the baboon quickly, slumping under him and wrapping her arm around his back. "Careful."

Looking at his face revealed his dazed complexion, she watched Bartholomew shake his head. "Sorry. I'm a bit out of it…"

"Well, we aren't in a hurry, okay?"

"I know I just don't like you out this late."

Sugar paused, frowning slightly. Her eyes narrowed, but she smirked and then snorted somewhat. She looked up, longingly at her father. "Y'know what you're right. We should leave. He's probably getting sick of me anyways." She said, glancing back.

Owl twists his head away dismissively at this, resting the tip of his wing proactively his chest while closing his eyes. "Oh, perish the thought." Slowly, he smirks suavely at her. Starring at her with bright half-closed eyes.

Sugar rolled her eyes started to leave with her father in tow, waving goodbye casually.

"Good night, old friend." Bartholomew remarked.

"Peace be with you, Bart." Owl nodded.

As the two left, the Owl stood solemnly before sighing aloud and turning around to walk. He treads along the grassy plain letting his claws drag along the ground till a loud snap beneath him caught his attention. He stopped for a moment then glanced down at the ground, a broken incense stick laid on the grass. Dubious at first, he lazily swept the stick into a bush and continued his stride. It had been an arduous night for all of them.

...

Through blurred eyes, I spot an odd figure lying sideways on the ground in front of my face. Stupid mutt, my head…Slowly I'm reminded of the splitting headache racking my head. It's a struggle to keep my eyes open, the world's spinning like a cheap tea-cup ride and I'm stupid enough to try to get off while it's moving. My hand feels cold, wet even.

The hell?

I squint and stare for a bit. The figure is long, thin and black; it's familiar but somethings…off.

And now my ears are ringing, It's bad enough I hear and feel my heart pounding out my chest. I barely recognize the other voices rattling in my ears. Then my headache transforms into a full-blown migraine, it's enough for me to violently shut my eyes.

"Wh…el…was...I…supposed to do!"

"N…Kill…!"

And they're still shouting at each other, I'm potentially impaired here! Forcing myself to open my eyes, I focus on the thing in front of me, then it dawns on me: it's Spice's baseball bat. Except, it was oozing red onto the floor. Shit. Tilting my head off the ground, I look over the bat. Then stop, my eyes lock on to…to-

"Oh…f-Aaaah…ah!"

And my first instinct was to immediately get up—First mistake. I flinched and quickly grabbed my shoulder. It felt like needles were jabbing into my shoulder as I knelt in pain.

"Can you…both…shut…the hell up!" I stammered out, yelling.

Slowly, the two voices stop yapping the moment I howled. I think they both bolted together for me before I got to my feet.

"Don't move." Spice told me. I winced again at the pain as he grabbed my shoulder.

"That doesn't look good." Another deep voice croaky added.

I felt my eyes nearly pop out of my skull, So I turn to my uncle and give em' the stink eye.

"No shit! A hyena football tackles someone to the ground and chomps down on their shoulder, and it doesn't look good?" I berated as I felt my head about to burst, worth it, though.

"Sugar, T-This ain't the time!" My brother berates, slurring his speech.

I sigh aloud, rolling my eyes. "I know."

"I'll go grab some b-bandages. Just…stay put."

What else was I gonna do? I nodded then regrettably exhaled exhausted. I guess he was trying his best to keep it together, except I could hear his fading voice muttering, no, chanting: "Oh shit," like someone trying to hold it on the way to the bathroom. I almost laughed till I realized what was happening, but he was already gone. I held back a curse.

I have to be alone with this lug again, wait wh-

"Make sure you grab something to disinfect her wound!" Pepper bellowed; the bastard.

This loudmouth yelled right into my ear!

I scowled and held my head. He notices and mutters out a halfhearted apology.

God, why did he have to be here? Regrettably, I glanced over my shoulder, I had to be eye-level with his hairy pudgy gut. A wave of disgust washed over me. Then he started lean closer to me, I retracted back and glared back firmly at him.

"Don't touch me ya' fat-fingered bastard!"

"I need to look at it. Stop bein' a brat."

"Your eyes still work! Use those."

He sighed, raising his hands up frustrated. I shuddered briefly before he spoke again.

"It doesn't look too serious, luckily."

"Mmmhmm. Lucky…" I held my arm and started to stare distantly at the stone-paved ground. There was a moment silence, was he hesitant or just dumbstruck about this crappy situation?

Both.

My frigging eyes furrowed. "What was that?"

"I said, Oh my God." Then he exhaled, lowly.

"Wha-' I squint then immediately understood, then glared longingly at Pepper. Didn't take a genius to figure what was eating him, but he started to drone on anyway.

"Why was he carrying a bat around?" He narrowed his eyes, leering strongly at me as he clutched his head.

"Protection, obviously."

"So your just freely carryin' weapons around?"

"Not always. You know full well how dangerous it can be."

"Yeah, if you're looking for it…"

I frown. "How many times have I seen you run with your tail between your legs from trouble?" For once, I saw an almost thoughtful expression on his face and a dumb-looking smirk on his lips. Again he mutters something under his breath. My brow rose curiously.

"What's got you sweet all of a sudden?"

"Reasons. Heh, heh." His gut shook as he let out a prideful chuckle.

I shudder again, eyes narrowing knowingly. "Oh yeah, tell me."

"Its nothin'."

"I bet it was money, definitely money."

"Its none of your business, lass."

Of course. Typical. I rolled my eyes. It's not like he's held accountable for his actions.

"This got out of hand too fast."

"Hadn't noticed."

"Don't sass me, missy." He bawled his fist at me, and I stare back at him.

"You ain't in the position to discipline me."

"Someone has to."

"And it ain't you."

"Clearly. Your brother, on the other hand."

Heat rushed to my face as I scowled. "Piss off! He did just fine."

"I disagree."

"So you're telling me you'd rather us be dead than defend ourselves?"

"You know that's not what I mean."

"Bull. Don't give me that. Last time I checked, you were trying to pull him off me, which you failed at." I saw him flinch at that, good.

"I HAD him Spice shouldn't have even needed to do that!" His clenched fist cracked loudly, trembling on his chest as he glared down with narrowed eyes.

I narrowed my eyes a bit, squinting curiously at him. I wanted to believe this wasn't genuine, but…I glanced down purposely as he dragged his heel over his foot. Probably to wipe off the blood, I guess. An exhausted sigh slipped out my mouth, and my eyes shut. "And yet here we are…get ov'r it." I squinted and shook my head, annoyed at my slip up. A deeply agitated grunt came from him, I folded my arms and glanced blankly at him.

"Look, we're all still standin' nothing to lose sleep over."

Immediately after, he whips around with the most distraught and overly dramatic look I've seen.

"It didn't have ta' go this far, sug! Now there are two dead animals to account for." He barks out.

I muffled a snarl and then glanced around him. "Actually, that one's still alive."

"Wonderful. I'm sure he'll be grateful for letting 'em live."

I squint carefully for a moment, pouting unsure. He sees me and glares back concerned as I almost smirk at the sight.

"Oh God ya heartless wench-"

I raised my hand apprehensively in his face. "Just drop it. The thought hadn't crossed my concussed mind."

"If I had held on a little longer…maybe."

"Well, ya didn't. No use cryin' over it. What matters is we're okay. Besides, he did what he had too." Again, this lug gives me the most appalling look on his face; eyes wide, mouth open and everything. Then glares and points behind me. I reluctantly turn to where he's pointing.

"Look over d'ere and tell me I'm wrong. Take a good hard look…" He says as he takes a deep breath and exhales.

It looked like roadkill, except for the exceptionally caved-in skull. Over there and there and there. I'll admit it was overkill, but it was justified…

"I know I'm not the smartest cookie in the jar, but I know there is no amount of drink in this hole to remove that sight from memory."

I stare back at him blankly, "You'll find a way." Pepper tensed suddenly before letting a lazy chuckle and glared outwardly, his eyes glazing over.

"Today….Today had been so good. Bloody hell." He sat down, squatting on the ground with his eyes narrowed as he glances outwardly over his shoulder, sad and rather pathetic.

I sighed knowingly and glanced behind him at an exhibit wall: There was my father hunched over, unmoving his fingers curled into a claw-like mess. No expression on his face. Except for his eyes, even in his catatonic state, I can make out a fearful look in them. The worst part? I don't know how long he'll be like this…The sight annoyed me more than it should, I bit my lip.

"Can he even hear us?"

"He'll be fine later-" I cover my mouth.

"What?"

I shake my head. Why'd I blurt that out?

"I said: Honestly, I'm not even sure. Its been a while since he's done this."

"Great…Just when things felt normal again. Now Bart's gone and-'

"Stop acting like he's dead," I muttered.

"I know Sug...Why'd everything have to go south?" My eyes narrow, I wanted to shout at him…

"Because everything you touch turns ta' shit…" I stopped.

No. This ain't right. None of this makes sense!

Panicked, I hunched over, shaking my head and closed my eyes.

I've been through this already! Right? With that thought, my eyes open and…Slowly I look to the ground. Only nothing was there.

The body was gone.

It was gone.

Gone…

I held my head, eyes twitching as I scanned the area.

"Where the shit did it go!"

No!

No...

No.

What's going on?

Am I losing it? No.

It should be right there?

I am losing it…No. NO! If you're not crazy, then where'd it go? I DON'T KNOW!

I'm not…I'm not…like-

My vision blurs, eyes are still twitching, and I force them to shut. Not now. Crying ain't gonna make this any better! C'mon breathe, breathe!

I opened my eyes and I…I stare at my dad absently. Then I glanced down at Pepper. It was unnatural how he sat there hunched over motionless, unblinking like my father. A shiver ran down my spine.

You're fine…You're fine…breathe.

My chest tightens up, eyes still watery. Just breathe. Deep calming breathes…

In and out.

In and out.

In and- "Ahhhhhh!" And I freak the hell out.

Why the hell isn't this working! The Owl's full of shit! My dad was-Wait…

Then it hits me.

It's a dream! Yeah-Yeah! This is what I get for eavesdropping, christ!

I wiped my eyes and let out a heavy sigh of relief. This is one of those lucid dreams if that's the case.

I squat down in front of Pepper, meeting face-to-face with his ugly mug before winding my hand back and slapping him across the face with a loud smack. Unfortunately, no reaction but cathartic nonetheless.

Not lucid enough, I guess…How do I leave?

Immediately I pinch myself; there was a sharp prick of pain but no dice. I was still stuck.

Whelp. This sucks ass. It couldn't have been easy, huh? It's my dream!

Mentally I sighed and closed my eyes. Now I have a completely new problem to deal with. Stupid Owl. Stupid me…Huh. Well, if eavesdropping got me into this, I guess I can try to recall what happened next…Well the ground shook, I grabbed the bat and hid my ass in a bush, I think he threw the unconscious hyena somewhere and his…

I gulped, shuddering a bit at the memory. That poor smuck got ground to the floor. Right. Stampede plus already dead animal equals convenient alibi. Annnd I owe him for managing to convince the mob it was an accident…Perfect. After that, the dingbat decided to-

"Ho ho ho," Pepper chuckled, "I can't believe this lass, our luck is unbelievable!"

There we go, now it's correcting itself.

"Yeah, yeah, we should play the lottery or somethin', but before that, can you please shut it before one somebody hears you!" Eyeing him intently as I growled.

That seemed to get a reaction, his face quickly drained of all the happiness and pride from his face to more concerned and shifty expression as he held his belly.

"Right. You're right, I-"

"Don't. Just be quiet..."

There was a loud crashing noise, then I felt a rumble after. It scared the shit out of me before…The bastard laughed at me then.

"So much for that, eh?" He added.

I hate you so much…

I turned away, Good, Spice is coming back. He ran toward us, a desperate and fearful look in eyes. Uh oh. He stopped in front of me, out of breath.

"Took ya long enough," I said.

"We got…a problem."

"Yeah, what-"

He pointed behind at the sky, plumes of smoke trailed upward from afar. Oh yeah, I forgot about the fire.

"Oh. Okay, that is definitely a problem."

"We…need to go and help them!"

I scowled and pointed directly at a bush across us. "Heck no, get rid em' first!"

"Just hide them, they can wait."

"No, it can't, dumbass! Unless you want her to rip you limb from limb."

He scoffs and crossed his arms, stubborn idiot. "I can take-"

Immediately, I jammed my finger into his chest repeatedly. I was furious, but my eyes were teary… "No, you can't!" I tensed up as I felt a firm grip on my shoulder.

"Both of ya' calm down before someone hears us." Pepper berates.

For once, he's right. And I stay silent, observing them firmly then let out a sigh. Well, it's a dream. Might as well take charge.

"All right, listen,' I point my finger at Pepper. 'You bring back dad into the exhibit discreetly. Then we'll take care of both of them."

He squints at me, wearily, "Are you sure about this?" Pepper asks.

Curious, I squint. It was his plan to begin with. I was freaking out internally over where the hell we'd hide the hyena…

"Yeah. I'm sure. Just don't pump him full of alcohol or I'll pump you full of-"

"Full of milk, sorry I'd rather be filled with booze." Pepper mused, poorly; the jackass. I could hear faint snickering beside me as I continued.

"Full of-"

"Full of honey, I'm not a bear, Sug."

"Full-"

"Of luck, honest, I'm happy to still be here."

"Just get out of before I change my mind!"

He smiled wildly before walking towards my dad, I fought the urge to smack him again. I needed a plan…

"Spice, we need a wagon and some shovels for this…"

"Yeah…"

I turned to him. "Grab the-" And he's gone…Right. Dream.

It didn't matter anyway, so I started to walk and nearly fall over.

Before I knew it, the floor was gone replaced with a dark charm below my foot dangling off the edge like a fish on a hook. It was God damn terrifying. So, I stumbled backwards then glanced behind me to see the exact same thing. I don't know what I'm standing on, but it's stable for now. And then…

"Where are they?"

The voice was harsh, female…I recognize it and growl. "Leave me alone, ya jerk, they're both gone!"

Her voice got louder and louder repeating itself.

I…I started to run, shouting back, but the same voice grew closer with the same tune along with another familiar sound.

I tripped up and landed flat on my chest, coughing roughly. As I tried to get my ass up, I felt something grasping me firmly, slamming me back down. A low chirping noise and the sound of gnashing teeth distinctly brush around my ear before pain passes through my body…

Blackness…A few voices…

My eyes shot open, its blurry, dark, and cold. I screamed out*, before covering my mouth instantly. I pant into my mouth heavily. There's rustling around me, I can hear it even see a few animals staring in my direction.

Damn it…Whatever…

As the pounding in my chest settles, I look around. Sluggish, I glanced up at the nearest tree and growl softly. I can imagine most of the branches are lined across with dangling tails and arms, twitching and writhing about like the one in front of me. Absently my eyes drift about the grounds, the usual; a few rings of sleeping animals, banana peels and, oh.

Two figures are posted up near a boulder, squared up and facing one another. I squint dryly. I don't understand why they fight over a freaking rock, but it's better than nothing. The dumbasses are stuck with sleeping in the dirt, I wipe the mud off my face, annoyed.

If it's not one thing, it's another. At least I'm warm. Suckers are stuck- There's an arm wrapped around my waist. I tensed up, clawing the dirt as his smokey-smelling breathe grazes, oh…My shoulders loosen. He must've fallen asleep before I started to…

Shaking my head and sighing, I quietly curl into my brother's arm And slowly began to close my eyes...

Wham!

And they opened again, to the resonant thud of a body hitting the floor. My mouth furrowed into a frown, frustrated a sigh echoes out of me. This place is a mess….