After the Words: Terror in Bright Harbor Chapter 4 The Outside Observer, a night in the woods fanfic

After the Words: Terror in Bright Harbor

Note
This chapter in my opinion can be considered ATW's nonexistent chapter twelve. It's basically picking up right after the tragic events that occurred in chapter eleven. Why I'm putting it here as chapter four of TiBH. The reason is context. You will have to had read the first three chapters to understand why and how some things happened it's because of this chapter that they occurred. Also please be aware this chapter might drag on it's probably the longest chapter of anything I've ever written, at the same time the plot moves very quickly, I simply couldn't find an end point that I was satisfied with for the longest. This chapter has hills and valleys it goes up and down, it itself for me was an adventure to write. I truly hope you enjoy it and lemme know what you think, see you on the other side.

P.S. I dunno if you all noticed or not, I'm well aware some people may skip a prologue just scrolling right past it, but I've written a prologue specifically for each chapter of TiBH each one is unique to that chapter it's like a mini teaser at times. I guess it doesn't matter or not if you read it I just wanted to point this out is all.

Chapter Summary

After the explosion that rocked the town reducing Bea's apartment to a mound of rubble on the side of the road Mae awakens to find herself trapped in a horrific and seemingly precarious and impossible situation.

Mae struggles to cope with her new reality suffering mental setback after setback leaving her teetering on the edge of death.

Stan and Candy both recoil from the events that have transpired finally facing their daughter in the state she is in proves to be the most heartbreaking of tasks as their hope and patience is tested.

Bea who is still processing the fresh loss of her home now clings to all that she has left though she is haunted by what she sees reminding her of her mother's final days.

Germ being led by an outside force digs up an ever expanding mystery that sprawls across the ages, his lustrous collection growing only missing three pieces to his matching set.

Meanwhile dark forces descend upon Mae seeking revenge for past transgressions and possibly the sins of her ancestors.

Chapter Four: The Outside Observer, A Butterfly in the Dark

~~~Five Weeks Ago~~~

~Death~

A burning scent of ash was thick in the air the ground shook quaking as cracks formed splintering out into the road. Beatrice's apartment collapsed into itself crashing to the ground creating a fearsome current of air pressure sending out a large cloud of dust covering the busy street. The wrecked building suddenly exploded erupting like a volcano sending flaming bits of debris firing up whistling loudly through the air severely startling the local wildlife. The explosion cracked loudly piercing the ears of all around, it nearly shook the entire town as curious spectators watched from a distance though many didn't stick around for long as they began to flea in terror. Nearby police officers and fire fighters all ducked for cover as debris shards of glass and bits of concrete rained down from the sky much like a hail storm. The rumbling grew quiet after only a few moments as the hellish rain ceased while a puddle of red began pooling on the hot asphalt in the road. Bea's eyes widened her body shook as she reached out toward her friend now lying face first on the ground. Bea didn't even acknowledge the shards of glass sticking out of her own arm and back, she couldn't even feel them. "M-Mae..." Bea called out weakly her voice trembling tears spilt free escaping her eyes as she sluggishly crawled on the ground over toward Mae who did not respond. A loud ringing filled the crocodile's ears she could subtly hear people screaming in the background though she quickly tuned them out as well.

Molly cautiously raised her gaze peeking out over the police cruiser that she was cowering behind a few stray shards of glass and debris suddenly hit the side of the car much like gunfire startling the officer who's ears perked up suddenly hearing Bea's voice sounding somewhat odd. "Mae... pl-please t-tell me th-this is one of y-your s-stupid jokes... M-Mae..." Bea muttered softly as she neared the motionless feline the sight of her ragged body surrounded in a pool of blood was haunting shards of glasses and rubble protruded out from her back. The smell of the blood cooking on the hot pavement was intense almost to the point that it could choke the crocodile who resisted the urge to vomit her stomach quickly became upset from the scent that was akin to rancid almonds. Bea stood on her knees hovering over Mae as the crocodile's clothing stained with red she carefully rolled Mae onto her back. A line of blood streamed down from the unconscious feline's mouth her face was pale as the shaking crocodile cradled her close. "M-Mae... please... w-wake up Mae... MAAAEEEEEEE!" Bea's face twisted with pain and grief as she screamed at the top of her lungs her voice crackled causing the ground to briefly rumble as a flurry of emotion surged throughout her already scarred mind. After a moment Bea grew quiet her neck unexpectedly went limp with her head hanging low just above Mae's face as a few shimmering tears dripped onto the feline's face mixing with sweat and grime in her bloodied fur. "Pl-please...M-Mae...pl..plea..se...d-don't...leave...me...too..." Bea whispered painfully underneath her breath as everything slowed down for the crocodile who's throat felt tight and her voice was coarse she just simply stared at Mae the image of her lifeless form grew distorted from the falling tears. The reptile's ears continued ringing from the explosion she couldn't even hear Molly screaming right beside of her as the officer tried shaking Bea to catch her attention while paramedics descended upon them.

~Awakening~

Mae's eyes shot open her iris' shined brightly of silver as her pupil's pulsed a vivid blue she stared up into the darkness it was as if she was in a black void of pure emptiness. The distant sound of Bea's screaming resonated in her ears as she blinked rapidly. Mae felt as if she was floating the feline was unable to feel anything around her as she swiped furiously at the air trying to find her bearings. The subtle sound of beeping echoed throughout the empty space a dim light appeared as if from out of nowhere. Mae's attention was immediately drawn to the light she slowly began to gravitate toward it as the continued beeping grew louder and the light grew even brighter overtaking her vision. "What is this...?" Mae questioned as she squinted raising a paw trying to shield her eyes from the blinding light as the loud sound of a door slamming shut echoed into her ears. The light faded as the scene quickly came into focus Mae's attention was drawn to some flickering square lights on the ceiling above she was lying down, the lights they glowed a faint warm and soothing white color. "Uhh... wh-what h-happened... wh-where am I?" Mae questioned while sluggishly setting up her body felt strange almost lighter. Mae's head spun from whiplash as her vision doubled she shifted in bed throwing her legs over the side the feline's ears suddenly perked up hearing some odd noises. Mae glanced to her left managing to see several fuzzy silhouettes of foreign machines that were working diligently. Mae could prominently hear a loud piercing beeping followed by some strange mechanical pumping though she couldn't yet comprehend what those noises were. The dazed feline scooted forward hopping out of bed she nearly stumbled falling down she felt extremely off balance as if she had an inner ear infection or something. "Ugh... I feel so wo-ooozy!" Mae complained while taking a moment to just stand still resolving herself the room felt as if it was subtly spinning around her even though she wasn't moving. Questions marks kept appearing over the feline's head she couldn't smell anything, she wondered was her nose on the fritz she also oddly couldn't feel anything not even the gentle shifting in the air that you'd normally feel pretty much all the time. Mae's vision began clearing she noticed a sink a few feet away she took it slow stepping over toward it there was a small mirror attached to the wall. Mae slowly reached for a handle to turn on the faucet however she stopped mere inches away her mouth hung agape as she glared into the mirror that she first assumed must have been broken. "Wait a minute... wh-what's going on here... I-I..." Mae couldn't see her own reflection in the mirror as she leaned forward peering deeper into it however Mae did notice something. Inside the reflection of the mirror Mae noticed a figure lying in the bed behind her a bead of sweat slowly slide the feline's face as she gulped heavily before turning around time seemed to slow down to a crawl. Mae's eyes broadened in disbelief her focus drawn to a familiar feline lying in a hospital bed hooked up to breathing and life support machines. The sounds the machines made suddenly grew louder they were absolutely horrifying it was so surreal the piercing beeping of a heart monitor echoed in between the cold mechanical pumping of a ventilator.

"N-no way... no... no... NO!" Mae screamed out loudly while glaring at herself lying in bed the displays on the machines briefly became staticky as she hollered. The confused feline quickly raised a paw noticing instantly that she could see straight through her hand she was now incorporeal her transparent body glowed faintly of a whitish blue color. "This... this can't be! Am I... am I d-dead?!" Mae questioned feeling so lost and confused she quickly began to hyperventilate while taking a few steps back away from the scene in front of her she couldn't bare witness to the haunting sight seeing herself in such a state. "Th-this has to be a dream, or s-some kind of n-nightmare... this can't be real..." Mae's thoughts raced while she retreated backwards nearing the wall of the room she staggered accidentally stepping right through the wall behind her she gasped loudly startled at passing right through it like some kind of specter. "No... no... I am a ghost, this can't be right... what, what happened, I... I don't even remember..." Mae reeled with the reality that she was faced with her mind spiraled as she tried hopelessly to remain calm, having watched a lot of scary horror movies in her life Mae knew full well what could happen to her if she didn't remain calm she assumed that she might turn into an evil spirit or some kind of vengeful poltergeist or something equally zany.

Mae panted heavily just trying to catch her breath finding it rather difficult all of a sudden, of course who could blame her with all things considered. The invisible feline

spectated as people walked moving hurriedly through the busy halls someone even unexpectedly passed right through Mae's intangible body causing her to shriek aloud being taken off guard and further solidifying her new ghostly status. "I-I... I can't believe this is happening... h-hello... c-can anybody hear me... s-someone... anyone... please..." Mae called out desperately trying to garner anyone's attention as they unknowingly passed by her she cautiously proceeded further down the hallway while trying to dodge oncoming people no one even noticed her. Mae approached a closed door which appeared to lead to an examination room out of instinct she extended a paw reaching out for the knob her stomach sank as her paw phased right through the knob and even the door. "Well shit... how am I supposed... oh right, right of course..." Mae quickly realized what she had to do she gulped swallowing harshly before proceeding to reluctantly stick her head straight through the solid wooden door, she had her eyes closed afraid that she might knock herself out or something.

Mae timidly peeked out from behind her closed eye lids seeing the room was occupied with a nurse who was busy sticking a popsicle stick in a young ferret's mouth he appeared a bit green in the face like he could puke at any second. "H-hello... c-can you guys hear me...?" Mae called out loudly she waited a few moments but was eventually met with no response. "Th-this... this is crazy... I'm like the ultimate spy right now, a shadow in the night!" Mae exclaimed happily before breaking out into light chuckles she was at least finding some enjoyment in her unusual predicament. Mae quickly pulled her head out of the door only to see several nurses swiftly approaching rushing through the hallway escorting a patient on a gurney his body appeared severely burned all over to the third degree. "Hurry up to the ER... We're losing him, his vitals are crashing and he's not getting enough oxygen his airway has collapsed probably from too much smoke inhalation." A nurse offhandedly explained to a doctor following behind them as people in the hallway quickly moved aside so they could pass unobstructed. Mae stood motionless in the center of the hallway watching them intently her focus was on the burn victim he was wearing a yellow stripped firefighter jacket it was shredded to pieces he seemed somewhat familiar but she couldn't quite place from where time seemed to slow down as they passed phasing right through Mae. An image of Mae's physical body briefly flashed through her mind causing the translucent feline to shutter fearfully from a foreboding sense of dread that washed over her.

Mae shook her head trying to clear her haunting thoughts not wanting to deal with it she quickly turned walking farther down the hallway to get away but to where she honestly didn't even know she was just aimlessly wondering at this point much like a lost soul. She trekked onward through the twisting hallways they stretched on like a maze seemingly never ending the ghostly feline turned one corner after another going on into the next she began to feel as if she was going in looping circles. "W-what's g-going on here... am I losing it?!" Mae asked herself as she quickened her haste it almost felt like she was trapped in limbo or something. The horrific sight of her body on life support continued persistently reappearing in the back of her mind no matter how hard she tried to block it out or how far she ran. The gut wrenching sounds of the heart monitor's beeping and the ventilator's pumping they echoed into her ears as if she could hear them herself. "Pl-please... please I don't want to be dead... anybody, somebody please... I'm... I-I'm not ready... I d-don't w-want to d-die, not yet, n-not like this... I haven't done anything with my life, n-nothing at all..." Mae screamed out loudly in desperation her voice nearly cracking reaching it peak as she sprinted through the halls before finally crashing to her knees now finding herself right smack in the middle of a very busy and slightly noisy waiting room. Mae panted heavily while blinking repeatedly taking in the sight of dozens of people who sat waiting to be seen for various reasons some with injuries others with illnesses, over near the wall leading to the ICU a familiar trio sat waiting, hoping and praying.

Mae's eyes distended with a sense of relief she noticed her family just a couple of yards away across the bustling waiting room. Mae wanted nothing more than to be near them and suddenly within the blink of an she appeared seemingly teleporting straight to them. Mae blinked rapidly she strangely found herself hovering directly above them floating in midair a dazed look of confusion quickly fell upon her face. "Wh-whoa... whoa d-did I j-jus... and... am I, FLYING! I can f-fly, this is so awesome...!" Mae excitedly yelled aloud getting a bit carried away with this whimsical revelation she twisted turning in the air seeing that she was indeed hovering at least six feet off of the ground her tail spun in the air hoping about giddily. However our plucky feline's joy was short lived as it quickly dawned on her. "W-wait, no... no this isn't awesome, I want to live..." The floating feline focused her attention on her family she could see the pained expressions of worry and heartache visible on their faces Mae noticed Bea who seemed utterly in shock her body just trembling as she rested her head on Stan's lap. "Mom... Dad... Bea..." Mae smiled softly so relieved just to see them here their presence was comfort in itself. "P-pl-please... please... please... hear me! Mom... Dad..." Mae continued practically begged as tears welled up escaping her eyes she slowly reached out placing a paw on her father's head, a crater formed in the ghost's nonexistent stomach as her paw slipped phasing right through his head. "N-no...!" Mae stuttered lowly feeling utterly lost her family couldn't see her or hear her no one could, she was completely alone with no answers to be had as to what was going on or how she even got in this predicament.

"Of course they can't see me... no one can... I..." Mae's face tightened with anguish she weakly raised a trembling paw covering her mouth as she began to uncontrollably float upward through the ceiling above. Mae's parents vanished from sight never even realizing she was there her vision was briefly enthralled in darkness while she ascended phasing through the ceiling coming out of the floor in the room above. The room that Mae had floated up into was dim the only visible light was coming through small slits in the window shade the fading rays of sunlight partially illuminated the room. "H-How did this happen...? I-I remember, I was outside of Bea's apartment then... th-then there was... there was... ughhh...! W-what was I doing... I... I was..." Mae anxiously slid her paws through the fur on her head she breathed heavily as her mind crashed like a ten car pile up, beads of sweat ran down the feline's tormented face that subtly twitched feelings of fear and confusion overwhelmed her. "Aggghhhh... damn it brain think c-come on...! THINK...! Uhhh... it's pointless... I... I can't remember anything, why can't I remember?!" Mae fought with herself struggling with the frustration just trying to recall something anything that could help her understand why or how. Thoughts jumbled up spiraling through her head as the feline began to hyperventilate once more while her body spun freely in the air as the walls seemed to shrink around Mae who felt strangled just wanting this nightmare to be over. "Pl-please... w-wake up... wake up... WAKE UP!" Mae screamed while striking her forehead repeatedly her whaling voice pierced the airways as a few test tubes and lab beakers on a nearby counter suddenly shattered to pieces sending shards of glass littering the monochrome tiled floor. Mae felt sick like she might vomit which was a bit strange sense at the moment she didn't really have a stomach to throw up.

The door to the room suddenly swung open a bright light from the hallway poured inside followed by the muffled sound of a drill actuating drawing the unnerved feline's attention. "Blue birds sure are nice this time of year..." Spoke a man from outside the room his voice was deep and rigid as he cracked open a soda taking a hefty swig, you could hear the carbonation fizzing. Mae swiped at the air having little control while she was aimlessly floating about, she tried desperately to rotate around facing toward the voice who sounded awfully familiar. The faint chirping of birds unexpectedly echoed in Mae's ears as her rushing mind calmed to a sudden halt. A vision of little birds in their nest guarding their eggs flashed briefly through her mind. "H-hey... th-that's right, there was birds..." Mae muttered quietly her breathing began to steady as her body ceased spinning she stabilized hovering just above the floor. "Ahh... this seems like a nice spot for a quick spell!" The voice spoke calmly as a tall shadowy figure stepped into the dimly lit room light through the doorway shined around him as Mae's eyes widened recognizing the skinny tall bird who moved further into the room he was the same one she'd met when first returning to Possum Springs. "Well what on earth happened here?" He spoke with a puzzled expression while bits of glass crunched underneath his steel toed boots as he drew closer toward Mae who raised a brow she wasn't yet sure if he could see her or not. The bird spun his drill with one finger before quickly holstering it on his utility belt as he stepped forward passing right through Mae's body causing her to briefly shiver the sensation she felt when someone or something phased through her was a bit odd to say the least it felt like a million tiny ants were crawling around on her body.

Mae sighed feeling utterly disoriented and completely alone as she watched the tall bird dressed in flannel plaid hop up on the hospital bed it creaked as he settled in getting comfy leaning against the cool wall. The bird unexpectedly glanced up from his drink staring directly at Mae who jumped catching his gaze if not but for a mere instant it was as if he could see her but she wasn't entirely convinced. An old boxed television set hanging in the far corner of the room just behind Mae flicked on suddenly seemingly all by itself the channel was the local news reporting on the recent events in Possum Springs. Mae jolted once more everything seemed to startle her she quickly shifted her gaze to the TV seeing the horrific images on screen. "Oh my god!" Mae uttered softly as she took in the horrifying sight of her friend's destroyed apartment that was reduced to a mound of rubble on the side of the road memories began to resurface flooding the feline's mind. The immeasurably loud sound of an explosion suddenly pierced Mae's ears she instantly collapsed to the floor grabbing ahold of them trying to block out the overwhelming and debilitating noise. Mae could've sworn she heard Bea screaming in the back of her mind as the explosion faded leaving her ears with a persistently annoying ringing it was almost deafening. "There... there was an explosion... and... and I... I was..." Tears swelled up in Mae's eyes overflowing running down her cheeks a few drops fell fading away into nothingness before ever hitting the ground the sight of her physical body lying in that hospital bed flashed through her mind. The ringing in Mae's ears subtly shifted to a faint beeping though Mae hardly noticed as she curled up into a ball on the floor her emotions left her utterly paralyzed she could hardly breath feeling choked by them. The tall bird sipped his fiscola burping loudly while watching the news unfold, his eyes broadened at seeing an image of Mae being shown on screen the news reported her as one of the few casualties in the explosion that shook the entire town. "Poor kid, always in the wrong place, at the wrong time..." the bird spoke softly followed by a deep exhaustive sigh as he lowered his gaze down unto the empty floor littered with shards of glass.

Mae cried out finally letting go no longer holding anything back. Thoughts of her family and friends flashed through her mind as did the events of her entire life she truly felt like she was on the precipice of death and she had achieved nothing with her life. The screen on the television set became unclear and staticky the audio stuttered going in and out as the lights in the hallway flickered dimming like they might blow at any moment. The handyman sitting in bed slowly glanced around the room he could suddenly see his breath in front of him as a cold chill tinged the air. Mae weakly wrapped her arms around her chest as she snorted snot sobbing uncontrollably her lungs tightened painfully. "M-Mom... D-Dad... I-I'm scared an-and I... I don't know wh-what to do..." Mae stuttered feeling utterly grief stricken her emotions ravaged her fractured mind the feline's body once giving off a faint cool glow began to fade as if she was disappearing. The lightbulbs in the hallway suddenly grew intensely bright before ultimately popping one after another in sequence, people that happened to be passing by shrieked fearfully while fleeing from the deadly glass rain.

Suddenly the horrid shrieks ceased as everything quickly grew silent and still, the shards of glass that were once raining down from the exploded lightbulbs were now frozen in some sort of stasis the same applied to the people below their cowardly fearful expressions frozen in time. The handyman's soda that had slipped from his grasp was levitating motionless in midair. "Mae!" A faint voice called out echoing all around the sobbing feline who at that moment just wanted to disappear. Mae's translucent body appeared faint it was barely visible she felt so weak all of a sudden she'd nearly given up hope. The subtle sound of beeping continued ringing quietly in her ears a constant reminder that kept her tethered to this plain of existence. "Mae... you're stronger than this sweetheart!" The soothing voice called out much louder causing Mae's eyes to suddenly shoot open hearing the familiarity in its tone seemed to breathe energy into the downed feline who's body began to glow brighter. A gentle warm hand gently rested on Mae's back she felt so at ease suddenly feeling it's soft touch it was like something out of a dream she wasn't even sure if it was real. "Mae you need to get up now... you don't belong here your time hasn't come, not yet!" The disembodied voice explained as Mae began to weakly push herself up out of the floor. Mae panted heavily regaining her breath while listening to the faint beeping in her ears she stood up straight as everything around her began to speed up returning to normal. "I can hear it... th-that's right I'm... I'm not dead, not yet!" Mae spoke confidently before shifting her gaze down toward the floor as her translucent body instantly slipped falling straight through she had to get back to her body. "You have one day Mr Borowski..." The falling can of fiscola crashed into the floor spilling liquid mixing with the pieces of broken glass the tall bird had vanished from the room as Mae's grandfather stood in a doorway of light the hands on a clock began to tick away. The old feline smiled as he glanced toward the window his eyes focused intently onto something in the distance that was calling out to him.

~Disconnected~

Mae descended hovering in midair in the center of the waiting room she quickly glanced around feeling a bit lost not knowing exactly which way she'd came from. Unsurprisingly it was rather difficult to keep track of where she was going or where she had been since she was basically cheating and flying through walls. "Where... where... where... WHERE!" Mae shouted angrily getting upset with herself she felt like a two year old who was lost in the middle of ham panther. Mae sighed heavily closing her eyes breathing deeply for a moment she focused listening to the distant beeping her body began to gradually gravitate toward it she could hear it getting closer as the beeps grew louder. After a few minutes of floating around aimlessly with her eyes closed Mae could faintly hear the menacing pumping of those wretched machines. Mae reluctantly opened her eyes seeing that she was exactly where she needed to be though she still couldn't stomach the sight. Mae's physical body lied in bed with a line of IV pumping fluids into each arm she had plastic tubes running down her throat breathing for her. Bandages covered the feline's body and her forehead they appeared dirtied with stains of blood definitely needing a refresher. Bruises and cuts covered her face and parts of her exposed body, she was in rough condition it would absolutely effect the resale value.

Mae smiled softly as she began to step closer motioning toward her destroyed body lying in bed even though she knew full well that she was in for a plethora of pain despite that the feline couldn't wait for this nightmare to end, though it was admittedly kinda fun to fly around so carefree while it lasted. "It's been great ghost world, but it's time for this cat to get a life!" Mae joked chuckling to herself as she swiftly rushed through the air flying toward her physical body. "Here goes nothing..." Mae whispered quietly while squinting her eyes shut as she phased into her body that seemed to tremble and vibrate, the heart monitor nearby suddenly sped up beeping rapidly for a few moments while the screen went staticky before quickly returning to normal. Mae slowly opened her eyes expecting to see the ceiling above yet instead she was met with the sight of the dark dusty and grimy floor underneath the bed. A confused look of terror fell upon her face as she quickly came to realize that she wasn't in her body she had just phased right through it. "I... I d-don't un-understand... w-wasn't I... w-what am I supposed to do..." Mae questioned feeling utterly dumbstruck and completely at a loss her confusion only seemed to worsen as she tried once more to phase into her body she was met with the same unfortunate outcome. Mae hovered just inches above her physical body the floating feline panted heavily growing angrier by the second as one of her eyes twitched she was disappointed both in the hopeless situation that she was trapped in and from herself. Mae glared daggers at herself feeling like a total failure she felt that she had ruined her own life and especially the lives of everyone around her those of her parents and of her close friends, she felt guilty for the horrible things that had happened to them knowing that they probably would have been better off if she wasn't there if she had never ran away from college. "Maybe... m-maybe it's better this way..." Mae uttered timidly in a defeated tone as a few stray tears escaped her eyes falling shimmering through the air splashing onto her body soaking into the feline's dirtied fur.

Suddenly the door to the room began to open it's old metal hinges creaked alerting Mae who quickly spun around in the air seeing who was coming. In walked Mae's parents followed by Bea who had fresh stitches on her wounds soon followed by a doctor in a white lab coat trailing behind them. Mae shifted her gaze seeing the developing expressions of horror on their faces said it all, they were pained and grief stricken taking in the sight of Mae. Candy clung to her husband she felt as if she might faint from seeing her daughter in such a ghastly state it was too much for her to bare thankfully she wasn't alone. Stan staggered reeling with emotion he looked over his precious daughter seeing the immense damage covering her body it broke his heart in two, a pit formed in his stomach hearing the cold soulless machines that were working just to keep her alive. Bea couldn't even look in Mae's direction she clinched her fists tightly her body shook trembling she just stared blankly at the wall feeling empty inside. Despite trying to ignore the horrific reality Bea could still smell the thick scent of blood and sour medicine in the air it was sickening she could hear the sounds of the beeping heart monitor and the pumping ventilator they left the crocodile's stomach in tangled knots.

"...I'm afraid that we won't know the potential extent of the damage done to her cerebellum until she awakens..." the doctor spoke callously as he flipped through the charts on his clipboard both Stan and Candy turned toward the doctor their faces grew tighter twisting with anguish as they listened powerless unable to do anything to help. "Wh-when... d-do you th-thin-" Candy desperately tried to speak her tone sounding utterly hopeless as she trailed off quietly while tears overflowed from her eyes staining her fuzzy cheeks the doctor merely sighed heavily while lowering his clipboard. "At this point we don't know when, or if she will even wake up...-" Mae's eyes widened hearing what the doctor said caused her pupils to tremble fearfully while the sound of her faint heart pounding echoed into her ears. "-Mae's brain was deprived of oxygen for several minutes while we were reviving her, we had to insert an orbital shunt in the back of her head just to relief the pressure caused by the swelling from the foreign objects that had punctured her skull..." the doctor explained sounding a bit detached and cold as both Stan and Candy choked at hearing what he had to say while Bea tensed up she stepped in front of him unexpectedly grabbing the doctor by the collar brutally pulling him close. One of the stitches on the crocodile's arm came undone as a trail of blood ran down her arm dripping onto the floor she breathed wildly while glaring intently at him her eyes pierced him like knives. "You're a doctor aren't you, you... y-you c-can fix her... SO FIX HER!" Bea shouted angrily as tears escaped her eyes running down her snarling face the doctor was startled at hearing the female croc's roar it shook the entire room a look of concern was visible on the doctor's face as he focused on the blood running down her arm. Mae moved hovering beside them she focused on Bea while wishing so desperately that she could just reach out to her and say something to make things better but sadly there were no magic words nothing could fix what has already been broken beyond repair. "B-Bea... Bea... I'm... I-" Mae was suddenly cut off her voice escaped her as a strange sensation began to dawn on the feline like a sense of impending doom.

Everyone's eyes in the room grew wide the heart monitor's beeping suddenly quickened speeding up as Mae's physical body in bed began to vibrate and convulse most likely from a seizure Stan and Candy gasped loudly while stepping backwards. Bea weakly let go of the doctor who quickly went to work dashing on the other side of the room his heels slid on the slick floor as he inhaled taking a deep breath. "WE NEED A CRASH CART IN HERE!" The doctor screamed aloud as Mae fell collapsing to her knees her glowing translucent body began to dim fading she felt like she was being strangled all of a sudden she sluggishly raised her now trembling paws reaching for her throat. The room around Mae began to feel as if it was spinning she felt faint and sickly like her soul was ripping itself apart she gasped loudly for breath though it alluded her, death seemed to be knocking for the feline who fell further into the floor she listened helplessly as people rushed into the room that seemed to grow darker. Bea finally shifted her gaze to Mae in bed seeing her briefly reminded the crocodile of her mother as the haunting sound of a piercing flat line filled the room. "M-Mae..." Bea called out weakly her eyes broadening as her voice echoed into the void.

~Grandad's Message~

Time ticked by seconds quickly turned to minutes then on to hours as the sun rose and fell again paving way for the moon that ascended rising through the clear night sky it's full bright vibrant rays shining down onto Possum Springs General Hospital, light crept in through the window shades illuminating the quiet hospital room. Mae's eyes weakly opened her glowing silver pupils trembled she listened carefully barely hearing the faint beeping echoing into her ears breath had returned to the feline who hovered in midair just breathing she exhaled deeply taking a moment to just appreciate the present calmness because she had been through quite the troubling ordeal. "I... I'm st-still alive..." Mae spoke lowly she couldn't quite tell if it was the room spinning or her she reeled trying to recover. Beneath the floating feline Stan and Candy both slept uncomfortably hunched over in wooden hospital chairs sitting by their daughter's bedside they'd fallen asleep each clutching one of Mae's paws holding them tightly. Bea however remained awake she couldn't rest even if she wanted sleep simply alluded her, she sat in the cold hard floor on the opposite end of the room she'd been there for several hours the restless crocodile hadn't taken her eyes off of Mae's heart monitor she watched it like a hawk with bags drooping underneath her tired eyes.

"Did... d-did I just pass out... I'm a ghost... h-how the heck does that work?" Mae questioned as she slowly rotated hovering upright the feline felt dazed and a bit drained her vision was hazy she raised a paw gently rubbing her eyes clear, even though she wasn't in her physical body she could strangely feel some of the pain that it felt much like a dull echo despite being detached this was a new feeling that took her off guard. "Hehe! It's probably because you're not a ghost silly!" A familiar voice called out from afar it felt comforting to the feline who recognized the tone. "Well I suppose that's not exactly true, it appears you're not dead at the very least..." Mae's eyes grew wide she couldn't believe the sight before her as her grandfather hovered just outside the window he drew closer phasing through it with opened arms and a wide smile visible across his face. "G-Gr.

-Grandpa!" Mae stuttered happily and before she even knew what was happening she found herself swiftly rushing toward the specter embracing his welcoming hug. "Oh Mae... it's been far too long!" Mae's grandfather cooed softly as he pat his granddaughter on the back comfortingly, Mae could actually feel his soft fur and his warm gentle touch finally it was an immense relief to say the least she had gotten real sick of just phasing through everything as cool as it was. "Grandpa... I... I've missed you so much... I-I can't believe this, you're here..." Mae mumbled through falling tears she loved her grandfather so much with all of her heart, when he passed away things never quite seemed to be the same it became so much quieter and far lonelier in their house.

"How... how are you here grandad... I... I thought you'd be up in heaven... or... or did... d-did you go to the other place... gr-grandad did you break out?" Mae questioned excitedly growing very curious as they broke the hug the old feline chuckled loudly his long whiskers bounced up and down while he listened to his gleeful granddaughter who speculated wondering what it must've been like for him to tunnel out of hell, quite hot I imagine. "Hehehe oh you're a riot Mae... I've missed you too little one!" The old feline sighed as he placed a paw on his granddaughter's shoulder Mae took solace in simply being able to feel his touch. "I'll tell ya, there I was sipping peach maitai's in Fuji enjoying the summer breeze soaking up some rays with your grandmother whe-" Mae listened intently having not heard a story from her grandfather in many years she hung on ever word he spoke cherishing them. Having woken up in this ghostly state of being Mae had felt trapped and completely alone she was so very afraid yet it was comforting having her grandfather here his mere presence relieved the tension on the young feline setting her soul at ease. The moon continued rising as time passed quickly both Mae and her grandfather somehow found themselves playfully hanging upside down from the ceiling like a couple of monkeys as he told her tales from beyond. "Having fought off not one but two gigantic and ferocious sea monsters with nothing but my fisticuffs I managed to save angel beach with nary a scratch, I was awarded the key to the sterling city and an eternal supply of maitai!" Mae's grandfather finished boasting while pounding his chest proudly Mae giggled happily as she clapped giving him a floating ovation. "Wow that's so incredible grandad!" Mae shouted excitedly before whistling loudly unbeknownst to the two floating specters hairline cracks were beginning to form on the glass window beneath them it would seem that the ruckus they'd stirred up was having an effect on the physical world.

"Gosh... that's crazy... wait until I tell Bea about this... and dad, he's gonna love this too... dad really hasn't been the same ever since you passed away, s-seems like nothing has..." Mae spoke solemnly as she briefly glanced down toward her father resting uncomfortably in a chair below she smiled at seeing him and for a brief instant she could almost feel his gentle touch on her paw. Mae chuckled thinking of the good old days when she was younger she cherished her memories of grandad when he was alive, there was never a dull moment he could lighten the mood in any situation Mae pictured her family's smiling faces they gave her strength. "Hehe liked that did ya, well I got loads of stories, this one time me and and some old war buddies of mine we ha-" Mae's grandfather came to a halt he suddenly noticed a plain plastic white wall cloak on the opposite side of the room the old feline's eyes widened at seeing the moving hands a look of worry descended upon him realizing that time had slipped away from him he could hear the ticking growing louder and louder. "M-Mae..." he spoke his tone sounding serious instantly drawing Mae's attention as her carefree laughter grew quiet the two feline's stared at one another. "Gr-grandad?!" Mae called out softly suddenly feeling uneasy as tension built up in the air. "Mae... I'm... I'm sorry to say this sweetie, b-but I can't stay here with you..." Mae's grandfather uttered dropping the news like a bombshell causing Mae's eyes to distend while a pit began forming in her nonexistent stomach as she gravitated closer toward the old feline who seemed a bit heartbroken. "I... I don't belong here in this world anymore, I'm only here on borrowed time which there isn't much of it left..." Mae's grandfather continued he paused to sigh briefly. "Wh-what... gr-grandad no... no... you... y-you just got here... you can't go... I-I need you..." Mae stuttered heavily as she quickly grabbed ahold of one of her grandfather's paws clutching it tightly. "Grandad... pl-please... I... I don't know what to do... I can't get back in my body an-and I've tried several times it just won't stick..." Mae hastily explained to her grandfather who glanced down seeing his granddaughter's body lying somewhat peacefully in bed. "Hmm... alright show me... try it once more..." the old feline requested as he flashed a kind smile at Mae. The two ghosts descended hovering just above Mae's physical body Mae noticed the plastic breathing tubes were absent she could hear the subtle sound of life emanating from her body it was a bit shallow but at least she was breathing on her own now. "Okay... h-here goes, everything..." Mae muttered as her paw reluctantly slipped free from her grandfather's grasp.

Bea's head had been nodding off every so often she resisted trying to remain resolute and stay awake though exhaustion was catching up with the tired crocodile who was on the edge of dreamland. Suddenly Mae's physical body began to vibrate and convulse as the heart monitor sped up the display became staticky as if it was short circuiting. The lights in the room began to flicker on and off again while the once hairline cracks in the window pane spread splintering out across the entire surface of the window growing larger like an intricate cobweb. Dark clouds began to cover up the moon blocking out its glowing light Bea's head suddenly shook awake as she quickly shot up out the floor hearing the racing beeping her focus drawn to the shocking scene unraveling before her she exhaled now seeing her breath in the air. The growing disturbance awoke Candy and Stan who were startled thinking that their daughter was having another seizure. "WHY, WHY... WHY! WON'T! THIS! WORK!" Mae screamed loudly as she quickly phased back and forth trying desperately just to merge with her body that shook violently. The room began to subtly tremble when suddenly the glass in the window shattered sending a flurry of broken glass raining down into the street below, luckily it was night so no one was around to have their day ruined. "Mae... please Mae... stop... I... I d-don't think you can force this one kiddo!" Mae's grandfather spoke calmly as he grabbed her by the shoulder the young feline panted heavily sweat ran down her ghostly face as she watched a line of blood escape from her physical body's nostrils. It would seem she has somehow had a negative effect on her body it was as if her soul was being rejected despite this Mae was beginning to feel more of the sensations that her body was experiencing. Mae could only mostly feel pain a somewhat overwhelming amount as it surged coursing throughout her soul threatening to rip it apart yet at the same time she could subtly feel the silky coolness of the bedsheets and the damp moistness to the bandages wrapped around her body she didn't understand how or why.

A fearsome and chilling gust of wind breezed in through the broken window Bea blinked rapidly her heart pounded out of her chest as she glanced around the room it looked like a hurricane had struck leaving bits of glass as well as papers and hospital supplies littering the floor. "What... what the heck just happened...?" Bea asked in a hushed whisper before begrudgingly stepping closer toward Candy and Stan who were both still recoiling from what had just transpired. "Grandad... I... I d-don't know w-what's going on, b-but it's like I can feel what my body feels... it... it j-just hur-hurts s-so m-much!" Mae stuttered heavily as tears began to swell up at the brim of her eyes, the feline's disconnection had shortened allowing her these new sensations uncomfortable as they were. "Mae..." Mae's grandfather spoke softly as he reached out pulling her into another loving hug, the persistent ticking that was in his ears faded to utter silence. "Mae... my little troublemaker..." the old feline spoke quietly as he starred down to the back of Mae's head he noticed his body appeared to be disappearing. "I honestly don't know how you got in this sticky situation and I wish that I could just magically fix this for you, b-but I cannot..." Mae's grandfather continued followed with a brief exhaustive sigh. "I realize that you're hurting and confused and you're probably frightened as well, but you have to stay strong... ya hear me... stay strong Mae, I know this isn't where your story ends..." Mae's eyes began to widen all a sudden she felt her grandfather's touch vanish. Mae quickly rotated around while grabbing at the air but it was too late he was already gone. Mae's grasp on the flow of time was basically nonexistent at this point she couldn't accurately tell seconds from minutes especially when she was alone. Though the precious time she had spent with her grandad actually seemed to make time move even faster slipping through her paws. Mae's body shook her pupils trembled as she blinked repeatedly wishing that he was just playing a silly but cruel prank on her. "G-Grandad... G-Gra... GRANDAAAAD!" Mae screamed at the top of her lungs while squinting her eyes shut she instantly dropped to her knees as everything around her shifted turning into a rushing blur, she pounded her clinched fists into the now mushy fertile ground.

~The Graveyard~

Mae panted breathing heavily as tears dripped from her eyes falling into the dirt. It seems Mae had once again willed herself toward the thing that she desired the most in this particular moment traveling quite a distance. Mae cried out sobbing loudly as her grandfather's tombstone towered above her while dark clouds spiraled overhead blocking out the glowing silver moon a storm was rolling in from east as rain began to steadily fall from the sky that rumbled loudly. "G... Gra... Grandad... th-thank y-you... t-thank you... thank you...!" Mae repeated as she raised her head her eyes instantly broadened surprised to see that she was no longer in the hospital. Mae's snout crunched up her face tightened with sorrow she noticed a freshly plucked bouquet of flowers had been laid out just beneath the tombstone she wondered briefly who could've put them here but was happy just to see someone had thought of him. "S-say hi t-to gram f-for me... I love you grandad..." Mae choked out lowly her voice shaky and weak as the feline's body grew dim surely it was but a reflection of her own emotions. Mae could still faintly hear her own heart beating slowly it was distant yet still there all the same. The sound of an umbrella extending open suddenly drew Mae's attention her ears bounced up slightly startled by the sound. "Oh... My dear Roger... How I've missed you so, I pray you're at peace my love..." Mae's eyes extended hearing another familiar voice from behind she sluggishly turned her head and out of the corner of her eyes she saw a short figured draped in shadows walking away underneath a purple umbrella. Mae recognized the voice it was that of the old pup Miss Rosa from the pretzel stand by the sunken tunnel. Mae loved hearing the tales she would tell of her grandfather, it revealed a whole other side to him and made her feel so much closer to him though it also worsened the feelings of grief making Mae only miss him that much more.

A few dozen yards away at the end of the graveyard a figure stood leaning up against the brick wall that was encircling the area. The shadowy figure watched from afar he sighed as lightning stuck nearby illuminating his face revealing that it was the same tall bird from the hospital he overturned a can of fiscola pouring one out for the fallen. "The twisting winds of fate, may they carry your soul to a peaceful slumber, though you've marched this lonely road, your time is now done be still at rest forevermore..." The tall bird spoke chanting a somber prayer the light slowly faded as the can of fiscola fell to the ground he suddenly vanished into thin air. Mae sighed heavily while pushing herself up she wobbled briefly before kicking off of the ground levitating in midair. "H-how did I even get here... it's kinda like before... I-I really wanted to be near my family, th-then poof... just poof... poof hehe!" Mae chuckled weakly enjoying what little amusement she could get since it hadn't fully dawned on her yet that she was now yet again completely and utterly alone and floating over her grandfather's grave no less.

Mae tiredly leaned her head back glancing up into the gloomy sky it seemed like it was always raining over graveyards perhaps it was the tears of the dead crying out for their loved ones from beyond the veil. Mae felt numb and empty inside she could no longer feel the pain that her body was experiencing it could have been due to the distance between them or maybe something else. It was a chilly and dark night yet she couldn't feel the coldness of the brisk breeze nor the touch of the rain that fell it just simply passed right through the floating feline who stared blankly into the darkened sky. "Wh-what should I do now..." Mae asked herself once again feeling totally lost her voice devoid of emotion she paused waiting for an answer that would never come surely not from an outside source at the very least. Mae's ears perked up hearing a creaky metal clanging she jumped knowing it could only be one thing she was in the middle of a graveyard in the dead of night and she'd seen far too many horror movies the first thing that popped into her mind was that of a zombie uprising. Mae hesitantly shifted her gaze toward the menacing metal banging expecting to see something shambling around in the dark. The feline's eyes widened seeing a familiar face in the shadows. It was indeed pitch black not a light was around in this cemetery though for Mae she could see as if her eyes pierced the darkness illuminating her surroundings with great detail. Mae wasn't fully aware of it yet but she could also hear things from much further away than normal even the faintest squeak of a mouse was like a lion's roar.

"Is that... Germ...?" Mae spoke while curiously cocking a brow upward seeing him skulking about with a shovel in hand his clothes appeared dirtied with mud he appeared to be digging, the whole thing was extremely suspicious. "What the heck is he doing out here... and so late... an-and, with a sh-shovel..." Mae's eyes quickly broadened in realization. "Oh my god is... is he... is he grave robbing... aww man that's so awesome, I really wanted to do that with him..." Mae complained feeling a bit left out, she and Germ had done a lot of fun an risky and totally legal stuff together in the past. Mae never really understood Germ's motivations or why he did some of the things he does however she just enjoyed his company as did Germ who has greatly warned up to Mae's presence, they surprisingly got along well despite having vastly different upbringings they also had a lot of similar interests shockingly. Mae and Germ had become close friends they'd occasionally hang out in the abandoned food donkey gossiping about the townsfolk or playing with the hoards of rats that Mae boasted about having raised, she claimed she was the rat queen and that she had created an unstoppable army of rodents that would do her bidding. The two scoundrels would also lurk underneath the old rail bridge leading out of town they go there to check up on Germ's pet Rabies usually bringing snacks which all three of them shared. Sometimes they would just chill playing video games together Germ was a big nerd he had tons of games he especially loved his handhelds never leaving home without one.

Mae quickly flew over toward him hovering above his right shoulder the floating feline focused on the small bird who tossed the rusty old metal shovel over his back slinging mud through the glowing specter behind him. "What are you up to?" Mae questioned while narrowing her vision on Germ who seemed to be hiding something in his coat he slipped it into an inner pocket before Mae could get a good look. "Woo! Man am I beat, least I finally found the right grave, ugh took me forever..." Germ spoke as he used a free hand wiping his brow slinging sweat and rain off of his face Mae merely spectated eavesdropping on the unsuspecting bird. "Sure wish Mae would've been here to help, I wonder why she never showed up... I bet Gregg woulda loved this too, though Angus probably wouldn't approve... hehe..." Germ finished with a light chuckle he turned suddenly running off following the brick wall, it was so dark there wasn't any moonlight he could hardly see and he really wasn't expecting any rain either it seemed to come from out of nowhere. Mae grew curious and decided the only logical course of action was to follow him completely violating his personal privacy. Mae hung back a few feet behind the little bird who clung to the wall using it as his guide leading him to the exit. Thunder cracked roaring loudly like the lash from a whip it startled the bird as the area lit up briefly from lightning striking nearby he quickly tossed his shovel aside growing increasingly paranoid that he might get struck by lightning which was understandable. Mae glanced over her shoulder seeing the shovel lying in the mud sinking slightly due to its weight. Germ suddenly screamed out loudly he had slipped falling face first into the mud that splashed up and onto his back he was completely covered like a wallowing piglet.

Mae cackled devilishly at Germ's plight she giddily kicked her feet back and forth in the air she was accustomed to laughing at other people's misery as cruel as that sounds, it was something she sorta picked up from hanging out with Gregg they'd often tease each other when the other got hurt doing something probably reckless and dumb. Germ fumed as he struggled pushing himself up out of the mud it was difficult he nearly slipped falling again. "Agh what the heck did I trip on...?" Germ questioned as he wiped the mud from his eyes Mae's laughter grew quiet her attention drawn to a crushed can of fiscola at the bird's feet. "Huh? That's kinda odd..." Mae spoke drawing closer toward the can she suddenly remembered that tall bird and the image of him staring straight through her soul flashed in the feline's mind giving her a chill even though she couldn't feel the cold. "Wh-why was he there...? It's like he's been stalking me or something? Cr-creepy!" Mae muttered in a hushed whisper as she sluggishly reached out for the can though she knew full that she couldn't touch it yet at the same time she felt compelled as her paw trembled slightly drawing closer her eyes focused like a laser. Mae's ears perked up hearing a loud creaking her paw stopped coming to a halt just millimeters away from the can she glanced up seeing Germ was leaving through the rusty old metal gates at the end of the cemetery he seemed so far away all of sudden. "Whoa! D-did he freakin sprint all the way over there, m-maybe he's really gotta use the bathroom or something?!" Mae uttered lowly as she quickly flew through air across the cemetery to catch up with Germ who was panting heavily while struggling just to close the heavy gates it was difficult his hands were still slippery with mud. "Man I can't wait to get home... it's so freakin cold and I've got mud in places I'd rather not..." Germ mumbled tiredly before he turned rushing down the hill that led into the wild forests that surrounded the town of Possum Springs luckily he was fairly familiar with the terrain since he'd spent a lot of time exploring the woods by himself and sometimes with Mae or Gregg. Mae gave chase following after Germ the floating feline glanced back over her shoulder seeing Miss Rosa walking down the sidewalk heading in the opposite direction into town.

Meanwhile back at Possum Springs General Hospital which was about a mile or so from the graveyard down behind the local church. Mae's hospital room was an absolute disaster and it was rather crowded as well several doctors and nurses had come to check on their patient having heard all of the commotion from the hallway. The police were even called as Molly and two other officers came by to investigate why and how the window was broken, one of them even held a small vase with flowers the entire police force had pitched in for Molly's niece. Stan tried his best to explain what had occurred to the officers who listened in disbelief. Molly wasn't sure what to make of what Stan was saying, it honestly sounded like something Mae would come up with though seeing the room in the state that it was in she had no choice but to believe him. Candy stood just behind the doctors nearly stepping on their heels as they worked checking Mae's vitals and changing her bandages. A pit formed in Candy's stomach seeing several open wounds that were still in the process of forming scabs on her daughter's back and even on her head. Bea exhaled sighing heavily she crunched pieces of glass beneath her boots while stepping in front of the window she cautiously wiped broken glass off the sill before leaning against it, her eyes drooped slightly though she continued resisting the call to sleep. Bea glared out the window off into the distance seeing dark storm clouds creeping over the horizon blocking out the moon that was beginning to descend setting. In the street below several firemen were blocking off the road as they worked to clean up the glass that covered the ground like a minefield.

~The Butterfly~

Germ trekked through the darkened forest with only a few rays of moonlight managing to cut through the moving clouds above lighting the way home. He was a bit noisy stepping on countless twigs and ruffling bushes as he hurriedly made his way through the forest animals in the distance scurried away from him in fear. Mae followed floating behind him though she oddly had her head phased halfway through his body she was trying pathetically just to see inside of his jacket however it was rather difficult since he was moving so much. "Ugh... come on slow down Germ... I wanna see in there..." Mae complained with an exhaustive sigh before giving up and backing off she simply hovered behind him matching his speed while she flew through the air tree branches and bushes casually phased through her body. "How long is this gonna take, uhh I didn't even know we had this much forest..." Mae continued grumbling growing inpatient her interest in what Germ was doing was quickly waining though it wasn't like she had anything else better to do.

Mae leaned back relaxing with her hands clasped behind her head she yawned out of boredom though she didn't really feel tired she wondered how sleeping would work for her since she didn't have a body to rest. Meanwhile Germ was struggling panting heavily he underestimated the march home his legs grew weary as his stomach growled from hunger like a wild beast he definitely regretted skipping breakfast. Mae listened to Germ feeling a bit sorry for him she chuckled hearing his grumbling tummy but then it suddenly dawned on her she didn't feel any hunger none whatsoever the realization further set in as the feline's mouth hung agape. "Oh no... I can't touch anything th-that means... I-I can't eat anything... NO! All the missed Taco Tuesday's and Pizza Saturdays!" Mae complained feeling a bit saddened she couldn't wait for this nightmare to end she so desperately wanted to sink her fangs into a fat juicy cheeseburger from the clik-clak diner. "Hmm... Maybe my body will lose a few pounds, that would kinda be nice... I guess..." Mae muttered softly trying to find the middle ground as she reached down grabbing some lose flab on her belly she gripped the jelly roll jiggling it causing her to giggle as she inadvertently tickled herself.

Mae was left to her own amusements it was like she was in isolation unable to interact with anyone unable to touch anyone or anything it was hell but somehow at the same time it also felt freeing she couldn't bother anyone and they couldn't bother her she kinda liked it. Mae's laughter grew quiet as a fluttering butterfly suddenly crossed her path time seemed to slow as it drew near to Mae's exposed belly. For a single brief infinitesimal moment she could have sworn that she felt the gentle kiss of the butterfly's legs as it phased through her body, Mae's eyes broadened feeling so strange she quickly came to halt freezing just hovering in midair. "Whoa... tha-that's so weird..." Mae mumbled as she rotated seeing the butterfly happily dancing in the air in front of her it was like it could see the ghostly feline watching awestruck by the critter's beautiful opalescent wings flapping about. Mae focused entirely on the minuscule insect she cautiously extended a finger her eyes suddenly broadened widely as it unexpectedly landed perching itself on the tip of her finger she could actually feel it's gentle touch. The floating specter's body glowed brighter from excitement as a wide and goofy smile began forming extending from ear to ear on Mae's face she giggled so happily as the tiny creature tickled her fuzzy finger with its crawly legs.

Germ suddenly came to a screeching halt at hearing the faint sound of feminine laugher echoing seemingly all around him as his shoes slid in the dirt he quickly spun around looking for the source of the laughter his heart rate sped up at realizing he wasn't alone. "He...hello!" Germ called out as he reached into his back pocket gripping a taser he had at the ready, he swallowed harshly feeling uneasy as a chill crept down his spine and it wasn't just because he was soaked in mud neither. "Is... is s-somebody there...?" Germ called out once more his tone shaky and fearful as his eyes narrowed darting around trying to dial in on any possible threats that might be drawing near he'd been followed home a few times before thus the reason he started carrying a taser just in case. Suddenly a tiny butterfly appeared as if from out of nowhere fluttering out from the darkness and into a single ray of visible moonlight that shined through the gapes in the towering tree's ever expanding branches. Mae gracefully descended planting her feet firmly on the ground crumpling some leaves underneath her shoes as she watched the butterfly drift toward Germ who appeared to be shaking. "Whoa... wh-what is happening...?" Mae spoke feeling puzzled and so utterly confused she slowly stepped forward crushing a twig beneath her heel Germ instantly jumped at hearing the sound as his mind entered into fight or flight mode. Mae noticed the snapping sound causing her to stop she briefly glanced down seeing a broken twig beneath her shoe. She thought if only but for a single fleeting second that this nightmare might have passed Mae hesitantly raised a paw up to her face the feline's smile soon faded she sadly could still see straight through her transparent paw, the look on Germ's face was that of sheer horror he opted for flight suddenly turning tail and dashing off deeper into the forest leaving Mae who simply remained motionless. "G-Germ...!" Mae called out meekly as a flock of birds suddenly bounded off of some nearby trees squawking loudly the small fluttering butterfly did a one eighty frightened by the sounds, it phased right through Mae's paw disappearing into the darkness of the forest. Loose leaves shook free from the trees above leisurely falling through the air passing through Mae's body as a glistening line of tears cascaded down her cheeks she reluctantly reached out trying desperately to grab one out of the air but to no success they alluded her grasp. "I... I j-just w-wanna be me again... I d-don't want to be like th-this..." Mae mumbled weakly through gritted teeth as a dribble of snot crept at the edges of her nostrils. She was a total mess it was a struggle for her to stay strong she almost wanted to curl up in a ball again. Though the encouraging words of her grandfather resurfaced echoing into the distressed feline's ears she sniffled lightly trying to remain resilient however it proved difficult she wasn't entirely sure what was real anymore, it was like she was losing her mind perhaps she had imagined what just happened. Mae began to levitate lifting up off of the ground she wiped her eyes clear before pushing onward into the dark forest wanting to catch up with Germ, unbeknownst to Mae the little opalescent butterfly clung to the back of her shirt it was drawn to the feline like all critters seemed to be.

In the dark recesses of the forest a menacing threat loomed in the shadows as glowing eyes of silver filled with hatred pierced the dark dialing in our plucky feline who was unaware to his presence. A bright light ignited on the stranger's forehead illuminating the path forward he smiled wickedly his crooked teeth were a familiar hue. Animals shrieked in fear fleeing in droves from the cloaked man who moved silently through the forest stalking his prey not even his footsteps made a sound, which was odd since the ground was littered with fallen leaves.

Finally reaching a clearing Mae sighed feeling relieved to be out from underneath the smothering blanket of trees her eyes broadened at seeing Germ's house across a field of greenery. Germ ran up onto the porch stopping to catch his breath he glanced back over his shoulder peering into the vast and empty field his eyes were drawn to the old overgrown and destroyed well just a few yards away from his home. Germ prayed his family was asleep if his parents knew he was out this late they'd tan his hide he reached for the doorknob turning it carefully. Mae quickly flew across the field causing the grass beneath her to sway rippling like a wave as she moved through the air before she knew it Mae hovered at the front door as Germ subsequently closed it in her face. "Ah! That's not gonna keep me out, I'm the master of doors!" Mae spoke proudly having watched several videos on lock picking though something tells me a hair pin wouldn't help her here. Mae slowly gravitated toward the door thinking that she'd just phase right through it but she was met with an unexpected conundrum as her body pressed up against the wooden door. Mae's eyes shrunk in shock she didn't understand what was happening the floating feline firmly pressed a paw against the door she was unable to feel it's texture yet she still could not pass through it like usual. "Oh come on! I finally get cool ghost powers, but I can't even go through a stupid effing door!" Mae exclaimed angrily as she defeatedly leaned against the door while banging her forehead against it repeatedly the feline groaned deeply at the same time.

~Germ's House~

Inside Germ sneakily crept through the kitchen trying to be as silent as one of Mae's mice that would occasionally pretend to play dead. Germ's body shivered he couldn't wait to be out of these muddy clothes he cautiously ducted down toward the cold tile floor he could faintly hear the comedic sounds of late night television coming from the living room it must've been his grandmother who often stayed up way past her bedtime watching old sitcoms. Suddenly a fearsome grumbling filled the kitchen Germ's eyes shrunk seeing the light flicking on in the living room he quickly scurried behind a nearby garbage bin hoping to avoid detection. Germ could hear footsteps drawing near as his starving stomach continued rumbling giving away his position. "Hello... Germ is that you dear?" Germ's grandmother called out as she stepped into the kitchen holding an old wooden broom brandishing it as a weapon just in case a coyote got in the house again. The old bird instantly noticed muddy tracks on the floor leading in from the back door she recognized the cute little shoe prints left on the smudgy impressions.

"...Ah ha, caught ya red handed!" Germ's grandmother playfully called out while jumping around the trash can causing Germ's eyes to grow wide seeing his grandmother towering above him his life briefly flashed before him, for he knew his time had come. A look of concern fell upon the old lady who carefully knelt down in front of her grandson she immediately noticed his clothes scuffed up and covered in dirt and grime the little bird had scratches along his arms and all over his face. "G-Germ... wh-what on earth happened to you...? Are you alright little one, d-did those blasted coyotes get after you again... I swear this time ima get the old man and give them what for!" Germ's grandmother spoke softly as she placed a hand on his knee that seemed to tremble lightly his stomach grumbled once more, the *old man* was code for her double barrel shotgun she always said if someone came to the door in a threatening manner, I'll get the old man. "Oh my are you hungry dear, I can whip something together real quic-" "-Pl-please don't tell my parents...!" Germ suddenly called out practically begging as he clasped his hands together. "Hehe... did ya sneak out again... what's that the third time this week!" Germ's grandmother replied cheekily while she raised a hand ruffling the fur on his head knocking his baseball cap off into the floor she loved her grandson and would do anything for him even let him get away with murder she'd probably bury the body so long as her back wouldn't give out on her.

"Please!" Germ repeated with enlarged watery puppy dog eyes he'd often sneak out after his parents somewhat strict curfew he just wasn't tired yet he had to go out and see his friends or to explore the town feeling his royal oats staying shut in the house wasn't for him, besides who goes to bed at 10pm babies that's who. Germ's grandmother sighed heavily as she weakly pushed herself up out of the floor her legs wobbled briefly. "Alright, alright... I'll keep your secret, but dearie you should know it's dangerous out there and they have you stay inside past sundown for a reason..." the elderly bird explained as Germ exhaled a sigh of relief thankful he wouldn't have to face his parent's punishment. "I know grandma, that's why I got this!" Germ spoke coyly as he raised his taser over head while pressing the button sending sparks of electricity into the air lighting up the dimly lit kitchen Germ's grandmother merely chuckled softly hearing the electricity crackling. "Hehe well at least you're prepared, now why don't you go get cleaned up and I'll bring you a sandwich in a little while alright dear!" She spoke lovingly before proceeding to sweep the floor with her broom for someone so small Germ sure did leave a big mess with dried solidified mud pieces of broken twigs and crushed up leaves littering the kitchen floor. "Thanks Grandma!" Germ replied flashing a happy smile at her as he bounced up onto his feet.

Germ's grandmother hummed quietly while tidying up after her grandson who snuck through the living room quietly making his way upstairs to his bedroom though the staircase seemed to betray him since it creaked with each step he took. The moon was full it set just on the edge of the horizon it's bright light shined in through the window above the kitchen sink illuminating the now cleaned floor the elderly bird exhaled wiping her brow having finished sweeping lickity split. "Ah, now that that's done I ca-" Germ's grandmother trailed off coming to a halt she unexpectedly dropped her broom it fell from her grasp bouncing on the floor as her eyes widened seeing her breath in the air that was tinged with a cold chill all of sudden. A strange creeping feeling dawned on the old bird who shifted her gaze focusing on the back door as an ominous knock sounded filling the cozy kitchen she reluctantly stepped closer the brisk chill in the air grew harsher the closer she got to the door. Germ's grandmother cautiously peeked through the peep hole her mouth hung agape seeing a little butterfly frantically dancing back and forth in the air it's wings glowing vividly in the moonlight. Mae stood on the other side of the door still hopelessly banging her forehead against it she felt so lost unsure as to why she was even here anymore. Mae couldn't return to her body and she really didn't want to see the looks on her family's faces especially Bea's. Mae sighed heavily feeling mentally exhausted as she took a step back away from the door while raising a paw roughly rubbing her tired eyes. "M-maybe I should just go back to the hospita-" "-So beautiful!" A feminine voice spoke instantly drawing Mae's attention to the door that was now opened wide with Germ's grandmother standing staring intently at Mae. "Umm... h-hello...?" Mae spoke softly unsure if the old bird could see her or not, she remembered Germ's grandmother all to well always sounding cryptic and vague and a little bit spooky sometimes all three at once.

Mae's eyes broadened suddenly seeing a small pair of opalescent wings flutter out from her stomach approaching the elderly bird who extended a finger, talk about eating butterflies. "Th-that can't be the same one, can it? H-how the heck did it keep up..." Mae questioned feeling a bit confused as she focused on the beautiful creature that landed perching itself on the bird's finger resting its glowing wings. A brisk gust of air breezed by blowing some loose leaves onto the porch Mae suddenly felt as if something was drawing her toward the house a subtle pulling sensation. "My my, aren't you just gorgeous!" Germ's grandma spoke while cooing happily Mae took a single step closer she motioned a paw waving it in front of the old lady's face trying to garner her attention she didn't appear to react. "Huh... I guess you can't see me... well what else is new!" Mae spat lowly as she cautiously took another step forward nonchalantly phasing through the elderly bird finally entering the house that suddenly groaned creaking loudly from the howling winds it was as if the house was aware that Mae was now present. Germ's grandmother felt a strange shiver run down her spine as her entire body shook she felt very faint all of a sudden while the tiny insect that was perching on her finger grew frightened it quickly scurried off fluttering away into the field of greenery. An image of Germ's friend Mae Borowski flashed through the elder bird's mind she leaned on the side of the door for support reeling from a splintering headache. Mae wasn't even aware of what she'd done to the old bird as she casually proceeded through the kitchen.

"Wow nice set up!" Mae spoke while admiring the six burner gas lit stainless steel stove on the far wall it had served many Germ's family was quite big, a light thud could be heard in the background though Mae didn't seem to notice. "I could cook... it probably wouldn't be any good, might even be weapons grade poisonous!" Mae joked with a light chuckle she much preferred her mother's cooking she loved her spaghetti and tacos in fact she had a hankering for them right now. "Uhh... I'm getting distracted thinking of food again... why does it have to be so fulfilling... fulfilling to my stomach!" Mae shook her head scattering her thoughts of weird amalgamations of food to the wind she motioned toward the living room realizing she had an objective. "I gotta find Germ, he's probably in his room upstairs... ugh stairs!" Mae groaned dreading the day that she'd have to walk up them again but luckily for her at this moment it didn't really matter cause today was not that day. Mae grinned deviously while peering up the staircase she casually kicked off the ground levitating in midair proceeding to float lazily up the stairs while stretching her arms over her head. "Hehe... yea now this is what I'm talking about!" Mae muttered happily taking full advantage of her ghostly abilities. Unbeknown to Mae in the kitchen Germ's grandmother lied collapsed on the floor in shock with goosebumps covering her pale body that trembled lightly.

Mae sighed while casually floating throughout the halls passing several doors that lead to other rooms she had never been in she wondered briefly what could be lurking within, most likely it was Germ's other family members their house occupied many and it seemed to just go on and on it was far bigger than Mae's cozy home that felt cramped in comparison. Several creepy old paintings lined the walls mixed with the occasional family photo thrown in for good measure. Mae felt a strange creeping sensation as if something or someone was watching her it was as if the paintings had eyes that were following her as she moved. Mae always felt a bit odd whenever she would visit Germ but it never before felt so threatening the air inside their house was thick with an uneasy tension. A looming dread left Mae paranoid and sweating she hastened her pace not wanting to over stay her unwelcomed visit. Mae phased through Germ's door relieved she was actually able to do so this time around, her eyes broadened seeing his room was an absolute disaster her ears could faintly hear rushing water like a running faucet in the background. "Whoa Germ, learn to get out more, or to at least clean your room a little sheesh!" Mae judged cruelly her focus was drawn to a leaning tower of greasy pizza boxes near the window, though she was admittedly kind of impressed yet at the same time a bit saddened as a few of the boxes were from pastabilities before they shut down so they had been sitting there for quite a while. "Wow! Man I really miss pastabilities, their pizza was amazing... I really wish I could smell this greasy potentially moldy box!" Mae muttered reminiscing of the good old days having had many birthday party's there and ordering for delivery on the regular Mae assumed she was basically there entire source of income. Mae continued surveying the room seeing stacks of game cases and comic books near the tv a well worn bean bag chair was the crowning jewel in the center of the man cave. Several piles of dirty clothes were sporadically scattered around the room Mae finally noticed an especially muddy jacket and jeans on top of one pile. "Ah ha! Bingo bongo what do have here!" Mae spoke happily as she hovered near the pile she was thankful that she couldn't smell anything because if this room smelled as bad as it looked she might very well become a ghost permanently.

Mae optimistically extended a paw reaching for the muddy jacket perhaps out of a force of habit she'd briefly forgotten her predicament as her paw slipped passing right through it causing her eyes to widen in annoyance. "Oh right... stupid useless ghost hands, I should just chop them off!" Mae grumbled angrily before furiously crossing her arms the floating feline fumed as she began aimlessly twirling around in the air for amusement not having anything else to do but wait. Mae sighed softly closing her eyes for a moments reprieve when all of sudden she could faintly hear a familiar voice echoing into her ears. "...a...e.. ...'m... h... r... f...o... u..." Mae listened intently the voice was barely audible and complete incoherent it proved difficult to discern what it was actually saying, yet at the same time it felt so comforting as Mae's stomach began to quiver. The soothing tone faded replaced with a subtle thumping as a small smile began to form on the floating specter's face her transparent body jolted slightly at feeling an unexpected touch as a scaly claw gently caressed her left check. Mae's eyes shot open in realization feeling the cool touch upon her fuzzy cheek recognizing the familiar claw it could be no other. "B-BeaBea!" Mae muttered underneath her breath as she quickly raised a paw wanting nothing more than to touch her friend's hand unfortunately she couldn't feel it only the soft fur on her slightly chubby face. "I... I need to get back... I-I n-need to s-see Bea... I..." Mae spoke hastily as she spun around rotating in midair before motioning toward the window. A door on the opposite end of the room slowly swung open its hinges squeaked causing Mae to halt her advances hearing footsteps drawing near.

"Ah yeah that was so refreshing!" Germ spoke happily as he dried his head with a soft white towel his silky dark blue fur was still dripping wet. Mae glanced over her shoulder seeing Germ stepping out of the bathroom glaring light shined from behind him as steam spilt out onto the carpeted floor of his bedroom. Mae's facial expression shifted drastically her eyes distended as her cheeks grew flustered turning bright red. "Oh... oh... oh my gosh!" Mae choked out as she quickly slammed her eyes shut however it was too late the damage was done the horrific sight was already burned into her retinas. "Oh no oh god... unsee, unsee!" Mae stammered as she raised her paws covering her eyes she never before imagined a scenario where she would see Germ stark naked. "Brrrr... what the heck... why is it so cold in here?" Germ shivered his teeth chattered he could now see his breath in the air he missed the soothing hot shower already. Mae's mind raced she tried desperately to think of anything other than what she'd just witnessed it proved most difficult that or she must have been very hungry because suspect images of bananas cucumbers carrots pickles and eggplants kept flashing through her mind. "I... I don't think I can look at him, or food the same way ever again... everything is ruined!" Mae admitted shamefully she listened closely hearing Germ shuffling around hopefully searching for some underwear she refused to open her eyes until certain that it was safe.

Germ toweled off quickly drying his wet fur while fighting rapidly spawning goosebumps that were popping up all over his body he didn't understand why it was so chilly all of a sudden the window wasn't even open. After a few moments of what sounded like struggling Mae reluctantly opened her eyes cautiously peeking through the slits between her fingers. Germ at the very least was covered up he'd bundled himself in a cozy thick blanket before falling back into his bean bag chair to relax. Mae sighed heavily before moving hovering beside of the short bird who yawned loudly while reaching into the floor picking up a remote next to his bean bag he instantly flicked the flatscreen television on however something wasn't quite right perhaps the signal was receiving interference because the picture was staticky and unclear. "What the heck?" Germ questioned as he furiously flicked through the channels Mae slowly turned her gaze focusing on the TV as the sound of the static began to grow louder becoming almost deafening causing Mae's ears to reflexively furl backwards. "Aggghhhhhhh! It... it hurts!" Mae screamed out loudly as she collapsed to the floor thoughts of this very same occurrence flashed briefly through her mind. Mae remembered this happening several times in her hospital room she had noticed out of the corner of her eyes that the display on the heart monitor reacted in a similar way however this noise never accompanied the odd phenomenon. "W-why is t-this happening t-to m-me..." Mae choked out weakly as her forehead throbbed painfully it felt like it might split in two she panted heavily while clutching her ears trying to block out the noise. Germ narrowed his eyes on the TV it was almost as if he could see something like a face within the rapidly shifting static image. "Geez... whatever, there's probably nothing on this late anyway!" Germ mumbled as he turned off the TV tossing the remote aside before glancing over toward his dirtied mud covered clothes. Mae exhaled heavily the debilitating noise was now silenced she felt weakened her body reflected this fact it's glow had become faint and dim.

~Stranger~

Outside Germ's window he had a perfect view of the old crumpled up well that was reduced to a mere pile of broken bricks covered in moss. A tiny pair of rainbow colored wings descended through the air landing on top of the rocky pile as a gust of wind breezed by causing the field of tall grass to gently sway back and forth. Germ's house creaked ominously it's foundation settling the butterfly perched itself resting on the remains of the old brick well as an ominous stomping drew near. Germ stood in front of the bundle of muddied clothes he slowly reached for his jacket digging into one of the inner pockets while Mae continued reeling as a bead of sweat slid down her face dripping from her nose falling onto the carpet. "Wow this is so incredible... and it was right where he said it would be, I can't freakin believe it!" Germ spoke excitedly as held up a tiny shiny object in between his fingers while Mae slowly sat up on her rump just breathing trying to catch her breath. Bright rays of moonlight shined in through the window as a yellowish orange glow tinted Germ's hand Mae raised her gaze toward him as her eyes broadened from the surprising sight. "A... G-Golden... Tooth?!" Mae mumbled softly her eyes were drawn fixated on the grimy mud covered tooth that subtly shined a lustrous golden hue. Germ using his free hand raised his blanket wiping off the crusted mud subtly polishing the old metal tooth in his mitts before he turned stepping over toward his closest. "It... it c-can't be... it's g-gotta be a c-coincidence..." Mae stuttered weakly while watching Germ who pulled out a slightly dusty black box with an old lock securing it shut. Mae recalled finding a golden tooth in her grandfather's old safe in the crawlspace beneath their house. The sound of metal scraping together filled the room as Germ fiddled with the cumbersome lock. Mae stood up stepping beside of Germ she watched as the lock fell off into the floor her mouth hung agape as he lifted the lid revealing a nearly complete set of golden teeth they shined beautifully.

Mae all of a sudden felt a strange unsettling sensation wash over her as if something was crawling beneath her skin making her feel itchy. Mae could hear the howling of the wind outside as the house creaked startling the feline. Mae wasn't sure if it was paranoia but she noticed a strange look on Germ's face he grinned devilishly while placing the golden tooth with the others. "G-Germ... wha-what is this...? W-why...? H-how...? wh-where d-did these come from...?" Mae questioned as a puzzling look of sheer bewilderment and fear dawned upon her face she wondered if somehow her grandfather's tooth was connected with these, how could it be she just assumed it was a keepsake from war she didn't know it's true origins. Mae slowly stepped back away from Germ she could feel her heart thumping like a drum pounding out of her chest. Mae turned away from Germ her eyes broadened at being met with the unexpected sight of a shadowy figure that appeared as if from out of nowhere standing at the opposite end of the small room blocking the window as moonlight shined around him. Mae remained motionless utterly frozen in place just staring intently at the dark silhouette who slowly extended a hand reaching out toward her. Mae's silver eyes glowed brightly as the sound of her quickening heart filled her ears it was all that she could hear in this moment as a dreadful sense of impending doom dawned upon the shaking feline. Mae somehow recognized the shadowy specter his form was familiar she had seen it several times before, it brought back several unpleasant memories of Halloween kidnappings and dreadful stalkings. "No... n-no... y-you c-can't be h-here... there's no way!" Mae stammered while taking a step retreating backwards her entire body trembled her knees grew weak as a bottomless pit formed in her stomach. A blindingly bright light suddenly ignited from the shadowy specter's face overtaking Mae's vision causing her to squint though she refused to look away. Within the span of a single blink of the eye the apparition moved swiftly across the room knocking over several stacks of game cases and comic books the leaning tower of pizza boxes crashed to the ground as Mae's pupils shrunk she gasped for breath suddenly feeling a hand clutching her throat it's grip tightening with each passing second threatening to crush her wind pipe. Germ jumped up fearfully from the sudden ruckus causing him to drop the box of golden teeth that spilt out scattering across the chaotic room he quickly glanced around seeing no one however he felt an eerie presence as a chill crawled up his back. Mae could see a line of snarling golden teeth shining just beneath the blinding light on the specter's forehead it seemed to be a head lamp of some kind his entire body appeared translucent and incorporeal just like Mae's. A few tears escaped Mae's eyes her thoughts raced as she swiped furiously at the looming menace who suddenly lifted her up off of the ground her legs now dangling she kicked them repeatedly trying desperately to break free from his ferocious clutches.

A rapid high pitched beeping unexpectedly filled the once calm hospital room the unnerving and bracing sound signaling that something was awry. Stan and Candy instantly raised their heads they had both fallen asleep once more hoping to recharge their batteries if only a little. Bea who was actually resting on a pull out arm chair immediately jolted awake she felt groggy and out of it however the alarming sound hastened her glass heart. The door to the room suddenly swung open as a few nurses dashed inside it was late they were the only ones on call most of the doctors had gone home for the night. Mae's physical body lying in bed began to convulse as she gasped for breath subtle impressions of claw marks formed on her neck as if she was being choked. Stan held his wife close as the nurses descended upon their daughter working rigorously to stabilize the crashing feline. Bea quickly hopped up stepping beside of Candy the tired crocodile grabbed one of her paws clutching it tightly the old feline instantly pulled her into a loving hug. "Come on Mae... you can beat this... I know you can... I don't think I've ever seen someone fall down so many times and keep on getting up!" Bea uttered with a light sniffle she raised a claw wiping her eyes clear. "Our Mae she is a trooper..." Candy uttered weakly trying her best to sound strong and stay optimistic.

The room felt as if it was spinning around Mae who's vision grew hazy her limbs slowly began to go numb as her feeble struggling slowed her energy was draining Mae's face grew pale... well paler than it currently was with all ghostly things considered. The room began to subtly tremble quaking as the TV flicked on showing a staticky image Germ cocked a brow somewhat startled by the sudden sound he was hesitant to move as his body tensed up he could feel the air in his room swirl about shifting it ruffled the fur on his head. Mae's glow faded dimming as did her translucent body as if she was disappearing her mind spiraled with thoughts coming and going she gasped for breath yet the air could not satisfy. The demented shadowy figure clutching Mae's throat began to laugh maniacally he tightened his grasp even tighter nearly crushing her as beads of sweat ran down Mae's face mixing in with her flowing tears. Mae wondered if this was the end, if this is where she would finally bite the bullet. Mae slowly closed her eyes seeing the smiling faces of her family flashing through her mind however it only made this hopeless situation that much bleaker, she wanted so badly to see them again she wanted to see her friends again she wanted to be able to smile with them just for once, if only for a moment longer her jumbled thoughts pulled her in so many directions.

A glimmer of yellowish orange sunlight shined in through Germ's window heating up the cool foggy glass as the rising sun began to ascend over the horizon. Mae could hear childish laughter tickling her ears she suddenly found herself standing in the middle of a bright field of grass and flowery greenery she watched with hazy vision as three young children ran playfully chasing one another with water guns so carefree and happy. Mae sluggishly raised a paw grasping her neck she could still faintly feel his claws digging into her flesh she still could not breath as the blinding light of his head lamp briefly flashed across her eyes reminding her of what was happening. "This is it... I-I'm dying... I can't do anything to stop it... maybe I shouldn't... maybe I should just... j-just..." Mae uttered as she suddenly collapsed falling down into the tall grass she lied on her back staring blankly into the clear blue sky with puffy white marshmallow-like clouds swirling over head. A familiar high pitched cackling drew near as a short orange fox towered above Mae's head holding a seven leafed clover in hand though he didn't acknowledge her presence.

"Looook... look what I found Mae, look!" The young boy spoke giddily he couldn't have been older than eight as he unknowingly trotted across Mae's incorporeal body that was beginning to disappear. "You be careful Beatrice and don't go near those woods it's dangerous, okay?!" Spoke an elderly female who's tone was familiar gentle and inviting. Mae weakly turned her head glancing to her left even though her eyes were unclear she squinted trying to focus on the soothing voice but was unable to make out who it was. Bea's mother and father both sat on a picnic blanket a few yards away watching over the little ones playing Mae could hear the sound of footsteps drawing near. "You should listen to her, she's right you know... nothing good can be found in these woods... trust me kiddo I know all too well..." Mae's eyes broadened seeing her grandfather towering above her with a soft smile visible on his face the sight of him quickly became blurry as her vision doubled worsening with each fleeting second, the elder feline carefully sat down in the grass next to her his old bones popping as he moved about. "G-Gr-Grandad!" Mae choked out lowly her voice was shaky and weak as she tried to reach out and grab ahold of him the mere act of moving her arm was rather difficult for the weakened feline it was as if all of her energy was zapped away. "Mae listen to me... you need to get out of Possum Springs, you need to get away from this town, this place... do you hear me Mae, it isn't safe... I don't think it ever was... I've had to do many things in my life both for my family and my country... I have many regrets they haunt me even to this day..." Mae listened to her grandfather speaking however his words went in and out some escaping her she could hardly even hear him let alone make out his wrinkly face anymore. Mae's senses were dulled she couldn't smell the fresh grass though she could feel it beneath her as it gently tickled the back of her arms and neck.

Mae's consciousness grew distant her outstretched arm weakly fell into the grass never quite reaching her grandfather. "Mae... you're not dead, not yet... but you will be in about twenty seconds...!" The voice sounded differently Mae's hazy vision briefly cleared only momentarily as she looked up expecting to see her grandfather but was met with the equally welcoming sight of her best friend Gregg who was dressed in all leather a look of concern visible on his face. "Mae you need to focus... please Mae..." Mae blinked and Gregg was gone replaced with Beatrice who extended a claw reaching out toward the fading feline who managed to curve a weak smile at seeing the crocodile here in her time of need. "Focus, you know how this works!" Mae blinked once more now seeing Angus at her side he smiled happily while placing a chubby paw on her stomach. Mae could see that their mouths were moving but she couldn't hear them speaking all she could hear was a piercing ringing and a fading thumping. Mae stared intently at Angus as darkness crept at the edge of her eyes. "Mae..." A gentle breeze blew past ruffling the fur on Mae's head the grass gently swayed to and fro as everything grew silent the ringing ceased as did the thumping. Bea's mother and father both vanished from the picnic blanket as the trees began disappearing one by one the sky slowly began to darken as if it was crumbling away. Tears trailed down the sides of Mae's face as the sight of Angus vanished from her eyes the feline's entire body went numb silence overtook her it was finally quiet peace at last. Mae lied there motionless just staring up into the pitch black sky a silver outline of the moon shined down upon her as a few twinkling stars ignited shimmering in the dark forming a massive pair of eyes that seemed to glare back at Mae from the heavens above.

The ground around Mae began to quake trembling the once lush green grass shriveled up into ash disappearing with the rolling winds. Mae felt as if something was slipping and beginning to give her mind felt akin to a sloshing bowl of soup she couldn't think straight it was as if all of a sudden she was unable to recall anything as her mind dispersed. "Mae... Bea... wh...where did you guys go?" Shouted a squeaky voice amidst the dark while a trickling rain began to fall from the sky that weeped as it rumbled loudly a flurry of thick storm clouds formed blocking out the stars and moon. Mae tiredly shifted her gaze looking down her nose seeing a young fox drawing near stepping out from the darkness. "Hey... come on this isn't funny...!" The frightened boy continued his voice becoming louder and squeakier as he approached the image of him grew blurry doubling in the fading feline's eyes. The short orange fox stopping mere inches away from Mae he stared down to her with wide eyes that caught the feline's gaze he seemed lost. "Mae... I finally found you!" Spoke the little fox who instantly leapt on top of Mae practically glomping her as he wrapped his stubby arms around her back hugging the feline tightly. Mae could feel the young fox nuzzling up against her his small body subtly shook as if he was afraid of something. Mae and Gregg had been best friends for several years now, they practically grew up together pretty much since their elementary days though at this moment Mae for the life of her she couldn't think of his name it simply escaped the feline. "Mae..." The fox spoke his tone shaky and low tears stained his orange face as Mae opened her mouth to speak yet she could not find the words. "...pl-please don't forget me too..." he continued timidly causing Mae's eyes to widen in realization as a faint glimmer of moonlight shined breaking through piercing the dark cloudy skies of Mae's mind as her vision cleared. "G-Gregg!" Mae mumbled weakly thoughts of her dear friend raced through her crashing mind she remembered his beautiful smile and his dorky piggish laugh. Mae recalled all of the adventures she had taken with Gregg all of the crimes they had done, Mae's focus was entirely on Gregg she strangely felt a spark of energy surge rushing throughout her she suddenly managed to push herself up returning the gesture holding on to the small fox tightly practically cradling him as if her life depended on it as everything around her began disappearing into a void of nothingness. "...it-It's alright... I-I... I'll never forget you..." Mae spoke weakly as she inhaled taking a breath.

~Distance Between~

Mae's silverish blue eyes shot open glowing intensely the once blindingly bright light before her had now vanished as did the man that was relentlessly choking her to death she fell free dropping to the floor like a sack of potatoes. Breath finally returned to Mae who coughed loudly gasping for air she raised a paw gently rubbing her tender neck it felt understandably sore as it ached painfully having nearly been crushed. The collapsed feline's semi transparent body began to glow brighter as she lied their just breathing she smiled softly having narrowly escaped death yet again she was beginning to lose count at this point. Mae blinked repeatedly realizing that she was no longer in Germ's room she was in a strange new place that she did not recognize however she had an idea of who might be there. Mae's vision was plagued by a massive circular eye floaty leftover from that bastard's headlamp blinding her it kept persistently reappearing every time she blinked.

Mae's ears perked up hearing the sound of a plastic doorknob jiggling behind her slightly startling the feline who lied on the floor in the middle of the darkened room still reeling from the events that just transpired. Mae suddenly detected the subtle sound of snoring a few feet away from her she turned seeing a large bed above her the sheets were ruffled hallway off into the floor she spotted a chubby brown fuzzy foot sticking out from under the blankets. Mae continued panting lightly while feeling gradually returned to her weakened body she heard the creaking of a door opening drawing her attention as light poured into the bedroom illuminating her surroundings. A weak yet happy smile slowly began to form on Mae's face she watched as a tired orange fox stepped out of the bathroom his fur stood up in kinks it was obvious he'd just gotten out of bed it actually looked as if he was sleep walking. Saliva trailed down the fox's neck as he wobbled back to bed it was still far too early for him to rise his pillow was calling out to him. Gregg spun on his heels as he tiredly fell back into bed he'd probably only just gotten home from his nightshift a few hours prior. Gregg immediately returned to dreamland snoring the instant his head hit the pillow. Mae struggled just to push herself up out of the floor however she managed to stand tall after a few pained moments her body felt extremely drained. The weakened feline took it slow as she glanced around the dimly lit room seeing stacks of boxes and dirtied clothes scattered about seems Gregg and Angus had only just recently moved in they hadn't even finished unpacking yet and there was hardly any furniture besides a bed and two nightstands.

"This... must be... their place... it's bigger... than I imagined..." Mae uttered in between shallow breaths as she sluggishly wobbled beside of the bed looking down to see Gregg and Angus both resting. Angus seemed to be sleeping peacefully however something appeared to be eating at Gregg as a bead of sweat ran down his face that briefly tensed up. "M-Mae..." the fox muttered quietly in his sleep as he restlessly tossed and turned gripping the sheets tightly. Mae's eyes broadened hearing him mention her name it shocked her to say the least she wondered what he could be dreaming about. A loud blaring noise suddenly ignited filling the bedroom it startled Mae who jumped at hearing it she quickly turned to her left seeing a digital alarm clock on the nightstand was the culprit. The alarm clock display was bright with red numbers reading *6:30AM* flashing across the screen as the annoying sound grew louder beginning to stir the two boys still sleeping. Mae yawned loudly her vision grew hazier by the second as she weakly reached out toward the alarm clock her shaking hand glowed intensely as she placed a single glowing finger on the shut off button.

Sunlight peaked through the slits in the blinds shining onto the messy carpeted floor of the now quiet bedroom. Bags weighed heavy beneath Mae's eyes as she sighed exhaling deeply it didn't even dawn on the exhausted feline as to what she'd just done she was too tired to care. "B-Bedtime? Yes...!" Mae mumbled softly the room around her began to subtly spin she fell backwards levitating in midair as if she was resting upon a plush floating cushiony cloud. Mae smiled weakly feeling at peace hearing the sounds of her friends soft snoring was like a comforting white noise tickling the feline's ears she could also faintly hear her own heart thumping. Mae yawned widely exposing her fangs as she fell deeper into a restful slumber she could suddenly feel the cool bedsheets around her battered body and the revitalizing warmth of the IV flowing into her veins.

"...th-there, all back together again... well almost at least..." Germ spoke with an exhaustive sigh as he closed the lid on the creepy old black box housing the collection of golden teeth he locked it up tight before stowing it away in his closet. Germ's room was an absolute wreck hairline cracks had formed on his window that was pretty much frosted over with a sheet of ice the TV flickered off and on as a pair of eyes were faintly visible amongst the shifting static image. The mysterious specter stood in the middle of the chaotic bedroom his body appeared to be disappearing as his head lamp died down he frowned while clinching his fists angrily having lost his prey right out from underneath him. "You're only delaying the inevitable... Mae Borowski... Beatrice Santelio... Greggory Lee... Angus Delaney... I'm coming for you all, it's only a matter of time..." the haunting apparition exclaimed his voice raspy and deep as he slowly shifted his gaze toward Germ who was rooting around in the closet looking for a clean shirt. A strange red pentagram suddenly appeared on the short bird's back it was as if it was burned into his dark blue fur the demonic symbol glowed pulsing brightly as the fading menacing creature drew closer he placed a hand on the accursed mark. Downstairs in the kitchen Germ's grandmother lying on the floor suddenly sat up in a frantic rush her eyes shot open hearing a distant scream ringing into her ears. Outside in Germ's backyard a few yards away near the decaying old well the beautiful opalescent butterfly fought desperately trying to break free having been caught in a dastardly spider's intricate cobweb the silky strands glowed amidst the rising sun.

~Recovery~

Meanwhile at Possum Springs General Hospital Mae had been moved to another room, since the window had been unexpectedly blown out it was no longer safe for her to be exposed to the ever changing outside climate in her fragile state. Nurses monitored her condition regularly checking in on the resting feline who slept peacefully still showing no signs of waking. The sun ascended over the horizon lighting up the sky as time continued marching on without her, the sun fell as hours passed by quickly transitioning into days. Both of Mae's parents and Bea didn't leave her side as the days piled up nearing a week they would only briefly step away to eat or shower though the waiting had begun to take its toll on them. Candy tried to keep her mind fixated on other things, she had to or else risked losing her sanity she read an entire stack of crime novels burning through them in only a matter of days, however no matter how hard she tried she just couldn't escape the haunting reality that the doctors were presenting them. Stan's determination was beginning to waver as they approached the first week with no substantial changes in his daughter's condition though physically her wounds had begun healing and the color was gradually returning to her face however mentally she showed zero signs of improvement. The doctors had begun to assume the worst fearing that she might not ever awaken.

Mae's string of rotating nurses on the nightshift had heard talk of what became of Bea's home and kindly offered the crocodile a spare bed to sleep more comfortably on she was after all still recovering from her own wounds, though she was welcome to stay as long as Mae was in the hospital. Bea hardly spoke to anyone she remained distant and withdrawn her doctor recommended a therapist however Bea declined knowing how bloody expensive they were just like lawyers and undertakers. Bea's mental state was fragile the death of her father only a mere two weeks ago was still fresh, she was grieving in her own ways hell she was practically still grieving the loss of her mother now with her father added to that immense weight it was beginning to overwhelm the crushed reptile. Mae had a few visitors over the course of the week Selmers came by multiple times checking up on Mae and bringing freshly baked cookies to her parents. Mr Chazokov even stopped by to see his favorite student having heard the events on the news he wanted to wish her well in person. Pastor K dropped in having not heard a word from her receptionist in days, Candy simply couldn't even bring herself to break away long enough to call. The Pastor brought with her freshly plucked wildflowers and the prayers of the entire communion, she would often read verses aloud to Mae in her sleep she also would partake in Selmers cookies suggesting that she add them to the Sunday bake sales.

As the days passed by one after another people came and went the moon rose and fell, it was just past noon on the nineteenth day when something suddenly changed. A few birds chirped happily a quaint little melody as they danced in their nest up in a tree just outside the opened window. A gentle cool and refreshing breeze blew in ruffling the curtains carrying the subtle sweet scent of suckle-berries. Bea lied in bed mindlessly scrolling through social media on her phone, Candy was tidying up the room stacking her books and dusting trying to keep herself busy, Stan read the newspaper while sipping his coffee he had just gotten fired from his job the day before from refusing to come in to work, and in his mind they were already losing the house so what was the point in working if something happened to his daughter and she were to slip away while he was gone it would destroy him. Bea had told Gregg and Angus what was going on they couldn't believe it she had to show them through video chat, Gregg joked suggesting that Bea should draw on Mae's face though Angus scolded him for being insensitive.

Candy stepped toward her daughter she shook her bedsheets out they would build up a slight amount of dust every now and then since Mae wasn't exactly getting up and moving about. Candy kneeled down beside of Mae she carefully pulled the pillow out from underneath her head she fluffed it up and turned it to the cool side. Candy sighed heavily while positioning the pillow back in its place she then motioned a paw gently placing it on her daughter's left cheek caressing her fingers through Mae's fur that felt thick and a bit oily. Candy's eyes slowly broadened as her mouth hung agape she noticed Mae's eye lids begin to subtly twitch after a moment they sluggishly opened revealing her beautiful red eyes beneath Candy hadn't seen them open in so long she blinked repeatedly thinking that she might've been imagining it. "M-Ma-Mae...!" Candy called out weakly as tears immediately spilt out overflowing running down the sides of the old feline's face both Stan and Bea instantly jumped up hearing Candy's emotional reaction.

Mae's eyes shot open her pupils trembled glowing a bright silverish blue. "Ugh... wh-why d-do I feel so s-sore all over... wh-what h-happened... w-wasn't I... where..." Mae muttered lowly feeling utterly confused as she blinked repeatedly everything appeared unclear hazy and bright. Mae's mind felt foggy and jumbled though she could clearly hear the rushing of cars running past outside, their engines rumbled as angry horns ignited blaring one after another at the same time she could faintly hear birds chirping and her mother's voice echoing from the depths of her mind. "M-Mom... Bea... G-Germ... oh my god... Germ... I w-was... th-there was a man..." Mae recalled the horrific events that occurred they came flooding back all at once nearly overwhelming her as she sat up in a mad frenzy. "I-I almost died... or d-did I die...?" Mae questioned as she raised a paw seeing that her body was still sadly translucent. "Uhhh... I don't even know at this point..." Mae grumbled hopelessly with a soft sigh as she rotated upright still hovering in midair.

Sunlight poured in through the opened window blinding Mae who squinted her eyes trying to adjust to the brightness. Mae gravitated toward the window seeing the bustling skyline of the sprawling oceanic city of Bright Harbor full of businesses and high rise apartments. The clear blue ocean was even visible in the distance the water sparkled beautifully causing Mae's eyes to broaden she'd never actually seen the ocean outside of pictures and videos online. "W-wow... I-I wanna see it up close!" Mae spoke happily with a wide smile as she took in the captivating view suddenly her ears twitched she could hear the chirping of birds growing louder. Mae was reminded of the dancing birds from mere moments before her accident, the sight of them in their nest flashed through the feline's mind however something felt different. Mae closed her eyes focusing on the subtle harmonizing melody of the chirping she could suddenly hear metal squeaking it sounded like straining mattress springs. "Mae!" - "Oh my god you're awake!" - "Mae my baby, I knew you'd come back to me!" - "Mae... I'm so happy!" - "...Mae?!" - "Mae!" - "She's finally awake, it's about time how much beauty sleep did she need?" Mae could hear the familiar tones of her family, the soothing gentle voice of her mother and the stern and reassuring voice of her father, she could even hear Bea's sarcastic voice they echoed all around the floating feline.

"No way are you serious...?" Mae's eyes suddenly shot open the voices of her family subsided replaced with yet another familiar tone. "Angus quick, get in here man!" The voice continued as Mae swiftly turned seeing Gregg flopping down taking a seat at the edge of their bed with a toothbrush sticking hallway out of his mouth. Gregg held his phone close to his face in anticipation his eyes widened seeing the images on screen. Gregg was in a video call with Bea they had actually been chatting a lot more recently something they hadn't been able to do much of before since both of them were far to busy what with work and life and all that, Gregg these past few months had been busy with moving finding the right place to live in Bright Harbor while Bea was still stuck constantly working a soul sucking job trying to keep the business afloat of course she really didn't have to worry about that anymore. "I'm coming, I'm coming!" Angus yelled from the kitchen as he lowered the temperature on the stove not wanting his bubbling sauce to overflow. Mae motioned closer hovering right beside of Gregg she peaked just over his shoulder gawking at his phone. "Look, look she's actually awake... I can't believe it." Beatrice spoke giddily as she aimed her camera at the stirring feline in bed who was being hugged tightly in unison by her mother and father. Mae's ears twitched she swore she could hear double as Bea's voice repeated emanating from deep within her mind. Yet somehow at the same time Mae could also hear Bea's voice coming from Gregg's phone speaker, the echoing tones caused the incorporeal feline's head to ache painfully it was akin to a phone ringing into itself causing a piercing high pitched echo.

Mae's eyes broadened widely seeing herself on Gregg's phone screen her mouth hung agape in confusion she wondered what was happening she wondered how this was possible. "Th-that's me... I-I'm awake... b-but... I'm... I-I d-don't... I don't understand..." Mae mumbled incoherently as she hovered closer toward Gregg's phone her face just mere inches away from the screen. Gregg narrowed his eyes a puzzled look fell upon him caused by his phone that began to strangely vibrate the screen became staticky as the audio stuttered. Mae's pupils trembled while a bead of sweat slid down her face time seemed to slow down as she blinked. Mae's translucent body glowed intensely for a moment before she suddenly disappeared from Gregg's room at the moment she vanished Gregg's phone unexpectedly short circuited. The screen went black a dangerous spark of electrify zapped the fox who shrieked loudly spitting out his toothbrush shooting it across the room as he jumped up fearfully. Angus turned the corner stepping into the room he dusted his apron off sauce had stained the edges of the fabric. "What did you wan... W-Whoa what the heck... hehehe!" Angus chuckled cutely as he stared at the orange fox now standing on top of the bed in nothing but boxers as his fur stood up on end. Gregg panted from shock literally, he slowly turned to see Angus who's laughter grew even louder the fox's eyes twitched with annoyance. "Hey... shut it you... I can't effing believe it, m-my phone..." Gregg shouted as he glared angrily at his smoking phone lying on the floor. "Ugh... we just got that too... d-do you think this is covered under the warranty?" Gregg questioned with a raised brow the bear merely shrugged back at him.

Angus stepped over to his left quickly grabbing a hairbrush off of their recently purchased dresser that even had a vanity mirror attached to the back of it. "Hehe... oh you look so cute like that... here lemme help!" Angus cooed as he motioned for Gregg to take a seat the fox grumbled before complying flopping down on his rump with his legs tossed over the edge of the bed. "So... what's up? You sounded really excited... so much so I guess you blew up your phone..." Angus questioned while taking a quick glance to his left seeing the sparking charred phone lying in the floor. "W-which I don't even know how that's scientifically possible..." Angus continued while beginning to gently brush his lover's unkempt fur causing the fox to giggle lightly. "Hehehehe... th-that t-tickles..." Gregg stuttered in between brief chuckles the fox's sight line met Angus's saucy apron he could smell the tantalizing aroma emanating from it making him hungry. "Y-yea it's amazing you won't believe it... it's Mae, she's finally awake!" Gregg explained happily with a wide smile, hearing the news three weeks ago that Mae was in a fiery and explosive accident wasn't easy for the fox to swallow especially since he had experienced haunting dreams of the event prior to ever hearing about it. The visions of blood and fire tormented Gregg he couldn't help but wonder if he could have done something to prevent what had occurred altering the tragic outcome. "Whoa r-really... that's good to hear, I'm relieved that she's okay!" Angus uttered while taking a step back admiring his handy work seeing the fox's silky orange fur straightened out and parted off to the sides nicely. Gregg glanced up seeing Angus gawking at him he couldn't help but feel tingly all over as the fox's cheeks lit up lightly a faint hue of red. Unexpectedly Gregg's fur puffed out sticking up once more causing the two boys to instantly burst into laughter.

~After Effects~

"Huh Gregg, Gregg... w-what the hell happened, d-did he disconnect?" Beatrice pondered with a puzzled look as she stared at the flashing *call end* sign running across her phone screen. The crocodile simply brushed it off before pocketing her phone and stepping closer toward the well worn hospital bed her eyes watered lightly at seeing Mae finally stirring awake. "I... I-I can't believe it!" Bea muttered softly as she firmly clasped her hands together she had recently picked up praying again from Pastor K it was something she hadn't done a whole lot of in a while, the last time she truly prayed was on that fateful night in the woods seven months ago just before they confronted those demented cultists however these past three weeks she'd found herself praying to anyone who would listen. "Mae my little kitten, I knew you would come back to us!" Candy spoke weepily while pulling out of the hug fearing that she might choke her daughter. "Yea you really had us on the edge of our seats for a while there kiddo!" Stan added while wiping the tears from his eyes he simply couldn't hold them in any longer he felt so much relief as if an immense weight was just lifted from his heart. Behind them on the far wall curtains suddenly blew open from a gust of wind that moved them about fluttering freely as sunlight poured inside through the opened window lighting up the hospital room. Stan shuttered feeling an ominous cold chill amongst the breeze brushing against the back of his neck.

"Brrrrr... how can it be this chilly in May?" Stan mumbled to himself while motioning toward the window to close it shut he didn't want his daughter to catch a cold, that was the last thing he would want. He grabbed the notches on the window pulling it down swiftly in one fluid motion the sounds of chirping birds whistling wind and rushing cars now silenced. The elder feline sighed feeling so relieved that his daughter had finally woken he was beginning to lose hope. Stan briefly glared at his reflection in the glass window pane he noticed a cascade of bags hanging underneath his eyes, sleep had been difficult not just for him but for all three of them these past few weeks. Suddenly Stan's eyes began to widen he noticed a blurry distorted figure standing right behind him visible in the reflection, he wasn't sure how long it had been there or if he was just imagining it from lack of sleep the exhausted feline quickly turned glancing over his shoulder. Stan's heart unexpectedly quickened as he blinked repeatedly he quickly raised a paw rubbing his eyes. "I-I... I must be, losing it..." Stan muttered lowly as his gaze darted hoping around the room seeing that no one was there. "Mr Borowski come here quick..." Beatrice called out for Stan from Mae's bedside, the crocodile still didn't feel comfortable referring to him by his name not yet at least. "Coming..." Stan replied as he stepped toward the bed he briefly did a double take shifting his gaze back over to the window that was now muddy and unclear condensation had already formed upon the glass surface.

Everyone stared intently at the girl lying in bed who had just awoken her eyes probably hadn't even had time to adjust properly considering she was blinking them repeatedly. The groggy feline's vision eventually cleared her body unexpectedly jolted as if she was startled by seeing everyone crowding around her it was almost claustrophobic. Both Candy and Stan instantly took notice to their daughter's fur, it shockingly stood up on end they could feel something was wrong in fact the uneasiness in the air was thickening. "M-Mae, sweetie?!" Candy called out her tone suddenly changed sounding different a look of worry descended upon the motherly feline. Cautiously the young feline weakly sat up leaning on her pillow for support she winced at feeling a plethora of pain and pent up tension upon first moving, her muscles had gradually begun to atrophy having not used them in nearly three weeks a wave of pain surged throughout her body causing her to groan aloud. "H-hey, hey... t-take it easy there!" Stan uttered as he motioned closer to assist his daughter. "Y-yea... take it sl-slow sweetie, y-you shouldn't g-get up yet!" Candy added as she too moved to her daughter's aid. Bea watched from the foot of the bed she wanted to help out too but there simply wasn't enough room unless of course she wanted to crawl on top of Mae though the thought had crossed her mind she wisely opted to remain where she was. Both Candy and Stan helped Mae sit up she groaned painfully while moving they did their best to ensure that she was comfortable being gentle with their touches as if she were made of porcelain.

"M-Mae!" Bea mumbled softly as she watched her friend gaze upon them with blank and empty eyes that were subtly concealing fear within them. Mae's ears timidly furled backwards she fearfully clutched the bedsheets tightly pulling them close to her body her pupils shook as she sluggishly glanced around seeing people helping her that she did not recognize, unfortunately Mae couldn't remember anyone or anything nor where she was or even who she was for that matter her mind was a total void. She stared focusing on their conflicting expressions they were confusing to her appearing both sad and happy at the same time. "Mae..." Candy and Stan both called out in unison to the young frightened feline who merely raised a brow at hearing them speak she glanced back and forth between the two of them they looked as if they were still waiting and hoping. Mae slowly opened her mouth searching for her voice her chin quivered lightly as the two unfamiliar feline's leaned in close waiting on baited breath. "M-Mae... w-who's th-that?" She questioned her voice stuttering it was crackly extremely faint and a little bit raspy. Almost instantaneously everyone's eyes distended nearly popping out of their heads as the haunting realization quickly set in. Stan and Candy sluggishly tilted their heads glancing at one another, Stan's mouth hung agape as he watched tears descend down his wife's twisted face full of anguish she raised a paw covering her mouth. The worst had come to pass the doctors warned them to taper their expectations an impossibly sized pit formed in Stan's stomach he felt sickly all of a sudden. Bea's smile slowly transitioned to that of an angry frown as she clinched her fists tightly before motioning to step around the bed. "H-hey... M-Mae... wh-what k-kind of s-sick j-joke are you pl-playing..." Bea spoke almost hesitantly as if she didn't want to say it at first however she'd known Mae a long time and she knew this could be something that the feline might pull as a passing joke she wasn't sure though. "...y-your parents and I, w-we've been here by your side for three weeks... w-waiting... hoping, pr-praying..." Bea continued her voice growing louder as she suddenly pushed Stan aside moving past him getting closer toward the clueless feline that was beginning to cower underneath the covers in bed. "Beatri-" Candy managed to call out lowly trying feebly to catch Bea's attention as she and Stan both stared at the raging crocodile, neither quite having the strength to stop her they'd been shaken by this revelation one that Bea just couldn't accept she didn't want to believe what the doctors had been saying, she simply couldn't because it meant that she'd lost Mae as well as her father and that would just be too painful. "DAMNIT THIS ISNT A FUCKING JOKE MAE!" Beatrice shouted at the very top of her lungs her voice cracked nurses in the hallway could even hear the growing commotion as the crocodile leaned into bed her snarling face just inches away from Mae's.

Hearing the reptile's tremendous roar fear consumed the young feline who pressed her back firmly against the pillow trying to retreat further she just wanted to disappear from this room. Her body trembled timidly as she clung to the blankets holding them up like a makeshift shield she couldn't even look directly at the furious crocodile who was baring down upon her. Having just awoken from a three week coma she really hasn't even had the time to acclimate to her surroundings she honestly still felt quite a bit groggy a multitude of sleep crusties were visible inside her eye lids. Mae didn't understand what was going on she couldn't comprehend why this person was screaming at her, had she done something wrong the feline wondered. Bea panted heavily as she extended a shaking claw reaching out toward the feline who reflexively tensed seeing her hand drawing near. "M-Ma-Mae..." Bea muttered her voice grew weary as her moving claw suddenly stopped just short of the feline's cheek not quite yet touching it. Suddenly a plethora of memories from the crocodile's youth flooded her mind memories of the times she had spent with her friend fleeting as they were. She remembered the beautiful feline's smile most of all she had committed it to her memory long ago. "Pl...ple..as...yo-your...just...j-jok..ing...r-right...?" Bea continued as a stream of tears began rolling down her scaly cheeks she watched on in absolute terror as the fearful traumatized feline cowered from her in bed unable to even look up directly at the crocodile who was beginning to regret ever opening her mouth. "M... M-Mae..." Bea repeated her voice growing faint almost not even audible at this point as the vision of her friend's smile faded from her mind. A knock suddenly sounded at the door drawing everyone's attention all except for Mae and Bea who remained motionless. Bea stared regretfully at her friend wishing she could take back what she just said she realized the truth that this wasn't an act it was real she knew right after she had screamed seeing the docile feline's frightened reaction.

"May I come in?" A distinctly female voice inquired from outside the room standing in the busy hallway. Candy turned to face the door she quickly shook her head back and forth trying to reaffirm herself while raising a paw to hastily clear her watery eyes to look presentable. "Umm... Y-yes, c-come in..." Candy replied with a stutter as the door slowly began to open the metal hinges squeaked lightly probably needing some oil. "Brrrrr... it sure is a cold one today, gonna need to bust out the hot coco mix later!" Joked a tall female bird wearing oval spectacles and a white lab coat with pocket protectors her fur was a light bluish grey. "Hi everyone, my name is Samantha, but you can just call me Sam for short." Sam announced herself with a giddy smile and a polite wave as she stepped inside the room while the sounds of noisy children laughing and people talking poured into the once quite room. Sam quickly closed the door shut behind her blocking out the bothersome noise before motioning further into the room she raised a claw adjusting her glasses while taking notice to the variety of expressions on everyone's faces. Stan fell back into his chair holding his head low his mind raced thinking only of his daughter the memory of her feeling distant and skewed. Bea's tear stained face twisted with heart ache she was so happy that Mae was awake but now it seemed to hurt worse than before. Angrily Bea threw herself out of bed she felt confused angry and sad she quickly stepped around the bed walking past Candy and the doctor motioning for the door. Mae with hazy eyes watched the crocodile disappear through the doorway her body seemed to relax a little as the door closed however at the same time she oddly wanted her to stay which was strange considering that she just screamed at her the vision of Bea's snarling face still fresh in the feline's mind though she couldn't understand why she was so upset.

"Margaret you've finally woken up oh I'm so relieved!" Sam expressed happily as she stepped beside of the bed to examine her patient. Mae tilted her head back staring up at the tall bird an awestruck expression was visible upon the feline's face who was somewhat amazed by how tall she was. "Doctor s-something's wr-wrong, sh-she c-can't remember her own n-name, she d-doesn't even recognize us!" Candy explained weepily while stepping beside of the doctor who gasped at hearing that. "Hmm... could be a case of temporary amnesia, it isn't uncommon for patients to experience this after waking from an extended coma, however Margaret did have several serious head injuries upon admission that could be related to this case of memory loss... I'd like to perform a few scans and test her brain functions." The doctor lengthily explained before pressing the nurse call button on the side of the bed she raised her clipboard quickly jotting down a few notes. Mae eyed the doctor as she pressed the large button that began to subtly blink a faint red color pulsing in and out. The flashing light strangely drew the feline's attention as she weakly extended her arm reaching out playfully pressing the button several more times it was oddly satisfying to press. "S-so... y-you think this'll go away... she'll get better?" Candy questioned her tone low as the doctor turned to face her Sam could see how worried the motherly feline appeared she couldn't hide it no matter how hard she tried. "I can't say for certain not until I run my tests at least..." Sam stated bluntly causing Candy's body to tense up the doctor sighed lightly before lowering her clipboard to her side she extended a claw placing it on the worried feline's shoulder. "However I am hopeful, Margaret has woken up that alone shows great signs of recovery and I'm confident that she will regain her lost memories... time is the greatest mender to all wounds!" Sam explained tenderly her words soothing to the ears relieving the heavy weight on Candy's heart. Mae glanced up seeing square hospital lights overhead they glowed a soothing warm white color however they quite ominously began to flicker on and off.

"Alright Margaret let's get you down to imaging and see what's going on in there!" Sam explained in a friendly tone as she turned back toward Mae who glanced up at her with a puzzled look. Candy and Sam's eyes both widened in shock suddenly seeing blood dripping from the clueless feline's nose several bright red drops slowly fell through the air splattering onto the white bedsheets Mae didn't seem to notice. Stan's ears bounced up hearing his wife gasp loudly his eyes shot open it was as if he could feel the room that had begun to subtly shake he wasn't sure if it was just him or not however this sensation felt oddly familiar. Mae finally grew curious feeling the strange warm fluid running down her face she weakly raised a paw to collect a few metallic droplets in her palm she squished the blood around in her paw further staining her dark blue fur. Stan slowly raised his head up as his eyes broadened seeing a horrific sight that was unfolding right before him he moved immediately before he could even think. Time seemed to slow down to a crawl as the lights overhead violently shattered exploding sending broken pieces of glass raining down from above. The room began shaking and rumbling loudly while Mae utterly oblivious to the chaos unfurling around her cluelessly glared at her bloody paw the sight of red seemed familiar somehow but she didn't know how or why, until suddenly a plethora of images flashed through her mind flying by too fast for her to even begin to comprehend as the feline's eyes instantly rolled back into her head she collapsed over in bed convulsing as her mind raced ninety miles a minute nearly crashing like an old computer from the 90's. At this point everything was completely frozen in place the doctor had raised her clipboard trying to shield her face meanwhile both Candy and Stan had leapt toward their daughter wanting to block the glass from hitting her. Mae felt as if she was spinning and falling as she convulsed in bed her fragile consciousness faded as drool foamed from her mouth while blood poured from her nostrils.

~Pain & Loss~

"Hehe... BeaBea come on, let's go down the hill to the dock and stick our feet in the water!" Yelled a squeaky voiced cat who was tugging on the sleeve of a timid croc that was enjoying some peaceful cloud watching. "Come on BeaBea it'll be fun, you don't have to go in if your scared!" The cat continued excitedly egging her on while somehow sounding reassuring at the same time. "I'm not scared... I just can't swim so good!" The young crocodile replied before hoping up and following the feline down the hill trying her best to keep up. The tall grass came up to their knees it tickled the crocodile's scaly skin. It was a calm day the sky was bright with only a few white puffy clouds visible swimming within the sea of blue above. "Hey you guys made it!" Yelled an eager fox standing at the end of an old rickety dock on the edge of the crystal lake he waved happily at the approaching girls. "I don't know about this you guys..." the croc voiced her concerns as she glanced over the side of the dock seeing the endless unknown abyss below. "Hehe relax Bea I got you covered, Mae said you can't swim... so I nicked these from that mean ol' shop keep down the road!" The orange fox explained with a devious chuckle before proudly presenting the crocodile with an oversized pool floaty and some blown-up life preservers. The loud sounds of splashing could be heard followed by squeaky laugher. "Hahaha... oh wow the water is so warm today... Gre-eeegg did you pee in the lake?" The spritely cat joked while splashing water at the two still standing on the dock. "Hehe not yet, but I'm fixing to change that..." the fox replied before hoping in he curled up into a ball creating a huge splash of water nearly overwhelming the waterlogged feline. "Eww that's gross, don't actually do it!" The cat shrieked as she quickly wiped her eyes clear though she couldn't do much about the water trapped in her ears. "BeaBea come on get in quick, before Gregg ruins the water!" The crocodile spectated from the dock watching her friends splashing about she smiled happily quickly slipping the floaties on her arms before motioning toward the edge of the creaky wooden dock. She felt nervous the young croc gulped heavily trying to swallow her fears of drowning and thoughts of horrifying deep sea critters. Bea glanced up briefly seeing Mae and Gregg splashing each other happily the little crocodile focused on the playful feline's smile so calming and so beautiful. Bea reluctantly let go of all her fears managing to step over the edge as the water quickly rushed over her.

Tears gradually steamed down Bea's face as she sat on the floor just outside Mae's hospital room right next to the door she held her legs close to her chest. She reminisced of fond summer memories that flooded the crocodile's sorrowful mind she missed the good old days of a far simpler and happier time. Bea's heart ached painfully she motioned a hand clutching her chest tightly her claws dug into her tee-shirt as she panted struggling just to breathe. "Idiot! I'm... I'm so stupid... why... why did I have to yell at her like that... what's wrong with me..." Bea regretfully muttered underneath her breath almost inaudibly as her chin quivered she was really beating herself up over this. These past few weeks Bea had chose to ignore the warnings of Mae's doctors, the longer Mae stayed unconscious the worse her chances seemed and the days they just kept piling up one after another. However Bea had hope she knew her friend was strong she believed that much at least, though her hopes were being tested she could feel them slipping through her fingers just like how it was back then when her mother was in the hospital. "I-I need a smoke..." Bea stated coldly giving into the weakness of temptation as she pushed herself up swiftly walking down the hallway she could feel darkness creeping into her still grieving heart. Bea would occasionally break away to be alone and have a smoke of course she couldn't smoke inside the hospital so she had to go outside these were pretty much the only instances when she had left Mae's side.

Bea pressed the down arrow on the elevator panel calling it to their floor she impatiently tapped the floor with her foot the crocodile already had her pack of smokes in hand ready to light up after only a few moments a pleasant ding sounded as the doors began to slide open. "Coming through, coming through watch yourself!" Spoke a deep voiced tall bird dressed in all plaid he was rolling a sheet of glass on a handcart out of the elevator Bea quickly stepped aside narrowly avoiding being run over. "H-hey you're the guy from the Harfest play you played the old forest god, w-what are you doing, d-do you work for the hospital or something?" Bea inquired with a raised brow as she looked over his tools in the cart seeing professional grade epoxy lining and crimping tools and a variety of wood and metal polishers. "Hehe no, no I don't work here I just come and fix what needs fixing. Gotta replace a broken window, finally got the panes of glass in the mail." The handyman explained while adjusting his utility belt the heavy tools were causing it to slide down his rump. Bea's eyes widened suddenly remembering that chilly night when Mae's window unexpectedly shattered in her hospital room, she still didn't quite understand why that happened it was so out of nowhere did windows just randomly explode like that she wondered it must have been some pretty cheap glass.

The handyman looked the crocodile up and down before crossing his arms his focus drawn to the pack of cigarettes in her hand. "It's not really my place to say this, but you know those will be the death of you?" He spoke truthfully his tone almost sounding distorted and a little bit familiar somehow reminding Bea of her father as she stared intently at him with widened eyes time felt like it was slowing to a crawl as the stranger spoke. "...Unless of course you want to die, if that's the outcome you're seeking then by all means continue at your current pace. Smoke at least one pack a day for the next seven years four months and you'll achieve your goal..." He finished his words were blunt striking hard like a hammer against a nail Bea merely blinked repeatedly feeling a bit whiplashed all of sudden she didn't expect to be blindsided with a lecture on her way to smoke. The crocodile tightened her grasp on her carton of cigarettes before raising it to her sight line just staring silently. "Like I said it's not really my place to say what you should or should not do. However think of the people who would miss you when you are gone, think of them and of her..." The handyman uttered followed by a soft chuckle before turning toward his cart he began pushing it down the hall the metal wheels subtly squeaking on the smooth tiled floor. "her..." Bea repeated as an image of Mae briefly flashed through her mind the elevator doors began to close behind the crocodile who remained motionless. "H-hey what's your nam-" Bea questioned while quickly glancing up seeing that he was already gone.

Bea noticed a plastic trash bin a few feet away near some benches against the wall of the hallway, the crocodile inhaled deeply her body itched all over she desperately needed a hit of nicotine. The effects of withdrawal were a daily recurrence since she had been trying to quit going longer and longer without a smoke it was almost too painful to manage. Images of Bea's friends flashed through her mind as she slowly stepped in front of the trash bin she clutched the pack of smokes tightly in hand while extending her arm over the bin she wanted to let go but something was holding her back. The ringing sound of a gunshot suddenly echoed into Bea's ears as her heart sped up rapidly and her body began to tremble uncontrollably thoughts of her suicide attempt raced through her mind she wasn't sure what she should do anymore her eyes were growing unclear and her mind became hazy. Everything came crashing down all at once as Bea turned on her heel quickly sitting down her back pressed up against the cool wall she just panted trying to breathe feeling choked all of sudden. People that happened to be passing through the busy hallway glanced at the crocodile some appearing concerned for her she was just trying to recover anxiety had taken ahold of and was drastically warping her reality. "Bea, I don't care if I'm being selfish... I just don't want you to be gone, so please... please Bea!" The distant tones of Mae's squeaky voice flooded Bea's mind her words had a calming affect on the crocodile who's body began to gradually relax though she still clung to the pack of smokes.

Bea's eyes shot open she glanced up seeing the lights overhead were flickering on and off rapidly the once noisy and bustling hallway grew quiet and still it was like the calm before a storm. Suddenly and without warning the entire building began shaking violently as people standing around collapsed falling off balance and into the floor. Bea held on to the bench for dear life the trash can next to her vibrated enough to tumbled over while the windows across from Bea on the opposite side of the hallway began splintering with cracks spreading throughout the glass the sunlight shining through became distorted its rays warping. Bea quickly glanced around seeing the chaos unfurling as people held on to the walls and anything that was nailed down for support as the building continued rumbling and shaking. "What's happening, is this an earth quake? Is the entire freaking hospital falling into a sink hole or something?" Bea questioned fearfully she unexpectedly felt a cold chili rush up her back as her breath became visible in front of her this situation suddenly felt familiar somehow it was similar to what had happened three weeks ago in the dead of night. "M-Mae... and Mr an Mrs Borowski... I... I-I g-gotta get to them..." Bea uttered as she quickly gathered her resolve and against her better judgement she stood up trying to retain her balance while moving down the shaking hallway clinging to the side of the wall.

~Reunited~

Inside Mae's hospital room everything remained utterly frozen in place as the passage of time became skewed the hands on the wall clock kept jittering back and forth unable to move forward. Candy and Stan were frozen levitating in midair both in the process of leaping toward their daughter as deadly shards of broken glass rained from above. The female doctor however cowered behind her clipboard trying to shield her face. Mae was the only one in motion she lied in bed still convulsing from what many might assume was a seizure. Mae's head tossed and turned about violently moving so quickly it almost appeared as if she had too heads for a moment. Her body was tensed up and vibrating relentlessly she subconsciously gripped at the bed sheets her claws extended digging into the fabric penetrating deep going on through into the well worn mattress below. Then all of sudden she came to an unexpected halt as her body gradually began to relax her wild convulsions had ceased.

A fragile heartbeat ignited from nothingness the overlooked miracle of life birthed. The sound of a baby crying suddenly filled the room it's loud blaring cries pierced the ears of all around. Stan held his wife's hand tightly as she lied in a daze fading in and out of consciousness struggling just to stay awake the pain she was feeling was immense blinding and debilitating. "It's a girl!" Announced a doctor as he bundled the newborn cat into a soft warm blanket before presenting the recently married couple with their daughter. They had been trying off and on for nearly two years now to have a kid and finally one night nine months ago their dream had been unknowingly achieved. Stan's father was rooting for them the entire time besides he wanted a grandchild too, the old soldier's ears were sharp he could hear them through the thin walls of their home and he would cackle listening in they were like two rabbits in the high of summer. Candy through hazy eyes stared at her precious baby being cradled by her husband who soothingly rocked her back and forth in his big strong arms. Candy weakly reached out gently taking ahold of her daughter's tiny paw into her own it felt a tad slimy to the touch. "Sh-she's b-beautiful..." Candy managed to speak her voice trembling low and very weak. "Yes she is... so are you honey, you two are my perfect little angels!" Stan stated proudly as he nuzzled his daughter's forehead the tiny feline reached up grabbing the fur on his head pulling it roughly causing him to grunt out in pain while she just giggled happily just born and already a menace. Candy simply laughed tiredly as her vision faded along with her consciousness.

"Mae get your butt down here, right now!" Stan demanded his tone was almost angry as he stood underneath the tall cedar tree in their backyard tapping his foot impatiently. He crossed his arms while watching his daughter scurry down the tree hopping from branch to branch. Mae couldn't have been more than eight years old she had just recently taken an interest in climbing trees and other things this interest naturally escalated, just the other day Stan caught her walking along the top of the fence and at one point even trying to hop on top of the house. Climbing a tree is one thing but tight walking on top of a rickety old fence she could fall off and tumble down the hill into the forest behind their house or worse the fence might give out underneath her and she fall straight through and Stan wouldn't even want you to get him started on how dangerous it is to be on the roof if it had rained recently the shingles would be slick and was just an accident waiting fo happen. Stan while Mae was growing up had become a little over protective of his daughter and who could blame him though his protective nature did begin to gradually wane as she grew older but that doesn't mean he didn't worry about her all the same. "Mae, cupcake how many times have I told you, it's dang-" "-It's dangerous yea, yea I know... you tell me pretty much every freakin day... you're no fun..." Mae interrupted him with a pouty frown and a defiant shrug of the shoulders. A visible stress mark appeared on Stan's forehead as he slowly knelt down in front of his daughter who noticed the look on his face and gulped heavily realizing she just misspoke. "Oh good, I'm glad your memory still works... because your ass won't work when I'm done with it!" Stan declared with a devious chuckle as he slipped off his shoe he occasionally would have to spank his daughter when she acted out, though it wasn't something he enjoyed doing he honestly didn't know how else to drill what she desperately needed to know into her seemingly thick skull. Mae recoiled stepping away from her father who loudly slapped his hand with the shoe causing her body to tense up, sometimes the mere act of threatening punishment was enough to get the point across because deep down it broke his heart having to make his daughter upset. "Mae... I know I've said it before but please just for once hear me sweetie..." Stan uttered with a single shimmering tear in his eye Mae took notice her attention had been caught she didn't normally see her father crying. "I don't want anything to happen to you, if you were to fall and get hurt I don't know what I'd do, probably burn the whole neighborhood down." Stan joked with a lighthearted chuckle as he tossed his brandished shoe aside and swiftly pulled his daughter into a loving hug. A fierce gust of wind blew past kicking up a flurry of dried dead leaves scattering them into the wind warm sunlight shined down onto the two feline's still hugging tightly. "O-Okay... I-I'll stop w-walking on the fences..." Mae uttered lowly breaking the silence between them as her father stared wide eyed at her shocked she gave any ground at all she was usually much more difficult and cumbersome. "...b-but can I still climb the tree..." Mae daintily requested with watery puppy doggish eyes Stan quickly broke the hug and stood up tall he tilted his head back focusing on the towering tree it had been standing there long before he was even born he recalled the days of climbing trees in his youth. "Hehe... yes you can still climb the tree, but only when someone is watching either your mom myself or grandpa, you hear..." Mae smiled widely at hearing that. "You know sweetie, I can probably make you a treehouse!" Stan explained while glancing down to his short daughter who probably didn't even reach up to his belt line yet, her eyes grew as big as dinner plates with excited sparkles within them at the notion of a house in a tree. Stan chuckled seeing the look of glee on her face it warmed his heart.

"Come on Mae you wanna look all dolled up for the school dance tonight, don't you?" Candy inquired with a giddy smile while holding up a hair brush and a can of stinky hair spray she enjoyed the prospect of decorating her daughter. Mae merely sat slumped over in a chair with her arms angrily crossed she was wearing a cute and vividly pink dress definitely not her usual attire she despised the color pink most of all not to mention dresses she didn't like how floaty they felt it made her a tad uncomfortable but it was her mom's grand idea for her to wear it. Mae had just turned thirteen and it was the end of the school year tonight they were holding a school dance kinda like prom but for middle schoolers, it's supposed to be a fun and social event though Mae would prefer to just stay home however her mother insisted that she go and try to have a good time it could be fun after all. "What's the matter sweetie?" Candy questioned while focusing on her daughter's somber expression visible in the vanity mirror in front of them as the older feline shook the can of hair spray it rattled satisfyingly while she gently combed her daughter's hair. Mae blew a burst of air out of her mouth sighing heavily as her ears furled backwards while she stared at herself in the mirror. "M-mom... d-do you th-think I-I'm ugly...?" Mae questioned stuttering lowly in a pouty tone as her eyes began to water lightly Candy jolted from shock her mouth hung agape hearing her daughter ask such an off putting question. "Wh-what no of course not w-why, has someone tried to tell you otherwise?" Candy prodded wanting to know who's to blame for upsetting her daughter she had notions to wring their grubby necks. Mae was silent the only noise she made was that of light sniffles as she raised a paw wiping her eyes slightly smearing the makeup her mom had applied to her cheeks and eyes in the process. Candy frowned setting aside the brush and can before quickly stepping away into their bathroom the sound of running water gushing out of a faucet could be heard in the background. "Mae, come in here for a second!" Candy requested with a hand extended out of the bathroom she gestured with her fingers for her to come closer Mae noticed this in the reflection of the mirror she merely snorted snot before hopping up and stepping toward the bathroom. "M-mom I... I-I... really j-just wanna s-stay...-" "-I know sweetie... you don't have to go if you really don't want to..." Candy interrupted while raising a slightly soapy washcloth in hand. "B-but Mae I want you to know something... You're beautiful you may not think it, but you are sweetheart... and it doesn't matter what other people might say or how they think don't let others put you down, you just need to be yourself and do what makes you happy and comfortable and nothing more..." Candy explained in a motherly tone as she gently wiped the smeared makeup from her daughters pudgy face. The cool washcloth felt nice an refreshing on her hot face and her tender reddened cheeks Mae definitely didn't like makeup it made her face feel heavy and flustered she wondered if she might be allergic, though it was most likely her state of mind that made her feel this way. Mae smiled weakly while glancing up at her mother catching her gaze briefly. "Mae, are you ready to go?" Stan called out loudly from downstairs he was waiting to ferry Mae to the school dance he was stuck with chaperoning duty having lost the Rock Paper Scissors match with his wife, though he'd gladly do anything for his daughter at the drop of a dime. "Well... what'll it be, are you sure you don't wanna go?" Candy repeated as she wrung the dripping washcloth out in the sink Mae exhaled deeply turning seeing her reflection in the mirror. Several moments later racing footsteps could be heard rushing down the stairs it almost sound like stomping echoing throughout the house. Stan adjusted his collar and cuffs before glancing up seeing his daughter all dressed in pink standing on the last step she merely smiled brightly at him. "Oh Mae, you look so cute in your dress!" Stan cooed while quickly reaching in his pocket for a disposable camera he picked up for just the occasion Mae's cheeks instantly lit up blushing faintly as her father snapped a few photos.

Distant memories from Mae's life flurried up from deep within her swirling around inside the feline's mind as she sluggishly opened her eyes they glowed brightly of silverish blue she blinked repeatedly unsure if she had even opened them having been met with the sight of unending darkness. Mae's body was still translucent and subtly glowing she once again found herself aimlessly floating in the middle of a familiar black void of pure emptiness. "This is just like before, when I first woke up... a-am I inside my body, did it finally work?" The specter questioned with a puzzled expression not yet realizing that she was within her own mind. Mae swiped at the darkness around her trying desperately to reach out for anything tangible this went on for several moments she quickly grew annoyed by her current predicament the air was thick with an ominous tension she could practically feel her hands slicing through it. ("DAMNIT THIS ISNT A FUCKING JOKE MAE!") A loud blaring scream unexpectedly filled the void echoing all throughout while an image of Bea screaming wildly appeared as if it were a movie theater projection the void seemed to contract and vibrate intensely. The sudden scream and brightness of the image took Mae off guard she squinted her eyes while cautiously stepping backwards she suddenly felt a flood of emotions surging throughout her she didn't fully comprehend where these feelings were coming from. The image was viewed in first person it depicted Bea leaning into bed her snarling face was twisted with anguish. "What... what is th-this... wh-why d-do I feel s-so t-terrified all of a sudden...?" Mae stuttered heavily as she grasped at her chest feeling her heart pounding rapidly galloping like it was a horse at the race track. Bea's furious screaming suddenly dulled as if it were being heard through a wall Mae blinked watching as the angry image of her reptilian friend grew distant feeling so far away. Mae's ears bounced up suddenly hearing the sound of faint sobbing off in the distance her body jolted she was surprised to feel tears running down her own cheeks as well she didn't know why though, why was she crying. "What the heck is happening... I'm... I'm not sad... then wh-why am I crying... I can't seem to stop..." Mae raised her paws trying desperately to clear her eyes they just wouldn't stop tearing up she sniffled feeling snot collecting in her nostrils she gritted her teeth hating feeling like this she'd grown sick of it.

Mae tried focusing on the noise as the sound of sobbing grew louder she lowered her paws managing to see through watery vision. There seemed to be someone else here within this void Mae narrowed her eyes dialing in on a familiar figure just off in the distance. "Th-that's..." Mae muttered lowly her eyes began to broaden as realization set in while the final pieces to her puzzling conundrum fell into place. "...me!" The glowing feline felt an unexpected pulling sensation as she quickly began sprinting toward the girl several yards away wanting to get closer her footsteps echoed sending ripples throughout the void. Mae suddenly recalled the first thing her grandfather said to her it resonated into the feline's ears as she ran toward herself while thinking of that night in the hospital. ("Hehe... You're not a ghost, silly. Well you ain't dead at the very least...") Mae didn't know what he meant she couldn't fully comprehend his words at that time she was far too preoccupied with his mere presence, she had just assumed he was poking fun but did he perhaps know something that he opted to withhold from her why would he Mae wondered. The other Mae grew closer with each step our translucent feline took she could see that the other version of her was wearing a light blue hospital gown with white polkadots she was sitting low to the ground curled up into a ball holding her knees and sobbing all alone. "I think I get it... I thought I was dead, or dying back then, and at times it really felt like I was... I'm not clearly but then why, why am I still all ghosty... it's been bugging me." Mae admitted feeling tormented by these unanswered questions that of which she still had plenty in the chamber. Drop by drop tears continued gliding down Mae's face she struggled just to keep her vision clear. "Why couldn't I just wake up in my body like is that too much to ask couldn't it just be that easy and that simple for once, no of course not I'm not that lucky... or maybe I am... I don't know, I don't really feel lucky right now." Mae continued lengthily with an exhaustive sigh she just wanted things to go back to normal she missed the monotony of how simple life used to be she missed hanging out with her friends playing bass and eating crummy pizza. "Somehow somewhere along the way, I think my soul got split from my body, or maybe it broke apart... I don't know why or how it happened, I think that's why grandad said those things, that's why I can still feel what my body feels, and that's why I can't stop crying... she can't stop crying, she feels afraid and alone... I feel that way too..." Mae finished in a somber tone she sighed heavily feeling the weight of her mixed bag of jumbled up emotions. The ghostly feline now stood just behind the other Mae who was still low to the ground she didn't acknowledge the specter's presence. Mae couldn't have been no more than a few feet from her she stood there silently just watching and listening as the girl whimpered timidly.

("You really had us on the edge of our seats for a while there kiddo!") A fatherly tone ignited from deep within the void as a moving image sprang to life revealing Mae's father and his kind and caring smile. Suddenly a flurry of floating images began appearing one after another spiraling around as both Maes glanced up focusing their attention on them while their collective tears ceased flowing. ("I knew you'd come back to us, I never stopped hoping!") A motherly tone followed shortly after as the image of Mae's mother appeared right beside of her father. ("Mae... I'm so glad, hehe... how much beauty sleep do you need?") The caring yet slightly sarcastic tone of Mae's friend Beatrice Santello echoed repeatedly throughout the void as an image of her appeared with shimmering tears staining her scaly cheeks she looked so relieved and so happy to see Mae awake at last. "These are, her memories..." the glowing feline spoke softly while analyzing each scene carefully she'd seen them all before but not in first person like this she could feel the intensity of emotion emanating from each individual moment, it was just like the first one of Bea screaming surely that was the most prominent memory of them all, however these memories were seemingly more important they all appeared vivid and bright so full of life. Mae smiled happily seeing the looks on their faces she wished she could just reach out and hug them all and never let go.

("M-Mae, pl-please you're just joking, r-right...?") Suddenly the images began changing drastically as their smiling faces faded transitioning to expressions of heartache and grief Bea's was the first to change as the image grew distorted and dark. A heart beat thumping rapidly could suddenly be heard filling the void speeding up like a drum at a bonfire as air began circulating wildly while everything shook vibrating. ("Somethings wrong... She can't remember...") Mae's eyes broadened widely seeing the images suddenly crack shattering to pieces dispersing into nothingness as the entire pitch black void around them unexpectedly shifted to a bright red color almost looking like blood. It felt as if everything was crashing and falling down all at once the beating heart quickened growing even louder and more intense as the fearsome quaking continued. Mae struggled to maintain her balance as she turned her head back and forth glancing around seeing the edges of the blood red void were disintegrating, an overwhelming sense of panic began swelling up within her it was pure chaos. The ghostly feline's eyes distended suddenly feeling tears that once again continued flowing freely down her cheeks as a single glistening droplet fell to the ground it created a rippling shockwave sending out a field of pure white light that began to slowly engulf everything. Mae turned toward herself who was still sitting on the ground quickly realizing the solution as she moved in closer. "...It-it's alright... I know you're scared and confused, I promise you..." Mae spoke tenderly as she wrapped her arms around her lookalike pulling her into a protective embrace the feline in the hospital gown cried loudly into Mae's orange tee shirt releasing all of her pent up emotion. "Everything is gonna be okay, we're gonna be okay..." Mae continued uttering lowly while she gently cradled herself close which you can imagine was an odd feeling it's not something that you'd typically do every day, the translucent feline sighed lightly as the intensifying brightness consumed the both of them.

~Sinking~

Mae's ears twitched hearing what sounded like screaming in the background as she weakly opened her eyes the feline's vision was cloudy she raised a paw rubbing the sleep crusties from her eyelids. The room felt like it was rumbling as the groggy cat yawned widely exposing her yellowing fangs she definitely needed to brush a coma tends to have these negative effects on you, her breath smelled fowl of blood and a little bit rancid like rotten bacon of course that was the last thing she had eaten before, well... you know. Mae carefully pushed herself upright sitting in bed she could tell that her body was still very weak it strangely felt both immensely heavy and as light as a feather at the same time, it also hurt all over the mere act of moving caused her joints to pop and her muscles to spasm painfully. She blinked repeatedly her head felt as if it was swimming while she stared down at her paws seeing her right one was covered in blood that felt a bit tacky having nearly dried in her fur strings of fabric were stuck to her claws from being dug into the bedsheets and mattress. "Ugh... m-my everything hurts... wh-what's g-going on?" Mae mumbled while finally raising her gaze taking in her surroundings. "Wh-what the hell?" Mae called out in a confused tone she was surprised to discover that everything frozen in place though it seemed to only apply to this room she was residing in. The feline's eyes widened glowing brightly of silverish blue her mouth hung agape seeing sharp pieces of glass just inches from her face while her parents were both levitating in midair off to the sides of the bed with glass shards threatening them as well. "W-what is this..." Mae questioned with a perplexed expression as she glanced around surveying the scene. Mae weakly raised a paw extending a finger outward poking at a floating shard of glass it gradually moved away from her before freezing in place one more. "F-freaky!" Mae stated with a chuckle she didn't understand what was happening though it did feel strangely familiar to her. "Wait a minute, this is kinda like that time in Bea's apartment building, I was about to be crushed and everything suddenly froze... I thought it was Bea's dad who did that, w-was it me?!" Mae pondered quietly to herself unknowingly coming to a vital revelation the feline winced from a sudden stabbing pain she quickly raising a paw pressing it firmly against her forehead feeling a splitting headache all of sudden. A piercing ringing filled the feline's ears as she suddenly broke out into a coughing fit she swiftly tossed the covers off of her body and turned rolling out of bed, however she wasn't fully prepared though as she moved a foot to stand up she instantly fell hard onto the floor right in front of the cowering doctor still frozen in place.

Mae's body throbbed aching all over as she struggled to get out of the floor she was trying to move too fast and too soon and her body wasn't used to it having been laid up for weeks however a sense of urgency or perhaps it was a sense of debilitating anxiety that was thrusting her forward she simply had to move sitting still wasn't an option. Mae's harsh coughing continued she finally managed to get up onto her feet wobbling back and forth a little off balance the room felt like it was spinning as she stumbled toward the sink in the corner by the door. Mae clung to the edges of the metal sink leaning her body weight on top of it to hold herself up she just panted heavily trying to catch her breath as her head twitched back and forth nearly convulsing while beads of sweat glided down her grimy face she raised her gaze into the mirror to a shocking sight. Mae's head no her entire body appeared to be jittering about and vibrating it looked strange she didn't understand why this was happening, the weakened feline's eyes widened seeing her pupils they were fading transitioning between a vivid red and piercing silver. Mae had never really noticed her eyes appearing a different color she'd only ever seen them as red, however a few people around Mae throughout her life have briefly witnessed them in a different strange and unfamiliar hue. "Wh-what's... what's happening to me... my... m-my eyes... an-and my b-body..." Mae grunted and groaned leaning forward all of a sudden losing control of her stomach this was long overdo as the feline vomited roughly into the sink the fowl putrid smell was intense, it was actually strange that there was even anything in there to throw up. "Oh god... I... I-I w-wanna be a g-ghost again..." Mae joked offhandedly before chuckling as she raised her arm wiping her mouth clear onto the sleeve of her hospital gown she had missed her sense of smell and taste however at this moment she'd rather they were gone again. "Uuhhhh... it-it smells, so g-gross..." Mae complained while glancing into the sink taking a peek though she quickly regretted it feeling her cheeks fill up once again, she fought back the urge to puke one more as she stepped backwards away from the wretched sink shivering lightly she accidentally bumped into the doctor who was stiff like a statue. "Oh... s-sorry..." Mae called out apologetically while turning to see everything was still completely motionless, well everything except for the doctor who wobbled falling forward from Mae's little bump she fell face first into the floor her clipboard smacking her dead in the face though she didn't or rather she couldn't react. "Oof... m-my bad... sheesh..." Mae shrugged as she carefully stepped over the doctor motioning toward her parents she nearly tumbled forward in the process, as our unified feline walked she continued panting while sweat kept pouring down her body something seemed to be eating away at her energy.

Mae's tail hung low nearly going limp sticking out between the gap in the back of her gown while her ears were furled backwards as she leaned on the bed feeling very ill she waved her arm around in front of her she wasn't sure if she was seeing double or what but it appeared as if she was leaving an afterimage behind in the air when she moved her limb. "Wh-what is this f-feeling... it's... it's l-like I'm n-not in full control..." Mae stuttered breathlessly her movements felt sluggish as if they were delayed and she wasn't sure if she had to puke again or what but the feline on decline could feel something beginning to slip inside of her as if she might faint or pass out at any moment she quickly glanced up seeing the shower of deadly glass floating still in the air all around them just waiting to descend upon everyone in the room. Mae's dimming eyes broadened in pure horror she noticed the shattered glass it appeared to move gradually as if everything was speeding up. She began to hear her heart beating in her ears it was quickening with each fleeting second the feline garnered that if she passed out whatever she was doing to keep things frozen would be undone. Huhuhuhuhuh... what do I do... what do I do...?!" Mae chanted as she breathed wildly nearly hyperventilating while glancing back and forth between both of her parents who were still floating frozen in midair though they seemed to be ever so slightly moving forward. "I gotta do something quick... b-but what?" Mae feverishly focused her eyes swiftly darting around the room looking for something anything that could be of use she scanned the well lived in hospital room. Mae saw where her parents appeared to sleep while they were waiting for their daughter to awaken they both slept on a double wide recliner which probably wasn't good for their backs, there was stacks of crime and fishing books and several days worth of newspapers some layered in dust on a wheeled table off to the side. Continuing her search she noticed a portable blow up bed next to the window on the far wall that seemed to be Bea's there were several styrofoam boxes of take out pilled up in the floor next to the air mattress and a bundle of leftover cookies probably from Selmers many visits. On the window sill sat a few beautiful crystal vases with flowers in them some were already heavily wilted implying they'd been there for a while. "H-how freakin long did I sleep for...?" Mae wondered with a look of surprise unsure as to the date and time she couldn't believe the state of the room and that her family and even Bea had been staying with her all this time. The room around Mae suddenly shook trembling taking her off guard and nearly knocking the feline over she clung to the metal rails of her hospital bed she could hear the worrying sounds coming from outside the room growing even louder the commotion of people screaming and the feeling of rumbling intensified. "Ahh... what am I gonna do?" Mae fumed as the rusty gears in her head began turning after a few moments a light bulb suddenly ignited overhead with a rudimentary idea. "Aha! I think I got it!" Mae exclaimed happily while swiftly protruding a finger up into the air in doing so she accidentally nicked her finger on the wrong side of a sharp piece of glass drawing a little blood causing the feline to wince.

Mae fought through the pain she was feeling not just in her finger but all throughout her entire body, she also struggled just to stay conscious as she went to work with very little energy mustering all that she had left. Mae stepped over to Bea's blow up mattress realizing it was super light and easy to maneuver and it would be a perfect landing pad. As Mae bent down reaching for the dangling handles on the side of the mattress her little nose bounced up and down smelling the sweet scent in the air. Mae's attention was drawn to the baggie of cookies half open sitting on the stack of take out boxes her stomach suddenly growled feverishly for them. Mae extended a trembling paw taking ahold of the plastic bag she slowly pulled it to her nose inhaling deeply having not smelled anything so sweet in what felt like an eternity, she savored the aroma as the room around her shook violently once more. The hungry feline sat plopping down on the mattress while shoving a cookie into her mouth chewing it up discovering the delightful and plump chocolate chips hiding within. "I-I know that I need to h-hurry... b-but I..." Mae raised another cookie to her mouth then two more at the same time a second later all the while crumbs began collecting in her fur. "Th-they're... s-so..." Mae mumbled through stuffed cheeks as a line of glistening tears trailed down her face she missed this sensation the most feeling so relieved that she couldn't contain herself. "Hehehehe!" Mae giggled happily to herself while dropping the now empty bag it fell through air landing between her feet as she licked her lips still tasting the buttery goodness. The fading glow to Mae's eyes seemed to slow as if empowered from the sugary calorie rich cookies she sighed before quickly standing up. "Alright... no more distractions... l-let's- *hiccup* -do this..." Mae stated determination evident in her tone though she now had a small case of hiccups probably from eating all those cookies so quickly there were at least fifteen or so left in that bag she finished them in mere seconds. The shards of glass continued to slowly itch through the air as Mae worked feverishly dragging the mattress across the room in the process she clumsily knocked over the take out boxes and nudged the wheeled table causing quite a mess as books and newspapers began to fall to the floor they froze in place after leaving Mae's contact. "Ugh... I miss f-floating already..." Mae grumbled while stepping beside of her father who was still levitating frozen in midair she kneeled down positioning the mattress just beneath him hoping this would be enough to soften his fall. Mae panted while glancing over toward her mother she seemed to be closer in proximity to the bed so she would probably be fine the only thing left to attend to was the glass it was the biggest problem, though Mae was confident with her plan she smirked before reaching up yanking the bed sheet off of the bed in one swift fluid motion. "Yea... this'll work..." Mae stated while examining the silky bed sheet in her mitts she quickly whipped it through the air using it like a makeshift fish net corralling the floating shards of broken glass collecting a rather large majority of them inside the blanket however a few troublesome pieces managed to puncture through the blanket remaining in the air. Mae tossed the bundled bag of hateful glass aside toward a far corner of the room almost immediately the moment it left her grasp it froze in place. Mae scanned the air seeing only a few little pieces still floating high above her she could finally tell where all that blasted glass was coming from. "D-did the lights explode...? H-how the heck did that happen...? What's even going on in this crazy hospital?" She questioned while cocking a brow upwards not realizing that she was partly to blame for everything happening, the feline suddenly felt a strange sensation wash over her. "Ugh... I... I f-feel s-so strange..." Mae groaned aloud feeling the last of her energy trickling away her breathing became shallow all of a sudden as she stumbled forward falling toward the bed however the unexpected happened.

Mae blinked repeatedly shocked to see herself toppled over in bed directly in front of her she gasped feeling weightless again. The jittering hands on a wall mounted clock just behind the transparent feline suddenly ticked forward and in a violent burst of pent up energy the room began shaking tremendously as motion returned to everyone and everything all at once. Mae's mouth hung agape observing the unfolding scene around her. Stan crashed right on top of the inflatable air mattress he fell through the air his right arm slicing right through Mae's intangible body she couldn't even feel him. "M-a-e...!" Candy's scream sounded distorted as the passage of time returned to normal she fell onto the hospital bed causing it to bounce and to creak loudly the bed slid a few inches from Candy's impact she landed right beside of Mae's unconscious body that was lying half on the bed and halfway into the floor. The doctor grunted painfully she now found herself face first on the floor with a bloody nose but she oddly couldn't remember ever falling over. The stacks of styrofoam take out boxes suddenly fell over a few that had been struck by Mae when she was working feverishly were propelled flying into the wall busting apart on contact causing a few leftover soggy ketchup covered fries to litter the floor smelling quite nice actually. The wheeled table with towers of books was knocked over by Mae's previous movements the books tumbled one after another into the floor. The crystal vase's filled with flowers sitting on the window sill wobbled from the intense shaking in the room Mae turned her gaze watching as they fell slowly through the air toward the ground they exploded into pieces further littering the floor with even more broken glass, I'd really hate to be bare foot in their. Mae just panted feeling so odd she couldn't explain it if she tried, the translucent feline raised a shaking paw seeing she was now incorporeal once more. "I... I'm outside m-my b-body again..." Mae stated realizing that much at least as she clinched her glowing transparent fist tightly while glaring straight through her limb seeing herself lying unconscious. The ghostly feline's cheeks suddenly lit up light red she just realized that she didn't have anything on under her gown and her butt crack was showing, no wonder it was so breezy. The remaining few pieces of shattered glass that Mae couldn't reach shot through the air like bullets fired from a gun one or two hitting Candy in her left shoulder while Stan luckily escaped unharmed however one particularly large piece of glass pierced Mae's right arm instantly drawing blood staining her gown and the mattress. The invisible specter who was unable to interact with her surroundings merely spectated however she suddenly winced while grabbing at her arm feeling the intense pain of the foreign object tearing through her physical body's skin. "Aaahhhhh! Damnit all, that fucking hurts!" Mae screamed aloud while dropping to her knees right beside her father who struggled just to get up he kept bouncing and sliding in the spongy bed as if it was an inflatable bouncy castle he hadn't even realized yet what had happened around him. "Jeez... I-I can't catch a fr-freakin break..." Mae uttered lowly while still clutching her throbbing arm she was completely attuned with her physical body she could feel everything especially the pain that it felt.

Suddenly the wooden door to Mae's hospital room slung open it smacked against the wall bouncing off of it while Bea stood in the doorway clinging to the doorframe trying to stay standing while she panted heavily appearing out of breath. "Hurry evacuate the patients, move those in critical condition first!" A manly voice directed it must have been a doctor from outside in the hallway as several patients where quickly wheeled by some were in beds others in chairs while everything continued shaking fiercely. Bea blinked repeatedly seeing the disastrous and chaotic state of the room which was completely different from how she had left it not but just five minutes ago. Mae raised her gaze smiling a weak smile at seeing Bea stumbling into the room however the crocodile suddenly tripped tumbling forward causing the feline's eyes to gradually widen and brighten the moving hands on the wall clock halted for but only an instant as if it was a fleeting stutter in time. "A sink hole must've opened up, the entire freaking hospital is sinking into the ground." Another voice explained as several patients and nurses ran past Mae's room the lights in the hallway flickered several times before the power was cut off it had went out in the hospital as the trembling building began to gradually sink into the caving cracking ground below. "W-what the...?" Bea gasped aloud expecting to feel pain upon crash landing however she unexpectedly discovered that she was now floating just above the tiled flooring it was brief only lasting for a fleeting moment before she dropped gently to the floor. Bea didn't know what to make of what had just happened she also could've sworn that she felt a soft hand on her back just now but she could've just as easily imagined it. The room suddenly quaked violently almost feeling as if it was tilting as a water bottle slowly rolled past Bea. Sure enough the building was leaning as the backside was sinking slightly faster than the front causing an imbalance it probably had something to do with how the foundation was laid out all those decades ago, it being Possum Springs the construction was guaranteed to be shotty. "Hey what the heck are you all doing... we gotta get out of here, right now! Haven't you felt the building shaking?" Bea yelled as she quickly pushed herself up knowing they had very little time left. Stan finally found his footing he instantly took notice to his daughter toppled over halfway out of bed he blinked repeatedly realizing she wasn't in the same position as a moment ago how did she get there he wondered. Candy held her bleeding shoulder as she stood up trying desperately to maintain her balance the elder feline slowly glanced around the room in a daze with a puzzled look of confusion visible on her face feeling the shaking all around them. "Wh-what's happening?" The worried mother questioned while looking to Bea who was busy pulling the slightly concussed doctor up over her shoulder. "Come on honey, sounds like we gotta go and quick?" Stan spoke while stepping beside Candy she turned gasping at seeing him cradling their daughter in his arms seeing a worrying amount of blood staining her gown she was still unconscious but they didn't know why she had passed out. Stan had spent many years as a coal miner so he'd experienced many cave-in's throughout his life, this feeling felt familiar he briefly wondered if this is what his daughter and Bea must've felt when her apartment building collapsed on top of them he could only imagine the horror, though it was quickly becoming a reality.

Mae could only spectate helplessly as her family rushed past her phasing through the invisible feline's body while running out of the room. The lonesome feline exhaled sighing heavily before kicking her feet off of the floor levitating up in midair her body felt weak it gave off a dim glow she sluggishly followed behind them unseen and unheard. The uneasy tension grew as Mae watched seeing the developing expressions of fear and absolute horror on her family's faces. The building continued trembling while the angle of the tilting grew harsher making it rather difficult to escape as they struggled just to make their way through the cramped hallway leading to the emergency staircase. Unfortunately they were a few flights up on the third floor and it was ill advised to try the elevator besides several poor sods were already discovering that it was utterly pointless. As Mae floated trailing behind them she noticed an opened door out of the corner of her eyes inside the room she saw a familiar figure who didn't seem to be making any effort to leave which struck her as rather odd, as you can imagine. "Is... that... it-it c-can't be?" Mae mumbled to herself while breaking away from her family gravitating into the room the feline's body partially phased through the half opened door. Bright sunlight shined inside through the opening where the window was supposed to be making the room appear hazy with a fog of dust particles dancing in the air. Mae recognized this room it was the one she'd first woke in which now felt so long ago, cautiously she motioned further inside hovering just behind the tall bird dressed in plaid who causally leaned on the window sill he stared off into the distance his eyes focused intently on something. "H-hello... c-can you h-hear me?" Mae questioned in a weary shaken tone while gulping swallowing harshly awaiting a reply that did not come. She clinched her fists angrily before descending planting her feet on the ground before slowly stepping beside of him. Mae focused her eyes onto the seemingly never ending field of forests in the distance wondering what he was glaring at this went on for a few minutes all the while the building continued sinking and shaking. A gust of wind blew inside gently ruffling the fur on Mae's head as the glow to her body intensified.

"Margaret Borowski, Daughter of Stanley Borowski and Granddaughter of Roger Borowski... I've been watching you." The tail bird stated suddenly breaking the silence in the room his tone sounding deep and almost as if it was echoing slightly while he turned his head off to the side his gaze now focused onto Mae who jumped startled a little bit by hy his sudden declaration she blinked repeatedly at him. "Aha! I effing knew it... I knew you could see me..." Mae exclaimed with a giddy chuckle and smile extending from ear to ear while she shuttered her feet up and down doing a little jig. Mae had been wondering about him ever since that night in the hospital when she caught his chilling glare that lasted only for an instant it just struck her as odd. "Hehe... is that right, so you knew then?" The bird replied while raising a can of fiscola taking a hearty swig some liquid escaped running down his neck staining his boring plaid shirt. "I thought I was losing my mind... m-maybe I did, for a while there..." Mae admitted with a tired sigh. "How can you see me? ...a-and why the heck are you following me? W-what do you want? Do you know what's going on with me? Why am I still ghosty like this...?!" Mae asked in rapid succession bombarding the handyman with several questions all at once though she wasn't done yet she merely paused for a breath. "Who was that guy in Germ's house? What d-did he want... w-well I think I actually know that last one at least..." Mae mumbled while gently rubbing her throat at times it was as if she could still feel his gripping hand around her neck nearly crushing her, the sight of his demented face and that blinding headlamp haunted the feline causing her to tremble lightly. "Wh-what's with all those weird teeth? Is everything connected to that insane cult... an-and... to th-that... thing in the pit...?" Mae could suddenly hear the horrid growl of that menacing beast echoing into her ears remembering the sinking feeling of standing just inches from the hole where it slumbered. Just outside the window below dozens of people were visible fleeing from the sinking building as blaring sirens drew near. Off in the distance deep within the forests surrounding Possum Springs the sound of metal clanging against rock could be heard from deep below the surface causing the wildlife to flea in fear. Loose pieces of rubble shook free tumbling down one by one from the destroyed well as a battered and bruised hand shot out from below the surface. Germ sat on their back porch watching from afar with heavy bags under his tired eyes while a shadowy figure stood off to the side behind the trembling bird almost appearing like a creeping shadow. The janitor remained silent he slowly sat his can of soda down on the ledge before turning to face Mae directly he sighed while looking upon the tangled up feline he opened his mouth to speak time seemed to slow to a crawl. Mae's ears first shot up hearing his revealing words then her fur stood on end as if recoiling in disgust as the feline's eyes widened in absolute horror glowing brightly of silverish blue...

Chapter End