Attack of the Warm Fuzzy

Attack of the Warm Fuzzy
by Aislinn

Staring outside the window he wondered when it had happened. When had they passed it? That place everyone called 'the point of no return'. He turned and stared at the tiny ball of fluff playing in the middle of his bed. Peter sighed. He had really meant to find her a home when he found her that cold, stormy night, but now… now he couldn't even imagine how empty and lonely his apartment would be without her. She had so quickly made herself an essential part of his heart. Peter smiled at her. No doubt about it, she was here to stay.

Caine paused outside Peter's door, frowning at his hesitation. Avoiding seeing his son was not the answer. If Peter was angry at him for leaving again, he would just have to deal with it. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door, waiting patiently for Peter to answer.

Peter opened the door, smiling as he recognized his guest. "Pop! Come on in. When did you get back?" He led the way to the living room and motioned for his father to take a seat.

Caine relaxed. 'Good, he is not angry with me.' He smiled at Peter. "I returned today. I trust you are well."

"Doin' fine. How was your trip?" Peter sat back in his chair, giving Caine his full attention as the older man began to speak.

Dragon Child crouched in her hiding place, emerald eyes intently following the slow enticing movement of the prey. It had not noticed her as she stealthily moved into position. She hunched her back, haunches wiggling in preparation, testing her footing. Suddenly she launched herself through the air, landing on the prey with a fierce hiss.

Caine jerked back in surprise, staring at the tiny kitten, that had attached herself to his shoe. "I did not know you had acquired a pet." He said to his son. He leaned down to more closely examine the bit of black fluff that clung determinedly to his foot. A pink nose quivered at the unusual scents that clung to Caine's clothing, and in her green eyes there was a fierce determination to conquer her world.

Peter laughed, his hazel eyes sparkling with delight. "I didn't. She acquired a pet! I swear Pop, she's the one who rules the roost now."

Absently Caine replied. "Do not call me Pop."

Dragon Child growled low in her throat. The prey was no longer acting like prey. It just sat there, making no attempt to run away. How disappointing! With a final bounce, she streaked away in search of a more interesting opponent. Caine chuckled as the kitten finally released his foot and dashed away. "What have you named her?"

"Dragon Child. When I found her she was facing down a dog that had killed her mother." Peter said.

"That was brave of her." Caine said.

"She's smart too, when I showed up, she ran straight to me and let me run the dog off." Peter grinned in remembrance.

Caine smiled. "When the opponent is larger than you, it is wise to gain allies. She is certainly worthy of the name."

Peter nodded happily. "I thought so."

Caine gazed at Peter as his son watched Dragon Child streak around his apartment, pouncing on imaginary enemies. Peter was calmer, happier somehow. But then Peter was always happiest when protecting those smaller and weaker than he. Caine smiled to himself 'It is good that he has a friend to live with him. He has been too much alone. Perhaps a pet is what he needed. She will not judge him, nor begrudge his commitment to his job. Why did I not think of this before?' Caine sighed. 'No one is perfect, not even a Shaolin priest.' He reminded himself.

Peter laughed as Dragon Child launched herself through the air, landing on a magazine and sliding halfway down the coffee table. Her antics never ceased to amuse him. He scooped her up and cuddled her to his chest, stroking her soft fur. He sat back and gazed at the thoughtful expression on his father's face. "What?"

"It is good to see you content, my son." Caine smiled.

Dragon Child yawned. It had been a good day. She cuddled deeper into her pet's strong, gentle hands, accepting his worship. She purred contentedly and shut her eyes. Perhaps a short nap was in order.

This story started as a continuation of Dragon Child 1 : It was a Dark and Stormy Night.
Jenn and I were at IHOP having coffee and discussing fiction. I mentioned a story I had
read called Diefinbaker's Day. That turned into a discussion on what kind of pets our
favorite characters would have. By the time we were ready to go home we had most of the
first story done. This story ( the second one written but the third story chronologically )
was written that same night , though the first three paragraphs were added later in
response to a challenge from a fan fiction list I belong to. I hope you are enjoying the
series.