Though it seemed as though the alien had something to do with the disappearances of the wolves, that did not explain why none of the remaining pack-members answered my call. I could smell them, or at least one of them. The elder's trail had been old, but not so old that she should have been out of ear shot. My teeth locked together as I thought of all the horrible things the urban legends said extraterrestrials do to humans, and then I shivered.

I could not stomach the thought of the terrible things that could be happening to my people.

I would not be able to hunt this night, not with Zim lingering nearby in his ship. Unease began to creep up my spine and my hackles rose on instinct as I began to fear that I would be unable to escape him without detection. My stomach still protested my decision not to feed it but there was little I could do. I could go another few days without food if I had to, but who knew what would happen if this creature managed to catch me? My brethren would be doomed without me, as the elders of my clan would not risk anyone else.

Finally I watched the ship slink slowly down and into the forest not far east. I was not going to risk detection tonight and so instead I made a break for freedom while his eyes could not see me. I yelped as something hit my side and flanks, it burned like fire but did not seem serious and so I continued running with the adrenaline I had been blessed with. I scooped my clothes up in my mouth as I ran past them and turned for the sewer, tearing the earth deeply with my claws in my haste.

Such carelessness was not the norm of my people, but I felt my life was more important. The concrete floors of the sewers would keep the creature from tracking me once the mud was off my paws, then I could revert to humanoid form and rest.

I stopped to gaze over my shoulder almost fearful that the creature had caught up to me, but I was alone save for the scurrying feet of the rats.

A breath of releif found me as I dejectedly made my way towards home. I had no idea how I was going to save the others from whatever mysterious fate had befallen them.

The morning smelt of a brewing storm.

It was no surprise really, considering the clouds that had hung low in the sky the day and night prior. As I gazed out my upper-story window I could see them, swollen with the promise of wetness, I was sure even the humans with their dull senses could pick out the humid scent of lingering lightning. I pushed my papers into my bag and set it by the door as I pondered the limited possibilities of breakfast.

The elders hadn't given me much in the way of money. They did not have much to begin with so I could not quite fault them for it, but that did not mean I had to like it. I had enough to pay the next months rent and that was it. No money for food, or extra clothes. No money for an air purifier.

I would have been perfectly happy to live in the forest, were it not for that damnable Zim. My side ached just recalling last night, and I rubbed the burn through my clothes. It stung and throbbed, but I was confident I would be healed in a few days.

Quietly, I sighed to myself and gazed longingly into the empty cupboard as my stomach sobbed to me how utterly empty it was. I watched a roach scurry away as I closed the cabniet door and wished I could afford food or ameneties or raid bombs. I longed to be able to stay safely in the forest, but then I supposed my presance here would not be necessary if the forest was safe for my kind.

I began a slow defeated walk to school. I pondered as I trekked about what action I should take now. Should I confront the creature in the forest? No, that would be stupid. I would end up like all the rest, wherever they were. Perhaps I should destroy the creature at school? If the creature was dead I could easily hide from the imbecilic human authorities in the woods at the outskirts of town...

But I was sure the creature would be prepared for an attack, afterall he had enemies at the school as well.

I must have been more lost in thought than I had previously believed for I was literally startled out of my thoughts by a warm hand on my shoulder. It was all my willpower not to yelp as I turned to shove whomever had touched me away, only to find it was Dib. Gaz walked on, nose in a videogame just as it had been yesterday but I knew that nothing escaped her notice.

"Good morning!" Dib chirped, "I was so excited yesterday I forgot to welcome you to the neighborhood. Did you want a tour?"

I blinked a bit taken aback by his offer but gave him a friendly smile as i declined.

"No, thank you." I almost felt bad as he deflated but I had not the heart to tell him I was only going to be here a few weeks, if I lived through this mission at all.

"Dib-stink!" The voice was unmistakeably the alien's as i whirled around and tried to put a stop in my climbing adrenaline. It was all my willpower not to bare my human teeth in challenge at the green creature.

"Geeze Zim you don't have to yell! You nearly gave Jaycee a heart-attack!" Dib shouted back, equally as loud.

As the two began to shout back and forth across the street I quietly excused myself, following Gaz as I delved back into my previous thoughts. Last night had pointed to strong evidence that my people were being abducted by aliens, and not just any alien, that particular alien. What did he want with us?

"Look out space cadet you're going to pass the moon!" A peppy teacher chirped as he walked past me, I blinked, realizing I had followed Gaz all the way to school and then supressed a growl. Now that I was indoors and away from the brunt of the car fumes I could smell a lot better and everyone smelled like breakfast. Bacon and eggs, pancakes and sausage, it set my stomach to growling.

Perhaps tonight I would be able to satiate my hunger, now that I knew what I was contending with.