NOTES: Once more, I'd like to thank those of you who are following along. Many thanks to Feyfangirl for her latest review! Please continue to R&R and enjoy the story! Now, to introduce a new original character that I hope you enjoy!

-Juls

Chapter 5: Raisa

"In the last few years, our Sanctuary security systems have been tested to the limit and in many ways, we have been successful. However, much work still needs to be done if we are going to continue to keep our houses secure, from both external and internal threats." Raisa continued in her notable Russian accent. "It is important that we further our improvements to ensure the safety of our residents and staff.

"Following the upgrade to our internal network at the Sanct Peterburg site, I recommended similar improvements to all of our houses around the globe." Nervously, her hand raised and brushed back her long auburn hair from her face. She glanced into the audience, which was seemingly attentive. She felt a very familiar presence and noticed an old friend in the back of the small conference room. A smile crossed her face before she continued with her presentation on Network Security.

"I knew it. She likes me," Henry leaned over and whispered into the ear of his travel companion. "Did you see," he nudged Bigfoot's arm playfully, "she just smiled at me."

The large, Neanderthal grunted softly. "She is too smart," he inhaled audibly twice, "to be attracted to you." Ignoring the slight smell of pheromones that Henry was emitting, he focused on Raisa, fondly remembering the day Magnus brought her to the sanctuary.

The door flew open and the August rain pelted the front hallway. He rushed to the door as Magnus carried in a small, unconscious girl. Her hair was tangled and water dripped from its ends onto the tiled floor below. She was wearing what tattered pieces remained of a pale blue cotton nightgown. As he reached out his arms to take her, he noticed that her skin was pale and cold to the touch. Her tiny body, which was much frailer than Ashley's, shivered uncontrollably from prolonged exposure to the elements.

Magnus noticed how he looked at the young child with such concern; the outside world would be quick to judge his kind but she knew there was no safer place for the small telepath than in his arms. "Get her to the infirmary. She needs warmth and fluids. Set up an IV and I'll be right down." He nodded and grunted audibly as he turned to carry the girl downstairs.

Moments later, she was lying on the bed. Helen had brought down a pair of Ashley's flannel pajamas and he had dressed the girl. Carefully he draped blankets over her and watched as Magnus prepared an IV. He carefully placed the needle below the fold in her arm as she hooked up the bag of fluids. He had seen many abnormals in the years he had worked with her, but never one that seemed so fragile and innocent. She reminded him in many ways of Ashley, but it was clear that their habitats were far different.

"Will she," he inhaled twice audibly before placing a hand on her arm as the IV began to drip slowly," be ok?"

Glancing at the monitor, Magnus nodded. "She will need antibiotics and nourishment. Who knows how long it's been since she had a good meal and a place to stay." Helen sighed softly and placed a hand on his shoulder. "We reached her in time. She would not have survived the upcoming winter outside of Novosibirsk. You were correct to follow that lead. I would not have been able to find her without your information."

He grunted softly. "I will stay with her."

Henry nudged him back to the present. "Dude, she's coming to say hi, how do I look?" He glanced down at his grey t-shirt and quickly brushed his hands down his jeans. "Well?" In addition to being gorgeous, she worked with abnormals and knew how to set up a linux firewall using the pieces of an inoperable computer and spare wiring; she was perfect.

Reaching up, the big guy slapped him on the head before standing to greet the presenter.

Raisa hurried her step. She could feel the excitement in the room and had shut out most of the minds in the room as she headed purposefully to the back of the crowd. The only thoughts that breached her barrier were those of the hands she shook as she crossed the floor. Within seconds, she was nearing the last row of seats.

Henry reached out his right hand to meet her, his left still rubbing the back of his head from the seemingly undeserved slap. He was notably surprised when she didn't make eye contact with him, but instead with the Big Guy.

"Poosha! Privyet." She smiled widely as she wrapped her arms around his furry torso. She pressed her cheek against his chest and inhaled deeply. He smelled the same as she remembered from her youth.

He enveloped her whole in the hug and chuckled, "Raisa, good to see you."

"Poosha?" Henry muttered, completely confused by the entire situation. "Is that your first name?"

"No," Raisa grinned, stepping back and extending a hand to the smaller of the two men. "Raisa Semin, head of all things technological at the Russian Sanctuary and you are Henry Foss. I have to say, your work on extending the frequency on the adaptable IR stunners, incredible. I can't tell you how many times it has come in handy for Siberian extractions. And his name," she laughed softly, "well that's a secret. But Poosha," she placed a hand adoringly on his large, furry arm, "is what I have always called him."

"Thanks," he blushed slightly before returning to 'poosha'. "Always? You two know each other?" Henry was still a bit flabbergasted.

"Raisa lived at the Sanctuary a few months before you arrived." Glancing down at her, he nodded, "The presentation was good," he inhaled twice before adding, "I am proud."

"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you," she smiled sincerely. "Can we catch up later? I have another presentation but would love to talk further. I have so many questions and there's so much to tell you."

"Dinner?" Henry quickly interjected. "We'll meet you at seven in the restaurant downstairs."

Before the Big Guy could say no, Raisa nodded. "Da, seven it is. It is so good to see you, Poosha." She turned to face the crowds between her and the podium.

Henry turned to watch her walk away, unaware of the large furry hand that was heading once more towards the back of his head.