That night was restless to say the least. Slappy had laid new traps around the perimeter of the house and had taken time to alter the area of the toon lot. That had fascinated me, the ability to change things at will. There was a lot more to this toon thing that met the eyes. But that was the last thing on my mind right now. Were we safe? Well, no we never had been. But could we trust Mackenzie? Why didn't he give me an answer and why the need for secrecy? He just didn't make sense and I doubt he would. So it was back to square one. Mackenzie was not to be trusted.

"How's he doing?" I asked as Slappy emerged from Skippy's bedroom.

"Still more in shock than Carrot-Top's hair." She commented deadpan, "He'll be fine after a nights sleep."

"What's the plan now? We can't just wait around for something like this to happen again."

"As if I plan to. What you take me for?" she placed her hands on her hip, "If Plotz is hunting us down and letting R.J experiment on us then it'll be a dry day in Atlantis before I just sit back and let 'em! We'll come up with something in the morning, we need the rest."

I nodded, reluctant to let it end here, but there was no arguing with her when she was like this, "Okay…"

She paused and looked me over, "I appreciate what you did today; and I don't ignore acts like this. You're okay in my book, kid."

Before I could answer her, she disappeared into her own room. As I walked up the stairs to the attic room, I couldn't help but get lost in my thoughts. That squirrel may be old, bitter and have a sense of humour drier than the Sahara; but in a way, she reminded me of my mom. Okay, my mom had been timid and was always making sure she had a smile on her face to please everyone; but they both had the same protective nature and when it came down to it, they were both willing to lay down their lives for who they loved. I just hoped that Slappy wouldn't actually have to do that like my mom did…

"Boingy boingy boingy!" a rage of voices chanted as I entered the room, pushing my thoughts away.

I gave a look of false disproval and chuckled, "You're supposed to be asleep."

Poppy and the Warner's had been bouncing on the bed, nearly reaching the ceiling while Runt watched, occasionally raising his from legs in time with them. Flynn was playfully taunting Rita with a shoelace and the two mice sat on the bedside table, one watching in glee while the other in fatigue. No guesses who was who. As soon as my presence was made clear, Poppy jumped to the ground and ducked under the covers of her own bed. Yakko and I exchanged amused glances. Dot jumped down and sat on top of the lump that was my sister.

"Well that's convincing…"

Runt sniffed against the sheets, trying to pick up a scent, "That was a good trick, yep definitely, definitely a good trick."

Pinky scanned the area, "Egad, Brain! We've gotta learn to do that! Poit!"

Brain lifted a pencil that he'd been using and smacked his associate with it, sending Pinky head first into the draw and out of sight, "There you go, consider it learned."

Dot moved for me to peel back the sheets and adjusted them to tuck Poppy in, "You need better hiding places if you're going to avoid bedtime."

She giggled, "I can't sleep yet."

"And why's that?" I challenged as Flynn got into bed next to her.

"Not tired." She nodded smugly.

"Can't argue with that." Wakko grinned, tousling her hair.

"Like you would anyway." His sister retorted.

"Can you sing the safe song again?" Poppy asked, looking mischievous, "I promise I'll go to sleep after!"

I sighed, "Everyone's tired Poppy, maybe tomorrow."

She pouted, "A different song then? You used to sing all the time."

"I can't sing." And I couldn't bring myself to sing that Taylor Swift song, I liked it but I couldn't sing it when there was no telling if safety was guaranteed.

"We beg to differ." The brothers smirked.

"You're not… terrible." Flynn muttered, giving a shrug.

"Oh go on!" Dot begged, making her eyes widen, "Pwease!"

I hated singing in front of people, and right now all eyes were on me. It didn't help that Dot was now side by side with Poppy, both giving identical cute attacks that were becoming harder to fight. I groaned and the took that as a sign that they had gotten their own way. Dot and Wakko took their places in bed and waited expectantly. The mice curled up in the pockets of my folded jacket and Flynn settled down too, making room for Runt to hop up at the foot of the bed while Rita grudgingly curled up next to the canine. Poppy reached her arm down to scoop up the cat and cradle her softly, stroking her fur and muttering 'my Rita' under her breath. My breath caught in my throat. I knew what was going on. My siblings had mentally adopted them as their own pets. It made sense, Runt and Flynn were rarely seen apart lately, and Poppy never passed an excuse to try and entice Rita into a cuddle. Oh boy, if only things were that easy.

Oh great, they were staring at me. I had a song in mind, and it was kind of appropriate considering the circumstances. As if reading my mind, Yakko snapped his fingers and a tune started to hum over us. I scowled, but at least it would help. It was 'My Wish' by Rascal Flatts. It was strange how much it fit. I took a breath and tried to ignore the staring eyes. Well, too late to go back now…

A/N: This was inspired by a youtube video I found on DannyPhantomSG1's channel. Just type in 'Animaniacs My Wish Rascal Flatts' and check it out, it's an epic video.

"I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow, and each road leads you where you want to go; and if you're faced with the choice and you have to choose, I hope you choose the one that means the most to you! And if one door opens to another door closed, I hope you keep on walking till you find the window. If it's cold outside; show the world the warmth of your smile. But more than anything, more than anything…" I smiled and brushed a strand of hair from her face, and tousled my brother's hair softly, "My wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to! Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small! You never need to carry more than you can hold! And while you're out there getting where you're getting to; I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too! Yeah, this is my wish…" I nodded and got to my feet to close the window and curtains, "There you go, I sang, now goodnight."

"Don't go breaking a promise now, Red." Yakko mused, making her grin and clench her eyes shut while he adjusted the covers over her.

It was strange seeing someone else so what I'd always done. He'd clearly done this every night for his siblings and seeing it in action made me feel happy that I'd at least been doing something right. I wondered if he ever doubted the way he looked after his family; or even if he'd had to go through child-care checks like Slappy to get custody; but I'd never ask. It wasn't my place. Besides, he knew what he was doing, and it was one of the things I admired about him. I wished that I had someone to take care of me like that… But it was my job to take care of them, that wasn't going to change.

As I laid down, a face was leaning over the arm of the sofa to hover over me, "You want me to tuck you in too?"

I arched my brow at the eldest Warner, "I'm good thanks."

"Then how's about a goodnight kiss?" and there went the eyebrows…

"Try it and I'll hit you in the kisser." I shot back, raising a fist jokingly.

He moved around to sit himself down by my waist, he motioned at the sleeping company, "You know you've got a voice like Rocky; knocks people right out."

"Like your use of wit." I retorted; but then sighed unable to help thinking back to the days events, "So do you really think it was the Plotz out there?"

"Hard to say, you said he was tall, dark and handsome, right?" when I shook my head to disagree, he winked, "Then that's probably old T.P!" he scratched his head in thought, "But, uuuuuhhhhh-It doesn't sound like his style. We've never been on his best side but he's never gone this far before. To be honest, he could barely find his way around a telephone without calling us for help! So why he's working for some newbie is beyond me."

Money, settling a debt, revenge? The list could go on, "And do you think Mackenzie will sell us out again?"

"Depends on the price." He dusted his knuckles on his chest, trying to lighten the mood, "We're very high in demand, you know." When he got a smile out of me, he brushed his fist under my chin, "Goodnight, kiddo."

As I was about to return the saying, I was suddenly hit by his words. Price. We all had a price over us and from Mackenzie's history, the higher they were the more likely he'd give into the highest bidder. I thought it, and he even admitted it; he was a coward. If enough pressure was added, he'd crack. So, in short; we were as good as taken already. It was just a matter of time.

"Yakko!" I said suddenly, grabbing his wrist.

For a second, he looked taken back, but then relaxed into his snarky pose, "Can't get enough of me, eh?"

"Yakko… Whatever happens in all of this;" I swallowed, knowing I was making an idiot of myself but I'd just sang in front of everyone so I was past caring, "Promise me that you'll keep Flynn and Poppy safe."

"You're not planning on Water-Tower diving again are you?" he arched an eyebrow.

"I'm serious; please promise me just this one thing."

Maybe I was overreacting, and making a scene for nothing, but it was really eating at me. The fear of the unknown was getting too much and knowing that there was no promising that everyone was going to be safe just killed me. And knowing that I might not be able to get out of this one too terrified me. So I needed to know that someone was going to be there, not just for me, but for my siblings too. And considering that I'd known Yakko longest and seen him in action with his own family, I'd come to trust him, and so had Flynn and Poppy which was more important. I waited for his answer. Instead of answering me simply; when did he ever; he placed a hand over his heart and looked greatly offended.

"Why, I'm insulted you should ask such a question!" he softened, "Nah, you know we've got your back. All for one and one for all, times six. That counts you too, kiddo." He tilted his head, "But there's a catch."

I gulped, I should have known, there was always a catch with him, "Yes…?"

He wriggled his eyebrows, "How's about that goodnight kiss?" before I could answer, he planted a classic Warner surprise attack on my cheek, grinning smugly, "And now I'll keep my end of the deal."

I rubbed my cheek childishly and sniggered, "Yeah, you'd better! Goodnight, pervert."

"Goodnight priss." He shot back with a laugh.

I was about to argue that I wasn't a 'priss', and he of all people should know that, but chose against it and scowled instead. I'd learnt that if I didn't just roll over and go to sleep now, he'd keep up the banter all night and frankly I was too tired. As I tried to go to sleep, I prayed to whatever god was out there that the days to come would be smoother and… safer.

Tap…Tap-Tap…Tap…

I groaned and rolled over at the irritating noise. It was still dark and my watch read that it was almost 6am. That deserved another groan. What was that infernal tapping? It had been difficult enough getting to sleep without this. I pushed myself up and found that it was coming from the window. Tiptoeing not to wake anyone, I edged along the room and peeked through the glass. Panic became swollen in my throat and my heart made its best attempt to escape from my ribcage. A figure was throwing stones against the window and started beckoning me towards it. In the faint light that was approaching, I could just about place who it was; but I couldn't place if it was a relief or a terror. I eased the window open a crack to see if it would confirm my suspicions.

It did. Before I could process my thoughts, I carefully picked up my jacket and shuffled into it before rushing from the room and down the tree until I was at the front door. But I refused to open it, instead, I crouched at the mail-slot and whispered through it.

"Mackenzie? What're you doing here?"

His hushed voice still made me jump even though I expected it, "I managed to get away from the studio again, I put them on the wrong trail and came back as soon as I could. Please, open the door!"

Keeping the chain on the door, I opened it by only a slither, "How do I know you're not lying?"

"Please, Talia, you're going to have to trust me."

And where had that gotten me before? Nowhere but anger and pain. Yet, it had also gotten me answers and had even gotten me out of that scrape with Plotz. I couldn't and didn't trust him, but what were my options here? If I kept the door closed, he could go running back and that was too risky. If I let him in, he couldn't leave again out of caution. Trust had nothing to do with either choice. But which was going to get me answers?

Against all of my better instincts, I opened the door and stepped out. Maybe it was the fact that he had come back that made me doubt my suspicion, I don't know, but I did. The dawn air was cool and made me shiver a little. Mackenzie watched me close the door behind me and swallowed thickly. He was standing back a few yards away from the tree and I anxiously scanned the area, but there was no one around.

"How is everyone?" he asked when I reached him, "Is Skippy okay?"

"On edge, but they'll survive." I answered, "What did you tell your uncle?"

"I told him that you'd found your way here and had started getting the toons out. He thinks that half of you are long gone by now." There was no eye contact, and his voice was uneven. I didn't like that.

"Did you manage to find out why they need toons? And why is the ex-CEO involved in this? Did you find anything?"

I knew I was being pushy, but it felt good getting the questions out in the open to someone who could actually stand a chance at answering them. If I'd like the answers for not, that was another thing.

He seemed flushed at my questions, "I'm sorry, Talia."

"Never mind… I guess it would be a bit suspicious. But we need answers, Mackenzie, sooner than later."

"Talia!" he cut me off in a hushed tone, "I mean; I'm sorry about... this."

Why was he looking at me like that? It was like he was staring through me. No, he was looking over my shoulder. His expression hardened and fear took over me. I span around to face whatever attack was awaiting me, fists raised. But all I was met with was the open space between us and the house. There was no attack, no intrusion… So what was all that about? I turned back to glare at him questioningly, but just as our eyes locked, he pressed a damp cloth over my nose and mouth. I struggled but he held firm and held me in place by grabbing my hair, the stench of the cloth stinging my eyes and burning my throat. My punches grew weak and suddenly my legs gave in. He stood over me, not in pity or triumph, it was more like… confusion. Then ever so slowly, just as he stooped down to lift me, everything slipped into the gloom…

*Rita's POV*

Tap…Tap-Tap…Tap

Man if Runt didn't stop squirming I'd claw his legs off! This was getting ridiculous! Wait, I wasn't with Runt, I was with the little kid. Oh now what? I peeked an eye open and could make out Talia peering out of the window. What, was she sending signals or something? I would have said something, but the girl suddenly took a terrified change in form and I didn't fancy giving her a heart attack. So I stayed zipped. I closed my eyes as she came closer and picked up her jacket before vanishing from the room. I rolled my eyes; she's gonna have a shock when she see's those future rodent lunches of mine still in the pockets. Whoops, drooling a little there.

I eased myself out from the little girls arms which I had to say was pretty comfy. My Rita she had called me. I'd never been called that before. It felt like she was placing her mark on me, a protection and an affection. Poor kid, she's going to have to wake up soon, literally and figuratively. I don't belong to anyone; no one wants to own me anyway.

"I'm nobodies Rita, got no family. I'm a career cat and my career is all about me! No one can tie me down I'm going places!"

The window was open a crack and I could make out Talia talking to… that yutz spy kid. So he came crawling back, huh? Their words were hushed so barely any sound reached me. She seemed to be doing most of the talking, questioning it seemed. I had to give credit, she didn't mess around. But she was still human, still another poor reason to be out alone.

Wait, something was wrong here. He was looking over her shoulder as if there was something there. But… no there was nothing. Oh heck this was one of the oldest tricks in the book! Don't look, kid, don't do it! Ah of course she looked! The boy clamped something over her mouth and she bombed down faster than a scripted Friends episode. As he dragged her sorry butt off into the gloom of the trees; I felt like I had to do something. I couldn't just let this happen, now we were all in twice the danger, but it wasn't just that. It was the kids. Dang it they were getting to me!

"I'm too independent, they're so small… How could I care for them? Do I care at all? I could never stand help me Rita, feed me Rita, need me Rita, don't leave me Rita. I'd never tolerate that…"

If I stayed quiet, everyone would figure it out, there was no need for me to play hero. It got me nowhere. Plus she was a human, I helped her out once, what was there to gain by doing it again? She still hasn't returned the favour. But… isn't me keeping quiet worse? Those kids will think they've been abandoned again. I knew what that felt like…

"On the other hand, oh my Rita, I love you Rita, I will never leave you Rita…"

Get it together girl! It's not like everything's going to be happy ever after and you'll get a home. Things don't happen like that in real life. Yeah, I get the irony there, don't rub it in. Oh boy, Rita, you got issues… and too big a conscience.

"No! You've got the wrong cat! And did I mention, they'll want too much attention. I'll worry about them each day, every minute! I gotta tell you my head isn't in it! I won't let my heart talk, because it ruled by my biological clock which it ticking away!"

What have I gotten myself attached to? I batted my paws against the eldest Warner, but those guys slept like the dead. My next target was Slappy, she seemed more likely to get things moving. But I kept telling myself, I wasn't helping the girl because I cared, or because I cared about the two little tykes back there. I didn't care… I couldn't care… It just isn't me and it was all based on fantasy. I was helping because… Just because!

"No way! I mean what I say! I'm a single cat stray! I'm nobodies Rita!"

"Jeez cat, do you know what time it is?" Slappy snapped, tossing a pillow at me.

Does she know how bad her aim was when she was tired?

"It's time to get a move on; you ain't gonna believe what's just happened."

She sprang upwards to stare at me, "They're making a re-make of Howard the Duck?"

I grimaced, but collected myself, "Worse…"

A/N:

Rita's song was from the episode "Smitten with Kittens', i just changed the word Mama with Rita because it fit more to the situation.

Told you something Big was going to happen XD Oh and I'm serious about looking up that video, it actually made me cry. Still don't know if Mackenzie's good or not, clearly he's leaning one way, but next chapter you'll learn a lot more about what's going on…

Will Talia be okay? Is Mackenzie truly a villain? What had Plotz got to do with this? What's R.J planning? How will Pinky and the Brain react to waking up in the middle of a kidnap? Will the toons save Talia? Shall I shut up and get writing?

YES! XD

Thanks for reviews and all your support, you are brilliant! XD