the chase, the hunt, the KILL{tag Angelina}

[Sophia Gregori]

Everyday was the same shit. School being the main fuck that I hated with a passion. I was the different kid, the one who stayed away from others, the one that could change into different animals because of being a shapeshifter. Yea, let me back up and explain a bit shall I? The woman in my family are shapeshifters, if we see an animal, we can turn into it. The males, they are unable to shift. But as cool as being a shifter was, school sucked. Main reason why around eight months ago, something happened(I'm not saying, don't ask), and I ended up trying to take my own life. My right wrist has a vertical scar from it, an eternal reminder(not to mention the kids at school calling me the poster girl for suicide but, whatever). One good thing came from it, my mother and I grew closer. We already were close as mother and daughter, but the with failed attempt, we bonded more, and I learned one thing. We all get lost sometimes, all you need to do is ask for help, as scary as it sounds, but if you ask, you probably will get help.

"There she is!" One girl pointed, her long red hair cascaded down her back, cold blue eyes stared at me as I walked. Sneering at her, I carried on, knowing full well what she would do if I stopped. Heading through the school into the grounds, a fantail was hopping along the ground, looking for worms. The shrill sound of the bell shrieked into the air, and I knew without turning around, that I was alone. "Fantail, give me strength, let me use the wings to soar." Everytime I went to shift, I always said something to the animal before I did it. Without them, I wouldn't be able to, so they deserved a little something. As if knowing what I was about to do, the fantail looked at me, our eyes locked, before I began growing smaller. Arms shrank, bones twisted, wings replaced my clunky arms and feathers grew from my skin. It didn't hurt, and only took a few minutes before I was a fantail myself. Flapping my wings, I rose into the sky and began to fly.

Flying, I'm sure you all have dreamed about it. But I wasn't staying at school, I would head to the river and stay there until I had to go home. Although knowing my luck, my mother would know. She had this uncanny ability to know where I was when I was supposed to be somewhere yet I snuck off. A cry came from below, and it was the girl from school. Horror rose in me, had she seen me change? If so, I was in trouble. But then again, most wouldn't believe her, which made me grin wryly. Thinking I should turn back, a stone missed me by inches, and I took off, flapping my wings harder until I began to tire out. Soon I was over the city, and the river was coming closer in sight. When I was over it, I hung low, shifting back and falling onto the grass where I half closed my eyes. I was worn out, and hatred flooded my system at the near miss of that stone. If it connected with my head, I would have been killed. "I am not going back. Ever." A growl emanated from my throat as I finished my sentence.

(ooc// the fantail is here for a pic)

[Angelina Gregori]

Weekdays were hard on Sophia, and in turn hard on me as her mother. A mother always wants to fix things for their children, make everything better, lead them away from the paths we've taken in our youth. We all learn by trial and error, but being unable to save your child was the worse kind of pain. Sophia had inherited more than the power to shapeshift from me. She'd also inherited the depression, the fucking hereditary brain shits, as I call them. I couldn't do shit about it, and I didn't even know until she attempted suicide. I have similar scars to the ones she wears now, though mine are long faded. Shifting allowed me to run from my problems in a way. However, these kinds of problems don't get left behind because they are a part of you.

It killed me to know that Sophia suffered as I did, that I couldn't take this burden from her, or curse her with unending happiness. At least we understood one another, and had grown much closer since then. She trusted me enough to tell me everything, to share her feelings with me, even when they were bleak and dire. I had tried all her life to spare her my own darkness, little did I know it was already inside her mind, chipping away at her self-esteem. "Fucking hell!" I swore as the coffee burnt my tongue. Cursing to myself I dumped the too-hot coffee down the drain. I wondered how Sophia was doing at school. I knew how much she hated it, and I didn't blame her. We'd often discussed how important education was, but I wanted her out of that school. Especially after what happened to her.

I paced through the kitchen, glaring at the clock, willing time to move faster. "Bugger this." I stepped outside, into the backyard as stared at the sky. A raven flew overhead, it's scathing caw resonating within me. "Hey Fen." One of our orange tabby cats came by rubbing himself along my legs. I reached down and scratched his ear, still watching the raven as it circled to land in the old oak in the rear of our property. Being shapeshifters, we were attuned to all animals, with the uncanny ability to approach even the wildest of them without fear. It was part of the magick that made us what we were. I forgot about Fen winding around my ankles and focused instead on the raven. To feel weightless as your wings drew you closer to the never-ending sky was a miraculous thing.

Before I had time to really contemplate it, I shifted into the form of that raven and threw myself at the clouds. My wings moved effortlessly, carrying me higher as I soared over our house and closer to town. From this height I was able to see for miles. I don't know why, but I was heading to Sophia's school. I wasn't trying to pry, I simply worried for her. I tried to rationalize it as I flew, not paying attention as I drifted along above the river. The wind was cooler over the river, and I was almost content to simply coast along the updrafts until I saw a familiar form. There was Sophia, lying in the grass on the riverbank. So she wasn't at school after all. There's something to the idea that mother's have a sixth sense when it comes to their children.

I tilted my black feathered body, spiralling slowly down. I cawed loudly, a rasping sound as I landed, hopping closer to my daughter. I ws disappointed she wasn't in school, but I wasn't angry, and I could hardly blame her after....the incident. I shifted back, and for the millionth time in my life I was thankful that somehow our clothes stayed with us when we shifted. I guess it's not that way for other shifters, or so I've heard. I settled into the grass next to her, staring at the water as it rushed over stones large and small. "Bad day, Soph?" Of course it was. She wouldn't skip school just to skip school. That wasn't my daughter. It didn't seem like anything horrible had happened, but I didn't like the set of her jaw, she'd made a decision, and like me, there wouldn't be any talking her out of it. I stretched out, kicking off my shoes so I could feel the grass on my bare feet. "Let me guess. Whatshername, the bitchy redhead, was giving you shit. Or was it someone else? You'd had enough, so you took off. Shifted, too. I'm right, aren't I?" I already knew I was right, or damn close. What can I say? I knew my daughter.

[Sophia Gregori]

There are times where I wished I could just leave forever, away from everyone and not go back. The only person that truly understood was my mother. We both knew one another, and understood, because we were similar. I'm not talking about the shifting ability we had, but the depression. If I was someone else, I would blame her for giving it to me, but because I wasn't, I didn't. It wasn't her fault that I was given the depression, and no matter what, I always tried to let her know that. Anyway, it was good in a way, because when it got the better of me, I was always able to tell her, and she would know and understand what it was like. Not just saying it because she was my mother, but truly knew it. People can say they know and understand, but half of them don't. They just say it because they don't know what else to say.

I sighed softly, laying deeper into the grass and lifting my right wrist slightly, I began to flex my fingers and watching the muscle in my arm move with the flexing. The scar seemingly glowed as I stared with green colored eyes, unmovng and unblinking. As soon as my eyes began to strain, watering up because I didn't blink, I rapidly started to blink to recover my vision which was unfocused at best, and blurry at worst. Snapped from my revere was the sound of a raven cawing, eyes scanned the area until they came onto the black raven which had landed and hopped closer to me. I knew without looking closer that it was my mother. Softly a grin formed upon my lips as the raven changed shaped, in place was my mother's form, and I was right. The raven had been my mother.

"You could say that." I nod at her words, the deep dark feeling in the pit of my stomach lashed out, numbing my body with indifference and an affinity to not care. "Yep, you are correct. Both correct. She was giving me shit and I did shift. A fantail was in the school grounds so I shifted it and flew here." There was no point in lying, she already knew. Her words hit the nail on the head and I lapsed into silence again, staring not at my wrist this time but the grass, lowering my hands at gripping at the blades of grass. A few bugs that called their home in the grass scuttled away from me as I continued my grass gripping. "What brings you to the river?" I ask, turning my head to look at my mother, wondering what brought her here, but somehow, I kinda guessed the answer. I was reluctant to say it so I stayed silent and turned my attention back to the river water.

Again I thought about the stone and wondered if I should have mentioned it. Another though struck, that maybe she didn't see me but liked throwing stones at birds. She was cruel so I wouldn't put it past her. "As I flew, she threw a stone, nearly hit me." I tried to keep my voice free from any emotion, but it did slightly shake. "Shes the one that called me a poster girl for suicide." I added with a bitter laugh. One attempt and I was getting that shoved onto me, when there were others who tried it more and needed more help than I did, and those that were suicidal shouldn't be treated coldly or teased, but helped. Too much injustice in the world. I thought simply, hating everyone at the moment except my mother. Even I was hateful at everything, my mother was the only one who I would never extend that cold anger towards.

"I don't ever want to go back." I was referring to the school of course, and I didn't need to elaborate since I knew she would know what I was saying. "I hate it there, its like hitting the point of no return." Sitting up suddenly, I leaned into my mother, giving her a one armed hug and feeling my head go all dizzy with a head rush. "I know education is important, but it gets worse. Everyday is worse than before, I can barely function, and one of these days, I'm about to get into a fight and probably be expelled. Theres only so much one person can take." Being open with my mother made life a little bit easier, and I didn't have to suffer alone with my thoughts.

[Angelina Gregori]

I smirked as Sophia confirmed what I already knew. "Ohh! A fantail. Haven't seen one of those in a while." I tried to picture my daughter as the bird, it's huge tail fanning out behind it. However, it never came up quite right in my mind. My visual images tended to stick her human face on whatever animal form she wore. The results were comedic, and wrong. I watched absently as she tore at the bits of grass, small insects scurrying away from her fingers. "Actually, I wasn't coming to the river persay. In fact, I wasn't at all thinking much after I shifted to the raven. I'd planned on flying by your school." I raised a hand, almost defensively. "Not to spy, I know, I know, overprotective mother. But just...I don't know, to check up on you I guess." I shrugged. What I wanted was to flit by her classroom window and find her smiling, participating in a spirited class discussion, or delivering a project to her engrossed classmates. Something I hadn't seen for a very long time. I simply lacked eloquence in trying to explain this to my daughter.

"The wind's cooler over the river, and there's some nice drafts today. I was coasting, until I saw you down here. Instinct, perhaps, led me to you." I smiled broadly when I said it, leaning over to kiss her on the cheek. It was also my way of telling her I still loved her and wasn't mad that she'd left school grounds while class was still in session. "SHE WHAT?" I was immediately on my feet. "That little twat bitch! I should cram that ruddy stone down her gullet and watch her choke on it! She could have bloody killed you!" My hands were clenched into fists, my knuckles turning white from the effort. Sophia's comment about being the poster child for suicide calmed my anger somewhat. I was still raging mad, but for now, it was pushed back. I sat again beside her, tears welling in my eyes. "It's my fault Soph." My voice was quiet once more as I let my own pain fill me. I was so deeply hurt that I was unable to protect my daughter, not from the ravages of society and the cruelty of adolesense, but from the debilitating disease that depression truly is.

"And you bloody well won't be returning. I'll pick up your transcripts this afternoon and we'll look into other schools." Why hadn't I done that sooner? Why hadn't I just taken her out of there, and placed her in a new school after she'd tried to commit suicide. A clean slate, a fresh start. I knew damn well why I hadn't. She'd grown up going to this school, and I felt that tearing her from that familiarity would be wrong, especially in her emotional state. Well, whatever, it's water under the bridge now. I slipped my arm around her as she hugged me, and fought back tears again. "I know, Soph. I know." I whispered to her as I kissed the top of her head. "You're strong, stronger than me in some ways. I'm proud of you, and I love you, always. You're a good daughter, probably the best." I chuckled softly. "Forget about those idiots. Semester is almost up, so we'll be able to get you in another school soon enough that you'll still graduate on time. Then, the world is yours. You can go anywhere, persue anything." I gave her a little squeeze, keeping one arm around her as I watched the sunlight reflect off the river.

[Sophia Gregori]

I nod with a smile upon my face, my cheeks began to hurt from the smiling I was doing, which just showed how much I actually smiled these days, which wasn't that much. My normally green eyes flecked with brown, looked up at my mother, "yea, he was gorgeous." I could see him in my mind again, small body dancing upon the ground as he hopped and flew, darting around the yard with flourish. It was supposed to be back luck if a faintail flew into your home, but I didn't really believe that much. Although my eyes shot up when she spoke, "yea, overprotective just a little. But I'd be the same." Actually, it warmed me inside to know she would fly over the school, knowing she was just in the sky gave me comfort. Normal daughters didn't tell their parents this, then again who else is like us two, and I'm talking about the shapeshifting part, and then again, we were not normal. "It's okay. Knowing you are close gives me comfort." I on the other hand told my mother, because like I've already mentioned, we understand one another.

I brightened up at the mention of cooler winds and nice drafts, eyes twinkling and sparkling. The kiss she pecked on my cheek had more meanings than one, and I was glad she wasn't mad at me for skipping class. Sometimes you just needed out, and get away from everything. "Theres also some beautiful thermals along the streets." I add with a slight grin. If you shifted into a bird, it was much easier to fly along the thermals then not, you don't tire as easy, although you don't get far in a short amount of time. Its lazy flying. "I know, thats why I tore outta there. I wasn't going to get killed by a slutty princess who-" I broke off with a blush, not wanting to vent too much with my anger because I tended to curse like a sailor. However, worry filled me, taking over my anger as I looked at my mother and the tears in her eyes. I felt my own tears sting my eyes, the salty liquid began to run down my cheeks and my heart tore in two as my mother spoke. "No, its not." I knew full well what she was talking about. "It could have picked any family, any other, but it chose our family, our line. Don't ever say that. You alone know how I feel and vice versa." I took a deep, shuddering breath. "We know each other, we help each other. I wouldn't be here without you." In more ways that one. She gave birth to me, gave me life, helped me when I needed it.

"Are you serious?" I ask with marvel and wonder in my voice as she carries on. I could not believe what I was hearing, and my grin returned, even though tears still stung my cheeks. Hearing my mothers words increased my tears as I hugged her more tightly and my head rested in the crook of her shoulder. "Thank you mom." She was proud of me, and yea, this may sound soppy to you, but hearing your mom say she was proud of you makes you feel like you can conquer anything and makes you just incredibly happy. "I love you too mom." I whisper, turning slightly so I too, could watch the river water.

[Angelina Gregori]

"You bet your arse I'm serious!" When my emotions were high, I tended to slip back into the British lilt of an accent. Sophia had won one battle, she would be free of the school which caused her so much pain. In the meantime, she could help with the animals at the house, which was a veritable zoo. I was content to watch the river for a bit longer, sunlight glinting of the scales of a few fish that dared to come near the water's surface. There were waterskippers, long legged bugs that tred on the skin of the water and ate smaller bugs. A few seagulls flew past. I watched a robin land near the river's edge and peck at the muddy bank, digging for worms. All this time I held my daughter close to me, the two of us enjoying the bright afternoon and the gentle breeze that ruffled our hair.

Without glancing at my watch, I knew it was well past lunch hour. "Well, bugger. I supposed I'd better be getting on to fetch your transcripts. I'll clean out your locker, if you'd go home and feed the animals. We'll have lunch when I get back. Sound good?" I slid my arm from around her and stood to stretch. I realized that I was entirely unprepared to waltz into her school and pull her from it's clutches. I had nothing on my but my clothing. I pondered this for a moment before deciding I really didn't need anything, and Sophia probably had less than I expected in her locker. "Go on home luv, the back door is open. I'll meet you there." I gave her a hand up, hugged and kissed her, then walked the direction of her school.

It didn't take too terribly long to reach my destination. I stood before the large front doors and steeled myself for the confrontation that was no doubt about to take place. I took a deep breath and shoved the doors open. I made my way directly to the office, thankful that the students were all in class. The receptionist greeted me by name. "Good afternoon Ms. Gregori. How can I help you today?" I smiled to her, her cheery demeanor hardly befitting a school receptionist. "Afternoon Miss Grants. I need to speak with the principal, or the counselor about pulling Sophia from school." Miss Grant looked forlorn at this prospect but continued with good grace. "Well I'm sorry to hear that Lina, go on into Mr. Filante's office. I'll send Principal Choke in." I thanked her and moved into the counselor's office.

Mr. Filante was pouring over student files when I walked in. "Hello Mr. Filante." I shook his hand and sat in the chair he gestured to. "Ah, Ms. Gregori. What brings you here today?" I breifly explained that I was pulling Sophia from school when Principal Choke entered the office as well. He took the seat next to me and slapped down a folder. "Can't say as I'm sorry to see her go. Silvia, Samatha...whatever her name is." My eyes narrowed as I looked at the principal. "Excuse me, Principal Choke, but her name is Sophia Gregori. And as for your manners, they could indeed use some work." He glared at me for a moment, then lasped into a tyraid about single mother's and their worthless children. I'd had enough. My daughter was not worthless! In seconds I was up from the chair, my hand wrapped securely around the principal's throat. I don't remember stalking him, or backing him up, but he was against the wall now. "You'd best shut your bloody mouth or I will shut it for you. Permanently. Now, as for my daughter, she will never set foot inside your putrid halls again. I highly suggest a change in occupation for you, Mr. Choke." I flexed my fingers against his windpipe before letting go.

"Thank you Mr. Filante. I bid you farewell." I took up the file, which held Sophia's transcripts and locker information, and left the office in a huff. I barely paused to wave to Miss Grants. Finding Sophia's locker was a bit of a challenge. The numbers weren't in any kind of order, and the halls were long and dreary. Finally I found her locker, and as I had suspected, it held little. Her gym clothes, a few notebooks and binders, and a picture of us. I took everything, including the school books. Why not? Perhaps we could study in the time before the second semester started. Bundling everything in my arms, I was cursing myself for not bringing Sophia's bag along to lug it all home in, when I saw a familiar redhead skip through the far end of the hall. Oh this was too good. I had some aggression to let off after dealing with Principal Choke, and who better to take it out on than the girl who'd almost killed my daughter with a simple stone.

I dropped the contents in my arms back into Sophia's former locker and reached into my pants pocket, hoping it was still there. I was searching for a clump of dog hair, of all things. I'd been brushing Noble this morning, our malamute/wolf mix, and rolled the loose hairs into a ball, which I shoved into my pocket to dispose of later. I hadn't thrown it out, and finally I clasped the fine hairs between my fingers. I focused on the hair, on the form that wore it and soon forced myself to shift into a dog, the very same malamute/wolf mix as Noble. I tore after the girl, my claws ticking against the hall floors. My nose could lead me straight to her, and I found she'd entered the girl's bathroom. Perfect. I nudged my way inside and waited just outside her stall. I sat patiently while the toilet flushed, then bared my teeth as the door opened. I stood, snarling and growling at her, snapping each time she tried to move. Finally, I leapt, scaring her so badly she ended arse over teakettle back into the lue. Her rump was soaked and lodged firmly in the toilet. I barked a laugh and excused myself from the restroom. Staying as the dog, I was able to pinpoint her locker. I shifted back and broke inside, taking her duffle bag to use for Sophia's things.

Back at Sophia's locker I retrieved everything, stuffing it into the duffle bag and slinging it across my shoulder. Securing the strap, I hear yelling come from off near the girl's restroom. I reached for the clump of Noble's fur, but must have dropped it the first time I shifted, so I settled for running like a bat out of hell. I slammed out the front doors and ran down the sidewalk with little regard to anything else but getting the hell out of there. I paused to burst into a fit of laughter as I remember the girl's fear stricken face. "Oh bloody hell that was brilliant!" Another raven flew overhead, cawing down to me. Perhaps it was the same raven from the house, but I couldn't be sure. Instead, I thanked it for the use of it's form and shifted into a raven myself. Flying home was much easier and faster than running, even with the added weight of the duffle bag. Of course, I wasn't flying around with it strapped on, it disappeared when I shifted, but my body still knew it was there, could feel it's weight. It took another 20 minutes, as opposed to the 40 it'd have taken to walk, before I reached home. I landed in the back yard, where I'd taken off to begin with and changed back to my human form. "Soph?" I dropped the duffle as I called out to her, but instead of my daughter, I was greeted first by Noble, Fen, and another 6 cats. Regal, Noodle, Sacred, Bright Eyes, Spec and Necro all came from various parts of the property to tell me hello. I laughed and sat down, petting each of them in turn while I waited for Sophia to appear.

[Sophia Gregori]

Yes, I had won one battle, and I didn't have to ever go back. My body wanted to dance, but I still had my arms wrapped around my mother in the hug, so I couldn't really move that well for a dance anyway. I contented myself in breathing calmly, watching the animals that were all around us, from birds to even the bugs that were around. I felt free, no longer chained and bound but free. Yet in no time, our time spent between mother and daughter was over, and grabbing my mothers hand, I pull myself up, a soft sigh escaped betwen my lips. Although seeing the animals would make me happy, and nodding, I smile again. "Sounds good." I hugged and kissed her back before walking away, spotting another fantail and feeling my body shift, I thanked the fantail and flapped my wings into the sky. The fantail followed me, as we both flew in tandem towards my home. As I neared home, the fantail flew away, leaving me alone as I dived downwards towards the ground, my talons draping along the grass before coming to a standstill and changing back. Back into my human form, I whistle, thumb and forefinger in my mouth as the loud whistle echoed through the air. It didn't take long for my whistle to have its effect as Noble came bounding over, intelligent eyes stared up at me. Reaching out, I patted Noble's head. "Hey Noble." I cooed, smiling before calling out to our other pets. Well, cats to be more specific.

"Fen, come here boy! Spec, Necro, Noodle, here kitty kitty, come on Bright Eyes, Scared and Regal, come on guys, lunch time." An assortment of cats followed outwards towards Noble and I, Fen was padding along with Sacred and I couldn't help but smile. They had become quite the best of friends and seeing them together always brought a smile. "Okay, who wants the best food we buy huh?" I jump, they were far too used to my eccentric acts to be scared and followed as I headed towards the back door, opening it up and walking into the cool kitchen. Grabbing Noble's bowl first, I grabbed out some premium dog food that had nothing but the best. We always got the best for out pets, the food we made sure helped keep them healthy. And trust me, not all expensive food are the best. Look for food that have stamps on the side from an approved animal source such as AAFCO. Putting some into Noble's bowl, the good dog was waiting patiently as I set it down next to the water bowl. Noble began to eat as I picked up seven cat bowls with difficulty and place food in each. "Okay, no stealing from each other okay?" I give them each a stern look before laughing and setting each bowl down. The cats knew their own bowl and headed to their own and started eating. Making sure their water bowl was fill, I shut the back door and unlocked the front, not sure on which door my mother would be coming in from.

Heading into my room, I stare around the familiar and safe room that I spent some nights crying, and other nights writing. Pulling open my bedside table and pulling out the knife I used to slice into my wrists, I look it over, the intention of suicide didn't enter my head. I wasn't going to do anything, but held the knife in my hands as I lay back on the bed spread, kicking my shoes off and lying with my eyes half closed, content to stare at the roof. Even if I did fall asleep and mom walked in on my with the knife, she would know I didn't do anything. For one, I didn't have cuts of me, and two, I wasn't bleeding. She was protective but not stupid. After a while, Fen came in, meowing and looking up at me with cute wide eyes. The bottom part of his face was white fur along with his chest and paws, darker tabby coloring streaked through his fur like a tigers stripes, more prominent on his head and front legs. "Come here Fen." He jumped up, and moving the knife onto the table, he came up and snuggled into my face. Giving him a cuddle, I fell asleep as I listened to his purring before moving close to the edge. Fen was known as a bed stealer.

I don't know how long I slept, but I was woken up by the absent warmth of Fen and hearing my name. Sitting up straight, I rub my eyes and yawn slightly before getting up. Making my way to the back door, I head out and see each cat and Noble beside my mother, and a grin spread across my face like butter. "They've been fed. And they were good, they didn't steal each others food. Or so Fen says." I laugh softly, walking and kneeling next to her and patting Sacred, then Noodle. I loved all these cats, and not to mention Noble, with all my heart. Them and mom were there when I felt all blahy, they never judged and always wanted to show you love as if they were hurting when you were feeling awful. "How did it go?" I ask, petting Spec, Bright Eyes and Necro all in turn. I petted Regal last, giving a soft look and snuggling all animals(or tried to, it was rather hard hugging seven cats and one dog all at once. You try it).

[Angelina Gregori]

Sophia's great big grin sprouted one on my face too, which Noble quickly licked with one long swipe of his tongue. I laughed, scratching his belly as he rolled over. "I can tell, Noble has dog food breath." I was still laughing as I wiped his slober off my lips. Fen wandered by, nudging my leg with his head. I used my other hand to pet him, Noble wasn't finished getting his tummy scratched. "Well, if Fen says so..." I tickled under his chin until he flopped over, much like Noble had. Sacred took this note as meaning it was time to play, and pounced on Fen. They tore off under the willow tree, climbing up and down it's barking, racing each other around the trunk. Bright Eyes was content to sun herself on the porch railing, while Spec, Noodle, and Regal sat on the stairs like little, furry sentinals. Necro was laying in the grass, licking Noble's tail every time it swung by her. We had ferrets, rabbits, a few birds, hamsters, a snake, an iguana, and a flying squirrel inside as well that needed tending to. Like I mentioned earlier, we had a veritable zoo. We even had enough property to get horses someday. Being what we were, we couldn't stand not to have animals. Not that we had intended to have so many to begin with, they just kinda multiply, even when you've gotten them all fixed.

I kicked off my shoes again, and moved to sit crosslegged while I stroked Noble. Grinning at Sophia, I'd decided to tell her the truth, all of it. "As well as can be expected I guess. Miss Grant was pleasant, as always. And Mr. Filante was fine, but that principal, Mr. Choke, is a blundering idiot. That fuck couldn't even recall your name correctly!" I abruptly caught myself, though Sophia had heard my mouth plenty of times, I tried not to swear too much around her. She'd already picked up my habit, and the two of us could out cuss most foul mouthed sailors. "Pardon me. However, I'm sure I sufficiently spooked him when I got him up against the wall with my hand around his throat." How easy I could have killed him then, just a little more pressure and I would have cut off his air supply. I could have watched while he suffocated, his eyeballs bulging from his bulbous head...

I shook my head slightly, and returned to the story. "So I marched right out of Mr. Filante's office and found your locker. They really need to get those in some sort of order. I saw that little twat, the redhead, and well...I couldn't help it!" I started laughing, and had to wait for the giggles to subside a little so I could continue my story. "Lucky for me, I'd brushed Noble this morning, and had a small ball of his fur in my pocket. Using it as a totem, I shifted and tracked her to the bathroom. I waited outside her stall, and went Cujo on her when she opened the door. I didn't bite, I promise you that. But I snarled and snapped like a rabid dog, scared her so badly she took a tumble backwards and landed in the loo!" I fell back, I was laughing so hard. Tears streamed down my cheeks as my chest heaved to get a full breath. "Dear gods it was hilarious! Bloody brilliant! I should have taken a picture. Her bottom half was soaked with toilet water!" I sat up, recovering myself and wiped the giggle tears from my cheeks. "Oh goodness. Haha, hhmmm. Alright then. So I fled the restroom, and used my nose to find her locker. Got you a new bag." I gestured to the black duffle that sat nearby. "I needed something to carry all your stuff in."

Noble finally realized Necro was after his tail and rolled himself over and snuffed at her before dragging his tongue across her head. She was so small he could have fit her in his mouth if he wanted. But he was a good dog, and loved all the kitties. I stood, brushing grass off my pants. "What sounds good for lunch, luv? We can order pizza if you like." I'd paid the bills early this morning, so I knew we had enough in the budget to splurge for a pie. "Tell you what, I'll feed the feathers and scales while you order for us. Get some breadsticks too." I hefted up the duffle bag and headed inside, with Spec, Regal, and Noodle following. I left the duffle on the kitchen table, pausing only to extract Sophia's transcripts, as I'd need them for the following morning if I was to register her in another school.

I had to travel all through the house to ensure that the rest of the animals got lunch. Our snakes, Hustler the ball python, and Miniscule the corn snake, weren't due for another week or so for mice, so they each got to wind themselves around my arms while I gathered food for the other pets. Hustler was getting quite heavy, and I had to adjust him a few times before he finally settled to drape along my neck. Miniscule was almost asleep coiled around my left arm. I dropped in Gimme & Monotony's (the rabbits) pellets, fed Easy Rider our iguana, let the ferrets out to play, checked the bird seed supply, and fed the hamsters. After everyone was seen to, I let Hustler and Miniscule slip back into their habitats and almost tripped over Mink. I lifted the ferret and carried him with me back to the kitchen. I handed Mink to Sophia. "What's the damage then?" I asked while digging my wallet out from my purse to pay for our pizza.

[Sophia Gregori]

Watching the animals was something I enjoyed, each one had their own personality and traits that made you love them more and more. I was thankful Noble hadn't licked my face, because like mom said, he had dog food breath. When Sacred pounced on Fen however, I got the giggles as they tore off together. "Yea, Mr Choke is an ass. How he became principal I have no idea." I wasn't too worried, he was a fuckwit that my life was better without. Although I would miss Miss Grant and Mr Filante, they were always nice to say hi to. I did grin when she swore, chuckling to myself as she carried on, and nodding again, I half watch Necro licking Noble's tail when it passed her before my mouth opened in shock. "You had your hand around this throat?!? Go mom! You totally kick some ass!" Part of my mind conjured up the image and I was pretty impressed. Don't get my wrong, I knew she could do that, but to actually do it, man I would have paid to see the look on Choke's face as her hand was around his throat, watched him squirm under the pressure when his air supply was cut.

"Yea, now you know why I got lost the first day." I stick my tongue out, a cheeky smile lined my face as I fell silent and listened to the rest of the story. But then, I began to giggle before flat out laughing. Oh man, it was just too good! "Hahaha, oh man-" I stopped, breaking off as I continued to laugh and laying on my back made it easier for me to breathe while laughing so hard. Tears of laughter formed at my eyes before they streamed down my face. After a few moments, my laughter subsided and I calmed down enough to pull myself up, wiping my face with the back of my hand and cleaning the tears from my face. Standing up and stretching, the grin was still upon my face. "That was too good. Shes gonna be freaking for a while. Too good." I chortled, wishing I had been there to see it. But oh well, it would keep me amused for the next few days.

"Pizza sounds good." I cleared my throat, nodding a thanks at the bag and head inside. "Sounds like a good plan. I'll meet you shortly." I head inside to the kitchen, taking the phone off its cradle and dialing the number. "Hello, I would like to place an order. Erm, Hawaiian pizza with a side order of breadsticks please." I was told the price and nodded, knowing he couldn't see me. I relayed the address and hung up, placing the phone back on hook so if anyone tried calling, it would go through. I reached over for a pen and paper, writing down the price while mom fed the rest of the animals. Peeking my head out the door, I saw Fen and Sacred still playing, and counted to make sure they were all around. I had a habit of doing that, even though it may seem weird. I saw mom come back into the kitchen and taking Mink into my arms, I pet his head and give him a kiss. "$14.90. Which is actually really good. They are having a special." I reply, giving Mink a soft and gentle hug. "Whose a good boy eh Mink." I coo before looking back to mom. "They'll be here soon." I added before I forgot.

[Angelina Gregori]

"Fabulous! I'm simply famished." I pulled out a twenty and set it on the bookshelf near the door. Mink crawled up Sophia's shoulder and stretched out toward me. I gingerly took him up and placed him on the floor, where he tore after a fuzzy, leopard print ball with a bell inside. Necro came inside and watched Mink with great attention, either wanting the ball, or a game of tag. I pulled out my laptop and plunked myself on the couch. It was time to go over our savings, and look into other schools for Sophia. I wouldn't make her go back to that place, but she would finish her education. Even she had agreed to that much. She's a bright girl, full of possibilities and ambition. She truly can accomplish whatever she sets her mind to, a new school could provide her with a clean slate. A new setting in which she may flourish.

There was plenty enough money in savings, as well as her college fund, so I began a search of other school in our area. Several came up. There were 2 more public schools, one the rival of her previous school. I decided that wouldn't be feasible, as there was often gossip passed between both schools. If some of the students there didn't already know of Sophia's....problems, they soon would and the entire scenario would repeat itself. That left Brookridge, for public schooling. There were also a number of private schools nearby. "Soph, luv, come look at these with me." I motioned her over and patted the cushion next to me on the sofa.

I explained why I nixed Haxon High, the rival, and then proceeded to show her Brookridge. "There's always the option of private schools as well. We shouldn't have to touch your college fund, there's plenty in savings for tuition." We waited for the pizza delivery as we browsed over the courses and curiculum of both Brookridge and several private schools. One was Catholic, not really my cup of tea, nor was Sophia fond of wearing a uniform. Saint Joseph's Academy, good as it may be, was crossed off the list. An all girl's school soon joined St. Joe's, I wasn't segregating my daughter due to her gender. It didn't seem natural. The last of the private schools that caught my eye was Tempest Hollow.

"Interesting place." I mentioned, as we looked over the website. "They seem to hint at dealing with special youths, those with extreme 'talents'. I'll have to dig up more on them." Just then the bell rang. "Supper's arrived." I slid from the sofa, grabbed the twenty, and answered the door. "Keep the change, thank you very much." Taking the boxes to the kitchen, dodging Noble and his wagging tail, trying not to trip over curious cats, I grabbed us plates. I piled a couple slices of the pie and a few breadsticks on both plates, nabbed the dipping sauce and joined Sophia back on the sofa. "Here you are luv, gourmet." I chuckled, then began to eat. Between bites we discussed options. "What do you think of this Tempest Hollow place? Or would you prefer to stay in the public schools?" I know discussing her academics was hardly the top of her list, but she knew as well as I that it was important. The sooner we enrolled her in another school, the sooner she could graduate and be done with it.

[Sophia Gregori]

"Yea, food does sound good right about now." My stomach rumbled, indicating and furthering my words. Shifting did take quite a lot out of you, especially shifting a few times without a good break to let your body rest. Ever read the series called Animorphs how when they shift they take a break or they get severely energy drained? It's like that. Your body is changing along with your mind, it may seem all fun and games but it could get serious. I never took my shifting abilities for granted, for fate may play its cruel hand and strip us from out powers. If anyone could do that anyway, but I was taking no chances. This power, it defined who we were. I loved flying as a hawk, looking through the world as a world, feeling completely free as a cat. To lose it, it really would be like part of me was gone, evaporated in the air and lost to the world. Okay, so that sounded corny, but its what I believed, so right now, I didn't care what others thought. Not like I was going to relay it.

"Schools huh?" I tried not to sound like a whiny brat, even if it was hard to keep the contempt and part terror from my voice as I began moving towards the sofa, stepping over Mink, still playing with his toy and zipping back and forth along the floor like a maniac. But a very cute maniac. "Necro." I warned with a jovial smile upon my lips, watching as Necro's eyes grew wide, wanting to play. "Just don't kill each other." Watching Necro's tail twitch, I moved aside just in time as Necro pounced past me, nearly colliding with the edge of my leg. "How can you guys still have energy?" I asked, darting to the couch without further incident. As least claws wouldn't be in my leg, trust me, they hurt! And they loved to play, the cats I mean. Just don't try and tickle them without protective gear on your hand and wrist or you'll find it getting slashed up and torn. Fen had a habit of doing that but he normally licked the scratches afterward, feeling a bit guilty.

Taking a seat, Noble was wandering around, narrowly avoiding the claws as Necro wanted to play, crazy girl, before listening to my mum without getting distracted, even though I could see the animals from the corners of my eyes, and it was extremely hard especially when Noble jumped back as as few of the other cats tore inside, playing a game of chase and tag. "Good choice on the Haxon nix. I don't want to go to a rival school, your right, they gossip between each other." And I really didn't want to have to go through all this again. Bad enough the first time. Shuddering at the idea of a Catholic school, I wasn't religious nor the feeling of wearing a uniform like that, it wasn't very appealing. Peeking closer at the name of one school, Tempest Hollow, my jaw dropped, reading alongside my mum, definitely interesting. I was pretty keen on checking it out, special abilities? I would fit right in, and that was something I never had before in a school.

The scent of food hit when mum got up to open the door, and waiting patiently was pretty easy considering I was watching as the animals seemed to all pile around mum, sniffing and thinking it was for them. Even though they were fed earlier. Rolling my eyes, I knew it was because food was food. We wormed, and did the whole flea killing, along with cleaning their beds and stuff so it wasn't that. As mum came back in I was leaning back against the sofa's edge, taking a plate from her carefully with a thanks, picking up a breadstick and dipped it into the sauce. Taking a bite, I savored the taste as much as procrastinating on the conversation before I swallowed and spoke. "I think we should take a look at this Tempest Hollow place. It does seem interesting." I was quiet for a moment while I ate, trying to quell a feeling that seemed to linger in the pit of my stomach. "Are we, okay?" I wasn't sure what I was hinting on, either our mother-daughter relationship, schoolwise or even something else, I couldn't tell you, so without harping on it more, I fell silent and carried on eating.

[Angelina Gregori]

I nodded, sitting back on the couch with my plate. "I concur. I'll ring them after we've eaten and see about visiting the school. If you like it, and the curiculum is satisfactory as well, we'll go on and enroll you." I smiled to her, before taking a bite of the pizza. I was so proud of her, she had no idea how proud. Which she affirmed moments later by asking if we were ok. My eyes grew wide, and I set my plate aside, waving off Bright Eyes as she sniffed the edge. "Soph, of course we're ok, luv. Why on earth wouldn't we be?" I reached for her hand, cupping it between mine. "Darling, I'm so proud of you. No matter what happens, know that I will always love you. You're a strong and beautiful young woman. Life has it's trials and difficulties, and we all make mistakes. But that can never make me love you any less, or any less proud of you." I released her hand and brought her head toward my lips, gently pressing them against her soft hair. "As long as you are always truthful with me, and you know that you can come to me with anything, we'll always be alright. Alright?" I beamed at her.

Retrieving my plate just as Bright Eyes hopped onto the couch and started toward it again, I went about finishing off my slice of pizza. There wasn't much else to discuss, as far as her education was concerned. We'd decided on a school, and would look into it in person as soon as possible. If Sophia felt comfortable enough there to attend classes, then we'd go about enrollment. If Tempest Hollow was as it appeared, she would fare far better there than in any other school in our district. Technically, Tempest Hollow was just outside our district, but that did not mean she would be unable to attend. It would simply require more of a drive, or flight, if she was allowed to shift. I didn't mind her using her gifts. It was something I passed to her, along with the depression. The better part of her heredity, you might say. A gift such as ours was meant to be used, not squandered or abused. Sophia held reverence for her abilities, and did not abuse the magick that made us what we are.

After finishing my plate, I stood, offering to take Sophia's as well, and deposited it in the sink to be washed later. "I'll ring the school, if you want to pick up the extension." Grabbing the phone that was attached to the wall, I gestured to the portable phone, if she wanted to listen in. I dialed the number displayed on my laptop, and was greeted by a friendly voice. The voice alone held power that flowed over the lines. The woman proclaimed herself to be Arwen Loup Garou, part-time Headmistress of Tempest Hollow. She was more than human, as was evident in her voice. "Yes, this is Angelina Gregori, and I was calling to inquire about enrollment for my daughter, Sophia." I paused listening to Arwen for a moment. She sounded elated to have a new enrollment. "Right. She's a Junior. I just pulled her from her previous school due to....complications. I understand you deal with adolescents that have special abilities. Quite right. Indeed." Arwen then confessed to being a werewolf, Loup Garou to be precise, and while that meant little to me, I glanced at Sophia and winked. A shifter, not like us, but more familiar to our ways of magick than a human. This could turn out quite well. "Really? Fascinating! We're shifters, ourselves. Able to transform into whatever creature we last see, or by the use of a totem." Arwen seemed familiar with our ways, at least in part. She was also interested in meeting us as soon as possible, offering for us to come visit the school right away. It seems the Loup Garou had just recently taken over Tempest Hollow. "Splendid, Arwen. Thank you. I'll talk it over with my daughter, and ring you back. We'll see you soon. Ta!"

I hung up the reciever and turned to Sophia, grinning. "Well, luv, sounds like this place might be right up your alley. What do you say? Shall we drop in tonight, then?"

[Sophia Gregori]

Taking another bite of the breadstick, part of the bread getting stuck on the roof of my mouth, I had to carefully remove it before swallowing the piece, almost choking on the bread. Dunking the bread back into the sauce, knowing it wouldn't get stuck the next time, I waved it about, staring as the sauce mingled with the white of the breads flesh. "Sounds like a plan." For a wild moment I was actually happy about this, going to a new school. For some it was terror, for me it would be a nice change, where I could start over and no-one would hurt me, tease me or be absolute bullies. Taking a bite just as the sauce went to drip off onto the plate, I shrugged as my mum spoke, not sure what had prompted me to ask, but getting confirmation that everything was. Bright Eyes was looking for the plate that mum had moved, pawing outward, my own hand squeezed around mum's as she held it, listening to her words and nodding silently, unable to speak just yet.

"I don't know why I asked." I said truthfully, I'd always be truthful with her, she deserved that, besides, I just knew that I could be, mum didn't have to say it, though it was nice to hear. "I know. Time and again has proved that, and I know you won't stop loving me. Your one of my best friends I can talk to even when I feel like crap, because I know that you won't judge me. I love you too mum." I didn't feel like a loser for thinking about my mum as a friend. If you had that strong of a bond with a parent, that was good. Most times, they are the ones that will be by your side when everyone leaves you in the dust. "Alright." Giving her a one armed hug, keeping one hand on the plate to stop it from falling, and careful not to push Bright Eyes off the couch, I leaned back to nibble on the pizza, taking my time so I didn't choke on my food, but also thinking that if anything happened, any dark thoughts, my mum would be the first I'd go to. No matter what, even if my mind told me she won't believe me I won't listen.

Mainly I thought about Tempest Hollow and what that would mean, what it was about, and what it was like. I began conjuring images that turned into fantasy like stories with a flying angel fighting a creature on a dragons back. I had a wild imagination and I loved writing stories, I had a ton in my draw in my room, so it was no surprise I began thinking differently from when I first began. Easily I chomped my way through the pizza, with my thoughts occupied, a few times I glanced over at the cats that started mingling in the room, reaching out for Fen who jumped up as I finished my pizza and bread sticks, ready to start my new story. I had all the details in my head, sometimes(when I didn't hate my brain) I really loved it. Handing mum the plate while I stood up, cradling Fen in my arms as he snuggled against my throat, his warm fur tickling my skin, I nodded, as mute as a statue, wondering what was going to happen. Part of me was nervous, and I had good reason to be.

Moving through, my hand reached for the extension and held it to my ear. Fen sniffed before relaxing, apparently to fall asleep in my arms, his breathing turned into purring as he shut his eyes, front paws dangling over my arm. The voice that answered, I knew I could trust her, that everything would be okay. Those lyrics were strong, powerful, yet gentle at the same time. Standing still, jumping an inch as Noble pawed beside me, I listened intently, mouth hanging open as I heard what was being spoken. Nearly bouncing on the balls of my feet, the conversation was over, and reluctantly I replaced the extension, but grinning as I looked at mum, ready to take this next step. All my fears were quelled the moment I listened to her voice. Arwen sounded different, and not at all like the previous headmaster Mr Choke. "I agree." Nodding my head vigorously to further my sentence. "Tonight sounds good, didn't think I'd be so keen, but I am. This Arwen, she doesn't sound evil or a jerk. I really felt she was someone we could trust." As crazy as it sounded, perhaps it wasn't too crazy sounding.