[Journal] Duplex #1 - Ambrose Maurlias & Angelina Swanson

[Ambrose Maurlias]

Catalogue and Warning

It had been a week, and a rather eventful one at that. It had had its ups and it's downs.... but at least primarily its ups. Aside from having the misfortune of running into an island 'newbie' and the inevitable wrenching feeling of seeing another person become frearstricken over his appearance.... it had been good.

And the premise that soon, soon he mgiht finally be able to ask Angelina what he knew she had been wanting to hear from him for so long.... well, it was more than enough to keep his spirits up despite the cry of 'werewolf'.

Besides, the weather had been tolerable - it hadn't crested into the miserable summer of July or August, and near dusk the island was actually somewhat pleasant. As he made it to the labs, he thought he spied a familiar tentacled figure hobbling back to the village, but he only paused for a moment before addressing the guard at the gates, and asking if Aubrey was free to speak to.

Aubrey was still in the lobby when the guards buzzed her, telling her Ambrose was there to see her. She slipped the hoop Billy had given her back into her labcoat pocket after giving it a final glance.

She rolled out to meet Ambrose, running a hand through her hair and trying to shake off her previous encounter. She hoped she didn't smell too much like smoke.

"Hey there, Mr. Ambrose," she said with a wave as she wheeled open the gates.

He gave her a bemused grin, catching the whiff of smoke, but not bothering to question it given the figure he had just seen leave. "Mr. Ambrose?" He chuckled and walked up to her once the gates were opened. "Hope I didn't come at a bad time?"

"Not at all," she half lied. She reached for her bag that was strapped to the side of the chair and pulled out a thick, fancy catalouge. "I got it, do you want to come in and take a look?"

His ears immediately pricked and his eyes lit up. "Itdid? Really?" His tail began to wag exuberantly as he bounded forward to snag the catalogue with eager hands, eyes tearing over the images of expensive jewelry.

He licked his lips and positively wriggled in anticipation. "This is fantasic, Aubrey... wow... she.... she is going to have an aneurism." He smiled at her, inadvertantly showing off his ... 'impressive' teeth.

"Soo... I mean. How does this work? I just pick what you want and let you know? How long will it take to get here?"

Aubrey started to lead him back into the plush lobby. "First you pick a stone, then a setting that will fit. I'll make the order. I'm sure it might take a few weeks to put it together and shipped, but I'll expidite it any way I can."

He trotted happily after her, his nose already burried in the magazine as he flipped through the pages. Ambrose had fairly refined tastes, but he had never done anything quite like this before.

He glanced up to her between pages, nodding and making sure that he kept an ear open despite wanting to digest the information about cuts and clarity and color...

"Thank you so much... it... well, there's no SET Hurry, given ... well... we're not exactly going anywhere... And... you say I have... the $5000?"

"Yes. As promised, of course. I mean, its the least I could I suppose." She gave him a sad smile and offered for him to sit down on the sofas. She shifted in her chair, making herself comfortable. "I'm getting sick this thing," she muttered under her breath.

Ambrose walked over and took a seat with a welcome nod. "Ironic... I don't think this lobby is ever actually used as a waiting area, is it? I doubt anyone has even touched these magazines."

He looked over at the wheelchair. "How long... are you going to be in it? Ah.... will you be able to walk again?"

"I should be able to," she said. "Depends on the nerve damage, but my spine's okay. Its just I've had so much extensive surgery... its not all healed yet, and it hurts. Had to be put on a feeding tube and everything. But I'm healing much faster than would normally be possible. I'd be bedridden for months usually. Hopefully I can start physical therapy in a few weeks."

He nodded seriously. He had seen the wound - or at least a glimpse of it... and seen the amount of blood in the clearing. He was honestly surprised she was alive at all, let alone up and about with the chance to walk again.

"That's fantastic. I... I guess at least you guys really are making progress here..." His ears drooped and he looked thoughtful. "Is any of this... at least goign to go to some use? Even if Feral Labs doesn't reveal the whole 'turning into animals' thing?"

"Thats my plan, at least," she said with a nod. "Its just... tricky. We can't just fax over the results or something. We could cure cancer and the ******** FDA wouldn't let us market it if they knew human testing was involved!"

He nodded again. "Well.... I just hope some day you can... I mean... everyone's stuck here, aren't they? Me, you, the labtechs? Are we all going to be stuck here till we die? Or is there ever a chance? I mean... I know I've said so many times... and who knows, maybe I would be too much of a coward to even go home if given the chance... not after reminders like Nathan the other day. You should have seen the look of horror on his face..... or maybe you shouldn't have." He shook his head, he knew he was rambling, and to a lab tech. Even if it WAS Aubrey.

"You guys should start telling them in advance... so we don't have to." He gave a wry smile.

"To be honest, I don't know what the long distance future plans are. Everything's in Dr.Moreau's hands." She sighed and rolled her shoulders.

She gave a wry smile back. "But it makes things so much easier. AT least to start with. Remember I'm the one they end up calling -after- they figure out what's going on. The longer they can believe.. .maybe its for the better."

"Well, maybe they wouldn't call you panicked if you guys told them up front. Besides, it sure isn't easy on us. Or our confidences. I heard that Amaya ran into Alec for the first time, and they both ran away screaming." His ears flattened.

"And you don't know what the long term plans are...?" This didn't sit well with him. "Are there long term plans, or is this just Moreau's ant farm?"

"We have to keep the subjects controllable until we get the chip inserted and programed," she said simply. "Plus we don't want their first experience to be us having to strap them down like something out of a bad horror movie."

At his second question, Aubrey just gave a tiny shrugged and seemed to avert her eyes.

"Ah." He stated flatly. "Of course, the chip." His ears flicked back again and he sighed, starkly reminded of just how 'penned in' they were.

He glanced over at her disquiet. "Yeah... I was thinking that might be the case.... not that I suppose it really matters. Except that at that rate this will probably never stop. More peoples' lives being ruined to add to the 'collection'."

"Hey, do what that ring or not," she said, an obviously annoyed edge to her voice.

He looked down at the floor again. "I'm sorry." He sighed. "I just wish that more people here were like Colche. I know you feel the same way, right?"

"Aye," she said quietly.

The silence stretched for a few moments before Ambrose looked back at the catalogue. "Hey.... I do appreciate this. Thanks for looking out for me. For us."

"I do what I can," she said as a frown tugged at her mouth. "As long as I can," she added, almost a whisper.

He didn't like the sound of that very much either. "what do you mean?"

"As you've probably guessed, Moreau and I sometimes dissagree on the level of appropiateness my sympathies for you guys is."

"Yes..... from what I've heard I have gathered that much. Unfortuantely I suppose doing a job that requires as much.... moral flexibility as doing these sorts of things to people... I doubt that there are many sympathetic ears among the higher ups."

"Yeah, you could say that." She tapped her chin. "There's different ways to cope with it. Most scientists would just... detatch themselves. Me? I don't like who I am when I detatch too much. I mean... " she waved her hand, "Obviously I have to to a certain degree. But I can't just cut off how I feel completely." She frowned again slightly. "I didn't know the whole scope of the matter when I came, I'll admit. But I had my ideas. I knew... what I could possibly be getting myself into."

"I don't think you should detach yourself completely. I mean... if you're keeping yourself from realizing the actuality of what you're doing... that says something, yes?" He squirmed a bit in his seat, knowing just how thin of ice he was treading. "I mean... just try not to forget that despite what the labs are doing to us... we ARE still people. All of us. Just because we dont' have MDs.... doesn't make us any less of a person." He fidgeted with the magazine, pausing. "I know it must be overwhelming for you to think about. But it's doubly so for us."

"I never thought of you guys as less than people," she said, frowning.

He nodded. "I know about you... but the others...." He trailed off with a shrug. "The guards especially. It's demeaning."

"The guards..." she shook her head. "Most of them are ex-military. They have a drastically different calibration of what's a life."

He winced and nodded. "Lovely. Did you know that they call us 'critters'?"

"Yeah, I know. I think it just... helps them cope."

"The have very specific orders if it comes to... desperate mesaures."

A visable shudder passed over Ambrose, his hair standing on end for a moment. That was a beautiful mental image. Being conned into being cut away from his life, losing his humanity, AND the threat of death if one acted up. "Hrmm." He murmured, chilled.

Aubrey frowned but didn't say anything. She pulled a small golden ring out her pocket and looked at it casually why she waited on Ambrose.

Ambrose's eyes trailed over the ring, brows furrowing, not quite sure of its significance.

"Well.... I'm sorry." He sighed and after a pause, reached over and patted her knee gently. "I know you try. "

Aubrey jumped and quickly dropped the little ring in pocket, obviously a bit surprised at the contact. She blinked, but then tried to cover, smiling. "Thanks."

He nodded. "Well... I'm probably keeping you from something important." He started to get to his feet. Waving the catalogue, he put a smile back on his face. "And thank you again for this. I... this means a lot to me."

"Don't let her see that, you know. That'll ruin the surprise," she said with a smile.

He grinned. "Of course not! I'll be careful."

"Oh yeah!" she said, looking up. "I do want to tell you something."

He paused on his way out, turning curiously. "Hm?"

She rolled closer to him. "There's new doctor here. She's been, well, 'interviewing' some of the islanders and giving them pills. I don't what they are yet.. she has yet to write me a report."

His browline creased. "Pills? What... do you mean pills? Medicine?" He cocked his head.

"I'm not sure. But given this chick's history... I don't think its good. She gave it to Mr. Calder and said it was to help wit the pain of transformation, but he's no where near ready to change. Anyway, trust me. Just avoid her if you can, at least until I can get more information. I shouldn't be telling you this but... I don't like mind games."

He pursued his lips, an ear flicking back. "That... does sound fishy. She's new you say...? Hrmm. Thank you.. for the warning. I'll pass it on to Angelina. And Colche if I see her." He gave her a sincere smile.

"Thank you." She lowered her voice. "Might want to pass it people who have the pills, too. Or at least talk to them and report to me if you notice any drastic behavoir changes in them."

He nodded. " I appreciate you telling me.... " Ambrose knew well enough to take this warning to heart.

"I wish you a speedy recovery." He gave her a bit of a dramaticized bow with a grin. "Oh! I was thinking... there's a new person, Thom? He apparently was some sort of professional soccer player. I was talking with him and Alec about trying to start up a league for the islanders. It would be something fun to do. Is... there any good place to play? I'm afraid the beach might be too difficult for footing, and I don't know of any other area that's open enough."

"I don't know off the top of my head, but the construction workers should be cleared out within the week. There will probably be enough cleared terrain behind the new Duplexes."

His ears pricked. "Great! That would be wonderful." His mind paused for a moment at the thought of the new duplexes... meant new islanders. He had just met the fellow in 50. He had done a count long ago of how many there were. So just because the last one was filled didn't mean the end of the project.

But he had seen them being built. He knew what that meant. He breathed and sighed. focus on the positive. We all have our coping mechanisms......

"Thanks again, I want to go look through the catalogue. I'll let you know what I pick!"

Aubrey nodded. "Mainland order goes out in three days. If you can get it to me by then, would be great."

"I'll do my best!" He said with a smile and a wag.

Aubrey led him out, making sure he made it through the gates without problems.
 

[Ambrose Maurlias]

Secrets between Siblings
Of rings and princess cheetahs

Ambrose had just made it back to the village after another trek from the laboratories. He had been flipping through the catalogue on the entire walk back, and it certainly had helped pass the time, although even with his other senses aiding in his guidence, he had still nearly run into a tree a couple of times. It was also likely that his tail didn't stop wagging during the entire walk.

However, now back in the village, Ambrose was left with a conundrum. He couldn't just walk back into his duplex with the ring catalogue - that was far too obvious. And he couldn't just dump the magazine and tell aubrey later, he hadn't made a decision yet!

Whetting his lips, the solution suddenly occurred to him. Tail wagging, he headed to duplex 17 and knocked on the door.

Luckily for Ambrose, Colche was thoroughly ensconced in her book so she was home and flicking through pages. Sweet baby blue eyes went to the door and she tilted her head. "Open!" she called towards the door unsure of whom was there though it was most likely to be Josh returning. The man had promised they would get together at least once a day to woprk onher reading writing and speach. She grins and waits looking around for a moment for something to put on. Nothing was quite in reach though and she didn't wish to scrabble off in search of a T shirt so she simply sat up with her tail waving behind her and her ears twitching happily, she would just have to be as she was today though she had started to make an effort to look at least, presentable, when Josh turned up, though she wasn't entirely sure why.

Ambrose opened the door at the welcoming call, glad to catch the cheetah girl at home. "Hi Colche!" Ambrose said with a big toothy smile as he walked in, tail wagging behind him. "I haven't come to visit you in a while in your duplex..." He trailed off, noting that once again, she was clothes-less. At least, by this point, seeing the furry girl in the nude was not that strange of a sight. And she WAS alone in her own home.

"How have you been?" He trotted over to her and plopped down on the floor beside her.

Colche smiled broadly, it was big brother, just as good. A puurr echoed from her chest and she half pounce dhim as he sat giving him one of those sweetly flamboyant hugs. "Is good" She grins sittingin his lap without a moments hesitation. She looke dup at the big wolfy man those baby blue eyes perfectly innocent. se never did quite get the grasp that clothes made people less nervous. Strill,s he didn't think they were necessary especially since she wa ratehr hot with all the fur she now posessed.

"I gots learny man!" She giggles happily, she was obviously very pleased with 'having' a teacher and she had to of course inform Ambrose about him though she did fiddle with her hair a bit as she said it and almost looked shy "Him nice, learnings read an writes an speaks" A little puurr echoes from her cheast as she speaks her gaze fixed on her lap though she didn't take too long to stay in this strangely shy state of mind. "How big brother?" She grins broadly. It had been quite a while, she hadn't seen him since before she went to see Aubrey after all.

He blinked around a smile. "Learny man?" He glanced around to the books on her floor, and then his ears pricked. "A teacher? That's wonderful, Colche! I know how much you've been wanting to read some of these books." His tail thumped on the floor.

"I've been doing alright, actually. I think I scared someone the other day... he was new...." His ear flicked back. "But overall, I've been doing alright since the whole mess with the labs was apparently sorted out." He smiled, eager to tell her about his plans, but didn't want to immediately bypass catching up with his 'little sister' - it had been a little bit since they had seen eachother.

Colche giggled and noded "Uh huh pro..fessor" She grins broadly "Josh, him nice, learnings good" a delighted puurr escaped her chest as she spoke about Josh.It really was her dream come true him arriving here and being willing to teach her. "Him turn to giraffe, like melman" it was a statement she expected everyone to understand, the fact that not everyone had seen madigascar never crossed her mind.

"Ambrose not scary" she giggled nudging the big wolfy man with her nose "very purty" a huge grin spreads on her maw followed quite happily with another of those ever so girlie giggles.

"Hrmm, I don't believe I've met a Josh yet... but he sounds nice... and giraffe you say?" Ambrose boggled at that for a moment, also having difficulty picturing a giraffe-person. Not having seen Madagascar, Ambrose didn't catch the reference, but knew Colche's tendency to name people after characters.

He smiled again, smaller, at the compliment. "Thank you Colche. I wish everyone thought that. But back where I am from - and most of the people on the island, there arent' animal-people. And some stories portray them as scary. Like... like the bad wolves in some of the movies and stories you have read."

Colche puurred pretty constantly now the soft sound echoing sweetly from her chest as she looke dup at the man she called brother. She had never acctually feared Ambrose, or certainly couldn' remember ever being afraid of him. He had never given her reason to worry about him. "Ambrose not bad wolf." she nodded an affirmative "I knows" she smiles softly snuggling him just to solidify the fact that she knew he was a good wolf. "People silly, Ambrose always goods"

"After a few moments her attantion was caught by what seemed to be a book in Ambrose's paw like hand and she tilted her head "what thats?" she smiles brigthly, maybe big brother came to bring her a book?

Ambrose's heart always seemed to melt a little bit every time he saw Colche. It was one of the biggest things, he thought, that kept him honestly happy here - having someone like him to look up to him, to trust him, and to care after. "Thank you Colche.... you always know just what to say, even if you don't have all the words that everyone else does." He said with a stroke to her head. "Not everyone knows that, though, just from looking at me."

His eyes lit up at her query of the book he had brought with him, and he opened it up to show her. "Ahhhh! This! This is what I came to show you. Colche, is it in your stories that when a prince asks a princess to marry him, he gives her a ring?"

Colche grinned. She liked Ambrose alot he really was that big brother she had never had and she trusted him and loved him the way any little sister would. She knew some how he needed to be assured she would always think of him as a pretty and good big wolf. That would never change.

"Uh huh an' princess says YES!" she giggles happily, she had seen a few movies where the prince had proposed and the princess usually dove at him and hugged him to little bits. "is nice, roa..man..tikz" She bit her tongue not entirely sure if that was the correct way to say the word. but it was always really wonderful to watch, it was even better when the wedding happened, cause of course, theer was always cake and a party and pretty dresses! She peers at the magazine, curious now as to what was inside the glossy cover.

He grinned widely at her response. "Yes! And I am very much hoping that my 'princess' will say 'yes' as well!" His tail wagged, thumping against the stacks of books she had on the floor. "Yes, and it is supposed to be very romantic." He pronounced the word again for her.

"This is a catalogue of rings... I want to buy one for Angelina... and I am trying to decide which one to get." He flipped through some of the pages, showing different cuts of diamones - some round, some square- some long and oval-shaped. "There are just so many of them. I've seen several that I like.... but I also have a limit on how... uhm... expensive of a ring I can get... And I can't let Angelina know that I'm getting a ring for her, so she can't see this book."

"Ohh" Colche giggled looking at all the pretty rings, there were lots she too liked, diamonds, rubys, pearls, so many cuts so many shapes but her finger went to the one she liked best. "That one" She grinned, it was a simple enough ring, princess cut, though she didn't realise the significance of that, the clasp was gold with little blue gems set in to it. She grinned and gave a little giggle "That one purty" she whispers her ears fluttering a bit.

"I come when wedding Ambrose? Party an pretty dress?" She tilted her head softly a curious look inher sweet blue eyes. Aubrey had said she couldn't go when she and her prince were wed. "I be good promise" she grins then, a pleading look in her sweet baby blue gaze.

He smiled widely. It was a very pretty ring. "I like the blue... and I do like the cut. I was thinking maybe trying to get a platinum band, since she has never been fond of yellow gold. But.... I think you're right about the blue stones - sapphires - ... like her eyes." He felt his cheeks warm with a blush. "And that cut is called a..." He referenced it with a smile. "A princess cut."

He beamed at the cheetah girl at her second question. "Of COURSE you can come, Colche! I wouldn't imagine it any other way. I have talked to Father Stewart - the goat man? - and he said that he would be the priest for the wedding. " He put an arm around Colche amicabally. "Everyone will probably be invited. Maybe you will even be able to help out with the wedding - but we'll have to talk about it after Angelina says 'yes'.... assuming she does.." He didn't want to 'curse' it.

Colche giggled, princess cut. She grins "Angelina say yes" She nods a definate affirmative, she was convinced the lady would say yes, who could say no to ambrose? he was a gret prince!

The little cheetah girl smiled gently as Ambrose hugged ehr and she puurred "Moreau said I no go for when mommy married" She whispers, her ears flattening a bit though she turned her blue eyed gaze back on ambrose and smiled, she would be able to help? Grinning once again she giggled "I helps! be really good n helps lots" She smiles, at leasts he was allowed to go to one wedding though it still hurt a bit that she wasn't allowed to go to Aubreys wedding, going to big brothers wedding was nearlly as good.

He squirmed in excitement again, imagining Angelina's face when she saw the ring that he would buy. He got up quickly, grabbed the standard pen that came in the desks in the duplexes, and circled the princess cut, making a note on size and price, and the sapphire sets wtih a platinum band. "I.... well, I think she will, too. Thank you for helping me look at the rings, you have a good eye for them, and it helps to have a girl's opinion on the matter, I think." He tussled her long black hair.

He pondered the Aubrey wedding mention, he honestly hadn't even imagined Aubrey actually getting married. It was one thing to be engaged, a whole nother to marry the eccentric madman. "well.... they probably arent' going to be married on the island... they probably want to see their families.." His voice fell a few octives. He wished his parents could be there for HIS wedding..... "And none of us are allowed to leave the island."

He paused again, before shaking his head and forcing his eyes back to the catalogue, and the Colche's adorableness. "But I will be very happy to have my little sister there. And I will be certain to keep you informed."

Colche giggled and stood looking at the ring once again she gave an affirmative nod "Angelina like" she puurrs.

She didn't much want to think about Aubreys wedding, she had said it would be off the island. The mention of Aubreys family though made her wonder. She had never thought abotu it before,s he always assumed that Aubreys family was here, the way hers was.

"do soon okies" She grins and there wasd perhaps a slight cheeky look in those sweet blue eyes. She could sometimes be a tad mischevious, perhaps the cheetah was doing that to her, who knew. "an when married gets babies" She giggles a huge grin spreading accross her maw "I wants see"

He grinned. "Well, it's not just up to me, but I will try." He promised with a nod, though he blanched at the mention of babies. "Thooouuguh-erg... uhm... I don't know about babies yet." He gave a nervous chuckle. "But.... when-WHEN we do... I promise you will see."

Hooo... one thing at a time! "But, I was wondering, Colche. Could you keep this magazine for me? I don't want her to see it and ruin the surprise - and you can't tell her, okay?"

Colche Looked surprised "Secret!" she giggles taking the magazine from him and nodding "Okies I no tells!" a very firm nod shakes her head though she couldn't help but giggle. he hoped Ambrose would do it soon. Secrets were very hard to keep!

"Ah, good then. You do know what a secret is." He smiled. "I wasn't certain. But I promise to try to do it soon, but it will probably take a couple of weeks to order the ring. And of course I have to tell Aubrey which one I want first."

He set the magazine back down and stood up. "I will be certain to do that soon."

He started to head for the door before stopping. "And thank, you Colche - but one other thing. Aubrey gave me a warning today at the labs I wanted to pass to you. She said that there was a new doctor there. A lady doctor, but she's a Bad person. She... didn't say exactly why, but that she was giving medicine that she doesn't think is good."

A bad doctor? She frowned "okay" she whispers her tail twitching slightly in irritation. Aubrey woudn' let this bad doctor at her, would she? Her brow creased and she padded after Ambrose hugging him. Giving a final smile to he rbig brother she nodded once again, be careful of new doctor and bad medicine. She knew what medicine was of course, the lady at the cafeteria had given her pain killers before. She would be careful. Though she couldn't help but wonder what bad medicine would do.

He nodded seriously. "Good, we'll both be careful, in that case. And I will look out for you too, of course." He bent down to eye-level with Colche. "And you know where to find me if you ever need me, okay?" He gave her another hug.

"Have fun with your reading! And you will have to introduce me to Josh sometime."

Colche nodded snuggling her big brother back. She gave a giggle "You like josh" she whispers releasing him so he could go his own way. She wanted to get back to her book. Josh was proud of her for reading so much, for trying so hard, she didn't want to let him down.

"I'm sure I will." He responded. He held her for a moment, happy with the way things were proceeding. Finally, stepping back, he gave her a wave. "Take care, Colche - and I will see you about!" And with that, he headed back to his duplex.

The little cheetah girl waved for a few moments befor vanishing back in to her duplex with a grin on her face. What a wonderful secret she had to keep, she just couldn't wait until it happened, for now though, it was back to her book though her mind was full of white weddings.  

[Angelina Swanson]

Oh s**t a snake

Cassidy was just on her way out of the cafeteria, clutching a small paper plate with a large cut of meat on it, nice and rare. She had every intention of taking this back to her duplex and consuming it in relative privacy, as she usually took her meals these days.

She paused just outside, tasting the air. The weather was, despite everything else, maddeningly nice.

Angelina was on her way in, stopping and blinking as she saw Cassidy. She had seen her around the village before, but it was still a strange sensation. Turn a corner and WHAM - giant snake monster. And she still couldn't skake this.. almost guilty feelings whenever she saw someone very far gone. Like a form of suvivor's guilt or something. Everytime someone looked at her with their animal-eyes a part of her cringed, wondering if they somehow resented her for her normalcy.

She mentally shook herself off. "Hi! Uhm, Cassidy, isn't it?" Angelina gave a smile and held out a hand.

"Ah, yes. It is. Angelina?" Cass took the proffedeeppink hand and shook it carefully with her free hand. Every time she saw Angelina, as rare as those occassions were, she expected new fur, or scales, or feathers, or... well, something. It was sort of refreshing to see someone stay human, if a little shaming. "How are you doing?"

"Yes, Angelina." She shook the hand. "I'm okay. Just..looking for something to do. I swear I'm going crazy here without the internet." She chuckled and shook her head. Her eyes went to her plate, curiously.

"I know the feeling. I need a hobby, myself." Cassidy cleadeeppink her throat nervously as she caught Angelina's gaze. "This is, um. My supper, I guess. I was going to go... well, it'd probably freak people out if I ate it in front of them. I mean, it freaks me out quite enough." She shrugged, trying to downplay just how much it bothedeeppink her. "I guess it's... kind of a weird diet, though."

Angelina shook her head. "Oh, I've gotten used to it. You should see Ambrose eat... its crazy." She tried to sound as supportive as possible. "Do you eat it whole? I'm actually kind of curious. I had pet snakes at home... I miss 'em."

"Um." The bit of scaleless skin on Cass's face flushed slightly. Interest in her odder habits was not something she had ever encountedeeppink before. "I do eat it whole. No molars anymore."

And then the other half of that finally hit home. "Pet snakes? On purpose?" She could not stifle a faint shudder.

Angelina nodded. "Yeah. Corn snakes." She tilted her head. "You're afraid of snakes? Still? That can't be easy for you."

"Not as bad as I was." Cass nervously tapped the edge of her plate. "I mean, I used to freeze up and panic if I saw a picture of a snake... I don't do that anymore. And I can mostly handle my reflection in the morning. But real snakes still give me the creeping horrors."

"Really?" She thought for a second. "Have you ever heard of corn snakes. They're really cute. I mean... you're looking at me like I'm crazy - but they are!" She smield, remember her "babies." They're really colorful. And they have these big eyes and smooth faces. They almost look like fish, ya k now? They don't have thebig pits on their faces, or the diamond shaped or anything."

The idea of liking snakes was a very alien concept to Cassidy, but Angelina certainly seemed sincere enough. "I've heard of corn snakes," she said slowly. "Those are those orange ones, aren't they? They're not poisonous?"

"Yeah, most are orange. With deeppink and black patterns. They're really pretty! White bellies, very vibrant. Like .. when all the tree leaves turn in fall. And nope, harmless as kittens. They're really laid back and they learn to respond to their owners." An idea was forming in her head as she watched for Cass's reaction.

"Really?" This was a lot more than Cassidy had ever cdeeppinkited to a snake, and she was clearly a little doubtful on the subject. "But... they're..." She shook her head. At least she knew from personal experience that snakes weren't actually slimy. "Weird," she settled on.

"You know you could maybe ask the techs for one! You know... as a pet. It might help, ya know?

Cassidy stadeeppink. "I could... ask... for a snake." This was a baffled statement, not a question. "And... I'd have to feed it... what, little mice and things? And..." She put a hand against her head. "What if it got out oh god."

Well, she had been thinking about finding herself a hobby. This hadn't really been what she'd had in mind.

Logically, she knew that phobias were treated with desensitization, and she'd already had a certain degree of that, herself. Actually having a pet snake was a huge step, but if she could do that... maybe she wouldn't lose her mind. "But I don't know how to look after a snake," she said at last. "I'd kill it."

"I could help!" Angie offedeeppink quickly. "Really, its insanely easy. You just have to make sure they have water and feed 'em like... once a week. Corns would be fine in this weather without much help." She looked excited about the prospect now. "And I could feed it, you know, if you didn't want to watch at first." She knew most people were uncomfortable with feeding a pet another cute animal, but most people eventually got curious and come to terms with it. "And if you =really= can't handle it.. I could take it."

"You'd help? Really? Because I don't think I could do something like that by myself. Maybe later. But not yet." Cassidy was, slowly, beginning to be intrigued by the idea, although it was still overshadowed with intense apprehension. "You think they'd actually give me a snake? I guess I never actually got to touch the money from that one paycheck..."

"yeah, I'd love to!" Angeina said happily. "And its okay... its normal to be scadeeppink at first. Especially if you're frightening. But I think it would help, you know. Being around one, seeing it every day. Hell, you'll probably even grow attatched to it."

She shrugged. "I dunno for sure. But I mean, they've given people iPods and XBoxes. Corn snakes dont cost very much. You should probably ask Aubrey, she's the nicest one."

"Well, I don't think I could ask Moreau himself, and Duvert just... he's kind of weird." Cass shrugged vaguely. "I'll think about it, I guess. It's not something I'd want to do on a whim. I wouldn't get a cat or a dog on a whim, after all. Besides, I'd really need to work myself up to it."

Angelina nodded. "Well I can help if you have any questions. Maybe you could read up on them in the books, too. Though stay away from venomous snakes. Some of those look pretty scarey."

Cass shuddedeeppink. "And they can kill you, which is way too much. Too much." She shook her head. "I'll look," she promised. "And I'll think about it. And I'll find you if I need you." Oh, good lord. She wasn't actually seriously considering this, was she? She was. Oh, christ, she was. She'd lost her mind.

"Awesome!" she exclaimed. "Well, I'll leave you to eat then. I don't have to watch if it makes you uncomfortable." She gave an understanding nod.

With a small, thankful smile, Cass started to turn away. "Thanks, Angelina. I really will think about this." She began her awkward slither towards her duplex, puzzling this new idea out.

Angelina waved, then continued into the cafeteria to get herself something to eat  

[Sabin Duvert]

It's been months. Over six of them to be precise. Six months of waiting on pins and needles waiting for it. It's been that everpresent promise on the horizon. It's happened to EVERYONE else that you've met. You've seen people, new faces since your arrival fall prey to the labs' changes, degrading more to beasts as you see them in and out over the months. People that came after you. Even your own boyfriend has fallen further along that path since your arrival.

And through it all you've remained untouched. No fur has graced your arm, no scale or feather. For a while, you almost throught you had beaten it. Then you started to get sick. Sick from not changing, they had said. They'd even pulled you into the labs to try to figure out what was wrong with you, only to have inconclusive results, and telling you nothing, other than to call you back again and again.

There was guilt, guilt that you would be the only "normal" one... as beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all - would the others think that you were one of THEM? One of the staff? Or would they just secretly resent you, be jealous of you? As they watched their own reflections mirror back those of beasts, you remained the sole human.

Until tonight.

It starts with a nauseus feeling... you feel off-center... ill. A headache. Maybe a reaction to all the various injections and treatments that they've been giving you.... but then with another wave of disorientation, you look down and.... something's different. Your fingernails have grown. You almsot doubt your eyes - it has been a while since you trimmed them... but then your ears feel funny, patterns begin to spread over your skin, at your shoulders, down your back. It's almost unnoticable, but the areas of skin feel... strange, sore as the melanin collects ... around your eyes... the tips of your ears.... which then begin to hurt as they stretch - it feels as if there were clamps tugging at them, lengthening them.

Then, as if it almost seems like it's over.... a pain collects at the base of your spine, you can feel throughout your whole body the grinding as the bones in your coccyx unfuse and lenthen, push out as the mass of bone divides into distinct vertebrae, and push out as a bony protrusion which itches and hurts.... and then thick grey and black fur blossoms over it all the while it grows.

Finally the changes settle, and leave you .... one of the rest of them.

 

[Ambrose Maurlias]

Angelina's First Change

It was later in the evening by the time Ambrose finally made it back to his own duplex, catalogue successfully left in a secure location, his mind swimming wiht the rings, the plans, and the potential. It had been a long day, but not an unpleasant one, despite some more serious conversations.

He was surprised, however, when he came back 'home' to his duplex, that Angelina wasn't there yet. But he was happy to see her getting out more, opening up to some of the other islanders.

So, to kill time, he took the chance of Angelina's absence to take a shower - the island was hot and he had walked to and from the labs earlier, hoping by the time that she got home that he would be more presentable

Angelina made her back from the cafeteria, brining a plate full of meat back for Ambrose. She heard the shower running when she stepped in, and a smile crept over her face. She put the plate of food down on the table and stripped off her clothes. Trying to be quiet, she made her way into the steamy bathroom, slipping into the water stream behind her furry lover. "Boo!" she said, not really trying to sound scarey.

Ambrose, however, was completely lost in thought, imagining out how his plans would unfold, and over the sound of the water and it steam filling the room masking scents, Ambrose was entirely unprepared to be joined in the shower. He jumped, and nearly slipped as he turned quickly, only to breathe a bemused sigh with a rueful grin at the short brunette.

"You trying to give me a heart attack, Angelina?" He reached out and gave her a wet tussle of her hair.

"NO! What happened to your keen senses," she teased, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Where ya been?"

He stuck out his tongue "Drowned by the water, that's where." He hugged her back, proceeding to share his wetness with her. "And I've been... out." He responded cryptically, but was unable to keep the smile from his face. "What about you?"

"Out?" She gave him a skeptical look. "I've been around. Got somethin to eat. Oh! I ran into Cassidy." She nodded, looking proud of herself. "I think I convinced her to get a pet snake!"

"Oh really?" He looked surprised. "I know she used to be terrified of snakes... despite all appearances. Is she still?" It had never occurred to him that she might still have problems with other snakes.

"Yeah, she still does?" Angelina grabbed the shampoo and began to lather it into her hair. "Isn't that strange? But I sung the praises of corn snakes. And she's actually considering it"

He nodded, continuing to wash the remnant soap from his fur. "I remember the corns you used to have. They..." he chuckled. " I admit they kind of creeped me out at first, but you get used to them. They're almost cute. But I hope she does - it would probably be good for her."

"Almost cute? They're adorable and you know it."

A wave of naseua crept over Angelina suddenly, causing her to shudder a bit. But she shook her head off and continues to soap herself up, taking considerably less time to do so than Ambrose and his ample fur. "I brought you leftovers."

He grinned teasingly. "I guessss so." He playfully consented.
His ears pricked at the mention of food. "Really? Wonderful! I'm starving - I haven't eaten in a while." He finished rinsing and shut off the water after she had finished using it, oblivious to her passing nausea. Grabbing a towel, he stepped out of the shower.

Angelina leaned over, ringing out her hair. "A while? Three? Four hours?" She gave a teasing grin and followed him out, drying her hair off quickly with a towel before wrapping it around herself. Grabbing a hairbrush she wandered back into the main area of the room.

The wave hit her again, and she steadied herself on the chest of drawers. "Is it...really hot in here to you?" she asked, her voice wavering alittle.

He screwed his face petulantly and stuck his tongue out again. "Haha. I can go longer than that..... I just eat a lot when I do." He smacked at her with the towel.

As he was drying himself he saw her wobble and cocked his head in concern. "Hot...? No... actually not really.. at least not after the shower, and I tend to keep the AC pretty low here..... why?" His voice whispered in concern as he went to her side.

"I just think the hot water must have gone to my head," she waved off. Her head was feeling swimming. She tried to shake it off again and went towards the bed, but stumbled on the way there. She managed to catch herself, however, and sunk onto the matress. "Oi." Her face screwed up in pain as she went to rub her temples.

"Angelina?!?" His voice took a note of worry and panic as he dropped the towel and immediately went to her side, hands steadying her shoulders. "What's wrong.. are you okay? Take a seat, lie down..."

"I'm fine... I just... I feel kinda sick at the mome- ouch." A little prink on her temple caused her to pull her hands back and look. Her eyes went WIDE as she stared down at her hands. Her nails seemed longer and black...and be damned if it didn't look like they were growing longer...as she looked at them.

The realization crashed around her suddenly and she felt faint. "Oh my god..."

His ears lowered to the side as he watcher her closely, smoothing her hair back from her forehead.

"What.. what is it... are you sick aga-" His voice cut off as his eyes caught the change in her nails and widened to what looked like double their normal size. "It's.... my god... you're changing." His heart felt like it was hammering in his chest - it had happened to him before three times now... but the whole while Angelina had remained the same, untouched....

He had seen Vasile change before, at least.. maybe he could help... how could he help? There was no medicine here and he didn't want to leave her side to get it.

"Here... just... just lie down..." At least she wasn't dressed yet, she would probably be more comfortable like that - and who knew what would happen. He tried to keep the panic out of his voice, the last thing she needed was to hear HIM scared.

Then he glanced at the intercom. Perfect! "Hold on JUST one moment!" He dashed over and hit 1-4-#.

Vasile put down the catalouge he was peering at and looked over to his itercom with a flick of his ear. He hopped up and went over. "Yeah?"

Meanwhile, Angelina started to shake- because of the transformation or panic she wasn't sure herself. She didn't feel like lying down. Not yet. She wasn't going to take this laying down. "But.... but... its been so long." Her nails darkened into a hardened caramal color, but before she could stare at them much longer her skin started to crawl. All down her shoulders and back she began to itch. "Argh," she called with angered exasperation. She began to claw at herself, squeezing her eyes shut as her ears and base of her spine began to throb.

Ambrose was quick, to the point, and commanding over the intercome. "Vasile! QUICK - run to the town hall - get medicine - Angelina's Changing!"

He didn't even stay by the intercom to bother with a response, he was back by Angelina's side, kneeling by the bed. "Oh god... oh god.... I know... I know.. Try not to itch.... you'll just hurt yourself." he grabbed the spare blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders, rubbing it against her skin.

Vasile blinked at the intercom, not particularly liking being barked at. Or doing a favor for his girlfriend ( -.-' ) but he knew it was the right thing to do. He was out the door in a moment, jogging down to the town hall.

Angelina meanwhile clenched her teeth, giving Ambrose a good view at the lengthened canines. Black spots began to form under her skin, as if moles or something similar. The formed around her shoulders and down her spine. She learned heavily into the blanket, the rubbing offering only small release as thin, grey fuzz sprouted over the area the spots were forming.

She let out a try as her ears lengthened, and the pain in her spine went from a throb to a sharp pain.

Vasile barrled through the door, a bottle of pills in hand. "Hey I got the - oh! " His eyes went wide seeing the unclothed Angelina, and quickly tried to avert them, more for Ambrose;s sake than his own. "Here' He said, shaking the bottle at Ambrose.

Ambrose did the best he could, talking as evenly as he could as she changed. "It will be okay.. I know it hurts.... Dear lord I know it hurts... But I'm here, and it's temporary. It will pass." As he kept rubbing at her with the blanket. He looked up quckly as Vasile bolted in with a huge look of relief and appreciation.

"Vasile - thank you so much!" He didn't seem concerned at the moment with Angelina's nudity and took the pills, quickly referencing the dose and upping it a little bit, and tried to get them into Angelina's mouth. "here... swallow these... it will help!"

Angelina swallowed them with a bit of effort, squirming as the last of the changes came over her. "Owowowowowowo.." she chanted as she finally collasped over on the bed, trying to releieve the pressure. From the small of her back the tail sprang forward, pushing out, hairless at first, but quickly sprouting, starting at the tip. For a first change, the tail was rather long, and bushed out with thick fur.

Vasile squirmed as he watched, handing by the door.

His eyes were glued to the growing tail - morbidly unable to pull away from seeing his girlfriend transforming. It was finally happening, and he was here for it.... It set all of his fur on edge, he knew the pain, and at least he knew that she had been... prepared for it -seeing him change previously. But it was one thing to see it happen, and a completely differnet to have it happen to you. And there was no way of knowing whether the end was soon or not.

"Hang in there... Oh god, I know tails hurt..." He gripped her hand, wincing, but allowing her to dig her new claws into his hand.


Angelina did so, coming close to, if not, drawing blood on his harm with her new nails. She panted heavily, but the pain started to ebb away as the tail finished. Leaving her feeling exhuasted and sore. And for some reaosn, a bit embrassed. She became slightly aware of Vasile's presense, and tried to cower in her towel, inching behind Ambrose like a scared child, pulling her knees up in a kind of fetal position.
Ambrose did his best to hold back whimpers as her new, kitten-sharp claws dug into his hands, but he stayed focus, using his other hand to alternatingly smooth back her hair or rub her witht he blankets.

Finally, her muscles seemed to relax, and her deathgrip on his hand laxened and he carefully extricated it, shaking it to bring blood flow back to it as he beathed deeply and sat down next to her, helping to wrap her in the blankets - to shield her both from Vasile and her own eyes. "Shhh.... shh.... I... I think it's over..." His eyes looked over her face - it wasn't that different - not yet. Her ears were longer, her teeth pointed, and some darkened areas around her eyes. After getting over the differences, Ambrose actually found himself intrigued by the features - they were exotic, eyecatching.

"You... you are still beautiful" He breathed before she could even ask.

Angelina's chin quivered for a moment before she broke into racking sobs, buring her face in Ambrose's chest. She was overcome with emotion - just overcome and at a loss for how to feel. She felt strange and different being one of the only ones not changed... and she hated waiting every day to see if would happen. But at the same time, now, it was frustrating. An overwheling sense of doom. Of finality. It was happening and there was no going back now. No little glimmer of hope that maybe was overlooked. Or could ever go home.


Vasile slipped out quietly, knowing they needed to be alone. He tried to catch Ambrose eye so he could give a weak wave before he headed out wordlessly.

Ambrose caught Vasile's look and gave him a sincere, appreciative nod before turning his full attention to Angelina.

Cradling her in his arms, he rocked back and forth on the bed, trying to engulf her in his presence. "Let it out.... like you always told me, yes? It's just going to hurt if you keep it inside.." He spoke gently.

Given the others he had seen, he was glad that for a first change, it did not appear that hers was overly rough. She still looked very much like herself, and while her tail had grown immensely and was likely very painful, that was the worst of it. But the changes weren't subtle enough to deceive her to the pain that would likely come with later changes.

And, after looking at all of the photographs in the books in the entertainment room, he recognized the grey and black pattern of spots on her back, the ringed tail. Angelina's quiet worry that they would 'run out' of genet and turn to something horrid were layed to rest.

Angelina just sobbed for a couple of mintutes before they subsided into sniffles. She pulled away, peices of Ambrose fur stuck all over her wet face as she grabbed a towel to try and dry her face off. "I'm sorry," she hiccuped out. "Oh god, it really happened didn't it...?"

He gave a small smile, seeing his shed fur all over her face, and chuckled, assisting her with removing it.
"Yeah... yeah it did." He responded quietly. The whole atmosphere of the room seemed.... odd, almost dreamlike. It was difficult to know whether to be relieved or mournful - and Ambrose as on pins and needles, not wanting to jump to a reaction before he knew how she felt about it or he could potentially make things that much worse.

She looked down at her hands forlornly, wiggling her finger and examining the thickened nails. She hunched over a bit, looking at her toenails which looked similar. "How bad is it?"

He gave her an honest smile in response. "It really isn't. You still look like you. The features actually seem to almost... accent you?" He ran his hand over her hair again.

"Accent me?" She tilter her head, her eyes glacing at the mirror in the bathroom, but she made no attempt to move.

He nodded and gave a small shrug. "I think that would be a good word for it. The changes are... peripheral, accentuizing. They give you a rather exotic look, actually. I... I'm not sure if that's what you want to hear, though..." He flustered, selfconsciously.

She scratched at the fuzz on her shoulders nervously. "Guess it means it could have been worse," she whispered with a small shrug.

He nodded. "It looks like they didn't run out of 'genet' after all." He rubbed against the side of her cheek with his fuzzy knuckle.

She gave a weal smile. "Guess not." She still didn't know quite howto feel. Hesitantly she wandered over to the full length mirror, dropping her towel along the way.

He followed after her, reflecting in his mind how eerie it felt... they had only been in the room less than an hour previous... and how different things had been - unsuspecting, just enjoying eachothers' company. The last time Angelina had been completely human.

He hung back in the doorframe as she walked in, eyes taking in the peach-fuzz fur that traveled down her back, the faint spots... the tail...

The view wasn't too bad from the front. Angelina leaned forward and examined her eyes, her ears. She ran her fingers around the mole-like black dots on the shin of her shoulders. She rans her hands over the peachfuzz fur and shivered. Ambrose would notice the shiver travel down her tail, making the fur puff out a bit before settling down. She turned around and looked over her shoulder, a small gasp of surprise escaping her lips as the transformation was much more prominent from the back. The peachfuzz grey fur passed all down her spine, slowing getting thicker until her thick ringed tail. She seemed to concetrate for a moment, and her tail waved slowly, unsteadily, back and forth - slightly raised.

Ambrose was quiet through her examination, knowing how personal it was... taking in alien features and identifying them with yourself. He remembered his own initial examination, nowhere near as calm. Before he knew the full story of the island and becoming a .... wolf had blindsided him, broken his view of the world. He was glad that he could have been here for her, but still - despite knowing Angelina's opinions on being here, being with him.... he felt pangs of guilt in seeing her changed, knowing that while this change wasn't bad it only was the herald of more to come.

He was also frought with a sense of familiarity as she moved her tail willingly for the first time. An action that he was sure would become routine in the days.... months... years to come, feeling overshadowed with a sense of the permanency of their stay on the island.

"You'll.... get used to it.... the tail I mean." He murmured quietly. "It will probably hurt for a few days, however."

"Yeah its kind of sore," she admitted, letting it lang back limply behind her. She watched herself for a few more minutes before sighing and heading back over to the bed, slumping ontop her stomch and burying her head in a pillow*

Ambrose trailed after her, crawling onto the bed beside her. He whimpered, seeing her like this, and gave into his impulses to nuzzle up next to her, licking at her longer ears and pressing his cold nose against her cheek as his tail thumped on the bed.

Her temple muscles flexed, as if trying to flick her ear back. She giggled a bit despite herself, and looked up at him. She gaze a tired smile, wrapping her arouns around his neck.

He smiled at her giggle, and snuggled up closer to her as she wrapped her arms around his neck, encircling her waist with his. "I'm here for you. Anything you need. Always, okay?"

She kissed him lightly. "I know." She smiled back at him. "Its just.. weird. Knowing... there's no going back, ya know?"

He nodded. "I know exactly what you mean. But... to be honest? You're not that far gone now. Even if you did 'get back' you're normal enough - amputate the tail, crop the ears... you could easily pass for normal." He smiled. "I realized after my second change that that wasn't an option for me anymore. But... once it starts... I don't think there's any stopping the changes.."

Angelina shook her head. "I just meant... going back to how I used to look. I wouldn't go home if I could. Not without you."

He held her closer, burrying his snout in her clevage. "Well then.... I guess it doesn't matter if you changed or not then... because I already was." He muffled into her bosom. "But... you're right."

She made a noise that was caught somewhere between a squeal and a meow, wiggling. "That tickes," she giggled, her goosebumps frazzling what little fur she had.

He laughed, smiling wide at the sound and her thin fur set on edge. "Sorry" He chortled, trailing his blunt claws down her side, hoping to distract her mood

She wiggled more, closer to him. "Wonder what the others are gonna think."

"They're going to think that the wolfman is one lucky son of a b***h." He grinned.

She blushed slightly. "It does kind of look neat, doesn't it?"

He nodded. "Perhaps I'm partial... or I've been surrounded by animal people too long... or the fur is getting into my brain.... but I think so."
"And that's what counts, right?"

"Of course, baby," as she said, then planted a kiss on his nose.

He murred, snuggling closer again and kissing her neck softly.  

[Ambrose Maurlias]

Hard Truths and More New Arrivals
In which Ambrose meets Kikue and answers some difficult questions

Yamamoto Kikue

Kikue had finished unpacking and had eaten most of her meals in her room. Sushi did well packaged up and kept in the fridge. Still, she knew she had to get out and explore some more, so she resolved to sit on the wooden landing of her duplex and watch the goings-on in the village square below.

She had brought her book with her, Prinz und Rabe. She cradled the book lovingly in her lap, her yukata fabric in folds around it. The story began, as it always did... "Once upon a time...a man died."

She settled back against the side of her duplex, already lost to the story.

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose, meanwhile, had also been spending most of his time in his own duplex, caring to Angelina after the changes had finally gotten to her. The days had passed something akin to a dream - he had knows, somewhere deep down that she couldn't remain unaffected forever - to think that would only set them up for a more traumatic fall when she DID change. But as the weeks had stretched to months, it had left them in a strange feeling of limbo - between gratefulness and anxiety.

Now, one of 'the rest of them', Angelina was slowly coming to terms with her adjusted identity - no longer the "other" - the one who wasn't changing, and no longer fully human. She preferred to stay indoors for the time being, not yet ready to face the others, wanting to get used to it herself before dealing with the reactions of others. Ambrose had stayed with her, but made trips to the cafeteria to bring them both back something to eat - that and the trips out gave him a chance to stretch his legs and get some fresh air away from the terse atmosphere inside.

It was one of those very trips to the cafeteria that brought Ambrose from his duplex. Stepping out of his downstairs unit - the one that displayed the number one and thus boasted the earliest resident - he stretched, arms above his head and tail sticking straight out of the short khaki pants that he worse. Giving a quick shake, he didn't even stop to look at who else might be seated around the village benches as he started to make his way towards the cafeteria.

Yamamoto Kikue

Kikue noticed Ambrose immediately. Although he was nearly on the other side of the village from her, having the first number in the line of duplexes, she heard the snap of a door as he left his duplex and pattered down the stairs. Looking up from the pages of her book, she wtched him curiously, seeing the distinctly advanced animalistic features jutting out painfully from every area of his body. He did, indeed, look like a wolf crossed with a man, walking on two wolfish legs with paws instead of feet. She was transfixed. Jamal had not nearly been so far along.

Quickly, she closed her book and placed it under her good arm. Stepping lightly dwon the landing stairs, she strode towards the mess hall, where the wolf-man appeared to be heading. She didn't wave this time, remembering the gesture had only served to irritate Jamal previously.

I can't believe how much he looks like a wolf. It's like an old story of the werewolf. Can he talk? It didn't occur to her until now, but she had no idea if serums stripped you of your voice. She slowed her pace, hopeful he would see her and make the first move.

Ambrose Maurlias

Indeed, as Kikue approached him, the movement caught his eye.

He paused for a moment, ears tilting backwards in hesitation. She was still human and he didn't recognize her and thus there was the chance that she was uninformed, the encounter with Nathan was still fresh on his mind. However, the curious look in her eye and her purposeful stride begged a different story - either she had been told, or she was under a good enough lie for his appearance not to startle her. He hoped the former, but even the latter was preferable to Nathan's reaction of horror, calling him a werewolf, and nearly drowning in attempts to get away from the 'maneating beast'.

His ears angled forward again, and his tail lifted as his confidence built, distracted at least for the moment from his short trek to the cafeteria.

"Hello?" He ventured with a small smile and a quick wag of his tail.

Yamamoto Kikue

Relief spread through Kikue. He could talk! Perhaps the serums left certain human traits intact. She hadn't even thought of losing her voice, but thought terrified her. Seeing the man address her was a welcome gesture.

She slowed her pace further until she was closer to him, stopping as she held her book to herself. "Hello," she said, sounding cheerful. "I hope I didn't startle you. I just saw you walking and I was outside reading...I thought I might come and say hello." She still didn't know what to expect with the serums; if some wariness to outright humans was in there somewhere, like most wild animals. She fidgted for a moment, a bit unsure of what to do in that case. "I'm new," she explained, "but I know about the Island." Kikue gave the man a bit of a nervous, soft smile. "I've only met two others so far. My name is Kikue."

Ambrose Maurlias

The wolfman gave a light chuckle as he walked over to her, intentionally remaining as nonthreatening as he could manage. "You startle me?" He shook his head and smiled in bemusement, his tongue lolling in a rather canine fashion. His voice, despite his bestial appearance, was very clear, and his American dialect rather refined.

"No, I was honestly worried that I might have had the opposite reaction in you, given that, well, I had apparently accurately assumed that you are new." He gestured vaguely at her, trying not to be quite as blunt, but the meaning of his words were pretty obvious.

"I'm glad to hear that you've already been informed." He continued. "It... is never easy to have to be the one to explain the ups and downs.... or deal with the reactions of people who tend to jump to the conclusion that you might like to eat them.." His ears pressed back against his head for a moment again.

"It is nice to meet you Kikue, although I'm sure that you would agree with me in wishing that it were under better circumstances. My name is Ambrose." He smiled - although the gesture on a canine muzzle, pulling back his lips to reveal long, sharp teeth, may not necessarily have the disarming affect that was implied.

Yamamoto Kikue

Kikue realized the somewhat ridiculous notion that she might be the one to startle Ambrose. After all, he had a wolf's ears and nose, and probably what went along with those senses. The potential fact interested her, and she looked at face inquisitively. She broke into another small smile. "I guess I should take into account what the others already have, but I find it difficult, granted that we are both human." She resisted the childish urge to stand up on tip-toe and pet his long nose in a reassuring way. How strange it was to talk like this!

She moved her book to her side, sighing. "I know. I wish the circumstances were better myself. I only found out about this place a few days ago." She held up her broken hand, still bandaged, as if to indicate why she was here. "I'm supposed to be getting therapy for my hand. I was just a little surprised to find a person who looked half like a tiger on my way to the mess hall the first day."

Ambrose might still be on an errand there. She nodded at the building. "I'm not sure if you have time to talk or not...if you're busy getting food." She didn't want to impose on people, no, but she did want to learn more about this man. He seemed open to discuss what was happening...and that was what she needed. Answers.

Ambrose Maurlias

He visably relaxed, the smile returning to his face when she commented on their mutual humanity. While she appeared young, she seemed to have a very good head on her shoulders, and for only having gotten here a few days ago was either coping marvelously or repressing a lot. "Don't worry about borrowing my time. You'll likely find out soon enough that very little operates on a schedule here. With no work or jobs to speak of, we have nothing but time."

"I appreciate your insight. Granted, many others do not have the foreknowledge that I used to be like them... And I'm sorry that you had to wind up here, and on such... deceptful pretenses. I've been here for... about nine months now..." He said with a surprised and somewhat remorseful tone. "I signed up for a medical study - supposedly a two week endeavor to test a new physical enhancer to aide the disabled...." He shook his head with a grumble. "They'll say anything to get you here it seems..."

He hesitated at the mention of a tiger, looking at her warily. "Tiger...? Jamal..? Ah... he dind't... do anything did he? You might want to be careful around him - he's got quite the temper, and has hurt people on more than one occasion."

Yamamoto Kikue

"Jamal?" She looked curious immediately. "Actually, no, he was very civil with me...he told me about the Island. I think I annoyed him at first, because I kind of interrupted him on his way here, to the mess hall. He was very straightforward but I liked that, in a way. He told me about the serums." She mulled over Ambrose's information carefully. She could probably see Jamal lashing out at people; she believed about him having a temper. But he hadn't raised a hand -- er, paw -- against her at all. Kikue shifted uneasily on her feet. "I see..." Maybe it was the serum. A tiger. Weren't they the strongest of the cats?

Nine months. He's been here nine months. And no jobs here...all the time in the world. Thank gods I brought my textbooks.

Kikue gestured toward her duplex. "I've been inside mostly...I've had a little trouble sleeping." She hesitated on explaining her roster idea. It sounded a little silly now, but she knew it was important. But still...more about the serums. She needed to know that, too.

Flciking her grey eyes toward the top of the mess hall, she shielded her face from the sun and looked back to Ambrose. "I take it they're constantly watching us. Right? I wonder if you might talk to me about the serums...I still don't know a lot about them...I found out what mine was but, I still don't think I'm very able to predict what this is going to be like..." Gods. And he looked so much like a wolf. Not that Kikue was afraid of him, but she knew such changes would come, inevitably, to her too.

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose looked surprised by the news of Jamal being civil given the rumors he had heard about him recently, but not unpleasantly so. Perhaps he was overcoming some of his own negative reactions to the serums?

"I'm glad to hear that he didn't try anything... the last couple times I've seen him we ended up arguing... over the most pointless of things as well, in retrospect. He seems determined to dislike me. But perhaps you just know how to deal with him better than I do." He gave a shrug and settled down onto the nearby bench.

"I had some pretty bad dreams my first week or so here... and that's even when I wasn't aware of what was going on. I... I don't know how much of an effect the first injection has on you - you won't start to physically change until your second, however."

He nodded, sumpathizing with her curiousity abou the serums. Ambrose wished that he hadn't been as surprised by the true affects of the serum when he arrived, among the first to learn of the detriments and affects of each progressive shot. "I'll tell you as much as I can." He said genially, but with a serious edge. "I know that I've had four shots, including the one when I first arrived. Dr. Lockheart - the female doctor and I belive in second command on the island tends to be straight with you if you need to ask a staffmember something... she... is the closest thing we have to a liason to the labs, no matter what other people might say - she's the only person I've heard of that actually has a conscience there.... most of my information is either from firsthand experience... watching others... or from her. I... well, I was the first one here... the first one to change... and I don't think that there is anyone that has gone through more changes than I have... though there are a few others at my... stage? Unfortunately.... Aubrey says that there is one more injection..." His ears flattened. "Supposedly the intention is for us to keep our ability to speak, to stand upright and to use our hands at the very least.... but ... we're the first run on human subjects." He frowned. "And one person I've met... Pyroth... he is very canine. He's changed three times - like me- .... but he can barely stand upright.."

He took a breath, realizing that he was probably frightening her, but she said that she wanted to know information, and appreciated bluntness. "We're all kind of in the dark as far as how bad it will get by the end of it.... but we hope for the best. They say if you... stop the injections, though... that you're likely to get cancer.. something about our genes being unstable..." His tail tucked at the mention of the 'C' word. "But yes... they supposedly have cameras everywhere.... nothing's really private, but you can at least eventually learn to ignore that as wherever the cameras are, they arent' obvious."

Yamamoto Kikue

Kikue sat down slowly on the bench, next to Ambrose. She listened. Her words failed her. If they stopped injecting her, she would face cancer. The worst she could think of, before, had been that she might negatively effect people who hadn't been injected. But not only might that still be the case, cancer was in her future if the treatment ever stopped. At least Ambrose seemed to be trying to convey that the labs meant for the Islanders to be able to walk, and talk, by the end...but what about 'Pyroth'... She tried not to think about it. Maybe he was a special case...

She forced herself to remain composed. In control. "Why," she began, her voice shaky, "are they doing this?" She looked pleadingly at Ambrose, like he could give her the answer. But she knew he might not even know. She shook her head quickly. "I'm sorry. I know you might not even know...after being here nine months..." The sudden outpouring of emotion caught even her off guard. She quickly wiped her face, clearing her throat and sitting up a little straighter. "...I found out my serum is a snow leopard. Dr. Lockheart told me." And it seemed that Dr. Lockheart might even be nice, like she had sounded over the intercom. Kikue was at least somewhat pleased at that, hoping she might be able to put the doctor down as an ally.

Kikue forced a pained smile. "Thanks for telling me all of this..." She paused, looking Ambrose over again. "But I do want to know...does it hurt?" A question that had haunted the back of her mind since seeing Jamal, and the paw pads growing from his once-human hands.

Ambrose Maurlias

He cast her a sidelong glance as she took a seat besides him, his tail thumping a few times on the bench, glad that she was not hesitant to be close to him.

However, at her difficult questions, his ears lowered and his tail stilled.

Slowly, he shook his head. "I have yet to hear a legitimate excuse for ... ripping us from our lives and taking away our humanity. I have heard excuses - better understanding of the human genome and how manipulatable it is.... potential cures or remedies for diseases or injuries.... but I do not see how this solves that." He held out his paw-like hands.

He glanced over to her. "Snow leopard? That isn't so bad... at least by comparison. I don't know who all you have met aside from Jamal or myself, but I have seen people I certainly do not envy.... people becoming reptiles... fish.... an octopus... even one woman has been merged with plant DNA." He shook his head.

At the final question he held his breath for a moment, the wince on his face answering the question before he even opened his mouth. "I wish I could say otherwise.... but... to be perfectly honest, yes. The transformations are not pleasant by any stretch of the word. The changes you see... well, they require the shifting of bones and muscle.... But... they are temporary - they happen in bursts after follow up injections. It takes.... a few hours usually, and then you are sore for a few days. But there are pain medications in the town hall."

He glanced in its directions. "I.... I wish you the best of luck here, Kikue. But, despite most of us not having a schedule, I actually do have something I need to do. My... ah... my girlfriend.... she just went through her first change yesterday - and I need to bring her something to eat as she does not feel well to come out of the duplex yet. But, please, if you need to talk to someone I am willing to chat or answer more questions - just make sure that you want to know the answer. I'm in duplex number one." He gave a sardonic smile. Easy to remember.

He stood up and nodded his head awkwardly at her. "Take care of yourself, and I will see you around?" He gave her a wave and continued on to the cafeteria.

Yamamoto Kikue

Kikue shook her head, too. Even if the excuses for doing this were as Ambrose said, she couldn't explain how the it meant something overly helpful to humanity. She looked sadly at his hands as he held them out, merged with a wolf's paws. She didn't know how it solved any of it, either. So often it was the human who was sacred in research; the animals were what was tested on, not that Kikue necessarily found it ethical or not. She couldn't understand why the scienctists would instead choose to change the human. The only way this research, at least as far as she could see, would be helpful, would be to apply such minor changes to a person that they weren't noticeable, yet cured something or fixed some injury. She glanced at her crushed, bandaged hand at the thought.

An octopus? A plant? She was taken aback. "You're kidding," she whispered under her breath, knowing that he wasn't at all. And fish. That would be so hard -- especially for the fact she happened to quite like fish when it came to meals. How were people coping with this?

"So it does hurt." Of course. The logical part of her argued immediately that she must have known it would be like that. The paw pads were not placed on you; they were clearly growing out of Jamal's -- and Ambrose's -- hands. Or, paws now. She knew she should have known that, but it complicated everything, suddenly. Growing a three-foot tail was looking even less appealing.

Quickly, she gave Ambrose a reassuring smile. "Oh! I understand. Thank you for speaking with me. I hope your girlfriend is alright." She stood up, following his lead. She bowed politely. "I'm sure I'll see you again. Duplex number one," she repeated, for good measure, and nodded again, holding her book to herself. She waved. "I hope she feels better. Thank you again, Ambrose."

Kikue went her separate way, back towards her duplex. She had to write this down.

 

[Ambrose Maurlias]

Transcript from the First Soccer Match!

At the edge of the village

THOM:Thom had arrived some time earlier with his box full of soccer balls, having lugged the entire thing over on the off chance that they had more popping incidents. He had remained off to the side, juggling a soccer ball n one foot, as people began to arrive, waiting until he judged that everyone was there before addressing the odd assortment, clearing his throat to demand attention before speaking. "Right, so.. T'day's simply judge skills, pick teams an' th' like day, so I 'ope y'don't expect much. I'm assumin' since you're 'ere, y' know at least th' basics of th' game, so we'll just run a few drills an' go from there."
AMBROSE:Ambrose smiled widely, tail wagging. He had opted to wear just a pair of khaki shorts, given the temperatures and his fur. He was also eager to get Angelina out in the open and her mind off of her change, as well as the thrill of the game, and competition with what looked a sizable group of people.
AMAYA: Amaya just hung back in the crowd, mostly towards were Alec was. Now that Ambrose had Angelina around, she didn't want to bug them.
ALEC: Alec fidgetting with the shoulder of his baggy top, looking around like he was truly lost and had stumbled on something completely alien. He'd played football before, but from the sounds of it this wasn't supposed to be some
ALEC: leisurely game of kickin a ball around the grass.
ANGELINA:Angelina stuck VERY close to Ambrose, looking exceptionally nervous. She was wearing a pair of biker shorts and a t-shirt that was tied up.
ANTONY: "Drills?" Antony cocked an eyebrow, tails lashing slightly behind her in irritation. Since when were they a part of a professional team? Wasn't this suppposed to be fun?
ANGELINA:For the first time since her change she was outside. Her spots and peachfuzz clearly visable on her skin, and her tail twitched nervously behind her.
REX: Rex nodded at the unchanged islander leading the whole ordeal and glanced around to their new motely crew. Animal-style soccer was sure going to be fun. Rex needed something to dedicate to and to get him outside.
THOM:Thom quirked a brow, tossing Antony a frown. "Ambrose an' I 'ad th' idea of a league type situation.. Add a bit more competition to it. Though we'd also expected a bit more people, I think," he muttered, glancing
ANTONY: She was wearing a sports bra and a pair of someone's boxers, waistband folded down several times so that the sort of fit.
THOM:around. "...Might 'ave t'settle for simple matches whenever we find time with this lot."
AMBROSE:"Well, we can always start small." Ambrose spoke up in suggestion. "Maybe try a practice match before more people gain wind of the league? Pick a sample team and see how we work together?"
KAVERI: Kaveri hadn't cared much for sports before, but she figured it would be a nice distraction to get her out of the duplex. She felt rather aloof, seeing some new faces in the crowd, so she stuck around the back of the group to listen.
ANTONY: "Maybe then we can gather some people and play football," she suggested absently, stretching her left leg carefully.
THOM:"S'up t'you, then." Thom shrugged, scooping his foot beneath one soccer ball and flicking it up into his hand. "Skip th' warm ups an' just pick teams? Take a vote."
AMBROSE:Ambrose shrugged and raised his hand.
LAURENLauren also raised, unsure as to which was best.
ANGELINA:Angelina figited with her shorts, pulling them down, and her sleeves, in a failed attempt to cover some of her spots as she waited to see what was happening.
AMAYA: Amaya just watched the others, not really caring what they did honestly.
ANTONY: "Sounds good to me," she said, cracking her neck lazily.
ALEC: Alec stared blankly, looking to Amaya with uncertainty before raising his hand.
REX: "I'm cool with whatever." Rex shrugged, with this bunch of misfits it would be hard to have equal teams anyways.
KAVERI: Kaveri gave a shrug and lamely held up a scaly, grey hand.
AMAYA: The iguana just raised a brow at Alec, giving him a "what?" look before turning her attention back ahead and lazily raised her hand a little.
THOM:"Uncertain bunch, aren't we?" he drawled, shaking his head. "Very well, suit y'self. Pick captain's an' we'll be on with it. I nominate Ambrose."
AMBROSE:Ambrose blinked, and then his face parted into a lupine grin. "Sounds like fun! I'm up for it if no one else wants to fight me for it." His tail wagged.
ALEC: The punk teen was expecting Ambrose to be picked, which was fine with him. He'd rather be on his team by the looks of it. As he waited, he rummaged for a cig and lighter.
AMAYA: Well hell, she had never even played soccer how was she supposed to act?
REX: "Go for it, bud." Rex nudged his head in Ambrose's direction with his tail flicking baack and forth in excitement behind him.
ANGELINA:Angelina looked uncertainly around the bunch, hiding further behind the much larger Ambrose.
AMAYA: Amaya caught wind of what Alec was doing and gave him a HARD nudge in the side with he elbow.
AMBROSE:Ambrose glanced back and gave Angelina a reassuring smile before walking up and joining Thom by his side. "And I presume you'll be the other?"
REX: Rex chuckled at Amaya and winked secretly.
AMAYA: The girl blinked up at Rex and then looked down, dropping her arm from it's jabbed position in Alec's side with a tiny smile.
ANTONY: Antony clicked her tongue at Amaya's motion, muttering something about being outside.
THOM:Chuckling dryly, Thom dropped the ball to the ground and folded his arms. "Oh I dunno, I'd 'ave thought miss squirrel over 'ere would've called it for 'erself by now."
ALEC: Alec snorted loudly when he was nudged in the ribs, almost biting down on the filter in his mouth. "Muh-wuh?" He grunted rather loudly and shifting the weight to his other foot.
AMAYA: "You're about to play a sport and you're lighting up a cig? It'll just get in the way. You should wait until afterward if you must." Amaya chidded.
ANTONY: Her eyes narrowed as her attention turned towards Thom, pointing towards him as if she were calling out a home run. "I'd watch it if I were you."
REX: And they already act like they're married! Rex thought to himself.
ANTONY: Needless to say, she had no clue he was a professional.
AMBROSE:"Alright... well... I guess it would be time to choose teams, then. Who goes first, Thom?"
ANTONY: "Oh he can fit in a smoke if he wants while teams are being picked." She said over her shoulder to the lizard girl.
THOM:"I'll take y'word for it, sweet'eart." He rolled his eyes, then waved a hand towards Ambrose. "'Ave at it. You pick first."
ALEC: He fought the urge to utter something back, instead he did nothing but put the lighter back into his shorts. "Ye...righ'."
AMBROSE:Ambrose nodded to Thom first, figuring he might give him the first pick, given Thom's experience. He looked out over the group of people in front of him and took a breath, looking indecisive.
AMAYA: The lizard visably winced, as if Antony had yelled at her or something when she haden't. Frowing, she just shut her mouth again and looked at the ground.
AMBROSE:No pressure, right? the little voice in Ambrose's head teased. There was Angelina... his girlfriend... looking nervous.... but on the other hand, there was Rex - a tall, sporty type who would likely play better...
KAVERI: Kaveri put her arms behind her back, curving her long neck down and somewhat folded so it sat comfortably between her shoulders without straining.
LAURENLauren couldn't stop herself from grabbing the large bug in the grass and popping it into her mouth.
ANGELINA:Angelina blinked at Luaren and stared in a bit of horror.
THOM:Thom's expression perfectly mirrored Angelina's as he stared at Lauren.
AMBROSE:"Er...." He drew out, looking between the two of them. Angelina... wouldn't mind if he didn't pick her first ... right? As long as he didn't pick her last?
AMBROSE:He took a breath and finally spoke out his first decision, tactics and competitiveness winning out. "Rex!"
AMAYA: Amaya seemed to be doing her best to ignore the mongoose.
KAVERI: The vulture-woman smirked as she watched the... ferret? ... eat the bug. At least it wasn't rabbit guts.
ANGELINA:"EXCUSE ME?" Angelina spun around, planting her hands on her small boyish hips, her tail bottle-brushing out.
REX: Rex's eyes flashed open in happiness, "Sweet." And walked over to stand next to Ambrose, his new team captain.
LAURENLauren caught Angelina and Thom looking and smiled a toothy grin complete with bug legs sticking through her teeth.
ALEC: Alec became distracted and watched Lauren down the bug, unable to contain his immature laughter despite the rather quiet gathering. "Aye Rex! Fair play!" He cheered as his friend was chosen, oblivious to Angelina's anger.
ANTONY: "Dude, he's male and this is sports, chill out."
AMBROSE:Ambrose's ears plastered back, looking sheepish. "Ah...." His eyes darted to Rex, flashing the lion-man a smile. It had been a while since he'd seen him - he'd definately changed. But he looked overall happy.
KAVERI: Kaveri started snickering.
LAUREN"I'd picked Rex too." Lauren added.
REX: "Feisty bunch tonight, huh?"
ANGELINA:Angelina stormed away from her hiding spot behind Ambrose in a huff, not caring if her shorts were riding up her a** anymore. Her tail twitched behind her in an annoyed fashion.
ANTONY: "Exactly." She agreed with Lauren, a look that clearly considered the choice a no brainer playing on her face.
THOM:Thom knew only a few of the islanders, but that knowledge did nothing to help him choose. His first thought was Alec...and then thoughts of the cigarette came back and he pointed to the
THOM:girl storming from behind Ambrose. "You."
AMAYA: Amaya just glanced at Angelina breifly. It wasn't like he was breaking up with her or something, why was she so upset?
KAVERI: Kaveri hadn't met Rex before, but she agreed with the others just by how the guy looked. "He looks like he'd be good at this," she chimed in.
AMBROSE:"Wh.... what??" Ambrose blinked, dumbfounded at Thom's pick.
ANGELINA:Angelina's expression was surprised at first, but her lips curled into a smirk. "Aye!" She stuck her tongue out at Ambrose and jogged perkily over to Thom.
AMBROSE:He hadn't expected that to happen. Never had it occurred that Angelina wouldn't wind up on his team.
LAURENLauren laughed at the situation. "Aww... someone stole your chick!"
ANTONY: "Sweet," Antony murmured, obviously eager to see how this game played out now.
REX: Rex's lips curled into a smile, flashing his large fangs. Taking Angelina away from Ambrose added in a whole new game dynamic.
THOM:Thom quirked a brow at Ambrose, a smirk playing across his lips. "Somthin' wrong?"
AMAYA: Ooooo, burn. The teen did her best to hide a smirk.
AMBROSE:Ambrose scowled, though there was a bit of a playful edge to it. "Nice pick, Thom. That's my girlfriend." His ear flicked back and he flashed him a grin with a bit more teeth in it.
ALEC: "'urreh up." The teen called out innocently, growing bored enough to consider leaving.
ANGELINA:Angelina stood next to Thom and buffed her fingernails coyly.
THOM:"Brilliant." He laughed, flashing a grin. "Bit of suspense never 'urt anyone. Pick y'next."
AMBROSE:Ambrose smacked his lips, casting Angelina and Thom a last rueful look before looking back out over the players. "Alec~!" He called out, remembering the teen's interest, and taking a gender bias.
AMAYA: Ahhh, s**t. There went her last friend to hide behind.
REX: "Yeheheah!" Rex cheered and went up to give Alec a high five.
ALEC: "Well ain't i' ma birthdeh." The punk teen gave a coy smirk and stuck his tongue at Amaya as he walked over to a place beside Rex after returning the high-five.
ANTONY: Antony simply stretched her left ankle and calf a bit more, pleased that it was feeling much better.
THOM:Thom nodded, glancing around the group before pointing to the mongoose girl. "You, ah, what was it, Lauren?"
LAURENLauren smiled. "Sweet! I'm with the pro!" She marched over to Thom triuphantly.
AMAYA: Amaya just frowned at him, feeling exposed and alone now. She shifted on her feet and crossed her arms over her chest, long tail curling slightly around her large feet.
REX: Rex smirked as Lauren's name was called, now knowledgeable of her relationship with Nita. He still needed to talk to her about borrowing her surfboard.
AMBROSE:"Hrmmm..." Ambrose scratched his chin and looked at the cluster of remaining people. Amaya.. Anthony... and Kaveri.
ANTONY: She blinked at Lauren's comment, eyes narrowing as she gave Thom a glare. Oh she hoped she wasn't on his team. He deserved an a** whooping.
AMBROSE:Anthony probably had the most game-spirit of the bunch... but he was already stung from not picking a friend... His eyes darted between Amaya and Anthony.
AMBROSE:"A-" He almost went to say Amaya's name... but years of competition, and some deep down pack hunting instincts made him deviate "Antony!"
AMAYA: Wonderful. Amaya felt like just sitting down and watching now.
KAVERI: Kaveri grunted, folding her arms over her chest. She never pegged herself an athletic type, even though she was made of meat. It was down to her and the lizard queen.
REX: Rex gave a puppy-eyed frown to Amaya, but changed his expression to greet Ant to their team with a hug and a smile. "Nice to see yeh!"
ANTONY: A wide grin appeared on her face as she pushed herself to her feet, making her way over to Ambrose. "It's on," she said to Thom before returning Rex's hug.
ALEC: Alec didnt seem to mind having Antony on his team, almost completely missing the hurt look on Amaya's face. It was just a game, right? The fact that he'd convinced to even come here in the first place eluded him.
THOM:Lovely. His only choices left were big foot and accordian neck. A tough choice.. He was extremely tempted to flip a coin on the decision.
ANTONY: "Likewise," she replied.
LAURENLauren wondered if it was legal for someone to use their tail in soccer.
THOM:"Right, then, I'll take, ah.." He waved vaguely in the direction of Amaya, as he hadn't the faintest idea what her name was. "An' then I'll find someone else so we'll be even."
AMBROSE:"Someone else?" Ambrose queried, then mock-pouted. "So I can't have an extra team member on my side?"
AMAYA: Amaya hesitated, looking at Kaveri. "I'll sit out if you wanna play. Doesn't matter."
ANTONY: "I'd say he," she gestured to Thom, "Can count as two since he's pro."
THOM:"You 'ave three lads, if anythin' I deserve the extra," he argued, shrugging. "But I 'ave someone in mind."
AMAYA: The last thing she wanted was to be on Lauren's team against all her friends.
LAURENLauren put her hands on her hips, "Three lads. Pshh... like having a c**k has anything to do with soccer" She looked highly annoyed towards Thom.
AMBROSE:Ambrose looked skeptical, but waited to see what he'd say. "Someone now? What do we do in the meantime?"
ANTONY: "Cause we all know that men are automatically more skilled than women," she said roughly.
REX: Rex watched the dispute in silence. He didn't care about the teams, in all honesty. He just wanted everyone to be happy.
KAVERI: "Whatever you want," Kaveri said, rolling her shoulders in a half-shrug.
ANGELINA:Angelina stayed silent. At least it wasn't football. She couldn't tackle an overdone french fry.
AMAYA: Amaya nodded and gestured towards Thom's team to Kaveri, sitting down afterwards.
THOM:"No offense intended," he added towards Lauren, gesturing to Ambrose's team. "But their, ah.. Animals're more built f'speed than out team appears t'be."
ALEC: Now we were going to fight over teams? Oh great. This was turning out to be like highschool. not... that he'd know anything about it.
THOM:our*
ANTONY: "You picked the least transformed," Antony pointed out.
KAVERI: "You don't wanna play?" Kaveri asked after Amaya, tilting her head at a quizical and probably unhealthy angle.
NITA:Nita sat on the sidelines, watching the proceedings. Was this really such a good idea afterall?
AMAYA: "Nah, I'm fine."
THOM:"Not really," he countered, jabbing a finger towards Amaya.
AMBROSE:"Come now... it's okay! It's just a game. Amaya - can you call the plays? Maybe? If you don't want to be on a team? Or I'd be happy with an extra player" He grinned.
ANTONY: She frowned, and offered Amaya an apologetic look for Thom.
ALEC: Alec frowned deeply, staring at the lizard girl. "Wha, ye no' playin now? Fook tha', if she don'play, then fook tha'." The irishboy was starting to show a bit of temper, irritated at how this was turning out.
AMAYA: "I dunno how. I'll just sit out and watch." Amaya said, hugging her knees and ignoring Thom.
LAURENLauren found herself annoyed at the team drama. Like she had any right getting annoyed at drama considering how much she normally CAUSED.
KAVERI: Kaveri chewed on the inner stud of her labret. "C'mon, he picked you, dude. Nobody's gonna want a fat necky girl on their team anyways." She motioned towards Thom, getting a little annoyed.
THOM:Thom just rolled his eyes, folded his arms, and stepped to the side to wait until everyone shut up or wandered off.
ANTONY: "If she wants, she can play ref and then red card your a**," she jabbed her finger towards Thom the exact way he had to Amaya.
AMBROSE:Ambrose sighed irritably. This was not working out at all like he had envisioned - a good natured competition. A sport, working together with a group...
AMAYA: Great, she had caused all of this? "I'm FINE. Damnit. Go ahead, Kaveri."
ALEC: Alec frowned even more, hearing Kaveri's jab. So this new guy was playin favorites now? The slow teenager was starting to catch on and wasn't liking it.
ANGELINA:Angelina sighed and sat down in the grass (it better hid her tail) and waiting for everyone to calm down.
REX: Rex didn't like all of this agressive competition so early in the 'season'. Why couldn't people just accept that they were on the team that they were chosen for? In the end they were all (or mostly all) friends.
ANTONY: Antony turned to Kaveri and tried her damndest to keep her temper in check. She wasn't exactly 'skinny.'
REX: He followed suit to Angelina and kicked back in teh grass.
REX: *the
KAVERI: Kaveri groaned, "Man, just go out there and play and enjoy yourself. I'm in no shape to be doing anything anyways."
THOM:"Oh come on now, this wasn't meant t' offend anyone. Pardon me f tryin' t'pick people who look like they can run without trippin'." He scowled.
LAUREN"Can we just PLAY!" Lauren shouted out. She wanted to get on with the game but most importantly she wanted to move around.
ALEC: That was it. Alec stomped towards Thom and got right up into his face. "Wha the 'ell thas s'posed t'mean ya bloody peice a work!?"
ANTONY: "Are we going to ******** play or not?" She finally growled loudly, glancing around at everyone who had sat down. Unfortunately, Thom's comment had hit a nerve,
AMBROSE:Ambrose did his best to keep Antony over with Rex while stepping forward. "Okay. We've got the teams... I for once agree with Lauren. Let's put aside differences, anxieties, and have a good time."
ANTONY: but luckily Lauren yelled before she could launch herself at the Brit in retaliation.
KAVERI: "I can run just fine," Kaveri said, turning quickly to face Thom and ending her sentence with an annoyed, throaty click. Sure, her toes were huge but she learned how to get around on them.
AMAYA: "Go play, Kaveri. Everyone go play." Amaya glared at the sand in front of her, looking more pissed off then she probably ever had before. She didn't seem to be budging.
LAUREN For once agree with Lauren... what the ******** was that suppose to mean? But Lauren oddly enough kept her mouth shut and just rolled her orange eyes at Ambrose.
ANTONY: Antony stepped foreward and grabbed the Irish boy around the waist, pulling him away from the Brit. "Get him in the game," she murmured into his ear.
AMBROSE:Ambrose's ears flattened seeing Amaya, feeling bad and guilty now. And he knew he might very well be getting a guilt trip from Angelina later. He sighed.
THOM:Thankfully, any retaliation to Alec's outburst was silenced by Ambrose's words. Thom settled for a glare, backing away a pace himself as Antony pulled Alec back, then sighed. "Are we playin' or not?"
AMBROSE:"Amaya... we'd love your help with directing the game if you don't want to play on a team. Now... let's pick goalies, and Thom.. point out the goals"
LAURENLauren pointed to Nita, "Maybe she could join?"
REX: This was getting to get too much drama, he felt like standing up and roaring over all of the bickering, but controlled his breathing and kept his cool. All of the excitement could get a lion worked up.
NITA:Nita shook her head vehemently, which was a mistake. It only served to bring back the dizziness.
AMAYA: "I don't know how to direct a soccer game." Amaya said honestly, and a little more bitter then she had intended. "I'm just watching."
ANTONY: "I can goal if you want,
ANTONY: Ambrose, less running," she suggested.
AMBROSE:He sighed again. There was no convincing her over the already existing drama. He'd have to catch up with her later. Finally, he nodded quietly and turned to Antony. "That might be best.. with your leg and all."
ALEC: Fuming, Alec patted Antony's hands to calm himself down and backed off immediately. He wasn't one to fight, even now. Pacing around, he hung back until everything was settled. Tell him when to play and he would.
KAVERI: Kaveri suppressed the urge to hiss and hop a few steps back, the vulture instincts welling up from all the tension. "So who's ******** side am I on? Normal boy's, right?"
ANTONY: She let go of Alec, giving his shoulder a squeeze before looking at Thom expectantly for where her goal would be.
AMBROSE:"Yes... Kaveri... I'm sorry, apparently so."
REX: Rex nudged Alec friendily and mouthed "Breathe" calmly. Things should wind down soon.
AMBROSE:Ambrose gave an appreaciative nod to Rex.
LAURENLauren had failed to see why everyone was getting so mad at Thom, other than the fact the game had not started yet.
THOM:"Good t'know I'm th' bloody villian 'ere," he muttered, then glanced around. "They 'aven't let us much 'ere t' use... We could stretch th' field a bit an pick a few trees, may'aps?"
LAURENShe smiled at Nita, giving her a wink, too bored to do much else.
KAVERI: Kaveri grunted and ambled over to Thom's side, opting not to say anything else.
AMBROSE:"The trees work for me." Ambrose agreed, giving Antony a nod and then another one to the closer of the two points.
REX: "Or we could just use jackets and the like to mark where goals would be if the trees don't work." Rex suggested.
ANTONY: "Or just draw lines in the sand."
AMBROSE:"That might be easier."
THOM:"Jackets'd be 'arder t' see, but that works as well." He shrugged, then turned to 'his' team. "Who wants goal? At this point, I could care less."
ANTONY: Too bad they didn't have an actual soccer field.
AMBROSE:Ambrose muttered again under his breath at the dampened spirits.
LAUREN"I'd rather be running." Admitted Lauren. She didn't want to stick in one place waiting for action to happen.
ANGELINA:"I'm kind of small for a goalie," Angelina offered.
THOM:Thom turned his gaze pointedly towards Kaveri.
REX: "Alright then!" Rex said, springing to his feet to try and liven the mood up again. Nothing was worse than a league of half-assed players. "We
REX: 've got the teams and positions getting sorted. So shall we warm up for jus'go for it?"
ANTONY: Antony cracked her knuckles and eyed Thom as she made her way towards 'her' goal. He was being such an a**.
KAVERI: Kaveri was probably one of the larger people on the team. She would not be surprised if she were picked for that alone, and she returns the gaze with a shrug. "Whatever, I'd honestly rather be running."
ALEC: "Ye." Alec agreed with Rex for the sake of doing so, nudging the lion to move away from the group and practice on their own.
AMBROSE:Ambrose clapped his hands, trying to sink in with Rex's enthusiasm. "Yes - this is supposed to be fun - now let's start having some, alright?" He chimed in.
LAURENLauren looked rather annoyed, "Well whatever. I can goalie if you WANT me too. I just want to play."
ANTONY: "Yall can trade off if you want."
AMBROSE:Ambrose nodded to Antony. "And that's a great suggestion. So everyone can be on the field at some point."
CASSIDYRather belatedly, Cass slithered her way over to the crowd, more intending to come watch the game than actually play. "Um, hey guys!"
AMBROSE:Ambrose's ears pricked as he heard a new voice, his mouth splitting in a grin. "Cassidy!"
THOM:"...We'll do without," he muttered, sighing as he turned back to the rest of the group. "Just run fast."
AMAYA: Amaya just glanced at Cass. At least there would be someone else to talk to while everyone else played.
REX: As Rex made his way to their side of the soccer pitch, he eyed a green monstrosity slithering down the field. Who was that? He stopped in his tracks and returned to the group for this new reassessment.
AMAYA: She stayed balled up on the sidelines, staring at her feet as she dug them into the sand.
ANGELINA:Angelina waved at Cassidy with a smile. Wonder if she's thought any more about my idea.
KAVERI: "You can tackle people in this game, right? The sign said football," Kaveri said.
ANTONY: To get her mind of murdering the normal one, Antony waved to Cass.
LAURENLauren eyed Cass too, she had heard about her and seen her around. Why did she have to get the fun serum? Jealous eyes gazed over the snake girl.
AMBROSE:"Not that kind of football! Soccer-football. Hey Cass - that makes the teams even - if you and Amaya played?"
THOM:"...Soccer, Kaveri. Not American football. Oi Cass, come be goalie for me." He waved her over, cracking a grin.
ANTONY: "Not normal football, unfortunately." Antony sounded somewhat sad.
CASSIDY"I think I'm just watching, today." Cass laughed, slightly self-consciously. "How am I supposed to play? I can't kick."
ANTONY: "Like hell Thom! It's Ambrose's pick."
AMBROSE:"heeeey, Isnt' it my pick" Ambrose chimed.
ANGELINA:"Goalie!" Angelina said enthuisastically.
KAVERI: She caught Cass out the corner of her eye, turning her head. She'd seen her before, on that one day. She waves, then turns to Thom again. "Can I still beat people up?"
ANTONY: "Exactly." She smirked at Thom.
THOM:Thom frowned.
AMBROSE:"Only if you're on my team." Ambrose replied to Kaveri
CASSIDY"Goalie?" Cassidy tilted her head. "I... guess that would work."
ALEC: Meanwhile Alec moved over to where Amaya was sitting, standing by her so that his shadow cast over the scaley one entirely. "Come play now, ye?"
KAVERI: "Sold," Kaveri grinned. "Any way we can do tradeoffs?"
AMAYA: Amaya couldn't help but feel even lower. Someone without legs was getting picked faster then she was.
LAUREN"Recruitment is NOT an option!" Lauren shouted out.
AMBROSE:"It's a different game now with more options." Ambrose grinned.
AMAYA: "I'd be on Thom's team." She replied blankly to Alec, not looking up.
KAVERI: "I wanna be on the side that thumps some heads," the vulture-woman jabbed an approving thumb at Ambrose.
ALEC: "NO, ye stuck wi' th' d**k'ead." Alec grinned mischevious at Kaveri and grabbed Amaya's arm to pull her up without even listening. "So? Come on, kick me 'round."
ANTONY: "Man, if it's full contact, I'd love a chance to be switched from goal at some point." Antony could difinately deal with playing dirty.
LAUREN"dickhead sounds more lasting then 'The normal one' I think you have a new nickname." Lauren beamed at Thom jokingly.
AMBROSE:"Sounds fair to me to switch out with Goalies. Amaya, Cass. You two have to play." He said demandingly. "Bigger teams, more fun."
AMAYA: "Whatever." Amaya frowned, letting herself be pulled up.
THOM:Mary Mother of God, he had created a monster. "So--wait, who's on which team now?" A pause, and he cocked his head towards Lauren. "..Thanks so much."
CASSIDYCass scratched her head. "I knew I should have got here sooner. I'll play, I'll be goalie."
KAVERI: "That's true, 'the normal one' will only last like a month."
ALEC: "Ha-ha." He chimed as Ambrose made the decision for Amaya and dragged her further into the group.
REX: Rex nodded in agreement with Ambrose's coments, "And besides Amaya, you'll block like no other with those hands of yours." He tried to make the comment seem as offhand as possible, he knew she was sensitive about her changes.
AMBROSE:Ambrose laughed. "Alright, Cass - you shall be a tough goalie to get past. We'll take turns on my team."
ANTONY: Antony gave Lauren a cheerful, approving grin, "I'm sure dickhead could be improved if we had time to be creative."
ANGELINA:Angelina looked forlornly at Kaveri's comment
AMBROSE:"Oooh, that's a good point, Rex. Amaya - want to be goalie?"
KAVERI: "Judgemental p***k?" Kaveri offers with a grin.
AMAYA: "Sure."
ANTONY: "Works for me," she grinned wickedly.
AMBROSE:He clapped her on the back, tail wagging now. "You'll do great! Protect our goal, soldier!" He grinned.
AMBROSE:"Now, team, let's see if we can beat Dickhead and his ladies." He trotted towards the middle of the field.
CASSIDY"Go for it, Amaya!" Cass clapped her hands.
LAUREN"We need a another team name. I don't want to be Dickhead's ladies" Lauren said seriously to Thom.
ALEC: Happy enough that things were starting to work out, Alec skipped (yes, skipped) off towards his teamates and hip-checked Rex as he went by.
AMAYA: The reptile smiled slightly, allowing herself to be dragged off.
KAVERI: "Dickhead's Angels?"
REX: Rex jogged quickly behind Ambrose, these people needed some livelihood.
AMBROSE:"How about just "The Ladies!"" Ambrose called back over to them, teasing.
ANGELINA:Angelina rubbed her temples. Oi.
ANTONY: Antony doubled over at both Ambrose and Kaveri's comments, laughing loudly.
CASSIDY"Dickhead? Have you been making enemies?"
AMBROSE:((Ambrose's: Rex, Alec, Antony, Amaya))
AMBROSE:((Thom's: Angelina, Kaveri, Lauren, Cass))
ANTONY: "He was being a little s**t to Amaya," Antony said simply to answer Cass' question.
THOM:Thom blinked after Ambrose, then, scowling, waved Cass towards the chosen goal and dragged the box of balls off the 'field'.
LAURENLauren seriously wondered what she had started. I mean, she was just playfully jabbing at Thom, she didn't mean anything serious about it.
CASSIDYCass made her way over to the goal, feeling as awkward as she looked. "No picking on Amaya..."
ANGELINA:"He wasn't picking on her really. Everyone's being sensitive."
AMBROSE:Ambrose nodded to Angelina, giving her one more apologetic look, big puppy-dog-eyes and all.
ANTONY: She pointed towards Thom as she made her way out on the field, "Karma's about to bite you in the a**."
AMBROSE:Ambrose turned to face Antony, Alec, and Rex. "Okay, guys! This is for fun, but try your best. Our team is built for speed, so let's use it, okay?" His tail wagged as he looked at his 'packmates'.
AMAYA: Sensitive? Wasn't she the one throwing a fit over Ambrose?
KAVERI: Kaveri was going to show Thom that 'fat' girls weren't completely incompetent at sports. She was built like a tank! She'd be a good linebacker or quarterback or something. They have those in soccer, right? She never really
KAVERI: paid attention to that stuff.
LAURENLauren had met karma but knew she wasn't anywhere around here. In fact, she was not in her duplex anymore either. She seriously wondered what was going on and why she was going to bite Thom on the a**.
REX: Rex scowled at Alec's hip-check and took off after him. He deserved a good noogie. Though after a bit he stopped to listen to the leader's words.
AMAYA: Amaya stood between the two "goal posts" that were... trees. Oh yay.
THOM:After retrieving the soccer ball from the center of the field, he met with his team near their goal. "Firstly? I'm not as much of a d**k as m' new title suggests. Kaveri--that's y'name, right? Feel free t' tackle
CASSIDYCass coiled herself loosely in front of the vague goal, the tip of her tail twitching. "Okay. Um. I haven't played soccer... football.. whatever, since high school. I don't really know what I'm doing..."
AMBROSE:Ambrose clapped his hands, ending the short huddle and went to the field middle, leaning forward with his hands on his knees, tail swishing and ears forward and down to the sides.
CASSIDY"... wait. Tackling?"
LAURENLauren cocked an eyebrow, "Rules changed?"
THOM:any an' everyone on th' other team. Lauren an' whatserface, just try t'stay open...An' Cass, just don't let anythin' in the goal, righto?"
KAVERI: as big asKaveri went out onto the field. She had no idea how to play this game, but she figured she could just body check people into submission or something. Her eyes lit up at the mention of tackling, "******** win!"
CASSIDY"Well, geez. I remember that much." Cass laughed.
REX: Rex jogged out to the cetner of the field behind Ambrose as backup. He hadn't played in ages but it couldn't be too complicated to pick up again. He grinned menacingly and bared his large fangs to the opposing team.
THOM:"Then y'good t' go," he assured her, cracking a grin. "Right then, let's go." Dropping the ball on the ground, he started back for the center of the field, lazily dribbling it from one foot to the other.
AMAYA: Amaya shifted from foot to foot, tail swaying slightly behind her. All she had to do was block the goal... right?
ALEC: Alec stooped down in his chosen position, digging his heels into the grass to prepare for a run. "Wait, wuh po... place am I playin?" The confused teen stood back up, obvlivious that the ball had been dropped.
ANTONY: "Just be brutal, and all else fails Alec, rough the Brit up for Amaya." She motioned towards his woody joints and smiled.
LAURENstay open... right... Wasn't she suppose to kick the ball into the goal. Lauren wondered if this was going to be a team effort or a one man show. She wasn't going to let it be that way.
KAVERI: "The hell if I know, all I know is, I'm the tank," Kaveri flexed proudly, giving her sternum a hard pat. This brought her back to her protesting and rioting days.
AMAYA: Amaya snorted from her position at Antony's comment.
ALEC: Alec grinned, having forgotten about his "rough" elbows. Maybe he'd actually play well today? If he didn't get flattened by Kaveri or something first...
LAURENRunning Lauren was good at, being fast and agile she was GREAT at since the change. But tackling... not so great. Hopefully she wouldn't get pounded into the dirt here. She didn't want to have to tunnel out of a squished situation.
ANTONY: Antony allowed herself a few strong straight jumps in place to 'warm up,' or to simply show people that her leg was fine and dandy. Time to go crazy squirrel.
AMBROSE:Ambrose keeps his eyes on Thom and the ball, trying to keep himself between him and the goal.
CASSIDYOh man. Cass didn't even know some of these people, or what she was doing. Please, let no one tackle the goalie.
KAVERI: Kaveri looked for a good position to put herself at. She wasn't sure if she wanted to play offensively or defensively.
REX: "Lets get it on!" Rex hollered, jogging up behind Ambrose as back up in case Thom broke away, which was just about garaunteed to happen.
THOM:And, finally, the game was on. Thom stole a quickly glance around to pick out his team mates, nodded Lauren ahead, then broke into a run as he neared Ambrose, swerving around the wolf man.
LAURENLauren rushed ahead trying her best to stay open in case Thom was in a bind.
REX: Rex saw the juke and curved in towards Thom at a run, jabbing at his feet to try and steal the ball away.
ANTONY: Antony immediately went after Lauren after seeing Thom's nod, having no problem keeping up with her longer legs.

AMBROSE:Ambrose murmured a curse, and slowed down to change directions before chasing after Thom's heels from the other side of Rex.
AMAYA: Oh damn, was this guy a pro or something? Amaya watched from the goal, keeping her hands up.
ALEC: Alec backpedalled quickly, quickly deciding he was going to back up the goalie as a blockade.
CASSIDYYikes. This Thom guy really was good. Cass had seen him play around by himself, but... wow.
THOM:Thom stopped the ball on a dime by placing a foot atop it, the other serving as a guard between himself an Rex. Spinning a quick circle, he scooped the ball with him and darted around the lion man's
THOM:other side, resuming his charge towards the goal.
KAVERI: Damn, it was all going too fast for her. Kaveri decided to hang around back to play defensively, knowing she would never be able to keep up with Lauren and Thom.
LAURENLauren saw Antony approaching and tried to dodge around her but knew she was being covered. Especially with all those damn tails.
ANTONY: "So much for having a team," she jeered at him, fluffing her tails out to help block Lauren from view. Finally, a use for the ******** grinned at Antony and her taking advantage of her ... attributes, but kept on Thom, trying to make it to the stopped ball before he could take a shot.
REX: "Darn, he's good." Rex muttered to himself. Dropping to a slow jog, their only hope now was Amaya.
ALEC: Seeing as two people had already been slid past, Alec figured it was his time to try something. Charging for Thom he skipped to the side and snapped his foot in an attempt to snatch the ball away.
REX: Ambrose needed his room anyways.
ANTONY: "Come on boys, play rough," she called to Rex and Ambrose. "He's not your granny!"
LAURENLauren finally found an opening as Antony was distracted, jogging foreward closer to the goal with mongoose speed.
THOM:"Well y'blockin' m' runner," he shouted towards Antony, but kept his eyes ahead. As Alec charged, he made another clever save, guiding the ball towards the right only to slip his foot around and give the ball
THOM:a swift kick towards Lauren.
REX: "Gooood stuff!" Rex furrowed his brow grinned evilly. He charged head-on towards Thom and jabbed his foot in wherever it could go. Rex needed a warm-up, get his head into the game.
AMAYA: Amaya ran to where Lauren seemed to be heading to, but stayed between where she and Thom were.
CASSIDYCass strained to see from her end of the field. It was all really confusing from this point of view.
AMAYA: Amaya ran towards where Lauren was the second she saw the white orb travel in that direction.
ANTONY: "s**t," she muttered to herself as she pelted to try and block the pass, but instead of trying to get ahead of Lauren, she simply charged her shoulder into the mongoose's.
THOM:...And was terribly glad he had done so when Rex's foot connected with his shin. After sending a kick of his own towards the lion man, he rushed to Lauren's aid after the ball.
ANTONY: Hopefully her weight would work for her.
LAURENAs Lauren went to kick the ball she was knocked down by the squirrels force. "s**t" She yelled as she fell.
ALEC: Alec snarled as he was absolutely dismissed, the skinny irish kid attempting to stop and change direction back towards Lauren.
LAURENShe did quickly recover but the ball was out in random play.
AMAYA: "Yay!" Amaya cheered for Antony.
ALEC: "YES!" He yelled and made a b-line for the stray ball.
ANTONY: Antony lept over Lauren, and went for the ball, turning and kicking it in the opposite direction of Thom.
NITA:Hey, isn't that a foul? Nita wondered. It had been years since soccer in gym-class, but... D:
CASSIDYCass was beginning to wonder how well she'd hold up if she got tackled. Especially by, say, that lionish-looking fellow.
THOM:One Lauren fell, Thom knew the ball was out of his grasp and doubled back to intercept the expected kick from Antony, muttering curses under his breath when it went off in a completely different direction and rushing after it.
REX: Rex caught the ball with his foot from the kick by Antony and said, "I think it's a throw-in, isn't it?"
LAURENLauren was realising why soccer wasn't a contact sport. It just didn't fit the game. She was onto her feet and ran to a more defensive position towards the goal hopeing to help recover the ball.
ANTONY: "No hard feelings?" She called after Lauren, keeping her eye on the Brit as ran to hold him up, allowing her tails to help block his view of the ongoings.
AMBROSE:Amrbose's ears pricked and he applauded his teammates. His adrenaline was starting to pump. This is how things were supposed to be.
THOM:Slowing to a walk, Thom nodded, letting Antony rush ahead and lingering back towards Ambrose. "Right, toss it in."
REX: Rex blinked confused, his mind blurred from the rules and jogged towards the sideline, ready to receive the ball.
KAVERI: Kaveri stood in wait as she watched the ball go towards her side of the field, poised to run up and body slam anyone who got near her. Mercy on the person who gets in the path of a charging tank!
ANTONY: "And here I thought we had permission to play rough." She scowled, slowing down and motioning towards Kaveri's earlier musings.
AMAYA: A thrown-in? Why? She blinked and slowed down from running back and forth in the goal whenever the ball got close.
CASSIDYCass shifted slightly, feathered arms spread, trying to prepare herself. Oh, yeah, she was going to get smacked in the head, she just knew it.
ANTONY: "You know, with Dickhead giving Kaveri permission to tank people."
ANTONY: There better not be double standards, she thought heatedly.
REX: Rex took a few steps out, figuring it was far enough to be considered 'out of the field' and threw the ball towards Antony over his head. Finally things were getting a move on...
ANTONY: Antony blinked when it was thrown to her and she let the ball bounce off her chest before passing it quickly to Ambrose with a swift kick. Afterwards she set off in a quick run upfield towards Cass.
ALEC: Alec darted into the opponent's section of the field, waiting for somesort of pass so he could make a shot on the goalie. "Uhh... KICK T' ME!"
CASSIDYOh no! Cass had to try not to panic and decided to just take up as much room in the goal as she possibly could. There was a lot of her... but not nearly enough to block the whole thing.
AMAYA: Finally the action was off of her. Relaxing a little, she watched the game start to move a little more down the other half of the feild.  

[Ambrose Maurlias]

[ Message temporarily off-line ]  

[Ambrose Maurlias]

The Boy and the Wolf

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose yawned and stretched as he wandered out of the cafeteria after his daily gorging. Things had been pretty slow on his end since the soccer match. It had been a great deal of fun for him, especially considering he missed out on the post-game fight altogether and was left with a much better impression of the game. He had gotten some great excercize, and the team strategizing had been WONDERFUL, appeasing some inner need of his that had been nagging at him below the surface. He hadn't felt the strange urgings to dart off into the jungle and chase down small furry things since then, and the linkage was not lost on the wolf-man. He had done enough reading wolf books not to be totally ignorant to lupine instincts and pack activities to understand that his fondness for the team sport was likely due at least in some part to his new instincts.
Of course, he always had a fondness in his heart for the mano-a-mano combative sports like fencing, he was much more likely to find willing participants for soccer, which people tended to learn in gym class, than fencing.



He had just strolled into the entertainment room on a whim after his meal, and went to the shelves that housed the animal books to browse through them. Since Angelina's change, he was once again curious as to genets' social behavior, Angelina and the forthcoming ring that he had ordered in his mind

Cody Archer

Up until now Cody had spent most of his time in his room, exploring every little detail and trying to unpack his suitcase (which was still halfway to go). But now it was time to do some exploring outside and the large building was first on his list
He was curious about what Aubrey had told him about the anthro people she told him about though. Where they really animal-people? And did they really act like the ones in comics and movies? He was still wodering on that when he arrived at the town hall. Not knowing where each door leaded he just entered throught the first

It seemed like a library at first sight, but they he noticed the shelves filled with video games and movies... and what looked like a grey werewolf reading a book!

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose was fairly engrossed in the large book in his pawlike hands as he had finally found the section on civets and their relatives when Cody edged into the room. He was oblivious to the new arrival for nearly a full minute before his senses finally got the attention of his mind and he looked up quickly (belatedly) to see a young boy looking at him with wide eyes.



Ambrose's ears flattened back against his head instinctively - he had never seen him before - and he was decidedly human... and yet the boy didn't seem afraid - which was good! Maybe he knew already... that had to be it.


Recovering, Ambrose set down the book and his tail wagged a couple of times as he tried to put on a nonthreatening smile - he had scared one too many adults to rest easy with him, let alone having to deal with frightening a small boy. What was a child of his age doing here anyway?? The doctors couldn't.... they wouldn't.... would they?



"Hello there..." He spoke softly as he kneeled down.

Cody Archer

Cody just stood there looking at Ambrose in amazement. Not for a split second he remembered to be afraid. It was true, they were real

But when the wolf man looked and addressed him he felt a bit uneasy. "H-hi!"

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose was relieved when he saw (and smelled!) the lack of fear in the boy - that would have been a blow to his self confidence that he didn't need. The only uncertainty came when addressed - and with Amrbose's (admitted limited) expeirence with children, that wasn't uncommon for any child who was spoken to directly by a stranger... and right about now Ambrose was as strange as they came.



"My name is Ambrose." He continued gently, staying knelt down (not even connecting the canine submissive gesture associated with it). "What's yours?"

Cody Archer

Cody kept staring at Ambrose for at least a minute before he remembered to reply. He was still overwelmed by this whole situation, to be talking to an actual werewolf

"Cody, Cody Archer. Aubrey told me about you" he smilled, feeling a bit more confident

Ambrose Maurlias

He smiled, his tongue lolling as the boy finally answered, his ears pricked curiously at the mention of Aubrey. "It is nice to meet you, Cody." He spoke slowly, carefully and then held out his hand to shake. "You have spoken with Aubrey, then...? IS... is one of your parents up at the laboratory..?" Maybe he was living with a staffmember... they couldn't be using him as a subject..

Cody Archer

Cody grabbed the hand (or was it paw?) and returned the shake. The rough pads felt strange to the touch, like the ones of his friend's cat, but bigger

"No, they stayed at home. I'm here to try a treatment"

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose's heart sunk at the news, and the smile wavered on his face, though he returned the shake nonetheless. 'Treatmenet' was virtually synonmous with becoming a subject. And he had a family back home..? The poor kid...



"What... is the treatment for, if you don't mind me asking, Cody? And... am I the first other person you've met here aside from Aubrey?"

Cody Archer

Cody looked at Ambrose with some curiosity. Seemed something he said upset him, but it was hard to tell thorough the canine's expressions

"MS. Multiple Sclerosis"

He hoped that rang a bell. He never liked explaining what it was, reminding him of the limitations it meant. But the second question puzzled him a bit

"Err... yes"

Ambrose Maurlias

His brow furrowed for a moment, but then a vague recollection of the disease came back and he nodded seriously. While the specifics didn't come to mind, he knew that it was a degenerative disease, and one that was generally terminal. An ear flicked back as he studied the boy - there was curiousity, innocence in his eyes... Ambrose's sympathies grew.



"I... see. And I don't frighten you?" He asked with a small smile. He was the first one he had met... perhaps there was something great with the vantage of a child

Cody Archer

Only then Cody noticed Ambroses ear flicking. How did he do that?

"No, not really. Why do you ask?" these questions seemed stranger by the second

Ambrose Maurlias

"I just... I'm sorry, most people who meet me are frightened. They dont' exactly expect to meet... a wolf person." He grinned sheepishly, inadvertantly exposing several long, pointed teeth.

Cody Archer

Cody never realised about how impossible the existance of anthros were. Before he came to the island thought they didn't exist, but meeting one face to face and imediatly obliterated that concept

"Aubrey told me about the animal-people here. Said most of you were nice"

Ambrose's teeth did however made him him feel uneasy again. Never having a dog before he couldn't really tell if that was just a smile or a snarl

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose chuckled at that, nodding and patting the boy gently on the shoulder. Of course, he was a child... "That's true." He admitted, settling to an actual sitting-position on the floor by him. "Not everyone is... ah... prepared to see animal-people. Uhm... I guess that a lot of people think that they don't really exist... or think that we're mean... like werewolf movies or something."

Cody Archer

Cody nodded at the explanation "You're not like those werewolves. They only come out during full-moon nights, everyone knows that"

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose barked a good-natured laugh at that. "That's true. Though not everyone apparently thinks about that when they see a wolf person walking about... unfortunately." Ambrose tussled Cody's hair. "But can't fool you."

Cody Archer

Cody lauthed as well, combing his hair back to normal " But are you really a wolf? In all of the stories I've heard they're always the bad guy"

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose sighed heavily at that with a small roll of his eyes. "I know." He muttered. "It's not exactly fair, now is it? Though in my defense it's only mostly the Western movies and cartoons.... My friends have shown me some Japanese animation where it's pretty reversed. But, you have my promise that I'm a good wolf." His tail thumped against the carpet.

Cody Archer

"No... it really isn't" Cody wondered for a bit. Why were wolfs always the bad ones? "But at least you're not like them" he smiled back at Ambrose

Ambrose Maurlias

He shook his head with a closed-mouth smile. "No, I'm not." He glanced around the room before looking back to Cody. "So what sorts of things do you like to do for fun?" He felt a strange combination of awkwardness around the boy - not having had much experience baby sitting before, and the knowledge that someone as young as he was now a part of the island... he just hoped that perhaps the MS he had spoken about was really the reason he was here... that maybe his life WAS threatened, like Colche's - but in a different way, and that they could help him....



And on the other hand... Ambrose felt a sense of responsibility. His parents weren't here... he was sure the labtechs were too busy... and he was the first other person he had encountered. Some paternal instinct was flaring in him - the fact that wolves communally raised cubs chiming in with that sense of responsibiliyt

Cody Archer

At that question Cody said the first thing that came to mind "Soccer! Though I can't really play it much since I got the MS. Get tired easily and my hands and feet get numb often. And sometimes my legs start to shake too and I fall down"

It really sucked having this disease. Besides the symptoms he'd mentioned, he also had bladder problems

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose frowned sympathetically at the talk. "well... maybe they will be able to help you here. I've seen them.... help a lot of people get over physical problems. Why... one guy even grew back his arm!" The exclamation was said with a slight bitter note to it, however. Ambrose couldn't bring himself to tell the boy the full truth. Maybe they could help him.



"And you're in luck if you like soccer... there's a guy here who used to play soccer professionally. Thom Brinley? I don't know if you've heard of him or not. I never followed the games - I was a - er.. my favorite sport was fencing." He caught himself.

Cody Archer

Cody's eyes widen in amazement. Growing back a whole arm? It sounded impossible. But the mention of a famous soccer player living here too it was what make him grow excited

"Wow, really? I've heard of him a couple of times, he's from England right? What's he's doing here? Do you think they'll let me meet him? And what's fencing?"

Ambrose Maurlias

Cody's enthusiasm was contagious. "Yes~! You've heard of him? I was embarrassed to tell him I had never heard of him. Yes, He's from England. And... he's here ... to... ah... well... he mentioned something about an injury..." Ambrose trailed off. "Fencing? You've never heard of fencing?" Ambrose asked in mock-scandal. "It's... modern sword-fighting. I should have brought my epee with me..."

Cody Archer

"Well, duh! Englad has one of the best teams in europe. Of course I know... though I don't know how he looks like" Cody actually kept a sticker collection of soccer players back at home, but it was still quite incomplete and it had some players missing on the list

At the mention of sword fight, the first thing he thought about was pirates. But it was hard to imagine Ambrose dressed in a pirate outfit "Wow, neat"

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose's tail was wagging steadily now, happy for an excuse to chat about sports. "I'm afraid I don't know very much about which teams are better. But a whole group of us did a soccer game last week - and my team beat out Thom's." He was also eager for a chance to boast that point.



"And yes! Maybe I can show you a thing or two sometime with the epee. Unfortunately there arent' a whole lot of people around here who do fencing, though." He stretched, catching a glimpse of the clock. He had been away for a while now, and Angelina was probably waiting for him.



"But... it was nice to meet you, Cody." He said getting back to his feet and putting up the book he had been looking at. "If you ever need anything - a friend, have questions, anything. I'm in duplex number 1. That should be pretty easy to find, yes?"

Cody Archer

"Thom getting beaten!?!" That sounded even more impossible than anthros living on the island. Perhaps he didn't had a good team... that was probably it. A person alone couldn't win the game

Again Cody tried to imagine Ambrose dressed up as Jack Sparrow, doing all types of tricks with his sword. But for some reason he just didn't seem to fit. Maybe when he saw him perform...

"Ok, was nice meeting you too Ambrose. I think I can find it, I'm in number 51 by the way"

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose reached over and shook the boy's hand again. "It was very nice meeting you as well, Cody. Take care, and I will have to come and pay you a visit some time." With a wave and a smile, Ambrose headed back out to his duplex, worry settled on his shoulders. He would have to talk to Aubrey about Cody....

 

[Ambrose Maurlias]

Drinks with Friends
In which Ambrose meets up with Vasile, and his new boyfriend, Marlow

http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?page=14&t=1397560#66092014  

[Ambrose Maurlias]

Acquiring the Ring

The walk to the labs was starting to become a familiar trip for the wolfman. Strange, he thought to himself, how a place that was responsible for such a drastic, unwanted change in his life in more ways than one was still a place that he visited willingly.

To Ambrose, the labs, or more specifically Aubrey, represented two very contrasting concepts - one being the force that brought him here, changed him utterly... and yet, it was still his only link to the outside world - to material items or to information... and of course, the spokespiece of the labs themselves and the only way to get a proverbial foot in the door to voice his own opinions and concerns.

Ambrose had long ago learned to be civil to people he had to deal with, even if he didn't like them. It was part of the many stringent lessons that his parents had forced upon him. And, at least, Aubrey wasn't someone that he had any problem with on a personal level - although her position still rubbed him the wrong way and he didn't understand how someone as genuinely nice as she could continue to work for a madman like Moreau. Love is, as they say, truly blind. And it was all too apparent with the curly brunette. Ambrose often silently wondered how long things would continue at the current status quoue - would Aubrey ever completely break? Would Moreau stop tolerating her sympathy for the "subjects"? Neither choice seemed to bode well for the islanders, althought the current predicament seemed a precarious balance. And of course, Moreau developing a heart seemed out of the question. Despite how little Ambrose had seen the redhead personally, what he had seen had left an effect.

At least, small favors or whatever else to call it, Ambrose had managed to at least carve out a small niche of happiness. And God (or Labs) willing, he wasn't going to let anyone dampen it. Ambrose needed to cling to some semblance of normalacy in this crazy zoo, and his relationship with Angelina, something unchanged (even after the 'hiatus') from his previous life, seemed to be the answer. It was only logical that he not let the other disruptions stay his dedication. After all, now without the distractions of school or sports... he could give her what he had told himself that he would someday. Now, two weeks after speaking with Aubrey over the microphone, that someday was looming very close.

Finally, approaching the main gates (the three-mile walk a good excercize and chance to reflect in the cooler evening air), Ambrose paused as normal a few feet back and requested that the standing guardsman hail Aubrey.

As normal, the guards called her up and made Ambrose wait outside the gates for several minutes before Aubrey appeared. She was without her chair this time, though was leaning heavily on a medical cane for support. She had a big smile on her face when she saw Ambrose. "It's here," she said happily, opening the gates and leading him into the main lobby.

Ambrose's ears priced as he saw her walking out - surprised to see her out of the wheelchair. He had hoped it was there. He had tried to keep from getting his hopes up on the walk over, thinking of other things, so as to not set himself up for a disappointment, more waiting, and more trips back and forth. But at her proclamation, his eyes lit up and his tail furiously began wagging.

He all but sprinted through the gates, keeping himself from bowling over Aubrey in his exuberism. "It is? Thankyousomuch! How does it look? Did it come in good condition? Do you think she'll like it?" He bounced circles around her as he followed her inside.

Aubrey chuckled softly as Ambrose's very doggish mannerisms. "Let me sit down and I'll show you," she said shaking her head. Though she was trying to hide it, walking without the aid of the chair was prooving very difficult for her.

Once inside the plush lobby she thankfully sat carefully down in one of the armchairs, offering Ambrose a seat on the couch across from her. Fishing the black box out of her labcoat pocket, she held it out to him on an open palm.

He nodded, and forced himself to take a seat in the plush couches as well, although he wriggled as he did sit, his tail lasing about the coushins. "I see you're walking! That's fantastic! You were in that chair still not two weeks ago. Have you been doing better?"

However, the niceties were pushed aside as he carefully and reverently took the box from her, cracking the hinge open as he gazed at the ring set before him. It was just as he had pictured it. A wide smile spread across his face, the sparkling diamond reflected in his wide eyes.

Finally, breathlessly, he whispered. "It's beautiful.."

Aubrey nodded to his questions. "Working on it.. I can only walk for a few hours at a time before it starts to hurt.. but I'm getting there."

She leaned back and watched his expression with a content, almost smug smile. She couldn't wait to see how he would do it.. and for the first time in a while she was giddy to the fact that she would be able to take advantage of the cameras and watch it play out. "What you were hoping for?"

"I'm glad to hear it... that means there wasn't any irreversable damage, then..?"
His eyes only glanced back up to hers for a moment before returning to the ring in front of him.

"It's perfect, Aubrey. Thank you. I obviously wouldn't have been able to do this without your help. Save for trying and likely failing to whittle something out of wood." He winced. "I... I still need to think of a good way to propose. Maybe I'll talk to people about it.." He trailed off, looking up to Aubrey, realizing that she was another person who would probably have some good suggestions. "how did.. uhm... how did he do it?"

"Probably not. I'm a bit worried about children.. but worse case scenario we have ways to get around that," she said with a nod.

Aubrey couldn't help but blush when Ambrose asked abuot Moreau's proposal. "He got the ring when I was unconscious," she said, a small subtle smile on her lips. "I guess.. ours was as special cirsumstance. We had... argued before I was hurt. It almosted ended.. badly. Very badly, worse than it did. I think he realized he very nearly might have lost me. And he wanted to promise that would never happen again..."

He glanced back down to her abdomen briefly, a flinch crossing his expressions. "Children... oh... I.. well... with all that you can do here, I would think that at the very least you could get someone to carry a child for you. If you couldn't do it yourself. I... I think you've likely got a better chance to have a child than most of us at least." He added quietly, finally giving voice to some of his own apprehensions. Not that he wanted a child! ... yet.

"That... sounds like something that was a long time coming. I'm glad to hear that he does care about you more than.. some others might think, then. I think you gave a lot of us a scare that night."

Aubrey nodded slowly, but didn't comment much on the baby scene at the moment. They were generally unsure of exactly how reproduction would work with the islanders, or even if the islanders would want to create a child in this kind of environment. Regardless, it was a dicussion she needed to be having with an islander, nor did it really fit the mood.

But she raised an eyebrow at the mention of what the islanders thought, an almost bemused smile on her lips. "No one knows Moreau like I do. I'm surprised any of the islanders claim to know him at all," she said simply. She almost gave a light snort. "Scared? Only for your own skins I'm sure," she said, almost, well, bitterly. "Moreau would have been..upset."

Ambrose frowned at that. "You don't think very highly of our opinions in that case, either. All I know of moreau is the few times I've run into him personally... though I admit that he probably views us "subjects" very differently than he does the people on his side of the fence. But still.. I saw how mad he was at you for sticking up for the Dude that once at the Halloween party. I was sure he was going to flay someone."

He shrugged with a shake of his head. "I enjoy talking with you, Aubrey. I know Moreau would have been very ... upset to put it likely. And I'm sure all of us would have felt the repercussions. But I've always been of the opinion that you're too nice to be doing what you do. Not that I'm complaining that at least one person of power is like you."
Aubrey shook her head, not really feeling the mood to get into a philosophy disscussion with Ambrose. "All I'm saying, is none of you guys know him on a personal level.. for whatever reason its a bit harsh to judge how he feels about me by what little exposure you've had with him."

And she let a tinge of regret sting her as Ambrose said the last part. "Thank you," she said simply. It almost seemed for a second that she was going to continue.. but she didn't.

Ambrose sighed and held up his hands. "I didn't mean to chastize. I just make judgments about people based on what I see of them, after all, it's all I DO see. And granted, I think that the experiments going on here, being his idea, give me at least a right to form an opinion of the person who orchestrated all of this, yes? At least I'm not up in arms over him like some people are. And my voice grew hoarse from my protests. I'm just... well... I'm trying to make due. I know it's only frustrating and fruitless to think of me having any say or influence over leaving here between side effects of the serums, and the illegality of it all if you went public. And that's not even touching the social ... problems of being a 'wolfman' in today's society."

He nodded as she awkwardly accepted his compliment.

"But you call me a good person."

She sighed and shrugged. "It doesn't matter in the end. I guess there are two sides to every coin, yes?"

He shrugged as well. "You didn't think this system up did you? I know you love him. I might be wrong, but I figured that was why you were here more than the project in specific. If you were to hatch an idea to do genetic manipulation, something tells me that your... methods would be a bit different."

"But yes. Two sides." He relented, not really in the mood to argue either. He looked down at the ring again before snapping the case closed and sliding it into the pocket of his khaki shorts.

"I have to have some common interest in the program. This is a little extreme to do for love alone.. wouldn't you think?"

Even though Aubrey wasn't entirely sure it wasn't true.

Ambrose shrugged. "I... well, Love can take you a long way. I would think that it's as bit extreme to be doing for any reason but love."

Aubrey just shrugged, as if agreeing to disagree.

"Well." Ambrose said, noting the silence starting to become uncomfortable. "Thank you, again. And... I hope that he makes you happy."

"Thank you.." she said, almost distantly. "And, well, same to you. I mean, I'm pretty sure she will.. but good luck, regardless. I wish you two the best."

"Thanks. I hope I can come up with a very memorable proposal." Ambrose smiled as he stood up, about to start walking for the door when something nagged at his memory. "Oh... uhm... I ran into Cody yesterday.." He trailed off, looking to Aubrey to see what her reaction would be.

Aubrey blinked, the sudden worry on her face evident. "Oh..?"

"yeah..." Ambrose hesitated. "I... well, to be honest my first impression was that he might be someone at the labs's kid... I.. I didn't think that kids that young were being used as subjects. But he told me about the MS. That's... normally fatal, right.." He flinched a bit, wanting to be reassured that there was some logic to taking someone so young from their life.

Aubrey cleared her throat gently. "yes, the find he has. He'd be wheelchair bound by the time he was twelve.. probably dead in his thirties, if even top the line treatment."

Ambrose nodded quietly. "I... see. And, this WILL help him, right..?"

Aubrey looked guilty she picked at the arm of her chair. "Yes. It sure cure him completely, if things go according to plan."

Ambrose nodded again. "And I assume nothing else could have saved him... back on the mainland - at least nothing in development that would suceed before it was too late. It's just too bad... I assume he didnt' really have much of a choice... and being so young."

Aubrey couldn't meet his eyes. "Nothing known to modern medicine could have cured him. And his parents.. were struggling with the expenses of keeping even a healthy child.."

His tail swished from side to side, his expression one of mixed emotions - they were helping... in a fashion. He would have died - sooner or later. But on the other note, taking him from his home and parents - and he couldn't be older than ten or eleven.

"It's a tough case. I... just hope that he's happy here. He seemed well enough, but I don't think he knew what was in store for him when I met him. What is he going to become if you don't mind me asking?"

Aubrey sighed. "He seems rather okay with the transition.. its the loss of his family that has me worried." She paused for a few minutes. "We doing something a bit more.. experimental with his animal... I don't know how much or little of the animal he'll take on in the end.. but its a dolphin."

"Dolphin?" Ambrose asked curiously. Kids liked dolphins. But that also might mean that like cassidy, that he might lose his legs. But she did say experimental. Maybe it was best not to ask. "The family thing is hard. I hope that with the people here he'll be able to make a new one."

Aubrey nodded. "So do I." She was quiet for a moment. "Its not really that bad. I mean, I know he's young.. but won't that make it easier to adjust? You're always lamenting your lost dreams.. plans. He'll grow up here.. "

"I hope so." He nodded. "I don't know how many dreams he had time to form. Especially with a degenerative disease."

Aubrey nodded slowly. "Hey, ah.. try to look after him, would you? I don't think he... ah, likes me much anymore."

Ambrose took a breath in comprehension and nodded. "I'll do my best." He smiled. "I've got two 'kids' I'm looking after as is, what's a third." He smiled jokingly. "I think your injections have done something to my paternal feelings." He stuck his tongue out half-playfully.

Aubrey let a wry smile cross her lips. "Be careful what you wish for. I've noticed you haven't made an aquiristions request for birth control in quite a while."

Ambrose opened and closed his mouth with wide eyes. "We can request... ? Erm... I mean... Can we even concei... er..." He flustered, and then shoved his hands into his pockets.

"You know.. it's just... wolves raise pups communally... I feel responsible... ergh... I don't know. I don't like to admit how this...all... affects me mentally..."

"Fertility tests are..rather inconclusive in the transition periods," she said, raising an eyebrow. "But several of the islanders are sure having a lot fun adding to our research pool."

Ambrose coughed a bit at that, blushing heavily under his fur. " Well! I should.. uhm.. probably head back. Thanks... thanks again..."

"Ah yes," realized that Ambrose needed her code to get out, she slowly made it back to her feet and led him back out to the gate.

Ambrose gave a final wave before heading back down the path towards the village.  

[Ambrose Maurlias]

Werewolf vs. Zombie
Ambrose swings by to check on Cody and tries to lift his spirits

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose had just made it back from the labs, the ring secure in the case in his pocket. He hadn't taken his hand off of the case during the entire walk back to the village - be it clasped securely around the small black box in his pocket, or frequently withdrawn from it to open it up and see it again - just to make sure it was still there, or to smile widely again at the faceted stone... imagining it on Angelina's slender finger....



The sun had long since set by the time the jungle receeded to the familiar cookie-cutter buildings, but the darkness didn't bother him very much anymore - his keen night vision and his overdeveloped sense of smell and hearing kept his footsteps even on the bumpy dirt road and alerted him of anything that might be stirring around him. However, now that he was back, the village was rather silent, despite his thirst for company.

His tail swished as he paused at the edge of the village. As much as he wanted to bound home to see Angelina and fall to one knee there and then... he wanted to wait - make it perfect. And the last thing he wanted was for her to find the ring inadvertantly. Maybe he could kill some time, chase down some people to talk to... get their opinions on what would make a wonderful proposal.



As he turned to go towards Vasile's... or maybe Cassidy's or one of his other friends' duplexex, when he hesitated, and glanced towards the newer "section of town" as he rememebred his discussion with Aubrey. Cody was there, and probably alone. He could only imagine what it would be like for a kid here.. alone, especially at night.

It wasn't THAT late, after all. Ambrose turned and headed to Cody's room, and knocked softly on the door - if he was asleep, he didn't want to wake him

Cody Archer

Cody was wide awake and reading, something very uncommon coming from him. Everytime he tried to sleep fear haunted him, that horrible feeling of being completely and absolutly alone in the dark. So he was doing his best to keep his mind busy and the fear at bay

He was reading a line about the feeding habits of the dolphins for what it seemed the hundreth time, the information sliping away as he reached the end of the sentence thanks to the boring way information was presented there
At the knock he actually jumped on the spot, thinking for a split second it was one of those dangerous islanders coming to get him. But he soon came to his senses, thinking how stupid he was being, though his beating hearth said otherwise

Trying to calm himself down he opened a slit of the door and then opening it wide when he realised it was Ambrose

"Hi Ambrose. What are you doing up so late?"

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose smiled to Cody, leaning down with his hands on his knees and his tail giving a friendly wag. "Hi Cody. I was just coming back from a walk, actually. I thought I'd swing by to see how you were doing. I know it must be scary to be all alone in your duplex in a place as strange as this."

Cody Archer

"No it's not" he tried to sound brave, but it was impossible to hide his racing hearth and the very slight trembling of his voice to someone with dog ears

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose's ears lowered to the side and his smile softened as he reached out to smooth Cody's hair. He didn't contradict his proclamation - he knew htat to Cody it probably was important to him not be seen as scared, but that didn't mean that he didn't need comforting.

"Well, it was scary for me when I was here all by myself at first." Ambrose confided. "But there are things that you can do to help feel better." Ambrose had never had a younger sibling, and with the picking that he had always gotten from Dreu, his older brother, he had often wished that he had. He would have been nice to him - he would have someone to talk to - to look out for. Since coming to this island he had taken two "little sisters" under his wing, and loved the feeling of being someone to protect them - really satisfying his ideals of being like the heroes of the swashbuckling movies, as well as the lupine instinct to look after 'pups' in need.



"Would you like me to come in? Even if you're not scared, it might be lonely here by yourself."

Cody Archer

Cody was happy Ambrose didn't called him a liar or talked to him like he was a little kid "What things?"

"Sure" he opened the door a bit, but then felt a bit embarassed to show Ambrose the confusion that was starting to settling in "Sorry about the mess"

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose shook his head as he walked in. "Don't worry about it. You just moved in after all. And the place looks a lot neater than many of the other peoples' here."



He walked in and pulled out the chair from the desk, turning it around before sitting down, crossing his arms over the backboard. "well, when I got here at least, I went to learn the kinds of animals that lived in the jungles here - so I knew that there wasn't much out there that could hurt me. And I went to the beach - it's really pretty out there - lots of seashells that you can find. I did my best to meet a lot of the people here, and I try to keep up with it. And most of all, I made friends - people I could talk to, or I could go visit with if I was scared."

Cody Archer

"I already met loads of people. You, Thom, Colche, Amaya, Emelyn and Nita" he intentionally ommited Aubrey. Ambrose already knew and he was currently blaming on her, the only doctor he met, for not being able to see his parents again "They're all really nice, though Emelyn told me there were dangerous animal-people around that could try to hunt you"

Ambrose Maurlias

"Wow!" Ambrose chuckled. "You've been busy!" He nodded. "Emelyn is a nice person, as are all of those other people.



Ambrose paused at what Emelyn said. "There.... are a few people... who have had some... problems." He admitted carefully. "Namely a big tiger-man named Jamal. But most of the other people are usually pretty nice - and I really don't think many people would hurt you in particular." At least I HOPE not. Who would actually hurt a child? WOULD Jamal be that dangerous? The only other people he had seen or heard that had had... fits... was Joli - who seemed to be alright when she wasn't very hungry, and Zach. Who also seemed to be alright from time to time.



"But if ANYONE seems mean, just leave them alone, and I wouldn't think they'd hurt you. worst case, come to me or one of your other friends and we'll look out for you. When I first came, hardly anyone was mean, but just like out in the rest of the world, there are always sometimes bad people. But here at least most people are nice - most people don't even lock their doors."

Cody Archer

Cody chuckled at that reply. Nearly everyone he met so far was by accident, specially Nita

"What problems?" he knew tigers were dangerous, no matter how cool they were. Maybe if he knew what was bothering him he could avoid getting attacked

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose pondered this, and tried to think how to phrase it. "People who... don't have much self-control... for the most part. At least from what I've seen."



"But most people, even those that have problems, usually have enough self control to stop themselves from actually hurting anyone. And if they cant'... well... the labs keep an eye on everyone here. If anyone tries to hurt anyone, they ... do something and they make the person attacking them go to sleep for a little bit. And something tells me that the lab people will keep a close eye on you to make sure no one hurts you."

Cody Archer

"Like wanting to hunt? And what do you mean putting to sleep?" Cody was really curious about this. Maybe they used sleeping darts. Or maybe gas? He wanted to know

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose nodded. "yeah, like wanting to hunt. Most people have enough sense to - if they don't just get food in the cafeteria - to go after ... small animals in the jungle."



He thought about this. "We... don't know exaclty. We... think that they put a chip in us or something. We've seen Moreau speak to people and put them to sleep with a command, but also I've heard they can do it remotely.... when they watch us on the screens."

Cody Archer

"A chip? And screens?" This was getting confusing

Cody sat in a more confortable position on the bed. This whole place was starting to seem very frightning. And who the heck was Moreau?

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose nodded slowly, feeling that he was probably overwhelming the kid.



"I... I'm sorry. Most of the time you never see or think about any of the... 'behind the scenes' things. And... they do care for our wellbeing. They don't want us to get hurt." It would screw with their experiments... but Cody needs reassurance now...



"And none of us want you to get hurt, either, Cody."

Cody Archer

"So it's a security system? Like in the movies?" it sounded less scary that way for some reason. If they were watching him and had a way to put the others to sleep, maybe there wasn't any danger of getting attacked at night or when he ventured too far of the village

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose nodded. "Yes! Exactly. A security system. They keep an eye out for trouble and to keep people safe." And keep themselves safe, too, of course.



"So, with your friends like me and Thom and Emelyn, and with the security system, you'll be fine, kiddo." He smiled, his tail wagging.

Cody Archer

Cody smilled feeling quite relieved. He then turned and picked one of the books lying on the bed, showing a picture with leaping dolphins to Ambrose

"I know what I'm going to be. See? Em and Nita said dolphins could do really cool stuff"

Ambrose Maurlias

"Oh really? You found out what you're going to be?" Thank god, someone else apparently broke the news to him that he would be becoming an animal as well.



"That's great, Cody." He smiled as he saw Cody's expression. He liked his animal - that was excellent. "You're lucky. A lot of people wind up wiht an animal that they don't like, but dolphins are great. And I can tell you like them."

Cody Archer

"Who doesn't?" he smiled widely "But you like yours don't you?". It wasn't hard for him to imagine something he didn't like to be turned into. Rats, squirrels, rabbits, slugs... a endless list of them. And from his meeting with Thom he had a faint idea how unpleasent some changes could be to some

"I asked Aubrey and..." Cody's expression turned gloom again at the memory of the news she gave him

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose nodded. "I do, actually. It was kind of difficult for me to deal with at first... the concept of turning into any animal... but the more I've met people, the more I've read up on wolves, the more I realize that I think I am lucky. I like wolves, and they seem to... I don't know... fit me. Maybe it's just me saying this after I've already changed a bit, but I still feel like me if that makes sense?"



He nodded soberly. "Aubrey will tell you the truth. She... she is the nicest of the staff members."

Cody Archer

Cody just shrugged. Turning into an animal wasn't at all bad. They got to do cool stuff "I dunno. You look cool like that. Better than that werewolf back at the 3rd Harry Potter movie. That one looked like an ugly scarecrow"

"Well I don't like her. It's not fair" the trears were starting to come up again, as anger boiled up inside him

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose laughed loudly at the comparison. "Thanks, Cody. I think he looked pretty stupid in the movie, too. I... I read the books and it didn't sound at all like they described him. And... I'm flattered that you think I look cool. It's strange for me... people meeting me like this, not knowing how I used to look. But thanks."



He frowned, got up and went to sit next to him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "Shh... it's alright, Cody. Aubrey.... what did she do?"

Cody Archer

"I only saw the movie. But you're nearly as cool as the Van Helsing werewolf... but more real" he really liked that movie, thinking it was stupid kids his age not being allowed to see it. Good thing his dad had rented the movie and allowed him to watch

"She said I wouldn't see my parents again. They said it would only be 6 months when I came" his voice trembled as tears ran free through his face and sobs started to form

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose grinned, puffing his chest out and giving him a fangly grin. "Nearly as cool, huh?" He teased, rubbing his head with his knuckles gently.



But at the trembling voice, Ambrose stopped, his face becoming more somber as he scootched closer and gave him the one-arm hug a bit tighter. "I think that's the hardest part about this island. I left my parents on bad terms, which is the worst part for me... and now I'll never see them again. But... that's not Aubrey's fault. Even she isn't allowed to talk to anyone off the island... that's becase of the man that owns the Island, Dr. Moreau."

Cody Archer

"Black is cooler" he sticked his tongue out in a playful manner, while he combed the hair back to normal with his fingers

Cody sank his face on his fur. He had been doing this too much lately, but that primordial search for confort spoke louder "M-Moreau?"

Ambrose Maurlias

He nodded. "He's.... Aubrey's fiancee. He owns Feral Labs. And this Island. He... well... I don't know how much people have told you, but what they're doing here isn't exacly legal. He's... very worried that he would get in serious trouble if anyone finds out about this project. We... we're forming our own family here. A lot of us have friends, loved ones, families that we've had to leave behind. Aubrey is the closest thing we have to a good communication to the people who work for the labs. SHe's.... she's too nice to be doing what she does, but she loves Moreau."

Cody Archer

"No. Only Aubrey. She said this wasn't legal and the treatment couldn't be interrupted, or I would get worse. But once finished I could get home, I wouldn't tell anyone!" Cody couldn't grasp the concept of a new family. His family was his parents, his grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins...

Ambrose Maurlias

He nodded. "I've heard the same thing. That if the ... procedure stops before it's done it could make us very sick. But Moreau won't risk anyone going back, even if they promise not to tell. For one, we'll look... different - like I do now or more. And... it would be very difficult to deal with normal people looking so different. Not that I don't want to go back either.... but it would be hard. "

Cody Archer

Cody pondered on what he just heard. It was true there wasn't any anthros walking around the streets, it simply wasn't normal. Actually if he thought better it was true some people had trouble with others they didn't like. Just like in recess, where the bullies picked on smaller kids and the popular often act like they were superior to everyone else. He had suffered to that social exclusion a bit too, when some kids thought being around him would get them sick too

"I think I get it"

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose nodded, seeing the pensive look on the boy's face. "People... are mean to people that are different." He said somberly. He had seen more than enough cases of that back home. He had been conditioned so much to 'fit in' and to carry himself just right, wear the proper clothes ever since he was a boy. He was far too familiar with the social repercussions of being even slightly different, and the disapproving gaze of his own parents.

Cody Archer

"And here? Are they?"

Ambrose Maurlias

He shook his head. "That's one good thing about this island. Except for the very new people who first arrive, everyone is very understanding and supportive. We're all going through it together."

Cody Archer

Cody felt better and gave a faint smile, pushing himself away from Ambrose's chest and drying off the remaining tears with the back of his hand

"Sorry. I've been crying a like a girl"

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose shook his head with a smile, wiping at the wetness with the back of a fuzzy finger. "Don't worry about it. If you promise not to tell anyone, I'll tell you that I cried too after I found out what was going on here and I started to grow fur. And... I don't cry either."



He was such a sweet kid. It was really too bad to see that he had to be here.... but Ambrose knew that his medical condition pretty much made it a choice of this or a premature death.



"And black is NOT cooler" He added belatedly, hoping to bring a smile back to his face.

Cody Archer

Cody looked amazed at Ambrose. He was an adult and he had cried?

"Yes it is" he pushed Ambrose as to prove his point, but with little effect. He tried again, putting his whole weight agaisnt him, but only managed to slid off patheticly onto Ambroses' lap

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose paused for a moment with a serious nod before his face breaking into a playful chuckle. He wrappedboth his arms around Cody and flopped backwards onto the bed with him with a playful growl. "No it's not!" As he ticked him under the ribs.

Cody Archer

Cody felt the world go round as Ambrose roll over with him attached, then breaking into an histerical laughter as his weak spot was being attacked

"Ok, ok you win" he said between laughts

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose was chortling along with him as Cody exploded into laughter, his tail wagging enthusiastically as the grin split his face. "Aha! No one beats Ambrose!" He grinned as he relented and sat back up and ran a hand through his blonde hair. He slipped his hand into his shorts pocket for a moment to check the security of the contents and then smiled, leaning back on his hands and panting.

Cody Archer

Cody lied down as he gasped for air, his hand making a slow bee line towards the pillow. Taking this window of distraction, he trew it straight to Ambrose's face

Ambrose Maurlias

"Hey!" Ambrose yelped in suprise as he had been assuming Cody was going for the pillow in order to lie down, instead of it being projected towards his head.



It beaned him, and plopped down into his lap as Ambrose looked to cody with a curled lip (around a smile). Grabbing the pillow, he rolled to his knees with his hackles up and tail standing straight up as he brought the fluffy pillow around towards Cody's head. "Catch me offguard, eh?"

Cody Archer

"Tickling is against the rules" he said as he grabed back the pillow

Ambrose Maurlias

"Oh?? Says who?" Ambrose kept a firm grip on the pillow and fought to connect it with his head.

Cody Archer

"Says me" he struggled and tried to get away from Ambrose, using his feet as a leaver against the wolf's hips

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose play growled and let go of the pillow quickly, instead gathering up the sides of the blanket around cody to form a sack. "Gotcha!"

Cody Archer

"Hey! Let me go!"

Cody tried his best to escape that roll of doom, but sadly Ambrose had the size, weight and strength on his side. So he did the only thing he could do, play dead

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose watched as Cody went limp, a bemused smile on his face as he let the sack go. He poked cautiously at the still form. "Oh no! I killed Cody!" He cried overdramatically, raising the back of his hand to his forehead. "Whatever will I do?!" '

Cody Archer

Cody jumped suddenly, crying Boo! and laughted like he hadn't laught in a good while

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose raised his hands and yelped. "Aaaa~ He's back from the dead! Zombie Cody!" Ambrose grabbed the sheet and raised it between them. "Back foul demon!"

Cody Archer

"I will eat your brain" he started doing slurping sounds while he reached out for Ambrose in a zombie like manner

Ambrose Maurlias

"Noooooo!" Ambrose howled, scrambling backwards and trying to conceal the wide grin on his face with the sheet as he still held it between them. "I've created a monster!"

Cody Archer

"Gimme brains" he grabbed the sheet and tried to catch Ambrose

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose let go of the sheet and sprung off the bed, facing Cody, his tail wagging as he rested his hands on his knees. "You'll have to catch me first! No brainmeats for the zombie!"

Cody Archer

Cody tried to catch the much more agile wolf, doing zombie impressions all the way. But soon tiredness started to take over him and he could stop himself from letting out a loud yawn

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose bounded around the room, trying to keep from being caught. However, hearing the yawn, Ambrose slowed himself and purposely allowed his tail to get within the boy's reach.

Cody Archer

Cody managed to grab the furry member, a wide grin stamped on his face

"Gotcha" but again he let out another yawn. Not wanting to stop he tried to rub away the sleep of his eyes, but it was evident it was way pass his bedtime

Ambrose Maurlias

"Ahh, you win." Ambrose said after a small lurch that was held in check by Cody's grip on his tail.



He turned around and ruffled Cody's hair again with a smile. "But I think that it's probably time that you turn in for the night." He said with a wink.

Cody Archer

"Do I have to?". Apparently his face said yes, because Cody's eyes were heavy and his voice sounded sleepy

Ambrose Maurlias

He smiled as he swept him up and carried him over to the bed. "Yes, I think you do." He smiled. "But I can stay until you fall asleep."

Cody Archer

"Ok then" Cody went to grab a overly large t-shirt he used to sleep and went to change himself in the bathroom. Went it came out it was obvious it belong to an adult and not to a 10 year old kid, nearly reaching his knees

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose smiled kindly at the boy when he came back out, and pulled up the chair to the side of the bed to sit on. "Did you have a good day?"

Cody Archer

"Yeah, thanks. I haven't been in a pillow fight eversince I got sick" he climbed onto bed, only covering himself with the sheets

Ambrose Maurlias

He smiled. "Well, then you were definately due for one." Ambrose replied matter-of-factly.



He helped adjust the tussled sheets around him, switched off the light, and then returned to the chair, resting his arms on the back of the chair.

Cody Archer

It didn't took long for Cody to fall asleep. He was tired, both mental and physically, but no terrors tormented him this time

Ambrose Maurlias

Ambrose watched him slip off to blissful sleep with a smile on his face. He watched him for a few minutes to make sure he wouldn't wake before quietly getting back to his feet and slipping out the door.

 

[Ambrose Maurlias]

Commiserating with Pyroth

(8:50:41 AM): Pyroth had come to approve of the cliffs of late, their sheer drop to the glittering waters below were nothing more than a pleasant reminder to him that he did still have some control over his life and the very height of the place allowed him to almost imagine that you could see the faint edges of land on the horizon although you never could.

Today he sat in the sparse grasses and ferns that clung to the rock, looking out over the sea where it shimmered all kinds of colours below. It wasn't the colours that interested him though, after all he was almost colour blind these days and his mind had begun to completely neglect aesthetic beauty. What he was interested in were the scents, the rolling cacophony of smells that were blown up the cliff face as updrafts and carried to his nose.

He sat, like some sort of meditative elder, listening to nothing except his nose, trying to learn the various scents by heart, it was a useful skill to hone, and for his slightly more canine mind, a fantasticly interesting pasttime.

(8:58:35 AM): Ambrose had been wandering for most of the day, just letting his feet carry him without bothering to give them much direction. He had stopped back into his duplex late the night before after finishing checking up on Cody, slipping into bed besides the snoozing Angelina, careful to keep the small box away from her notice. He had been elusive, and she had queried him about it, but Ambrose remained vague. He was sure she was suspicious that he was up to something, but as long as she didn't know what then he was good.

He had gotten up early, showered, dressed, and slipped the ringbox back into his pocket before Angelina was awake, stopping by the cafeteria to pick up breakfast to much on during his walk and pondering. He hadn't run into many other people, and so just let his thoughts drift as he walked Eastward for a change, away from the main beach.

The walk was pleasant, slow, and the wind had kicked up enough and the shade on the road from the trees was enough to keep him from sweltering. He wanted the proposal to be perfect... Well, at least as could be managed given their location. And so, Ambrose let the beauty and the naturalness of the island be a backdrop to his brainstorming. Perhaps finding a nice location could help him piece together a romantic event.

Before he even realized it, the scents of the deep, earthy jungle gave way to the fresh sea air as he emerged from the canopy to the thin strip of land before the sudden drop to the sea below. The air, blowing back from the sea, kept his scent downwind from Pyroth - btu at the same time alerted Ambrose to the coyote's presence - a strong canine scent pulling him from his reverie. Ears pricked and suddenly aware of his surroundings his eyes widened as he saw the hunched figure perched near the edge. The decidedly canine form that the man now possessed had not ceased to send chills down the wolfman's back, setting his fur on edge. Pyroth was always a sharp reminder to him of his own potential future. ... and an even more pointed note of the transience of his current shape.

Clearing his throat so as to not startle him, Ambrose approached, ears pricked and tail raised.

Pyroth was too caught up in the breeze to notice the movement nearby that signalled Ambrose's approach even before his cough did. He had been oddly out of thigns lately, avoiding people, avoiding everyone in the main apart from Bobby and Kikue, whom he'd spoken to briefly in one of his better moments. It was for that reason that when he did hear Ambrose' signal that he was nearby he found himself oddly torn between two instincts, fight or flight before his more normal human thoughts kicked those intincts aside and made him look round.

The other canine still took him by surprise, so similar did they look. Of course he had crossed that invisible line slightly more than Ambrose but still, the resemblance was there. It was still unnerving to see the changes from the outside and to realise how other people probably perceived him. But once again it wasn't the changes but the scent that reminded him of their similarity. The coyote was hesitant of the scent, not sure wether Ambrose was friend or foe, but Pyroth knew the other man had never done him any harm and ended that mental debate decisively too.

He grinned, nodding his head in greeting, only growing ore amused at the coyote's face-licking greeting instincts. They were never going to be allowed free reign he decided. "Hello Ambrose, long time no see." he swished his tail in greeting. "Hope I'm not hogging the best scenery." he chuckled

"Hi Pyroth." Ambrose responded genially, his own tail returning the waving greeting as he closed the distance between them and forced himself to extend a hand instead of the greeting that the back of his mind insisted would be appropriate.

"And no problem. I've been enjoying the scenery for the better part of the day by my lonesome, and I wouldn't mind some company if I'm not being a bother." He looked over Pyroth's shoulder out to the endless ocean that stretched as far as he could see with a sigh. A strange combination of the hopelessness and isolation merged with the beauty of the scene - both visually and oilfactorily. Ambrose took in a deep, appreaciatory breath.

"It seems you do have an eye for the choice locations." He returned his attention to Pyroth. "Perhaps I should seek your company more often."

Pyroth shook Ambroses hand with his own paw and nodded.

"No problem at all." he gestured to the grass nearby "It gets tiresome always being on your own." He grinned at Ambroses' comment on his choice of locations. "I don't just think with my eyes anymore, I let my nose find the good places to sit. Besides, most people don't come up here, the breeze can get chilly. That is, when you aren't covered in fur from head to tow." he smirked, despite himself growing attached to some of the aspects of being on the island.

"So how've you been doing lately? Haven't seen you since Colche's birthday and even then it was brief." he enjoyed chatting to the wolf, after all, it wasn't like anyone else on the island could understand his changes as well as someone who had all but gone through them himself.

"I can sympathize with that." Ambrose smiled as he shook the hand, nothing how pawlike the man's hand had become as his own large paw-hand wrapped around it.

"And despite the beautiful scenery and the interesting scents... the heat and humidity can be miserable when you've got a fur coat you can't take off." Ambrose lifted his muzzle again, smiling as the sea-wind whipped around him, ruffling his fur. "This is a nice location. Almost as good as air conditioning" He grinned back at his companion.

"I've been well. Giving some things a lot of thought. Namely forcing myself to deal with the fact that I really don't think we're going anywhere... and how to make the best of things and move forward instead of closing my eyes to it."


Pyroth agreed, he could only guess how uncomfortable Ambrose' fur could be in this climate. He was lucky, his fur was more adapted to warm areas, granted that he would much have preferred slightly more arid conditions than the clammy ones on the island.

"I can only imagine how uncomfortable it must be with fur as thick as that. At least mine is more thin and keeps me cooler than bare skin probably would have. But yeah, definately, if you don't mind your fur getting all salty and numbing your nose with the smells it's a lovely spot. Wouldn't get me up here during a storm though, coyotes can't fly that I know of." he laughed at just the mental image.

As the wolf man spoke of dealing with what they had been dealt he shrugged. "That's pretty much the way I see it these days, might as well settle down and deal seen as I'm going to be here for a while. Can't even remember what cities were really like anymore and part of me thinks that's a good thing in some ways. I wouldn't mind so much really if I knew where I would end up appearance wise, if I'd still be able to think human thoughts. I'd heard we'd just end up like upright animals, but I'm not so upright anymore." he flicked his ear and grinned wryly "But que sera sera, I'll deal with things as they come, in the meantime though I'm having a bit of enjoyment out of these changes."
his grin returned.

"Let's just say that back home I'd never have had the motivation, ability or energy to go out and hunt in a jungle."

Ambrose nodded with a bitter expression on his face. "It's thicker than it was before the last stage. Unfortunately wolves are rather well suited to a Northern climate - temperate forests at the hottest, and those that get snow. I've been... well.. I've made myself sit down and read about my ... 'predicament.' On top, wolves aside, of that I'm from Massachusetts. We don't get weather like this in Massachusetts."

He nodded as he settled down to take a seat, glancing out at the crashing waves below. "I don't mind numbing my nose from time to time - sometimes it's a nice respite from how active and... distracting it can be. Just so long as it's not that... charred scent that filled my nose during the lockout at the helicopter crash site." Ambrose gave a shiver as he remembered THAT smell. "And no... not last I checked." He chuckled in response to the flying bit. "I bet the winds are nasty up here during a storm, not to mention the rocks and waves below."

"I'm glad to hear that you're adapting." He smirked. "Coyotes are good at that from what I've read. As far as changes... I'm with you. Even the labs don't seem to know... other than the fact we apparently have one left. I ... I can't imagine them robbing our sense from us if ANYTHING. I... I hope to keep my hands, my voice... my thoughts.... but at this point it's impossible to tell what to expect. Some people seem to be losing their reason and they're not half as changed as I am. What does that mean?" He shook his head, a small whimper in his words. "I... I can't help but wonder if how ... advanced we are has something to do with us being some of the first subjects... Aubrey has said as much, especially in your case, that they never expected the changes to be as sweeping." He finished quietly.

He nodded. "I didn't smell the scent myself but at a helicopter crash I can imagine what it'd be like. Since the changes I've smelled some things acutely that I don't think I'd ever like to again. It's a blessing and a curse." he frowned "Granted, raw meat and blood smell a hundred times better than they ever did. It'd turn a vegetarian to meat." Just the thought of the scent made him crave it when before he would have been repulsed by it.

Pyroth grinned "Always was someone to adapt before the island, I used to have trouble with it at first, rebelled uneccisarily in my teen years. After a while you learn that some things you can't change. I mean, I'd join in a revolt or something if something like that took place, but other than that I'm willing to relax a bit. The coyote does help I guess, I remember the books mentioning their versatility. Never struck me a adaptable myself, not unless adaptable counts harassing people by tearing open their bins in the early hours of the morning. I'd classify that under "death wish"" he shook his head, he hadn't got along with coyotes in general.

As for Ambrose's last statement, it made it all the harder to hear it aloud, so what was happening to him /was/ an accident. Just his luck it'd seem. "I have a feeling the serums aren't as stable as they'd like us to believe, I mean we are the test subjects, who knows how intense some people would feel the instincts compared to others. I mean, I feel them sometimes, like wanting to lick peoples faces an embarrassing amount, the ears, the tail, wanting to chase things, but I have seen people on the island much worse off in terms of agression." his mind drifted to chubbs who, despite seeming like a nice enough guy, seemed to have a whole pile of intincts seething under the surface.

"You say you've heard from Aubrey? Did she mention how many injections are left?" he frowned.

"It was horrific. And that was even before my most recent change. My nose has grown much stronger since then. I'm glad that I didn't encounter it with a longer muzzle. It clogged my nose, filled it with the stench of burnt rubber, acrid metal and blackened.... person" He grimaced.

"And meat has been... likewise embarrasingly appetizing to me recently. It seems to be all the more fragrant and tantalizing if it's not even properly cooked. That being just one of the many quirks that I've been through." He nodded to each of the urges that Pyroth had mentioned. "All of those... shaking myself dry, being more of a touchy person in general... those I can deal with at least. But I think the most frightening part of it is that they feel like they're my own urges. They come from within, you know? It's not like some people talk about it being "the animal" whispering it to them. If I didn't know better, I'd think it was just what I wanted to do?" He shook his head "It's difficult to explain. I don't know if others are just disassociating... or if it really is like a separate entity to them. At least..... at least the more drastic urges have been .... few. And usually managable if I am not hungry. But.... I... I killed a rabbit once. With my mouth... I didn't even think about it... I had been snoozing near the edge of the river..." He trailed off with a shrug.

"But... I've noticed that sometimes things that play to other urges help. Like... the soccer match was wonderful. I love fencing, don't get me wrong. And I know that I never used to be as keen on group sports - I hated depending on others in a competition - I prefered a single match of skills in a combative setting - like something out of a swashbuckler movie.... I think it's the.. pack hunting instincts..... or maybe I've just been reading too much and am reading too far into things." He sighed.

"But yes.... I... I would probably be the first one on a boat if it was taking us back.... but as far as launching anything myself... I....I think I'm scared." Ambrose didn't know why he was opening up so much to the Coyote -man... other than he felt a strong sense of kinship a hundred times stronger than when he first had met the Native American man and their backgrounds had clashed so strongly, leaving Ambrose feeling uncomfortable. "I am scared about the threat of cancer if the injections aren't complete.... and I'm scared that I'd never have a hope of fitting in back home. That it would just be another research lab to try to figure out what the hell Moreau did to me." He shrugged, wrapping his arms around his knees.

"I don't know if it's the serums... or the person that reflects how strong the instincts are. Maybe it's a bit of both. Jamal certainly doesn't seem to be trying to fight his anger." He frowned.

"But yes.... Aubrey says... that there are five injections in total... counting the one we got when we first arrived. That means... one more for me - and I think you too..... for better or for worse." His ear flicked as he turned his amber-stained blue eyes to the coyote.

"I know what you mean, definately. I mean I sort of categorise or try to, the emotions,
reactions and such that I would /assume/ are the coyotes fault, but as they hit me they
seem like valid and perfectly normal things to do. I refer to them as the coyote but there
isn't a voice, there isn't any indication that I can see that it isn't just me who is
suddenly having a change of heart in terms of eating habits. The only thing stopping me
from just letting myself react as I'd like to is being able to guess the outcome of those
actions." he frowned, it was hard to explain, harder than he would have thought "Though
I'm definate that the urge to hunt and flex my newfound abilities isn't all down to the
"coyote" part of me just really likes being able to move fast, react fast and regain
senses that I was sure had just started down that slippery slope of ageing."

He flicked his ears back almost guiltily "I hunt things all the time, though If you
honestly asked me I'd probably say that it's just a way to vent rather than a concequence
of the serums." he smirked "Never been part of an islander game yet, but I definately was
flying on wings of adrenalin when Jamal and I went out to bring down a boar. Co-operative
hunting, it's better than any drug I've even had." he flicked his tail.
He heard his own words from earlier echoed back on him as Ambrose admitted that he was
scared too. "I think we all are scared. Terrified. And with good reason, we are forced to
be the first line in something humanity should never have touched on. People back home
would fear us, that much is true, but it's not that I'm so scared of, it's the possibility
that if we did make it back, all we'd be is proof that such things are possible." he
flicked his ears back "I know for a fact there are companies out there with as much money
and as few morals as Moreau who would seize upon the idea and develop it, harming more
people." he shook his head "To be honest I'd rather die than be the cause of that. It was
the rescue helicopter that made me think that if a boat home did come along, I'd probably
not board it, as painful as that'd be."

He nodded "But yeah, I think it's directly to do with the person. I might not look it at
first glance, but I was never a very gentle person, I don't really object to the odd bit
of anger when you are frustrated. Giving me teeth and fast legs...well fast /awkward/ legs
wasn't really a wise choice I guess."

He shook his head in minor despair at the thought of another injection.

"Well, it better be the injection with the least impact out of all of them or I'm quite
frankly, screwed."

Ambrose nodded quickly, "Yes, that's it precisely!" He leaned back on his hands with a bit of a sigh. "So I'm not the only one that feels them like that.... good." His ears pricked as he listened, nodding in harmony with Pyroth's observations. "I've noticed myself moving quicker in reaction to stimuli... from starting at noises to faster response times in sports and the like." He gave a small bitter snort. "I probably would have killed for that when I was on the fencing circuit.... though nooot necessarily with the drawbacks." His ear flicked back.

Ambrose nodded at the venting. "I don't blame you.... I've had the urge more than a few times.... and you need to blow off steam here somehow. Honestly.... Angelina has... uhm... helped me a bit as far as some of my frustrations have gone." His ears lowered to the sides and he wore a sheepish smile as he spoke.

"You went hunting with Jamal..? Hunh. I hadn't thought about doing that.... I... I don't know - I think I scared myself when I went for the rabbit... and... the thought of hunting down food ... snapping at it like... well... an animal.... it's... it's a line that I'm not very comfortable with crossing.... despite how thrilling it sounds." He lifted a hand to rub at his temple. There was the strange conflict of emotions - part of him exalted at the idea of hunting - with another canine - working with him, sniffing out the prey.... it could be even better than soccer... and then the part of him that bottled those urges down, that still clung to wanting to be more than just normal but refined... a gentleman... revolted against it apallingly.


"I hope the last one isn't bad either... Especially seeing as how they seem to vary between injection and between individuals. For some, the first might be much worse than the second... for another... the opposite. But me too... I don't know how much more I can change without starting to lose MY upright-nes.." His ears crumpled back. "I mean... they said they envisioned us to be upright... with hands and our voices... That's where I am now...."

"We... we'd be freaks back home. No matter how you look at it. Even if - like Vasile has mused on - we went public, went to talk shows and got peoples' understanding - it would be sympathy... and a glorified freak show - even if it DID pay. And that's the BEST case scenario. Worst case - like you say, we're just snatched by another, possibly LESS ethical company. ... At least here we're ... taken care of. Have our range of the island... can form relationships...." His tail gave a few thumps against the rocky ground. "Speaking of... I... I think I'm going to propose to Angelina. I... I always talked about it... you know... "when we settled down". "After college". Well... there's no more college now. And There's no hope of Olympics. We're about as settled as can be."

"It isn't really so bad for me, I had just begun to feel like I was getting sort of tired, out of it, older. In some ways these injections have fooled me that I'm a lot younger than I was. Wether that's a true side effect or just my emotions and current lifestyle that are doing that, only really the labs would know I guess." In response to his comment about Angelina, Pyroth couldn't help but grin and laugh. "We aren't all as lucky I'm afraid. For me hunting will have to suffice."

"It was tremendous fun, we caught a boar, somehow. Got pretty scarped up but it was worth it for the runaround and the bacon afterwards was fantastic." he nodded understandingly "Oh I know, I definately see where you are coming from, not everyone is happy with giving that much ground over to the "animal" I mean I was very very hesitant at first and made every effort to fight it, but now its one of the few truly stressless things I get to do. It's not for everyone though, we all react differently I think. I mean lok at me, I can't handle having to drink in front of anyone because I have to lap it rather than drink it from a bottle of whatever" He grinned "But if you ever do intend to come out on a hunt someday, just give me a poke, I don't really care about these things."

He eyed Ambrose for a second, aware that what he was saying was right. "Maybe the last injection is like a fixative or an anti-carcinogen? Maybe it just stops us changing?" he didn't much like the idea of being stuch the way he currently was with all the aches and pains that went with it but it would be better than going further.

He hadn't even thought of going on talk shows and the like "That'd be strange to say the least. We might make money from it but you just know the religious vigilantes would be out to get the abominations, companies would want to study us. All sorts."

Raising a brow he looked surprised. "Congratulations." he grinned "But yes, definately no better time to arrange for the future than here where the future is pretty unchangeable. Have you decided when to propose yet or where?" he looked genuinely interested and smiled reassuringly "Not that I'd say Angelina'd turn you down anywere on the island."

Ambrose nodded, looking interested. "I just hope that our... lifespans aren't affected by all of this. But... given your age and your apparent virility it doesn't seem hampered. And in that, Pyroth, despite being a scary example of how far these changes might take us, that's one bit of reassurence.

He smiled, his tongue lolling. "And don't give up hope! There are plenty of lovely ladies on the island." His tail wagged again, the wolfish grin spreading across his face as he gave his friend a sly wink. "But I shall definately take your offer to heart! It... it does sound like something that... maybe I'll try it someday." Ambrose dithered.

"I hope you're right about the last injection.... but I guess there's no telling. I'd feel bad for Cassidy, though... she's at the same point we are.... and like you she's very... awkward right now it seems, but moreso. I don't know if you've come across her. "

Ambrose felt his cheeks burning, and it wasn't from the heat of the island as he fished out the small black box from his pocket. "I... I've been trying to decide... that's the main reason I took this stroll today - looking for spots.. trying to think of the perfect way to ask. I think... I am pretty certain she'll say "yes".... but I want it to be memorable. I... I'm certainly open to suggestions!" He smiled.

Glancing down at the box he took a breath and opened it to show Pyroth. "I... I asked for the money they technically owed me from my "two week medical study." He rolled his eyes. "And... well... I had them order this for me."

"I'd been worried about the same thing personally but if anything the serum seems to have made me feel better than I did and as far as I see it, that can't be /too/ bad of a side effect." Pyroth laughed along with Ambrose's comment, not mentioning anything further on the subject of the island's ladies. "The offer stands anyway, pretty much any islander is welcome to take me up on a hunt."

"Cassidy?" he dredged his memories for the snake woman "I think I saw her a while ago, I know what you mean about the awkwardness." he fell silent for a moment "Kind of makes you glad you aren't turning into a reptile or.." he thought of a Billy "a mollusc."

Pyroth eyed the box with interest, glad that at least some happiness was in the works on the island. He looked thoughtful

"Well I don't really think there are many places you could go wrong on a sprawling desert island. Depends on Ange though and what places have good memories for you guys. I know you can't see the labs from the beach and it has the most stunning sunsets but there are loads of other places on the island where you could. Even the jungle has it's flowered clearings if you know where to look."


Ambrose nodded, ears pricked as he listened to Pyroth talking about his renewed vigor. "maybe that IS a positive side-effect. I... I've not admitted it much, but I have felt like I have more energy... I love to go just... running sometimes. More than I've actually followed through upon - usually due to the heat, but still. I feel good - I was in pretty good shape when I came here, but ... it's different."

Ambrose nodded seriously. "I... don't like to say it out loud - especially not when I'm around the people with... less fortunate serums.... but I do have to count myself lucky... despite everything. Then on the other hand I feel like a spoiled brat if I ever try to complain about it - because I AM very lucky by comparison to people like Cassidy, Billy, even Amaya. Vasile was talking about the same feelings. NONE of us are lucky in this... we're all having to face the issue of seeing an animal's face in the mirror and realizing that it's YOU. And the fact that that's what other people see when they encounter us.... I have worried... when it IS done... and when you encounter new people who never knew your human face... will they ever see you the same way? It's different... for the old islanders... you remember them as they really were - but newcomers? They meet you as an animal... it has to affect how they think of you...." He shrugged his shoulders. "Stupid, I know... perhaps too much of old habits and worries." His ears pinned back. "But however they think, I'm sure it's ten times better than someone who wasn't sharing our fates would feel... back home..."

Ambrose nodded thoughtfully. "But... those are some good suggestions. I've given thought to the beach... but it is somewhat cliche. The cliffs might be too stark and windy..... a flowered clearing might be nice. I'm not sure about memorable spots... the only one of those was the campsite from the lockout, and that probably woudln't spur the most fond of memories..."

Pyroth nodded "Yeah, you don't want to make things harder than they already are for the less fortunate islanders but sometimes you do have to thank your lucky stars that when you arrived they didn't give you serum c instead of serum a or whatever. I know what you mean about the guilt though, you kind of feel that you don't have a right to complain because you are still a mammal." he sniffed "We really shouldn't feel like that."

He was surprised that Ambrose mentioned something else he'd had on his mind since meeting Kikue and the other newcomers. "That is /very/ true. I mean my appearance was striking before but it was me through and through, now people won't remember me as Pyroth but as "the coyote guy" or something when really I didn't choose to have that part of me added." he shrugged "I was going to call the labs a day or two ago, see if they have a picture of me the way I was before up there. Y'know, as a keepsake, these days I'm forgetting what I looked like."

He laughed "Yeah, that's the problem with an island, everywhere has been done to death. It's not like you could propose on a snowy mountain in a log cabin with a cosy fire while stuck in this heat." he returned to looking deep in thought. "Maybe scout the perimeter of the island, see if there are any coves or anything that you might have missed out?"

Ambrose nodded. "I don't know what pursuaded Moreau to grab the "Wolf" Bottle for me... but I'm glad of it. I still wonder if it might have something to do with their logo... being I was the first subject. But I guess whatever the reason, I'm lucky."

He nodded seriously. "That has been on my mind... these characteristics, the animal has been attributed to us, but it's how people will remember us now... Though, ironically, in getting these serums we ARE becoming more like the animal they chose for us." He gave a small shrug.

"I'm sure they'll have photos... or at least could make you one. Given they have cameras everywhere, I bet they record everything. THey could make a still or something. I... I was lucky enough to have brought a photograph of Angelina and I with me when I'd be away from her for 'two weeks'. So... I've got that in my room at least. It's a bittersweet keepsake. But.. I think it helps. And I like the fact that I have the ability to show it to people."

Ambrose slowly got back to his feet, stretching. "And, that's not a bad idea. I think I will take a look around and see if anywhere speaks to me." He returned the smile to Pyroth as he slipped the ring case back into his pocket. "Thank you. For the talk, for the suggestions. And... if you ever want to do more, you know where to find me."

Pyroth nodded "I'll be sure to leave them a request on the com later, try my luck, you never know with the labs." he wagged his tail gratefully "Nah, thank you for taking the time to have a chat with me, good luck with the proposal, not that you need it!" he grinned "I'll be sure to come pester you again soon to find out how it went."

Ambrose clapped him on the shoulder and grinned. "Best of luck with your request! And I'll look forward to telling you all about it!" Ambrose waved to Pyroth and trotted off in a general Northward direction, continuing his exploration of the seacoast.  

[Ambrose Maurlias]

The Proposal

Ambrose has been decidedly.... mysterious the past week or so. Mysterious is also not generally an adjective used to describe the generally up-front wolfman. Neither is 'absent' - but he has only been in the duplex for a few hours out of the day, and often out until late hours of the night to come in quietly before curling up next to Angelina on the bed.

Thus, when he returns mid afternoon that day with a mysterious smile on his face and a wag in his tail, darting in for a few moments to grab something that he keeps obscured, before darting back out again, it only serves to make things all the stranger.

Angelina was starting to get annoyed with his behavior. At first, she overreacted like the jealous girlfriend that she could be. Much to her disgust, both in concept and in the act itself, she would find herself sniffing Ambrose's old clothes, hoping maybe since she had changed, she could smell better. Well, it didn't seem to work quite yet. She swallowed verbalizing any of her direct concerns, though she asked about Emelyn.. a lot.

But after a while, she just gave up. She trusted Ambrose inexplicably, and she couldn't fathom that he would be anything but 100% faithful to her. Even if... IF he was showing interest in another woman Honor would force Ambrose to fess up to her before he would even think of about touching anyone else.

The more sensible side of her brain told her that he was just working on another project. Another sports team, or mini golf game that he would unveil to her when it was ready...s o she just started to play along.
Finally, later that afternoon (just before sunset), there was a knock at the door.

Angelina was reading and listening to her iPod when she heard te knock. Dog-earing her page she pulled off her earphones and hopped over to the door, opening it with a curious expression. "Ambrose? Why are you knocking...?"

Indeed it was Ambrose. However, unlike normal, he had grabbed the Halloween costume out of the back of the closet, minus the tabbard and was now bedecked in a swashbuckler shirt and pants (he had foregone the possibility of the boots. His blonde hair was down and meticulously washed, his fur shining. And in his teeth was clenched a red hibiscus flower:


He wagged his tail and gave a deep bow to her, with a dashing smile. "Because, milady... I wished to ask you to accompany me. And it would just not do to approach you any other way."

Angelina's brow arched high as she looked over the get up, though she did break a smile. "What's all this about," she queried as she darted back in the room to put on her boots. "What are you up to?"

Knowing he probably wouldn't answer, she gave him a wry smile anyway and help out her hand to him.
He matched her wry grin. "I need an excuse to spend a.. hopefully lovely evening with my lady love?" He quipped back as he took her hand and placed it on his hooked arm.

He led her in a general westward direction after they were out of the duplex and the door closed, towards the path through the jungle that lead towards the beach.

"I'm sorry I haven't been around much lately..."

Angelina walked close to him, relaxing and enjoying the charade. "It's okay, I guess. I figured you were up to something. Finally planning to apologize for not picking me first for the soccer tream?

He chuckled softly. "Still not going to let me live that one down, huh?" He quirked a smirk at her. "Albeit it was fun to have an excuse to chase you around in that short pair of pants you were sporting.."

He chuckled softly. "Still not going to let me live that one down, huh?" He quirked a smirk at her. "Albeit it was fun to have an excuse to chase you around in that short pair of pants you were sporting.."

"Nope, never," she said, sticking her tongue out a bit. "But yeah, I figured you might like that. Though a think Thom did, too." She gave him a teasing wink.

Ambrose gave a 'barumph' noise with a close-mouthed smile. "Methinks that short pair of pants might have had something to do with how you were snagged out from under me so quickly." He winked.

"Serves you right. You snooze you lose, so they say."

"Indeed indeed. So. I will treat you to what will hopefully be a wonderful evening." He lifted his head as they continued to stroll down the path towards the beach. The birds, frogs and the insects were alive in the foliage, singing and chirping. The Western sky was already taking on a tinge of pinkish purple, and some of the salty, but cooler, seabreeze was winding its way down the trail.

"Sounds good," she said with a smile. She loved Ambrose when he was like this, far more than she would probably even let on. But any girl, no matter what they say, loves to be spoiled and romanced every now and then.

He tucked the crimson flower behind her ear and continued to walk.
"It shouldn't be too much further from here..." He continued cryptically, raising his nose to sniff, getting more of his bearings.
Despite the changes, he still held himself like he always used to, especially when the romantic mood struck him.

Angelina smiled at the flower, making sure it was secure. It probably looked horribly out of place... but in an adoring way.

Ambrose didn't say much during the rest of the trip to the beach. The air was pleasant, and he was happy walking by her side, although he did hold himself rather close for his chivalrious presumptions, his side or tail often brushing against her. When they got there, the sun was well on its way to descent and he smiled wider.

Leading her along the beach towards the north until the sand gave way to some rocky outcroppings as it began to feed into the mountains he held up his hands with a smile.

"Now... wait just here... I'll be right back!" And he scampered off around some larger rocks.

The curiosity was starting to get to her now. Her tail swished behind her in large strides, and, unused to the sensation, Angelina reached behind her in frustration to hold it down. "Aight..." she said, though he was gone before she barely opened her mouth.

A few moments he was back, beaming, and took her by the hands as he led her around the same crags that he had disappeared to moments before.

there, around the croppings was a small cove/cave structure - the water lapping up to the edge of the sandy area, shaded by the rocky outcroppings. Set up around the perimeter were a couple small tiki-torches, now lit. There was a large blanket spread out over the sand with a bottle of wine (the best the beach bar had to offer), two glasses, a plate of fruit and cheese, and a small blue icechest nestled in the corner.

He didn't say a word, but bowed again, gesturing to the spread.

"Wow..." Angelina let out, looking it over. "This looks... very nice Ambrose." She smiled pleasantly and took in the view. "How did you find this place...its beautiful. And my god... do I dare say private?"

He grinned, his tail wagging more. "I.. well, I hope so. I don't know how private if you catch my drift, but certainly private enough, and we can always.. assume." He smiled gently, wrapping his arm around her and placing a quick kiss on her cheek before leading her over to the blanket.

"We have the perfect view of the sunset... and then the stars should be out, for another beautiful visage. When you're on a tropical island... why not take advantage of some of the wonders, yes?"

Angelina was virtually tingling with excitement. This was like something out of the movies. "Its amazing we haven't done this more, I guess." She took a careful seat on the blanket. "I guess you forget that you're in paradise with everything that goes on. Talk about your silver lining, eh? This is breathtaking." She smiled over to her lover. "Okay, you're forgiven."

He nodded. "Sometimes it's best to just sit back and smell the flowers. I guess... with your first change out of the way... you don't have to worry... won't have to worry about them changing serums on you, or you getting sick... or... other complications... we can enjoy each other, and the time we've got here... and... maybe think about the future." He gave her a soft, slightly self-conscious smile.

"And... it really is... I have been looking for just such a spot for the past few days." He admitted sheepishly as he picked up a strawberry and proffered it to her.

"I guess," she said, pulling her knees to her chest. "But, on the other hand, the finality of it is rather frightening. My uncertainty about the future still carried a tiny little iota of hope. But now that's gone, replaced by the strange comfort of knowing what's in store for me..."

She shook her head and looked to Ambrose. "But its okay. I'm luckier than most.. and I have you. That's what's important." She learned forward and took a bite from the strawberry as he held it.
He nodded. "I... I want to let you talk to me about it. I know how you feel, and I'd feel better if I knew you weren't.... bottling your concerns up. You always told me that that was bad." He winked as he held the morsel.

"It... is a terifying prospect... if you sit and think about the full depths of the situation... but... if you just look at the day to day, and what you actually interact with... it isn't... that bad... There... is a bright side. Admittedly, most of mine is you. But still, there are other good people here, for better or for worse. Everything is provided for.... no worries of making it or not..." He sighed. "While... it can get tedius... it's whatever we make of it." He rubbed his free hand down the side of her face.

Angelina nodded and smiled. "I guess.. if you really try it can just be a really, really...really long vacation. With you... that's all. I guess we could all sit and cry about the things we've lost, but it would do us no good. I mean.. things happen in life. Your parents, or friends could always get... I don't know.. hit by a drunk diver or something. s**t happens.. and you can't do anything about it, except move forward. I guess that's all that's left for us to do."

He nodded. "That... is a good way to view it. It has happened... and I don't think there's any denying it... or way around it." He had a serious expression on his face. "I've... spoken with people about it... how different people are - or aren't - coping with the situation. No matter how easy someone might have it here.... it's always sad. There is always something left behind... a regret or a dream quashed. People don't like change - pardon the pun. And this island is... well, it's all about that. It's... it's been a lot for me to deal with."

He turned to her, shifting his position and sliding closer to her. "I'm glad you're here... as selfish as that might sound. I really am."

"I'm glad I'm here, too," she said softly. "I really was torn up. Even... even if I knew the whole story, I would have come willingly, if that was the only way to be with you."

He nodded, smiling as he looked downwards. "You... don't know how good that makes me feel. I.... I'm sorry I got us both into this. I still take the blame for that, even though I was unaware. Sometimes I wonder if this was some sort of... karmic reparation - for being selfish... or for trying to take the easy way out.... or... I don't know. But... I remember why I did the things I did. Why I finally stood up to my parents.... though I still regret parting on such bad terms. I would have liked to have told them how I feel. That... I just watned them to be proud of me." He shrugged.

"Don't blame yourself. No one deserves to be here. No one..." she took his paws with her hands. "And... well, its shame they'll never know.. but you would have made them proud, I know it. And.. well, even though its something I think they might easily understand... you should be proud of yourself, for being brave here. You've held yourself together so well... you've been a strength. Not just for me, but for Amaya, and Em, and even Colche. I think your level head had helped a lot of people, more than we'd probably know until it was gone, ya know?"

He smiled. "thank you. Seriously. I know you've met them, and so unlike other peoples' reassurance... Maybe you're right. And... you saw them after I "disappeared." I... I hope they would be. And... I have tried - I feel responsible for Amaya and Colche - they need a big brother here. ... and they recently brought someone even yonger... a little boy named Cody... he's so scared and alone here - I feel bad for him. I... I know why they brought him - he has a degenerative disease that they actually think they can fix... but still... I feel sorry for him. I... I want to try to help other people here - If I can't do it with a sword like in all the movies... maybe I can just by being a presence for some people. I ... I don't want to sound egotistical or anything." He backtracked, running a hand through his hair.

"But! He held up a hand. I want tonight to be for us. For our happiness?" He poured the wine into the two glasses and raised his.

"Yes, for us... and our happiness." She raised her glass after it was poured, clinking her glass against his. "I love you, Ambrose."

"I love you too, Angelina." He smiled, watching her as he clinked glasses and took a careful sip, maneuvering his canine, but thankfully more flexible, lips around the glass so he didn't have to lap at it at a moment like this.

Angelina took a healthy sip, having no qualms about being a bit buzzed. For the first time in a while she felt completely alone with him. And away from the duplex, in a little cave... just the sky and the beach, it was almost easy to forget they were in little more than a very fancy prison.

He took a deep drink before setting the drink down and picking up some cheese and taking a thoughtful bite.

He nodded out to the sea. "Look... the sun's setting."

The sun was sinking into the sea, casting a cavalcade of colors over the sparce clouds - purples, indigo and firey oranges and pinks. It looked like something out of a movie set - silent and picturesque, but slowly moving - the patterns dancing over the sky, reflected in the sea.

Angelina scooted closer, nearly sitting in his lap, so she could be as close to him as possible, but she had her attention rapt on the magical scene spread out beyond them.

Ambrose was motionless as they watched, holding her close to him, arm around her shoulder and head resting on top of hers as the sun sunk into the sea to rest for the night. He didn't move until the smattering of stars in the violet sky began to appear.

Turning to her with a dreamy smile he planted a kiss on her forehead and wordlessly trotted over to retreive the ice chest, bringing it back to the blanket.

Angelina nuzzled into his kiss, then learned back, finishing off her wine as she brought over the ice chest. She grabbed another strawberry and sunk her teeth into it as she peered over curiously. "Dessert?"


He smiled. "How did you guess?"

He opened the lid and retreived two pieces of strawberry-capped cheesecake. On one, and the one he handed her, the fresh strawberry halves were arranged in a heart-shaped pattern.

She giggled softly. "That's really sweet," she said, leaning over to plant a kiss on his nose. She admired it for a moment, then quickly went at it with her fork.

He smiled, blushing under his fur, and picked up his own fork, eating his piece slowly, keeping his eyes on her.

The cheesecake wasn't bad, perhaps not the BEST, but he made do with what he could convince Delia to work with with him. However, given that she likely hadn't had cheesecake since the mainland, it perhaps made up for it.

But... as she was eating, about midway through the slice, she bit down on something hard...

"Wow, its been a long while since I've had cheesecake," she said with a smile, pulling the next bite into her mouth. "MMm..." she quickly reached in her mouth with a wince, "ow, what the heck.."

He tried to keep the beaming smile from his mouth, hidding it instead around another bite of cheesecake.

"Hrmm?" He prodded curiously and with feigned innocence.

As she extricated the offending object, the shape became clearer, distinctly ... ring-shaped. And as soon as the creamy cake was wiped from it... it reveals a shimmering... diamond ring, set between twin sapphires, on a platinum band.




Angelina just stared at it in shock. Her first reaction, was that there obviously had to be some kind of mistake, Jewelry? Did Delia's ring fall off in the...

But as wiped the cream off the tops of the stones, revealing the sparkling diamond, she was reminded where she was... what Ambrose had been doing.

"Oh... my god," she breathed out, barely above a whisper. Hesitantly, with a reigned look of hopefulness, she managed to make eye contact with Ambrose.

Ambrose swallowed, trying to dislodge the frog that was trying to settle into his throat. not now! He took a steadying breath, and edged over to her, positing himself in the traditional position, propping himself down on one knee.

"Angelina...?" He finally managed to breathe, taking her by the hand with both of his.

Angelina's hands were shaking under his paws. "yes?" she squeaked.

"Will you... marry me..?" He looked resolutely at her face, his eyes catching the light of the torches.

The tears sprang immediately to her eyes, her chin wobbling. "YES!" she breathed out, almost before he managed to barely get the question out of his mouth. She launched herself at him, keeping a good hold on the ring but flinging her arms around his neck and burying her face in the fur of his neck.

Ambrose didn't so much as articulate a particular word as mumph and whimper in happiness, throwing his arms around her, his tail begining to manically flail in an exuberant wag.
"Oh god... Angelina... I love you so much. I couldn't imagine not spending the rest of my life with you. You're what's made this island my home... and there's no reason why... why I should put this off any longer. I want you to be my wife."

Angelina pulled back, her face covered in tears of happiness (and Ambrose fur). She wiped it away quickly, shaking hands handing the ring back to him so he could place it in her finger. "I thought, I mean.. I kind of gave up.. I mean.. can we even here.. not that I care.. I mean, what's legally.. yes, of my god yes, Ambrose.."

He smiled, just watching her face before holding her again. "Of course we can. I mean... we have a priest! I... I actually already spoke to him - I spoke to him first. And he'd be happy to wed us."

"that.. that goat man? UH.. yes, Father Stewart? Really? Thats.. oh my god, Ambrose." She waved her hand impatienantly. "Where did you get that anyway? Do the labs..?"

He nodded, smiling widely to her. "Yes, yes, I had to go through them. You... ah,.. you know that money they supposedly owed me from that 'medical study?' Well... I spoke to Aubrey, got a catalogue... and... well, that's one reason I've been so elusive."

He took the ring from her, smiling to her. "And since you said yes..." He couldn't help but give a small wiggle, "This belongs...." He slid it over her ring finger of her left hand. "...here."

"That was... generous of her.. oh my god.." she couldn't hardly sit still as he slid the ring over her finger. "Its... it perfect.. so beautiful..."

He breathed a big sigh of relief. "Wonderful! I had to filch one of your rings while you weren't looking to take measurement. I'm glad. It... wow... you look beautiful with it... or... it looks beautiful on you. Ahh. I chose this one... with the sapphires - they match your eyes.... and... uhm... it's a one-carat diamond, but just about flawless, with a "very good" cut to bring out the fire and refract the colors in the stone. It's a princess cut.... And the band is platinum." He gesticulated, obviously having looked through the catalogue a lot.

Angelina was chuckling slightly, staring dreamily at her hand. "You did your research I see... now that I would care.. it could be plastic for all I care... my god, Ambrose.. I just can't get over how beautiul it is... or how happy I am."

"Well.... I couldn’t very well give you a plastic engagement ring.." He shook his head. "I don't think I could ever live with myself with that." He tsk'd, with a wide grin on his face and a shake of his head.

"I..... I'm so relieved you liked it... and.. said yes.." He chuckled quietly. "Imean... I thought you would... but stil... you know when you're preparing everything and you just ... well.... I'm happy." He shut himself up with a dopey, happy look on his face.

Angelina leaned forward and pulled him into a very passionate, very deep kiss, pouring her heart and soul into it. She crawled into his lap and help him tight. When the kiss finally broke, she whispered into his ear, "I love you, so much. I'm happier than I've ever been before."

Ambrose's heart flew, and he was seeing fireworks behind his eyes as he threw himself unbridled into the kiss, letting his mouth and tongue express without words the happiness he held in his soul. It felt like hours before he came up for air and he words filtered into his ears.

"To make you that happy... here... is all I could ever dream of."

She ran her fingers though his shiny fur on his face, watching the ring glide through and catch the light. "Then I've made your dreams come true. I couldn't be happier right now, Ambrose. I've dreamed of this moment for a long time."

"I have too." He crooned, holding her and smelling the delicious concoction of scents in the air - the fresh fruit, the lingering smell of cheesecake, the smoky torches, and Angelina... He slid his eyes closed, reveling in the moment and burning this scene into his mind with all his will. A wonderful, picturesque moment. It couldn't have gone smoother in his wildest dreams, and it was happening. No matter what happened after this, he would have this memory, this happiness. Nothing could rob him of that...  

[Ambrose Maurlias]

Primping for the Proposal

With Vasile - seeing him at 75%, talking about the proposal

((This RP Takes place BEFORE the Proposal!))

Pins and needles... pins and needles. It felt like his legs and arms and back was coated with them. Every footstep, every subtle turn. He felt that if he stopped walking for even a moment that the tension would up and kill him. Everything was just about set up now, and he had darted in and out of his duplex to grab what he planned on wearing for the night.... THE night. Tonight was the night. He was going to do it - surprise her with the ring and propose.

Ambrose was fairly certain what her answer would be, but that didnt' seem to relieve the anxiety any. He wanted it to go perfectly. And in order to do that, he really needed a shower. He had been running back and forth to the beach all morning and afternoon- placing the torches, procuring the ice chest, food, and had gotten quite full of sand and the muggy salty sea breeze. He didn' twant to give the destination away, either.

He couldn't very well use his own shower. He had to come to the door and fetch her ... like a date or something - and to surprise her. And the answer to who to go to was on his mind before he even had to formulate the question.

Vasile had pretty much become his best friend on the island, and not to mention Vasile was also the person he could think of that would be most likely to have the bath products that he would need to use.

Without a second thought, and without even pausing in his nervous movement, Ambrose turned to head to Vasile's duplex, and knocked on the door.

Ambrose was greeted by the sound of three yapping dogs. Moments later, however, after Vasile could be heard chastising them, Vasile answered, his freak-pup tucked under his arm. "Ambrose?!" Vasile's eyes went big for a moment, a wave of sudden self consciousness washing over him. Immediately his hand went up to sheild (poorly) his muzzle. He gave a meek smile.

Ambrose smiled knowingly as he heard the triple-bark. However, he was unprepared to look up at a decidedly more vulpine face of his friend. His eye widened and his mouth opened silently for a moment before his mind almost audibly lurched as it quickly shifted from one gear to another.

"Vasile..? You... you changed." He stated dumbly. "I... I'm... wow, are you alright?"

"Ah darn, you noticed, eh?" Vasile smiled and stepped back, offering Ambrose to come in. "I'm fine. I guess.. its strange. I'm not used to the muzzle-thing yet. Seeing it.. feeling it. I uh, guess you can relate, eh?"

He nodded carefully, watching Vasile's eyes as he stepped into the duplex and glanced around quickly before returning his attention to Vasile and taking in the extent of the changes. He was pretty far along too, now. Some quick mental math revealed that he was as far along in the doses as Ambrose was himself.

"It's.... I think it's one of the hardest things to get used to, after the basic idea of changing at all. It's.... your [iface... you know..?"

Vasile's expression took a more serious turn and he nodded. "I mean...before.. I might have been covered in a fur, but I still, I guess, you know. Had my face. Now I just look... like an animal or something." He gave a slight shrug and put Brutus back on the ground. "That's the most that happened to me, though. My face, and my feet. And I think my hair got even longer and curlier. What the hell is that about? "

He nodded. "I... I was like that ... and the same happened to me with the last change." His ears flicked back. "But... it helps... I mean, no one who's been on the island and knows the story treats me any differently. Which... well, it really helps. I was scared when I thought that it might happen that people would think of me... like an animal." He shrugged self-consciously.

"But... I think I see what other people meant when they talked to me... you can still tell it's you, despite it all. The look in your eyes, the way you hold yourself. I thought people were just being polite to me when they told me that.... but I can see it." He gave him a small smile.

"I don't know about the hair" he shrugged and shook his head. "I mean... mine's been steadily growing out... but I don't think the changes are spurts for it."

Vasile nodded with a small smile. "Marlow doesn't seem to mind... which means a lot to me. 'Specially since he hasn't changed yet." Vasile sat down on the bed. "He said virtually the same thing... that like, I still look the same where it counts. That's... comforting to hear, especially from two people." He gave a thankful nod.

"I'm glad to hear that. Having someone that understand and can... love you and find you attractive as who you are instead of despite who you are is... very important, I think. Angelina has meant the world to me throughout all these... especially this last change."

Vasile's ears turned bright pink at Ambrose's words and he averted his eyes. "Well," he cleared his throat, "I don't know if he.. uhm..." He looked uncharacteristically flustered. "Angelina's great... you're very luck to have that."

Ambrose looked curious at Vasile's awkwardness. "Did I say something wrong? I... well... I am happy. And... that's actually what kind of brings me here...."

"No no..." Vasile shook his head. "Just.. what you said... you know? About who you are instead of ...despite who you are.. must be nice is all. You're here because if Angelina...?"

Ambrose nodded. "It... it is. It... really is. You and Marlow... you say that he says he can still see you through it alll.... do you know how he feels about it, though? He seems like someone who doesn't like to disclose everything... but I could be mistaken."

AMbrose blused, looking down and shifting the bundle of clothes. "I.... I wanted to make tonight really special for us... I... I... I got a ring... and... I... want to give it to her.."

Vasile scratched the back of his head. "I don't know.. things are still pretty new, ya know, between us. He was there, when it happened.. I'm sure that's never easy for someone to watch, especially if they haven't experienced it themselves.."

He tilted his head at Ambrose. "A ring? You're proposing?" He gave a smile and the tip of his tail waved back and forth.
Ambrose nodded. "It... it's hard to watch, even if you've been through it. But maybe it helped... in a way. Ground him to the situation? Prepare him? I don't know. Show that even though it hurts, it's still you when you emerge on the other side... Angelina saw my last change... before hers."

He flushed again and smiled. "I... yeah... it's crazy, huh? But I mean... we're not exactly going anywhere. We don't have jobs, don't have obligations.... I always thought I would after college... after the Olympics... but that's gone now. so... why not, you know? I know I love her."

Vasile nodded. "Yeah... that's great. Where did you get a ring?"

"From the labs... they.. technically owed me the money for the medical study that they lured me with here. So I called them on that."

"Wow.. do you have it? Can I see?"

Ambrose shook his head with a wince. "It's... ah... already in place. In a cheesecake." He smiled dumbly. "I'm proposing tonight - that's why I came here - I wanted to ask if I could use your shower." He hefted the bundle of clothes.

"But it's beautiful... i'll make sure to bring her by afterwards soon... it's a one-carat... but virtually flawless, princess-cut diamond ring on a platinum band... bordered by twin sapphires."

Vasile nodded. "Sounds beautiful... and yes, of course... feel free." He motioned towards his very well stocked bathroom.

He smiled widely. "Wonderful! Thanks. And... you don't mind if I used some of your products... do you? I figured you would probably be more likely than most here to have a good selection. And any reccomendations?"

Vasile chucked. "No, knock yourself out. Since this is a special occasion and all." Vasile got up and headed towards the bathroom, opening up a cabinent full of all kinds of products. He pulled out several and piled them into Ambrose's arms. "I'd suggest these for tonight, especially this deep-conditioner, make sure you let it set for at least five minutes. When you get out, we can go from there."

Ambrose's eyes widened as he saw the selection. They dwarfed even his repotoire of bath products... and he and Angelina shared a bathroom.

Ambrose blinked as he looked down at all of the bottles. "All of these..?" He juggled the bottles, reading the labels thoughtfully, nodding astutely.

Setting down the ones he'd need close to the tub, and the clothes on the cabinets he turned to him with an appreciative smile before closing the door.

"Vasile..? Thanks again."

"No problem," Vasile said, a sincere smile on his face. "See you in a few."