Prompt 7 (Snowbunnies): Winter seems to bring out the cutest of all rodents; this isn’t the first time that small, white rabbits have infested Destiny City. They’re small, rarely larger than a guinea pig, and have large eyes and wiggling noses. They are always pure white and seem to show up whenever there’s snow. They aren't menacing or evil, they're just everywhere. They seem strangely domesticated; they are sweet, curious, and friendly creatures that will eat anything you give them. They always seem cold to the touch, and when they shake, little snowflakes sprinkle off of them.
While they seem to be social creatures who seem to appreciate anything warm and will cuddle up to steal body heat, they are too skittish and fast to be kept for pets. They can show up just about anywhere, either alone or--often--in pairs. They tend to wander off on their own without any trouble, but if you surprise them or try to catch or hurt them, they may bite. Their little teeth are enough to break skin, but after one bite they run away. The bite itself isn’t bad, but the effects are a bit unpleasant: for roughly two days after the bite, the injury is cold and the victim will feel random, cold, shooting pains. Their core body temperature will drop and they will often be sent into random fits of shivering. No medicine seems to help, and no amounts of blankets or hot baths can soothe the chill. You're just going to have to deal with it and hope it gets better…
Most experiences with the bunnies are perfectly pleasant, you just have to worry about them burrowing. There are holes peppering Destiny City, and with the fresh fallen snow it can be impossible to tell where they are hiding. The holes range from small holes to several feet deep, so can be a minor inconvenience to a potential hazard. On the bright side, sometimes you wind up covered in bunnies looking for warmth from their sudden guest. On the other hand, there are a rising number of trips to the hospital for twists and sprains. The bunnies always leave with the snow, so best to enjoy them--or avoid them--for as long as you can.
Darius Ammun grunted miserably as he shivered in the cold. Snow fluttered all around him. He hated the cold. He was a hot natured Cat - loved heat, craved it. Oh where was Daddy? He wanted to moan. Suddenly something destracted him - movement to his right, and again to his left. He sniffed the air, all he could smell was snow, thought there was an odd scent to it - was it living snow? But how was that possible?
Suddenly a pure white bunny burrowed right up through the snow beside him. He about jumped out of his fur. "Cauldron! What's matter with you, stupid bunny?" He knew his Daddy wouldn't like his colorful choice of words, but the bunny had startled him really badly. Then things started to get weird. The bunny rubbed up against him. Really? Him? A Cat? A Bunny rubbing against a Cat?
Then it got weirder; he was starting to lose his body heat--- the stupid bunny was evidently stealling it...that was no ordinary bunny! This was something magical! Then it got dangerous. About twenty or thirty bunnies burrowed around him and were rubbing on him. He was losing his body heat quickly! He was shivering to bad, he was shaking, his little fangs were chattering. He tried to growl but no sound came out. He tried to snap, but in his weakened state, the bunnies might have laughed at his pitifull fighting skills.
Then he did something he hadn't done before, he let out a blast from his Star Mark. It was unfocused, and weak, and didn't hit a target. The Bunnies backed of for a bit, but then quickly returned, probably laughing at him in their own language. As he began to collapse, he he heard a familar forceful young human woman's voice call out and a toxic fragrance spread throughout the area. The bunnies vanished. Strong gentle hands picked him up and a familiar gentle voice soothed him as they began to warm him. As his consiciousness began to waned he had the followings thoughts; Yes, the beam did what it needed to. Aunt Dria, thank goodness.
Over the next few days, Dari had blurred memories of slipping in and out of consiciousness, while lying in his bed near the fire. The vet came and gave him medicine; he did not have have the strength of mind or body to resist. Aunt Dria helped him drink liquids and eat food. Oh, he was so grateful to Aunt Dria, but where was Daddy?
After a few days of chills, he awoke, quite weak. Grandma Di, Grandpa Dan, and Aunt Aunt Dia had taken Den, and Dell, the one year olds to see Santa. Aunt Dria and Aunt Dani had stayed home to take care of him. It was warm and quiet. Dari didn't say anything, just slowly sat up and started giving himself a bath. Aunt Dani noticed first and gestured (without trying to make a lot of fuss) to Aunt Dria, who stood up, careful not startle him and put down her homework. Softly, she treaded over to him, and knelt next to him. In a low, gentle voice she asked, "How are you feeling, Dari?"
He took account of himself and then said softly, "I feel better, just weak." He must be feeling weak, because, he treaded softly over to her, and nuzzled her open head, wanting to be stroked. She was a little bewildered, but she went ahead and did so.
The front door unlatched. The three of them looked at each other in confusion. Surely, the Santa trip wasn't over yet. Aunt Dani went to look and was pleasantly surprised! "DREW!" There was subdued laughs and giiggles as well as a hug. The two of them came in the living room by the fire. Aunt Dria stood up and tried to hug him, tears following down her face. "Drew, I'm so sorry, Darius.." He hugged her anyways, "I know. He's my bonded Mauvian isn't he?" Aunt Dria and Aunt Dani nodded solemnly.
Then Daddy knelt down to see Dari. "How are you Dari?" He asked him quietly. Dari presented himself for Daddy as best he could, but a little shakily. "Better, but still weak." Daddy nodded and then used the used the little Cat medical knowledge passed on to him by an Guardian Cat he had not seen for ages to give Dari a check up, as he done in the old days when Dari was still recovering from brutal treatment at the hands of bullies. Dari held still and let him do it.
At last Daddy was satisfied. "From what I can tell, there was a great deal of shock to your system, Dari, but you are over that, thanks to Aunt Dria and Aunt Dani, and just need to build up your strength."
And with that Daddy smiled and stayed home for the holidays, and they were good ones.