Firreter's Story

***

It was a crisp fall morning in Tyrannia. Pteris chased each other through the air, chombies grazed in the valley, and the shopkeepers were preparing to open their shops for the day. A golden sun peeked over the horizon, bathing the plateau in a warm, friendly glow. In a field of grass just under the plateau, a herd of Tonu mothers tended their eggs, that each were gingerly laid in a nest formed from earth and stones.

But one mother's egg was unlike the rest. Myrrta, the mother, had noticed the difference the day the egg had been laid. All the others were round, bright colored eggs, green, red, yellow, or blue. Hers had been a muddy brown color, faded, and oblong, and smaller than the rest. Blue veins could be seen running through it, and one of the sides was dented.

What could be wrong with it?" she had asked her friend, Lilean distressfully.

I have no idea. Maybe it was just a bad egg?" Lilean had answered. "You can always try again next year."

Myrrta laid her head on her paws and sighed. Even though her egg was ugly, she still believed that there was something living inside of it. Her baby. She wasn't giving up on it until it hatched. Gazing at the brown-mottled egg, she wondered what could be inside. She had heard rumors of mutant pets, coming from strange potions. Could her child somehow be a mutant?

Eeeek! It's hatching!" a Tonu from the other side of the field yelled, pulling Myrrta from her thoughts. Sure enough, her egg was hatching.

It rocked violently back and forth, and a pecking sound was heard from inside. A small horn poked out as it chipped pieces of the shell away. The baby pushed its head through, and squeezed the rest of its body through the hole, crushing the eggshell. The yellow hatchling snorted, and shook membrane from its thick mane of fur.

Isn't she beautiful?" the mother gushed, blissfully.

As the new mother licked the membrane off, another egg started hatching a few nests away. Soon, all the eggs had begun to hatch. All except Myrrta's.

Watching all the others help their hatchlings out of the shell, she gazed at her own motionless egg. Her eyes filling with tears, she nudged it, getting no response.

My baby…

Lilean walked slowly up to the nest, her new son following close behind. "Oh… Myrrta…"

It's okay," she choked, turning away.

No, its not," her friend said firmly, then went and sat next to her. "I'm sorry… Is there anything I can do to help?"

Not unless you can make it hatch…"

Suddenly, the small egg started rocking, not as rapidly as the other eggs, but a small thump was heard from deep inside.

Myrrta jumped up and rushed over to the nest.

Mine's hatching!" she squealed, ecstatically. A brown, speckled horn poked out of the thin shell, and it completely collapsed, revealing the new hatchling.

The Tonu was unusually thin, and its ribs could be seen through its brown-green skin. Its blue eyes were dull and cloudy, and its dark grey mane was thin and bristly. Long, razor sharp claws protruded from its paws, and the membrane covering it was pale pink, not the healthy purple of normal young Tonu. Growling, it flicked its long tail and laid down in the nest.

Did you hear that? It just growled! Tonu don't growl!" one mother piped up.

What color is it?"

I can't tell, its sort of blackish, brownish green!"

Why's it look so sick?"

It has sharp claws, not blunt like all the others!"

What's wrong with its mane, the fur's all thin and stiff!"

Ignoring all the questions, Myrrta picked her new son up in her teeth by the scruff of his neck, and carried him over to a patch of trees, away from the other parents. Soon, they were all consumed in their own children, and had forgotten about the unusual Tonu.

Not wanting to lick the strange membrane off, she grabbed a few pawfuls of leaves from a nearby bush, and wiped the coating away. Her son growled again, and snapped irritably at the leaves.

What's wrong with you? Why are you so different?" she whispered.

Always a good friend, Lilean walked over, and asked, "So, how's he acting?"

Strangely," Myrrta replied. "He's growling and snapping at me. But at least he's alive."

Hmm," Lilean agreed, nodding. "What are you going to name him?"

Myrrta stared at the angry looking Tonu. "I haven't though about that. What did you name yours?"

Lilean smiled at her new son, who was playing with a pile of stones. "I named him Rhander."

I think I'll name mine…" she said, pausing to think. "Firreter."

The newly named Firreter growled in response.

That's a good name," Lilean smiled. "I think he likes it."

The next day, while all the other Tonu were grazing in the meadow, Myrrta discovered her son was missing.

Have you seen Firreter around anywhere?" she asked Lilean, as she walked up.

Not since this morning," Lilean replied, glancing around. "Why, did you lose him?"

Suddenly, Firreter trotted up, covered in blood, and matted fur.

Ahhhhh!" Myrrta screamed. "What happened to him?!"

I don't think it's his blood," Lilean murmured, nervously.

Firreter licked some off his claws.

Then whose is it?" his mother asked, warily.

Growling, Firreter ran off towards the treeline.

Follow him!" Lilean said, chasing after him.

By the trees, Firreter stopped at what looked like it could have once been a mangled Warf, and tore a chunk off with his jagged teeth. As his mother approached, he held his prize in his jaws, tail wagging proudly.

What the…" Myrrta uttered, speechless.

He's…eating it," Lilean observed, mortified.

Myrrta looked closer to examine it. "But Tonu can't eat meat!"

Apparently he can," her friend replied.

Snarling, Firreter grabbed the Warf again and ran off to a nearby cave, glancing back to make sure no one was following him.

I'm worried about him," Myrrta said sadly, as they walked back to the meadow. "I wish I knew why he's so different."

Lilean replied, "So do I, Myrrta. So do I."

PART TWO: Rejection

During the next few years, it didn't get any better. Firreter growled and scratched at other Tonu, continued to hunt and eat meat, and avoided contact with everyone by hiding in his cave, or the tree line all day. Sometimes he would go missing for days at a time. And when he learned how to talk, he spoke rarely, and still avoided contact with others, including his family.

One day, Myrrta went to go talk with him.

Firreter?" she called, stepping into the cave.

He didn't answer, but glanced at her with cloudy, grey eyes.

Well…" Myrrta asked quietly. "I just came to ask you if you would come to the meadow today for a few hours. Your new brother or sister is ready to hatch, and I'd like you to be there to see them."

Are you sure you want me to come?" his dark voice smirked, mockingly. "Who knows what could happen."

Nervously, Myrrta edged towards the entrance. "S-stay away if your going to be like that."

Firreter's upper lip curled back in a vicious snarl. "Get out of here! I thought I told you last time not to visit me again!"

Retreating back into a shadowy corner, he curled up next to the wall and hissed, teeth flashing. "Next time you come back, you'll regret it."

Myrrta ran out the opening into daylight, and past the meadows, farther than she'd ever been before. She didn't care where she was going, she just had to get away from Firreter.

Why?" she whispered, stopping at a stream by a patch of trees. "I'm your mother! I've raised you since you were a hatchling, fed you, sheltered you, cared for you, and you reject me!"

Her eyes filling with tears, she collapsed in the grass. "Firreter! I love you! What do you have against me? What happened to you in that egg to make you like this?"

Wiping her eyes, she stood weakly, and breathed, "I don't care what you say to me, I'm not giving up on you yet."

Myrrta?" Lilean said, emerging from behind a tree.

Lilean…"

I saw you from down in the meadow. What happened? Are you okay?" Lilean questioned, nervously.

I… I'm fine," Myrrta murmured, shakily. "I went to ask Firreter if he would come down from his cave to see the eggs hatch."

And?"

He got all angry at me and told me that I would regret it if I ever came back…" the disheveled Tonu said, breaking into tears again.

Lilean gave her a sympathetic look. "Why do you keep putting your self through this? You don't have to keep going back to him, you know."

But he's my son!" Myrrta wailed. "I can't just pretend like he's not here!"

Why not? He doesn't want to see anyone, and as far as I know, no one wants to see him."

Because he needs a friend," Myrrta answered. "Someone who really cares for him."

You're getting yourself into a bad situation," Lilean pleaded. "Firreter's dangerous! I don't want you to get hurt!"

He's still my baby! If Rhander was like this, wouldn't you try to save him?"

Lilean looked across the field to her own son. "Yes."

Then why shouldn't I try to help Firreter?" Sighing, Lilean responded, "I guess you're right. But take care of yourself. He may be your son, but Firreter's not a good character. Stay safe."

I'll try…"

PART THREE: Aggression

Myrrta stood on a plateau, overlooking a grassy field, watching her new daughter, Xireei, playing with some of her friends. Smiling at her antics, she let her mind wander back over the past few months. She hadn't gone back to Firrter's cave, nor had she heard anything from him. Myrrta had done her best to forget about him, and concentrate on raising Xireei, but a nagging curiosity plagued her. Was he still alive? Many dangerous things lived out in wild Tyrannia, all of them posing a threat to a young Tonu. Not that he couldn't take care of himself. His sharp claws, teeth, and agility made him a formidable opponent, for anyone. Anyone who entered his territory was considered an enemy. Even her.

Sighing, she turned to the cave's direction. She couldn't stand not knowing if he was still there or not. Tomorrow, no matter what, she was going to find out.

The next day, Myrrta walked across the field to Firreter's cave. She hadn't told anyone where she was going, incase they tried to stop her. He was her son. He wouldn't hurt her. Right?

At the cave's mouth, she peered inside, and taking a deep breath, called, "Firreter?"

Her voice was met with a loud growl, as Firreter stepped out from the shadows. He had grown. Firreter was now twice the size she had last seen him, and looked like a fully grown Tonu.

I thought I told you never to come back here!" he yelled, his eyes bloodshot with fury.

But… I…" Myrrta stammered, shaking.

I'm not letting you get away this time!" he snarled, nearly blind with rage.

Leaping across the cave floor, he pounced on her and pulled her outside to the edge of a pond.

Goodbye… mother," he smirked, grinning triumphantly.

PART FOUR: The Discovery

Lilean was worried. She hadn't seen Myrrta all day, and it was starting to get dark. She had taken Xireei to her nest and fed her, and now that she was free, she went to the leader of there herd, a large male Tonu named Yoshirix, and voiced her concerns.

I'm just worried that something's happened to her," she concluded. "You know what Firreter was like."

Yes," he rumbled. "I'll get a few Tonu together who aren't doing anything and we'll go look for her. How's that?"

Lilean nodded, gratefully. "Thank you, that's great. I just hope she's okay…"

Come on then, she could be in trouble," Yoshirix said, walking off to fetch a few more Tonu for their search party.

At the cave, nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary.

Well, everything looks okay…" Lilean murmured, glancing around, searching for her friend.

Ahhhhgggg!" one of the other Tonu mothers screamed from over by the pond.

What is it? Yoshirix asked, rushing over.

Myrrta…" she gasped, pointing at the water.

Myrrta lay motionless in the clear water, a large bruise on the side of her head.

Yoshirix pushed the other Tonu out of the way and pulled Myrrta from the water. Checking her paw for a pulse, he said, "She's still alive, but barely. Lilean, help me carry her and well get her back to the rest of the herd."

Wordlessly, she helped Yoshirix carry her friend back to the field, the other Tonu following, solemnly.

Back at the field, they laid Myrrta on a bed of straw, and fixed the wound on her head as best they could.

Do you think she'll live?" Lilean questioned, nervously.

As a response, Myrrta opened one eye and looked around, weakly.

Firreter…" she breathed.

Shhh, stay still, he's gone," Lilean urged her. "You're alive."

I… I'm… alive?" Myrrta asked. "Where is Firreter?"

I don't know Myrrta, forget about him! He tried to kill you!" her friend almost yelled at her. "Why do you still care about that… that mutant?!"

He's my son," she whispered, sadly. "You should understand."

Lilean sighed. "You're right, I do. But he doesn't care about that!"

Her voice softened. "Please, Myrrta, stay away from him! Can you at least do that for us?"

The tonu mother didn't answer.

Please?" she begged, in a helpless tone.

I- I'll try…" ***

From his cave, Firreter watched them depart, with little interest. He didn't know why he acted like he did. Or why they cared about the other Tonu who said she was his mother.

The only one who matters is yourself," he hissed, quietly.

His reason for disliking his mother was simple; she was getting in his way. He wasn't planning to stay in Tyrannia much longer, either. It was to close to others. Even up in his cave, they wouldn't leave him alone. Which is why he made them go away.

So that night, he set out for a new place to call his own, somewhere where no one would pay any attention to him. Trekking across the field, he was nearly invisible in the black of night, as he set off to what would end up to be his future demise.

PART FIVE: Firreter's New Home

The next day, back at the field, Myrrta was no where to be found.

Oh no…" Lilean groaned, after hours of searching. "I didn't think she'd go after him again! Not after this!"

She's a stubborn one, alright," another Tonu chipped in. "But I think I would do the same in her situation."

Lilean shook her head. "I can't tell her what to do. The best we can to is hope she comes back to us in one piece."

Yoshirix put his paw on her shoulder. "Don't worry about her, Lilean. She'll come back if she wants, but I don't think she would ever be happy here without her son."

Gazing in the direction of Firreter's cave, Lilean wiped a tear from her eye. "Poor Myrrta…" ***

After days of fruitless wandering, Firreter was hopelessly lost in a dark, winding forest that never seemed to end.

Where am I? he wondered to himself, passing a patch of trees for the fifth time that hour. He heard a whoot's haunting cry echo through the twilight, announcing nightfall. Frustrated, he lashed at a sapling with his powerful tail.

Does this forest ever end?!" he called into the abyss.

Heh heh, does it?" a hoarse voice whispered from a nearby tree trunk. A horribly mutated Korbat stuck its head out of a patch of leaves, staring at him through half closed eyes.

Twitching its oversized ears, it croaked, "You're in the Haunted Woods now, my foolish friend. I don't know how a tyrannian like you found your way here, but take my word, there's no getting out from here."

Firreter growled, "There must be some way out! If I can get in, I can leave, right?"

The mutant grinned, cynically. "Not before the nightslayer gets to you."

Nightslayer?"

Yes, Nightslayer," the korbat whispered. "He's a werelupe who stalks the Haunted Woods by night. If you run into him, it's over. No one stands a chance against the nightslayer. They say he spawned from the deepest, darkest part of the woods."

A werelupe?" Firreter snorted. "I'm stronger than any mangy werelupe!"

The korbat bared it's tiny fangs angrily. "No one survives an attack from the nightslayer! He's not just a normal werelupe! His claws alone are the size of your forepaw, and from ear to tail, he's as tall as two werelupe! He can run faster than you can think, and he won't think twice about destroying you. Get out of here before nightfall, Tonu, or you won't live to see the morning!"

Firreter turned and began to leave. "We'll see about that, skyrat."

As he crawled through the underbrush, ignoring the korbat's shrieks of outrage, the sky got darker and darker, until darkness consumed everything.

Where is everyone? Firreter thought, noticing that there wasn't a sign of any other living being. Suddenly, a loud growl startled him into jumping into a clump of bushes. He remained motionless as a dark form revealed itself. It was a werelupe, and Firreter recognized it as the nightslayer immediately.

It was as large as the korbat had described, and covered in shaggy, matted, fur. Crimson eyes scanned the area for any thing within range. Sniffing the ground, it noticed Firreter's tracks leading into the bush. Snarling, it leapt into the air, baring its claws and fangs.

Firreter dashed out of the bush just in time to avoid being flattened by the monstrous beast that was at least five times larger than himself. Slinking back into the trees, he tensed his muscles and waited for the beast to attack again. When it did, charging at him with razor sharp talons, he sprung out, ramming it with his horn.

Furious beyond words, the maddened creature slashed blindly at him, striking him across his right eye.

Gasping with pain, Firreter sank back further into the trees, his vision poor. Lunging for the werelupe's legs, he missed and landed on the soggy leaf debris on the forest floor.

Nightslayer hit him between the ears with a massive fist, and threw him against a tree.

He struggled to remain conscious as a dark haze filled his mind, fogging his senses. The last thing he remembered before passing out was the sight of a giant werelupe, glaring at him with eyes of fire.

PART SIX: A New Existence

When Firreter awoke, he was no longer in the Haunted Woods. He was in a field, and glancing around, he saw the woods a long way off in the distance. Feeling different somehow, he walked over to a stream and checked his reflection. What looked back at him was not a brown, mutated-looking Tonu, but a pale, blue-green Tonu, with a scraggly, jet black mane. His body was translucent; he could almost see through it, and his mind was clouded and hazy. Also, he was completely blind in his right eye.

Am… am I a ghost? he thought. He couldn't remember anything that had happened before he woke up. Who am I?

Confused, he looked around. All he saw besides the dark spot on the horizon resembling the haunted woods was another, brighter spot a long way away. Deciding he had no where else to go, Firreter set off towards the unknown destination. ***

Firreter…" Myrrta whispered, determined, as she followed his tracks. She had set her mind on finding him, and she wouldn't quit until she did. Having forgotten Lilean, Yoshirix, her daughter, and the rest of the pack, the loyal mother had followed his tracks all through the Haunted Woods, and out into the wasteland beyond. His footprints were now leading her to a dark spot, which she took to be Neopia Central, the biggest city in Neopia.

Neopia Central? she though, concerned. He might have been able to survive in the wild, but the city is vicious! There's the neopet catchers, who capture strays and put them in the pound, petpetpet poison, and neohome owners who would be furious to know he's on their property!

Energy renewed, she began sprinting towards the city in the distance, fast as she could. ***

Xireei, a young blue tonu, stood in the middle of the wasteland just outside of Tyrannia, trying to decide which way to go next. She had heard from her foster mother, Lilean, that her real mother, Myrrta had gone off looking for her brother, Firreter, a few months ago, and hadn't returned since. The young tonu had taken it upon herself to find her mother and brother and bring them back.

Xireei," Lilean had said. "Myrrta had no idea where Firreter went, and Firreter didn't want anything to do with us anyway! I can't let you go off into the wild without a single clue where you're headed!"

But they're my only real family in the pack!" Xireei had argued. "Wherever they are, they might need help!"

Xireei, your being ridiculous! What help could you possibly be, by yourself?"

But Xireei hadn't taken her advice. Being young and headstrong, Xireei had snuck out of the camp in the dead of night, following her mother's faint footprints. Now she was beginning to regret it.

She sighed, and then continued, unknowingly heading towards Neopia Central, where her mother's footprints were leading her.

***

Where am I now? thought Firreter as he reached the city. Is this where I'm supposed to be? He shook his head, despairingly. I can't remember anything, even my name! Do I even have a name? Sighing, he walked alone down the dark streets.

I ought to find someplace to stay for the night. Searching around a bit, he crawled into a soggy cardboard box in an alley. It was falling apart, and smelled of mold and mildew. The alley was dark and cold, and rain had begun to fall from the hazy sky.

Cold, tired, and hungry, he wrapped his tail around himself tightly, and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, he awoke to a stream of neopians bustling down the streets, and into shops. Hmm? he thought, stretching. Who are they?

Curiously, he went a little closer, and one human said, "Eww, a ghost! What's he doing here? He should be in the pound!"

The pound? Firreter wondered. What's a pound? It doesn't sound very nice…

Ignoring the humans, Firreter began searching the ally for something to eat. All he found were a few garbage cans in the back, but they would have to do. Gagging with repulsion, he managed to choke down some moldy food, and lapped up some water from the gutters.

Suddenly, a female Tonu ran up to him, yelling, "Firreter!"

Firreter, I'm so glad you're alive!" she exclaimed, embracing him.

What did she call me? he though, then responded, "Ummm… who are you?"

She looked up at him, puzzled. "I'm your mother, Myrrta. You look different."

My… mother?" he asked. "You're… my mother."

Yes, yes, I am. What happened to you? You're a ghost now!" she questioned, backing up.

I…don't know!" he answered. "I can't remember anything, not even my own name!"

You're name's Firreter," she told him. "You don't remember anything?"

Nothing. All I remember is waking up in the middle of a wasteland and coming here," he replied, confused.

Hmmm… I'd love to know what happened, but we have to get you out of here, before anything happens," Myrrta informed him. "The city's a dangerous place for wild neopets."

Come on," she ordered, jumping out into the streets.

Hesitantly, he followed, staying right next to her.

As they continued down the road, Myrrta panted, "Look out for the humans, they love their own neopets, but have no pity for the wild ones. Just keep running, and don't stop for anything."

Suddenly, two people jumped out in front of them with a large net.

The human Firreter recognized from before yelled, "There it is! That ghost! Make sure he doesn't get away! Anything with claws and teeth like that is dangerous!"

The other human, working for the pound, tried to throw the net at Firreter, but he dodged it just in time, and bolted down the street with his mother.

Stop that monster!" the catcher yelled, chasing after them.

There's the end of the city!" Myrrta gasped, excitedly sprinting towards the large fence a few hundred feet ahead of them. "If we can make it over that fence, we're safe!"

Glancing over his shoulder, Firreter saw the catcher close behind them.

Come on…" he growled, approaching the fence. Springing over the last few feet, he leapt towards the fence, but got his paw caught in a stray piece of barbed wire, pulling him back to the ground.

As he watched his mother clear the fence, she called, "Firreter! Come on!"

Hard as he tugged, the his paw only got more tangled in the wire, the rusty metal cutting into his foreleg.

Helplessly, he saw the catcher throw the net over him, pull his paw roughly from the fence, and throw him onto a cart to take him to the pound. ***

No…" Myrrta whispered, nearly mad with grief. They had been so close! Why?

Gritting her teeth, she prepared to leapt back over the fence. She wasn't giving up until she was back with Firreter! ***

In the pound, Firreter felt the catcher pull the net off of him, and tie a dirty, worn, rope around his neck. Without saying a word, an elderly, yellow Techo took the rope and led him back into a dark hallway. Fearing for his life, Firreter followed him to a large room filled with cages. He was led into the farthest cage, one in the very back, and locked in, without even having the rope taken off his throat.

Is this a pound? Firreter though, miserably. Why couldn't I jump over the fence? Then I'd be back with my mother, or whoever she was.

His cage was very small, only about five feet across, keeping him from being able to stretch out or move much at all. Sighing, he gazed out the steel bars of his cage door, seeing dozens of other, "ordinary" colored pets locked in the same types of cages, and was overcome with a wave of pity for the starving, haunted- looking neopets. He was unused to such emotions, before having only felt anger and hatred towards others.

I wonder how long they've been here? Firreter wondered. They look horrible!

Shifting around, he looked at the neopet in the cage next to him, separated by only a few rusty bars. A thin, tired, gelert lay on the floor, gazing sullenly at the ground in front of him. His red fur was matted and tangled, and had faded from being in the dark for so long.

How long have you been in here?" Firreter asked him, quietly.

Four months," the gelert croaked, his voice hoarse from lack of water. "But I wasn't born in the wild. For a while, I had a great owner, or so I thought. One day, for no reason at all, she took me her and left me, without saying another word."

He shook his head, sadly. "I still miss her, even after what she did to me. I don't understand how anyone could put us in such a horrible place."

Does every wild pet get captured?" Firreter asked, remembering seeing a few other wild pets on his short journey into the city.

Only the dangerous ones," the gelert responded. "Anything that doesn't look like it can hurt someone can stay."

Firreter nodded, slowly. "I can't remember where I was born, but I remember having a mother, and living in the city. In fact, it was just yesterday, but today I was captured."

The gelert gave him a puzzled look. "You say you were born yesterday?"

I don't know," Firreter said. "I only remember what happened since yesterday, nothing before."

Hmmm, strange," the gelert replied, edging away from him.

Suddenly, they heard a bell jingle, and someone walk in the door.

A human!" the gelert exclaimed. "It's rare anyone comes in! Try to look your best, and don't act sick or tired, or anything like that."

Why?"

Because," the gelert informed him. "You want someone to adopt you and get you out of here!"

Firreter nodded, and sat up as strait as he could in the cramped cage.

Every neopet in the pound held its breath as the human, a young, tall, female, walked down the aisles, carefully examining each one.

Oh look, a ghost," she said softly, stopping at Firreter's cage.

One of her other pets, a young glowing zafara, peeked at Firreter from behind her. "He looks scary," she piped up.

Firreter tried to hide his claws and fangs, as the zafara watched him, eyes wide with curiosity.

He's just different," her owner told her. "How would you like a new brother, Kai?"

You mean him?" the young zafara, named Kai_909090, asked, warily. "I don't know, Lori…"

Her owner, named zafaracutie4 (Lori), took her to the front desk. "You just need to get to know him. I'm sure he'll be great!"

Kai looked doubtful. "What's his name?"

It says he's called Firreter."

Hmmm…" Kai wondered, thoughtfully.

Lori smiled. "Is it a yes?" Sighing, the young zafara answered, "I guess." Leading Dr. Death, the yellow Techo who ran the pound, to Firreter's cage, Lori said, "That's the one, the ghost right over there."

It's your choice," the Techo grunted, unlocking the cage. "That'll be 569 neopoints."

It's worth it," the girl said, handing him the money and leading her two neopets out the door.

Good luck!" Firreter heard the gelert whisper sadly as he followed the girl up to the counter, eyeing them enviously. "Remember all of us when you're warm and well-fed with a home and an owner…"

***

PART SEVEN: Home at Last

Where am I going? thought Firreter, silently, as he followed his new owner and her zafara down the street to her neohome. Remembering his mother and the gelert, he thought, That's two friends I've lost since I was here… My only two friends…

Unlocking the door, she led them inside. "Kai, why don't you go tell Kara about our new family member," Lori asked, referring to her xweetok, Kara_cutie__37. "I'll show Firreter his room."

His new owner led Firreter down a hallway to an empty room, with nothing but a closet in the back.

Well, here's your room," she told him. "I can buy you some furniture if its too empty for you."

For the first time since she had met him, he spoke. "No thanks, this is fine."

Empty, He thought, darkly. That suites me. Empty, just like my heart.

You're sure?" Lori asked, concerned. "Well, if that's it, I'm going to go get dinner started. Let me know if you need anything."

I don't think I will, but thanks for your kindness," he answered, as she left for the kitchen.

Exhausted from his long day, he closed the door, turned his light off, and clambered into the closet.

This isn't so bad, He thought, curling into a corner. Better than that soggy box, or the pound. I still miss my mother, though.

Suddenly, he heard a loud squawk from something inside the closet.

What was that? He looked around, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. A tiny Albat was staring at him from the other side.

Where'd you come from?" he whispered gently to it. The Albat walked cautiously closer.

I won't hurt you, promise," he coaxed, touching its feathered head softly with one claw.

Chirping happily, it bounced over and jumped onto his head.

Do you have a name?" he asked.

The small bird nodded, and chirped, "Chkkkkaaaaa! Fwwweeep!"

Translating her answer, Firreter replied, "So, you're called Skycleaver?"

Skycleaver nodded again, and flicked her ears happily.

Smiling, he curled back against the wall and closed his eyes, happy with his new friend.

A few minuets later, he woke up to the sound of someone knocking on his door. Gently placing the Albat back on the floor, he opened the closet and saw a female Xweetok standing in front of him.

What are you doing in the closet?" she asked, curiously. "And what's that Albat doing in here?"

You didn't know she was here?" Firreter questioned, placing the small bird on his shoulder. "I found her here in the closet."

Hmmm…" the Xweetok sighed. "We had no idea she was here. Oh yeah, I'm your sister, Kara. I guess you've already met Kai."

Firreter nodded, painfully. "If she was the zafara who doesn't like ghosts."

Kara laughed. "That's Kai. Don't pay any attention to her, she's scared of everything."

As if to prove her point, a scream came from the living room. "EEK!! A spyder!! Somebody squish it!!"

Firreter? Kara?" Lori called from the kitchen. "Are you coming? Dinner's ready!"

Well, are you coming?" Kara asked, stepping out the door into the hallway.

Of course!" Firreter replied, and gestured to the Albat sitting in the closet. "Can I bring her?"

Sure, maybe Lori will know where she's from," the Xweetok answered, strolling into the kitchen.

What's for dinner?" Kai questioned, bouncing up to the table.

Omelettes!" her owner exclaimed.

What's for dessert?"

Jelly!"

Kai stared down at her plate, glumly. "We had omelettes and jelly yesterday! And the day before! And the day before that!"

Lori placed a steaming bacon and broccoli omelette on her plate. "If we're going to paint your sister starry, we can't afford to spend to much on food. Plus, it's healthy! And anyway, we don't eat omelettes all the time! Just last week we had pyrimibread and Techa fruit!"

Kai sighed, unhappily. "Why can't we go to the Kelp for dinner one day?"

Her owner replied, "You k now we can't afford to spend that much! Maybe later." She then turned to see the Albat sitting on Firreter's shoulder. "Where'd that Albat come from? I don't remember buying one."

Kara said, "We hoped you'd know. Firreter found it in his closet this afternoon."

Hmm, oh well." Lori passed around omelettes to all of them. "Here, have some omelettes!"

***

Unhappy and disheartened, Myrrta walked through the moonlit streets of town, avoiding humans as best as she could. She was completely lost.

How could this have happened? she thought, miserably. If that catcher hadn't gotten Firreter, we'd be back to the herd by now. She sighed, and looked over at the wasteland far, far away, and tried to imagine what they were thinking. I hope Xireii's okay… she thought, thinking of her young daughter. They're all probably worried sick…

Brushing a tear from her eye, she continued down the street. But I'm not going back without Firreter.

***

PART EIGHT: The Dream

Back at Lori's neohome, Firreter was asleep in the closet, oblivious to all around him. In his dreams, he was wandering through a dark forest, lost and alone. But the forest didn't look like any he could remember. His vision was clouded by a red haze, and details on the foliage and area all around him were blurry and unfocused. Not a single living being was anywhere in sight, and Firreter was consumed in a terrible loneliness and sorrow. Ancient trees sprouted from the damp earth, withered and dead, and a carpet of moss, mildew, and plant matter coated the ground.

The depressing scene continued for miles all around, and the sky was dark grey, almost black. Suddenly, a monstrous beast leapt out from the undergrowth, snarling and baring its talons. The enormous monster had blood-red eyes, dagger teeth, and a coat of shaggy, filthy fur, and glared at Firreter with a gaze laden with hatred and anger. Roaring outlandishly, it leapt from its crouched position in the bushes, snapping and swiping its claws.

Frantically, Firreter ran through the trees, trying to escape, but the monster followed, with remarkable agility for its bulky frame. He ran until his lungs burned, and he was gasping and breathing raggedly, but the beast chasing him never seemed to tire. Finally, he collapsed on the ground, unable to go any further. As soon as he stopped, the monster was on top of him, biting and clawing viciously. In desperation, Firreter managed to get in a few bites and scratches of his own, and had a split second to make a run from the beast again. Starting off into the trees again, mortally wounded, he weakly limped as fast as he could, but it was no use. The giant attacked him again, even more fiercely than the last time.

All Firreter felt was deafening fear, and pain, burning pain. His right leg felt like fire, and his right eye was completely useless. With a cry of anguish, he felt a blackness consuming his mind, clouding his emotions.

Suddenly, he awoke, terrified and breathing heavily. Unable to speak, he leaned against the wall, exhausted and weak. What was that? he thought. What did that forest and that… that monster have to do with me? Trying to calm down, he lifted his paw to his right eye, and felt a scar there. For as long as he could remember, he had been blind in that eye. Is that what happened to me? He froze. Wait! In the beginning of that dream, I could see out of both eyes! Filled with fear and confusion, he lay back against the wall, shivering. And… I wasn't a ghost! Silently, he recalled that in his dream, his hide had been a muddy brown color, with twisted, mutated flesh, and he had felt rather sickly.

Skycleaver," he whispered to the Albat, almost silently.

She woke, and lifted her head, ears fluttering attentively.

I can't stay here any longer," he whispered, looking longingly out the -blocked- "I have to find out more about my past, and my family." Lowering his head, he began, "I love my new family, but I can't live here without at least knowing what happened to me, and what's become of my mother."

The tiny Albat ruffled her feathers and clicked quietly.

Will you come with me? You don't really have a home either, and you're welcome to join me if you'd want."

Skycleaver blinked her large green eyes and stared intelligently at him, and uttered, "Chrrrrp!! Chrrrrp!" She then leapt onto Firreter's shoulder, clutching his black mane in her claws.

Thanks, Skycleaver," he whispered, silently peering around the edge of the door. Seeing no one, he continued, hardly daring to breathe, in case he woke someone. When he neared the front door, he heard a door opening and froze. Sighting the tip of a long, bushy tail, he ducked between the wall and the couch, and lay there motionless. Crouching further into the shadows, he watched Kara look around.

Kai?" she called quietly, glancing around. "That's funny…" she muttered to herself, checking under a chair. "I was sure I heard something."

Holding his breath, Firreter watched the Xweetok inspect the room.

Well, it doesn't look like anyone's awake," she decided, heading back to her room. "I must have been hearing things."

As soon as he was sure she was gone, Firreter crawled back out from under the couch. "Ready Skycleaver?" he asked, standing in front of the door.

The little Albat clacked her beak and screeched, "Kakiiiiir!!!"

Okay then," Firreter nodded, opening the door silently. As he stepped outside, he turned back and whispered, "Goodbye for now, friends. I hope I'll be back soon!" With that, he turned to the dimly lit streets and set off into the darkness.

***

Xireei had reached Neopia Central, and trusting her instinct, had kept away from humans, hoping that chance would lead her to her mother, now that her footprints were gone.

Myrrta?" she called quietly. "Firreter? Where are you?"

She found an alley in the far back streets of the city, and curled up behind a trash can. Yawning, she closed her eyes and tried to get some sleep. Wherever they are, she thought. I'm sure they'll still be there in the morning.

***

Myrrta wandered through the shadowy, desolate streets, shivering as an icy wind blew through the sky. She finally approached the pound, that had been locked up for the night, and attempted to peer inside. Her vision was blocked by the iron bars in the windows, and it was too dark to see inside, anyway.

Firreter?" she called, hoarsely. "Are you in here?" She stepped back as a red gelert stood up to peer out the window at her.

What do you want here?" the gelert questioned, stifling a yawn. "Not many come looking for the pound. Just the opposite actually."

Myrrta looked hopeful. "I was looking for my son. He was caught by one of the catchers this evening."

The gelert tilted his head to one side. "What did your son look like?"

He was a tonu, like me, and a ghost. His name was Firreter, and he had a scar over one eye, the right one. Oh, and he's rather absent minded, too."

Well, I don't know about the name," the gelert said, "But I had a tonu in the cage next to mine a few hours ago that looked and acted just like that."

Myrrta leaned over the side, trying to see into the next cage. "Firreter? Where is he now?"

The gelert looked sympathetic. "Well… someone came to adopt him right after he got here. I'm afraid I don't have any idea where he could be now."

The tonu's hopeful look turned to one of sorrow. "Do you know which direction they went, at least?"

That way," the gelert barked softly, gesturing with a paw towards a row of houses farther away. "I think his owner took him into that house on the very end, the one with the green roof."

Oh," Myrrta stated simply. "Thank you then."

Good luck!" the gelert called, sinking back down into the cage. "I hope you find your son!"

Thank you again," Myrrta replied, as she slipped out of sight and started towards the house with the green roof.

***

Meanwhile, Firreter and Skycleaver had just gotten out of the neighborhood of houses, and were wandering through the alleys and emptier streets of the town, trying to avoid any people they might meet this late at night.

Well Skycleaver, do you want to stop for tonight and rest?" Firreter asked, as they came up to an abandoned warehouse in the more run down section of Neopia Central.

Skycleaver looked up at the building and shivered. "Kyyyrrrrnnnn… chhhhk," she squawked, and flicked her tail, which in Albat language, appeared to mean, "Yes, but I just wish we could stay somewhere nicer than this run down shack."

Understanding, Firreter nodded, but said, "Well, we won't meet any humans here, that's for sure, and we should rest tonight, so we can have enough energy to continue tomorrow."

The small Albat said nothing, but twitched her ears nervously.

Firreter sighed as he looked up at the building, then slowly headed inside, being careful to make sure there was no one there.

It looks like we're alone," Firreter observed, as they walked through the warehouse, which was indeed as empty as it looked.

Skycleaver just shivered again, the cold night air blowing through her thick coat of feathers. Suddenly, a vicious hiss came from behind one of the crates stacked up next to the wall. A pair of kougra appeared from the darkness, stepping into a patch of light caused by moonlight shining through the gaps in the ceiling.

So…" the largest one, a shadow kougra, snarled, stepping forward. "What do we have here? A tonu? What do ya think yer doin', trespassin' in our territory?"

Firreter tensed, preparing to run. "I don't mean you any harm, I just wanted to spend the night here. I'll be gone by morning!"

Another kougra, a female with a spotted coat, broke into raspy laughter. "You want to spend the night here?"

A third kougra also appeared, a male with a dark brown pelt. He was missing an ear. "We don't allow strangers to trespass, young 'un," he wheezed, unsheathing razor sharp claws. "What d'ye think we should do with 'em, Shade?" he asked, referring to the shadow kougra.

Shade grinned, malevolently. "I dunno, Granite." He turned to the female with the spotted coat. "Any ideas, Fen?"

The female, named Fen, glared at the two trespassers with yellow eyes. "We haven't had any visitors in a very long time. I think we should let them go."

Granite looked surprised. "Let 'em go? Are ye' sure 'bout that?"

Yes," Fen purred. "Let them run for a while, and get tired. They're already tired anyway. Then we can chase them down and take care of them. No one escapes us."

Shade looked triumphant. "'Kay then, trespassers. Yer free t'go."

Firreter sunk to the floor, preparing to dash outside.

Granite growled, "Now run, before we run out of patience an' come after ye!"

Skycleaver leapt onto Firreter's shoulders as they took off, trying to find a suitable place to hide before the kougra gave chase.

Panting, Firreter came up to a large dumpster in an alley. It wasn't the best hiding place, but it would hide them and disguise their scent. Ignoring his revulsion, Firreter jumped in, and waited for the kougra to appear. Sure enough, within five minutes, there they were.

Sniffing the ground, Granite stated, "They must've come this way, but I lose 'em right here!"

Shade growled. "Don't think ye've gott'n away this time, trespassers! Yer ne'er safe as long as we're still 'ere!"

Suddenly, the appearance of a human startled them all.

Mangy creatures, get out of here!" it yelled, waving a baseball bat. The three kougra hissed at it, but retreated back to the warehouse.

Firreter used this as the opportunity to make an escape. "Come on Skycleaver," he whispered frantically. Let's get out of here!"

The albat followed as they sped down the street, into unknown territories, with no idea where they were going.

***

The next morning, back at Lori's house, Kara had woken up, only to discover that Firreter was missing.

Kai! Lori! Come here!" she called, nervously, after checking every part of the house.

What is it?" Lori asked, as she entered the living room.

Kara sat down on the sofa. "It's Firreter! He's gone!

Gone?" Kai asked, incredulously.

Yes, gone!" Kara wailed.

Are you sure, Kara?" Lori asked, looking around. "Where did he go?"

I don't know!" the Xweetok moaned. "I thought I heard something last night! It must have been him! And his albat was gone too!"

Lori looked down. "Well, he did seem unhappy when we brought him here. Maybe he'd rather be out in the wild."

But why would anyone want to live out there?" Kai questioned. "It's cold!"

I'm not sure," Lori said. "But we're not just going to sit here and do nothing! Come on, we'll go walk around town and see if we find him anywhere. Maybe someone will have seen him. Kara, will you stay here, in case he comes back?"

The xweetok nodded, slowly.

Good. Come on, Kai, get your coat on. We're leaving!"

Okay!" Kai agreed, pulling a jacket on. "I'm ready!"

Good luck!" Kara wished sadly, as they walked out the door. She then sighed, and sat back down on the couch. I hope they find him. Why would he want to leave? she thought to herself. Even though he only got here yesterday, he's part of the family. Firreter, please be okay! ***

Myrrta stretched, blinking slowly in the morning sunlight. Where am I? she thought for a second, and then remembered. She had spent the night in a drainage ditch under a driveway, in the middle of the town. Her search for her son had been unsuccessful; he hadn't been in the green-roofed house. Yawning, she crawled out of the ditch, and started towards the town again, feeling better now that she had a good night's rest. He must be here somewhere, she could sense that he was still in Neopia Central. But where?

***

Lori and Kai had stopped at their neighbor, zafaraluvur_8's house to ask if any of them would help look for Firreter.

Raeneya, a christmas zafara, answered the door. "Hi Lori and Kai! Do you all need something?"

Well, kind of," Lori started. "You know the ghost tonu we adopted the other day? Well… he's kind of…missing. Kara woke up this morning and said she couldn't find him anywhere!"

Raeneya looked disappointed. "Well that stinks. Hold on, I'll go get Zafara."

She disappeared for a moment, and then returned with her owner, zafaraluvur_8.

Are you going to look for Firreter?" Raeneya questioned. "Can I come too?"

It's fine with me," Lori answered. "But ask Zafara first, you don't know if he's coming yet."

Of course I'm coming!" Zafara insisted. "You can come, Raeneya. Ready?"

Yes!" Raeneya agreed, cheerfully. "Come on, Firreter could be miles away by now!"

Alright, we're coming!" Kai sighed, following.

***

Firreter was walking through town again, keeping to the deserted streets, now that people were starting to begin their day, and would be terrified if they saw Firreter or Skycleaver. That would probably get him back into the pound again.

They had spent the night in a storm drain, cold, wet, and unhappy. "Skycleaver, do you think we'll ever find my mother?" Firreter asked, sitting down next to a broken street lamp.

The albat tilted her head, and muttered, "Chhhhhrrrr…."

But I know she's here!" Firreter insisted. "She wouldn't just leave me!"

Skycleaver froze, and gestured madly at something a few streets away from them with her wings. "Chakaar!" she screeched. "Kiiiiiiii!!!!"

What is it?" Firreter hissed, hiding behind a trash can. His eyes widened as he realized who it was. A tonu!

Mother!" he called, running towards her.

***

PART TEN: Family

Myrrta squinted as she saw someone running up to her. "Firreter?" she asked, as he approached.

Myrrta!" he greeted, cheerfully.

You're alive!" she exclaimed. "How did you escape from your owner?"

Firreter looked down, guiltily. My owner… "I left at night, while they were all still asleep."

And is that where the albat came from?"

Firreter nodded. "I found her in the closet, they didn't even know she was there. Her name's Skycleaver."

Skycleaver chirped, and waved her tail in greeting.

Myrrta looked around. "Well, are you ready to go? We can't hang around Neopia Central all day."

Go where?" Firreter asked.

Myrrta looked over the fence surrounding the city. "To Tyrannia of course! That's were we lived before you came here, with a large pack of other tonu."

Oh," Firreter said. "Tyrannia."

Well, are you ready?" Myrrta question, turning to leave. "We still have to cross to the other side of Neopia Central to leave."

Okay, I'm coming!" Firreter agreed, catching up with her.

***

Hey Lori," Raeneya asked, pointing towards two neopets coming down the street. "Doesn't one of them kind of look like Firreter to you?"

Lori looked over. "Hey, it does! I think it's him!"

Firreter!" Kai called, rushing towards them. "It's us! Kai and Lori! And the neighbors!"

Come on, before we lose them again!" Zafara said, following.

***

Stretching, Xireei walked down one of the streets of Neopia Central. After spending the night behind a trash can in an alley, she was ready to start her search for her family again. Suddenly, she froze. Seeing two familiar looking tonu on the street ahead of her, she recognized one of them as her mother, Myrrta.

Mother!" she called, running towards them. "Firreter! It's me, Xireei! Wait for me!"

***

Look!" Myrrta cried, as she saw Xireei come running up. "Firreter, it's Xireei, your sister!"

Firreter looked over. "Xireei!"

What are you doing here?" Myrrta questioned, as her daughter approached.

The blue Tonu flicked her ears. "I came looking for you and Firreter!"

Myrrta smiled. "I'm glad you're here, Xireei, I haven't seen you in months!" She then looked apologetic. "I'm sorry I left you."

That's okay," Xireei assured her. "I knew it was for a good reason."

Myrrta nodded. "Meet Firreter, your brother. You've probably heard of him, but he's different, he's nicer now."

That's good!" Xireei beamed, as she saw Firreter. "Do you remember me, Firreter?"

Firreter shook his head. "I don't remember much of anything, Xireei. Not since I arrived here."

Oh," Xireei said, confused, then looked to her mother for an explanation.

None of us are really sure what happened," Myrrta informed her. "I suspect he was killed by something, then came back as a ghost, and couldn't remember anything before that. It must have changed his personality as well."

Xireei looked relieved.

Was I really that terrible before?" Firreter asked, appearing shocked.

Yes," Myrrta said solemnly. "But you're not like that anymore, and that's what matters."

Firreter looked to the ground, and remembered the dream he had while he was still living with his owner. "Yeah, I guess. I just wish I knew what happened!"

Xireei looked up suddenly. "Hey, look! Firreter, there are four humans up there calling your name! Do you know them?"

Firreter turned around, and saw Lori, Kai, Correy, and Raeneya standing a few streets away from them. "That's my owner!"

Myrrta pawed the ground nervously. "Should we run?"

Firreter shook his head. "I want to talk to them first, I don't think it's right to just leave without even telling them why, or where I'm going."

Myrrta looked unhappy. "Well, if you're sure."

Her son nodded, then turned to the humans watching them. "Lori? Kai?"

Kai bounced up to him happily. "Firreter! We found you! Were have you been? We were all so worried..."

Wait," Raeneya insisted.

Firreter?" Lori asked, as the Tonu approached them. "Well, I guess you found your family."

He looked down at the ground, feeling guilty at so quickly leaving the family that had taken him in. "Yeah..."

That's okay, we won't feel bad if you'd rather go with them," Lori assured him.

Firreter looked back towards his mother and sister, not responding.

Well, what are you going to do?" his previous owner questioned. "This is all your decision."

The Tonu sighed, shaking his head. "I don't know!"

Myrrta rushed up to them. "What do you mean 'you don't know'?" the female Tonu inquired, keeping a safe distance from the humans. "You have to come back with us!

Don't you want to see the rest of the pack, and Tyrannia...? That's where you belong, back home, with us!"

Firreter looked up at her. "How would you know? I've never been there before! Maybe the other Firreter did, but I'm different now; whatever happened to me in that forest changed me." He looked towards his previous owner and her pets. "They're all I really remember as family since then."

His mother looked heartbroken.

I'm sure you all enjoy living in Tyrannia as a pack, but I know I wouldn't feel right living there." The Tonu pawed the ground nervously. "So... if it's alright with you... I'd like to stay here with my new family."

Myrrta blinked disbelievingly. "Really? You're certain?"

Firreter nodded. "Yes..."

The female Tonu sighed. "Well, if that's what you really want, I guess there's no changing your mind. Goodbye, Firreter." She flicked her ears and started toward the gate.

Come on, Xireei!"

Her daughter hesitated.

Well?" Myrrta questioned. "Come on; if we leave now, we can be close to the Haunted Woods by nightfall!"

Mother?" Xireei started. "I've been thinking about this a lot, and I've decided that I want to stay in Neopia Central with Firreter."

What?!" Myrrta exclaimed. "Why? You were born in the pack! Why wouldn't you want to come back?"

Because I know what it's like to live there!" Xireei stated. "I'd rather live in Neopia Central with an owner and be safe. Back in Tyrannia, there's wild Grarrls and all kinds of dangerous things, and I don't like hunting for my own food either." Shaking her head, she continued, "I think I'd like living here, it seems like an exciting life." The blue Tonu looked over at her brother. "And I couldn't leave Firreter here alone, could I? I could tell him all about what happened before he left, just like you used to tell me!"

Myrrta smiled, reflectively. "You two are just like me at your age, impossibly stubborn. Still, I suppose you're old enough to make your own decisions on what you're going to do with the rest of your life. If you want to stay here with them, Xireei, go ahead. Maybe this kind of life is better for you."

Xireei nodded. "Thanks, Mom." The blue Tonu pranced up to where her future owner was standing, and called, "Make sure you visit us sometime!"

I will!" Myrrta promised, as she trotted over to the gate. "Stay safe!"

***

Later that week, Xireei was sitting in the backyard with Firreter, trying to explain the type of Tonu he was while he lived in the pack. Xireei had decided to live with Correy,

Raeneya, and her brother Anderis, while Firreter decided to remain with Lori, Kai, and Kara.

Well, Mother said that when you were first born, you always ran off by yourself to hunt things, like Warfs and Tigermice, but you'd always leave your kills in that cave you liked. The other Tonu were grateful for that, because we were vegetarians, and only ate grass and certain types of tree leaves."

And when did I start talking?"

Xireei squinted, trying to remember. "I'm pretty sure it was a lot later than all the others, but you were growling at everyone from the moment you hatched." She looked up at the sky. "Of course, I wasn't born yet; you were about eight when I hatched."

Firreter nodded slowly.

Well, that's about all I know." The blue Tonu yawned, standing up and stretching.

Her brother sighed. "Thanks, but that still doesn't explain what happened in between that time and the time I arrived here." He looked over as Skycleaver glided over to them from a nearby willow tree.

Xireei frowned. "Well, I can't help you with that."

Oh well, I'll just try to forget about it. Maybe it will come to me later."

His sister nodded, understandingly. "Maybe."

***

That night, Firreter was asleep in his closet, once again dreaming. He was in the same dark forest that he had previously dreamt about, but this time, he was still a ghost, blind in his right eye. Much to his surprise, he saw an albat perched in a tree.

Hello?" Firreter called.

The albat opened an eye. "So, you're finally here."

Firreter looked confused. "What do you mean? Who are you?"

I don't have a name," the albat squeaked. "But I think you've seen me before, in your past life."

My past life..." Firreter shook his head. "You mean, what my sister was telling me about? When I was born in the herd?"

I don't know about your sister, but yes, it was your life when you were first born. You were quite a savage, as I remember."

Firreter nodded. "Will you tell me what happened?"

Yes," the albat agreed. "That's what I'm here for. You were running from Tyrannia, and your path led you to the Haunted Woods." It gestured around with a wing. "When you reached these woods, you were caught by a creature called the Nightslayer, a Werelupe that hunts anything that moves. You lost your right eye, and were killed by the Nightslayer, therefore becoming a ghost. Becoming a ghost caused you to lose all your memories of your life, and changed your personality completely. I think you can remember what happened from there."

Yes," Firreter agreed. "But how do you know all this?"

The albat flapped its wings. "I'm your conscience. Everyone has one, you know, but you can't see me until you become a ghost."

Firreter looked skeptical. "Why do you look so much like my petpet, Skycleaver?"

The albat bobbed its head. "I am Skycleaver. But I can only talk to you in your dreams."

Firreter looked thoughtful. "So that's how you just appeared out of nowhere. Well, I guess that makes sense. Are all petpets consciences?"

Skycleaver shook her head. "Oh no! We just like to take the shape of petpets because it's easier to see us like this." She twitched her ears. "So, are you satisfied with that explanation?"

The Tonu nodded, gratefully. "Yes, thank you. I can't say how much this means to me!"

Skycleaver smiled slightly. "You don't have to. Well, goodbye!"

***

As the morning sun shone through the slits in the closet door, Firreter awoke. "Skycleaver?"

The small albat woke up, blinking intelligently.

Firreter smiled. "I know you can't talk to me now, but I just wanted to thank you again. Now I know I can stay here, and be happy. I know where I come from now, and what happened to me."

Skycleaver purred, chirping joyously.

Come on then!" he beamed, opening the closet. "Let's go have breakfast!"

As they approached the table, Kai, Kara, and Lori had already woken up. "Good morning!" Firreter greeted them, cheerfully.

Kai grinned. "Yes it is! We're going to paint Kara starry today!"

Lori placed a plate of omelettes in front of them. "Yep! We finally have enough!

Great!" Firreter agreed. "Good for you, Kara!"

The Xweetok looked at the kitchen floor sheepishly. "Thanks! Maybe now we'll be able to eat normal food, not just omelettes every day." She glanced over at Firreter. "You're sure cheerful this morning. What happened?"

Firreter picked up Skycleaver. "Well, I appreciate Skycleaver much more now, and that's all I'm going to say."

Kara shrugged, slightly confused. "I'm not sure what that means, but as long as you're feeling better, I guess it doesn't matter."

Firreter nodded. "Now that I know where I came from, I can be happy living here with all of them," he thought. "Thank you, Skycleaver, you've given me the reason that I am what I am."

***

See my story in the Neopian Times!