How Do I Get Home?

[Delerium]

NOW where am I?
Fluffy grey paws padded silently along the silty earth, a charcoal nose centimeters from the ground. Nothing smelled familiar here!
Mind you, Cassidy was still getting used to her new feline form, and the pessimistic part of her was saying 'Duh! Even if something WAS familiar you wouldn't know it by smell!'. Still, she hoped against hope that somehow she'd know.
That she'd just... know. Like, gnosis, you know?

She huffed lightly and pulled her head back up. It was no use. She'd have to do things the old fashioned way.
Oh right, Cass, and how are you gonna do that? I'm sure just waltzing into town and asking people which way to Sutton, Ontario will get you someplace fast - like a zoo.

Cassidy felt her ears droop and set her fluffy rump down with a soft thump. Yeah, this was gonna take some getting used to...
"So... now what?" she thought aloud, the words sounding strange to her. They were kinda growly and it sounded like she had a lisp. Well, she supposed that was to be expected with the bestial lips and big pointy teeth she had now...

Phew... It sure was hot out here... Snow leopards were NOT built for a temperate climate!
With a sigh, Cassidy lay down in the meagre shade provided by a huge wall and set her head down on her big paws. "I want to go home..."

[. : ÷Cakey÷ : .]

RJ was on a walk. He'd never gone out of Dotado too far before, and this was no exception. Life in Dotado was boring when there was no school, and was pretty boring anyways when there was. However, he was glad that there was a place like this, where there were no mazes, drugs, wires on your feet that heated up. After so many years, RJ had never forgotten what it was like. He never would. Even if he had a lapse, everything would remind him of it, because RJ constantly has long strings of thought. He was having one right now. Hm...a broken TV's just sitting there. Normal TVs need electricity, right? This one isn't plugged in...probably because it's on a lawn. Wires are needed for electricity flow...Like the ones that were on my feet. Ouch. Like this one, they usually ended up at the lab, ten years ago.

RJ looked at his feet for a while of the walk, thinking about where he was going, which happened to be nowhere at the moment. As soon as he looked up He saw a tiger-like cat sitting under a tree. RJ took a deep breath and tried to inch past it without noticing. the last thing he needed was for a tiger to bite him and set off his power. He'd have to spend an hour figuring out where he was once he was out of it after that kind of injury. However, the cement had all sorts of detritus that made noise when he stepped on it. RJ winced, but continued. If push came to shove, he'd run. Although, the way he felt right now, his legs wouldn't obey him. The little guys in his legs that made them work had all disspeared. He was frozen in place.

[Delerium]

Unused to the heightened sensitivity of her new senses, it took Cassidy a moment to realize that what she was hearing was someone inhale sharply and take a few steps back. Her ears swivelled in the direction of the sound, followed by her head; it almost seemed as though this body moved of its own accord. It probably did; after all, Cassidy had no idea how to be a snow leopard, but it seemed as though her body did.
Still, the boy's reaction was expected, but also disconcerting.
She let out an irritated huff. Great. It starts...

Sitting up, the puffy tip of her tail swishing methodically, Cassidy piped up, "Oh stop it. I'm not gonna hurt you; if I'd wanted to, don't you think you'd be dead by now?" She had trouble articulating a few words, but the overall message and her annoyance were clear.

[. : ÷Cakey÷ : .]

If RJ could've been any more frozen, he would've been now. It spoke. This wasn't too much. RJ had seen stranger things. Talking animals were about as new as brushing one's hair. The tiger...Wait, it couldn't be a tiger. Tigers had stripes. This...leopard, he guessed, had a point. "Yes, I would think that. But it's not me thinking. It's my instincts that when you see a...leopard?...you move on to make sure it doesn't notice you. My apologies."

His legs unfroze. He could've run, but chose not to. The argument between the man at the controls and the control man's boss raged in his head as he went a bit closer to the leopard. "Um...are you lost or something? Because if you need somewhere to go..." RJ said., trailing off.

[Delerium]

Now Cassidy felt like a ham; of COURSE he was gonna be wary if dangerous wild cat was near. She had to stop thinking of herself so much...
Both ears drooping, she then said, "No, no... You're right, and I'm the one who should be sorry." Bleh. She kept having trouble with the letters 'n' and 'b'. They kept coming out sounding more like 'r'.
Her delight was apparent though when he took a step towards her. This was a good thing. If she had someone vouching for her, it would be much easier to talk with people and not have them run away screaming thinking she was going to eat them.

"Um...are you lost or something? Because if you need somewhere to go..."

"Grr... Is it THAT obvious?" Cassidy growled. She then huffed and said more politely, "Umm, yeah. I am. I, umm, well, you might find this hard to believe, but I broke out of this research facility not far from here and now I have abso-frigging-lutely no clue where I am..."

Her ears perked up as if an idea just occured to her. She held up a paw and said, "Oh, I'm Cassidy by the way." She then glanced at her paw and quickly lowered. "Ah, sorry, guess you don't want a handshake with me, huh? Heh heh, hmmm..."

[Deon]

((Cakey... sorry if I kinda end up excluding you while you're gone... >>))

Ellis didn't enjoy using a cane.

His eyes drifted towards the sky, unused. They were unable to register the wispy clouds that streaked across the sky, or the weeds that grew between the cracks in the concrete path, or the carefree flutter of the colorful wings of a butterfly. He hated rapping the cane in front of him, seeking out anything strange in his path that might cause him to misstep and fall in world that remained hidden from his view. It didn't make it any less real. The only time he really felt blind was when he used the instrument, when he could feel the seeing eyes of other people noticing his "disability," as they called it. They were always pitying him or sometimes even afraid of him because of this "defect," this "problem," this "disease." But all of his other senses were so heightened from the loss. He was never blind except when people perceived him that way. That's why he didn't like it. He didn't want to be treated differently, like a child, like someone who needed to be helped.

But Ellis didn't have the energy to exert on constantly sending out radar to assure himself of his path across the winding sidewalks near the walls of the city, which is why he resorted to using the cane. Oftentimes they were used for maintenance. But one always had to be wary out here, and of things not just pertaining to trucks with cement and falling hammers. He always had a sort of anxious feeling when he was outside, like the kind he got before another wave of attacks by the insurgents when he lived in Africa. He couldn't explain the feeling. There should no longer be anything to fear.

Ellis' keen ears automatically tuned to the sound of voices. There weren't often people around here. That's generally why he came out here to think. About Africa... about Talia... Well, that wasn't an entirely true assessment. He mentally corrected himself. Usually he came across a few solitary runners while he was around here. The vibrations their feet sent out as they hit the ground were easy to detect. This person.. wait, these people didn't seem to be doing a whole lot of moving. Ellis left the path to make his way over. He didn't really know why he decided to do so. There was something in the tone of their voices that drew him to them. When he was within earshot of their conversation, he caught the words of the girl -- no... woman? -- explaining that she didn't know where she was. Was the poor thing lost? He didn't understand what she meant about no handshake, but didn't think anything of it.

"I'm sorry if I seem like I was eavesdropping, but I heard that you are in a bit of a predicament. Is there any way I can be of any assistance at all?" he asked as he approached, accidentally rapping his cane on RJ's heels.

[Delerium]

Tap. Tap. Tap.
What was that?
Cassidy's pinneal ears swivelled this way and that of their own accord, trying to pinpoint the sound. Well, it sounded like... something being very gently tapped on concrete. But what... oh.
Cassidy instinctively felt a twinge of pity. She had always done her best not treat anyone with an obvious infirmity differently than anyone else, but it didn't stop her from feeling sorry for someone like this man.

"I'm sorry if I seem like I was eavesdropping, but I heard that you are in a bit of a predicament. Is there any way I can be of any assistance at all?"

Cassidy suddenly brightened, feeling like one of those cartoon characters that have a light turn on over their head. The man couldn't see her, therefore he wouldn't be afraid of her and she could freely communicate with him! That actually made her feel a whole lot better.

"Oh, umm, I'm really just wondering where I am, right now," Cassidy replied politely; her b's and n's still sounded funny to her. It seemed like she was constantly growling... "I'm new to the area. I just... found myself here. I don't know how else to explain it, really." Her tail began to swish as hr mind turned.
Oh bother. There were so many things this body did automatically!

Huffing out her nose, Cassidy twisted around to grip her tail in her teeth then pressed it beneath her forepaws. The tip still twitched frequently, as if defying her wishes.

[Deon]

Just wondering where she was? Had just... found herself here? Ellis had learned not to ask too many questions. There were some things that one shouldn't have to know or divulge. The woman's voice sounded strange to his ears, almost as though she had something in her mouth that she couldn't get her lips around. And it was kind of a low, raspy voice. Maybe she was a cigarette smoker.

"My name is Ellis Ayle," he told her automatically. He had a quiet, subdued voice that went with his personality. "This is the city of Dotado. I haven't been here for a long time... at least, since the... incidents." Incidents, Ellis? By god, that didn't even cover it. "But I do know the city well. I've been helping to restore parts of it, actually." He shut his tired eyes for a moment, slightly bloodshot from lack of sleep. He hadn't been able to get a good night's rest for years. Not since... everything. He worried too much about her. His lids fluttered open once more, and his eyes drifted over to his left, where he could hear a bee buzzing nearby. He was starting to get a little tired. Fatigue came more easily to him nowadays. Sometimes it felt as if he had aged 20 years in 10. Not often. But sometimes. The mental stress took a toll. But he did all he could. He did all he could. And he could try to do a little more elsewhere, like with this woman. He continued asking her general questions to see what he could do for her.

"Are you planning on staying here? Or... just passing through? I'm sure I could help you get a bed for the night, if anything." His fingers gently tapped on the top of his cane as he spoke.

[Delerium]

Dotado... why does that name sound familiar? And what incidents? Ah well, it's none of my business. As long as there wasn't a chemical spill or a nuclear explosion...
She pushed it out of her mind.

"I'm Cassidy," she replied cheerfully. But then paused before saying, "Oh, umm, hang on a sec... Cassidy... Delacroix! Yes, that was it..." Goodness, Ellis was gonna think her a wierdo for not being able to remember her own last name.
Truth be told, she was surprised she remembered it. The lab technicians had always just called her Cassidy - or No. 33-X5... Oy. She had a middle name, but what was it again? Lilith... no, it hadn't been that wierd... Gillian? No... Lillian! That was it!

I am Cassidy Lillian Delacroix...

Her tail popped out from beneath her paws and began wagging frantically, almost like a dog's. She couldn't help it. She was so happy to regain a former part of herself! Yeah, it was a small thing, but... it was a good thing nonetheless! A small giggle escaped her muzzle and she twirled around in a circle a few times.

"Whoo! Oh! Ah, hmm... ha ha, sorry about that; it's a long story," Cassidy said sheepishly, sitting down with her tail over her paws like a good little leopard. She couldn't keep the euphoria out of her voice, though - but damn the 'b' in about!

"Are you planning on staying here? Or... just passing through? I'm sure I could help you get a bed for the night, if anything."

Ellis' words took some of the wind out of her sails. "Oh... umm, I think I'll be staying here for a while," she replied somberly. "And... and that would be nice. Thank you, Ellis. I don't have anywhere to stay and I've been sleeping in trees." Bah. She probably should've omitted that last detail...
It was then she realized she was purring. Oh goodness, how long had she been doing that for?! How embarrassing!
Why don't you circle his ankles now and hope for some meow mix, hmmm?

This was gonna take a lot of getting used to...

[. : ÷Cakey÷ : .]

Ramiro shook his head. "No, it's not a problem." He laughed nervously. "If I was a...leopard, I would have a hard time with people's reactions too." He thought about it. The times he could remember being feral, he had BIG trouble with people's reactions. He just wanted to chase after them, grab them, shake them, and say SHUT UP, then leave.

The leopard spoke again. Her name was Cassidy, apparently. "Yeah, I'm afraid it is pretty obvious. Usually talking leopards are on the internet, in Dotado, or lost." Then, the man came.

He was blind. That was immediately obvious. He rapped one of RJ's heels. RJ didn't mind. Wasn't his fault. They started talking, and Ramiro backed off. He made a silent temporary rule for most of this conversation. Don't speak until you're spoken to. He'd probably break the rule soon enough. But he needed to see what he was dealing with. Did his parents know this man? No...he seemed safe enough. However, RJ's offer for a temporary bed had been overruled. RJ didn't mind. Eventually this would be flushed away from his immediate memory if there was no lasting reminder.

Soon enough, the leopard was purring. RJ had to resist a massive, overwhelming urge to walk over, sit himself down, and scratch it behind the ears. RJ suspected Cassidy might enjoy it a little, but it would definitely be demeaning or patronizing. He chuckled a little at the thought. He finally spoke up. "I'm Ramiro, since you're so curious. If you ever see me again..." Oh crap..."you can call me RJ."

[Deon]

A purring sound. Loud, kind of like a motor of a car, or a giant fly buzzing in his ears. But more organic. Weird. Was there a cat here...?

Oh, but oh, oh dear. There was a sound dangerously close to Ellis' vicinity, the sound of a human voice. He thought he was next to a tree. Oh, dear. Oh, dear. A hand reached up to rub his eyes as he stuck his hand out towards the area where he had last hit his cane against and touched the flesh of RJ's arm.

"I'm extremely sorry," he murmured, not even thinking about the earlier comment he had made earlier, the one that the young man had not even thought about before he uttered. Ellis would never see him. "I didn't know you were there. Really, I didn't. I must have dominated your conversation with this woman, Cassidy, correct?" There was a strange sort of happiness that was devastatingly obvious when she had excitably told him her name, as if she had regained some sort of long-lost item that she held extremely dear to her heart.

"Who apparently has been sleeping in trees..." he mused thoughtfully with a small smile. "That's not an entirely unreasonable situation, though usually if worse comes to worst I would sleep under them. Hard rocks I can take, but I'm not very big on heights."

Definitely not very big on heights. Especially after experiencing what happened when one falls from them. But that was a long time ago. He couldn't do anything to help that, either.

"I work at the shelter a lot. Charity service, for the church... I'm sure I could find an extra bed, if you don't mind slightly cramped sleeping conditions. Could I... get either of you anything? I feel bad for ignoring you earlier, RJ." Ellis hadn't noticed the trace of sarcasm evident in his voice during his greeting. Even so, he was just too good. But something about RJ reminded him of his protegé, of Danny. Perhaps it was the slight insolence, the air of rebellion. "There are nice areas at the marketplace for a quick meal, if RJ wouldn't mind directing. You live here, correct?"

[Delerium]

"Oh! RJ... Ahh, heh heh, I forgot you were there. Sorry, I have a short attention span, and when I'm all hyper and happy my short term memory takes a leave of absence," Cassidy said quickly; some of her words ran together, and in the speed of her speech the underlying growl in her tone became more pronounced.

She shifted uncomfortably and gave RJ an uneasy look when Ellis was finished talking.
"Umm, Ellis, wow, you're a really sweet guy, and I appreciate what you're trying to do sooo much, but umm..." She paused and sighed. "I don't think I'd be able to set one foot in the shelter, and as for lunch in town, as much as I'd die for a burger, well..."
Unable to come up with a good way to explain herself, Cassidy acted. She padded towards him and lightly bumped his leg with her head; she then raised a paw and placed it on his hand. "Do you... do you see now? Do you understand?" There was a slight quiver of fear in her voice that overrode the perpetual underlying growl.