Fear: a basic survival mechanism believed to have been created to protect humans from the danger in the world. Without which, man would have died in dangerous and stupid ways. It is fear that keeps us from jumping off the edge of a cliff. It is fear that prevents people from charging towards a wild creature. Yes, fear was truly a life-saver. But there are times when it is completely useless.

Take now, for example.

In the furthest corner she was huddled up. Her kimono was torn and shredded, the cuts in the cloth matching those engraved in her skin. There was too much hurt for her to feel the pain, too much worry for her to feel the desperation, and too much panic for her to feel the fear. Her milky white eyes remained fixed on the spot in front of her, not seeing what was there - not seeing what she imagined to be there - and not even seeing the shred of hope that would have otherwise been there.

Broken. She felt nothing more than a broken old china doll left within the depths of an attic to rot. The tears had long since dry, the begging long since left her throat hoarse and sore. No, she had not pleaded for her life, nor the secrets that was so desperation sought for. No. She had pleaded for that of the one that inflicted such damage upon her. He had withdrawn the information that she had stored in a secret place within her mind. It was the bittersweet comments of how he had come to see such cruelty in the world and sought the power that made him turn insane. It sickened her more than the torment.

For the one that took the familiar form was not her brother, but a power hungry monster seeking for blood. He was no longer the one she had loved and adored for all those years. Why he had changed so much, she would never know. What would become of her, she pray she didn't know. Her head dropped onto her knees. It was to be a slow and painful death for her.

I could tell that something was wrong. Call it animal instinct if you will but the signs were everywhere. The two legged creatures were running around, yelling out to each other. I couldn't tell what was being said for their language is a strange one. Even within this strange home filled with others of my kind the tension was brimming.

I kept my head to the ground as I watched the creatures around me. The tone of the voices was harsh and many were heading outside. It wasn't until they spoken a word that I knew did I raise my head. Fukuko. I whined and moved closer, trying to pick up on something that would explain to me what was happening. But they turned and left with many of my own kind they have as companions. They were be no use. Feeling the gaze of my kind on me, I rose steadily to my paws. The injuries I had received from before were still painful but it was nothing that I couldn't handle.

In the streets there were those strange beings again only with masks on. I tilted my head back and sniffed at the air. So many fragrances were numbing my sense. I growled in annoyance and began the familiar track back to the room where my own companion was.

More of the strange two legged creatures were in the building. My ears flattened against my head. This was not good at all. Where was my companion? I had to find out. No one took notice of me as I walked pass them. The door to her room was open with more two legged creatures inside. Immediately a terrible stench went up my nose. I growled. It was vile, evil even.

"Alix!"

My head jerked to the side where two familiar creatures walked in. They were Fukuko's friends only they weren't smiling like they use to. The tallest rubbed my head, a pleasant gesture that would have set of tail wagging but their mood confirmed my worst nightmare. Fukuko was gone but where? I only had one suspicion. That idiot she hang around with. His appearance may have altered from last time they met, I didn't know why, but his aroma was the same that had a touch of clay and ash. I had to find him. But where would he be?

A firm hand seized my fur. I looked up and spotted it was one of those two idiots with his partner beside him. They lead me out of the building. My tail hung low as I went along with them but I couldn't shake off the feeling that they were up to something for whenever another human came to talk to them they became flustered and quickly excused themselves. It wasn't until we arrived by the edge of the forest did they stop.

The one who had held of me let go and knelt down. The words they spoke were impossible for me to understa - hey! That was Fukuko's! I knew the scent! It was a ragged piece of material in his hand, probably from those things they wear around their skin. Told you they were strange! The two appeared to have noticed my mood picking up for they too began to get excited. They motioned towards the ground, waving the material around as they did so. Now I get it! I knew these two were to be trusted!

Placing my nose to the ground, I got to work. If only it was that easy though. By the time I managed to get a trail it was already to faint to follow. Wherever she had gone, it wasn't to be discovered. Only... that scent... My fur stood on end as I emitted a low growl from the back of my throat. It was him! Fukuko's fragrance was not mixed in with his but the logic meant nothing to me just then – I had my scapegoat. Mmmm goat.

"Alix –"

Thw two humans stopped behind me. The following sounds of metal informed me that they were preparing themselves for battle.

"Fukuko!" One of them yelled out in hope.

No! I couldn't have them near him! He was a dangerous man, I could sense it from him. It was bad enough that Fukuko went near him, I wasn't going to get her friends in trouble too!

I barked and began a wild goose chase. Mmm goose. Darn it! This was no time to get thinking of food! I had to lose these two. Then I can snack on him! The two fell into my trap and chased on after me. My paws thudded against the ground as I sped up. Sharp turns made to try anything to lose them. I kept my ears raised to keep hold of their yelling voices so I knew when they were out of range. Thankfully, it didn't take long to lose them.

Now to find the one that caused all this trouble.

Nose back to the ground, I went on. He must have been lurking nearby to keep an eye on her – he did a terrible job! I will have to nip him for that – enough to leave a mark anyway. With any luck, I'll find him before the two humans do, vice versa. I picked up speed again. The last time I had to work so hard was when Fukuko was headed here.

Another growl raised from the depths of my throat. Found him. I could spot him with my colourless vision through the leaves of the bush. He was sitting down by a lake, gazing silently towards it. It was surprising itself for he had never been so quiet before since I knew him. Maybe I could have just one bite now...

Bent close to the ground, I prepared myself to leap at him when the man turned around.

"Alix?"

My training still needed work.

I snorted in response then headed out of the bush.

"Where's Fu Hina?"

What was that in his voice just then? He sounded almost – concerned? Tsh. Ignore it Alix! He's a ruthless murderer. Yet my glare softened as I watched his actions. His mouth was moving as he got to work on his clay. I managed to understand a couple of works – bastard (that was tossed around a lot in the cave place) snake (horrible legless creatures) and trap (that meant catching food! I think. Ew, snake food). Silly human, I'm still a young one here! I still have to learn their language! Plus, it always sounds like he's trying to clear his throat – Hm.

A large bird shaped creature merged together beside the lake. The man climbed onto its back. Wait, was he going to find Fukuko? He couldn't leave without me! I yelled at him to stop, in my own language, and that got his attention. Impatient as always, he get a snappy remake 'hurry' which I took as an invitiation to get on board.

When I leapt onto the back of the strangerer creature, it took to flight and rose the air. With my claws dug into the avoid falling, I looked down to the ground to keep an eye out for any sign of my beloved companion.

I hope we don't get there too late.

Author's Note: By reader's request, I decided to continue this story. Though it has been a long time since the last update so there may be changes in the writing style and such - I honestly couldn't remember writing many of the previous chapters but there you go. Hope it's still up to your standards.