It's a rainy, dreary afternoon in Marquis, and because of that, the Independennce Day celebrations are low-key, and there's not an American flag to be seen. The general stores have free lemonade, and some of the stores have sales...and one old veteran is standing on a podium, out in the rain, making long, patriotic speeches. But the parade and horse races have been put on hold because of the mud.

School's out for the summer, and Josh has gone to spend a week in Gate Town with a friend's family. On Independence Day, thousands of residents of Kitar Island pile into boats that night and go out on the water, to watch the fireworks set off on the mainland--a sight Josh is really looking forward to. Libby is already on the mainland; she's a bit early, but she wants to be there just in case she goes into labor, to make sure she can have her baby painlessly, and ensure that even if the world does turn as prejudiced against variants as Becky claims they will, her child's birth certificate, at least, won't give it away.

Isaac was called out of town on an emergency run three days ago--there was an outbreak in the swamps of McRardon, where over a dozen people came down with fevers and then developed blurred vision, memory loss, confusion and hallucinations. A couple even had personality changes and eventually lapsed into unconsciousness. The doctor there pronounced it encephalitis--a swelling of the brain--but Isaac was able to completely heal almost everyone in town. One child died, though, and there's no guarantee the sickness won't affect strike others in McRardon. But the doctor still tells Isaac to go back home

As Isaac takes his horse to the stable, he has a bit of trouble moving his tired limbs, and his head throbs a bit. The doctor said encephalitis was only spread by mosquito bites and had at an incubation period of at least a week. Isaac avioded the mosquitoes in McRardon, but even so, the man has trouble rubbing down his horse, and can hardly make it to his house in the rain....

((More fun fun symptoms for Isaac can be found at http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/encephalitis.html ))

Quantum Catz: IS: ::is feeling rather weak and dizzy as he walks back to his house, when he finally reaches his front door, he presses his hand against it, struggling to stay on his feet::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::Is just coming back from a late night at the shop. She glances casually over at Issac's house on her way to her own, but does a double take when she sees Isaac standing there. She quickly runs over:: Isaac? Are you all right?
Quantum Catz: IS: ::is looking pale, his eyes drifting closed:: Tired...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::thinking he's about to fall, she puts an arm around his waist. Once she's sure he isn't going to hit the ground, she knocks on the door::
Maeve Owens: DK: ::it takes her a few minutes to wake up and realize theres someone pounding on the door. She opens the door a crack to see who it is, then quickly swings it open when she sees her brother; worriedly:: Isaac?
Quantum Catz: IS: Need...need to sit down ::takes a step forward but his legs nearly give out on him and he stops, leaning against the doorframe::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::struggles to hold him up; softly to Dolly:: Help me get him in.
Maeve Owens: DK: ::reaches for his other arm and together they try to walk him to the couch::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::nearly falls twice, though he's trying hard to keep himself up::
Quantum Catz: EK: ::calls from the top of the stairs:: Who was at the door?
Maeve Owens: DK: ::sounding rather alarmed:: It's Isaac! Get down here and help us!
Maeve Owens: MV: ::is working rather hard to keep herself from falling with him:: Lets just get him to the couch. I don't think we'd make it up the stairs...
Quantum Catz: EK: ::is rather surprised at Dolly's tone so he runs down the stairs and when he sees his brother, he's quickly at his side:: What's happened to him?
Quantum Catz: IS: ::softly, eyes still drifting closes:: I'm...right here...you know...i'm just...tired, sore head...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her and Dolly lower him onto the couch; quietly:: You look more than tired Isaac. ::she puts a hand to his forehead, checking to see if he's running a fever::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::has a bit of a fever, though he isn't too hot::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::murmurs to Dolly:: Go get some blankets. ::glances to Eli:: Unless you think we can get him up the stairs and he'd be more comfortable up there...
Quantum Catz: EK: I couldn't take him as any animal - animals aren't so good with stairs, especially not carrying someone
Maeve Owens: DK: I'll get some blankets. ::runs off to do so::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::softly:: 'S hot...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::looks down worriedly at Isaac before glancing back at Eli:: Can you get a cold cloth? And I dont suppose you have any Aspirin?
Quantum Catz: EK: We don't really need stuff like that with Isaac around... ::looks rather worriedly at his brother and then goes to get a cloth for him::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::frowns, mumbling to herself:: I didn't think so but it was worth a shot. ::she sighs, and looks back at Isaac; worriedly:: What happened? You didn't catch whatever those people caught did you?
Maeve Owens: DK: ::she comes back down with some blankets, and lays them over the back of the couch until he needs them::
Quantum Catz: IS: No bites...n...'s...too fast...
Quantum Catz: EK: ::comes back with a cloth and hands it to Maeve, frowning:: I've never seen him really ill before
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she bites her lip, taking the cloth from him and drapes it over Isaac's forehead. To Isaac, quietly:: Maybe you just wore yourself out...
Quantum Catz: IS: ::softly:: Tired... ::his eyes drift closed again::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::looking rather worried:: We'll just have to let him sleep... maybe he'll be better in the morning...
Quantum Catz: EK: ::softly:: What if he's worse?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she shakes her head:: I don't know. Let's hope he doesn't... people get sick everyday Eli. He'll pull through. ::tries to sound as about as optimistic as she can::
Quantum Catz: EK: ::doesn't look like he really believes her::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::twitches in his sleep, looking agitated::
Maeve Owens: DK: ::looks as worried as her brother::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she sits up straighter; worriedly:: Isaac? ::she reaches up to touch his face.::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::for a moment he winces at the touch, muttering:: So cold...where are you? So dark...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she pulls one of the blankets off the back of the couch and tucks it around him; trying to keep the worry out of her voice, she quietly mumurs to him.:: We're right here Isaac.
Quantum Catz: IS: ::doesn't seem to hear her, though after a while he begins to relax a bit::
Maeve Owens: DK: ::murmurs:: Is he just dreaming? ::she looks over at Eli, biting her lip::
Quantum Catz: EK: I guess so...Dolly maybe you should go try and get some sleep...there's no point in us all being up...
Maeve Owens: DK: ::she shakes her head:: That's all right. I probably wont get back to sleep anyway. You can go.
Quantum Catz: EK: I couldn't sleep either ::goes to sit on one of the chairs, resting his head on his hand, eyes on his brother::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she glances up at them, wondering if this is her cue to leave. She quickly looks back at Isaac, so they wont suggest for her to do so::
Maeve Owens: DK: There's got to be a doctor *somewhere* on this island? Right?
Quantum Catz: EK: Maybe he'll be okay in the morning, Maeve's right - people get ill all the time, isaac's no different
Maeve Owens: DK: :she nods, though she doesn't look any more relieved::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::quietly:: We should probably wake him up and get him to drink something...
Quantum Catz: EK: Will that help?
Maeve Owens: MV: :We need to make sure he doesn't get dehydrated... with the fever and all it's likely.
Quantum Catz: EK: ::stands up again:: I'll get some ::heads to the kitchen::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she bites her lip, watching Isaac, and battling with the decision to wake him or let him sleep. She's hoping he'll do it on his own but if he just fell asleep... she sighs heavily::
Maeve Owens: DK: ::watches Maeve, frowning:: Do we wait a while?
Maeve Owens: MV: I'm a little afraid to... I don't know how long he's been like this and he could sleep for twelve hours... ::bites her lip again::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::murmurs:: Can't be like this, can't...need to..be... :his eyes are still closed though::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::sofly:: Maybe it wouldn't be bad if he was awake right now... ::she looks up to see if Eli is coming then reaches over to shake his shoulder:: Issac? Come on, why dont you try to drink something?
Quantum Catz: EK: ::has just come back through and he moves closer to his brother, handing the drink to Maeve::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::his eyes open and he looks straight at Maeve but he doesn't seem to really see her, his head rolls round to look at the ceiling::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she takes the drink from Eli then uses her other arm to urge Isaac into a sitting position:: How about something to drink? ::she swallows hard, looking even more worried at the look in his eyes::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::tries to sit up when she speaks; softly:: Got to be...got to keep going...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::glances up at Eli, silently asking him to help her before she turns her attention back to Isaac; softly:: Yep, thats right. Got to keep going. Drink some of this and it'll help.
Quantum Catz: EK: ::moves forward to help keep Isaac sitting up:: Yeah, Isaac - some water'll do you good
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she brings the cup to his lips, holding her breath, and hoping he'll drink it::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::manages to drink a bit but he begins to cough::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she winces. She quickly sets the glass down. Patting his back, she calls out sofly:: You okay?
Maeve Owens: DK: ::looking even more stressed now, she sits down on the edge of the couch but doesnt attempt anymore since she'll likely be in the way::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::softly:: Yeah
Maeve Owens: MV: ::dares to smile just a bit since that seemed like a real answer compared to the dream uttered nonsense:: Want to try a *little* more?
Quantum Catz: IS: ::shakes his head; murmurs:: Don't leave me
Maeve Owens: MV: ::sadly:: We're not going anywhere Isaac.

Quantum Catz: IS: ::murmurs:: I feel cold... ::though he's started to sweat a bit from the fever::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she picks up the cold cloth and reaches out to grab the blankets, wrapping them around him; quietly:: Is that better?
Quantum Catz: IS: ::nods and closes his eyes again::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::She sighs heavily as she settles back against the side of the couch, being rather unsure of what to do now::
Quantum Catz: EK: Should we just let him sleep now?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she nods:: I don't know what else to do but let im sleep it off maybe... when he wakes we'll try to get him to drink some more and maybe eat something... ::she shrugs helplessly.::
Quantum Catz: EK: ::snarls under his breath, he'd much prefer something to fight off than just sitting around and waiting::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::quietly:: Yeah, I know... waiting stinks. ::she smiles sadly at him then turns her worried gaze back to Isaac::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::still looks agitated as he sleeps but he doesn't say anything::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she reaches up to brush his hair from his forehead, wishing she could ease the agitated look from his face::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::wakes up on and off through the night, alternating between feeling hot and cold, and between delirious mumblings and normal sentences; eventually Eli says he can't take it anymore and goes to his room, asking maeve to let him know if anything happens. He tells Dolly that she should get some rest too:
Maeve Owens: DK: ::she hesitates to leave but eventually she leaves Maeve alone with Isaac with a promise to get get her if they needed anything::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::once the kids are gone, she gets up from the floor, and moves over to the chair Eli abandoned::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::mumbles in his sleep:: Light hurts...so bright...bird, flying...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she bites her lip, looking more worried the longer this goes on. She quickly gets up to shut off the lights in the room, only leaving the kitchen light on, and door cracked so she could at least have some dim light to see in::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::turning the lights off doesn't seem to make it any easier on Isaac, he groans weakly and twitches as he sleeps::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::way past the point of sleep, tears of frustration gleam in her eyes as she comes to sit down beside him on the couch. She places a hand on his forehead again to check his fever::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::is still feverish, his forehead glistening with sweat; he doesn't even really respond to her touch::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she picks up the cold cloth, wiping the sweat from his brow before she goes to get a fresh one to lay on his forehead. She bites her lip, becoming increasingly worried that this isn't being of any use at all::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::after another long while of nothing but incoherant mumblings, Isaac suddenly opens his eyes and looks at Maeve::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she forces a small smile; softly:: Hey. Feeling any better?
Quantum Catz: IS: ::shakes his head weakly and seems to have trouble keeping his eyes open all of the way::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she reaches out for the water:: Here, why dont you take another sip of this... then you can go back to sleep?
Quantum Catz: IS: ::weakly, as if he's having trouble saying it:: Promise me something...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she takes a deep breath before speaking; quietly:: What do you need?
Quantum Catz: IS: Promise...if..if...anything... ::suddenly groans and closes his eyes:: Hurts so much...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her eye's widen in alarm:: Where does it hurt?
Quantum Catz: IS: Head... ::groans again::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she bites her lip, trying to remember if she had any aspirin in her cabinet at home.:: I'll run home. Maybe I have some aspirin there. ::she gets up to go get Dolly::
Quantum Catz: IS: No, wait...Maeve...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she quickly turns back; gently:: You need something else?
Quantum Catz: IS: Promise you'll...look after them for me...if i...can't...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she pales just a bit as she plops back down beside him:: Don't you dare even think that. You're going to pull through this.
Quantum Catz: IS: Need to know...they won't... ::closes his eyes, trying to block out the pain:: ...be a...lone...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::gently:: Of course they wont be. Not only will they have me but you know that the others will be there for them too. But there's no need to even worry about that because you *are* going to be fine.
Quantum Catz: IS: Don't want...you alone...either...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her breath catches in her throat:: Well you're not going anywhere so I wont have to worry about that either. ::she presses a quick kiss to his forehead:: I'll be right back with that apsirin:: ::she whispers then starts to move away again::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::groans again, his body twisting on the couch:: Wanted...to be there...for you... ::suddenly relaxes again and seems to have fallen asleep::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she bites her lip to keep the tears from falling then quickly runs to fetch Dolly, not wanting to leave Isaac unattended.::
Maeve Owens: DK: ::she comes back down to sit with Isaac while Maeve runs to look for some aspirin::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::his body twitches as he lays there::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::after searching her house over twice, she comes back with a bottle of aspirins and gently tries to wake him again::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::opens his eyes for a moment and blinks, but soon closes them again; mumbling:: Flames...burning...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she winces at his mumbling; gently:: Come on, this will take the fever down. ::she attempts to urge him to sit up::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::sits up a bit, his eyes open, but he's looking past Maeve and Dolly:: There's...bird, watching
Maeve Owens: DK: ::out of reflex, she turns to look::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::is busy with the aspirin and she puts some into his hand:: Think you can swallow that?
Quantum Catz: IS: ::doesn't seem to even notice there's something in his hand::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she squeezes his hand over the pills:: Isaac? ::she cups his cheek and gently tries to bring his gaze towards her:: I've got aspirin for that headache.
Quantum Catz: IS: ::looks at Maeve, blinking as if trying to see her clearly:: Prey...she says i'm prey...going to, going to... ::suddenly falls back, unconscious, his body twitching again::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::alarmed:: Isaac? ::she gently shakes his shoulder::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::his body stills after a few moments but he doesn't open his eyes::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::shakily, she drops her head into her hands, groaning softly::
Maeve Owens: DK: ::worriedly:: It's just the fever right?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she shrugs; hesitantly:: I don't know...
Quantum Catz: IS: ::starts to mumble words, but they're so quiet and slurred that they make no real sense::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::sadly:: I guess we're back to waiting for another one of his more coherent moments...
Quantum Catz: IS: So fast...too fast...not normal...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she frowns, becoming even more worried than she already is:: What happened out there Isaac? Something had to have caused this...
Quantum Catz: IS: ::still mumbling, though his words sound like a response to Maeve's question:: No bites...nothing....
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she leans a bit closer; urgently:: If there was no bites then what else could have caused this? Was there anyone there that might have done it?
Quantum Catz: IS: ::starts to twist a bit, seeming agitated again:: Nothing...no one....it's watching...
Maeve Owens: MV: Isaac... there's nothing watching. Just me and Dolly.
Maeve Owens: DK: ::feeling a little insecure, she looks around anyway. Even going as far as peeking out the window::
Quantum Catz: IS: Got to look after them...not alone...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she sighs; sadly:: They aren't alone Isaac.... you're not going anywhere.
Quantum Catz: IS: ::murmurs:: I'm prey... ::lapses back into sleep::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::mumbles to herself:: Prey for what? ::she shakes her head:: I dont even know where to start...
Quantum Catz: : ::the sun's beginning to come up outside and, for now, Isaac seems to be sleeping as peacefully as he can get::
Maeve Owens: DK: ::she's fallen asleep in the chair::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she's sitting down beside the couch with her head resting against it. She's half asleep, and just waiting for Isaac to wake up::
Quantum Catz: EK: ::pads down the stairs as a fox a bit later, and, seeing that Isaac seems to be sleeping okay, jumps up next to his sister and curls up on her lap::
Maeve Owens: DK: ::she wakes up a bit to settle her arms around Eli but drifts off back to sleep::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::mutters Maeve's name though he doesn't seem to have woken up::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she lifts her head; quietly:: Isaac?
Quantum Catz: IS: ::turns his head:: Don't want...to leave...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::Insistantly:: You're not leaving Isaac. I for one wont let you. ::she brushes her fingers against his jaw; softly:: You're going to pull through this I promise.
Quantum Catz: IS: ::sounding sure:: 'M not...
Quantum Catz: IS: ::wearily:: Not...going to...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her voice strained with tears:: You've got to... I can't lose you Isaac...
Quantum Catz: IS: Too hard...too hot...watching...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::becoming rather alarmed again:: What is *watching*?
Quantum Catz: IS: Don't...know...can feel...burns...
Maeve Owens: MV: Burns from what?
Quantum Catz: IS: Hot...
Maeve Owens: MV: Hot what? The fever? If you think you can sit up and take some aspirin that might take it down some...
Quantum Catz: IS: Won't help...too bad...
Maeve Owens: MV: It might... just try it? Please?
Quantum Catz: IS: ::tries to sit up again, though his limbs feel tired::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::After she helps him up, she places the pills in his hand again, then reaches for the water.::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::manages to take the pills and swallow them, through he's started to tremble::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she gives him the water; worriedly:: Isaac?
Quantum Catz: IS: ::his hand shakes as he holds the water and he only manages a sip of it before he quickly hands it back to her to save himself from dropping it::
Maeve Owens: MV: Do you want some more? ::she holds it back up, intending to help him drink more of it this time::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::shakes his head, moving to lie back down:: Wish...i could...stay...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::a bit sharper than she intended:: Darn it Isaac, would you stop saying that! You're *not* going anywhere! ::clearly quite upset that he's so intent on leaving her::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::weakly, his eyes falling closed again: Don't want to go, don't want to leave
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she leans over, kissing his forehead again; brokenly:: I'm sorry... I fell in love with you and it's my fault...
Quantum Catz: IS: Not you...love you...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she chokes back a sob, unable to say what she's thinking. She starts to get up, intending to pace back forth in front of the couch until she figures out what to do::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::sadly:: Eli'll...look after you...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::pleadingly:: I don't need Eli to look after me! So would you *please* stop insisting you're going to die?
Quantum Catz: IS: ::softly:: I love you, Maeve... ::starts trembling again))
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she sinks back down next to him; softly:: I love you too...
Quantum Catz: IS: ::tries to keep his eyes open but they keep falling closed::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she closes her eyes; guiltily:: I'd do anything to save you... I just don't know how...
Quantum Catz: IS: ::starts to twitch again::
Quantum Catz: : ::Maeve hears a woman's voice whisper in her ear:: Maybe there is no way...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::rather alarmed, she quickly turns around, looking for the source of the voice::
Quantum Catz: : ::there doesn't seem to be anyone there::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::mumbling again:: So hot...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she takes a couple of deep breaths, then turns back to Isaac. She removes some of the blankets from around him.:: I'm sorry Isaac.. I don't know what else to do.
Quantum Catz: IS: ::weakly:: Look...after...each other...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::sadly:: You're going to pull through this... you dying on me *isn't* an option.
Quantum Catz: : ::the woman's voice appears to speak in Maeve's head again:: Even if you hold on with every fibre of your being till there's nothing left, they still, one day, fade away
Maeve Owens: MV: ::snaps:: That doesn't mean it has to happen right now! People are suppose to grow old together. Don't I get a shot at that kind of future? ::she groans, knowing she's probably finally gone over the deep end::
Quantum Catz: EK: ::makes a grunting noise in his sleep when Maeve speaks but doesn't wake up::
Maeve Owens: DK: ::she frowns at all the noise, but like Eli, she's completely out of it:::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::is still shaking and trembling:: Not...alone...not alone...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::mentally glares at the noise in her head and goes to pick up Isaac's hand again; softly:: You're not Isaac... I'm right here...
Quantum Catz: IS: ::has gone back to mumbling incoherantly::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::frustrated, she addresses the ceiling:: Okay, if I'm hearing voices now then how about them being useful and telling me how to fix this!
Quantum Catz: : Maybe there is no way, and it's all too late
Quantum Catz: IS: ::suddenly starts to look like he's having a seisure::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::horrified, she attempts to hold him down; crying out:: Oh, God, please... I'll do anything just spare him... please. If not for my sake for the kids...
Quantum Catz: : ::the voice doesn't respond. Maeve's sees a flash of light at the corner of her eye and then Isaac's movement stills, his arms hang limp though he's still conscious::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::hesitant to take her eyes from Isaac, she slowly turns to look at the corner of the room::
Quantum Catz: : ::there doesn't seem to be anything there, though it is the direction that Isaac was looking in earlier::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::weakly, she settles down closer to Isaac:: Isaac? Come on... you gotta wake up and fight this... ::she glances back over to that corner, frowning::
Quantum Catz: IS: So...sorry...so tired...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::gently:: It's not your fault... just go ahead and rest some.
Quantum Catz: IS: ::his limbs start to jerk again, though more weakly this time, as if he's running out of strength::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she holds on tightly to his arm; desperately:: If you promise to pull through this I'll do anything you want. You want me to be more open. Fine. I got plenty of stories to tell. I'll even let you marry me! How's that? Or I'll gladly walk away. But you gotta pull through this first.
Quantum Catz: IS: ::stills again, and laughs rather weakly:: "let me"...feel...honoured
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she takes a deep breath to steady the pounding of her heart, and looking rather perplexed about it too; quietly:: well I didn't really mean it like *that*.
Quantum Catz: IS: Would be...honoured...i love... ::starts to shake again, though this time very weakly::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::scared, she turns to the kids, gently shaking their shoulders::
Quantum Catz: : ::before either of the kids opens their eyes, a white light washes in front of Maeve's eyes and she finds herself standing alone in what looks like a clearing in the nearby woods::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her eyes widen as she looks around her, completely caught off guard by the sudden change of scenery::
Quantum Catz: : ::a white dove-like bird is sitting on a tree branch watching her::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she frowns; mumbling:: A bird? Watching... ::she shakes her head, looking confused:: What's going on?
Quantum Catz: : ::she can heard the woman's voice again, but this time it sounds like it's coming from behind her:: It's funny how time works, isn't it? It burns away at us all and we think we can play games with it
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she quickly turns around; sharply:: funny, it seems the only one playing games here is *you*!
Quantum Catz: : ::a woman with long white blonde hair is standing there; she laughs at Maeve's words:: Who says i had anything to do with it? You're the one who isn't meant to be here
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she stares at the woman for a moment, then frowns in confusion:: Well why am I *here* then? And if you didn't do it.. then who did?
Quantum Catz: : Maybe you should ask your friend, he is the one who brought you back after all
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her anger flaring:: Okay. Enough of the cryptic language... what are you babbling about?
Quantum Catz: : I'm talking about a woman who isn't even meant to be alive influencing the fates of all those around her ::smirks slightly:: It's rather intriguing
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her face quickly drains of color, and she draws in a shaky breath:: Okay. So? What does it matter to you?
Quantum Catz: : Maybe nothing. I know he wasn't meant to die there...but there are two other lives that weren't meant to be...maybe it evens out in the end
Maeve Owens: MV: ::feeling like the whole world is about to come crashing in on her, she gasps:: He's... dead?
Quantum Catz: : ::repeats:: But others are alive
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she shakes her head:: No, I don't accept that... if it's my fault then how do I fix it?
Quantum Catz: : ::the trees disappear and Maeve finds herself standing in Saxton, near the water; Isaac's working on his boat, looking tired and a lot thinner than Maeve remembers him::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::breathing a bit easier, she hesitantly steps forward:: Isaac?
Quantum Catz: : He can't hear you, this is just an image played to your mind
Maeve Owens: MV: Why? What's going on?
Quantum Catz: : ::the woman smirks, looking highly amused:: This is his life without your influence. The life where Donald didn't save Josh, and no one fought the monsters and Isaac was left fighting to make sure that his brother and sister didn'
Quantum Catz: t ever have to struggle
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she glares at the woman:: Okay. So if my being here helped him and his family then why are they suffering now?
Quantum Catz: : Death isn't suffering, death's just death
Maeve Owens: MV: Right. Dying *is* suffering. And right now the kids are hurting because he's gone. They've lost enough people in their lives...
Quantum Catz: : ::shrugs, turning away from Maeve:: They should have lost Josh instead, which choice do you think your lover would have preferred?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::sharply:: They shouldn't have to lose either of them!
Quantum Catz: : I don't make the rules, people make their own choices
Maeve Owens: MV: ::desperately:: Then why am I here? To make another choice?
Quantum Catz: : ::the woman ignores the question:: You know, i lost my husband, a long time ago - i gave up everything i was to make sure i would see him again...now i'm nothing but a shell without him
Maeve Owens: MV: ::confused:: It didn't work?
Quantum Catz: : ::brushes a hand through her hair:: It will...even now time is rushing towards that moment
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she frowns:: So then what do *I* have to do in order for Isaac to live?
Quantum Catz: : ::for a moment her eyes appear to flash with white light:: What would you give to see him live?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her eyes widen, and she holds her breath. After a brief pause;quietly:: Anything...
Quantum Catz: : ::the image around them fades again, to a place Maeve has never seen with a statue of a large dog-like creature; the woman looks at it, sadly:: You don't lose anything by him being gone, he was never meant to meet you anyway
Quantum Catz: : ::it looks like a temple of sorts, a large open-spaced room:;
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she looks at it wearily; quietly:: What is that?
Quantum Catz: : A statue of my husband ::the white bird circles round it, the edges of its wings seeming to flicker like flames:: What would you be without him, girl? Honestly, do you really believe you wouldn't wake up one day and be over the pa in?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::sadly:: I've lost close to everyone I've cared for. Believe me, I know the pain never goes away.
Quantum Catz: : But you go on, just like you'd go on without him
Maeve Owens: MV: :softly:: Maybe I don't want to. Especially if there's a way I can fix it.
Quantum Catz: : ::looks irritated, like she was looking for more in maeve's response than she got:: Maybe you don't get to make the choice. We all burn up, we all burn out, and in the end there's only ashes ::the bird suddenly flies straight at Maeve, it's wings stretching out into long flames, when it hits, it passes straight through, though Maeve feels searing pain in her chest for a moment, then suddenly feels flames all over her body, like with her power, except hotter and stronger::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she lets out a pained yelp, clutching her chest.:: Then take from me whatever you want! I don't care as long as he lives!
Quantum Catz: : ::the bird circles around and settles on the woman's shoulder:: Will you burn for him? Will you turn to ashes right now and die like you were meant to? Will you remove everything you are from the world just so he doesn't have to go?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she watches the woman blankly for what seems like forever before she slowly nods her head; tearlsy:: His life is worth more than mine anyway. He has people who need him. If he's not there....then I... ::her voice trails off, d
Maeve Owens: and she drops her gaze::
Quantum Catz: : ::looks at Maeve for a moment and then snaps her fingers, the flames on Maeve's body disappear, though her chest still hurts a bit:: If i cared about those people then it would be them i was talking to right now, everyone has people who need them - the number of people can't be a guage of the importance of your life
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she winces at the pain, and rubs absently at her chest; frustrated: Then I don't want to live knowing I was the reason that another person I loved died...so quit stalling and just tell me what I have to do!
Quantum Catz: : You aren't the reason - you only led to the reason, your existence changed his path
Maeve Owens: MV: Isn't that the same thing? And it doesnt change the fact that if you or I or whoever can fix it... I still want it fixed!
Quantum Catz: : I want, i want, i want - such a petulant child. We don't always get things the way we want them
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she glares at the woman, and seriously thinks about punching her senseless::
Quantum Catz: : ::the woman seems to be enjoying herself, especially when she sees the look on Maeve's face:: I've helped people occasionally before, when i thought their feelings and the situation warranted it. But how do you know i'm not just playing games, having my fun with you while you miss out on your love's last moments? ::raises an eyebrow, smirking::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her glare turns even colder:: Gee I dont know? Cause I figured you weren't petty enough to do this without some reason? That I wasn't just hand picked at random for some senseless torture?
Maeve Owens: If that's the case then just send me back.
Quantum Catz: : There's always a reason - you stand out like a sore thumb to anyone who can see the path of time - and torture is never senseless, it all leads to something in the end
Maeve Owens: MV: ::Scoffs:: Oh really? Like what? More torture?
Quantum Catz: : ::looks at Maeve calmly:: Maybe it'll lead to you knowing what you'll really give for him, and not for the sake of the others in your life, but for yourself, for your own need
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she shakes her head and looks away:: I already told you I'd give anything. My life... ::she pauses, struggling to go on;quietly:: my life isn't worth living without him there. ::she turns quickly to glare at the woman:: Although I don't know what point there is in justifying that to you. ::she looks away again::
Quantum Catz: : It's what people say, but it isn't always what they really mean ::looks up at the statue; murmurs to herself:: He calls me ::turns back to Maeve, looking distracted:: There was a reason for this but what importance is your life to me? Be sure you're willing to fight, it's what you'll need to get him back and no one's going to turn up to help you
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she frowns, not understanding a bit of wha this woman is about:: Willing to fight *what*?
Quantum Catz: : For him. Even I, Sesha, lady of time, cannot undo the damage that's been done ::the bird suddenly begins to grow again, looking rather like a glowing phoenix. the woman raises her hand and Maeve begins to feel a draining feeling in her chest, like she's being sapped of life::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::confused, and just a bit scared; quietly:: What do you mean? What's happening?
Quantum Catz: : I'm giving him the time he needs ::the surroundings melt away, returning to Isaac's house. The woman's standing where he was looking earlier. Maeve stops feeling drained, though she suddenly feels rather tired, and as this happens Isaac's breathing seems to ease and his body relaxes:: Oh, and i'd do something about him using his powers so much if i were you, it *will* kill him one day
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she looks down at Isaac worriedly, and then back to the woman:: Is he really going to be okay?
Quantum Catz: : One day, maybe ::there's a flash of white light again, and the woman's gone, as if she was never there. Although Maeve's chest still hurts, and if she looked she'd find a long burn mark across it and she still feels drained. Both the children are still asleep, and Isaac is too, although resting more easily now::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she looks down, and touches the mark, looking even more confused. She stumbles towards the couch to check on Isaac, having to bite back the sobs threatening to escape; softly:: Isaac? ::she runs her hand along his face, partly checking for the fever, and half just wanting to be close to him::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::is still warm though his fever seems to have gone down::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she sinks down beside the couch, feeling to weary to even move. She lays her head beside him on the couch, ready to drift off and leave the uncertainty of the future behind::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::a little later, Maeve's woken up to Isaac sitting up:: What's going on? ::she's probably still at least a bit weak from being drained::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she lifts her head slowly, then comes a little more awake when she notices him sitting up; worriedly:: Are you feeling okay? ::she reaches out to touch him::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::pulls away from her touch, looking rather confused:: Where is this?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::her heart clenches painfully, and she frowns, almost afraid to ask:: Where is what?
Quantum Catz: IS: This place - where am i? How the hell did i get here?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::goes even paler:: You're home. In Marquis. ::she swallows hard, then softly:: What's the last thing you remember?
Quantum Catz: IS: ::rubs his eyes, still looking pale from the illness:: I don't...know. Sea waves...monsters...everything's all blurry...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::looking rather miserable now:: I'm sorry... I.. that's *all* you remember?
Quantum Catz: IS: ::ignores the question:: How...what am i doing in Marquis?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::hesitantly:: When Saxton went underwater after we destroyed the monsters you and your siblings came here to start over.
Quantum Catz: IS: ::just looks at her blankly:: What? But no one's meant to go near the monsters
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she groans, and sits back, shaking her head:: They tried to take Josh but we stopped them.
Quantum Catz: IS: ::just looks even more confused now, like he's struggling to force the memories to emerge:: Josh... But...who are you?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she closes her eyes, looking even more pained.:: Maeve ::she whispers, not saying anymore until she figures out what to do, which at the moment her instincts are telling her to run before he gets hurt anymore::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::leans back against the couch:: Why do i feel so tired? My head hurts
Maeve Owens: MV: ::relaxes a bit when he doesn't ask for anymore information; softly:: You were sick. ::using the table for support, she slowly gets to her feet::
Quantum Catz: IS: But i don't... I hardly ever get sick...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::sadly:: You used too much energy healing everyone. ::she hands him the aspirin:: I'll get you some more water.
Quantum Catz: IS: ::just frowns down at the aspirin:: But i hardly ever use my powers
Maeve Owens: MV: You do now that you're here. You were helping a whole town out. ::she pauses, hesitantly:: I was to warn you that the next time you over do it... well...it might not turn out so good. ::she bites her lip as she quickly turns
Maeve Owens: away::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::looks like he wants to throw the asprin across the room, lowers his hand:: I need to get out of here ::stands up to move for the door, though he suddenly feels dizzy and reaches for the arm of the couch::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she quickly turns back, then tries to gently put him back on the couch:: And go where? For one, you're still too weak.
Quantum Catz: IS: ::pulls away from her:: I don't need you nursing me, i don't even know who you are
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she turns away, trying to hide the pained look on her face:: Okay. Fine. But you can't.... leave the kids. ::she looks over at them, but until she can speak with them alone, she doesn't really want to wake them::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::looks over at where Dolly and Eli are sleeping; he opens his mouth, looking confused again, but then just sighs and sits down again::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::quietly:: Did you want some water to take those with?
Quantum Catz: IS: I guess so
Maeve Owens: MV: :she nods then turns to leave again
Maeve Owens: MV: ::in the kitchen, she almost breaks down and it takes a few controlled breaths to keep herself in check. On wobbly legs she walks back into the room, and hands Isaac the water::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::looks at the water for a moment before he takes it:: Thanks ::takes the aspirin::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::softly:: You're welcome.
Quantum Catz: IS: ::looks over at Dolly and Eli; softly:: They look...different. Or Dolly does anyway, don't know much about telling one fox from another
Maeve Owens: MV: ::looks ready to cry again; sadly:: They've grown since you left Saxton.
Quantum Catz: IS: ::Sighs; closing his eyes:: I can hardly picture the way i think they should look
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she looks down at her burnt chest, wishing there was a way she could get to her closet quickly. When Isaac speaks, she cringes, but stays quiet::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::eyes still closed; he freezes a bit as a thought occurs to him:: Do you live with us too?
Maeve Owens: MV: No....I was just here to help the kids...
Quantum Catz: IS: With what?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::quietly:: With you.
Quantum Catz: IS: Oh. Sorry, guess you didn't gain much from doing it
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she frowns, not completely sure what he means by that:: It's okay... I wanted to help...
Quantum Catz: IS: You give up your time to look after me and i wake up and can't even say what your name is. Great improvement, eh?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::forces a weak smile:: It's not your fault. ::thinks to herself "and it's probably for the best". ::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::doesn't really know what else to say to Maeve, since she hasn't really gone into any details about who she's meant to be to him::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she's just waiting for him to fall asleep so she can speak to the kids alone, then be gone::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::softly:: Where's Josh?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::quietly:: Away at camp.
Quantum Catz: IS: Okay...what's...what's the date?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::looking worried, she mumbles:: July 4th, 1933
Quantum Catz: IS: ::sighs:: Nearly my birthday - bet the kids loved that one when i got ill
Maeve Owens: MV: ::softly:: They were pretty upset but they'll be okay now that you are. ::she bites her lip::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::Closes his eyes; murmurs:: 1933...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::winces::
Quantum Catz: EK: ::yawns and makes a grumbling noise at the back of his throat, stretching out his front paws::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she holds her breath, hoping he wont wake till Isaac is asleep::
Maeve Owens: DK: ::when Eli moves, she shifts in her sleep, but doesn't fully wake::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::looks over at the two of them as well, looking rather nervous about them waking up::
Quantum Catz: EK: ::Dolly's shifting makes Eli open his eyes, he looks sleepily over at Maeve and Isaac::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::looking rather miserable, and feeling three times as guilty, she doesn't meet Eli's gaze:::
Quantum Catz: EK: ::makes a noise that sounds reasonably happy to see Isaac looking better, jumps off of Dolly and pads over to curl up on Isaac's lap instead::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::tries to hide his uncertainty::
Maeve Owens: DK: ::comes fully awake when Eli moves. She stretches out, then looks over at her brothers. Relief washes over her features when she sees him awake:: Isaac! ::she springs off the chair, pushing past Maeve, to sit down next to them:: Are you okay?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::wishes more than anything she could leave but the guilt keeps her routed to the spot, needing to make sure everything was going to be okay before she goes::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::Glances at Maeve, not really sure what to say to either of them; then looks at Dolly and tries to smile reassuringly:: I'm still...tired and everything's kind of blurry...but yeh, i guess i'm a bit better
Quantum Catz: EK: ::jumps back onto the ground and turns back into a human; glances at Maeve:: What's up with you?
Maeve Owens: DK: ::she frowns:: What's blurry?
Maeve Owens: MV: :::half heartedly:: Nothing. I'm just fine. ::she glances up worriedly at Isaac::
Quantum Catz: IS: Just...some of my memories...i'm sure i'll be fine though
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she looks between Dolly and Eli; quietly:: Could I speak to the two of you alone for just a minute?
Quantum Catz: IS: ::frowns at Maeve, wondering what she wants to say to them, since he'd only been trying to reassure them because he didn't want them upset::
Quantum Catz: EK: ::frowns at Maeve as well, though for different reasons:: What for?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::trying not to sound nervous or upset:: Please? Just... ::she motions towards the other room::
Maeve Owens: DK: ::frowns at Maeve as well then looks at Eli. She slowly nods, thinking it might be something she doesn't want to upset Isaac over. She glances to Eli and shrugs::
Quantum Catz: EK: ::rolls his eyes and moves towards the other room::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::when they get there, she bites her lip nervously, not sure how to start this::
Quantum Catz: EK: ::glances back through to the room where Isaac is:: So what is it?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::blurts out:: It's my fault. He doesn't remember who I am and we're going to keep it that way. ::as if that solved everything, she attempt to hastily leave the room::
Quantum Catz: EK: What? Hey, hang on a second
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she turns to face him:: It. Was. My. Fault. And it's not going to happen again. So we're not going to tell him who I am and I'm going to walk away. Okay? ::she turns away again before she completely breaks down::
Quantum Catz: EK: So all that stuff about caring about him was a load of crap then?
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she doesn't turn around; brokenly:: I do care-too much in fact. That's why I *have* to leave.
Quantum Catz: EK: ::mutters:: That's crap - you're running away - he wouldn't leave you
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she shakes her head:: If I don't... he's *going* to die. ::she looks down, wishing she had enough time and energy to explain it. Maybe if her heart didn't feel like it was being wrenched in two... she bites her lip.::
Quantum Catz: EK: What's that supposed to mean? It's not like you made him sick
Maeve Owens: MV: ::softly:: It happened because of me. ::she shakes her head:: I have to go. ::then starts for the front door again::
Quantum Catz: EK: How did it happen because of you? ::looks at Isaac without really thinking:: Isaac, she's just being a stubborn idiot *again*
Quantum Catz: IS: ::stood up to look at some pictures in the living room and looks between Maeve and Eli:: Maybe she should go if that's what she wants...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she can't hold back the hurt that flashes in her eyes, and she quickly nods her head:: I guess I'll see you around. ::whispers softly:: I'm glad your better. ::bolts for the door::
Quantum Catz: IS: Maeve...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she stops in her tracks, but she doesn't turns back. She doesn't know whether to be scared her remembered or hurt if he doesnt; whispers:: Yes?
Quantum Catz: IS: I'd...i'd like it if you...came back though...
Maeve Owens: MV: ::she catches her breath, closing her eyes:: I'll...come back to make sure you're doing all right.
Quantum Catz: IS: I'm sorry i don't remember you, i know it's upset you
Maeve Owens: MV: ::softly:: It's not your fault. ::she heads for the door again::
Maeve Owens: DK: ::is still standing in the kitchen, looking rather stunned. She hasn't quite made up her mind on what to do about the situation::
Quantum Catz: IS: ::turns away, not really sure what else to do or say than he has; he still looks pale and he's starting to feel dizzy again::
Maeve Owens: DK: ::she steps over to take Isaac's arm; quietly:: Let's get you seated back on the couch.
Quantum Catz: EK: ::shakes his head, looking like he thinks they're both idiots now::
Maeve Owens: MV: ::quietly slips out of the house::

On to Thursday, July 6, 1933

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