Jay was about finishing his report on the unusual laboratory explosion. She had been turned down by the doctors to interview the technician, who was still recovering. It was a missed opportunity, but she certainly knew he would need his rest. Maybe she would buy an interview with him later. The three tailed fox news reporter was all set to leave, when suddenly, out of the lift came out a human- standing out plain as anything among the changed.
It was Dr Leslie Gordon, the geneticist who ran the companies seeking a cure! The three tailed fox gasped. This man rarely came out. He valued his personal life greatly. They got the occasional bulletin from time to time, but this was the man himself in person! This was just a golden opportunity to get an update- maybe even find out what happened to the laboratory.
Jay quickly rushed to tall human. "Mr Gordon! Would you mind speaking a few words to the public?"
Gordon looked like a deer caught in a headlamp as he looked down at the reporter. "Huh? W-what?" A... three tailed fox? Wait- wasn't that the news reporter?
"Jay Warner. I am trying to find out more about the laboratory explosion that nearly killed your technician. Do you have anything to say for it?" Jay hated pulling this, but she knew Gordon. If she didn't say something confrontational, Gordon would just walk off. No, She needed this interview. People needed to know if something was going on.
Gordon looked visibly paled. Damn it why now! "I- Our technician, Tom, is recuperating well. His injuries are not serious." The relief on his face was quite evident.
Jay pressed on. "Was this an error of equipment, or an unexpected effect of the sunlight?"
"Look- we're still investigating what happened. It could have been an error, or some unusual effect of the sun. We really do not know."
"If it turns out that the technician was at fault, will you prosecute him?"
"No!" Gordon was already trying to walk out of the lobby and get back to his car.
Jay mercilessly followed after him. The fox instinct inside her gleefully doing so. There were still too many questions to ask. With impeccable grace, she just leapt in front of the human, her three tails twirling. Time for the big questions. "How do you respond to the criticism that you are making people cling to false hopes, and that people are now thinking you are against the changed in some way, with your name being spoken by Human extreme groups?"
Gordon stopped at that, and turned round to Jay. "I- what?"
"You don't know?" Jay asked curiously. "People are comparing you to Hitler, trying to maintain a pure race of humans."
Gordon... had never felt so insulted. What... the... hell?! It was as if a button had been pressed, and Jay wondered if she had indeed gone too far. Yet she had only spoken the truth. There were some corners in the internet that did think badly of the scientist- or worse made him some kind of messiah figure for humans believing humans were superior in some way. Gordon paid it no mind believing that was best... why legitimise these loons who twisted his work in such a vile way?
"I... am only seeking a cure. There are many people doing the same thing." The middle aged man looked thoroughly shaken by that very notion. "I'm not against the changed. My own children are changed- I love them no matter what they look like," He spoke softly, like a man who had just been verbally punched. For a moment, Jay felt really sorry. She didn't want to hurt the man, but... they needed this interview. Gordon was a celebrity among scientists, especially with this recent tragedy. If people were taking things the wrong way with what he did, then this was his chance to set the record straight.
Jay nodded relaxing her stance a bit, her three tails bristled a bit. "Do you really believe a 'cure' can be found?"
Gordon sighed wearily. "I will not give up... even if I just had a shed and a few plants to work with, I will continue to work on it."
"How do you respond to the latest numbers that suggest, we have reached the half way point in the world with humans and the changed estimated to be equal in number now?"
Gordon bit his lip. "It.. tells me that time is running out for the human race."
"Then you are only looking out to ensure the survival of humans?"
"No! This- is complicated. I know a lot of people are unhappy with their change. I want to just give them a way back to being human again. I think a choice is a good thing especially on such a fundamental notion of our basic existence!"
Jay seemed unfazed by the outburst. She had her soundbite- and it was a good one indeed. "How long do you think before that goal is reached?"
Gordon's voice became almost a whisper as he stared into nothingness. What he said was a basic truth. "Even if a cure were found right now, it would take at least 2 years- rushed, to ensure it was safe and viable to be used."
Jay nodded. She knew that of course. "The latest numbers suggest that humans will become extinct well before then if the current trend continues. Do you honestly think it's worth the government wasting billions on projects like yours, when that money could go into securing and building new infrastructure? Are we not putting lives in greater risk?"
Gordon shook his head. "I- will continue with whatever funding I get. I do not have access to 'billions' personally, that funding is given to a lot of scientists from around the world. I am just one of many..."
Gordon had enough by now and was going into the car park. He had to get away from this fox-woman. She was really starting to aggravate him.
"Just one last question Gordon. Are you afraid of the changed, or being changed yourself?"
Gordon paused once more before going into his car. "No- of course not." It was a lie, of course...but he didn't have much choice. He knew he would look ridiculous rushing into his car, as sunrise was going to approach at some point.
He put his foot onto the accelerator.
Jay smiled a bit. That interview went extremely well. She knew Leslie Gordon was at his essence a good man. This may actually show that to others now. It was at times like this the fox girl absolutely loved her job.
the space girl looked around her old house. This was the place she grew up in. Her mother was here... it... was just so difficult to be here again. All her emotions were just flooding out. So much for trying to be mature in all this.
Mrs Collins stared at the space girl, with an air of fascination. She had never seen a changed person like this before. In some way that uniqueness made her proud of her... This really was her son? Yet somehow, in some way, she knew it was. A mother always knew her son, no matter what. Staring at her warm green hair, and those sad eyes, that child-like face... she could even see maybe, a bit herself in her.
She remarked that the girl definitely inherited her breasts from her grandfather's side of the family- not that they were on the large side, but certainly quite full and enhanced by her petite build. She was certainly very petite, the poor thing. It wasn't a bad look at all in her mind though. Then she realised she was comparing her son's beauty to other woman in her family and that just- felt really odd indeed.
The girl sipped her cocoa, and Mrs Collins gasped a bit as she realised the girl was actually Floating! Such a unique change indeed...
"Oh Anderson" She whispered giving the girl another embrace and hug. she knew her son was hated by so many people in the world right now. she saw the trial, and knew just how prideful Anderson was- though even she had trouble believing he would do anything harmful to people. Perhaps he had legitimised his actions in some way- None of that mattered to her though. She forgave her son for everything. If anything it was her own fault for not teaching him better.
At the hug, Aneeza started to sniffle a few tears. Right now the only words she wanted to say were how she loved her. She signed the words to Ellen, as she pulled the string on her back.
"Anderson says that she loves you," Said Ellen. Fortunately no unusual slip up this time.
Mrs Collins gave a warm smile. "Your father should be coming back later on. I'm sure he would love to hear more of what happened to you too."
Anneza waited for Ellen to translate. It was a little difficult as Anneza's ability to read sign was not yet perfect. "Kara... mo saliah, daris," said the space girl quietly. She started to try a few sign languages to translate.
"I'm really very sorry," said Ellen- then tried to hold back her next words even as they came out. "Let's go play!"
Mrs Collins gave a little wry chuckle at the doll. Of all the translators they could find... still it wasn't so bad. "I think you make a very pretty girl." She said affectionately. "But you really need a shower. You must have travelled far- did you take a car?"
The space girl looked uncertain at what she was asking. She glanced at her companion who signed it, then nodded in return. She made a sweeping gesture with her hand, trying to sign that she flew all the way. She might have gone through a few sooty clouds on the way though.
"Why don't you go freshen up? We'll talk more. I should call your father too."
Leslie sighed again. Thank goodness the reporter wasn't chasing after him. He was back home now, though his wife had that concerned look. "What's wrong?" His wife seemed a bit uncomfortable of something.
"Oh- just... Lilly," she said. "I put her to bed, she's okay. Simply- she's going through some of the more natural changes a young girl would..."
Gordon looked at her, then somewhere else- anywhere else, then back to his wife again. "Oh..." A little unsteadily he sat down on the couch and stared a little blankly. His wife was probably best at dealing with that. "...I guess it was bound to happen at some point. She isn't panicking is she?"
"To be honest, yes a little. But I think she'll be fine. It's actually quite normal for any girl to be a bit worried" Mrs Gordon smiled a bit thinking of her own experiences. "Though- I'll tell you this now, but try not to mention it in polite conversation... I just found out our daughter has... four..." she trailed blushing a touch.
"Four...?" Gordon looked perplexed. "Four what?"
"Four nipples," sighed Mrs Gordon.
Leslie raised his eyes in shock. The shock made him immediately go to his 'diagnostic' mind set. "Well- that shouldn't be a problem. Surgery is simple for that-"
"Don't even think about it," said his wife quickly.
Leslie stopped at that. Why not? "But- four breasts? I don't want her to become some kind of..." What was he worried about? An awful lot of things. Lilly would be teased possibly. Or worse! Would they only see that about her? If she grew up looking like that... Boys would notice her that much more, wouldn't they? It wasn't... normal. "Two tails.. four breasts... what is our daughter?" Was she some kind of chimeric twin? Perhaps the sunlight detected the presence of two distinct cells, and meshed them into a singular entity. It was the only explanation he could think of, from a genetic point of view. Something like his daughter was not... natural. Nor normal. Not in nature. Animals did not get extra tails- except when development goes horribly wrong. Though- he did see that three tailed fox earlier... still, it seemed it was generally a rarity. "Did they look deformed in any way?" His voice was concerned.
"No," said Mrs Gordon. "Symmetrical and.. I would guess, normal for her species- though I agree, I don't know what that species is," she said delicately. She had to emphasise to her husband that this was certainly not an illness. she hoped he would see that.
Gordon only nodded, still not quite sure how to take it. He felt dazed and confused. That interview with the fox girl had shook him, and was forcing him to re-examine what he was doing. He never intended anything malicious... he cared for Lilly, and just wanted her to be happy. As happy as she had always been before.
"Don't worry so much my love," smiled Mrs Gordon. "She's resting now, and will be fine."
"I.. suppose. I need to get some rest anyway too."
Lilly slept, but was not alone...
In the room, the force that was in this world known as Woman stood, with grace and beauty watching her, with a serene caring expression. She was immaterial, untouchable, unreachable to mortals as to this child who moved her so. "Why this one?" She repeated to herself. Selina did have a point. There were many just like Lilly, but something about the child melted her heart. She had the valiant struggle aspects that she valued in her counter part... and yet, she could see so much of the feminine in her- even if the child did not realise it yet. She knelt down to the sleeping child and gave her a kiss on her forehead.
She thought a little about what Selena said. It... wasn't the same as with the moon-goddesses's relationship to the mortal, Lucas. As much as she loved Lilly, this child was completely unaware of her. She did not reside in her memory, except possibly as a distinct feeling... somewhere. How she wished she could speak to her child... but she just didn't have that power in her. Perhaps that was part of the appeal she had to the squirrel girl. She tried so hard, at everything, and was even able to break into the Dream world... despite her heavy form. Yet here she was, just an ordinary child. Fearful of being a woman someday, despite... despite how Venus knew, she could be a great and respectable woman- she could be... if given the chance...
Greetings Goddess
Venus gasped and turned. She saw the cowled figure and knew immediately who it was. "Death..."
The cowled figure nodded, and looked upon Lilly a moment.
Venus immediately reacted. The Woman brought forth a giant staff of light, and pressed it against Death. Gods have shrunk away from this fire in the past... but this was a different force entirely. The grim reaper, looked blankly at the goddesses weapon, shrugged, and simply waved it away. The goddess felt herself stung. "I- wont let you!" She was full of righteous fury.
It has been a long time, since I had to converse with a goddess... or anyone. Death sounded positively lonely. Even glad to speak?
Venus looked angrily. "Don't take her! Please!"
Calm... it is not her time yet... The figure backed away looking around the room. But... the first death by magic... warrants extra attention. Death started to scrutinise Lilly once more, watching her. He then pulled out an hourglass, intertwined with another glass... The mortals life is tangled with the number Four... curious indeed.
Venus finally found herself able to move and positioned herself protectively between Death and Lilly. "Not.. her..."
Death's empty eye sockets glowed a gentle blue. Then... you wish me to go for Jenny instead?
Venus tensed. "Damn you... neither. Neither! This age does not wish you here at all!"
Yet I am here... I am in every age... every single one. He spoke as matter of factly. Not with malevolence or desire. As long as there is life, there is me... always. I will tend to the last...
"Why must this be?" Venus said angrily.
Because of Lucas...
Venus tried to calm herself down. 'Fighting' death in the literal sense was not going to work right now. "I don't understand... you mean Lucas did something?"
There was a force, that might have prevented this... planted... Lucas's actions took that away, when she walked past the world, and into the world of many worlds... she disrupted the life, of the bridge Guardian, that might have prevented this... that was her fate... and it was undone, by the one who can destroy all fates... the Angel changed... Lucas.
Venus continued to hover near Lilly protectively, the child blissfully unaware of the powerful entities fighting in her bedroom.
Death once more regarded the child. The number Four, sensed my presence... Lilly can not. Death almost sounded.. glad for that? She is not aware of what awaits her... do you dare to make her aware?
"Will you dare, to cross a child that has earned my Favour? The Favour of a Goddess as me?"
Death looked up non-nonchalantly. There is nothing I can do... once her sands run out, I will guide her to the next world... you have my word that she will be tended to with respect...
"I will move heaven and earth to prevent you from doing this..."
Death gave His best impression of a shrug. You will have to... and then, you will break the fundamental Rules... will you really do that? Knowing what that will mean?
Venus paused... dare she do that? could she do that? Was Death saying... that was an option?
Death shook his head. Whatever transpires, their fate lies in the hands of mortals... I have observed these mortals for a mellenia... He then rose up, about to go through the walls and into the streets. I will... watch from a greater distance... With that, Death vanished.
The feminine force looked furious. Her fire was lighting practically the entire house in her godlike power, yet was not seen by any without the sight to see it.
