Welcome! I hope you enjoy this story; I've been writing it for quite a while and it's been on the 'net for over a year but I'm just not getting any critique on it from where it is on Freewebs. For a while it will probably be updated regularly because I have quite a backlog of chapters- after that, I don't really know. You're lucky on one thing with this- this is the longest Author Note you're likely to see from me.

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The creature stopped and scented the night, her tongue flicking like a serpent. A shudder ran down her back as she caught that all-too-familiar scent- sweat masked with cheap deodorant, and the sharp, metallic tang of a loaded Shock Gun. They were too close. If they caught her now... No, they wouldn't catch her. She darted down a side street, glancing at the star-spangled sky. If only she could take off, fly away out of danger, but no, someone would see her and she would be an easier target for the bounty hunters anyway. She couldn't stay on the ground though. She stopped, sniffed again. They were further away now. Digging her fore-claws into a wall, she hauled herself onto it, using her wings to ease her weight, while her back claws scrabbled for purchase. She scrambled up, leaving deep grooves in the brickwork as she did. After what seemed a lifetime, her flame-tufted tail disappeared over the edge of the building. Panting, she flopped onto the roof, only for that dreaded scent to ram her nostrils once again. Closer, so much closer. She leapt to her feet as though shocked, galloped across the roof and flung herself across the yawning drop to the alleyway below. Shouts came from behind, frustration at losing their prey. The creature allowed herself a self-satisfied snort. They would have to make their money some other way tonight. She shivered; cold and hungry, two things she had never felt before. Tiny spots of rain began to patter down. Rain, another new thing. She shook her head miserably. It was no good; she'd have to find shelter. She saw an open window on the other side of the street, perfect. She leapt, her wings catching the wind, gliding down onto the ledge. Closing her eyes, she morphed back to her normal form. The bounty-hunters were looking for a

monster, not a 5-year-old girl! She peered into the room beyond the curtains. Empty. She slipped inside, glad for the warmth and dryness. Curling up under a desk, she closed her eyes. If anyone entered the building, she would know...

Walking down the alley, a full stomach and a light heart, the girl felt like she could take on anything the day could throw at her. A small movement caught her eye, her head whipped round like a charmed snake. A bundle of rags, nothing more, except for the dark, close-cropped mop of hair sticking out over the top and the icy blue eyes, peering at her like a fox in a snare. She strode over to the boy, and he shrank away in fear. Extending her hand towards him, she spoke in a soft, soothing voice;

"You're not going to survive out here alone, come with me” He nodded nervously, placing his hand in hers and hauling himself to his feet, following her down the alley. This could be the start of something special...