My paws were sneaking along as I prowled through the makeshift jungle. It kept me hidden as I searched for one unsuspecting human that was searching for me. Eager deviouness welled in my chest, and it was making my heart punp away fast inside. I'm going to scare you again, Jason...Oh, I can't wait to see your face once more!

Since we arrived in the dome a little while ago, our game of catch the prey was underway. A minute ago, I was hiding at the edge of the dome, but decided to stalk around and try to find my PREY, being the prey that now became the hunter.

I'm serious, ever since I woke up in the cage and before me and Jason left the cafeteria this morning, I was feeling excited to play catch the prey with him. Well, I was even excited during last night when I suggested it. I tried not to let it get to me in my sleep cause I sure as heck did not want to fall asleep during today from being tired. Luckily for me, I calmed down a bit and slept well, and this morning when Jason came to my cage early before Gilbert showed up at Temra, I was back to being excited to play my first game with him. I could not wait to scare Jason out of his wits in a game like this.

Finally, when we came here, it was about to happen. Actually, right now it is happening again since this is our SIXTH game of catch the prey.

I haven't found him yet...But I knew he was around here somewhere.

With the jungle, it was pretty easy for me to hide compared to the human. For me as a tiger, I was always good at hiding and sneaking. Which that isn't even a tiny bit unusual. Even when Jason tries to hide when I am IT, he kinda does stink at it. Well, since I mentioned 'stink', I guess it doesn't help any since I can smell him a bit. Too bad he doesn't have the advantage of smelling me out and instead only has to rely on his vision to find me. That's the weakness of man...They rely on too much of their eyes.

Hilariously I have beaten the new human in this game five times already. Every time we play the game, even when he is IT, I always end up scaring him to death. I gave him a heart attack in one day before, but talk about five heart attacks in one day. His face looked PRICELESS every time. I almost feel bad for the guy. Makes me almost want to let him win the game for the first time. My friends, including his father, catches me, sometimes in this game. Jason may especially look like his dad, but he ain't doing a fair job at this game. He can throw a frisbee very well, by my judging of seeing him on the first try, but for his first time in this type of game, he's not doing well.

It's probably because this was his first time playing a game like this with me. I can remember Roy's first time playing this with me a long time ago. He didn't do that well either...Before he seemingly got better. Maybe it was because Jason hasn't got used to me when it came to the game and ready for me when I'm about to strike. Probably hasn't even adapted his own senses quite yet. I think in time he may get better, but gosh, I was so ready to teach him a lesson...Again.

Always be ready for a tiger.

My striped form quietly stalked through a flower bush, trying not to make so much noise as possible. Then my sneaky eyes caught sight of the two legged creature. I smiled deviously. There you are.

Jason, on a dirt trail between all the lush and green, brushed away some and peaked through, trying to find me. I heard him let out a sigh, and he continued on his search. He didn't suspect that I was nearby yet, but he was about to find out. My paws carried me slowly through my hidden world, eyes locked right onto him and never at once left. His back was turned as he stopped at a another spot to peer around for me. Every step took me closer to him. Every step still didn't make a noise. Every step was bringing me close to scaring him once more.

Almost there...

I stopped in my tracks. I was crouching low and about ready to jump out of hiding. To launch out and land behind him with a playful roar. My shoulders were rolling up and down individually. My brain counted down. Three...Two...

Then suddenly out of the blue, he spun around and went toward where I was. He brushed away a leaf and proclaimed, "GOT YOU!"

Defeat rushed through my body after he laid eyes on me. Awwww. I stood up straight, giving him a playful glare, "Dang it!"

Jason raised his hands and cheered, "WOOOOO! I did it! I freakin did it!"

"Drat!" I was SO close! I padded out onto the dirt trail to meet him. I looked up at him and asked, my tail flicking, "How did you know I was right there? I didn't make any noise!"

Jason laughed under his breath, "I didn't really. Something in my head told me you were behind me and I listened to it."

I whined with my furred head shaking, "Oh, I should've jumped out when I had the chance."

Jason told me with a playful smirk on his lips, "Yeah, you should have." He declared, raising one arm high up, "I win!"

I narrowed my eyes and said to him teasingly, "You were lucky. I still beat you the last five times."

He dropped down his arm and said with a sigh, "Shamefully, yes." He still smirked when he told me like he was showing off, "But I still got a win out of this! This feels pretty rad! I was afraid I'd NEVER beat you!"

I replied, "You were still lucky. I was ALMOST afraid I'd beat you every time." I softly shook my head, "On second thought...Never."

Jason gave me a knowing look, "Never planned to let me win at this, huh? That's okay. I like a challenge."

My head perked up, "A challenge? Did you say a challenge?" My front end lowered like I was about to jump on him, "If you like a challenge, maybe we could wrestle!"

Jason's eyes went wide. He stated in surprise, "Wrestle?"

"That's right." I said, "I do wrestle with my human cohorts other than scaring them to death. I challenge them to see who can beat a tiger!"

His hands raised as he backed away, "Hang on there, stripes, I don't want to wrestle. I just want to play hide and seek."

I loudly corrected, "Catch the prey!"

He chuckled a bit, "Whatever. Look, can we just take a break? We played six games already and I sure want one."

I asked a playful question, standing tall above the ground, "Afraid you'll get scared by a tiger again? Is that why you want one?"

He replied, his hands falling to his sides, "No, I just want to celebrate my first victory against you a little more."

I made a playful growl, "You wait till I scare you again and see how proud you'll be at yourself by then."

Jason giggled, pacing around past my form, "Come on." I whirled around and went with him, walking side by side through the makeshift jungle. I was thinking about his first victory win against me. He really was lucky. Roy wasn't that lucky when I played it with him the first time on that day. I'm really gonna give it to him.

We wandered out of the jungle to see Roy had actually showed up in the dome alone today. Jason and I stopped, and I was smiling at the sight of him. I knew only one of my friends would show up alone from now on after yesterday. Elsa told me that last night. But I was having a gut feeling either her or Leslie would come visit me. Sometimes I get one of those for some reason, half-expecting this person to be here. Maybe it's because I had enough playtime or chat time with this certain person and want to talk to a different one. Not to say I don't love any of them, just want to have something different every now and then. Sometimes my gut feeling is right and sometimes it's wrong.

Either it was that reason, or it was because Roy didn't exactly show up at the cafeteria earlier. Not one second before me and Jason left for the dome.

But either way, it looks like the gut feeling was wrong. Four-eyes was here today.

Cool! Now I only have two ROYS staying with me in the dome! Then my mind recalled how Jason looked after his dad left us here that day...And how he seemed to act every time his dad is around. It's like Jason avoids his father like he was just unwelcomed in his life. I even felt some tension coming off him at times, even when I'm not exactly RUBBING myself on him. Especially during our playtime together yesterday. It wasn't a tension of fear...It was a different kind of tension. I know what that tension is all too well.

Animosity.

What is going on between him and Roy? I still haven't asked Jason about it. I hope he doesn't run off since Roy's here. I'll see what happens since they're both here.

Roy spotted us and waved. He jogged towards us while hollering, "Hello!"

I cried back happily, "Hi, Roy!" My gaze quickly casted on the younger human with me for a second. He was merely silent as he waved his hand. He didn't seem happy to see Roy.

Just as I figured.

The four-eyed human related to the younger one stopped right in front of us. I asked him, "What took you this morning? Me and your cub were eating breakfast without you."

Only Jason's eyes rolled to me when he corrected, "Not a cub, Prem."

I replied hastily, "Oh, who cares?"

Roy giggled at this. Then he stated with a bit of embarassment, "My...Alarm clock didn't go off again."

I frowned while Jason was standing idly by and watching the conversation, "That thing again? This hadn't happened in days. Are you trying to tell me you forgot to set it again?"

Roy shrugged with his hands, "Heh heh, uh...Maybe I did."

I spat, "Roy, that's the most ridiculous excuse I ever heard. You hardly ever forget about doing something."

Then he was shaking his head with an unsure expression behind his glasses, "Well, either that, or my alarm is not working right. I think it might be the latter. I kinda had noticed it was acting a little weird lately. That thing is old like my ten year old Twinkie."

Jason suggested, "Maybe you should get a new one."

Roy looked at him and joked, "Or maybe I should start living here with you. You've got the easy end of the deal compared to me, champ." Jason didn't reply. He just looked away. And just like before...I was feeling this awkward silence that descended upon us. Oh gosh... His father coughed in his throat, then asked us, "So, uh...What are you two doing? Did I interrupt anything between you again?"

I smiled and smugly replied, "No. Me and Jason just got done playing catch the prey."

He nodded a bit with a bit of admiration, "Ahh, catch the prey."

I told him, "Yep. My favorite game in my life." The side of my head gestured to Jason beside me, "We've played about six times already before you came here."

Roy responded amusingly by the number, "Oh, I've missed a lot. Who's been winning?"

I proudly proclaimed, "Me!" Then I admitted with a bit of embarassment, "Well, I won the game five times in a row before Jason here actually beat me on the last sixth. He was very lucky."

His father eyed at his son, "Oh really?"

Jason said with a shrug of his shoulders, "Eh. I'm just happy I got her for once."

I stated with some more smug, "He won't be lucky next game. But right now, we were about to take a break."

Roy offered, "Well, I guess I can join you guys. I'm free for a while till I have to go to work."

I beamed, "Yeah! Two humans playing catch the prey with me! That will be AWESOME!"

Jason then said with a wave of his hand as he made a couple steps forward, "Actually, I kinda want to spend my break alone...Out of the dome, I mean."

I eyed him disappointingly, "What? But Jason, your father just got here."

Roy encouraged, "Yeah, come on, least stay with us."

Jason said, "I want to go to the bathroom anyways, and make a phone call to mom. I haven't called her for several days. You just keep Prem company while I'm gone." He looked at me, "I'll be back later."

I begged with those eyes, "Jason, please stay here. I think you can handle 'going' in the dome, and maybe you can call your mother later."

But he declined, putting up a reassured smile, "Don't worry. I'll be back as soon as I'm done. Maybe we'll all...Play the game together. Ok? I'll be back later." I didn't get a chance to protest. He immediately started pacing away from me and Roy. I walked and stood with Roy as we watched that human leave.

I let out a sigh. I spoke, gazing toward my other friend, "Must be a very serious bathroom trip."

Roy responded with his eyes landing on me, "When you gotta go, you gotta go."

Then I smirked, suggesting, "Well, that doesn't mean I can't play catch the prey at the moment, now that YOU'RE here. Let's play the game without him."

Roy shook his head and waved it off, "Nah, not yet. I want to sit down for a few minutes."

I groaned, "Oh, you two are not being fun right now!"

He told me with a knowing look, "Oh, chill, Prem. There is plenty of time to play games. Just give me some to sit down."

I huffed, trekking for a spot to sit, "Fine, let's sit our butts down." Roy giggled and followed along. Shortly, VERY shortly in fact, I planted my stomach on the ground out in the open space away from trees and such while Roy merely sat in front of me with his legs crossed. I glanced away, looking to the makeshift jungle and looking up at the ceiling of the dome in silence. After a very long moment of quiet passed between us, I focused on him, and spoke as a thought came to mind, "Hey, Roy." He listened when he stared at me, "Do you remember the first time we played catch the prey together?"

He grinned, "I sure do. Caught me good every time...Before I was getting used to you and started catching on to your...'Tactics'."

I let out a laugh when a witty memory flashed in my head, "Ha ha ha! I remember I scared you so much your glasses flew right off your face!"

Roy giggled and added, "Yeah, no thanks to you, tiger. I had to rely on you helping me find them since I couldn't see that good."

I laughed again, my tail smacking on the ground, "Oh god, I probably could have had a good advantage against you. Arms flying around trying to touch where you were going, I absolutely saw there was no way you'd find me. And when you bumped into that tree while you were looking for them, I thought it was hilarious."

"I'm glad you did. I could've broken my damn nose." He said a sure statement, "Kinda taught me a lesson never to rely on your help again."

I rolled my eyes, "Don't give me that, Roy, I gave you the glasses after playing you around for my amusement a little bit."

Then he stated with a tiny nod, "Well, least Jason doesn't have to wear them. What's more I'm very surprised he managed to scare you out of your wits like you did mine over and over that day."

I made a slight clarification when I formed a playful frown, "He didn't exactly SCARE me, he SURPRISED me just like you are."

Roy replied with amusement, "Well, he can catch on quicker than me it sounds like."

I nodded a bit, saying in an impressed tone, "I'll give him that, I was impressed. I did not expect him to catch me and win the game on the last try." I let out a playful breath, "I think my lesson for him to not let your guard down when a tiger's around has paid off..." I rubbed my forepaws together with a devious smile on my muzzle, "But we'll see if it did when he comes back."

Roy stated a commitment, "Well, if he loses, I'm sure I'll help him win. We'll both be the prey against the hunter. After all, teamwork is power."

I whined, laying them back on the grass, "No, I was hoping you would be my hunting partner in this!" Then I showed a smirk, "But then again...I do want to scare two wimpy humans at the same time."

Roy's eyes narrowed up, "Not if father and son beats the tiger."

"Good luck trying that, four-eyes." His face softened when he let out a giggle. I let one out too. I dipped my chin to look at my forepaws, "That day sorta came to me while I was playing the game with your cub...It's really funny how he seems a bit different than you. He absolutely bested you in that statistic."

Roy joked, "Probably beats everyone on the scaring devious big cats on the first day of playing catch the prey chart."

I giggled again deeply, looking up to give him a nod, "I think he does. I can't remember anyone else beating me once on the first day."

Roy gaped at me for a moment before he then said with gladness in his voice, "I'm happy you two are having fun together...Before I shown up."

I shook my head, "I don't see that being your fault. Jason had to leave for the bathroom. I know it happens to all of you." I looked away with curious eyes, "Although...I am curious about something."

He asked, "What's that?"

"Well..." I locked eyes with him when I asked, "Roy...What's going on between you two? Actually more than that, how come you haven't seen your son in years? You still haven't told me."

He giggled deeply, "Yeah...I haven't really gotten to that yet."

I made a playful frown, "Well, don't tell me the reason why you haven't yet is because you forgot about it. I know you're smarter than that, Roy."

He shook his head with a tiny smirk, "Don't worry, I have not."

My eyes soften up when I told him, "I mean...I've seen the way he acts when you're around. I remember, on the day when I told Jason the whole truth about Gilbert, you showed up at the cafeteria while he was sitting with Leslie and me, and he got up and left to sit at another table before you sat down with us. It's like he wants to get away from you. Not only that, but he seems a bit...Grim when he's near you or looks at you. It's like...He doesn't like you."

Roy smiled a bit, and nodded. He spoke afterward, "Jason's not the only one who's good at catching on."

I said, "I guess...Why is that? Why is he acting that way with you?"

He took a deep breath and let it out, "I knew this was coming..." He hesitated a bit, then began to explain, gazing down at his lap, "...I haven't exactly been there for him and his mother, Carol...A lot."

I tilted my head, "I figured that. Why? Did you just...Abandon them like some normal male tiger? Some do that after they have a-"

He let out a laugh, waving that off with a hand, "No, no, no...I didn't abandon them....Well..." Then, after he was thinking it over a bit, he added with a shrug, "I guess, maybe I did. I don't know about male tigers, but that did not mean I didn't love them both very much. I always thought about them. It's just that...My work and career were a bit more important than that. I didn't like having too many distractions outside it."

"Distractions?" I curiously pressed, "Wouldn't I be a distraction? You're not working right now."

Roy replied with a shake of his head, "No...I don't see you as a distraction at all. I love being with you. You're my best friend in this place. It's just...Complicated."

"Oh."

He continued with a serious expression on his face, "Look, the point is...I left my family because I didn't like a lot of distractions, and I wasn't that good at being a total family man. Science I was good at, but family was a different story. There's no science about that, except the concept of having sex if you're that thorough." I almost wanted to laugh at that part, but I kept quiet as he went on, "I stuck around with Carol for about fourteen years, and I was with Jason for about nine when he was born, but since then...Things just changed. I couldn't deal with that almost everyday anymore. I just left, but not before and without saying goodbye. I have kept tabs on them though. Not a whole lot, only once in a while. Carol was sad about it at first, but she always respected what I wanted. But unlike her...Jason did not."

I asked, "He's mad at you because of that?"

"He thinks I don't care about him. Only that's far from the truth. Like I said, I haven't been there for him a lot since he was nine, but I always cared about him and his mom. They're the greatest things I ever had. But as you can tell, Jason's still hasn't forgiven me for it...And he's kinda mad at his mother too right now."

I muttered in surprise, "Wow...Why?"

Roy answered, "...Let's just say it has something to do with the trouble he'd got into."

Shortly, I pressed, "...What kind of trouble?"

He replied, "Jason...Has been doing some irresponsible things while he was living with his mother. But the thing was he...Was hanging out with some friends and got into a fight with some guy. Kind of hurt him badly."

My eyes widened up. Holy moly...That doesn't sound like Jason.

Roy went on, "I don't really know a whole lot of details. I wasn't there when it happened. But there was a crime going on, and I'm sure you know what a crime is still, right?"

I answered, "I learned a bit from you, yes."

"Well, he got into some serious trouble, but luckily enough, he didn't get arrested. But his mother found it out and got fed up and couldn't take it anymore. Then she contacted me about it. That's basically why he's here in Temra...So he could keep out of trouble and live a responsible life."

I spoke after a hesitation, "...I'm shocked."

Roy nodded, "I know. So was I." He then formed a smile, "But despite that, he still seems to be a good kid. I think he's just...Lost his way, in a way."

I muttered, "I suppose."

He said, "Look...He's doing all right here so far, and I think it's because of you. Honestly I want you to keep it up with him so he'll stay out of trouble. I don't want nothing to happen to him."

I finally smiled at him, "I think it looks like I am doing a good job. And sure, I'll keep it up...You sure do need my help." Then it wiped off and my eyes turned serious, "But Roy...Obviously you have to make things right with him. At least talk to him and apologize...I think that's what he really needs."

Roy looked down, and sighed, "I know...It's not easy. I hardly did something like it before, you know."

I nodded in agreement, smiling again a bit, "I can understand that. Still...You have to. I don't want to see a father and a cub distancing each other because of hate."

Roy lifted his head, gazng toward me. He shortly said, "I'll do my best, Premy...But like I said, it won't be easy."

"I know." I pushed myself off the grass, stretching out each of my legs below me, "Well anyways, so...Want to play the game with me now?" I looked at him with a playful smile as I reminded, "I think a few of your desired minutes is up by now."

My four-eyed friend giggled and stood on his feet too afterward. He accepted, "Sure. I'm done sitting around."

"Good...Then let's settle the first part of the game, shall we?" I quickly yelled before him, "NOT IT!"

"NOT IT!" Roy groaned defeat, pushing up his glasses, "Oops." I held up my head when I saw that I'm not it. YES! He shrugged with his hands with a smile on his lips, "Well, guess I'm the hunter."

"Yes you are." I twirled my claw and commanded, "Now turn around and close your eyes and count to fifty, four-eyes."

He said, "Alright, alright." He did what I told. He turned his back on me, his face hidden by his arm. He began his count immediately, "One...Two..." I spun quickly around and padded for the makeshift jungle. Excited that another game of catch the prey was starting, while all the things I learned about him and Jason pushed to the back of my mind. I disappeared in the lush green moments later.

*****

Maddie asked me from the other end, "So, how's things going over in Mojave?"

I answered with the phone held to my ear, as I looked out beyond the parking lot at the desert under the hot sun, "It's going good today, and the last few days, but let me tell you, I haven't been outside for fresh air for a long freakin time. The whole place is pretty 'air-conditioned', but right now I'm outside and it's very HOT! You can really feel the difference! I thought I was having a hot flash for a second!"

She giggled cutely, "Got too used to the A/C in that place, haven't you?"

I said, wiping the bit of sweat off my head with my forearm, "Probably."

I'm standing outside in front of the Temra building, enjoying the hot, fresh air since I haven't exactly got it for days. True, the dome may seem outdoorsy, but it's not exactly filled with that kind of air considering there's thick glass at the edges now is there?

I went to the bathroom first like I promised dad and Prem, then I had an idea of walking out the building and stand around outside while talking to mom on the phone. I was basically 'grounded' to this place, sure, but I figured it wasn't against the rules standing out here. The air felt so good...I thought I would never get out of that place. I oughta remember to do this more often since I'm literally stuck here.

I was just standing around staring out over the parking lot for a couple minutes when I got out of the building, taking in several breaths of fresh air. Then my eyes caught sight of a particular vehicle that seemed to caught me off guard.

It was a van, but it wasn't any normal type of van. It was an old hippie van, with a peace sign stuck to the front below the windshield. Colored blue painted with swirling colors on it. And it even showed depictions of flowers layered on several parts all over the thing.

I guess the reason why it caught me off guard was it really stood out among all the other vehicles in the vicinity. I didn't remember seeing that when mom dropped me off here. I think I was a little too glum to pay enough attention...Or maybe the name of the building behind me got me distracted when I was walking toward it. Oh heck, I don't know which. The point was, just looking at it was making me giggle. I don't think it was something you'd see in front of a government building hiding a big top-secret.

I was curious who owned the darn thing, but then I remembered to call my mom.

I did speak to her a little while ago. She was happy I finally called her. I know how I felt about not calling Maddie for days, but mother didn't seem that important to me. I still held a grudge against her for dropping me off here and everything. Of course I put aside that anger and tried sounding friendly to her throughout our whole conversation. I think I at least owe her that. She'd asked me how I was doing, how am I doing with all the animals here, considering she still thinks there are a bunch of them in Temra, how I am getting along with my father, all those questions like that. I told her the truth as best I could, especially about dad. She's still having some hopes that I'll get along with him again like I used to, but even I doubt that.

Like I promised dad and Earl, the whole place of Temra really, I didn't say a word to her about Prem. I know I told Maddie that there was one animal in Temra, but I didn't even tell mom that out of fear that she'd get a little bit suspicious about what dad probably told her. Not ONE word at all. Part of me wanted to. I wanted to tell her that her ex-husband and my father actually made an animal talk. The first animal to do that. Mom probably would not have believed me, I guess, not unless I sent her a video of the female tiger talking. Either that or maybe she would have. Maybe she'd thought my dad was that smart of a scientist and actually made something like that possible.

But I was going for the first thought. She probably thinks making things like that possible is just impossible. How the hell could she believe that? I wouldn't if I was at the other end in Dogtown listening to myself talk about it.

Even I still can't believe it! It's been days and I'm still surprised about it!

So basically, mom and I just talked for a long bit, and she told me to take care and don't get into any trouble. How could I anyway? The only 'trouble' I'd be getting into is telling the whole country about a real-life talking tiger. Or getting mauled by Prem, but I doubt that crap will happen. I hung up the phone and thought it was the time to call Maddie. It's still day, but I thought it was alright.

My girlfriend answered after the third ring. She was having a break during her shift at her job. Perfect timing.

And here I am now, just telling her how my day was going.

Maddie said to me, "Damn, Jason, if you keep this up, staying inside that place, you may lose not only fresh air in your lungs, but you'll lose a lot of sun."

I lifted my other arm to gaze at it, seeing it's still tanned. I replied, holding a grin, "I don't think I need to worry about losing sun. I'll just have a tan in the dome I told you about. Lots of sunshine in there."

"But you'll probably feel a little CHILLED by way too much A/C."

I playfully stated, "It's not THAT cold in there. There aren't any snowflakes in the building!" God, would Prem not like that!

I heard her laugh, "That's good. You didn't pack your parka I'd reckon."

"Well why the hell would I want to anyway?" My arm shot out to my side, "I'm in the middle of fucking Mojave. That's major hot flash for you, baby."

"More like major heatstroke."

"Eh, don't worry, no parka in my suitcase."

"That's COOL to hear."

I giggled at her joke. Then I asked, "So, how's Shawn doing anyways? I haven't exactly heard from him about anything yet."

She held a grim tone while she replied, "I haven't either. But according to what I heard, he's not getting out of jail anytime soon. He's been planted a serious assault charge and he could wind up to five or six years in prison."

"Ouch." My hand covered my face, "May not get any sun in a place like that...Unless they let him outside with a bunch of other fellows in a fenced area."

Maddie said with worry when I lowered my limb, "Yeah, but I'm a little worried for him. Shawn's never been to prison before. He's been in jail, but prison is a different ball game. There are bad hombres and sickos in prison. I don't know how he'll survive. It might break his spirit."

I stated surely, "I don't know, he's one tough guy. He ain't afraid of crap. But if he had listened to Pablo's advice, he should NEVER drop the soap when he's taking a shower."

"For his sake, that's a good idea. I'm still just glad we both hadn't went to that grocery store that day and went down with him."

I remarked, "Well, I think that man who turned him in only had a big issue with Shawn. I mean, Shawn wanted to be the big man for skaters and teach that guy a lesson, remember? It's not like we planned it. I know we were in his backyard that night, but we didn't do anything to him. I think he wanted Shawn to pay more than us....MAYBE."

She giggled, "I guess it's no wonder we hadn't been arrested for days!"

I concurred, "Heh, probably."

She asked, "Oh, by the way, did you get your skateboard back? You said you planned to get it back. Did you?"

I answered, chuckling a bit and running my hand through my hair, "No. I haven't thought about it lately."

I heard a gasp, "Are you kidding me?! You forgot about your skateboard?! How could you!"

I defended with amusement in tone, "Hey, I was busy! I can't do nothing about it now anyway. Heck, how do you suppose I get it back, steal it without anybody knowing?"

She replied, "Well...That's what I would do."

I said, walking forward a bit on the sidewalk, "Sure, that would have been my first thought, but it's risky. I mean it's in what I possibly believe the security room, and I can't even get in there without that dickhead security guard nearby." I lowered my gaze when I had a glum thought, "Besides...That dickhead probably got rid of it by now, probably threw it in the trash."

Maddie's voice sounded pitiful, "Aw."

I let out a sigh when I turned around and paced the other way in front of the building, "Ah, who knows? I'm still holding hope it's still around and I'll get it back...Somehow. Don't know how really, but somehow."

She said, "I hope you do." Then shortly, I heard her voice sounding rushed, "Hey, my break's over. I've got to get back to work."

I agreed with a nod, "Me too. Gotta get back to 'handling' my animal."

Maddie commented, "Well, since you have just one critter, don't think it'll take much for you compared to what I'm doing."

I chuckled, "Heh heh...You'll survive."

I imagined her rolling her eyes at that statement, "Yeah, I know. Anyways, I love you." Before I was gonna return those special words, she quickly added, "Oh, and don't forget to send me that picture! You know, the dome! I haven't got one from you yet! And maybe send me a picture of your animal too, ok?"

I promised, "I will. Talk later. Love you, Maddie."

She returned them, "I love you too, Jason. Bye."

I hung up the cell and shoved it into my pocket. Well, break's over. I better get back to the dome already. Prem and dad are probably wondering what's taking me by now. My issue with my father bubbled within my chest. I kinda want to stay away from him still, but I think I can put up with him again and at least enjoy playing a game with him with Prem. That's what she would've wanted. I'll not disappoint her. I did it yesterday, and I'll do it again.

Heck, I want to see how catch the prey will go since dad showed up. Hope I don't get scared by her again. I'll be ready when I come back!

I took a deep breath and let it out, then locked eyes on the hippie van still in its parking spot. In amusement, I giggled a bit. Gee...Someone's gotta be REALLY stuck in the 60s or 70s. I shook my head out of the trance. Hey! Quit getting distracted by that thing! You gotta get back to the dome! They're waiting for you!

I quickly turned around to stroll for the front entrance of Temra. I pulled open the door and entered the lobby, the cool, A/C air inside replacing the hotness from outside. From a distance, I saw that buzz killer security guard sitting behind his desk, reading a magazine. I shot my gaze to the door he went through when he put my skateboard away. I formed a determined look upon my face. I'll find a way to get that back, you freakin buzz kill.

You just watch.

*****

When Jason and I came out of the dome, my paws stepped on the white floor of the hallway. He closed the double doors and then began strolling beside me. He was taking me to the cage again for another night, alone without Gilbert apparently since we both decided to leave the dome a bit early before he got there.

I looked at him for a second before bringing my sights back ahead. A little smile formed on me as I looked back at today. I actually thought it was twice more amusing than yesterday. Hours ago, Jason did come back to the dome finally after he left me and Roy alone for a bit, then the three of us played catch the prey together, after I played a few games of that with the four-eyed human.

Of course, there was a rule where you can have hunting partners in the game, and MAYBE I would've asked Roy to be my hunting partner to find his son, but I kinda made the new rule that when one of the humans was it from then on, THEY'LL BOTH BE IT, not one of them was hiding with me. While me, alone, shall be the one be the lone hunter when it's my turn. No hunting partner allowed. I did like the challenge. I was willing to try to scare both of those humans over and over again and not EVER let them win! It was a simple rule to follow, and the funny thing is, they both agreed. I think they liked the challenge too. Father and son were willing to try to beat the tigress at her own game.

Wow, did they not succeed.

Roy didn't do a good job at beating me in my favorite game after he did a couple times already, and Jason wasn't TOO lucky again when he came back like I knew he wouldn't. The young human didn't seem proud anymore after his little victory. I thought it was a riot that I managed to scare them both in one game, especially when they're both IT and trying to hunt ME down!

Four-eyes thought they'd beat me, with the power of TEAMWORK against one tiger, but they really had bad luck.

No one can easily beat a tiger!

Me and Jason turned a corner as we both never left each others sides. My mind thought back to what his dad told me. Roy left me and Jason a little while after he came back to play with us, considering he had to go to work since he was a little late again. Before then I didn't see Jason show like he was avoiding his father, and I don't think he showed such grimness towards him either. Not a whole lot of awkwardness between them also. Quite frankly I wasn't sure what went through Jason's head, but I think he was having fun with Roy...A little bit. How can he not have fun teaming up with his father to try to beat a tiger? I still felt this tension coming from him though, but he had put on a happy face and we played my favorite game without a problem.

Other than that, I still couldn't believe what I heard from Roy. He's right that Jason's a good guy, I'm so sure he's right, but I never saw the human as some...Jerk. My question about why they don't talk to each other these days has been answered, but now the question of why Jason did this irresponsible thing and brought him here was brewing inside my head. I kinda wanted to ask him, and I kinda wanted to talk to him about his father too, tell him to try to make amends with him, but we were having fun today and I didn't want to ruin that with serious stuff. I think that time might come later...That is if Roy tries to talk to him first.

Who knows what the outcome will be on either? I'll be finding out.

On the way to my room, we saw Gilbert heading our way. This animosity I had toward him flared up in my chest again, and it was making me glare. Well, we were close to getting there without him. Hope he doesn't come with us and actually goes away this time. I ain't in the mood to listen to his bullshit lies about me!

Gilbert met up with us and said with some kind of impressiveness in his eyes and voice, "Well, well, well...Getting right down to it without me, ain't ya, Jason?"

Jason put on a smile, and answered with a shrug of his shoulders, "I know how it works, Gilbert."

Gilbert stated with a giggle, "Sure you do. It's all thanks to me." He gave me a quick glance before putting it back on the human with me, "Prem been behaving well before I got here?"

I internally growled. Not this crap again. Just shut up and go away! Jason replied, "Yep. Been a good cat before and been a good cat now."

I finally spoke to the guy, "And I'm not in the mood for being a bad girl anyways. I'm ready to go to bed so can we move along?"

Gilbert raised his hands, chuckling a bit, "Heh heh heh...Alright." He spoke directly to Jason, "I don't think you need my help with her this time. You look like you've got everything under control."

Good. Now leave us alone, you annoying prick!

Gilbert went on, stepping past me as he still locked eyes with him, "I'm going to head on home, so go on without me. Catch ya tomorrow, and be careful with her, kid."

Jason said, "I will. Later, man." Gilbert wandered down the hall away from the two of us. I was twisting my neck to watch him stroll away like he wasn't doing anything wrong. My lip curled back to hiss a bit. Jason giggled down at me and said, having me sharply gaze up at him, "Hey...He's gone now."

I said with a bitter tone, my tail swishing a bit, "Conversation was shorter than I thought...But not short enough."

"Well he's gone nonetheless."

I shortly built a smile, "Yeah...That is a relief. But I'm hoping YOU aren't going to be gone too in a few minutes." A playful giggle welled up in my throat, "Heck, I want to play another game of catch the prey right now. The darkness in the dome would make it interesting. Plus I never played it in the dark in the dome before."

Jason remarked with playful amusement, "That's an interesting thing to mention."

I suggested, "Well since Gilbert's gone and knows we're going to my cage, why don't we go back and try it out? I'm pretty EAGER to know how our next game in the dark will turn out."

Jason declined with a shake of his head, "Nah. I probably wouldn't see well. I don't have a flashlight. Plus you'll give me nightmares."

I snickered, "You may be right. I heard tigers stalking in darkness are much more scarier than ones in the light. And I think you had enough of being scared by me for one day so I guess I'm cutting you some slack...FOR NOW."

Jason said, "Thank you. Besides that, it's our bedtime and I'm not in the mood for another game of hide and seek anyway."

I corrected him with eyes giving him daggers, "CATCH THE PREY, you dolt."

"Oh, whatever." His hand motioned for me to move, "Come on." We continued our trek to my cage room and not too long made it there. I went in after Jason, slowly padding to the cage with the open gate as usual. I went in there, shortly standing on the mattress and the blankets and laying down on them.

I looked at Jason standing at the gate. Just staring at me. I let out a sigh and said to him, "All right...You know how to walk me here...You know how to work the next thing."

"Actually." He spoke, making a few paces in the cage toward me, "I think I'm going to sit by you and talk to you a bit."

"Oh." I frowned quizzically, "Aren't you supposed to be sleeping in for tomorrow?"

He replied, "I ain't that tired yet. I think a few more minutes with you won't kill me. Besides, you were hoping I wouldn't be gone in a few minutes so I'm giving you myself a little more time."

I smiled. I can work with that. My paw patted a spot for him beside me, "Come join me."

Jason went and flopped his butt down on the mattress, sitting with one knee pointing up thanks to his foot being placed and his other leg just laid out. I was giving him a cute smile, and he chuckled and began rubbing his hand across my striped back, while I was enjoying more of his company. Hardly anyone I knew sits by me in the cage. Not even Gilbert, knowing him.

My own handler is sitting by me in here during the time I have to go to sleep.

Very nice...

A tiny bit later I noticed something about Jason. He seemed to be in ponder about something. I pressed him, "Something on your mind?"

Jason answered, "Nothing much. I was thinking about Leslie, Elsa...My dad." He formed a smile, "How they're the kind of friends they are to you. I knew you were getting along with my father before I found you can actually speak words to him...But going to what appears to be best friends...I never thought he'd like you that much. Never dreamed of it."

I giggled deeply at that, "Well, he's one of my friends." I looked out beyond the inside of the cage, "One of the few friends I actually made in this place."

He asked, "Honestly you don't have other friends other than them?"

"Not really." I replied, dipping my chin, "Other humans in Temra had talked to me, but not that much like them. None more had bothered to keep me company a lot...Not like them." I slowly gazed toward him sweetly, "Not like you."

He asked, "They're really that nice, huh?"

"Couldn't you tell already?"

"Yeah..." Shortly, he stated, "I think you are lucky to have them."

I shortly added one thing, "I'm lucky to have you too."

Jason just stared at me with that smile still on his face. A few moments later, after a few more strokes on my back, he asked another question, "How did you become friends with him? My dad. How did it start?"

I remembered as I looked away again, "Well...As you may already figure, I wasn't always friendly to him...Nor anyone. I...Didn't like Roy very well." I chuckled, "Do you know where I came from? That I came from the place that looks like the place inside the dome? Well...I thought Roy was one of the people who took me away from there. I don't remember much when it happened, since I was asleep, most of the time. I wasn't totally sure he was there, but I THOUGHT he was. I hated your dad so much...I wanted to kill him." I glanced at my new friend, "Sorry if that bothered you or anything."

Jason showed it didn't bother him by sincere words and shaking his head softly, "It's okay...Keep going."

I went on as the memory flowed through my head, "I was bitter and vicious towards him and everyone, even still after what he did to me, give me this ability. I didn't exactly go to the dome as much as I do now." I turned my head straight, "Around the beginning, I was kept in this cage for who knows how long, so that way I wouldn't kill anyone. Who can blame them? Of course, other than the cage, Gilbert was also around at the beginning and onward, to teach me how to respect everyone, especially him. Over time, I think I softened up...A little bit. I still didn't trust Roy or anyone though. I did not trust ANY human. I was taken away from my former home because of your kind. How can I trust it?"

I giggled, gazing down at my forepaws, "But apparently...I did. It kinda started one day while I was in this thing still. Roy came here all alone, wondering how I was doing. You can kinda imagine what my answer to his question was. I didn't speak to him...But he didn't leave...Not yet anyway. He was just crouched near the bars, telling me up close that he didn't mean for my predicament. He was telling me that he was deeply sorry for everything, and he never wanted to hurt me. He said that he hoped that I can be his friend. That was all he wanted to say, and then he left."

"I found it pretty odd that he wanted to be my friend after how I was treating everybody, and I think for some reason...I believed him a bit. I was thinking he didn't want to hurt me. He seemed sincere. He seemed to meant everything he said. I even expected him to come back and see me again...And he did the day after." I smirked, "He was going on about his day and how his life was like. I just listened to him most of the time. I didn't reply at all. Then he came back another day, trying to strike up a conversation with me again. Then finally I said a word to him. I guess you can say I was a little annoyed and wanted to shut him up for a minute."

Jason made a tiny laugh. I continued after I giggled at my own story, "Me and Roy were talking to each other finally. Even though I was thinking I didn't have much to say since I was stuck in the cage, somehow I always did. I admitted to myself that I was starting to like him. He was funny, as I told you that you were as funny as him. Even a bit charming too. Then after a few days of us talking to each other, he came back with Gilbert on one morning. He offered to take me to the habitat dome so I can get out of this thing. I was very curious about it, considering what he told me a bit, and I eagerly accepted.

"I was a LITTLE estactic to get out of this thing finally. So excited that I almost ran out of here without them. But Gilbert, as you can imagine, stopped me with his whip. He didn't trust me, but then again he was an asshole. He didn't hit me with it, but that thing scared me. But Roy calmed him down...And then I was taken to the dome for the first time. You can imagine how happy I was to be there. I thought it was the best thing that ever happened to me...But that wouldn't last forever since I had to go back to the cage at night."

I giggled after that last statement, "Anyways...After I got there, Roy stayed with me, and Gilbert did too, probably to keep an eye on me since I wasn't alone. Roy was showing me around the place, even though I couldn't contain my own happiness that I was free. I did manage to calm down a bit, and that was when he offered to sit down and talk to me. I gladly accepted, while Gilbert kept watch. Then the next day, my second day in the dome, Roy came up with the idea of playing the game you humans know as 'fetch'. He brought both the ball and the frisbee for me to play. I stunk at it, I oughta be since it was my first time, but I was having fun with it. It was the first time me and him were having a whole lot of fun."

I let out a breath, "Then a couple more days went by, and Gilbert finally trusted me enough to be alone with him. Then I suggested to your dad that me and him should play 'catch the prey', and we did after I told him how. I had fun with him on that, and then we were talking to each other again. Thanks to that, and other things, we were growing close day after day. Same for Leslie and Elsa." I concluded, finally casting my eyes onto Jason, "That's how we are friends. If it wasn't for him...I would never trust a human...Not even you."

Jason commented, "That was actually kind of cute."

I replied with a shrug, "Well, it is a bit different than how you and I became friends, but yeah..." We both shared a giggle.

Then he said, "I gotta say...When you described how you were around that time, it's amazing dad became your friend at all."

I said with fondness in tone, "I'm glad he did...Or else who knows if I'll still be stuck in this cage. Wouldn't be good for me I don't think."

Jason made a crack, shaking his head, "Yeah, and it'd probably be filled and covered with tiger turds and piss."

I moaned in disgust, "Ugh, don't remind me. That happened in here a little bit. And even sometimes after the beginning it does happen." Then I playfully shot my eyes at the spot he's sitting on, "Oh, I forgot to warn you. I made an accident in here last night, and I think you're laying on a blanket that's soaked with pee."

Jason's eyes went very wide. He shot off the mattress, feet on the floor, and cried, "Ahhhh, dammit!"

I laughed very loudly at that, falling to my side. While I was still laughing like it was a riot, Jason glared at me. I told him between the laughter, "I was kidding! I was holding my own before you woke me up!"

He spoke after shaking his head, "Glad I know now...Bitch." I was giggling now when I shifted back to laying my stomach. He smiled at me afterward, "Well, I had to get up anyway. I think I had enough here now. I'm going to bed. You should too."

I nodded, "Thanks a lot for staying with me still, Jason. It was...Kinda fun."

Jason replied, "Ah, you're welcome. Just kinda gave me something to do before I get tired." He let out a yawn, "I think it worked. Your story probably did the trick."

I giggled deeply, "Who knows?"

Jason backed away till he was out of the cage, "Okay...I'm gonna lock you in and leave. You have a goodnight."

"Yeah, you too. Night."

He immediately started to get the key to the gate. I gazed at my forepaws again, pondering about something. I don't really want him to leave me again. I want him to stay with me!

Maybe...I should ask him the question. The question I've asked Roy and my friends before. The one each had declined.

But would he say no like the others? It's VERY possible he will. I guarantee he might. Maybe I shouldn't and give my hopes up...

Ah, screw it...I'm gonna go ahead and ask. Not like I haven't got used to that rejection.

When Jason came back to the gate with the key, I spoke to him, "Jason?"

He had grabbed ahold the gate and was about to close it when I stopped him. He looked toward me and curiously asked, "Yes?"

I said, with begging eyes, "Look, um...This may come off to you as unexpected, but I was wondering if you wouldn't mind...Spending the night with me?"

Jason just stared at me for a second. Then he answered the question with his own, "You want me to sleep in the cage with you?"

"I don't think there's any other way to put it." I explained, "It's just...I get lonely in this thing...Almost every night. I hate that. It bothers me. I always want someone to be close to me at night...Someone for me to cuddle with so I wouldn't feel lonesome. I had asked your father, Elsa, and Leslie if they would accept the same proposal I gave you before, but they tell me they can't because they have homes to get to. But, since you're living here...Will you please sleep close to me? Can you? I don't think it's against the rules if you stay here with me the whole night. I don't really care if it is...I'm...I'm begging you to stay honestly. Please, Jason? As my friend?"

The young human stared at me for a long time. Then, he smiled. He said and nodded, "Yeah, sure. I guess I can do that."

My face brightened as he went back to the wall hook and hung up the key. Then he went and shut the room door, probably just for good measure for me. After also flipping the light off, he spun and strolled all the way across the room back inside the cage. I shifted around on the mattress, trying to help him find his spot to lay on on this thing. He laid on his side, and so was I with my belly facing his back. I draped a paw over his form. He was a bit surprised about it, he kinda flinched, but he didn't protest.

I asked him, side of my head lying on a blanket, "Do you mind? If you don't want the paw, I'll lay back to back with you...If you want."

Jason's answer carried over his shoulder, "No, I don't mind. Go ahead, Prem." Then my paw held him close, earning a bit of a grunt from him. Shortly, I was feeling his hand holding it too, like he didn't want me to let go.

I said to him in gratitude, "Thanks, Jason. Goodnight."

He replied, "Goodnight, Prem." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I only saw the back of his head, but I imagined his eyes were closed now. I took the same idea, closing mine and let the slumber take us both away. I sighed deeply with them shut. Happiness flowed throughout my whole body while I was laying with him.

I don't believe it. It happened...It finally happened.

For the very first time...After all those lonely nights...I'm actually sleeping close to one human friend.

Not Roy. Not Elsa. Not Leslie. But Jason. He's the one that did it.

For once I'm feeling less lonely. Guess I didn't have to look for a human friend to get them to sleep by me after all. ONE found me.

I'm glad.

My mind thought of that certain dream I had before as I was trying to drift off to sleep. My dream about me and him was exactly like this. It felt so real as it is now.

Maybe it did try to tell me something...Maybe my dream wasn't torturous after all.

Maybe it was telling me THIS would happen.

I think it explains it a whole lot. I guess I won't criticize about my dreams anytime soon.

Jason...Thank you very much.