Chase declined, "No. NO WAY."

I begged, starting to panic a little, "Please say you don't mean that."

Me and Chase were standing near his hippie van, the orange glow settled right over the parking lot as the sun was starting to disappear below the desert horizon. The air was a bit cooler than earlier as well, which felt a little refreshing. I dragged him outside not too long after I found him in his bedroom to have a private chat, away from the building in case somebody listened in. If you were wondering if this was part of the plan I made earlier, the answer was...Yes. Right now I was trying to set it into motion. To set one phase of the plan into motion. 

Here's the deal...I was planning on breaking Prem out of Temra. With Chase's help. Tonight. 

First off, we would wait for everyone to leave the building and head home before we make our move. I do know still that Tina and her brother will be spending another night here and won't leave tonight, but they'll be asleep anyways and neither will be the wiser so I wasn't worried about them getting in the way. The next step was me and Chase would turn off EVERY camera in Temra and delete a lot of footage that's already taken just so we can cover our tracks, and possibly buy us some time before Earl suspects what was going on. 

Hey, if Gilbert can waltz in the security room and cover his tracks, well I think so can I. Apparently we both have the right to do so.

Then me and my partner in crime would pack up all our stuff, and grab the supplies this place has that we might need. Then I'd lead Prem out of her cage and we'd all leave together in that van of his, and put this place in the rearview mirror.

And then after riding off in victory...We will take the tiger home...And hope nobody will be able to stop us before then. I mean I was going against the government, so there was a slim chance of success. 

But did it look like I give a crap?

And no, it was not to let her go in the wilderness in any part of the states, but actually take her back to the jungle in India, where she grew up, where she rightfully belongs. Now, how we were getting to the jungle, considering that country was right across the ocean, was beyond me. I haven't really thought that far ahead...Not yet. The first half of the plan popped up rather quickly to be honest. The other was still hard to come up with. I knew we needed to either use a boat, or hitch a ride on an airplane to get there, but how we were getting either transportation is anybody's guess. 

But this was all I got so far. And frankly I didn't have more time to think things over. I was running out of it.

Night was drawing closer, and I still have tonight left before tomorrow comes and I'm gone.

But the thing that was getting in the way of things was Chase himself. After I told him my great escape plan, he unfortunately looks dead set on not helping me out with Prem. But I have to convince him. I can't do it by myself. I have to set this plan into motion.

I have to do this now, or Prem is doomed.

Chase affirmed his stance, "I ain't doing it, man. I WON'T do it. I'm sorry."

He was trying to walk out of this conversation to the building. But I stopped him by blocking his way with my frame. I said, "Come on, Chase, you gotta help me out here."

Chase asked, "Why can't you bother somebody else with this? Why not bother your dad?"

I replied, "Because I don't trust him...Or anybody. You're the only person I can trust with this." Well, that wasn't too fair to say about my father, or Elsa, or Leslie. I shouldn't even be saying that about them, considering they aren't as bad as Gilbert and Earl. I guess I do trust them still...A little bit...Even though I still hate my father far more than I already have right now. But the point I was making was, after my conversation with my father about the situation, I knew I couldn't ask any of them to help me. None would be willing to do that. Along with dad's words, I can see Elsa and Leslie's reactions to my plan a mile away, worrying about their careers and every aspect of their lives. Who knows, they may even try to stop this from happening if they found out what I was planning. They would mean well, but it wouldn't help the big cat at all.

I think you can fully understand why I chose Chase for the plan. I was on my own with this...For now anyways. 

I motioned my hand at his van, "Heck, not to mention you're the one with a vehicle, one that is BIG enough for a freakin tiger to fit in. It's a perfect getaway van."

Chase glared, but I think he also showed worry with his voice. He remarked, "Jace, I don't think this is as pure and simple as you'd like to think. This isn't like Free Willy where we're rescuing a giant fish and going against some people that own a water park or someplace. We're going against the government. We're stealing a secret project that was pretty successful. This is extreme." He rolled his eyes and added, "TOO extreme for my liking."

I started, "But-"

But then he admitted, patting my arm, "Look, dude, I got a confession to make...I almost got MYSELF fired thanks to you guys. A few days ago it barely happened. It was because I didn't get you and Prem out of the cafeteria that night when you were both eating there. I was caught on camera not doing a darn thing. I don't regret it or anything, anybody's gotta eat, but I was given a warning to do my job next time."

Then I told him with a small smile, "And that's a reason WHY I trust you. You took some guts and held them without thinking twice. Not only that but you returned my skateboard too. You're not afraid to break a few rules. You know how to take risks. You know how to take risks for surfing, but I know you also know how to take risks for another person. I'm asking you to do one last favor for me."

Chase declined once again, "I told you, I can't do it! This job means a lot to me. I'm trying to make an honest living. If I get let go because of this crap, I have nowhere to go. I'll be homeless. This is the only home I've got."

I remarked with a shrug, "To be fair...We were gonna be homeless anyways."

Chase quirked a brow, "Is that supposed to make me feel better and change my mind about this?"

I awkwardly replied, "Errr...Probably not." How does being homeless in any situation make anyone feel better? I feel kinda nervous just thinking about it!

He waved that off and then warned, "But that's not the worse that can happen. We could go to prison for the rest of our lives! No, not COULD, CAN go to prison. I mean, who do you think we are, master thieves? We're just normal people! We won't last long, they might catch us kinda quickly!" 

That did bother me a bit, it has crossed my mind more than once before I dragged him out there...But I was still willing to take my chances. I said, "I don't care. Prem has been heartbroken for so long because she's stuck here. Because everything around her doesn't feel like home to her. Because she is like the only animal living here and I'm sure she craves for that kind of company. I'm willing to do WHATEVER it takes to bring her home...Even if it means going to prison for life." I gave him a firm question after my bold statement, "Will you help me, Chase?"

He stared at me for a long time. Then, finally, he replied, "No. I can't."

Crap! I gotta try harder! I pleaded desperately, "Chase, come on! She needs our help! You said you wanted action in this place, well there's your chance."

Chase fought back, "But I don't want to lose my freedom over this! I don't want to end up like a caged animal for the rest of my life. That's your friend's department. I don't know how I'm going to take that and I ain't going to prison to find out." He brushed past me, heading for the Temra building now, "I'm sorry, you can leave me out of it. We're done."

I was following his movements standing in this spot. I watched him leave about a few feet when I began telling him something I didn't mention to him yet, "Earl's getting rid of Prem."

He stopped in his tracks and looked behind his shoulder, "What?"

I repeated, "Earl. He's getting rid of our only animal."

Chase spun to face me with a confused look. He shortly said, "...That can't be right. Why? I thought Temra was going to keep her until-"

I interjected, "No, it won't."

Then he questioned, "Then how come? Is it just to transfer her to another facility or something?"

I answered, "He's not taking her to another government facility, he's selling her off to some guy for money."

His eyes went wide with his mouth open agape. After a brief moment, he pressed, "You're shittin' me."

I right away shook my head, "I'm not. I saw him having a conversation with somebody by the name 'Miguel' on his computer. Earl was planning on giving Prem away to that guy so he can get rich. Over twenty million dollars, in cash."

He reacted in shock, taking a step back, "What?! But that's crazy! He's not supposed to do that! That'll mean letting her out in the real world! That's totally breaking the rules!"

"Right, and that guy doesn't seem to care. That's why there aren't any other animals in this place. Just so that way nobody else in captivity will know what's going on. That's why she's alone."

Chase was denying it with a shake of his head, "That is crazy...He couldn't possibly be trying that shit."

I told him, "Well he is. He's going to take her away from this place in a few days, after I'm gone. And I'm willing to bet Earl will do something to keep you out of his way. He's your boss...He can do whatever he wants." He still had a look of disbelief and looked away from me. I strolled up closer and stopped in front of him. I said, "Chase...I wouldn't be making this up. I think you know that it is against the law. I feel that it is. Earl doesn't care, he just wants money. He's about to do a very illegal thing behind everyone's backs. I don't know who that Miguel guy is, but I'm afraid he probably doesn't live a sincere life and doesn't have too much of a care for anybody else's. I have a feeling that he's just some rich, animal abuser that gets pleasure out of harming living, innocent things. Imagine hearing the animal you've bought crying out in pain like a person. That'll sound very satisfying to a sicko's head."

Chase looked back at me and I went on, "Chase, I'm getting a feeling if she gets handed to him, she'll be living a lifetime of pain without having any breaks. That's me being kind in comparison to how she's living now. She'll probably have far worse treatment than she had in this place. She'll live there without any friends to have her back. And who knows, she may die by the fucker's hands. I don't like the looks of it."

Then I mentioned another threat, "But if that doesn't work out for some reason, if Prem won't get taken away, Gilbert will still be around and he'll still harm her. I'm sure you know that he does hurt her before I came around. He never cares about her, I'm sure you know that too. He's been hurting her for years just so he can be on top. I don't know any people that are like that personally, but he's reminding me of a boyfriend beating his girlfriend, and loves it. That's what I think of their relationship. The dynamic is different, either species is different, but it's still horrifying. I don't know who's worse in this situation, but either way, she'll still be harmed, and I don't want that to happen to her. Not anymore."

I sighed, "I want her to have a peaceful life, for the rest of her days without fear and worry. Any woman would want that...And she looks like one to me." I gripped my chest tightly when I began this speech, eyes wide with desperation, "And I believe, in our code when we were living radical lifestyles, it was our duty to help a woman in their time of need. If you didn't follow the code, then you're trash. You're a security guard, I know, but it's the same difference. I'm sticking to my code...Will you? If I don't do something fast, I'll never forgive myself, and neither will you. Do you want to live with that? Do you want to wonder for a long time if you could have done something differently? I certainly don't want to...What about you? Please, Chase...Help me out here. If not for me, then do it for her. A lady in need. Help me save her from her suffering. I'm begging you, Chase...Please."

Chase gazed down at his feet, wrinkling his brow, apparently a little conflicted after what I told him. I just watched him mulling over everything, waiting for him to make his decision. Come on, man...Please. 

Please...Do this for her. 

*****

I was laying on my bed on my side within the cage, not sleeping at all even though another night has arrived. Frankly I couldn't sleep at all. I was still sad about everything after hours ago...Especially at how my life has ended up these days. I let out a depressing sigh, as that familiar loneliness has already enveloped over me and was still poking away at me. I've felt this feeling more times than I can count, I was used to dealing with this feeling a lot...But this time it felt worse. Much worse. I don't think I've felt this bad...Since a long time ago, after I began living here, after the realization that I'll never go home really settled on me.

I moaned as I pushed myself to lie on my stomach now, knowing it was no use trying to sleep now. My sights swept around the dark room for a moment, including the door to this room, half expecting someone to come in here and actually see me. Then they were only drawn to the floor, and another sigh escaped my muzzle. I think it was only made worse because Jason couldn't sleep by me anymore. I really enjoyed all those comforting nights with my human sleeping partner. Those were the best ones I've had since living here. After Tina and Sylvester would leave this place after their stay is up, I was looking forward to doing that again.

But that isn't happening anymore. I'll never have a sleeping partner again.

I sniffed as that realization hit me in the chest again. I was wanting Jason to stay with me earlier inside the cage. I never wanted him to leave me. I didn't want to be alone again. But later after I cried on him the second time today he said he had to go. He couldn't really stay with me much longer. I did plea for him to not go away, but he insisted. I couldn't blame him, but that didn't change how I feel. I haven't seen anyone come in here for a long time after that, except Roy, Elsa and Leslie all came here to say goodnight to me, and mention they were sorry for what happened to me.

Their words did comfort me a little, I even put up a tiny smile for them, even though it was hard. They meant them, but in their minds, without saying it, I can tell they wished they could do something to help me, something more, but they couldn't. It was the same deal living here as always. Gilbert gets what he wants...And I don't. Jason didn't come back in here though to say goodnight to me...

And I had a gut feeling in my stomach that I knew why.

A tear flowed and made my cheek fur stain. I let out a shuddering breath, feeling I was about to cry again. I wondered how many more tears I had left to shed. Sometimes that surprises me. Another dark cloud floated over my brain again as I thought of it once more. I think the REAL reason why I couldn't sleep now was not because of the torture I endured...But Jason. There was something about what he told me that didn't seem right. It didn't feel like he told me everything...Like he was keeping something to himself...That there was something he wasn't telling me.

Something terrible...Something I feared.

He said I probably wasn't going to see Tina and her brother ever again after their visit here is over, but I had a terrible feeling that Jason was not going to stay here in this place anymore either. That he was going to be taken away from me. That he was going to be gone from my life. That I'll never see him again either...That I'll never get to see his FACE or hear his VOICE again.

I had a feeling he wanted to tell me that, but couldn't due to how I was going to feel. He didn't want to hurt me. He was trying to protect me. Although I was going to get hurt anyways.

A sob erupted as more tears were starting to show. I shut my eyes real tight as they threatened to come out. Oh, Jason...I knew this would happen. I should've stopped sooner. I know this has something to do with us sleeping together. I know that's part of the reason. A handler wasn't supposed to do that. I'm so sorry. I'm also sorry I spoke to Tina as well. If I had kept my big trap shut then none of this would be happening. 

Oh...I wish everything we did, everything I'VE done before didn't happen. If I wasn't so desperate to have a sleeping partner, if I wasn't so keen on letting out words to one man cub, none of this would happen.

This is all my fault. I'm such an idiot!

I've lost a friend, and those two man cubs...And it's ALL MY FAULT!

Maybe I didn't deserve this much friendship. Maybe I didn't deserve this much happiness. Maybe it was best I only had Roy and the females as my friends. Everything has been all right with all three of them. 

But even I wonder how long my friendship with them was going to last.

Oh, Jason...I wish you were here...I wish Tina was here too...The poor little thing.

I wish you were here to sleep by me again...One last time. I want to hold you tight within my paws. I don't ever want to let you go. I don't want to lose you.

I don't want to lose all of you.

Tina...

Jason...

Then an unexpected noise broke this lonely silence. I let out a slight gasp when I snapped my eyes open. I saw the room door has opened...And Jason quickly came inside. I wiped the tears off my face with a forepaw when he flipped the brightening light on, just to show I wasn't crying again. My momentary happiness burst within my chest, as a small smile formed on my lips. It felt like my wish had come true...I think I was going to have a sleeping partner for one last time.

I think I'll take it.

Jason smiled as he came up to the bars. He had his hand on one of them when he said, "How you doing, Prem?"

I replied honestly, "Doing well, now that you're here." I cocked my head to the side, asking a innocent question, "Did you come to sleep by me again? Maybe for one last time?"

But, he shook his head to say, "Not exactly." 

My heart absolutely broke again when he right away headed for the wall hooks and grabbed the gate key. I said with a look of diappointment, "Then...What are you doing here? Just forgot to say goodnight to me and wanting to make up for it?" I added with a shrug and another tiny smile that full of appreciation when he got back to unlock the cage, "Oh well, I guess I can take that instead."

My favorite human responded upon pulling open the gate, "Not exactly that either."

I frowned in confusion, "Then what are you-?" Then my mind quickly realized something, and I formed a worried look. Oh no...Is it time?

Is he...Leaving me now? 

Is he leaving me now...FOREVER?

No...

But, instead of actually coming over and sitting by me on my bed, or even hug for that matter, he just picked up both the food bowl and the water bowl near the cage bars off the floor in each hand...And DUMPED them right in front of my eyes!

"Hey!" I immediately jumped to my fours and demanded in a voice filled with surprise, "What are you doing?! You can dump the cat food, but I like the water you know!" He turned to me when I added, "I don't like licking it off the floor."

He said with a smirk, "You'll get your fresh water, stripes."

I padded off the bed to get closer to him. I asked in total confusion, "What's going on with you? I don't understand this."

Jason shortly answered, "I'm getting you out of here."

I tilted my head, "What, you're taking me to your room? But I thought we can't-"

He cut through my words, "No, no...I mean..." He lowered the bowls back to the floor, then kneeled down to plant his limbs on my shoulders. He looked me in me in the eyes and clarified, "I'm getting you out of this place."

I wrinkled my brow, "What are you talking about?"

He proudly declared, "I'm taking you home."

My eyes went wide. What? I spat, "Huh? But that can't be happening. I thought-" He was shaking his head, reassurance in his eyes. My mind clicked. He means it. He truly means it. I said, "I don't get it...How did you-"

Jason responded, "I didn't do much. No one else knows about this. Not even Earl. It's just me and a friend. Look, we've got to go now. This is our chance. I already packed up everything we need for us."

That earned me a bad feeling about this now. With the way this sounds, this was something that is going to get me into even MORE trouble. US into more trouble. I said with caution showing in my tone, "But Jason...I can't leave here. I'm already in enough trouble as it is. We both are. I-"

"Prem, listen to me." He said, in a pity voice, "I can't take the thought of you being trapped in this place anymore. I can't take the thought of you never seeing your home again. And I can't take the thought of you being be hurt by Gilbert again...Or any other asshole that you'll probably meet soon."

I frowned in question. What's he going on about? I pressed, "What other asshole?"

Jason declined to answer, "It doesn't matter now. What matters now is your safety. Prem...I care about you so much, and I can't leave you without knowing you're safe. You deserve to be home, you deserve to live in a jungle that LOOKS AND SOUNDS like an actual jungle. You deserve to see another animal. You deserve to have all that back. I'm willing to risk everything to bring you back. I don't care if I get hurt while at it...I've been hurt physically before anyways and I'm already used to it. You're tired of getting hurt and being afraid, and you thought nothing is ever going to change, well now's the time to change everything. I'm getting you out of here, because you deserve to be free from this prison, and to go home. Are you with me, girl?"

I stared back at him for a long time, thoughts of everything he said running in my mind. Prem, this is your chance! You get to go home now! This is what you always wanted!

But...What if I get caught? I tried to escape this place before a long time ago...And it ended badly, and I ended up with the worst punishment I've ever suffered. What if I fail again?

Screw this place! Screw this place's rules! Screw Gilbert! And screw Earl too! This is probably your only chance to live in a free world again, without being confined in this cage! What's more, you won't have to feel alone anymore!

You have to go with him, Prem. You can trust Jason. He sounds like he knows what he's doing. Maybe you'll succeed this time. You tried to do it before by yourself and that didn't work, but this time...This may be different.

You have to leave here...You HAVE to see your family again.

Please...Break out of this cage and go with him.

It's time to go home, Prem.

It's time...

Finally, I put on a smile for him. I finally responded, in a soft, happy tone, "Yes...Yes I am." Jason let out a happy laugh, then hugged me tightly. I purred from this interaction. 

Then he pulled back a moment later. He said a bit awkwardly, "Sorry...I guess I don't know how to deal with emotional moments."

I waved my paw at that, "Don't worry about it."

"Alright...Well then..." He bent and picked up the bowls again, and turned to me again. He announced, "Let's get the hell out of here."

I nodded in agreement, "Right behind you, cub." Me and him bounded together out of the cage and out into the hall, knowing in the back of my mind this will be the last time I'm ever wandering through this white corridor again. The thought of Jason staying with me and getting me out of here really made me happy, just like the last several days. I guess I don't have to say goodbye to him after all. He's not going to leave me. I'm not going to lose him.

But I'm certainly saying goodbye to Temra.

Well, free world...Here I come.

*****

My brother protested quietly, "Tina, let go my hand! It's late!"

I tugged again, whispering urgently, "C'mon! You gotta see her! You HAVE to!"

Sly and I were inside our bedroom during the night after everyone including our grandma left the building. We were supposed to be sleeping like regular people, but I couldn't exactly sleep. I couldn't stop thinking about my friend, all afternoon long if I was being honest. I was mostly thinking about my moment with her last night. That I was all alone, and she was talking to me, in actual words, right in front of my face.

I still can't believe what I've heard. This never happened to me before in my life. A tiny part of me still thought it was a dream, like maybe I WAS asleep in the bedroom with my big brother, and I've imagined in my sleep that I went to the bathroom outside the room and talked to the friendly animal. But, Prem did insist I wasn't dreaming...And after I left her alone in the cage, I even PINCHED MYSELF to make sure I was dreaming.

And nope, I wasn't dreaming. What I experienced was real.

I did speak to a TALKING animal.

How and why she can was still bothering me. I can't figure it out. It was all confusing to me. HOW was it possible? WHY was it possible? I thought talking animals only existed in tv shows, movies and books. But this one existed for some reason. Was it just a genetic defect that she was born with or something? I can imagine how she was like with other tigers. I do know she was born out in the wild. They'd probably look at her funny. I sure did.

Since this morning I wanted to ask her a bunch of questions in the dome while everyone else was around. But I figured Prem wouldn't say anything in front of everybody. She was acting normal, like when I first met her. I did respect her for that, I thought it'd be rude of me to pressure her into saying something. And everyone would probably look at me like I was nuts. It made me wonder if anybody would believe me. Would my grandma even believe me?

I've thought about seeing Prem tonight and talk to her some more, like we had planned, and maybe have my questions answered. But then something happened earlier that kinda made me delay my plans for a little bit. According to Chase, this security guard Jason's friends with, she'd got in trouble for trying to bite this Gilbert guy while me, Sly and Jason were in the cafeteria. That did also confuse the heck out of me. That didn't make sense. Prem didn't seem like she was vicious, she never tried to attack anyone before. 

Well...Unless you call barely running my brother over for chasing a frisbee an attack. 

But seriously, why would she do that? What did Gilbert do to provoke her? 

It really didn't make sense.

At first I was nervous about talking to her, but then very quickly I decided that I didn't believe she was angry or anything like that. I still saw her as a friendly tiger and nothing else. Prem would never hurt me. I know she won't. She'd never hurt anyone. Maybe it was a misunderstanding. I was determined to see her again. I didn't care if she was grounded still and none of us were allowed to speak to her. I was going to see her anyway. I didn't care if I myself got grounded too or not.

And so I thought now was the time to see my four legged friend in her cage again, with everyone left and gone to bed. And then I formed an idea of bringing Sly along to meet her as well. I wanted to show him that she can talk. I know I made a promise to her that I won't tell anyone about her secret, but I wanted my brother to know about it too. I realized I couldn't keep this to myself. I wanted to share it with him. Frankly I wanted to see his face when he hears her first word come out of her big mouth. I can see his very shocked face. It'll be hilarious. And at least it'll teach him not to tease me about imagining and loving talking animals ever again.

It'd serve him right.

If only my brother wasn't so stubborn and let me take him to her already! Sly's kept on resisting ever since I pulled him out of bed. It was so sudden. He is in his pajama pants without wearing a shirt and I was about to drag him outside while he was like that, but I didn't care. I wanted him to see a tiger, and LISTEN to her!

I grunted, pulling hard, "Come on!"

Sly still fought against my strength, "I said let go!"

I finally stopped pulling and just planted my hands against my hips. He was rubbing his hand when I gave him a stern look, "What's your problem?"

He replied in a serious tone, "My problem? Tina, it is late, and we're supposed to be in bed. And you still haven't got in your PJs, and you're trying to drag me out of this room just so we can see a vicious tiger." He had a freaked out look on his face when he mentioned, "I mean for god's sake she attacked a handler! I knew that thing was too good to be true."

I told him differently, "She's not vicious, you chicken. She hasn't tried to hurt us at all."

Then he pressed, crossing his arms, "Then how come she attacked that guy earlier?"

"I dunno." I suggested with a shrug, "Maybe she was getting hungry. I did want to take her to the cafeteria again earlier. Maybe she wanted to eat something."

He pointed out with a roll of his eyes, "Yeah...Like us."

I said, "Shut up. She's not going to eat us."

Sly shot back, "You sure about that?"

I whispered loudly, "YES!"

"...I'm not buying it." I whined in frustration. Then he spoke, "Besides that, you're taking me to her like something exciting is going on."

I formed a huge smile, "Of course this is exciting! Didn't you just hear me?"

"COME ON!" He stated in denial, "A TALKING tiger, are you serious? You're living in a fantasy world."

I playfully remarked, cupping my hands together behind my back, "Maybe...Maybe we all are."

He told me in a serious manner, "I told you, animals can't talk. It's impossible."

I muttered, "Not impossible for her."

Sly let out a sharp sigh of impatience, "Tina, you seriously need to grow up and get over this ridiculous idea you have. You're too old for this stuff. Look, I'm going to bed, and I need you to do the same. Ok?" 

"No." I reached and grabbed his hand again and pulled. I said with insistence, "We're going to see her...Even if I have to DRAG you."

Sly moaned, "Come on...I'm tired."

I gave him daggers, "I'm not letting you sleep till you guys talk. Just listen to me for once, Sly. This won't take long. When you hear her voice, then you can go back to bed. You don't have to stick around for over five minutes. Just...Give me a few. Deal?"

My brother looked back at me with an unsure look. But, quickly he gave in with a sigh, "Alright, fuck it, fine." Then he instructed when my face began to beam, "But we don't open the gate AT ALL when we're in that room. I'm not going to be somebody's snack. Also I'm not sticking my hand inside that cage to pet her. Got that?"

I agreed, "Got it. Now let's go!" I dragged him along behind me even when he said he'd come. I also heard his lips mumble, 'I can't freakin believe this is happening to me'. 

We both came out of our room and into the white hallway, where all the lights outside were still on. I was tugging him eagerly down the path to the corner where that turn for the cage room is when something came around it. We froze, I quietly sucked in a breath. What we stumbled upon was surprising, not expected at all. Jason was out and about too...

And he was with the tiger I was frantically taking my brother to see.

She was out of the cage...And they were both heading down the different way for the lobby. Either had never spotted us when they quickly went down that way.

I frowned in confusion. What's going on? Isn't it already nine o'clock? Why is she out of the cage? Sly whispered a question behind me, "Was that Jason? What's he doing with her?"

I shook my head without looking back at him, my eyes still focused on them, "I don't know...Maybe he's taking her for a walk."

I can tell his voice changed to suspicion, "There was no leash and collar on the animal. It looks like he was carrying a couple bowls. And he's leading her down to the lobby." I let go his hand as he came up to stand beside me. He blurted out, "Something's not right. He's not supposed to be doing that. What's he think he's doing?"

I glanced to him and suggested, "Let's follow them." Sly nodded in agreement, and we began to trekking on the same path they took. I had a concerning face. I hope nothing bad is going on.

I hope Prem is okay...

*****

My paws shortly begin to pad in the area I haven't been in for such a long time. The lobby. As Jason rushed on ahead to the two doors leading outside, my gaze swung around the big room, the memory of this place flashing in my head. Gosh this takes me back. I was so close to getting out of here one time, right at this spot...And Failed. I can still remember it well. How tragic it was...How scary it was at the end. I never thought I'd be able to walk in this part of Temra ever again.

Weird how we think some things never will happen again until suddenly it does happen. Pretty weird.

I don't think I'm going to fail this time.

"Come on." I eyed at my savior who had already pulled a door open for me and urged me to move. I picked up the pace across the wide floor of the lobby. Shortly my striped form went through the doorway and Jason followed. When I was out in the night, that felt so cool compared to inside, finally out of this place, my mouth breathed in...

...And then I stopped. I was standing still on my feet and drawing up my head with closed eyes in satisfaction. I was starting to relish the feeling of freedom, enjoying breathing in something my lungs haven't sucked in for years.

Aaaaaaahhhh...Fresh air. I'm actually breathing in normal, fresh air.

This feels...Amazing.

I can't believe this is finally happening.

A voice cut through this moment, "Prem!" I snapped them open, seeing Jason already ahead of me again and telling me, "Let's go!"

I apologized, embarrassed a little bit, "Right...Sorry." He moved down from the place behind us further and I was gazing around the outside for a quick moment, gazing around this wide open space. Wonder which way we should go? I don't even know where to start. I trekked after Jason shortly thereafter. Very quickly I came across something that he was close to and tossing the bowls he had carried the whole way into that completely caught me by surprise.

I was staring at this big, shiny thing that was blue with strange, swirling colors parked with its side facing us. It was almost as big as an elephant...But a tad smaller. I saw at the bottom that it had big...Wheels, just like that little thing Jason had...The skateboard, that bane of my existence.

I gaped at the thing for a long time before I asked, "What in the world is that thing?"

Jason answered, gesturing to the huge thing with a grin, "That, my friend...Is our ticket out of here."

I mumbled, "That doesn't really answer my question, Jason."

He explained some more, "It's a van, or a car if you want. A vehicle. Something that us humans use for travel as transportation..." He shrugged, adding, "Kinda like a skateboard, but much bigger."

"Huh..." I was a bit intrigued with the foreign thing, "I never heard of things like that." Why hasn't four eyes, the momma cook, and the old one never mention something like this to me before?! It's HUGE!

Jason's limb motioned for me to get in through the open space on the side of the van, "Come on, get in!"

I cautiously asked, some animosity laced with a few words, "Is it safe? Cause your skateboard tried to hurt me before, and I'm not in the mood to get hurt by a rolly thingy again."

Then an unexpected face poked out from inside this vehicle. He bellowed, "Sure it's safe! Just don't stand in front of it when it moves."

I reared back my head in total surprise, "Chase?" I narrowed my eyes and hissed. I roared, "What the hell are you doing here?"

Chase replied with a grin, "Helping out, what else?"

I eyed towards Jason with an angry look, "Jason, why is this human here?"

"Calm down, Prem." He went up to stand in front of me, blocking my view of the other male human, "It's what he just said. He's the friend I told you about that's helping me."

"WHAT?!" I protested, "You're not taking him with us, are you? We can't!"

Jason confusingly asked, "Why not? He's our friend."

I looked past him to see Chase still watching us argue. I looked up at my best friend again and whispered, "We can't trust him, Jason. I'm serious. Something bad will happen if he stays with us, I can feel it."

Jason shook his head in disbelief, "You don't know that. You don't even know him all that well."

I tried to argue some more, "But-"

He got to one knee and grabbed my shoulders, "I knew this would happen. Prem...You gotta trust me on this."

I started again, "But I-"

But he countered, "This is HIS van, Prem. I don't have a vehicle. This is the only ride we both got. Besides, he's the only one helping me with this, my dad and everyone else isn't. He's the only person I trust with this."

I stated suspiciously, "I'd rather have your dad instead of him."

Jason said in adamance, "Well too bad, my pops ain't going to help. He's coming with us." His eyes held plea, "We don't have a choice, Prem, you have to trust him now. Please...We're down this far, don't put the brakes on now. Seriously, we need this."

I stared back at him for a bit, the inside of me filled with confliction. But we can't trust him, Jason. He'll betray us later if he goes on this journey with us.

But, Prem...Maybe he's not like...You know. Maybe Jason's right...Otherwise, why he wouldn't put his full trust into the guy?

I still don't like this...

I wanted to fight with Jason some more and finally tell him why I don't trust Chase so much, till all of a sudden, a different voice erupted out of nowhere, "HOLD IT!" My eyes went wide and I let out a quiet gasp. Jason and I had our attentions to the one making those words.

Turns out, Sylvester, the young man cub who is not wearing a shirt, was the one who did it. And he wasn't the only one behind me. Tina was there too, acting all surprised at this scene.

Sly and Tina! They're here too!

I kinda forgot about them, thanks to my moment of happiness.

Maybe...I won't have to say goodbye to them either. Not even Tina.

I eyed mostly towards the little female. Tina...

I heard Chase utter nearby, "Ah, crap."

Jason stood upright while Sly held a demanding look. Jason said in a friendly, but awkward way, "Heh, uh...Hi, guys. Uh...Can't sleep?" 

Sly obviously wasn't being friendly either as he pressed, "What do you guys think you're doing?"

Tina pressed too, taking a step forward, "What's going on here?"

Jason calmly claimed to the man cubs, "Listen, guys...It's not what you think."

Sly had a distrustful look in his eyes when he responded, "What is it that we're thinking? You guys stealing the tiger?"

He didn't notice I was frowning since he was focused solely on Jason and Chase. Stealing me? No they aren't. Chase, who had come out of the van and stood beside me, denied such a thing, "We're not stealing her. We were just about to...Transport her." I eyed him. Well...At least he's honest...So far.

Sly demanded an answer, "Transport her to where? It's freakin late to do that wouldn't you say."

I think Jason was trying to fib about it, "We just had an order from another facility to do it. We're taking her to uh...I forgot where it's at, but we are transferring her to another facility. They want her as soon as possible."

"Really? How?" Sly shot his hand at the van, "I don't see this van holding a cage or something." I trembled at the thought. Oh god I hope not.

Chase said, "She doesn't need one." He chuckled, gesturing to me, "She's doing fine without a leash and a muzzle. Why do we need one?"

Sly called them out, "You're full of shit, guys, you're stealing her." He ordered his sister, "Tina, call the police while I watch them."

His sister appeared hesitant, "Sly-"

"No!" Jason held out his hand, "Don't do that!"

Sly barked, "Why not? Give us one good reason why we shouldn't."

I watched the two male humans close to me exchange looks. Then they both glanced back at the kids. Jason finally admitted, "Alright, look...Yes, we're stealing Prem from this place. But we're rescuing her. This place has done a bunch of horrible things to her. She's been abused by my handling partner, Gilbert, for a long time."

Tina gasped. Then she actually pressed me, "Prem...Is this true?"

I was about to actually reply to her in front of everyone before Jason interrupted, "It's true. So with that, we're going to take her home."

Sly continued to fire distrust at them, "Then why not just call an animal rights group? Or even the cops yourself?"

Chase fought back, "It's not that simple, kid! And there's no time! She has to be saved right now."

Jason concurred, "Chase is right, Sylvester, we have to leave this place immediately!"

"You're not going anywhere!" Sly said, "I don't give a crap what your reasons are! This is illegal and you're not getting away with this!" Then he focused right onto Tina, "And Tina, didn't I tell you to call the police? Get moving!"

Tina actually refused, "But, Sly...I don't wanna!"

"What?" Sly argued, "Come on, you're not seriously believing this shit! They're stealing her! You wanna let them get away with that?"

Tina said, "But I don't think they are lying! I think they're telling the truth!"

That's when I finally spoke up, "She's right." Sly's form flinched as they both twisted their gazes to see me. I spoke again, taking a couple steps, "They are telling the truth."

Sly's jaw dropped agape at my words. He managed to utter this, "What...The hell...?" Tina snickered cutely beside him.

I said, proudly with a grin, "That's right, Sly...I can speak like all of you."

Tina chuckled that time, then said this to him, "See? I told ya she can talk." I was grinning at Sly's reaction still. Sounds like she was trying to convince him that I spoke to her behind everyone's backs. I should've figured she was going to do that. If she was gonna know this secret, might as well try to let her brother in on it too.

Like I thought before...Anything could happen.

Jason asked me with a frown, "Prem...Is there something you want to share with me?"

I twisted my neck to smirk at him over my shoulder. I promptly said, "Probably. But I'll explain later." I returned my eyes back on the two younger humans. I spoke to Sly specifically, "Sly...Jason is not a bad human. And so is Chase. They're trying to help me. Jason was telling the truth about Gilbert. He has hurt me before, and he's hurt me today. That's why I wasn't in the dome anymore. That's why I was back inside the cage. I didn't do anything wrong to him. I hardly do. But he doesn't care about me. All he wants to do is control me, and hurt me whenever he feels like it. Gilbert and Jason are nothing alike. Unlike him...Jason is helping me." I let out a sigh in a happy way, "I've been dreaming of wanting to go home for a long time...And now I can do so. Please, Sly...Don't try to stop them. Let them help me."

Tina had a pity look on her face after my huge statement. Sly's mouth moved a bit like he wanted to speak, but couldn't. Then he finally asked, "How...How come you never talked to me before? How is all this possible?"

Chase chimed in, "Look, dude, it's a long story, and we don't have time to tell long stories. We're telling the truth, but we've wasted a lot of time and we need to go now."

Jason nodded, "He's right." His hand motioned at them, "Listen, I'm sorry you guys have to say bye to her early, but she's got to go." He grabbed ahold my fur and tried to pull me, "Come on, Prem, get in the van."

But Tina actually stepped forward and outright said, "I wanna go with you guys."

Sly exclaimed, "What?!"

That actually made me smile. She knew what I was thinking. I want her to come with me. Glad I didn't have to say anything first. But Jason himself had let go of me and said with a shake of his head, "What, no, you can't come. It's way too risky for you."

Tina protested, "But I want to help Prem, Jason! She's my friend!"

Chase groaned, waving everybody off, "Ah screw this, I'm starting the van now! Just get in when y'all are done arguing and ready to go!" He took off to get inside the thing through the side door.

Tina's brother grabbed her arm and told her with a serious look, "Tina, you heard what he said! You can't go with them! Do you want grandma to kill me?"

I heard some strange noise behind me, like something was starting up with a rumble. Tina shot back with a smirk, "Then you can come too."

"Wait, what-" Sly rejected, "No! We BOTH can't leave with them! We'll get in serious ass trouble if we tag along!"

Tina begged, "But I want to go with her! I want to stay with her!"

Jason tried to decline the offer again, "Tina, look...I know you like Prem very much, but-"

"Jason." I said his name in order for him to look at me. I was giving him this stare...With this kind of smile. The both that tells him that I wanted her to come too, and her brother if he wishes. They were telling him that it was okay if they'd come, and we'll look after Tina since she is little.

Then, after a long pause, Jason was starting to smile. He nodded a bit, then placed his eyes back onto the little man cub again. He said to her calmly, "Alright, Tina. Get your things and meet us back here. On the double." Tina beamed in excitement, then spun and ran back to the building. Sly ran after her, protesting and trying to deter her to stop this. Jason was the only one standing out here with me now. He kinda warned me a bit, "You know...You're kinda about to get her in trouble."

I let out a sigh but still smiled, "Correction...I'm probably about to get them BOTH in trouble."

He rolled his eyes playfully, "And that makes it worse."

I said, "Oh, but I just couldn't leave them. Mostly Tina. Heck, I didn't want to say goodbye to them both yet anyways. But we'll look after them. We'll look after Tina."

Jason nodded nervously, replying, "I hope we can."

I assured, "Trust me...We can." He chuckled, petting the top of my head. I nuzzled him in return. Then we waited for about a few minutes until Tina and Sly finally returned. They barged back outside with Tina carrying two bags in her hands. Sly was still trying to stop her from going, but he obviously was failing miserably. 

I almost giggled. Poor guy...His sister is not listening to him.

Tina announced happily when she and him brought themselves close to us, "Hey, I'm back!"

I proudly told her, "Wonderful!"

Tina also stated, lifting one of the bags, "I also packed up my brother's stuff too!" Then she dropped it between her and her brother.

Sly argued with a furrowed brow, "I told you, I am NOT going!"

Tina stuck up her chin, strolling to the waiting van, "Fine, more fun for me." I was chuckling at her behavior. She's reminding me of me...A little bit.

I watched Tina climb into the van while Sly tried to stop her with his voice, "Tina! Get back here now, or I'm telling grandma on you!"

Tina told him off from within the van, "You don't have a cell phone, you dummy!"

Jason sighed then said to him, "Looks like she's going, pal."

Sly said to him, trying to protest, "Jason, can't you stop her? She's-"

I flat out said, "Looks like her mind's made up, cub. Can't do nothing about it." I swung myself around and paced to the van, humming deeply a playful tune to myself. 

I finally got myself inside the thing after so much delay, stepping beside Tina. Beneath my paws, for some strange reason I felt the van was...Vibrating. Come to think of it, my ears also has been hearing some strange rumbling as well coming from the thing. My guess that means humans can turn vehicles on, like a phone or a tv. My eyes explored the inside. I saw that there was so much stuff inside, including the food and water bowls Jason had with him that are on the floor, and food mostly I would guess. At the back there was a huge bed with a few pillows and blankets. Probably made for me I think. And at the front of the van, there were actually only two seats, the ones like the humans use to sit in the cafeteria, but look softer instead of hard. Chase was sitting at one of them on the left. I saw him wave at me in greeting. There were a bunch of lights or something at the front too that kinda shined on him, which I typically do not understand. Maybe in due time I'll understand more about this so called van. 

I turned myself around, seeing only Jason and Sly still out there. I heard Sly cry out, "Tina! This is a dumb idea! Get out of that thing!"

Tina called back, "Come on, Sly! You can do this too!"

Jason let out a huff and I heard him say this to the opposing man cub, "Look, you don't have to come. But Tina is. If you want to stay and complain to granny, fine. But don't try to stop us either. Just...Just make up a lie that we were kidnapped or something if anybody else asks. Alright? Have a goodnight." With that, Jason jogged to the van and joined us. 

He was heading to the front to sit by Chase while I eyed right at Sly again who still stood around debating on what to do. He made a look of confliction, then began pacing back and forth. I smiled hopefully. Come on...I kinda like you too. Don't let your sister go at this journey alone. Then finally, his shoulders slumped, then he picked up his bag off the ground, and paced up for the van. I heard him mumble before he stepped inside, "This is a bad idea." I beamed that he had made this decision. After he came in, he closed the side door and sat down with his sister behind Jason and Chase.

Chase hollered over his seat, "Alright, everybody ready?"

I proclaimed, "Yes!"

"All right, here we go!" When Chase apparently shifted something at the front with his hand, suddenly I felt the van move. I sucked in a breath when I was about to lose my balance, but caught myself. Dang...Almost lost it there! I kept myself steady as I can feel the thing I'm in turn sharply. Then after a second, I headed towards the bed, peeking out at the windows at the back, seeing the outside through there. I watched a place, that I can assume to be Temra, growing farther and farther away. The van was literally taking me away from there.

I smiled, my heart pounding away in happiness. I'm free.

For the first time in a long time...I'm finally free.

I love this feeling.

So long Temra...So long to everything that place has.

And so long to you most of all, Gilbert...You bastard. Who's won now?

I let out a pleasant, quiet sigh. Jason...You have no idea how much I feel happy right now.

Thanks to you...I'm finally going to go home.

Thank you, Jason...Thank you.