I dunno if I'm beginning to see my mistakes better or what, but the whole chapter sounded so lame when I read it over :/ Ah well...

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Mum took a deep breath, paused, breathed out, as if trying hard to calm herself down. I knew something had to be really wrong if she acted this way.

"It's about your father," she said so quietly I almost missed it. But when I heard her say that, I could feel chills run down my spine as I froze in place, horrible thoughts of what might have happened filling my head.

Forcing myself to come down the stairs, I asked, "What happened? He's okay, right?"

"He is in the hospital," she replied. "They said something attacked him. Some kind of animal."

"An animal? But he'll be okay, right?" The thought of my dad being in danger felt so unreal that I almost didn't know what to think.

"I don't know how he is," mum answered sadly. "We need to go to the hospital."

"What's wrong?" Jake appeared at the top of the flight of stairs, looking at us both with a hint of concern in his eyes. Mum seemed surprised of his presence, but did't say anything.

"My dad is in the hospital," I told him, a little too much in a hurry. I was shaken, fearing the worst. "Something attacked him and me and mum have to go see him. I guess you'd better leave."

"I'll call the taxi for us." Mum turned her back as she took out her cell phone.

"Maybe I can give you a ride?" Jake offered, following me down the stairs.

I looked at him. "With what?" Jake had approahed to me as a jaguar out of the forest behind our house.

"I have a car not far from here," he said. "It would take me only a minute to bring it here."

As always, my mum didn't really want to be a bother. She looked at me shortly, like seeking for help. "I wouldn't ask you to do this for us..." she began, but Jake raised his hand to interrupt.

"It's okay, I'd gladly help."

Mum sighed, then nodded. Without wasting any more time, Jake left, saying he'll be back soon. When we were alone, mum turned to look at me, a little confused and questioning.

"He helped me," I told her, but it sounded lame enough to not be taken seriously. So I added, "For school, of course. But, mum, is it serious? With dad, I mean?"

"I don't know," she sighed, looking down and leaning on the counter, showing that she really didn't and was deeply worried. "I just got the call."

I nodded slowly, knowing it's better to stay calm and think positively. We left the house, locked the door and sat down on the low stairsteps in front of the door, hoping Jake will be back soon, like he had promised.

We had barely been there half a minute when a Chevrolet pulled up in front of our house, shiny and steel-coloured. I was wondering if it's some kind of joke, up until the driver's side door was opened and Jake appeared into our view.

"Whose car are you borrowing now?" I asked, trying not to stare as I hesitantly walked closer, mum behind me. I wondered what she might be thinking, a guy I have invited to our house driving something clearly so expensive.

"It's mine," Jake said shortly, opening the door for us. Mum climbed on the back seat while I went in the front.

"I didn't know you had your own car," I pointed out as he got back behind the wheel.

"I bought it yesterday," was his only answer. And though we didn't talk much during the ride and it wasn't a good time to talk about how someone spends their money, I knew he enjoyed the look on my face. His mum's car had looked much more... decent. And their house had been pretty small, nothing above the average from what I knew. But I had to keep in mind I didn't really know his personal life. Maybe he really could afford things as such.

When we made it there, Jake came with us. He promised to take us back home again, too, and we agreed, then practically ran through the entrance and into the hospital. Mum asked the front desk about our father and they gave us the number of the room he was in. It didn't take long to find the right place, and once we were there, all of a sudden mum stopped the hurrying. She even looked hesitant as she grabbed the door handle, and I realized just how much she didn't know about his condition. What had attacked him? Was it just like a dogbite to a leg or arm, or maybe something what a bear could do?

Mum opened the door. We immediately spotted dad laying on one of the beds, under a white blanket. But we still saw the bandages around his arms, maybe on the rest of his body, too. A wave of deep relief washed over me as he raised his head and smiled when seeing us standing at the doorway.

"Oh, Oscar," mum cried out, crossing the distance between her and him with a second. She knelt down next to his bed, her eyes glimmering with tears that didn't escape. "How do you feel?"

"Good enough to stand if they only let me," he said, even laughing at mum's happiness. Dad was okay. Injured, but if he could laugh like this, I knew he was okay.

Dad then turned to look at me and Jake. He raised an eyebrow sligtly. "And who's this?"

"Name is Jake. I'm..."

"He's a friend of mine. He drove us here," I said before he could finish, as if scared that he would introduce himself differently. I saw from the corner of my eye as Jake faintly smiled at me.

"But what happened?" mum asked, getting dad's attention from us to back her.

"I'm not sure." Dad raised his right arm, which had a bandage only around the wrist, to scratch the back of his head. "I already told the doctors what I remember. There were some people coming my way. A gang, I think. Teenagers, or a little older than that. They began to ask who I was and then... I don't know what happened then. The next thing I remember were loud bangs, like gunshots, and pain all over me. I only got a short glimpse at some animals running towards the woods. I don't think they were dogs or even wolves, but... I'm not sure what else. A while after that the ambulance arrived."

"So someone scared them away?" mum asked, drying her eyes with the back of her hand.

"Actually, that's the other funny part. I wasn't even able to make the emergency phone call, but apparently somebody did. The paramedics told me they saw no one else around, and I didn't either."

Mum sighed and shook her head. "What animals would do that? Attack people like this..."

At that point I turned to look at Jake. His gaze was fixed on the bandages my dad was wearing, his eyes holding this sudden elusive seriousness.

"But these were only animals, right?" I asked under my breath, so that only Jake could hear me.

It scared me when he shook his head. "Hyenas. He's covered with their smell."

My eyes widened at his statement. "Hyenas?" I repeated. "But why..."

Jake waved his hand, showing me to be quiet. "Excuse us, Selina and I will go out to talk for a sec," he told my parents, who only nodded as we left the room.

"Okay, why did they attack my dad?" I asked him as soon as we were alone.

He shrugged. "He might have been a random victim. But they also might have been after you."

"Me?" I squealed, startled.

"You saved me from them," he replied. "Now, finding you by using your family or friends can be a game for them. I've met savannians like them before. They probably found your dad by the smell, asked him about you and then looked for the rest from his head, which explains his memory hole. Most likely the one who called the ambulance was a savannian themself, not wanting to get involved and running off before they were seen."

"So, they want me," I stuttered. "They want me dead."

I was too shocked to realize it immediately, but Jake slipped his arms around me, softly pulling me into a hug. "I'm with you, don't worry," he said soothingly, probably sensing my uneasiness. "I can protect you."

"From a pack of hyenas?"

"Don't worry about that at the moment." His voice had dropped to an almost-whisper. "I'll make sure nothing happens to you."

"But if they go after the people I know, again?"

Jake didn't answer right away this time. But then, "I will see what I can do."

We left about an hour later, knowing dad will be just fine, only needs to stay there for a while. Jake drove us back home again, and when mum had walked inside the house, he assured me once again that he'll figure something out. But as I watched his car disappear from my view, I suddenly felt so alone and unprotected. I spent the rest of the day inside, fearing that the hyenas will show up and get to me. They had gotten inside my dad's head. How much information had they received?

I was still a little nerveous the next day, though I made it to school with no incidents. And it felt much better there, when I was surrounded by so many others. I had made a decision to talk things straight with Rudy, but unfortunately he didn't show up for the first lesson. My hopes were crushed completely when he didn't show up at all during the day. The weekend was coming and I didn't have much chances seeing him then. I asked if Nicole knew anything about him, but she had no idea where he might be.

When the lessons had ended and I was on my way home, the steel grey Chevrolet pulled up next to me. Jake opened the passenger side door.

"Wanna ride home?" he asked.

Wordlessly, I got in, then Jake turned the car around, heading towards my house.

"Do you have any plans?" I soon asked. Jake glimpsed at me shortly, looking thoughtful.

"I could get some people together to watch over you."

"Watch over me? Like... guard me?" For some reason I didn't see this as the best option.

"You wouldn't even notice they're there," he expained. "They'll just be close to your home, follow you from afar if you leave the house. Maybe crows would do."

"I'm not sure about it... Will they watch me all the time?" It felt like stealing my privacy. "And they simply just agree to do it?"

Jake shared another quick glimpse with me. "It would take some money, of course."

"You don't have to do it. Maybe there are better ways than that."

He sighed. "Those hyenas most likely cause problems to every savannian in Blue Mist. Their pack never stays at one place for too long, they travel around, spend here a certain amount of time, then go find new hunting lands. They can't stay longer, because the locals will begin to fight back. If I can keep you alive until then, you should be okay."

I didn't say anything after that. Words like 'hunting lands' and 'keep me alive' were enough to grow my fear even more, even if he had promised to be by my side. I really wished there was another and a better way to deal with it.

Suddenly Jake let out a small grunt, slowing the car down until it came to a stop. It confused me and I looked at him, seeing how he stared somewhere in front of us. I turned my gaze to the same direction. Some guys dressed in black stood on the road, blocking our way. The fear inside me rose immediately and I turned back to Jake.

"My friends jaguars," he muttered, opening the door to his side. "Wait here," he ordered, then left. I watched as he joined them, some metres away from the car, and for a while they were just chatting. I didn't hear the words, though. But I did notice how few of them pointed at my direction and laughed, making me feel rather uncomfortable. Minutes passed before Jake returned. The others got out of the way and Jake started the engine, driving away from there without saying anything.

"What did they want?" I asked finally, breaking the silence.

"They haven't heard from me for a while. Wanted to know what was going on," he replied, sounding kind of annoyed. His tone changed, though, as he spoke up again. "But there's some good news, too."

I waited for him to continue.

"They told me the hyenas had problems of their own already, bigger than I had thought. Someone has decided to step against them, greatly."

I frowned. "Who?"

He only shrugged. "We don't know that."

When he stopped the car in front of my house, I realized suddenly I didn't want to leave. But I didn't want to tarry too much, either. Thanking Jake for giving me a ride, I stepped out. Reaching the front door, I heard how the Chevy drove off, leaving me so utterly and completely alone.

Mum wasn't at home yet. I locked the front door just in case, then went upstairs and into my room, where I soon got bored. I began to think of what Jake had taught me the day before, wondering if I could manage it on my own. Before I even realized what I was doing, I began to concentrate. I still recognized my body and soul as two separate things. Taking a deep breath, I tried. Slowly, because I wasn't very sure of myself. But I soon felt how my legs were getting numb, which brought me to hesitate for a second, because I didn't know if I should panic, even though I knew I was supposed to feel numbness. Still, I carried on. And then I couldn't feel my right leg at all. At that point I got more scared than before. What if something happens and I don't get back in anymore? What if I do something wrong?

And so I stopped. Probably I was simply too afraid. I got the feeling back in my legs, deciding I won't give it a try just yet. Maybe when Jake is around again. He could help me.

I jumped when my phone suddenly rang, startling me to sit up on my bed. It was Nicole.

"Yeah?" I asked, answering it.

"Hey Selina! I saw Jake picking you up. Awesome ride."

With a sigh I fell back. "Uh-uh. That is why you called?"

"Is something wrong? You sound somehow... out of sorts. Everything is okay with you and him, right?"

Like that's the worst what could happen, I thought.

"No, we're okay. I'm okay. Only worried about dad a little." I had told Nicole about what had happened, only leaving out the part about hyenas being the attackers.

"Oh, okay... But hey, I think you should talk to Rudy. Now, I mean."

"Why?"

"Because... well... Right now you have the opportunity. He's in Mist's Diner. If you go there now, you'll find him. Please go, you need to make it up."

Even though I had wished to see him at school, I didn't know if I wanted to go. Maybe I was scared of the hyenas, or maybe I wasn't sure of what to say to Rudy. What if I make matters even worse?

"Selina? Just go, okay? He... he has to tell you something. If you and him won't make it up before... Ah, just go!"

I raised my eyebrow. "Is it important?"

"You have no idea!" I couldn't help but notice the hint of sadness in her voice. So I thought about it, biting my lip.

"Okay," I sighed finally, giving in. "I'll go."

"Great. Trust me, it means a lot. Hey, I have to go. I guess we'll see on Monday then."

Like that we ended the call. As Nicole had only told me he's there at the moment, I had no idea for how long he'll stay. So, suppressing my fear of leaving the house, I took my things and walked through the door, telling myself that if Nicole said it will be important, then it is.

As soon as I stepped into the diner, I craned my neck, looking for Rudy. I found him in the far corner across the room, sitting alone behind a small table. His gaze was empty, stuck on something out the window, his expression giving nothing away. As I approached, he turned his head. And seeing me standing by the table, he was clearly surprised.

"Can we talk?" I asked quietly.

For a moment he only stared, then turned away again, waving his hand at the empty seats across the table. I took a seat.

At first neither of us said a word, and I knew I needed to be the one who begins. I only had to find the right words to start with.

"I'm sorry," I said slowly, staring down at the table. "I'm sorry I was mad at you. I just couldn't believe that you..."

"That I would lie to you," he finished for me. I glimpsed up just in time to see him turn to look at me. "It's not about me wanting to keep secters. It's about my family. Their safety means everything to me."

"But you know me. You know I wouldn't have told anyone."

Seeing the way he looked at me, I knew immediately that I shouldn't have said those words. Rudy was right. And Jake was right. I have to honor his wish. But before I could correct myself, he spoke up.

"I told you a dog attacked my brother," he began, his voice monotonous. I nodded. "It wasn't a dog." He paused. "I've noticed you spend more time with Jake lately. You still know what he is, right? You knew even before he messed with Nicole's mind, before me and him got into fight."

I nodded again, feeling suddenly small and exposed under his gaze.

"Then maybe you also know that not all of us live peacefully with humans. There are those who see humans, or the weaker, as prey."

Again, I only nodded.

"I have a feeling you fear the same in me." Rudy searched my eyes, curiosity in his own. I began to say something, but didn't, as I found I had no words. Rudy continued. "In that case let me tell you - I'd give anything so our family could be humans. Those were hyenas who attacked Karl. They used one of his human friends who knew his secret. They searched about Karl and is whereabouts from her head. Others had found Karl just at the last minute to save him. The hyenas almost killed him. The only reason I could tell you his injuries weren't that severe was because of the ability to heal faster. Yes, the predators sometimes hunt humans instead of their real prey. But do you know who they like the most?" His expression had gone back to this unreadable mask. I didn't say anything. "I'm a zebra," he told me after a pause. And I have to say, I wasn't expecting that. "Like the nature has created - carnivores hunt herbivores. And apparently we're on the menu."

We sat in silence for a while, me trying to digest everything I've heard from him. It all made sense now, why Rudy has been so distant lately. And I had treated him like he had done things wrong. They found Karl by using someone he knew, like they used my dad to find me. If I had known about Rudy before and hyenas had come to me... they could have hurt Rudy. It could happen now.

"I'm so sorry, Rudy," I whispered, sincerely meaning it. "It all came just too suddenly. Savannians and... everything. Life hasn't been easy lately. So trust me when I say I'd do anything just so you would forgive me, okay? I don't want things to stay like this. You're still my best friend." My eyes were pleading as I looked at him, waiting for his reply.

At first he didn't say anything. Then, "Did Nicole tell you I was here?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

"She was here just before you. I thought she'll tell you the news."

"What news?" I asked, suddenly feeling alarmed. I remembered what Nicole had told me.

Rudy looked me into eye as he spoke. "We're leaving Blue Mist. Our whole family. It's too dangerous here for now."

My mouth fell open in disbelief. "What?" I cried.

"Like I told you - the hyenas are a threat to us. We can't stay."

"But... Jake said they'll leave. That they only stay for a while."

"I know, I know," Rudy began suddenly soothingly, seeing the shocked expression on my face. "And we'll come back. Blue Mist is still our home. We'll only be gone til' they're here."

I stared at him silently, sadness washing over me. Then I stood up, walked around the table to sit down next to him. And I hugged him tightly. "At least we'll stay friends," I said so quietly it was almost a whisper. It felt like I couldn't keep tears away any longer. One of them slowly rolled down my cheek.

"I already feared it would go worse," Rudy said, hugging me back. For once I heard a little happiness in his voice. "I promise I'll be back. But one more thing." He let go and pulled back enough to look me into eye. "I'd like to know you're going to be fine during the time. I don't trust Jake much."

I tried to smile as I nodded. "I'm aware of who he is. Don't worry about me."

"Just be careful, okay?"

"I will," I promised.