Kira's eyes snapped open.

  The house around her was quiet, only the slow breathing of her mother, lying close by on the bed in the guest room. To the side Nala sat by the window, moonlight giving her fur a beautiful radiance as she kept a watchful over the back garden and surrounding properties. Kira marvelled inwardly that waking to find a tiger-sized black cat guarding her sleep felt perfectly normal. She wished all her friends were here to talk with and show the cats off to – they would be amazed by the beautiful creatures, how she could speak to them, tell them to do things – and some of the tricks that she hadn't shown anyone yet.

  Kira's social circle was small, a close group of several friends, of which she and Lara were the ringleaders – of mischief and 'sensible' activities both. Both had a confidence beyond their years, though maturity was definitely struggling to keep up and looked like it might give up the race and just try not to get completely lost before the finishing line. They had walked to school together, made grandiose plans for later life, and generally engaged in all the silliness and flights of fancy that pre-teens found entertaining, that life hadn't led them to grow out of yet.

  All that seemed so far away now.

  Lara's family was gone, with brutal suddenness. She had cried herself to sleep as Arlee stroked her hair, feeling true loss for the first time. Lara's parents had always been welcoming, her younger brother a funny and amiable addition to their play. She had been too young to properly understand the passing of Matt's parents, and hadn't directly witnessed much of the terrible first night after the Event – 'the weirdness' as her dad was prone to calling it. Burying herself in the fascinating secrets that her book revealed at the turn of every new page had insulated her to an extent, letting her treat the new way of things as more of a lesson than a personal experience.

  She was unhappy at the restrictions she had to work under and would have gone crazy were it not for her book, and the adorable giant kittens. They treated her like a combination of princess to be entertained, playmate, and VIP to be protected. They romped around the two houses, play fighting, playing hide and seek (which they always seemed to win – they were obviously cheating!) and nudging her for strokes and scratches. When she was allowed outside, it was like a switch flicked inside them; whichever pair were closest appearing at her side and making her feel untouchable, invincible. She felt safer even than with her dad and Uncle Al, even with their magical toys being pretty OP.

  Bringing her mind back to the present, she wondered what had woken her. Yawning widely, she turned to look at Arlee whose slow, even breathing meant she was probably deep asleep, and unlikely to be the cause of her waking. Easing up off the bed and wrapping a spare blanket around herself she padded over to Nala, draping an arm around the slender shoulders of her feline protector and looking out the window.

  "Did you see anything girl?" She whispered, raising a hand to scratch behind Nala's ears, the way she loved. A low purr rumbled around the room and the long black tail flicked back and forth at the pleasurable sensation. Nala's attention did not waver though, fixated outside into the moonlit nightscape.

  "You stay here and watch out for Mum, okay girl?" Kira whispered, giving a flicking ear one last scratch. "Hassara".

  The glittering eyes turned from the window to regard her at this request, blinking once as if in response before gracefully padding over to the bed and lying down next to Arlee's slumbering form. Nala's head lay down on her paws, eyes barely open.

  Kira padded softly to the door and down the stairs, pausing at the door to the living room, to listen and make sure she had not woken anyone. Hearing nothing she tiptoed inside, pausing to stroke Dragon, who kept watch at the front window. He nuzzled back into her hand, but as with Nala upstairs, did not remove his gaze from the view of the front yard and road.

  Matt laid on a camping mattress where he had fallen to sleep early in the evening. Snoring gently, his face held hints of sadness. Maybe a bad dream about yesterday Kira thought as she turned her gaze to her friend.

  Laying on the sofa, sheet in a tangle, Lara's face had relaxed slightly from the unconscious grimace she had worn when arriving at the house the day before. Either from the more comfortable surroundings, the soup and water they had managed to coax into her, or a blessed respite from traumatic memory, she lay quiet and still. It could have been just another sleepover, after watching movies, playing games and giggling uncontrollably at nothing at all.

  Kneeling down, Kira reached out and smoothed back her friend's hair, then took her hand and sat there for a while, giving the only comfort she could at that moment. She had expected to feel such joy, but the circumstances that brought the two of them back together were too horrific to celebrate.

  "I'll take care of you La'." Kira whispered, squeezing the hand she was holding. "You'll be safe here, and…"

  Her voice cut off as a brief scuffle sounded outside the window, fading to silence as she whirled to look outside. Standing and moving to where Dragon had half-risen, before settling back into the familiar watchful, relaxed posture.

  Reassured that this meant danger was not imminent, Kira strained her ears, but nothing could be heard. Creeping forward to peer cautiously around the bunched curtains, she could just make out another of the cats, lying in the front yard, occasionally lifting a paw and batting gently at something on the ground.

  It'll be fine if I just check what's happening Kira justified to herself, leaning forward and slowly undoing the window latch, before cracking it open to let in the chill night air, and a curious sound.

  Moonlight played over the front yard, showing a relaxed Lion, white forepaws occasionally lifting or swiping, like last year when he had caught a mouse. He had spent a fascinated five minutes gently corralling and restraining the terrified tiny animal, before lifting a paw and watching it scamper away into the grass. Although too dark to see any detail, Kira could see that whatever was struggling under Lion's paws was a lot larger than a mouse, but totally helpless against the much larger feline.

  Muffled sounds were quietly audible under Lion's smothering, but as he toyed with his prey, Kira caught snatches of sound.

  "…mmmm mmmmm MMMMMM! Mmm mmm …et me go, you great brute! I'll have you know that I… mmmm mmm MMM MMM MMM! Mmm… ean it, when my mistress hears of… mmmm, mmm mmm mmm… for a rug!"

  In spite of the day's events, Kira couldn't hold back a giggle. Lion turned toward her, head cocked as if to question her interruption, or whatever cats think when a human isn't where they are expected to be. His prisoner continued to struggle and mutter muffled imprecations, but was unable to break free.

  "Lion, that's enough. Kish." She whispered, careful not to wake her father and friend in the room behind her. "Bring it here."

  Lion blinked, before rising to his feet, leaning down to grip the struggling visitor in great jaws, before turning and depositing the squirming package in Kira's outstretched hands. Too late, Kira's brain started to consider that maybe just because something could speak, did not necessarily mean it was kind, or friendly, and she started to pull back. As soon as the soft, comfortable skin of the small complainer touched her hands though, she was strangely reassured that this was not a danger, and she slowly drew it through the window, flinching slightly at the cold and wet feet pressed into her palm.

  "Hush now, you're safe. Stay quiet while I make some light." She whispered, carefully feeling her way out of the room toward the kitchen, as the soft, but strangely fragmented skin rustled against hers. She was very familiar with the house, so moved confidently even without a light, swiftly regretting the decision as a skulking chair sprang a dastardly ambush on an unsuspecting big toe, prompting a groan. Hobbling to the table, Kira put down her passenger and felt around with one hand until she found the light patch, her eyes adjusting as the radiance slowly revealed the room.

  Her eyes widened in delight at the sight of the scuffed, sodden, but intact Oswald. Bedraggled from the chill night air and his unfortunate encounter with Lion, Oswald looked thoroughly miserable, but perked up as Kira somehow managed to simultaneously squeal and whisper in delight.

  "Oswald! I'm so happy you got here! We were so worried when you didn't arrive with Dad and La' yesterday – did you get lost?" Her voice fell in awed fascination. "Did you get attacked, and valiantly escape?"

  "I beg your pardon dear lady, but you seem to know me. Your eyes are quite enchanting – which I certainly would remember – but I know you not." His small face was oddly expressive as he studied her curiously.

  "Of course you know me – I've seen you lots of times! I've… oh wait, you weren't alive then, were you? How long have you been alive? I've known La' for years, we've played with you for so long. So you couldn't see or hear us – before… you know, the thing?"

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  Understanding, clarity, comprehension – all these things described what Oswald wasn't experiencing. His jaw gaped slightly as if trying to decide which question to answer first. An adorable little curl of smoke drifted upwards from a nostril toward the ceiling.

  "I guess that maybe you wouldn't be able to see or hear us at all, before it all happened." Kira continued, in her delight oblivious to the storm of confusion she was inflicting upon the poor, shivering dragon. "Well, it's very nice to meet you. Again. The alive you I mean. La' will be so happy!"

  "My lady, please! I am but a servant and friend to my mistress, whom I have searched for this long night. I was following an esteemed lord known as 'Mr T'. He valiantly rescued my mistress, vanquished a mighty serpent and sped away on a strange contraption. Alas, my vaunted wing-speed was not enough to keep up with his lightning movement, and I lost their trail somewhere in this street. Please tell me, do you know of this 'Mr T', and where I might find him? I must hasten to my mistress' side."

  Kira's joy was building as Oswald's impassioned dialogue entranced her. It was so like the pretend 'knight in shining armour' voice that Lara used to put on whenever his input was needed in a conversation. It was nostalgically familiar to her, a reminder of a time before monsters, magic and fear. She swept up Oswald in her arms and hugged him - only then realising just how cold and wet he was - as the front of her blanket absorbed the moisture.

  "Oh you poor thing! Here, let's get you warm." She said, hurriedly unwrapping the blanket from around her shoulders and encasing his shivering form. Careful not to bend his wings or clawed legs, she sat and settled him in her lap, rubbing gently. After a few seconds, a curious almost-purr could be heard, before Oswald remembered himself and restored proper decorum with a cleared throat.

  "My heartfelt thanks, my lady. I feel much recovered. Now, as to my question…?"

  Kira grinned, taking a moment to formulate a whispered response. "Rejoice, brave sir… dragon, for your quest is at an end. The valiant Mr T – my father - doth… lie in the next room, recovering from his struggles in the defence of your mistress, who likewise slumbers therein." She paused and replayed the sentence in her mind, happy with how it had gone.

  Oswald's eyes grew wide, and he bowed his head respectfully. "Your father? Then you are Miss Kira! Finally, it is good to once again converse with a bearer of civilised speech. May we hasten to my mistress now, that I may comfort her in this time of great sadness? Also, what of the fearsome beast that accosted me outside this dwelling? The speed of its attack was tru….yikes!"

  A surprised yelp left Oswald's mouth, ringing around the kitchen, as a large feline head poked over the edge of the table and regarded him evenly, head cocked to one side. Apparently satisfied with what had been beheld, Oli's white-spotted chin disappeared back below the table and Kira felt him brush past her on his way toward the back door, where he disappeared into the shadow of the curtains.

  "Sshhhh!" Kira frantically whispered, falling silent as Oswald obediently did likewise. There was a creak of bedsprings from upstairs, but nothing further, and she let out the relieved breath she had been holding.

  "Don't worry, they're friends. It was just a misunderstanding with Lion outside – he probably thought you were a monster sneaking around the house. They're very protective of us you know. I can talk to them, they do things that I tell them, and once they know you're a friend, they won't bother you anymore."

  "I shall trust your word, my lady." The small dragon said, still looking nervously into the shadows where Oli had disappeared. He wriggled out of the blanket, shook out both wings and leapt into the air, landing gently on her shoulder. "Though maybe I shall stay here – with your permission, of course."

  Kira nodded, a wide grin giving away the elation she felt at the new friend. The light from the patch made returning to the living room and it's sleeping guests much easier, and they paused in the doorway, looking into the moon-dappled room. She pointed to one, then the other.

  "There is Mr T. He's resting after getting back here so quickly. He used to be a lot faster, but he's getting old and apparently that makes being fast more difficult."

  "And there is La' – your mistress, Lara – La' is what I call her. She's my best friend. We're more like sisters really. I think I need to be a good friend and sister to her, now that she has lost everyone else." Kira finished sombrely, tears forming in her eyes.

  A small snout, softly pointed and quite warm, nuzzled her cheek. "I think we shall both do what we can to help her find joy once again. Not even the blackest night lasts past the dawn."

  The pair looked down on Lara, no more words necessary as both silently vowed to be the best friend ever to the sleeping girl. After a while, Oswald cleared his throat quietly, a puff of smoke burping out.

  "Do you think I might stay with my mistress tonight, Miss Kira? It may be that my presence brings her a measure of comfort and eases her dreams."

  "We both will Oswald. And when she wakes, we'll let her know that she is safe and with friends." Kira replied, gently placing Oswald down by her friend's side. She quietly went back to the kitchen, grabbed a couple of blankets and returned, wrapping herself in them before folding into the empty armchair. One of the cats emerged from behind the chair, nuzzled her feet briefly, before laying down on the floor. Kira smiled, and sleep came quickly.

  " 'Ra?"

  The softly spoken voice roused Kira from her dreamless slumber, brain getting up to speed as eyes blinked in the bright early morning sun. Her dad's soft snoring rumbled on, and her feet had settled into the soft black fur of her night-time protector.

  She looked across the room and met Lara's eyes, open and regarding her curiously. Her arms had gathered Oswald into an embrace, and a light, regular whistling answered the age-old question of whether magical sentient plushy dragons slept.

  " 'Ra." Lara repeated, as if using the name to focus scattered thoughts and make sense of unfamiliar surroundings. "Where are we? I had the most awful… the most…"

  Her voice trailed off and face paled. Mouth gaped as if unable to breath, face twisting in pain so pure as to stop everything, as the last few days of blurred terror and loss came crashing down. As the shrill scream began, Kira was rushing across the room to wrap her in a tight embrace, doing her best to hold her together as the shriek faded to a strangled, choking sob.

  Footsteps slammed down the stairs, but neither girl heard the urgent queries before they fell silent as Alan, Carry and Arlee watched in sympathetic silence from the doorway, Matt struggling stiffly to sit up. Lara's voice wailed out once more, all the fear, the pain, the terrible loss manifesting in a haunting keen.

  No one spoke, nor moved more than necessary to hold each other in the face of such sorrow. Eventually, Lara's wails softened into sobs, all energy gone, arms wrapped around Kira and Oswald and head buried in her friend's shoulder. Kira's voice was now audible, speaking softly into Lara's ear, words of comfort, of safety, of love and companionship. Arlee moved over and knelt down by her daughter's side, reaching out a trembling hand to stroke Lara's hair gently.

  "Lara? Love? We are all here for you, we won't let anything happen to you. You're safe here with us." She followed Kira's lead, repeating her words, stroking the girl's hair softly as the sobs faded, exhaustion finally eclipsing even the heart-wrenching grief. Falling back onto the sofa, Lara closed her eyes, breathes slowing into a troubled sleep once more. One arm held Oswald, and the other had a vice-like grip on Kira's hand. The girl and the dragon shared a sorrowful glance, before both laid their heads down next to Lara's, determined not to leave her side.

  Arlee remained kneeling for a few more seconds before a hand tapped her on the shoulder. Carry gestured for the adults to leave the room and they followed her to the kitchen, where they grabbed glasses of water and opened a pack of biscuits. They sat wordlessly for a moment, before Carry spoke.

  "How is your leg, Matt?"

  He stretched it out a few times, steeling himself in anticipation, but once again Carry had performed miracles. He pulled shorts up slightly to show pale, unburned skin, where yesterday had been red, weeping blisters.

  "It feels as good as new! A bit stiff, but even that isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Where were you for my entire sporting life Carry? I could have used this treatment after every match!"

  She smiled, somewhat sadly. "I wish this had been possible all those years. Think of all I could have done with it at the hospital, not just to all the boys playing rough games voluntarily."

  Looking up, she nodded toward the front room, now silent. "As horrible as it sounds, that was a good indicator that Lara should make a recovery from the whole experience, although it won't be quick or easy. Acknowledging the grief and expressing it means that she has not compartmentalised it, not shut it away like a bad dream, which would just make everything worse later on."

  "What we need to do now is make sure that she feels supported, as safe as we can possibly make her. I assume that the dragon in there was Oswald?" Matt nodded. "Good, it… he will be a foundation for her, along with Kira – they are what she knows best. It's up to the rest of us to ensure that nothing resembling a threat gets anywhere near her, and then we work to gradually reintroduce her to normal days. As normal as they can be now, anyway."

  "What sort of thing can we do?" Alan asked gruffly. The big man liked to put on a tough exterior, but he was no more immune to such pure grief then the next man who secretly cried when a dog died in a movie.

  "We can distract her." Matt piped up. "There is so much new in the world, with some genuine marvels, we can show her the good stuff."

  "Yes…" Carry said cautiously. "…but not too much and not too quickly. A big dose of normal will help more than introducing impossibilities, no matter how wondrous. Some of your patches will be good Matt. We need more water, heat – not fire – and light. Those are all gentle effects that we need so we can do more normal things like washing, cleaning, evening activities and the like. Those gentle introductions will go hand in hand with simple stuff like folding laundry, growing veggies, reading a book."

  The others nodded, Carry was – well, the closest they had to an expert – and they were happy to follow that guidance.

  "What can we do about the cats?" Alan asked. "They go everywhere and I'm pretty sure after what she went through, anything resembling a not-normal animal might set her right off again."

  Carry thought for a moment. "They'll be impossible to avoid for long, so we'll explain them to her, introduce them one at a time, show her that they are friendly. We need to find out how Kira is doing with that hissing language she is learning – maybe she can make them understand to be ultra-gentle when they meet Lara for the first time."

  "I know this has taken priority now." Matt spoke up. "But we also need to keep our eyes on the bigger problem – that nest of rats. We've got all that poison, so we need a prep area which won't let the cats get to it by accident, and a plan on how we are going to use it."

  "We're going to need help." Alan said, slightly morosely. "And if the people who are left are anything like those two muppets living in a dreamworld, or the old codger drinking himself to death, we're going to need a lot of it."