• It was a dull and dreary day in the town of Barton. Ian was busy checking his inventory and stocking shelves with newly designed shirts and jeans, as he was humming to himself and thinking about Sasha. He was worried about her all the way in the Gambino Isles, and hoped she was safe. Rufus lingered before the windowsill, his chin pressed in his paws as he watched the rain pelt and trickle down the glass before him. He sighed as he looked out, watching a few people dash across the street into the rain, "Ian, I'm hungry and I want some fish." He whined and looked at his tummy that growled at him. He moaned and gave Ian those teary, pouting eyes.
    "I know buddy, but we can't leave the town yet. You remember what Leon said. We're not safe with those Animated running about. Barton of few other towns is one of the safest and the guards are doing their best to keep them out. Besides that, Logan hadn't even opened up the Bass'ken Lake since the Olympics ended. We'll just have to live with what we have." Ian huffed, feeling terrible for his feline friend. "I'm real sorry about that Rufus. I wish I could get you some fish." Rufus' stomach growled again and he pawed at it, a look of irritation coming to his face.
    "It's all their fault...stupid Animated. Why do all the bad things have to happen to us?!" he demanded and leapt down on the floor, digging around in the cupboard for some dry cat food.
    "I don't know Rufus and I can never understand it, but remember, we're not the only ones. Sasha and Liam...heck, everyone could be in danger. Who knows what sorts of Animated are running a muck. I just really hope Sasha is okay. I haven't heard from her at all since the first attacks. Even Agatha couldn't get a hold of Edmund and she's just as worried."
    "I'm sure they can all handle themselves, I just want some fish!" Rufus dug his paw into a bag of cat food and stuffed his face with the crunchy bits, "This cat food with fish flavoring doesn't cut it!" Ian couldn't help but smile at Rufus and shook his head, "Soon Rufus, we'll get you some fish. I promise." Ian turned back, staring into a box that held a couple wreaths of flowers, "And I hope to see Sasha again too..."