All the leaves had fallen, the decor of horror was no more. The Halloween Spirit had left no remnants in Fatemore. Birch could only sigh watching people start shopping for Christmas gifts a whole month in advance. It was one of her least favorite holidays, next to Easter with its ominous bunny mascots. She shakes the uneasy thoughts away. This pressured obsession over finding the ultimate gift was just silly.

Can’t we have some big festival on Christmas day instead of having to prove our love through our paycheck?

Winter had neared. Windows tinted in silver frost replaced the cotton cobwebs. Bins were slightly ajar from the rotting pumpkin’s peeking from the lid. Wrappers collected themselves in the small piles of the remaining autumn leaves. Fake snake’s were toppled over as cat’s rattled them like toys.

EH?

“HEY!” The cat arched as she rushed towards them in a fury. 

This posse of pussycats attempted to make away with their meal. Luckily in spite of her lack of strength she wretched the reptile out of their salivating maw. They scampered away back to the alleys of Old Fate. Cradled in her arms she cringes at the sorry state of his arm.

“Just because there are doctors doesn’t mean you don’t need to know how to tend to your own injuries. We can’t stop you from being a kid but we can prepare you for the consequences of it.” Her mother wrapped the little padding around her quivering finger. “A healthy amount of trouble will always come with a bit of pain. But the wisdom from that will stick far better than anything spoken. The most important thing is to learn the lesson the first time, or the second.” She laughs at the teary eyed  little girl. She would never stick her boogers under the chair again.

Mom would be proud to see me now. 

Exactly the way she did on Morice the Fuzzy Octopus she applied the padding and plaster coat. Her water bottle was able to clean the wound perfectly along with the alcohol from her First Aid kit. Only the slow rise of his chest assured her of hope. Once finished she neatly put away the medical supplies, thankful for her mother’s lesson. Small pebbles pricked her hands as she lifted herself off the ground. The snake curled into her chest, with her walking carefully to ensure as little discomfort as possible.

~~~

Fresh bite injuries stung under the shade of the looming maple. Darkness cleared from his visions he takes in the trauma. Though not visible bruises and sore spots ached under her scales. The worst of it was his one arm, now held in a makeshift sling with something written on it. He may have not known how to read but he quickly deduced whose from the little face doodled next to it.

“Birch?”

The freckled girl huffed before allowing herself to visibly relax. “Yay. I still know how to do it.”

She was beaming with pride. He hated to interrupt but his question needed an answer.

His accent slipped, “Whatsssss~… happened?”

“Some cat must have gotten the jump on you because they were in the process of trying to eat you alive.” He groaned. How could his muscles not be enough to take on some house cat. Then again he had not found enough protein rich meals as of late.

“Want me to escort you home? Doesn’t seem safe to let you go alone.”

Shame washed over him. He could not bear to humiliate himself further.

“No.”

With that he pathetically crawled out of her cradling arms. Using his other buff arm, he pulls himself to his little feet. Standing was a struggle, with every attempt brought new pain coursing through his body. Birch watched on as he persisted in getting back up on his little lizard legs. It was the five minute mark when she finally helped him to stand. He was wobbling as he bluffed his dignified posture. Though the second he took a single step he face-planted into the pavement. She sighed.

“Just let me take you home. You should be brumating by now. Not nearly becoming some stray cat's afternoon snack.”

“Well there is no point since there is no home to return to.” 

She asked him to elaborate.

Reluctantly he guided her to what once was his previous place of residence. Even from their distance she could see the problem. His home, a dog house crudely built by local kids, had become an overcrowded cat colony. And from how some of them were pregnant she didn’t dare get closer. 

She could call animal control about this but they are already being overwhelmed with the stray problem of Old Fate as is. Even local animal activist groups have been having trouble taking in more animals. So it would be up to Lady luck if they would even deal with the problem soon enough.

Not to mention more cats would likely come back.

“We need to move you somewhere safer.”  The snake turned at ‘We’. “Well you have found just the right person for the job.”

She grabs out her phone, already pinging potential new spots to live. The snake however stretches himself over to look, “This isn’t necessary Miss Barker. None of thisss~ is of your concern,” he turns off the phone, “ You must have other things to attend to.”

She gave him a tender smile, “If I’m here there is nothing else better to do.” She playfully leaned her head into her hand, “Besides, do you really think those noodle legs of yours can last? Let me help you find a new home.”

“No one knows the landscape of this place better than me. Think of me as your personal real estate agent for today.” Birch puts him on the ground as she moves things around in her backpack. Then she picks him up again before getting him comfortable inside. Attempting to fight it was fruitless. His head now peaked out from the backpack, hiding his abnormal qualities perfectly.

“Ready to do some house hunting Sicily?” He gave his best impression of a shoulder shrug. Can’t argue if I’m already in here. Birch hoisted the bag on, with Sicily catching a whiff of her citrus scented hair. The freckled girl marched on, ready to add house hunting for a snake to her bucket list. 

~~~

As they were already here she started the tour off in Old Fate. With how little most people are wandering it would be much easier for him to keep out of sight. Though broken beer bottles, dead grass and crumbling storefronts did not make for very lovely scenery. That didn’t mean there was no beauty to be found. Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder after all.

And there was one location that came to mind. She knew she was close when the sound of running water was echoing ahead. There’s rumors of ghosts that haunt these grounds. However they sound pretty nice with how they offer the homeless blankets during the colder seasons. Maybe Sicily can help prove that theory.

“You want me to live under a bridge. Like one of those fairytale trolls~?”

River Fate was the only river that ran through the city. Above the bridge was used for passing cars and pedestrians in the past. It was once a popular spot to have a picnic with family and friends. But as more things arrived the local spot lost its appeal. Despite this the area is surprisingly well maintained, free from any trash. Something very little areas in Old Fate can brag about.

She laughed, “Sorta. Nothing against you. Just thought you might enjoy the serenity.” Sicily did not look convinced.

Placing both the backpack and herself to the ground she demonstrates. With one hand to her ear she leans close to the running stream. Aside from the distant police sirens along with the occasional caw it was very peaceful. The only smell was of wet grass and briskness of the cool air. With the mildew dampening her jeans it was nice to just take it all in. Peaking at Sicily he appeared to agree as well, eyes closed. 

She squints.

Nevermind. He‘s just napping.

Opening his eyes later again he finds the sun had traveled a small amount across the overcasted sky. The humming of water ensured they hadn’t moved an inch. Sicily sucked in a breath. Her neon pink scarf had draped down low enough to see it. Dainty fingers rubbed the large bruise around her thin neck. She peeked over only to notice Sicily awake. Before he could inquire the girl deflected with discussions of the next spot.

She made sure to increase the coverage to the next few areas in Old Fate. Their walk had them exploring the crevices of shut down shops. She explained the histories of each, and their significance to the town. While also ensuring he never got to ask further about her own injuries. However he was getting less and less interested.

“-Kind of sad they died from the fire. Bet all that sawdust in their lungs made for good-”

“I don’t want to live here.”

Birch stopped her tangent, “Well there are plenty of other areas in-”

“Not in Old Fate,” he groaned,  "it is far too quiet.”

Birch raised a brow, “Too quiet?”

“I guess it would be more accurate to say it's too boring. There is barely a soul. Aside from the cats, dogs, birds and homeless folk. The world's a stage, should we not enjoy the life present in it?”

“Oh! So it is the action you want! Well I know just where to look, though it might be harder to find something there.” Sure it was more lively but there were also other animals who may find him appetizing. She wouldn't let him down though. Pushing those thoughts aside she just focuses on the first few spots that come to mind.

“To Fatemore Central!”