Of Sentience and Predator

A9: Side Effects

As mentioned last time, this is posted today because I don't want to post on Christmas. Once A10 is posted on Dec 31, 2021, there might be a small hiatus so I can finish up season B, then I will resume posting at normal on Saturdays.

The woman put a thermometer under Gwen's tongue, EightEight standing near the door. A few seconds passed before the thermometer beeped and the orange haired woman took it out. She looked at it as Kevin, Ben, and an odd tiger-human hybrid looked towards the room from the hallway.

The orange haired woman then said, "Gwen here is running a fever."

EightEight nodded as Gwen shivered. She then signed, 'Thank you for your help.'

"It's nothing," the woman smiled, putting the thermometer to the side. "Just make sure she gets enough water and rest."

"Thank you, Miss Gatti," Gwen shifted before wrapping the blanket around herself.

"Dear, I already told you to call me Tora," Miss Gatti smiled, ruffling Gwen's hair. The Omnitrix wielder squawked slightly as Tora walked towards the door.

The hybrid gathered up the oddly decorated cards and dice, slipping them back into the box they came from. "Thanks for playing Clawsnatch with me," the hybrid said, smiling a toothy smile at them.

"No problem, Ani," Kevin smiled.

"Alien card game that's like Go Fish but not. Huh," Ben just commented.

"When we see each other again, can you show me what Go Fish is?" Ani asked. Ben nodded as he and Kevin stood up from the floor.

EightEight nodded at Tora, causing her to nod back. "If the fever gets worse, tell me so I can get her some medicine from storage. I tell you, we're running out and need a resupply for medicines," Tora noted. EightEight nodded again. Tora stepped out of the room and said, "Ani, are you ready?"

"I am, mama," Ani nodded before putting the box in his mouth and leaping towards her.

Tora almost immediately grabbed him, taking the box from his mouth and scolding, "What did your father say about running bare-handed?"

"Not to..." Ani whimpered.

Tora dropped him, dropping the box in his hands. "I won't tell Malice about this, but be careful, sweety," Tora stated.

"I will, mama," Ani sighed, standing up. Tora and Ani then left, the hybrid waving goodbye at Ben and Kevin as they did so.

-()-

His fragile wings flickered as he landed on the ground between two buildings. Clancy lowered the orange members before unfolding his trench coat and putting it on. The wings shifted under the trench coat, but it was better than having them out. His pale blue skin already gave it away. A cicada screech ringed through the air and he reached his mind out to it.

A few seconds passed before a small swarm of cicadas flew before him. He counted the number in the swarm. Twenty, good enough.

"Go, my friends, find me a place to stay," Clancy commanded. Soon after, the cicadas scattered.

-(...)-

"Hey, Sister EightEight?" Ben started, causing the Sotoraggian to look over from where she stood.

"Yes?" she gurgled, walking closer. Gwen had moved to what amounted to a couch, claiming it was more comfy. Kevin and Ben sat near the couch, playing a card game EightEight heard them call Trash.

"Can you tell us more about the aliens we can transform into?" Ben asked. Gwen perked up slightly at that, but then snuggled into the blankets. Kevin stopped shuffling the cards and raised a brow.