(Shade is seen walking with Ava who holds onto his arm and comes up close)
Ava:.....
Shade: You uhhhh, okay?
Ava: J-Just nervous is all.
Shade: You'll be okay.
Ava: I'm just scared more people are gonna hurt me.
Shade: Hey its okay. Everyone here is friendly. And besides, I'm here. No one will hurt you while I'm around.
Ava: T-Thanks...
(The two continue forward till Ava sees something)
Ava: *Gasp* Oh there's Katlyn!
(Ava points and sees a human girl with short black hair, a white shirt, a light black jacket and a blue skirt standing and waiting)
Shade: That's Katlyn huh?
Ava: Definitely! Hey Katlyn!
(Katlyn looks over and smiles)
Katlyn: Ava! There you are!
(Ava lets go of Shade and goes forward. Katlyn runs up to her)
Katlyn: Where have you been? I've been waiting for you!
Ava: S-Sorry... I ran into some problems... Y-You remember that drunk guy I told you about?
Katlyn: You mean that asshole gang member who groped you?
Ava: Y-Yeah... H-He had friends.
Katlyn: ! Did they hurt you!? Are you all right?!
Ava: I'm fine I'm fine. *Looks at Shade* He helped me.
Katlyn: Hm?
Shade: *Waves* Hi there.
Katlyn: You helped Ava?
Shade: Yeah. No way could I stand there and let 4 guys beat up on her like that.
Katlyn: *Sighs with relief* Thank you. Ava's like a sister to me and I hate the idea of ANYONE hurting her.
Shade: Heh. I know what you mean there. I'm similar with my family.
Katlyn: Yeah, you do seem the type.
Shade: Heh.
Katlyn: So, you still hungry Ava?
Ava: Y-Yeah. I am.
Katlyn: Then let's go get something to eat.
Shade: Hey mind if I join you girls? *Holds up wallet* I'll buy.
Katlyn: Oh no you've done more then enough, that's-
Shade: Come on I insist.
Katlyn:....
Ava: *Smiles and nods*
Katlyn: Well, okay!
Shade: All right! Pick anywhere you want girls! *Thinking* Man buying for two cute girls? I can get behind this.
(Shade walks off with the two. The scene then cuts to Ghira and Amber sitting together with a few infants)
Ghira:....
(Ghira watches as the infants play around with a ball)
Ghira: So that's your ball?
Amber: Yep. I've had it since I was an infant. Let me tell you, when I was an infant, I'd go full on puppy play mode when I saw that ball.
Ghira: I can imagine so.
Amber: What was your infancy like?
Ghira: Oof, uhhh...
Amber: Yeah?
Ghira: I'd go around the house meowing and making cat noises all day until I learned to talk.
Amber:.... *Giggling* That's adorable!
Ghira: Heh. I kind of did to annoy my mom. She didn't like me acting like a full on cat cause she said we were more then just animals.
Amber: Still, sounds cute!
Ghira: Yeah.
(An infant then crawls onto Ghira's head)
???: *Cooing*
Amber: Awwww!
Ghira: You better not be up there to bite my ears little one.
Amber: Hmm? Now why would they do that?
Ghira: Eh, one of the infants around here, Anne likes to do it.
Amber: Ah.
Ghira: Yeah.
(The infant then starts playing with Ghira's ears instead)
???: *Cooing*
Amber: Aww that's even cuter!
Ghira:.... Okay I'll allow this.
Amber: You're good with kids.
Ghira: Eh not really, they just like to play with me.
???: *Cooing and start to gently pet the ears*
Ghira: Nnn...
Amber: Still adorable!
Ghira: N-Now it just feels odd.
Amber: Hey I thought cats like getting petted on the ears.
Ghira: Not me.
Amber: Ah. Well you can't say no to these little guys!
Ghira: Watch me.
(Ghira's about to reach up and grab the infant but stops)
Ghira:..... *Sighs* Never mind.
Amber: Ah see? There you go. Let the babies have they're fun.
Ghira: You like babies huh?
Amber: Oh yeah. I hope I can one day have my own liter of puppies.
Ghira: Funny. I've been thinking of raising kids of my own.
Amber: Really?
Ghira: Yep.
Amber: Well from what I've seen, I think you'd be a good daddy.
Ghira: You've only seen me let an infant play with my ears.
Amber: Yeah, but you seem patient with it.
Ghira: Because it's not biting them.
Amber: Okay how's this then? I can tell you'll be a good daddy because of my instincts.
Ghira: Hmm... Instincts huh?
Amber: Yeah. Motherly instinct that is.
Ghira: But, you're not even a mom yet.
Amber: Doesn't mean I can't prepare.
Ghira:.... Hmm... I can't argue with that.
Amber: Yep! Its never too late to prepare.
Ghira: *Looks up at the infant* ….
(Ghira grabs the infant off his head, holds it and starts to pet its head)
???: *Happy cooing*
Ghira: Awwww.
Amber: See?
Ghira: Maybe you're on to something Amber. Maybe this would be good practice. When I have some kittens.
Amber: Heh, yeah.
Ghira: *Smile*
(Ghira continues petting the infant before it cuts to Shade eating with Katlyn and Ava)
Shade: Mmmmm!
Ava: This chicken is delicious.
Katlyn: Tell me about it! You should try these French fries!
Shade: Hey let me try.
(Shade eats a couple of fries)
Shade: Mm, that IS good!
Katlyn: I know right? THis place makes the BEST fries!
Ava: Hey Shade, try this hot dog.
Shade: Hit me with it!
(Ava hands Shade the hot dog before he takes a bite)
Shade: Damn! That's amazing!
Ava: *Smiles* Yeah. I love hot dogs.
Shade: That is some good stuff right there.
Ava: Yeah. I never thought such a small piece of meat with two buns could be used to so much stuff on it.
Katlyn: Man Ava, if hot dogs are what amazed you about humans, you haven't seen anything yet. I could eat much more then that.
Ava: B-Be careful how much you eat Katlyn. You'll upset your stomach if you eat too much.
Katlyn: Oh come on Ava, I've eaten WAY more than this!
Shade: You're definitely a risk taker.
Katlyn: Oh I've have been worse.
Ava: Katlyn...
Katlyn: *Gently pats Ava's shoulder* Hey don't worry Ava. You know I wouldn't do anything to endanger you.
Ava: I'm still worried about you sometimes.
Katlyn: Aww. *Holds out arms* Come here you.
(Ava hugs Katlyn)
Katlyn: There you go!
Shade: You two close?
Katlyn: Oh yeah. Ava's like a sister to me.
Shade: You two family?
Ava: Oh n-no, no we're just very close friends.
Shade: How did you meet?
Ava: Well....
Katlyn: Found her on the streets as a baby.
Shade: Really?
Katlyn: Yep. That was... Hmm.. I think almost a year ago in fact.
Ava: Y-Yeah. K-Katlyn's always been there for me, even taking some risks for me. Which w-worries me sometimes....
Shade: Why?
Ava: She.....likes to get into trouble.
Katlyn: It was only three fist fights Ava.
Ava: One of the guys you fought was 3 times your size and you got a massive black eye in one of the fights...
Katlyn: Still beat his ass!
Shade: Jeez.
Katlyn: Surprised huh?
Shade: Kinda. Do you have any powers Katlyn?
Katlyn: Powers? Oh no, I'm not a Gifted or anything like that.
Shade: So you beat a guy 3 times your size.
Katlyn: Through pure skill and determination!
Shade: Damn! Respect girl!
Ava: *Sad moan*
Shade: You okay Ava?
Ava: I hate it when she gets like this....
Katlyn: Aww come on Ava, put that cute little smile back on your face!
Ava:...
Shade: Hey Ava. I think its very sweet how much you care.
Ava: R-Really?
Shade: Yeah. It shows you're a true friend.
Ava:... *Smiles* Thank you Shade.
Katlyn: *Pats Ava's shoulder* That's the cute smile!
(The two girls share a giggle)
Shade: *Thinking* Wow... These girls are amazing.
(Shade looks at Katlyn)
Shade: *Thinking* Katlyn. She's got no powers, yet she so brave and loyal. She'll protect her family with everything she has.
(Shade looks at Ava)
Shade: *Thinking* And Ava. She's so innocent and care-free. She wouldn't hurt a fly.
(Shade then looks at both of them)
Shade: *Thinking* These girls would be perfect. But... W-Who do I pick?
(Shade looks at Katlyn again)
Shade: *Thinking* Katlyn is human, but she's so cute, brave and strong. She's the kind of girl Yang would be proud of.
(Shade looks at Ava)
Shade: *Thinking* And Ava... She's not only super cute, but that purity, kindness, and innocence she has. I just wanna protect her.
Katlyn: Shade?
Ava: Yo, you okay?
Shade: H-Huh? O-Oh sorry. What were we saying?
Katlyn: I wanted to thank you again for protecting Ava from those thugs.
Shade: Oh that? Pffh! No problem!
Ava: Still... Thank you so much.
Katlyn: Yeah. Those guys have been causing a lot of problems lately...
Shade: Huh? Wait really?
Katlyn: Yeah. That guy who groped Ava? He was part of a criminal group that's been causing trouble in the city lately.
Shade: Criminal group...? Oooh, I think I've seen this on the news.
Katlyn: Yeah.
Shade: But they're not that big are they?
Ava: W-We don't know. They are p-pretty new, but people are already scared of them.
Katlyn: Yeah.. We've had protection rackets, death threats, they even have some cops on the pay role.
Shade: Seriously?
Katlyn: Yeah.
Shade: *Thinking* Shit, no wonder no one's called for our help.
Katlyn: It's not been fun.
Shade: Huh, kinda reminds me of a few guys I met back in Remnant. From what I heard, they were part of a gang as well.
Katlyn: Well, this one's different. And dangerous.
Ava: Y-Yeah... I'm even more worried if they come back...
Katlyn: Hey don't worry Ava. Those bastards come back, I'll kick their asses.
Ava: b-But Katlyn, what if they take you!?
Shade: W-Wait. Take you???
Katlyn: Oh right... There's a rumor of another one of these guys' crimes.
Shade: Rumor?
Katlyn: Yeah.
Shade: What kind of rumor?
Katlyn: There's a rumor going around that... These guys are kidnapping women as part of prostitution ring.
Shade: ! What?
Katlyn: Its only a rumor and I don't have any proof, but I swear I feel like people in the city are going missing...
Ava: Me to... And I don't like it...
Shade:...….
Katlyn: Well hey let's not worry about this stuff for now. Let's finish eating! Our food is getting cold.
Shade: Y-Yeah. Right.
Ava:....
Shade: *Eats a fry* Soooooo, anyone wanna lighten the mood?
Ava: Um... W-Well... I um...
Shade: What is Ava?
Ava: Well... I uh... Just remember a joke. Katlyn told me once.
Katlyn: *Gasp* Oh I remember this one! Go on tell him!
Shade: I love jokes tell me!
Ava: O-Okay. Um... How did it go....? Oh!
Katlyn: *Snicker*
Ava: So, you hear about the guy standing under the street light at night?
Shade: No?
Ava:....*Snicker* He was kinda shady.
Katlyn: HAHAHA! Get it! Shady? Cause its night?
Shade:...*Snicker* O-Okay, that's pretty good.
Katlyn: I know! It's priceless!
Ava: Y-Yeah it was pretty fun huh?
Shade: Yeah. Thanks for sharing it Ava.
(Ava smiles at Shade. The scene changes to a bit later as the 3 finish they're food)
Katlyn: Well THAT was an excellent meal.
Ava: Yeah I feel stuffed.
Katlyn: And the best part is, someone else payed for it.
Shade: Hehe, well you know.
Ava: T-Thanks Shade.
Shade: Don't mention it!
Katlyn: *Stands up and stretch* Well we better get going. Ava we'll try and make friends with other humans tomorrow.
Ava: Y-Yeah okay.
Shade: W-Wait you're leaving?
Katlyn: Yeah we're gonna head on home.
Ava: Bye Shade. T-Thank you for everything.
(The two girls start to walk off but Shade starts to look worried)
Shade: Uh... H-Hey girls wait!
Katlyn: Hm?
Ava: Yeah?
Shade; H-How about I walk you two home? You know, for safety?
Katlyn: Whoa first you save my friend, then you pay for lunch, now you wanna walk us home???
Ava: Shade r-really that's-
Shade: Listen, j-just call me paranoid but I wanna make sure you two are okay. I know you can take care of yourself Katlyn and you can protect Ava but...
Katlyn:....
Ava:... Kat? Can he come with us? Please?
Katlyn:... Eh sure what's the harm.
Shade: Alright. Thanks.
Katlyn: *Nods*
(The three leave the mall together)
TO BE CONTINUED.....