The grind of gravel under Kas’ boots crunched. Ginger walked along side her and they both approached a small group of children in the distance.

“What the fuck are we doin’ goddamn Community Service for? We’re not fuckin’ inmates, are we?” Kas groaned as she dragged along.

Ginger let out a deep sigh. “Because Mr. Fish--, Jackson assigned us a job. I for one am look--.”

“Are you always this chipper? Can’t ya just complain about… anything, just for once?” Kas complained as she glared at her partner. “Besides, why the hell do Pixiedust and Dako get to have all the fun. Jacko sent gave us… US, of all people, the therapy job.”

“What you see as chipper, I see as motivated. Let’s just get the job done, alright?” Ginger demanded.

“Fiiiine.” Kas replied and took a deep breath. "Jacko said they would be right outside when we got here. Let's go see the rugrats." She straighten up her posture and smiled as they walked up to the group of kids.

A group of four kids sat on a bench outside of the social services office. Kas pulled down her hood and smiled at them. Most stared down at the concrete sidewalk but one look back at her. A half-hearted smile was on her face as she weakly waved. The look in her pale grey-blue eyes took Kas by surprise. It reminded her... of herself. Death, loss, and internal agony pulsed through her. The misery was poor disguised as Kas knelt in front of her.

"Hey, munchkin. What's eatin' you?" Kas asked. The girl's eyes widened for a moment but drooped back so their original depressed sag.

"Hello. I'm Maggie," she answered but leaned forward and gripped Kas' hand surprisingly tight. She pulled her in close and whispered. "I don't really wanna upset the others by saying it. Is that okay?" she said but released Kas' hand and pulled away.

"It's okay if you don't want to mention what happened. You can call me Kas and this cookie is Ginger. " Kas said as she point back with her thumb. Ginger smiled and quickly waved at the girl.

"What good will talking about it do anyways, huh Mags?" One of the boys growled. "It won't change that my parents are dead."

Maggie shushed him and held her finger to her lips. "Stop it, Arthur! You are gonna upset Emily and Michael."

"Who freaking cares? Look at them. They aren't gonna feel any worse." He whined.

Kas locked eyes with hil with a harsh glare and suddenly he went silent. "Okay then let's just say it. Your family's were killed by monsters. Monsters are real. What does that mean for you?" She snapped, never dropping her stare on him.

"Kas! What are you doing?" Ginger shouted in surprise.

"Chill out, Cookie. Just fuc--, just trust me goddamnit." Kas barked back, still holding her eyes forward.

"Alright, fine then."

"So, what is it kid? What does all that mean to you?" Kas asked.

The boy's fear was evident and he stared silently for a moment before tears began to roll down his cheeks. "My family is gone! I'm alone! What am I supposed to do?"

Kas leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him, letting him sob into her shoulder. "Look here Arthur." she said and looked into his tear stained eyes, "You don't look very alone. You got Maggie, and Emily and Michael, right? Why don't you all stick together? Having friends makes things easier, kid."

“But--”

“No buts. Family don't end in blood. You need to learn that sooner rather than later,” she explained and ruffled his hair between her fingers.

“Are you guys hungry? What do ya say? Let’s all go get some lunch.” Ginger said and all the kids perked up, giving her a wide smile. Even Kas grinned as the kids all jumped up.

“Yeah, let's get some grub. Where do you kiddos want? Anything you want.” Kas announced.

“Pizza!”

“Nachos!”

“Burgers!”

“Crawfish!” All four shouted together.

“I heard burgers, let's go. You guys ride in Ginger’s car, I’ll meet you all there on my bike.” Kas replied.

“Where are we even going?” Ginger asked.

“Who asked for burgers?”

“Me.” Emily said as she shyly raised her hand.

“Where is your favorite burger?” Kas asked as she knelt down to face her.

“Really anywhere will do. I like all the places around here.” She replied.

“But where is your favorite place to get a burger?” Kas asked and held both of Emily’s hands together.

“Uh… I think… if i had to pick, I think Zach & Dave’s has the best burgers.”

“Hell yeah. Good pick, Em. Zach & Dave’s is the best thing about coming to America.” Kas claimed as she tugged Emily along with her.

They jogged toward Kas’ bike and Emily stopped in her tracks the moment she saw it. Her eyes bounced up and down as she watched Kas mount up.

“C’mere. You can use Izzy’s helmet.” Kas plopped the clearly too big helmet on the girl’s head and pulled the straps tight. “I think that’ll do, won’t it Em?” She asked as she pulled her onto the bike behind her. “Just hold on tight, okay? I'm serious. Don’t let go.” With those words, Emily wrapped her arms around Kas’ waist tight as a vice. Kas flinched slightly, surprised at the girls strength. The other kids piled into Ginger's car and Kas led them out of the parking lot. Emily held on very well as Kas sped down the road. She made sure not to go too fast with a kid riding with her but her inner speed demon couldn't help but to push those limits.

It wasn't long before she found the nearest Z & D's. Kas parked Rosy out front and smiled when she felt Emily's grip weaken.

"Are we there?" The small girl asked.

"Take a whiff. Do you smell that?" Kas asked in reply.

Emily sniffed hard into the air and instantly released Kas. "Oh yes! We definitely are." Emily announced as she quickly jumped from the back of the bike. A moment later Ginger pulled up and parked next to them. All three kids poured out of the car and surrounded Emily. They all babbled incoherently but Kas could see they were jealous about her riding on the motorcycle.

Ginger stepped out of her car and smiled at them. "Alright kids, if you are hungry, get inside." She announced and without a second word, they all straightened up and followed Kas and Ginger in.

With a mountain of greasy food piled on the table in the booth seat, all five of them stuffed their faces. Kas and Ginger both sat back and paused their feast as they watched all three kids have their first foodgasm. A notification chimed on Kas’ phone. It was a text from Jackson.

[From Jacko - So, how’s it going with the kids?]

[To Jacko - I just gave them enough saturated fat to put an army into cardiac arrest. I think they’ll be alright.]

[From Jacko - Good, Good. I’m glad you guys are having a good time.]

[From Jacko - If everything is under control over there… would you be able to meet with me? I gotta talk to you in person about something.]

[To Jacko - Right-o. What’s the address?]

[From Jacko - Tackle and Bait shop, down on the docks.]

[To Jacko - I’ll let Ginger know and be right over. 15 mins tops.]

[From Jacko - I know how you drive, see ya in 10.]

[To Jacko - Challenge accepted. be there in 8.]

Kas turned and faced her currently partner. “Yo, Cookie. Get these kids some dessert and take ‘em back to the office. Jacko needs to meet up with me,” she spat out, slipping out from the bench seat.

“Uh yeah, sure thing, Kas… Everything okay?” Ginger replied.

“Yeah it's all good, but I’m on the clock.” Kas answered as she quickly threw a wad of money onto the table in front of Ginger. “That oughta cover everythin’. Later kiddos, enjoy.”

“Bye, Kas.” All three said in unison. Emily ducked under the table and dashed over everyone’s feet. She burst out and wrapped her arms around Kas’ waist

“Thank you so much.” Emily said, her voice muffled as her face is smashed into Kas’ stomach.

Kas flinched slightly but quickly smiled, hugging her back. “It’s alright, Em. Don’t be thankin’ me. Just enjoy the food and stick close to your friends. That's all the thanks I need but now I really need to go kiddos. Byyyye.” She replied and spun on her heel, booking it for the door.

She hopped onto the bike and skipped putting her helmet on as she revved the engine to life. Kas cranked the throttle and sped out of the parking lot. Her mind raced just as fast as Rosy. The sights in this town blurred as she zipped around and eventually parking at the docks near the edge of town. Jacksons matte black beater of a car was parked nearby so she hopped off her bike and stepped out onto the moderately busy wood dock. Jackson sat at the edge, his feet dangling in the water. She walked up behind him and smirked.

"What's up, Jacko?" She asked.

He quickly pulled his feet from the water and stood up, facing her. "Oh hey, Kassie. Ready to go fishing?"

She raised her eyebrow and grinned. "I'm always ready, but is this what you wanted to talk about?"

"Not entirely. Let's shove off and talk on the water. We need a little privacy." He explained as he stepped into the small motor boat hitched to the dock post. Without a second word, Kas hopped in and sat down at the front and stared back at him.

He pull started the kicker motor and hummed to life. He drove her upstream to a nice little island in the middle of the river.

"Where are we, Jacko?" She asked but couldn't help cracking a smile.

He stepped out of the boat and reached for her. "I'd really rather show you." He said and she grabbed his hand, stepping from the boat onto the sandy shore. He led her to the other side of the island where a blanket was laid out with a basket. A couple of lawn chairs and fishing poles were set up nicely closer to the shoreline.

"What the fuck is this? You even got one of those cliche red and white checkered blankets. Is this one of your famous fishnics?" She asked, pleased and grinning from ear to ear.

"Sure is, Kassie. Why don't we take a seat and catch some dinner." He replied, softly smiling back at her. A moment later they sat down and casted their lines.

"So, I did invite you out here for more than fishing." He said.

"Spit it out already. I'm dyin' to know." She demanded.

Jackson chuckled at her. "I want to make you our team's first captain. We have a mission tomorrow and I want you at the top of your game." He explained.

Kas remained silent for a moment bjt eventually found the words. "W-what, Jacko? You want me to lead?"

"Yes I do. I've seen what you accomplished with Ginger and it's amazing. Ginger has been so closed out and quiet for the past few months but you have really helped her open up." He answered.

"I punched her in the face and we started talking. I haven't done much." Kas said.

Jackson sighed and chuckled again. "You have done far more than that, Kassie. That one punch wouldn't have the same impact from anybody else. You are special in more ways than one but regardless, I have assigned you a job. It's up to you to complete it." He explained. Kas nodded at him bit remained silent as she felt a tug on her line.

"There was one other thing--" he began to say but his phone chimed, interrupting him. "Oh wow, it's Chris. I haven't talked to him since… ah well nevermind." He looked over to Kas and frowned. "Sorry, Kassie. I gotta cut this short. I need to go talk to an old friend." Kas returned her face to her normal scowl but nodded to him. They stood up and reeled into their lines. Kas quickly picked up the blanket and basket as Jackson carried the fishing gear and chairs to the boat. The ride back was silent but Kas immediately tied the boat to the dock when they approached. She jumped out and Jackson followed her. When they arrived at their vehicles he turned toward her one last time.

"Well, your first duty as team leader… keep an eye on the others and make sure they all get home as a decent hour. We are leaving first thing in the morning." He ordered and sat down inside the car. Kas smiled at the thought. She loved the idea of being a leader, she hated taking orders anyway. Her phone chimed with a text from Ginger.

[From Cookie - Kaaaaaas. What does Jackson want? I'm insanely curious]

[To Cookie - He made me team leader. We need to round up Pixie and Dako. We got a real mission tomorrow.]

[From Cookie - OMG, really? A real mission?]

[To Cookie - Yup. Now mets find the rest of our team.]

[From Cookie - You got it Kas!]

After a series of text messages, Charlotte and Dako were clued in. Kas left town and headed back home. The wind rushed through her hair and washed over her face as the night rapidly cooled the air. Rosy flew into the already open garage and Kas stopped quickly. A long sigh slipped from Kas’ mouth as she dismounted the bike. The gravel outside the garage crunched under her feet until she found the stepping stones. When she opened the door, Izzy sat inside on the couch eating from a carton of ice cream.

“Butter toffee?” Kas asked as she barely peeked over at the frozen treat.

“Cookies n Cream, Mate. In honor of your new bestie… Ginger.” Izzy answered before shoving another huge spoonful into her mouth.

Kas chuckled at the comment but continued toward the hallway. “You enjoy ya self, Iz. I’m fuckin’ beat. Time ta hit the hay.”

“G’night, Kas.”

“Night, Iz.” Kas replied. She walked down the hall and opened her door. Something didn't seem right but Kas immediately knew what was wrong. She let out a loud whistle and instantly she heard the click of claws happily tapping the hardwood. Blaze came in and hopped onto the bed, waiting for her as she closed the door behind him.

“G’night, Mutt. Keep me warm, alright?” She asked as she climbed into bed next to him. He cocked his head to the side and whimpered at her but plopped on top of her, resting his head on her stomach.