Flora's P.O.V.

I sighed placing my chin in the palm of my hand, I kept a lazy eye and ear on my mother who was again droning on and on, and again it was about me, my behavior, my personality, my hobbies, my clothes, my everything. "Now, now, Jenna, I think she's had enough" my father, Mako, a tall chocolate brown and tan wolf with kind green eyes and a handsome face. He was kind and gentle and cared very much for others. Jenna, my mother, a firey red and white husky, she was slender and lovely, delicate as a flower, with the personality of a snake. "Yeah, Mom" I quipped "I've had enough" I stood, smoothing down my jeans and tank top and striding out, making sure to kick some dirt off of my shoes to leave on the fine marble floors. "Florinda Olivia Skyrunner, you had better change into something decent and I mean NOW!" she howled at me, I waved a dismissive hand "don't count on it" I called back to her and went into my room. You think I'd be grateful, I had such a lavish life, a huge spacious house, in an English mansion, a huge courtyard and garden, all the designer clothes I could ask for and money and jewels, yet it was miserable here, my mother was terrible, maybe if she wasn't here I'd be happy, with my father and sisters, but she was and I wasn't. I sighed placing my hands on my hips, it was time, I was leaving, tonight.

I through tgether a quick change of clothes, some cash, a golden bejeweled locket and an air foil(birthday gifts from my father, he'd been a fantastic cloud surfer, he gave me lessons when Mom was out doing whatever it was she did) and put it all in a backpack and hid it under my bed. The dinner bell rang and I ran out the door sliding down the banister of the winding staircase. "Hey, Talula, s'up Lani?" I said as I slid past them, Talula, being only thirteen cheered me on and gave an exclaimed "Go, Flo, Flo!" and Lani, being nineteen, gave me scolded "Florinda!" I stuck my tongue out at her. As soon as we reached the bottom I grabbed Talula's hand and hooked my arm with Lani's and we strolled into the dining hall, Mom's firey green orbs zeroed in on me instantly. I must've looked pretty plain in her eyes both of my sisters had on beautuiful evening gowns. "Talula, she looked so much like father, she had the same chocolate brown and tan fur, long straight hair, the only difference were her soft olive green eyes, she looked just as charming as she was. My older sister, was a spitting image of mother, save for her lovely blue eyes, her hair also flowed down long and straight, almost to her waist, it was so long. She responsiable, caring, she watched over us carefully and (like father) made sure Mother was kept at bay and that my punishments were fair and just. I was slim and curved in the right places, my fur was father's chocolate brown and mother's ivory white, my hair was darker still and wavy, flowing to about mid back, maybe a little further, my eyes were lovely light green with darker green pupils, everyone said I was beautiful, mother said I was plain, but that's just the way I was and I didn't plan on changing anytime soon.

I sat at the table, and met mother's glare with one of my own. "Florinda, I told you-!"

"I told you not to count on it and stop calling me Florinda!" I growled stabbing a fork into my salad "You look pretty Flo" Talula chirped trying to ease the obvious tension. I chuckled as mother scoffed "Thanks Lulu, you look most elegant this evening" making my voice sound deeper and a little more sophisticated than usual, she laughed a tinkling laugh, Lani giggled, and father was chuckling good naturedly. "Stop it, stop al of you!" mother growled standing "Florinda, have you really no better sense than that?" she snapped, I leaned back in my chair folding my arms across my chest, a smirk present on my face. "You're really going to let me decde?" I chuckled "I guess there is a first time for everything."

"Florinda!"

I raised my hand, smirk fading "whatever, I've got better things to do than sit in your judgemental precense" I stood, hugged my father kissed his cheek "I love you father" I cooed sweetly, he patted my arm and kissed my cheek "and I you my little Flower" he cooed. I repeated these actions with my sisters and glared daggers into my mother before leaving the room and heading up the staircase for the last time. As soon as everyone was asleep I left a note to my father and sisters, grabbed my bag and jumped from balacany (with a rope of course, I'm not that reckless) and ran through the streets of England.

***Two years later***

I really wish I would think my plans through before I act on them. I sat in the passanger seat of a plane, my backpack slumped at my feet, looking out the window. My plan had been to steal the plane, but given that I was a little in over my head seeing the pilot's weapons, I decided that I'd just enjoy the ride to Cape Suzette in peace, who knows, maybe a change in scenery would be good for me. Suddenly the plane lurched sending me face first into the window and any stray items heading my way, then I heard something pelting the plain so hard and fast, it sounded like rain, but given the cracks in the plane's windsheild, I guessed otherwise. "What's going on pilot?" I asked sounding more annoyed than panicked, I'd lived on the streets for two years, panicking wasn't my style anymore. "Air pirates!" he exclaimed in a panicked mannor, oh joy, thta's all i needed, a bunch of half witted ruffians. I pulled my backpack onto my shoulders, pulling out my airfoil and rope, once it was securely tied down, I jumped out the back. Ah, it was good to cloud surf again, I hadn't done it so long.

I quickly took notice of all the fighter planes. 'Hmm, whatto do, what to do?' holding fast to the rope, I shifted my wait and came up beside one of the many planes, a mountian of a man was seated inside it. "Hey stranger" I greeted and quickly added "don't shoot, I'm here to negotiate." I held my hand out to him "Name's Flora, who're you?"

"Dumptruck" he said giving my hand a really hard squeeze, I winced as he released me. "Nice to meet you, what're you boys after?" He looked at me like I was stupid "treasure, vhat else?" he asked in his thick accent. "Um, dude, there is no treasure on that plane" I held my hand across my heart "I promise, the only thing keeping me from jumping out of it is the fact that I don't feel like swimming to Cape Suzette."

"Then, vou can come with us!" I gave him a confused look, then I felt sharp pain in the back of my head, my world went black.

I woke slowly, my head was killing me! I wearily opened my eyes and looked around, the room was dark and empty, but from what I could tell, it was about standard size. The walls and floors were made of some kind of metal, steel I think, once I adjusted a bit more I realized I was on a cot, not the most comfortable, but at least it wasn’t the floor, there was also a door at the far wall, but no windows. One obvious question came to mind as I slowly stretched my stiff limbs and sat up. Where was I? No sooner had the thought crossed my mind did the Terror of the Skies himself, Don Karnage strut into the room, looking quite confident. His dark eyes landed on me and he smirked “ah, so the little lady decided to be waking up, yes-no?” he asked in an extremely thick accent, where the heck was this guy from. “Karnage…?” I asked why was he here. Oh, I had a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach.

 “Ah, so you know of me, but I, I do not know of you. Who are you?” I suppressed a growl, how dare he demand anything of me, he was the one that kidnapped me after all. “None of your business!” I snapped angrily as I stood “who do you think you are? You think you can just have your lackeys kidnap me, throw me in a room, and expect me to be ok with it? News flash, that’s not how it works with me, I don’t care who you are!” I had by now advanced so close we were practically nose-to-nose, my green eyes flashing with anger, my fists clenched, tail thrashing angrily from side to side. He registered me with surprise first, then anger. “Who-Who am I? You are stupid to be asking, I am Don Karnage, and I can do whatever I want!” He drew his sword and pressed it to my throat “now, I asked who are you?” I folded my arms across my chest, still glaring, but with a blade at my throat, I didn’t have many options. “Flora” I muttered letting my gaze hit the floor.

“See, now was that being so hard?” he asked pulling his sword away from my neck “Could’ve killed me” I muttered darkly, the tip of his blade touched my chin, I glanced at it cautiously, and slowly lifted my head to look at him again.  “Maybe, maybe not, but you are now being a member of my crew. I am your captain and you will do as I say” he said as he circled me tightly, the blade was once again at my throat, he stopped behind me. “Understand?” his voice was softer, but full of menace, aside from that it was like right at my ear, I clenched my fists and fought the urge to jump. “Yes… Sir.” I said slowly, I hated this wolf instantly, my feelings have yet to have changed. In that moment I had practically become one of his lackeys, but I’d enjoy that title and duty over the one I got later.

***Several Months Later***

Being a pirate isn’t that bad, you just have to get used to the stealing, oh, and fighting for your food at the dinner table, but I had no trouble with that. I had unknowingly become Karnage’s favorite pirate, I always had food when I was supposed to, and an added condition, I spent most every meal with Karnage in his Captain’s Quarters, we’d talk, I begrudgingly told him about my childhood and life on the streets, he spoke of how he became a pirate, we did laugh some. He wasn’t a total brute, but I still didn’t like him, or trust him for that matter.  One day, Mad Dog, Dumptruck and I were busying ourselves repairing planes, I was under the plane, tightening screws, and the guys were polishing it up and stuff. “Are you finished down there, Flo?” Mad Dog asked, I rolled my eyes “Yeah, Mad Dog, finished a long time ago, it’s just comfortable down here” I said my voice thick with sarcasm. “Flora, I need to be speaking with you” Oh! Leave it to Karnage to ruin everyone’s fun. “Ok, Dumptruck, get down here!” He obeyed without question “Look, this screw attaches to fuel lines, don’t take the pressure off of it until it’s good and tight, or you’ll get sprayed, got it?” he nodded seeming to understand and scooted out from under the plane, grabbing the towel Dumptruck had dropped and looked up Karnage, from my position on the floor, I raised a brow at him. “What’s up Cap?” I asked tossing the towel aside and getting to my feet. His arm slinked around my waist; I tried not to blush at the closeness, and led me down the hall to his Captain’s Quarters. He opened the door for me and closed it behind himself. I spun on my heel and faced him, I opened my mouth to ask what he wanted, but was abruptly silenced when he lurched forward and kissed me, no, that’s too polite for what he does. Karnage grabbed me by my hair and waist, slamming me against the wall and promptly sticking his tongue in my mouth. I panicked, I’d never been kissed by a boy before, let alone so roughly, I squirmed and tried to shove him off of me. No way, there was no way, I wouldn’t, I couldn’t, but it didn’t matter what I wanted, he was the captain, not me.

I had taken a long shower after he had finished, I scrubbed myself hard, I just wanted to wash it all off, his hands, his kiss, his scent, everything, but I couldn’t, I didn’t feel clean anymore, I was disgusted with him, and myself, for letting it happen. I hated being known as the Captain’s girl, but I was, no one else was allowed very close, whether he was present or not, I had argued with him about it once, never made that mistake again, I wanted out, and I knew exactly when and how I was going to do it.

It was the morning after my 19^th birthday, they’d actually been considerate enough to give me a party, it was mainly just a big feast, but sweet nonetheless, I won’t mention Karnage’s “gift” to me, but I ended up crying in the shower afterwards. I snuck my way through the huge air vessel, backpack tossed over my shoulder, airfoil in hand. It took a bit of stumbling, but I found it, the take off area, I sprinted to its edge and jumped right off, throwing my foil under me. I looked up, watching as the Iron Vulture got further and further away, good, I hoped I’d never have to see it, or Karnage, ever again. A plane passed by under me, yellow, decent sized, perfect. I pulled out my rope, swirled it in the air and lassoed the plane’s tail, it pulled me forward on my air foil “Whoa!” I laughed joyously as the plane pulled me toward none other than Cape Suzette.

As soon as I felt I was close enough I released the roped and surfed in, landing easily on the dock, catching the airfoil easily in my hand and tossing it back into my backpack.  I looked at the building before me, it had a big sign out front simply titled Louie’s it looked like an OK place I walked in and was greeted by the sound of people taking and laughing, everyone was happy, eating and enjoying themselves. Not wanting to draw attention to myself, but needing to recharge my batteries a little, I sat in one of the corner tables, thumping my bag on the floor beside me. I buried my face in my face in my hands and groaned, yeah, I was free, but what do I do now, I really didn’t want to go back to living on the streets, I shuddered at the thought of sleeping in the allies.

I suppose I sat there a few minutes, when someone tapped my shoulder, I jumped and gasped. An orangutan backed up clearly not expecting my reaction “Sorry, toots, didn’t mean to scare you” a witty comeback came to mind, but I swallowed it, it was no way to make friends in a new place. “Not your fault” I muttered “I’m Flora” I said offering my hand, he shook it eagerly “Louie, nice to meet ya ma’am” I smiled at him “likewise.”

“You look awful, can I get ya somethin’?” he asked, I considered a moment and nodded “sure, what’s good?” He laughed and said he knew just what I needed, I laughed as he ran off. After a good meal and a humorous conversation with Louie, I left feeling much better than I had when I arrived. I bought a newspaper (I certainly wasn’t hurting for cash, I had plenty of money and gems in backpack, some stolen, others inherited). I found a house near the loading docks, it was cheap, I bought it, by noon, I had the keys and deed in hand.

The house was two stories, made of simple wood paneling, simple red shutters and a ceiling to match. It connected right to the docks and had a great view of the harbor, it was perfect! The inside was even better, when I walked in I was greeted by the living area, nice and spacious a white couch against the far wall (which were baby blue) two recliners sat angled to eachother and a nice dark oak coffee table sat in the center. To my left, behind a breakfast bar was the kitchen, it was pretty simple, it had your basic appliances, a nice round dinning table, eggshell white walls and red and white tiled floors. My room was upstairs, along with two other bedrooms and bathrooms, it was lovely. Nice decorated lavender walls, dark oak wood furniture (dresser, vanity, chest of droors) There was a large window on the far left wall, next to the vanity. I had a queen size bed, with lavender and royal purple sheets and comforter. Yes, I was going to feel right at home.

As lovely as my home was, I was lonely and bored, I was used to living with a crowd, even in the streets I had a gang.  I decided to put an add out in the paper for some roommates, it was only two days before two girls showed up at my door. One was a wolf, she was four years ahead of me, her name was Thorn, she was smokey grey with dark hair, and light brown eyes, she wasn't goth, but she wore dark clothes, and had a bit of a dark personality. The other was a golden Jackel,she was two years under me, her name was Bloom, she had golden orange fur and sparkly blue eyes, her clothes and attitude was always bright and uplifting, she reminded me very much of Talula. I welcomed them into my home easily and we became as close as sisters.

One day there was a knock at the door, I was startled, I didn't know many people here yet, so who could that be? "Hey, Flower, can you get the door please?" Bloom called. "I'm on it!" I called back and jogged to the door, I opened it to see a family of bears. The tallest male was bulky and grey in color , but he seemed young and funloving. Then the other boy, about 12, maybe 13 years old, with brown fur, he was cute and looked just as fun loving as his father. The woman was light brown in color, seemed like the business type, but I could tell she had a gentle side somewhere. The youngest, and probably the cutest, was a little blonde bear cub of about 6 years, she was just a little sweetheart. "Um...can I help you?" I asked, the little girl giggled and jumped straight into my arms. "Whoa!" I laughed as I struggled to find balance. "Molly!" the woman scolded, taking her away. "Hey, we heard about the new comers and decided to come and see how you were settling in" the woman said offering me her hand. "I'm Rebecca Cunningham, and this is my daughter, Molly, that's Kit" She gestured to the boy, "and Baloo" she gestured to the man. "Oh, nice to meet you, I'm Flora Skyrunner."

I let them in and introduced them to my roomates, they hit it off pretty well. I made dinner, Baloo talked about his piloting business and I was amazed, I made up my mind right then that I wanted to be a pilot too. It was late when they left, but Kit paused at the door and handed me a peice of long rope, my rope. "You left it tied to the Sea Duck" he said slyly and I laughed "good on ya kid!" I said ruffling his hair, he laughed and ran out to join his family.

Thorn, Bloom, and I talked non-stop about piloting, we had found our calling that was for sure, we all went and got a piloting lisence and looked into planes  that were decent, but cheap, should things not go the way we plan at least we'd still be able to fly. We found a nice L-15 (I think that's what Kit called the Sea Duck, anyway it looks just like it.) It was sky blue, in good condition, and could make long trips, it was perfect. We got to work fixing her up, touching up her paint job, we decided to call her Skyrunner, the girl's thought it was only fair since the whole thing was my idea, we called our business "Skyrunner Heights" we posted a big sign with the title in fancy script outside the house. Life was finally looking up and I couldn't be happier, for now anyway.

As soon as we put out the ad, business was booming, we spent alot of time in the air delivering all sorts of things, from fruits, to clothes, even animals! It was amazing, a carefree life in the skies with me and my sisters. One day while I was in my room getting ready, I was hit by a wave of nausia, I barely made it into the bathroom in time. "Flo, are you ok?" Bloom asked, knocking softly on the closed door. "What's hit ya, sis, it ain't contagious is it?" Thorn asked, playing off like she wasn't worried. "Thorn!" Bloom scolded, I took a deep breath "I'm fine" I said and paused to gag "ungh, but you two should probably go without me." There was a pause "Ya, sure pal?" Thorn asked. "Yeah, probably contagious, just go" I said and promptly threw up. They relunctantly left, and I was happy for it, I hated being sick, made me seem weak.

Over the chourse of a few weeks, I started showing all the signs, so I bought it, a pregnancy test. I waited anxiously, though I already knew it'd be positive, it was, and I cried. I hoped I'd never have to see Karnage again, now I was having his baby, this wasn't fair! I dried my tears and went downstairs, where Thorn and Bloom were lounging in the recliners laughing. "Guys, we need to talk" I said sitting down on the couch, before either of them got a word out, I blurted it out, everything. I told them about running away, about living on the streets and with air pirates, about Don Karnage, and I ended with day's bombshell. They stared at me wide eyed for a moment and Bloom abruptly got up and hugged me. "Aw. sissy, I'm so sorry" she said rubbing my back soothingly as more tears spilled down my cheeks. Thorn put a comforting hand on my shoulder and gave me a small reasurring smile. I was scared, Don Karnage's baby, how was I supposed to deal with this? There was no way I could have it, but then again, the alternative seemed almost unthinkable, perhaps I would give it up for adoption if I decided I still didn't want it after it was born. This was going to be hard...