I slunk down the side of a narrow street, trying to stay in the shadows, and out of the glare of the few streetlights. I was trying to make my way through the suburbs, towards downtown. I had miles to go, and it was late.

After awhile, I reached a slightly more busy road. I crouched in the grass at the edge of the intersection, waiting for an opportunity. Finally, one came in the form of a pickup truck, traveling in the direction I wanted to go. As it came to a stop, I bolted forward and leaped into the truck bed, landing as lightly as possible so the driver wouldn't be alerted. I crouched for a moment, listening, but the truck only sped up again.

As we picked up speed, I flopped down in the back, panting from the stress and the short sprint. I need to work out more.

The miles streamed by, and pretty soon, we were nearing downtown. I poked my head up a few times to see where we were, and if it was safe to jump out yet.

Suddenly, the truck put it's turn signal on to get on the skyway, a long stretch of highway suspended above the city. I panicked and leaped out, startling an old homeless man who was sitting on the corner with a cardboard sign. I paused, one paw in the air, and we stared at each other. His knuckles turned white where he was gripping the edges of the sign, as if he could use it as a shield. So, I did the only thing I could think of. I sat down. Then, when he didn't show any sign of calming down, I laid down, rolling over so my belly was exposed to him.

He stayed frozen for another moment, then slowly lowered his hands. His expression had faded from alarm to curiosity.

Slowly, I raised my head, and looked at him, careful not to make any sudden moves. I could have just gotten up and walked away, but I didn't want my first encounter with the people of the city to be a frightening one.

He looked at me sideways, his grip tightening on his piece of board. Slowly, I sat back up, watching him carefully. He didn't move. I stood up, carefully, and took a step toward him. When I got no response except the movement of his eyes, I took another step, slightly to the side, like I was going to pass him.

Padding forward slowly, I slunk around to his side, turning so that my head was next to his knee, body stretched out behind him. I laid down, resting my head on the grassy expanse next to the man, leaning my shoulder casually up against his leg. At first, he didn't move. Then, I heard his jacket rustle, and his hand settled carefully on my shoulderblade, pausing to gauge my reaction. After a moment, he began slowly stroking my fur. I smiled a bit, and began to purr,

After sitting like that for several minutes, I rippled the skin under his hand to signal him that I was about to move, then slowly stood up, stretching my forepaws out in front of my in a lazy, relaxed way. Then, I padded forward and around, until I was face-to-face with the man. He looked at me curiously.

I blinked. "Thanks for the back massage. Sorry I can't stay longer, but I have to meet up with some friends of mine."

The man's eyes widened, and he blinked, recognition dawning. "Ohhh, you're one of them Changeling beasties that killed all them aliens the other day, eh?"

I shrugged. "I wasn't there at that point, but yes."

The man grinned. "If I had a camera, I'd ask you for a selfie."

I smirked. "Well, I'll probably see you around, so no worries." I turned, and slipped off towards deep downtown. He waved as I went, still smiling.

Now to find these Changelings.