I breathe heavily as Calico mans the handcar. That took a lot out of me. Damn. I snap and nothing comes out. Just sparks.

The kitten snuggles against me as the storm picks up again. It's a wonder the rails are clear. But it's getting deeper.

At this rate, we'll have to walk soon.

The kitten tries crawling into my torn clothes as the handcar slows. My stomach grumbles as the vibrations come back. It doesn’t hurt as much this time. It gets easier. After we come to a halt, a woman’s voice calls out, “What now?” I turn to Calico, “No clue.” Her eyes widen, “You can understand me?”

We get out and press on, following the tracks on foot. I pet the kitten underneath my clothes, the warmth seeps into my freezing hands, “I guess so.” “No, that can’t be. Humans can’t!” Whenever she speaks, my brain gets those vibrations. “I can though.” “And what’s with everything? Animals with ice powers?”

I laugh and Calico nods up at me, “What’s so funny?” “You turned into a giant cat that can walk on two legs” In my mind, she raises her brow, “You are weird, human.” “Thanks, I guess.” I’m much warmer than before. So much weirdness. Did we even know ourselves that well? Or am I changing?

I start to shiver and she looks over, “You good?” My teeth chatter, “Not for long” She exhales and her stomach grumbles, “We need to find shelter, food.”

I follow her through the snow and the vibrations become worse. Shadows run the opposite direction from us. Whispers, “Run! Pets. Pets!” I halt and she stops too. They blend in with the snow. “What’s wrong?” I wave her to come back. “Slowly.” “But you’re freezing! We have to find you and her shelter.” I gulp as they get up, slowly. “Wolves.” She turns around and I can see her gasp in my head, clear as day.

She backs off and they get out the snow, covered in blood stained fur. She picks me up into her furry warm embrace and bolts on two legs. The wolves howl and chase us.

I charge through the snow with him shivering, they howl as they give chase. “Give up, you feral cat!” They’re gaining too fast! Kitten meows loud, “I’m cold, mom!” “I know baby!” A wolf charges close and bites into my back. I roar at the pain as a bridge over a river comes into view. The human points in a daze, “Cabin.” I get to the bridge and the wolves stop, they snarl and snap their teeth together. I turn around and there’s a giant bear. It roars at me. The bear runs towards me and I sit down. I’m sorry, I couldn’t do anything. The man stops shivering as he dozes off, “It’s okay.”

The bear runs past us, “That’s my damn meal!” My little baby meows, “Cabin!” I slowly stand and run towards it. I barge inside and set them down. My baby dozes off, I start nudging her. “Not now!” The man touches me, “Fire.” “I-I don’t know how.” “Two sticks, rub together, breathe life.” I grab my head, my claws run through my fur. I shake my head and fall onto a chair, breaking it.

I desperately rub the legs together. The man moans, “Paper.” I claw against the chair legs and try again. Nothing! I claw at my head with my eyes closed, "Blast! Why won’t it work!?" My baby’s going to die! A small amount of light makes me open my eyes. Breathe life. I get down and blow on it. The wood grows brighter. I smile.