"BackStreet Boys' Tails"


Note: This is Jamelet's writing partner. Yes, here's another story by us. I hope that you like it. If it's possible, please review. It makes me feel this wasn't a crazy idea. Now, there may be some similarities with this story and the other we wrote, "Not Too Young." I hope it doesn't discourage you from reading this story. This chapter contains lyrics from some songs. The songs belong to the people who wrote them. Thank you.


**The Legend of the Wishing Tree**


Kevin sighed tiredly, as he and the rest of the BackStreet Boys, sat down in the lounge area of their tour bus. They had just came back from a conference with the producers of their record company, and they were exhausted. The guys were exhausted of all the meetings, signings, and the rest of the chores they had to do. The BackStreet Boys just wanted to relax, to have a real vacation. However, they could never have a real vacation like a regular person. There will be someone who will recognize them, and the vacation will be ruined. Plus, it seemed vacation time was something rare to them now.


"Man, that was a waste of time," A. J. said. Howie laughed a little hearing that.


"Well, it had to be done," Howie said. "Just be glad that it's over."


"I am," Brian said, laying down and then closed his eyes. "Wake me up in about 5 hours."


"Say Kevin, I thought you were going to talk to our manager about some vacation time," Nick said to Kevin.


"I did. However, he hasn't answer my calls," Kevin said.


"Do we have anything important to do this afternoon?" A. J. asked.


"I don't think so," Howie said, running through today's schedule in his mind.


"Good. I don't know about you guys, but I need a break," A. J. said, and started to get up. "The first thing I'm going to do is-"


However, before A. J. could finish, the BackStreet Boys heard the sound of someone walking towards them. A. J. sat down again, as Brian got up. In came their manager, looking over his day planner, before he looked up at the guys.


"Oh, there you are. So the conference is done? Good," their manager said, and then he looked at his organizer before he talked again. "Okay. This afternoon you have interviews with these magazines, a photo shot here, a press conference to attend, a meeting with-"


Their manager stopped when he heard a groan from one of the guys.


"Is there something you would like to say?" he asked.


"Yes. We would like to talk about some vacation time," Kevin said.


"I got your messages. We'll talk about it tomorrow," their manager said, and went back looking over the schedule. "Now after the meeting-"


"Now," Kevin said, sternly.


"Fine," their manager said, and closed the organizer.


"How soon can we have vacation?" Brian asked, with a little bit hope in his voice.


Their manager looked through his day planner.


"I would say ten months from now," he said.


"Ten months?" The Boys exclaimed.


"That's it! If I don't get a break soon, and I mean today, I'm going to go crazy!" A. J. exclaimed.


"I don't think that's possible," their manager said.


"You're giving us too much to do," Howie said. "We're going to collapse if we don't get a break."


"Well, that's business for you," their manager said.


"Listen, if we don't get a break soon; one day you'll find that we went on our own vacation, without telling anyone," Kevin said. "You won't even find us, no matter what you did."


Their manager looked sort of nervous. Kevin sounded quite serious. Their manager didn't want to take the risk that Kevin might put his words into action.


"Okay," their manager said, and looked through his day planner. "I suppose you can take an hour or two break today."


"An hour or two?" A. J. exclaimed.


"We'll take it," Howie said. A. J. gave Howie an odd look.


"It's better than nothing," Howie whispered to A. J..


"Starting now," Kevin said.


Their manager closed his day planner, seeing that his discussion with the BackStreet Boys was over. He then left the guys alone. When their manager was gone, Kevin stood up.


"Where are you going?" Nick asked.


"We have some free time, remember?" Kevin said. "Do you think I'm going to stay here?"


The rest of the guys agreed with Kevin, as they stood up. After they found some items to conceal their identities with, so people won't recognize them, they left their tour bus.
~*~


After the BackStreet Boys did a little exploring, they decided to find a place to rest. Soon, the guys found a huge tree in the park to sit under.


As the guys relaxed, they watched an active event in the park. The town they were in, was having a 'pet fair.' In this pet fair, people were sharing stories, buying stuff, playing games, or just having fun, with their pets. The BackStreet Boys watched on, enjoying the sight.


"They have the easy life, don't they?" Nick said. The other guys looked at him. "Pets, they have it easier than people."


The other guys looked at Nick, wondering if all the stress really gotten to him, and he really did went crazy. Nick noticed this.


"Think about it," Nick said, trying to explain his reason to the others. "Pets can do almost anything they want to. They can sleep anywhere, play anytime, get free food, and get all the attention they want. In return, people get the love of having a companion. A pet's life is basically a life of vacation."


The other guys relaxed, agreeing with Nick's words, as they continue watching the pet fair.


"Pets sure have all the fun," Nick said, as he watched pets being loved by their owners. "Don't you wish our lives were as fun a pet's life?"


"Well boy, if you want to make a wish, you're at the right place," an old woman's voice said.


The BackStreet Boys turned to see a dark-skin old woman standing next to the tree they were under. The old woman's eyes were as dark as ebony. She wore a simple dress, a kerchief that covered her hair, and she held a cane.


"What do you mean, Mrs.-?" Brian asked, wondering who was this old woman.


"Phyllis Tapestry, at your service," the old woman said proudly. "You don't need to introduce yourselves. I know who you boys are."


The guys looked at each other.


"Um, who would that be?" Howie asked, hoping that Mrs. Tapestry didn't truly recognize them.


"Why, you're one of those music groups," Phyllis said. "Can't think of your name right off. I do know you sing wonderful music, and you can actually understand the songs. Not like those horrible songs that you can't make sense of."


Seeing that their cover was blown, the BackStreet Boys started to get up to leave.


"Oh, there's no need to worry," Phyllis said, seeing the guys standing up. "I'm old enough to know when to keep a secret."


Mrs. Tapestry's words reassure the guys, so they sat back down.


"So what did you mean when you said this was the right place to make a wish, Mrs. Tapestry?" Brian asked.


"Well boys, this tree you're sitting under is a very special tree," Phyllis said, smiling. "This tree here is the Wishing Tree. Stories say if someone makes a wish under the Wishing Tree, that wish may come true. Quite an interesting legend behind the origin of the Wishing Tree. If you boys don't mind hearing an old woman telling a story, I'll be happy to tell you."


"We don't mind," Kevin said. He rather spend his time listening to Mrs. Tapestry, than their manager. The other guys nodded in agreement, and Phyllis smiled.


"Okay then. But first, I better sit down, or else my bones are going to stiffen," Mrs. Tapestry said.


The BackStreet Boys understood what Phyllis was saying, and got up. They then offered her a place to sit under the Wishing Tree. Some of the guys took off their jackets to make a seat for Phyllis, while the rest of the guys helped her to sit down.


"Ah, such polite boys. Just like I thought," Phyllis said smiling, as she sat down, and made herself comfortable. The guys sat or stood around her, like students awaiting a story from their teacher. "Okay boys, the legend goes back many, many years. It goes back before I was born. So you can guess how old the legend is."


The BackStreet Boys laughed hearing that, as Phyllis chuckled to herself.


"Long ago, this town was in trouble. Crime was everywhere, and corruption ran through business and the government. The citizens were being used until they had nothing left," Phyllis said. "Just before the townspeople gave up hope and lose faith in ever finding goodness, a group of heroes appeared. The group was called The Five."


"That's original," A. J. said, sort of sarcastically. The other guys scolded A. J. of his criticism. Mrs. Tapestry noticed that.


"Well, the group wanted to be called 'The No-Brand Heroes,' but they thought that was a mouthful for the townspeople to say," Mrs. Tapestry said. Everyone laughed at that. "Anyway, the group consists of five young men."


"Like us?" Nick asked.


"Well, not exactly," Phyllis said. "They didn't look anything like you. However, they were like you, sort of. To paraphrase the old song: 'Boys say, "When they will give us some room?" Girls say, "God, I hope they'll come back soon.'"


The guys laughed at that part.


"Yes, The Five were good boys. Although there were times when some of the boys did something wrong," Mrs. Tapestry said, looking at A. J. and Nick. "Their hearts were still good, and that's what matter. The Five halted crimes, and put an end to corruption."



"Let's see," Phyllis said, trying to remember the members of The Five. "There were two brothers. Both magicians; animals followed them. A warrior and a weapon master. The last one, his power was different . . . what do you call them? Oh yes, he was a psychic. He was quite smart, in my opinion."


"Why do you say that?" asked Howie.


"Well, he didn't want to make money off his power," Phyllis said, and the guys laughed. "Anyway, I could tell you stories about The Five, but I think I'll stay with The Five's involvement with the Wishing Tree. If that's fine with you."


The BackStreet Boys nodded back.


"All right then," Phyllis said. "Like I said before, The Five was like you. Some people questioned their friendship. They criticized The Five's friendship was an act. In truth, The Five were the best of friends. They were very loyal to each other, and would do anything for one another. As proof of their friendship, they made a bloodoath to each other."


"What's that?" asked A. J..


"Well, one of them took out a dagger, and slice his palm with it. The other boys did the same thing," Mrs. Tapestry said. Some of the guys grimace hearing that. "When that was done, The Five placed their wounded hands next to each other, so each boy's blood ran through the other boys. The Five then vowed that now they were now brothers in blood as well as in spirit. They vowed to be always to be friends and help each other out. Where their blood fell to the ground, a tree grew. The Wishing Tree."


"Wow," Brian said.


"Years passed, and The Five mysteriously left as they came. Legend say if The Five particularly likes a person, they'll appear and help that person. The same goes for people making a wish under the Wishing Tree. The Five will surely make a wish come true, if they particularly like someone. I know that's true. I have made a wish under the Wishing Tree," Phyllis said with a smile.


"What did you wish for?" Nick asked, then saw the other guys staring at him. "Sorry."


"No need to apologize," Phyllis said. "I wish to see The Five."


"And it came true?" Howie asked.


"You bet," Phyllis said, smiling. "Man, those boys were fine! Very good looking!"


The BackStreet Boys laughed at that.


"Say, what time is it?" Mrs. Tapestry asked. Howie told her the time. "Whoops! I better go. It's almost time to meet an old friend of mine. We play card games together."


As Phyllis started to get up, some of the guys helped her to stand, while the other guys got their jackets.


"Such nice boys," Phyllis said to herself. She then started to leave.


"Oh boys," Mrs. Tapestry said, as she turned around so she and the guys could face each other. "You don't need to say your wish out loud. If you think your wishes, the Wishing Tree will know your wishes. I personally think if you made your wish under the Wishing Tree right now, it will come true. You're the kind of people The Five likes. Although, sometimes the results of a wish from the Wishing Tree can be . . . creative. Just a reminder though, don't blame The Five if the outcome a wish didn't come out as you wanted. The result of a wish is not the will of The Five. I think that tree has a mind of it's own!"


"Thank you for telling us the story, Mrs. Tapestry," Kevin said, as the other guys thanked her too.


"My pleasure," Phyllis said, smiling. "You boys take care now."


The BackStreet Boys and Phyllis said their good-byes to each other. Mrs. Tapestry soon left to meet her friend, as the guys stayed under the Wishing Tree.


"That was nice," Brian said.


"Different as well," Howie said.


"Yeah," A. J. said. "That legend gave me an idea."


"Oh no. That's not good," Howie teased.


"Funny," A. J. said sarcastically. "My idea is this: for our next album release, we'll do a bloodoath. What do you think?"


"We'll . . . think about it," Kevin said, as Brian and Howie groaned and moaned.


"Come on, it's a good idea," A. J. said, but saw he wasn't going to convince them. "It will shut up the critics. What do you think Nick? Nick? Nick?"


A. J. turned around to see Nick looking up at the Wishing Tree, lost in his own thoughts.


"Nick, what are you doing?" Brian asked, making Nick turn around to see them.


"Making a wish," Nick said, smiling.


"You actually believe that story?" Howie asked.


"Why should you care? I'm desperate for a vacation. So maybe a wish could work," Nick said. The other guys still gave Nick odd looks.


"You really think wishing will work?" Kevin asked.


"It won't hurt to try," Nick said.


The other guys thought it over, and decided to take a chance with wishing. The BackStreet Boys then thought up their wishes:


`. . . I wish for a vacation . . .`


`. . .nobody could recognize us . . .`


`. . .to have fun, like a pet can . . .`


`. . .to relax, as pets do . . .`


`. . .to have it easy, like pets . . .`


Their thoughts were broken, when they heard a noise. They turned to see a bunch of girls, whispering and watching them.


"Looks like we been discovered," Howie said with a sigh.


"Yeah," Kevin said. "Let's go back to the tour bus before we cause a commotion."


The BackStreet Boys reluctantly exited, seeing that their break was over, as the wind blew around them. Just before they left, they heard something that made them stop and look back at the Wishing Tree. However, no one was there. The guys went back walking, wondering where the sound came from. Because the sound they heard was of five guys, who weren't the BackStreet Boys, laughing in joy.
~*~


After numerous tasks, the day was done, and night had fallen. The BackStreet Boys, worn out, went straight to bed.


That night, they had fantastic dreams. Each guy's dream was different, yet the same. In their dream, they were free from their work, and they could relax now. No one recognize them, and that made it better. They were now free to have fun. This dream was their wish come true.


Their dream was only the beginning of their wish.
~**~


**~To Be Continued...~**

**Shopping**

"So boys, have you decided what the cat's name is going to be?" Mr. Ellard asked his sons, as they drove to the pet store.

"I haven't really thought about that. What about you Marcus?" Grant asked, looking at his brother.

"How about Brian? That's what is written on the name tag," Marcus said, looking at Brian in the carrier the Ellard family rented from the animal shelter. Grant then moved to see Brian.

"Oh yeah. I didn't really noticed the collar before," Grant said, seeing the collar.

"Hey Mom, does this mean that somebody owns this cat?" Marcus asked his mother. "What if we took a cat that someone lost?"

"I wouldn't worry about that dear," Mrs. Ellard said. "I heard of this new program of identification for animals in shelters. They give collars with name tags to animals ready to be adopted. The collar the cat is wearing looks like one of them. Animal shelters only give the collars to animals that are strays. So I don't think we took a cat that already belongs to someone."

"Okay. Thanks Mom," Marcus said, and then he looked at Brian again. "Should we stay with the name on the collar?"

"I think it's cool," Grant said.

"Okay. Cat, your name is going to be Brian," Marcus said to Brian.

Brian breathe in a sigh of relief, glad to know that the family decided to stay with his name.
~*~

"We're not home yet Midnight. We need to get supplies for you," Linda said, when she saw Kevin look around, after the minivan stopped.

"I'm going to get you everything you need," Linda said, after she exited the vehicle and walked into the pet store, carrying Kevin inside the cat carrier. "We're going to get you your own carrier, beds, dishes, collar, toys. You're going to be so happy!"

Kevin mumbled quietly to himself, hearing the items that he didn't really want.

"What's wrong Midnight?" Linda said, stopping and looking at Kevin. "I promise everything will be better once we get home. You're going to love it! We live on a ranch."

"Ranch?" Kevin asked, picking up his head in interest. Linda smiled hearing Kevin's meow.

"We have horses, cows, pigs, chickens, and sheep," Linda said. "I wanted a pet that I can have inside the house. I finally talked Dad into getting a cat. He thinks a cat will be good for getting rid of mice."

`Let's not talk about what I am going to do at the ranch right now,` Kevin thought. Linda smiled, as she walked down the next aisle.

"I don't care if you chase mice, but don't go after the squirrels and birds. Okay?" Linda said.

"You got my word on that part," Kevin meowed, and then nodded his head. Linda laughed seeing that, before she joined up with her parents.

The idea of being on a ranch sounded somewhat appealing to Kevin, as he watch the people shop through the carrier door.
~*~

Howie almost dragged the kids into the pet store, when he walked in. He desperately needed a change of scenery since his bath.

"Look Mommy, Dino wants to shop," Donna said, as the rest of the Meadow family walked inside the store.

"Dogs need a lot of things, right Daddy?" Luke asked, as the family looked at the items on display.

"Yes Luke. Dogs need to have the right food, toys, brushes-" Mr. Meadow said.

"Shampoo," his wife added, sternly, walking ahead.

Mr. Meadow then told the kids to pick out a collar and leash that they liked for Howie, before he ran up to his wife. Howie smiled, watching the parents talked; he knew the real reason of their conversation. For when Mr. Meadow was giving Howie a bath, he used the last of Mrs. Meadow's good shampoo on the dog. Howie chuckled to himself, watching Mr. Meadow apologize to his wife about his mistake, before the kids pulled him into an aisle.
~*~

"So we need food, grooming equipment, and of course, cat litter," Ruth said to Gina, as the girls walked into the pet store.

"Don't forget a new cat carrier," Gina said, looking at the one Nick was in, that Ruth carried.

"Right! I need to return this one to the animal shelter," Ruth said, as they started shopping.

Nick smiled, as he watched the world through the carrier door. He still didn't like being in a cage, but it was the only drawback that he saw. Gina and Ruth adored him! They pet him, and told him how cute he is. This was better than anything he experience.

`Maybe being a cat won't be so bad,` Nick thought, watching Gina and Ruth pick out toys for him.
~*~

"Okay dude, I know you don't like dog food, but the chick said it will be bad for your health if I only feed you hamburgers," Richard said to A. J., as they stood behind a shelf of pet products. "So go with me with the dog food."

A. J. only sighed, but gave Richard a look that he agreed.

"Alright!" Richard cheered, petting A. J.'s head. "The babe said that I have to wash out the hair dye. That's a shame."

"What? No!" A. J. exclaimed, but Richard only heard A. J. whine.

"Hey, come on. You know it's not my idea. Can you believe the chick thought that I was the one that put the hair dye in? I wouldn't do that to a dog," Richard said, then he bent down to A. J.'s level. "Besides, chicks dig when you listen to their advice."

A. J. groaned, as Richard stood up and walked to another shelf.

"I know it's a bummer Barry. But she said you might get sick if you got hair dye in your mouth," Richard said.

A. J. sighed, as Richard continued to shop. He was too caught up thinking how he was going to live as a dog, that he almost forgot about how advance dogs' senses are compare to humans. A. J. remember that fact, when something got his attention from his senses.

`Wait . . . do I smell . . . Howie?` A. J. thought, turning his head to the side. `I think I do!`

"Whoa Barry! Hold up!" Richard exclaimed, when the leash he was holding slipped through his fingers, and A. J. ran towards a different aisle. "Where you're going dude?"

A. J. ignored Richard's calls, and ran to where Howie was at. He then stopped, when he saw where the scent lead him.

"Howie!" A. J. called out, relieved, seeing his friend.

Howie turned where he heard someone call his name. He then saw who it was.

"A. J.?" Howie exclaimed, trying to walk to his friend.

Donna and Luke turned their attention to Howie, when they felt him pull on his leash. They then saw A. J.

"Donna, look! It's his friend!" Luke said, seeing A. J.

The kids walked towards A. J., and petted him. A. J. wagged his tail, not because of the kids' attention, but because he found his friend.

"What are you going here?" Howie asked, his tail also wagging.

"I was adopted," A. J. stated.

Richard then suddenly appeared, gasping, which got everyone to look up at him.

"The bad news is by him," A. J. said, disappointed.

"Dude . . . don't do that again . . . okay?" Richard said between breaths.

It was then that Donna's and Luke's parents returned, after their conversation.

"Mommy look! It's the paintbrush dog!" Donna said, pointing to A. J.

Mr. and Mrs. Meadow examined the dog, to see if it was the same one. Meanwhile, Richard looked over Howie.

"Oh! You're that family who adopted the dog that was sharing the same cage!" Richard said. He then extended his hand. "The name is Richard Shea. I volunteer at the animal shelter."

"Nice to meet you Richard," Mr. Meadow said, slightly nervous. "I am Alan Meadow. This is my wife, Carol."

"Pleasure to meet you," Richard said, shaking Mrs. Meadow's hand.

"I'm Donna," Donna said.

"I'm Luke," Luke said.

"Awesome," Richard said to the kids, making them smile. He then saw A. J. "Almost forgot to introduce my new buddy. This is Barry."

"This is our dog. His name is Dino," Donna said, petting Howie's head.

"'Dino'?" A. J. exclaimed.

"'Barry'?" Howie said, stunned.

Then they both stared at each other in silence.

"I promise not to laugh, if you won't laugh," Howie said.

"Deal," A. J. said.

"So I see you chosen a Portuguese Water Dog," Richard said, looking over Howie. "Very interesting history of that breed."

"What do you mean?" Mr. Meadow asked.

Richard then explained the history behind the Portuguese Water Dog to the Meadow family, as A. J. and Howie had their own private conversation.

"Maybe Richard will take good care of you," Howie said, as they watched Richard.

"He's . . . full of surprises," A. J. said.

Howie then laughed, as he looked at A. J.

"So how did you meet Richard?" Howie asked.

"Now that was strange," A. J. said. Howie tilted his head to the side, curious to know what happened. "He saw me, thought I looked cool, then his boss arrived. Richard asked if he could adopt me, but his boss said no. Then it got weird."

"What do you mean?" Howie asked, interested to hear what happened.

"This . . . guy appeared behind Richard's boss, and no one seemed to noticed him, except me," A. J. said. Howie looked surprised hearing that, and what A. J. had to say next. "I then heard someone say 'It's going to be okay.' I'm sure it was that guy. Anyway, I blinked and the guy was gone. Then Richard's boss said that Richard could adopt me. He soon left, but he looked really confused."

"This guy you saw, have you seen him before?" Howie asked. A. J. shook his head. "What did he looked like?"

"Brown hair and eyes, his hair was short, looked around our ages," A. J. described.

Howie thought over who was this mysterious guy, but he didn't had an opportunity to do so.

"So the Portuguese Water Dog is a good swimmer," Richard said, finishing off his explanation.

"Well, it's a good thing we have a swimming pool," Mr. Meadow said.

`It also explains why I was happy when the kids showed me the swimming pool,` Howie thought, as Richard picked up A. J.'s leash.

"Well, nice to meet you, but I need to finish my shopping," Richard said, then looked down at A. J. "Let's go Barry."

"Hey," Howie said to A. J., as Richard started to leave. "Have you seen the other guys?"

"No, sorry," A. J. said.

"If I find them, I'll tell you," Howie said.

"How?" A. J. asked, as Richard turned a corner.

"I'll find a way," Howie said.

Both dogs smiled at each other, before Richard walked off with A. J.
~*~

"Let's see . . . what kind of cat food would you like?" Linda said, looking at the cans of cat food. Kevin watched on.

"Linda . . . you don't really have to buy me cat food," Kevin said. "I'll eat table scraps."

"He must be hungry. Listen to him meow," Mrs. Crown said, looking at Kevin.

`Okay, from now on, don't try to communicate with the family,` Kevin thought, frustrated.

"Linda?" a new voice said. Kevin felt Linda turn around to see who talked to her.

"Grant. Hey," she said, as Kevin looked at the boy Linda was talking to.

"Is that your cat?" Grant asked, looking at Kevin.

"Yes. His name is Midnight," Linda said, holding the carrier higher so Grant can see Kevin better.

"Cool. We got a pet today; a cat too," Grant said, holding the cat carrier so Linda could see the cat. "His name is . . ."

"Brian?" Kevin exclaimed, seeing his now cat cousin.

"Hi Kevin! Looks like I found family as well," Brian said, smiling.

Kevin smiled back, glad to see Brian was safe.

"What about Nick?" Kevin asked, as Linda and Grant talked about schoolwork.

"I don't know. When the family got me, Nick was still there," Brian said.

Kevin's smile faded, thinking about Nick.

"I hope he's okay," Kevin said.

"I am," a familiar voice said.

Brian and Kevin turned their heads to the side, to see Nick in a cat carrier. The cat carrier was held by Ruth, as she and Gina looked at a different row of cat food.

"Hi guys," Nick said, happy and calm.

"Nick!" Brian and Kevin exclaimed, relieved to see Nick.

"This is great. All we have to do is find Howie and A. J.," Kevin said, feeling better.

"How?" Brian asked.

"Find two dogs that sound like them," Nick said, smiling.

Kevin was about to respond to Nick's comment, but then he started to think it over. Brian then heard Grant finishing off his conversation with Linda. Gina and Ruth were also starting to leave as well. Nick, Brian, and Kevin told each other that they will find a way to meet again, and to find A.J. and Howie, before their new owners walked away in different directions.
~*~

"Hey Barry, do you see anything that you like?" Richard said, looking at the shelf of dog shampoos and conditioners. A. J. just whined back.

"Hey, I know you want to keep the hair dye, but the chick's right," Richard said. "If you lick your hair dye, you might get sick. It's not like there's a hair dye safe for dogs to use."

"Hair dye for dogs to use," Richard said, thinking over his words. "That might work out . . . "

A. J. just shook his head and walked to the end of the aisle, as Richard thought over how to make hair dye for dogs. A. J. watched and listened to the other people shop, while waiting for Richard to stop planning of making hair dye for dogs.

"What do you think of this collar, Gina?" a voice A .J. overheard asked, coming from the next aisle.

"The gray one? I don't know Ruth," another voice said. "What do you think kitty?"

"Whatever you like," a familiar voice said.

A. J. recognize that voice and walked around the corner to see two college girls. One was holding a cat carrier, with a white cat inside.

"Nick?" A. J. asked. The cat turned around to see A. J.

"A. J.?" Nick exclaimed, seeing the Jack Russell Terrier. "Is that you?"

"Who else would it be?" A. J. said, sarcastically. He then heard Nick laughing. "Stop laughing."

"Sorry. I heard that we came in with two dogs, but I never thought you would look like this!" Nick said, through his laughter.

"Wait, what's with 'we?''' A. J. asked, and Nick stopped laughing.

"Kevin and Brian. Who else?" Nick said.

"You saw them?" A. J. asked.

"Yeah. They're cats now, like me," Nick said. "But they look different. Kevin is a large muscular black cat with green eyes, and Brian is a white cat with yellow and orange markings with blue eyes."

"Where are they now?" A. J. asked, his tail wagging, hearing about his friends.

"With families," Nick said, and described the families that adopted Kevin and Brian. "Say, where's Howie?"

"He got adopted. He's a Portuguese Water Dog," A. J. said. Nick looked confused. "He has dark brown curly fur and medium size."

"Oh," Nick said. Then Gina and Ruth started walking down the aisle.

"Let's see what else they have for you, Snowball," Gina said.

"Um, see you later then," Nick said, as he was carried off.

"Okay, see you later . . . " A. J. said, when Nick was gone and walked back to the aisle where Richard was. " . . . Snowball."

A. J. then burst out laughing.
~*~

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Grant asked Marcus, as the Ellard family walked down an aisle.

"You like her," Marcus said, smirking.

"Who?" Grant asked.

"Linda," Marcus said.

"I do not!" Grant said.

"Yes you do," Marcus said.

"Shut up," Grant said, pushing Marcus away.

"Then way do you spend a lot of time with her?" Marcus asked, walking up to Grant.

"We have the same classes together," Grant said. "We help each other out with assignments."

"Which you enjoy," Marcus said, teasing and smirking at Grant.

"Knock it off," Grant said, pushing Marcus away again, but he didn't pay attention where he pushed Marcus.

"Ow!" Marcus yelled, when he collided into another person.

Brian looked up to see Mr. Ellard and Marcus apologizing to the man Marcus collided into, while Mrs. Ellard scolded Grant for pushing his brother.

"Don't worry, I'm fine," the man said, then looked at his dog. "What about you, little dude?"

"I'm alright," A. J. said, nodding his head.

"A. J.?" Brian asked, getting a better look out of his carrier.

"Brian?" A. J. asked, looking at the cat.

"Oh . . . wow . . . um," Brian tried to say to A. J., surprised to see A. J. as a dog.

"Please don't say anything," A. J. said. "It will be better than what Nick said."

"You saw Nick?" Brian asked.

"Yup. He told me about you and Kevin," A. J. said, nodding.

A. J. then told Brian about Howie, and described what he looks like now and the family that adopted him.

"I think that's enough shopping today, Barry. Let's go home," Richard said to A. J.

"'Barry?'" Brian said, surprised.

"Yeah, Barry. What does this family call you now? Whiskers?" A. J. asked.

"Brian," Brian said and laughed. He then thought he saw A. J.'s jaw drop.

"No fair! How come you get to keep your name?" A. J. whined.

"Luck?" Brian said innocently, as A. J. grumbled.

"Well at least my new name is better than Nick's new name," A. J. said.

"What new name?" Brian asked, curious.

"You don't know?" A. J. asked. Brian shook his head.

`This is good,` A. J. mischievously thought. "Snowball."

A. J. smirked when he heard Brian laughing, as he and Richard walked away.
~*~

"Linda, do you think this is a good idea?" Mr. Crown asked, as Linda looked at the harnesses displayed.

"I would like to see if it works," Linda said.

"I just don't want you to be disappointed if it doesn't work," Mrs. Crown said.

"Mom, you said that Great Aunt Pam once had a Siamese Cat who she took on walks and traveled with her, wearing a leash and a harness. I want to see if Midnight can do it as well," Linda said, and looked at Kevin.

"Do you think he's smart enough?" Mr. Crown said, looking at Kevin.

`That's it. I'm going to learn this harness trick,` Kevin thought, frowning at Mr. Crown, wanting to prove him wrong.

"Dad!" Linda pleaded, making Mr. Crown walk away from Kevin. She then looked at Kevin and smiled.

"I think you're smart enough, Midnight," Linda said, and Kevin smiled. "Mom and Dad don't know it, but I want to take you along when we visit Grandma and Grandpa over the weekend. You'll like them. Grandma has a parrot named Opal, and Grandpa has a dog. A Border Collie named Style."

"Dog?" Kevin said, a little nervous, remembering J max's words. Linda giggled a little.

"Don't worry. Style's a good dog. She's very nice and polite," Linda said. She then picked up two harnesses and showed them to Kevin. "Which one do you like? The red one or the green one?"

"Maybe the green one," a familiar voice said, that only Kevin understood. "Then again, the red might look good on him."

Kevin turned his head to see a medium sized dog, with dark brown furry curls.

"Howie?" Kevin asked.

The dog nodded and smiled back.

"Hi Kevin," Howie said.

"Are you okay? How's A. J.?" Kevin immediately asked.

"Man, even as a cat, you're still the same guy that I know," Howie said and Kevin smiled. "I am okay. As you can see, a nice family adopted me. By the looks of it, you've been adopted by a nice family as well."

"Thanks," Kevin said.

"A. J. . . . is now a . . . Jack Russell Terrier with hair dye in his fur," Howie said, and Kevin laughed. Howie then described Richard to Kevin.

"Yes, that's our A. J.," Kevin said.

"So how are Nick and Brian? They are cats now, right?" Howie asked. Kevin nodded.

"Nick's a white cat with blue eyes," Kevin said. "Brian is a white cat with yellow and orange markings, and has blue eyes."

Kevin then described the family that adopted Brian, and the college girls that took in Nick.

"Man, A. J. will throw a fit if he knew who adopted Nick," Howie said, and Kevin smiled.

"We're done shopping Dino. Let's go home," Donna said, pulling the leash around Howie's collar.

"Okay Midnight, we can go home now," Linda said, picking up the cat carrier that Kevin was in.

Howie and Kevin told each other that they will find some way to communicate later on with the other guys, before they said good-bye. When the other guy wasn't looking, they chuckled quietly to themselves, hearing the other guy's new name.
~*~

When each family was at the check-out line, the guys saw each other, one more time. They gave each other a quick hello, and said that they were alright. Soon, the purchases were made and paid for. Then each family drove home, and each BackStreet Boy went to a new home.
~**~

**~To Be Continued...~**

Tada, here's the next chapter, please review, my writing partner and I think that no one is interested, please leave a review and put a smile on our faces! Thanks!


"Backstreet Tails"





~**Reunited~**

The door swings open and A.J. sighs, watching his owner Richard chuckle softly to himself. A.J. races out the small cotton dog bed that he slept in, wagging his colored tail happily at Richard. He hoped that some how he can change Richard's mind about the hair dye episode. See, Richard somehow had the idea that he can get rid of A.J.'s colored fur and decided to for the first time listen to some real advice from a woman at that. So now Richard, gleefully smiling, chuckles and carries A.J. towards the kitchen sink. A.J. struggles in the man's arm, he can't believe this is happening.

'He can't do this to me! Do you know how long it took me to get that hair color and this moron wants to wash it away. I can't let it happen. I'll never live it down from the guys.' A.J. thinks to himself as the cool water invaded his small furry body.

"Easy boy, this'll be easy Barry! All I got to do is put this stuff on your fur." Richard states, holding up a bottled hair solution that gets rids and washes away the dye in A.J.'s white and beige fur. A.J. begins whining as Richard squeezes the silky pink liquid into his palms, "Ok, little buddy. Are you ready to bye bye bye to that hair dye dude?"

A.J. groans and shakes his little head, 'Please tell me he didn't think that was funny. If he only knew who I really was.' A.J. snips at Richard as he tries to place the wet cold liquid onto the fur.

"Oh come on little dude, don't make this any harder on me. You know what the lady said." Richard states, scrubbing the pink solution onto A.J.'s fur. A.J. snips and bites, making it difficult for Richard to wash the dog. "Whoa easy there." Richard mutters, swiping his hand away from A.J.'s bites and snarls. "Wow, whoa. You really like this color on you don't ya?"

A.J. looks at the blonde man and barks as in to answer the question.

After minutes of struggles and twisting out of Richard's grasp, it seems that A.J. won the battle. "Fine ok, geez. You win Barry for now. I promise later to get rid of the rest of the colors. You made it too hard, the color barely came off. Anyways little dude, I just got this filer slipped under my door about a festival happening. Maybe you're interested? I think you need to cool off after that little fight we had in the sink. So what do you say Barry?"

A.J. cringes at the name as Richard snaps on the leash to the small multi-colored Jack Russell Terrier. They both head out the door and walk down a few blocks to where a festival was occurring that was being advertise on the flier that Richard was holding. Hopefully if Richard is distracted long enough, he might forget about the dye. Because it would be punishment for poor A.J. to lose his hair dye after he worked hard on achieving a certain color. They pass by a wooden gate and beyond the gate there were rides and food courts as a large mass of people were herded into the festival. Excitement bubbles in the air as the small happy screams of children on rides and the sweet smell of cotton candy lingers in the air. Richard laughs and walks A.J. into the park area of the festival. A.J. smiles and sniffs, there was a familiar smell that drifted pass his nose and he know who it belonged to.
~*~

Howie sighs as Donna and Luke giggle about something. Luke sticks his head out the car window and points to festival off the other side of the road. "Mom, dad! Look!! There's a amusement park thing. Let's go. I wanna go on a ride!"

Mrs. Meadow sighs and turns her head around to look at the back seat of the car where the children are. "Luke stick your head back in the car. You want me to have a heart attack? I don't think it's a good idea to head to the festival, Your father and I aren't sure if it'll be wise."

Donna bats her sapphire orbs at her mom as she too begs to go to the festival, "Pleaseeeeeeee!! I want to go too! I want to get on the motorcycle ride!"

"Yeah, I want to get on the car ride! Let's go please!" Luke states, both children skilled at persuasion after many years of practice on their parents, let out another yell.

Howie chuckles softly to himself as the parents seem to have given up and agree on taking the children there.

Mr. Meadow grumbles and gives his wife a look, "Honey they'll keep it up all night, if we don't go. What do you say? Let's take one for the team."

His wife mutters and waves her hands, "Fine, fine go ahead. Anything to shut them up now."

Both children screamed happily and yells out a huge thanks as Mrs. Meadow feels the small hands of her children squeeze her shoulder and arm.

Mr. Meadow laughs and turns the steering wheel back around to head down the other side of the highway, where the entrance of the festival awaits them.
~*~

Ruth giggles and places away her mobile phone as she and Gina continue talking about the latest gossip they heard on celebrities.

"Oh you know what I heard about the Backstreet Boys?" Gina asks, whispering to Ruth who was carrying Nick in the small metal cage.

Nick's white furry ears point up at the sound of his group's name being called out, as he listens intensely to the conversation the girls were having. Nick laughs at the foolish news that the media manages to plaster in the newspaper as the girls discuss how they didn't believe it was true that Nick was dating Britney. Nick laughs at the idea of such a thing and shakes his head, news was so bad, media needed a boast by coming up with a lie about Nick's dating life.

Ruth stops as the sound of a festival nearby and smiles, "Hey Gina when was the last time you went to one of these things?"

"Oh man, its been ages girl! Ohhh, we gotta go!" Giggles Gina, her light eyes beaming with joy and she tugs on Ruth's arm to hurry her up. Both young women laugh and race into the open gate where the food courts and rides are scattered throughout the grassy park.

Nick smiles and watches the laughing women as they enter the crowded park.
~*~

Linda settles back in the back seat of the minivan as her parents drive down a busy highway.

"Linda honey, how's the cat doing?" her mom asks gently, poking her fingers into Kevin's cage.

Kevin jumps at the sight of the protruding finger and snakes his way back to the edge to the cage.

"Mom, stop that. Don't do that. You scared Midnight." Linda whispers, giggling as her mom makes a face.

"Ok fine." And her mother faces the front of her passenger side seat, staring out the window.

Linda's father grins and pulls the car out the highway and down a deserted street, "I thought that maybe since this festival is coming here, that I'll treat all of us and Midnight here to some fun at the festival. What do you think, Midnight?"

Kevin grumbles, that was the last place he needed to be. Loud kids, sounds and dogs running around. That wasn't his best option for fun, but what could he do? Kevin sighs and curls into a ball as Linda frowns, "Dad, I don't think Midnight is up for it. But I really do want to go there. I heard some of my friends were gonna perform at the talent show there."

Linda's mom smiles and nods her head, "Oh good, then I'm sure Midnight would enjoy it too, now wouldn't you, you big kitty?" She cooed at Kevin.

Kevin annoyed with the situation, grumbles and rolls his eyes. As long as he stays in the cage, it'll be fine with him. He just could think of the little children that would probably want to touch him when they see him. Even as an animal that is one problem that still remained.

The car pulls up in the driveway as the family exits the vehicle. Kevin sighs and takes a deep breathe. It was gonna be a long day and he was right about it.
~*~

Mr. Ellard quickly parks the family car as they all scramble out the vehicle. Marcus and Grant step out the car with a broad smile on their faces. Their father worked with the company that constructed the festival that is occurring at the moment and he was called in. So in a surprise, the sons had a chance to enjoy the festival while their father went to help out whatever was needed since he called in.

Marcus and Grant chat when suddenly Grant stops in mid sentence to see Linda and her family entering the amusement park too.

Marcus makes kissing noises as Grant walks over to Linda to say hi. Brian, awaken by the sudden loud noises that pulsated through his sensitive ears, glances around to see Kevin. He thought he was dreaming, but sure enough it was his cousin and he couldn't be any happier at the moment. Now all he needed was to find the rest of the guys and things will look better.
~**~

**~To Be Continued…~**

A/N: Hey guys this is the next chapter! I hope you enjoy and please if your reading this story, be nice and leave a review. It helps my co-writer and I to know if any of you are interested in this story.

"Backstreet Tails"

**~Where The Wish Leads~**

A.J. sniffs the air as screaming children race pass him to board on some rides. He feels his leash tug as A.J. grumbles and looks up at Richard yanking it. "Come on little dude. We gotta keep moving. You just can't sit here and waste time."

'Trust me blondie, time is all I got to waste.' A.J. mumbles to himself as a familiar smell passes his nose again. "It's Howie! I smell him. He's around here somewhere. I just gotta track him down!" A.J. states excited, as he sniffs the air, recognizing the scent of his friend the water dog. A.J. pulls on the leash he's on and starts walking down the crowded pathway. The smell was growing stronger, Howie has to near by him somewhere. "D! Man where you at?" A.J. yells, his barks rattling loudly in the air.

Richard concerned, lifts A.J. up into his arms, "Dude relax man. I know it's a bit loud here, but it can't be that bad now, can it?" His asks confused, scratching his chin.

A.J. grumbles, he can not let Richard get to him, he has to talk to Howie and his weird owner will not stop him. Nipping at Richard's hands, Richard yells out and drops A.J. on to the grassy ground. Unfortunately for A.J., dogs don't land on their feet and he just learned that the hard way. His furry stomach slams hard onto the rocky grass as he yelps out in pain. He was only mere inches from the stupid tree that started this whole adventure on him and his friends. Richard horrified, quickly comes to the aid of A.J. who lies on the grass in a daze as pain flooded his entire little body.

"Oh Barry! Dude man. I'm so sorry. I wasn't being careful, but you shouldn't have bitten, man." Richard states, gently stroking A.J. on the head.

A.J. snorts and rolls his eyes, "You lucky that was all I bit dufus. Now if you don't mind I have business to attend to." And with that, in a bit of pain, he stands up and wobbles over to two elderly women who were sitting nearby the large tree at a picnic table. Barking, A.J's eyes lit up, "It's that crazy old woman. Man, what's her name? Mrs. Tapestry or something like that. Yo, lady over here!" He barks angrily, making his way over to the two women, the other woman sitting across from Mrs. Tapestry was dealing some cards out and looks over at him.

"Well you're rude doggy!" The other woman, a short, pale skinned with salt and pepper hair pulled up into a braided bun stared at rudely. "You must be the other dog, your friend Howie talked about." She states after hearing A.J. insult her dear friend.

"Whoa, you can hear me?!" A.J. blurts out as Gladys smirks and nods her head.

"Then you have to help me! Howie! You've seen him?! Where is he? You've talked with him just now?" A.J. blurts out question after question hoping that maybe he can find any of his band mates.

"Yeah, cute dog, he is. His family came and he left about a minute ago. Really nice dog, well trained. Unlike some I know." The woman mumbles, looking at her deck of cards.

"Hey what's that suppose to mean?" A.J. cries out as he hears an echo coming from none other than his owner Richard. He peers up and sees Richard grumbling that A.J. or as he's called, Barry was an obedient dog when he needed to be. Just seemed to have had a rough life when he was going to get adopted.

"I mean you should see what the past owners did to him, look at all the colors on his fur. This wasn't my idea to have him this color, though he looks kinda cool man." Richard explains.

A.J. laughs softly to himself and shakes his head, "Oh man Rich, stop before you make any more of fool of yourself. Rough life? Yeah, living in a mansion and having women throw themselves on you gets tedious I'm sure." A.J. smirks as the elderly woman sitting across from Mrs. Tapestry spoke up.

"A.J. right?" The woman whispers.

A.J. nods his furry multicolored head and barks.

"Hmmmmm…You're that bad boy in the group. I'm not fond of you." The woman whispers peering at him.

A.J. feeling uncomfortable shrugs his little shoulders and sighs, wagging his tail behind him, he speaks up, "Sorry lady if I'm a disappointment to you but I'm not in the music business for you."

The woman shakes her head, "I can't believe this! Phyllis, you know this rude dog?"

"Hey, he's not rude ma'am!" Richard states, tugging on A.J.'s leash, "Come on Barry let's leave these ladies alone. I think we caused enough trouble as it is." Tugging unsuccessfully on A.J.'s leash, A.J watches the woman intensely.

"Ohhh, hold on. Yo, you can understand me, can't you?" A.J whispers, his heart racing a mile a minute. This woman can be the link he needs to find his friends.

The woman nods her head and fixes her eyes on the dog, "Yes, surprising now, isn't it?"

"Gladys what's going on with you? It's your turn, and here you are bickering to a dog. Ohhh, wait this is one of the boys now isn't it?" Phyllis whispers happily calling to A.J.

A.J. smiles and wags his tail ready to head over to her when his leash was pulled on by Richard again, "Dude we have to go. Lets leave the women alone."

A.J. barks and walks over to Gladys who was staring at him wearily.

"Wait sir. Is it ok if you sit next to us? I think we need to tell you something about your dog." Gladys finally states, placing her cards face down on the table.

Richard chuckles and moves towards them, "Look, I heard about the whole how dangerous it is to have dye on a dog's fur and stuff and I'm trying to get it off him and stuff, but come on, he's a trouble maker and he almost took my arm off for doing it. I think he kinda likes the color on him." He whispers softly, a bit embarrassed as his cheeks flush a light pink.

Phyllis chuckles and shakes her head, "Oh goodness no. It had nothing to do with that, but maybe if we told you what we know. Sort of give you a rather small history behind your furry friend here maybe things will begin to make sense."

"Huh? A history behind Barry?" Richard asks, scratching the side of his head in utter confusion.

"His real name is A.J." Gladys speaks with un interest as Richard asks who would call their animal that.

"A.J. is a rather unusual animal." Gladys giggles as Phyllis join in the laughter.

"You must be the lucky owner to this dog right?" Gladys continues as Richard simply nods his head now at a complete lost to what was going on.

"Oh yeah, the name's Richard." And he sticks out his sweaty head to shake the two women sitting on the benches of the picnic table. Both women shake his hand and smiles at each other before Gladys talks.

"This pet of yours had quite a life before you met him…" Gladys begins to state but was interrupted by A.J's barking.

"Alright, the guy doesn't have a clue, just tell him already!" A.J. barks loudly as Phyllis mutters what he saying to them.

Gladys with a smug look on her face continues, "Anyways, this dog was once or is like us. Human."

Richard smiles and breaks into a laugh, "Oh man you old ladies are funny. Human? Like so you're saying that this A.J. dude was a human before and he changed into my dog?"

Gladys nods her head surprised, "My, and you figured that out all by yourself."

Richard stands proudly with a huge grin plastered on his face, "Yeah, yeah I did!"

"Well good then. It's a simple problem. See that tree over there?" Gladys points as Richard follows her direction.

"That particular tree tends to grant wishes and its said to be haunted by five friendly ghosts, who grants wishes to only those they prefer." Gladys states as she picks a card from the deck.

"Go Fish." Phyllis states smiling as Richard looks at A.J. curiously.

"Ok so what you're both saying is that my dog is human and his name is A.J.?"

"Yes." Gladys states.

"Exactly." Phyllis whispers.

"Well gee. Look at that little buddy. Do you hear these old ladies? They say you're human. But you're just a cute little doggie, oh yes you are!" Richard talks in baby voice, rubbing A.J's head playfully.

Gladys laughs, "My, you'll get a surprise soon. He along with four other animals fell into the trap of the Wishing Tree."

"Now, this is the Wishing Tree and it has a history of granting wishes. Your dog is one of them that wished for freedom, a little relaxation from his hectic busy life." Phyllis adds on as poor Richard seemed lost beyond thought at this point.

"Whoa, Barry. That's crazy huh? So what should I call ya? A.J. then? Look ladies, I gotta go. Your story kinda creeps me out now." Richard whispers, picking up the small Jack Russell Terrier into his arms and walking away.

Phyllis sticks her lower lip out, "We didn't even answer the dog's question."

"Your friend Howie wanted to know how to break the wish." Gladys yells at Richard who walked about a few inches away before stopping as his dog begins barking and struggling from his grip again.

"Alright, alright, geez, Barry. Fine you wanna hang out with the ladies. Go ahead." Richard mutters as A.J. scrambles over to Gladys.

Chuckling, Gladys pets A.J. and shakes her head, "My apology. I thought you seemed alittle rude before hand."

A.J. snorts and shakes his head, "Oh don't be. I tend to leave a bad taste in some people's mouth."

"So you're A.J. What's with the multicolored fur?" Gladys asks as Phyllis smiles at him.

"My hair was dyed before I changed and this is what happened when I changed to a dog. So listen I'm gonna wish now to be human on the tree. It was nice meeting ya but I…"A.J. states mid-sentence as Phyllis was informed of the conversation from Gladys.

"And he thinks that wishing on the tree will make it better?" Phyllis asks to Gladys as Gladys tells her what A.J. wanted to do.

"Oh silly boy, just like your friend Howie! He's doing well by the way. But you all need to be together to break the wish. It doesn't work for one like that." Phyllis states.

"No! I can't hang around Richard any more. If I hear 'whoa' or 'Barry' any more, I'll lose my mind. I don't wanna be a dog!" A.J. whines, thumping his tail in frustration on the ground.

"Well The Five don't think so. I mean what's so bad being animals? You guys have all the personal attention and people that truly care for you. What's with the whining? Enjoy it for now. Its your break. And when the time is right, The Five will bring you guys back together here and change you back." Gladys states with a sprinkle in her eyes.

A.J. lets her ideas sink into him and he sighs, "You're right! I guess I just lucked out and I don't even notice it. Thanks, well I guess I should go, Richard might lose himself if he turns in a circle more than once looking for me."

At that remark, Gladys smiles and fills in Phyllis on the joke as well. Happily, A.J prances off feeling lucky with the wish he was given a chance to experience.
~**~

**~To Be Continued…~**

**Spread the Word**

"It seems this festival will be as successful as the last one," Mrs. Guide said to Phyllis as they walked around the festival grounds, looking at the people.

"Yes, this is a good turn out," Mrs. Tapestry said, then she saw Gladys giving her an odd look. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

"Because I know the true reason why you asked me to go on a walk with you," Gladys said. "It's not for the exercise. You think you can find the other boys, or pets now, and tell them the information about the Wishing Tree."

"Okay, you're right," Phyllis said, but she didn't seem too upset that Gladys figured her out. "Is it so bad to help them?"

"No, but it's going to be impossible to find them," Gladys said, indicating the crowds of people.

"We found two of them," Phyllis said.

"That was just luck," Mrs. Guide said.

"From The Five," Mrs. Tapestry said.

"Not that idea again," Gladys mumbled, rolling her eyes. "You think The No-Brand Heroes will help us find the other guys?"

"They helped us so far," Phyllis said. "Plus, we're their favorite gals. So they will help us. Otherwise, they wouldn't have granted our wishes."

"Okay Phyllis, we'll keep an eye out looking for them, but we're not going on a wild goose chase," Mrs. Guide said.

"You think this is a dumb idea?" Mrs. Tapestry asked. "Well, I think telling that boy Richard the truth about A. J. was a bad idea."

"I thought it would help," Gladys said. "But you're right. Maybe that wasn't a bright idea. So we're even now."

"I'm glad that's settled," Phyllis said. "Maybe we should keep it our little secret."

"Very well," Gladys said.

Mrs. Guide then paused, and put out her hand to stop Mrs. Tapestry.

"What is it?" Phyllis asked, as Gladys put her hand down.

"Look over there," Gladys said, indicating to Phyllis what she saw. Phyllis laughed when she saw what caught Gladys's attention.

"See? It wasn't a dumb idea," Mrs. Tapestry said.

"Then maybe telling the owners the truth about their pets isn't a bad idea as well," Gladys said, as the women walked in a new direction.

"Well, not at first," Mrs. Tapestry said.

"I'll think it over, but right now, I'm thinking of a way to talk to those people," Mrs. Guide said.
~*~

"Oh, look Gina! It's one of those instant photo booths!" Ruth said, pointing the photo booth out. "Let's get a picture!"

"Sure!" Gina agreed and the young women walked over to the photo booth, taking Nick along in the cat carrier.

To their dismay, they found out that photo booth had enough room for two people to go in, but not enough room for the cat carrier to fit.

"Rats!" Ruth said, when she found out the photo booth was only big enough to hold only her and Gina. "I wanted a picture of us with Snowball."

"Couldn't we take him out?" Gina asked, as Nick listened in.

"I'm afraid that he might get scared and run away," Ruth said. "Then he might get lost."

"Yeah, and I don't want to leave him outside all alone," Gina said.

Nick was about to say that he wouldn't run away, but someone else spoke up.

"Excuse me," an old woman's voice said behind them.

Ruth, Gina, and Nick turned around to see two elder women. Nick recognized one of the old women.

`Mrs. Tapestry!` he thought, when he saw Phyllis.

"My friend and I heard your conversation, and we think we have a solution for you," the other old woman said. "Why don't you two young ladies get your picture taken and we'll watch your cat?"

"Well, . . . uh . . ." Gina tried to say. She felt sort of uncomfortable leaving Snowball with them.

"We won't do anything wrong," Mrs. Tapestry said. "Besides, what kind of trouble can two old women cause?"

"I think we can trust them," Ruth said, smiling over at what Mrs. Tapestry said.

"Well, . . . okay, but may we ask what are your names?" Gina asked.

"Phyllis Tapestry," Phyllis said.

"Gladys Guide," Gladys said.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Ruth Garden, and this is Gina Knight," Ruth said, introducing her friend.

"And his name is Snowball," Gina said, lifting the cat carrier so Gladys and Phyllis could see the cat. Ruth then handed the cat carrier to Gladys.

"We won't be long," Ruth said. She and Gina then went into the photo booth.

When Ruth and Gina were inside the booth, Gladys and Phyllis looked inside the cat carrier to see Nick.

"Nick, right?" Gladys asked. Nick's eyes widen in surprise.

"Yeah, how did you know?" Nick asked. He then remembered that people couldn't understand him now.

"Howie told me," Gladys said. Nick looked confused. "Like you, I made a wish on the Wishing Tree, but I wish to understand animals."

"You saw Howie?" Nick asked.

"Yes, and your friend A.J. as well," Gladys said, and she told Phyllis what Nick said.

"They both wanted to undo the wish, but if a group makes a wish on the Wishing Tree, the same group must be together to reverse the wish," Phyllis said.

"Oh . . . wow," Nick said.

"Anyway kid, even though it's not what you wanted, it's really your vacation," Gladys said.

"I know," Nick said, smiling. Gladys then looked at Phyllis.

"Well that was easy," Mrs. Guide said.

"Boy must be smart enough to go with the flow," Mrs. Tapestry said.

Nick laughed hearing at that. Mrs. Tapestry then told Nick where she and Mrs. Guide lived, if he wanted a place to talk. Mrs. Guide added that they will help the guys communicate with each other. After that, Ruth and Gina came out of the photo booth.

"Thank you for watching Snowball," Gina said, as Mrs. Guide handed her the cat carrier back, while Ruth got the photos.

"Our pleasure dear," Mrs. Guide said.

"It's so nice to see friends enjoying themselves. Gladys and I were about your age when we met and look how long our friendship has lasted," Mrs. Tapestry said. She and Mrs. Guide then smiled at each other.

Ruth and Gina thanked Mrs. Guide and Mrs. Tapestry again. The college girls and the old women then said their good-byes and left in separate directions.
~*~

"Say Gladys," Phyllis said, after their talk with Nick.

"Yes?" Gladys asked.

"Why didn't we tell that boy A.J. where we live and that we will help him?" Phyllis asked.

"Do you think I want that kid in my house?" Gladys said, and Phyllis snickered. "He'll eventually find out."

After a few minutes, Mrs. Guide stopped, when she saw some familiar faces.

"What do you know," Gladys said, indicating the people to Phyllis. "They're the ones who got the last of the boys."
~*~

"'Snowball?'" Kevin asked Brian, astounded.

Brian nodded back and smiled. He and Kevin were still in the cat carriers. Linda and Grant decided to put the cat carriers down on a bench, while the families talked together.

"I can't believe Nick wasn't upset over that name," Kevin said. "It's not like him."

"He was probably thinking about the girls that adopted him," Brian said with a smile.

"Now that's Nick," Kevin said and the cousins laughed.

Marcus then came over to check up on the cats. He looked into the carriers and examine them.

"Hey Grant! Come here!" Marcus called out. Grant soon appeared, and he was followed by Linda.

"What is it?" Grant asked.

"Is something wrong with the cats?" Linda asked.

"They're okay. I just want you to look at them," Marcus said.

Grant and Linda bent down and peered into the cat carriers.

"Why are we doing this?" Grant asked Marcus, sounding a little annoyed.

"Don't you think the cats look little alike?" Marcus asked. Grant then looked at him. "Like they're related?"

"No," Grant said, standing up.

"Not even a little?" Marcus asked. Grant shook his head.

"They don't look like they're related," Grant said. "They don't look even close to brothers."

"Not brothers . . . maybe cousins?" Marcus said. Grant gave Marcus a look that Marcus was talking nonsense.

"Cousins? Where did you get that crazy idea?" Grant asked.

"Well, maybe they do look somewhat alike," Linda said, still looking at Brian and Kevin. Grant then turned around, interested to hear Linda's explanation.

"Hello Linda," a voice said.

Linda stood up, to see who was talking to her.

"Mrs. Guide, I didn't expect to see you here," Linda said, then turned to Grant. "Grant, you remember Mrs. Guide?"

"Yes," Grant said.

Marcus, Grant, and Linda moved away from the cats and Linda called their parents over.

Brian and Kevin saw Linda and Grant introducing Mrs. Guide to the parents. It seems that Mrs. Guide volunteer at their school tutoring students. Gladys then introduce her friend to the families.

"Kevin, look!" Brian exclaimed, seeing Mrs. Guide's friend.

"Mrs. Tapestry!" Kevin said, seeing Phyllis. "We got to talk with her! She must know how to undo the wish!"

"How?" Brian asked, as Kevin tried to get Mrs. Tapestry's attention.

"She's too busy now; we'll try later," Kevin said, seeing Phyllis talking to the families.

"It's nice to meet you," Grant said, shaking Mrs. Tapestry's hand.

"Thank you," Mrs. Tapestry said, smiling. "Did anyone tell you that you look like a young Errol Flynn?"

"No ma'am," Grant said, sort of embarrassed.

Marcus quietly chuckled to himself, watching Grant, and decided to save his brother.

"Hey Grant, the show with the surprise entertainment is going to start soon," Marcus said.

"Oh yeah. Linda, will you like to join us?" Grant asked, looking at her.

"Sure!" Linda said smiling, but then her smile faded. "But I can't leave Midnight alone. That area doesn't allow animals in the audience."

"Don't worry," Mrs. Guide said. "You go to the show, while Phyllis and I watch over your cats."

"Are you sure?" Mrs. Crown asked.

"It's not a problem. You go and enjoy the show," Mrs. Guide said.

"Thank you Mrs. Guide! Midnight is over there, with Marcus's and Grant's cat, Brian," Linda said, showing Mrs. Guide where the cats are.

The Ellard family thanked Phyllis and Gladys, before they left with the Crown family. When the families were gone, Mrs. Tapestry and Mrs. Guide walked over to the bench and sat down. Mrs. Tapestry sat next to Kevin, and Mrs. Guide sat next to Brian.

"Are you Kevin?" Phyllis asked the green-eyed black cat in the carrier. Kevin looked really surprised hearing her words.

"Yes, you can recognize me?" Kevin asked, astounded.

"He's Kevin, Phyllis," Gladys said to Mrs. Tapestry. Then she looked at the blue-eyed white cat with yellow and orange markings. "Then you must be Brian."

"I am! How did you do that?" Brian asked. Gladys smiled.

"I made a wish to understand animals," Gladys said to Brian and Kevin. "Under the Wishing Tree."

"We met up with your friend Howie earlier, and he told us about your situation," Phyllis said.

"Then you know we need help!" Kevin said. "This wish has to be reversed! Can you take us to the Wishing Tree?"

"Sorry kid, but we're going to tell you what we told Howie, A.J. and Nick," Gladys said. "Because the wish was made by a group, the wish can only be reverse by the same group."

"No way!" Brian exclaimed.

"Why?" Kevin yeowed.

"It's how the Wishing Tree works," Mrs. Guide said, coming up with the best explanation she could think of.

"Will it work with half of the group?" Brian asked, and Mrs. Guide shook her head; Kevin was thinking of another way to fix their wish.

"Can you make the wish for us?" Kevin asked, looking at Gladys and Phyllis. "Can you wish for our wish to end?"

"I'm sorry child," Mrs. Tapestry said, after Gladys translated Kevin's words to her. "Only the group has the power to reverse the wish they made."

"Then we need to find the other guys!" Kevin said. "Do you know where they are?"

"We do, but we can't take pets away from their owners without a reasonable explanation," Gladys said.

"And no one is going to believe the true explanation," Brian said.

Kevin couldn't believe his ideas on how to reverse the wish didn't work. Mrs. Tapestry notice Kevin's frustrated expression.

"What's with the long face, boy?" Phyllis asked Kevin. "That's the wrong way to enjoy your vacation."

"Excuse me?" Kevin said, looking at Mrs. Tapestry. "My friends and I have been changed into animals, separated from each other and you call this a vacation?"

"Did he just say something rude to me?" Phyllis asked Mrs. Guide, after hearing Kevin's growls. Mrs. Guide smiled.

"He doesn't believe this is their vacation," she explained.

"Are you saying our wish really did come true?" Brian asked. Mrs. Guide nodded.

"Who's going to bother a pet with business?" Gladys said. "No one will ask for your autographs. To the world, you are just pets, not the BackStreet Boys."

"Maybe you're right," Brian said, thinking it over. "No more schedules, no more meetings, no more hiding! I can finally sleep in!"

"That's the spirit boy!" Mrs. Tapestry cheered, seeing Brian's happy cat face.

"Brian, we can't just abandon our lives!" Kevin exclaimed. "What about our responsibilities? What about our families?"

Brian's ideas on relaxing faded away when Kevin spoke.

"My, aren't you the pessimist one?" Gladys said to Kevin.

"Oh, don't be so hard on him Gladys!" Phyllis said. "He just doesn't see it yet."

"See what?" Kevin asked, and Gladys translated his words to Phyllis.

"Just how lucky you are," Phyllis said to Kevin. "You could be stuck doing a boring task, but now you been given the chance to escape the busy life for a relaxing one. Do you really want to go back to work so soon? Why are you worrying so much? The Five will take care of everything. Remember what I said about The Five helping people they like? They have helped you and your friends to be adopted by people who will take the best care of you. Stop thinking about what went wrong and try to think about what is right."

Kevin never heard advice like that before and began to think it over. He thought about Linda and what she said about the Crown family living on a ranch. It almost sounded like his childhood home.

"Have any of you boys blamed The No-Brand Heroes for the result of your wish?" Gladys asked Brian, while Kevin thought over Mrs. Tapestry's advice.

"I don't think so," Brian said, shaking his head.

"That's good," Phyllis said, seeing Brian's shaking his head. "The Five doesn't like it when people blame them when an outcome of a wish didn't come out as they wanted. The result of a wish is not the will of The Five. I bet that's why you boys have a lot of help from them, because you didn't blame them for the outcome of your wish, and you still don't."

"So those voices we heard was The Five?" Brian asked.

"Yes. Phyllis and I think those collars you wear is from The No-Brand Heroes," Gladys said. "Mostly because no one seemed to notice them until after you were adopted."

"A lot of good they did," Kevin finally said, looking at his collar. "No one wanted to stay with our real names."

"I kept my name," Brian smirked.

"Don't rub it in," Kevin said and sighed. "Still, it's the only complaint I have."

"Mrs. Tapestry! Mrs. Guide!" Marcus said, running up to them.

"What is it boy?" Mrs. Tapestry asked, when Marcus stopped in front of them.

"You got to see it!" Marcus said, excited. "The show! It's awesome! There's these two guys, and they perform magic tricks with wild cats! Mom asked me to tell you about the show and wanted to know if you would like to see it."

Gladys and Phyllis looked at each other, and shared a secret smile, before they faced Marcus again.

"It's a nice offer, but who's going to watch the cats?" Mrs. Guide asked.

"Mom said that I could take over, while you watch the rest of the show," Marcus said, sounding reluctant to miss the rest of the performance.

"It's alright," Mrs. Tapestry said, seeing Marcus's reluctance. "Tell your mom it was nice of her to offer, but we don't need to see it. We saw the performance last year. You go back before you miss the excitement."

"Okay. Thanks!" Marcus said; happy, because he could see the rest of the show now.

Marcus smiled to Mrs. Tapestry and Mrs. Guide as he left, and they waved back to him. When he was out of sight, Gladys and Phyllis broke out laughing.

"What? What's so funny?" Brian asked, wondering what they were laughing about.

"Well boy, you just witness The Five helping you again!" Phyllis said through her laughter.

"How?" asked Kevin.

"Remember when I told you the members of The Five?" Phyllis said. "I said two of them are brothers and magicians."

"Wait, you're saying that act on stage is the magician brothers?" Brian asked.

"You got it kid," Gladys said, smiling, when she and Mrs. Tapestry were done laughing. "Gregory and Fredrick. Those wild cats are actually their companions."

"Oh yes!" Phyllis said, remembering that part of the legend. "Gregory, the eldest, has a cheetah named Wind Dancer. Fredrick, the youngest, has a snow leopard named Frost Singer."

"Um . . . why would two magician brothers help us, by putting on a show?" Kevin asked, still curious.

"It's a distraction," Gladys explained. "While the families watch them, we have the opportunity to talk to you."

Kevin nodded, understanding it now.

"You said you saw the other guys, how are they?" Kevin asked.

"They look fine, Your friend A.J. was upset when we told him how to undo the wish," Gladys said. "But he soon calmed down."

"Kevin?" Brian asked, seeing Kevin thinking.

"I guess this is our vacation," Kevin said. "But I can't stop worrying about the other guys."

"Don't you worry about your friends, boy," Mrs. Tapestry said, after Gladys translated Kevin's words to her. "We promise your friend Howie to help all of you keep in touch with each other."

"What about our families?" Kevin asked, looking at Mrs. Tapestry and Mrs. Guide.

The old women looked worried, after Gladys told Phyllis what Kevin said. To get in touch with their families was beyond Gladys's and Phyllis's power.

"We'll think of something," Gladys finally said to Kevin and Brian. She rather wanted The No-Brand Heroes to help them with that part.

Phyllis still noticed how tense everyone was and decided to lighten up the mood, by telling Brian and Kevin where she and Gladys lived.

"If you want a place to talk, you'll find us there," Phyllis said.

"Thanks," Brian said, but Kevin still felt uncomfortable with the situation.

"Still worried?" Gladys asked, looking at Kevin.

"Give it a try," Phyllis said. "If it doesn't work out, you can live with us."

"Maybe . . . it's not so bad as I thought," Kevin said, and smiled at the old women.

Minutes later, the Ellard and the Crown family returned. They thanked Mrs. Tapestry and Mrs. Guide for watching their cats. After a few more conversations, the families got their cats, and left to enjoy the rest of the festival. Gladys and Phyllis watched them leave, after they said good-bye to the families.

"Mission accomplished," Phyllis said proudly.

"Whatever Phyllis," Gladys said, as they started walking. "That's enough excitement for me for one day. Let's go home. You buy the drinks."
~**~

**~To Be Continued...~**

**~Another Dilemma~**

A.J. inhales a fresh breeze that flutters through the sunny afternoon as Richard talks excitedly about how wonderful it is to finally understand animals. After listening to Richard talk for more than an hour non stop, A.J. finally released a growl.

"Well yeah little buddy why so angry?" Richard asks innocently, his hazel eyes open wide in confusion making A.J. even more upset that the man couldn't have been this dense.

"You sure have a lot to say, but how is that helping me out at all? I need you to help track down my friends. Please Richard, I'm think I'm getting fleas and having not take a proper bath, I feel nasty." A.J. grumbles, his soft furry paws scratching the side of his head.

"Oh well duh, Barry. You're all dirty cause you didn't stay still when I gave you a bath." Richard snorts and roughly pets A.J. on the head.

A.J. smirks and nods his head, "Yeah well. You're kinda rough when you bathe me."

"Sorry 'bout that, Barry."

"A.J." The small Jack Russell Terrier states.

"A.J. Barry, whatever." Richard whispers, shrugging his shoulders. "I'll help and check the files. Once I find the addresses of your little buddies, we'll pay them a visit. Ok?"

A.J. lets out a deep sigh and nods his head, "Yes. Great, thanks so much! I can't wait to be me again!"

"So ahhh… you said you were human before you changed to an animal. So whatcha look like?" Richard asks, bopping his head to an imaginary beat in his head.

"Oh well, I…" A.J. trails off as they walk pass a small music store with his group's picture on the store window. "There! There!" A.J. barks out as Richard surprised and turns his head towards the window.

"What?"

A.J. answers, "See that picture on the window?!"

"Oh yeah, what about it?"

"Do you know who they are?" A.J. asks loudly, his eyes lit up.

Richard snorts and nods his head, "Yeah little dude, my little niece is totally into them, I think their stuff is pretty cool. Backstreet right?"

"Yeah! See that guy crouched with the shades and dyed hair?" A.J. whispers loudly as walking pedestrians gave them a strange look.

"Oh yeah, he's the wild one right? I can't remember his name, J.K or D.J. or J.R…" Richard wonders out loud.

A.J. sighs, "That's A.J., A.J. as in me!"

Richard gulps and stands there confused letting the idea sink in him, "Ohhhhhhhh cool dude, you guys have the same name!"

A.J. gasps and drops his head, 'God help me before I give up on this guy.' "No Rich, that is me!"

"Oh wow. That's what you look like?" Richard states, "So you're telling me that you're that guy in the picture?"

"Yes!" A.J. quickly answers, afraid that Richard might lose his train of thought and forget.

"Wow, you're funny looking dude."

"Hey take that back. I think I look just fine." A.J. states grumbling as he can see through the corner of his eyes, Richard's smirk.

"Yeah, its ok. So this is what your buddies look like then? They're animals now?" Richard whispers out the information given to him.

A.J. nods his head and stares at Richard.

"Ok, cool. I never thought my dog would be famous. Man, imagine what my little niece would do to see you. Hey I'm gonna say hi to her, let's go see her and my sis k?" Richard states eagerly dragging A.J.'s leash along with A.J. "Come on little buddy you can move faster than that on stage."

A.J. grumbles as they walk down a few blocks to stand in front of a two story house, "Hey Rachael!" Richard yells out towards the front lawn. A.J. gulps and watches a blonde hair, tall lean woman peer out the front.

"Richie! Hey, came for visit? Oh, you have a dog, how cute." The beautiful woman states, running her fingers through A.J.'s colored fur, "It's a bit weird looking with the colors, isn't it?" The woman asks as Richard laughs and asks for little Suzie.

"Oh Suzie. She's inside, let me get her. She would love to see this dog, she loves animals, what's its name?" The woman asks, calling out for her child who was indoors.

"Bar uh J.J." Richard corrects himself as A.J. rolls and corrects him, "A.J., close enough." A.J. states as he watches a small figure come out the front entryway.

It seemed to him that time had slowed down as the little red streaked and blonde haired girl and runs out the door and down the stairs racing over to him. A.J. watches in horror as the little girl giggles out evilly and stretches out her long dirty fingers at him. When she smiled, the silver braces gleamed harshly in the sunlight. "Oh God, no!" A.J. screamed out in fear as the little girl roughly grabs him and squeezes his tightly to her chest. A.J. struggles to breathe as the woman and Richard laugh and say, "Oh how cute, they like each other!"

A.J. gasps and shakes his head as he tries to gurgle out that he was not enjoying this at all. But Richard and the woman walked away talking about their family and such leaving poor A.J. with the little girl. The girl releases A.J. and grabs his leash, pulling it roughly as A.J. cries out, "Please I wanna be me again!" He was dragged away as Richard and his sister laugh gleefully at the something. "Richard owes me big time for this now!" A.J. growls as he follows the little girl in trepidation.
~*~

Nick struggles out of the arms of the young man that held him close to him, Nick feels himself being picked up and stared directly into his new owner's face, Aaron's. The chocolate eyes stare back at Nick as Aaron chuckles. "Guess Nick wouldn't mind another pet. Though he isn't much for cats, I'm sure he'll like you."

Nick snorts and chuckles as he imagined what Aaron was gonna do. Out of all the people, it seemed he had to bump into none another than his own brother. At least he can see what his family was doing. "So buddy, what's your name?" Aaron asks, carrying Nick inside the small mansion like house, he shares with his brother. Aaron drops Nick onto the couch and smiles, walking towards the kitchen.

Nick paws at his collar and an idea race through his head, "Would Aaron get what's going on if he sees the tag? Only one way to find out." Nick whispers to himself as Aaron comes out the swinging door with a glass plate full of wet cat food. He places the plate on the floor and grabs Nick, pushing him towards the wet disaster that resembled food.

Nick growls and paws at the collar, backing away from Aaron. Aaron smirks and rolls his eyes, "Not hungry. That's alright, I'll leave it here for later. What's wrong? The collar bothering you?" Aaron whispers, creeping closer to Nick. Nick looks up and shakes his head lifting the golden plate with his name scrolled on it to show Aaron. Aaron leans down and stares at the ID, "Cute, you have the same name as my brother. I'm sure he'll want you to stay when ever he gets back."

Nick sighs, if only Aaron knew that his brother wasn't missing, but right here before him. This was going to be harder to inform Aaron if he didn't what was truly going on. Sighing, Nick feels Aaron whisper something and stands up: walking over to the kitchen swinging door, disappearing out of the room and out of Nick's view.
~*~

Howie lazily watches the rubber ball pass by him as Donna and Luke lay sprawled out, tries to get Howie off his feet and play. He's been a little out of it. He loved the kids and the family, but he longed to be himself again. He missed his family as well and the other guys as much as he had to admit to himself.

"Mom. Dino doesn't want to play. What's wrong with him? He looks sad." Luke states bouncing around, his auburn hair flopping around as he stares sadly at Howie.

Mrs. Meadow steps into the living room, smiling, "What's wrong with you kids? Poor Dino is tired, you had him running around all day. I think he'll feel better if you let him take a nap. Now, I need you guys to help me set the table, daddy's on his way home and we need to get ready to all have dinner."

"Can Dino join us next to the table?" Luke asks, batting his azure eyes at his mom.

Mrs. Meadow sighs and nods her head, "Fine, as long as he behaves and stays on the floor."

"Ok." Both kids response in unison as they scurry into the dining room.

Mrs. Meadow sighs and runs her fingers through Howie's dark brown fur. "Well Dino, I have to get ready. You're welcome to join us if you behave ok? You're such a good boy." She coos at Howie, petting him under his chin. Howie smiles and licks the woman's fingers, following her happily into the room. Still in the back of his head, as much as he loved the family's attention towards him, he missed being himself. He enters the room filled with the giggles of the children and smiles. He was lucky the No-Brand Heroes helped him out and he tried to enjoy the vacation that he never thought he would have.
~*~

Brian watches the small white and yellow striped cat sleeping peacefully in his cat bed and his heart fluttered, even as an animal she was beautiful. "Leighanne." Brian whispers gently towards her ears as the silence in the house seemed almost ironically deafening to him.

Leighanne gently moves her position in the cat bed and stretches out her white yellow striped paws. Opening her blue eyes, she spots a white striped cat before her. Leighanne gasps and stands up unaware of what she has become. She could have sworn she heard her husband's voice, but he was no where around here. "What is this house?" She hears herself and gasps, she looks down and sees the paws and tail that now seemed to be apart of her. "Oh God! I'm a animal? What is this? Some sick dream?" She shrieks out, hearing a whining meow escape her throat. She was surprised and confused, this couldn't be happening to her. She's human, not a cat. But why would she be here? She couldn't understand it.

"Honey, its me." She hears Brian's voice as she follows the source of the voice. Standing before her was a blue eyed medium size white and mixed colored cat with orange and yellow spots across his white fur. The same endearing blue eyes that made her fall in love with Brian remained in that cat.

"Oh Brian!" She cries out, staring at the cat. Brian laughs and leaps at her. Both cats nuzzle and rub their heads in the nook of the other. "What's going on?" She says exasperated.

Brian sighs and knew he had to explain and begins to tell her the entire story from beginning to end, for she needs to understand what was going on with them.
~*~

Kevin nuzzles besides the sleeping white and calico cat. He wanted to wake her up, but she seemed so peaceful and angelic resting that Kevin gave up trying to get her up. So he decided to do the next best thing. Be there when she wakes up, so he can tell her what was going on. He rests his head on her side, and throws his black paw over her side. He couldn't leave her again and he'll make sure of it this time around.
~**~

**~To Be Continued…~**

**Exploring**

Leighanne spent most of the morning of the next day looking out the window, to see if Brian might stop by. So far, there was no sigh of him yet.

"Leighanne," Cherry said, walking up to her. "Why are you still there? Isn't that boring? Let's play, that's fun!"

"That's very nice of you Cherry, but I'm waiting for Brain to show up," Leighanne said, looking at Cherry and smiling at her.

"I heard an old saying that said: 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder,' but I think waiting there isn't going to make things better, dear," Mrs. Guide said, walking up to Leighanne and Cherry. "You're just making yourself more worried. Have some breakfast Leighanne. I've cooked up some sausages. It won't help worrying on an empty stomach."

"Thank you, Mrs. Guide," Leighanne said and walked up to Gladys.

"It's going to be alright, dear," Mrs. Guide said. "Brian seems to be the type of man who will keep his promise. He'll show up, just be patience."

"Maybe he hasn't found the right time to leave," Cherry said, running to Leighanne's side.

"Just waiting there will just make it harder for you," Mrs. Guide said, as they walked to the kitchen. "We'll give him an hour or two more, then we'll look for him. Meanwhile, try not to stress over it. Maybe this afternoon we'll go to The Wishing Tree, if you feel up to it. What do you say, dear?"

"That sounds nice," Leighanne said, as Mrs. Guide smiled at her.

"Yay! An adventure!" Cherry cheered, leaping playfully up in the air.

Leighanne laughed a little, while Cherry pranced excitedly around the kitchen and Mrs. Guide prepared breakfast. She just hoped Brian will arrive before she leaves the house and sees The Wishing Tree.
~*~

Luke patted Howie's furry back, as they waited for Donna and Mrs. Meadow to come home. They had left to sign up for the talent contest. Luke was not alone. Mr. Meadow was in the other room making business phone calls. Soon, Mrs. Meadow and Donna returned. Luke ran up to them to say hello to his mother and his sister. Mrs. Meadow then left the kids to talk to her husband. This gave Donna and Luke the chance to talk about the talent contest.

"Did it work?" Luke asked, as he and Donna walked up to Howie.

"Yeah, Dino is going to be in the talent contest!" Donna cheered. "We almost didn't make it."

Luke smiled and laughed, as he celebrated along with Donna, hearing the good news. Howie just sighed. He wasn't really enthusiastic as the children, hearing the news. He still felt a little uneasy being in the talent contest. However, part of him wanted to beat Odd Ball as much as the children wanted to beat Alvin.

"So, what are we going to do for the talent contest?" Donna asked Luke.

"What?" Luke asked, confused.

"Luke, I said I'll make sure Dino is in the contest. Your job was to think what Dino can do," Donna said.

"It was?" Luke said. "I don't remembered."

Howie rolled his eyes, as Donna and Luke argue what Howie could do in the talent contest.

"Where's the book dad got us about dog tricks?" Donna asked, looking around the room.

"I don't know," Luke said, and shrugged.

`This is going to take hours to solve,` Howie thought, as he got up, watching Donna and Luke argue. `I better fix it.`

Howie walked into the room where he last saw the dog trick book, and looked for it. He then spotted the book, picked it up, and carried it in his mouth. Howie walked back to where the children were, and barked to get their attention. The kids stopped talking, and saw Howie with the book.

"Wow, thanks Dino," Luke said, and took the book out of Howie's mouth. Luke patted Howie on his head. Howie just smiled back, and couldn't help but wag his tail. Donna then smiled.

"I think I know what Dino can do in the talent contest," Donna said, smiling, getting an idea.
~*~

A. J. looked up as he laid on the sofa, when Richard walked in the room.

"Hey little dude, I'm back from the animal shelter," Richard announced. He then took out a piece of paper. "I got the addresses of all your little buddies."

"You did? Thank you!" A. J. said. He then jumped off the sofa and headed to the front door. "What are you waiting for? Let's go find them!"

"Whoa, can I least have a snack first?" Richard asked.

"Fine, you can eat something before we go out," A. J. said, sounding a little impatient.

After Richard had his snack, he put on the leash around A. J.'s neck, and they headed out.

"Okay dude, let's start with the closest places first," Richard said, looking at the paper. "First stop is where your white cat buddy lives."

"Nick," A. J. said to himself.

They soon found themselves in front of a door. Richard knocked at the door, and a woman with strawberry blonde hair answered it.

"Hi, my name is Richard Shea. I volunteer at the animal shelter," Richard said, as another woman came to the door. "Is this where Gina Knight and Ruth Garden live?"

"Yes, I'm Ruth," Ruth said.

"Oh, cool! It would have been totally embarrassing if I got the wrong house," Richard said. "Yeah, I'm doing an inventory of animals adopted. You know, how the animals are doing, and such. You did adopt a white cat from the animal shelter, right?"

"Well, you see . . . " Gina said, looking a little sad. "We don't know where our cat is."

"You don't?" Richard asked, sounding a little shock.

"We came home yesterday from shopping, and Snowball was gone," Ruth said, as her eyes began to water. "We don't know how he escaped! The door was lock!"

"We were just about to go out and look for him," Gina said.

"Oh . . . wow, um, I'm sorry that happened," Richard said. He then took out a piece of paper and wrote his phone number down. "Look, if you need any help looking for your cat, call me, or if you have any news about him."

"Okay, thank you," Gina said, as Richard handed her the paper.

"I hope you find Snowball soon," Richard said, before he said good-bye to the women, and turned around to leave.

"It looks like that was a dead end," Richard said to A. J., as they walked away. "Sorry dude."

"It's not your fault," A. J. said. `It's Nick's.`

"Cool," Richard said, and looked at the list. "Maybe we'll have better luck with the next house."

`Nick, you idiot. Why, why did you run away?` A. J. thought, as he walked. `How stupid can you be? Where are you now?`
~*~

Aaron stepped out into the park, and looked around. He still carried Nick inside the gym bag.

"Is this the place where they were last seen?" Aaron asked the driver.

"That's what I heard," the driver said.

"Okay, thanks. I'm just going to look around," Aaron said. The driver nodded back in response, and Aaron walked off.

Aaron walked around the park, looking for any clues, to find out what happened to the guys. He didn't know he was carrying the biggest clue that could lead him to the BackStreet Boys.

"Man, what happened to them?" Aaron said, stopping under a tree. Nick looked up and recognized the tree.

`The Wishing Tree!` Nick thought, seeing the tree.

"This is getting weird, almost scary," Aaron said, and looked at the cat. "Nick would have told me if he left to have fun. Even on a secret vacation. I'm his brother. I'm kinda mad that he didn't invite me. I wish . . ."

"No Aaron! Don't!" Nick meowed out.

"I wish I knew what happened to him," Aaron said.

Aaron suddenly gasped, and Nick turned around to see what made Aaron gasped. Nick saw why, and gasped as well. One of the branches of The Wishing Tree was bending down, hovering above Nick. As if the branch was pointing at the cat.
~*~

"Linda dear! I'm done!" Mrs. Crown called out to her daughter. Linda ran into her mother's sewing room.

"What is it Mom?" Linda asked.

"I'm done making Midnight's new toy," Mrs. Crown said and Linda smiled. "I also made one for the new cat . . . Honey, what's her name?"

"Tiger Lily, Mom," Linda said as Mrs. Crown handed her one of the toys. "I'm thinking of letting them outside later. Midnight really has calm down since Tiger Lily arrived."

"Well, let's see if they like my toys first," Mrs. Crown said, getting up. She followed Linda to the room where Midnight and Tiger Lily were in. The cats were looking out the window, sitting together.

"Midnight, Tiger Lily," Linda called out. Kevin and Kristin looked up at her. Linda carefully threw one of the toys onto the floor. "Here."

The cats walked away from the window and towards the toy. Mrs. Crown gently threw the other toy on the floor. The toys were cloth packets, and the cats heard something was inside the packets, when the toys landed on the floor. Kevin inspected his toy, while Kristin sniffed her toy.

"Kevin, what is it?" Kristin asked, looking over her toy.

"It's some type of toy," Kevin said, pawing his toy.

"Do you think they like it?" Linda asked her mother.

"Just wait and see dear," Mrs. Crown said.

"Maybe they don't have the gene for it," Linda said.

Kevin looked at Linda, hearing that part. He wanted to hear more, but he heard something else that caught his attention. It was Kristin. She was giggling.

"Kristin?" Kevin said, looking at her.

"I see now," Kristin said, still giggling. She picked up her toy and walked off to the other side of the room with it.

"What? Hey . . ." Kevin said, sniffing his toy, wondering why Kristin said that.

Kevin felt . . . relaxed now. He laughed and tugged at his toy with his teeth. Kevin then batted at his toy and chased after it, while Kristin rubbed her toy with her head.

"Oh Mom, look! They love it!" Linda said, watching the cats. "They look so cute!"

"I'm glad that they do," Mrs. Crown said and smiled; Kristin now had her toy between her paws and was tugging on it, while Kevin still chased his. "I knew they'll like the catnip toys."

Kevin was having too much fun to pay attention to Mrs. Crown's words. He never felt this happy before! He was energetic as a kitten! He was a kid again! A kid-ten! Kevin rolled on his back as he played with his toy. He smiled as he saw Kristin tossed her toy into the air and leaped after it. Linda and her mother laughed, as they watched the cats played with the catnip toys. The cats didn't seem to notice them, they were having too much fun.

An hour later, Kevin woke up. He found himself laying on his back, letting his stomach soak up the sunshine. He shook his head, as he straighten up. What happened? The last thing he remembered was looking at the toy Mrs. Crown made. Kevin then remembered what Mrs. Crown said: Catnip.

Kevin groaned, as he laid down. It was coming back to him. Kristin then walked into the room, and saw her husband.

"Morning sleepyhead," Kristin teased, as she walked up to Kevin and sat next to him. "How do you feel?"

"Embarrassed," Kevin moaned. "Did I . . . did we play with cat toys?"

"I'm afraid so," Kristin said.

"We also got affected by catnip, didn't we?" Kevin asked. Kristin nodded back. "I can't believe I played with catnip."

"Kevin, there's nothing to be ashamed of," Kristin said. "You did look cute."

Kevin just groaned again.

"Just be glad none of the other guys saw you," Kristin said, as Kevin looked at her. "Only Linda and her mother saw us."

"Yeah, if it was one of the guys, I will never hear the end of it," Kevin said, and both cats laughed.
~*~

"Hey Mom, do you think we should let Brian out now?" Marcus asked, when he saw Brian staring at the door. "He's been looking at the door for quite some time."

"Well, he has been inside for almost two days," Mrs. Ellard said, thinking it over. "I think he's accustomed to our house now."

"Come on honey," Mr. Ellard said. "If he keeps on staring at the door, he's going to bore a hole through it."

"Oh, I guess it's alright then," Mrs. Ellard said, after she laughed at what Mr. Ellard said. "Maybe he just wants to check out the neighborhood."

"Come back home Brian," Marcus said softly, as he opened the door and let Brian out.

Brian stepped outside and looked around. When Marcus closed the door, Brian headed out to Mrs. Guide's house to see Leighanne.

`Don't worry Leighanne. I'm on my way,` Brian thought as he walked.

Brian was just about to turn a corner, when a Golden Retriever jumped in front of him, and blocked his path.

"Hey cat," the dog said. "Do you want to play?"

"Um, I'm on my way to see . . . someone," Brian said, trying to get around the dog, but the dog prevented Brian to walk around him.

"We're playing now," the dog said, leaning in close until he was an inch away from Brian's face. "When we're done, then you can see your friend."

"Okay . . . so what are we going to play?" Brian asked, getting nervous, as he backed away. The dog barked in front of Brian's face, making Brain jump back; if the dog was any closer, the Golden Retriever could have bitten off Brian's whiskers.

"Chase," the dog said, causing Brian to gulp. "Run. Now."

`This isn't my day!` Brian thought, as he ran as fast as he can, as the dog ran after him.
~**~

**~To Be Continued...~**