Lauren doesn't like shifting. He's never admitted it. He knew it was part and parcel of his connection with nature. He'd always known that, always known the power of that, and of how it could be used for great feats of strength and cunning. KNowledge didn't make him like changing his form anymore than he would have without the power. It's out of desperation whenever he changes, and it's that same desperation now that has him running on all fours, taking the shape of a panther to increase his speed. His mind is on his brother, and he can't help but feel fear twisting in his stomach.

All he can do is hope that Susan got his message. He hopes he sent it on time, that he hadn't tried to find a way into the city. It's these worries that make him run, and keep running, his legs burning, even enhanced as they are by his new shape. It feels like it takes him years to finally get to their forest, charging inside and finding their clearing by scent. He would recognize that smell anywhere, but when he gets to the clearing, he finds no one, and he paces the campground in a circle, tail twitching in agitation before he resumes his normal form.