Clanwar

piece of cake right?

~Everett~

One moment I was standing next to Andy, the next I was on my back with the black cat’s mouth inches from my face. I could hear someone yelling and another yelling but their noises faded as I simply stared into the Cat’s yellow eyes. Neither of us made a move as we studied each other. At last, I smiled at the beautiful beast in front of me.

“Hello there Beautiful” I whispered. The cat’s ears twitched in response.

“Hello yourself! I never thought I would meet you! I’m so happy!” The cat started licking my face, drawing a laugh out of me as well as confusion.

I heard a scream, and tried to pinpoint where it was coming from. I failed due to the cute cat coating my face in slobber. My arms came up and I tried to stop the sweet creature, my laughs growing louder.

“Stop! Please! Someone help!” More laughter.

Suddenly, something barreled into the cat, knocking it off of me. I looked up to see an enraged Mona and quickly jumped to my feet. I put myself in between her and the Cat just as it was getting up. I made sure to be the only thing in her vision, her eyes growing whiter by the second.

“Mona, the Cat and I were simply getting to know each other! She meant no harm to me! I promise that I am fine! Now take a deep breath with me. In and out. 1 2 3 out 2 3.” Her eyes slowly went back to normal but she still held her glare when the Cat came into view.

“WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY ANIMAL YOU KHAU SIEN NKAAG!” The girl from before shouted, struggling against Andy’s hold. Ignoring her, I turned back to the Cat.

“Are you ok darling? I am sorry about that. My friend is very protective of me.” I stood still and held out a hand. The Cat purred and put it’s nose to my hand.

“It is fine Lovely. I understand being protective.” I smiled at the Cat’s words.

“What are you doing?” The girl spat.

“Talking with your beautiful Companion of course.” I smiled brightly.

“Companion? Wow you really ARE a Khau Sien Nkaag.” The girl responded with a smirk.

“That sounds a lot like an insult. Is that an insult?” I asked Mona.

Her gaze was murderous as she looked at the girl. I looped her arm through mine to help calm her down.

“She just called us Ximian freaks.” Mona growled at me.

“Well I guess she doesn’t own something she can see her reflection in.” I whispered to her. She burst into a fit of laughter just like that.

“What did you just say you Khau Sien Nkaag?I bet you are the lowest servant you freaks can get. That is of course, assuming there is something lower than dirt!” The girl smiled victoriously and Mona glanced my way.

“That’s enough Rachel! Stop antagonizing the Ximians.” Ciaran spoke up.

“And the big man finally finds his voice! Took you long enough.” Mona remarked.

“HEY! You don’t get to talk to my Cia-poo that way!” Rachel shouted.

“Cia...poo?” Mona repeated his name as if trying to figure out its secrets.

“Shouldn’t we get going? After all, you guys aren’t the only people we will be seeing.” I spoke, breaking Mona’s concentration.

“And why would we be taking you anywhere but our Jail cells?” Rachel asked.

“Well we aren’t asking you to take us anywhere. We are asking our escorts. Shall we boys?”

I turned my attention to Ciaran and Andy. I could already see Ciaran’s indecisiveness battling within himself. Plastering on a smile, I turned to the Cat that had found itself by my side, ignorant to Rachels protests.

“Would you kindly show us the way…?”

“My name is Batair. I would love to be your guide. Would you care for a ride?” The Cat lowered to the ground, gently purring.

“That is very kind Batair but I do not think your… owner would like that.”

“Batair? My animals’ name is Leala!” Rachel protested.

“That is not what the Black Cat said. Now if you would excuse us, we have places to be, people to see. Join us when you can.” Once my back was turned, my smile was replaced and I took a deep breath to calm my nerves.

Arm still looped in Mona's; we both quickly followed Batair, leaving the stragglers behind. We walked in silence for a while with no sight of the people we had left. Mona glanced my way every now and then but she remained silent.

“Alright. Out with it, what do you want to say?” I said, finally getting fed up with her glances.

“Why did you stop me?”

“From fighting Batair? Because you know my soft spot for animals! Especially cats.” To emphasize my point, I placed a gentle hand on Batairs’ head.

“You know that’s not what I meant.”

“I know. I stopped you because you are starting a fight with the people we are trying to establish peace with!” I chastised

“How can someone be insolent to Ro~”

“Stop! You know how I feel about that and We’ve made it so far without the secret spilling out.”

“And what happens when we meet their Chief or whatever? You are going to have to let the snow fall at some point!” Mona retorted.

“And when that time comes, we will let the snow fall down. But for the moment, let the girl think what she wants. Just imagine her face when she finds out if she gets too annoying for you.” I joked. She cracked a smile.

“It’s not much farther Ladies. We should be entering the Village soon.” Batair said.

“Which means that we should probably wait for Ciaran and the others.” I voiced.

“Why? Ciaran’s a jerk with a bratty girlfriend. A match made in Draclanous if you ask me.”

“What about Andy?” I smirked.

“... He chose his side.” She replied sadly.

“What if he didn't have a choice? His choices were his friends and Clan or some girls that he had just met. Who would you have chosen had it been reversed?” I asked tentatively.

“I would have chosen my Clan. Fine, I guess we can wait for them.”

“I wasn’t asking. If we waltzed in there with Batair, what do you think would happen?”

“Panic. You know, for someone who was called less then dirt, you sure are smarter than you look.”

A familiar voice came from behind. Mona whipped around to see the speaker. I simply busied myself with Batair. I could feel the speakers’ eyes on me and sense Mona’s nervousness. I forced my breathing to slow down even as my heart sped up.

“So you won’t even look at me girl? After all that I have done for you. You ungrateful wen~” I could hear the anger in his voice and already knew that he was stepping closer to me.

“Touch her and you will not have that hand.” Mona’s voice was hard and fear rippled through me. I abandoned my post and turned around to face the man of my nightmares.

“What do you want, Jalone?” I was proud to hear the confidence in my voice.

“Why so hostile? I just heard that you were in town and wanted to see my favorite girl.” The way he said it made my skin crawl.

“I am not here for you.”

“What did you say?!” He took a menacing step forward. Batair and Mona stepped up as well. Both growling in response.

“I said I am not here for you. Nor am I afraid of you. So I ask you to not impede on what I am doing lest you be forced to face the consequences.”

Although I was grateful to my Companions, it was a struggle to keep my voice level and ignore the memories forcing their way to the surface. Jalone chuckled, raised his hands and stepped back. However his laugh sounded hollow and once it was over, a sneer split his face and a glare took over his eyes.

“Fine. Have it your way. You always were such a selfish~”

“Elder Jalone? What are you doing out of the med tree? You are in no condition to be walking around.” Andy’s presence appeared by Mona and I could feel her immediately relax.

“Just coming to see the commotion my boy! These two don’t look like they are from around here. I thought they would cause trouble.” Jalone lied effortlessly.

“Well they are with me so there is no need to worry. Why don’t you go and rest up.”

Although it sounded like a suggestion, he made it clear it wasn’t. Jalone’s fake smile seemed strained as he nodded and left. But not before casting a look back to me. Once he was gone, I felt like I could collapse from the release of tension. Mona and Batair were by my sides, ready to catch me if that were to happen.

“Does anybody want to fill me in on what just happened?” Andy asked.

I could feel tears springing to my eyes as memories of Cells and burning chains filled my mind. Mona, seeming to sense my distress, quickly wrapped me in a hug. Panic set in and my breath quickened.

“I’m fine. I’m fine. I’m fine.” I whispered repeatedly as tears cascaded down my face and I clung to Mona as if she were my last lifeline. Hearing more people coming, I quickly sucked it up and erased any evidence that I had been crying.

“Who was that man to you Eve?” Andy whispered.

“Someone I had prayed to the Gods that I would never see again. I’m sorry that you had to see that Andy.” I mumbled.

“Don’t apologize. Just be sure to let me help you when you need it ok?” His voice was gentle and his eyes had softened. All I could do was nod.

“Glad to have you aboard the help train Andy. Now let's meet the big bucks.” Mona said, smiling widely.

“What are you guys waiting for? You asked to meet our leaders so get a move on! I’ve got a patrol to get to.” Ciaran’s voice shook me out of my panic.

“He’s right. Time to face the beast.” I said, following Ciaran and Batair into a tree.

As soon as everyone had entered the tree, including Rachel, darkness enveloped us. At first nothing happened. Then the ground shook and we were moving upwards quickly yet safely. The darkness only lasted a few seconds before the shining sun blinded us and illuminated a thriving town hidden high above the ground. Mona gasped as she looked on at the sight before us. We had arrived. Now we just had to meet with the leaders and convince them to Unite with us. Piece of cake right?