D.facdn.net



Survival: Mouse AnthrobyMany AuthorsPreambleWhen it was first written, Survival: Mouse Anthro was never meant to be taken seriously. It didn’t even have a solid name. Is it named Survival or Mouse Anthro? It’s Mouse Anthro. Now? After a growing fanbase, a spin off book and two upcoming sequels, it’s past time to take things seriously.This is the first step.It’s going to be a long and tedious process (fixing typos, re-writing sentences, character inconsistencies etc.) but we are committed to giving the community the ability to read this story without having to fight ’s nonsense.To get the best experience, if you’re using Microsoft Word, to the top right should by the Find option and open that for navigation. That’ll make it easier to, well, navigate and find which chapters are which.This is important to know when we add non-canon chapters. This is the first test, only canon options and arcs are allowed here. While the story isn’t entirely finished, as of now Maron, Mame and Shieki are still being written, we will update this when the time comes. But for now, enjoy.I hope that explains the numbers things you’ll see (1, 11, 1111111) those were the strings of numbered choices that made the story interactive.You may notice a change in the writing style. Author’s names will appear whenever their arcs come up. But something should be said about the first several chapters. They were the very first things the author wrote. This was meant to be an interactive, so whenever the person in POV spoke, there was no indent to their lines. These mistakes, and the writing in general, were improved upon later on, we promise. They are only in the earlier chapters, and we don’t plan to change that for we want to give you this story in it’s original iteration. Enjoy.Prologue: Gertrude?"Gertrude! Gertrude wake up!" a familiar voice whispers in your ear "Wake up sleepy head!"?You felt groggy and replied in a frail swipe with your hand.?? ? ? ? ?"Oh, don't be like that! Solace could be eating you right now and you'd sleep through it, now get up." You arise to your feet out of your makeshift bed and rub your eyes.?"Keirra, what time is it?" you ask.?? ? ? ? ?She pulls open the curtains and looks outside the window. She community is just starting to breathe life as the shop doors are opening and other micen walk out their doors. Keirra points outside the window towards the sky, or in other words, a crack in a high ceiling. "It’s dawn," she says in a blissful tone. "We will have to start work in a few hours, don't we?"? ? ? ? ? You are still shaking the sleep out of your eyes as Keirra hops on the bed. You look at the bed made out of a sardine can. The scraps of rags used as blankets served better as a reminder that you are poor rather than the use of comfort.?? ? ? ? ?"Something wrong?" asked Keirra.?You look at her and put on a false smile "Of course not" you reply. Your friend has had nothing all her life until you took her into your home, it would only look bad to wish for better things in front of her. Keirra cocks her head to the side.?? ? ? ? ?"What do you want to do until we go gathering for supplies?" she didn't wait for an answer, jumping from the bed she exclaimed "Let’s go exploring!".?You nod your head softly to calm her down and hug her. "Are you sure you want to go exploring? We can go and trade some supplies, get something nice for ourselves.". You aren't sure why you suggested that. You have nothing to trade worth its weight.? ? ? ? ?A torn bow you used to tie around your waist when you were little. Soiled rags you call blankets. Molded loafs of bread the size of your hand you're expected to eat. It's time like this you wish you were a magician.? ? ? ? ?Keirra shook her head in disagreement "That's no fun though!" she puts on a playful smile, her innocence radiated from the grin.?"Alright, fine let’s go on an adventure." you give in "There nothing really here anyone would want anyway." you say gesturing to some junk lying around, like a bent needle. You open your drawers made of a matchbox and pull out your only piece of clothing you can find, all it is made out of is cloth sewn together. Still, it keeps the cold away.?? ? ? ? ?Keirra hops around you in excitement as the both of you walk down the dirt paths through the colony.? ? ? ? ?Niarb. The most civilized place in all the colonies. The ceiling above you is a foot high from your location. The streets you walk are circles upon circles that wrap around the center. The farther you go to the center of the rings, the higher up you go.?? ? ? ? ?The hill bore the colony headmasters. The people who distribute the food to the poor. The people who send the most mice to their deaths to feed this colony. Among other things, you're either a shopkeep, maintenance worker, or scavenger. Most of the time, only the educated or experienced micen come back. Anyone unfortunate to be poor, like your mother, is normally caught as they cannot afford to pay for mentors.? ? ? ? ?The hill isn't empty either. It has tunnels and rooms. It's the warmest place in Niarb, and the most expensive.? ? ? ? ?You, however, are experienced. And if you survive one more year, you could become the newest to teach the kids how to harvest food from the pantry. It's a good thing that scavengers get to keep the most of what they could carry, if they wanted. You aren't greedy, but you're sure if you didn't take more than your share, you and Keirra would have starved to death. She isn't the best at scavenging. And she isn't the best at being a shopkeep. She sells whatever she and you get dirt cheap.? ? ? ? ?You arrived at the gates to the entrance and ask the sentries of you can leave. You see a micen run up to you and shake his head. "Today isn't a good day to go adventuring miss. We were supposed to get contact from the colony at the of Solace's closet. It was supposed to be here days ago, we don't know if it is destroyed or if all of the carriers were caught. I can't stop you from leaving, but I was told to warn everyone."?What do you do?1. ?"We will be careful, thank you for the advice" +2. ?"Well, I guess you are right, sorry Keirra, maybe some other time?"1"We will be careful, thank you for the advice" You said softly.?? ? ? ? ?He sighs "There isn't anything I can do to stop you" he hands you some paper and lead from a pencil. "Sign out and be sure to make it back here. Be careful" he says as he sends you on your way.?? ? ? ? ?You and Keirra climb out between a crack in the floor. You've entered an entirely new world now. The ceiling is at least a hundred tail-lengths tall, couches had cushions the size of outposts, and the air felt free. You were no longer on the linear paths inside the walls and floor, but rather had more room to walk and breathe than you truly knew what to do with.? ? ? ? ?If life was more like this, you wouldn't have anything to complain about.? ? ? ? ?As glorious as is it, you need to be careful. Solace could come out of no-where and gobble you both whole, so even when you are out here you stay on guard. Not for Keirra though, she just booked it as fast as she could, spinning and taking deep breaths. She's always like this. She just loves to stretch her legs outside the colony. A little run around would always make her day.? ? ? ? ?You don't like running, unless it's from danger. Running burns away much needed fat. And when your ribs are exposed, so is a scar that reminds you of a terrible time when you lost someone close to you.? ? ? ? ?You shake the thought from your mind and run after her. That was a terrible chapter of your life, but this is a new one! Everything you do is now in your control. You won't let anything happen to Keirra, if you just keep watch.? ? ? ? ?A few minutes after you followed Keirra around, you stop. Where is she going? You look around the room and see that there is a large bed, though empty and a few posters on the wall. This is Solace's living quarters. The place where she falls asleep at dark, or after a good hunt. If she finds you here...?"We're very far from home Keirra, we should turn back."?? ? ? ? ?Keirra stood still and didn't answer. She only muttered, "Those beggars were right...""Are you listening? What are you staring at?" You look at the direction of her line of sight and see a shiny object on top of a dresser, near the side. Your eyes widen as you realize it is a sapphire.? ? ? ? ?A gem, something so precious it's rumored to be worth more than all the food in the pantry. The headmasters of the colony use it for bargaining with others in buildings. Rich micen adore the way gems and precious stones shine in the light and decorate homes with it. If you can get that in your shop...? ? ? ? ?No! It's not worth it! If Solace finds you with a little bit of food, you're likely to talk your way out of it. But if she finds that you took a gem from her, she'll make sure you don't escape. You have to stop Keirra from looking at it before she does something stupid!? ? ? ? ?You didn't notice Keirra leave your side until she was halfway up the front of the dresser. You scour the enormous bedroom looking for any signs of the giantess she-cat. "Get down before Solace comes back!" you exclaim in a low voice, careful not to herd any attention, but she was too far to hear you, or maybe she didn't care. Your mind, clouded by fear and anxiety, climbed after her. Scaling some opened drawers and leaping from handles; you've done things like this your entire life, it's easy now. You made it to the top shortly after her.?11??"This is it!" she gazes at the gleaming gem "This will... Gertrude, we will never go hungry again."?? ? ? ? ?You stare at the gem but cannot see anything other than trouble. Your friend is right, but at what cost? This is something precious. So precious that Solace hides it away in a box and rids the box away to different places every time it's found. There is no other way to say that she doens't want people to touch it or the contents. She must care about it more than chocolate. You aren't sure if taking the jewel might get you hunted down by Solace, or worse, Risa If you bring it home and they find out...?"No!"? ? ? ? ?"Why?" Keirra sounded deathly concerned. "Please, Gertrude. You don't know what it's like to go to bed hungry for an entire week. I've only dreamed of this opportunity. We have to take it!""No. Remember what the sentry said? About something that happened in the closet? They most likely took something like this! And it hasn't checked in, could either be destroyed or..." you paused frozen in realization. The closet! You zip your head towards the closet door as it opens.?? ? ? ? ?"Solace..." you heard Keirra as she too realizes the danger.?? ? ? ? ?Out of the closet door came a giant leona. The feline’s hand was covered in blood along with her mouth, cuts aligned her lips and fingers; signs of the outposts heavy resistance with tacks and needles. Growling is heard in her chest, and her eyes, filled with her livid nature, lock with yours. You felt the glare of death burn throughout your body, your body that shivers uncontrollably with fear and rage now.? ? ? ? ?Both your legs are frozen in horror as she charges and swats the two of you off the dresser with a single swipe of her left hand.?? ? ? ? ?You land painfully with a hard thud on the against the wooden boards. Dazed and confused you look around in hopes of finding Keirra. You see the gray figure limp by you before they forgot their pain and ran as fast as her legs would work.?"Keirra..." you managed to say through your pain. She didn't look back as she fled. You gather what strength you had left and crawled towards the door to the living room. "Keirra... Please help... I don't want to die..."?? ? ? ? ?Your pleas were ignored. Your friend is leaving you behind. You can't believe she left you for dead. Your heart aches worse than your body. You trusted her! You fed her and clothed her and took her in and she just leaves you to die!You twist your head and look behind you. Solace knelt over and grasped you. You black out and are at her mercy.111? You gasp awake. You are alive??? ? ? ? ?Your body feels numb and you can't shake the feel of sorrow. "What happened?" you thought to yourself aloud as you rubbed your sore ribs and limbs. They hurt, but you're sure they aren't broken.? ? ? ? ?"You were left to die by that friend of yours."?? ? ? ? ?You jump at the sound of the voice behind you. Solace has lied down next to you. You shiver as you examine the body of your captor. What would look like a normal sized person, she is as tall as at least several dozen micen standing on each other’s shoulders. Her stomach alone could fit four of you, even more if she bothered to chew.?? ? ? ? ?She reaches for you and pets your head and your back, before she grabs you and sits up. She brings you to her face and scans you with her eyes up until they lock with yours. Her breath, her horrible smelling breath grazes its way across your body. It was the warmest you've been in a month, but it was also the most horrifying experience you've come across. Solace could just simply plop you onto her tongue and end your miserable existence. You're sure by the days end, you'd just be left over mush inside her stomach. You were so close to being a mentor too!Damn you, Keirra, you thought. This was all her fault! How could she do this to you? You were about to cry until your sorrow quickly turned into anger. You wouldn't be in this mess if it wasn't for Keirra! If only you can get your hands on that pipsqueak you'd break her neck. You'll never forgive her for this. "Let me go Solace!" You growl, "I have to kick a runt's ass!"?? ? ? ? ?"What are you going to do to her if I let you go?"?You didn't expect her to even pay attention to you. You haven't had time to think about an answer, so in anger you blurt out the only thing your heart could think of saying. "I'm going to kill her!"? ? ? ? ?You aren't sure if you meant that, but Solace smiled. She got a kick out of your answer. "Let’s make a deal. Keirra, or whatever her name was, managed to get away with the sapphire. I just finished destroying the last little place that thought they could get it. I could just easy sniff her out and track her down, but that would be as boring as steping on her when I had the chance." She stroked your cheek with her index finger, "Instead I want you to show me where she is, and I will show your home some mercy and not kill everyone."?You think it over. What if she is lying? Either way the colony will die if she is, but a bigger question still lingers in your mind. "What will happen to me when you find her?" you say confidently, keeping your eye contact with Solace.?? ? ? ? ?"I will let you live with me. It is better than it sounds. You can sleep by my side, eat whatever food you want whenever you want, and I won't leave you to die by an angry cat so you'll never worry about predators.""What’s the catch?" you inquired "That sounds like I'd have to do more than just show you where I live."?? ? ? ? ?She smiles again, a sign that she is taking a liking to you. "You have a good head on your shoulders. I want you to scout around for other colonies. I don't want to destroy all of them, only the ones that take precious things.".?"Precious? Like the sapphire?" You blinked, "What about food?"? ? ? ? ?"If you catch anyone in the act of stealing food from me, then bring them to me. If they managed to make it back home with the food, it's theirs to keep." She explains.?You ponder "What if I refuse to work for you?"? ? ? ? ?She hummed in hesitation, perhaps thinking that her deal wasn't good enough. "For your confidence you have shown while talking to me, I will let you live out your old life; until you do something wrong of course. But come on, do you think you could pass up my offer? Now if you would be so kindly, where do you think Keirra went?"1111?"Let’s check the colony." You suggest "She may have tried to trade the gem."?? ? ? ? ?Solace set you on her shoulders asked where your home was. You reply in pointing out the door towards her living room. She follows your finger to the mark and eventually find the crack that leads to the colony. She sets you down and explains you the instructions. "Lead her out here and get back that gem. I will take care of the rest and no one else will be harmed."?You walk towards the crack and stop. "Solace, one last question" you ask? ? ? ? ?"What is it dear?"?"Why did you kill everyone in the closet?"?? ? ? ? ?Solace cocked her head to the side "Why should you care? Well, I guess it's only right you should know. The refused to give back the gem. Thought they could take on the big old giantess with thirty measly needles." She shrugged, "So I broke in, took it back and ate as many as I wanted to."? ? ? ? ?A cold chill runs down your spine. If Keirra traded the gem, all hell will break loose. What could you possibly tell Solace?? ? ? ? ?You enter through the hole and travel through pipes and wooden splints. You didn't have to go far until you heard crying. You inch ever closer to the wails and see a gray furred micen. Keirra!?? ? ? ? ?She was curled and sobbing. Perhaps she wished she didn't ditch you? Well it's too late now. You've found a new friend. One that you are sure will treat you better than her. A friend that will not only listen to you, but respect you, protect you, feed you even? Her actions endangered not just you, but the lives of hundreds of micen! This is for the better. It has to be.? ? ? ? ?The sapphire was right next to her. You duck down and whisper her name loud enough for her to hear.?"Keirra." You smiled.? ? ? ? ?She looked in your direction as you poked your head up from behind a pipe and smirked before fleeing. She calls for you to wait as she gives chase, obviously exhilarated her only friend is still alive. You made it to the crack in the floorboards and waited outside. There was no sign of Solace anywhere. She must be in hiding. Ready to jump out and gobble this little brat whole.? ? ? ? ? Keirra crawled out of the floor and hugged you tightly and cradled you softly from side to side.?? ? ? ? ?"Holy crud, I thought I lost you. I'm so sorry, I wasn't thinking." she hugged you tightly. "How did you escape?" she paused and asked curiously.?You smirk once more, "I didn't escape, Keirra, she let me go."?? ? ? ? ?"What?" she squeaked softly "What do you mean...?" She gasped as she realized she was being stared down by Solace from behind. You hold her down as she shook violently trying to get back home, you let go as Solace grasps her with her hand.?? ? ? ? ?She pleaded for her life and apologizes for stealing the sapphire. Solace purred at her unwilling prey as she was immediately dropped in her mouth.?? ? ? ? ?You watch endlessly as she suckles on her weeping prey. Solace always enjoyed moments like these, where the prey kicks and scratches and bites or does whatever it can to escape. They never escape.?? ? ? ? ?Moments later a loud gulp was heard and a small lump was seen sliding down her neck, disappearing past her collarbones. She lied down and continued to purr as she stroked her belly, content with her meal.?? ? ? ? ?You walk towards the leona, not sure what to think. Keirra... She's dying, just as you wished. A piece of you wished it wasn't so. Solace reached for you and petted you softly.?? ? ? ? ?"You did well. What was your name?""Gertrude." you say confidently "My name is Gertrude."?? ? ? ? ?"Well Gertrude, I have a present for you." She got up and walked towards her bedroom. She soon returned with a dark leather outfit. It is a one piece with a zipper in the front. "Put this on, see if it fits.". You put it on, excited because you never got a gift from anyone before. It fits! And it even looks great on you! "Let it be a start to a new friendship.". You both smile at one another as she lifts you and puts you on her shoulders. You hold onto the fur of her neck and grin.?"Don't you want the sapphire?" You ask "I can go get it.".?? ? ? ? ?"It's alright, let some lucky micen find it." she answered.?A new friendship. You don't know how, but you managed to be called a friend by the biggest threat to your species. Your grin gets wider, life can only get better.?Chapter One: Serena???? ?A sudden shake woke you up.? ? ? ? ?What happened??You thought?Did I black out? You put your hand on your forehead, but something was wrong. Your hand was damp and moist. You take regards to your surroundings, noticing you aren't where you want to be.?Teeth? Are these teeth??You think to yourself as you rub the surface you are laying on. Your vision becomes much smoother and you realize you are looking at a throat. A cold chill runs up your spine, you remember now. You were caught by Solace not too long ago. Your fear was subsided when you heard the sounds of snoring above you. Did she really fall asleep before eating you? You feel almost insulted.?? ? ? ? ?You space your feet to the side, shoulder width apart, carefully so you do not to slip on her tongue. You put your hands above you and slowly push up, prying her mouth open little by little. The last thing you want to happen is wake her up. You opened the jaws just enough you managed to fall out of them and land at the base of her pillow. You brace yourself, hoping you didn't wake up the sleeping giantess. Nothing happened, which is odd as she is normally a light sleeper. You quickly crawl down towards the end of the bed. You had your sight set on climbing off, not paying to your peripheral vision as Solace rolls in her sleep directly on top of you.?? ? ? ? ?You are still alive, slightly mushed down by Solace's softy belly. You were able to hear her digestive system churning and working up a storm on whatever she devoured the turn before yours. It was a concerning reminder to what might have happened to you and a motivator to keep crawling away. A few more moments of crawling, you managed to get free from between the bed and Solace, and made it to the side of the mattress. You look down over it and see there is no easy way to climb down. You'll have to scale it. You looked to the side and saw Solace's tail was hanging off the bed, you figured you can slide down it for a quick get away, but you aren't sure if Solace will stay asleep when something is yanking down on her tailWhat do you do?1.???Play it safe, you don't want to risk becoming a midnight snack... again. +2.???Slide down her tail, you'll get to the bottom before she notices.1??You look at the tail and shake your head.?? ? ? ? ?Being reckless is what got me in this position in the first place?You remind yourself. You lay down with your feet off the edge and climb down by grabbing the creases in the blankets. You try not to look down, but you feel as if you are high enough that the fall, while not able to kill you, will have to break a bone here or there. Being about three inches tall, it turns into a requirement rid your fear of heights. After a few minutes you managed to make it to the hard wood floor; your arms and legs shiver in fatigue and you drop to your knees. You don't ever plan on doing that again anytime soon.?? ? ? ? ?You stand up as your strength returns to you and dash as fast as you can towards the closest wall. There has to be a mouse hole leading to a colony or camp somewhere. Despite all your efforts, you are lost. You never been in Solace's bedroom before. The only places you have been to was Niarb, a colony hidden under the floor in the living room, and your newest home colony, Quill.? ? ? ? ?It is found in the kitchen, wall furthest from the pantry. So, your only idea on what to do is to return to home to the kitchen. You walk across the floor towards the door to the living room, eventually getting there and crawling under it. You scan the room for any suspicious activity, you don't know if Solace has any family members visiting. You've never seen any other leona other than Solace, but you heard unpleasant stories about Risa, her sister. Nothing was out of the ordinary, except for a backpack and some clothes lying next to the couch. You head towards the kitchen and crawl under the door leading to it. You travel inch by inch on the tiled floor heading for drawers in the counter.?? ? ? ? ?To the closest counter to that hole there is another hole at the base of it. You head towards it and enter through, nowhere else to go but up. You climb the sides of the draws, not the easiest thing to do when they are closed, but much safer than climbing the back of the draws. You swear that one day those things will kill you when slammed closed if you are behind them.?? ? ? ? ?You climbed to the top of the drawers and climb through a small hole in the marble ceiling, You get a better view of the kitchen. There are cabinets above you, and the pantry is directly across the room from you to your left. You turn more to your left and see another small hole, you crawl through it. You know for sure this is the way to Quill. You climb through some pipes in the wall up to a hole leading to an unused cabinet. This is Quill, the newest colony. Its streets are lined with little shacks as the houses are being built in a neat line; though they are spaced really close."I finally made it." you sigh to yourself.?? ? ? ? ?A fellow orange micen comes up to greet you and noticed your damp fur. "What happened to you, you look half digested! Did you get eaten?" he joked.?"Yes," You answer, and walk away leaving him with a questioned look on his face. You look around for the person in charge of the project. You turn back to the micen and call for him "Where's Ritler?".?? ? ? ? ?The micen, still contemplating if what you said earlier was true, pointed towards a figure supervising a house. You head towards Ritler as he notices you. "Serena," he greets "what took you so long? Where is the rest of your crew?"?You look down. "Mission to retrieve food was a failure sir. Solace was tipped off by a fellow micen she caught earlier."?? ? ? ? ?He looked concerned. Micen, such as yourself, travel in pairs to retrieve food from the pantry. Quill was build closer to it for less of a trip, while not in as a safe position as Niarb. "Did you find out who told her?"?You nod your head "It doesn't matter anymore, he didn't make a deal with Solace for his life either, he just blurted it out. Turns out, she doesn't like it when friends betray each other. Almost as much as she doesn't like micen eating her food."?? ? ? ? ?His eyes narrow on you. "How did you escape?".?You lock eyes with him, "She fell asleep while tasting me."?? ? ? ? ?His eyes are filled with disbelief "How do I know you aren't lying?"You gesture towards your body, still damp with Solace's saliva. "Does it really look like I'm lying?"?? ? ? ? ?He inspects you a bit more and coughs, "I couldn't smell her breath until now. Alright, go clean yourself off and get some rest. Report here tomorrow, I will give you a new mission." You turn to leave as his voice calls out to you. "Oh, and seeing as your superiors were devoured, congratulations on your promotion."?? ? ? ? ? You shrug off his words as you walk towards your shack. After washing yourself down in a bucket of water and soap, you dry yourself off and lay on your bed made out of a torn-up cotton ball. You didn't realize how tired you were until you lie down.?What an interesting day?you think to yourself as you drift off into sleep.?11??"Help!" You ran for your life as your voice escapes from your mouth.?? ? ? ? ?You dashed behind a coffee maker, fleeing from whatever is chasing you. "Someone, please help!" you hear you voice once more. Breathing heavily, your feet begin to move once more, but you couldn't get far. A hand swipes you off your feet from behind and carries you to its master’s face, a leona with light green eyes that you can feel its gaze penetrate you. You clench your hands together in a begging manner and plea "Please don't hurt me! I didn't do anything wrong!"?? ? ? ? ?Your captor merely shrugged as she licked your body down and up while purring. You repeat your plea once more but this time she acknowledges it by opening her gaping maw. You stare into the depths, looking at her chops with teary vision.?You close your eyes and plea with no more sound than a whisper, "Don't do it.". Tears fell from your cheek as she dropped you and bit down on your waist.?You scream as you fall off onto the wooden floor beside your bed. You breathe heavily once more and wipe some sweat from your brow. A micen sitting in a chair stared at you, his eyes deviating from his book."What are you looking at?" you growl between your teeth, "And what are you doing in my room?"? ? ? ? ?"I-I was told to come to you by dawn. I am your new apprentice, R-Ritler told me to-" he stopped talking as you shake your hand at him in annoyance, rubbing your tired eyes.He is too nervous for his own good.?you think.?? ? ? ? ? "You were shifting around in your sleep a lot. You had to be having a hell of a nightmare." he continued.?You study him: orange fur, white belly, blonde hair and green eyes. Simple white pants on. He's the same micen from before that greeted you on your return to Quill. He sat, ankles crossed, reading what seemed to be a book. "What are you reading?" you gesture towards the book, "Where did you get that anyways?"? ? ? ? ?He showed you the cover of it, a crude drawing of Solace. "It's a survival guide, miss… Err… Madam… Sir?" his nervousness reminds you of a juvenile. "S-Some guy by the name of Jason give it to me for free. Is that bad?". You stand next to him and read a line from the book."Solace will treat micen more respectfully if they make a good first impression. You do this by bravely listening and obeying her every whim, no matter what she says"?You sigh, "You are lucky that you didn't have to trade food for this. The first thing Solace will do is decide whether to chew or swallow." The sound of a bell rings through the streets. "That's our cue, kid." you mock as you pat his shoulder and put on your clothes.?? ? ? ? ?You don't really own a shirt, you lost it on a mission when someone mugged you. They tore it off when they tried to grab you. Jerk's gut met the business end of a needle. Luckily, they didn't mess up your pants, you had Solace to thank for that. The pants aren't special, they’re just jeans with some tears, but they are?your?pants. Not many mice can say that.?? ? ? ? ?You opened the shack door and stepped out? ? ? ? ?"I'm not a kid, not anymore!" he snarls.?"You know, no longer being a juvenile makes you fair game to Solace, right?" you snarl back "And just because you stopped being one a few days ago won't get you any special treatments." On that note, you both made your way towards the entrance to meet up with Ritler once more. On your way, you see him a bit jittery and ask "What is your name? Or should I just call you kid?"?? ? ? ? ?He looked at the ground. "M-Mango, they call me Mango." You hold in a chuckle, you almost want to see him eaten so that his name would be fitting. "Go ahead and laugh at it, I heard it all before."You give him a quick glance and said "The only name worse than that for a micen is 'morsel'. Why did your parents call you that?"?? ? ? ? ?"M-my parents didn't name me, they died shortly after my third month birthday." he croaked.?He's too young to be talking about this.?? ? ? ? ?"My uncle forgot my real name, so he just named me after his favorite fruit."?"I don't recall seeing Solace having many mangoes." you state.? ? ? ? ?"I am not from here, I was born where Risa lives."You pause.?She's real??? ? ? ? ?You finally make it to Ritler. He hands you and Mango a satchel and a backpack. "Don't lose those, they are hard to make." Ritler adds "If you know you are about to be caught, do the right thing and hide them. Try not to return without those filled with food. Any questions?"111"None, sir!" You and Mango answer simultaneously.?? ? ? ? ?"Good, now you will be with another group of two. Try not to get caught. Also get as much sugar cubes as you can". As Ritler finished talking and left, two other micen joined you. One was male, muscular, dark grey, with brown hair and deep blue eyes; the other had silvery fur, brown eyes and was female. You never really studied how Mango looked, but after seeing he had orange fur with blonde hair, you remember you have yet to care much.?? ? ? ? ?"Hello, my name is Mombasa," the black furred one approached you, "this is Rochelle."?? ? ? ? ?The silver figure bows on cue and adds "Pleased to make your acquaintance."?You nod "My name is Serena, and this is my apprentice, Mango." Mango readied himself for ridicule but was relieved when he received none.?? ? ? ? ?"Well now," Mombasa began and headed towards the hole leading out, "shall we get going?"?? ? ? ? ?Most of the trip was silent as everyone in the group concentrated on balancing pipes, and wooden splints rather than asking how every ones’ morning was. You finally make it to the pantry after about half an hour’s worth of traveling through walls. You saw a vast array of sorted goods, from bread to cheese; from cereal to even chocolate candy. You see Mango drop his jaw, he has never seen so much food in one place, he probably never saw this much food combined in his entire life. You aren't so shocked, you have been here many times before, but it still seems like a deathly paradise.?You turn to Mango. "Take things that aren't special, like cheese and bread, but sugar cubes are our main priority right now." You see Mango stare at a bag of chocolates. You slap his shoulder, "Don't even think about stealing her chocolate. There are several things in here that will get you killed if you get caught."?? ? ? ? ?"Is that what happened last time?" he asked.?? ? ? ? ?You nodded.?? ? ? ? ?You fill your satchel and backpack with bits of cheese that you carefully wrapped the packaging back up around. You see Mango a dozen centimeters away from you as he is in a bag of sugar cubes with Mombasa. You look around and you lost sight of Rochelle. You ask Mombasa where she is and he explains she was full with bread and headed her way back already. A few moments pass as Mango and Mombasa are done with gathering sugar cubes.?"How many did you get?" you asked.?? ? ? ? ?"Two" Mango answered, zipping up his backpack.?? ? ? ? ?"Eight" Mombasa answered as he zipped up a large duffelbag and put it on his back.?You point at the duffelbag on Mombasa's back. "Did Ritler give you that?".?? ? ? ? ?He shook his head. "I made it myself."?? ? ? ? ?You shrug off the thought and began to return home with the loot. You had to walk on the counters halfway through as the weight from the food is wearing you down a lot faster than without them, making it near impossible to traverse vertical pipes. Suddenly you heard something loud. You turn your head towards the kitchen door as it opens and two leonas enter the room.?? ? ? ? ?"Risa..." You heard Mango whisper in a frightened tone.?? ? ? ? ?"Split up!" you heard Mombasa order, "They can't catch us all if we do that.". You were against the idea but Mango and Mombasa already ran ahead of you so you followed their lead. You hid behind napkins and cups, anything you can find to shield yourself from her vision.? ? ? ? ?"Go sit in the living room, I will find us something to eat." you heard Solace call to Risa. You heard the door shut moments later and thought it was the perfect time to pick up the pace, dashing behind objects.?? ? ? ? ?"Well what do we have here?" You paused, your heart skipping a beat. Were you caught??? ? ? ? ?You can't see Solace since you were behind a microwave, but you turned around and saw Mango, scared stiff, looking up towards the center of the room.?Not you Mango!?You watch him as he had trouble breathing, and his legs gave in. You poke your head out from behind the microwave. Solace is leaning on the counter observing Mango with a smile. You look at Mango and noticed he dropped his bag, his duffelbag? "What do you have in there?" She points to the bag.?? ? ? ? ?"S-s-sugar c-cu-" Mango choked on his words.?? ? ? ? ?"Sugar cubes?" Solace repeats as she opens the bag and pulls one out. She observes the orange mouse once more, he closed his eyes fearing what comes next. "How much do you want this little thing?"? ? ? ? ?No reply was given from Mango.?? ? ? ? ?"Come and get it." She placed the cube on the tip of her tongue and gesture towards it with her finger. Mango stood there, frozen solid. You remember what the book said, and this was one bad first impression. You weren't thinking clearly, but you can't leave that boy alone to die.?? ? ? ? ?You dashed out from behind the microwave and wrapped your arms around the frightened micen. Solace, a tad bit shocked, pondered for a few seconds.?? ? ? ? ?She took the cube off her tongue and asked "Is this one yours?" she gestured to Mango.You can feel the young man burrow his head into your chest with tears full of sheer terror, reinforcing the idea he belonged to you. "Yes," your voice cracks, "he is my responsibility."?? ? ? ? ?Solace smirked. "Perhaps, maybe, you are more fun." she hypothesized as she put the cube back on her tongue. This time it wasn't on the tip of her tongue, it was in the back of her mouth. You unhooked your satchel and backpack and inch towards the cavernous maw.?What are you doing? What if the books wrong??a thought popped in your head.1111?You shake off the thought.?It had to be right.?? ? ? ? ?You put your hands on the bottom teeth of her jaw and lean in, looking for a way to climb in. You pull yourself in reluctantly and grab onto other teeth deeper in. Her mouth was warm, almost welcoming compared to the cold of Niarb and Quill. You hope all micen taste the same, you wouldn't want Solace to recognize you from earlier last night. You were finally in, laying your belly down on the tongue, breaking a strand of saliva. and reached for the cube. It slides a bit back towards the throat, a bit panicky, you reach in faster and grab it.?? ? ? ? ?You jump in fright. The world around you suddenly became dark. You hear your name being called out to by a muffled voice from Mango. Wind gets knocked out of your lungs as the giant tongue from under you smothers you into the roof her the mouth. As Solace taste test your body, you witness the sugar cube slide down into the abyss before you.?? ? ? ? ?Don't struggle, it will be over soon?your comforting thoughts try its best to calm you,?just wait it out, and hope you didn't need that sugar cube.?You try to find a happy place, but you never trained yourself for a situation like this. In a moment’s notice, some light has peaked from behind you, and you feel something pinch your legs and tail together and slide you out of the mouth.?? ? ? ? ?While choking and coughing up saliva that might not be yours, you are lowered next to Mango. He runs up and hugs you. "Well done," Solace smirked, "Serena, if I heard it correctly, is your name? I'll remember you.". With that being said, Solace walked into the pantry and pulled out some cereal, motioning you to leave her. You equip the satchel and backpack, while Mango grabbed the duffelbag and scurry behind the microwave.?"Why are you carrying Mombasa's bag?" You ask.?? ? ? ? ?"He s-said he'd put in a good word for me i-if I carry it for him." You pass the microwave and see a clean path to the entrance in the wall. You see Mango slow down, his legs shaking from the experience he's been in, this must have been a terrible first time. You grab his hands and nearly drag him towards the entrance. You make it to the hole and throw him through. You are still breathing slight heavily from your experience.?? ? ? ? ?"I'm sorry!" He apologized "I'm sorry, master, for being so reckless! Please forgive me, I didn't mean to get caught!".?You cover his mouth with your hand, silencing him and said "When we get back to Quill, I am going to take a bath, and we are going to read that book of yours."?? ? ? ? ?A few moments of scaling pipes you finally make it to Quill. You turn to Mango and give him your supplies, instructing him on what to do next11111? ?You finally made it home.? ? ? ? ? The trip to you shack was accompanied by concerned looks from other micen. They seem to noticed the saliva. You washed it all off once you got to the shack and shiver.?This is the second day in a row I was nearly eaten?you reminisce?It's getting really hard to keep up this tough girl look. Once you dried yourself off you look at the book lying next to the chair. Books are normally expensive as they take a lot of time to make, but you have heard Ritler talk about a printing press. Although that does not make a book free. You figured you might as well read some of it and catch up to where Mango is. Looking at the first page, you see that it is a drawing of Solace's face. The page next to it seems to be a bio about Solace.?? ? ? ? ?Solace, while casually seen as a non-stop voracious predator, will not eat more than four micen in one sitting. Her stomach can't hold much more and she will feel nauseous, improving the chances of her vomiting.?"I wonder how Jason managed to find that out"You said to yourself.?? ? ? ? ?Solace has teeth fit for cutting and grinding. This can be seen from observing her eat normal food. Although she rarely uses them on micen, unless for punishment for something very bad. She claims that she doesn't like the taste of blood as much as she enjoys the taste of soft fur.?? ? ? ? ?You don't recall seeing Solace chew a micen to bits. You look at the drawings accompanied to the sentence and see detailed sketches of her teeth, and from many angles too, both outside and in.?How does he know what this looks like??The only way you managed to know was you were up close and personal with it twice, but you couldn't see as much because of the darkness.?? ? ? ? ?Solace's metabolism isn't the greatest and will take some time before actually digesting her prey, if consciousness is kept by any unknown means, you might have the narrow chance to escape her stomach while she rests, if she rests. Beware that she is a light sleeper, unless she has stayed up for at least a day or binge drunk, so this strategy would be highly unsuccessful.? ? ? ? ?The same thought runs through your head once more:?How does he know all of this??You shake your head and close the book, maybe Mango has some answers, he met Jason before. You skim through some pages and see something that caught your eye. A drawing of the stomach from inside. On the opposite page the first paragraph stated:?If one is unfortunate enough to be swallowed by Solace, be glad that the stomach has around five minutes of air. Around this time, you will pass out. Her stomach acids should still be dormant, if they are not, they will burn.?? ? ? ? ?You aren't sure how he could sketch the insides of her belly. It and many questions should be asked when you get the chance. Maybe Mango knows where to find Jason.?Where is he??You set your book down and look around for Mango, you spotted him talking to Mombasa, whose looked rather furious. You headed towards their direction and get into earshot.?? ? ? ? ? "What did you do with my bag?" Mombasa glared furiously.?? ? ? ? ?"I-I turned it into Ritler, l-like you asked" Mango squeaked.? ? ? ? ? "You moron! Do you know what you have done?"?? ? ? ? ?You picked up your pace to stand up for Mango but Ritler beat you to it.?? ? ? ? ?"Mombasa! How do you explain this?" Ritler threw down the duffelbag and an egg rolled out. You recall in your experiences that the only food Solace loves more than eggs are micen, if she catches a mouse with an egg, no questions are asked about what’s happening, and what about to happen.?? ? ? ? ?Mango, backs towards you and asks "That's an egg?"?You said in a low soft voice "It's not really an egg, but it's an oval wafer surrounded by colorful chocolate resembled to be an egg. One of Solace's favorite treats."?? ? ? ? ?"You know the rules, Mombasa!" Ritler continued "Now take your egg and get out of Quill.". As he finished up two micen retrieved Mombasa's gear and escorted him out of the premises of the colony. Ritler turned to you, trying to calm himself down. "Is what I hear true?" his tone changed "You saved Mango's life?". You nod humbly. "Solace said she would remember you right?". You nod a second time, you aren't used to appraisal. Ritler smiled and told Mango to take the rest of the day off, before turning to you and saying...111111?"I hope you don't mind, but I have a mission for you"?? ? ? ? ?You give a deep sigh in frustration.?He doesn't understand what I just went through, does he??"What is it?" You ask.?? ? ? ? ?"I sent some micen to retrieve a precious item, a pearl.".?You can't help but to feel like that is a bad idea. "Why on earth would we need a pearl?" You inquire. "Wouldn't that just make Solace mad?"?? ? ? ? ?Ritler wasn't unnerved when he answered "Niarb promised plentiful resources if we managed to acquire a pearl for them." You see his point. Creating a colony isn't very easy or cheap. Getting a lot material for one single object is worth it. He continued, "Unfortunately, they just returned, or all but one of them did. They reported that Solace caught the perpetrator and swallowed the pearl before him, as if she was toying with her prey. They managed to get away as she laid down herself on her bed; they also reported that she was in a fair amount with discomfort in her gut. That pearl might be indigestible."?You stop him from speaking and interrupt him, your eyes widened in disbelief. "I think I see where you are going. You want her to... eat me, so I can retrieve that pearl. Do you have any idea what you are asking?"? ? ? ? ?"Listen!" Ritler explains, "Solace says she will remember you, and if she respects you enough to remember you in a good way, perhaps you can convince her-" You shake your head 'no' in a repeating fashion. Ritler continues, "She is in pain because of it, it wouldn't be that hard to convince her you are only there to help."?You stop shaking your head. "And what's in it for me?"?? ? ? ? ?Ritler doesn't hesitate as he sees an opportunity to convince you "A weeks paid vacation."?You contemplate of this. You earned Solaces respect, and now you have a chance to make the world a better place for everyone. Solace's stomach will no longer will hurt, you will earn more respect from her and even a weeks’ vacation, and Quill will get a pearl to trade with a rich denizen of Niarb. You can't believe you are doing this, but you nod your head, "Alright, I'll do it, but count your blessings.".?? ? ? ? ?Before you leave, you turn to find Mango. He wasn't anywhere in sight. You sigh as you carry on with your mission.1111111You head on out, toward the corridors in the wall.?? ? ? ? ?The pipes and splints weren't anything new to you, but as you leave through the hole leading to the counter you run into another micen. You weren't concentrating and stumble over as you bump shoulders with her. You lay on your back and turn towards the mouse."Sorry, I didn't see you there." you study the micen, her fur is dark brown and is wearing a black leather outfit with a zipper in front. You cock your head to the side and ask "Who are you?"? ? ? ? ?She looked over her shoulder and glanced at you, piercing you with blue eyes and ignoring your question before disappearing in the hole. You felt a tad bit of anger creep in your heart.?What was her problem? You get back on your feet and head towards the hole in the marble counter. You aren't going to let that girl get on your nerves, you need to keep a clear mind where you are going. You clear the drawers with ease and make your way across the floor through all the rooms, keeping a wary eye out for any other leona. In due time you finally make it to the door leading to the bedroom. You take a deep breath and crawl under the door.?? ? ? ? ?The last time you were here, you didn't enjoy your situation. This time isn't much different but at least it is a bit more peaceful. You scan the room, to your left is a closet it seems, on your right is a dresser that is taller than the counters you are so used to seeing. In front of you is a bed, an actual bed that is stories tall.?? ? ? ? ?You walk up towards the bed and heard some soft groaning noises.?That sounds like Solace?you think,?that pearl must really hurt, it might be easy to convince her that I am here to help. You climb the blankets towards the top of the bed. Halfway through you got another thought.?What if she doesn't want to give the pearl up? What if she won’t let me help her? Am I going to have to seduce her into eating me? Your hands are tightening, getting hard to move as you almost finish scaling the blanket. You reach the top and lay down, your hands thump with blood with every heartbeat. After about a minute you turn to see Solace laying down, facing away from you. You get on her pillow and head closer to her. Halfway to her the ground shifts from under you, you fall on your butt and look up to see Solace, peering into your soul.?? ? ? ? ?"You know better than to be on my bed." she growled. Her tone changed as she recognized it was you. "Oh Serena! I thought you were a different micen." She groaned once more and held her gut. "What are you doing on my bed?"?? ? ? ? ?You try to think, is she really going to let you out of her stomach if you asked? What was the best way to convince her? What if she doesn't like the idea you are a puppet to some greedy colony??? ? ? ? ?"Well?" she sounded a bit less patient when she said that. You work up the courage and spill out one sentence.?"Solace..."11111111?"I am here to help." You answer, "I heard about your problem, and thought I could swing by and help."? ? ? ? ?Solace laid on her stomach and elbows and looks at you. "You're very nervous, your tail says it all." She says, darting her eyes quickly at your tail, "But you are also very brave. I know you aren't doing this out of the kindness of you heart. Especially considering it will require you to get, well, eaten."?You step forward and fold your hands behind your back "You got me. We'll I was hoping I could keep the pearl?" You aren't sure how Solace would react. You only see benefit for everyone, but Solace might not like greed. You wonder if the survival book had anything to say about that.?? ? ? ? ?Solace peered at you and squinted her eyes, "What would a micen even do with a pearl?" She cringes again, "Never mind, you said you were wanting to help?" You nod. Solace reached for you and lifted you above her head. You freaked out a little at the sudden shift of reality, and Solace noticed. "It's alright, I will vomit you out when you get the pearl."?She lowers you into her mouth, her teeth were up to your waist as she started to lick you, admiring your taste. "Uh, Solace, I-I don't mean to bother you, but can you hurry this up?".? ? ? ? ?She stopped licking. "Sorry," she apologized "I don't get much willing prey, sometimes I get carried away." You pat her nose and reassure her you are still good with the plan. In a second notice the rest of your body was in the cavernous mouth, sliding towards the ever so dark throat. This is the third time you get acquainted with it, but this time it wins as the tongue below you raise and you slide down into the squishy abyss. You slither down and soon you arrive at the stomach.?? ? ? ? ?The acids are up to your waist but weren't burning yet. It felt like really warm water. Now you had time to search for the pearl. You reach around and soon enough you felt something hard, a foreign object that doesn't belong there. It's the pearl! It seems to be blocking the sphincter that leads deeper into Solace, no wonder she is in so much pain. You pull on the pearl, a few jolts back and you yank it free, but something happens. Your foot slipped into the hole, opening it and pulling you and some surrounding acids, in.?? ? ? ? ?You hold your breath as a vacuum-like force breeze by you. You feel your breath in your lungs running out, but you managed to yank your foot out of there. You pulled it hard enough that you fall forward into another pool of acids, next to you was the half-digested caucus of the previous micen, the one that tried to get the pearl.?? ? ? ? ?You look away from it, not sure what to think. Horror? Not horror, but anger.?I am not going to die in a damn stomach. You pound on the stomach wall and shout to be let out. A second later you feel pressure as the stomach contracts and pushes you up the throat.?? ? ? ? ?You land on a hard porcelain surface and get splashed by water from a faucet above. Your hands are still clamped on the pearl as you are pulled out of the porcelain sink and dried off. Solace watched you as the rest of your vision returned to you.?? ? ? ? ?You offer the pearl back to Solace, seeing as you didn't finish agreeing on whether you keep it or not; she pushes it away with a finger. "You earned it." She says as she takes you out of her bathroom, towards the living room, "But don't let me catch it in someone else's hands. It is a gift from me to you. It's for you to keep, if you don't plan on keeping it, give to me or Risa." She set you on the floor and nudged you with her foot. "Now try not to die, okay Serena?"Before you started your trek back home you turned around and asked a question that you just thought of. "Do you know a micen by the name of Jason?"?? ? ? ? ?"Jason?" Solace's voice seemed perked "Yes, have you seen him anywhere?""I haven't seen him, I have heard of him, and was wondering how he managed to learn all those things about you."? ? ? ? ?Solace ears dropped to the sides, the interest in the subject gone. "You must have read his book. Alright well, he found a sapphire I lost, he offered it back to me if I gave him permission to write an encyclopedia about me. He was watching me for about a month, writing everything he saw, but he needed help and my permission to finish it."?He randomly found a sapphire? Some micen have all the luck.?"That's all I was wondering. Thank you Solace." As you are about to leave you hear her call you again.?? ? ? ? ?"Have you seen...? Oh never-mind, I'll find her eventually." With that you said your good-byes and headed home,111111111? ?You were wondering what Solace was going to say.?? ? ? ? ?You brushed off your thoughts as you crawl under the kitchen door, rolling the pearl along with you, it wasn't hard seeing it was a third of your size. A low growl comes from your stomach, you realized that you haven''t eaten anything since early last night. Micen can go a day without food before it stops being a minor inconvenience but you're on paid vacation now. You have no reason to go hungry.? ? ? ? ? You enter through the base of the counter and noticed that the drawers were open slightly more than normal. They aren't normally ever open, but you shrug it off as you run into your first problem. How are you going to get the pearl up there? You sigh, you don't have time to think about that so you climb slowly and cautiously up the drawers, holding the pearl in your hands. You reached the top, took longer than usual but you were careful not to drop the pearl, you didn't want to climb down to get it when you don't need to.?? ? ? ? ?You finally reach the hole in the counter above you. You toss the pearl through and poke your head up. A silvery micen runs out of the crack in the wall, being chased by Mango.?What’s going on??you ponder. You look behind you towards the door to the living room. You see Risa enter, along with an unfamiliar white furred leona. You look for Mango to warn him about the dangers incoming, but as you turn, you see a black micen looking down at you.?Mombasa!?He picks up the pearl and kicks your face hard. You fall but catch yourself on the backside of the drawer. You see a glimpse through the crack of the opened drawer and see Risa walk towards the compartment, putting a foot on it, preparing to close it. You pull yourself up as fast as you can to avoid being crushed.?Were you fast enough?1111111111? ?You were wondering what Solace was going to say.?? ? ? ? ?You brushed off your thoughts as you crawl under the kitchen door, rolling the pearl along with you, it wasn't hard seeing it was a third of your size. A low growl comes from your stomach, you realized that you haven’t eaten anything since early last night. Micen can go a day without food before it stops being a minor inconvenience but you're on paid vacation now. You have no reason to go hungry.? ? ? ? ? You enter through the base of the counter and noticed that the drawers were open slightly more than normal. They aren't normally ever open, but you shrug it off as you run into your first problem. How are you going to get the pearl up there? You sigh, you don't have time to think about that so you climb slowly and cautiously up the drawers, holding the pearl in your hands. You reached the top, took longer than usual but you were careful not to drop the pearl, you didn't want to climb down to get it when you don't need to.?? ? ? ? ?You finally reach the hole in the counter above you. You toss the pearl through and poke your head up. A silvery micen runs out of the crack in the wall, being chased by Mango.?What’s going on??you ponder. You look behind you towards the door to the living room. You see Risa enter, along with an unfamiliar white furred leona. You look for Mango to warn him about the dangers incoming, but as you turn, you see a black micen looking down at you.?Mombasa!?He picks up the pearl and kicks your face hard. You fall but catch yourself on the backside of the drawer. You see a glimpse through the crack of the opened drawer and see Risa walk towards the compartment, putting a foot on it, preparing to close it. You pull yourself up as fast as you can to avoid being crushed.?Were you fast enough?11111111111?You pull yourself up and leap at the sky, grasping the ledge of the hole.?? ? ? ? ?In a world where most die of starvation, digestion, high heights, and just plain clumsiness, you are not going to be killed by a drawer. You pull yourself up and out of the hole quickly. Mombasa and the pearl were nowhere to be found, but you see Risa meters away, scouring the counters for the micen that fled earlier.?Mango!?You jolt in the direction of the hunting cat, hoping that she doesn't find the duo. Your heart sank as her upper body pounced at the counter, pulling two figures from it. Mango was never good at hiding, was he??? ? ? ? ?The legs under you started to move faster. You see a silvery figure being pulled up to Risa's mouth, opened in anticipation. You're try to run faster, doing your best to hide behind appliances. You are halfway to Risa when you witness her stop sucking the mouse, and saw her jaws move as if she was chewing. Blood oozed out from the side of her lips, confirming your suspicions.?? ? ? ? ?Panic filled your mind as the leona turned to a screaming and panicking Mango, lowering him into her mouth. Mango wasn't fond of the situation either, he stuttered and shivered wildly as he was set down on her tongue, surrounded by a mix of blood and saliva.?? ? ? ? ?You finally made it in front of her and she spots you. You then realize something: You don't have a plan.?? ? ? ? ?She swipes you off the counter and gazes at you. You stare at her lips, watching as she licks and suckles on Mango's flavor. You're not sure what to hope for. If he is swallowed, he will face a painful death by the acids in Risa's belly, but no one ever said being crushed and torn by teeth isn't painful either. Risa smiled and made a loud gulping sound. Your eyes shift towards her neck as you see a lump that you once knew travel down to his doom. A jerking motion remind you of your position. An open mouth awaits in front of you, its teeth are stained with blood. Being pulled in head first, you close your eyes, waiting for fate to take you.111111111112? ?"What do you think you are doing?"? ? ? ? ?That voice sounded all too familiar, and a surge of hope ran through your body. "I told you not to eat any of my micen without my permission!". You look at the leona walking towards you, her expression turns to anger when she recognizes it was you. Risa puts you behind her back quickly, trying to hide you from her older sister. She growls at Risa and snatches you from her hand. "Are you okay Serena?"?You point at Risa and cry out "She swallowed Mango!"? ? ? ? ? Solace looked at Risa with an impressed looked "You swallowed a whole mango? How did you do that?"?You shake your head, "No! My friend Mango, you met him before.".? ? ? ? ?The worry in your voice started becoming very obvious. Solace grab Risa by the hair and lent her back on the counter, lying her head on her sister’s belly. She growled angrily at Risa after hearing the muffled pleas from her victim, "Let him out!".?? ? ? ? ?"I-I can’t! I can't vomit at will like you!" Risa's voice sounded more nervous than before, she really thinks Solace could hurt her.?? ? ? ? ?Solace set you gently in the sink after hearing the dreadful news. She lent her sister over the metallic sink. "Let him out, now!" Risa panicked and stuck her finger down her throat. You couldn't believe what you are seeing. Solace, a leona, the very enemy to your species and someone who tried to kill you on multiple accounts, is saving you friends life.?Why??You hear a thud as you see your friend Mango land next to you in the sink. You hear him taking deep breaths. "Mango?" you say in a hopeful tune. He laid on his hands and knees, still taking deep breaths, gives you a quick glance. "Mango!" you call out for him and hug him. You cradle his warm body, wrapping your arms around his neck. He feels moist and has some mild burns, but he'll live.?? ? ? ? ?"Thank you" he said in a repeating whisper. Solace dragged Risa off, reminding her to stop eating her stuff. What felt like hours you held him tightly, you were so close to losing him.?You break the silence and say "Let’s get back to Quill. We'll get you washed up and forget all ab-"? ? ? ? ?"Quill has b-been... It's..." Mango Interrupted you and pointed towards the cabinet; Its doors were wide open. You don't know what happened, when, or even what's wrong, you don't know where to go but you can't stay here. Mango tugged your arm, "We have to get out of here, before she comes back." he begs.?"Risa isn't coming back," You reply as you pat Mango on his head "I'm sure Solace won't let her.".?? ? ? ? ?Mango shook his head, "The... The other one...", his breath has returned to him and he's ready to stand up. You ponder on what to do, noticing a severed silver arm next to Mango. It reminded you of the dangers that he still faces, he can't stay here anymore.?"Alright, here's the plan" you began1111111111121?"We are going to go back to Quill. I need to get something."?? ? ? ? ?Mango shook his head in disagreement but before he could say anything you were already on your way out of the shallow sink.?We need to get that book, Mango won't last much longer without it.?You help Mango out of the sink and proceed towards Quill. "Please let’s go! I-I don't want to go back" he pleaded. It is understandable on why he wants to get far away from here as possible. He continued to plea but you ignored him. It's for his own good the book gets retrieved. You enter through the hole but are annoyed thanks to Mango's constant pleading.?"If you don't want to go, then wait here!" you snapped "I have to see if Ritler is okay.", You made up the excuse because Mango has been through enough without insulting his intelligence.?? ? ? ? ?In record timing you climbed the pipes and entered what used to be Quill. It wasn't very built up to begin with but everything was destroyed far more than you expected. The noise of something scratching a pipe was a clear signal that Mango followed his master. You search quickly for Ritler and see a figure crushed by what used to be the only completed house. You head towards it and inspect it, alas though, he was still and not breathing. You looked around and noticed there wasn't many bodies. You turn your head and look over your shoulder and see Mango with a frown plastered on his face. He didn't enjoy you ignoring him.?"What happened Mango?" your voice breaks the silent air.?? ? ? ? ?Mango blinked and walked towards what used to be your shack. He goes through the rumble and pulls out a book. "This is what you were after wasn't it?" you never heard his voice this serious before, "This is why you ignored me? Because you think that I can't take care of myself?"? ? ? ? ?Since we met, when was the last time you didn't need my help??You wanted to say that out loud, but you bit your tongue. Mango walks towards the cliff, towards the opened cupboard doors. He held the guide over the edge.?? ? ? ? ?"I don't need this! Neither do you! You are friends with that bitch!"?"She saved your life!" you retorted back angrily.?? ? ? ? ?"No," Mango shook his head, "You saved my life. You don't need me, if you did we would already be halfway to Niarb, where I'd be safe!".Your anger starts to overwhelm you, "Why do you hate the leona? They may have killed your family, but I didn't even get to know mine!"?? ? ? ? ?"I lied." Mango's ears dropped, "Risa killed my parents, my brothers and sisters, all of my kin and my home. I survived by being buried in what used to be called a home. My uncle stumbled across me only because he stopped by to mooch some food off us." his voice began to tremble "He couldn't remember my damn name! And then there's you, making friends with the sister of the person who murdered my family, who isn't any different!"?If I didn't do that you would have died!" you snapped? ? ? ? ?"Then I wouldn't be back in square one! Ritler was my uncle, did he tell you that?" You shake your head and glanced at the corpse of your old boss. "But now with all my kin dead, what is there a point to live? Why couldn't you let Risa finish what she started?" Mango continued, his angry tone turned softer, "Why did you save me?"?"I..." you began, but noticed you really never thought about it, "I didn't want to see you die, is that really such a problem?"? ? ? ? ?Mango held his glare and walked towards you with his head down. "I-I'm sorry," he fell to his knees and his old nervous self-returned to his voice "I lost everything again. I don't know what to think."?You bow your head as well and head towards the saddened orange mouse. "You didn't lose everything, you still have-" you gasp. A pure white leona sneaked into your vision behind Mango and you call out to him "Mango, behind you!"?? ? ? ? ?Fear engulfed Mango, he turned to you in a silence plea. A white hand grasps his feet firmly and drag him off. He looked at you once more, throwing his book at your feet as a gesture of good will and yells at you to run. Mango dangled over the she-cats face as he is lowered past a row of teeth, the lips close in around him and his hind legs and tail are all that are visible of him. The leona locked eyes with you. She had an amber glow that burned with undeniable beauty, and her silvery hair ran down the sides of her face stopping at her chin. As she reaches for her next victim, you grab the guide and run towards the exit into the wall.?? ? ? ? ?You made it without a scratch and scale down to the middle of the pipes.?This is why you ignored me? Because you think I can't take care of myself??Mangos voice echoed inside your head. You sit down on a wooden splint, setting the book down you sob into your hands,?everything is gone, everyone's dead. What do I do? Where do I go??You stand up.?I know exactly what I am going to do. I'm not just going to survive, I am going to find out who that leona is, and I am going to end her... You grab the guide and check its table of contents. You searched for a place to begin your ambitious goal, and you find nothing less than a list of colonies you never heard before. You head towards your next destination, a place in the ceilings, shouldn't be too hard to find. You ask yourself what you have planned and answered.?I need an army?Chapter Two: Thorrow"Pay attention!" your teacher yelled, bopping you on the head lightly with her hand.?? ? ? ? ?You jerk yourself awake and wipe the sleep from your eyes. "How many times have I told you not to doze off while we are out here?" her voice turned into more of a whisper. She isn't always this cranky, except when you are outside the colony. Standing up quickly you lose your balance on the marble counter as she continued. "This is a matter of life and death, you are mere months away before Solace won't think twice about killing you.". The sound of her constant reminders made sure you don't forget that you will soon be six months old. To unfamiliar ears, nine months doesn't sound like a long time, but you never heard of any micen that died of old age.?? ? ? ? ?You groan and stand up, more careful this time, listening to your mentor rant on. There are other micen in your group, but they just so happened to be listening to the teacher rather than daydream. You heard it all before though. She sighed once more, you dozed off this time not even noticing it. "Miss Matilde! Miss Matilde" a voice called the teachers several times more. It sounded like one of the students and it sounded as if they were getting closer. Once in site Matilde answered?? ? ? ? ?"What is it Harris?". The student started to stutter enough that it was hard to comprehend what he was talking about. Other students dash past you. You follow them as fast as you can but something tugged tightly on your tail. You turn to see a finger, large and laced with blue fur, accompanied with an entertained chuckle. Your heart started pounding out of your chest. You pulled your tail hard enough that it slipped from under the finger and run as far away from it as possible.?? ? ? ? ?Running behind several kitchen appliances you start to worry. It’s got to be around here somewhere!?The door for a passage to Niarb. It was around here somewhere. You panic a bit more than you should but soon enough you find it. It's not a fancy door, just a piece of scrap wood connected to hinges, but a door non the less. To your misfortune, it was locked. Not so much as locked as held down by something, or someone on the other side."Let me in!" you pound against the door "Please, let me in!". You hear commotion from the other side of the door. They are contemplating on letting you in or not. Warm air is pushed against the back of your skin. You felt pressure go to and fro, as if air is moving through you. Turning to face your problem, your fears were confirmed as you see Solace sniffing your body. "Don't do it." you whisper as you put your hands in on the walls to your side, rubbing them nervously.?? ? ? ? ?The captor hums a soft hymn, stopping only to lick your body from toe to head.?? ? ? ? ?After feeling a cold shiver from your spine, you realize: that didn't feel too bad. You aren't sure what to think, every micen you've ever met hated to be licked, but you actually enjoyed it. This could be a bit of a problem, a fantasy that could very well happen and be the end of you. You glance back up at Solace, who is pondering on what to do next. A small part of you wished she would lick you again, you're too young to feel this arousal before. She leans in, teeth shown and a soft growl heard. You aren't sure if she knows you are still a juvenile.1? ? To your surprise, she pushes you aside and taps her finger knuckles against the door.?? ? ? ? ?"Open the door. Now." she growled. There was no movement or noise behind the door, the leona continued to tap on the door. "I said 'Now'! Open it before I tear it down.". Shortly after the door opened. Solace spun you around to face the door and held you with her finger wrapping around your shoulder, her claw is poking the side of your gut. She nudges you toward the door and asked "Who does this belong to?". A minute in silence past until the teacher stepped forward out of the door. "She's my responsibility" Matilde bowed her head in embarrassment. The hand shook you again, "Take her."?? ? ? ? ?The teacher grabbed your hand but was dragged away by Solace.?? ? ? ? ?Matilde was laying back in Solace's palm. "Why did you abandon her?" she snapped, pausing to look at the other micen behind the door "Do they all belong to you?".?? ? ? ? ?The frighten mouse nodded and squeaked a quick "Yes.". The growl in the cat’s throat grew ever louder. The teachers panic intruded her voice, "I-I'm a mentor, I was hired to teach them how to-".?? ? ? ? ?"Survive?" Solace interrupted "And you abandoned a student to die?" The growl turned into a smirk and a chuckle "Yeah, you're in big trouble.". Solace licked at the legs of the micen, moments before they disappear past a row of teeth.?? ? ? ? ?"Not in front of them! Please!" Matilde cried out, pointing to you and the other students.?? ? ? ? ?Solace stopped and blinked, pulling out the scared rodent from her mouth. "Tell you what, if I catch any of these micen again, I will find you. I don't have to explain what I will do to you" she says as she nibbles on Matilde's tail. She tossed the micen gently back on the counter. "Now if you don't mind," she continued "call it a day."?12??You and your group return to the colony in which you hail, Niarb.?? ? ? ? ?It was very prosperous compared to other colonies, it's also the most populous, numbering in almost a thousand, and takes up almost all the free space under the floor making it meters big. Later that night, you were scorned by your parents for misbehaving, only for them to hug you tightly for almost losing you. You are less than a month away from either working for the colony, the micen in the colony, or leaving for good.?? ? ? ? ?You've used this time to train yourself and your body to excel on the field, and managed to surpass all your peers in speed, wit and strength. You also hope to see Solace once again, you aren't sure if she catches you she will still harm Matilde. No one must know of your fantasies, or they may think you will endanger yourself or other micen. What felt like weeks consisting of days, it was finally time for you to grow up.? ? ? ? ?Today's the day,?You swipe your silvery bangs off your forehead, and notice you feel all tingly inside the middle of you. Not all micen enjoy the day they age, however you waited for this moment long enough to become anxious. You haven't been outside the colony since that day you and Matilde were caught, only making your taste for outside even more desiring. Having made your way to the front Entrance to Niarb, you meet with one of the colony head masters.?? ? ? ? ?"Hello, Thorrow," He greeted. He was a grey micen with black fur on his stomach, hands, feet and ears. "Glad to see you passed the fitness exam with flying colors."?"Thank you, sir!" You squeaked merrily. "It was easier than it looked."? ? ? ? ?"No need to thank me, young one. Credit's due where credit is due." He smiled "And call me Jason. 'Sir' makes me sound old. Now, your mission is a unique one."?"Unique? How?" You were prepared to be a gatherer, what’s so unique about going to the pantry and back, don't people do it all the time??? ? ? ? ?"I am sending you with a team of micen to scout around for other colonies." Jason continued "We need to know if there is anywhere else as prosperous as Niarb."?? ? ? ? ?You think to yourself and can't seem to remember any good place where a colony can be as large as Niarb. The one in the ceiling has less space. That weird one in the wall, that was made with as much vertical ladders as it was horizontal, can only gnaw through so many wood splints before affecting the integrity of its environment.?"Where can we possibly find a colony that isn't discovered yet?"?? ? ? ? ?"That's the thing," Jason's ears and tail drooped a little "you're being sent outside of Solace's home. You're to scout around Risa's room and her friend, Sheiki."?? ? ? ? ?This came to a shock to you. You can't recall the last time you heard of anyone leaving Solace's den, and certainly not going to where Risa lives. Could there really be other colonies in those rooms.?"How many other micen are going?" you asked curiously.?? ? ? ? ?"You are going to accompany eight micen. Currently they are getting supplies from the pantry for their trek. I want you to meet up with them and get what you can carry." With the amount of strength you have, that means you'd carry a lot. You and Jason said your good-byes whilst treading up through the wall. You could hardly dwell in anticipation anymore, until finally, you see the hole. You raced yourself to see what it looks like, if it's still what you remember it to be.?You rush through the crack and...121? ?Light blinded your vision for a few moments as you stepped through the hole. You gasp a deep breath as you take in your surroundings: the dawning sun shined through the windows, the air was less stiff than in Niarb, and the ceiling was at least dozens of micen high. You never liked the ceilings in Niarb, they were always a centimeter above your head when you were in most houses and buildings. You spun around, mouth agape in awe. This was better than you remember.?? ? ? ? ? A booming sound made you jump. The hole to Niarb was blocked by a large hand. Your eyes followed the arm until you saw its owner. "Solace!" You squeaked. You back away quickly until her finger knocked you over, knocking the wind out of you. In a moment’s notice you feel your feet being tugged, pulled, then dragged away. It only got worse as your feet began to get wet. You look down to face the truth, she was eating you. Her tongue starts to lick at your feet and you couldn't help but to giggle a bit. You remembered your kind of like this. Solace then pulls you out of her mouth.?? ? ? ? ?"Hello there little one. I remember you, no longer a juvenile I see." She pinches your legs together a little tighter "So what are you planning on doing, hmm?"?You hesitated but remembered your training, and how much of a bad idea it is to lie to Solace, "I was going to the pantry to meet up with other micen, Miss Solace."? ? ? ? ?"Really? What are you planning on doing in the pantry?" She pinched tighter and lied down on her stomach.?"I was going to meet with the others to scout around-" Solace's face looked like it was losing interest, "to scout Risa's den for other colonies." Her eyes widened, seems you peaked her interest. "May you please let me go?" You continued, "I need to get there before they leave without me."?? ? ? ? ?Solace narrowed her eyes. and said...1211??"Alright, I'll take you there."?"What? Why?" You can't imagine what the other micen would think if you were caught with Solace carrying you. First impressions matter, don't they? You realized that you questioned Solace and her decision and quickly corrected yourself "I-I mean, thank you Solace, but I don't think that's the best idea."?? ? ? ? ?She stood up, with you in hand, and stepped towards the kitchen. "It's alright, little one, I will just let you near the pantry." She opened the door and peaked through it, walking in and setting you on the counter next to the pantry. "Now, run along. I'm going to find that teacher of yours. Try not to die too soon" she smirked and calmly retreated back into the living room.? ? ? ? ?You breathe in relief, confronting her could have gone all the way bad. After a few moments of getting your mind back together, you enter through a crack in the side of the pantry. When you reached the inside of the food closet, you were awe struck. Your mentor never let you inside the pantry, she merely told you stories about it. You saw everything you have ever dreamed of: sweets and treats up high and canned fruits down low. The variety of food was outstanding. You looked to your left and saw on of your favorite food of all, jam, and scampered towards it. You hug the glass, wishing you could eat the contents inside.?? ? ? ? ?"Are you Thorrow?" A voice behind you spooked you. You turn and nod anxiously. The micen was light brown, and had deep blue eyes, his hair was as black as dusk. "Glad to see you made it. My name is Raze, the squad leader." He stuck his hand out and shook yours "The rest of the gang is out and about, ready to go. You'll meet them soon enough." He hands you a duffelbag. "I already gathered your food for you. Jason told me you liked bread and jam, so I nabbed as much as I can fit in there,"?"Thank you Raze, I appreciate it." You tell him, before he walked away behind jars of food, without a word or response.? ? ? ? ?You strap the dufflebag on your back and walked out the crack towards the counter. It just occurred to you, you have no idea where Raze went. You decided to crawl back into the pantry and see if he is still there, but as you climbed in, you heard a plea for help. You turn around and see a micen running for the hole you just entered. It was a girl, she had blue fur, and her black hair was shorter than yours, she was also wearing a jacket that was cut in half, just below her breasts. You move back to get out of the way, but that wasn't necessary as the mouse was flicked on her side. You peered out to the counter to see the blue mouse whimper and crawl backwards towards the wall behind her.?? ? ? ? ?"You know better than to run" an all too familiar voice snarled. The frightened woman ran out of room to crawl, and coward into the fetal position. You can't sit back and just watch this, can you?12112You drop your dufflebag and burst out of the pantry wall and onto the counter, asking Solace to stop.?? ? ? ? ?Solace does stop, but mostly out of curiosity. You run and hug the blue mouse girl from behind, improvising a plan. The micen between your arms was in thankful astonishment that someone actually came to her aid. Solace, however, was in a bit more of a non-impressed mood. She's possibly angry at a rodent like you is telling her what not to do with her prey. "Hey, may I ask what you're trying to pull, little one?"?Your eyes glanced from side to side and tried to think off the top of your head. "I'm sorry Solace, this is my sister." You do your best not to let your voice crack under the pressure. "She's supposed to help me and the other micen scout around." You softly bit your lip, hoping Solace believes you.?? ? ? ? ?The leona looked at you and your 'sister', seeing the resemblance in the color of your blue fur. "Why didn't you tell me your sister was coming with you?"?She bought it!?"I guess I could find some other micen around here that I could eat." She continued and leaned in closer "But if I catch you again, or anyone of your group..." She snapped her jaws, gesturing the obvious.?You nervously smile and pat the blue micen on the back, pointing to the wall. "Come on, sis, back to the pantry, we need to catch up with the rest of the group." She did what was told to her and traveled with you back to the group. Just then, Solace protracted a claw and turned your head to face her.?? ? ? ? ?"What is your name, little one?" Her eyes narrowed on you, as if she's reading every thought from your eyes.?? ? ? ? ?"Thorrow. It's- My name is Thorrow." You say, holding your gaze with the giantess. A few moments past and she smirked, keeping in a full smile.?Why is she smiling??You thought frantically. Your breathing got heavy and your eyes dilate. The claw lightly scratched down your neck and shoulder, then up your stomach and under your chin, pointing your head up. You glanced at the other micen, watching Solace safely behind the crack in the wall. You pull your gaze back to face your captivator.?? ? ? ? ?You almost lost your balance as Solace pinned your feet to the ground, holding your legs with her fingers. She then lent over and opened her maw. You stare up, gazing in the mouth coming down on you. As it surrounds you, it darkens your vision. Your hands are pinned to your side and saliva drenched your body. Her tongue explored your flavor as it licked around. Once again, that feeling you get when you were younger returned. You even had the urge to moan, but you subdued it, and its embarrassing consequences. You close your eyes and think about what could possibly happen next. She could just be tasting you, like she did twice before. But what if she figured out you were lying. Did she really read all of that just by looking at you??The wet muscle stopped grinding against you, what's happening?121121?? ?Your thoughts came to a halt, as did her tongue.?? ? ? ? ?She pulled away, nearly blinding your pupils that have widened in the dark, damp mouth. Breathing out sheer relief, your legs wobble, and you drop to your knees, catching your breath. Solace opened a drawer and grabbed something made of cloth, before rubbing it against you. She rubbed hard enough that the friction became uncomfortable, but as she finished your fur was dried. Solace pointed at you and ordered you to stay still. She left the room and a few moments later returned with a small, long patch of green cloth.?? ? ? ? ?"Take it and wrap it around your neck, Thorrow." She said, handing you the cloth garment. It will help me distinguish you from other micen, if you return of course."? ? ? ? ?You stare at it, surprised that Solace offered you a gift, a scarf non the less. Taking it from her hands, you wrap it around your neck. It was a tad bit longer than you'd hope, but you can take care of that next time you see a pair of scissors just lying around.?"Thank you, Solace" you say cheerfully.?? ? ? ? ?She guided you back to the pantry by pushing you softly on your back. "Now run along, be sure not to lose that. Oh, and a friendly reminder" she added, "Don't let me catch anyone in your group. The next micen I see taking something from me, will belong to me."?? ? ? ? ?On that note, you dashed for the crack to meet up with the other micen waiting for you. As you entered through, she hugged you very tightly, nearly hurting you. "Thank you!" she repeated several times over.?You pat her head softly. "It's alright, really." You gently push her off of you and ask "What is your name?"? ? ? ? ?The micen stood up straight and cleared her throat. "The name's Erra."You nod, smiling, and shake her hand "It's nice to meet you Erra."?? ? ? ? ?You told her about your mission and how you plan to scout about, wondering if that might be a bad idea considering the dangers. By the time you were done she couldn't be more excited about joining you and begged you to let her tag along.?"Alright," You smile and pick up your duffelbag, "let’s go meet the crew!"1211211You and Erra both jump as you heard a voice from behind you. "And who is this?" Raze asked with his arms crossed.?? ? ? ? ?"This is-" you begin to hesitate "my sister, Erra. She was wondering if she could tag along." Raze shook his head, not liking the idea, but you continued to convince him. "She won’t be a bother to anyone, and I will see to it that she stays out of trouble."? ? ? ? ?Raze nodded and agreed so long as you keep an eye on her and keep her out of trouble you'll be fine. "Now, if you'd please follow me this time, lets meet the team." He gestured his hand for you to follow him and padded away towards the back wall. You follow, a bit embarrassed, but Erra clang to your arm trying to calm down. Raze was ahead of you far enough that you were able to talk under your breath to Erra. "Please do me a favor" you whispered to her "Don't talk about what happened with me and Solace. It's embarrassing." Erra nods her head.?? ? ? ? ?Raze stopped in front of three micen. He pointed to a mouse laying his shoulder on a wall. "That one's Jack." The said micen nodded. He has dark brown fur and a grey belly. His blonde hair and hazel eyes give you a subtle thought he wasn't special. Raze continued pointed to the other micen who were sitting down and chatting. "That's Samara." He pointed to the one on the right. She had black fur and white spots. She also had black hair and brown eyes, that merely glanced at you when her name was called, careful not to interrupt her conversation. "And that one is Grimlock." He gestured to the mouse talking to Samara. Grimlock was grey fur all over, with a few black spots here and there. He didn't have any hair on his head other than fur, and his hazel eyes didn't tread from Samara.?? ? ? ? ?"Why does everyone have weird names?" Erra whispered to you.?? ? ? ? ?Grimlock rose to his feet and answered "Because not every micen is from Niarb, cutie. Different names from different places, not that hard to figure out." The grey mouse turns his eyes towards you. "What are your names?"?You step forward and gesture to yourself and your 'sister'. "My name is Thorrow, and this is my sister Erra."? ? ? ? ?Grimlock huffed a puff of air. "Doesn't it sound like a bad idea to bring your sister on a dangerous expedition?" You were unsure what to say, you already told them she was your sister, you can't go with another story.?? ? ? ? ?Before you could respond, Raze spoke "Speaking of which, where is May and Jessie?"? ? ? ? ?All the surrounding micen shrugged. "No one knows where they're at?" He asked.?? ? ? ? ?A sound of footsteps was heard from the floor above you and a micen slides cautiously down a wooden pole on the edge of the wooden panel you're on. He was all white with blue eyes and silver hair. He was also carrying three backpacks.?? ? ? ? ?Grimlock turned and called for him "Wite, there you are.".?? ? ? ? ?Wite jumped as his name was called and set the bags down before turning into a cowered pose. "D-did I do something wrong?" Grimlock picked up one of the bags and glared at the frightened mouse. Upon further inspection you wonder if Wite is still a juvenile.?? ? ? ? ?"Of course not, I want you to meet Erra and Thorrow" He said gesturing to you. "They just arrived from Niarb." Grimlock wrapped his arm around Wite's shoulder and neck as Samara grabbed her bag. Grimlock continued talking to Wite as another micen scales down the wooden pole. This one was dark red with a white belly.?? ? ? ? ?She hopped down and smiled. "So, these are the last two?"?? ? ? ? ?Jack stopped leaning on the wall and explained who you and Erra were.?? ? ? ? ?Raze sighed "Rim, do either of you know where Jessie and May are?"? ? ? ? ?White nodded "Jessie was going to see if she can get some cheese and May said she was going to go on look out. They said they would meet up at the rendezvous"?? ? ? ? ?"Alright, Erra, do you have a bag?" Raze asked.?? ? ? ? ?"No, I'm traveling light." Erra replied? ? ? ? ?"Moron." Grimlock muttered under his breathe.?? ? ? ? ?"With that being said, let’s get going." Raze added.? ? ? ? ?The group grabbed their things and climbed up the pole. Everyone followed Raze until they entered a crack in the wall and traveled through the insulation and pipes.?? ? ? ? ?Minutes later, the group entered a cupboard far from the pantry. This cupboard was full of glass cups and fancy china. It was dark, cold, and also the last stop from leaving Solace's home. Raze stopped and turned around to address the group. "Alright, we're at the rendezvous, catch your breath while we wait for-"? ? ? ? ?"Raze!" a voice called. Raze turned and an orange furred mouse appeared out of the crack. She had a grayish belly and and dishwater blonde hair. "Raze, where's May?".? ? ? ? ?"We thought she was on look out." Grimlock answered as he dashed toward the cabinet doors.?? ? ? ? ?"She was, b-but I can't find her." Jessie started to panic. A voice was heard, faint but sounded like iit came from a micen.?? ? ? ? ?"Good news, and bad news." Grimlock stated as he peered out from the cabinet doors. "Good news is: I found her."?? ? ? ? ?The group rushed to the edge of the doors. You could see a small blonde speck on the counters below you, calling out what you think is Jessie and Raze's name... "That's her! May!" Jessie called.?? ? ? ? ?Jack turned to Grimlock and asked "What's the bad news?"?? ? ? ? ?Grimlock pointed towards the pantry door. "So did Solace."? ? ? ? ?You look up and see the blue leona next to the pantry sniffing the air, before turning towards the running micen on the counter.?? ? ? ? ?"Oh no..." Wite said before backing out view. Jessie called May's name several more times. You stare at Solace as she walks towards May, who has noticed her presence. Jessie called in protest before Grimlock grabbed her and covered her mouth, dragging her away. Preventing her from watching the inevitable.?? ? ? ? ?Rim and Samara joined them. You, Raze, and Erra tried to turn away but fear gripped you in place. You watch as the blue giantess lent down and licked the cowering mouse, before clamping down on her with her mouth. Raze and Erra gathered the strength to look away. However, you kept watching. Solace tilted her head back and you watched as May's feet disappeared into her maw. A moment later a small bulge traveled down Solace's neck and disappeared behind her collarbone. You glance back at Solace. She sees you and smiles, giving you a wink before you retreat back into the cabinet.?? ? ? ? ?Everyone was shocked, and Jessie started to cry. You breathe heavily again, you never saw anyone get eaten before. You remember your fantasy, and how you wanted to see Solace again. This time you don't know what to think, other than you got your wish. Ever since then you haven't gone fifteen minutes without her catching you. You can't get her smile out of your head, and her eyes. She saw you. Your eyes widen in realization. She saw you. "We have to go! She saw us, we have to go."?? ? ? ? ?The group nodded and started moving towards another hole wall. Jessie is still crying, you give a silent thank you to Grimlock for not letting her see her sister die.?12112111?The group pushed its way through the crack, Jessie is wailing and kicking Grimlock in protest as he carries he away from the scene. Everyone else ducked under and in without trouble.?? ? ? ? ?The group stopped when everyone was through, and Grimlock released Jessie. "Don't ever kick me again." He scolded as she curled up and sobbed.? ? ? ? ?"Lay off her," Jack butted in, "her kin was just killed.".?? ? ? ? ?Grimlock replied in a shrug and snorted "Shit happens, people die. That's life."? ? ? ? ?"How can you say that?!" Samara added, receiving an unentertained glance from Grimlock.? ? ? ? ?"Enough, all of you." Raze broke up the argument, "Yes, we are off to a bad start, but we were careless. This isn't going to happen again, does everyone understands that?". All nodded as Raze turned to Jessie. "Are you alright? Would you like stay?"?? ? ? ? ?Jessie shook her head. "I'm going with you," she managed to say while trying to stop crying, "I'm not going to just sit around and let her death be in vain.". She gave a blank stare to the wall in front of her, hiding her mouth behind her knees as she tries to control her emotions. You wonder what's going through her head. Micen die all the time, and May's death was nothing special. Because of such, most micen accept a kin's death ahead of time and refuse to brood over it, knowing life's too short for that. No one you know has died, you don't have any siblings to get ate, and your parents work as guards at Niarb. They must be worried sick about you.?? ? ? ? ?A few moments of silence pass until Rim stepped forward and ask "What are we going to do now?"? ? ? ? ?Raze nodded "We are heading to Risa's home. We carry on our mission."? ? ? ? ?By the next day you have traveled through walls, mapping everything out. You noticed your group managed to get close to each toher. Rim managed to get Wite to come out of his shell a bite more, Samara managed to get Grimlock to be less of a jerk, and you managed to figure Jack's favorite food, if only you can remember it. You also noticed Raze and Jessie have been getting along well and the whole group grew more accepting to you and Erra. In due time you managed to tread into Risa's territory.?? ? ? ? ?Grimlock pushes against a wall that had a lot of giveaway before cracking the sides of it, You and Raze helped him and tore a hole big enough to slip through. You volunteered to go first and slipped through. You studied your surroundings and it appeared you were in Risa's kitchen, standing on her grey marble counters.?"All clear" you call in through the whole. You study the hole and give a relieving sigh. It was behind a coffee maker, and it was small enough that you wouldn't find it unless you were looking for it. Rim came through, followed by Wite and the rest of the crew.? ? ? ? ?"Finally, felt like forever." Grimlock mumbled?? ? ? ? ?"Well, what's our first step?" Jack asked Raze. The squad leader looked around and pondered. You wonder towards the edge of the counter. Everything is so clean, and lighter than at Solace's kitchen. The counters are lighter, the color of the cupboards and floor were light, even the lights felt brighter. You peer around and noticed you can't see many cracks or holes in the walls. Normally they can be found every now and again.?? ? ? ? ?"I have an idea." Samara suggested and gestured towards her backpack "We should try to find food. I'm almost out."? ? ? ? ?"It's only been a day, Samara. Not used to starving to death?" Grimlock said, in a bit of a joking tone. The rest of the group checked their bags and noticed they were low as well. Grimlocks ears dropped "Am I the only one who has more than half-rations?"? ? ? ? ?It was clear the first stop was the pantry. It was on the other end of the kitchen, similar to Solace's room. Raze led the way and in a few minutes time you made it to the wall, surprisingly enough, there was a hole there.?It looks like others tried getting in. That's a good sign there's another colony here.?you thunk. Raze went inside first and soon gave the signal to enter.121121112??Everyone went in one at a time as Grimlock sighed and followed in.?? ? ? ? ?Your eyes started to get used to the dark and you scan your surroundings. As your eyes adjust you looks around in awe. You were in a rush to enjoy the sight of Solace's pantry but now you have more than enough time to look around. Shelves upon shelves of food. There was bread, jam, peanut butter, canned goods. You look up higher and see sweets.?Chocolate!?You get ready to climb the pole leading up but was stopped by a hand grabbing you.?? ? ? ? ?You turn around and see Grimlock grabbing your scarf. "I see you eyeing those goods, but the rules haven't changed." Your eyes dropped and he let go. The crew dashed around and went their own ways, but Grimlock and Erra stayed behind with you. "I'm just going to get some bread," he said "I'll get that later though, any of you women need help?".?? ? ? ? ?Erra nodded. "This is... my first time." She nervously said and bowed her head slightly embarrassed. "I don't know what to do."? ? ? ? ?"I knew you were a moron when you didn't have a bag." He turned to you, "I'm guessing she mooched off of you?"You nodded and heard Erra's tummy rumble.? ? ? ? ?"That explains how you ate more than half a dufflebags worth of food." He motioned to Erra to follow him. "Come over here, I'll teach you the basics." He headed towards a tuber-ware container and popped open the lid and pulled out a grape. "The leonas sometimes leave perishable food in here instead of throwing it out. Don't call that generosity though, they'll still eat you if you're caught with it. Remember, if you open it, you close it." he handed the grape to her. "You grab it you eat it. If you make a mess, clean it up. You break it, you fix it. If you can't fix it, find someone who can. If you can't do that, run. Do you get all that?"?? ? ? ? ?Erra hesitated, slightly irritating Grimlock.?? ? ? ? ?"Do you know what not to touch?" Erra shook her head, and Grimlock glanced at you. "And what about you?" he pried."No chocolates, no sweets, nothing you can't carry." You say confidently.? ? ? ? ?Grimlock smiled and nodded, he seems to be glad he isn't completely surrounded by ignorance.?? ? ? ? ?You left the two and head towards a small jar of jam. You managed to pry it open and gets a few handfuls in plastic wrap. As you were doing it you head footsteps. You look around and determined that the footsteps came from outside the pantry, and head back towards Erra and Grimlock.?? ? ? ? ?"Repeat after me: You open it, you close it." Grimlock said slightly frustrated, but his mood changed as he looked at you.?"Grim, Erra, I think we should get everyone and leave." You say frantically.?? ? ? ? ?"You heard the footsteps? Don't worry, we should be fine so long-" he stopped talking as he heard some grinding on wood. You turn around just in time to see a glass jar of olives fall down from the top shelf and shatter on the ground. Grimlock bit his teeth together and looked up. "Wite, what did you do?"?? ? ? ? ?Almost on ques, the white mouse slides down the wooden column, but Grimlock grabbed the mouseboy by his arms and lifted him off his feet.? ? ? ? ?"It wasn't me!" he begged "I was heading for the-"?? ? ? ? ?"It wasn't him!" Rim slides down and defends him, making Grimlock set him down gently.?? ? ? ? ?"Who was it?" He was almost shouting as Raze ran by with Jessie, and Jack.?? ? ? ? ?"No time to point fingers, we have to get out now!" The group ran towards the hole but Raze stopped them. "That hole leads out into the open!"? ? ? ? ?"You have a better plan?" Erra asked. Raze shook his head and ran through the hole, with the group following. You were the last though the hole and you turned to see the pantry doors open, the curious leona inside made a growling noise. You turn and see the crew traversing between appliances and follow. To your right you see Raze, Grimlock, Jessie and Erra trying to pry open a small hole in the wall. To your left you see Samara, Jack, Rim, and Wite cowering inside a knocked over cylinder. You turn and see her. Risa. Her eyes scouring in your direction and you have to make a decision.1211211122?? ? ? ?You look over your shoulder and lock eyes with the livid leona. Instincts take over and you dash to your right, behind a microwave.?? ? ? ? ?"Get back here!" She snarled at you. She lent down on the counter and looked behind the microwave. You stand next to Grimlock and grab onto the sides of the hole pulling hard. Panicking, Erra squeaked and ran into the crack, and Raze followed her. You noticed the look on Grimlock's face as he looked behind you. You turn back and felt the piercing glare in Risa's eyes. However, it seems she isn't entirely interested in you as she closed her eyes and sniffed the air. She then turned to her left and smiled at the knocked over cup full of mice, trapped like rats.?? ? ? ? ?You heard familiar voices scream in protest as Risa reaches for the container, peering into its occupants and picking it up from the counter as she stood back up. "Samara!" you heard Grimlock call her name, and noticed a black figure drop from the cup.?? ? ? ? ?Samara escaped!?you thought to yourself silently, a bit too soon. Risa's left hand covered the container and reach at Samara with the other hand. Samara made it to the side of the microwave before being retrieved by the angry, possibly hungry giantess. Before you realized it, you were running towards her, arms stretch reaching for the poor mouse, and grab onto her arms pulling her out of the grip. You fall on your back and an 'Umph' escaped your mouth.?? ? ? ? ?Samara lied on top of you, shivering in fright. You looked over Samara's shoulder and saw Risa's hand give a second attempt to reach her prey. Not a moment later you felt a powerful tug dragging you backwards as Grimlock pulled you and Samara away from the hand.?? ? ? ? ?The claws on the finger protracted as the hand slap down on the counter, missing you by less than an inch. Grimlock pulled Samara on her feet and helped you up, and opened the crack leading into the wall. You follow Samara in and help Grimlcok inside. closing the hole. You lay back against the closest wall you found. The room was dark, and a bit crowded.?? ? ? ? ?You heard scratching from your right and listened to Raze's voice "Great, we're trapped between two splints." Your eyes get used to the dark and see Samara hugging Grimlock, Raze scratching a wood splint, and Erra curled up beside you. "Where are the others?" Raze asked as he turned to Grimlock, who didn't speak. Raze's tail waved back and forth and his ears twitch in frustration. "Well?" he asked.?? ? ? ? ?"They didn't..." Grimlock's words struggled on his tongue.?? ? ? ? ?"Rim?" Raze asked, "Jack? Wite? They're...?" Raze started breathing a bit heavier and hid his face in his palms. "They trusted me... to lead them..." he said to himself, "The colonies, their family and kin."? ? ? ? ?You felt Erra wrap her arms around you and lay her head on your shoulder, whimpering "They were caught? All three of them?"?? ? ? ? ?"Raze, it's not your fault. I-I suggested that we hid in the cup" Samara stopped hugging Grimlock and turned to Raze, unable to keep the sorrow from her voice from spilling "It's was my fault they're dead! I-I thought it was be a good place to hide, I wasn't thinking!" She dropped to her knees and started to weep and apologize, to herself as much as to everyone. "I should have been caught too. I would've been caught too if..." she glanced at you, before getting up walking over to you, wiping the tears from her eyes before hugging you, and whispering "Thank you for saving me." She said sincerely?? ? ? ? ?Raze paced back and forth as Grimlock merely looked at the ground repeating Wite's name softly to himself as if he couldn't believe he's gone.?? ? ? ? ?"Alright everyone," Raze spoke up "we're going to take a break to get ourselves together, then we can decide what to do next." The room was silent, no one had anything to say. What could anyone had said?12112111221 THORROW? ? ?A rustle of noise made your eyes peep open.?? ? ? ? ?You look around curiously as to what made it. All the other micen were asleep and you were relieved that you weren't the only one who dosed off. You see a figure hidden by its black fur, but exposed by it's white spots. It moved things around in your dufflebag as silent as it could.?"Samara?" you whispered her name. She stopped, her back and tail stiffened. "Samara, what are you doing?"? ? ? ? ?"I'm leaving. Don't try to stop me." She stated as she grabbed the bag and slithered out the crack.?"Samara!" your voice sounded louder, and you shake the sleep out of you eyes as you stand up.?? ? ? ? ?"What's going on?" Grimlock asked as he blinked himself awake. He was lying down next to Erra, who is still sound asleep. Raze is in the corner to your left, but Jessie is nowhere to be found.?"Samara went AWOL and Jessie is gone too." you inform him, "They also took mine and their bags."?? ? ? ? ?Grimlock snarled as he got up and the both of you exited through the crack hastily. There was no sign of her, they could have went anywhere. Grimlock ran to his left and looked around, finally resting his eyes on on top of the microwave. The lights piercing through the windows haven't changed color, so you anre't sure how long you fell asleep but you know it wasn't long.?"They're gone, Grim." you said, sounding defeated. You really liked everything you had in that bag. Grimlock has yet to move his gaze. "What are you staring at?"?? ? ? ? ?You follow his gaze and see a black furred micen standing on the microwave, kneeling behind a plastic baggy of treats and staring towards the door out of the kitchen as if he was hiding from something. There was a dufflebag next to it.?? ? ? ? ?"Samara?" Grimlock called, the black micen pricked its ears. "Samara, get down here now!" The black micen turned around and revealed itself. It was pitch black all around and had brown hair, with piercing blue eyes. "Oh, my apologies, sir. I thought you were someone else?"?? ? ? ? ?"Looking for someone?" he asked, picking up the dufflebag and hopping off the microwave.You nod. "We are looking for two micen, have you seen them?"?? ? ? ? ?He pointed to the pantry. "I saw an orange micen run in there not long ago.""That must be Jessie! Thank you. But what about the other one..?" Grimlock asked? ? ? ? ?The black micen ignore Grimlock and studied you. "You micen aren't from around here are you?" he smirked. "Lemme guess... You're from where Solace lives?" He sniffed Grimlock. "You're from the one colony in the ceiling. The bat guano is still acquainted with your scent." He sniffed you. "And you're from Niarb. I grew up there you know?"?? ? ? ? ?"How do you know what we smell like?" Grimlock demanded "And how do you know where we are from?"? ? ? ? ?"Recognizing scents is a skill that you must learn when you live in Risa's territory. However it can be taught, well, if your nose is good enough. I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself, my name is Mombasa." A loud noise was heard. The familiar screams were heard from micen that were unfortunate enough to get caught. The black mouse sniffed the air a couple times. "Risa caught a couple thieves. Marian, Tabby, and Joice. Oh well, that's my cue to get going before my own scent is recognized. You should get going as well, that girl in the pantry is in danger." He stated before grabbing his bag and dashing off.?"Wait!" you called for him and he stopped. "Do you live here?"? ? ? ? ?"No" He said in a sarcastic tone, "I just like to visit in my spare time. What's it to you, miss?"?"Are there any colonies here?" you ask.? ? ? ? ?He shook his head. "Whenever a colony starts somewhere, Risa finds some way to ruin it." He grinned. "Bye!" he dashed away.? ? ? ? ?"What's the plan?" Grimlock asked you. He was a little concerned about Mombasa's smile.?"I think it's obvious," you answer.121121112211?"Let’s go get Jessie."? ? ? ? ?Grimlocks looked displeased. "Why not get that Mombasa guy and ask him for directions? He can sniff out Samara, can't he?""If he can sniff out Samara he would have told us she was near." You think aloud.?? ? ? ? ?Grimlock shook his head. "There is just something I don't trust about that micen. He didn't seem worried that people he knew faced certain death." He's right. Even if you didn't like someone, knowing they"re getting eaten alive has to strike some kind of chord. Mombasa was far too apathetic to be innocent, but from what? "Alright, let’s get Jessie. Maybe Samara went with her." Grimlock stepped towards the pantry gesturing you to follow him.?You follow beside him and noticed he was still angry. "Are you okay?" You asked, "You don't seem to be fond of people."?? ? ? ? ?He snickered "If you want to know anything about anyone go talk to Jack. He never seems to make any friends. Oh wait, he got ate."?You sigh, "Don't you care he's dead?"?? ? ? ? ?"Of course, I care. I care that all of them are dead." his ears drooped "I'm going to miss Wite. Good kid, too nervous for his own good."?Your pace started to slow down. You never actually talked to Grimlock before. "Do... Do you regret bossing him around?"? ? ? ? ?"No. My mother taught me to not regret anything. Life's too short for that." You reached the pantry and open the hole from earlier, the both of you entered. "How was it like growing up?" he asked whilst searching around the canned goods with you.? ? ? ? ?You hesitated. "My life was privileged compared to most others. My parents were guards in Niarb, so they didn't see much action or danger from Solace. I lived in a normal shack and..." You ponder. "I guess the only interesting thing that happened was I had a run in with Solace." Grimlocks ears perked with interest. "My teacher left me for dead, and Solace didn't enjoy that. She warned my teacher if she caught me again, she'd eat her instead."?? ? ? ? ?"You ever heard of Jason?" his eyes were filled with interest, "I read his book. Makes a lot of sense.""He was my second teacher. After my parents heard what the first one did, they hired a new one."?? ? ? ? ?You see a dark figure being a bag of biscuits. You were about to warn Grimlock but that was useless as he was already charging. The mouse wasn't fast enough to outrun Grimlock, and he grabbed it by its shoulders. After getting a look at him Gimlock released the mouse. He fell backwards and tried to crawl away.?? ? ? ? ?"P-please don't hurt me!" He held out his bag, "Take it!" Grimlock rolled his eyes and told him to get lost. He ran off with his tail between his legs.?"What about you, Grim? How was your childhood?" You continued your conversation, as well as the search.? ? ? ? ?"Let me skip the sob story. One time, when I was six months old, I asked my dad for some food, he said it wasn't my day to eat. I Ran away from home, tried to scavenge some food... By stealing it from others. One day, I stole from the wrong person." He tilted his head, moving some fur and showed a long scar on the side of his scalp. "Her men tried to cut my ears off. She stopped them, a minute sooner would have been wonderful but at least I was taught a life lesson. The girl was the colony head master trying to raise some sort of army, and after me finding out my own dad was eaten, I was adopted. My five other siblings, not so lucky."?"I thought you said you were going to skip the sob story." You smiled at him, in good heart, and he smiled back.? ? ? ? ?"I did, and I'm telling you the happiest day of my life. She trained me how to fight using hands, needles or tacks. She sent me here to help find volunteers in any place we found." He stopped. It was no wonder why he did, you heard scurrying. Out from behind a box of treats another figure was seen. This time it was coming towards you and Grimlock.?? ? ? ? ?"Grim! Thorrow! I'm so glad to see you guys." It was Jessie! She ran up and hugged you "I thought Risa caught the rest of you."?? ? ? ? ?"Where did you think you were going?" Grimlock questioned.? ? ? ? ?"I was going to..." she hesitated "You know... Business."? ? ? ? ?"In the pantry?" Grimlock asked, in disgust.?? ? ? ? ?"No! I was going somewhere discreet but then I heard Risa and I ran for it."?Grimlock was hearing Jessie out, but you hushed them and listened more closely. "Footsteps!" you whisper to Grimlock and Jessie, and dash towards the exit. You past the bags of biscuits and canned goods before finally reaching the hole. As you pull back to open it the pantry doors flew wide open.?? ? ? ? ?"Risa!" Jessie squeaked. and ran through the hole, Grimlock followed but as you went through you felt a tug. A strong tug, around your neck.?The scarf is caught!?You were pulled back to the crevice of the hole.?She caught my scarf!?As you reached the rim of the hole you tried to untie the scarf but it was useless. It constricted around your neck and you started to panic.?? ? ? ? ?"Push it open!" Grimlock squeaked as he set himself beside you.? ? ? ? ?"But if we do that Risa will eat her." Jessie objected? ? ? ? ?"And if we don't she'll suffocate, now push!"The air in your lungs have turned stale faster than you'd expect.1211211122112??Your vision began to fade.?? ? ? ? ?The last thing you see is Grimlock successfully pushing the crevice open, and you falling through.? ? ? ? ?Your eyes shot open. You're on your back, lying down in the pantry. Grimlock was watching over you, checking your pulse and gesture for Jessie to come near.?"What happened? How long was I out?" You sat up and rubbed your sore neck, the scarf was next to you on the ground.?? ? ? ? ?"Not long, are you okay?" He asked. You nodded. "I don't really know what just happened. You fell through, but you passed out. I saw Risa get a good look at the scarf, she smiled and left you alone."?? ? ? ? ?You grab the scarf and look at it yourself. Nothing was special about it, t'was merely a green rag. You recall what Solace said about it and wrapped it around your neck. Assuming it's the same story with Risa, and how she won’t harm you if you wear it. The scarf that nearly choked you to death just saved your life.?? ? ? ? ?"Where did you get this anyway?" Grimlock questioned.? ? ? ? ?You looked at him and hesitated.?Should I tell him? I don't see why not.?"Solace. She gave it to me. She said if I wore it she wouldn't harm me."? ? ? ? ?Grimlock raised an eyebrow. "I guess you should consider yourself lucky. She has been known to award micen who played her games. I'm assuming you're familiar with what I'm talking about?"?? ? ? ? ?You remember what Solace did. How she tasted you and explored your body with her smooth tongue. You also recall enjoying it, to an extent. The fact that getting eaten means death is the only deterrent from just finding the nearest leona and jumping down their throat. You had small shiver down your spine and nod.?? ? ? ? ?"I see, I know better than to ask what she did." He stood up and held his hand out to you. You grab it and he helps you up. "Come on, Jessie. We're heading back to the group." He called for her.?? ? ? ? ?The three of you exit out of the pantry and begin to hoof it back to the hole.?"Grim, I have a question, it's been on my mind since you tried to push me in the pantry." You inquire, "She was obviously going to eat me if I went in, yet you continued to get me in. I mean, I understand you did it so I would stop choking but only by putting me into an even worse position. What was your plan?"?? ? ? ? ?Grimlock answered confidently, "I was hoping on going through with you and help you in untying the scarf. Unfortunately, that plan was obsolete when you passed out. I was planning on going in there after that but then I saw Risa eyeing the scarf."You opened your mouth to say something but you heard movement in front of you. You looked on top of the microwave and saw Mombasa with his arm wrapped around the neck of a struggling micen as dark as him. "Samara!" her name escaped your mouth. Mombasa turned to you, showing in his other hand was a needle, with its tip in Samara's neck.?? ? ? ? ?"Thorrow! Please help!" She whimpered, "He's going to hand me over to Risa!" She choked as Mombasa tightens his grip. "She's on her way to get something from the sink. Get this rat off of me!"? ? ? ? ?"A rat, am I? She has enough food to feed a mouse for weeks." he said, gesturing towards the bags behind him. "Even if I didn't hand her over she wouldn't have gotten far with that much luggage."? ? ? ? ?Grimlock was right, something was fishy about this guy. Last time you handled the situation poorly, this time you've decided to let Grimlock deal with it. "Grim, it's your call, what do we do?"? ? ? ? ?He has yet to take his eyes off Samara. He stepped forward and asked her "Samara, is it true?" She stopped struggling and looked worried. "Is it true that you left? That you left the crew, even me?" They held their gaze in silence for a moment. "Dammit Samara. You promised you would stay with me no matter what. I trusted you!" He spoke through his teeth. "You broke your damn promise, so I hope you don't mind if I return the favor." ? ? ? ? ?Samara protested with pleas, but Grimlock ignored every last one and continued towards the hole where Raze and Erra are at.?? ? ? ? ?Mombasa was concentrated on your next move, so was Samara. You turned to Jessie and gestured her to follow you. In the corner of your eye you see Risa coming through kitchen with a plate and fork in hand. You quickened your pace and Samara's cries got louder. Grimlock hoeld the crevice open for you. You and Jessie quickly slide in.?? ? ? ? ?The black mouse quickly followed in behind. You heard Raze's voice. "Where were you guys? What happened?" Your eyes got used to the dark. Erra was blinking herself awake and Raze was inspecting you.?? ? ? ? ? "I can explain everything." Jessie exclaimed, and she did explain everything. From finding a place to hide and do business to Samara getting caught by Risa. You then explained that there was no colony here in Risa's home.?? ? ? ? ?Raze's heart sank and he bowed his head. Another subordinate is dead. However, this time he perked back to his happy self. "She left us for dead, we didn't have a choice but to do the same. Does anyone disagree?" The group nodded.12112111221121??Raze kept his posture.? ? ? ? ?"Alright, we need a plan. Risa might still be out there and there is nowhere to go in here. Does anyone have an idea?" He scoured the group for any signs of thought. Everyone shook their head, except for Grimlock. Raze gave Grimlock a concerned look, almost afriad of what he might say. "You have a plan Grimlock?".?? ? ? ? ?"Well, it's not the best plan, but it's a plan." He nodded. "We need a distraction. A good one, so the rest of the group can make a run for it."? ? ? ? ?"That's not going to do anything but get one of us killed." Jessie protested.? ? ? ? ?"Yes, it would, but it won't." Grimlock replied.? ? ? ? ?"How so?" Raze pried.? ? ? ? ?Grimlock turned to you with a sly grin. You don't like what's coming next. "Her scarf. Risa won't eat her because Solace gave her that scarf. So, she can distract Risa."? ? ? ? ?"How? By making polite conversation?" Raze asked sarcastically? ? ? ? ?"Ha, funny. No. She can improvise, can't she?"?You ponder for a moment with a finger on your chin. You look at Grimlock, "Promise I won't die?"?? ? ? ? ?"I promise."? ? ? ? ?You think this might work, if Risa was going to hurt you, she would have done it. If you manage to distract Risa then everyone can get by safely. And you're not jut going to let the group starve in this stupid hole. Without thinking any further, you nod. "Alright, I'll do it! Just tell me where to go when I'm done."?? ? ? ? ?After a few minutes of brainstorming the group finally decided to go through the pantry and make a hole on the other side, effectively creating a rout to Shieki's home. Your job is to distract Risa long enough for Grimlock and the other to make a hole. How you distract her is a matter entirely different, and you are curious to how much Risa will let you get away with. Everyone agreed. You step out of the hole and look around, "Coast is clear" you whisper behind you. You made a dash towards the pantry and enter it. You noticed the pantry doors were left open after Risa nearly choked you. There has to be something in here you can use to get Risa's attention. Soon after you enter it the group gets through the hole and and treaded across to the other side.? ? ? ? ?You have to make sure Risa doesn't see them. Perhaps you could break something or make a noise if she comes by.? ? ? ? ?You climb up the pantry shelves and look for something to knock over. You spun around as you heard something scurry up. It was a blue micen figure.?"Erra?"? ? ? ? ?She ran up and hugged you. "Please, Thorrow, I just want to go home."As she hugged you, you felt something sharp poked your belly. You stepped back and saw Erra has a thin, metallic splinter. It was a needle. "What are you doing, Erra?"? ? ? ? ?She held the needle to your chest. "Half of us are dead, I didn't sign up for this. Take me home. Now!""You didn't sign up because I saved you from Solace." you remind her, getting very uncomfortable with the needle poking your skin.? ? ? ? ?"You really are naive, aren't you? You didn't save me from Solace, she just wanted you to feel that way so I can come along." She snarled."What are you talking about?"? ? ? ? ?"At first, she caught me like any other mouse. But then she offered me my life if explore with you. She didn't mention her sister had a big, damn appetite! So I'm thinking if I take you home with me, she'll let me live."You glanced to your left and noticed a glass jar and a cunning plan came to mind. "So, you're just here to spy on us?" You stall? ? ? ? ?"Weren't you listening? I'm here against my will. Do you think I give a damn about other colonies?"As she was talking you moved every so gradually to the jar. "Before I go... How do you feel about getting eaten?" You asked.? ? ? ? ?"What the hell kind of question is that? I'd hate it, like every other micen alive."You smirked. "Oh, you'd be surprised. I for one don't mind the idea."? ? ? ? ?"What?" Erra asked in disbelief"I'd be lying if I said I haven't thought about offering myself as a willing snack, been a fantasy ever since I got licked by Solace for the first time. Getting licked by that wet tongue. Slithering down that warm throat, swimming in that fleshy sac called a stomach."? ? ? ? ?Erra gave a look of disgust. "I can't believe you! You're sick! Ironic that the only one that can't be eaten is the one who wants to be eaten." She says pointing the needle at your scarf.?"Oh please, spare me your high morals. But not fearing getting gulped down has made me pretty reckless though." You say putting your hand on the jar. "Kind of like this!" You push the jar off the shelf. Erra screamed in protest as the jar made an ear shattering blast. You hear a faint but familiar growl in the distance.? ? ? ? ?"You idiot! You just got us both killed!"You grinned. "Oh, you think?"?? ? ? ? ?The tip of the needle was heading towards your neck in a stabbing fashion. You cringed but the splint was unable to touch you. It wielder was knocked down by a protracted claw. You looked over your shoulder and see her. Risa. She turned her head towards you and with the other hand flattened you to the ground with her palm.? ? ? ? ?"So was it you who broke the first jar, too?" Risa glared at Erra.? ? ? ? ?"W-What? No! O-Of Course n-not!" Erra was so frightened she dropped the needle and it slid off the edge of the shelf.?? ? ? ? ?Risa watched curiously at the needle. "Were you about to kill her with that?" she growled. Erra choked on her words, unable to get a simple apology off her tongue. Risa leant her head towards Erra and pulled her towards her opened mouth,? ? ? ? ?"W-Wait!" Erra finally choked out some words. "I work for Solace! S-She'll be mad if you eat me!? ? ? ? ?Risa hummed a thinking tune. "Oh well, if you haven't noticed, Solace's servants wear dark leather one pieces. You only have a jacket. It's to be worthless to help where you're going." she said before shoving the frightened rodent's legs inside her mouth.? ? ? ? ?"R-Risa!" Erra's voice started to tear up, "Eat her! She's the one who wants to be eaten! She's the one who broke the jar too. Eat her!"?? ? ? ? ?The light brown she-cat merely shrugged. "In due time." She sucked the micens body into her mouth and savored her flavor before swallowing her. She turned to you with a discouraging look. "So, you broke the jar, hmm?" She inspected your scarf. "You should have been told sooner, but those scarfs don't make you immune to my hungry charms, they merely tell me that another leona has claimed a micen, you. And I think that leona would understand what would happen if I eat said micen."? ? ? ? ?You gasp. You are in a lot more trouble than you bargained for.?"She said you wouldn't have minded getting devoured. So, I'll do you a favor. Tell me, how would you like to be eaten?"12112111221122?? ?You pushed hard against Risa's palm in a struggle.? ? ? ? ?Your strong arms nearly managed to set you free but Risa pushed her palm down trapping you once more. "What's wrong? Little mousy doesn't want to die? Should have thought about that before you broke the jar." You struggle even more forcing Risa's hand to push down harder. "Don't worry, I'm sure that mousy girl could use some company" She said with a devious smile.?? ? ? ? ?Out of the corner of your eye you catch a grey figure climb on the shelf you are on. Risa noticed it too and lifted her palm from your body, intrigued.?? ? ? ? ?"Risa, please wait!" It was Grimlock. He darted towards you and checked to see if you were okay.?"What are you doing here?" You asked.?? ? ? ? ?He turned towards Risa. "Risa please don't kill her. It's my fault she's up here. I convinced her to make a scene, to break the jar. Please, take me instead."?? ? ? ? ?Risa cocked her head, questioned. "Why? You'd have known she was going to die."? ? ? ? ?"I thought the scarf would have protected her from anything." Grimlock glanced at you with a look given by his innocent mistake. "I convinced her to get you attention so my... friends would escape."? ? ? ? ?"Why would you come back?"? ? ? ? ?"I..." Grimlock bowed his head. "I promised her she wasn't going to die."? ? ? ? ?Risa sighed "That's a very dangerous thing to promise." Grimlock didn't make a peep. "Alright, turn around."? ? ? ? ?As Grimlock turned around you got up and hugged him.?"You don't have to do this!"?? ? ? ? ?Grimlock shook his head "Yes, yes I do."?"No, you don't! It was my fault, I don't want you to die because I was reckless."?? ? ? ? ?Grimlock pushed you off of him. "You weren't the one being reckless, Thorrow. I knew what I was getting into when I made my promise." He looked over his shoulder to Risa, who was watching and entertained by the both of you. "If you're in the mood of doing any favors Risa, may you please make it quick?"?? ? ? ? ?Risa lent her head in and knocked over the grey micen and tackled you down with her index finger. Your head ached but you gathered your thoughts together. The next thing you see is Grimlock above you. Half of his body has disappeared behind a row of teeth and his head hangs inches above your body. His head and right arms hung out of her mouth. You shout his name and in reply hear a sickening crack as Risa clenched her jaws down. The grey corpse hung there in silence as a stream of blood dripped down off Grimlock's face and arm. Some of the droplets made their way to stain your fur. You shout Grimlock's name once more, leading Risa only to smile.?? ? ? ? ?"You're free to go." Risa said with her mouth full and used her tongue to reel in Grimlocks body.?? ? ? ? ?Risa stalked away and you got to your feet and ran.?? ? ? ? ?You didn't know where you were going, your vision was too teared up. You always thought he was rude and inconsiderate. You always thought he should have been the one Solace caught. But after Samara broke her promise, you couldn't help but to feel he was a lot like you.? ? ? ? ?Eventually you find your way out of the pantry and towards the group. They were shocked to find out about Grimlock and Erra, but that didn't stop the group for too long. All of you continued along with your mission to Shieki's home, but you promised yourself you won't forget Grimlock's sacrifice anytime soon.121121112211222The crew was on it's last leg.? ? ? ? ?All that was left was Jessie, Raze, and yourself. You thought it was a bad start with Solace catching May, but Risa pretty much ended the mission herself. It took a few days for you to get over Grimlock's sacrifice. The days were long as the only food you had all came from one backpack. In do time however you made your way through walls floors and piping with careful maneuvers and managed to safely make it to Shieki's home. "Let's try here" You and Raze start to scratch and push a piece of the wall hard enough that it cracks. The both of you pick apart the crack until it was big enough to squeeze through,?? ? ? ? ?"Where are we?" You asked, shielding your eyes slightly from the light, waiting for them to adjust.?"Considering the lights are on, I'm guessing we made it to Shieki's place." Raze answered confidently. "Out of curiosity, has anyone ever seen Shieki?"? ? ? ? ?You shake your head."I heard stories" Jessie answered. "I heard she was a cruel tyrant, like Risa but worse.""Oh?" Raze sounded entertained. "I heard she was a sly, cunning predator. So good she could use her tongue to snatch a mouse with her eyes closed."? ? ? ? ?You look around, The familiar feeling of marble was present under your feet. "We're in the kitchen. Like we always are."?"It'd be a good idea to get out of here as fast as we can this time." Jessie advised.?? ? ? ? ?You heard a groaning noise, and turned to face Jessie. She had an embarrassed look on her face and rubbed her belly. "We're out of food, aren't we?". Raze nodded while shaking his bag. "Wonderful, can we please have one minute where nothing goes wrong?" Jessie and Raze stare in your direction. Their faces, from not long ago were excited sharing gossip are now frightened, trebling even. "Guys?" Your ears prick up and your tail stiffens as you being to realize. "She's right behind me, isn't she?" They nod and you quickly spun around. You see two large amber eyes gleaming through you, and a large white hand races towards you.?? ? ? ? ?Your feet sprint from under you as Jessie and Raze dash away towards the hole as well. The leona's hand slapped down in front of you but you didn't let it stop you. You climbed over it and jumped off before she knew what was happening. The crevice you created was not far now, it was just a foot away. Not a moment too soon you felt pressure on your back. It was enough to knock you over, and your head fit snugly between two fingers that overlapped your shoulders. An exciting gasp was heard from behind you and you were yanked away from the marble counter tops.?? ? ? ? ?The hand took you to it's master. You saw the amber eyes once more but this time, other things as well. Hair as silver as your own is the first thing you noticed. She brought you up to her lips and smiled a large grin. You close your eyes, not wanting to see the inevitable and shielding the embarrassment from the situation. "I-I caught you!" a soft voice said excitingly "I don't believe it, I actually caught you!"?? ? ? ? ?You peep open an eye.? ? ? ? ?"I... I-I never caught a micen before. May... May I please eat you?"You open your eyes and turn your head, bewilder. "What?"? ? ? ? ?Shieki flattened her ears and looked away. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean it, I-I shouldn't have asked""No, it's okay," You try to comfort her, even though you felt uncomfortable yourself. "I was just, err, never asked that before."? ? ? ? ?"It's just that Risa and Solace told me how it felt eating a micen a-and I never caught one before. They told me how it felt when they wiggled around in their bellies. But it'd be rude not to ask if can eat you, right?""It's okay, really! And you're right, it is quite rude of them not to ask. they should do it more often." You jokingly agreed.?? ? ? ? ?The leaona looked at you once more. "S-so, may I? Please? I would understand if you'd say no...""May you what?" You already know the answer to the question, you're just buying time to think. This is kind of what you always wanted, and she's practically begging to swallow you. But what about the mission? If this cat never caught a mouse then there could be some colonies here. If there are colonies here the mission could be a success and everyone's death wouldn't be in vain.?The white leona got a little nervous and asked again. "May I please eat you?"1211211122112222?"Err... Sorry but thank you for the offer! Maybe next time?"? ? ? ? ?You say that like it was a bad break up. You decided that you won't let Grimlocks sacrifice be in vain. The white leona blinked and nodded. "O-okay, I understand. I wouldn't want to get eaten either! What's your name?" she joked. "and what brings you to my apartment?"? ? ? ? ?You're taken back a rather small sum. She didn't mind you rejecting her offer? You expected to be halfway down her gullet even if you said no. "T-thorrow's my name." Those stories the others heard were far from the truth. "just exploring." you reply."Exploring? How's that going?"?? ? ? ? ?"Not very well, as expected. Risa pretty much ate everyone.""You went to Risa's place? That's a death wish. Did you find what you were looking for?"?? ? ? ? ?"You could say that." you lie to yourself. "Speaking of which, my group. I'm pretty sure they're scared stiff right now. May I go and get them?" You are pretty sure they haven't gotten far, what with them not having any food. Shieki nodded and put you back on the counter. You walk towards the crevice in the wall and call for Raze and Jessie. Raze slid his head out, confused why you aren't getting digested yet. You call thier name once more and they stalk out of the crevice. "Raze, Jessie, meet Shieki: my new friend!"?? ? ? ? ?The leona smiled humbly and waved. "H-hello there. I-if you need anything, just ask my friend. He should be around here somewhere...""Right here, Shieki." a young voice called. "I'll be there in a moment." The figure of a micen popped open a cabinet to your left above you. He threw down some string and slid down it before pacing to you. "Hello there, don't get many micen around here." The orange mouse-boy said, combing his blonde hair back with his hand.?? ? ? ? ?Shieki cleared her throat. "Thorrow, and others. This is my best-friend," The orange micen's blue eyes blinked, complemented with his smile. "Mango."?? ? ? ? ?"Hello! So, your name is Thorrow?" His eyes drift "and, if I heard correctly, you two are Raze and Jessie." He shook their hands."Mango, can you tend to our guests? I have to make dinner."?? ? ? ? ?"So, do you guys need anything?" Mango asked"Can you tell us what not to take from the pantry?" Jessie blurted out"Pantry? Ah, yes. She doesn't have one. She puts everything she needs in the fridge or cupboards." He gestured for the string. "Come on, I'll show you what you're allowed to have." Raze and Jessie follow the young man but you hesitate.?Shieki is making dinner?you think to yourself,?and she's so nice. If I'm ever going to be eaten, I'd want her to do it. Maybe this is the best time to take her on her offer? You shake your head to get the thoughts out. Your group needs you.?12112111221122222?An entire week passed.? ? ? ? ?You aren't exactly sure where the time has gone. You have gotten to know both Shieki and Mango more, and scoured around for colonies or camps. Strangely enough, Mango was right, there aren't many micen around here. You ponder why that is true. This place is wonderful, the cat can't catch the mice and the food is more than plentiful. You assume it's got something to do with Risa, you haven't thought of a way here without going through her. By the end of the past seven days you have gotten to know Shieki and became friends with both her and her friend, Mango.?It's time to leave.? ? ? ? ?"Raze may I speak with you for a moment?" You woke him up. The sun has yet to dawn and the air is steadily getting colder day by day. He shrugged around, resting his head back down on his bag. "Raze, get up. We need to leave."."Leave? To go where?" Mango's voice spooked you from behind.? ? ? ? ?"Mango, do that again and you're going to start wearing a bell." You calm down and apologize. "We need to get back to the camps at Solace's home. They need to be informed about the lack of colonies here before they send more micen to their deaths." The conversation between you and Mango woke Raze enough that he started to get up. Jessie, who was sleeping a little way from him, sat up as well."You can't leave now, it's becoming winter. You'll freeze if not in a warm place."?? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?"Considering the amount of micen Risa eats, finding a warm place wouldn't be that hard if we leave." Raze spoke, "How exactly do you think we are going to be able to get past her?""I can help with that actually. What I'm more concerned about is the conundrum you have created"? ? ? ? ?"What do you mean?" You asked, twitching an ear."If you tell them about this place, more and more micen will come here. Meaning they have to get through Risa." Mango sighed. "And Shieki isn't the best hunter. Micen need leona to keep them in line. If not, there could be consequences like over population o-or slavery like-" He stopped himself.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?"Like what?" Raze inquired."There's another room. Like this one, but no leona lives there."? ? ? ? ?"Why are you telling us this now?" You asked."The colony there, Kert, it's a place where the poor die and the rich get richer. It's terrible." His tone was soft. "I met runaway slaves. Three of them, they said they had to go and get help from Solace. They think she's a micen with tremendous power."? ? ? ? ?"You're kidding me." Jessie spoke up "You mean to tell me they never heard of a leona before?""If you've never seen a half a thousand tail-length tall cat that has blue fur and swallows you whole just for the hell of it, would you believe it existed?" Mango answered. "Anyways, if you're leaving, you'll need me to get past Risa."?? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?"Alright, come on Jessie." Raze gesture her for her to get up.?? ? ? ? ?"No" she replied. Raze gave her a questioned look. "I'm not leaving. I'm not going back- I'm not leaving! I'm safe here.""You're leaving?" a saddened voice is heard from behind you. You turn to see Shieki standing at the door frame to the kitchen. her ears drooped as she walked in. "W-why? I thought you guys liked it here. D-did I do something wrong?""No. Not at all." Mango tried to comfort her. "They need to go home and tell their families what happened. I-I need to go with them "Shieki nodded and leaned down. She reached for Mango and pulled him in. hugging him and plopping a big kiss on him. "You be careful, okay? Keep everyone safe from Risa. Promise?"Mongo nodded. The group grabbed what food they can carry. Jessie and Shieki waved bye as you, Mango, and Raze begin your dangerous trek home.121121112211222222?? ?It didn't take long to reach Risa's place.?? ? ? ? ?Mango knows plenty of shortcuts. You got there in half the time it took to get to Shieki's, you'll be at Niarb within a day even. The trip was silent until your crew reached the hole that exited Risa's den. You and Raze held up the wooden flap for Mango as he squeezed on through, then Raze, then you.?? ? ? ? ?"Okay, here's the plan. Raze, you need to go a different route" Mango planned as he handed Raze the bag of food. "If Risa sees that, she won't care if I'm with you. Thorrow, you're with me. If she doesn't respect the scarf, then I will see it all. If she harms me, Shieki will tattle to Solace, and Risa won't have a mouth to chew on anyone anymore."?? ? ? ? ?Raze hesitated before nodding. "I guess I'll meet you on the other side of the kitchen." He said before heading off.?"What's the plan, Mango?" You ask, eyes gleaming with excitement and ready for anything.? ? ? ? ?"We wait."You puase "Wait? For what?"? ? ? ? ?"Risa. She knows my scent, she'll be here any moment." Mango says patiently, off in the distance you can hear footsteps.?"What? Why?"? ? ? ? ?"She won't hurt us if we don't pretend we are up to no good. Don't worry. You have your scarf, and I have Shieki. We'll be fine."Your eyes widen in shock. "S-she doesn't care about my scarf! I broke a jar last time I was here. She tried to eat me!"? ? ? ? ?Mango turned to you, alarmed. "Wanna know what would have been a good idea? If you'd have told me that story some time sooner." The footsteps stooped at the frame of the kitchen. You stiffen at the sight of the giantess. Your chest is gradually getting heavier.?? ? ? ? ?"Well, hello Mango." Risa smirked "Got tired of Shieki and come to offer yourself to me yet?"?? ? ? ? ?"You keep saying that like you're really hoping I would." Mango replied, his posture is in a more respectable manner.? ? ? ? ?The brown she-cat turned her gaze towards you. Her burning leer made you bow your head, avoiding eye contact. "And who is this?"? ? ? ? ?"My friend, she-"? ? ? ? ?Risa snapped her fingers at you. You turned and look back up. Her face brought back the memories of Grimlock, and how she killed him like an animal. "Hey, I remember you. So, you going to apologize for breaking my stuff?"?You didn't respond.? ? ? ? ?"I'm talking to you, mouse."?"You going to apologize for killing Grimlock?"? ? ? ? ?Her ear twitched. "Nah, I was taught not to apologize for doing things I liked. He was a tasty micen," She leaned in. Her lips were an arm’s length away. "and I really enjoyed the feeling of his spine snapping under the roof of my mouth. How his blood got stuck between my teeth like caramel."?You snarl at Risa and push her head away from you.?? ? ? ? ?Risa smiled and looked at Mango, who was shocked at what he has seen and heard. "Well Mango, I can't eat you, however, she's quite the fighter." She looked back at you, leaned in ready to pounce. "And I love it when they struggle." She snapped her jaws around you and pulled her head away from the counter.?Your eyes haven't had time to adjust to the situation, but you haven't much time before she tries to finish you. You can hear Mango call Risa's name in protest. You feel around as the tongue probes you and attempt to stand up. You feel your body slide down, you're guessing she's already about to swallow you. After grabbing on her larger teeth in the front of her mouth, you try to get your feet between her teeth in hopes of pushing away from her throat. You only have one chance.1211211122112222221??You got it!? ? ? ? ?You got a good grip with your hands and your feet, making it hard for the tongue to push you down anymore. Your feet scale the teeth like a ladder until your feet were under your rump. Risa hummed in curiosity to what you were trying to do. You push your feet hard from under you, planting your head into the roof of the predator’s mouth. Your arms push out as well, at first there was no result but eventually the mouth starts to hinge open. Risa tried to push down harder but she wasn't expecting you to be stronger than most micen.? ? ? ? ?"Whaa? ahhh~" She was astonished that you managed to pry her mouth open. This revealed you to her throat, and how close you are to getting swallowed. Her tongue slid out from between your legs and rested against your belly. You held your grip as the muscle pushes against you. Your captor growls a little, but she was more impressed than angry. However, she was done playing around.?? ? ? ? ?Risa lifted her hand and wrapped an index finger around your hips. She tugged you backwards, bending you forward, smacking your face against her tongue. She closed her mouth immediately and pulled her finger out from her lips, leaving your tail hanging. You sit up and bop your head against the roof. Before you can put your hands in position to try again, your body begins to feel lifted and slowly descend towards the throat.?? ? ? ? ?Damn!?You thought,?I was so close!?Luckily you grabbed onto another tooth as your feet nearly disappeared into the gullet. Suddenly you were blinded shortly by light peering through the teeth. You feel choked as the scarf tightens, and you're dragged across the tongue. Risa seems to be pulling you out. The scarf went limp again and you skidded through the air before soon hitting the counter with a hard *THUMP*."W-what?" you scampered.? ? ? ? ?"You're really hard to swallow. I thought you wanted to get eaten." Risa observed. You can feel Mango look at you questionably but you didn't humor the thought for long. "So, are you going to let me eat you or what?"At least Shieki asked first.?"Tell you what," You began, "I'll go willingly after I go home, and if you apologize for eating Grim."? ? ? ? ?The she-cat chuckled. The last time you tried to stand up to her she didn't like it, what makes this time different? "Alright, by home I'm guessing at Solace's apartment? Good luck." She turned her head to Mango. "As for you, be sure to tell me all the juicy details of when she gets caught.""I'm not going to get caught!"?? ? ? ? ? She looked at you and laughed a little. "Considering Mango is with you, I bet even Shieki caught you. Solace is the best at catching your kind. How long do you think you'll last?"?You began to think to yourself about how right she is. The very moment you left Niarb you were caught, the very moment you left the pantry to save Erra you were caught. Even when you were hiding from her in the cupboards she knew exactly where you were. The scarf wasn't a gesture of good will, it was a clear statement that you belong to her. Now that you are going back you have to face her again. You're not sure about how far you'll get, you have about three colonies to report to.?? ? ? ? ?"Well, I'll let you be on your way. Oh, and Mango, you should visit more often." She gave him a lick, "I'm fun to play with." She winked and stalked away.?Now is the best time to decide on how to proceed.12112111221122222211? ?You sigh and clean yourself with a rag near the sink.? ? ? ? ?"Is it really true?" Mango asked."I don't want to talk about it." You feel a bit embarrassed to what Mango heard. You see him blink curiously at you. "Okay fine. Yes, it's true."? ? ? ? ?"You want to be eaten?" he repeats, almost shocked "Why?""First off, I don't want to be eaten, I just don't mind getting eaten. Second, I don't know why. I had this silly fantasy since I was little." you grunt and scrub the rest of Risa's saliva off your chest before walking beside Mango towards the hole on the other side of the counters.? ? ? ? ?At first mango was silent. "I envy you."?You turn with a bit of surprise on your face. You weren't expecting that answer? ? ? ? ?"All my life I feared getting devoured. I mean, I know it's a part of everyday life for someone of my stature, but it still haunts me. I'm even afraid Shieki would turn on me from time to time. I wish I was like you. Brave enough to stand up against Risa, and not be afraid to die." You glanced at him as he continued. "Did I ever tell you how I met Shieki? I was arguing with someone I knew and she sneaked up on me. I was halfway in her mouth before I started begging for my life. She took pity on me and said she'd eat me when I'm ready. I think she knew that would be never."?You pondered. "But Shieki said I was the first one she caught."? ? ? ? ?"She thought it was unfair eating me with my back turned. You were the first one she caught fairly." He continued with his story, "Anyways, earlier that day I was eaten by Risa."?Your ears pricked with curiosity.? ? ? ? ?"She chewed up this micen I was following, who said something about leonas about to attack my colony. She chewed her before looking at me and... Well... She decided to swallow me. Luckily my friend managed to convince Solace to get Risa to cough me up. Ever since then, I had night terrors."You study him with your eyes and couldn't help but to think how lucky he was. "You probably think I'm a monster. Your nightmare is my dream."? ? ? ? ?"I don't mind. I just needed to share that with someone." Mango looked down a little embarrassed but happy he got it all off his chest.?You reach over and hug him. "I envy you too. While I'm not as afraid of death as you are, I'm not as invincible as you are. No leona's going to harm you. Me on the other hand, I... I don't think I'd be able to make it past Solace. I'm as good as dead when she sees me. No 'if', 'and', or 'buts'. While I am sympathetic to what happened to you," You lied, "I do think you should consider yourself quite lucky."? ? ? ? ?Mango gave a sincere smile, bigger than most. He hugged you tightly. "Thank you. Come on, we're almost there." On the way there, Mango started another conversation. "Who is Grimlock?"121121112211222222111?You meet up with Raze at the hole you and Grimlock created.?? ? ? ? ?He was relieved to see you and Mango alive after Mango's 'plan'. He held open the flap as the both of you entered and followed through. As what's left of the crew travels through the walls you and Raze answer questions about what happened to your group. How Jessie's sister was caught, how Risa snagged half the group who hid in an unfortunate spot, Samara's betrayal and Grimlock's sacrifice. As time went on you reached Solace's home.?? ? ? ? ?You lift open a makeshift door from the wall, the same one from the encounter from your childhood. You stalk out and Raze follows, taking in the scenery. "This isn't where we left." you pointed out the obvious.?? ? ? ? ?"It's alright, we made it didn't we?" Raze turned with a grin on his face. "Welcome home, Thorrow. You too Mango."? ? ? ? ?"No sense in welcoming me here. I may have lived here but I never called it home. What are your guys plans?""I'll go to Niarb. It's where I lived."?? ? ? ? ?"I'll go to Toor." Raze said, referring to the colony in the ceiling. "It's where I grew up. It's close to the colony Grimlock was raised as well."?? ? ? ? ?"I guess I'll-" Mango stopped abruptly. His face was in terror and his sight was set on something in behind you. "Run!" He dashed away, you whip around and your heart skipped a beat.?? ? ? ? ?The blue leona, her purple hair lingered over her green eyes; which pierced at its prey below. "Raze, behind you!" your voiced shouts out of your chest. Solace's eyes darted to you then back at Raze, the light brown micen didn't have time to turn around. A majority of his body was inside the leona's mouth. A large hand quickly lands on top of you and drags you to its master. You hear a loud gulp sending the poor mouse into Solace's awaiting belly. Her eye's lock onto you and she smiled.? ? ? ? ?"Well hello there, little one. Thorrow right? The silver hair gives it away."You try to hold back some tears, you are the only survivor of your crew and you aren't sure if you are sad or angry.?? ? ? ? ?Solace seemed to notice. "Oh? Something wrong? Are you mad because I caught you again?"You didn't respond? ? ? ? ?"I see you still have my scarf." She used her other hand to fondle the rag around your neck. "So how many times did it save your life?"You didn't respond? ? ? ? ?She sighed "Fine. I know what will make you feel better. How about I give you a ten second head start?" A light clicked on in your head and figured this might just be another game of hers. You look around for a good place to go. The hole into the wall is right next to a hand, while on the other side there is an empty rectangular box for soda cans. "Ready? Go!"? ? ? ? ?She lifted her hand and you darted toward the box. Solace counted down and smiled as she saw you head towards it. The box was farther than it looked but you climbed in quickly. As you land on your shoulder, the box is nearly crushed as Solace shoved her head through the same hole.?? ? ? ? ?Her jaws snap shut nearly missing you and you quickly crawl back. Your pastier hit the back end of the box. There was nowhere else to go. You turned around scared at what the she-cat will do. She turned her head tried to jolt back. However, she couldn't move. She tried again and once more. Her ears droop and she looked down; embarrassed. "I'm stuck." She looked at you. "Um... May you help me out?"?"What? No, you'll just eat me!"? ? ? ? ? "I promise I won't eat you if you help me out! Please!" The giantess begged.1211211122112222221111?? ?"Alright, but how?"? ? ? ? ?Solace moved her head to her left side. "If you get my neck out I'd be able to remove my head."?? ? ? ? ?You slowly inch toward her, back to the side of the box. "Okay, I'll see what I can do." You avoid her mouth as far as possible and reach her neck. Solace had a small growl in her throat as you placed your hands on it. It's explainable why she'd be defensive about you being near it; she must really trust you right now. You had a little uneasy feeling about touching her neck, just a moment ago a micen passed through here and now you're rubbing it.?? ? ? ? ?Before you try to get her out, you investigate the rim of the box. It looked bent and torn. You placed your hand on her neck once more and pushed a little. Your hand slipped through between the box and the neck with utter ease.?"Solace, it looks like you have more than enough roo-" You paused, a gasp stuck in your throat.?A trick!?You turned to run away but as you did Solace snagged you between her teeth.? ? ? ? ?She pulled her head out of the box, which she then threw on the floor. You didn't know how weak the materials of that box were, she was holding it the whole time you were inside. Now your legs are behind Solace's chops as she walked into another room. She sat down on a couch and placed you on the coffee table. You try to crawl back but stop yourself when you remembered how futile that'd be. She sat back and watched you; licking your flavor off her teeth and rubbing her belly with the micen still struggling inside.?Your heart pounded and you can feel it in your ears. "W-what are you going to d-do? Y-you said you weren't going to eat me!"? ? ? ? ?The leona leaned forward and pinned you down with her hands. She spread your limbs to the sides. You tried to struggle but was stunned when you felt Solace's large tongue trail across your body. This didn't happen just once or twice, she did it in a repeating motion. You cringed every time the warm, wet muscle smothered across your belly and chest. You even started to blush. After about a minute or two she stopped, before leaning in and licking your face. She released her strong grips and lent back again. "You're right, I did say that. Well now, what do you plan on doing now?"You curled up, the warm tongue made the air around you colder. "You're going to let me go?"? ? ? ? ?Solace nodded. "But next time I get you, I don't care what you say or do," She poked her stomach under her left breast. "your trip will end here. Can't believe you hid in a box, you should have paid more attention to Matilde's lessons. That is before I ate her."Your ears perked and your tail dropped. You figured you'd try to be freinds with her by the time you got back, almost to rub it in her face, "You ate her? When? Why?"? ? ? ? ?"I told her if I caught any of her students I would end her. And I did, on the day I caught you. So, now what are you planning on doing?"?"I.." You hesitated "I think I will go to every colony and tell them what happened to the survey team."? ? ? ? ?Solace leaned in once again. "Risa told me she caught a bunch of you. By the way, did you find any other 'colonies'? I am a little curious as to how they are holding out.""Kert." You blurt out. "I heard of a place called Kert, but there isn't any other organized colony."? ? ? ? ?Solace picked you up gently and set you on the floor. "I'll see you tomorrow, Thorrow." She said confidently, nudging you away with her foot. "Go on. I've got to deal with that Mango kid. See if he has anything interesting to say when I find him."12112111221122222211111? ?You dashed towards the hole towards Niarb and quickly enter.? ? ? ? ?You were still drenched in Solace's drool but you unwrap your scarf and start to dry yourself off. It wasn't until you were done when you realized you didn't have a place to hold it. You wrap it around your neck, now your neck is wet and you didn't do a very good job cleaning yourself either. After a few steps you tripped over a small splint on the group, making a loud thump.?? ? ? ? ?"Who's there?" a voice asked loudly. You struggle to your feet. "Is anyone there?" the voice called again."I am!" You call back.? ? ? ? ?"Thorrow?"?"Yes Thorrow, from the survey team, I have-"? ? ? ? ?"Oh goodness, Thorrow!" you heard footsteps stamper towards you. You braced yourself as a figure nearly tackled you, hugging you tightly. "Thorrow! My baby's okay!""Mom?" You couldn't believe it. The first person you meet was your mother. You haven't met her since month's before you left.?? ? ? ? ?The teal micen hugged you tighter "I was so worried. The other guards heard Risa about what happened. About what she did." She let go of you, a little concerned with what you are covered in. "What happened? Why are you damp?""I.." you looked a little embarrassed. "I had a run in with Solace just recently."? ? ? ? ?"Did she hurt you?" You shook your head and your mother hugged you. "I missed you!"You took a few moments explaining your adventure and tried to dumb down all the moments you got caught. "Mom, could you find Jason for me? Tell him I am the only survivor, and that there aren’t any other colonies in Risa's, or Shieki's home." You asked.? ? ? ? ?"What? But Why?" She questioned, wholeheartedly.?"I have some personal matters I must see to. I lost a few friends and it's only right that I give their families the news." She hugged you and nodded, she understood. Before you left she handed you a piece of bread from her satchel and the both of you shared it. After a few moments of exchanging goodbyes, your mother left for Niarb.?? ? ? ? ?A sigh escaped from your mouth. Now to get to Toor.121121112211222222111111?? ?You finally made it.? ? ? ? ?Took about an hour of traversing through walls and splints, but eventually you made it to the ceiling. As you entered a large room you peered around. Everything was bigger than you thought it'd be. There was plenty of place to expand. It seems to be a very lively place; however, you doubt it would be as enormous as Niarb.?? ? ? ? ?Several houses were made out of trash Solace got rid of, however there were a few made out of better materials and probably better architects. You head towards the biggest building, what seemed to be made out of scrap plastic and wood. The doors were cloth hung over an arch. You push them aside and saw a micen sitting down at a desk. writing down numbers on paper."May I see the person in charge of Toor?"?? ? ? ? ?"Do you have an appointment?" His gaze didn't leave his work."How do I make one?"? ? ? ? ?"Just ask, I'll be sure to make some time in her schedule tomorrow. You are?""Thorrow, from the survey team." The grey mouse stopped paused and looked up. You figured he'd want to know why you needed to speak, so you continued, "I have terrible news. The-"? ? ? ? ?He interrupted you pointing his finger in the air. He stood up and walked through a curtained hallway. “Come right this way." You followed him. He was Silent for most of the way until he stopped at an arch. He asked you to wait while he entered. "Miss, word from the survey team arrived."?? ? ? ? ?"Very well." A strong, female voice was heard; possibly experienced. "What did they have to say?"? ? ? ? ?"See for yourself." The man said before appearing before the arch again. "Alright, madam, you go to the red carpet and no further. Just a safety percussion, not everyone agrees with our leader’s outlook on life."?You nod and enter through the arch. You step forward to the red carpets edge and stop. You looked up and say a micen walking towards you. She was yellow and had white belly fur, with well-groomed tan hair. She was extremely fit for someone who may have been at a desk for her whole life.?? ? ? ? ?A look of discern fell on her face. "Is this all? How few are left in the crew? Where's..." she started to worry.?You spoke softly, "They didn't make it, I'm all that's left."? ? ? ? ?She micen sat back on her desk, her tail cringed, ears stayed posted; trying to keep a face, and covering her mouth with her hands. She paused just staring blankly at the ground. "Grimlock, how did he die?"You blink. "Are you the woman he talked about? The one that practically raised him?"? ? ? ? ?"How did he die?" She repeated through, narrowing her eyes, careful not to cry."A hero." You fell silent for a moment, wanting to say so much but so little as well. The woman's face gradually became less agonized and prouder. "He saved me, and the crew. Risa caught us. He made a deal to sacrifice his life if what was left of the group unharmed. He saved more people than I ever will."? ? ? ? ?"He was a good man, never knew how to show it." You could have sworn the woman smiled. "What is your name?""Thorrow."? ? ? ? ?"Good evening Thorrow, my name is Serena." She came up to you and shook your hand before gesturing you to take a seat. "Were there any other colonies big enough to bother with?"There were no colonies at all. Except for Kert."? ? ? ? ?"Kert? What's it like?""I wouldn't know. I only heard of it, couldn't find it."?? ? ? ? ?"I see." Serena inspected your body and was silent for a moment. She then held out her arm. "Care to arm wrestle me?"? ? ? ? ?You didn't know what to make of it. Micen do tend to mourn for their loss in more private times, but she seemed to have forgotten all about the survey team. Or maybe she didn't care about it? You nodded and held her hand. On a count of three the game started. You were baffled at how strong Serena was. Her strength was definitely on par with yours. After a good struggle she held her glare and bested you.?You rubbed your sore arm. "How are you-"? ? ? ? ?"I've been hunted for almost a year by Solace' lackey. I have plenty of time to get ready in case I meet her.""Her?"? ? ? ? ?"Gertrude. She lied about my colony to Risa and Shieki. They destroyed everything." You were about to tell her you met someone with the same story but she continued quickly to brush off the emories, and changed the subject, "You're pretty strong, you know that? I'm sure Grimlock talked about my little army I was raising."You tilt your heard. "Army? For what?"? ? ? ? ?"To kill off a leona."Your eyes widened. You were shocked. "What do you mean? You can't kill a leona, they literally eat micen for breakfast."? ? ? ? ?"I understand it'd take a lot of convincing. But what if it showed you it was possible? I've heard this one might not be all what the rumors say.""Even if it was possible, killing one of Solace' friends would enrage her to kill every colony and their micen who live in them."? ? ? ? ?"I can see the logic in what you say, that's why we plan to kill her too." She sniffed her hand and paused. Her tail swayed and her ears swiveled. She narrowed her eyes at you. "Why do you smell like saliva?""I... How do you know I smell like that?" You've been dry for a bit.? ? ? ? ?"I was gathering from the pantry for little more than a year, I had my share of run-ins with Solace.""She was just-"? ? ? ? ?Serena snagged your scarf and inspected it before locking eyes with you. She pushed you against the nearest wall, "She claimed you... You're her micen! Her spy!"?? ? ? ? ?She placed her hands on your throat began choking you. You shook your head desperately. She didn't care, she tightened her grip. You could feel the life drain from your body, the air going stale as it's trapped in your lungs. you murmured pleas are unable to escape your throat. You fell to a knee, your strength failing you. To your surprise, the grip was released allowing you to gasp air.?? ? ? ? ?Serena glared at you with unforgiving eyes as she backed away, every word was spat through her teeth, "My son died because of you, to help you. He won't want me to kill you. I'll let Solace kill you. Get out. Get out!"? ? ? ? ?Without question you left. Scurried away with little breath.? ? ? ? ?The desk jockey from earlier came past you. The last thing you heard was him asking what happened, and Serena telling him to leave her to grieve.1211211122112222221111111It didn't take too long to get to Granrus.? ? ? ? ?You made it there and spoke to several micen where the colony leaders may be. They were having trouble electing any leader so you did the next best thing by going to the nominees and telling them the grim news. None of it took long, you even found out this is where Jack, May, and Jessie are from. You sigh and wrap the scarf around your neck, before heading outside the wall, the mission wasn't a success, however it was accomplished.?? ? ? ? ?"Thorrow!" Mango squeaked "I thought you were a goner when Solace caught you.""You and me both." You retorted. "Caused more than a few problems."?? ? ? ? ?Mango sat next to you. "What do we do now?"?"I never thought about that," you thought on the question. "I guess I should head back home and ask Jason-"? ? ? ? ?"Come with me!" Mango interrupted and held your hand. "Shieki thinks of you as a friend. The leona can agree not to harm you. You get the same benefits as me and never live alone.""I... I don't know. What would my parents think?" You shrugged off the idea. "Never mind, they would love it if I had your diplomatic immunity, But I still have to tell them I'll be leaving again."? ? ? ? ?"So you''ll come with me?""Yes." you nodded.? ? ? ? ?"Thank you so much!" Mango stood up and hugged you tightly "She'll be happy to have a new friend, I promise.""But we are going back to Niarb to tell my parents first! They need to know I'm leaving again." Mango nodded and went through the hole. You headed towards it with a smile, reminiscing and contemplating your life. At first it was tough but now it's so simple.?? ? ? ? ?Your feet froze. Hot air breathed onto your back in a swift sniffing motion.?Solace?You close your eyes. "Why me, Solace? Why do you keep picking on me?"? ? ? ? ?"Because I know you like it." She said before licking up your back. "Well, I guess this is it for you, isn't it?". You shook your head, fusing to give in. "Now don't be like that," She said in a motherly tone. "just stay still and enjoy it." She pinned your torso to the counter and removed your scarf. "You won't be needing this anymore. Besides, it'd get in the way of my taste buds. Now just rest easy and be a good mouse and stay still."? ? ? ? ?A cold shiver ran up your spine as Solace put your feet into her salivating mouth. She slurped you in slowly to your waist, tasting every nook and cranny with her slightly rough tongue. You tried not to blush. The more she sucked the more you inched ever so slightly in her mouth. She purred insanely loud and even moaned at your flavor, perhaps teasing you about taking your life. You hear her belly rumble, eagerly awaiting its treat. You try to resist but you are petrified with pleasure and trying not to moan yourself. It wasn't until her teeth were under your breasts did you remember the danger you're in.?"Solace, please don't eat me!" You finally broke the silence.?? ? ? ? ?"Why not?" She mumbled with her mouth full, resting her head on the counter. "I knew ever since you were little you don't mind being eaten, I'm practically doing you a favor.""I was young and stupid!" But she was right, even now you aren't sure why you are fighting back.?? ? ? ? ?She ignored your previous comment and reeled you in so only your hands and arms are sticking out of her lips. You wailed and couldn't see much. However, you know for a fact your feet are hovering over her throat.?You reach your hand out in attempts to grab something, anything.?12112111221122222211111112?Something tight clenched your hands.? ? ? ? ?What??You were mostly yanked out of the cat’s maw in a sudden notice. Only your rump, tail and legs were left behind the teeth. You look in the eyes of your beholder.?Mango!?Solace hummed in a queer manner, but before she knew what happened next the rest of you were yanked out. "Come on! Get up!" Mango frantically yelled at you. You hop to your feet and dashed to the crevice in the wall, falling behind Mango who wasn't drenched in saliva.?? ? ? ? ?"What the-? Get back here!" Solace hollered. She reached for you but wasn't fast enough, you made it into the hole. Solace pounded on the wall in frustration. "Mango!" She growled. Mango turned around, eyes widened, fearful of the frenzied giantess. Solace's growl suddenly soothed. Her voice was in a defeated tone. "Heh, well done Mango." She stood up and stalked away from the hole.?? ? ? ? ?You hugged Mango, tighter than you hugged anyone before. "Thank you! Thank you so much!" You apologized for getting his fur damp with saliva, he hugged you once more.?? ? ? ? ?"Come on. Let’s get going." Mango said with a smile on his face. And so, went off you and Mango, who are for the moment, the happiest micen alive.12112111222 WITEYou felt a painful bump as you rub the back of your head. You vision was blurry and you felt arms wrap around from behind you.?What?You asked yourself. "Help!" the frightened woman behind you screamed. It's all coming back to you, the sight when Risa stared into the cup and smiled greedily. You shiver as you remember the fear you felt as she covered the plastic cylinder with her hand, blocking all escape and you wish you jumped out with Samara. Your vision fades back to life and you see Jack desperately trying to pry his way between Risa's fingers. The arms wrapped around you squeeze tighter. You look over your shoulder and see you are uncomfortably laying down on Rim. She whimpers loudly as you felt the almost transparent, plastic cup. Jack stumbles back and nearly hits you.? ? ? ? ?Fear didn't grip you entirely until everything stopped moving. Rim stopped whimpering and Jack looked towards the hand. For a few moments nothing happened, and Jack slowly stood back up. Suddenly the hand removed itself and Risa peered inside. Jack didn't have time to cower as a finger quickly pinned him against the wall and dragged him out, ignoring his cries of protest. Rim squeezed you tighter and plead. "Please, save me!" she cried. The pleading cries of Jack were all muffled. You stare out the top of the cup, not covered anymore, but you aren't brave enough to attempt such a run.?? ? ? ? ?"P-please! I don't want to die, not like this! Not by her!" she wailed. You've never seen her like this before, she's always the brave one protecting you. The cup started shaking again as Risa started walking.?? ? ? ? ?"How?" You squeaked "How can I possibly save us?" You don't hear Jack anymore, and that started to worry you.?"I don't know how," her voice lowered "I'm sorry! I-I'm scared."?? ? ? ? ?You get up and twist your body around, so you are facing Rim. You see her face scarred with terror and her eyes are streaming tears. "It's alright, you aren't going to die." you lie to her. It seemed to work a little bit as she stopped whimpering and put her hands on the side of your head and pulled you in and kissed you. "I know you're lying, but... thank you." she had a smile slightly climb on her face. It' disappeared immediately as she called your name and pointed behind you. You felt it, something wraps around your waist. You locked eyes with Rim and frown as you were yanked away. The cup was then set upside-down, Rim was still inside, still safe for now. Your body was lifted to the air and you looked down, there she was, eyeing you and licking her lips.?This is it?You thought?Dying without fighting back, Grimlock was right, I'm a wimp.?You cringe, curl your tail and close your eyes. You really didn't belong on this mission, no one as young as you belonged here.?? ? ? ? ?"Hey!" You heard Risa talk to you, and you peeped out your left eye, she continued...121121112221?"You're kinda cute."?? ? ? ? ?You open both eyes and your tail uncurled, but your body was still tense.?Cute? Not tasty, cute??You lock eyes with her and see she is studying your pure white body and silvery hair, you study the leona's face. Her eyes were large, complimented by eye liner and eye shadow. Some light brown, almost blonde, hair strands draped over her deep, light green eyes. If she was a micen, or at least not in a position to eat you, you'd consider her to be very beautiful. "Y-you're rather c-cute yourself." you squeaked "Beautiful e-e-even."?? ? ? ? ?You hear a soft, sweet awe come from your captor "You really mean it?" she asked. You smile and nod nervously, and hear a purr come from Risa. "I never heard a micen call me that! Thank you!" she said. She released you gently on her hand, and you go against all instinct, standing your ground. "What's wrong?" she asked observing you "Are you afraid I'll eat you?" You nod nervously again, feeling your heart beat in your chest and avoid any eye contact. She pats your back with the other hand. "It's alright, don't worry,I still have another micen I can eat." She said as she turned reached for the cup.? ? ? ? ?"What? No!" you blurted out, covering your mouth too late.?She turned her head to you and shot you a glistening glare, the very same that she had when you were trapped in the cup. "What was that?" she asked through her teeth. You cower and bow you head, avoiding eye contact once more. "I-I'm sorry! I d-didn't mean to- I wasn't trying to overstep-" You bow on your knees and beg, "I'm' sorry!"?? ? ? ? ?She protracted her claw on her left index finger and held your chin up so she can get a good look at you. You are reminded how much you don't want to be here as you look into her eyes that stare into your soul. A moment of silence past until she removed the claw from you chin. "Good, don't let that happen again.?? ? ? ? ? "Now," she tipped the cup over, exposing the frightened Rim and pinning her down to the counter. "this mouse girly here, she kin?"?? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?You shake your head.? ? ? ? ?"What is she to you?"?You glance at Rim and your mind starts to race.?If I say she's a friend, Risa might not care and eat her anyway. But if I say she's my girl, Risa could get jealous and eat her. I couldn't say she's kin, I'm white as shaved ice and she's as red as blood.?You think deeper?What if Risa is going to eat her anyways, to prove a point or to show how much authority she has.?? ? ? ? ?Risa hummed a tad bit, waiting patiently for you answer.?"She's..." You choked on your words but managed to spill it out. "She's my girlfriend!"Risa narrowed her eyes. "Is that so?" she turned to Rim, who nodded wildly. A purr came from Risa's throat. She grabbed Rim and brought her onto the same palm next to you. Rim wasted no time nearly tackling you, wrapping around you and squeezing you hard. She burrowed her head into your shoulder.?? ? ? ? ?You closed your eyes and embrace Rim's shivering, but warm body, you can almost feel her heart pounding agianst it's cage. You felt Risa's hot gaze in her eyes, staring at you and you turn to see she's amused. Smiling even.?? ? ? ? ?"Here's whats going to happen..." She said as she pried Rim off of you and...1211211122211??Rim squirmed as she got manhandled, but Risa doesn't seem to mind. "What is your name, kiddo?" she asked you.?"W-Wite,miss. My name is Wite." you explain, trying to keep your nerve from breaking.?? ? ? ? ?"Well, Wite, you get to be my pet." She set you down on the dining table "That means: as long as you listen to me, and obey my rules, you get to live. Sound fun?"? ? ? ? ?You nod, choking on a thank you. You're relieved, more relieved than you thought you could be. You thought for sure you were as good as dead when she plucked you out of the cup. Then a thought came to mind, why would she remove Rim from clinging on you just so she can tell you that? "Miss Risa... Whats going to happen to Rim?"?? ? ? ? ?She turned away and opened a cupboard, pulling out a jar and placing the squirming Rim inside it. "Well, I'm going to save her.""From what?"? ? ? ? ?"Not from something, rather for something: Dessert."Your heart sank, and Rim didn't like the idea any more than you did. "What? Please, no!" you blurt out. Receiving another sharp glare from Risa, you realize you made the same mistake as before. Risa walked up to you, holding her gaze, and set the jar next to you. You can see Rim inside finding a comfortable place to curl up and hide her face. Even she knows what's about to happen. You couldn't move, stunned and shivering in fear of what's about to happen. Pleas whisper from your mouth, and Risa moves her face closer to you, faintly growling.?? ? ? ? ?"What have I told you about speaking up against me?"?"To n-not to..." You squeaked.? ? ? ? ?You hear a hum of agreement from Risa as she wrapped her hands around you. You feel smothered between her two palms but your heart didn't start pounding in your ears until she opened them revealing you to her face. She licked her lips and used an index finger to guide you closer to her mouth. You tried to struggle but that only made the finger move faster. You're then pushed up against Risas lips. She licks your body from the chest up before sniffing you. "Well, well Wite. I have your scent." she says placing you back on the table, "Now I never have to worry about you running away."?? ? ? ? ?You lay your back on the jar.?What does she mean I can't run away??You stop thinking about it and start wondering what's going to happen next.?"Hmm... How about I teach you a lesson, one that you won’t forget any time soon. That way you might listen to me." She reaches for the jar....12112111222112?"I guess I'll have dessert early to-" Risa abruptly stopped in the middle of her sentence.? ? ? ? ?Her ears prickled and moved to and fro, before she turned around and look behind her. She stood up and pointed at you, "Stay there!". She retreated into the kitchen. Rim knocked on the jar, begging for your attention. You turn to humor the poor micen in what she has to say. "Please get me out!" she predictably whispered.?? ? ? ? ?"How?" You predictably asked, "Even if I did get you out, what next? We can't escape from her.""Please don't give up, we have to think of something!" she begged.?? ? ? ? ?You hear rustling in the room behind you.?She can't have found the rest of the group, could she??Rim attempts to get your attention again but you gesture for her to be quiet. You watch as Risa returns from the kitchen with an unfamiliar brown micen in one hand, a small brown block of food, and a pair of legs with a tail sticking out of her mouth. She pulls up a chair and sits back down in front of you, setting the block down and patted her belly. She couldn't have already eaten another micen could she? Rim and the micen in Risa's hand shared the same look of horror as Risa laid back her head. The legs and tail disappeared past a row of teeth, followed by a gulp loud enough to make Rim squeak in fear. Risa smirked and pulled off a piece of the brown block and handed it to you.?? ? ? ? ?"Take it Do you know what it is?" She asked.?You took the piece of food. It felt soft, and squishy. You bit into it curiously, it's flavor was like nothing you've tasted before: It was sweet with a hint of bitter, it tasted rich and it even melted in your mouth. "Is t-this... Chocolate?" You asked.? ? ? ? ?"Mhm!" she hummed and tossed a piece into the jar that held Rim. She bit into it and closed her eyes, savoring every moment.?? ? ? ? ?You look back at Risa and see her offering a piece to the mouse in her hand, who refuses it. "Come on, it'll make you feel better. You're going to die because you tried to take it, you might as well enjoy it." Risa persuaded. The brown micen wiped a tear from her eye and took the piece of chocolate. Risa looked at you in the eye and ordered "Now pay attention and let this be a lesson to you if you disobey me again." As the micen finished up with the chocolate Risa lifted her up above her head, mouth agape and teeth bared. The micen didn't seem to mind as much as she used to. She merely looked away and pleaded "Please, not the teeth!". Risa nodded and lowered her in her mouth. You and Rim watched Risa savor the unfortunate micen's taste, however her look was more worrisome than yours. A minute later Risa was done tasting the mouse girl and, with a big gulp, swallowed her down leaving a satisfied look on her face.?? ? ? ? ?"Risa," you began to say, "do micen taste as good as chocolate or...?"?She shook her head. "Micen taste much better than chocolate." she answered and took a bite out of half the chocolate brownie and chewed.? ? ? ? ?You glanced between Risa and Rim. "Miss Risa," you start to choke on you words again "Are you still... going to eat Rim?" You hold your breath. Hoping you didn't just overstep your bounds for the third time.?She was about to take another bite out of the brownie but stopped and looked at you....121121112221122?She cocked her head to the side and thought to herself.? ? ? ? ?"Alright," she finished up her brownie, patting her filled belly and lent back, "I'm not Solace, so I'm not going to tolerate it when micen try to overstep me. However, I'm suffering from a terrifying case of goodwill." With her belly being full of micen, you wonder if she is being serious. She leaned in towards the jar. "I'll wait til' dinner to eat you." she said in a happy tone, clacking her jaws tauntingly, showing her chocolate stained teeth. before sitting back down.?? ? ? ? ?You can see out of the corner of your eyes that Rim gave you a concerning look of terror. She still isn't fond of the idea of being food. You turn your gaze towards Risa wondering what will happen until dinner, and you see Risa started to sniff the air. "R-Risa... what are you...?" She shushed you before closing her eyes and giving another sniff. Her eyes shot open, she glanced towards you and stood on her feet. "I have someone to talk to. I'll be back later." she said before giving a teasing look at Rim as she began to leave the room. "And one more thing, kiddo." She says to you looking over her shoulder. "Don't try anything funny, unless you care to join her."?? ? ? ? ?The moment she disappeared behind the door frame Rim banged on the sides of the jar. "Let me out, please! Before she comes back." She dropped to her knees and started to have tears intrude her voice. "I can't die like this, please!" Your eyes are still set on the door, and your ears twitched trying to ignore Rim. Her voice grew louder "Quit ignoring me! Wite, get me out!"?? ? ? ? ?You turned around glared at her, annoyed. "Shut up! Can't you let me think for one moment? Or do you have an idea on how to get you out? Want me to push you off the side of the table, get us both killed?" Rim cowered and backed away as you approached the jar. "Or how about I just sit and wait for her to come back? At least that will shut you up eventually. Can't you see I'm in just as much in a position to die as you are? I'm out here nearly getting eaten saving you're hide, trying to convince her not to have you for dessert. And what have you done? Amused her with your petty cowering."?"I-I don't-... What am I supposed to do?" she cried? ? ? ? ?You are too angry to apologize and continued "I just want you to shut the hell up! Let me think!" You plant your face in your palms and slide them off. You drop to your knees and breath heavily. You were never this mad before, especially while around Rim, who was walking towards you. The both of you exchange apologies, and you look around as Rim waited patiently.?? ? ? ? ?You see a cabinet full of plenty of things you can drop on the jar to open it. By 'open' you mean shatter, of course shattering something will make Risa aware of what's happening. Suddenly, it occurred to you. She sniffed out someone just now, and she has your scent. You can't escape, you'll endanger Rim. You look at the lid of the jar and noticed air holes. If you hit hard enough you can break a hole using those holes. If you get in there you can give Rim a lift, it's a sure way to get her out. Although that will leave you in the jar.?? ? ? ? ?You thought once more. What if you wait? Risa is serious about eating her, but she said you are now her slave. You can live if you just listen to her. Rim was still looking at you, with a slight amount of hope in her eyes. You can't just let her die, can you?1211211122211221?? ?"Eight months is a long enough life." you bow your head. "I guess."? ? ? ? ?Rim had a confused look on her face. She doesn't know your age, and she knows for sure she isn't eight months young. "What are you talking about?""I have an idea, but you're going to like it more than me." you say, ignoring her question. You point to the lid of the jar, where a pentagon of air holes exists. "I'll get up there, punch a hole big enough to get you out, and you make a run for it. Understand?"?? ? ? ? ?Rim nodded looking at the holes then stated "But I can't jump that high. How am I going to get out?"Your eyes droop to the sides. "That's where I come in. I jump down, help you on out, and you get away." You walk towards the center piece on the table and climb it to get a good angle to jump on the jar.?? ? ? ? ?"But how are you going to get out?""I'm not."? ? ? ? ?"What? B-But why?""She has my scent, if I go with you, we both die. It's best I stay behind, it'll give you more time to run. Got it?" You jump on top of the jar and start stomping at the air holes.? ? ? ? ?Worry was more than prominent in her voice. "I don't want to leave you here though! Especially... Wite she'll-""I know what she'll do. Don't remind me." You smashed the first hole to make it big enough to begin the second. "When I get you out, go home. Go straight home and tell them the mission's a failure. Tell them not to send any micen to Risa's home." You break through and begin the third hole. Rim continued to convince you to go but you ignored her, finally smashing through the air hole. The crevice was able to bend far enough to slip through. You go for it and land next to Rim.? ? ? ? ?She hugged you tightly, refusing to let go. You wrap your arms around her and hug her tightly as well. You wish you were older, you might know how to explain the feeling you get from her. You felt a speck of water hit your shoulder, she was slightly crying. "Wite..." she whispered your name, "thank you. No other micen would have done this for me. I know kin who would have scurried the first chance they got."?? ? ? ? ?Your hug her tightly once more. "It's time to go, Rim." You let go of her and step back kneeling down with your hands cupped.?"I'll never forget you, Wite." She said as she put her foot on your palms. After a silent count to three, you pushed her feet up as she jumped and managed to make it through the crevice in the lid. She climbed out and hopped to the side of the jar.?? ? ? ? ?"Run! get out of here while you still can." you urged her. She gave you one last look and darted away. You sat down.?This is it, Wite.?You thought yourself?One day away from no longer being a juvenile, and you already saved a life. You're everything you wanted to be, and you aren't even old enough to marry.?? ? ? ? ?In due time you dozed off, about an hour and a half later a noise woke you up. Your eyes open and twitched. She's coming. You sit up quickly and look at the door way. Risa walked in, the look on her face and the gesture her body made was unmistakable. She is pissed.?12112111222112212?? ?She didn't look too happy at the sight of Rim's absence.?? ? ? ? ?Her composure was kept and she bit her tongue on what words she wanted to express. "Wite..." She spouted your name through her teeth. "Where is Rim?" You close your eyes and smile in a sarcastic way, a congratulation to yourself for a job well done. She didn't like that. She charged the table and slammed her fists on it. "Do you know what I'm about to do-"? ? ? ? ?"Of course I do." You interrupted, only making Risa angrier. You don't feel nervous what so ever. The consequences for your actions were as clear as day, and they were welcomed with open arms as soon as you've agree to your plan. The giantess clenched her fists. You've never made or even seen anyone this mad before.?? ? ? ? ?"Come out of the jar, kiddo." She said tipping the jar on its side, trying to return to a calm demeanor. You do as you are told and step out of the glass cylinder. As your body was fully in the open you felt her hot gaze staring at you. You blinked and as you did you felt a massive force collide against you, knocking your small figure backwards and hitting the center piece hard. You try to take a deep breath but managed to spit up blood.?I think something broke.?You look up and see Risa rubbing the back of her hand that she swatted you with. "Why is it that every time I show micen the courtesy of mercy they find a way to bite my tail and become a bigger nuisance than it would if I'd have just eaten them?"? ? ? ? ? You move your chin up and answer the obvious rhetorical question. "Maybe if you didn't threaten to eat us every time we make a mistake we wouldn't accept death so quickly! Perhaps if you-" you spat out some blood, in a smaller amount than the last. The cat didn't wait for the mouse to finish telling her how to make friends and she reached for you. She grasped you tightly and moved you to her face. You give a rebellious look to your captive. "Go ahead, eat me. I already won."?? ? ? ? ? You close your eyes and rest your head on your arm. You feel as if you have enough pain in your ribs that death is almost a legitimate option. "Why didn't you go with her?" She asked.?? ? ? ? ?"Because you know where I'll always be at. I know how scents work Risa, you aren't the only one who can do it. If I'd have gone with her, she and I would both die."?? ? ? ? ?You hear her stop growling, only for a moment. You peeped open your eye in curiosity, wondering if what you said somehow calmed her down. That wasn't the case. Your eye aloud you to witness her part her lips and real you in. You quickly closed you eye and cringed. You tried to think happy thoughts but all of them vanished as you felt her wet tongue touch your face. It was slightly rough and you felt it rub against the rest of your body and the strong grip turned into little more than a shove. You feel her lips close around you knees, and you ponder to yourself why she would do that. You're smaller than the previous micen that entered here, and even they looked like they had plenty of room to lay in here. Then it came to you. What would happen if you were chewed. You only heard stories about how Risa is the only one that chews, you wonder what it'd be like. Having a live being in your mouth, one who made you so angry, showing any kind of mercy such as chewing would be absurd.?? ? ? ? ?The tongue below you start to push you around, against teeth and gums, before pulling you in more. You feel yourself covered in her warm saliva. You go against your own benefit and open your eyes. You see before you her throat and uvula, and you feel yourself slide towards it as the tongue lifts itself. You close your eyes and cringe as you are about to be swallowed down into Risa's belly.121121112221122121? ?You slid towards the throat and your head almost passes the uvula, but then everything stopped.? ? ? ? ?You open your eyes and hear nothing but silence from Risa. You look around and slightly scoot away from the throat.?What's going on??Your thoughts were answered as Risa opened her mouth and grabbed your foot with her thumb and index finger. You saw the throat get smaller as Risa dragged you out of her mouth and hung you dangling in front of her. Her piercing green eyes stared at you once more, but this time not with hunger, with sympathy. She walked towards the kitchen and set you down on the counter. The area looked familiar, and you remember that this is exactly where you came from. The hole leading to Solace's room was to your right. You stand up, intrigued about what's happened.?? ? ? ? ?You turned to Risa and see her rub her hands and avoid eye contact. "Not many people would do that, you know? I don't think I ever met someone who would sacrifice everything to save someone so obviously screwed. But you aren't stupid, at least not this time..." She still avoided eye contact, she's in an uncomfortable position. She told you to wait and left, quickly returning with a strand of black cloth. She wrapped it around your neck softly. "Go home, Wite. Make your world a better place. So long as you wear that scarf Solace will not eat you, and I won't either."?? ? ? ? ? You both pause and look at each other. You bow your head humbly "Thank you, Risa" You voice broke the silence. No one has ever given you a gift before, and now not only have you been given a gift, it's one that will prevent you from dying the worst way you can think of.?? ? ? ? ?"Go. And don't screw anything up, or I will eat you, right after I break your legs." Risa repeated before stalking away, looking behind her shoulder and giving you a content smile.? ? ? ? ?She had to have been bluffing. She had to have been playing. Risa isn't a saint.?? ? ? ? ?You look at the hole leading back to Solace's home. You step towards it but stopped. An Idea came to you. You stopped and sniffed the air. You turned around. A smile crept onto your face. "I'm coming for you, Rim."?Chapter Three: Solace? ?The mousy didn't squirm much at all.? ? ? ? ?You suckled on her for minutes, until your belly growled. It was empty for hours and it demanded tribute for its hard work. You were saving room for this blue micen so she would have some elbow room as she digests.?? ? ? ? ?"Solace, please don't eat me!" she begged.?"Why not?" you reply "I knew ever since you were little that you don't mind being eaten, I'm practically doing you a favor." She squirmed a bit more and plead but you ignored it, laying your head down on your hand, resting on the counter and closing your eyes to savor ever moment. Your tongue glistened across her stomach before slurping her more into your mouth. You purred as you lick her busty chest. Suddenly, something went wrong.?? ? ? ? ?A tug ripped the micen between your teeth. "Hmm?" you hummed curiously and opened your eyes. Another tug and the mouse were gone. You see her lie there at another's feet. They quickly scurry off together, "What the-?" You were surprised "Get back here!". You swiped across the counter but they were already inside the wall. The only other micen around was a familiar one. "Mango!" You growl ferociously and pounded on the side of the wall. You waited weeks to eat Thorrow and Mango denied you your prey. You were mad at first but thought it over. The first time you met Mango he was shivering like a chihuahua on a blender in the middle of a hurricane, now he literally swiped the food from out of your mouth. You were impressed but defeated. you huff. "Well done, Mango."?? ? ? ? ?You leave and open the cupboards, grabbing a bowl and a box of cereal. You grab the milk from the fridge and pour the flakes into the bowl. You sigh, wishing you had a micen for breakfast instead of these boring oats. A flake was moving and you perked your ears. It was pushed aside and a micen was under it, You glare at it, not showing your bewilderment. The mouse was a light teal female, with short hair. It stared at you, smiling nervously.?? ? ? ? ?"G-good morning Solace." it spoke.At first you said nothing, until you reached for the milk. "Hello little mousy."? ? ? ? ?"I have a message f-f-from- Ah!" She started to shiver as you pour the cold milk into the bowl, going up to her waist. "From a c-colony nearby.""There are better places to hide than in a cereal box." You retorted.?? ? ? ? ?"It was the first place I thought you'd look." It continued. "The colony head masters- Ah!" You dig a spoon right next to her and pulled out several cereal flakes, you put the spoon in your mouth and began to chew loudly. When you were finished you made an audible gulp and glanced at the micen. It watched the movements of your throat and breathed heavily. "Please don't-"?"Keep talking, mouse."? ? ? ? ? She listened and continued as you get a spoon full of cereal from the bowl and chew it. "We gathered together and decided that you should lead the colony."?"What makes you think that I would lead a colony of you guys?"? ? ? ? ?"You make the rules, we listen to them and nobody get's hurt.. or eaten. It's not that hard." It smiled nervously again.You swallowed again and decided what to do with this smart-ass.1?"So, what do you think?"? ? ? ? ?The micen looked anxious, twiddling her fingers. You held your gaze at her before dipping your spoon in for more."Let me think about it." You chewed through the cereal and the micen only got more nervous as the flakes disappeared more and more until only she was left.?If I keep eating micen at the rate I am then they are going to be as sparse as they are in Risa's apartment. I need to make sure that doesn't happen.?You gulped down the last bite of cereal and lifted the bowl up to your mouth. You pinned the micen down with your spoon as you tilted the bowl and drank all the milk around it. You then set the bowl down. "Alright, I thought about it and sure. I'll take care of your friends."? ? ? ? ?"You will?" The micen nearly jumped in joy, before stopping. "What do you mean by 'take care of' Solace?""It's not what you think. I mean I'll make sure your colony is in good hands. Now where is it?"? ? ? ? ?"It's in a drawer," She pointed across the room near the silverware drawer. "You can't miss it."?"What is your name?" You ask the teal mouse.? ? ? ? ?"Ray." She responded.?You set Ray down on the counter and headed towards the drawer that held the colony. You sat down, and was a bit eager of the event that may unfold. You slide open the double-decker drawer and set it on your lap. You peered inside and was amazed at what you saw: Micen! A dozen and a half. Some toppled on each other from the inertia of pulling the drawer. Like pulling a rug out from someone.?? ? ? ? ? Many of them shivered, but some held firm. "It's okay, I'm not going to hurt anyone. I promise." A lot of the micen stopped trembling in few, you looked to the left and noticed they chewed a hole through the side of the drawer. "Did you guys do that?". Some nod. You sigh and shrug it off. "Well, you guys don't have to do it again. I've agreed to be the leader of your colony, and with it all its benefits." when you finsih saying that, some micen cheered and other hugged each other. They were glad that not only do they live another day but their lives are about to get much better.? ? ? ? ?By the next day there were wooden shacks being built on the far counter. You set Gertrude and Ray to be peace keepers when you aren't around. You also gave them rules to follow such as: Taking a designated amount of food from the pantry, as well as designated food, no interrupting Solace's sleep, no taking anything that doesn't belong to you.?It's a curiosity on what happens next.11??The rest of the day was rather static.?? ? ? ? ?You finished about five houses for the mice but nothing exciting happened. Tomorrow you plan on doing something with the populace. You don't need to hire them any scavengers considering they got enough food. Any micen not doing any work isn't going to have a sit in the lap of luxury. The micen agree but can't think of what could possibly think of a new job. In the end the day went by and you laid your head down on your pillow and fell fast asleep.?? ? ? ? ?"Solace. Solace?"?You peep open your eye, blinded by sleep. A micen stood there patiently on your bed. Not only is she on your bed but she woke you up. You growl and get on your elbows. Your head hovered over the mouse, close enough to bite it. Surprisingly, it stood its ground. You blinked and your vision came back. It was your friend, "Gertrude? You know better than to wake me up."?? ? ? ? ?"My apologies, Solace." The dark brown mouse had its hands folded behind its back, showing it had nothing to hide. "But I have some important news.""Couldn't it have waited?"? ? ? ? ?"You'll understand why that's not possible. First, a few micen didn't agree with the punishment for breaking the rules. Death seems to be a bit too...""How many?" you groan.? ? ? ? ?"Only two. A white one, and a red one.""I'll have a talk with the other micen. What else?" You drowsily rest your head on the pillow.? ? ? ? ?"A group of micen have arrived. They say they represent their colonies and wish to talk to-""They can wait." The clock says it's six o'clock, don't these micen know what sleep is? You roll over and shoo Gertrude away.?? ? ? ? ?She was silent for a moment before speaking up again. "Jason is among them."Your ears prick at that name. You turn your head, "Alright, I'll go.". You stalk sleepily to the dresser and put on a pair of clothes. You aren't expecting any leonas over today, so there isn't any real reason to wear clothes, however, even if your fur covers everything you might as well make yourself look presentable. You put Gertrude in your palm as she points the way to the coffee table. There three other micen stood.? ? ? ? ?One was a dark grey male, another was a white female and the last was a familiar face. Jason. You sat down, the sleep escaped you. "What's this about?" you inquire.?? ? ? ? ?"Good morning miss Solace." Jason bowed, the others followed the action. "I apologize for the inconvenience of waking you early but the headmasters can only hold their breath for so long. Let me introduce ourselves. You remember me, Jason of Niarb.""How come you never visit me anymore?" you ask him politely.? ? ? ? ?"Work, of all things." He continued. "This is Yidde of Toor." the white one dipped her head. "And this is Maverick of Granrus." The last one dipped his head. "We have questions we wish to ask.""Ask"? ? ? ? ?"What is your colonies name?" Maverick asked.?You never thought about it. You remember a street outside your apartments and answer "Desio."? ? ? ? ?"They nod. "Is there any way we can negotiate with Desio?""Negotiate?" For some reason, they're getting on your nerves. They speak as if they are talking to a computer, being articulate and specific with their words. This isn't the Jason you remember. Maybe they're just scared? This is their first time 'negotiating' with someone of your stature. But what could they possibly want that they haven't already tried to steal?? ? ? ? ?"Nobody in Niarb has a wooden house." Jason replied. "Is there a way we can ascertain better resources? Such as trading?""What on earth do you have that I don't own?" you remark. They couldn't answer. "Is there anything else you'd like to ask?"? ? ? ? ?"Will you negotiate an alliance?" Yidde asked."An alliance?"?? ? ? ? ?"My master gave me a letter." She held out her hand, expecting you to take the speck of paper.?A neutral look crawled on your face. Does she expect you to see the microscopic scribbles? "You can see the dilemma I'm currently having. Do you mind reading that letter to me?"?? ? ? ? ?She opened the letter and began to read. "Dear Solace, we wish to offer our help whenever needed if the same is provided for us. Through times thick and thin we hope we can benefit each other. You need not accept but feel free to-" She choked. Yidde stared at the paper with disbelief before hiding it behind her back.?"What did it say?" you narrowed your eyes.?? ? ? ? ?Gertrude grabbed the micens arm and read the letter. "feel free to take this mouse as tribute to help persuade your mind."? ? ? ? ?"Please don't!"? ? ? ? ?"Why on earth would they do that? Have you committed a crime?" Maverick asked? ? ? ? ?"No I-I... I may have injured a fellow micen, very badly." She tried to pry Gertrude off her, but she isn't a match for her strength."But does that mean I deserve to die?"?"What do you think, Jason?"? ? ? ? ?He hesitated. "It sounds like a test. If you don't take the tribute they might think that you reject the alliance offer. That's plenty of reason to declare war or refuse to listen to you. As much as I'm against it; you should do it."That's a green light.112? ?You smile and dive your head in for the kill.? ? ? ? ?Your jaws are about to surround the mouse, all the micen but Gertrude look away; she's used to this kind of stuff. However, you didn't clamp down. You held your position hovering over the micen before retracting your head. The other micen turn back, a bit surprised at the turn of events. "Go away. Go back and tell your masters if you want an alliance come to me themselves. That goes for all of you." You say in a stern voice and retrieve your faithful friend Gertrude. You turn towards the kitchen to oversee your own colony.? ? ? ? ?"You're going to let her go?" Gertrude asked as she climbed on your shoulder.?"Of course. She hasn't wronged me, and I'm not some executioner. They can deal with their own problems." You set Gertrude down on the counter near Desio. "Get the colony together for a meeting." She did as you asked around five minutes later the residents gathered in front of you. "You all might be wondering why I called you here. There is going to be some changes. If you break the rules, the punishment will vary depending on the severity; death is no longer the only consequence." Some of the micen looked relieved. "Next, no one is going to be jobless. You can either be a teacher, daycare, guard, explorer, ambassador. The list goes on." The doorbell rang, and you dispersed the meeting. When you went to go answer the door, there was no one there. Before you assume someone ditched it you looked down and saw a box.? ? ? ? ?You reached down and picked it up, reading the letter on top of it.?"Dear Solace, a Little birdie told me that you were starting your own colony, so I decided to send you a gift. Love Geeaness."?Geeaness was a lovely orange leona that also lived in your apartment complex a few doors down. You open the box and see a small figure that is a deep orange. She looks up at you and saluted. "Hello there miss Solace." Her accent had a hint of french in it. "How may I be of service?""Hold still" You ask as you dangle the mousy over your mouth.?? ? ? ? ?"W-what are you doing, miss Solace?" She struggled and held onto your fingers."I'm eating you. Isn't that what Geeaness wanted?" you ask.? ? ? ? ?"No miss. That would be a sere waste of my talents. He offered me as a gift; a chef, to be more specific." She tilted her head as if she was wearing a cap. "I learned to cook from the best and he would like you to have me.""If you learnt from the best why would he give you to me if you're so valuable?"? ? ? ? ?"That is the only gift worth giving." She said confidently. She sounded just like Geeaness for a moment. Your gut growled at the idea of his works and the mouse smiled. "Your stomach is making its music. Perchance I could prove myself? Let me make you some breakfast."You agreed and went to the kitchen. you requested an omelet and gave the mouse every ingredient she needed, even an egg, an actual egg. It appears that she also brought her own cooking supplies. Small pans and pots that are around the size of her. Geenie put a lot of thought into this.1121??"It's ready, miss Solace." she called.? ? ? ? ?Took long enough?you thought. By the time she was finished you snacked on other treats, you're still hungry though. You left enough room for the omelet, and the mouse. You get up from the couch and into the kitchen. She was right, the omelet is finished and the mousy girl was sitting on the rim of the plate. You pick it up and sat at the table. Inspecting the omelet, you noticed it was well crafted, until you took a bite out of it.? ? ? ? ?It was amazing, to say the least. You tasted all the ingredients: egg, ham, bacon and not a single spice out of place. Not as good as how Geeaness makes them, but close. You look at the micen, sitting so fondly and smiling as if she knows how well she made it. "Get on it," you demand. The mouse's smile went away. "What do you mean, miss? I-is it not to your liking?" it asked.?"It is. However, I need to set some ground rules. Get on the omelet." you demanded once again. She obeys, with her eyes down she sat in the middle of the omelet. You pull out another bite with the fork and put it in your mouth. The sensational flavor didn't leave. "What's your name?" you asked with your mouth full.? ? ? ? ?" Mi sir Geeaness called me Bibi." She said, with a hint of nervousness in her voice.?You swallow down the food. "Well Bibi, take a look at the clock. Breakfast ended half an hour ago. Took you almost four hours to make a damn omelet. I understand it's probably your size, but that's not going to happen anymore. If you're going to live here, or live at all, I'd prefer to eat my breakfast at seven or eight o'clock sharp. That means you wake up earlier than me and spend your morning cooking or whatever. Then you get to have the rest of the day off." Bibi nodded her head. "Second rule: I know you are on my plate now because I told you to be, however from now on, you won't be on it. At all, ever."? ? ? ? ?"That sounds like a plan we can agree on." She nodded."Good. Just a heads up. I might be putting other micen on my food. Does that bother you?" You dip your head in, holding your gaze and taking another bite out of the omelet. She shook her head. "Good."? ? ? ? ?"May I speak freely, miss Solace?" She asked."Yes, so long as you stop calling me 'miss'. it makes me sound old."? ? ? ? ?"You sound very... err... stern." She sounded a bit more nervous."You should have met me a few days ago. I was eating you guys daily. Now I haven't eaten a micen in two days. That's a personal best." You nudge her off your plate and continue downing your food. You finish it and with a full belly you stand up and ready to take on the day.11212?? ?After breakfast you took a nap on the couch,? ? ? ? ?You woke up an hour later on your own and checked to see how Desio was working out. The micen seem to work well while independent. Ray got your attention and expressed the need for necessities. You need more manpower, most of these micen are ill experienced to do anything. You sigh, those micen you met earlier might have something to trade after all. You tell Ray to get Gertrude, as she goes to get her you call the closest micen nearby. Ray and Gertrude return."Alright, something important has come up. We need experienced micen to help train ours. Ray, I want you to go to Niarb and ask for a micen named Jason. Gertrude, go to Toor and ask to meet whoever's in charge. And you..." You point to the micen. "Harris." he saluted. "Harris, go to Granrus and speak to... I forgot his name. Just find someone in charge. Tell them I'm ready to negotiate trade and meet at my coffee table tomorrow morning. Thank you."?? ? ? ? ?They got their things together and did as you asked. You left the room and sat on your couch to watch TV. In a couple hours later, you felt tapping on your thigh. You look down and see an orange figure. "Bibi? What is it?" You pick her up and set her on your lap.?? ? ? ? ?"Solace, I made a surprise for you." She led you to the kitchen and showed you a plate with a rag over it. You placed her on the counter and she removed it, showing a circular piece of cheesecake. "Geeaness told me you liked cheesecake, so I took the liberty to make you some. I'm sorry I didn't ask for your permission but-""If this cake tastes almost as good as the omelet, you're fine." You pat Bibi on the head and she left to her house in Desio. Before you could dig in she came back and asked where she lived. You show her which house she'll live in until further notice. When you came back to the plate however, your smile went away.?? ? ? ? ?You see a micen reach over the plate. It was a blue-ish grey male. You ducked down and hid, silently crawling towards the counter. You peeked your head up and caught him red handed as he took off a chunk of cheesecake. You clear your throat, startling the poor mouse. "The hell do you think you're doing?" His tail wrapped around his bent legs. "I-I can explain, Solace." "I'm pretty sure I made the rules clear, yet you have the audacity to take food off my plate? And not just any food but something precious?"? ? ? ? ?"Please let me explain," he asked.112121? ? ?"Go ahead. Explain," you give him the chance?? ? ? ? ?You snatch the pastry out of his hand and eat it. Such a small piece had an enormous taste, your mouth savored at the thought of eating the rest, after the rodent's done talking, of course. "R-Really?" It squeaked "Thank you! I'm Paul. I-It all started with this girl I like. She was so beautiful and I tried being her friend and I asked if she was single. She said she'd be my girlfriend if I-"? ? ? ? ?"Stole from my plate?" You interrupt. The mouse doesn't look familiar, he must not be from Desio. You started to pity this micen. All he wanted was to impress his girl, and she sends him on a suicide mission. "Listen Paul, she doesn't want you. Don't take that the wrong way, but she just told you to do something that probably just got you killed." He opened his mouth to protest but you silenced him with a finger against his lips. "Here's what's going to happen. I'll help you. Take a small piece and go back to her. Then, you get the mousy girl to come outside and I scare her, then you come and save the day. See if that will get her to fall in love with you."? ? ? ? ?"You want to help? Why? How can I trust you that you won't eat both of us?" His skepticism subsided as you pull him close to your face and bare your teeth. "Okay! I'll do it!" He gives in seeing he's in no position to bargain.?? ? ? ? ?You set him down and let him take a handful of your dessert. He took his leave and made his way for a crack in the wall giving you more than enough time to finally devour your dessert. It tasted wonderful to the last piece, that Bibi girl is really something; you're quite glad you didn't eat her. You spent the next few minutes checking your phone or finding some way to entertain yourself until you heard noises from the hole and ducked down.?? ? ? ? ?"I don't believe you took it from the plate." You head a voice say in disbelief."I did, honest!" Paul's voice was heard.?? ? ? ? ?You held your stance firmly, ready to pounce when the moment was right. "See? There isn't a cake here, she already ate it. It doesn't count if she's already finished with it." You jump up and snag the girl before she could react and lent against the counter. She was a silvery brown mousy with a nice rump covered by shorts, however she wasn't packing much upstairs. She called Paul's name for help as she dangled above your open maw.?? ? ? ? ?"Solace, wait! Let her go!" Paul protested, rather poorly, he knows she's safe from harm, so you decide to scare him into action. Your hands start to decent, dropping the pleading victim into your mouth. "Solace?" His voice perked up as your lips close around his crush's waist. You successfully scared him into thinking you were going to swallow her and he blurted "Solace, no! Please don't!"Not even you were sure if you were going to go all the way with it.1121211You slurp on her rump a little more, making the girl wail in fear.? ? ? "Solace, please don't eat her!" Paul begged once more, his voice was believable enough for you to continue."And why shouldn't I?" Your words muffle through your prey. "I caught her."? ? ??"I don't want you to eat her because..." he choked on his next words.?Say it.?"Because I love her.""Hmph." You release her from your jaws and pull her out upside down. "Hmm…" You inspect her "What's your name?"? ? ? ?"T-tammy," She looked looked at you, eyes are teary from her experience. You remove Tammy's shorts, she hid herself with her hands even though she's covered by fur. "If I ever catch you without Paul," you say before laying her shorts on your tongue and audibly swallowing it. She cringed, watching her only clothes crawl down your throat. It didn't taste too good, but you made your point and set the scared girl. And the doorbell rang. "You two be good, I got to get that."?Oh, how you loved these games.? ? ? ?The bell rang again and you heard your sisters voice. "Solace, are you in there?" You march towards the door, not looking forward to deal with her. As the door cracked she pushed the door open and pounced on you. You fall and land on your back, the light brown leona sat up on your waist. "Heya big sis, how's it going?"?"Hello Risa." You smile sincerely, tapping her to get off you. "Why'd you come over?"? ? ? ?"I've been wondering what you've been up to." She held her hands folded in front of her, showing she isn't touching anything"I've made my own colony and been preoccupied by it."?? ? ? ?"Oh? Going soft on them, have you?""And what if I have?"?"Can I see the colony?" she changed the subject.?"So long as you don't touch anything or anyone. Got it?"?? ? ? ?She nodded"Solace?"You look at the coffee table and see Jason along with Ray. "Oh, hello Jason, hello Ray. I'm assuming she told you about our deal?11212111? ?"Yes Solace, she has. And we accept your offer."? ? ? ? ?"If I remember I asked you to meet me in the morning." You say in a sort of a sigh. "We understand last time we have, we woke you. We don't plan on risking that again." He argued softly, "We can offer teachers. Whether they are good or not, is up for debate."? ? ? ? ?"Ray," you ignore Jason "have you heard from Gertrude?"?She shook her head.? ? ? ? ?"Where was she supposed to be?" Jason asked"Toor. I told her to find the mouse in charge of Toor and request an audience."?? ? ? ? ?"I'll go check to see what happened. May I take my leave?" You nod and Jason withdrew from the couch and headed for the wall.?"Ray," You turn your head to the teal micen, "go to Desio and see how many houses we need and find a building good for a school house. If you can't I'll use a cardboard box." She nodded and waited for you to lower your palm. You shook your head. "You can walk." As you head into the kitchen you heard Risa's voice. She's speaking softly to a few micen it seemed. You spotted her, she was bent down and arched over. Her legs were crisscrossed and she was gazing at her palm.?? ? ? ? ?Risa jumped as she heard your growl. "Solace! It's not what you think." She held out her palms, showing an old face, Yidde. "She said she's not from Desio, and she has something to tell you. I wasn't really going to hurt her, I was just playing around, honest."?? ? ? ? ?You swipe Yidde from Risa, ignoring your sister’s excuses. "Miss Solace!" Yidde was eager and anxious, probably relieved that you didn't let Risa chew her up. "Toor- Gertrude! She- They-""Shut up. Start over. Slow down." You growl.?? ? ? ? ?She breathed for a few moments before catching her breath and starting again. "Gertrude was captured. Serena, the leader of Toor-""Serena?" The name rang a bell.? ? ? ? ?"Yes! And the populace didn't like that idea. They thought it'd make you mad and you'd hurt them. So now there's a revolution going on, and I think Serena is losing. Gertrude released me from my cell as she was being released and now she's finishing things up back at Toor."? ? ? ? ?"Serena... Serena..."?Why does that name sound familiar??"When will Gertrude come back?"? ? ? ? ?"By tomorrow, latest. I hope." You set Yidde down and turned to Risa, who was watching rather ecstatically.112121111? ?"Solace."?? ? ? ? ?You blink yourself awake. You can't really remember the details of last night. All you know is Risa is missing and you feel asleep with a bottle of whiskey. You roll your eyes to the figure in front of you. A micen, not just any but a face you can't forget. "Gertrude!" You call her name and lunge forward, wrapping your arms around her and bringing her small body to your shoulder, and squeezed her softly. "I was getting worried."? ? ? ? ?"You know me, Solace." She said in a friendly snide voice.?"That's why I was afraid." You joked. “What on earth were you doing? What happened?"? ? ? ? ?"I ran into a friendly face and they enjoyed my company so much they kept me over for tea. Of course, it was against my will and by tea, I mean end of a sharp shiny tack."?"What should we do about this Serena girl?"? ? ? ? ?"Oh, don't mind her. All water under the bridge now. She's confused, probably mistaken me for someone else. She's an exile in all major colonies now and Toor is under new management." She took a step back and gesture toward the door. "You have a few friends waiting to see you.""Friends... Oh of course, the meeting." You sat on your bed and stretched with a long yawn. It goes without saying you literally asked for this morning. After putting some clothes on you head into the living room and sat on your knees in front of the coffee table. Maverick and Jason were there, along with Yidde. All were there in the same positions as before. "Hello everyone. Let's assume you all know why you are here. What can you bargain?"? ? ? ? ?"Niarb can offer a teacher or two to educate simple things. Like how to write and common arithmetic. In exchange we wish for some wood for some houses," Jason was polite in his voice. He isn't used to asking Solace for things."Very well. And you Maverick?"? ? ? ? ?"We can send contractors to teach construction. We know plenty about foundations and if your micen know how to build then you won't have to build all the houses anymore."?"But then I'd have taken wood-shop for nothing. Very well. And Yidde?"? ? ? ? ?"Some of Serena's troops defected during the revolt. They could teach your micen how to fight. In case you need a police force or guards." She answered with her chin up.?You hesitated. "And what do you all want?"? ? ? ? ?Yidde hesitated. She bowed her head and kicked at the ground nervously. "We... We would like it if you... stopped eating us."1121211111??You stare at Yidde.? ? ? ? ?"What?" You blatantly asked. She can't be serious. If she said that a week ago, she's have been halfway down your throat. The other micen step back, shocked. They never expected to hear that in their life, not with their own ears.?? ? ? ? ?Yidde looked up. "We would like it if you please stop eating us." She repeated, sounding as if she gave the green light at her own execution.?"That's what I thought you said." You place your hands next to her and lean in, baring your teeth in a smile. You were mad, and rightfully so. All your life you ate micen, making it a habit to see them little more than pests. Then you finally give them some respect, just for a little bit, and they ask you to treat them as equal. "What if I told you that I don't need fighters, hmm? What if I was my own police force?"? ? ? ? ?"Don't you sleep from time to time?" She answered, retreating back and covering her mouth with her hand. You growl once again, as if this was her second strike. She doesn't look away. "She's right you know." Gertrude says, as she climbed up your back and lays on your shoulder. "What do you mean?" you turn your head and look at her, slightly upset she sided with Yidde.?? ? ? ? ?"Micen tend to snag your food in the pantry when you're asleep. I can't stop all of them. More and more recently have been getting those chocolate eggs you like." Gertrude explained. "I don't know if the deal is fair, but we do need some police force."?? ? ? ? ?You looked back at Yidde, who hid a smirk as fast as possible, thinking she convinced you. You peered around, Jason and Maverick are rather stunned at the events that transpired in front of them. "I'm assuming the rest of you might want this deal sooner or later as well?" You sigh and look back at Yidde. "Little mouse, Gertrude just saved your life. She doesn't normally do that. Consider yourself the luckiest micen of the day. Now then, here are my conditions, and the deals only going to work if you accept them. Your micen will follow the rules of Desio, and you will get permission to go into the pantry, and only at night. However, if I catch a mouse in the pantry- actually, whenever I catch a mouse, I'll deal with them the way I see fit. So, tell your friends to behave." You looked between Jason and Maverick. "The rule still stands. You take something shiny, precious, or tastes too good: you're on the menu."? ? ? ? ?Yidde bowed her head "I accept the ter-"?"I'm not finished yet. If anyone in your colony is caught with something shiny or precious, they can keep it. If it is something that tastes good, like chocolate," you lean in "Give them to me."? ? ? ? ?The micen stepped back. Jason's eyes widened in concern. "But won't you-""That's right, I will. Lastly, from here on out, anyone who commits what you call a felony, give them to me as well."? ? ? ? ?Jason and Maverick exchanged glances. "I accept your terms." Yidde says with confidence, "I'm sure it shouldn't be hard to follow those simple rules. Especially now that we can focus on things other than how many mouths we can feed." Jason and Maverick soon agreed, though they were hesitant.?"Now with that said, meeting adjourned." You stood up gently, so Gertrude wouldn't fall off your shoulder, and walked towards the bedroom.?? ? ? ? ?"Well that went all the way good." Gertrude squeaked. You tugged her tail and lifted her up in front of you. "S-Solace?"?That was the first time you ever heard her stutter. "You aren't off the hook for leaving me hanging back there." You toss her on your soft bed. "Now don't let anyone wake me up for a few hours."2?? ? ?After lying down, you drifted soundly to sleep.? ? ? ? ?"We're almost there." Sven climbed the pipe until he got to a wood splint that he soundly rested his feet on.?? ? ? ? ?"Finally," Fleta answered. Fleta can remember every step of the way from Kert. Two weeks ago, she walked through the slums of that hell hole. She found out her sister was being held as a dancer for the most 'luxurious' casinos. Even though she works there she barely has enough money to eat twice a week. She remembered she had to pull what strings she had to get Claude to talk to her.?? ? ? ? ?Claude owns all of Kert. Casinos, bars, 'gentleman's club' and everything else that makes a big profit answer to him. She walked in his manor as he accepted her request to see him. "So Fleta," he said whilst biting in an apple slice, "I assume you're here for your sister- Olivia? Olsa?"?? ? ? ? ?"Olive." Fleta answered.?? ? ? ? ?Claude shook his head "No real matter, she seems to be a fan favorite. I hear plenty of my guards talk about her. You'd understand that I'd have to ask something impossible of you.""Name it." Fleta said with confidence.? ? ? ? ?"Stories from Nomads and traders alike say that there are monsters that are as tall as dozens of micen. I'll give you three of my soldiers and what you will do is prove if they exist."? ? ? ? ?"How the hell can I do that?" Fleta interrupted, slightly angered.?? ? ? ? ?"Tsk tsk tsk. Calm down. You remind me of my son. Bring me one of their hairs. Specifically, one from their fur. Go talk to Sven." Claude gestured Fleta to leave.? ? ? ? ?Fleta couldn't believe how long it has taken to find this monster. In the previous auditorium, the populace suggested not to bother with the one they call 'Risa' and suggested she came here to a see a "Solace". Fleta followed Sven out the hole and felt the marble counter under her feet. After her came Lamar and Haley, the two other micen assigned to take care of Fleta.?? ? ? ? ?"What's that?" Lamar, a very young mouse boy, tan and first mission ever assigned to him, pointed out down the counter some ways and?? ? ? ? ?"It's another colony." Haley, a dark brown mouse with stripes down her back answered. "Leave them be, we're looking for a monster hundreds of tail lengths tall. I'm sure she won't be there."? ? ? ? ?"Alright, this is our stop, Fleta." Sven, a tall, built brown mouse stated "Go and get what you came for, we'll be at the colony until you come back."?? ? ? ? ?Fleta said her goodbyes and climbed down the counters using the drawers under it. She stalked across the tiled floor until she reached a carpeted area. To a random guess, she headed to the closest door. A few minutes later, she saw a large wooden tower, and In the middle of the room was a large cushion. Perhaps the biggest she has ever seen. After finding nothing, Fleta was about to leave the room until she heard breathing.? ? ? ? ??The Solace must be on that cushion?she thought. She headed to it and scaled the blankets. It was a high fall, one Fleta isn't willing to take. She finally got to the top, and shivered at what she saw.?? ? ? ? ?The stories were true. The Solace was as big as what the stories said. Fleta took a step back as she admired the body before her. Most of it was covered by the blankets, however it's head was sticking out. Fleta stepped toward the only way she can save her sister. The breaths the creature took almost knocked her over. Fleta got a good look: It had purple hair that stopped around its neck; blue fur covered most of its body and surrounded its white underbelly; it's snout was short with a black nose, but it's muzzle looked big enough to engulf her entire body. Fleta inched ever closer. The mouth was slightly separated. Fleta was so close, she can almost peer inside. She grasped a single fur and hesitantly tugged lightly.?? ? ? ? ?You blink yourself awake, forgetting your dream. You look down and see a micen tugging at your fur just above your mouth. "Got it!" she said as she plucked a hair. You open your mouth and surround the micen with teeth and saliva. "AH! No!" she screamed. Your jaws lock in a position in which the micen still has space to move, but still can't escape. "No! Let me out! Please!" she begged. "I'm sorry!""How about you start naming everything you did wrong." you growled?? ? ? ? ? The mouse was silent after a quick gasp. "I'm sorry for intruding!" Your jaws close slightly for every apology she gives until she names them all. "I'm sorry for trespassing! I'm sorry for waking you up, and for pulling out a hair!" Your jaws close around her, the tail still sticking out, "And I'm especially sorry for waking you up!"?? ? ? ? ?You tasted her. She had a backpack on, along with more skin showed than clothes. The micen is drenched in your saliva and ready to be swallowed...21? ?"I'll do anything! Please don't eat me!" She cried out.? ? ? ? ?You sigh and spat her out just below your pillow. You pinned her down with an index finger and inspected her. A tan female micen, small, maybe a week or two past a year; you wouldn't know. She had red hair in pig tails and blue eyes. She was wearing a brown backpack, along with strips of cloth sewn into a bra and hot pants. You don't see any other clothes around, so she didn't ditch her outfit, she's normally dressed like this. She shivered as like every other mouse caught by a cat. You don't recognize this mouse, so she isn't from Desio. "Who are you?" You asked, narrowing your eyes.?? ? ? ? ?"My name's Fleta- please don't hurt me..." She mumbled, trying to push your finger off her.?The idea of washing her off and eating her popped back into your head. First, you needed an answer. "Why did you wake me up? You should have known better."?? ? ? ? ?"You're right, but-""But what?" You interrupted "Didn't your mother ever tell you not to talk to me with 'buts' Where are you from?"? ? ? ? ?"Kert." Fleta sounded as if she was about to pass out, this may have been the most exciting thing for her in a long time.?"Kert?" You remove your finger from her chest. She took a deep gasp and nodded. "Why would someone from Kert be here?"? ? ? ? ?"My sister's suffering. She was sold as a slave to-" A refreshing urge rushed back into Fleta "Listen, I need a hair from your fur. Claude said he'd let my sister go if I can prove your existence."You smirked and shook your head. "Claude want's you dead."? ? ? ? ?Fleta cocked her head to the side. "What do you mean?""This Claude fellow sent you, unarmed, on a trip to a place far away to where, let's presume he thinks I am an animal, to where I live. Did he send an escort?"? ? ? ? ?Fleta shook her head. "The three guards, he let them guide me here.""This Claude fellow also sent guards, who already been here before seeing as how they knew the way here. Yet they aren't here when you confront the 'mythical beast'?" You snag her leg and pull her feet out from under her, and roll onto your back, setting her on your chest. "It might require a micen to think a bit more but it’s obvious to me that if I didn't eat you, the guards will kill you." You couldn't help but grin as Fleta's eyes widen with a deep breathe.?? ? ? ? ?"B-but if I have a hair from you, they'll have to believe-""That you took it from another micen. Then they will have to kill you for lying." You interrupt as you licked your lips. "That'd be a waste of a good mouse." She stood up and tried to get away. You cupped her with your hands and trapped her with your other hand. With your hands folded and her tail sticking out under them, you moved it closer to your mouth. "Sorry little Fleta, but it's a wrong place, wrong time situation for you, I haven't eaten a micen in days. Forgive me if I have some unfortunate thoughts about you." You let go of the micen while she was on your lips, but as expected she struggled. She positioned her hands on your upper lip and her feet on your lower lip. Another thought occurred to you.?Three guards??You pinched her tail and pulled her away.? ? ? ? ?"Huh?" She looked at you in disbelief.You held her above your face. "Alright, time to bargain for your life. Where are your guards?"? ? ? ? ?"They were at that town on the counter." she squeaked."I see. One moment." You stand up off the bed and set Fleta on your dresser. "Stay there. If you try to run, trust me, I'll find you." You turn around, leaving Fleta be. Someone is going to get a talking to when you find them. "Gertrude." You call her name and heard a shuffling on your bookshelf.?? ? ? ? ?Gertrude is climbing out of a jar, with a straw of licorice hanging out of her mouth half eaten. "You called?" Her voice was muffled.?You head over to Gertrude and take the candy out of her mouth. "What was you're only job? I think it was not to let anyone wake me up. Am I wrong?"? ? ? ? ?Gertrude hovered her head to the side until she was able to see behind you, and able to see the dresser. "Someone was stupid enough to wake you up?"?"Yes, Gertrude, I am glad you managed to stop her from doing something stupid." You pluck her out of the jar. You expected Gertrude to at the least flinch, however she merely looked at you with a straight face, not the slightest phased. It's as if she thinks she is an equal to you; and perhaps the only micen allowed to do so. You sigh and smiled with a sincere heart. You both know that most micen aren't idiotic enough to break the so few rules existing, why waste time playing sentry? "I can't stay mad at you dear. Go to Desio and tell the foreigners you need to meet them near the hole in the wall. And I'm keeping the licorice." You nom on the red vine and place Gertrude on the ground, giving a friendly nudge with your foot, and head on back to the dresser and explained the plan to Fleta.?? ? ? ? ?Five minutes was enough time for Gertrude to get the guards out of Desio, and ready for an ambush. You crouched with Fleta on your shoulders and crawled into the kitchen.?? ? ? ? ?"Is this necessary?" Fleta whispered.?"Nope, but it's funner." You answer back. You crawl until you are by the wall and counter. You can hear the micen talk but can't make out what they are saying. "That's them" Fleta reassured. You stand up.? ? ? ? ?The three micen jump back in surprise. "It's Solace!" A girl shouted.?? ? ? ? ?"She's real?" The smallest asked in shock. You blocked the exit and swiped down the foreigners. They all scrambled back, except for the tallest one. He knelt down and bowed his head. You grabbed the other two micen and dragged them towards you.?? ? ? ? ?"What are you doing? What's going to happen to them?" Fleta asked. You plucked a purple hair from your head and handed it to Fleta."Go home. Get your sister. Don't come back." You set Fleta on the counter.? ? ? ? ?"But what about Sven? And Haley, and Lamar." She wrapped your hair strand around her arm.?"Care to join them?" You growl. "Don't forget your place." You peer at your three fresh caught prey. "Hey," you look at the tall one. "Who are you guys?211?The micen nodded and looked at his flanks, towards his friends. He sighed.? ? ? ? ?"We're soldiers from Kert. We merely here to insure the safety of Fleta, nothing more." He softly said. His two friends, female in left hand and juvenile in the right, didn't stop trying to escape. "If you let us go, you won't see us again, I promise."You shook your head "That's not going to happen. I know why you're here, don't try to convince me you are here because you enjoy playing soldier." You clenched your grasps on the two micen, but the tall one doesn't seem to be phased. "You realize I can squash them like a bug?"? ? ? ? ?"They've done nothing wrong," he persuades "Take me for them, send them back with a message to Kert, not to send any-""Quiet!" You snapped "I think I can do whatever I want with my prey. Besides, it takes only one to send a message. You're one micen to me, so you are worth one micen." He opened his mouth to protest but you shushed him. "And I get to pick which one." You peer over to the one to your right, the small fry.?? ? ? ? ?He was still squirming, begging and crying for you to let him go, saying how he was still young and had to take care of his mother. You doubt much of anything he says is true, you've heard plenty of micen with the same story.?? ? ? ? ?"Let him go you twat!" You turned your head with an interested hum at the micen in your left hand, spatting a provocative name at you. "You get off him you gluttonous bi- Gaah!"?You clenched her tighter. She's trying her best to get you to pick her, putting on her angry face. You feel as if there's something off about her, like it's cute rather than frustrating. She is, however, making your choice easier.2112??"Well, if you insist." You puff as you toss the boy towards the hole.?? ? ? ? ?He hit the counter with a hard thud and didn't move. "You moron! Did you think he could fly?" The woman continued. Her breathing was heavier but sounded more relieved than earlier. You even caught a glimpse of her face making a silent 'thank you'. She did just save a life. "Hey Sven," She looked over your fingers, or tried to, towards the head-bowed micen, "that leg getting tired yet? You can stop playing brown-noser now, you're in the same boat as I am. Mission accomplished, kind of."?You flicked her head, bopping it against the counter and causing her nose to bleed. "You can stop being a hard ass right now." You retort "Especially to Sven; I have other uses for him." The woman only sneezed blood on your fur, perhaps as a sign of affection. "We'll it's time for you to go. Have you ever thought of what it'd be like to be eaten?" You teased the mouse.?? ? ? ? ?The micen closed her eyes and shook her head. "Alright you got me, I was playing hard ass." She said, discomforted."I've still yet to receive an apology." You smirked and put one of her legs between your teeth.?? ? ? ? ?She started kicking, "No. No! Please not the teeth!" She exclaimed. The mouse struggled her arms free and pried your hands open. Not to her best interests, she now hung up-side-down with a limb in your mouth. "Okay, I'm sorry!"? ? ? ? ?You placed your left index finger below her head and pushed her up, sucking her leg in. Her body was curved like a crescent moon, with the other leg placed on your chin.?"Anything you want to say for yourself?" you say without moving your teeth, removing her clothes with your free hand.?? ? ? ? ?"Please don't chew." she whimpered, "It's too painful to think about. I don't want to go out with my lungs punctured by my own damn ribs."?? ? ? ? ?You slurp the rest of her body up fast, but you didn't swallow her yet. You haven't had a micen in at least a week. You toss her around your mouth, tasting everything: her legs, belly and breasts. A slight moan escaped your lips, you almost forgot what they taste like. You can almost hear her whimper and grunt as you teasingly knock the wind out of her. She's getting a little more than what she asked for. Every once in a while, you'd place her on your teeth and gently close them on her. Not enough to hurt her, but enough to make her squirm more. After a few minutes, you finally decide to end it. You lift your tongue, and the unfortunate mouse girl slid feet first towards your esophagus.?? ? ? ? ?Then you swallowed.?? ? ? ? ?She was big enough to make a lump, but was easy to swallow, like most micen. You smiled and rubbed your belly as the micen landed in your stomach. She thrashed about more, pounding against the walls of her fleshy prison, and possibly regretting not getting chewed as the acids started kicking in. After about two or three minutes of sitting down and leaning your back against the counter, enjoying digesting the woman, she finally stopped kicking.?You opened your eyes in realization: you have another micen waiting for you, Sven was it? You stand up and look on the counter. Still kneeling with a wobbly leg, Sven was there. You stood up straight.21122? ? ?Sven's leg slipped from under him. He apologized, rubbing his leg.? ? ? ? ?"Stand up." You barked, he does so. "Sit down." You smirked, he does so.?? ? ? ? ?You repeated the commands half a dozen times before he asked. "Miss, why are you doing this?""Stand up. Because I want you to have a muscle memory to obey everything told. Sit down." You looked to your right, Gertrude laid on her belly, legs kicking behind her, enjoying everything that has happened the last few minutes. You gesture towards the dark brown mouse, "You see her? That's Gertrude. She's your new best friend, or boss, depending on her disposition."?? ? ? ? ?Gertrude got up and jogged towards Sven, stopping in front of him. "Stand up." She rose her voice with a smile. He was almost the same height She changed her posture, back straight and gestured towards her. "This is the position of attention. When I say attention, you stand in it." Gertrude then changed her posture, spreading her legs and relaxing her arms just above her rump, folding her hands. "This is the position of ease. When I say 'at ease' you stand in it. At ease." As Sven got into position, Gertrude got closer. "Let me see your hands." He listened and gave her his hands. She gently grabbed them, and pulled them around her waist, placing them on her rump.?? ? ? ? ?You raised an eyebrow, a bit intrigued by her actions. Sven shared the same face, with a blush. Gertrude squeezed his hands before placing hers on his chest. His breathing began to get irregular, he glanced at you hoping he isn't going to get eaten for touching your friend. "Wha-" he began to ask but Gertrude place a finger on his lips.?? ? ? ? ?"You like?" He muttered a yes. Gertrude grabbed his slightly shaky hands and placed them on her breasts, in a rubbing motion. You narrowed your eyes at her, wondering if she's always like this. "How about this?" she asked.?? ? ? ? ?"I-I... Yes." he managed to mutter.? ? ? ? ? "Yes what?" She insisted on him saying her name.?? ? ? ? ?"Yes, Gertrude." he corrected himself. Gertrude smiled, kissing his neck, before backing up, reeling her right leg back as far as she can and quickly smashing it between his split legs. "It's 'Boss' to you!"? ? ? ? ?A wide smile crept onto your face as Sven knelt down in an insurmountable pain. Gertrude is going to love her new play mate. "Now then," She continued, "If you have any complaints, take it up with the HR department." Gertrude gestured towards you. "Other than that, we'll be good friends. Sit down."211221? ? ?It's going to be a long week.? ? ? ? ?Just today, Shieki nearly lit the apartment complex on fire trying to learn how to cook; Risa tried sneaking a few micen from Desio in her clothes, not like that ever works; micen keep taking your candy where you hide it, and you now need new bike tires thanks to a friendly stray nail on the sidewalk.?? ? ? ? ?The only thing you began to ask for now is to sleep. You rest your head on your pillow, bringing the blankets above your shoulders. The warmth helped make your eyes heavier. The body you call your own started to slow, you can feel it as it began to finally rest. You close your eyes, ready for some much-needed sleep.? ? ? ? ?"Miss Solace."? ? ? ? ?Your eyelids open, carrying frustration under them. You dart your eyes to the closest figure.?Sven?you think as you recognize the voice,?Friggin' Sven.?"What do you want?" You say, anger pinching your voice, baring your teeth.?? ? ? ? ?"There are a group of micen requesting to see you." He said at the position of attention. "They seem to be from-" He stopped, your head hovered over him. "Solace?" He nearly stuttered on his words. Your thoughts were tired, unable to think of what would happen if you bit his head off. You opened your jaws and placed your teeth on his left shoulder, telling him to continue. "They said they have an offering and hostages." He swallowed hard, "They aren't requesting more like demanding. They're in the pantry as we speak."You move back, setting your feet off the bed. You can hear him breathe a sigh of relief. You stand and point at him, "Don't move." and head into the kitchen. It's hard to believe this is worth your time, but you could use a midnight snack. You open the pantry doors, at first seeing no one. You look around and behind a can of peas. He stepped out holding a woman by her arms. The micen was tall, wearing a black cloth outfit, he was brown with ginger hair.? ? ? ? ?"Good evening Solace," He said, cower was soothed in his voice. "My name is Jeremy; my brothers and I didn't mean to wake you but we have an offer to make.You glare at him. "Your impatience has made it so now you're risking your lives as well." you say sleepily.? ? ? ? ?Jeremy was struck back a little. "I didn't mean to cause any conflicts.""Just give me a good reason why I shouldn't swat you off the shelf and go back to bed."? ? ? ? ?"We expected as much." He said, pulling the woman closer. "If I don't return by morning, my brothers will kill all the hostages."? ? ? ? ?"Please don't let that happen." The woman spoke up. You got a good look at her. She was pure white, save for her green eyes. Her long hair dangled past her white tail.? ? ? ? ?"This is Sam. She's worth enough that it could feed my brothers and I for at least two weeks." Jeremy said.?Worth enough??"She volunteered to be offered to you, and we think she isn't worth more than our lives. We, she included, offer her to you.""What do you mean, she's worth food?" You asked only for a moment’s thought you answered, "You're slavers?"? ? ? ? ?You reached for Jeremy, only for the woman to jump in the way. "It's not what you think! They bought us from other slavers, promising us better lives so long as we go with them. They treat us well, and keep us fed. We're heading to Kert, and we can't really get past here without your consent- we heard about Gertrude. It wasn't their idea to offer me, I volunteered. If you don't take me, they'll cut their losses, and the others necks.""Indentured servants?" You asked, the woman nodding her head. "And what do you think I would I do with you?"? ? ? ? ?The woman hesitated. "I thought you were a micen when I first volunteered, I didn't think you were this big, and hopefully not as hungry... But I'm not backing out.""Is that so?" you mutter.2112211??You nod you head, stretching out your arm. "I accept."? ? ? ? ?The woman's tail twitched back and forth, soon she nodded. Jeremy quickly whispered something in her ear as he hugged her. She stepped onto your hand. You glanced at Jeremy and said, "If you run into Gertrude, tell her you have my permission to leave with them. The password is 'Party hard'. Good night." You folded your hand, clenching it so that Sam's head stuck out from between your finders. You headed back towards your bed room and laid down. You were relieved that Sven still stood where he was.?? ? ? ? ? "May I move now?" He asked.You rested you head on the pillow once more. "No," you sighed, "I'll deal with both of you in the morning." You say towards both Sven and Sam. Sam nodded, trying to get comfortable in your closed fists, relieved she gets to live to see another dawn.? ? ? ? ?You awake at the brisk dawns glimmer through a window. The sun was beaming in your eyes, birds chirped and a breeze rolled in the cracked open window. You rub your eyes, noticing that the micen is missing. You look around, wondering if you smashed her in your sleep. You see her and Sven sitting together, looking up at you. "Good morning miss Solace. Did you sleep well?" Sam asked. You glanced between them, wondering what to say. "Yes, I did, thank you for asking."? ? ? ? ? "May I go home now?" Sven asked. You shook your head. He asked, "Why are we still here?"You smirked21122111??"I'm going to punish you, Sven."?? ? ? ? ?His ears dropped as the words escaped your lips. "Don't worry, I don't don't plan on killing you." You stretch and get to your feet. A small figure crawled under the bedroom door. You smile, "Gertrude," you pick up the girl and place her on your bed, "I'll need you to do something real quick." You headed towards your drawers and pulled out some yarn you stored in a knitting kit. You bit off a piece and headed back to your bed.? ? ? ? ?"What seems to be the matter?" Gertrude asked."You're friend woke me up for something stupid." You answered.?? ? ? ? ?Gertrude spun her head, locking eyes with the man. "There are so few rules to break, how are you still alive?"?You handed the yarn to Gertrude and pointed to Sam and Sven's arms. "Tie their hands together." You looked at Sven as Gertrude obeyed, "Now Sven, I'd normally just eat a micen in your position, however I'll make an exception. This is Sam, she's volunteered to serve me, now she's your new friend. Here's what happens: If Sam does something stupid, I'll eat her. If you do something stupid, I'll show you the same courtesy. The obvious twist is that the yarn is connecting you both, so you both get killed. Also, if you are seen without the yarn attached to your arms, you both get to meet Bibi, as she prepares you for breakfast."? ? ? ? ?Sam stepped forward and protested "But I didn't do anything wrong, why am I being punished?" She tugged her left arm, tied to Sven. You place your hands beside Sam. "Because you volunteered to serve me. It's going to be your job to keep an eye on Sven. If you don't want to do that, you can help keep my waffles warm in the morning while drenched in syrup and topped with sugar. Hmm...Now that I think about it, why should I wait? You're a newcomer keeping eyes on a deaf man, this won't go so well."? ? ? ? ?"Then why would you put us together if you know we're just going to fail?" Sam queried.?You cocked your head, "Hmm... Do you think that was the best question to ask?"? ? ? ? ?Sam shook her head, but pointed out "It'd be hard to believe that someone of your caliber- your stature to kill someone for something so simple..." She trailed off.?? ? ? ? ?"You don't know who you're dealing with." you mutter. You glanced quickly at Sven, he seems distraught over the situation. He's been here long enough to know better to not assume things about you. You lick your lips, frightening Sam.?? ? ? ? ?"S-Solace?"?? ? ? ? ?Sven wrapped his arms around Sam and lifted her up, turning around. "You don't have to put up with her nonsense, I'll take good care of her."? ? ? ? ?You pushed Sven off to the side, getting a clear view at the pure white Sam.211221111??Another mouse comes into view? ? ? ? ?"Sam is it?" Gertrude asked, wrapping her arm around Sam's neck and standing behind her. "Tell me, how bad are you wanting to die?" The white mouse shuddered and shook her head, Gertrude continued, "You're about to be killed in record time if you keep this up. Now apologize."?? ? ? ? ?Same tried to pry Gertrude's arm to give her a little leeway. "I-I'm sorry miss-"?? ? ? ? ?Gertrude interrupted her, pulling her arm to her neck and choking her for a moment. "Alright," Gertrude mumbled in Sam's ear, "Try again. This time, don't stutter or say sorry, and don't beg."?? ? ? ? ?Sam cleared her throat and take half a moment to calm down. "I apologize, Solace." Sam managed to say. Gertrude whispered in her ear some more, Sam continued, "I apologize for talking back, I won't make that same mistake again."You turned your gaze to Sven, who was holding his breath. You said "Gertrude has another friend, wonderful." You glare back at Sam, "Alright, I accept your apology, so long as you keep out of trouble. And as for you Sven, keep the both of you out of trouble. Next time someone screws up, I'm using my teeth to get an arm and a leg short of a full meal." You picked them up and set them outside of your bedroom door, "Now go to Desio, you'll be living with Gertrude and following her every whim until you get tired and decide dying is a better way to live." You pat Sam's head, her face frowning in an adorable fashion, well, adorable to you. "Kidding about that last part. Toodle-loo" You close the door.? ? ? ? ?Gertrude was sitting on your bed with her legs crossed, swaying her head back and forth.?You strut towards her, "What's up? You saved Yidde's life, Sam's life, and Sven's life twice all within a single week. I remember the good old days when you used to bring me unlawful micen hogtied almost thrice a day. So, did you become a saint over night?"? ? ? ? ?Gertrude shook her head. "Micen have become much more obedient as of late. They follow rules now, crime is down, as is murder and stealing. Ever since you became nicer, they have been behaving. Yeah, I've seen a few who think they are equal to you, and yeah, micen still try their luck stealing treats, but ever since you allowed them to be fed they have been cooperating. Have you been missing the sweet succulent taste?""What do you know?" You huff.? ? ? ? ?Gertrude said quickly "I know there is a lawless land full of crooks convicts and otherwise despicable mice that live in a society where mercantile means everything and no one truly believes that there is giant man eating cat people exist." and put on a smug smile.You cocked you head to the side, "What?"? ? ? ? ?"Kert, a lovely place that is deep in the floors of that vacant apartment downstairs." she answered, "You know, a few micen could go missing and no one would notice?""Are you suggesting that I find this colony and kidnap a bunch of people?"? ? ? ? ?"Of course not... I am merely speculating. One thing you could do is do what you're doing here but over there, except demand some tribute. Maybe trade some chocolate, or a gem?"A bit of anger surges in you. She suggests you buy micen? "You expect me to buy from slavers?"? ? ? ? ?Gertrude could hear your frustration in your voice. Raising a hand, she continued, "The micen that live in the slums are starving to death, I'm sure you could just go there and kidnap several micen, or you could buy them- give them a new home. I'm sure it beats living in their own filth.""How do you know how bad it is?"? ? ? ? ?Gertrude shrugged, "Sven told me all of this. I guess he could have been lying.""Sam had the same story." You muttered, mostly to yourself. You start to think about this; if this is true, you could just convince Kert's leaders to move all the poor out, but there may be too many to take home. You aren't just going to take the young from the family, but you can't leave them behind. You can't let them suffer, that's just another way to waste some good micen. Then a thought came to mind. What if you get Risa, Shieki, even Geeaness, to come with you and help depopulate them in a wonderful buffet.? ? ? ? ?On the other hand, if there are only a few micen then that would be a waste of every ones time. Maybe there isn't that many at all. Then you started to think how Kert could be useful. There is obviously crime there, and you're sure they don't have a lot of jail cells. What if you make a deal that they keep some of the criminals to be given to you, and you keep those scrumptious criminals for reasons unknown. But who would make a deal like that to a giantess?? ? ? ? ?You look at Gertrude, seeing as how she has been your eye and ears, maybe she could be your voice too...2112211111? ? ? ? ?"Gertrude," You spoke up, "I have an idea."? ? ? ? ?Her ears perked up. You laid on your bed and Gertrude rolled in front of your face. "Pack some food, spare clothes, a needle and as much shiny things you can carry. I want you to go to Kert and see how many micen are there, who's in charge, and hell, bring back the most beautiful micen willing to come with because I'd like to know if they taste different then our micen."? ? ? ? ?Gertrude puckered her lips to the side and tilted her head with a finger on her chin and a thinking hum. "What do I get out of this?"You pondered,?What do I give to someone who has everything??That's probably how most micen feel when they're bargaining to you for their lives. "I will... Hmm... Give you a new outfit." You can see her eyes shimmer, you sweeten the deal, "You can decide what it looks like and everything too."?? ? ? ? ?"I'll do it!" She exclaimed, jumping towards your nose and giving it a hug. You huffed a puff of air, knocking her on her rump. Her scent is stuck in your nostrils now. That's going to be mildly annoying. You sit up and stretch, feeling your belly growl. You rub it, thanking it for reminding you that it's breakfast time."Time to eat. Come on, I'll share some of mine." You held you your hand to Gertrude who instinctively got on. You made your way to the kitchen and say Bibi finishing up a waffle. Your taste buds tingled when you noticed the chocolate chips inside. Next to Bibi was a mouse tied up in taffy string. She had short brown hair and purple fur with a grey belly. She was crying and tried to nom through the taffy gag in her mouth, when she saw you she chewed harder. "Oh goody, we have a guest." you remark.? ? ? ? ?The purple mouse shook her head and tried to chew harder, she must have broken a tooth because a drip of blood dropped from the side of her mouth. "I caught her trying to steal some taffy, so I tried to make a visually ironic capture." Gertrude boasted. You pat Gertrude on the head with your finger and place the captive on the waffles while Bibi went to Desio to enjoy the rest of her day to herself. You carry the plate to the coffee table along with some syrup and powdered sugar. You made a hole in the middle with your fork and placed the micen snug inside. You drenched your food in the syrup, the woman nearly drowned in it. You then dabbled on the sugar everywhere around her. Gertrude took off a fair piece for her size and began chewing on it.? ? ? ? ?The first bite of the waffles felt amazing. The bake was cooked to perfection and the chocolate made it even better as the chips melted in your mouth. You tried to take your time but within moments you've chewed your way through almost half the food. The purple micen finally chewed through the taffy, but before she could say anything your poured more syrup on her and picked her up. She gasped for air just before you tossed her in your mouth. You licked and sucked all the syrup off before swallowing.? ? ? ? ?When she was inside your stomach she tried desperately to find something solid to stand on. She didn't last long, falling into the acidic pools as you lean in to take another bite and finish up your breakfast. You sit back on the couch and rub your full belly. You're probably going to let her out, but you haven't fully decided yet. Gertrude stood on her feet and before hopping off the table claimed "I'm going to go pack up. Give me an hour."21122111111 GERTRUDE?You shrug the full dufflebag over your shoulder.? ? ? ? ?It was heavy, which makes sense seeing as it's filled with enough food for three days, spare pants, a needle. You set it down next to another bag, this one was filled with several pieces of gold rings Solace snipped apart with pliers.?'Oh, Gertrude can you please look around in a cat-forsaken room for a colony that might not exist'?You think to yourself, failing to mimic Solace's voice in your head,?'Oh Gertrude, make sure you bring some heavy-ass stuff to carry around. Oh Gertrude, let me drop you off in front of the door so you can find your own way in. Oh Gertrude, if you were a leona I would marry you, oh notice me sweetheart, give me a kiss-‘ Then I'd go all yippe-ki-yay and pull out a shotgun and shoot her in the damn face'?That last part wasn't true. In fact, you aren't even sure what you're mad about.?? ? ? ? ?You're doing this for a new outfit. The one you have on is getting tighter, or you're getting bigger. Nonsense, it's getting smaller, it has to be. It has been especially getting smaller around the torso area. Not at the waistline, but the shoulders, neck and other valuable areas. Even after being her friend for years, she never gave you a shirt. You could have taken off one from a micen who was about to be Solace snack but that never feels right.? ? ? ? ?None of this matter though. Not right now at least. The cold wooden floor beneath your feet reminds you that you have no Idea where to go. You're in the empty living room of an empty apartment looking for a possibly empty colony, it'll be fun. You huff out some air and toss your bags into an empty room in you just made in the walls.? ? ? ? ?You climb in and sort through your bags. You split the gold and food up to half for each bag. If this place is as bad as they say then you'll need to use your head more than you're used to...211221111111??Your feet ached.? ? ? ? ?You've spent about three hours now walking through hallways and corridors only to find nothing. You probably should have asked Sven where to look before you left home. Silly Sven, how is he still alive? You pull out a piece of bread and began to munch on its stale surface, wishing you brought something to put on it, like butter. You took a bite, noticing something out of the corner of your eye.? ? ? ? ?A micen was sitting at the corner of the hallway in rugged clothes. He hid his face behind his knees. Curiosity brought you closer, and as it did, more micen appeared. A turn to the left made all the difference. You can see a large city through a broken arch. It went downhill, micen had to have dig themselves into the foundation of the building. The further you looked in you were able to see the center of the town. It was bright and glistening with lights and flames, at least a few hundred steps away.? ? ? ? ?Much closer to you, however, were slums. Rooms and windows dug out of wood litter the street in front of you. The micen from earlier moved his feet in, allowing you easier access to pass, though it was unnecessary. He wasn't the only one. The wide street had someone sitting outside. On one building, a micen was starring off into the distance towards the lights with her juvenile. You can see her point and move her lips but are unable to hear her. Whilst you were distracted, several micen ran out from one of the houses, being chased by another. You move aside, letting them all pass. A micen unexpectedly ran into the back of you, nearly making you lose your balance and snatching the bread from your hand. You regained your balance before the mouse got away and grabbed them by their hand and neck.? ? ? ? ?It was a woman, a girl. Orange with brown stripes on her back and a white underbelly. Her clothes were tattered with enough holes to see enough to describe her body. She isn't packing much heat either in the front or back. She squealed apologies, dropping the bread. Something caught you eyes: her ribs were exposed, even from under all her fur. You dropped her, not out of pity,?She's too skinny. Solace would get a better fight from a toothpick. "Keep the food." You growl through your teeth. She rubbed her neck, hesitant to grab the bread. You turned your back and walked away, hearing her grab the bread and climb up a nearby building.?? ? ? ? ?You leaned against a wall, facing the glaring buildings surrounded by slums. There has to be at least half a thousand micen down here. The slums must have built themselves round the gleaming pit, as on the far side of it you can see small buildings. Light from the pit made you think how they managed to tap into the electric grid, you don't see any wires. Candles, Christmas tree lights, small decorative bulbs.?? ? ? ? ?"Beautiful, no?" You turn your head. The thief from before was lying outside a window, belly up, above your right shoulder, her hair was almost touching your arm, "It lights the whole slums, all day. Some people here haven't seen the sun in months."?People??You thought,?That's a strange thing to call a micen. She saw you pull out a piece of bread and chew on it, before she continued,"You come for the gambling? They won't let you in if you don't have enough good to trade. I think it's for every one to three mice, there has to be a pound of good."? ? ? ? ?You stayed silent. She's just telling you this in hopes to earn food. You could have lived without any of this information, you have more than a pound of just gold on your back. She was dismayed from your stillness until you asked, "Is every good with the same value?"? ? ? ? ?She smiled, perhaps thinking she could break the ice. "No. Little things, like stale bread, is worth almost nothing. They won't trade for food unless it's for the restaurants. They like shiny things, gems, gold, or something useful like leather or cloth. They won't take away anything, it's free to enter, they just want to make sure you have something worth gambling."? ? ? ? ?You hold out a piece of bread the size of your hand without looking at her. She didn't hesitate this time about taking it. "Are you going to eat it or trade it?" You asked when you noticed she refused to take a bite.? ? ? ? ?She shook her head, not moving her eyes from the pit, "It can't eat today. It's not my turn."? ? ? ? ?You silently gasp and turn your head. She was gone.? ? ? ? ?You arrived at the pit of Kert, the deep end, the belly of the beast, the arc de triumph, the other things you know nothing of but heard was important. It wasn't too hard getting in. The guards saw the gold bars and let you in without a second thought. You look at your mental checklist:?Find Kert, Check. Does it exist? Check. Does it have micen? Check. Found a beautiful micen to take home? Pending.?Now where to look? There's a wooden block to the right with a holiday bulb lying next to it. The warmth attracted plenty of micen. Painted in a fine font on the box was the words 'Vanner Casino' in black.?The hell is a Ka-sin-o??To the left was a metal bowl with a large hole in it, and tents and fabrics surrounding its sides. Next to it was a sign labeled 'Kert Gentleman's Club and Gourmet'. Gourmet? That sounds like something Bibi would say.2112211111112?The Cay-seeno sounds like a good place to start.? ? ? ? ?You began to tread towards the shiny block. The micen outside sat around the decorative bulb for warmth and looked as if they were all sharing a glass of ale. They were chanting in slurred words and laughing among each other’s. One thing you noticed when you got to the block was how many micen wore clothes. Essentially every micen you've seen since you got here had, at the very least, a pair of pants on. The slums, though they seem poor compared the bristled core it surrounds, is rather rich in comparison to the very place you grew up.? ? ? ? ?However, where clothes were lacking back at home, food seemed much more abundant. Out there, that doesn't seem the case. Here, the very heart of Kurt, had micen in exotic clothes. One of the men chanting had pieces of silver tin from a soft drink can cut and placed around his body, tethered by leather straps. They covered his shoulders, forearm, belly and chest. He had a needle, sheathed at his waist, with a guard for the hand. He must have been a guard for an establishment here, or maybe a rich traveler.? ? ? ? ?You entered the block of wood, only to see that it was a mere hallway that led to a staircase underground. You followed it to be greeted by a blue woman behind a desk and a wall of glass. Behind her and beside the counter were two double doors. "Hello miss, and welcome to Vanner's Casino. Would you like to exchange some goods for chips?"? ? ? ? ?"Casino?" You asked yourself quietly.?? ? ? ? ?Behind the woman was also a board that showed several pieces of goods. Ranging from gold being the very top, to bread at the very bottom. Beside them showed how many chips they were worth. An ounce of gold is worth a thousand chips, much higher than the ounce of bread worth only a mere two. You grab an ingot of gold from your bag and give it to the woman through a slit at the base of the glass. Her mouth dropped and hesitated at first, "I don't think we can accept that." She placed the gold on a scale and gave it back, she sounded amazed "That weighs too much. But if you have something else, we will be glad to trade with you."? ? ? ? ?You take the gold ingot from the desk and placed back in the bag, now you have nothing to really trade that's of any value, just some food. You toss the bag on your back and head through the double doors outside the desk replying, "Nope."? ? ? ? ?The room you entered was much larger. If you would have guessed, you're under the slums. The ceiling was about six times your height, and above the gambling floor was a room that was only accessible from the stairs in the far back. The the left was a bar, and to the right and center of the room were a bunch of tables with micen surrounding it. They were playing with some paper like rectangles, you believe they are called cards. They also have some stacks of small wooden circles painted yellow, red and blue, you assume they are chips made from the wooden block. Those tables aren't for you.? ? ? ? ?You head over to the bar. The bartender asked if you would like anything to drink, but you shook your head and sat facing the gambling floor.?You're here for a beautiful woman,?you remind yourself,?Solace probably should have sent a male, but Sven would most likely muck it up and Solace doesn't know any other male in Desio, so I get the be the one she trusts the most to send on a dangerous mission to find her a yummy mouse. Oh crap, I had a hand in that deal! I could have asked for more than clothes. Damn it, Gertrude.? ? ? ? ?Amongst your thoughts, a micen clumsily tripped over a chair leg. Your inner monologue was interrupted by your clothes getting drenched in booze as the waiter spilled the drinks on you. You close your eyes when your felt alcohol drizzle onto your face. The first thing you do is cup your hands below your breasts, getting two palmfuls of the liquid, and drink it down. Water downed whiskey, but alcohol is alcohol. You swallow the mouthful and look at the waiter.? ? ? ? ?Green fur with yellow-orange hair and a white underbelly that turned into a triangle on her face that ended between two blue eyes. She got to her knees, "I'm sorry, miss! Please don't hurt me!"? ? ? ? ?You reach down and grab her chin, "Stay still, let me get a good look at you." You had no intention on hurting her, but you like to keep the mystique. Her cheeks looked soft, and eye sockets were white. A quick look at her body showed that she was skinny, too skinny to be fit, but not unattractive. You glance around the gambling floor. Some micen are watching, perhaps seeing how bad this micen is going to limp away. On the far side of the room you see the blue mouse from before walking to the stairs on the other end of the room. When she saw you've seen her, she walked a faster pace.?? ? ? ? ?You turn back to the micen in front of you, "Sit next to me, you're on break."? ? ? ? ?The bartender answered for her, "Miss, she lost her break when she dropped the drinks."? ? ? ? ?You reach in your bag and quickly pull out the smallest gold ingot and place it on the counter, "She's on break."? ? ? ? ?"Madam, I don't think I can accept-"? ? ? ? ?"Please shut up and pour us a drink." You asked while your eyes were fixed on the green furred woman.21122111111122?? ? ?The micen looked at the ingot then sat down.? ? ? ? ?"Hello, I'm Olive. Uh... Where did you get that?" She pointed to it? ? ? ? ?"From a friend. And my name is Gertrude." While she was amazed at the shiny block, you got a better look. She had white strands in her hair, but not from stress. She was wearing an apron, revealing her back. Her rump and legs were covered by shorts, so from the front it looked like she was pantsless. Along her back, you noticed some scars. They were sealed and almost healed and hidden completely, dictating their age. You heard drinks slide down the bar. Without looking, you pushed a glass towards her, "So, you work here? What's it like?"? ? ? ? ?"Well," She hesitated, "It isn't as bad as other places, and it's much better than the slums. It has its ups and downs."? ? ? ? ?You finally turn from her and noticed the ingot and bartender missing. You sip some of the drink, expecting it to be terrible. To a leona the drink is isn't enough to make a puddle worth noticing, but to a micen it's a full cup. It was much better than the whiskey. You look at the liquid, red like wine. "So you like it here? You feel privileged?"? ? ? ? ?She nodded, taking a drink.? ? ? ? ?You raise a brow and swallow another swig, "Are you a slave?"? ? ? ? ?Your question made her cough on her drink. She looked away, embarrassed, "No, no. I'm not." She said it above talking level, looking around to see. She leaned in, "How did you know?"? ? ? ? ?"Your back." You kept silent, "It's scarred up. Do you have any siblings? Are they safe?"? ? ? ? ?Olive looked hesitant, "I had one, but... She's gone now. She tried to trick the headmasters she discovered a leona. Claimed that she tried to rob them with lies. They fed her to the rattis in the basement." She laid her head on the counter and looked discontent, "I don't know why she'd do that, she knows better."? ? ? ? ?"So, you guys don't believe leonas exist?" You asked, "And what the hell is a rattis?"? ? ? ? ?She was going to say something but stopped and looked dismayed at something behind you. A hand was placed on your shoulder, and a male voice said, "Excuse me miss, you'll have to come with me."? ? ? ? ?You looked at your shoulder, then at the guard. He was wearing armor similar to the man outside, except he was also wearing a leather hood with tin on the sides. "Well, hello. Am I in trouble?"? ? ? ? ?The guard shook his head, "Not that I know of. But they never tell me anything."? ? ? ? ?"Take your hand off me, please. And I'll go peacefully if she comes along." You nudge your head to Olive. The guard nodded and removed his hand. You noticed that behind him were three other guards. They started to lead you to the stairs, and you can hear Olive follow. You noticed a door between the stairs, one that said to keep out. It was next to the stairs you're heading for and Olive seemed nervous just looking at it.211221111111222? ?The guards pointed up the staircase.? ? ? ? ?You get a fine look at the stairs.?Is that velvet??You asked yourself as you walked amongst the red carpet. Surely it's not any thread you've seen before, so it'd have to be the fabled favored fabric of the gods. The guards, as well as Olive, shot you a questionable look as to why you have slowed to stare at carpet. You ignored them and continued up the stairs.? ? ? ? ?"So whom am I meeting?" You asked the hooded guard.? ? ? ? ?"The ringleader, Vanner." He answered and lowered his voice, "And you're new here so I'll tell you right away, he has a short temper. Understandable seeing as how his father passed away recently and he's new to this ruling thing and what-not."? ? ? ? ?You thanked him and made it to the top of the stairways in silence. In front of you stood the crows nest connected to the ceiling. The hooded guard opened the door for you and gestured you inside. The room had a long table in it. with only two chairs. One was close to the door where you stood, the other was at the far end of the table had a man.? ? ? ? ?"Good evening, miss. I'm Vanner. Please take a seat."? ? ? ? ?You sat down and looked at the mouse. His attire consisted of white garbs and golden chains. He was a white furred male, with purple hair that was possibly dyed. His eyes were a deep, deep blue. He held up and inspected a gold ingot that you are sure you gave to the bartender. His accent felt strange, perhaps even a fake romantic accent that Bibi had, but slightly more bastardized.? ? ? ? ?"Well, hello to you too."? ? ? ? ?"When I heard that some random woman came in with a gold brick too big to accept, I almost felt like I should have her locked in the basement for saying something so mad. But then I get another report about it, and even the ingot itself, and it's perked my interests." As he talked, Olive was pushed away from the door. The hooded guard stood next to Vanner as he continued, "So tell me who you are, and where you got this kind of goods."? ? ? ? ?You felt uncomfortable, but calm.?Just tell the truth.?You leaned back in your chair and placed your shoes on the table, "From my friend, my master and mentor, Solace. I'm sure you've heard of her."? ? ? ? ?The headmaster was taken aback by your behavior. His intimidation didn't work. "If you knew what I could do to you, you wouldn't be feeling so relaxed. Anything that makes money here answers to me, and I have people who can make you disappear for me."You huffed a puff of air from your nostril, "If you knew what Solace could do, you wouldn't be feeling so keen on threatening me." You sit up properly, hearing the legs of the chair bang on the ground. You smirked and continued, "If someone wanted something simple as food, they'd find themselves begging to her. You might have 'people' to make others disappear but she..." You let out a laugh, "She does it herself. Sometimes in front of other micen, just as an example. You might have some other rodents pay you, but what about colonies?"? ? ? ? ?"Colonies?" Vanner repeated.You threw your arms in the air, "Places bigger than this! All of Kert. The slums, the pit, the casino. Imagine at least three, maybe even five or more places like this. All, all of them answer to her." You smiled, "She's a pretty big person. That ingot was from a giant ring that she thought was pathetic. Tore it to pieces herself."? ? ? ? ?Vanner rolled his eyes, "You act as if she's big enough she could eat me alive.""Swallow you whole." You corrected him, "She sent me here to see if you guys even existed. I don't know what she plans. Let me go back to her, and I'm sure she would let such insolence, as in capturing me, go."? ? ? ? ?"And if I don't?" He said, almost growling.? ? ? ? ?You shrug, "She's going to come down here, and start laying claims. And she's going to bring her friends from all the other auditoriums. Each one are just as big as her." You lean in and fold your hand, calming your tone to a more serious approach, "We do not want any trouble."? ? ? ? ?Vanner turned to the hooded man, "What do you make of this?"? ? ? ? ?The guard shrugged.? ? ? ? ?Vanner turned back around to face you, "Alright. You can leave. But you are not allowed back or we are confiscating what goods you have.""Before I go," You shot a glance at Olive, "How much for her?"? ? ? ? ?Olive looked a surprised at your words. Vanner shook his head, "We don't condone slavery here. Please be on your way."? ? ? ? ?You coughed, "Bullcrap." You coughed again before continuing, "I've met slavers and slaves that claim to be coming to his place. Just by looking at her I can tell she's a slave. You think a woman would just walk around wearing almost nothing when everyone else at least has a shirt on?" You don't know the answer to that question. Everyone enjoys a little freedom. "If I look at her back, am I going to find lash marks?"? ? ? ? ?"Wait," Vanner called as you stood up and attempted to turn Olive around, "You're partly right. She was a slave, and still is technically. Her parents sold her. We have a contract with theirs and hers signature."? ? ? ? ?Olive hid her face, turning away. You held your glare at her for not telling everything, "I'll buy out her contract."? ? ? ? ?Vanner laughed, not taking her seriously, "She's a fan favorite playmate amongst my guards. I doubt you have enough-? ? ? ? ?You placed two new gold ingots on the table, shutting him up. You pulled your bag back onto your shoulders and take Olive's hand and walk casually out the door as the guards are stunned. Olive slowed, "Wait, what just happened?"? ? ? ? ?You turned and looked at her, "I just bought you." You realized what you've just said and twirl around, opening your arms as if you were going to hug, "Your freedom!"?Nice save, Gertrude.? ? ? ? ?You walk out of the slums with Olive holding your hand. She felt scarred halfway through. You don't blame her. Hell, she's probably afraid that you were both going to get mugged. You still have an ingot left if the case needed to arrive. Despite her body language, Olive was very happy. You didn't give her time to go and grab her stuff, but seeing as she didn't complain, she might not have had any to begin with. She's on her way to start a new life with Solace.? ? ? ? ?Until of course, you remember what Solace might be planning on doing with her. You may have just condemned her.2112211111112221? ? ? ? ?You sigh, glaring at the stairs.? ? ? ? ?You want to go home now, today. You're not going to travel a few days in the walls, and you're not going to wait a couple days when you have food for only yourself. You made Olive carry your extra bag. You try and convince Olive to help you up, but then decided to go with the idea that you toss her up before you and get her to hang off the step and pull you up. It was going smooth until halfway through.? ? ? ? ?You reached up and grabbed her arm, but when you jumped to grab onto the top of the stone step, her grip slipped! You fell on your back and your lower body was slipping off the stone step. You grabbed the ledge just in time to prevent yourself from falling. You held the grip with your other hand and adrenaline made you pull yourself up quickly.? ? ? ? ?"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" Olive called.?? ? ? ? ?You ignored her and looked at the fall. It was far enough to break a bone or two if you landed incorrectly. You noticed that your fur was bristled and your arms were shaking. You never had that rush since Solace first met you and knocked you off her dresser. Speaking of which, how exactly did you survive that??? ? ? ? ?You shook the thought from your head. There has to be another way up the stairs. You turned your gaze to Shieki's apartment door and a thought jammed itself inside your head, "Come on, I have an idea."? ? ? ? ?She looked curious at you. You waste no time and grab her arm before dragging her off the step and down the stairs at a pace that you think would impress yourself. You drag her to Shieki's door and point under it. It was just small enough that the average sized micen could squeeze under it. You went first.? ? ? ? ?The room had a lot less furniture than Solace's. It smelled different, had different colored rug, walls and even a fancy-pancy chandelier that made you want to melt someone's face off because of how much you want it in your own home.? ? ? ? ?"Why are we in here?" Olive crawled through.? ? ? ? ?"Shhh." You push her into the corner, "Stay there." You step to the center of the room and look around. She's around here somewhere. Then you heard it. A crack behind you. A slip of a foot, more likely. You turn to see a blue tipped, white tail swing away from view behind the arch to the kitchen. You look away for a few seconds.? ? ? ? ?When you turned back, Shieki, the white furred, blue bellied-with-a-big-pink-heart-on-her-chest, was just about to pounce. She jumps, arms and hands aiming for you. You roll to the side, making her miss. You got to your feet fast enough to dodge again when she slaps the ground towards you in a desperate attempt to catch you. You run up her hand and arm. She made another grab at you, but you jumped from her bicep and onto her snout. You grabbed her fur and swung yourself on her nose, laying down, placing your elbows on her and your head on your hands.? ? ? ? ?"Gertrude?" Her silver eyebrows go slanted and her lips frown, "Gertrude. You're so mean! I can't eat you; Solace would kill me." She stood up and added, "What do you want?"? ? ? ? ?"Me, myself and my friend and I need to get to Solace's room, ASAP. Do you think you could help?"? ? ? ? ?Shieki was hesitant. She looked at Olive who was in dreadful fear. The rumors and stories she heard about great beast that consume micen were true the whole time. Her eyes were wide and her tail was straightened. But you trust Shieki enough that she's gentle enough with Olive not to severely cripple her trust and foundations of leonas. Solace loves these kinds of reactions, best she sees this at dinner.? ? ? ? ?"If you do it, I'll get Solace to teach you how to hunt!" You added as a bargain, "You'll be eating them by the bushel in no time."? ? ? ? ?Is she dumb enough to not take lessons from the greatest mouse hunter in the whole block? Of course, she isn't, get your head out of the clouds. Shieki took you and Olive, with Olive's permission, up the stairs and knocked on Solace's door.? ? ? ? ?The blue leona opened the door and was less than amused, "So what did the lazy mouse promise you this time?"? ? ? ? ?"Hunting lessons." Shieki squeaked, her neck lowering in submission and nervousness.? ? ? ? ?Solace held out her hand. You grab Olive and toss her onto Solace's palm before hopping on. "Again? Alright. I'll be down in about an hour or so I guess. Now put some clothes on when I get there." She closed the door, almost irritated. "So, this is your new friend?" Solace inspected her as she went back into the kitchen, "Well, she's quite the looker. Good find." Solace tossed her in her mouth and sloshed her around. Olive wasn't very happy about it, but it's not like you spent time getting to know her. You specifically tried to space yourself because you knew what Solace was planning for her. While Solace was tasting, her face scrunched up. She spat the struggling mouse on her other hand and looked at you, "She has a bunch of scars on her back. Are you telling me you bought a slave?"? ? ? ? ?"Nope! I bought her her freedom." You held a smug smile.? ? ? ? ?Solace tilted her head and raised a brow, "You have a point." She set the mouse done and kicked her softly towards the hole to Niarb. "And I'm glad you're back there's a micen wanting to see you."? ? ? ? ?"What do you mean?" You asked. You turn your gaze back to the counter. Solace set you down several tail lengths away from her. On the counter with you was a female, fur almost the same color as yours, with the exception of a black line in the middle of her shoulders traveling up the neck and down the arms...and legs... and hands. Your mouth dropped.?That can't be... That's impossible!211221111112 SOLACE? ?Your ear twitched with a sigh, "What do you want?"? ? ? ? ?It's been a hell of a week and it isn't even over yet. You start your own colony, you didn't eat anyone in days, micen are barely breaking rules; it's as if you now have a thousand smaller roommates.?Edible roommates,?you remind yourself. Now your room is cluttered full of boxes that held parts for wooden houses, the corner of the counters has almost a dozen small houses that originally were meant for birds. The biggest one is Gertrude's house and also the town hall. She sees herself as mayor, so why not? It's too big for a single micen to live in. The second biggest is a school house, but you don't know what they're going to teach micen that doesn't involve avoiding getting eaten.? ? ? ? ?That doesn't matter now. Gertrude is off having fun exploring Kert with a cut up old ring, and you're stuck here realizing that you don't have a trusty deputy to keep people away from food."Well?" You turn around to face Jason. The white mouse with his hands and feet black like boots and gloves stood on the coffee table.? ? ? ? ?"It was my day off," Jason answered, "I thought I could spent it with you.""It's been... What? A year since I last talked to you alone?" You sit down on the couch, "I'm beginning to think you took my friendship lightly. You say it's work, but what kind of job do you do that you don't get many days off?"? ? ? ? ?"I work two jobs." Jason held his chin up, "I work as a manager for the city and," He lowered his head, "I tell other micen that they won't be seeing their kin ever again."You blink in realization, "You've been avoiding me."? ? ? ? ?He was silent for a moment before nodding, "It was a different perspective. I had to tell parents their child was eaten. Tell kids their parents were crushed. And wives about their new title; widow. It was… very hurtful to know that my friend had the power to stop all of it, but instead she was the cause.""You grew up." You murmured. You want to be angry that your suspicions were right, but you felt a tang of sorrow.? ? ? ? ?"But things changed!" His tone brightened, "A micen hasn't died for a few days, it's almost a fairy tale. They are a lot more behaved, there's less crime. I'd be happy to be friends with you again."No thank you,?you wanted to say out loud. You were starting to get angry at him, you didn't want to ruin this reunion so you try desperately to change the subject. You bit your words for old times’ sake. How about some small talk? "How's your book doing?"? ? ? ? ?He laughed a little, "I expect it's going to be obsolete soon. Not that that's a bad thing. I guess now the printing presses can start doing other stories.""Printing presses?" Micen have technology? You never really expected each copy of his book to be hand written, but to be printed out like an actual book by micen?? ? ? ? ?"Yes," He replied, "We even have libraries and tools made of stone. I'm sure you've seen our weapons as well?"? ? ? ? ?You rub the lips of your mouth, remembering the cuts you got from destroying that colony in your closet a year back. Bastards took a sapphire and called you a monster. You don't know what you were thinking attacking them with your teeth, it was early in the morning and you thought you were playing as a monster. Their needles were a painful surprise. It was quite long ago, you barely remember it.? ? ? ? ?"Needles as swords. Toothpicks as pikes. We even found out some certain strings are flexible and when pair with flexible wood can make a bow and arrow.""Well don't." You snapped angrily. "You don't need them anymore."? ? ? ? ?"Miss Solace, are you alright?""No I'm not!" You growled at his insolence, "I miss you. The old you. And I find out all this time that you were purposely avoiding me, and I can't get angry at you because you had good reason to! And quit calling me 'Miss Solace'. It makes me sound like a madam at a brothel. I just-"? ? ? ? ?"I can leave." Jason interrupted with enough insolence you'd think he was a leona."No, stay. I just don't believe you want to be friends. And I don't... Damn it." You left the room and ended up in your bedroom. Your ears and head were hot with anger. You didn't know it until now but your heart felt sunken. You always wanted to talk to Jason again. You convinced yourself he was avoiding you but you never truly accepted it because there was a chance you were wrong.? ? ? ? ?You sunk into your bed. The problem can be solved if you just get your mind off it. You sigh and close your eyes, before you got the feeling you were being watched. You peep one open and see a micen on your dresser. He was brown. Wearing tin around his torso as if it was a breastplate, with a leather shirt underneath. The other micen must have thought he was important enough to give him the attire to fight off predators and other micen.? ? ? ? ?He stood up straight when he noticed you saw him. You sit up.2112211111121?The micen stood his ground in a respectable posture, "Is this a bad time?"? ? ? ? ?You shake your head. You stand up and walk towards him. Your shadow loomed over him. He didn't stagger from his poise, you didn't seem threatening enough to him it seems. He cleared his throat, "We have prisoners, and since it was agreed any micen that breaks the rules be sent to you, I am here to make sure none get away in the process.""You expecting them to escape from me?" You smirk and look around at the dresser. It was bare except for the mouse, "Hey, where are they anyways?"? ? ? ? ?"They are in the closet, very top on the shelf."? ? ? ? ?You turned around before he could finish talking, eager to see how many meals collected. You opened the closet door, stepped on a luggage case and rearranged your hung clothes until you could see the top shelf. It's where that colony was, but this time instead of a few shacks made of boxes, there was only one thing. A small cage made for hamsters with several micen stuck in it.? ? ? ? ?Three scrumptious snacks. None of them had clothes on, their pelts covered them enough. One male, jet-black fur with red stripes diagonal across his body, had a strong build and was possibly a former guard. He had his arms tied up against the cage, possibly either for his crimes, or that the rest of the inmate were women.? ? ? ? ?One was a young woman. Really young. Your mouth salivated just looking at her. She can't possibly be a juvenile though, the micen aren't rude or cruel enough to feed you their youth. Her flat grey chest bore black polka-dots that became more abundant the further away from the chest, until nearly the behind on the back was completely dark. She had her blue eyes closed tightly, unable to look at you.? ? ? ? ?The last one looked more mature. She was hiding in the corner closest to the male, trying to pry him off the bar. At first you wondered why, but then she desperately tried to hide herself behind him after freeing one of his arms. She was white, a common color among micen, but she also had red strips up her arms making her hands almost look like gloves. She also had big ears. Well, micen do tend to have big ears that are always respectful to the proportion of their head, they're mice. But this one, her ears are slightly bigger. Slightly, but noticeable and perhaps the biggest you've ever seen.You lick your chops, making the woman cry and burrow her head in the male's shoulder. "So, which one gets to go first?" You look back at the youngest one. She backed up, slamming hard into the cage wall, shaking her head. "Ah, a little appetizer won't hurt."? ? ? ? ?"No!" she squeaked and grabbed the bars of the cage just before you grabbed her and pulled. She lost her grip and spun her body with her belly facing down, holding on for dear life with only one hand. It soon gave. She was dragged across the floor, clawing at whatever grip she could get. It was useless.? ? ? ? ?You closed the gate to the cage and hopped down with prey in hand. She squirmed a great amount, unable to move in your hand. You toss her on the bed just below your pillow and jump in front of her.? ? ? ? ?She ran left, you block her with your hand. She ran right, you blocked her with your other hand. She's now effectively walled in, and she knows this. She turned away from you and curled her tail around her legs and shriveled into herself.?You feel as if you almost forgot the taste of a mouse. You found yourself leaning in with your rump in the air; tail swaying in anticipation. "What did you do? Hmm? I find it hard to believe a little sweet looking treat like you could steal from me." The mouse was sobbing too much to answer. You close your hands in and dip your head with your mouth agape.? ? ? ? ?"Wait! No! Please no!" She cried, "I won't do it again! I promise! Don't eat me!"You grazed your tongue across her body, making her yelp and scream. She tasted delicious, as sweet as hard candy, with the soft tenderness of a pretzel. You were barely able to control yourself, "What did you do?"? ? ? ? ?"I-I was caught eating a chocolate egg- Ah! Aah!"? ? ? ? ?You moved your open muzzle closer. She was trying desperately to fight against it. She grabbed onto your teeth and pushed against it, making it so whenever you advance, so did she. It worked until she was being crushed against your hands.? ? ? ? ?"No, no, no!" She continued, "I didn't steal it! I bought it!"You grazed your tongue across her delicious body before pulling back with a mouthful of flavor. She held onto a finger, shivering in sheer terror. "Bought it?" you asked. That's a crime? Punishable by death too? That sounds more like a misdemeanor. It may be your fault she's here, you remember that you said any prisoners or micen that break the rules to be sent to you. But this?? ? ? ? ?The mouse was trembling too much to answer properly, the best she could do was nod.You still have the powerful urge to consume her, but you've done worse things than what she did, does she have to die?21122111111212?You've decided, not to kill her, but she isn't getting off easy.? ? ? ? ?"P-please..." She murmured. You opened your mouth and hovered your head just above her. She got to her knees and folded her hands in a begging motion, "Please! I'll do anything. I'll- I... I don't want to die." She fell forward and curled up.? ? ? ? ?You let some of your drool drip on her, making her squeal and shake. She began to sob even more. Her tail shook erratically. You feel as if you don't kill her she'd be scared for life, perhaps so much that she'd never leave her home. You tug on her tail and lift her up, make her squirm even more. You lied on your back and dangled her above you.? ? ? ? ?"Solace please!" She couldn't bear to look at you, a tear dropped from her eyes and landed on the side of your muzzle. You opened your mouth and lowered her towards it. "No! I won't do it again, I'm sorry!" You place her on your chin, able to feel her feet scurry above your neck, her arms on your chin pushing away."Take a good look." You commanded, opening your mouth and forcing her to stare in your mouth. She was silent, glancing from side to side. Her tail curled and swerved. Her breath went from heavy to a more controlled state, while at the same time irregular.?? ? ? ? ?She stayed like this for half a minute before speaking in a calmer, but distressed, manner, "Please don't eat me. I-""I'm not going to eat you." You pull her away. You were able to see the relief on her face and dropped to a knee muttering thank you’s. You picked her up, "Now listen. This is your first strike, your first offense from a minor rule break. The next time you do something stupid like this you're going in. You'll be a little tasty treat for the rest of the day. The third time you break a rule, you're as good as swallowed. So, unless you want to be a yummy snack, I'd suggest you behave yourself." She nodded intensely as you stood up and walked towards the dresser and tossed her next to the guard, "She's pardoned. Let her go home."? ? ? ? ?The guard nodded."Oh! And before I forget, having possession of an egg isn't against the rules."? ? ? ? ?The guard nodded again, "It is in Granrus. But I understand it's a waste of your time.""Good."? ? ? ? ?You turn back to the closet. You can hear something push against metal. The door was cracked open. You open it the rest silently and climb the box to see the top of the shelf. The remaining micen we trying their best to open the gate of the cage. The moment you arrive at the shelf, they opened it and rolled out.? ? ? ? ?The woman rolled right in front of you with her tail batting against your lips. They both noticed you, the woman quickly got up and scurried back into the cage while the male was frozen in fear. You leered at him and licked your lips. He held up his hands in surrender and back up against the cage. He did his best not to show his fear, but his tail's swing merely told you he was terrified. You allowed him to climb back into the cage. The woman ran behind him and he did his best to shield her, muttering "Damn it! We were so close!"? ? ? ? ?Now it's your turn to decide who to eat first. The woman or the man?211221111112121?The woman,?You decided.? ? ? ? ?The sweet tenderness of their body; their juicy hips, rump and gut. You imagined the feeling of your previous prey a bit too much, and by now you are just dying for the actual snack. You might even play with this one, to savor the moment.? ? ? ? ?As you reached for her, the male jumped in the way. He spread his arms and bared his neck. The woman wrapped herself around the male’s hips, hiding as much as she could behind him. He stood wide eyed and breathing heavily, gathering the courage to call, "Solace, it's not her fault!"? ? ? ? ?He must be thinking I'm mad about the escape attempt. Good.? ? ? ? ?He continued, "It was my idea to escape. I'm the one you want.""Oh?" You grab him gently, the woman let go and cowered in a corner. You closed the cage and hopped out of your closet. You tossed him on the bed and pounced at the end. "So, what were you thinking? Hmm? You think they left that cage unattended? Maybe the closest mouse hole didn't have armed guards in case something like this would happen?"? ? ? ? ?He didn't answer. He merely stood up straight with his chin up, neck bared and eye closed."Why are you doing that? Are you expecting me to rip it out?" You lay on your gut and elbows, gliding a finger down his abdomen. Tired of his silence you asked, "So why did you save her? You know if she goes after you, it's going to be a lot more painful." He was still quiet. You leaned in and give his body a big long lick. He tastes just like the girl before him, just a bit tougher. You opened your mouth and hovered over him. Drool dripped from your teeth and landed on his shoulder. The man didn't even flinch. You remember what your father told you as a dating advice,?Try talking about him. "What's your name?" You asked, lying next to him.? ? ? ? ?He peeped an eye open, "My name? It doesn't matter, you'll just call me a snack.""Alright, Snack, you look like a colony guard- Or at least you were. What happened?"? ? ? ? ?Snack closed his eyes again, "I don't want to talk about it." He was silent for a few more moments before turning to face you, "I'm not going to beg.""Didn't want you to. I just wanted my questions answered. You could show a little respect."? ? ? ? ?"Alright, you know what?" Snack turned his entire body and pointed rudely at you, "I'm here because of you. I let a bunch of people with those damn eggs and a bunch of shiny things go through instead of just grabbing them and feeding them to you. That guy over there on your dresser? That was my job. They took my belongings as loot, and now I'm here, with nothing. So, why don't you just eat me?"You wanted to feel sympathy, until you realized something, "You didn't follow the rules?"? ? ? ? ?"Screw your rules. Life was better for micen that actually had something to die for when you were eating us by the bushel. Now anyone too rich gets accused of stealing from you. I saved a bunch of rich, innocent people from dying, which makes me a bastard. Give them what they asked for."You pick him up and sat on your rump. You placed him on your nose, "Do you have any regrets?" He closed his eyes, ignoring you. "You don't have to be so rude, I can see why they want you dead."? ? ? ? ?"Screw you." He mumbled.You growl and tilt your head forward. He squeaked as he fell off your nose and wailed as your grabbed him with your teeth. His leg was stuck in your mouth, pricked at by your teeth. "Apologize," You crushed his leg.? ? ? ? ?"Screw... You..." He gasped.You slurped him in and bit again, "Apologize."? ? ? ? ?He was silent in complete misery. You haven't chewed up a micen in a while, not since you met Gertrude. You're starting to feel like Risa, torturing this man for some respect. Maybe it's micen like him that makes her apathetic to them. "I-I'm... No..."You dropped him onto your leg. Snack landed hard on his arm. You flicked him off your leg. "There are only so few rules you could have broken, and you, well, broke some. I'm impressed that you think the rich and innocent are worth more than the poor and innocent." You pin him against the bed and start poking his gut, "What rules do you suggest I make?"? ? ? ? ?Snack struggled on his words, but spat out, "Screw...""Apologize."? ? ? ? ?"... You..." He finished before passing out.Great, now what am I going to do??You think.2112211111121211? ? ? ? ?You swing your legs off the bed, smiling.? ? ? ? ?You have another tasty treat just waiting for you. You open the closet and do the whole routine of getting yourself to the top shelf. As you rise up and peer into the cage, you see the woman struggle frantically between the bars on the other end. She pushed her legs and feet hard against the metal beams and yelped as she fell back inside."Ahem!" You growl playfully, "Were you just trying to escape from me?"? ? ? ? ?"N-no!" She shook her head, knowing the punishment for an escape attempt was certain death, "I wasn't!""You're lying to me." You narrow your eyes.? ? ? ? ?"I'm not! I mean-" She closed her eyes and shook her head, knowing that most people who lie to you suffer the wrath of your teeth, "Alright, I was but can you blame me?""Absolutely." You couldn't help but smile at her freak out. Something about dominating a micen always appealed to you and seeing her turn away and curl her tail around herself only makes her a more appealing meal. You reach in and grab her cowering body. She made no attempt to grab onto anything, you assume she already thinks she's boned.? ? ? ? ?You could feel her gasps and held her breath and you exited the closet and gently threw her on the bed. She curled into a ball, hiding her face behind her knees, and her knees behind her tail. The mouse then noticed her comrade and squealed, "Jasper!" before running over to Snack, "What did she do to you?"? ? ? ? ?So Jasper is his name? Nah, you're still going to call him 'Snack'.? ? ? ? ?The woman looked at his leg and shook her head. She studied the leg and looked for places to grip with her hands. She sat on his knee and bent his calf until she was satisfied with a loud pop. She checked Snack's pulse and patted the side of his face, "Come on, wake up! Wake up!"? ? ? ? ?You jump on the bed behind her, lowering your head to the point that every breathe blew her hair into her face. She refused to look at her predator. You merely more up and place one of her ears between your lips. She shivered as your nibbled on it with your teeth and smothered it between your lips. You also made a few hums of enjoyment, teasing her about her flavor. She tensed up before whispering, "Please wake up."? ? ? ? ?You open your mouth wide enough to encase her head and yield back, slurping up her waist. She pushed her head against the palate of your mouth and panicked when she realized your teeth were on her hips. She begged that you don't use them, perchance imaging them crushing and grinding her skin, fur and bones. Maybe she expects you to treat her like you did with Snack.? ? ? ? ?Speaking of Snack, he woke up with a gasp and grabbed his leg. He turned to see you and his fur stood on end as he saw the woman he desperately tried to save dangle his feet and tail out of your lips, "Solace, wait! She did nothing wrong!""She tried to escape, twice, and lied to me." You pressed your lips, making her squeal as you lay back against a pillow, "Try again, Snack."? ? ? ? ?Snack ran up to your hips, between your legs. If you weren't wearing sweatpants, you'd think this would be an entirely different moment. You strangle and murder the thought in your head as Snack started, "She's here because she was rich."?You raise an eyebrow, "Continue."?? ? ? ? ?"Before I could get her out, they found her with possession of a sapphire. They didn't ask questions, they don't know that it was a family heirloom. They thought she stole it and was going to end up like Cestus- that colony you destroyed years ago, for having a sapphire."She had a sapphire?" You show your teeth to Snack and press them against the woman. She squeaked and braces herself for the worse. You have made so few rules! You had so few to begin with too! Is it too much to ask that they return anything valuable or precious? An egg, that's edible but a sapphire? Why would they need that? To trade for food maybe, but they get free food now, there's no reason what-so-ever. It's maddening.? ? ? ? ?But you aren't going to kill her, at least not like this, but they don't know that. You gesture your finger towards your lips. Time to play a game. Snack looked at your questioning before shaking any thoughts out of his head. He doesn't have the luxury of inquiries. He climbed onto your lap and grabbed onto the creases of your short, slowing down in case he was doing something wrong. A nod of your head confirmed that he was guessing correctly.? ? ? ? ?He climbed up your clothes and steadied himself on your chest, The big eared woman moved around in curiosity as to why you've yet to swallow her. Snack reached up and grabbed her ankles. You opened your mouth and let the woman slip out. Snack lost his balance and the both of them tumbled down your body. The woman rolled farther away than Snack, who was stopped himself next to your knee.? ? ? ? ?The woman couldn't control herself, she started to sprint away past your calf. "Mari, no!" Snack called and chased after her. Mari must have never been taught about what and what not to do near a leona. Snack caught up to her near the foot of your bed and held her in a tight hug. You were already on all fours and hovering your head over them. Snack hid Mari's face in his shoulder and asked her, "Why did you have to run?"The woman broke yet another rule, how wonderful. You lick your lips, and Snack hid the woman from your sight by moving her body behind his. You're sure you could pry them off each other, but if Snack wants to join her in her endeavors she's about to experience, he's welcomed to hold onto her. You open wide and dive in...21122111111212111? ?You dive in, mouth open, but stopped.? ? ? ? ?You're angry at yourself. You can't do it. Staring at the two, you see you are looking at two dead micen. Someone is going to have to pass the news of their death to their parents. To their family. To their children. You remember what your father said about eating micen: "Don't over think about eating them, they're nature's treats. Don't ever trust them, they'll continue to steal from you. Don't become friends with them, they'll leave you sooner than you think."? ? ? ? ?Your father was right about them. You were friends with Jason, and he left you. You decided to trust the micen to follow simple rules and still they insist on taking things from you. And now you've thought so much about what they'd think of you, you can't remember what you think of them.? ? ? ? ?Risa was right. You have gone soft. You were Solace-?The?Solace. The self-proclaimed and evidently best hunter in the entire complex. And now you're a lion caring about what the lamb may think of them.You lay your head next to the two micen and bat them off to the side, "Just get out of here."? ? ? ? ?They were hesitant at first. Possibly believing that you were playing a trick on them. You pushed them away with the back of your hand, making them run off. Before you saw Snack crawl off over the side, he turned to face you and stated, "Thank you. I... I apologize for telling you to screw off. I thought you were the monster you've always been, but you're not."? ? ? ? ?You didn't reply. You looked away up at the ceiling, remembering that just a week ago you were gut full of micen that were only half as bad as them. It's all because of that stupid colony you started. You seeing how they lived and with so little things and so many dangers, they can still be found smiling. It almost sickens you. Anything they did have it belonged to you. They were the reason you were a danger. Then your thoughts went onto how they tasted.? ? ? ? ?You almost forgot their flavor. It's sweet, like that hard candy. You remember when you were little you used to think different fur color meant different taste. Blue was always your favorite, reminding you of blue raspberries. Then came pink, for watermelon. Brown for chocolate. By this time, you ate so many micen you really aren't sure if they taste different. But they still taste amazing."What do you want?" You snapped at a micen that was crawling across the floor, returning you to reality. You aren't really sure how long you just let your thoughts wonder.? ? ? ? ?"I saw you let those people go," Jason began, "All three of them. I thought I'd bring you a present."You sit up and see Jason with a precious stone the size of his head. It was a diamond! "Jason is that real?" You never bought a diamond before, not when there's other people living in your home. That'd be stupid, but where did his come from?? ? ? ? ?"It's real," he answered, "My mother gave it to me on my first birthday. I remember she looked me straight in the eye and said ' Jason, the fastest way to a woman's heart is a fist straight through the chest. But a diamond is always little less messy'. What I'm trying to say is... I'm sorry for avoiding you. I hope this makes it up to you."You lay back down on you bed and with a gesture of a hand, "Jason. Get up here. We have to talk."? ? ? ? ?Micen are normally hesitant to get on your bed. It's essentially a death wish. Jason however, didn't think twice and placed the diamond in a bag before climbing up the blankets.The two of you laid together for almost an hour talking about anything. How his day was, how work was etcetera and so on. He even mentioned a pupil that acted like a micen willing to get eaten. Finally you asked, "I've always wondered, why do micen keep taking gems, or things they can't eat?"? ? ? ? ?"We give them to the headmasters and they give quite a lot of food for them. That diamond could feed me for a year. The headmasters, such as myself, we trade them to other colonies, like Kert and they give us resources that we could use to dig or build houses. We don't really know what they want with them but it keeps us sheltered so we don't question."Your ears perked, "Kert? You've been to Kert?"? ? ? ? ?"You know about it? Yes, I've been to Kert a few times. I'm going to be gone for a week to do some business with them. They're under new management from what I heard.""Why didn't you tell me you were going there for a week?"? ? ? ? ?"You were mad at me, and I didn't think Kert mattered to you.""What's it like?"? ? ? ? ?Jason shook his head, "It's not worth your time. There's just a bunch of poor micen living around a bunch of rich micen, somewhere in there gambling is involved.""And slaves." You grunt.? ? ? ? ?"And slaves," Jason repeated.The two of you talked for the entire day. Sharing laughs and logic. It felt wonderful, like reliving nostalgia. The chat lasted until Jason had to leave. You leaned in and gave him a big kiss on the chest, "You be safe. Got it?"? ? ? ? ?"You know I always am." He smiled.211221111112121111?You yawn loudly.? ? ? ? ?It's still early in the morning and Bibi is late on the whole breakfast thing. You'll let it slide this time, she's making an omelette and so long as it doesn't take a few hours, she's not going to be a topping for it. You caught yourself watching television, more importantly the channel was on an eSports tournament. As you were watching in your pink, heart-patterned pajamas, you've noticed that micen have congregate on your coffee table. Not only that, they found themselves on your couch and armrest.? ? ? ? ?"What are you watching Miss Solace?" a little red juvenile that sat on your arm rest."A tournament, they're playing Association of Maps. You gotta control one person in a team of five and go to destroy the other teams drinking fountain."? ? ? ? ?"That sounds fun!" She replies.? ? ? ? ?"Can we play it?" Another one calls.? ? ? ? ?You continue your talk with the six juveniles. You found out the red one was named Mary. You told them the basics of the game and that they can't really play it because of their size, but they can have a tournament. You gave them some toothpicks, with the points broken off of course and told them to fight and pretend they were gladiators trying to win the giantess's favor.? ? ? ? ?It was rather fun watching them play around. As they were playing, you sniffed the air and noticed a new scent. You shot your head to see at the base of the couch was a blue micen with silver hair and a white belly. "Wait... Thorrow?" You widen your eyes and pounce in front of her her.? ? ? ? ?The mouse braced herself, lifting up her hands in a submissive way, "What? No. I'm Mable. I'm their mentor." Upon closer inspection, you see that she has brown eyes. She added, "You.. You know Thorrow?"? ? ? ? ?You picked up the mouse hearing her make a squeak and you asked, "So you're a mentor, or a baby sitter? Because I could have eaten anyone of them at any point in the past five minutes." Mable was hesitant, perhaps nervous about what you'll do. Maybe she'll end up like the last 'mentor' ended up. Perhaps she will! You placed her on the table, "Alright gladiators, now you got to save the damsel in distress from the big bad monster."?? ? ? ? ?You command the juveniles before placing your elbows and upper body on the end of the coffee table. You held Mable in one hand and pretended to attack the micen in the other. They charged at you, climbing and batting against your body in what almost felt like tickles. You threw out threatening calls like, "Rawr!" and "Do you even lift, bro?"? ? ? ? ?It was fun while it lasted. The micen won. You heard Bibi call and told the gladiators that the giantess will reward their services with a feast from the gods. You lifted your shirt to make a makeshift pocket and carried all of them into the living room. After placing them on the table, you picked up Bibi's omelette and placed it on the table with them.? ? ? ? ?They started chewing and eating the other side. You began on the side facing you. It tasted delicious as always. After a few minute the omelette was gone. You were about to go back and play with Mable and the pups a bit more, but you heard something drop and spill from inside your pantry."Mable." You hold in a growl, "Take the students home. Now."? ? ? ? ?You didn't give them a reason. They didn't need a reason, but you're sure that they know it. You set them on the floor and walked to the pantry. Upon opening it, you discovered what you feared the most. Your entire supply of chocolate wafer eggs that you've saved since the holiday were spilled all over the floor. Any that weren't in the own individual wrapper was on the dirty floor, or in between cracks of other food."Who did it?" You snarl, looking around for any micen. It wasn't able to fall off on its own. It was behind a box of crackers that was now moved to the side.? ? ? ? ?A micen crawled out from behind the cracker, "I can explain!"You grabbed the mouse and stormed out of the pantry. You tossed the mouse on the counter and almost smothered her against it. She was a brown micen, with a black stripe down the side of each arm and leg. "Alright, talk."? ? ? ? ?"My name is Uschi," She spoke, "I came looking for someone important to me. Her name is Gertrude. I was told that knocking the candy over I'd find her.""That candy is all over the floor." You squeeze her, "There's going to be micen swarming in there if I don't get it picked up. Whoever told you that obvious had a sweet-tooth and a death wish. And making you do the dirty work only makes him get away!"? ? ? ? ?Before you can continue, there was a knock on the door. You see a few micen come from Desio to check out what's up. You hand them Uschi and headed to answer the door. You calm yourself down before opening the door. And there stood a naked Shieki with Gertrude on her hand. And what's this? A cute little green snack as well?You look at Shieki, who acted a little nervous as she always has.?Gertrude, why??"What did the lazy mouse promise you this time?"? ? ? ? ?"Hunting lessons." She lowered her head. She knows those never work out."Again? Alright. I'll be down there in about an hour or so I guess." You hold out your hand next to Shieki's and Gertrude throws her new friend on it before hopping on herself. "Now put some clothes on when I get there." You close the door without saying bye or a see you later. That Uschi mouse really ruined your day. Never mind her, you have a snack that can help with your anger issues. "So, this is your new friend?" You asked Gertrude. Your stomach is still full from the omelet and possible micen that snuck in there when you closed your eye to savor the taste, but you're sure she could fit in there too. You inspected the micen as you went into the kitchen. Green fur, orange hair. She looked at you as if it was a sight she'd never seen before, but with a few ounces of ignorant trust. "Well she's quite the looker. Good find."? ? ? ? ?You toss the micen in your mouth and savored every morsel of taste. It was amazing how she felt on your tongue, a little better than the omelette even. Then you noticed something. On the back of the micen was what felt like a few long scratches. Scars. You moved your hand up to your lips and couched the micen out.?You looked at Gertrude, “She has a bunch of scars on her back. Are you telling me you bought a slave?" You're not going to eat a slave. First off, they're too dirty. Second, they could be covered in diseases. Third, they almost never deserve to be eaten.? ? ? ? ?"Nope," Gertrude smiled, "I bought her freedom."Dammit Gertrude! Your stomach is too full to really care about eating the mouse, but Gertrude pulled a fast one. "You have a point." You set down the mouse and gently pushed it towards the hole towards Niarb. You added sincerely, "And I'm glad you're back, there's a micen wanting to see you."? ? ? ? ?"What do you mean?"? ? ? ? ?You kept your mouth shut, not really sure what you mean. Uschi never told you why she needed to see Gertrude, but you're interested in seeing where this is going. The micen that were supposed to keep Uschi contained were now behind her, blocking any exits. You set Gertrude on the counter a foot away and notice her reaction.? ? ? ? ?She was stunned. It's as if her entire world has come to a halt. As if for a few seconds, nothing in the world mattered except for the person in from of her. For an entire moment she was still until she walked towards Uschi with her mouth open in disbelief. She looked up and down the micen's body. Side by side, you noticed the similarities that the two had. Gertrude froze up a few inches away from the stranger."Uschi? Uschi, is that really you?" Gertrude’s voice quivered.? ? ? ? ?Uschi's eyes began to tear up, but she kept her voice strong, "Hello, mother."3?"Mother."? ? ? ? ?That word still rang in your ears. It was drowned out by Gertrude's tears. She was hanging her entire weight on Uschi, weeping tears of sorrow and joy on her shoulders. Uschi was stronger emotionally, as if she had some sense of pride. She held her head high, but her eyes were kept close. Soon a tear fell from her eye. Uschi wrapped her arms around her mother and started to cry as well.? ? ? ? ?Gertrude grasped her daughter harder, almost dropping to her knees. You've never seen her like this. Gertrude is a brave mouse. Even when you first met her she never trembled this much.? ? ? ? ?"I'm here, mother," Uschi's words were said to comfort her, but did the opposite and made Gertrude cry even harder, "I'm okay, mom, it's me.""Did I miss something?" Your words were the only thing that broke the remaining silence.? ? ? ? ?Gertrude stopped her cries. She was still sniveling when she looked at you. Her eyes were still cloudy and her voice was broken, "Solace, this is my daughter. Uschi. I thought I lost you..." She placed her head back onto her daughter's shoulder.? ? ? ? ?Uschi hugged her mother tighter, "I'm here," she repeated.? ? ? ? ?"I never thought I'd see you again." Gertrude was slowly returning to her strong self, but her tone never left her voice, "How did you get away?"? ? ? ? ?"I didn't. The slavers sold me," Uschi answered, "Or rather, my freedom was bought." You lifted your finger, about to interrupt the duo and point out that there's a bunch of chocolate at the bottom of your pantry, but you kept silent. Uschi continued, oblivious to your actions, slowly returning to the temptation to weep, "I thought you were dead."? ? ? ? ?Gertrude grabbed her daughter by the chin and lowered it to kiss her forehead and placed her own head against hers. Her breathing was irregular, knocked off balance by the gasping cries.? ? ? ? ?You waited a few moments. You were touched by the reunion. Your frustration turned to flustered. When and who were questions in your mind. When you asked, Gertrude was hesitant. She looked down at the counter, refusing to let go of her daughter. She was done crying, for now. "Solace," She caught your attention after a few moments of silence, "I was young. Too young to take care of myself; too young to have kids. I met someone special and couldn't help myself. You know how I am. Within a month I had her and was on my own. We got by on the pity of others for a while until... That special someone came back with friends."? ? ? ? ?Gertrude embraced her daughter again, "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I wasn't strong enough to stop them. They took my Uschi. They took her and stabbed me and left me for dead. I crawled until... I never saw so much of my own blood. For the longest time I wished I died that day until I made a new friend." Gertrude now sounded as if she remembered someone but couldn't put her finger on it.? ? ? ? ?Uschi's ears perked. She thinks she meant you. Uschi grabbed her mother and started to shake as she remembered the dire trouble she's in.? ? ? ? ?Gertrude noticed something was off. She wasn't shivering in sorrow, she was scared. Gertrude stopped hugging her and looked into her eyes. She shot a concerned, partly horrified face. "What did she do?"You leaned in and pointed to the pantry, "She spilled an entire bag of eggs."? ? ? ? ?Her mouth dropped. She glanced between the two of you, before shaking her head and walking in front of you to block her child, "Solace," she sounded hoarse, like she just lost the daughter she reunited with, "Please tell me I can change your mind.""She spilled an entire bag of eggs." You repeated. You've eaten micen for being caught with a single chocolate, but now you have a micen in your midst that cost you dozens. You're not even sure what you want to do to her. You can't eat her, she's Gertrude's daughter. She may have just been indentured to serve you.? ? ? ? ?"She must not have known what she was doing!" Gertrude hid Uschi behind her. She bit her teeth. She knows the rules, and how everyone knows the rules and how everyone knows not to break the rules. She also is aware of the consequences. What can she do? She can't beg, that never works. She held her head high, "Whatever you do to her, I'll take half the punishment."Your ear twitched. That doesn't sound like an offer. "Since when did you start telling me how to punish-"? ? ? ? ?"Since I found my daughter!" She rasped.Anger ran down your spine. You've never had a micen talk to you like this. This is insulting, being belittled by a mouse. A thought ran through your mind.?Don't befriend a micen. They'll leave you sooner than you think.?You opened your mouth...31? ?You opened your mouth but said nothing.? ? ? ? ?How dare she? You're speechless. Gertrude has been acting like an equal for some time but now she's acting like she owns the place; telling you what you can and cannot do with your prey, with the people who wronged you, and now she's interrupting you and making you look bad in front of micen from your own colony.? ? ? ? ?Anger clouded your mind intensely. You were about to smack the mice off the counter with the back of your hand. But you remember something else your daddy taught you.?Do not act on thoughts when angry.?You held your fist behind you. The other micen's gazes made you feel embarrassed. You're angry enough you could bite the head off a mouse. Then you realized, you can. Kert. You had nothing to say to Gertrude and Uschi, so you didn't. You just left.? ? ? ? ?Jason sat down across from Vanner. The long table was set so that there were only two plates of food on cloth. His first-time meeting Claude's son and he doesn't seem to be in a good mood. Jason tried his best not to notice his behavior and decided to pay attention to his plate with bread, some mashed potatoes, and even a slice of cooked meat. "Why aren't you eating?" Jason asked when he saw Vanner's food untouched.? ? ? ? ?"A woman the other day," Vanner growled, twiddling his fork on his potatoes, "came in here running amuck. It was embarrassing, she tried to intimidate me in front of my own guards."? ? ? ? ?Jason finished some of his food, "Where is she now?" Jason asked, as if he didn't already know what's left of her in in a rat in the basement.? ? ? ? ?"She dropped a gold bar and straight up left." Vanner scoffed. Jason almost choked at the sound of her actions. Vanner continued, "Actually she gave us two bars in total." Jason at this point was full on coughing on his food. "Guess I can't complain. Are you okay?"? ? ? ? ?"I'm fine, I'm fine," Jason tried telling himself, soon he was able to stop coughing and asked, "Where did she get gold bars from?"? ? ? ? ?"Her friend, Solace." Jason was glad there was nothing in his mouth to choke on this time, but at this point he's not impressed anymore. In fact, Jason is rather calm hearing this, it explained everything. Vanner started mimicking a woman's voice, "Oh don't mess with me, my friend Solace is pretty big. She could eat you alive."? ? ? ? ?"Swallow you whole," Jason corrected him nonchalantly, taking another bite of meat.? ? ? ? ?Vanner looked up, concerned, "What? You know of her and her friends?"? ? ? ? ?"I don't exactly know the other leonas, but I do know Solace. And if she knows of you and the wonderful establishment you have here-"? ? ? ? ?"Oh, whatever!" Vanner motioned his hands for the cup-bearers to come in and pour some drinks, "I have almost a hundred guards. I think I can take on a single mob boss. How many do you think it'd take to kill one of your so-called leona warlords?"? ? ? ? ?"Fifty? Sixty?" Jason shook his head realizing what he just said to a powerful stranger, "Wait, you aren't actually suggesting we kill a leona, are you?"? ? ? ? ?"What if I am?"? ? ? ? ?"Are you mad?" Jason stood to his feet in alarm, causing a hooded guard to draw his needle. He remembered the ancient legends from generations past, and how killing the cats can cause mass extinction. He must've stood up too fast, as now his equilibrium was off and he slumped back into the chair.? ? ? ? ?Vanner raised a hand, making the guard put away his sword, "Jason, I don't know how your conversations went with my father, but I will have you know that I will not be insulted at my own dinner table." The cup bearers gave the goblets to the patron and the king. Jason noticed newly formed scars on her bare back. "Never mind, you're our guest and we will be delighted if you could join me in a toast for everlasting friendship."? ? ? ? ?"To everlasting friendship." Before he drank, Jason sniffed the bottle. This wasn't wine. The scent was unfamiliar. He believes that just from the whiff his head is starting to hurt. He placed it back down, "Not to make accusations, but I think I could smell the drugs you put into this thing."? ? ? ? ?Vanner took a sip, "In this? This is Stray-Dog's. It's the very definition of 'fine-ass whiskey'. To tamper with this would be a crime against nature. But you shouldn't worry, see, it's the potatoes that were drugged."? ? ? ? ?Jason was unable to move. An attempt to stand up made Jason fall out of his chair. Jason was conscious, but completely paralyzed.? ? ? ? ?Vanner drank all his whiskey and started to tread towards Jason, shaking his head before grabbing his guests cup and drinking it. "With the gold she gave us, we won't be needing your services anymore. Sitchol, put him in holding. The rat will want to feed soon."? ? ? ? ?Jason heard there was loud thudding, muffled to the point that is couldn't have been in Kert, but rather far outside. It wasn't ear shattering, though it was enough to be audible. But what could be making it? Jason was able to see that Vanner heard it as well. His fur bristled on end, he looked almost scared.? ? ? ? ?"Impossible," Vanner muttered, "Sitchol! Get someone to check on the Monolith!"? ? ? ? ?The damn door was locked! Of course, the room was abandoned a few years ago. You twist the knob and pushed the door in, hoping maybe the lock could show some signs of budging. It was futile. You glide your hands through your hair and find a bobby pin that you used to attempt to pick the lock. You growl and rest your forehead against the door.? ? ? ? ?All you want to do is munch on a micen and now, moments away from a belly full of micen, a freaking door stops you. If it wasn't for you being upset, you'd feel like a videogame character.? ? ? ? ?A tap on your shoulder made you jump. You turn to see a face that you haven't seen in a long time. Geeaness.? ? ? ? ?"What's up, Solace?" The orange cat's soothing Britannian voice was a welcome muse. His brown fancy combed hair did little to hide his bent right ear. You kind of cringe when looking at its lifeless flab hang, and shudder at what you've done. But you always suppress your emotions towards him. He deserved a broken cartilage after kissing you that one time without permission. His green eyes shuffled between you and the door."Well, hello Geenie." You did your best to not sound enthused. "You scared me, for a moment I thought you were someone important."? ? ? ? ?"Mmm. It seems you want to break into an apartment. Last I checked, that sounds like it's a little illegal. Maybe a smidge, I could be wrong. May I ask why?"You rolled your eyes, "What will it take to get you to shut up?"311?"Move aside. I want to join you."? ? ? ? ?"You're kidding," you mutter. Geeaness gave you a sharp look. You pull on a smile and add, "I mean sure! Go ahead." You move aside and hand Geeaness the bobby pin. "You realize you're breaking the law too, right?"? ? ? ? ?"Yeah, but I'm rich and part mutt. So, I'm an exception." Geeaness got down and started fiddling with the lock, "Don't know why you're trying to break in here. This place has been lifeless since that one girl died."?"Girl? Died?"? ? ? ? ?"It's what happens when you push the mice too far." He answered, as if it helped. "Wait... And got it!" Geeaness opened the door. To his surprise, the chain from the inside was stuck to the door, preventing him from further access. He was stunned and almost speechless. After some silence he spoke while keeping his voice down, "Okay, I was wrong. Someone had to have locked it from the inside. That means..." He gave a look at you, "You were planning on hunting micen in there, huh?""Not anymore." You grunt, "The chain is hooked."? ? ? ? ?Geeaness shook his head inspecting the knob. He said, "It's a lever handle. We're in luck." and looked around. He spotted a newspaper and headed straight for it, removing the rubber band from it. He reached in and put the band on the chains head that was attached to the back of the door before stretching the band and placing it on the bottom of the door knob. He closed the door and twisted the handle.? ? ? ? ?On the other side of the door, the band slid back, pulling the bolt of the chain away from its position and shot to the ground as the chain dangled out of place.? ? ? ? ?"Tah-dah!" Geeaness pulled open the door, showing the chain unfashionable, only to be stopped by a lockset found above it. It's the kind of latch that you would find in a hotel room. "Really?" Geeaness questioned rhetorically before turning around and going through Shieki's mailbox. He pulled out a thick letter, possibly a bill, and placed it between the latch and the door.? ? ? ? ?He closed the door gently, making the envelope straighten and pushed the latch off the protruding metal piece.Geeaness pushed the door open, smiling widely as it was unblocked and he was able to see the empty room. He gestured you in, but you stopped a moment and asked, "Impressing. How? Where did you learn to do all of that?"? ? ? ? ?"The ghetto." Geeaness shrugged, "stay here while I get the crowbar. We're trespassing, so we might as well vandalize, and the micen are probably going to be in the floor."? ? ? ? ?You nod and take the time to sniff around. You get on all fours and followed what may have been a whiff. A scent! It led you to the middle of the wooden, dilapidated floor.?They're under the floorboards! It’s a good thing Geeaness is getting that crowbar. But how did he know we'd need it?? ? ? ? ?A loud thud spooked you. And a metal crowbar landed next to your hand. You grab it and put a piece of it into a crack of wood and pulled. The nail on the sides of the wood slipped out of their holes. With the wood absent, you could see a dozen delicious micen huddled around in what seemed like a barracks. Around them were armor similar to the one you saw before, and needles that you plan to be unacquainted with.? ? ? ? ?The micen looked terrified, you couldn't help yourself but dive in and nab one with your teeth.? ? ? ? ?You close your eyes, savoring the taste of your struggling, screaming prey as you slurp it to the back of your mouth and swallowed. A cool shiver ran up your spine as you can feel the sensation of the mouse slither down your throat and into your stomach. You missed the feeling dearly. Without opening your eyes, you sniffed around and caught another micen with your jaws, allowing her to meet the same fate.? ? ? ? ?You open your eye to see two micen have slipped out using a nearby door. Geeaness blocked the door before more could escape. He also dipped his head in and joined you, making the former barracks into a feeding trough for two giant hungry cats. You ignore the cries in fear and the begging for mercy, keeping in mind that these are slavers, and you've done this plenty of times before to their ilk.? ? ? ? ?The third micen went down with only a little struggle, rather disappointing from a micen that knows how to handle themselves. When you grabbed your fourth prey by the leg, you felt something tug it. Thinking it was another micen, you tugged back. Another, stronger tug made the micen slip from your jaws. You peep open an eye to see it was Geeaness with his eyes closed that unwittingly stole your prey.?? ? ? ? ?You growl playfully before purring and continuing to feast on the mice. When you grabbed your next one, your stomach was feeling heavy, filled with the omelet and micen, it was ready to give up. This was the last one for today. You leaned your head back and swallowed, making the little piece of meat go plop in your gut.? ? ? ? ?You pull away with a cute little hiccup of a burp, to see Geeaness has also finished gorging himself. As he sat back, you noticed a straggler, a survivor. A mousey girl standing in the middle of the barracks wielding a needle. Her eyes were full of horror and her knees were trembling uncontrollably.? ? ? ? ?"What do we do with her?" Geeaness licked the taste off his chops."Let me think..."3111? ? ? ? ?"She'll deliver a message for us," you said.? ? ? ? ?"Really?" Geeaness pried, "She's a delicious mouse just ripe for eating, and you're letting her go?"You nod.? ? ? ? ?Geeaness crossed his arms above his chest, "Hmph. I never thought you'd say that. Alright, shoot."You look at the mouse. She dropped to her knees and released the needle before weeping. Most of her bunk-mates are turning to slosh now, so you can't blame her for crying. But you fail to see sympathy for a slaver. "Mouse. Get up." The rodent curled up and shook her head. You kneel down and lower your head in, "Mouse, are you listening to me?"? ? ? ? ?She nodded, unable to speak."Good." You growl, "Go to your masters and tell them this was an example of what I do to slavers. And I want to have a talk with your leaders. Things are going to change."? ? ? ? ?You get up and step away from the crying mouse and headed towards the door. Geeaness had a smirk on his face, "I never really took you for a paragon. Thought it was a whole 'renegade for life' kind of vibe with you.""Things change," you answer in a condescending tone. You tell Geeaness bye and head home. You're going to take a quick nap and let a few things digest before teaching Shieki how to hunt.? ? ? ? ?Jason was appalled at how terrible the events turned up. It was a simple plan. Get to know the new headmaster of Kert, continue trade, nothing wrong. But He didn't hold into account that Vanner would act like a juvenile, and now he's in line to be rat food. He already tried escaping from his bonds of rope, but it was impossible. Even if he could, he'd have a set of metal bars to chew through. Something he can't do when guards are watching on him constantly.? ? ? ? ?He has to escape! He has to warn Solace of the danger Kert possesses. If Vanner can muster up an army as big as Jason suggested, she could be in trouble and best-case scenario, dozens of micen will die for a petty cause. But if they succeed, if the worst-case scenario were to happen...? ? ? ? ?"Well, well, well," A woman's voice called from the entrance to the jails, "Jason.?The?Jason?"? ? ? ? ?A yellow furred woman walked in front of the white mouse' cell. She had tan hair and hazel-green eyes. She was wearing armor made of dull tin on top of a black coat. Her collar consisted of fizzled fur, accompanied by teeth that looked too big to be a mouse's.? ? ? ? ?"Who are you?" Jason asked.? ? ? ? ?"You don't know me. But I know you." The woman knelt down in front of Jason's cell, meeting him at eye level. She pulled something out of her bag. It was a book. His book. It was torn up a bit and the spine were worn, showing that someone read the hell out of it. She skimmed a few pages before closing it with a single hand. "Jason of Niarb. Oh, how I've always wanted to see you face to face. So important, you even got a title that can serve as a last name. I almost envy you. What did you get yourself into?"? ? ? ? ?"Yellow fur and an attitude like she's important..." Jason began to think, "You... You're that woman who's responsible for the coup in Toor. You're Serena!"? ? ? ? ?Serena chuckled a bit, "So, you are smart. I'm sure you heard I no longer am in charge of Toor, but I'm still more powerful than you realize. Guards, leave us." The guards nod silently and salute before exiting the room. Her influence is here in Kert too? This could be to his advantage!? ? ? ? ?"Serena!" Jason jumped to his feet, "Vanner, he's trying to kill Solace! You have to stop him. You have to warn her before she does something stupid and gets us all killed!"? ? ? ? ?Serena shook her head, "Jason, that's all part of the plan."? ? ? ? ?"Plan?" Jason repeated in shock. He shook his head wanting to protest but Serena grabbed his snout and held it shut.? ? ? ? ?"To show these leona not to screw with us mice. To show them that we are not just prey, but rather a force to be feared. At first it was just going to be Shieki. She's terrible. Crushing and killing an entire colony and going back just to finish off the stragglers. She killed someone I was sworn to protect. And then Risa, she's the worst, killing and toying with us like we are some sort of rodent of play thing. She took my child. Did you know that?" She bared her teeth, "Did you know that that bitch is going to get the worst of it? An awful lot of liquor can get real hot and there's nothing like a little fire to cleanse the soul!"? ? ? ? ?Serena took a few breathes to calm herself down. "And Solace? I'll be honest. I thought she was going to change. I believed it too. I even washed my hands of her, let someone else try and kill her and wouldn't you know it, she proved me wrong. She didn't change. Oh, but I'm not going to kill her, see, you know what all that ruckus was a few minutes ago? It was her! She just ate several micen that didn't do a thing wrong in their lives. No, she's worse than what she was before, this is Risa's level of bitchness. But now... Now I'll leave it to Kert and Vanner to kill her."? ? ? ? ?Jason ripped himself from her strong grasp, "Are you insane?" He screamed. This took her as a surprise. He continued, horrified at her plans, "Did you never hear of the legends? Do you know why the colonies prevent their citizens from killing them? It's happened before, Serena. We've killed them in their sleep. And you want to know something? Their friends called down the wrath of the gods. Something known as the Exterminators. They kill everyone! Entire colonies will have streets full of dead, innocent people because of your mistakes! Is a dead cat with a thousand mice? How many innocents are going to suffer because you can't find it in your heart to forgive?"? ? ? ? ?Jason couldn't breathe. Serena grasped him by the neck and squeezed tightly. She lifted him, dangling him from a single arm. her eyes were cloudy with emotion, and every word trickled out of her mouth, "Forgive? Have you lost a child before? I will forgive her when she's dead and justice has been served. Until then, there is no chance in hell will I forgive her!"? ? ? ? ?Serena threw Jason back onto the ground and continued, this time without emotion intruding her voice, "And those legends are myths. The leona's are evil, but they aren't heartless. They'd never kill so many for the death of a single cat."? ? ? ? ?"You're making a mistake!" Jason called to her as she began walking away.? ? ? ? ?"It's a mistake I'm willing to make. Enjoy being rat food. And thanks for the survival guide."? ? ? ? ?You looked at the two micen on the counter. Gertrude and Uschi. They sat where you left them, patiently waiting for your return. Your anger has subsided, a perk that comes with a content belly, but you still have to make an example of Uschi. The chocolates she dropped were picked clean off the floor by micen. Sven and what's-her-face made sure anyone who grabbed any ate it there, and only the ones that didn't have a wrapper may be consumed. Those that did have a wrapper was put back, saving around half. You'll thank the two by not eating them the next time you're a bit peckish.? ? ? ? ?None of that matters now. Now, all that you really care about is how much Uschi is getting away with, and how much Gertrude is going to suffer along with it.31111? ? ?"Alright, I'll let you off the hook this time, Uschi." You caught yourself saying.? ? ? ? ?Uschi let out a reliving breath of air and relaxed her body. Gertrude rubbed her back and whispered a quiet "I told you so." Gertrude stood up and looked at you, "Solace, what's the catch."You smirk. She knows you so well. "Gertrude, what did you used to do when you broke the rules?"? ? ? ? ?She smiled and rolled her eyes, nudging her daughter and telling her, "She's going to make us give her a massage."? ? ? ? ?She was right. You lay your hand out and Gertrude was the first to hop on. She motioned for Uschi to follow, who, after a few moments of hesitation, did so. You carried them to your room and placed them gently on the bed. You removed your shirt and folded it neatly at the foot of the bed before picking up the two mice and laying down.You put them on your gut and ordered, "Rub."? ? ? ? ?Gertrude got down and and began to brush her hands against your fur and skin. Uschi was much less experienced, with a total of zero hours of doing something like this. Her actions felt more like she was scrubbing you clean. Her mother urged her to follow her lead. "Uschi, slide your hand up, grab the fur, gently pull down. Repeat."? ? ? ? ?You could feel Uschi's pace change for the better as she saw her mother's example. It began to feel pleasant. You missed the feeling of a belly rub, and Gertrude was always the best at it. She should break the rules more often. Well, she always breaks the rules, but you stopped caring. Soon your thoughts began to doze off as a purr grew from your throat and chest. Soon you grew silent and dreary with your eyes shut.? ? ? ? ?"Solace? Are you awake?" Gertrude asked in a soft tone. You stood quiet, your dreamy thoughts made it hard to move. Besides, you like to think what would happen if you were asleep. When you've failed to respond, Gertrude looked to her daughter, "Okay, we can finally talk in private. Keep your voice down and keep rubbing though. What were you wanting to tell me?"? ? ? ? ?Uschi sounded like there was a sudden flare, "Mom, thank you! I thought I was going to die."? ? ? ? ?"For a moment, I thought the same thing. Sometimes she's unpredictable like that." You heard a thud and an ow, "What were you thinking? Were you trying to get eaten?"? ? ? ? ?"Yes." Uschi stopped rubbing and stood up, trying to keep her voice down, "Don't look at me like that, it was a job. Mom, I'm covered in traces of poinsettia and cyanide. If she ate me she'd die."? ? ? ? ?Your eyes shoot wide. The sweet scent of poinsettia covered the scent of cyanide! Both would have poisoned you the second she entered your mouth. You closed your eyes again, hoping they would continue if they knew you weren't listening.? ? ? ? ?"You what?" Gertrude sounded shocked and took a moment of silence, perhaps to see if you were still sleeping. "Do you have any idea what you'd have done?"? ? ? ? ?"Wait, let me explain." She sounded rather exasperated, "I was bought by the person who hired me, who said you were dead, said Solace sent you to your death. I didn't believe it, so I volunteered for a suicide mission. He thought I believed him and agreed. It took a few days to get the things together, but it was the only way I could see you. Mom, what do I do?"? ? ? ? ?You felt Gertrude get up and walk to Uschi. You opened your eyes in time to see them hug, "It's going to be okay. We're going to tell her and we're going to deal with this man."? ? ? ? ?"It's not that simple. He's part of an entire army."? ? ? ? ?"Army? What do you mean?"? ? ? ? ?"More than two hundred strong."? ? ? ? ?Gertrude was silent. She glanced at you and slowly turned her head to face you. Her daughter tensed when they both saw your open eyes. "Solace," Gertrude began, "how much did you hear?""The whole thing," You get up, making both the micen tumble down onto your lap, "Uschi, how much do you know?"? ? ? ? ?"N-not much other than the whole killing you part. I'm only part of a small sect.""A small sect? There's more?"? ? ? ? ?"Yes. I'm sorry I don't know much about them, they keep us in the dark sometimes so that no one tells you anything. The only thing everyone trained knows is to prepare for the hunt, the execution and the coming of fire.""The hunt?" You repeat, realizing you forgot something, looking at the clock you realize you have time "Shieki. I need to teach Shieki to hunt. I'll be back, just try and remember as much as you can."? ? ? ? ?You put your shirt on and left out the door, walking down the stairs and knocked on Shieki's door.311111Shieki swung the door open with a giddy smile.? ? ? ? ?She was finally wearing clothes, some shorts and a T-shirt whose collar was hung over a bare shoulder, and her silvery hair was brushed neatly to stay out of her amber eyes. Then there was her smile. Oh, the despicable smile and that cute little face of hers.? ? ? ? ?"H-hi Solace." She composed herself."You're a five-foot micen, you know that?" You jest. You're wrong in a few ways. Micen are normally skinnier than her. She's not fat, but you could see the love handles at the end of her shirt. Hell, now you wish she was a micen. A nice tasty micen. It doesn't help that she's almost a foot smaller than you. And a few years younger. Does she taste good?? ? ? ? ?"Is that a problem?" Her voice snapped you back into reality."I guess not. Alright, let's get this over with." You sigh. It wouldn't be as bad, but this is the fourth time you've done this and you have yet to see improvement. You begin to go over the basics: get on all fours; see with your ears not your eyes; tail down; stay quiet.? ? ? ? ?She did everything, showing that she had practiced while you were gone.? ? ? ? ?"Am I doing it right?"? ? ? ? ?You shushed her and tugged on her erect tail. She frowned in embarrassment and put it down. You hid yourself behind a couch as Shieki crawled towards the arch of the kitchen. About two minutes past, making Shieki give concerned glances towards you. You still held up a finger to your lips, silently getting her to stay quiet. Soon, there was an ever-faint noise in the kitchen.? ? ? ? ?Shieki looked at you with pleading eyes, like a dog that has a bone on its nose. You held your hand up and waited for a few seconds. That way, the mouse won't immediately jump to cover. Then, you gave the thumbs up.? ? ? ? ?Shieki dashed out of her cover and pounced into the kitchen. Your ears perked at her voice in disbelief, "I got him!" You stand up to see Shieki tread back into the living room with a brown male in her hands. "Solace, look! I actually caught him!"? ? ? ? ?She held out her hand, showing a young male begging."Great!" You were genuinely happy. For freaking once, she caught a mouse, only took her a year. "Now, eat up!"3111112? ? ?Shieki held the micen to her lips and asked, "M-may I eat you?"? ? ? ? ?Your ears perked and your tail stiffened a bit. What did she just say? The micen in her hands was also stunned. He came back to his senses and begged not. You calm yourself. Shieki is just teasing her prey. She has to be.? ? ? ? ?"Please?" Her persistence confused you, especially the part where she didn't have the mouse in her mouth yet. After the male shook his head more, unable to speak, Shieki knelt down and placed him near the nearest mouse hole. "Oh... Alright. I-I guess I'll see you around."? ? ? ? ?She got up to see that your tail was swaying and your fists were curled. Is she serious?"Are you serious?" You asked. Shieki shifted her gaze at the hole and you like a child that has done nothing wrong. You continue, "I teach you how to hunt and you don't even eat your prey?"? ? ? ? ?Shieki retreated into herself as if she was trying to escape embarrassment, "B-but he didn't want to be eaten.""Oh really? Is that so? Next he's going to ask for some food, then a nice warm bed, then a pony. Micen are food, Shieki-"? ? ? ? ?"That's not true!" Shieki interrupted, "They're micen, and they have feelings.""If water had feelings, would you not drink it?" You point out, "Even if it's the natural order of things? Do you apologize to firewood before burning it?"? ? ? ? ?"Those don't have feelings.""How do you know? Do you speak tree?" You sigh and sit down on the couch, "You're right and you're wrong, Shieki. Micen do know emotions, that's obvious, all animals do. But does a shark care what the fish thinks of it?"? ? ? ? ?Shieki sat down next to you, "We're not animals."Her words sounded a bit crisper than you are used to hearing from her. But she's right. "Okay, how about this? Where do micen get their food? From stealing it from you. That makes them thieves. And thieves have to be dealt with. But there is no jail, so how are you going to make them stop?? ? ? ? ?"I won't." She answered with a smile, "I'm actually happy than the mice take my food. I don't need all of it as much as they need it. And if buying an extra loaf of bread means an entire family doesn't go hungry, then I'll die a happy woman."? ? ? ? ?You never thought of it like that. At first you thought she wasn't understanding your argument but now it's starting to feel the other way around. One thing you do know is that you've wasted enough time here. You stand up and begin to walk towards the door. On your way there, you got a whiff of something... familiar.? ? ? ? ?A scent. Not just any scent, but one you know by memory.? ? ? ? ?You shushed Shieki silently and got in a pouncing crouch as you stalked towards the kitchen. It was quite similar to your kitchen, except there was a counter in the center of the room. After a few seconds of listening, you jump over the island and land gently in front of a frightened silver haired, blue-furred mouse.?"Thorrow," you licked your lips as your pinned her to the ground under your hand. The mouse was surprised to see you. She must of thought she was safe, "You're still the easiest catch ever it seems."? ? ? ? ?"Uh, hello Solace," She waved, "long time no see.""Indeed," You lean your head towards her with your mouth opened, ready to finally consume her.? ? ? ? ?"Wait! You can't do that." She yelled at you in a condescending tone."And why not?" You closed your mouth and looked at her, noticing something that can answer your question. A white scarf. It wasn't Risa's black scarf, or your green one, so that means she's... Shieki's micen. You curse at yourself for removing your green rag from her neck. How were you supposed to know she'd find solitude with Shieki? It's all Mango's fault.? ? ? ? ?"Solace," Shieki walked in front of you, "that's-""Thorrow," You answered in defeat, "your newly claimed micen. I thought you've never eaten a micen before."? ? ? ? ?"That's because I haven't..." Shieki admitted.Your ears perked and a smirk grew on your face as a plot developed in your mind. A plot that will solve many problems at once. You hold Thorrow up between you and Shieki and challenged, "You never told her."? ? ? ? ?Thorrow blinked and shook her head.? ? ? ? ?"Told me what?" Shieki said before gasping at the sight of Thorrow's legs going into your mouth. She yelped, "Solace, stop!"? ? ? ? ?You held a hand up and backed off a bit, slurping up a struggling Thorrow. Shieki stopped when she noticed the face Thorrow gave as you stick your tongue out and licked her stomach.?? ? ? ? ?Thorrow was whimpering but didn't say a word. Her hands were on your chin and lips, at first, they tried to push away, but now they are petting gently. She didn't struggle when more and more of her started to disappear past your lips. She was also blushing intensely as her chest was on your tongue. The warm, red glow disappeared the moment she saw Shieki. "S-Solace," Thorrow said, embarrassed, "The secret's out. That's enough."? ? ? ? ?You spat her on your hand and washed her off in the dishwasher sink as Shieki came to realize, "She's... Is she willing? Thorrow, why didn't you tell me?"? ? ? ? ?"I-I'm afraid of being digested, and I don't know if you could vomit at will." She managed as you were washing her off."That's where I come in," Your plan is coming together, "Let Shieki eat you, and I'll teach her how to vomit at will. That way she can eat you whenever you want."? ? ? ? ?Thorrow and Shieki shared the same smile. A silent agreement. You hand Thorrow over to Shieki, who asked her little friend, "May I eat you?"? ? ? ? ?Thorrow nodded. Shieki smiled and closed her eyes just before she opened her mouth and let the mouse crawl in it. She winced at the taste as her friend lied gently on her tongue. Shieki closed her mouth with a excited shiver up her spine. She tasted Thorrow for a few seconds. For a few occasions, she had to open her mouth a little to get the micen safely over a row of teeth.? ? ? ? ?She stood motionless and then she swallowed.? ? ? ? ?She hummed a moan as her prey traveled down her throat. "O-oh gosh," She gasped, "That was amazing! Solace, I ate someone- I ate a micen! I can feel her..." Shieki rubbed her belly and leaned onto the counter. You assume that Thorrow just plopped into Shieki's gut. You wish you could see the mouse's face as her dream came true. "Why didn't you tell me this feels so good- so natural?""Thought you would like the experience for yourself." You smiled, "Now, she has about three or four minutes of air in there." You lean closer to Shieki's tummy and poked it, "Good-bye Thorrow."? ? ? ? ?Shieki's ears perked as she saw you walk away, "Wait, what?!"Thorrow got eaten and Shieki ate a micen. You love it when a plan comes together. It's time for you to leave.? ? ? ? ?"Where are you going?" She grabbed your hand."Home." You ripped your hand from her grasp, "Have fun digesting my prey."? ? ? ? ?"No!" Shieki jumped in front of you, "Please, help me! I don't want to digest her, I-I can feel her. She's struggling, she wants out! How do I get her out?""Good question. Bye."? ? ? ? ?"No, no, no!" Her voice was starting to tear up, "Why won't you help me?""Because you're a giant freaking micen." You snapped. Shieki was silent, a tear falling from her left eye. You clarify, "You're too nice to be a leona. You can't hunt, you can't even understand the connection between mice and cats. You think they're innocent? I had one try and kill me an hour ago."? ? ? ? ?Shieki bowed and frown her head as you continued."If you don't show a sign of power, they're going to walk all over you. They're going to take from you, and laugh at you, and sleep in your bed, take your shiny things, drink your booze, chew up your damn books because they wanted to decorate their home, take your candy because you'll let them. They aren't any better than us, and you can't decide whose side you're on."? ? ? ? ?Shieki hugged you tightly and rested her weeping head on your shoulder, "They like me, Solace. Do you have any idea how many people don't like me? You and Risa never ran out of friends. Me? I was picked on because I couldn't catch a mouse. Why is it so wrong that I like them?"? ? ? ? ?Her words, once again, were right and wrong and causing you to think. You're here to teach her lessons, but she refuses to learn. But she refuses to learn because she thinks she will be less of a person. But she wants to fit in. She isn't a bad person, but she isn't the most down to earth either.? ? ? ? ?"Please," She fell to her knees, her arms still clung to yours "She's not struggling anymore, Solace! She stopped moving!"Once again your lesson was ignored. Disgraceful. She still acts like a micen. She still begs without any backbone.31111121? ? ? ? ?"Alright, I'll help," You lift up her chin, "On one condition."? ? ? ? ?A surge of hope rushed through her body, mixing in with the fear and dread of losing a very close friend, "Anything!""Tell me to do it." You bare your teeth, "Enough with your damn begging. I want you to act like a normal person and tell me to do something. without getting on your knees or crying. Can you do that?"? ? ? ? ?Shieki paused for a moment. Her amber eyes locked onto yours. She scanned your face and its dead serious expression. She got up on her two feet, still making her stature insignificant to you. Her head lowered, but not in sorrow. Her fur stood on end at her neck and she spoke through her teeth. "Tell me... How to get her out. Now!"Not good enough. What's she going to do if you don't, cry? You shake your head, "Make me."? ? ? ? ?You regretted that decision almost immediately as an un-telegraphed fist smacked into your chin. In your recoiled state you felt Shieki take something from your pocket. You saw her step back to the center of the living room with a key. Your key to your apartment! Before you could do anything, she placed it to her lips and swallowed it.You stared at her, stunned, until you finally say, "That's more like it! Now swallow some air and don't burp." Her sharp furred lied down, an ear twitched questionably. Then, she did as she was told. You motioned for her to go to the kitchen with you. You poured a small cup of water and told her to drink it. When she was done you told her, "Okay, now swallow some more air in and act as if your stomach was a third lung."? ? ? ? ?She followed the orders to the letter and made a sickening exasperated exhale. Soon the exhale became more excruciating to listen to until finally bile began to spill from her mouth into the sink. Next came the contents of her stomach spilling out into the sink. Water, your door key, and the little runt of a mouse: Thorrow.? ? ? ? ?"Thorrow!" Shieki gasped weakly, reaching for her.You grabbed her arm, "No! She needs space." Shieki was hesitant, her friend's condition was hard to tell when she was still. You reached over and turned on the faucet to wash off some of the acid. You noticed Thorrow's warm body flinch as the cool flushed over her. You picked up your key and placed it back in your pocket, reassuring Shieki, "Thorrow's alive. She should be fine. Great even."? ? ? ? ?"I-I'm sorry I swallowed your key." Shieki began, her tail swayed anxiously, "And I'm sorry I punched you. Please don't hurt me."You gave her a pat on the back and rubbed your chin. The sharp pain it had was almost gone, "You finally learnt how to stand up for yourself. And don't worry about the key, I didn't even... Lock my door..." You think terrible thoughts about your I.Q. but snapped back to reality, "And I'm sorry I almost made you digest Thorrow. That's what I would say if I was sorry, but everything turned out okay so I'm not."? ? ? ? ?"Why are you so rude to them?""I've lived my entire life with those walking meat sticks on legs at the top of my menu," You answer, "If you want to see me be rude, I could still eat her. I don't mind having sloppy seconds."? ? ? ? ?"No, no, no," She got between you and the sink.You pulled her close and gave her a hug. "Oh, alright, I'm sorry I almost made you digest a friend. If it was Mango, it'd be a different story, I kind of like that little runt. But Thorrow? Hmm..." The white cat snuggled her head on your chest, enjoying your embrace. Your eyes perked as you noticed something off about Shieki's actions. "Shieki, how were you able to get the key out of my pocket so easily?"? ? ? ? ?Shieki smiled, keeping her eyes closed and facing towards Thorrow. "I wasn't always the nice person, you know? That's kind of why I've been afraid. I know how it feels to hurt people. And micen are people, aren't they?"You were silent at first. The answer was no, right? "Sure," You answer, "You could say that."? ? ? ? ?She opened her eyes when she heard Thorrow stand up. "Shieki..."? ? ? ? ?The white cat let go of her grip on you and placed her hands on the counter, "Thorrow, I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have done it!"? ? ? ? ?"That was amazing!" She called, her green eyes sparkling. She was hopping in joy. "I'm ready for round two! C-Can we try it with food this time?"? ? ? ? ?Shieki looked at you with questionable eyes. It's the eyes that a person wears when they can't believe what they're hearing.You shrug, "Go for it! Eat her and cough it up again. Eventually the only step of the formula would be the last. Practice makes perfect."? ? ? ? ?A loud slam woke up Jason. How long has he been out? Heavy steps came from the staircase leading to the cells. The hooded guard, Sitchol he thinks his name is, came down the steps and opened Jason's cell.? ? ? ? ?He stood at the door way, staring at the mouse below. His eyes, two amber beads that hid under his hood, burned into Jason. They looked unnatural. Jason felt wrong just by looking at them. "What a fine mess you found yourself in, mouse." He shook his head, rubbed the headache out of his forehead. "It's not your fault, really, it's Vanner and his ego. Shame what happened to Claude," Sitchol fixed a loose strap on his armor, "Truly."? ? ? ? ?Jason, as bound as he was, was unable to do anything but hope that he didn't have to sit through another monologue. But what would this guy be here for? He has nothing to say to Jason. "What do you want?"? ? ? ? ?"Hmph." Sitchol grunted as he walked behind Jason and lifted him off the ground, throwing him over his shoulder.? ? ? ? ?"Where are you...?" Jason halted his question as he remembered the term 'rat food'. Jason let out a scream of protest and kneed Sitchol in the chin.? ? ? ? ?Sitchol threw Jason on the ground and placed his hands around his neck. Jason could feel the life squeezed out of him and his vision began to fade. The last thing he could see was Sitchol's now blue eyes.311111211?? ? ? ?"What a mess."? ? ? ? ?Jason woke up to Vanner's voice. He opened his eyes to see the boots of the egotistical rodent. He turned around and paced away. He was in the room where he was captured. Sitchol sat in a chair tucked into the table and was eating some food. Jason looked up and noticed Vanner was unaware of his presence.? ? ? ? ?"Do you think he's part of it?" Vanner asked impatiently, "The reason they attacked?"? ? ? ? ?"Why don't you ask him?" Sitchol answered with a mouth full of food.? ? ? ? ?Vanner turned around and locked eyes with Jason. Sitchol got up and lifted the mouse high above his head and sat him on the table. The rich, purple haired mouse crossed his arms, "Jason... nine innocent guards are missing and presumed dead. There's no body and a few puddles of blood. The three eye witnesses tell me that two giant creatures ate them, calling them monsters and one of them said she was spared to tell the others what happened. Jason, tell me the truth. Are the leonas real?"? ? ? ? ?"Yes," Jason sputtered, his gut was in pain from the careless transportation.? ? ? ? ?Vanner turned his head towards Sitchol, who was now standing behind him, "Is this true?"? ? ? ? ?Sitchol rolled his eyes, "Yep."? ? ? ? ?"Why didn't anyone tell me?!" Vanner stood up, enraged.? ? ? ? ?Sitchol was still rather calm, "It started as a joke between the guards and your father to see how old we could get you to believe that the cats were a myth. The guards won, and your father was supposed to tell you. But considering he was in about six different stomachs last week, I have to assume he didn't get a chance to tell you."? ? ? ? ?Vanner was silent with rage. Every word dripped from his mouth, "I... am in... control now... Did you not think maybe giant man-eating cats would be something to have concern of? Why didn't you tell me?"? ? ? ? ?"You didn't ask." Sitchol chuckled, "Do you really think it would have made a difference if I told you? You'd have had my head."? ? ? ? ?Jason was tired, and his eyes were heavy. He laid back on the ground and rested his aching vision.? ? ? ? ?"Do the citizens know?"? ? ? ? ?"They heard the stories from travelers, merchants and nomads, but if they believe in it is anyone's guess. Then again, they just attacked."? ? ? ? ?"Any why would they do that? What have we done?"? ? ? ? ?Jason answered, "Because you are slavers." He opened his eyes and looked at the two, "I know you only buy slaves, or indentured servants, but that's slaver status to Solace." He rested his head back onto the ground, his mind was swirling. The drugs haven't worn off yet, have they? "Solace doesn't like slavers. I think they took her first best friend or something. My mind is fuzzy."? ? ? ? ?Jason felt Vanner grasp his head and lifted him to face him, "Jason, what does she do to slavers?"? ? ? ? ?He lifted his head, and it swayed from side to side. His irritated eyes are giving him a headache and all of this feels like a dream. "If she's the Solace I know, she's going to kill everyone associated. But if she's the Solace I loved, then she'll talk it out." He turned his glare towards Sitchol, "Your eyes were orange. How did you do that?"? ? ? ? ?Vanner let Jason go, content when he slumped to the ground, "How hard did you hit him?"? ? ? ? ?He rubbed his chin, "Thrice as hard as he hit me. I also drugged him, like, really drugged him. I don't like getting kicked."? ? ? ? ?Vanner picked up Jason and set him on the table. Jason was beginning to drop out of reality when he heard Vanner try and get his attention, "Jason! Stay with me! What do I do?"? ? ? ? ?Jason's words dripped from his mouth, his weary body is unable to fight the drugs in his system, "Hope... Hope she forgives you."? ? ? ? ?"And what if she doesn't? What do I do then?"? ? ? ? ?Jason wasn't able to answer. His mind and body ceased conscious thought.? ? ? ? ?"I'll see you around Shieki." You called as you climbed up the steps of the stairs. She stood at her door waving a bye with a smile on her face. You shed the same emotion with your lips. Before this, Shieki was rather annoying. Ever since she and Risa screwed up an entire colony, she wasn't allowed back in and has been a nuisance ever since. She still hasn't apologized. She says she didn't eat any and considering the body count and Risa's poetic prideful vouch, you believed her. Though Risa's apology for eating ten micen sounded more like bragging rights. She didn't say how many she chewed.? ? ? ? ?Now though, you're indecisive. You think about heading back to Kert and snagging a few more micen to munch on, though you also want to go take a nap. Uschi and Gertrude need to finish their belly rub. With that thought, it occurred to you. Micen are trying to kill you. You're going to have to get down to the bottom of this. But where to begin?3111112111? ? ? ? ?Uschi is the way to go, you thought.? ? ? ? ?But as you open your door, you find someone sitting on your couch! You could have sworn you locked the door. Luckily you know who it is: Risa, wearing her favorite black shirt and khakis. You toss your hands to the air by your sides in a shrug, "Risa, what are you doing and how did you get in here?"? ? ? ? ?Your sister smirked, "Solace, what did dad say about putting your spare key under the mat?""To not to," You bow your head and sigh in embarrassment, "but that still doesn't mean you can just walk in here. Some doors are locked for a reason."? ? ? ? ?"Well, your door was unlocked anyways." She placed her feet on the coffee table and rested her head on her arms, "I saw you heading to Shieki's for what I presume was a hunting lesson. I wanted to know as soon as possible how bad she screwed the pooch. Did she freak out when she accidentally crushed one of them?""Actually, no." You smiled, prideful of your work, "She actually caught one. Full-fledged, didn't have their back turned, wasn't doing anything at all. She hid and pounced."? ? ? ? ?"Nah uh," Risa shared your smile, "I don't believe you. Really? Alright, what's the catch.""She uhm... Refused to eat it."?? ? ? ? ?Risa was silent for a moment before continuing, "No really, what went wrong?" She studied your face for a few seconds before standing up, "Really!? I hope you talked some sense into her."? ? ? ? ?"Funny story," You clear your throat, "I made her swallow one of her friends, because: one, the friend was my prey for the longest time, and two, I wanted her to learn the wonderful feeling of a squirming micen."? ? ? ? ?Risa nodded her head, "And then what?"You take a deep breath, "The little pick-pocket swallowed my keys and I was forced to teach her how to vomit." Thinking about what you have just said, you have probably made the situation worse.? ? ? ? ?Risa raising her eyebrow helped convincing you that your suspicion was right. "There's more to it. I know there is more to it.""She kind of maybe sorta... had a convincing argument. About the micen and why she shouldn't ingest them."? ? ? ? ?Risa tilted her head, "I heard that argument before. But I must say that out of anyone, I'd think you would be the one who understands that it's full of crap. Micen- One moment, I need an example." Risa jumped behind the couch and landed on all fours, before standing back up with a micen in hand."What do you think you're doing?" You asked, buying time to inspect the black male micen who you've determined was a complete stranger.? ? ? ? ?"Think, Solace," Risa lifted the mouse up, He was panicking, begging, and squirming like they normally do, "Micen are not like us. They do not think like us. They don't have dreams or many friends or family." She lifted the micen up to her face, dangling him by his legs, "Tell me mouse, why shouldn't I eat you?"? ? ? ? ?The micen was stumbling on his words until Risa demanded he spoke louder. You were finally able to hear him, "P-please Risa, I have a wife and three kids, they rely on me to support them."? ? ? ? ?"And you do that how?"? ? ? ? ?"I-I don't live in the colonies, t-they won't let me-"? ? ? ? ?"Get free food? That means you're a thief. So how about you tell me what you've done to help our actual society, other than steal our food? What can you offer me that doesn't involve pleas, promises, or food?"? ? ? ? ?The mouse was silent, his eyes shifting as he attempts to think of an answer.? ? ? ? ?"You see, Solace? Micen don't live their lives to the fullest, they only survive; like real mice." Risa tossed the mouse on the couch, turning back to you as he scurried off.? ? ? ? ?Risa has said some truths. Micen are essentially rodents that walk on two legs. They don't strive for being a writer or actor and have very little need for art and culture. But she's not right. While micen do have little need for art, culture, and many other things they still have governments, trade and even Jason himself drew some pictures of you that weren't too shabby.? ? ? ? ?You're not going to say anything about it. You know Risa, she's not one to negotiate about micen, or her standing on them just being food. It's merely how she thinks of late. You don't blame her, you thought the same thing not long ago. Even now you are unsure of your position, whether or not to see them entirely as food or as an actual animal or being."Maybe you're right Risa," You said, "But how can you debate about this when you don't know what it's like to care about micen?"? ? ? ? ?"As far as you know, you mean," Risa stuck her tongue out and strafed around you, wrapping her arm around your shoulders from behind, "Do you even listen to yourself? Cats being friends with mice? What kind of story is that? I'm not going to make fun of you or anything, that's your choice if you want to have a thousand pet rodents. But I am warning you now, if that's the case, don't hide your key under the mat, because I might snack in here."31111121111??"Deal."? ? ? ? ?"What?" Risa cocked her head to the side and narrowed her eyes."I'm going to lay off the micen. I mean I already have, but I've decided I'm sticking to it. They're little bastards sometimes, but I don't think I mind having a thousand rodents as pets. It's fun to play games with them sometimes too." You felt Risa slip away from you, and you turn to face her, "That doesn't mean I won't eat them. Rule breakers are almost never?not?on the menu. I am, however, interested to see what they could contribute to society if they weren't constantly hunt down. Just... Call me the most generous of gods."? ? ? ? ?Risa smiled and bopped your nose playfully with a fist, "Now you're just sounding a lot like mother.""Yeah," You laugh a little due to fluster from the compliment, "She was a real bitch." You mimicked her voice in high pitch, "Solace! Don't eat the juveniles. Risa! Don't chew, or you'll get blood on your new dress."? ? ? ? ?"Oh yeah, I remember that. She meant well, but really didn't know how to express it." Risa joined you in changing her voice, "Kre, honey, teach them that micen are treats, not snacks!""I'm trying to eat here!" You reply in a manly voice.? ? ? ? ?"He says with three tails sticking out of his mouth." Risa added, crossing her arms and grinning, "I love this family."? ? ? ? ?You heard something in the kitchen. It sounded a lot like crying. You head in there and noticed Gertrude sitting at the base of the coffee maker. She was covering her face and rocking back and forth. Her tail swayed from behind her in a way that a mouse that lost everything would. She never feels this way about casual things."Gertrude?" You asked, dropping your previous tone, "What's wrong?"? ? ? ? ?"Uschi." She managed to peep out, "She's gone, I lost her!"Lost her? How? You've never seen them separate since she's arrived. "What happened?"? ? ? ? ?Gertrude took a few breaths, attempting not to hyperventilate. She swallowed and calmed herself down for a moment. "Okay, we decided to investigate the sect that tried to kill you. We went to their camp- not inside it, but we spied on it. Then I saw what I think was a black, o-or grey furred man grab my shoulder. I-I blacked out and woke up on pipes a few feet away and Uschi was missing! They took her!" She started to lose her staff, "I went back to spy on that camp and they were all gone! I lost her again." Gertrude still held her tears back, but you can see the turn of events destroyed her.No matter her mood, you had to ask her, "What were you thinking going back there?"? ? ? ? ?"She wanted to prove she was sorry about trying to kill you, and get a head start about figuring out who was in charge. She and I left right after you did. At first she wanted to go alone but I convinced her not to."? ? ? ? ?"Who was trying to do what?" Risa attempted to interrupt.? ? ? ? ?Gertrude continued, "I couldn't get the thought out of her head so I volunteered to go with her. We didn't know who could be part of their eyes and ears, so we didn't bring anyone with us." Gertrude was breathing heavily again, "She's gone."? ? ? ? ?You didn't what to say. There was nothing you could say. It was an incident of mother and daughter that turned tragic. You don't know what it's like to lose a child, so you haven't the slightest idea how to comfort her or where to begin to look for her. They could be anywhere in the apartment complex by now.? ? ? ? ?Your sister was curious, and you pulled her aside to explain the whole dilemma, and Gertrude's past. She had multiple expressions and mixed emotions. Toy our amazement, she didn't joke or lose interest, she took the whole thing seriously, even though it involved a micen. Last time you bothered to tell her a story about mice she seemed rather dull about it. It was as intriguing to her as how much a writer earns for their work; not at all.?? ? ? ? ?"Wait..." Risa sniffed the air. "I got something." Risa headed towards your pantry doors and began sniffing."What are you up to?" You said.? ? ? ? ?"Trust me on this." She sniffed again and climbed to the top of the pantry, stepping on shelves and canned goods. She got a few whiffs from behind the food before stepping back down. She looked angry when she turned around, "That bastard. Should have known he was up to something.""Who?" You stood up, "You have a lead? Share it with us."? ? ? ? ?"You wouldn't know him. But uhm... You wouldn't mind coming home with me, would you?"?? ? ? ? ?You agree as Risa started to walk at a brisk pace towards the door. You looked at Gertrude and gave her a pet and reassured her it'll be okay, before you followed Risa and softly shut the door as you left. Your sister was already at her door and motioned for you to hurry up. You dashed up the stairs and heard Risa slam the door behind you.? ? ? ? ?Almost at the top of her lungs, she yelled, "Mombasa!"311111211111? ? ? ? ?"Mombasa?" You asked.? ? ? ? ?You've heard some really stupid names for micen, but Mombasa? That's something someone would say when they’ve spilled their pasta during a stroke. You try and shrug off the thought but now your mind is wondering whatever stupid names micen might have and if you could think of any off the top of your head. Mornack? Yum-yums?? ? ? ? ?Your mind was snapped back on track when Risa called for the name again. The both of you marched into the kitchen and saw a black micen crawl out of a hole.? ? ? ? ?Risa pointed to her feet at the ground, "Come here, you little pissant." The black mouse scaled down the drawers before scurrying across the floor. He had brown hair, khakis and what seemed to be blue eyes. Risa knelt down and picked up the mouse, "What have I told you about leaving your crumbs all over the couch?" She said in a normal speaking voice before pulling him in for a whisper.? ? ? ? ?They were barely audible, but you scooted in over your sister's shoulder to eaves drop.? ? ? ? ?Mombasa wasn't afraid at all though. He seemed concern, but not for his own safety. He stood on his feet and began whispering, "Don't worry, I've tracked the cults. High ranking officer now too. They've even put me in charge of rooting out double agents. Morons. Why is she here?" The mouse gestured to you.? ? ? ? ?Risa glanced between you and the mouse, "Solace, this is Basa. He's my Gertrude, but not. An enforcer as he calls it. He came to me offering a fine-ass bottle of whiskey, asking me to eat him, and we've hit it off ever since."? ? ? ? ?"That's not what happened."? ? ? ? ?"What was that?"? ? ? ? ?"I said 'that's exactly what happened'." Mombasa cleared his throat, "Why is she here?""I'm assuming you know where Uschi is?" You whisper, even though you wanted to growl, "You were there, weren't you?"? ? ? ? ?Mombasa crossed his arms, "Don't ask questions you already know the answer to, it's rude."? ? ? ? ?"You're speaking to a leona..." Risa said.? ? ? ? ?"Right, sorry." Mombasa said,"You knew about this whole mouse army thing?" You asked Risa.? ? ? ? ?"Know plenty about it. Sent this little guy to a bit of spying here and there, he's pretty good at it."? ? ? ? ?"Thank you." Mombasa bowed. It took a moment for you to realize that Risa just complimented a mouse. "Other than that, I don't know much. Only orders now are: 'Prepare for the hunt, the execution, and the coming of fire'.""The hunt?" You asked, "What do micen hunt?"? ? ? ? ?"I'm more interested about that fire part." Risa added, she raised her voice slightly above normal, "If you go near my liquor cabinet again, I'm going to bite your arm off." You're assuming she did that to detour any micen from being suspicious of Mombasa and why he isn’t dead yet.? ? ? ? ?"Is there somewhere I could talk to Solace? I think I can help her?" Mombasa said.? ? ? ? ?"Outside. Not many micen risk getting caught in a gizzard for some fresh air." Risa answered, handing Mombasa to you gently. She stopped whispering and added, "Fine, how about you weasel your way out of her this time, and I might let you live."? ? ? ? ?You turn around, noticing a tail quickly flow into a mouse hole. There really are ears listening, aren't there?? ? ? ? ?You head outside and take a few steps down the stairs. You held up your hand close to your mouth before being as still as possible for him to get his footing.? ? ? ? ?"First off," He said on his feet, "I apologize now for what I'm about to tell you. I helped take Uschi." After hearing this your back straightened and the fur on your neck bristled. The urge to bite his head off went from zero to one-hundred., fast. He continued, "And my decision was either to blow my cover, or punch Gertrude in the face. Now I know you're mad-""Livid, actually." You growl.? ? ? ? ?"I don't know what that means," He admitted, "but my actions were worth it. Instead of killing the 'traitor', I ordered her back into slavery. At Kert. And considering this was a bit ago, she could be there by the end of the hour if the girls didn't beat her senseless before she got there."? ? ? ? ?A growl grew loud at his comment.? ? ? ? ?"I'm kidding. A slave beaten half to death is worthless. She was going to help seal the deal to, you know, convince them to kill you."? ? ? ? ?You folded your hand into a first and clenched his small body. He talked to you like a smartass, knocked your best friend out cold by punching her in the face, and then sold her daughter back into slavery. You're upset enough that you could forget that he isn't your mouse.? ? ? ? ?He squeaked in pain, "There aren't any eyes or ears out here. You don't have to put on an act.""I'm not acting." You announce, "I'm royally pissed."? ? ? ? ?"Take it out on Kert then." He proposed, "They're the ones trying to kill you.""Alright, I will! As soon as you apologize and start acting like a micen."? ? ? ? ?"I am acting like a micen. I'm just not acting like one of yours.""M'kay." You're too upset to deal with his attitude.?? ? ? ? ?You put him in your mouth and sloshed him about, making him yell at you to stop, as you head back inside to Risa's. You aren't planning on swallowing him, at least not this time. You opened the door, seeing Risa stand up from a hunting pose. You spat out the mouse and dangled him by his tail over to Risa.? ? ? ? ?As he plopped in her hand, Risa gave a big smirk and a 'humph', "So you really haven't changed that much after all."? ? ? ? ?You aren't sure if she was referring to you or that mouse, but you're sure as hell not staying in this room. You have an entire colony to kill. The anticipation is staggering. You haven't done this in quite some time. You always compare yourself to one of those giant monsters from those movies with large creatures terrorizing a metropolis.? ? ? ? ?Hearing their begs, their screams, and tasting their delicious flesh and fur; you now remember why you eat micen. It wasn't for the power, or the taste, but the thrill of taking ones life in such a primal manner. They're rodents. The bottom of the food chain. They deserve to be treated as such.? ? ? ? ?You storm down the stairs and get to the door. It was unlocked from before, so you gently opened it before kicking it for dramatic effect.? ? ? ? ?And just what did you see?? ? ? ? ?Nothing could prepare you for this. At least two dozen micen are just on the floor, exposed, all heavily armed with toothpicks for picks and needles for swords. Pieces of tin can are strapped to all of them. All of them drew their weapons the moment you kicked the door, but now as they get a good look of your stature, around half of them shake in fear.? ? ? ? ?The ones on the left half are in whatever cloth they could wear, but the right half are all in black uniforms. And not a single one was afraid. This helped distinguish The Sect from Kert forces. It seems you must've walked into them on their way to kill you. Good! Saves you trouble of waiting.? ? ? ? ?There were a few micen that looked different, however. In the middle of them were four or five micen that seem to be bound and gagged. Amongst them was Uschi, who looked upon you as if you were her savior. And another you recognized as...?? ? ? ? ?Is that Jason? The mouse looked terrified. He shook his head, not in fear though, but the kind of head shaking that's normally accompanied with someone saying 'Ah... crap'.? ? ? ? ?Seeing his disposition to your actions made you forget your anger, for a second. Only for a second. When one of the micen in black yelled, "Charge!" it snapped you back into a raging state.3111112111111? ? ? ? ?"No, no, wait!" You said and stuck your hand out.? ? ? ? ?Your words fell on deaf ears. A dozen micen sprinted across the floor, needles bare and all in black. Micen are small but are fast runners. Within a few seconds, you were flanked by both sides. You can't kill anyone, or else no one will listen to you. You only have two options. Move out of the door, or closer to the other micen.? ? ? ? ?One of the little runts hopped on your foot, preparing to stab at it with his needle. You kicked your leg, making him fall through the air. He wasn't the only one. By the time he was back on his feet, three other mice were on you, the others waited their turn with their weapons drawn.?? ? ? ? ?What are they trying to do? They haven't tried stabbing you yet. You think they are trying to lead you to the door. There isn't enough of them to cause actual harm. The other dozen of micen were holding their ground, not giving into the command of the Sect leader."Stop!" You said as you rubbed your feet against your legs, smacking the micen off, "I just want to talk!"? ? ? ? ?"Get off her!" Jason yelled.? ? ? ? ?The micen stopped trying to get on you and started to back away with their weapons drawn. One micen, a yellow one with tan hair and a fancier outfit than the rest, called her crew back and faced the micen of Kurt, demanding, "I said attack!"? ? ? ? ?"They don't listen to you." A micen said a disgusting attempt of an Italian accent. This one looked average but had purple hair and an even fancier white outfit. So much so fancy that you can't believe a micen would wear such a thing and it's hard to take him serious in it. It's like looking at a child in a tux.? ? ? ? ?The one next to him, one in armor and hooded snarled, "Then tell them to attack."? ? ? ? ?"No." The fancy-pancy shmuck said, "She said she wants to talk, let her talk."? ? ? ? ?"Vanner, you don't actually believe her, do you?" The Sect leader called.? ? ? ? ?"Guards," Vanner said and pointed towards the micen in black that attacked you, "Seize them for attempting to ruin negotiations."? ? ? ? ?"That was a mistake." The yellow one called and ordered a retreat. They scurried into a sprint, fast into another room.?? ? ? ? ?You also heard some scurrying above behind you. You look over to see there was a mouse hole on top. Perhaps that's what they were planning. Getting the drop on you and putting something sharp into your neck. It may have worked too.? ? ? ? ?Now there was just you and the other ones. The hooded guy left with the other mice, leaving Vanner, Jason and Uschi with the few micen left.? ? ? ? ?All eyes were on you, making you feel nervous. Then you remember if nothing goes to plan, you could just squash them. Still though, it's best to think of a way to calmly settle this."Okay," You began and sat down on your rump, "I know you all might be feeling a little tense, and I understand."? ? ? ? ?"You've killed a bunch of people!" One of the micen called in the back of the ranks."Don't you yell at me you little sh..." You bit your tongue and cleared your throat, "Yes, that is true. And I don't plan on doing it again, but I will if things go sour. Everyone but the funny looking guy in charge can leave."? ? ? ? ?The guards, contrary to what Vanner had said before, listened to you. They all sheathed their weapons and just left through a hole in the wall. Now there was only Vanner and his prisoners.? ? ? ? ?You got up to your feet and walked towards him. Once again, just like that, you're in power. You can tell by his body language that Vanner knows this. His spine is straightening and his breath is heavier.You kneel down in front of him, "Now then..." You motioned a hand towards Jason and Uschi, the two tied up, "What the hell is this?"? ? ? ? ?"I can explain," Vanner tried to keep his posture, "Uschi was someone caught by Selena and her gang. Part of the deal to convince us to help. While..."? ? ? ? ?Vanner noticed that you were growling softly in your throat.? ? ? ? ?He cleared his own, "Of course we weren't planning on taking her. Jason here was a bit of a complicated story. It was an attempt to show power and stature and I may have almost sentenced him to death."Your ears twitched and perked, "You freaking what?"? ? ? ? ?"It's fine." Jason called, swaying and trying to keep his head up. "I'm fine. It was a little misunderstanding."You try and hide your growl in front of your old friend and poked Jason gently, "Don't lie to me. You look like you're on cloud nine."? ? ? ? ?He started laughing, "That was a by-product of the misunderstanding." He lied on the ground and looked tuckered out, as if laughing took as much energy as running a mile, "I'm not complaining."? ? ? ? ?"He's lying." Vanner admitted, grabbing your attention, "It was my fault. Someone under my command got a little carried away with the sedatives. At least he isn't hallucinating anymore. I did plan on killing him, part of the whole plan Sitchol and I cooked up. Then you showed up and... I found out I wasn't the most powerful person ever." He bowed his head, "I apologize for any trouble I may have caused.""And you may have caused a lot." You said, "Now here is what will happen. I will leave Kurt alone, only if you get rid of all the slaves and indentured servants. You can do this by paying them a salary or by the hour. Not hard. And don't ever support it again. Second, don't ever try to kill a leona. Jason here can tell you how many people could die from that. I'll give you a hint: everyone. Lastly..."? ? ? ? ?You swipe your hand across the floor and pick up Vanner. He squeaked as you clenched onto his small body exceedingly hard. You lifted him up to your face and gave your last command."You're going to tell me everything about this army. When are they going to attack?"? ? ? ? ?"All in the same day." He squealed.Your heart nearly jumped out of your chest upon hearing that news. The micen, those rodent, are going to try and kill your sister and friend only hours, maybe minutes, after they killed you. Your heart pounded faster after realizing something else. They just tried to kill you.4?Prepare for the hunt, the execution, and the coming of fire.? ? ? ? ?These were the orders given by the Sect. They ran repeating in your mind. The hunt was your hunt. They predicted what you were going to do, what you always do to slavers. If you'd have attacked, you've have been outnumbered, pushed back and fallen right into their trap with a needle in the brain's stem.? ? ? ? ?Your mind raced as fast as your heart. It hasn't slowed for a moment, even after you returned Jason and Uschi home. You've been pacing back and forth across your living room ever since.? ? ? ? ?Was that the execution? No. Three leonas, three orders. The execution is next. But where and for whom? Risa? How could a micen possibly kill her? In her sleep most likely, but you're sure she, like you, aren’t that heavy of a sleeper. They also wouldn't have waited for all three leonas to become heavy sleepers on the same day.? ? ? ? ?Risa isn't afraid to kill micen. She'll chew them up and spit them out until her floor is covered with their severed bodies. She'll stomp on the rest. She also has Mombasa there to warn her of any trouble. She'll have a hay day, most likely drinking heavily while massacring them. The alcohol is most likely to kill her than the micen.? ? ? ? ?Alcohol??Your eyes widened.?Alcohol! The coming of fire! No. The micen wouldn't dare light her room on fire. It would only make her death look like an accident.?Your eyes widened again,?The exterminators wouldn't gas that room. The fire would eat the alcohol faster than the wood. The firefighters would arrive by the time that amount of booze was finished burning. Thorrow's expedition... They scouted no colonies... There would be an entire safe haven for the Sect to run to while the rest of the rooms get gassed!? ? ? ? ?There's still time to stop it! That would only mean that the execution is for..."Shieki!" You called and ran to your door.? ? ? ? ?Shieki swayed her head back and forth, watching a cartoon about feral rabbits in space kicking evil penguins in volcanoes that were under ground, in water, in an asteroid.? ? ? ? ?In her lap sat Thorrow laying against her cat friend's tummy, dreaming daydreams. Shieki is happier than she's ever been this week. She made new friends, played with old ones, even found out Thorrow's little secret. It makes sense why she'd stare at Shieki whenever she ate dinner. Now, the white cat simply adores her presence.? ? ? ? ?Mango was sitting next to the leona's thigh, resting against it.? ? ? ? ?Jessie, the orange furred, grey bellied, blonde mouse sought it much more fit to sit on the nightstand next to the couch. She looked nervous. her tail was swaying and her gaze was looking around.? ? ? ? ?"Something wrong dear?" Shieki asked, following the cat's glare to above the door, where mouse hole was made. She doesn't remember that ever being there. Why would a micen even need to get up there?? ? ? ? ?"No..." Jessie shook her head, "Nothing at all."? ? ? ? ?Shieki had no reason not to believe her friend.? ? ? ? ?"Shieki," Jessie croaked before clearing her throat, "I'm a little hungry. Can you make me something to eat?"? ? ? ? ?Shieki nodded and got up, gently placing Thorrow on one shoulder, and Jessie on the other. She entered the kitchen and placed Jessie on the counter in the middle of the room. She couldn't grab Thorrow, who thought it was a good idea to hang onto the collar on the back of her shirt. Ever since Shieki started swallowing her and letting her back out, she's been more playful. Normally she would have just Thorrow on the couch with the show so she could watch it with Mango. But ever since she found out Thorrow? ? ? ? ?As Shieki reached for the cabinet with the plates in it, she notices it was opened a little bit. She doesn't recall Mango going in there. She could have sworn he has a fear of plates and being on them. Why would anyone be in there?? ? ? ? ?As Shieki was opening the cabinet, there was a loud bang on the door that made her jump.? ? ? ? ?A voice called behind it, "Shieki! Let me in!"? ? ? ? ?She wasn't inclined to answer. Something hard and metal hit her on the back of the head."Shieki! Let me in!" You yelled as you pounded on the door.? ? ? ? ?There was a loud clash from inside. It sounded like a metal pot bouncing off of tile."No!" You tried to open the door, but when you did, it was stopped on the metal latch above. You cursed and closed the door. You prepared to kick in the door, but then you remembered what Geeaness taught you.? ? ? ? ?You looked through Shieki's mailbox. Luckily, she didn't check it since you've broke into Kert. You quickly grabbed the same bill that your friend had and opened the door. You placed it where he had and closed the door. With all the luck in the world, it worked on the first try. The bill was thick enough to straighten out and removed the lock.? ? ? ? ?You were about to burst in there, guns a blazing, but then you stopped and thought of a plan on how to enter.41?You cautiously opened the door.? ? ? ? ?There was no sign of any struggle in the living room. You stopped and listened, able to hear commotion from the kitchen. As you stepped through, you heard some footsteps from above you. You didn't have time to react after realizing they were doing the trick again. You felt some weight land on the back of your head. Due to your accurate prediction you were able to grab him out of your hair before he managed to do any harm.? ? ? ? ?He quickly reacted, attempting to stab you with a needle. You don't have time for this. You flicked the weapon out of his hand and shoved him head first into your mouth, making sure his arms are stuck by his sides as your lips surrounded him.? ? ? ? ?You ignored his presence with no intention to swallow him, at least not yet. There's no reason to start on bad terms with the Sect in here. You hugged against the wall, your prey's legs dangling and kicking as you peeked over the side of the arch to the kitchen.? ? ? ? ?Your fur stood on end. Shieki was on the floor, next to her was a pot, and above a counter was an open cabinet that you presume it fell out of.? ? ? ? ?In front of Shieki was a yellow furred micen with tan hair. You're sure she's the same one that was trying to convince Kert to attack you. Around her were several micen, a few were on the counters as well. All of them were in black clothes with tin armor, the leader was wearing more fur around her collar that you're sure doesn't belong to her.? ? ? ? ?You made sure to not draw attention to yourself but prepared to dive into the room if Shieki's life was in danger.? ? ? ? ?Serena drew her needle with eyes filled with hatred. Her heart pounded hard in her chest. In front of her was a weakened leona that took so much from her. Her job, her home, and her apprentice. For almost a year she thought about this day, planned every moment. Already it's falling apart with Solace avoiding death. A miscalculation. But now the plans can all go to hell so long as Shieki suffers.? ? ? ? ?She wanted her to know who killed her. She wished that under different circumstances that she could talk to Shieki. Now? She cannot risk her waking up. She marched closer with the intent to kill.? ? ? ? ?Suddenly, a blue micen jumped from off the top of her hand and rolled in front of Shieki's face.? ? ? ? ?Serena recognized Solace's lackey, Thorrow, the moment she saw her. She's awfully brave to charge at her unarmed, but Serna remembered the strength that could hide behind any blows.? ? ? ? ?Thorrow threw a punch towards Serena, who dipped her head back and grabbed the fist. She dipped under the arm and used the momentum behind Thorrow's attack to twist her arm. Now the girl's arm was stuck behind her back, and Serena kicked hard at the back of her knees. Thorrow cried in pain and her legs gave.? ? ? ? ?As Thorrow knelt, Serena sheathe her long needle and pulled out a smaller blade. She hold the blade high with the tip pointed down, ready to plunge it over Thorrow's shoulder and into her gut. As she was ready to stab, a strong force pulled her arm back and ripped her grip of Thorrow away. Serena used her free hand to grab the new comer's arms and she flipped him over her shoulder. As the man rolled away in front of Thorrow, Serena pulled out her needle in her off hand and inspected the mouse.? ? ? ? ?Her eyes and her mouth dropped at the sight of Mango in front of her.? ? ? ? ?She shook her head, her heart skipped a beat upon seeing the ghost in front of her. She saw him die! But his fur, his hair, his youthful frightened face was all unmistakable. "Mango?"? ? ? ? ?The orange mouse helped Thorrow up and stepped between her and the cat.? ? ? ? ?Serena's voice croaked, "Mango, is that you?"? ? ? ? ?"Serena..." Mango nodded.? ? ? ? ?The yellow furred mouse dropped both of her weapons and dashed towards the orange mouse and tackled him. She nearly knocked him over, considering she's taller than him. She held onto him and hugged him tightly like a mother who just swore to protect her only child.? ? ? ? ?She closed her eyes and took in the moment with a tear of joy, "I thought you were dead! I thought she killed you!"? ? ? ? ?"It's good to see you too." Mango responded and hugged her back. "What do you think you're doing, Serena? Why were you going to kill my friends? They never hurt anyone."? ? ? ? ?"I thought..." She took a breath and hugged him tighter, cradling him side-to-side, losing all motivation to attack anyone, "I thought they killed you."? ? ? ? ?"You have nothing to worry about." Mango patted Serena on the back, "It's okay." Shieki's voice was heard groaning and her eyes squinted hard. "See? It'll all be fine."? ? ? ? ?"No, it isn't." A new rodent stepped in, hooded and armored with amber glowing eyes. Sitchol. The other micen around him shared the same glare.?This is where you come in.411?? ?You spat the mouse onto your palm and gently tossed him away.? ? ? ? ?You stepped forward. Making your presence known, you said, "And what isn't okay about it?"? ? ? ? ?The micen, all of them, were surprised to see you. They turned their weapons on you and prepared for the worst. Sitchol was the calmest, however. His amber glare looked into your eyes, "Why? Look around you. Go ahead, take a good long look."? ? ? ? ?You listened and scoured your gaze around the room. You then realized a horrible fact. When you entered the room, you thought there was around thirteen micen in the room, total. You were wrong. Dozens more, perhaps even a hundred, were behind appliances, on top of cabinets and inside them, along with them were crawling out of the pantry. Anywhere they could ambush Shieki, they were hidden.? ? ? ? ?Shieki was now awake and sat up on her knees. She too was frightened. She's never seen so many in her life.? ? ? ? ?"Do you see us?" Sitchol continued, "Every single one of us lost someone close because of you people. We're here to return the favor.""On Shieki?" You inquired, "You should do your research, she never hurt anyone."? ? ? ? ?"That's hard to believe." Sitchol scoffed, "All of you leona's are the same. You think were just food to snack on or toys to play with. Maybe a few dead bodies ought to change your minds.""That's not true!" You said and lifted up your hands to show your palms. You're surrounded by more than enough micen to kill you, and Shieki is in the middle of it all. "Hear me out." The micen were in position, some lowered their weapons, but others still prepared to jump onto you. "Just listen to my final words then."? ? ? ? ?Now most of the micen stayed their hand.You took a moment of silence to think of something to say, until finally you spoke, "You were right. If this happened a week ago, you were right. I did treat all of you terribly. I did prey on you helplessly and I'm sorry. I'm sorry I was like that. But over the past week, I've learnt I was wrong to mistreat you. I've... I've changed. I've made friends, both new and old. This is the longest since I haven't harmed a micen that didn't deserve it. Now I have my own colony. Now micen in my room don't go hungry. Heh... They even let me play fight with their kids." You swallowed a breath, realizing that now all the micen let their guards down, "I thought you guys were just rodents. Getting into things and tearing them up. Eating my food, ruining my floor. I was wrong to think that."?? ? ? ? ?You look at Shieki, who was now sitting on her knees and smiling at you.?You nod to her, acknowledging "I was wrong. And I have Shieki to thank." You rubbed your hands nervously, and bow your head, "You all fight so your kids can live in a safer life and... The world is much safer now. No one has to die, you have my word."? ? ? ? ?The micen were silent. Very few of them held their blades up. They stood with thinking faces as they judged how much your word was truly worth. It wasn't until an orange one on the counter dropped her weapon was there any sign of life. A few others followed soon, sheathing their needles. They have no reason to fight. No cause to die for. Their children won't go hungry, their children's children won't be devoured alive. There was no reason to waste what life they had to attempt to kill you and endanger the colonies.? ? ? ? ?You continued, with one last chance, "Is there anything I can do to convince you we're not who you think we are?" You offered, "Any way to prove that I am sorry? That we, all of us, cat and mouse alike can start anew without killing anyone?"? ? ? ? ?"You know what we're capable of? Right?" One asked with their weapons drawn, "If you don't keep to your word-"? ? ? ? ?"How are any of you actually listening to her?" Sitchol sounded enraged, speaking through his teeth. "She's lying. She ate several innocent micen just a few hours ago."? ? ? ? ?"Slavers." Serena corrected him, "Slavers that look and act an awful lot like you."? ? ? ? ?"They didn't provoke her." Sitchol continued, "How do you know she'll forgive you for what you've done? We've just tried to kill her and her friend, she's playing you all for fools. This is your only chance to show micen are something to be feared and respected!"? ? ? ? ?You suddenly felt a heavy amount of force push you aside hard against the counter. A brown leona, your sister Risa, stormed past you and kicked Sitchol with an extended leg at full force. She punted him directly into a mouse hole, satisfied with a loud thud. She turned around so she could address the entire room, swinging a half empty whiskey bottle up and shouting, "Score!""Risa!" You said, "What are you doing?"? ? ? ? ?"Shhhh," She said with a slight drunken slur. She faced all the micen, who have promptly picked up their weapons at the new and dire threat. Risa just ruined your chances with reasoning with them! What could she possibly do to fix this? Risa pointed to them, "Hold on! Hear me out. That guy was... an asshole. And, a little birdy... Told me that you guys were planning to burn me with my liquor." She was interrupted with a hiccup but quickly continued, "While that is a damn fine way for me to go, I'm afraid I'm not ready for it." She almost fell over but she balanced herself, "Now then, about what he said. I've never eaten a micen, in my right mind, who didn't deserve it. And all of y'all keep banishing little bastards into my room so that only reinforces the idea. You mice have the gall to straight up kill us? I'm not even mad. But I will not stand for it. That doesn't mean that I'll kill all over you... all of you, though I'd dare you to just try and attack me but take this bargain." She cleared her throat, "If you leave now, we will forgive you. I'll even... You know, cut back on the whole eating you guys thing. I'll give you at least some leniency. We don't wanna end on bad turns... terms. If you don't leave, by all means, take a crack at me. So, what's it going to be? Do we leave as equals, or am I gonna bust some heads?"4111? ? ?"Stand down." Serena said to your surprise.? ? ? ? ?The micen turned their attention to their leader.? ? ? ? ?Serena waved her hands above her head and continued, "Everyone, stand down. Our quarrel is over. Our goals are met. You've done well, and you can go home."? ? ? ? ?"But..." One of the ones one the floor close to her inquired, "What about your child? What about you?"? ? ? ? ?Serena glared at Risa for a moment before answering, "That's my battle. I'll fight it alone. Go home, all of you. If you won't do it for me, do it for the family you have left. You've helped save their lives. They'll be happy to see you."? ? ? ? ?The micen took a moment before sheathing their weapons. With their hands free, they all placed their fingers to their brows in a salute. They've dedicated what was left of their lives, both theirs and their possessions, in hopes to kill you. Now they salute the only person who has ever given them a reason to fight, a reason to strive, and a reason to live. They do not expect to see her again.? ? ? ? ?They were all gone by the minutes end. Leaving and heading to the nearest hole. All of them except Serena, who crawled to the top of the counter. As she crawled and pass other micen on the way up, Risa made her way to the sink.? ? ? ? ?She stuck a finger down her throat and casually vomited two micen out. You headed over to the sink to see that she had just spat out Mombasa and someone from the Sect. Shieki was also curious and huddled around.? ? ? ? ?She poked the one in black, whom shivered at her touch, and asked, "You heard all that?"? ? ? ? ?"Risa," Mombasa asked, "Why did you swallow me?"? ? ? ? ?"Because if I was going down, you're coming with me." Risa turned on the water and cleaned the two before tossing the Sect member to the side and drying off Mombasa.? ? ? ? ?"Solace, Risa, Shieki," You turned to see Serena on top of the counter. She removed her armor and fancy get-up and placed it to the side when you had your back turned. "I owe you an apology. While I wasn't wrong to hate you, I cannot justify killing you. Especially you two, Solace and Shieki."? ? ? ? ?"What about me?" Risa pouted.? ? ? ? ?"You killed my child." Serena frowned and gave Risa an angry look. "I'll never forgive you. And I promise you that."? ? ? ? ?"Promise?" Risa scoffed, before changing her attitude, "Actually, you're pretty dramatic. Did your child make a lot of promises?"? ? ? ? ?"Rarely." Serena growled, "What are you getting at?? ? ? ? ?Risa shuffled some hair out of her face, revealing her other eye, "Heh... I remember him. Grimlock, if I heard right. I'll admit, I'd have let him go if I wasn't so upset at the time. He kept his promise. He must've known how to truly treat a lady." Risa cleared her throat and released her hair, "You raised him right. If you were a leona, I'd even shake your hand for raising such a gentleman. I guess what I'm saying is... For what it's worth. I'm sorry."? ? ? ? ?Serena's ears perked, "Say it again."? ? ? ? ?"You're pushing it." Risa pointed to her, but caved in, "I'm sorry."? ? ? ? ?Serena bowed her head and nodded, "Thank you. And I accept any punishment you intend to give me."?? ? ? ? ?Shieki shook her head as Mango and Thorrow sat next to Serena. The leona said "Nonsense. All a misunderstanding. No harm done."? ? ? ? ?Serena took a breath and was silent for a moment before looking between all the leonas. "What happens now?""We live on." You answered and lifted your hand, "Sleep over at my house! In celebration of not getting brutally murdered. You're all invited."? ? ? ? ?You woke up in the middle of the night with your head swirling as your back was on a blanket covering the floor. You feel hung over, and the bottle in your hand was plenty of enough evidence of a great night. You looked around with a smile on your face. You were surrounded by the friends you've made.?? ? ? ? ?Mango and Serena are sleeping on the coffee table with Sven and what's-her-face on some cotton swabs. By them was a bottle with a little liquor and a micen in it. Jessie, you think the name is. She didn't apologize immediately for teaming up with the Sect against Shieki but being stuck in a bottle that had a habit of spinning made her squeak out a sorry.? ? ? ? ?Jason was back in Niarb, rehabilitating off of a drug that Vanner, your newest enforcer you plan on training in the art of obedience, got him addicted to.? ? ? ? ?Risa was sleeping on the floor, her mouth was full of a disobedient micen. It's empty now, the mouse was lucky. The cat plans on staying with you until the mice get the message that she's not a target anymore. Or until you run out of food. Or both.?? ? ? ? ?Shieki was on the big couch, resting with Thorrow on her forehead. Mombasa was missing, he refused to come along, saying he had unfinished business to take care of. As for Gertrude and Uschi, they were cuddled together on top of your stomach. They were inseparable ever since they found each other.? ? ? ? ?Geeaness, the Geenie, is likely to be upset you forgot to tell him about the party. He'll complain that he and Bibi could have made a bunch of brownies for it. Like you're going to invite a man to a sleep over. Ha, not with that name.? ? ? ? ?And by tomorrow, Desio would be the most thriving colony any micen would have ever seen. Mainly because it's ran by someone who could be among their gods and controlled everything anyone eats. It still counts.? ? ? ? ?In your inebriated state, you smiled.?? ? ? ? ?In a world where the micen are squashed, eaten, and captured and torn, they find the strength to pull through and forgive. You cherish the friends that you've made over what was perhaps the most interesting week of your life. With the food you offer, you'll help them survive, and now, the decisions that they and you have made changed everything in your life, and in correlation, theirs as well and for the better.? ? ? ? ?As you drift back into a dreary and dreamy state, you can't help but wonder what's going to happen next.Extended ArcsThese are not in chronological order. Originally, they were never going to be canon either, but everyone seemed to fall in love with them. So here we are. Enjoy!Mombasa the Thug1?? ?You lied there contemplating? ? ? ? ?Between your arms was the woman you loved. She was the only woman who stood up for you during your trials at home, Annekke. You brush her grey hair from her silver body. She rested on your biceps, making it hard to subtly leave. You didn't mind. You enjoyed her embrace, her chest lifts and lower as she breaths. It brought comfort to your heart. Something you didn't feel since you last wife, Rachel, perished. The cool air tells you it's time to go, requiring you to leave Annekke's warm comfort. You slowly slide your arm from under her head, careful not to wake her. You rested her head down gently on the folded handkerchief pillow. You got off the floor, careful not to rip your napkin bed sheets.?? ? ? ? ? You slept in your trousers the previous night. Always best to be prepared. You grab your dufflebag and began to head out. A voice stopped you in your tracks. "Honey?" It was Annekke. You turn and see her gazing at you with tired eyes. "I love you, Basa, you stay safe out there."?? ? ? ? ?You walk up to her and kiss her forehead. "I always am." You smile. Turning away, you exit the room through a wooden flap.? ? ? ? ?Ten minutes travel and you've arrived at Zurv. Named after the serial code on the wooden splint just as you walk in: ZRV. This colony is unwelcoming to outsiders. The way they see it, the less people traveling here, the less likely Risa will find it. However, you've known a few occupants for over a year, the people here are more tolerant with you. Zurv is a simple colony: a doctor, a builder, a few hands for hire, even a brothel. You're not here for a cook, or a general shop; you're here for the tailor. You walk through the streets of dozens of micen going out the day to day basis. A vagrant retracts his feet from the road so you don't trip as you enter the tailors shop. It was dark, a makeshift wax candle was the only light source other than the candles outside.? ? ? ? ?"John," you call. The young blue boy was sowing seams of a pair of pants, you looked up with the small needle in his mouth.?? ? ? ? ?"Boss, glad you made it." He kicked a box towards you. "They're in there." You lay down your dufflebag and pull out a chocolate egg along with some wrapped bread. "You managed to get away with one?" John gestured to the egg, "I didn't believe you at first, but now..." He made an amused whistle.?? ? ? ? ?You picked up the box, reciting "Thank you," and headed out.?? ? ? ? ?The tailor said his farewell, "You stay safe out there. Don't get ate."?? ? ? ? ?You look over your shoulder. "You too."11?? ?You step out of a hole at the base of a living room wall.? ? ? ? ?The contents in the box you carry were, to you, worth chocolate. You looked around every corner near you. The giantess that lives here is the most voracious one around. Other leonas play with their food, sometimes even to the point that they don't eat them. However, Risa, she doesn't need a reason. She tends to eat most, if not all, micen she catches. Risa scared off many micen who used to live here, merely because she keeps over eating them. You aren't sure if that was Risa's plan all along. Whatever she's planning, you take every precaution not to be next on the menu.? ? ? ? ?She wasn't anywhere in sight. You moved towards the couch in the center of the room. There's several boxes of her stuff in there. She never has enough room to place them anywhere. You hid between the cardboard boxes and moved between them. A sweet scent inside one of the boxes reminded you of the chocolate you spent to get this box. The bag of eggs was surrounded by containers of sprinkles and other succulent delights. You wouldn't dare take any more than one thing. You know better than that.?? ? ? ? ?You worked your way through the boxes to a hidden trap door. You open it and jump on through. It was dark, but you've been here enough times to know where to go. The twists and turns don't distract you. There is only one tunnel that doesn't lead to a dead end. You've been meaning to dig your way to Zurv, but you haven't found the time to finish it. You head through the hall and knocked on a small hatch on one of the walls. It opens, revealing the silver furred woman you loved.?? ? ? ? ?"Mombasa!" She helped you through and hugged you tightly, "Did you get them?"? ? ? ? ?You opened the box and pulled out a pair of shirt and pants.? ? ? ? ?"Daddy?" A small micen was at an arch rubbing her tired eyes. She was grey with black hair and her mother’s green eyes. She's five months old, as well as her two brothers. But most importantly, she's yours.?? ? ? ? ?You smiled sincerely, "Seraph, I got you and you're brothers a present." She gasped as she saw the clothes.?? ? ? ? ?She picked the ones in your arms. "These seem too big, daddy."? ? ? ? ?"You'll grow into them." You smiled, carrying the box through the circular arch and laying the clothes on the sleeping boys. In the cot to the right was Caw, one who had his father’s black hair and mothers silver skin. Lying next to him was Gino, who had grey hair and a dark grey body. Seraph took her new clothes off and you laid her on your large cot that you never use. She doesn't like sleeping next to her 'smelly' brothers. As you walk into your living room, you noticed Annekke folding the blanket and pillow you've both slept on.?? ? ? ? ?"How much food did they cost?" She asked softly.? ? ? ? ?"Nothing that cannot be replaced." You answered. It's upsetting whenever you hear her talk about food, however you understand why she worries. For every one less piece of food stored, the sooner you have to go out and gather.?? ? ? ? ?Annekke got up and hugged you. "I had a nightmare when you were gone. It was Risa. She caught you-"?? ? ? ? ?"It was only a dream." You interrupted harshly. She looked down, hurt from the tenacity of your words. You sigh, upset you let your temper get you, "I'm sorry. That was nothing to snap at. You don't have to worry about me, I've been doing this for years. I know every way out, and what not to take."? ? ? ? ?She was silent at first. "I saw the egg in your bag... Risa could have caught a whiff of that and you'd be dead."? ? ? ? ?"It's the universal currency. You know this."? ? ? ? ?"It's the thing that gets most micen killed." She locked eyes with you.?No, that would be greed.?You bit your tongue. Her green eyes grew teary. "Please, just don't die." She burrowed her head in your chest.?? ? ? ? ?A week passed.?? ? ? ? ?You were on your way back with a dufflebag full of bread, cereal flakes, and some crushed graham crackers. You hid behind some kitchen appliances, taking your time. You can see the hole at the counter that is a long road to Zurv.?? ? ? ? ?But it's safe.?? ? ? ? ?You take three steps out of hiding and then you felt something snag your tail. You jump and turn around. Pinched between two fingers, your tail was pulled towards the edge of the counter. You were angry. Angry at your hurt knees and elbows that you landed on, angry at your hurt ego. Angry at yourself.?? ? ? ? ? "Whatcha got there?" Risa asked. You tried to keep a cool head and swung the dufflebag off your shoulder. You didn't try to look at Risa. You held it out, hoping Risa will take it rather than your life. You heard her hum, with a glance you noticed a tail was hanging from her lips.111?? ? ?"Hmm?" Risa hummed.? ? ? ? ?She took the bag and looked in it. She pulled out the graham cracker crumbs in plastic wrap and inspected it. She placed it back in and pushed the bag aside. She took her prey from her mouth. The micen was dark yellow and short red hair, dangled by her tail with torn clothes and started to pant. "So, believe it or not, I'm not very hungry right now. Consider yourself damn lucky." Risa flicked you off your feet and dropped the woman on you, her fur was doused in saliva. She clung tightly around your waist. "Anyways, I caught her with more food than you. In all rights, she should be dead." The woman hugged tighter as she heard talk about demise. "Instead, she's going to stay with you forever, until I say otherwise. And you better hope I don't say otherwise." She took your bag of food and left through the arch.? ? ? ? ?You sit up, the woman still held on with her eyes shut tightly.?? ? ? ? ?"She's gone." You huff.? ? ? ? ?She opened her hazel eyes, "Hello!" She stood up quickly, changing her disposition. She held out her hand and helped you up. "I'm Pyrrah."? ? ? ? ?"Mombasa." You grab her hand and she helps you up. "She took my dufflebag..." You trail off.? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah looked at her tattered shirt and pants. "She ruined my clothes too. Jerk tried to chew me."? ? ? ? ?"She said she wasn't hungry, how many micen did she eat?"? ? ? ? ?"Six." She shrugged.? ? ? ? ?"Six?" You asked, your voice hinted a question why she is so careless about the others.? ? ? ? ?"Don't look at me like that. A whole family of muggers is what they are." When she refers to people dying as family, you frown, thinking of your own. "They won't be missed." She nudged your shoulder, "Let's get something to eat." She walked towards the pantry from whence you came from. You were about to protest but decided she had the right idea. "Do you know where to get clothes around here?"? ? ? ? ?"You're a foreigner?"? ? ? ? ?"That surprising?" She turned around and started to walk backwards.? ? ? ? ?"When most people hear about Risa, they steer clear." You answer.?Everyone, except for people who hide.? ? ? ? ?"I also heard rumors of her sister." She turned around and walked straight into a wall. She composed herself. "That didn't happen." She opened the wooded door to the pantry. "You didn't answer my question."? ? ? ? ?"I know." You hold open the 'door' and followed her in, "The only place that sells clothes is unwelcome to strangers."? ? ? ? ?"But you're not a stranger, are you?" She gets close to you in a seductive manner, "Anything I can do to... convince you to get me clothes?"? ? ? ? ?You thought for a moment. "Yeah, there is." You pointed to a bag of bread, "You can carry food back to your new home for me.? ? ? ? ?Her ears drop. "What?" She looked at the bread, "But I have nothing to carry it with." You shrug. She crosses her arms and pouted at your rejection. "What makes you think I'll do that?"?? ? ? ? ?"If you don't I'll find Risa and trade you for my bag back." You growl.?? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah frowned and sighed. "Alright fine. I'll do it, for the clothes." You bit off some plastic from the mouth of the loaf. Two pieces total. They were big enough to make a sack. You placed a bunch of bread in it, along with Pyrrah's.?? ? ? ? ?"This is more than I had!" She griped, "I thought greed was a bad thing, brah."? ? ? ? ?Brah??You tie a knot and through the sack over your shoulder, "I have five mouths to feed. Six including you. I also have to pay to get you new clothes." She looked at you questionably, her lips motioning 'five' silently, "Yes, five other mouths. I keep a mutant rat baby alive under the floor boards for my amusement. I also have a family you get to meet. Come on, I'll get you some clothes."? ? ? ? ?She was silent for most of the way to Zurv. Halfway across the kitchen floor she asked "So what happens if Risa catches me with you nowhere in sight?"?? ? ? ? ?"You will wish you let her chew you up ten minutes ago." You grunt the answer to the dumbest question of all. She shut her mouth the rest of the way until you reached a hole near the arch. You looked at the splint 'ZRV'.? ? ? ? ?"Stay here." You point to the ground a few steps inside the hole. She protested against it but you reminded her, "They aren't going to let us in if you follow." You turned to walk away but stopped and turned around, "Give me your clothes."?? ? ? ? ?She refused and said "I don't want to. Why do you need them?"?? ? ? ? ?"So I can help trade it for other clothes. Why do you need them?"? ? ? ? ?She curled up, "I'm self-conscious... Just look away. And no turning around!"You did as she asked, "You know everything is covered by fur, right?"? ? ? ? ?"Where I come from, that doesn't matter. If the body isn't yours don't look at it." She tossed her wet shirt and pants at your feet. You grab them and the sack before climbing a makeshift ladder up a splint.? ? ? ? ?You came back down an hour later with a pair of shorts and a shirt. You tossed them at her feet whilst looking at a wall. "The shirt is too small." You heard her complain, causing you to raise your voice a little.?? ? ? ? ?"It's the only one he had in stock. Unless you prefer walking around with a pair of pants wrapped around your chest you get to deal with that." After a moment she gave the all clear to turn around. She moved her body around. her new grey shirt and black shorts exposed her trimmed belly and legs, managing to make her look good despite the odds. You're not going to tell her that though, she doesn't deserve that.?? ? ? ? ?"So how do I look?"? ? ? ? ?"Like a woman." You answered as you grab the last bag and walk out the hole, "Come on."As you walk out...1111? ? ? ? ?As you walk out you've spotted Risa.? ? ? ? ?She was on her elbows and her knees, with her rump higher than her shoulders. Her tail waved in the air back and forth. She was peering at a hole in the wall, the hole that leads to and from home. Your ear twitched lightly, fearing the worst. That hole leads to two places: Home, and nowhere because there's a dead end if you make a right. Making a left leads home, it goes directly down and heads through several dead ends.? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah was tugging at her shirt and looked at its bland color as she walked behind you, "Can't believe it took you an hour to find clothes-"? ? ? ? ?You place your hand over her mouth and shoved her back against a wall in the hole, "Hush! Risa is out there. She seems to be hunting near home."? ? ? ? ?She tried to say something but you didn't remove your hand from her mouth.? ? ? ? ?"She's still there." A horrific thought came to mind, "She found someone. Who... Follow me! Stay silent."?? ? ? ? ?You grab the bag and dash towards the couch that was behind Risa. She was too concentrated on the hole to notice you. Pyrrah followed you close as she could as you run between the boxes. You finally reach the trap door on the floor. You open it and motion your companion to follow you before you jumped in. She did the same and you closed the hatch. Home wasn't far away, you ran as fast as you can. The familiar flap you've seen a dozen times came into view. You burst through it fast enough that you landed on your hands.? ? ? ? ?You get up and look through the halls. A voice was heard when Seraph, called, "Daddy! Where's mommy?"? ? ? ? ?"She's... Oh no, no, no." You grab a piece of bread. You rushed towards the front door and opened it., "Pyrrah, stay there." You charged through the maze and climbed a ladder to the top. At the ladders end, there is a hallway and a hole. When you get to the top, you see Risa's finger reaching through the hole and clawing at the sides of the wall. It retreated, allowing her muzzle to enter. The nose sniffed a few before disappearing.? ? ? ? ?You heard whimpering. On the side of the dead end was a silver mouse. Annekke! Her face was stained with tears and a bloody nose. She held her rib cage. "Annekke," You whisper under your breath, she is shivering in terror. You point to the bread piece and gestured tossing it out. You pointed to her, use two fingers to imitated running, and pointed to your feet. You hold up three fingers, then two, then one.? ? ? ? ?You throw the bread as hard as you can out of the hole. Risa looked it at for a second. More than enough time for Annekke to charge at you. She tackled you as Risa's attention snapped back in place and used her finger to knock her off her feet with a swipe.? ? ? ? ?She gasped and held her breath...11112? ? ? ? ?She gasped and held her breath when Risa tried to pin her and you with her finger.? ? ? ? ?However, you were too far from the hole to be touched. "Damn," Risa cursed, removing her finger and stepping away without any prey.?? ? ? ? ?Annekke hugged you tightly and whispered "Thank you."? ? ? ? ?You nodded and sat up. Now the problem is how to get her down. Her ribs look damaged so it may be hard for her to climb down the ladder. "Get on my back. We're going home." You turn around giving her easy access to wrap her arms around your shoulders and neck. Annekke wasn't too heavy, you were able to lift her with almost near ease. Climbing down the ladder changed that, changing most of the weight to your arms rather than your legs. You've reached the bottom and allowed yours and her feet to touch solid ground.? ? ? ? ?Annekke laid against the wall, holding her hand against the right side of her rib cage. You kneel down and give it a look. Pressing towards the center and the back of the cage did nothing. No pain or wincing. You concluded as you stand, "Nothing is broken. It's just bruised. We need to get home, I realize I just left a strange lady with our kids."? ? ? ? ?Annekke grabbed your hand. She was still. Her tail being the only thing that moved, it swayed side to side anxiously. "I don't want to live here anymore." Her tone of voice was unforgiving.? ? ? ? ?"I told you to stay home." You snarl, angered she hinted there is another option than living here. "You should know how Risa is. And if I don't make it, you need to stay alive to watch the kids."? ? ? ? ?"It you took longer than usual, I thought I should go look for you." She tried to defend her actions.? ? ? ? ?"Go look for me? Where do you think you'd find me if I didn't come home?" You try and calm yourself down. It's always infuriating when she leaves home. It's never this bad, but she never got Risa's attention before. "Annekke, love, I don't want to lose you."? ? ? ? ?"And what about you?" her voice rose, "Every week I worry sick when you leave. I'm scared that you won't come back. I have no idea how to gather food, so if you're gone then the kids are just as well." She curled her legs and hid her head behind her knees.? ? ? ? ?You try to think about what to say. You can't tell her about what happened an hour ago, can you? It would make her upset even more if she found out that you were indeed caught. "We need to get home. Seraph is worried about you just as much as me." You get her onto your back and walked through the caverns of wooden tunnels.? ? ? ? ?Annekke's mood didn't improve. "The reason I don't believe you when you say you won't get caught..." Annekke paused, you pricked your ears to hear what's next, "My dad used to say it all the time. 'Don't worry sweetie, Risa will never catch me'. One day, my mom went out to look for him and I followed. I found them. They were both yelling at each other. I heard Risa coming, and so did they. They hid and I tried to find a good place. My parents saw me, looked at me like... like they just lost a child. My tail was sticking out..." Your wife's words hung on her lips, after a pause she continued, "Risa dragged me out. My parents ran out of their cover and begged for my life. Risa... grabbed them and started chewing." Her hands grasped the fur on your shoulders and you felt a cold drop of water on your neck, "I closed my eyes but I could hear everything. Their bones... Their cries... She gulped and looked at me. I was crying so hard, my vision stayed blurry. She decided to swallow me whole."? ? ? ? ?You stop walking. Your thoughts were trying to come up with something to say.? ? ? ? ?She continued, "I sat in her stomach, next to the shredded remains of my parents. The blood I was covered in wasn't mine either. I cried so much, the acids were even beginning to burn. Risa must have heard me. She coughed me up in the sink. She said if she ever catches me again... she'll make me wish I died that day. I lost everything. That bitch. She didn't even wash me off, I had to go home covered in burning juices and blood." Her voice grew more towards anger. "I will never forgive that monster. That's why I don't want you to get caught. I know you say you won't but Risa will keep trying. She'll get the jump on you one day, I know it. She knows it."? ? ? ? ?"Enough!" You snap, tempted to drop her. Solace couldn't catch you, Shieki couldn't catch you, Risa got the jump on you last time, but that was because Pyrrah had to screw around near you. You'll never be on the menu. You carried Annekke back home, she was silent. You push aside the blanket covering the arch.? ? ? ? ?"Mommy! Daddy!" Seraph ran and hugged you. You maneuver your way to the cotton on the floor and set Annekke down.?? ? ? ? ?"Where are her clothes?" Pyrrah asked.? ? ? ? ?"She sold them for drugs. Or maybe she doesn't have any?" You answer. Pyrrah tries her best not to let your wife's clothe-less body get to her. "Annekke, this is Pyrrah. Pyrrah this is Annekke. Pyrrah, help me with the food." When you and she were down the hall you grabbed her mouth and pinned her against the wall. "If you ever tell her about how I met you, I will strangle you with your own clothes and feed you to Risa. Annekke fears for her life, my life, and my kid’s life. Do not mention Risa to anyone. We met in the pantry, and you asked for a place to live got it?"? ? ? ? ?She nodded, "I promise I won't." She muffled, "So long as you promise to stop grabbing me."?? ? ? ? ?You apologized and let go of her before offering her some bread. You throw the bag over your shoulder and think of a lie to tell your wife about why you no longer have your dufflebag.111121? ? ? ?You drink from your glass of water.? ? ? ? ?You can almost taste the lead from the tap. You are used to the taste. You haven't risked your hide for fresh water since you lived in Solace's home. You decided that taste is never worth the risk.? ? ? ? ?You sit on the couch. Pyrrah was asleep on some cotton by your feet. You almost feel as if you should throw some water on her to wake her up, but there was no one here to see your dominance, so it would be a waste of water. You drink the rest and get up, careful not to step on the sleeping woman's tail. You head to the back of your home to get more water; passing the bedroom. You stopped at the frame of the door and peered in. Your sons slept together on their bed. Your wife slept on your cot. Shielding Seraph from your vision.? ? ? ? ?A smile creeps onto your face. Your life is wonderful? ? ? ? ?You continued on until you got to a water pipe, where you loosened a screw slightly. Water trickled into the screw until your glass was full. You went back to the living room and continued to drink when you sat on the couch.? ? ? ? ?"Daddy," Seraph's voice nearly made you choke on your drink. She was standing under the blanket from the front door, even though you could have sworn she was behind Annekke, "Miss Risa wants to talk to you."? ? ? ? ?"What?" You almost yelled, forgetting about the people sleeping. You lower your voice almost to a whisper, "What? Were you out there? Why were you out there?"? ? ? ? ?"It's alright, daddy. Risa and I were playing. Mommy told me not to, but she's really fun. We played hide and seek, cat and mouse."? ? ? ? ?You marched over to her, "You are not allowed to play with her. You never know when she's going to eat you. Do you think she cares if you're a child?"? ? ? ? ?Seraph poked your nose, changing the subject, "Risa caught you, daddy. Why did you lie to mommy?"? ? ? ? ?"I..." You were speechless, "It was for your mother’s own safety. Don't tell her."? ? ? ? ?Seraph pointed out the door, "Miss Risa wants to speak with you. She doesn't like waiting."? ? ? ? ?Without saying another word, she left to the bedroom.? ? ? ? ?You stared out the hole. Risa sat, legs spread, feet on the wall, staring back at you. In between you and she was your dufflebag; lined to the rim with food.? ? ? ? ?"Come on out." The giant she-cat motioned.? ? ? ? ?"I don't trust you." You growled back, "I go out there, you'll just close your legs and crush me."? ? ? ? ? She shuffled her legs into a crisscross fashion, "There. Are you happy? Now come on out, I want to talk."? ? ? ? ?"I can talk from in here." You snap back. You have no intentions of going out there, not even of she's offering your bag back. Besides, you told Annekke a giant rat person took it. You are sure giant rat people don't exist nearby, that would be ridiculous with Risa about.? ? ? ? ?"I like to see who I'm talking to when I talk to them. I already compromised, now you can at least give me the respect of letting me see you." She said. You bit your lip and step out. Risa smiled and tilted her head to the side as you grabbed your pack. You prepared yourself to run but held still. She said, "See? I'm not going to hurt you."? ? ? ? ?"Stay away from my family." You growled.? ? ? ? ?Risa's smile went away, "No. I like playing with Seraph. She's rather fun, unlike you. I don't even think I'll eat her when she grows up, so you should be happy. Anyways, what I wanted to talk to you about..."1111212?? ? ?You decided against your best interest to let her speak.? ? ? ? ?This was a mistake. Risa immediately pounced at you, cupping her right hand at the mouse hole and the left at your back. Instinctively, you scurried back, running into it. Risa dipped her head in and arched her back so her lips were touching your feet and her eyes dug deeply into you. You fur bristled in utter fear. Risa's breath flushed over you, making your ears twitch in response and your nose scrounge.? ? ? ? ?"Now you listen and you listen well." Risa had a sharp growl at the base of her throat, "If you ever want to make demands from me again, I will eat you and Seraph, and whoever else is with you in spite. You understand?"? ? ? ? ?You couldn't help but nod uncontrollably.? ? ? ? ?"Good." Risa puffed a breath of air and retreated her head. Your heart was beating in your chest. You were caught once again! And this time you were closer to her gut than ever. She waited for you to calm down from your near-death experience and continued, "I wanted to talk to you about something." She started to whisper, "I know there's a colony somewhere, but I don't know where. I can't find anyone who I could trust or get in. You, however, can. That's how I presume Seraph got her new clothes. Too finely stitched for a simple man's mind."? ? ? ? ?You silently curse yourself for buying her those new clothes. You didn't think it'd turn up like this! You know what's going to happen next. She's going to ask you where the colony is and destroy it!? ? ? ? ?"I have a favor to ask you. You know who is or isn't in that colony, so I'll need your help. Catch anyone stealing who doesn't belong to the colony, tie them up, and give them to me."? ? ? ? ?You blink and bare a skeptic's face. "You want me to be an enforcer of sorts?"? ? ? ? ?"Yes," Risa rubbed her index finger across your head, "That's exactly what I want. I know this decision is a tough one. I'll let you think it over with your family. Come back tomorrow, same time, same place."? ? ? ? ?She let go bopped you towards the hole with bag in hand.? ? ? ? ?You felt a mix of emotions. Relieved, scared, and sorrow. Relieved that you are not dead and your family is safe. Scared that Risa is too unpredictable. And sorrowful that you may end up being the lackey to the slayer of your wife's kin. The complete opposite of all these outcomes are equally as terrifying.?? ? ? ? ?You pause, "Risa." You look back and see she is still sitting, waiting, watching and continued, "What if I refuse?"? ? ? ? ?Risa didn't say a word. She merely grazed her upper lip with her tongue before getting to her feet and walking away.? ? ? ? ?You returned home to see that the family is as lively as ever. Pyrrah is keeping the kids entertained with stories and Annekke is making breakfast. She, and the kids, noticed your bag filled with food.? ? ? ? ?"We're eating good tonight kids!" You announced and they cheered. You pointed to Pyrrah and ordered, "None for you."? ? ? ? ?She crossed her arms and pouted, turning your attention to Annekke, who has stopped smothering butter on bread and looked both happy and concerned. While the kids pulled the bag into the living room, sharing the food with Pyrrah, your wife came up to you and whispered in your ear, "I thought that Were Rat thing took your bag."? ? ? ? ?You remember the lie and tried to play off it, "He did. I got it back."? ? ? ? ?She must not have liked that answer. She grabbed your arm and pulled you past the tarp you call a front door. She took you out of earshot of the house before letting go. At first you didn't think she believed the lie, but then she spoke out, "Are you crazy?"? ? ? ? ?"What do you mean?"? ? ? ? ?She placed her hands on the sides of her head and backed away, trying to stay calm, "We already had food! We had a weeks’ worth of food and you go out and risk getting yourself killed for more? Why? Why do you have to take such risks when you have kids and a family and a wife who loves you? Why don't you understand?"? ? ? ? ?"Calm down!" You felt anger urge into you, and why not? You go through the trouble of getting food and supporting her and she's just angry that you are doing your job! "You're complaining over nothing."? ? ? ? ?"I'm not, Mombasa." She started speaking through her teeth, "What am I supposed to do if you die? Who's going to watch the kids?"? ? ? ? ?"Oh? You're implying you watch them now?" You growl, remembering her inability to keep Seraph at home.? ? ? ? ?"What's that supposed to mean?" She sounded defensive.? ? ? ? ?"Seraph made a new friend." You said nonchalantly.? ? ? ? ?This made your wife bite her tongue and freeze. She was like that only for a few seconds before asking, "Where?"? ? ? ? ?"In the maze." You replied, strafing a circle around Annekke, "You want to know what he's referred to by?" You wanted a few seconds for dramatic purposes. You're never really this strong in an argument, you're going to be as melancholy as you can. You continued, "The Were Rat."? ? ? ? ?"What?" She lowered her gaze to the ground in disbelief, "We have to get out of here."? ? ? ? ?"No we don't. He's a nice guy. Never ate a mouse in his life. He's been friends with Seraph for a few weeks now." You stop walking in front of her and placed a pointed finger on her chin, "Now it's your turn to listen to me. Don't you dare say I put this family in danger and neglect when you can't even watch over the kids."? ? ? ? ?"She just wanted to explore..." Your wife sounded embarrassed as all hell hearing her words are now essentially hypocritical.? ? ? ? ?"I'm not done," You lift her gaze to meet yours, "I don't want to hear another word about me not thinking about the lives of my family. You, and the kids, and home are all I ever think about. You are what I live for. The kids are what I strive for. And if I were to die out there, I'd die a happy man if it means I left you with a smile on your faces. Don't you dare..." You wrapped the hand around her neck and pulled her in for a hug, "Don't you dare think for a moment I don't love you. That I don't value your love like the air I breathe." You felt a tear drop on your chest and your wife sniffle. You stroked her hair and cradled her in your arms. "I love you, Annekke. Don't you ever forget that."? ? ? ? ?"I love you too." You felt her arms hook onto your shoulders and she rested your head on top of one. "I'm sorry. I just... I'm so afraid I'll lose you."? ? ? ? ?"I'm not going to die." You reminded her. Though you've lied to her so much today, you can't tell if you're being honest even now.11112121? ?Everyone but you and Annekke was asleep now.? ? ? ? ?You are lying down with her in your cot. Seraph found it fun and find to share the cotton bedding with Pyrrah in the living room, and the boys laid snuggly on opposite ends of their bed. Annekke was curled up, facing her body towards you with her nose nearly touching yours.? ? ? ? ?Now is the time to tell her about what Risa has offered you. Whenever you think about it, it's a good deal. Risa won't immediately eat you when or if you're caught. You should have asked more questions, but you figure the only thing you get for your troubles is the allowance to live; something that Risa rarely offers.? ? ? ? ?But it's Risa. Merely mentioning her would make Annekke lose sleep. If you told her that she made a deal with you, she'd freak out and convince herself you were caught. Then she might be able to piece together that Seraph's new friend wasn't a generous rat, but a voracious cat. She'd call you out on your lies and you'd lose whatever hope of safety your family has.? ? ? ? ?She will not be able to see the value in Risa's solitude. You find it hard to blame her tasteful conduct towards her, but you find it easy to be riled up when she thinks the mere name is a death sentence. You've already decided what you're going to do. You're going to be Risa's enforcer, even if that means that Zurv will outcast you if they find out you're working for their sworn enemy. But you'd rather be labeled a traitor than be eaten alive.? ? ? ? ?You have to lie again, about everything. Annekke must not know you're an enforcer, and she especially must not know what an enforcer does. She hasn't found out how many lives you've taken before in banditry, nor does she have a clue. You truly hoped to never kill again, but fate find it's funny to screw people over.? ? ? ? ?"Annekke." You rubbed the side of her torso, "Are you awake?" She nodded. Her wit is inebriated by the night, giving you time to continue, "I wanted to tell you something. I got a new job."? ? ? ? ?Annekke slowly opened her green eyes, they weren't focused on anything important, they were reacting to hearing your news.? ? ? ? ?You continued, keeping your voice to a whisper not to wake up the boys, "It's with the rat friend Seraph made, moving things from here to there. It's a lot less risky than gathering. It's some little ways past the maze on one of the southern entrances." Your mouth felt stale and horrid as you begin to think of every misinformed word from your mouth. "I start tomorrow, and I'm telling you this because I wanted to know if you didn't want me to do this."? ? ? ? ?Annekke immediate moved her head closer and kissed your forehead, her voice sounded soft, "Thank you."? ? ? ? ?Once again you are staring out the mouse hole towards Risa. She was sitting patiently with her legs crossed at the base of the couch. She doesn't know you're watching her, she's focusing on the television. The volume was very low, a trick she uses to catch micen. She hears them scampering behind the couch with a heavy load, she jumps behind it and has breakfast. It only works on new comers. Anyone experienced enough, like yourself, to deal with Risa knows to always step lightly.? ? ? ? ?That time is over for you. For the first time in your life you feel safe stepping out of the hole in the presence of a leona. You caught Risa's glare, soiling the precious feeling. Risa's lips curled in a grin and crawled towards you. You bit at your instincts that told you to run and headed in her direction until her head was directly over you.? ? ? ? ?"Hey there little buddy." Risa sounded intimidating, even when she used the word 'buddy'. Then again, you never did tell her your name.? ? ? ? ?"Hello Risa," You fall on one knee and bow your head respectfully like you've learned from that book, and announced, "My name is Mombasa by the way."? ? ? ? ?Risa huffed a breath of air, leaning back, pinching her fingers at her hips as if she wore a dress and did a curtsy, "So respectful. You must have come from my sister's room. Good. I like that." She got back on her hands and hovered above you, "So here's what I want. I can't always keep an eye on my food. So I'll let you. Anyone from that colony I've mentioned may take what they get, but when I'm not around, you'll be the one who captures the stragglers that take too much or anything precious."? ? ? ? ?"Take too much?" You asked when you had the chance, "How much is too much?"? ? ? ? ?Risa hummed and placed a finger at her chin, "As much as you think is too much. Two backpacks of any type, I guess." She placed her thinking finger from her chin onto your muzzle, "But! That doesn't mean you can just let them get away. When I come back, I expect there to be a micen or two. Too few, and you're out of a job and inside... You know where."? ? ? ? ?You nod, "I understand. When are you expecting the first mouse?"? ? ? ? ?Risa hummed and grinned, "You sound like this isn't your first time tying up and feeding a micen to someone."? ? ? ? ?"It... It isn't." You wanted to look away and get your mind off the topic, but Risa already sees you as someone strong, so now isn't the time for reluctance.? ? ? ? ?"You got some rope?" She asked.? ? ? ? ?You reached into your satchel and pulled out a bundle, "Yes."? ? ? ? ?"Then go get one, now."? ? ? ? ?You nod and stand up, making sure your gear is tight. Risa crawled back to her place in front of the television. Before you continued, you called back a very important question, "What do I do with the food they got?"? ? ? ? ?Risa didn't look away from the television, "Keep it."? ? ? ? ?That was the answer you were hoping for. It was the reason you took up banditry, but you gave it all up for Rachel. Now she's gone, and for the better as now the power of love is the reason you are essentially a bandit now.?Enforcer, you remind yourself. It's a massive step up. You start walking towards the pantry, waiting for the chance to strike.111121211?? ? ? ?It's been a couple minutes.? ? ? ? ?You sat patiently at the place where most micen tend to have trouble with: potato chips. It's easy for one to climb in for a quick nip and fall in. When they're in, it's hard to climb out. And to chew a way is to make an awful lot of noise. Anyone who's smart would not attempt such a gamble. That means if you find anyone in one, they aren't from Zurv. They're as good as dead.?? ? ? ? ?You made sure to open a bag that was small and almost empty. The scent told you it was nacho cheese flavored. You were tempted to reach in yourself, but you're not an idiot. You propped it up against two boxes of sweets so someone would have to jump in to get it, and it wouldn't fall over no matter what attempt. You hid yourself behind a corner, waiting for the perfect moron. And you didn't have to wait long.? ? ? ? ?A woman, not young, but not old, managed her way over to the bag. She was alone. An obvious fault from foreigners. She looked around, setting her bag to the side and taking off her shirt so she doesn't get stains all over it. She folded it and set it aside her bag before carefully sliding in. Idiot.? ? ? ? ?Normally, this is what would have been the time you go and snatch their bag and whatever they left behind. This time, however, you're here for them. Now you just wait until they can't get out. Which is now.? ? ? ? ?The bag started to crumble at the bottom and make a lot of noise. The victim tried to jump to the top of the bag, making a lot of noise when she didn't reach the top and slid back down. You're starting the think the leonas have made these bags this way on purpose. The victim didn't have good ground to jump off of, every time she'd try to jump the chip would move. After three tries, she attempted to chew through the bag, making racket.? ? ? ? ?"Don't do that." You call to the woman, who now struggles like a fly in a web. "You'll wake the cat."? ? ? ? ?"Who's there? Can you help me out?"? ? ? ? ?You unraveled your rope and slid it in. She grabbed on tightly and tugged. You pulled on the rope, feeling her weight as she tried to scale herself out of it. You planted your feet to the ground and twisted your torso hard when she got to the top. Your tug made her fall on her hands.? ? ? ? ?Now, you can get a good look at her. Grey fur with black spots here and there up her back with some dark blue hair. She had some fat on her too. You can't see a single bone on her torso, except for her thick head.? ? ? ? ?She stood up, batting her light green eyes and holding out a hand, and said "Thank you! My name is-"? ? ? ? ?You didn't let her finish. You twisted your waist and punched her square in the chin, diverting all energy from your waist, to your arm, to her head, knocking her out cold.1111212111??"W-what... happened?" The woman asked and rubbed her head.? ? ? ? ?She was in a different place than she remembered. Her head was throbbing and she rubbed her forehead to help ease the pain. Her stomach growled, declaring how empty it was and how much it needed to be fed. Or at least she thinks it was her stomach. It didn't rubble like it used to. How else could it be that loud? She rubbed the floor under her, noticing she's on some sort of rug. Or fur? She blinked the blurriness out of her eyes and looked at what she sat upon. It was a hand? Oh no.? ? ? ? ?She turned around to see the hungry gaze of a leona. Brown fur, green eyes with a lot of shadow. There's no mistaking it.? ? ? ? ?"Risa...!" She gasped as Risa licked her chops, ready to bite down on her, "Wait, wait! How did you...? How did I get caught?"? ? ? ? ?The giant she-cat shrugged, and said "Magic," before tossing her prey inside her open maw with a flick of the wrist.? ? ? ? ?The woman landed hard against the tongue. An 'umph' left her lungs as she was pressed down hard against the roof of the mouth. No! She was going to get eaten! In front of her was the deep dark throat. A single swallow would doom her. She had to think fast before Risa closed her mouth.? ? ? ? ?"Wait! No-" She said too late as her surroundings darkened and she was squeezed through the throat with a single gulp.? ? ? ? ?You didn't see any of that. You were already home, tossing the woman's bag onto the counter with your own. Both were filled to the brim. Annekke was impressed and smiled at the sight of food. Seraph and the others were already ready to pick at it, along with Pyrrah.? ? ? ? ?As the kids were picking through the food, Annekke brought you down the hallway and said, "I'm glad you stopped going to the pantry. But are you behaving yourself with the rattis? No one's getting hurt, right? I mean, who's bag is that?"? ? ? ? ?You shrug, "Hell if I know. It belonged to the rattis, but he said he got it by ill means. Said he didn't want it anymore and it was part of his past." You can think of all this off the top of your head but can't remember what the name you gave to the rat. You didn't give it one.? ? ? ? ?Annekke must not have cared. She slid her arms beneath yours and hugged you tightly, "Thank you, again, for looking out for us. What's going to happen when the rattis doesn't need your help anymore?"? ? ? ? ?You kissed her forehead, "I'll train the kids to gather from the pantry. They'll learn from the best."? ? ? ? ?Annekke wasn't happy with that answer, but she accepted it. "Just make sure they stay away from Risa."? ? ? ? ?"Of course," you swallowed, remembering Seraph's new friend. Annekke hugged you tightly before walking away. You followed suit and nabbed a chip from your bag. You smiled at it's delicious flavor. You're sure Risa wouldn't mind you taking a little something something from time to time.11112121111?? ?It's been a few days since you've been Risa's enforcer.? ? ? ? ?Not much has changed, other than your family has been a lot happier and less hungry, and Risa is all the more fed. Seraph even looked like she was even putting on a little weight. Annekke has also been happier, and her nightmares decreased to nil. Pyrrah is still as useless as the day you met her. At least she's watching the kids when your wife sleeps and naps.? ? ? ? ?Now it's time for your weekly check in at Zurv. As you walked between the stalls, vendors and houses, you can't get the feeling of depression out of your mind. The place is less than lively. It's so dark. A few candles here and there light the path. The whole stretch was about three meters long. A nice jog for a micen. It created a neat gauntlet of buildings dug out of the wood. As innovative as it is, the severe lack of decoration makes it a sore to look at. Oh, that's right, everyone here is poor as hell.? ? ? ? ?You work your way over to the tailor's place. You like to hang out there, it's the only building that at least has some color inside it.? ? ? ? ?You move the tarp out of the way and looked around, shrugging your newest backpack over your shoulders. You got it from an outsider that didn't know that chocolates were something you don't touch.? ? ? ? ?You see behind the counter was the young blue guy you tolerate more than others, John. He was fixing a hole in a shirt, for free most likely. John is a good kid. He does repairs for free sometimes, depending how big the tears are. It's unfortunate that his tip jar is always empty.? ? ? ? ?"John," You said his name, diverting his attention. He didn't was so focused on his work that he didn't noticed it was you who walked in.? ? ? ? ?"Oh, hey!" He squeaked, "I didn't think you'd be back so early, Boss." He calls you that, though you aren't his boss. He says 'Mombasa' is an ugly name for a nice man, and 'Basa' sounded like a disgusting noodle. "What can I help you with?" He asked, almost hopeful.? ? ? ? ?"I was just stopping by after checking in. I wouldn't want my name off the list of people who can see this place." You looked around, noticing that his fabrics and string were running low. "You look like you need to restock."? ? ? ? ?John, who had a prick of a needle between hit teeth tied to string, mumbled, "Risa caught the last guy I sent out there." He removed the needle and continued to sow, "And all these repairs are starting to get expensive."? ? ? ? ?You nodded and looked around with a hum, "I'll get you some scraps. What do you need?"? ? ? ? ?"You don't have to do that, Boss."? ? ? ? ?"A tailor needs to eat." You responded. "Should I get you some leather while I'm at it?"? ? ? ? ?"Too rare, too expensive." He mumbled with the needle through his teeth, "No one's got the goods to trade for it. Get me anything you can snag."? ? ? ? ?You were about to leave, until you noticed a note on the wall. You read it, noticing it was a bill. You could have sworn the shop was a natural monopoly, why would he have a bill?? ? ? ? ?"What's this for?" You asked, poking the parchment.? ? ? ? ?"Debts." He said, "I had to take a loan to pay that guy to get me fabrics."? ? ? ? ?"A loan from who?" You asked, almost frustrated as you probably already know the answer.? ? ? ? ?"The sheriff's son, Rick."? ? ? ? ?"You should know better than to speak to that trouble maker. And you take a loan from him?"? ? ? ? ?"He was the only one willing to part with the goods." He placed the cloths back down into a bin, "I wish my aunt was here to help me out."? ? ? ? ?Your ear twitched at his words, "I didn't know you have an aunt."? ? ? ? ?"She's a real nice lady," He sat back and got lost in his memories, "Julie. We'd always call her 'Bluey' because of her hair."? ? ? ? ?Your ears perked again. Blue hair? Like that woman... Pft. Of course not. How many micen have you seen with blue hair? Now is the time you think you should leave. Before you left, you went over to his tip jar and poured as much food as you could into it from your new backpack. You turned to see John's surprised face before saying, "Get a bigger jar." and leaving."111121211112You left the tailor's hut but you didn't get far.? ? ? ? ?Out from the tavern stumbled a white micen with black hair and hazel eyes. It's unmistakable who he is. It's Rick. He was traveling with his posse, Dale and Jib, blue identical twins that were glued to the man ever since they found out how 'important' he was. Nowadays you just ignore him, but after he got his buzzed sights on you, trouble was unavoidable.? ? ? ? ?He called out your name and drunkenly stumbled towards you.? ? ? ? ?You rolled your eyes at his presence. He's a few centimeters shorter than you, using the leona's measurements. Or rather, a quarter of a tail's length. His eyes are leveled with your chin.? ? ? ? ?His goons helped him to you and you noticed how barren the street was. For almost a meter there was no one but you and them. You sighed once Rick got into ear shot and said, "What do you want from me, Rick?"? ? ? ? ?"Aye, I've seen you gawking about, lad," He said, "what I say about you coming in 'ere?"? ? ? ? ?You crossed your arms, "You said I couldn't. Your father said I could. Is that too complicated?"? ? ? ? ?"Oi," Rick turned to his colleagues, "Is this guy takin' a piss or what?" He looked back at you, "I'll 'ave you know I'm the deputy. And when the sheriff is gone, the deputy is in charge. Is that too complicated?" His posse laughed at his insults. Lucky for you, their opinion about you is as worthless as dirt. No, at least you can do some fun things with enough dirt.? ? ? ? ?You mimicked his accent, "Oi, look 't me, I'm Rick. My name rhymes with how I act. My breath smells bad 'cus of all the arse I kiss. I couldn't go a day 'ungry but t'at don't mean I don't deserves a bit a butt love from me two mates here."? ? ? ? ?"Piss off you damn sod." He cursed, "I don't talk a word like that." He motioned a foot to your bag, "Nice bag got there. It probably don't belong to you. It ain't yours. Who's is it?" He looked at his two friends, "Oi, I think we gots a bandit in 'ere."? ? ? ? ?You continued to mimic, "Oi look, a new bag, lynch the sod." You shook your head, "Your impeccably flawless logic is why you will never earn respect."? ? ? ? ?"My logic is clear as day, you sod," He growled, "You were a bandit before, and you're a bandit again. Is that too complicated?" His posse laughed again, purposely trying to piss you off. Rick continued, "I bet you left your ol' whore wife on purpose. Let 'er be killed by Risa, one less loose end no?"? ? ? ? ?Those words were one step too far. You lowered your brow and punched the runt straight in his chin with an uppercut. He fell back onto his friends who tried to prop him up. You were prepared to smash his friends as well. You're bigger than them both, and they aren't trained to fight. They didn't plan on fighting, but rather backing up with their friend in hand.? ? ? ? ?A new micen walked into your view. A large grey mouse as tall as you, Sheriff Anton.? ? ? ? ?He placed his hands on his hips and looked at you, wiping his hand against his nose with a sniff. "I see you struck my boy." He glared his hazel eyes at you beneath his long brimmed fedora. "I assume you a 'ave good reason."? ? ? ? ?You clear your throat and shuffle nervously. This man has power, but he is a lot more rational than his spoiled child. You said, "Two reasons. One better than the other. First he accused me of banditry, then he insulted my dead wife before saying I am the reason she's dead."? ? ? ? ?Anton turned around to face his son in his drunken stupor. He swung an arm and smashed a fist in the side of his jaw. Rick was knocked completely unconscious by his father. His friends were trying to keep him from hitting the ground from the sheer force.? ? ? ? ?The sheriff turned around to face you, "So... What is 'is about banditry?" He noticed your new bag, "Is it that? I ain't e'er seen that before. I don't think you commissioned John for it either, considering you've made your own bag."? ? ? ? ?You quickly think up a story, "This bag belongs to a family friend of mine, Pyrrah. She said to buy her something nice, and because she almost got me caught a few days ago and didn't thank me for the clothes I bought her, I dumped all of its content in the nearest tip jar."? ? ? ? ?Anton nodded his head and bit his lips. He looked back as his son, then at you. "I do apology for 'ow my boy was treating you. He's a pitiful excuse for a lad. I 'ave to ask you something, but first I want to meet this Pyrrah person. Get this whole banditry ordeal settled. Rick would 'ave to trust you for it to work. You're dismissed." He nodded his cap and grabbed his son by the legs, flung him over the shoulder and carried him to the tavern.1111212111121? ?It was a safe journey home.? ? ? ? ?It was also quick. Ever since you started to serve Risa, you just waltz across the living room floor. You avoided using the secret entrance though. Risa knows what mouse hole you use, but you're sure she doesn't know exactly where you live. It's better that way. You're also pretty sure that Risa doesn't mind you strutting across the room like you own the place.?? ? ? ? ?You've done it this time with her only glancing with a smirk. Last time you did it, you walked like a fool, tossing your arms and having a full stride, attempting to find out how much stupidity Risa will allow you to boast. She only watched with a smirk and asked if you had 'swagger'. You're pretty sure that isn't a noun or a kind of fruit so you assume it's a stupid way of saying cool.? ? ? ? ?When you got home, you hugged your wife and kids before requesting that Pyrrah came out so you can speak to her privately. The mouse obeyed and the two of you passed under the tarp and took several steps away from the house.? ? ? ? ?"I need to ask a favor of you." You said once you were finally out of earshot of the tarp. "I've gotten into a little scruff with a turd of a deputy and now the sheriff of Zurv wants to meet you."? ? ? ? ?"You know," She scratched her head, "If you're going to take time out of your day to explain something to me, don't you think you should explain something? Start out by how this involves me."? ? ? ? ?"No" You grunt, "I've been accused of being a bandit. A little runt said a bag didn't belong to me. The only way I can get back into Zurv is if I bring you along so the sheriff can be convinced that it belonged with you."? ? ? ? ?"What's in it for me?" She placed her hands on her hips. "I mean, I do this, what's the reward?"? ? ? ? ?"If you don't come with me, I'll tie you up and feed you to Risa. If you do come with me, I'll..." You hummed a thinking tone, "I'll buy you clothes that actually fit."? ? ? ? ?"Deal!" She jumped, "This shirt is too tight on me." She tried to get fingers into the sleeve of her shirt. When unable to do so, she continued, "How come you guys don't wear clothes? I mean, you bought your kids clothes but not yourself?"? ? ? ? ?"It hampers movements." You answered, "Micen who gather food don't need something that gets in the way of their joints. And the fur covers enough."? ? ? ? ?"But I could have sworn some of you... eh 'gatherers' sometimes where pants How come?"? ? ? ? ?"Pockets." You said and crossed your arms, "Or to keep us comfortable from the cold, or to trade whenever a raid goes wrong. Loads of reason. Are there any other stupid questions?"? ? ? ? ?She paused and placed her fingers to her chin, thinking, "How come your wife doesn't wear clothes?"? ? ? ? ?"Because we were poor, you dumb, big tittied, no nipple b..." You clear your throat, "Are you done?"? ? ? ? ?"You weren't going to actually feed me to Risa, were you?"? ? ? ? ?You kept silent.? ? ? ? ?"Huh." She smiled with hopes of new attire, "When am I going with you?"11112121111211? ?You've arrived back in Zurv with Pyrrah.? ? ? ? ?The woman, or rather, the girl followed you close when you got the gates. The guards asked questions like 'Who is she?' and 'Where did she come from?' You've answered them with new found patience, hoping to get it all over with. A simple "The sheriff wants to see her," was enough of an excuse for them to step out of the way.? ? ? ? ?They let the both of you through and you proceeded to the jail.? ? ? ? ?Wasn't too fancy. Just a small little hut on the side of the gauntlet. It was little because there were very few crimes. A relatively small amount of people come through Zurv, and even fewer live in it. Anyone who gets jailed doesn't stay in there long either, sometimes a day or two. The punishment for anything that warrants more than a day long time-out is banished for a few days. And when at the mercy of Risa for too long on your own, many men's mettle was broken.? ? ? ? ?You've entered the jailhouse, it being one of the only few places with a door and were greeted by a glare from Rick. He sat behind a desk using a blackboard and chalk to help figure out the budget. He crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head, "Who's this twat?" He nodded towards Pyrrah, "I didn't think you'd find another stupid person wantin' to call you friend."? ? ? ? ?He's actually right, Pyrrah is stupid.? ? ? ? ?"I'm not going to disagree with that statement," You glanced at him, "Friend."? ? ? ? ?"Rick," His father was at an arch that led to another room, "Mind yourself, boy, before I turn a blind eye. It's too late for me to teach you anything, but if he hits you enough... well, even the youngest juveniles learn not to touch fire." He turned his head to you and Pyrrah, before motioning you both to follow him.? ? ? ? ?"You remember why you're here, right?" You whispered to Pyrrah under your breath.? ? ? ? ?"Nope." Pyrrah giggled slightly. You didn't find her answer funny.? ? ? ? ?The brown backpack sat on a table that Anton motioned to as he sat down. "First off, my name is Anton. I'm sure you know there's been some trouble. Is this one yours?"? ? ? ? ?"Yes, it is." Pyrrah nodded, "I told good old 'Basa here to buy me something nice and he came back with less than I gave him. I almost slapped a tooth out of him."? ? ? ? ?Your ear twitched and you shot a glance towards her. She just told him that it's hers, why is she still talking?? ? ? ? ?To your dismay, she continued, "I swear, and I confronted him about it and what do I get? I get insulted."? ? ? ? ?You tried to step in, "I didn't-"? ? ? ? ?"He even insulted my nip-nips. Rude. Who does he think I am? A pair of breasts attached to a woman?"? ? ? ? ?"No, Pyrrah," You were finally allowed to step in, "That implies that you're attached to some degree of intelligence."? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah dropped her jaw speechless and gestured her arms to you, "You see what I have to deal with? I've been watching his kids for days and I don't even get a thank you. I'm a grown-ass, strong, independent woman that don't need no man and this is how I'm treated?"? ? ? ? ?"You not starving to death is thanks enough. Now if you don't shut up, I'll find a splint and shove it so far up where the sun doesn’t shine that it will feel like you've became one of Risa's finger puppets." You growled.? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah's jaw dropped with a gasp before looking at Anton, "Could you please make him leave me alone?"? ? ? ? ?He held a straight face, the only sense of emotion was a smirk that soon faded. He cleared his throat, "I would, but this is far too entertaining. I must ask though, what is your trade, Pyrrah?"? ? ? ? ?"My trade?" She asked and tilted her head to the side.? ? ? ? ?"What can you do to make food and benefit other mice?" Anton asked with far more patience than you would have.? ? ? ? ?"Loads of things," She started counting with her fingers, "I'm good with numbers, I can read and write with fine calligraphy, I can cook, I can brew ale, I can sow, I can tailor, I have some experience with whetting needles, and I have good memory and over the last week I found out I'm great with kids."? ? ? ? ?You rolled your eyes at her words. She'd had to have lived years long to be good at all of those. A micen that tries to learn the basics of everything is good at nothing. Then your ears perked. Wait, is this a job interview?? ? ? ? ?"How good are you at catching crooks?" Anton asked.? ? ? ? ?"Oh gee, I can run fast and lift up heavy things. I think I can be great at that."? ? ? ? ?Before you could say anything, the sheriff looked at you and said, "Would you kindly step out and go with Rick to buy this lovely lady some shoes?"? ? ? ? ?You nodded and stepped outside the arch. It's hard to believe what you've heard. It's even harder to believe what you think is happening. You were about to ask how you could possibly afford to buy her shoes without enough goods, then you saw Rick with a good amount of chocolate in a bag.? ? ? ? ?That must've been why he was doing the budget. You headed over to him, and said, "Your father wants me to go with you to buy the shoes."? ? ? ? ?"Sod off."? ? ? ? ?"That would be the plan." You shrugged, "Except then when you get back alone, Anton would be upset."? ? ? ? ?"Fine then." He grunted and slung the bag over, "Don't know why he would 'ad done it."? ? ? ? ?You followed him out. As you followed, you've noticed he refused to look at you. His steps were heavy and upset. He can't always be like this. It's hard to believe that seeing you ruined his day.111121211112111? ? ? ? ?You kept on his tail, making sure he didn't leave your site.? ? ? ? ?"You always like this?" You asked, "I don't mean to start an arguement, but I feel as if you can't always be a whiny kid all the time."? ? ? ? ?"Sod off with yourself." He grunted.? ? ? ? ?"I would like to know why you're like this. And why you don't like me." You said.? ? ? ? ?"Okay you want to know why?" He turned around, keeping his voice down, "Because I don't. You were a bandit, a murderer. So much so, that ye got your own damn wife killed."? ? ? ? ?"Fuck you, too." You quickly added, "But there's a flaw in your logic. I'm not a bandit anymore. Kind of how like you're not a kid anymore. People like me more than you because I at least act like I've changed."? ? ? ? ?"Piss off." He sniped, still whispering, "I don't 'ave to stand here and take your crap."? ? ? ? ?"Then sit down for my next news: your farther told me it'd be a great idea to be friends with you." As you speak, you pointed to an alley right next to the tailor, "Here's what we do. We go over there, and we beat the shit out of each other. Not fighting, we take turns. Then we start over and be friends. Or you can just do nothing and I can beat you whenever you upset me, like your father suggested."?? ? ? ? ?Rick turned his head and looked at the alley. It wasn't dark, or too far from sight. If he called for help, surely he'd have someone's attention. He nodded, eager with putting a fist into your gut. You both carried the goods into the alley and placed it away from the street, against the dead end.? ? ? ? ?You step away, with your back towards the street and separated your arms, motioning your hands to attack your stomach.? ? ? ? ?He didn't listen, he made a wing directly for your head. He wasn't fast enough though, you swiped his hand to the side and pushed him back. He got to his feet and dived at you, tackling your waist, attempting to topple you over. You stepped back, keeping your footing and you wrapped your own hands around him.? ? ? ? ?You kicked him in the shoulder, making his grip on you weaken, and you lift him off the ground, head facing down, before dropping him.? ? ? ? ?"I want you to throw a punch at me," You said, "If you don't want to listen, then it's my turn."? ? ? ? ?"I don't..." He tried to get up, grasping onto his shoulder, refusing to cry.? ? ? ? ?You grab him by his arm and shoved it unto his shoulder, hearing it pop back into place. You covered his muzzle, muffling his wail of pain. "Are you done?" You asked, "Hit me."? ? ? ? ?Finally, he got back on his feet and punched your stomach. It was the weakest punch you had ever felt.? ? ? ? ?"Again." You commanded. He obeyed, the punch was not getting any better. You ordered him to punch harder, and he did so. And he didn't stop. He struck you over and over, blow after blow felt like slaps from Seraph. You walked towards him, making him inch closer to the dead end, "Come on, you sniveling rat crap, hit me like you got a pair!"? ? ? ? ?"Stop makin' fun of me!"? ? ? ? ?"Or what?" You felt another blow, "You gonna cry? You need me to get your butt buddies?"? ? ? ? ?"Shut up!" He yelled this time, something choking his words in his throat.? ? ? ? ?"Make me!" You called back, feeling his pitiful blows, "Come on, make me! You can't can you? You're weak. You're pathetic and you know it!"? ? ? ? ?"Fuck you, dad!" He cried, punching into your pressure point just below where your sternum ended, stunning you for a moment.?? ? ? ? ?You grabbed his next blow and twisted it hard and fast, baring his back to you. You slipped both hands under his shoulders and placed them on the back of his head. With your chest to his scapula, he struggled in tears trying to push you off of him. You fell onto your rump, spine against the wall, as he struggled more and more, getting weaker with each move.? ? ? ? ?Finally, he stopped his frantic struggles. And he wept.? ? ? ? ?"It's okay," You said in a comforting tone, releasing your grip and hugging him, cradling his body side to side, "It's alright. Shh... Not to loud. I'm listening, I'm listening."? ? ? ? ?"I don't where w'ere I went wrong." He whimpered, "I just wanted him to like me. Ever since mum died, he just gave up. He doesn't care no more. Bastard fired me! He's goin' to kick me out for sure. Risa's gonna kill me by weeks end."? ? ? ? ?"That's not going to happen. And he does love you."? ? ? ? ?"He doesn't!"? ? ? ? ?"He doesn't show it. He might not know how. But he does, why else would he want me us to be friends if he didn't think I'd take care of you?"? ? ? ? ?"He wanted you to beat me up!"? ? ? ? ?"Shhh... That's called parenting. I would know, I have three little ones of my own."? ? ? ? ?By now, Rick was starting to calm down, his tears turning little more than whimpers. You pat him on his side and nudged him forward. It's time to get up; you have shoes to buy.? ? ? ? ?He rolled off of you and crawled towards the bag, "You're not.. You're not goin' to tell anyone about this, are you?"? ? ? ? ?"No," You said, standing to your feet and offering to help him up, "But if you mention Rochelle again, I will eat your liver. Trust me, it's not as disgusting as it sounds."? ? ? ? ?"He took your hand, and pull himself up, "You're joking right?"? ? ? ? ?You turned around and motioned him to follow you.? ? ? ? ?You stepped into the tailor's place and rang a little bell. From the back room that hit behind a curtained arch, John walked out stitching a pair of pants. He was surprised to see you, and you were surprised that he actually got a bigger tip jar.? ? ? ? ?"Boss, back already?" He asked before noticing Rick walking in behind you. His ears perked, "Oh, Rick! I got your goods, no need to tear the place up."? ? ? ? ?"It's fine," Rick said calmly, "keep the goods. On the house, chap."? ? ? ? ?"Oh..." John blinked in surprise, "T-thank you, sir."? ? ? ? ?Rick explained the reason you both came, deny any knowledge of who was crying by his place. You noticed that something was wrong with how John acted. He seemed out of what you all were saying, and his stitching was a little crooked on the pants he was making.? ? ? ? ?After Rick got the shoes, he said his dues and left.1111212111121111? ? ? ?"John," You asked, "I'm asking a friend. What's wrong?"? ? ? ? ?"Nothing, really. It's stupid." He answered, his hands trembling too much to properly sow. He put his hands on the table, his chest quivering, his ears drooping. He knew he couldn't hold his charade anymore. "She's gone. My aunt, I know she's gone." She clenched his fists and sat down, "I should have gone out there looking for her. I should have helped her."? ? ? ? ?"John, stop talking like that." You told him, walking around the counters. You know what's going to happen next.? ? ? ? ?"I'm the reason she's gone, Boss." She started to shiver.? ? ? ? ?Damn everything. You hugged him tightly.?I've hit enough people today, and I've dealt with enough crying as well.?"John, I know you're emotional, but what sense does that make? You gave her the utilities to survive. How could you possibly blame yourself?"? ? ? ? ?"I..."? ? ? ? ?"You can't." You said. You never really knew how to comfort people, have you? "Hey, hey... You remember where I live? Come on over, I'll treat you to something nice."? ? ? ? ?He was silent and still.? ? ? ? ?"It will help you keep your mind off of her." You said.? ? ? ? ?He was still silent.? ? ? ? ?"I have to go." You released him, and headed towards the exit to follow Rick, "Promise you'll come?"? ? ? ? ?You turned around, and saw that he nodded, "Heh. It's a date, Boss."? ? ? ? ?"What took you so long?" Anton asked as the two of you walked into the jailhouse.? ? ? ? ?"Sorry, dad," Rick answered, "We 'ad a runt try to con us out of the goods. He was removed before I got 'is name. Thanks, 'Boss." He said to you as he tossed the shoes on the table.? ? ? ? ?Anton pushed them towards Pyrrah, "There are for you, darling." He stood up and looked between you and Rick, "Gents, salute your new deputy."? ? ? ? ?Neither of you did anything at first. You both instead say, "What?"? ? ? ? ?"Why?" You asked, "I'll admit, Rick at least demanded respect. Her? I couldn't ever find a way to respect her ever since I first met her, and I've tried at least twice."? ? ? ? ?"Father, what is the meaning of this?" Rick sounded offended, but you know he is actually scared, "I'm the deputy."? ? ? ? ?"You were, yeah." Anton shrugged, "But now I have new plans."11112121111211111?"You're going to live and train with Mombasa."? ? ? ? ?Right as the words came out of his mouth, you knew it was a bad idea. You training Rick? And Rick living with you? That has too many things and what if scenarios that could go wrong that you're surprised Anton would even come up with it! Rick was furious. Rightfully so, having his job and title stripped of him. Pyrrah was biting her nails, completely zoned out of the conversation. She noticed the look on both of your faces, and placed her hand down, asking "What?"? ? ? ? ?"Father, you can't be serious!" Rick exclaimed.? ? ? ? ?"Of course not." He said, leaning back in his chair, sarcastically, "I only sent you out to get shoes and bond with your best buddy so I can talk to some strange woman for the sole purpose of lying to you. And then I laughed. Any second now." He was quiet, reinforcing that what he was saying wasn't true.? ? ? ? ?"I suspected you were going to fire him," You stated, "But making him live with me? My house is cramped enough with this idiot." You gestured to Pyrrah, who was chewing on her claws again.? ? ? ? ?She looked up, "Hm?"? ? ? ? ?"Save it." Anton was no longer joking around. He stomped his foot on the ground as he stood up, "It's final! Rick, get your crap out of my house. Pyrrah, step outside. Mumble, stay here. I want to talk to you."? ? ? ? ?You stayed in your chair as the other two left. Rick stormed off while Pyrrah bowed and stepped out politely.? ? ? ? ?Anton rounded the corner of the table and made sure Pyrrah was out before talking in a lower voice, "So... Pyrrah told me you made a friend."? ? ? ? ?"Dammit." You muttered beneath your breath.?Damn you Pyrrah! Keep your mouth shut!?Your heart started beating widely. Now he knows you work for Risa.? ? ? ? ?"Tell me, did you not think it would be best for me to know there's a freaking rattis around here?"? ? ? ? ?Your heart skipped a beat and relief flushed over you. "I didn't see any harm. He-"? ? ? ? ?"Hasn't hurt anyone. I know. But he did. And that means a close eye must be kept."? ? ? ? ?That description sounds awfully familiar. You narrowed your eyes, "What are you getting at?"? ? ? ? ?"I didn't mean anything by it," He placed his hands on your shoulder, "What I'm getting at is..." He leaned in to where his muzzle was next to your ear, "If you ever keep secrets from me again, Risa will be the least of what your family has to worry about."? ? ? ? ?You shrug off his hands and stood up fast from your chair. The force made the stool tip over. You whipped your head around to face him with burning eyes. How dare he make that threat? "What the hell did you just say to me?" You demanded.? ? ? ? ?You froze. Anton didn't budge. His posture was casual, and his face was soft as if he was looking at a child. The two of you were close enough to bite each other's noses. He's not afraid of you. In fact, you're afraid of him. He was just as big, just as strong as you. Difference is that he has experience killing bandits. And your swaying tail said all Anton needed to know to prove that he was in charge.?? ? ? ? ?He crossed his arms over his chest, "Whatever do you mean?"? ? ? ? ?You cleared your throat, "I was... I meant, did you just call me 'Mumble?"? ? ? ? ?Anton chuckled a bit, before slapping you playfully on the shoulder, "Good save. Let's put this whole thing behind us. It was a simple mistake. Come on, I'll buy you a drink."111121211112111111?? ? ? ?Introducing Rick to your family wasn't too interesting.? ? ? ? ?You told him where he would sleep and eat. Ever since he admitted her hated his father, he behaved himself. What he said about your family hung over you. You've never seen Anton in that light before. How dare he? You behaved yourself for long enough to earn his trust! You should have told him about the Were Rat as soon as possible, but even you forgot about that lie. There's so many lies, it's hard to keep track of them.? ? ? ? ?You're not an idiot though. You're not going to make a mistake as big as that again. You looked around and noticed how quiet the home was. Oh crap, you forgot Pyrrah!? ? ? ? ?"Hello?" Pyrrah looked into the nearest alleyway. A few hours ago,?somebody?told her to wait nearby when they entered the tavern. She took a nap and apparently, she missed her ticket out of here. She sat down with her back against the wall and curled up, "I... I guess I'll sleep here tonight."? ? ? ? ?She'll be fine,?you convinced yourself. Rick put a blanket onto a piece of cotton in the living room, the thing you used to call a couch. "We'll be up before dawn," You said, "Anton wants me to train you, so I'll train you. You'll help me gather food and fabrics."? ? ? ? ?"Yeah, yeah." He muttered, tucking himself in.? ? ? ? ?"Hey, are you alright?" You took a knee, "Do you want to talk about this daddy thing?"? ? ? ? ?He shook his head, "Piss off." He spoke, but with less spite than he did before.? ? ? ? ?You went back to your room and saw your two sons sleep well. You've also noticed that there were strips of paper tacked to the wall. They drew pictures, most of which involved two micen marked 'mommy' and 'daddy' along with the kids. You're glad Annekke taught them how to read and write. You're even happier that Pyrrah was missing from the pictures.? ? ? ? ?You shrugged off the thought and crawled next to Annekke, who was sleeping with Seraph by her other side.? ? ? ? ?"Basa, dear." She muttered and reached for you. You leaned in and she hugged you tightly, "I missed you. How did it go?"? ? ? ? ?"Free beer, new friend, Pyrrah got a job. Couldn't have gone better." You said, neglecting to mention that Anton essentially threatened their lives right in front of you. You will need divine help if anyone ever finds out you work for Risa.? ? ? ? ?"I love you, Basa." She reminded you.? ? ? ? ?You lied next to her and kissed her forehead, "I know. I love you too."1111212111121111111?? ?"Alright, recite what I've told you."? ? ? ? ?Rick began to repeat the rules of the pantry. You grab it you eat it. If you make a mess, clean it up. You break it, you fix it. If you can't fix it, find someone who can. If you can't do that, run. Simple rules, not hard to follow but some still ignore it. Those some don't really have much time to regret it after they are caught. You guess it doesn't really matter to Risa. Most of the time if she catches someone who is completely innocent she'll eat them anyways, just to remind everyone who they are dealing with,? ? ? ? ?When he finished repeating it, you told him to repeat it again. He complied, irritated. You soon showed him that there perishable foods placed in plastic bins on the third shelf up. Grapes, Mangoes, bread that started to mold; anything that she herself is too high and mighty to eat. Most of which she decides to put in are seen as precious and are almost gathered by strays immediately. A first come, first served type of situation.? ? ? ? ?You also showed him where and what not to touch. Anything that is in cans, glass jars or anything hard to reach. Colorful things like candy and soda are off limits entirely. Things like syrup aren't uncommon to be gifted in a plastic bin for micen to claim. It keeps you rodents out of her actual supplies, away from her fridge.? ? ? ? ?You then told him that the fridge is never the place to go. That sometimes, maybe once a year if there were enough people starving and Risa was gone, the fridge would be raided. There would be dozens of micen trying to get that thing open. Last time you heard someone entered the thing by chewing through, well... There were once several colonies. Stories go that it took Risa herself a week to clean up all the blood.? ? ? ? ?He finished sticking his bag full of bread, which he tied back up and made sure not much air was inside it, before he asked, "What 'appens if Risa catches me, you know, without anything illegal? Do I run?"? ? ? ? ?"Never run from her.?Never." You articulated. "The only when you people who run are those who do something wrong. Do you want people to run from you when you ask if they took something they weren't supposed to? Hold out your bag to her. Show her that you have nothing to hide. If she's in a good, not so hungry mood then you will walk away."? ? ? ? ?He looked terrified, "So I might die even if I follow the rules?"? ? ? ? ?You pat him on his shoulder, "Risa lets more people go than you may think. Now... Tell me the rules again."? ? ? ? ?The two of you crawled out of the pantry with two bags of goods. You heard Rick repeat the rules, this time you didn't even ask. You almost wanted to smile. Almost.? ? ? ? ?You then noticed that the living room window had some light shining through it. "We over stayed." You said, "Risa will be up soon."? ? ? ? ?"But you said we 'ad nothin' to worry about."? ? ? ? ?"It's best not to try your luck with her." You spoke, looking around, "She could be in this very room. Follow me, and step lightly." You cautiously slid yourself over the edge and gripped onto one of the drawers. You crawled to the side and jumped down to the next drawer that was diagonal to you. You were high enough that a fall wouldn't hurt you, so you released and ran lightly across the floor, hugging the wall. You inched over to the arch of the kitchen and living room and peered into the room. Risa was nowhere to be found.?? ? ? ? ?When Rick caught up to you, you motioned him to move to the hatch you have shown him when you both crawled out of it this morning. As you crawled across it, you noticed that Risa's door was opened. Was she out here?!? ? ? ? ?No. You heard some chuckling behind the door. She's toying with someone. Who? Your heart sank. Who would be stupid enough to enter her room? You had to check. You had to! You ran to the door and peeked your head in.? ? ? ? ?Risa was lying on her bed, facing towards the end of it. She had a micen in her hands.11112121111211111112?? ? ? ?Your heart sank deep into your chest.? ? ? ? ?Annekke. Your sweet beautiful Annekke. What was she doing out here? What was she doing in here? In this room? Risa looked deliciously at her prey; the kind of look you give a playful child rather than the sultry gawk you give to sweets. Your eyes widen and you covered your ears whenever you heard her start squealing. Risa didn't catch her with intent to scare her. She's going to finish the job she started years ago.? ? ? ? ?"Risa!" Annekke yelled, "Let me go! Please let me go! What did I do wrong?"? ? ? ? ?Risa wasn't inclined to answer. She licked her lips and raised the mouse above her head, placing her on her nose. Annekke wouldn't stay still.?She's just playing with you!?You thought,?Let her do what she wants, Annekke, please!?You gasped when Annekke kicked down, hard, on Risa's nose.? ? ? ? ?You know what happens next. You know how little Risa tolerates rebellious mice. But the world went quiet when you heard someone scream.? ? ? ? ?"Risa let her go!"? ? ? ? ?You were then terrified. That voice was yours. Risa knew it as well. Her eyes were wide with disbelief, and perhaps anger. You may have made your situation worse. She flicked Annekke off her nose, and you watched in fear as she flailed in the air on her way down, landing hard on the bed. You heard a loud 'umph' as she landed on it. Risa then bent her leg, capturing your wife between her calf and thigh.? ? ? ? ?Risa rolled onto her side, resting her elbow on her pillow and her head onto her hands. She placed her free hand onto her hips, taping her pelvis and humming irritably as she glared at you. "Excuse you, mouse. What did you just say?"? ? ? ? ?"I..." You swallowed a lump in your throat, and croaked, "I told you-"? ? ? ? ?"You demanded." Risa corrected.? ? ? ? ?"I did." You try to stay confident. "I wasn't-"? ? ? ? ?"Thinking? No you weren't."? ? ? ? ?Her interruptions started to bleed into you again. She was being rude, trying to get another yell out of you. She wants you to screw up. You keep your posture, "I wasn't thinking. You're right."? ? ? ? ?"Do you know what happens to micen who refuse to think?"? ? ? ? ?You looked at the ground, realizing how screwed you are, "They don't last long."? ? ? ? ?"Come here." She tapped on the bed.? ? ? ? ?You complied. You headed across the room, quelling the shivers in your mind, ignoring the voice that told your legs to run as far away and as fast as possible. You climbed onto the bed from the drooping blankets and climbed on top. You crawled onto the flat surface. Behind you was a fall that could break a rib; in front of you was a stomach that belonged to an upset Risa. The fall would be more merciful.? ? ? ? ?She motioned that you walk towards her head, and you did so. You are unable to hide your fear that your tail so happily told Risa in its swaying nature.? ? ? ? ?She swiped you with a hand from behind you and pulled your up to her face. Her lips snarled, "You think you can make demands from me?"? ? ? ? ?"She's my wife." You blurted out, trying to keep eye contact with Risa. Her snout was much closer than you hoped to ever be at. She kept her lips at your feet, humming a thinking mood before breathing her breath onto you. It was some fo the warmest air you've felt, but also one of the most frightening moments. All she needed was a whim and you'd be bitten in half.? ? ? ? ?"Well, Mombasa..." She opened her mouth to speak...111121211112111111121?? ?"I'll let her go on one condition..."? ? ? ? ?You swallowed a thick lump that was stuck in your throat. What is she going to say? You have a few guesses that terrify you. She's most likely going to play a game with you. Or she's going to bite a finger off. Maybe she'll just have you whole as you are. You brace yourself for hearing what her proposition is.? ? ? ? ?She hummed and set you down, "You will bring me two micen. And I want them by the end of the hour."? ? ? ? ?Your eyes perked up in surprise. That's it? But you spoke up against her! She's Risa, a month ago she'd have bitten you in half. You nodded your head immediately, while she was still in a good mood.? ? ? ? ?"Good. Now..." She reached over to her leg and she straightened her limbs before grabbing Annekke and tossing her at your feet. She was sobbing terribly, crawling back away from Risa. She didn't learn her lesson. Risa continued, "Get out of my room, or I'll munch on the two in front of me."? ? ? ? ?"Thank you." You quickly said before you pulled Annekke to the edge of the bed and told her to climb down. You don't remember much after that, you had too much adrenaline in your system to take into account where you and Annekke started running.? ? ? ? ?"What the hell was she talking about?" Annekke yelled past her tears. You were both in the maze now; a little far from home, but you know exactly where you are. Annekke was still upset with her run in with Risa. She still wept crazily, but now anger is taking control of her conscious mind. "What did she mean by bringing her two micen? How the hell did you get away with yelling at her?"? ? ? ? ?"Enough!" You shouted back, the stress of the situation shelving itself on top of your shoulders created a new hell for you. You took a deep breath, "I don't know how to explain it to you... Risa... I work for her."? ? ? ? ?Annekke was silent, as if she already knew the answer. She stared in disbelief, bewildered and unable to think whether to be sad, scared or angry. "You lied to me. Does she know where the kids are?" her eyes widened with a gasp, "Seraph! She's Seraphs friend? What else are you not telling me?"? ? ? ? ?"What am I not telling you?" You growled, "None of this would have happened if you had kept an eye on Seraph. So what the hell have you been doing when I'm not around?"? ? ? ? ?I watch Gino and Caw as they wrestle each other while Seraph explores. She's been back plenty of times, I didn't think anything was wrong. And don't you dare place the damn blame on me, you lied to me. You were caught, and you lied to me."? ? ? ? ?"Yell at Seraph for that. Risa requested me by name." You rolled your eyes and walked away.? ? ? ? ?"Where do you think you're going?" You wife almost hissed, "Get back here!"? ? ? ? ?"I have to make sure someone pays for your mistakes." You shot a look back, "Again."? ? ? ? ?"If you go back to her," Your wife called as you were nearing the ladder, "Don't ever bother coming back."? ? ? ? ?"It's not like you're making that choice hard for me." You called back, "Good luck starving to death."? ? ? ? ?That was a terrible thing to say.?You bit your tongue, placing a hand on your heart. Your mouth felt sour and your lungs were heavy.?What have I done??You'll have to apologize later. You?need?to apologize later. Damn your temper and damn her clumsiness. You shake your head, trying to clear your mind. You have to keep it clear for what mental prowess is needed ahead.1111212111121111111211??You couldn't believe it.? ? ? ? ?Under your foot was a misbehaving mouse you found in the pantry. He was unconscious and tied up. His attitude was not a problem any further. What was was that he was the only one you found. The rush hour has past. Most mice already knew that RIsa was up and ready to chow. They aren't stupid. The difference between courage and idiocy is simple. Stealing food from a cat? Brave. Stealing food from a hunting cat? Stupid. The one you found was stupid.? ? ? ? ?Everyone else is smart.? ? ? ? ?You almost want to pride yourself, killing off most of the stupid people in the room. Such pride is now replaced by fear. You can only meet half of Risa's demands. By that logic, she has reason to bite off your legs completely to settle your debt. Or worse: Seraph's.? ? ? ? ?Risa loomed over the coffee table, over you. She was not amused at the lack of mice on her table. "Mombasa," She sounded neutral again, the surest sign of knowing she was pissed, "I could have sworn I requested two micen. An hour later, there are two micen on my coffee table, but this isn't what I was expecting. So either you're going to pull another one out of your arse or you have some explaining to do."? ? ? ? ?You bow your head and kneel, "No one was dumb enough to go in, besides him. He-"? ? ? ? ?"So there isn't another one?" She crossed her arms over her chest and stared at you. "I am disappointed. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"? ? ? ? ?You shook your head. You knew exactly what would have happened if you have failed to bring her more than one. You said, "No excuse."? ? ? ? ?You were pushed onto your back, hard with a large amount of weight pinning you down. You felt the skin on your back grind hard against the table as Risa pulled you closer. She grinded her tongue against your fur, matting it with sticky saliva. She licked again, and again. You didn't make a peep. You refused to beg. You only closed your eyes and waited for her to finish it all.? ? ? ? ?The thought of Annekke ran through your head. Your children's faces ran through your mind as Risa placed your head between her lips, against her teeth. For a moment, you thought you heard Rochelle crying.? ? ? ? ?Then she let go. "I like you." You opened your eyes to see Risa's eyes hover over you. "But don't screw up again."? ? ? ? ?Flicked her finger to the side and tossed you onto the ground.? ? ? ? ?You don't know how long you laid there. You were conscious, awake, but it didn't feel like it. You felt like a breathing corpse. For the past months you were so keen on getting Annekke to believe you weren't going to die that you had little time to believe it yourself. You came here hoping for a new life, and now the burden of a dozen new deaths, murders, lie on your back.? ? ? ? ?You wish you were as easily convinced as others about your situation. You didn't mention why you were really doing this. You did it all for your family; Zurv can die in a fire. But all this time thinking about them, you never thought about if you yourself were prepared to die. Just the thought of it makes your heart pound. Just twice today you danced with the Daemon. How much longer can you do this? How much longer can you keep up and recount all these lies you have told to the dearest among you?? ? ? ? ?Why did she spare you? Surely, she doesn't actually like you, you're a mouse. You figure that she showed you mercy so that she may torment you more. Making you do things you are not proud of.? ? ? ? ?You couldn't think about it much longer. Risa kicked you gently with her foot, "Get up. You're taking up space, and I don't like that. I have a job for you."11112121111211111112111??"Guard some brownies."? ? ? ? ?You rolled onto your back and sat up. "Brownies?" Risa picked you up and explained the succulent delights. It seems most of her anger has passed and subsided. She trusts you again to keep something so tempting safe. You aren't sure if you're going to get a reward, or if you deserved one. However, when she got to the kitchen, you noticed that the stove was completely clean. Nothing was on it.? ? ? ? ?Was it a trap? Could she have tricked you into doing something else? No; Risa is far too commanding to deceive someone as small as you. If she wanted you dead, she'd had stepped on you.? ? ? ? ?She set you onto the stove and said, "I'll be getting the brownies soon, so stay nearby and tell anyone from wherever to stay away. If they don't," Risa shrugged and walked away, "Go ahead and kill them."? ? ? ? ?"What do I do if someone from Zurv sees me?"? ? ? ? ?Risa turned around and flicked you off the counter and behind a toaster, "Problem solved."? ? ? ? ?The flick didn't hurt that much, it was only enough to knock you back. You're used to that sort of stuff by now. You sat there, waiting patiently to the point you considered the fact there might not be any brownies. You lied back, almost wishing you could nap. But if Risa catches you napping on the job, you'll wake up ugly.? ? ? ? ?Then a noise caught your attention. You looked over and at the far wall, on the opposite side of the pantry, you heard what sounded like someone trying to break through the wall. You hopped on top of the toaster, careful not to fall in and looked past Risa's cluttered counters. She should really clean up once in a while. You assume she makes this mess so that micen think they can hide from her.? ? ? ? ?You saw a few mice pour out of the new hole. A few females, a few males. Two were blue, one was black, one was grey, one was white, two were brown, one was orange and one was red. How the hell did they get here from there? The only way the ones exiled got here was by getting kicked outside. Risa's domain was the closest. And the birds are smart by now, sometimes ambushing the exiles. It didn't happen to you, but you heard stories.? ? ? ? ?After seeing all of them, you hid once more, completely behind the toaster. Then a plan came to mind. You could capture one of them! Of course, it's like a gift from Avon himself. Not one more chance to redeem yourself, but... You exposed yourself again to recount the micen. One, two, three, seven chances! Eight? Did you count right? Doesn't matter.? ? ? ? ?You only need one.? ? ? ? ?You hid again, waiting as they passed. You gave them only a glance long enough to pick which one you'd want. The black one was strong; you could see his own muscles under the skin. The grey on? Not so much. The red, white and two browns also looked like push overs. As does the orange female. The last blue two seemed to be sisters. One was wearing a leather jacket, while the other was completely nude save for a green scarf?? ? ? ? ?The one with the scarf was perhaps the strongest you'd seen. Does she rival you in strength?? ? ? ? ?You noticed that they seemed to be heading towards the pantry. Perhaps to stock on on supplies, which is strange, the black one had his bag almost full. You think he's the ring leader, as he doesn't look happy that all the other's supplies are gone.? ? ? ? ?You waited for them to enter before heading to a mousehole nearby that led to the upper pantry floors and ran through it.? ? ? ? ?They were under you, not too far, but you could hear them gathering food. One was even teaching the codes of gathering. Still too many. They are too close by each other for you to snag one of them. One will see you grabbing a friend, and then screech. You still have to protect those non-existent brownies though.? ? ? ? ?You need to get them out of the pantry. You need to get Risa's attention. How are you going to do that?111121211112111111121111? ? ?Perhaps the dumbest idea crossed your mind.? ? ? ? ?What if I push it??You thought. If you break this jar of rotten olives, only two things will happen. On one hand, Risa will be utterly pissed and want to eat you. On the other hand, Risa will be utterly pissed, and want to eat you, but with a full belly. But if you don't do it, Risa will be upset that you just let a bunch of micen take stuff from her pantry. You're in a stump.? ? ? ? ?Or you could just blame the new comers for being careless...? ? ? ? ?You backed up and ran towards the jar before jumping and kicking the slut with both legs. You landed limp on your back, smiling as you heard the thing slide off. You heard a loud shatter of glass that spooked the fur off your skin.? ? ? ? ?"White," A voice called, "what did you do?"? ? ? ? ?White??You thought,?That's how you know their parents never loved them. When they are named after a color!?You rolled onto your stomach and dashed to the only hole in the wall.? ? ? ? ?You slid down a pipe to the counter, preparing to run and hide into a little crevice you used to hide your food before you found a better place. It was a little room between two thick splints. As you got to the hole, you heard them coming fromt he pantry and stepped back. They all ran passed, and behind them you could see Risa enter the kitchen and glare furiously at the counter.? ? ? ? ?You planned on grabbing one of the runners, but you noticed that a few of them were hiding in one of the plastic cups Risa left out. Morons! The rest, much smarter ones ran behind the toaster, attempting to dig into the wall. That's where you used to hide your stuff! They will need a rattis to get out of there!? ? ? ? ?You shrugged and stayed in the hole; they're dead mice. Then you head someone call out a name and you turned around. A grey mouse escaped the cup? She escaped the cup and ran behind the toaster. Risa smashed her hand down, from what you could see, you thought she had her. You thought wrong, Risa looked irritated that she managed to escape her grasps. Her only comfort now was that she had a cup full of mice.? ? ? ? ?She blocked the rim of the cup, making sure no one else could escape like that and stepped away. Then she noticed you.? ? ? ? ?You were still in the wall, but she could see you. She pointed to you, then to the toaster or rather what was behind it, before placing a finger on her neck and going from one side to the other.? ? ? ? ?She wants dead mice. You nodded back. She'll get dead mice. As you climbed on top of the toaster, you thought to yourself who would be easier to catch. If you recall correctly, only the strongest, smartest and swiftest made it into the wall. The swiftest. If anything, Risa would want the one who escaped her grasps. Of course! It would only make sense.? ? ? ? ?You stretched ans sat down, watching the hole, waiting for the grey she-mouse to leave so you could tail behind. They will have to get food sooner or later...1111212111121111111211111?You lied back against the top of a plastic bag of powder for the tea Risa never drinks.? ? ? ? ?The microwave was cold on your legs, but you don't mind. What was on your thoughts was your life, and you were trying to determine where exactly you went wrong and lost complete control of the situation. At first you were trying to become a scholar and started reading books, like a freaking nerd. Didn't last more than a year, some bullies ruined the library and you ripped one of their throats out. After being too young to ever be on the suspicion list, you became a chiropractor. Then someone died. Then you became a guard, then someone died. Then you became a bandit, tried cannibalism once or twice, but you had a surprising kill count of zero. Then you met Rochelle along the way, and wanted to turn your life around and simply make her happy. You became a gatherer! Then?severalpeople died.? ? ? ? ?You were accused of the destruction of an entire colony, and the death of your wife. Annekke, the only one out of everyone in Niarb, couldn't believe you alone could be responsible. Someone had to take the blame though. You lost Rochelle, got banished, and remarried all within the same week. Wow, you have lived a damn good life thus far, and you didn't even remember your pimping days, before you found Avon.? ? ? ? ?You then remembered where your life went awry. Pyrrah showed up.? ? ? ? ?A moment ago you were getting drowsy but now you're just upset. You wished Pyrrah would stay away from you and your family. Her stupidity could be contagious.? ? ? ? ?You lied back against your dufflebag that Risa kindly gave to you for guard duty, your ear shuffling as you heard something that sounded like wood shuffling. Your eyes shoot open when you remember what is happening. That crew of micen are escaping. You rolled over to see an orange female scurry out of the hole. Is she coming out alone? Nah, that can't be right, She's just looking around, maybe for a place to create dirt.? ? ? ? ?She moved to the corner of the appliance you were on, not aware that she was being watched. You blinked and smiled. She really is alone. You could swoop down and gnab her. She's not the dark furred who slipped past Risa, but she would do.? ? ? ? ?Then you heard another noise as the flap behind you moved. Blast! You should have known she wasn't going to be alone. You hid and watched the orange mouse scurry off.?Why would she do that??you questioned. Then it occurred to you who is leaving the small room. The dark furred woman.? ? ? ? ?Ah, hell yes.? ? ? ? ?And look! She's carrying several packs of food. Four or five by your count. Nevermind the orange mouse,?this?is the one you want! It's what Risa wants as well. And if she's happy, you're happy.? ? ? ? ?You popped your neck and stretched as the woman moved to the opposite direction of the other mouse. In due time, you will fulfill your debt to Risa, in full.? ? ? ? ?As you were climbing down the microwave, you heard the flap open again. Son of a crippled whore! You clawed your way back up the microwave and looked like you were minding your own business. You were just looking off in the distance, able to hear Risa pass by. You hummed, upset that you could hear your damnable prey escape.? ? ? ? ?"Samara?"? ? ? ? ?You pricked your ears. Is he yelling at you? Do you look like a woman? Nah, he's looking for your prey...? ? ? ? ?"Samara, get down here now!"? ? ? ? ?He';s talking to you. You try and keep your cool, maybe you could talk to this man before you beat his teeth in against a toaster. You looked at the two. One was the black furred male and the other was a- holy mouse crap in an ice cube, did that blue lady wrestle with rats her whole life? You think you could see as much muscle on her than on you, perhaps even more? What does she bench press; houses? She could get into a scuffle with Anton and?eat?him if she wanted to.? ? ? ? ?If you dind't know any better, Risa would love to have the blue one. Hell, you wouldn't mind considering the idea yourself.? ? ? ? ?The black one, who you like to pay no attention to, spoke, "Oh, my apologies, sir. I thought you were someone else?"? ? ? ? ?"Looking for someone?" you asked, picking up the dufflebag and hopping off the microwave. You stick the landing. 10/10.? ? ? ? ?The blue one nodded, "We're looking for two micen. Have you seen them?"? ? ? ? ?You saw one mouse, and one prey. You pointed towards the pantry, "I saw an orange micen run in there not long ago."? ? ? ? ?"That must be Jessie! Thank you. But what about the other one..?" The male asked, as if you haven't freaking told him you didn't know. This is why you don't like people.? ? ? ? ?You ignored him and focused on this blue girl who may or may not be half leona. Her fur was clean, like she wasted time showering or something. "You micen aren't from around here are you?" you smirked. "Lemme guess... You're from where Solace lives?" You sniffed the black one, who smelled like he hasn't showered after being pushed through crap. What's the place with the least amount of pipes? "You're from the one colony in the ceiling. The bat guano is still acquainted with your scent." Or he just smells like shit all the time. You may never know. You don't plan to know. You then sniffed the girl, wondering if there's any sign of sweat or cooties, or any sign that she and him have had relations. Nothing. She smells like that one guy did a while back... "And you're from Niarb. I grew up there you know?"? ? ? ? ? "How do you know what we smell like?" The male demanded, but you could hear the impressed version of himself screaming from inside, "And how do you know where we are from?"? ? ? ? ?Holy crap, because there's only one reason why you'd be here. You're convicts, you stupid, stupid mouse.?You thought,?Screw it, I'll just say anything.? ? ? ? ? "Recognizing scents is a skill that you must learn when you live in Risa's territory. However it can be taught, well, if your nose is good enough." There it is, perhaps the dumbest lie you could get away with all week. And they look like they're buying it. This is getting boring, "I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself, my name is Mombasa."? ? ? ? ?A loud noise was heard. The familiar screams were heard from micen that were unfortunate enough to get caught. See? This is why you always pay attention! Risa could sneak up at any moment and gobble you down. You sniffed the air a few times, filling your nostrils with brownies, and whatever this male smelled like. You know what? Let's see how far this lie could get you. "Risa caught a couple thieves. Marian, Tabby, and Joice. Oh well, that's my cue to get going before my own scent is recognized. You should get going as well, that girl in the pantry is in danger." You enjoy making up fake names. It brings you great pleasure to screw with stupid people. You don't even know if that orange gal left to the pantry, you just want these people to leave you alone! You grabbed your bag and ran in the direction of the 'Samara'.? ? ? ? ?"Wait!" The woman called, "Do you live here?"? ? ? ? ?And there it is, the dumbest question you'll hear all week. "No," You answered in sarcasm, "What's it to you?"? ? ? ? ?"Are there any colonies here?" She asked the second dumbest thing you'll hear all week.? ? ? ? ?You shook your head. No one is this stupid. "Whenever a colony starts somewhere, Risa finds some way to ruin it." Just smile, Mombasa! Just smile and get the hell away from the people, "Bye." You said before you ran away as fast as you could.? ? ? ? ?You have prey to catch.The only reason you’d have found this message is if you used TTS11112121111211111112111111??And there she is.? ? ? ? ?The grey female thought she could get away. She thought wrong. You followed her trail of crumbs. One of those bags must have had a hole in it. It's what happens when you drag them around. As you suspected, once Risa came into view, perhaps hunting something for someone in the pantry, Samara hid the moment she could. She also seemed a little fatigued due to the extra weight.? ? ? ? ?With her back to a coffee maker, and her eyes scanning the middle of the room. It wasn't hard for you to sneak up on her and give her a little bop upside the head. And by bop, you mean sucker punch with the fires of a thousand suns.? ? ? ? ?And there you have it. After calling for Risa, she told you to hold the girl still while she went to get something. Unfortunately, the girl came back to reality just before Risa arrived. She tried everything she could to escape; from begging to begging even more, but not screaming because screaming makes the leona run faster.? ? ? ? ?Soon, her friends showed up, but they abandoned her just as quick as you caught her. Something about promises, but you like to think they feared you. You forget the details, it wasn't important, other than the fact you had a needle this whole time and they didn't. Morons.? ? ? ? ?Risa eventually came back and picked up the girl. She also said that you could keep all of the loot. But you knew better. You've exposed yourself enough and carrying a bunch of bags of food is only going to make people who should ask questions ask questions. You decided to leave them there, for some other scavenger and decided to head to Zurv.? ? ? ? ?"Please don't hurt me!" The little mousy begged as Risa placed her on a plate, on the coffee table. Next to the girl was a brownie and to the right of her was a fork off the cold plate. The saucer's smooth and cool surface drained the energy out of Samara's fur. "Please let me go!"? ? ? ? ?Risa shook her head, a smile curling onto her face.? ? ? ? ?The mouse started panting, "M-my name is Samara! I don't want to die, I'll do anything!"? ? ? ? ?"You're the little mouse who escaped..." Risa glossed her tongue over her lips.? ? ? ? ?Samara's panting grew shallower and quicker, "I was... hoping you wouldn't remember that."? ? ? ? ?"You said you were up for anything?" Risa placed her fork at her neck, making the cold silver tongs touch against her tender skin. "I need you to..." She placed the silverware at her legs, making her left ankle trapped in between the middle of the slivers. "Escape."? ? ? ? ?Samara pulled and tugged as hard as she could. Her foot simply wouldn't fit through. She was tired enough, panting and gasping for air. She froze as she saw Risa reach down and pick up the chocolate brownie next to her and cringed as she took a bite of it.? ? ? ? ?"This isn't fair..." Samara called and repeated, "This isn't fair!"? ? ? ? ?Risa didn't wait until her mouth was empty to reply, "Neither was last time, but you still escaped."? ? ? ? ?"I-I wasn't pinned down! Not like this!" She wailed.? ? ? ? ?"Mmm... Maybe you're right." She released the girl, "Go ahead. Run."? ? ? ? ?Samara got up and didn't fight the issue. She ran. The moment she took her second step, however, Risa flicked a finger under her leg, thus tripping her. She used the same finger to pinch Samara's tail on the ground and dragged her back to the center of the plate. She got up and ran again, this time faster. Risa merely scooped under her with a finger and tripped her once more, making the mouse slam her snout into the rim of the plate.? ? ? ? ?She tried again, this time she made it to the edge of the plate, only for Risa to poke the bottom of her foot, the force and unexpected impact made Samara unable to subconsciously correct her foot. She landed hard on her ankle and felt a terrible pulse as it slipped from under her.? ? ? ? ?She cried in pain and grabbed the wounded and sprained joint. Risa plugged her wails by shoving a piece of brownie in her mouth. The cat waited patiently as the girl calmed down. It's hard to cry for long with a delicious treat in your mouth. Samara, still clutching her leg and crying, chewed. She knew it was over.? ? ? ? ?"That guy... I get it now..." She squeaked. "There's only two ways to escape..."? ? ? ? ?Risa picked her up gently, careful not to touch the wounded ankle, "It's about time you got it."? ? ? ? ?"But..." Samara was hyperventilating, "How was... I suppo... to know?"? ? ? ? ?"You were supposed to figure it out sooner." Risa responded.? ? ? ? ?Samara was quiet for a pause before asking, "May I have another try?"? ? ? ? ?Risa lifted the girl to her snout and opened her maw. Teeth stained with chocolate, and little crumbs that couldn't find their way out littered the mouth in front of the throat. Without another word, the mouse was tossed in and swallowed.? ? ? ? ?You finally found Zurv. The walk wasn't long, but you made sure you were using your dufflebag and no one else's. Your ear twitched, as you heard the sultry sound of the world's most annoying voice, "Hey jerk!"? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah...111121211112111111121111111? ? ?You grunted a sigh and turned to face her.? ? ? ? ?She didn't look happy. She looked as angry as she is dumb. No, that's a false evaluation. No one can be that angry. She was also wearing those shoes that John made. And if she doesn't thank you, you're going to shove it in and out of every hole on her body. And if she yells at you, you're going to make new holes. If both situations occur, you will combine the consequences and have Risa patent the pain you've invented.? ? ? ? ?You feel on top of the freaking world right now, you can dream!? ? ? ? ?"What the hell is the matter with you?" She kept her tone low, as to not draw attention and inadvertently keeping her skin and muscles from being hole-lified.? ? ? ? ?"There's this dumbass who called me a jerk a few moments ago," You answered. "That's what's wrong with me. Other than the fact that every breath out of your mouth is a stunning contribution to support to infanticide, what's your problem?"? ? ? ? ?"You will show me respect." She demanded, "I'm the deputy."? ? ? ? ?"And I am the dark of the night!" You said, spreading your arms, "I feed off the pain, fear and trepidation of my victims, as I declaw them, and removed every finger and toe, and pluck every fur from their body before I gouge out their eyes and remove their nose and skull as I play them as I would a minstrel on the finest of crack."? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah was silent, glaring at you with a mood that said she wasn't playing around. "Are you don-?"? ? ? ? ?"No, let me finish." You crossed your arms and stood silent for a few seconds. Then you confirmed, "Alright, I'm done."? ? ? ? ?"You ditched me!" She said.? ? ? ? ?"So? You're the deputy." You pointed to the jail's second floor, "You have one of the coziest beds in the neighborhood. What, did you sleep on the ground?"? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah was silent. Her face changed from anger to embarrassment.? ? ? ? ?No... There is no way... "You did," You almost asked, but rather you told her as if you already knew. Her silence confirmed it. "Wow, I'm not even angry. You have opened my eyes. I've complained about the idiotic things you've done but I... I didn't know they were so petty compared to your stupidity at full potential. Here I thought I was dealing with normal stupid, but no. This? This is... Advanced Stupid. A master craft. A talent of your own. The scary part is that I may never truly know how stupid you could be. You could argue with yourself that the sky is blue and you'd still lose. If I cut off your head, it could float with all that air inside. I feel as if we fed you to Risa, she'd choke to death on the aura of stupid that surrounds you, and you would still find a way to die in her stomach. I... I actually feel sorry for you. I feel like this whole time I was actually picking on a blind person, or deaf person, except those people have a better chance of fighting back, and you're just stupid. I'm sorry, truly I am."? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah's embarrassment was long gone. It was lost in your monologue. She held a blank stare, "All I did was sleep on the ground. If that's the dumbest thing I've ever done then you have no reason to complain about anything."? ? ? ? ?She has a point?! Almost. The fact that this isn't the dumbest moment in her life only makes it more apparent that she is severally handicapped. There is only one way of dealing with this.? ? ? ? ?"I have no asshole." You blatantly said, making her face scrounge in pure question. You continued, "It fell off. It wasn't a slow process or anything. I woke up and there it was on the ground."? ? ? ? ?Her mouth dropped. She looked to the ground, perhaps contemplating if this is what it felt like talking to her. She turned her head and walked away.? ? ? ? ?Now you just need to get a snack and check up on someone...1111212111121111111211111112? ? ? ? ?As you finished with your snack, you decided to go home.? ? ? ? ?The more you thought about how you treated Annekke the more guilt you had on your chest. Were you the one in the wrong? This wouldn't have happened if she kept a leash on Seraph! Or a bell. It's hard to tell where the girl is, even when she is around. On the upside, she has been more sneakier and great at hiding thanks to Risa's games. But you shiver at the thought of how many times Seraph got caught by her. Do you dare wonder how far Risa has gone? You get chills at the very ponder if Risa actually...? ? ? ? ?No. You know Seraph. She hates being dirty. And as far as you know, bile is pretty disgusting.? ? ? ? ?Before you could get out of Zurv, someone called for you. It was Sheriff Anton. He motioned his hand to you softly, signaling you to come forth. The way he did it, it was obvious that he was hiding something that he didn't want the public to see. Was it... fear?? ? ? ? ?You made your way to the mouse. It wasn't until you were a tail's length away from him did he bother to speak, "I hear you have no asshole." He joked, but it was obvious with the tone of his voice that something was wrong.? ? ? ? ?"To be fair," You began, "I'll admit my attitude is a fine replacement."? ? ? ? ?"Come inside." He stepped off to the side and beckoned you in.? ? ? ? ?"I take it that this isn't about my mistreatment of your deputy?" You asked as you entered into the Sheriff's office.? ? ? ? ?"Nah. Light travels faster than sound." He said, "That's why I thought she looked smart until I heard her talk more. Rick may be a cocking douche-canoe but at least he demanded respect. Pyrrah couldn't get a rattis to eat even if she rubbed her chest-goods all over their lips; they'd find her stupidity poisonous."? ? ? ? ?You could only agree as you sat down in front of his desk. There is always a pit in your stomach sitting in front of the Sheriff's desk. Normally it means you screwed up. You almost began to freak out. Did Rick see you save Risa? No, let's not jump to conclusions. "Then why did you bring me in here?"? ? ? ? ?Anton closed the door and any curtains to windows. "Because, I've need you to do something for me." He waited a few seconds in silence, perhaps for dramatic effect, before saying, "I recently got in touch with a group. They said they represented the Rosary. Do you know of them?"? ? ? ? ?You shook your head, "What are they?"? ? ? ? ?"I dunno." He admitted, "That's why I need you. They gave the guards a location to speak to them." He slid a piece of parchment to you. You didn't bother to pick it up.? ? ? ? ?Instead you crossed your arms, "You're sending me?"? ? ? ? ?"We're both going." He corrected you, putting on his hat, "I need someone who can take care of themselves to stick with me. And someone I can trust. Considering you've killed before-"? ? ? ? ?"Not always on purpose!"? ? ? ? ?"-I have full faith in your abilities to solve this problem if the worse comes to fruition. Any questions?"? ? ? ? ?You stood up and grabbed the piece of paper, before reading it. You know the place they want to meet at. The colony's secret stash of food is in the very room. No wonder Anton wants the Rosary dealt with, they are subtly threatening any emergency food.? ? ? ? ?Anton tossed you a needle and a hip harness for such a weapon. "Only one question: where are we going to hide the bodies?"11112121111211111112111111121? ?The answer, "No bodies," was both relieving and disappointing.? ? ? ? ?Mostly the latter. For some strange reason, you were hoping for you blood to boil. Maybe it still can? You doubt there will be any real trouble though. They told the guards who they were, and where to find them. To attack the sheriff? Nah, not even Pyrrah could be that stupid, and she's Advanced in the Art of Stupidity so much that you were unprepared for similes to describe such horror.? ? ? ? ?You soon arrived near the desired location. It was nothing special, as before mentioned it was a stash for emergency food, a place to go if, and when Risa wants to give Zurv a visit. There's enough to last all of its thirty-odd inhabitants for about two days. Part of Anton's job it to check on it every week, see what goes stale, or see if someone has been picking at it.? ? ? ? ?You aren't exactly surprised that it was found. It's Anton's job to make sure that nothing in it smells or else someone will find it, and you're damn sure that you can smell a mango-flavored chip from inside. Considering Risa hadn't gotten one of those for at least a week, Anton hasn't been doing his job.? ? ? ? ?"Are you sure you want to go with this?" You asked, "You're the sheriff. I'm not saying you aren't doing your job, but can't we get someone more disposable for your place? Like Pyrrah?"? ? ? ? ?"Two reasons." Anton said as he stopped in front of the door, to finish the conversation before he starts a new one. "One, they asked for me by name. You know what that means? They know who I am. If I send someone other than I, then it would be a death sentence. You don't know much about me but let me be the first to tell you that I have made plenty of enemies."? ? ? ? ?"And the second reason?"? ? ? ? ?"If this is an old enemy, the one I am thinking about, I'd like to cut his head off myself." He nodded, "Still, let's go in with a leveled head." He leads you both to the hole, it was a small entrance to get in, but the room inside was big enough for the before mentioned people. Anton cleared his throat, before proclaiming, "Rosary, are you in there? It's Anton. Can we talk outside?"? ? ? ? ?Soon, not soon enough but soon, out walked a man with orange-like, brown fur and lighter brown eyes. He was unarmed. Unarmored. He only had a black shirt and pants. He nodded a bow, "Thank you for seeing me. My name is Riker, Mr. Anton, and...?"? ? ? ? ?"Mombasa, von Waffle-kins, The Malevolent." You bow, "But most just call me Mombasa."? ? ? ? ?"A sense of humor," He acknowledged with a smirk, "Perhaps this won't be as dull as I thought."? ? ? ? ?"Are you alone?" The Sheriff asked, holding out his hand and shaking Riker's.? ? ? ? ?"Yes. And I understand how dangerous that is, especially when inviting strangers to my location. However, considering the stories I have heard about you, Anton, and even you, Mombasa, it really wouldn't make a difference how armed I was."? ? ? ? ?"You hear that, Anton?" You sniped, "You're as famous as I am for harming people. What haven't you told me?"? ? ? ? ?"None the less," Riker continued, "I have a proposition for you." He articulated, "May I interest you in the opportunity of killing a god?"? ? ? ? ?You couldn't believe what you were hearing. This man, this moron is the square root of Pyrrah, times Pyrrah, plus three. He... wants to kill Risa! He stood in front of you with a straight face, almost as if he was unaware of how silly his notion is. He even suggests ideas, ambushes, suggests killing her with fire so that if any other leona finds her then it can be passed off as a drunk leona in a house fire. He put so much thought into this, but he forgot one more thing.? ? ? ? ?"And what if that doesn't work?" You asked, "What if she escapes the fire? What makes you think she hasn't planned for a fire considering how much alcohol she keeps? She isn't stupid. Do you know how many micen she can take out in a single kick? Rumor has it, she once punted a rattis through a mouse hole, killing him before he even hit the wall."? ? ? ? ?"Our contingency plan is simple." He said, with full confidence. "We find a volunteer, perhaps a willing micen. Then we lace them with poison. Then cover them in booze. Risa will smell and taste the alcohol, and once ingested, she will die. Or she will be weak enough to attack."? ? ? ? ?"That's... Perfect." You admitted. How could that fail? It was... clever? Could another being other than you possibly obtain such a trait?? ? ? ? ?"You can't be serious." Anton added, "Risa is needed. She supplies most of our food. All of it in fact, other than the occasional bug or fungus. To kill her would be to stab the hand that feeds us."? ? ? ? ?"Anton, there are ways around that." You said, facing him, "I'll tell you about how Niarb has fungi and bug farms when we get back to Zurv." As you were facing away from Riker, you winked. Anton was right, but much worse consequences are prepared for micen who kills a leona. Mass gassing.? ? ? ? ?Anton seemed to have gotten the message. "Ah, right. Farms. Looks like we're going to need a lot of foreigners then."? ? ? ? ?With Anton agreeing to every word spoken, Riker explained everything about the Rosary, It was legitimately amazing. At least two hundred micen banding together to stop the leonas from doing this abstract thing called 'breathing' and surprisingly enough, it may be enough to kill even Risa.? ? ? ? ?After all of it was finished, you and Anton took your leave, agreeing to what Riker requested about asylum and permission to scout around for other safe havens from fire.? ? ? ? ?"This is retarded." Anton said on your way back. "I have to find a way to deal with this. You," he pointed, "Keep your mouth shut. I want to make sure no other mouse knows about this. Understand? I have to investigate."? ? ? ? ?"Investigate?"? ? ? ? ?"How the hell they asked me by name, if they didn't know who I was." He made a good point, and not just with his finger that was sharp in your direction, "Not a single word."? ? ? ? ?You nodded, "Not one."? ? ? ? ?"So what do you think?" You asked the wide-eyed Risa after explaining the whole story and plan111121211112111111121111111211? ? ?Risa was silent, her ears twitching but her face in neutral.? ? ? ? ?She raised an eyebrow and hummed in a thinking tone. You could have sworn you saw her lips curl into a smile. "Well done, Mombasa. I'm impressed you managed to find this out. Not everyone I've ever asked got results. I take it you aren't doing it out the good of your heart. What would you like from me?"? ? ? ? ?You inhaled deeply, "You're... Offering me an award?"? ? ? ? ?"A?reward, yes." She articulated, "There is no competition, it's something for a job well done."? ? ? ? ?You pondered for a moment. You thought your reward was your life, but now you're offered...? Perhaps you could bring home some delicious food? Some booze? Or is this some kind of test? This?is?Risa, after all.? ? ? ? ?"May I take a rain check on it?" You asked, "It sounds too useful for a moment's worth of thought."? ? ? ? ?"By all means, think on it. Just go home and get some rest. I have another job for you soon." She stood up from her bed and took you off the soft comforters. After she carried you to the door, she held a finger to her lips, "This is our secret, got it?"? ? ? ? ?"Isn't it always?"? ? ? ? ?You just made your way out of the maze. Today was amazing. You insulted Pyrrah multiple times, bonded with Anton over the thought of killing, earn Risa's favor and a favor from Risa, made a new friend whom you fed to Risa, and you didn't die. You're going to have a new child in a month if you keep up this win streak.? ? ? ? ?Then it hit you. Annekke is mad at you. Perhaps you could use your favor to help with the whole bad blood between Risa and your wife? A smirk curled on your lips. Yeah, that might be good. You'll wait until you're in your right mind to figure out a clever way of doing that.? ? ? ? ?"Honey, I'm home." You said as you approached the tarp. After not hearing anything, you figured she was ignoring you. How childish. "Annekke? I have good news, and then some great news." You stepped through the tarp. Something was off. There was no smell of food, or of anyone's scent. You frantically looked around. The food was gone. The clothes, the kids, the bedding!? ? ? ? ?It was empty.? ? ? ? ?Your heart began to pound. It felt heavy, as if it was a living breathing stone wanting to slide from under your chest. You leaned against the wall, panting. No sign of a struggle. No scratches. Nothing toppled over. Everything that's too heavy to carry was still here. They.... They left. Annekke took them. Seraph... Gino, Caw...? ? ? ? ?Your hands shook as you began to cry. Their scent was gone, the trail cold. They were absent from home almost as long as you.? ? ? ? ?"No... No... Come back... Please come back." You muttered pitifully to yourself as you realized that you were alone.? ? ? ? ?You don't know when you fell asleep. You only remember sobbing. When you awoke, you had hoped it was all a dream; however, falling asleep curled in the corner was an early reassurance that you were alone.? ? ? ? ?Any food that was left felt sour in your mouth whenever you bit into it. Your own tears are the only things that brought taste to the stale bread. It's only been an hour since you got home. How could she have done this? You loved her. You sacrificed so much for her...? ? ? ? ?Annekke... Caw... Gino... Seraph... Your ears perked. Seraph. Risa. They're friends. Seraph always gets into trouble, always escapes Annekke to play with Risa! There's a chance, a small chance that Seraph could have told Risa where Annekke was going!? ? ? ? ?No... Annekke would have kept a better eye on her. Then again... If Seraph bothered listening to her and you, she wouldn't be friends with your boss, would she?1111212111121111111211111112111? ? ? ? ?Your heart was beating in your ears.? ? ? ? ?You ran as fast as your legs could move, sprinting to the point that you were almost out of breath by the time you got to the ladder. You crawled up as fast as possible and ran out of the hole. No one was around, so that means Risa is either out, or in her room. You had to make sure! You scurried over to her bedroom door and crawled under it.? ? ? ? ?Risa was sitting on her bed, reading a book. Her ears pivoted, a sign that she was well aware of your presence. She motioned her finger for you to come. "Taking advantage of your privilege? You know better."? ? ? ? ?"My family," You said, before remembering your place and bowing, "My family is gone."? ? ? ? ?Her brow raised. Was this concern, interest or curiosity?? ? ? ? ?You continued, your voice trying not to tremble, "They're gone. They just left without a word. Seraph is gone too."? ? ? ? ?Risa was silent, her eyes focused on the book, but her lips made a small twitch. She pointed towards the door, or rather the floor just in front of it. You didn't know what she's referring to, if she wanted you out or if she was point to something. When you turned around, you saw Pyrrah.? ? ? ? ?What is she doing here? Perhaps she saw you going into Risa's room and followed to see what you're up to. Damn, she's the deputy too, and you'll be damned if you don't keep her mouth shut.? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah, however, seemed surprised that you were even here.? ? ? ? ?"You came earlier than I expect, Mombasa. I thought you'd be sleeping." Risa said as she got off the bed and sat the book on her night stand.? ? ? ? ?"What's going on?" You asked, standing up, "Why are you saying that like it's a problem?"? ? ? ? ?"Because: You both did a good job informing me about the Sect. One was better than the other." She crawled on all fours towards you and Pyrrah, specifically you.? ? ? ? ?"What the hell are you talking about?" You demanded, forgetting your place. "What do you mean we both did a good job? I did all the work! I'm the one who found them out. All Pyrrah did was stay home and play deputy..."? ? ? ? ?Your fur began to raise. Pyrrah stayed home with your family, observing your family, and became deputy, became second in command in the only other place you can call home. Your eyes widened. You turned towards Pyrrah, towards the very person who was spying on?you.? ? ? ? ?"You bitch." You muttered.? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah only smiled and began to laugh, "It's about time you caught on, moron!" She fell back, laughing and chuckling, "I mean, shit bro, I didn't think acting stupid could work so well!"? ? ? ? ?You were speechless; dumbfounded by the turn of events. She was the cause of everything.?? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah shook her head, "I thought you'd have figured it out sooner. There are only two ways you can escape Risa: By serving her, or by dying. Did you... Did you not learn this?" She continued to laugh, a cheer held in for weeks.? ? ? ? ?"This was... This was all a test?" You turned to Risa, who was now smiling hungrily at you.? ? ? ? ?"Like you said, Miss Risa," Pyrrah repeated, "One was better than the other." She turned to you, "Everything you told her about the Sect, about the Rosary? I told her a day before. If it wasn't for me telling them about the Sheriff, you may have never known. Shame you came with him, he wasn't supposed to survive. If it weren't for you, I'd have them all in Zurv by now, and Risa would be eating them up."? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah... She was gone from Zurv right after your argument with her. She... She had to have taken your family away! Annekke is too frightful, too scared and doesn't even know how to gather well enough to survive on her own and she knows this! You're going to fuck Pyrrah a new nostril when you're done with her!? ? ? ? ?In your anger, you forgot about Risa's open maw about to barrel down on you.? ? ? ? ?"Risa." You growled, not turning around, "Hear me out. There's something you should know about Pyrrah."? ? ? ? ?"Don't you think I want to hear it, Mumble?" She muttered, her eyes locked on you.11112121111211111112111111121112? ? ? ? ?"You owe me a favor, don't you?"? ? ? ? ?As the words slipped from your mouth, Risa's smile died away. She looked as if she was split. Truly, what reason did she have to bother with the promise? She could just shrug it off and eat you. You are a rodent after all is said and done. "Alright," She rest her head and body on the ground, but still ready to jump on you. "What is it you want?"? ? ? ? ?Your mind began to think, refusing to waste the opportunity. But what could you possibly say about Pyrrah? Other than she's an idiot? She played you, she was never an idiot she only wanted people to think she was.? ? ? ? ?And they do. People think she's an idiot.?? ? ? ? ?You smile and gasped in some air, and then you pointed at her. "She's useless to you now." You stepped forward with the challenge and accusation, not letting Risa's apathetic face discouraging you; there's something Pyrrah overlooked. "The colony thinks she's stupid, everyone even Sheriff Anton thinks that she is better off in the gutter. If the Sheriff died, they'd just put Rick the Dick back in charge. Speaking of which, the Sheriff is already planning so."? ? ? ? ?"He's lying." Pyrrah scoffed."? ? ? ? ?"The fact of the matter is, Pyrrah is useless as a spy now. No one trusts her with information. Anton is investigating all of Zurv for a spy as we speak, because some moron told the Sect his name when the colony as a whole is a secret. So even if she no longer acts stupid, that only makes her suspicious. And a suspicious spy is a useless spy. The only thing her plan would have done was cause a war with the sect."? ? ? ? ?"One less colony to deal with!" Pyrrah said, "And the Sect would be in a nice small spot, trapped, for Risa. We could have solved the issue, sacrifices are necessary."? ? ? ? ?"Moron." You shook your head, "Risa tolerates Zurv for how well behaved they are. Compare them to the last one, the one that ruined her fridge. You just assume she'd let you destroy the only colony she tolerates? And what makes you think the Rosary would send all of its members into one tiny cramped gauntlet of shops? All of Zurv would have retreated, ran, knowing that their cover was blown or that they're being attacked. You'd have only given our enemies a place of solitude as Rick would carry your head on a tooth pick. But me, Risa?" You turned to her, "The Sheriff, and his son, the future heir, respect me and trust me with their lives. This moron over here? I'm twice as powerful as her. And I am the better fighter. As clever as she thinks she is, she is still a basic bitch."? ? ? ? ?"Piss off!" Pyrrah sniped at you.? ? ? ? ?"Actually you have a few good points." Risa said.? ? ? ? ?"What?" Pyrrah’s jaws dropped, as you took a silent breath of relief.? ? ? ? ?"I said he has a few points. You're not respected or trusted in Zurv, Pyrrah. It was lucky that you were still deputy by the time the Sect came by. If it was a few days later, you'd be useless. And you are useless, more than ever right now."? ? ? ? ?"Bullshit!" She growled, "I can kick his ass any day of the week. If he's so smart, then how the hell did I manage to turn Annekke against him? If he's so smart, why couldn't he keep his wife from-"? ? ? ? ?You snarled, "One more word about Annekke, and I will force you down Risa's throat."? ? ? ? ?"Dick move, Pyrrah." Risa added. "You're not winning any favors this round." She sat up, "In a way, you are both right and wrong. The thing is, I don't need espionage anymore. I need a good fighter. Someone who can keep everyone in line when Anton isn't around. Someone who can demand respect through force, should the need arrive. And I only need one. I don't like it when my spies know each other." She sat there pondering.? ? ? ? ?You however, felt amazing. You're going to get Annekke back, you're going to beat the shit out of Pyrrah and possibly kills her, and you aren't gut deep in a Risa. And everything she named off, you already had. This is no longer your test, it's Pyrrah's.? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah also looked confident, perhaps it's the moron in her that isn't aware of the danger.? ? ? ? ?Risa shrugged, "Both of you will go home and armor up. Bring your best weapon here in an hour. I will be setting up an arena for the fight." She stood up, "And just to give you a clue on what you're both dealing with, it's a fight to the death."111121211112111111121111111211121You've prepared yourself.? ? ? ? ?The silence of the house was ironically deafening. You're so used to someone talking, or Annekke reading to the kids, or She-who-shan't-be-named making a fool of herself. You spent this time stretching, and eating, taking pleasure in the anticipation of the kill, but not letting the excitement take over. You sharpened your needle until the point was the finest and you searched through your own personal chest for any kind of armor. Annekke took most of it,but she left the padded under armor to soften the blows. She must not know that the metal exoskeleton is only half the protection.? ? ? ? ?You took in a deep breath, trying to calm your nerves. It's really simple, just breathe in, imagine cutting Pyrrah's throat, breathe out. It's almost erotic the way you did it, but it wasn't the most questionable thing you got off to today.? ? ? ? ?For the last twenty minutes you drank whatever booze was left behind that Annekke left. It was barely a shot's worth, but liquid courage is courage enough. Besides, it's Pyrrah, she couldn't kill an ant even if she had an armored war-rattis at her command.? ? ? ? ?You put the shot down. Calm, and collective, you stood up and headed towards the door. It's time to kill.? ? ? ? ?Risa was all set up. She put several books and movies into a rectangle on her bedroom floor. She even used a desk fan in the middle, something to climb on, as well as other bits and bobbles lying about. She was adding the finishing touches, bits of clump cotton to outline the arena, and inside were razors and needles, creating makeshift barbed wire. On the floor was several napkins, so that the blood doesn't stain the carpet.? ? ? ? ?Your needle was whetted, and sharper than ever before. It should be able to drill deep into Pyrrah with ease. Your own gambeson was thick enough that a knick or a swipe of a needle would be ill-effective against you. It may even stop a good stab into your torso. You are helmetless, however. The lack of face protection did make you feel worried, but so long as you make her keep up the defensive, you will have nothing to worry about.? ? ? ? ?Risa picked you up gently and placed you in the center of the arena. The wall was twice the height as you, and there was some thick string attached to the desk fan, making you feel as if she wants a jungle-gym spectacle. But you know better. This wasn't supposed to be a game, or a show; it was the final solution to who gets to live. It will be a test of skill and wit. She won't mind if you go through the battle without doing a flip, so long as Pyrrah dies.? ? ? ? ?Your heart was beating with anticipation. You could feel it in your ears.? ? ? ? ?You saw Risa reach down and pick up a small figure from behind the walls. She leaned over the wall and set your opponent down gently.? ? ? ? ?Then you shivered at what you saw before you.? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah, heavily armored with a mace and shield, heavily armored with a gambeson and full white-plate armor. The craftsmanship behind the weapon showed that it was not of micen made hands, but of materials that had to have been from a leona. The shield was thin, but made of tin; tower like in design, able to cover her entire body from view if need be. The armor was... it was your armor! Annekke didn't take it, she did!? ? ? ? ?She removed her sallet and unbuttoned the cushioning mask from beneath. "Hey there, dumbnuts." She mocked, "I heard you have no asshole. So, I'm here to tear you a new one."? ? ? ? ?She readied her weapon, putting the shield in front and the weapon in a wound-up position to strike. The moment you press an attack, she will smash your skull in.? ? ? ? ?"Some ground rules first." Risa said, "If you don't kill each other within three minutes, sudden death will occur. Whoever got hit the most will die. Anyone who leaves the arena during combat will die. Any questions? Don't care, start!"1111212111121111111211111112111211? ? ? ? ?You didn't have time to think of any other plans.? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah charged you, her tower shield blocking all forms of telegraph and vision for you to be able to do anything about it. There was only one thing you can do. You turned tail and ran.? ? ? ? ?You aren't running from the battle, if anything it's a tactical retreat. You had to make Pyrrah run, you had to make her move. The more she moves, the more tired she becomes. You quickly scaled one of the yarns and crawled up to the desk fan in the center of the arena. Pyrrah stayed under you as you swiftly crawled along the rope, getting a good grip in the bars of the fan and crawling to the top.? ? ? ? ?"Get down here." Pyrrah demanded, her shield hitting the ground as she rested.? ? ? ? ?You responded by spitting at her. She stood still, letting the loogie splat on the metal casing surrounding her.? ? ? ? ?She scoffed, "This is your armor, moron."? ? ? ? ?"I'm the moron?" You asked, wrapping your tail around the small metallic bar you sat upon, "You're the one who is wearing plate armor and brought a shield! You don't need a shield, moron, you have plate armor-?you?are the shield. You're only weighing yourself down. And a tower shield? Did you expect me to through javelins at you?"?? ? ? ? ?"Don't be dull, Mombasa." Risa reminded you. "I know what you're trying to do, and spitting doesn't count.? ? ? ? ?"Alright," You unwrapped your tail, and you did your best not to telegraph your next move but prepared for your strike nonetheless. "Hold still."?? ? ? ? ?You jumped off at her, needle pointed just under you. Pyrrah, like a great big dummy head, held up her shield and poised to strike. That's when you removed your needle and replaced it with a kick. The weight of you, your momentum and the shield tumbled on Pyrrah, knocking her onto the ground, as well as you. But you were less armor, allowing you to get up much faster without any weigh. You picked up your needle and jumped on Pyrrah, who was unable to get up in time. She used her shield once again when you charged with the needle. You once again decided to jump on her, making her fall back onto her hind again. You held your needle, aiming expertly with the tip and ready to gouge out an eye. Then you noticed her mace.? ? ? ? ?You rolled off of her as her weapon swung where your head once was. This time, Pyrrah abandoned the shield and stood on her feet, swinging her weapon in a fast, repeating arc. She made doubly sure not to swing too wide, but at this time you decided to run away once again.? ? ? ? ?You jumped onto the desk fan and started climbing once more. Pyrrah was getting irritated. She can't climb up here without getting tired. She can't stab you with a blunt weapon as easily as you can a sharp needle. You also noted she was almost out of breath. You wrapped your tail around the bars once more and leaned back.?? ? ? ? ?In a gloating tone, you called, "And just like that, I just have to wait for sudden death. Unless you'd like to come up here and lay a hit on me?"? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah looked behind you, and you noticed a shadow looming over you. Risa's fingers unsheathed their claws and began to scratch at your tail. "I said 'Don't. Be. Dull.' What part of that did you misinterpret?"? ? ? ? ?You began to lose your balance as your tail's grip lessened by the second. You were just able to grab onto your needle and a nearby bar. However, the swing your body made when your tail gave way forced your wrist to twist too far. You were unable to get a footing as the bars were vertical now. You feel freely through the air, but you braced yourself to land on the hard plastic below. As you landed, Pyrrah's charging form came into your vision.? ? ? ? ?You rolled away from her and continued to run, jutting from one side to the other. Risa foiled your plan to stall until sudden death, she's forcing you to fight. What are you going to do? You have to think of something before you get your head smashed in... Her shield! A quick glance back and you can see it was still there.? ? ? ? ?You turned and ran towards it, and soon enough you managed to pick it up. You quickly ditched the needle to use the shield with two hands. As Pyrrah's blow came down, you felt the pressure but nothing more. Then, you rammed her with the shield. You couldn't see her, but she couldn't hit you either. You did it again, pushing her back, and back, slamming against her with full force, but careful not to lose your footing. There's a specific place you'd like to herd her to.? ? ? ? ?Her armor was great at stopping a needle, but useless at stopping a metal block from hitting her. Then you felt it. She was backed into a corner. Now you gave it your all. You smashed into her relentlessly. You quickly lost count how many times you pushed her against the cases, but you could hear the wall actually begging to fall apart.? ? ? ? ?When she was weak enough you did it. You abandoned the shield and grabbed her weapon-arm's wrist. Your other hand you held out you index finger, claw sharp and ready, before stabbing it quickly into her left eye socket.? ? ? ? ?A sickening scream came from her mouth and you removed the finger, showing the scarlet liquid dripping from your claw. You held the shield against the mace and pinning it to the wall. You punched her throat, which was covered by the gambeson but the pressure was enough to make her gag. You removed the shield, ripping the mace from her grip as you punched her throat again.? ? ? ? ?With the mace on the ground, you dived for it, picking it up just barely off the ground before you heard, "Stop!"? ? ? ? ?It was Risa. "Stop. Stop, enough. You win, Basa."? ? ? ? ?Pyrrah was crying, removing her helmet and rubbing her bleeding eye.? ? ? ? ?"Don't touch it, Pyrrah."? ? ? ? ?"Risa... The favor... My favor." Pyrrah said, holding her hand. "Please let me use it."? ? ? ? ?Risa seemed to be calmer, you noticed her fur had begun to stand up. "What is it you want?" She asked.? ? ? ? ?"I... I want to go home. Just live a normal life, like a good little micen. A good girl... It's all I ever wanted. Ple-"? ? ? ? ?A sickening crack interrupted her. The back of her skull caved in as you planted the mace with full force, almost enough to decapitate her without breaking the skin. You swung your newly acquired weapon back the way it came, crushing the face of the woman, making sure she was dead. You didn't stop there. You reeled back and slammed it against her once more. And another, and another. By the time you were finished, it was hard to believe Pyrrah once looked like a micen.? ? ? ? ?After you were all out of breath, you let the weapon slide from your grasp. The soft thud from it hitting the ground was almost laughable in comparison to the damage it had done. Why haven't you done this sooner?? ? ? ? ?You looked back at Risa, "So... If I eat her heart, do I get the favor instead?"? ? ? ? ?Risa was speechless. The look on her face... was concerning. "Did I say you could kill her?"? ? ? ? ?"Risa, darling," You pointed both of your thumbs at you. "Does it look like I give a fuck? My family is gone. Zurv's secret location is out. I just killed Pyrrah. There's nothing to live for anymore." You noticed your feet were getting warm, the putrid blood seeped from the carpet to your shoes. You kicked Pyrrah's defiled corpse, "Now if you'll excuse me, I have the munchies that a warm heart can satisfy."? ? ? ? ?As you reached your hands down to unfasten the pate armor, you felt Risa's outstretched claw on your back.11112121111211111112111111121112111? ? ? ?"I was going to eat her," She growled.? ? ? ? ?You've had enough of this. You spun your torso and slapped her claw away. "Is this some sort of game?" You called back. Your fear was no longer present. It was succeeded but anger. You bit your teeth together, separating them only to yell back at Risa, "Are you entertained? Did you have fun?"? ? ? ? ?Risa's hand froze in the air. Her face bore the blank look of patience near its end.? ? ? ? ?"Fun's over." You admitted. "I'm tired of your shit, Risa. I'm tired of you screwing me over, even after I bend over backwards as far as I can, as often as I can. I helped you for the sake of my family, then you took my family away. I followed your orders so Zurv won't get screwed over by your ego, and it was never in danger to begin with. I gave you my loyalty, and you stab me in the back in your attempts to cripple every move I make. This whole time I thought I was protecting Pyrrah, but no, you made it so she tried to kill me. The fun's over! Go ahead and take me."? ? ? ? ?"You done?" Risa placed her hands on the walls of the arena and started to drum them against the surface. "Fine. Go home."? ? ? ? ?You were silent. This is just another one of her tricks. She's going to squish you the moment you turn your back.? ? ? ? ?"Do you really think I want you dead?" She continued. She blinked slowly and articulated, "What do you think I allowed you so many chances to live? It's the same reason I haven't killed you now: You've impressed me."? ? ? ? ?Your ear twitched, as well as your brow. Impressed?? ? ? ? ?She smirked at your reaction, knowing she had gathered your attention, she continued, "Your life and family is on the line? You take the bullet. You then gathered important information a day after my most experienced enforcer? Then you not only best her in combat, but you used every little advantage you could in a situation where you should have died. Do you know what your favor was supposed to be used for? You were supposed to beg for your life. But you didn't take that shit, and instead turned the tables on me. Now you're the only one that can help me. Now not only am I impressed, but now I need you." She lowered hand hand, her palm showing as if it was a handshake. "I forgive you for talking to me like that, I can tell you're under a lot of stress. And if you continue to help me... I'll tell you where your family is."? ? ? ? ?Your heart started beating. Is she serious? She can't be. These are just her honeyed words trying to trick you. But there is logic in what she says. She does need you, but for how much longer? Until there is a newcomer that's better than you. If there's one thing you've learned in your years, it's that there is always someone better.? ? ? ? ?But she knows where you family is. Gino, Caw, Seraph.... Annekke. You have to do this... You reached up and grabbed the tip of her finger and shook in a manner from any other point of view would look wholly pathetic and even laughable. But for now... It is important.111121211112111111121111111211121111? ? ? ? ?It's going to be a hell of a time explaining all of this to Anton? ? ? ? ?Thing about Anton, something he doesn't like mentioning to anyone, is that he lost a lot of family and friends to her. Anton has seen the worst of Risa, and from what you've heard and seen, it's not far from the best of Risa. Common decency is Risa's way of making friends, but that doesn't balance out the whole killing thing she likes to do.? ? ? ? ?Anton was from another colony, he grew up in the very place that broke Risa's fridge. She was thorough in making sure there will little survivors, but just enough that they can tell others what happened. If he finds out... when he finds out that Risa knows about Zurv, he could do something drastic and you wouldn't blame him.? ? ? ? ?He's seen more things in a single hour than most people can cope with in a single yeah.? ? ? ? ?And it's your job to tell him that his family's killer is essentially blackmailing him. What are you going to say? Just walk in there, say 'Oi, Risa knows where we live and wants us to behave ourselves.' You guess saying that with an 'oi' at the beginning only makes it sound even more condescending. Best case scenario is that he will understand. Worst case is that he kicks you out and moves the entire colony somewhere else. Still, that place as started to feel like home, especially since yours was empty now.? ? ? ? ?You walked into the bar, spotting the Sheriff ordering the drink from the bartender. The bar looked very similar to all the other buildings in Zurv. It looked run down and full of life at the same time. You didn't sneak up on him, simply made your presence known by sitting next to him and giving him a nudge.? ? ? ? ?"Wha-" He mumbled.? ? ? ? ?"We need to talk." You said, loud enough that only his slurring mind could hear and understand. "It's important."? ? ? ? ?"Happy hours important?"? ? ? ? ?You assumed that was a question, rather than a statement, though both are equal in important. "Yes. But this is more so." You leaned in, "I need you sober for this one, just know it's semi-emergent."? ? ? ? ?"I'll be with ya soon." He slurred enough that his real accent nearly showed, "But piss off with ya fo' now."? ? ? ? ?Mission is half accomplished. Wonderful! Time to prepare yourself for an anus replacement, shit's about to flow.? ? ? ? ?You sat in his office, hands folded onto your gut as you smile at a blank wall and contemplate your life choices. Soon, eventually, at least an hour after you informed Anton about the whole needing to talk bit, you finally heard him walking up to the jailhouse.? ? ? ? ?You've practice several speeches in the time it took him to sober up, and now you're prepared to toss it all away and just improvise.1111212111121111111211111112111211111? ? ? ?"Alright, Basa." He said, "Let's hear it."? ? ? ? ?As the old man sat on the other side of the desk, you drew in a breath. "There isn't really a way to ease into this. But I found out who let those strangers know your name." You bit you lips, "It was Pyrrah."? ? ? ? ?Anton's expression didn't change, he only out his feet onto the table and shrugged, "I am sure you have evidence."? ? ? ? ?"Worse." You leaned in, "She worked for Risa as well."? ? ? ? ?This time, he rose an eyebrow. "I don't know whether to laugh or cry. But you don't sound as if you're joking." You leaned down to your bag and unzipped it. From it you pulled the mace and sat the marvelous piece on the table. "What's this?" He reached over and grabbed the weapon. After a few moments, he repeated himself, but this time he was impressed. "What's this? It feels so light, and balanced. This isn't even aluminium or tin."? ? ? ? ?"It was Pyrrah's weapon." You answered. "She tried to kill me with it."? ? ? ? ?Anton's expression changed from impressed to concern and startled. He set the weapon down slowly, narrowing his eyes at you. He knows what happens to people who try to kill you. "What provoked her?"? ? ? ? ?"Me walking in on her and Risa talking."? ? ? ? ?"What kind of Risa would talk to subordinates outside her room?" Anton questioned, well aware on Risa's policies. "That begs the question. What were you doing in her room?"? ? ? ? ?Here's the make it or break it moment. You answered in the simplest way possible; by telling the truth. "Let me explain-"? ? ? ? ?Anton rose from his chair, fast enough that his knees pushed it hard enough to topple over. He pointed to the door, "Get. Out."? ? ? ? ?"Risa has a message." You said sternly, almost growling. You kept your voice low. "Listen. You know me. I have no reason to like her. And I never do anything without thinking it through."? ? ? ? ?"What do you gain from this?" He leaned on the table, his palms flat, but close to the mace should he need it.? ? ? ? ?"Risa knows everything. About my family, about us. The thing is that she tolerates Zurv. She doesn't want to hurt anyone-"? ? ? ? ?"And you believed her?" It was a fair question. You had a fair answer.? ? ? ? ?"She knew we were here for years. Tell me why she hasn't gotten rid of the colony."? ? ? ? ?"Because we don't break things, we behave ourselves."? ? ? ? ?You said nothing, you simply motioned your hands to him as if you are gesturing the very words he just said as an answer.? ? ? ? ?His eyes looked up and stared at a blank wall. He sat back down. "That's... That explains the old food she leaves us... Alright..." He began to rub his head. You're such a brill negotiator that you made him open his own eyes. "What's her plan?"? ? ? ? ?You told him everything. That Pyrrah was working for her, that you were working for her. You told him how you captured foreigners that got into trouble so Risa wouldn't get mad. That wasn't the reason behind it, but you told him it anyways. You told him everything, that doesn't mean you can't make yourself look less like a victim.? ? ? ? ?After you were done telling your truths and half-truths, you made it look as if you had the situation under control- which you did.? ? ? ? ?"That's her plan. She wants us to infiltrate this Sect group of ignoramuses and stop them from getting out of control."? ? ? ? ?Anton was thinking, harder than he ever thought before, even removing his hat to wipe away sweat. "We almost doomed Zurv letting Pyrrah in here."? ? ? ? ?"She had?everyone?fooled." You reminded him.? ? ? ? ?"I'll..." He fell silent again, resting his elbows on the table and lying his cheek on his hand. "I need you to leave. No, no, not like that. I need you to be away when I call the meeting. Tell Risa we accept."? ? ? ? ?"Well..." You pursed you lips together, just now noticing how dry your mouth was. "The thing is... She wants to hear it from you."? ? ? ? ?"When is this day going to be over?" He muttered to himself before addressing you, "Tell her I will be there by the end of the hour." Before muttering, "That is if the towns folk don't rip my head off."?? ? ? ? ?You motioned to the mace, "You can keep it, if you'd like. Make your day better."? ? ? ? ?"Piss off with your damn self."11112121111211111112111111121112111111? ? ? ? ?You didn't bother to play with fire even further.? ? ? ? ?It didn't take long after leaving the sheriff's office to run into someone else. They young blue boy you know and love, John. Except when you saw him enter, carrying a bag full of cloth, he didn't seem himself. He seemed to be shaking, he barely blinked and he walked slowly as if exhausted. It occurred to you that you forgot to get him some of the materials he asked for last few runs. He must of got it himself, and considering he's alone... You hope he went alone.? ? ? ? ?But considering his face, that's probably not what happened.? ? ? ? ?You waited until he was close to home before confronting him. You remember your first failed forage, but being the only survivor? That's more terrifying than you. You approached him as he entered his shop, just in time to see him drop everything and fall to his knees. He curled up, wrapping his arms around his legs separated legs and stared at the wall before him. He stood like that for what felt like hours. You've read about this. He's fatigued, but most likely not from battle.?? ? ? ? ?Like a child, a toddler, he cradled himself gently, his tail swaying erratically and knocking around the cut fabric on the ground.? ? ? ? ?He gave a little knock on the door frame, making the mouse in front of you gasp and jump, nearly tripping over himself. He turned around and began to pant lightly before placing a hand over his rapidly beating heart.? ? ? ? ?"Mombasa!" He said your full name for the first time in a long time, attempting to calm down.? ? ? ? ?"John," You said, holding your hands up, palms facing him to show you mean no harm, "It's me. You're safe now."? ? ? ? ?"She- She...." He attempted to swallow with a dry mouth before diving in and tackling you with a hug. "She ate them." He squeezed harder, "She ate them... She got me, grabbed me... She- I don't know why, she sniffed me and just let me go."? ? ? ? ?"It's okay, it's okay. It's over." You attempted to comfort the boy. After several minutes of just silence, letting the fear and horror bleed out of the boy, you continued, "Tell me what happened."? ? ? ? ?He sniffed, "I... I used the tip money you gave me to hire a few hands. Some foreigners looking for any work they can get, just two of them. We went to the bottom drawer, jeans... old shirts. Those two, I didn't know their names, they made a ruckus when they found a stash of candy in one of the pockets. They got stuck, the candy must of melted. W-when they tried to escape, they wouldn't stop stepping on the wrappers. I couldn't have just left them there, but when I went to help... She showed up."? ? ? ? ?He was silent again, only for a second.? ? ? ? ?"She picked me up... and after a few sniffs... told me to behave myself..." He shook his head, "Why me...? Why me...?"? ? ? ? ?You knew the answer. Risa must have saw the amount of cloth on him, and the lack of candy. She stayed true to her... Perhaps this could be how she can tell if someone is from Zurv or not? Some sort of smell or perfume, perhaps?? ? ? ? ?You had to stay quiet and listen to the young boy sob for just a few more minutes. "I need to go. Anton has an announcement to make and he wants me to take care of something. You need to stay safe until then, okay? I can explain everything."? ? ? ? ?The boy stopped his tears to look up to you, "What are you talking about?"? ? ? ? ?You gave him a good strong hug, "Take care of yourself, alright?" You released him and backed up towards the door, "You were always my favorite."? ? ? ? ?"Where are you going?"? ? ? ? ?You turned around, but before you walked out, "I need to settle a dispute."111121211112111111121111111211121111111? ? ? ? ?You stretched your arms as you walked out of the gates.? ? ? ? ?As you stepped out into the kitchen floor, you froze. It was more of a force of habit. A moment when the old you, one whom feared wide open spaces, fought with the new you, the one who struts through them like he owns the place. It was a moment of terror followed by relief and embarrassment. Sure, no one else saw it, but you did and that's enough to be self-conscious about yourself. You're becoming more like Pyrrah every day. You'd sooner hire someone to put you out of your misery before that ever has a chance to flourish.? ? ? ? ?Stupidity and idiocy, the inability to learn, is a fate worse than death.? ? ? ? ?Speaking of death, your ear twitched at the noise of Risa's hunting. She must have gotten sloppy, or rather, she must have already caught someone.? ? ? ? ?You hugged the walls and crawled by it all the way to the opening to the living room. Risa was on the couch, tossing a newly caught prey in the air, and letting them fall down in her hands. At first it was whatever. It's simply a fact of life that people like you get ate. But then you got a closer look, something you don't normally like to do. You recognized the color of that fur, and the outfit anywhere.? ? ? ? ?That's Rick!? ? ? ? ?Your heart sank when Rick fell through the air back into Risa's outstretched hands. Your heart only beat faster when he wasn't thrown up again. He's stuck with Risa now...? ? ? ? ?You had to do something! You never really liked the kid, but you aren't going to leave him to die with Risa. You ran as fast as you could to the couch, opposite to the side where you'd run to your hatch back home. How can you stop this? Doesn't she know that screwing with people from Zurv will only make them despise her?? ? ? ? ?How are you even going to stop her?Are you going to ask politely? Why do you keep running into things without a plan??? ? ? ? ?By this time, you rounded the corner to see Rick... sitting on her nose?? ? ? ? ?Risa was smiling, even giggling for a bit. She was lying on her back, her head facing the ceiling. Her lips curled into a tooth barring smile.? ? ? ? ?Rick seemed so relaxed. He was even telling her a story, "...and then, the girl was unconscious, the mouse was running amuck and eating John's supplies, who knew they liked peanut butter so much? And then that's why prostitutes aren't allowed in Zurv."? ? ? ? ?Risa began to chuckled harder, holding back most of her laugh.? ? ? ? ?You blinked, not sure what to make of this, not sure what made Risa pick a conversation with Rick rather than pick him from her teeth, and most confusing of all is what story involved Risa tossing Rick int he air like that.? ? ? ? ?You backed away slowly, cautiously, lowering your brow when you heard Risa's ear closest to you flicker. She knows you're here. "Rick," She said, "It was Rick, yes? I need to do something important. You be a good guy and head back home. I have a talk with someone.? ? ? ? ?Risa got off the couch carefully, making sure Rick didn't fall, and carried the guy towards the arch of the kitchen. After setting him down and watching him scurry, she was content with going towards the kitchen and sitting on the floor.? ? ? ? ?By that time, however, you had your hands around Rick's neck and had him up against the wall inside the hole.? ? ? ? ?"Wait! Wait!" He choked, "I can explain."1111212111121111111211111112111211111111? ? ? ? ?"She wants me to spy on the Sect."? ? ? ? ?This was reason enough to snap his neck. But you hold your rage behind a smooth look and slightly tightening grip. But he doesn't know your own proposition given by the same boss, does he? You asked, "The Sect, or Zurv?"? ? ? ? ?"About that-" His breath was caught as you squeezed tighter, "Stop! Stop! She said you needed help!"? ? ? ? ?You released some of your grip, "She told you about me?"? ? ? ? ?"Everything." He said, "How you slew Pyrrah, who spied on everyone. How you saved Zurv from her idiocy. Seriously, she was going to use it as a staging ground for a massacre!"? ? ? ? ?He's right. But what you're concerned about is that Risa told him everything,?before?he became a spy. She didn't do it to you. That means he can't possibly be tested properly for your replacement. Even if he was, he could never defeat you. His greatest extent of his training Anton gave him is capturing someone alive. You? You killed Pyrrah for a dead god's sake. You released the boy gently, allowing him some room to rub his neck? ? ? ? ?"So you know?" You asked, walking towards the kitchen where Risa plans on meeting Anton. "Now it’s up to Anton.? ? ? ? ?For the first time in a long, long time, Anton was nervous.? ? ? ? ?Before him stood the very person, the very monster, the very god who destroyed his childhood home. He used to always bear ill will and hat towards Risa, as the older his memories, the more present and malevolent Risa was. Always eating this guy, chewing that guy, killing this guy, tossing that girl out the window. However, the more recent his memory gets to the present, the less and less Risa was killing micen. At least not micen who lived here, the foreigners and strangers have always been on the menu. But anyone who has lived here tend to die less and less. Originally, he thought it was because Risa was losing her grips. Or maybe everyone was just better at running and hiding. Perhaps the ones bad at not getting caught was completely caught and extinct.?? ? ? ? ?Or maybe it was because they all behaved themselves. That was most likely the answer. But whose idea was it? Was it his? Or... was it Risa's idea?? ? ? ? ?His whole young adult life he thought it was a general idea, but has he been played by Risa? Has Risa truly destroyed so many colonies for the sole purpose of finding one that won't be anywhere near as bad? Was every single micen in this room now hers?? ? ? ? ?All of these are now questions he would have to decipher another time. As for now, Risa is before him.? ? ? ? ?Her legs were in a crisscross position, making it hard for her to jump up and snag the prey that was in front of her. Anton was still not comfortable though. Any wrong words and he could be a smother of blood on her foot, or a piece of meat stuck in her teeth, or worse, squirming in her gut. All of which, painful and horrible in their own regards, and each one as likely as the last.?? ? ? ? ?"You... Wanted to talk to me?" He asked, the few words sapped his strength almost immediately.? ? ? ? ?She nodded, "I heard you're the reason everyone behaves themselves." Anton took the credit, even if it doesn't belong to him. Risa continued, "I wanted to say thank you. And in return, I want to hold a feast. Wipe that look off your face, I'm not going to eat anyone. It will be a feast for you guys. How many are there, by the way?"? ? ? ? ?Anton was speechless at first. "A feast? Like a festival or...? Oh! Uh... It's about 35 of us."? ? ? ? ?"So small in numbers." She smiled, "Good. Well, everyone is invited then. Do they know about my deal?"? ? ? ? ?Anton nodded, "They don't trust me though. At least not the older ones."? ? ? ? ?"Give them time." Risa brushed her hands in the air, "Dismissed."? ? ? ? ?"Wait," Anton said, almost needed to back up a step after seeing Risa's head snap to him, "Does that mean that there are any rules changing or-"? ? ? ? ?Risa held up a finger and uncurled her feet before leaning forward. With an outstretched claw, she prodded Anton in the back, making him scoot forward. She tapped his shoulder lightly with the claw as she spoke. "Don't mistake my tolerance and calm demeanor for sympathy. You're mice. You're food. Except for your colony. You're more like tiny pests I can cope with. Don't overstep your bounds."? ? ? ? ?Anton only nodded, left speechless in the terror that an abandoning hope bequeathed him.? ? ? ? ?"Good." She flicked him, gentle enough to not hurt him, but hard enough to knock him on his rump. She stood up and walked away, ending the conversation.? ? ? ? ?You could hear Rick sigh heavily in relief. "I thought for a moment he was a goner."? ? ? ? ?You should your head, "I can't tell if he's a business partner now, or a tool." You turned around and began to head to Zurv.? ? ? ? ?"So what's our next step?" He asked.? ? ? ? ?"Simple. We join the Sect, prove ourselves, and get in positions of command. May as well get started now." You then added a little thought bubble to that last line.?And you, Mombasa, you magnificent son of a beautiful not-bitch, you... You've got unfinished business to attend to after that.2?Life has been a little dull as of late.? ? ? ? ?Ever since Pyrrah stopped coming around, due to people disliking her and a mace to the back of the face, life seemed to have calmed down. A feeling encroached in the back of your mind that out of context, that would confuse a lot of people. But everyone already knows you're a murderer, so it doesn't bother you at this point.? ? ? ? ?Today, however, is the day Risa thought it would be best to through the party. Looking around, the faces of everyone in Zurv is tense. Risa knows about them, and not only that, they've been invited to eat her food, in front of her. How does that not sound like a trap? It's also a damned if you do, damned if you don't moment.? ? ? ? ?If you go, you may get eaten. If you don't go, she may get mad, and everyone may get eaten.? ? ? ? ?At least that's the case with them, not you. You're more worried about the Sect, and Risa's real motives. She isn't letting you live just because you're daughter is cute. You've screwed up enough times to know that if you don't do this job spectacularly then you're going to be waist-deep in someone's waist.? ? ? ? ?Speaking of waists, a shove on your own knocked you aside. A giggle was heard and you spun around to see that some lousy git of a kid that you don't recognize stole your needle.? ? ? ? ?You motioned your hand, "Alright, you got it, now give it back."? ? ? ? ?"Hi-yah!" Another voice resounded behind you as now a massive force of pressure hammered against your back. You felt your belt unclick as your new attacker slipped it from your hips and began to run. Not only that, but they ran in opposite directions. You hopped to your feet, and with the option to only chase one, you decided to go for the one that wasn't armed with a deadly weapon.? ? ? ? ?"Stop him!" You called as you chased the boy down, Everyone in earshot was either too preoccupied, or in that state of awe and shock when you hear someone yell unexpectedly. But as you were catching up to the boy, from the corner of your eye, someone began running. With a loud thud, the kid was tackled by none other than you're good friend Rick. Again, out of context someone could be confused.? ? ? ? ?As Rick put the boy in a strangle hold, you approached, "You know, out of all the people who would take down a kid, I am not surprised you're the first on the list."? ? ? ? ?"At least I' ain't brutish enouf to hav' such a list." He said, pinning the boy down. "What's yer story, boy?"? ? ? ? ?Another warcry, if you can call it that, came from behind you, and you're old friend Needle-snatcher McBitchface is charging after you, tip first. This time, people were less reluctant, and the second man on your Child Tackler list reached out and grabbed the boy's ears.? ? ? ? ?As Anton pulled him close and disarmed him, you heard him say, "This, Mombasa, is another reason we don't let outsiders, not even kids, enter." He looked down at the boy, "You're a perfect example of a bad example. Anything you want to say?"? ? ? ? ?"Why are you helping him?" The boy demanded, thinking he was more threatening than he was, "Don't you know who he works for?"? ? ? ? ?"We have a good thing going, and it is the first time in a long time." Anton lifted the boy up, ignoring his futile kicks, "Rick, bring his buddy along. We'll keep them in for a day, see how they like it."? ? ? ? ?As you picked up your needle, Rick kicked the pack to your feet before dragging the kid to the jailhouse.? ? ? ? ?If you dind't know any better, you'd think you heard just as much joy as anger in Anton's voice. You think maybe he did come around to Risa's idea. He's going to have to give a stern talking to the foreigner's guardians after the feast. Or one day they will be in a feast of their own.? ? ? ? ?With that childish fiasco out of the way, and the casual stares and looks the debacle caused, it's time to visit John. Last time you saw him, he kind of maybe sort of survived a massacre if you recall.21? ? ? ? ?You entered the store as you moved the tarp from the door.? ? ? ? ?John was in the middle of sowing some seams for a pair of pants, but he was still trembling to the point that he could barely control his own sewing needle. He jumped when you entered, still sketchy from the whole Risa eating people thing. You really wish you'd have remember getting those fabrics from him. Especially when you had Risa on your side.? ? ? ? ?"Boss!" He acknowledged you, putting down his work and giving you a nod, "Did you hear? I assume you know by now. The whole Risa thing. Can you believe it?"? ? ? ? ?"It's all true." You said.? ? ? ? ?"Dammit..." He got to his work, but his hands were too shaky. Any hope that it may all be a rumor was diminished, and now as he lifted the seams, his hands shook to a dangerous degree. He sighed and set his tools down gently, "I can't do this."? ? ? ? ?"John-"? ? ? ? ?"I have to leave." He began to pant again, "It's a trap. A lie, I know it. She's going to kill everyone!"? ? ? ? ?"John, calm down-"? ? ? ? ?"No." He kept his voice down, moving from his table, "Boss, you need to help me. I need to gather my things and go. My aunt isn't coming, and I am sure as hell it was Risa. And I'm sure as hell not going to that feast."? ? ? ? ?John stood up and grabbed everything he could, you find it hard to believe John is true to his word. He is a nice guy, mainly because he's a coward. But now he's brave enough to ignore Risa's gifts? No... This clearly isn't bravery.? ? ? ? ?"The others are leaving, I need to go with them." He pushed aside his stuff and looked around for a box, "H-how hard could it be for a tailor to find new work, r-right?"? ? ? ? ?"Who's leaving?" You aren't surprised that some aren't happy about this new situation, but leaving as a whole? There aren't many people here to begin with. Everyone who lives here does something important, and there aren't any inns for travelers, probably because they often find a warmer place to sleep. How many people can leave before this place becomes a ghost town?? ? ? ? ?John motioned his hand towards the door and window, "Anyone who’s been here long enough to know this is a bad idea. Do you really think she's not going to eat anyone who goes there? She even said it herself, she isn't going soft on us at all."? ? ? ? ?"John, wait." You hesitated, unsure what to say to change his mind, "How about this? Be like Anton. He's been here since the start, and even he is willing to give Risa a chance. She isn't going soft, but she's always been this way. Think about it. She'd always leave perishable food in the pantry when she no longer has the will to eat it. Do you think she just did that for the fun of it?" John paused and listened as you continued, thinking twice about his plans, "She did it as a reward. Just this time, much less strangers and foreigners will have a crack at it. It will be ours. If she wanted us dead, we'd be dead, and a lot hungrier too. She'd have bought canned food, like some asshole. Join me, alright, and you and I will stay as near of a mouse hole as possible. Nothing bad happens, and you can tell all of your friends it was a great time. Deal?"? ? ? ? ?John was still silent, as if every moment was reliving his first Risa encounter. He muttered, "To be fair... no one is asshole enough to just buy canned food in spite of us... Boss, how are you not afraid of her? How are you calm about all of this?"? ? ? ? ?You poured some of your spare food in his tip jar before heading out, but before you did, you turned back and said, "Because I can think."211? ? ? ? ?"Well?" Risa asked.? ? ? ? ?You and at least twenty of the others are inside the closest hole to Zurv. They are still a little concerned over the man-eating cat. You poked your head out and held a single finger pointed up, before going back inside, "Seriously?" You came here all this way and they just decide to get cold feet on the last moment.? ? ? ? ?You rolled your eyes and stepped out. The first thing you noticed was the strings that draped from the island counter in the middle of the kitchen. From the mouse hole, you were able to see a box of food, unopened, along with a few smaller containers.? ? ? ? ?Risa was looking at you, then at the hole. She rolled her eyes, "Alright then. More for you, I guess."? ? ? ? ?You jogged towards the strings and inspected them. There were knots in them for some good grip. It's as if Risa really did expect the micen to use them. She pulled up a stool as you climbed your way up the string. Most micen are able to pull themselves up with their upper body strength alone, but you're better than most micen and zipped your way up in ten seconds flat. There you find out that the string was wrapped around a full bottle of booze.? ? ? ? ?And oh the magnificent sight before you.? ? ? ? ?Dozens of bowls, all filled with candies, sweets, fruits, vegetables...?meat! Ice cream and even fresh water.? ? ? ? ?There's more than a month's worth of food up here! It's almost as if she emptied out the whole pantry just for you guys. You decided to lead by example and asked Risa if you may have some. After some confirmation, you reached in a bowl and small candies and pulled out some chocolate. As you bit into it, you noticed the string start to shake. The first one to get up was none other than Anton, followed by Rick. They too were impressed by the number of blatant calories that were splayed across the table.? ? ? ? ?By now other people began to warm up to the idea of free food. There were about three strings in total and by the time you finished a piece of candy the size of your head, the counter had almost everyone on it. Risa gave them each a nod as she herself chewed on some steak. You also noticed a saucer of brownish-orange liquid.? ? ? ? ?As you encroached to it, it gave off a putrid smell and a vibe that it is not to be touched. And considering how isolated it is, why is it there?? ? ? ? ?Then you remembered, something your mother told you about. Is that... alcohol? Sure, Siegfried at the bar in Zurv had some booze, but most of it was watered down, and from a bottle a rattis was hired to steal. That one bottle lasted for about two years, thanks to tap water. To think there is a week’s supply of pure concentration right in front of you.? ? ? ? ?You never wanted to touch the daemon's nectar, but it may be your only chance, ever...2112? ? ? ? ?You have no need for such a delight? ? ? ? ?You decide to lead by example and dismiss the drink. There are plenty of snacks and things to chew on, and with more and more micen climbing the strings, it seems to be a good idea to stay in your right mind. Someone needs to help Anton police the Zurvians. You've also made a mental note to ask Anton to change what you guys are called. Zurvens? Zurvanites? Considering the relationship with Risa, it made be the best or worst idea ever to call yourselves Zurvents.?? ? ? ? ?Speaking of Risa, she has deliberately been slow with her actions. You've seen Risa before, and how fast she commonly moves. But it seems here she has purposely slowed her speed. Perhaps it was so that she doesn't scare everyone while they, and she, are eating. As everyone gathered around, you've noticed that no one seemed to turn their back on Risa. As if consciously, or subconsciously, there is still no trust with her.? ? ? ? ?How could you blame them? For all they know, Risa has a box hidden on the other side of this counter to swipe them all into.? ? ? ? ?It was eerily quiet. To help break the ice, Risa started to learn everyone's names. It doesn't sound like much, but from your experiences, whenever a cat learns a name, it's less likely they will eat you. Yes, they just might even if they knew your name, but the more they know about you, the less food you seem to become.?? ? ? ? ?As you grabbed a cracker from one of the bowls, you’ve noticed there was someone still in the hole. They soon hid swiftly the moment you had eyes on them. Risa was still talking to the others, Anton was the bravest of the bunch, daring to stand closest to Risa, even introducing some of the youngest to her. One dared to ask the question why running away from a leona is a bad idea.? ? ? ? ?You've also lent an ear to the conversation as Risa explained, "Well... Cats like chasing things, and of course chasing things can trigger aggressive thoughts. It makes us upset when we're trying to talk to you and you run away, because first of all that is rude, and because it makes it easier to give into what's left of our instincts."? ? ? ? ?"Instincts?" The young mouse asked.? ? ? ? ?"You know that thing that tells you to run away from people like me? I get that too, except I am the bigger one, and instead of running, I pursue. It doesn't click all the time, mainly when you guys are right in front of us. It's uh... Embarrassing?"? ? ? ? ?That's a better answer than you've ever come up with. This whole time you figured it was about pride, but now you can understand why almost every leona does it. Then it was your turn to ask, "Wait, does it matter if mice saw you mess up? It's not like we're going to tell anyone."? ? ? ? ?Risa nodded, agreeing with the statement, and answered, "It's like falling over trying to put your pants on. You still feel awkward at yourself even if no one is around. It's like that, but instead of the feeling of unease, we get angry."? ? ? ? ?And hungry, you reminded yourself. It's a little hard to imagine how RIsa must live. Hearing micen scurry in the walls. Getting possibly both hungry and upset when one scurries across the floor. Especially when they are carrying something that belongs to her.? ? ? ? ?As Risa began answering more questions, putting people at ease and breaking the ice like a mace against the back of Pyrrah's skull, you've also noticed that there was one missing. John. You looked around near the mouse holes, pretty sure he didn't get eaten. You found him near the hole with the other figure you saw not too long ago. What's he doing down there? The party is up here.21121? ? ? ? ?You crawled down the string.? ? ? ? ?you hit the bottom sooner than your hands began to cramp. Any micen who can't carry their own body weight deserves to be calories. Hopefully you didn't just describe John. He saw you coming towards him but didn't bother with eye contact. He kept staring at Risa. As you proceeded closer, you heard him begin, "I'm not going anywhere near that bitch."? ? ? ? ?"There's free food. You turning down free food?"? ? ? ? ?"She killed my aunt, I don't care how much food she gives me, I am not going near her."? ? ? ? ?You sat next to him, "She killed my wife. But I got over it."? ? ? ? ?"It's not a competition!" He snapped, yelling at you for the first time since you met him, "Not everyone is as heartless as you."? ? ? ? ?"Nor is everyone as well fed." You replied, "Nor has everyone lived as long. Nor is everyone as smart."? ? ? ? ?"Piss off."? ? ? ? ?"I am not heartless," You replied, "I just know how to forgive. Don't confuse the two, you'll look like a real dumbass."? ? ? ? ?"You're not as well off as you think. I heard what happened to Pyrrah. The moment she grows bore-"? ? ? ? ?Your laugh interrupted him, "You heard what happened to Pyrrah, what I did to Pyrrah, and you still underestimate me?" Your humor went away as a serious tone in your voice grew, "And she won't grow bored with me."? ? ? ? ?"How do you know?" He shouted back, "How can you be so sure she won't kill you?"? ? ? ? ?"Because I am not a basic bitch." You smiled again. "There's something you need to realize. She is the hand who feeds us. She is nature. And if you fight nature you will only kill yourself. She feeds us, clothes us, and she is a necessary evil that I can live with."? ? ? ? ?"She's a murderer." He bit back.? ? ? ? ?"Then you should be lucky you have the heart of a mortal than the mind of a god." You pointed to yourself, "I have the latter, and so does she. If that's really a bad thing, then the only impact you'll be is making a thigh thicker."? ? ? ? ?"Like my aunt?" John muttered.? ? ? ? ?It was a simple question, one you knew the answer to for some time. It stung at your heart that you've accidentally, inadvertently insulted a friend's family. This whole time you've been insulting her. But you know what? You have the mind of a god, and you're going to use it. If being kind means you have to be stupid, you won't be kind.? ? ? ? ?"Yes," you answered, "Your aunt is a perfect example." You began to walk away. With words like that, there is nothing more to talk about. As you walked away you called back, "Your aunt was found at the bottom of a bag of crisps. If she became one, it was her own damn fault."? ? ? ? ?You continued to walk in silence, until you heard John call back, "How do you know that?"? ? ? ? ?You didn't dignify that with an answer.? ? ? ? ?"How do you know?"? ? ? ? ?Screw that guy. Screw everyone. Idiots! Everyone is an idiot! You've found a way to get rid of almost every problem ever and everyone bitches and bitches, you've done so much and people dare to spit on your merits. You're not obligated to save anyone. You're not obligated to be anyone's friend. If an idiot dies, has the world lost any value or gained plenty?? ? ? ? ?Are you thinking about this the wrong way? Are you the bad guy? You're doing so much good! At the cost of only a few too! If only that Naseer guy could see you, he'd applaud!? ? ? ? ?As you reached the string, you're fuming. You're going to go up there, eat, and feel better, ignoring everything. You looked back at John, able?to see he was talking to someone. Just another person made out of pussy juice, most likely.211211? ? ? ? ?You felt something nab at your feet.? ? ? ? ?Man, what a party. You think you ate yourself to sleep. You didn't even make it home, you just slept in a mouse hole you found comfortable. You can't remember half the party, partly because you stayed up all night. Eating to the point even Risa called it a day. You don't think life could get much more rewarding than that buffet.? ? ? ? ?The tug on your foot began to grasp into a sting.? ? ? ? ?You shot up and kicked. When you looked down, you saw a little black insect that was chewing on your foot, and he had a buddy coming along. Oh no they don't! You kicked again, directly into the eye, and pulled out your needle, and an antenna with another hand, before ripping it off and stabbing at the creature.? ? ? ? ?It ran off, communicating with its buddy to flee with him, with whatever possibility he could.? ? ? ? ?"Stupid ants!" You called out to them. "Ants..." you went silent. You stepped out of the mouse hole onto the counter and looked at the island of food. "Oh no. No, no, no!"? ? ? ? ?Risa finished her morning routine and walked out of her bedroom. The first thing she saw was you.? ? ? ? ?"Risa," You said as she approached, raising an eyebrow. "Don't get mad."? ? ? ? ?"What happened?" She hummed.? ? ? ? ?You took a deep breath.? ? ? ? ?"Wow." She said as the both of you stared in awe. A stream of ants crawled around the top of the island. They were gathering the food left over, you’ve never seen these many ants in your lifetime, all instances combined. Only scouts. But this is a whole new game. "And this, kids, is why you shouldn't leave food out in the open."? ? ? ? ?Several micen were armed and on the counters, containing this event. It wasn't the first time it happened in Anton's life, and he handled it accordingly. There was no way the micen could fight off the ants alone. They'll just join the scraps of food being carried away.? ? ? ? ?"I'll get the poison." Risa said, "I don't want any one on the island at all for the rest of the day."? ? ? ? ?"I hope you aren't mad about this," You said, looking to your right and seeing another scouting ant. Risa set you down, and the moment the insect came around, you crushed its head in. Risa looked at you with a scowl as you tore the head off and carried the body. "What? They're good eating. And if you're going to poison then, we better get cooking first."? ? ? ? ?"You guys are weird." Risa said, "Find the person responsible and bring them to me." You wonder if she knows she's been inadvertently eating bugs her whole life. You wonder how many people know they've done the same. But then a thought crawled into your head.? ? ? ? ?How and why are the ants here? You recall leaving early, but did every mouse just leave the food open? There was enough there someone could have taken it, and outsiders would have gotten to it first before the ants.? ? ? ? ?And judging from Risa's words... "Find the person responsible..." You shook you head in disbelief, but you think you have a lead.2112111? ? ?After your six-legged breakfast, you began your investigation.? ? ? ? ?John did it. You don't have any evidence, other than the fact he's being a dumb bitch lately. How are you going to report it? What proof do you have? you can't go to Anton expecting him to believe you if you don't have some hardcore stuff. Perhaps you should leave Anton out of this? Then what can you do?? ? ? ? ?You'll play stupid.? ? ? ? ?As much as you don't like it, you'll need to get him to confess. Hell, it may not even be him. It could be the person he was talking to.? ? ? ? ?Before you removed the tarp, you knocked on the door frame. "John, it's me." You said. Silence followed but you continued, "I wanted to say that I was sorry," You weren't, "for what I said."? ? ? ? ?"What did you say?" Anton's voice resonated from behind you.? ? ? ? ?You jumped a little. You didn't even hear him walk behind you. You turned and acknowledged his presence, "Anton, hello! I wanted to apologize for what I said about his aunt. He was upset at me, took something I said out of context. So, I told him..." You trailed off when you remembered he punched Rick in the face for a similar reason.? ? ? ? ?"Told him?" Anton pressed.? ? ? ? ?"I told him his aunt was a perfect example on what not to do."? ? ? ? ?Anton didn't look pleased, but he made no moves, "That sounds like a personal problem. But you two are grownups, you can handle it yourselves."? ? ? ? ?"So why are you h-"? ? ? ? ?"I'mdisappointedinyou." Anton said quickly.? ? ? ? ?"What?" As you asked, Anton held a blank stare. You continued, "So why are you here?"? ? ? ? ?"He wasn't at the banquet Risa held." He walked passed you and knocked the tarp out of the way. You followed him in, seeing that there was no one in there at all. The tip jar still had food in it, but there were no clothes being worked on. Anton walked into the back room, where John normally sleeps and keeps supplies. He shrugged as he was walking out of the back.? ? ? ? ?The place was abandoned, but why? Where else does he have to go? He doesn't have a trap door in here. Before you suggested that maybe he's doing business, something caught Anton's attention.? ? ? ? ?There was a scuffle out from the window and two small micen scurried off.? ? ? ? ?"No!" Anton began pursuit. You moved to the side, but it wasn't necessary as Anton dived out of the window. As he rolled back onto his feet, the two already vanished. "Dammit! Stupid kids. I told Rick... Dammit."? ? ? ? ?"At least you did something cool today. Do you think John is out buying things?"? ? ? ? ?"No, his jar is still in there" Anton turned back to you, "And I need your help. I covered those food myself before leaving the island. And I was the last one there. Someone deliberately sabotaged it."? ? ? ? ?"And you think it's John?"? ? ? ? ?"I?suspect?it's John. He doesn't seem to be cooperative with this whole Risa thing. But neither does half the people here." He crossed his arms, attempting not to let fury in his voice as he glanced towards the exits, "I'm gonna be pissed if the guards don't grab those stupid kids... Anyways, I need your help in investigating the matter. With Pyrrah dead, Rick being drunk at home, you're my last option."? ? ? ? ?"I'm flattered."? ? ? ? ?"I need you to go and ask about someone had to have seen something. Who goes this far to annoy someone? Any outsiders wouldn't have a problem with Risa big enough to draw ants into her home and risk everyone else' safety."? ? ? ? ?Something clicked into your mind, "Except the Sect." You answered. You have your next lead.21121111? ? ? ? ?Now the plan is set.? ? ? ? ?you have an idea on who to look for, but no idea where to look. But you do have an idea. You don't hunt insects by walking looking for their nests, you draw them out. You're going to need help from Risa. You knew what she did during her free time, other than hunting mice, or doing whatever she did in her room, you went to the couch.?? ? ? ? ?As you expected, she was listening to the news on the screen in front of her, while reading a book. Her ear swiveled on their axis as your approached. "What?"? ? ? ? ?"Anton and I found a lead." You said.? ? ? ? ?Risa closed her book and turned the volume up on the TV. She got on her hands and lowered her head next to you. For a moment you were frightened that she was going to bite down on you, fear from a previous age. "And you're here, telling me this, why?"? ? ? ? ?"We need your help."? ? ? ? ?Risa lifted her head and bit down on you. It was unexpected and squeezed your abdomen to the point it hurt. The tongue moved back as far from you as possible as Risa began walking. She soon entered her bedroom and spat you onto the soft covers. She then pinned you to the bed with a finger and lied her own head to the side.? ? ? ? ?"So important you'd interrupt my 'me' time?"? ? ? ? ?"We need to draw out those Sect people. I am positive they were behind the ants." You began to explain to her your plan. A bottle of booze left unattended would be looted by Zurvanites, and you're going to go back to calling yourselves Zurvians. However, the Sect would most likely break it to get on Risa's nerves.? ? ? ? ?The plan can only be flawed if it looks as if Zurv?isn't?looting it. You're safe to assume the Sect isn't full of idiots.? ? ? ? ?"Do you have any idea what you're asking me?" She said.? ? ? ? ?"Do you have any idea how much I want my family back?" You answered. "Tell you what, if it fails, you decide what happens next. If it doesn't happen, then I can follow the perpetrators and find out who is behind this mess."? ? ? ? ?Risa narrowed her eyes, "Did you just answer my question with back talk?"? ? ? ? ?Something surged in your chest. It felt like an old friend. It was fear.? ? ? ? ?What did you say to her? You're such a smart-ass to micen, and that's understandable. But this is?Risa. She's killed for less. You cleared your throat and swallowed, only realizing how dry your mouth was. "I'm sorry. I was too comfortable."? ? ? ? ?You felt her unsheathed claw on your chest. She hardly uses those, only when she needs someone to bleed. With little effort, she could pierce your heart.? ? ? ? ?"Why are you doing this?" You asked, closing your eyes, "I can still work for you, I just want my family."? ? ? ? ?"Figure it out." Risa smiled. She put away her claw and removed her finger. "I don't mind if you're comfortable around me, just don't treat me like a mouse."? ? ? ? ?"I treat..." You kept your mouth closed.?? ? ? ? ?"What was that?" She tilted her head. "Go on, say it. It won't change anything."? ? ? ? ?"It will sound worse, more back talky, than how I heard it in my head." You admitted.? ? ? ? ?"Say it."? ? ? ? ?"I treated you as a friend, not a mouse." You admitted. "I'm kind of an asshole. An honest one, perhaps too honest."? ? ? ? ?Risa got off the bed entirely.211211111? ? ? ? ?You watched as micen looted the bottle.? ? ? ? ?They were careful. It's rare for anyone to get much booze, as it's either in a cupboard locked up tight, or in RIsa's hand being drank. This time, Risa drank most of it, leaving a shallow pool in the bottle to that it doesn't spill out on its side, but isn't entirely gone. This is effective in allowing for someone lucky to climb up to its location and get an entire flask full.? ? ? ? ?You hid behind the toaster and gazed at the bottle. The denizens of Zurv finished getting the booze. It was only a few of them, not enough to really mean anything while at the same time enough to show it wasn't a set up, but not too many to show that someone may have actually knocked the bottle over. As for the volunteers, t's not hard to find someone who wanted free whiskey.? ? ? ? ?They gathered the few ounces they can out of the bottle before running away. Then the room was silent.? ? ? ? ?You kept your eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary. At one point, a mouse was spotted, one that definitely wasn't from Zurv due to Anton telling everyone to say inside, and due to you not recognizing them. He took some time climbing up to the bottle, scaling slowly as to not make noise. You thought, for a moment, that this rapscallion was part of the sect, but once he crawled into the bottle, that idea began to slip. Soon, he crawled out, closing the lid of his flask and washing himself off at a nearby napkin.? ? ? ? ?Then he safely climbed down the counter and left.? ? ? ? ?After a few more minutes, the process repeated. Sometimes it's a few micen, other times it is one. But for the past hour, not a single attempt was made to break the bottle. You bit your tongue. Did you just cost Risa a bottle without any results? You don't understand, nobody but Zurv knew about this plan, and John wasn't there to hear it.? ? ? ? ?If Anton lied about that whole him not being the one who didn't cover the food, you're going to be pissed. Would he go as far as this to cover his own arse?? ? ? ? ?Your tension began to grasp at your heart more and more once you see the sun beginning to set. You feel as if it's your own health. What was your mistake here? What did you do wrong?? ? ? ? ?You can imagine how pissed Risa is going to be.? ? ? ? ?Then you heard something strange. Footsteps? They were small and sounded close. A quick look around had accomplished nothing. They sound, above you? You looked up to see someone jump off from the toaster and land on you hard.? ? ? ? ?Your head felt groggy, like you've been kicked by a rattis. You rubbed your head, but something was in your hand. A half-eaten cracker? What the hell?? ? ? ? ?You looked around and jumped when you saw the giant she-cat Risa glaring down at you with an empty bottle. "Had a nice nap?"? ? ? ? ?"Nice what?" You looked at yourself to see a rag acting as a blanket and grumps everywhere with an empty flask that wreaked of the booze.? ? ? ? ?Next thing you knew was that your vision was blurred until blacked, and your world began to shake. Risa grabbed you, encasing you in her hand as she began to walk away.? ? ? ? ?The tight confines released suddenly, making you instinctively flail as you fell through the air. You landed on the soft covers and bounced as momentum under you sky rocketed once Risa jumped on the bed as well.? ? ? ? ?"Any last words?" She said as she crawled towards you.2112111111? ? ? ? ?You smirked, "All part of the plan."? ? ? ? ?Risa titled her head and narrowed her eyes at you. You reached for her hands and grabbed her fingers, placing them on you.? ? ? ? ?"Make it look like you're angry at me." You said. It was a second's time before she reacted, grabbing your arm and pinching it hard. "Ow! Pretend! They want to get rid of me. I didn't fall asleep, I was jumped. They knew where I was, what I was doing, when it was going to happen, and how I would handle the situation."? ? ? ? ?"How much more useful are you now?" Risa said out loud, before lowering her voice, "How are you useful with your cover blown?"? ? ? ? ?"That's just it," You said, "We're going to use that to our advantage. You have my family, and my life in your hands. That's reason enough for me to betray you. I am a threat to them. But what if I was on their side?"? ? ? ? ?You're pretty much lying inch by inch at this point, but through mental gymnastics, it's almost as if you're making sense. Risa was even starting to come around to the idea. She loosened her grip unconsciously as her eyes looked up in a pondering tone.? ? ? ? ?"Double agent." you said, "I make them think I am on their side, I make them think I am their spy."? ? ? ? ?"Just what were you thinking?" She said, as loud as she normally does, she also pinched your leg and held you upside down. She then whispered, "Just what?are?you thinking?"? ? ? ? ?"I need them to think I am desperate. That I need to escape you. And they may want me to prove my loyalty, but that's where I need your permission."? ? ? ? ?She placed her second hand on you and began to twist your body. However, she did it gently, even if it looked rough and painful from outside, you were unhurt. Risa hummed a tune as she was beginning to think. If you didn't know any better, she'd be thinking of a punishment, but you're sure, or at least you hope, that she is wondering how many things you are allowed to get away with to infiltrate the sect.? ? ? ? ?"You got one chance left," She said, mostly to anyone who was listening. She leaned in, "Do whatever it takes, in reasonable bounds, to find them, and figure out what they are planning. We aren't dealing with average pissants, they're organized here."? ? ? ? ?She then placed you on her nose and looked directly up, before blowing really hard on your chest, making you lift in the air. For a terrifying moment, your arms flailed as you were at gravity's mercy, but Risa caught you before you were in any harm. She moved her hand towards the floor and rolled you like you were a marble.? ? ? ? ?"Just give me a reason." She said as she placed the balls of her right foot on your tail, the rest of the phalanges above were poised to crush you at a moment's command. She backed off, however, and simply kicked your butt repetitively until you were out of her room. Then, she closed the door, letting the wooden slab hit your ass on the way out.? ? ? ? ?You stood, silently staring out into the room. You're the best bullshitter you've ever known.? ? ? ? ?But you're sticking with this plan. And the first step is to find John. You find John, you meet the mysterious figure. You meet the mysterious figure, give them a sob story, pass initiation, join the ranks, and do Pyrrah's plan. Pyrrah's plan with the exception of Zurv, and that you aren't endangering everyone you know and love... Okay, just everyone you know. Not even that, you just like the place. It's so-so. Alright, the place is a shithole, you just want your family back, and if saving the only place to shop around here is accomplished too, you'll role with it.21121111111? ? ? ? ?Where to begin?? ? ? ? ?John. You started asking around for John; you find him, you find the Sect. The bartenders didn't see him around much, neither did the sheriff or general store owners. In fact, no one has. He hasn't finished orders ever since the buffet Risa offered. It occurred to you just how much this place may need John. He isn't essential, but he does help keep the sanity present.? ? ? ? ?Then a thought occurred to you.? ? ? ? ?You entered the tailor shop and you confirmed your suspicions. All of his stuff is still here. Fabric, needles, his food, his bed, and even his own clothes he made for himself.? ? ? ? ?You've also noticed that parchments from his aunt was still around. They were opened, and the sides of them were crumbled as if someone was holding them tightly. Why would he leave something like that behind? It obviously means something to him. Maybe he doesn't want to be reminded about it, perhaps he did leave it all behind.? ? ? ? ?You moved to the very back of the shop, the personal quarters where John sleeps. Just a bed and a storage of food. You frowned at the notion there is nothing to see here. As you turned away, you stopped. John was never stupid, he's a tailor so he must be good at solving problems. Could he have done what you did with your home? An escape route perhaps?? ? ? ? ?You flipped over the bed and felt around with your foot. It's all stable. No hinges, or creaks. Just solid wood.? ? ? ? ?You began looking around at the floor. Are there any scratch marks? Any indication that something had grind across the floor? As you neared the wardrobe-like cabinet, you noticed something. On the floor were small scrapes. And they were relatively fresh. But they were also too small to hid anything, less than a finger's length.? ? ? ? ?You pulled lightly on the cabinet. Barely a budge... But it moved and stopped the moment it hit the end of the scratch mark. You tugged again. It didn't move.? ? ? ? ?Then you pushed. At first, there was small movement, but as you continued pushing, it moved further and further. There were wheels on the back of it, and just above them were small pieces of wood made to stop it from it going further than it had to. It began to turn, following tracks the wheels were built on. And there were handles on the back of the cabinet so that it can be opened and closed from this side.? ? ? ? ?John... Sometimes he's too clever for his own good. This is how he got out without anyone noticing. This is how he planned on getting back in. But where does it go?? ? ? ? ?You began exploring the tunnel. You didn't just jump in, you went back to tell Anton and Rick about it, getting their permission to come after you if you aren't back in two or three days. By now you're wishing you'd have said to come back sooner. What happens if you break your leg or get trapped in a room? What are you going to do for two days in that scenario?? ? ? ? ?This tunnel, however, was long. It was much, much lengthier than you had anticipated. There's no way he could have done this on his own. The hallways were as wide as the last several inches and just as tall. These also lack claw marks, so they had to have been made by tools; even the floor felt sanded down. However, they seem a bit fresh. You guess it could have taken 20 micen an hour to do all of this.? ? ? ? ?That's something you need to ask when you get back: was there any loud noises coming from the tailor's shop? The only time you recall much of the colony being gone was during the buffet.? ? ? ? ?Looking down, away from the colony, you see only a long stretch of a black hallway. You took a deep breath and began heading in that direction. Everything that had tried to kill you in the past few days is in this direction, and you're walking straight towards them.211211111111? ? ? ? ?There was a light.? ? ? ? ?As you reached the end of the tunnel, you could see it split off into a large, hollowed tower at least as wide as Shieki's waistline. From above, leona's flashlight was pointing down, illuminating the tall room. In front of you was an edge, and to your right and left were two ramps that led to more rooms and more ramps down.?? ? ? ? ?Something else you've noticed. Smell. The scent of micen, the lure of a stockpile of food, and... booze. Booze? But only the freelance scavengers Risa hunts took from the bottle save for the other from Zurv. The smell of rattis was also here, as well as the scent of Solace' room. Is that bake? Risa and Solace doesn't bake things! How many micen are here? How many places are in ties with the Sect?? ? ? ? ?This isn't a small-time rebellion. This isn't a bunch of ruffians wanting to fight the system or a group of raiders in over their heads and planning a coup. This is an invasion. That have to get back to Risa and tell her where this place is. Where the hell even is this?? ? ? ? ?You heard a grunt from beside you. You were lost in your livid thoughts and someone snuck up behind you and slammed the side of your head with a wooden stick.? ? ? ? ?The pain made you recoil. You aren't here to fight. You have to earn their trust and beating a person half to death isn't a good first impression. But as you raised your hand, before you can say anything, you were struck again.? ? ? ? ?"Dammit, John," A woman's voice rang, "How hard is it to knock someone out?"? ? ? ? ?John? You opened your eyes and faced your attacker. There he was, the little shit was about to strike again, but a woman stopped him. She had brown hair, and yellow fur. She also wore armor, lighter than your own you re-appropriated from Pyrrah, but crafted by experts it seemed. Her collar also had fur around it, and you think you can smell what bitter blood was left. How fresh was that? And please let that not be a micen's coat.? ? ? ? ?The woman then looked at you, "Who are you and what are you... doing... here...?" She tilted her head as an eyebrow rose above one of her green eyes. She then bore the look of livid anger and swiftly grabbed the wooden club from John and slammed it into your head. This knocked you out cold.? ? ? ? ?You don't know how long you were out. Your head was throbbing with pain. You had no strength, and little motivation to move. But you were moving. You were being dragged across the floor, dangled by your arms as your knees and feet skid across sanded down wood. In front of you was the tail of the woman who beat you, leading the two soldiers who dragged you away. You didn't have the mental capacity to think. The only thing you could do was to go back to sleep, unable and inept at stopping whatever happens to you next.2112111111111? ? ? ? ?You woke up with a kink in your neck.? ? ? ? ?Your head soon throbbed with every heartbeat, and your back ached against the chair behind you. Your arms were bound to your body and your wrists were tied together near your rump behind the chair. Your feet were tied to both the front legs of the chair. At first you thought the room was dark, but then you realize there was a sack over your head.? ? ? ? ?"Heads up," John's bitch voice rang in your ears, "He's awake."? ? ? ? ?"John," You mumbled, "What are you up to?"? ? ? ? ?"Hit him again!" John called.? ? ? ? ?You heard footsteps walk towards you, taking advantage of the silent room. They walked behind you and you heard someone kneel. Their breath was audible before they began speaking. The woman you met before asked, "How did you find this place?"? ? ? ? ?"I went looking for it." You answered almost honestly, "And then I found it. It's like a two-foot-tall room in the middle of nowhere. You mean to tell me I am the only one to stumble on it?"? ? ? ? ?"We can't let him live." John said, "He's working for Risa. He'll give away our location."? ? ? ? ?"John, enough." The woman ordered.? ? ? ? ?"Yeah, John," You joined in, "Listen to the person that saved you from a two-foot, head first drop."? ? ? ? ?"And you," You felt her step on your tail, "What are you doing here? How did you find this place?"? ? ? ? ?"I was looking for John." You said, "He's been absent for a while, and the guards haven't seen him, so I went looking. As for how I found this place, I was looking for John, he's been absent for a while and the guards haven't seen him, so I went looking. Either way, John fucked up, he should be in this chair. Why is he even in this room if he has nothing to offer?" You moved your head to where you think John was, "Hey, buddy, make yourself useful and get us some water."? ? ? ? ?The pressure on your tail increased, nearly making you yelp. The woman knelt down, "We know who you are. And we know who you're working for. So, what to do with you? Other than involving a rattis?"? ? ? ? ?"I'm here to join you." You said.? ? ? ? ?She twisted her foot on top of your tail, “And why would we do that?"? ? ? ? ?"Aside from the fact that I am not the only one that knows this location," You began, "And that killing the cat's pet is a quick way to undo all the progress here. Aside from all of that..." You took a deep breath, "Risa is a bitch. And I have all the information you'll ever need to bring her down. I know when she sleeps, eats, hunts. I know her secret stash of candy is kept more secret and protected than her booze. I also know she trusts me. Why do you think I am still alive after being caught? She thinks she is in charge, just because she has my wife and kids locked up somewhere. No... She got careless. I already killed her first enforcer, one that attempted to get you to Zurv, destroy the place, and kill everyone, including you and the innocent populace."? ? ? ? ?"You're lying! You're her enforcer!" John continued, "You killed my aunt, you bastard!"? ? ? ? ?"I didn't mean to hurt anyone. But look me in the eye and tell me what you wouldn't do to save your family, John." You said, "If you saw me harming her, look me in the eye and tell me the lengths you'd go to stop it."? ? ? ? ?The moment you finished, the hood was torn from your head.? ? ? ? ?The woman stared at you. Her brow was low, and she looked as angry as John. Though, the longer she stared, the more faded it seemed to be. She got off your tail and pushed your head up to face the boy.? ? ? ? ?"Tell him," The woman said.? ? ? ? ?John shook his head, "You believe him?"? ? ? ? ?She repeated him again, "Tell him. What would you for family."? ? ? ? ?John began breathing erratically. "I'd..."? ? ? ? ?"John..." You said,? ? ? ? ?"She was my aunt! She was all I had!"? ? ? ? ?"I did it for my family." You admitted, almost choking, "They're all I have."? ? ? ? ?"Fuck you!" He screamed, "No. No, fuck off."? ? ? ? ?"I'm sorry." You said.? ? ? ? ?"Fuck. You." He bit back. The room was silent and the air was heavy. His eyes began to water, "Fuck you." He whimpered as he left the room.? ? ? ? ?You and the woman both kept watch at the door the boy stormed out of. You broke the silence, "There's a lot of fucks in this room. A week's worth of fucks. Let's keep up this trend." You looked at the yellow furred woman. "Who the fuck are you?"? ? ? ? ?She didn't look away from the door as she answered.21121111111111? ?You felt Serena Ratkins drag your chair to another room.? ? ? ? ?She said her name and put your blindfold back on before taking you on an adventure. You're at least 95% sure you're going to survive this. They're smart, and they know all the factors in this mutual game. They can't let you go, you may tell. They can't kill you or keep you here for long, others who already know you're here will start looking. Either way, you screwed up their plans. The only choice they have now is to believe you.? ? ? ? ?She stopped dragging you and your attention was grabbed almost as hard as your left ear was.? ? ? ? ?"Ow! Not necessary." You growled, "What do you even want from me?"? ? ? ? ?"You. We want you." Serena answered, "You're too much a liability to kill, or capture, and since you want to join we'll give you a chance. Still, we can't just let you join and bring you up to speed. We don't trust you."? ? ? ? ?"So how do I join?" You asked.? ? ? ? ?"Same way you join any crew." She ripped off the blindfold, revealing that you were in the middle of the large room you entered to get here. All eyes on all level peered on you, as if they are expecting a show. You looked back at Serena, who reeled a fist back, "Initiation."? ? ? ? ?You braced yourself for the worst, and the worst certainly came. She jutted her fist into your gut, just below your rib cage and above your stomach, making your diaphragm push out all the air in your lungs. She then pulled down your head by your head, planting a knee into your cheek. Soon after, she kicked your shin as hard as she could.? ? ? ? ?Each one hurt worse than the last, and it doesn't help as the entire crowd started cheering.? ? ? ? ?Serena didn't let up, she continued punching your abdomen, and her blows were well educated; each one landing on a new pressure point. She eventually began using her claws to cut your ears and chest in several swipes. Even though she had a clear shot at your face, she didn't do any permanent damage to it even with all the opportunities she had.? ? ? ? ?Every laceration began to sting, almost numbing the pain. Again, the air was knocked out of you as Serena stepped back and charge, jumping and kicking you in your chest. The force was enough to knock you back completely and your head slammed hard on the ground.? ? ? ? ?You heard something land on the floor. You looked to your right and realized it was John throwing the stick he tried to beat you with earlier.? ? ? ? ?Serena grabbed it and dragged it across the ground, waving her hand towards the cheering and chanting crowd. Your aching body distracted you, and you realized too late what Serena was planning.? ? ? ? ?She walked behind your head, and you braced your face for some terrible pain. Then you remembered too late that she doesn't aim for the face, and a sharp pain from between your separated legs nearly paralyzed you, making you finally break and scream.? ? ? ? ?Serena sat the chair back up. She finished beating you up, doing everything in her power to cause temporary harm within three minutes. There wasn't a single place your body wasn't throbbing in pain. Your breathing was heavy, your body was broken, your eggs sterilized, you began to contemplate where this ranks in the worst days of your life.? ? ? ? ?Serena lifted your chin up with the bat. "I think he's done."? ? ? ? ?You turned your head towards John, "You... Went through this... too?"? ? ? ? ?"No," Serena said, "Only you." She grabbed your hair and made your face her, "Remember when you kicked me down a hole and left me for dead? I do. And now I forgive you." She released you and began to drag your broken body to another room, "Initiation begins tomorrow."211211111111111?You lied on a cot, ready to pass out.? ? ? ? ?Your body burned and stung like fire. All you want to do is go back home with Annekke. You can't believe you envy your life you had with Pyrrah around it was slightly better than being sterilized by a stick. You made sure not to show how much pain you are in. Even when you are alone in a wooden room, you won't cry; you'd be there to see it.? ? ? ? ?You had to get your mind off of it. Serena said she met you before. She said you kicked her into a hole. You try and remember that.? ? ? ? ?You remember Rochelle and you. Running. But from what? You remember now. You broke out of incarceration with her help and made a break for it. All of it over some chocolate egg. It was just one egg, who cares? It was small. No one was going to notice it. Then they orange ass kid screwed it up. You told him to give it right back, you didn't think he was stupid enough to take it in the first place.? ? ? ? ?You remember running out of the wall right in front of Rochelle and Mango. News was spread that Gertrude found Quill. Some thought it was a rumor, but you knew better.? ? ? ? ?Then you remember seeing someone through a pearl on the counter through a hole. You figured that hell was about to break lose, you may as well have something to gain from it. When the owner of the pearl appeared, you only remember kicking them back in.? ? ? ? ?That one kick led to this? Bound and gag, bleeding on the floor as you’re tied to the chair and your groin aches? You should have kicked harder.? ? ? ? ?Then you recalled running back to Rochelle. Her green eyes worried as she saw a charging Mango. Or was she looking at you? Were her eyes even green? Every time you remember something about Rochelle, you forget something about her as well.?? ? ? ? ?But then you remembered. You remember running back behind an appliance and watching... Risa caught her. She was begging. You were completely helpless when you stood behind your cover, cowering, wrapping your arms around the pearl and hugging as if you were wanting to say sorry. The sound of chewing, teeth grinding on bone. What could you have done?? ? ? ? ?How would she see you now? She would damn you for working for her killer. She would leave you the moment she figured out how many people you killed. You felt a tear roll down your cheek, but you quickly consumed it, wiping it away with your tongue, like a man.? ? ? ? ?Risa... Perhaps the Sect aren't wrong. If it wasn't for her having your family, would you have joined them? Their leader seems to be about three years old, so they may know what they are doing. And out of everyone in this room, Risa deserves to die the most. Perhaps even more than Pyrrah, as satisfying as that was.? ? ? ? ?Then again, you also deserve to die.? ? ? ? ?You shook your head What are you thinking? You can't possibly consider turning against Risa, can you? But what will happen to you once you're finished? Will Risa have any use from you?? ? ? ? ?No... Last time you helped Risa, you were granted a favor. It's not impossible this would be the same. Then again, last time you helped her, you were betrayed and spied upon.? ? ? ? ?Something to consider. But for now, you will worry about initiation.? ? ? ? ?Eventually, your ears twitched at the door being opened. Serena was at the frame, "Did you sleep well? You're going to need it."2112111111111111? ? ? ? ?They made you walk the rest of the way.? ? ? ? ?It wasn't a small walk either. It was out of their base and through several hallways. At least you think it's a hallway. You aren't entirely sure about it since you are blindfolded. But it was still a long silent walk. Hell, hey may have made you walk in circles so you miscount the steps, you may never find your way back.? ? ? ? ?Serena left you with some other butt buddy, and then, more walking.? ? ? ? ?By the time you had the blind fold released, you were acquainted by a man much burlier than you. He has broader shoulders than you, like his dad mated with a rattis. He was mostly brown with a few black and white spots here and there. He spoke, "My name is Lieutenant Dezra. The General told me about you. But did she tell you about me?"? ? ? ? ?"She didn't tell me piss all about anything." You answered. "All i know is that I am here for an initiation and that's about it."? ? ? ? ?"Right," Dezra strafed side to side in front of you as the two other Sect members released you. "The first priority of the Rosary is that we are here not for ourselves, but the people who live here. Many thinks there is one person living here that is surrounded by micen, but that is not true. It is a monster surrounded by people." He pointed out a nearby mouse hole, "You must show you are able to provide for more than just yourself, and in as fast of a time as you are needed. Find a way to carry your weight in bread back to base. It may take a few trips, and considering you know your way from Zu-"? ? ? ? ?"Bread?" You interrupted, "I'm here to fetch bread?" You scoffed, "Do any of you guys know who I am? Step aside."? ? ? ? ?You brushed passed Dezra and walked out the mouse hole and across the floor. You didn't care if your claws accidentally scratched the floor, you aren't taking any of this crap seriously.? ? ? ? ?Risa popped her head from behind the island counter and gazed at you, giving a questioned look. You know better than to just waltz about in front of a hunting Risa, but you have an excuse.? ? ? ? ?"Momb- oh sh.... what happened?" She seemed to have noticed your battered body, "Damn, did you at least win?"? ? ? ? ?"You should see the other guy, am I right?" You laughed sarcastically, "Ran into an old friend, now she's having me do odd jobs as a means of 'initiation' before I can figure out where they're located."? ? ? ? ?"So what are you doing now?"? ? ? ? ?You stopped just before the pantry and tossed your hands in the air, "Getting bread!" You snuck under the door and continued talking, half to yourself, "Oh, you want to join us? Feed us Momby, feed us."?? ? ? ? ?You crawled up the closest column by two stories until you got to the bread and then you pulled out a piece from the package. Not just any piece, but an entire slice of bread. After closing the package, you tossed it over the side until you heard a soft splat. Then you jumped, bending your legs, and letting the slice cushion your fall. Then you dragged the slice of bread where you came from and out of the pantry.? ? ? ? ?Risa gave you another look of concern, this one a bit less worried than the new scratch marks on you. "Isn't that a little much?"? ? ? ? ?"We fight for the people," You mimicked, "Hurr, we are all people, hurr." You began going into a rant, almost silencing Risa before she could speak more, "They can't even be original. If any of them could read, I wouldn't be surprised if they quoted The Recounting. 'It is our duty to fight for our freedom, hurr, we have nothing to lose but our chains, durr, let's get the new guy to gather bread."? ? ? ? ?You continued to complain until Risa was out of your sights, she only watched with a blank stare as you made a fool of yourself.? ? ? ? ?"Bread!" you said as you approached the guards of Zurv, "Long story short," You explained to the guards as you finished climbing the ladder, the sentries concerned, "Secret agent, Risa and Anton know, they approve, let me pass." Then you continued where you left off, "Oh yeah, this is challenging, this is worth our time. It isn't worth the hair on a rat's ass. Something that could kill a man, do I look like a normal ass, normal man to you?"? ? ? ? ?The guards stared at you with the same face Risa had as you passed through the gates. They stood, unsure to get in the way of a mad man.? ? ? ? ?Anton noticed you, as well as half of Zurv, "I'll explain later. I'll explain later. I'll explain later." You repeated as you walked through the place with enough food to feed a family of them.? ? ? ? ?You had some trouble fitting the mattress of bread through the relatively small door frames and corridors, until you came to the base once again.? ? ? ? ?Without warning anyone, you tossed the bread over the ledge and jumped after it. It seemed everyone was surprised to see you back so early, and with so much bread. "Bread. Bread. Bread. Why am I so mad right now?" You looked above you as you carried the slice over your head, "Oh... That's right... Because...Of... The little-known fact..."? ? ? ? ?Serena was talking with her captains in the war room, discussing who to help and where to go next. In front of her was a table with papers of listed accounts. Some places need more food, some need more water. A few incidents of rivalries in the Rosary itself. There just isn't enough time or man power to get things going on a reasonable rate.? ? ? ? ?Her captains discussed how things would go. She was in no good mood, not after one of her own lieutenants passed away. But those were emotions for when she was alone. For now, she must focus on her army, and her duty to win.? ? ? ? ?Suddenly, a loud thud spooked her back into reality.? ? ? ? ?You slammed the slice of wheat onto the table in front of you. After getting the attention of the entire staff, you motioned in front of you, "Are any of you real? Bread? I'm sorry, let me clarify for a moment, a man with the favor of the god whom you are trying to slay comes to you and wishes to join your cause and you sent him to fetch bread? Are you kidding me? Is this a joke? Doth thou make us minstrels? Do you use a flame thrower to kill spiders? Do you trade a diamond for some salt? Why on earth did you send me to fetch bread?"? ? ? ? ?The room was silent, some faces angered, some confused, all stunned at your audacity. All but Serena, who stared in stoic fashion.? ? ? ? ?You continued, "Oh, I'm sorry, did I break your concentration? Were you all in the middle of something?" You ripped off a piece and began chewing with your mouth open. You took the clod out of your mouth, "Well?" before putting it back in and continued chewing.? ? ? ? ?The entire board turned their gaze to Serena. She stood up and brushed her officers aside, "Leave us. Mombasa, stay."21121111111111111? ? ? ? ?The two of your stood still as the others left.? ? ? ? ?She kept her gaze and you held yours as well as the room became an eerie silence. Serena crossed her arms and waited for the captains to close the door behind them. She finally spoke, "You seem to be efficient at making a fool of yourself."? ? ? ? ?"Do I look-" You held your hands in the air, "Like I give-" You slapped your hands on your forehead, "A fuck?" You dragged your hands down, pressing them against your face along the way and creating a silly face.? ? ? ? ?Serena grabbed two cups of clay and tossed the water out of them. She set the two in front of her and retrieved her canteen from her satchel. She unscrewed it and began pouring an orange liquid into them. She then pulled her chair back and sat down before motioning you to come by her and pick up the other cup.? ? ? ? ?You decided you may as well sit next to her, but you aren't sure if you want to drink whatever she put in the flasks.? ? ? ? ?Serena, however, took a swig. After a small swallow, perhaps she doesn't know the difference between whiskey from wine, she spoke, "You are right, it was stupid to send someone as valuable as you to get bread."? ? ? ? ?"If only more people understood I was right," You lifted the cup, "There would be less problems in this world."? ? ? ? ?"If only murdering idiots was acceptable. Is that how you think?" She brought the whiskey to her lips and gave an inquisitive look.? ? ? ? ?It's how you act, actually. That's why you're here, isn't it? You didn't say that. Instead, you continued, "You say it as if it's wrong, as if you forgot the benefits of the lack of stupidity."? ? ? ? ?"Not wrong, but not right."? ? ? ? ?"Why am I here?" You asked, legitimately curious, "I mean, why am I sitting here? What's my next test?"? ? ? ? ?"There aren't any more tests." She answered plainly, "Not for you anyways. You were right when you said you're useful to use, so it would be a good idea not to abuse your potential."? ? ? ? ?You let off a smirk, "So I'm in?"? ? ? ? ?"No." She answered, taking another sip, "I don't trust you."? ? ? ? ?You frowned; it was wishful thinking you had her in your hands like putty. "So, what's the next test?"? ? ? ? ?"There aren't any more tests, I just told you." She motioned her hand towards your drink, "Instead, I want to talk to you."? ? ? ? ?"Talk to me?"? ? ? ? ?"Yes." She sipped again. "I will never know if I can trust you, but I have no reason not to unless you screw up." She hummed, "I take that back. Results can help me to trust you. But we will talk about that later. Instead, I want to know more about you."? ? ? ? ?"You want to know about me? Hm..." Not many people ever wanted to know more about you. You may be the most interesting man in the world to you, but now you're having trouble on what to say. You've done so much in the two or three years you've been alive. You chugged the entire cup before sliding it towards Serena and grabbing some bread off the slice in front of you. The woman filled the cup and slid it back to you. Then you answered, "Where do I begin?"211211111111111111?? ?You leaned back in your chair.? ? ? ? ?"It doesn't happen often enough that people ask about me. Excuse me while my mind goes blank." You drank your entire cup of whiskey before continuing, "By the time I'm finished, we may black out drunk."? ? ? ? ?You began to speak about your past. Calling yourself a 'fucking nerd' for reading over 53 books in a single year. Half a year to be precise. And in that time, you were also a chiropractor, until someone's neck snapped; luckily it was someone you didn't like. Marked up as an accident, you also became a pimp, carpenter, guard, 'dedicated reproducer in the nursery' to increase the population of a colony. All of it within two years, each of them ending with a corpse of someone you didn't like. Since you had a talent of killing people, and since you were now exiled from more colonies than you can count with one hand- all of the colonies- you became a bandit.? ? ? ? ?You began to reminisce. There is where you met Rochelle. Even after you screwed up so many times in the colonies, she accepted you, saying your heart was as big as your ego. Impossible considering that the gravity of two beings as large would only crash into each other. But a new colony was rising and she convinced you to join up and become a gatherer.?? ? ? ? ?Then you became a gatherer, and a whole ton of people died. The colony was found. After losing Rochelle, you explained that one of the guards from the colony she was born in recognized you and banished you to Risa's room; a death sentence, essentially.? ? ? ? ?"And that's when I met my current wife, Annekke... Had a few kids." You paused, noticing that Serena hasn't taken her sights off of you. She's really paid attention this whole time? "What about you? You seem upset."? ? ? ? ?Serena lightly sipped on her cup. briefly dropping her gaze to peer into her cup then back up again at you. "Not at all... please continue." she hadn't shifted at all through the entire story, holding intent poise. "I want to know about you… so my input is irrelevant."? ? ? ? ?You shrugged, before leaning forward, "I have nothing more to say until my question is answered. Trust is a two-way street. How do I know I can trust you if you won't tell me anything?"? ? ? ? ?"Well it’s not my loyalty that is in question here...but if you have any particular wonders...I'll answer if I can." she took up the flask and extended it towards you, in a gesture to ask if you perhaps had thirst for more.? ? ? ? ?You handed the glass to her, "Tell me about you. If I'm working for you, I want to know you."? ? ? ? ?"Well... like anyone, I have dead people. both on my side and my enemies." Her eyes trailed to the side, seeming to drift over an invisible list of bodies from the past. She recounted selective parts of her youth, leaving out anything that was more of a personal nature. She told of dark battles, and sadistic rodents she had crossed in her life. unlikely alliances and treason that stabbed deep. She lightly touched on the child that was in her life- that cannot physically be replaced due to her womb- and the losses of being a micen that lived on her own. She was honest and divulged what was necessary but a smart leader does not give away all their secrets. After she finished her long-winded re-countenance she took a long draw on her cup.? ? ? ? ?By now, the whiskey has started doing a job on the lips of the duo. "That last one... Wiker was it? You seem to... mention him often. Was he a lover? Brother?"? ? ? ? ?"No... just a good man. A good man with a sharp blade and someone I'd follow into hell and back with." she felt a twinge of pain from the memory. You assume it wasn't yesterday but time has yet to make a difference.? ? ? ? ?"For what it is worth, I'm sorry for your loss. What was he like?"? ? ? ? ?"Well...not the sort of man you would expect to be military. Let alone a Lieutenant." she started off. sloshing her cup around in a circular motion, before teasing the drink to her lips again. "To the untrained eye, an outright joke. Always smiling, always joking around and treated his men like they were drinking buddies. You would think he snuck a uniform out of the wash halls and just walked in." she said so smarmily but with a touch of fondness too. She still had trouble accepting the way he went out. "He… was respected by all though. His care was not without method. He inspired others with heart rather than stick. A rare sort of man... mice like that usually don't have the stuff to make it long. Let alone end up in charge. But he did so. Had a wife, kids, and anything else a micen could want. anyone could be considered lucky to be half the man he was."? ? ? ? ?"Heh... Be honest. There was something you saw in him." You pried for the answer, but it was in a friendly manner, like two old friends would meeting for the first time in years.? ? ? ? ?"I saw a fine soldier. And I saw that he was brought back to his loved ones. That is all." she slightly bristled at your tease. She was not one that was terribly comfortable with affection, and she felt owning up to any would just be pointless anyway since he was dead. She wasn't even sure herself what she felt, but she damn sure didn't see any point getting fluffy for him now. Before you could apologize, she continued, "I have more important pursuits than romance. I'll settle down when I'm dead"? ? ? ? ?For the rest of the night, you two seemed to drink happily, even when the whiskey ran dry, you tried water, then called in a guard to bring them more whiskey. The piece of bread on the table as removed some time during the night, neither of you noticed as you said slang, jokes, and told stories of old.? ? ? ? ?You were in the middle of telling a story, and soon you got to the end, "And then, the rattis knocked me mate into the doorway. I thought she was hurt until she stood up and shouted-" You jumped on the table, "Did you see that?!"? ? ? ? ?Serena laughed, harder than she ever should have thanks to the liquor. Then a few guards came in, Dezra and someone else. "General. I'm sorry for intruding, but the others wouldn't let me in."? ? ? ? ?"Good, they're doing their job." She muttered. "Leave."2112111111111111111? ?She allowed a grin to pass her lips at his drunken antics.? ? ? ? ?She was loosened up with drink, and a slight sway to her movement. "Now THAT was quite the story. Where did you find a woman like that?" she asked, taking a look of consideration at the bread before taking a bite from it.? ? ? ? ?"Nothing more attractive than a woman who can take care of themselves." You answered, at least that's what you think you answered, there as a lot of slurs? ? ? ? ?"Mombasa… might you sit for a moment...? I'd like to ask you something serious." Serena waved a hand casually to his seat.? ? ? ? ?You hopped off the table, losing his balance and falling back onto the chair, "You... Saw nothing."? ? ? ? ?Serena picked up a large chunk of bread that was left behind and extended it to you. "I want your honest thoughts… on why you were asked to get bread before. tell me why you think we sent you on a food run." watching him carefully.? ? ? ? ?"Dezra said 'to help the needy;" He mocked? ? ? ? ? "I don't want to know what Dezra said... I want to know what you think"? ? ? ? ?You paused, before coming up with the conclusion, "You wanted to see what Risa would let me get away with."? ? ? ? ?"No." she said. "Well… it didn't hurt to see how you would fare with a cat. But no. Nothing to do with her. In fact, it has nothing to do with the bread either… I wanted to see if you could be a leader that knows how to serve..." Nodding over to the bread she goes on. "Food runs are seen as "common work". tasks for micen that don't have much else to offer than fast feet and a spine...but they are important. food is important, they are important… and without them we would crumble and perish." She crossed her leg over and leaned to one side. "As a leader, I have to see the value in all… and since all are important, nothing is… 'beneath' me. I am a leader, but also a servant to our people… I wanted to see if you saw yourself as better than them...or one of them."? ? ? ? ?Your head bobbed back and forth. Here you are piss drunk, struggling to keep your head up. But she seems so... calculative. You narrowed your eyes. Is she even...? "You... don't sound drunk."? ? ? ? ?"Oh, a bit...but you don't get where I am by not being able to hold a few firm drinks...sorry, if that spoils the fun a bit. I'm buzzed I assure you." She looked guilty, as if she felt a little rude not being able to share in his candor, but she must not usually get drunk around people openly anyhow.? ? ? ? ?You leaned in, your temper beginning to roast, but not quite, thanks to the liquid courage, "What do you want from me?"? ? ? ? ?"I think that while you didn't pass the bread test...there is still an opportunity here to be had… that I think will play right into your strengths. you’re cocky...a name respected and known for your exploits… and you fit in well to the shadowy underbelly of societies as well as being able to tread alongside it. I want you to do what you do best...and I want you to do it for me."? ? ? ? ? "You want me to... Kill people I don't like in your name?" You smiled, obviously joking, but at the same time it was a question you wanted answered.? ? ? ? ?"Actually...I'd like you to kill people I don't like… and perhaps if your dislikes align with mine you can kill some you don't like either..." Serena leaned back in her seat watching you intently, hopeful.? ? ? ? ?"You... You have an army... You can do that any day of the week. You want me to..." He trailed off, expecting an answer.? ? ? ? ?"I do. but an army is only effective as a whole unit. if there are cogs that don't work or...work for another unit. then they need to go....and rooting them out myself can be problematic. Find one, the others wise up and become harder to find. But they wouldn't suspect you...an outsider. They expect you to spy for Risa, not me. They will be reckless, thinking I won't believe a word you say. You can fly undetected in a way that I cannot." She answered in matter of fact.? ? ? ? ?You leaned back in your chair, "Miss.... I am drunk. But I am not drunk enough to know that..." You blinked, forgetting what you were even saying, "You want me to weed out the little shits getting on everyone's nerves? Consider it done."? ? ? ? ?"Excellent." she clasps her hands together. "It would do a great deal for the colony, as well as give you something to do worth your… as you say... 'extensive skills and usefulness'." Serena's tail betrayed her excitement, only wagging slightly, at your eagerness to her proposal.21121111111111111111? ?After a good night's rest, you were sent on your first job.? ? ? ? ?You were told you would be staying within Dezra's command and that you would have to keep an eye out. Dezra can be trusted, he hasn't done a thing wrong; although when you think about it that means he has just as much power with Serena as you with Risa. However, he had subordinates that don't like him. And it's your job to get in with them.? ? ? ? ?A group of twenty micen in charge of helping others, to make a good name for the Sect, or Rosary. Every once in a while, you saw Rick helping out. He's playing messenger. John still gives you the stink eye, like the little shit that he is. You can't really call him that. He's like this because of you. You can't really give him any crap about his attitude, you're the one who killed his aunt. He's not going to let it go. You never hold grudges. But you know who would hold grudges, Pyrrah would.? ? ? ? ?On your first day, you've met some dick-muncher had a Rick attitude towards you, only when alone. You didn't bother learning his name. The less people who remember him, the sooner he dies. However, his friend, something like Temi, Tevi? Something like that. He got careless around you as you went to a break room and got some crackers. Someone tried to shush him when you were walking by, and you think you heard him say, "Relax. Like anyone is going to believe that murderer?"? ? ? ? ?It was perfect, as he continued explaining away a plan.? ? ? ? ?You walked out of the room he was in but stood by the door. Since they were on break from scouting, for Risa, Tevi Temi and his crew of four others were the only ones around.?? ? ? ? ?"So, when will they be there?" One of his lackeys asked.? ? ? ? ?"Noon. When she hunts." Tevi said, "This is why you need to be at the meetings Jaben, we could have done this sooner. This is why you weren't there last time."? ? ? ? ?"Sorry." He mumbled.? ? ? ? ?You strained your ears to listen. He explained a plan about getting a group of micen to gather in a drawer that was mostly empty. There is a drop off for food and medicine for the new comers from Solace' place. That's when they will make noise nearby, get Risa's attention. They plan on feeding at least a dozen micen to her while they go into the booze cabinet to get some fine ass whiskey.? ? ? ? ?And it happens in less than an hour.? ? ? ? ?You went to Serena. You explained it to her, and without much more thought she gave you the order to save the other micen, the foreigners, at all cost.? ? ? ? ?This was simple. You had to go to Risa and warn her about it. However, on your way to warn Risa, you ran into an old friend.?? ? ? ? ?A stick smacked into the side of your head as you rounded a corner. You placed a hand to rub on it, then you felt your hand get hit as well. You finally saw your attacker, as if you didn't know who he already was, "John? What the hell?"? ? ? ? ?He didn't answer, he only smacked it into your skull once more.? ? ? ? ?The fourth time, he attempted it, you grabbed the stick and yanked it towards you, kicking him hard in the gut, before lifting the stick above your own head and slamming it into the back of his as he was kneeling in pain. In that single stroke, John was unconscious.? ? ? ? ?As you stepped away, something occurred to you. How hard did you hit him? He wasn't knocked out as you originally thought, instead he was stunned, attempting to get up but vomiting. He'll be fine. "I can't..." He muttered, "I can't let you..." Before falling back to the ground.? ? ? ? ?You continued running, taking the fastest route to the living room. You jumped out of the hole and looked around. She wasn't at her usual spot. You were breathing heavily from running, so it took you a moment to realize that the worst could be happening. You continued running, your tired legs carrying you as fast as possible. Risa...? ? ? ? ?You saw the cat pulling out a drawer. "Risa!" You called to her, "Wait, wait!" Her ear pivoted towards your direction. You started pointing towards the booze cabinet, "There! In there!"? ? ? ? ?Risa looked at where you were pointed and her tail straightened out for only a moment. She then placed her drawer upside down, eliciting some squeaks from inside. She then placed her foot on the side where the hole was and pulled out a small tub from another drawer, placing it next to the hole and trapping the micen inside.? ? ? ? ?The she-cat stood up and charged the liquor cabinet.? ? ? ? ?You then ran towards the tub and pushed it out of the way, holding your finger to your lips, shushing everyone in the room to be quiet, you began to help everyone out as fast as you can, the youngest went out first, then the women, then men. They all ran quickly in any direction, to whatever hole they saw.? ? ? ? ?Risa must have been busy helping herself to the micen, she didn't give chase. But as you saw the very last mouse run away, you noticed something in the corner of your vision to your right.? ? ? ? ?It was a hand.? ? ? ? ?You turned around and look up to see Risa with a tail twitching behind her, as well as a smaller tail twitching between her lips. She wasn't staring at the mouse that was running away. Instead, she was staring at you.21121111111111111111?? ?"I can explain." You said.? ? ? ? ?She held her sharp glare, blinking here and there. You don't know what she's thinking and gazing into her unreadable eyes made you lose track of time. Your tail seemed to betray you, swaying as if it knew something you didn't. You were well aware of the circumstance, however; even if your face doesn't show it. You just denied the cat a meal’s worth of mice. A meal? No, a week's worth.? ? ? ? ?A foot slipped out from Risa's mouth, her prey attempted to escape. It was a poor move, as it brought Risa back into reality. She looked towards he snout and slipped her tongue out, reeling her prey and finishing it off with a few swallows.? ? ? ? ?Then, she lied down on the ground, her lips just in front of you. Your eyes were fixated on the deadly sight in front of you as Risa parted her lips and let out a soft low burp, blowing the air gently towards your face. Then, she moved her head above yours and opened her mouth wide, showing you the dark abyss just behind the pearly teeth. You flinched and closed your eyes and she lowered towards you, only for you to twitch in fear as a dollop of drool landed on your shoulder.? ? ? ? ?Your spine shivered as it traveled down your back.? ? ? ? ?"So you?are?afraid of me." Risa said. "Good. Now..." She leaned in closer and whispered, "Whose side are you on?"? ? ? ? ?You couldn't speak, hell, you couldn't even open your eyes You pointed straight above you, towards Risa. A puff of air came from her nostrils, making the warm saliva cold for a moment.? ? ? ? ?"Good. Because lately, I couldn't tell."? ? ? ? ?"I-" You began but didn't get far.? ? ? ? ?"You what, mate?"? ? ? ? ?"I told you about the raid on your liquor."? ? ? ? ?"Yes, you did." She placed a hand nearby on the ground and you opened your eyes to see she walked on two fingers towards you before poking you hard in the gut, "If you were any other mouse..." She left the consequences unsaid, she simply stood up and placed the drawer back. You were stunned completely, even as she cleaned up the rest of the mess out of the drawer hole and put the utensil back.? ? ? ? ?Why weren't you moving? You were scared shitless, almost literally your bowels turned liquid. Can anyone blame you? You were just at Risa's mercy. Risa! You're lucky that you're not turning liquid in her own bowels. You wonder what Risa was thinking when she saw this helpless mouse in the middle of her kitchen. You wonder what she was thinking when she was glaring at you. She was completely out of reality, perhaps imagining the consequences with Seraph should she decide to go through with making chow out of you.? ? ? ? ?You stepped back, finally moving.? ? ? ? ?You need to get back to Serena and report in.211211111111111111111? ? ? ? ?You didn't even bother to wipe yourself off.? ? ? ? ?You were out of your mind. Were you wanting to cry? Or seek validation for your good deeds? You had to go back home. No, you needed to report back to Serena. You had just saved a dozen or so mice from death. As you entered the base, and into the war room, alas, Serena was with a micen crying in front of her. And for some reason, you feel as if this is your fault.? ? ? ? ?Several of the nearby guards grabbed your arms, one kicked you in the back of your knee and the other forced you to the ground. The mouse, a young man, was crying on Serena's waist. Serena looked worse for wear as she glared at you, but in a much more forgiving tone.? ? ? ? ?"He did it!" The boy called and pointed at you and repeated, "He did it!"? ? ? ? ?Serena released the boy in the safe keeping of a nearby guard and walked over to you. "You killed them?" She asked.? ? ? ? ?"As ordered?" You still can't think straight after what Risa did to you. What did you do wrong? "What's wrong?"? ? ? ? ?Serena looked down, not at you, but passed you. As if you had been but a voice, "You sent Risa after them?"? ? ? ? ?You tilted your head, "I was supposed to stop them at all costs."? ? ? ? ?Serena sat down on the floor in front of you. She then spoke, "Dezra was with them."? ? ? ? ?Your jaw dropped when you remembered she thought fondly of him. "I... I didn't know."? ? ? ? ?"He was in the medicine cabinet. Just above the liquor." She took a deep breath and continued, "She got both groups. They knew Dezra's schedule and they timed it perfectly. Release him. Leave us." She curled her legs, still sitting on the ground in front of you as the guards left. She removed the hair from her face. "If I had known when they were planning it, I'd have done it a different way. I sent a few people out to get you." She looked you in the eye, "John is dead."? ? ? ? ?Your fur bristled and your skin turned pale. Your mouth turned dry as you asked, almost by instinct, "What?"? ? ? ? ?"I sent him to hopefully stop you." She continued.? ? ? ? ?You can't believe this, she's lying! "No. No, no."? ? ? ? ?"He died from head injuries."? ? ? ? ?"He attacked me. Tried to knock me out." You don't know if you were telling her that, or yourself. He wouldn't have even been here if it wasn't for you!? ? ? ? ?Serena placed her hand on your scalp and felt around, the bumps he left. They still stung as she placed her fingers on it. "I believe you," She reassured. She sat back. "I killed them."? ? ? ? ?You shook your head, "No. Don't say that."? ? ? ? ?"I killed them, Momby."? ? ? ? ?"No, you didn't." You reassured her, "Risa did. I did. You had little information, or time, to make a decision."? ? ? ? ?She was still quiet.? ? ? ? ?"They died as soldiers." You said, crawling next to her. "Alright? You didn't kill them, they chose to do as they were asked. They knew the risks... John attacked me, he made a mistake but he made it. Dezra, whoever was with him, Tevi's decision killed him."? ? ? ? ?She was still quiet, just starting blankly.? ? ? ? ?You scooted closer to her, "Hey... Your orders saved over a dozen innocent foreigners. People who would have died thanks to Tevi."? ? ? ? ?For the first time since she sat down, she looked up, it was only for a moment, but it was a spark of hope. She then pulled you closer. "Please don't hate me..." She muttered, but to who? She said it to Dezra. She said it to John. She said it to you. "I'm so sorry, Dezra."? ? ? ? ?You wrapped your arm around her and rubbed her back. "I'm sorry too, John."? ? ? ? ?It was at that moment the both of you felt a tear down your cheeks. You created John, as Serena created Dezra. And now you both mourned for their deaths, including both your own.? ? ? ? ?You don't know how long it's been, maybe a few seconds, maybe a minute. The silent tears eventually stopped falling, but sitting in silence, in an embrace like lovers or a parent and child would, would last for a bit longer.? ? ? ? ?Later rather than sooner, Serena was the first to break, "We have places to be." She removed her head from your shoulder.? ? ? ? ?You also stood up very soon after and helped the lady. "I'm sorry I couldn't help him."? ? ? ? ?"You will be sorry," She said as she took your hand, "If you ever tell anyone I cried, you will be sorry."? ? ? ? ?For a moment, you thought the moment changed, as if it were another memory, you replied, "And if you tell anyone I cried, I'll feed you to Risa myself."? ? ? ? ?She only smirked, turning away and going to the war room. "You're so cute when you try to act tough. Go, get the guards back here. Come here tomorrow."? ? ? ? ?You decided to let her have the last words, not that you didn't have any witty comebacks to that, you would if you had time to think. While you mourn the loss of John, it was now out of your hands. Micen do not have the luxury of changing the past and perhaps that's for the best. You'll live on, as will Serena, as will the memory of Dezra and John so long as you live as well. That's the most any micen could hope for. To live long.? ? ? ? ?But as you walked away, you've stopped and stood in the middle of a door frame. You did something good, Risa threatened. You did something bad, Serena forgave. You blinked for a few moments, looking back at the hallway you had just wept in a moment prior.? ? ? ? ?Whose side are you on?2112111111111111111111? ? ?All eyes were on you.? ? ? ? ?As you walked to your room, everyone who didn't have anything better to do was looking at you. Each one, you realize, was a foreigner. At some time, you've killed at least a few of their family members in the last month. Each one, you had harmed. Each one, now well aware of your screw up.? ? ? ? ?The guards left before Serena convinced herself it was her fault. Word hasn't gotten around that you're innocent of any crime, contrary to how word of the crying woman spread faster than syphilis outbreak in a whore house. Eventually they do carry on their way, but you wonder how many of them even trust you anymore.? ? ? ? ?At one point, even Rick came up to you. "Is it true? About Dezra?"? ? ? ? ?You didn't answer, only placing a hand on his shoulder, sighing and then walking passed. He doesn't know what's going to happen to you. You don't either. But you can take a guess. At the moment, no one is going to trust you. Either you or Serena, or both, but considering they've followed her for months they have little reason not to trust her. And what kind of spy is useful amongst people whom do not trust them?? ? ? ? ?You have to leave. There is no home for you; not in this place, not on this floor. Maybe you could try Shieki's place next.? ? ? ? ?When you got to one of the exits for the base, you saw a few people talking to the guards. Considering they are out of uniform, they are either new recruits, micen wanting to be recruited, foreigners seeking sanctuary or the like.? ? ? ? ?"This him?" A Sect member placed his hand on you and squeezed hard enough you could feel it before another one did the exact same.? ? ? ? ?The pushed your forward toward the crowd. "Let go of me," you shifted your shoulders, only for them to squeeze tighter.? ? ? ? ?"Don't hurt him!" One of the outsiders said, holding something to his chest. The guards released their grip, only slightly, as the man ran up to you. The gate keepers only let one through. You didn't recognize him, but he recognized you. His face seemed to brighten up, "You really are him! What is your name?"? ? ? ? ?"My name?" You asked, dumbfounded and confused what this person wanted, only now is he beginning to look familiar but from where? "Mombasa, my name is Mombasa."? ? ? ? ?"Mombasa? You saved my life, as well as my families from that darn cat." His voice was enthusiastic, as well as his body. He stepped closer, "We were in the drawer she found, before you stopped her. Thank you! Thank you so much!" His youth was shown through his actions, should he be older, his pride would keep his voice in check, should he be younger he would be jumping "We don't have much, but I wanted to give you this as my thanks."? ? ? ? ?He lowered his hands, revealing a bracelet. It was a few chains, actual micen sized chains, of gold. There was a pendant at the end, the pendant had unique scribbles on it, but it didn't look like there was anything they meant to mean other than looking pretty.? ? ? ? ?It was impressive, crafted by micen and perhaps meant to be traded among micen.? ? ? ? ?The unfortunate part is that you know how useless it is here. Despite its beauty, practicality matters more. And this was just a shiny piece of metal. A burden more than a delight. Were this Solace room, you may be able to trade it for your life, but here you are beyond that point.? ? ? ? ?"I cannot accept that gift." You said as you gently grabbed his hands and folded them back on his chest. "I was only doing my job."? ? ? ? ?"I insist." He pressed on.? ? ? ? ?"Don't." You shook your head, "Save it for when you need it." Before he continued talking, you placed a hand on his snout, "You're going to need it much more than I." You began, a thought occurring to you, "Especially since... well, never mind."? ? ? ? ?"Since what?"? ? ? ? ?You looked at the guards beside you, giving off little hints on where this outlander could give some helpful attention to, before turning back, "I said never mind. I won't be around for much longer."? ? ? ? ?"What are you planning on doing with him?" The man said to your colleagues who still gripped your shoulders. He's stepping right into your claws, "Do you know what he did? He's a hero. He saved us from Risa, and from a couple of goons wearing your armor."? ? ? ? ?The guards looked at each other, caught off guard by the micen suddenly turning hostile.? ? ? ? ?"What are you planning on doing to him?"? ? ? ? ?"We don't know what you mean," One of the men defended.? ? ? ? ?"That seems to be a problem. What is it with the Rosary?" The man continued, now speaking louder for everyone to hear, "First your men try to kill us, now you're harming the person who saved us? Is there something we should know?" Before they could say anything else, the man turned around to address the crowd. "Hey, the Rosary is going to harm the man who just saved us!"? ? ? ? ?The crowd began to boo. You noticed there wasn't just twelve of them, but a whole flock. It seemed this exit had a lot of squatters nearby, a way-station homeless could get grub.? ? ? ? ?"That's not true." The one on your left said, while the one on your right pushed you back towards the base. This only elicited more outcry, especially when you said "Ow!" loud enough for them to hear.? ? ? ? ?There was a smile on your face, or at least in your mind you're gritty.? ? ? ? ?In the basecamp in front of you, rumors are that you are a traitor. In the camp behind you, rumors are that you are the people's hero. Since the Sect fights for the people, they will look bad once word gets out they are harming heroes and trapping people.? ? ? ? ?The Sect may have a riot to deal with. Every little detail and operation they've ever had is now at risk once word spreads they cannot be trusted. You may not be in trouble after all.21121111111111111111111?? ?"Ow! Quit it!" You yelped as the guard twisted your arm.? ? ? ? ?The guard actually got rougher when he was out of sight of the folks. He wasn't happy how close you started a riot. But you are though. This opened a new can of worms for the Sect and now they will either reward you or suffer the consequences.? ? ? ? ?The guard pushed you through the central hub of the base but didn't let you stop for the sights. You were able to tell others noticed that Dezra's killer had returned. You were, however, moving fast enough that it didn't matter if they saw you or not.? ? ? ? ?"Where are you taking me?" You demanded.? ? ? ? ?"The boss." He answered, pushing you forward with a kick to the back. You allowed him to do such a thing, even though you're tough enough to take him on or at least take him with you. That is not anywhere near part of your plan. You just have to get in close with Serena. They all seem to respect her.? ? ? ? ?Close to her, but not sword-inside-her-back close to her. You don't want to make a martyr, only a dead cause.? ? ? ? ?You were guided to the room Serena and you drank in and were stopped just outside of it. She was talking with her captains, noticing you the moment you were in view, but continued as if you were another mouse. After it all finished, she motioned for you to come in.? ? ? ? ?Another shove in the back and you're in the room alone with Serena and your new friend whose name you've never gotten.? ? ? ? ?"Basa." Serena said.? ? ? ? ?"Ser. Rena? Serey? Rey, rey?" You grunted, "I'm trying to figure out a nickname. Three syllables is two too long."? ? ? ? ?"I'm not in the mood." She muttered.? ? ? ? ?"Nor am I, Rey Rey. In fact, I was pushed in my back for almost a meter now."? ? ? ? ?"Why?"? ? ? ? ?"Because I eat kids, I dunno."? ? ? ? ?"I'm not asking you." Serena said, looking back to the guard, "Why?"? ? ? ? ?"He was starting a riot."? ? ? ? ?She looked back at you, "Why is that so easy to believe?"? ? ? ? ?"I?didn't do anything.?He?hit me. People didn't like it. It's not my fault I'm so lovable, saving lives and shit."? ? ? ? ?"Enough." She sat down at the table and sighed. "This isn't good. We thought about simply kicking you out so no one else gets hurt. But that would jeopardize everyone and everything we're fighting for."? ? ? ? ?"Why not tell them who he is? The guy who has been hunting and killing their friends and family?" The guard suggested. Funny how you haven't thought of that until now.? ? ? ? ?Serena shook her head, "As if they could believe us? Just like that? For all they know, he could have just killed that very man you suggest he is."? ? ? ? ?"So then what do we do?"? ? ? ? ?Serena was silent for a few moments before answering, "We cannot kick him out. He cannot stay here. He's coming with me."? ? ? ? ?"What? He is a risk. And what do we tell the locals?"? ? ? ? ?"We tell the locals that he was promoted and given his own team to root out instigation and insubordination within the sect, and he's looking for volunteers. At the same time, he's being exiled, and will not be able to step foot in this base."? ? ? ? ?"I'm being promoted and fired?" You asked, receiving a look from Serena that only an angry mother would have. You kept your mouth shut; she really isn't in the mood.? ? ? ? ?She stood up and walked past you, "Come with me." She grabbed your ear and squeezed tightly, making you make a girly yelp as she pulled you away. "I'm going to need to talk to you."211211111111111111111111? ?It's been three days since you left Risa's room.? ? ? ? ?Three days with you traveling and talking with Serena. Three days of just you, her, and any volunteers to guard her. You told Risa about this, she only warned you that if Solace or herself catches you there, you'll only be another mouse. She said you'd have to give info as much as usual, and even Serena was okay with this, so long as she reads what you are telling her first. Risa was alright with replacing you with Rick, not that he'd be doing a better job.? ? ? ? ?On the way, you managed to loosen her tongue a bit with a little wit and a lot more alcohol. She seemed to never deny a drink when offered. She had a kid once, only once, but lost him to Risa; along with a few good men.? ? ? ? ?Each of the soldiers of the sect seemed to have a sob story involving one or more of the leonas. Temnesis lost both his sisters to Solace in a single pantry run. Kimberly lost her father to the same cat a day before her ninth month. Icur lost his whole family to Risa over the course of a week.? ? ? ? ?It was also here when you learned of the plans to kill the leonas: Prepare for the hunt, the execution, and the coming of fire. Shieki will be bum-rushed and stabbed to death with needles and claws; Risa will burn with her whiskey; and Solace? There are many plans for her, but none really hit a good spot. This is when you put in some advice.? ? ? ? ?You told them of something you've read in a book once: poinsettia and cyanide. Both are poisonous, but the poinsettia will give them a seizure while the cyanide will make them vomit, making them choke. Cover them up with just a dash of 'Nip and the cat's senses would be confused enough to not smell anything wrong until it's too late; And it could be ruled as a suicide. You also know of a place where to find slavers who could get them the ingredients. You kept it to yourself about knowledge of the book, some of the library is undiscovered, some books are even in a different language, and the headmasters know the necessity and consequences of a leona's death.? ? ? ? ?Serena considered it, but ultimately hadn't decided. Later that very night, she told you that the sect you are in charge of should take a chance with it one day. Should that day come, Risa's Sect would have to be immediately notified. Three leonas, one swell swoop.? ? ? ? ?Before you found sleep, it occurred to you just how easy it could be should you really want them dead. Risa trusts you, somewhat, so she could be easier even. You blinked, wondering something to yourself. Risa trusts you... Risa doesn't want anyone in her booze... What if you dream up of a plan?? ? ? ? ?Get her attention, just before she opens the booze cabinet, have someone fiddle with a shelf and have all the bottle fall on her. Then, fire. You'd have to find a cigarette and toss it somewhere... No, she has to be drunk first, then have the bottles fall on her. It would be more believable.? ? ? ? ?Drunken Risa, lit ciggy with an open flame, and booze falling from a loosen shelf that she knocked over in her drunken stumbling.? ? ? ? ?Your eyes went wide. This is perfect. You found a way to kill Risa, and you have the man power to do it without a hitch. You are a dangerous man. You began to get up, but then stopped.? ? ? ? ?It's been years since the last leona death. And their death only caused the death of hundreds, if not thousands of other micen. Serena plans to kill three leonas. Could there really be a place to hide after that? Is it really worth the death of so many more.? ? ? ? ?The Niarb library wasn't built by the headmasters, it was built around it instead. It was discovered there. How many generations has it outlived? How many other leonas died during its lifetime? Is this just a cycle to it? Micen live on until the leona is killed, then micen cease to exist. Then it repeats?? ? ? ? ?Is the mere fact that the library stands bring more knowledge than whatever the library could ever hold? Even a year's worth of you reading hadn't put a dent into the number of pages left unread. Could it be this cycle is just another book?? ? ? ? ?What about your own family? Seraph, Caw, Gino, and even Annekke. You're doing this for them. Or is that just selfish?? ? ? ? ?Would killing off the Sect kill more micen than killing off the leonas, or vice versa?2112111111111111111111111? ?You shook your head and lied back down.? ? ? ? ?You still haven't made your decision, at least not in the traditional sense. So long as the Sect is alive, you will have the ability to do so. This is merely a knife in your satchel should you choose to wield it.? ? ? ? ?"Shit, shit!" You said. It’s been a little less than a week and already you'll have to move again. You're now looking at the possible corpse of Uschi. A dumb girl, a stupid one who Serena gave under your command. You sent her to test out how well she could get herself killed by Solace, as well as testing your poisonous idea on the cat, only for her to come back alive and well with new allies.?? ? ? ? ?You've been compromised. And not only that, but she was with Gertrude, and if that isn't bad you think they may be related. You looked around, matters are worse now, Gertrude is gone. You aren't sending men after her; they'll either be caught and eaten, or they'll catch her. Catching her is worse than letting her go. Gertrude knows how to handle herself, on a good day, but she's the not the reason why she's dangerous.? ? ? ? ?You kicked Uschi's side, making her moan in pain. Good, she's still alive. Well, she isn't staying here where Solace can send a band of misfits to stir things up.? ? ? ? ?And you can't stay here either. You can't go back to Toor either, since that counter-coup happened. Shit has got to go down soon, or never.? ? ? ? ?How are you getting rid of Uschi though? You can't just let her walk back, she knows your face and the others. And when Risa gets word you tried to not just poison but kill Solace, you'll be gone faster than Quill.? ? ? ? ?You tried to calm yourself down and you tied the girl up. You need someone to take her to Kert and do something, sell her maybe? Then you need to get your ass back to Risa, and fast. If you're the first to tell her about everything, it should be fine. You were worried at first, last time you hit someone in the head... You shook the thought out of your mind; it wasn't your fault.? ? ? ? ?You tell your second in command that you had to leave to Serena, though you were clearly intended to speak with Risa.? ? ? ? ?Took less than ten minutes thanks to the tunnels the Sect used. The awning that gave shade to the stairs and integrity to the structures were perfect to build a tunnel. What would have taken a few days took only five minutes. There was a long spiral of ladders up, a tunnel, then a long spiral of ladders down. Then you finally made it home.? ? ? ? ?You didn't take a few moments to catch your breath, even though you needed it, and you ran out on the open counters. You sniffed a bit and you were able to smell food better than normal. She must have cooked something up a few moments ago... but where is she?? ? ? ? ?Rick would know.? ? ? ? ?As you were on your way to Zurv, considering you're banned from the Sect base here, you heard a yell that almost made you jump out of your skin.? ? ? ? ?"MOMBASA!"? ? ? ? ?You looked behind over your shoulder. Solace must have got to her first. Well.... Shit.21121111111111111111111111?? ?You crawled out of the hole.? ? ? ? ?At first you thought you were late, but you were fast enough to see them enter the kitchen. Yes,?them. You swallowed lightly, Risa and Solace did not look happy. Risa pointed to her feet at the ground, "Come here, you little pissant."? ? ? ? ?Pissant? She never disrespected you like you would to you before. You presumed she was either angry, or she was putting up a show for her sister; both may be happening. You decided it was in your best interests to climb down the drawers and jog as fast as you could pace to her feet.? ? ? ? ?She leaned down, careful to keep you safe. Either she was saving you for her sister or she really wasn't mad at you. "What have I told you about leaving your crumbs all over the couch?"? ? ? ? ?She's not mad at all. You were almost relieved. You were attempting to hide your concern for a precious problem, however, and you aren't sure how well you are at it. "Don't worry, I've tracked the cults. High ranking officer now too. They've even put me in charge of rooting out double agents. Morons. Why is she here?" You gestured your head towards Solace.? ? ? ? ?She glanced between Solace and you, "Solace, this is Basa. He's my Gertrude, but not. An enforcer as he calls it. He came to me offering a fine-ass bottle of whiskey, asking me to eat him, and we've hit it off ever since."? ? ? ? ?You rolled your eyes, "That's not what happened."? ? ? ? ?"What was that?"? ? ? ? ?"I said 'that's exactly what happened'." You cleared his throat, "Why is she here?"? ? ? ? ?"I'm assuming you know where Uschi is?" She whispered, through her teeth, "You were there, weren't you?"? ? ? ? ?Oh... So she does know. You didn't panic though. At this point, you know for sure you have cards in this game. Time to show them! You cross your arms, "Don't ask questions you already know the answer to, it's rude."? ? ? ? ?"You're speaking to a leona..." Risa, all the cards in your hand, reminded you.? ? ? ? ?"Right, sorry." You were almost embarrassed.? ? ? ? ?"You knew about this whole mouse army thing?" Solace asked her sister. You had questions too, like how many other Pyrrahs Risa has up her sleeve.? ? ? ? ?Risa whispered back, "Know plenty about it. Sent this little guy to a bit of spying here and there, he's pretty good at it."? ? ? ? ?For a moment, you felt flattered. Hell yeah you're good at it.? ? ? ? ?There was a little talk, involving you confessing a few plans from the Sect, even that thing you learned recently, "Prepare for the hunt, the execution, and the coming of fire."? ? ? ? ?It was going well, until you and Solace were alone. It was at your request, there was no way you could tell all the plans in front of the Sect. Risa said a loud ploy, acting as if Solace is allowed to kill you. But, well, Solace may take it literally? Nah. At least that's what you thought, then you were tossed in her mouth and sloshed from cheek to cheek.? ? ? ? ?You made it out alive though, and you hope to never talk about that instance again. You were drying yourself off with a rag. That was until you heard a voice calling your name again, "Mombasa!"? ? ? ? ?You turned your head to see Rick, "What do you want, Rick?"? ? ? ? ?"The... They're... It's starting."? ? ? ? ?"What?" Your ear's perked.? ? ? ? ?"The Sect, they're in the windows giving signals, the word is spreading like fire. It's happening!"? ? ? ? ?Both of your furs bristled.211211111111111111111111111? ?"We have to warn Risa." You told him.? ? ? ? ?Rick could only agree. You both rushed as fast as you could to the counter tops, you had to slow down a few times, as Rick was still panting like a lethargic being chased by a starved rattis. As you both made it to the top, Rick slowed and started breathing deeply. You looked around. The leona wasn't in sight.? ? ? ? ?"Risa!" You called out, then grabbed Rick's upper arm. You paused, the thought of the Sect being able to kill Risa flashed in your mind. It could still happen. You could just say Rick was a double agent, against Risa this whole time. Toss him in, and Risa will eventually die. You shook the thought out of your head; you have a family. "Risa!" You called again, making a sigh become audible and Risa poked her head out from behind the island in the center of the kitchen.? ? ? ? ?"What, mouse?"? ? ? ? ?"It's time!" Rick gasped. Risa gave an ear flick and a raised brow. He clarified, "The Sect- Shieki is in trouble!"? ? ? ? ?For the first time since you can remember, Risa's eyes went wide and blank. She then looked down at Rick, before opening her maw and biting down on him!? ? ? ? ?"Risa!" You called, hearing Rick squeak loudly in pain and surprise as the cat's jaws clamped down on him. Risa acted quickly and slurped the boy in, swallowing him with a loud gulp. "Risa, why?!" You called.? ? ? ? ?It must have been a mistake.? ? ? ? ?She then turned her head towards you, jaws opened wide. You squeaked her name, telling her, or begging is what she would call it, for her to wait. Your vision turned dark and you felt her teeth onto your waist. You were terrified! You don't even know why she was doing this! Maybe it's a bluff?? ? ? ? ?She flicked her head back, releasing you only for a moment and utulizing the time she bought to use her tongue to reel you into her mouth deeper. Then your vision went dark. Then, you heard a deafening noise. Gulp. She wasn't bluffing.? ? ? ? ?Your were squeezed on all sides as you slid down her esophagus. You were mad and almost tearful. She just ate you! What did you even do wrong? For another startling moment, your head slipped through the sphincter leading to the stomach. You were released and you fell head first for a second before landing on something much harder than a sac.? ? ? ? ?"Ah!" Rick screamed as you landed on top of him.? ? ? ? ?You quickly got off and took a look at your surroundings. It was your second mistake of the day; it was scarier than the maw. The walls of the sack pulsated, moving everything towards the inclined center of the sac where all the acid is located.? ? ? ? ?It was dark, even for you. You could just barely make out the dark burgundy of the organ and wrinkles, as well as the outline of Rick.? ? ? ? ?It smelled like whiskey a shithole, and it felt like you fell down one as well. It smelled as bad as it was hot. You felt like you were being cooked.? ? ? ? ?The stomach was cramped too, pressing you against Rick every few seconds.? ? ? ? ?"B-Basa, w-what happened?" The mouse next to you grabbed your arm and squeezed tightly. He was no longer a man or a mouse. You'd pity him, but you're in the same situation.? ? ? ? ?"She ate us!" You almost wanted to yell. What bullshit is this? You did everything right!? ? ? ? ?"But why?" Rick must have been just as upset.? ? ? ? ?Soon your surroundings were shaking violently, sloshing you and Rick side to side then up and down. You can feel and hear the heavy steps Risa took, perhaps going down the stairs two steps at a time. You two were thrashed around like the pieces of meat you've now become. The acids didn't burn, you figure it was because her stomach was mostly empty before you arrived that there could be some chyme in here.? ? ? ? ?You heard a loud slam and and Risa calling, "Score!"? ? ? ? ?Everything was calm for a few moments, and for you it was silent save for her belly's hard work trying to turn you into nutrients.? ? ? ? ?Risa began talking, her voice drowned out mostly by the before mentioned gut. The are began to feel stale, like breathing into a blanket in front of your mouth. You heard Risa swallow lightly above, and you braced yourself for a new occupant, but there was nothing. She swallowed nothing? Nothing but air? Not just air, oxygen. Your ears flickered and something clicked in your mind. She doesn't plan on killing you. Perhaps? You tried to stand up, the stomach still pulsing made it hard, but you took a deep breath as high as you could, and you felt a tiny bit better. You made sure niether you or Rick struggledor pounded against the fleshy prison, it could make her burp and flush out all the useful air.? ? ? ? ?By now, Rick was sobbing. He's sure he's going to be fat on a her hide by the end of the day, but you knew better. It was about two minutes, if you had to guess, since you were gulped down. But then you felt her stomach shift and thrash around once more, making you lose your balance and fall over to the acids. You closed your eyes, making it impossible for any real damage to be done to you.? ? ? ? ?Then you felt a tight squeeze again from all sides, before you felt yourself moving. You glided along a tube, and you were hoping dearly it was the one you came in from.? ? ? ? ?Then there was a loud thud on something metal.A shooting pain riddled your spine and the cool air and colder metal was no help for your comfort.? ? ? ? ?You opened your eyes to see that you were in a sink. You looked up and saw three cats looking at all of you. One was Risa, another was Solace, and the third one must have been Shieki.? ? ? ? ?Risa reached down with a claw and poked Rick, whom was still scared, before asking, "Did you get all that?"? ? ? ? ?"Risa," You asked once more, "Why did you swallow me?"? ? ? ? ?"Because if I was going down, you're coming with me." She smiled and turned on the water. As it flushed the warmth away from you, you thought that it may have been a good reason. But a better one would have been to make sure the Sect didn't catch on.? ? ? ? ?Risa picked up Rick by the tail and tossed him outside the counter, making him scurry off to the nearest hole. She used a rag and made sure you were dry before setting you down nearby. Another micen asked for their attention leaving you alone next to a toaster.? ? ? ? ?You sat back and blinked, while staring blankly at the back of Risa's body. Did... did you just survive being swallowed whole? Did Risa let you out willingly? Why? Looking back, you were used up. There isn't a Rosary anymore. There is no reason to spy on Zurv when they serve her. There is no reason to keep you around.? ? ? ? ?You took a silent sigh of relief and closed your eyes. This is a hell of a story to tell Seraph.? ? ? ? ?Speaking of family...3? ?It's been a whole day.? ? ? ? ?The Sect lost, disbanded even. The cats are alive, Solace even turned a new leaf while Shieki was a micen all along. And you're going to get your family back, and Pyrrah is dead. Life seems to be good. The leonas invited you to a sleep over at Solace' place but considering the fact you've been banished from all colonies, you don't have an army behind your back and you don't plan on opening old scars, you decided to stay at Risa's room. Somehow, you're safer.? ? ? ? ?In the wall, behind Risa's bed, were several tunnels that led to... who knows? It was mostly unexplored. Whatever information or mental maps of the place existed were lost with Pyrrah, for as you began looking around you were able to see plenty of clothes and empty holes made for food. Only Pyrrah is crazy enough to sleep next to Risa.? ? ? ? ?You followed a scrap of paper with a map written in pencil. It was easy to follow: Go straight, make a left, then go on and make a right. Then continue straight or a meter or so.? ? ? ? ?No wonder people stayed away from the place, you could smell a rattis. Pyrrah didn't leave this place intentionally, and that may explain why there was little to no food in the stocks she had. For a moment, you were worried that rat got to them first. However, after a sniff, you got a scent from them. At first it was exhilarating. Then... It was strange. It was only Annekke's. Caw's, Gino's, and Seraph's scent were faint!? ? ? ? ?You ran as fast as you could down the hall towards a large open room. Then you heard a whimper. Someone is expecting you inside, perhaps from your blatant footsteps.? ? ? ? ?"Annekke?" You asked.? ? ? ? ?There was a gasp, "Basa?" You saw a figure, a starving and weak silhouette crawled to the frame of the hole. Your heart felt heavy to see her in this position.? ? ? ? ?You ran towards her, and she did likewise. You embraced her, feeling her bones under what was left of her skin. Your heart pounded furiously.?? ? ? ? ?"I'm sorry!" She panted, "I'm so sorry." She fell to her knees and began to weep in the moment that followed.? ? ? ? ?"Annekke," You tried to speak.? ? ? ? ?"I was stupid! I shouldn't have run."? ? ? ? ?"What happened?" You asked, sympathy ruling over your voice.? ? ? ? ?"Pyrrah.... She told us everything. She said the rattis will protect us, and she was feeding him too... But then she disappeared. She left us for dead!"? ? ? ? ?"Us?" Your ears perked, "Where's..." You sniffed, trying to get your head to stay calm, "Where are the kids?"? ? ? ? ?She began crying before nodding, "They ran off." In her sniveling, she continued, "When the food dried up, they ran off. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."? ? ? ? ?Your back straightened and your muscles strained with the weight on your heart. You made a fist, but hid it. You fell to your knees as well. You got so far! Why did they have to leave? "They... They didn't say where they might go?"? ? ? ? ?"Risa... They said they'd risk going with Risa. Seraph c-convinced the two." She began crying harder, resting her head on your shoulder, "They're dead. I just know it. I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have listened to her. I was scared, Momby. I wanted to get away from Risa... I just... I'm sorry..."? ? ? ? ?"I'm sorry, too." You said, softly pushing her off of you.? ? ? ? ?"B-Basa?" She wept.? ? ? ? ?You placed your hands around her neck, you promised you would not let anything happen to your family. Annekke's fear put everything at risk. She abandoned you and starved your kids due to her phobia of a cat! "I loved you. I trusted you."? ? ? ? ?"Mom-gah!"? ? ? ? ?You squeezed.31? ?But can you go through with it?? ? ? ? ?Here you have someone who screwed you over and took your kids. Starved and weak. You tried not to think about what would happen once you get your hands on her. And without thinking, by instinct, you've made an attempt on her life.? ? ? ? ?You couldn't do it. You released her and pushed her onto her back with a shove. You watched as he woman whose name you wish to never mutter started to pant gasps and hold her neck.? ? ? ? ?She's starving, weak, and emotionally unstable. In the end it was her decision to leave you, though the decision relied on her fear; fear that was well earned. You will not kill a broken woman. You are not a coward.? ? ? ? ?You stepped back and glared at the woman who scurried away.? ? ? ? ?Then you heard a few scrapes of a claw behind you. You turned around, seeing a sight more terrifying than you. A rattis. He, too, looked starved but nowhere near as much as Annekke. He lunged and grabbed you before you could do anything, before tossing you behind him. He hissed but made no move to attack you.? ? ? ? ?He stepped forward between you and Annekke, blocking your view. He had light brown fur. The mane that grew on his back was short and looked burned away. His eyes were dulled and grey; it's as if a bright light will fry his eyes immediately.? ? ? ? ?He gave a single order, "Get out."? ? ? ? ?You gave a nod and backed away until he was completely out of sight. When you were alone, you ran, instinctively following the way you came in. When you came out of the hole, you stopped and stood next to it, leaning on the wall. You felt like crap. You stayed there for entire minutes, waiting for your head to clear. You're glad you didn't kill her, that rattis certainly would have shown you the same fate. Soon, you head another noise. Fearing it may be another rattis, you jumped to your feet. Then you saw them.? ? ? ? ?Caw... Gino... Seraph...311? ? ?"Kids!" You yelped like an unmanly wife.? ? ? ? ?"Daddy!" They all said simultaneously and ran towards you. Each one took their turn tackling you, pushing you back into a wall. You let a smile grow on your face. This isn't a dream, your kids are actually in your arms. Your family!? ? ? ? ?"Where have you been, Dad?" Seraph asked.? ? ? ? ?"Were you on an adventure?" Caw asked.? ? ? ? ?"Risa said she ate you, but you got better!" Gino said.? ? ? ? ?"We got food for Mamma and the Were Rat." Caw said.? ? ? ? ?"Are you going to stay with us?" Seraph asked, "Risa's okay with us now, Daddy."? ? ? ? ?Even though you were bombarded with questions and smothered by kin, you couldn't help but smile. "Where were you kids?" You asked. "Your mother was looking for you."? ? ? ? ?Seraph told the boys to go and give the food to their mother. She then explained that the rat didn't let them go at all. She said Pyrrah was the one giving them food and that Risa was dangerous. Annekke began to starve, which caused the kids to sneak out. It was odd the Were Rat didn't let them out. He meant no harm, and acted more afraid of them than even a silverfish would. Speaking of that nasty but harmless bug, that's what the rat would feed them when he could.? ? ? ? ?You asked who the rat was, but she answered, "He never told us his name. He never even told Pyrrah his name and he trusted her. Do you know where she went?"? ? ? ? ?You crouched down and placed a hand on Seraph's shoulder. "Did you ask Risa?"? ? ? ? ?She shook her head, "Daddy, why would Risa know where Pyrrah was?"? ? ? ? ?You don't know how to break it to her, so you continued, "I know where Pyrrah went, but I will tell you when you're older."? ? ? ? ?She frowned, "I want to know now, Daddy. She was such a nice person. We can tell Mommy about it too."? ? ? ? ?You wanted to tell her she tried to kill you and everyone you worked with, but there was something you needed to get off your chest, "Alright... I will soon, but listen... Your mother and I... We won't be seeing each other anymore."? ? ? ? ?Her face took a moment to react, as if for a moment she was in denial. She couldn't seem to accept it, "What do you mean?"? ? ? ? ?"Seraph..." Your heart began pounding in your chest, your mind became light headed. You tried to speak, but you choked on your words. You cleared your throat, but they were still stuck in your mouth.? ? ? ? ?"Daddy?" She asked again, her voice becoming teary and unbearable to listen to, "What's wrong? What happened?" She wrapped her arms around you, "Daddy, don't leave! You just came back! We missed you! Why are you leaving again?"? ? ? ? ?"She took you away from me," You tried to justify, but it occurred to you that you were convincing yourself at this point.? ? ? ? ?"She was afraid of Risa. That's all she was. You were afraid too, remember?" Seraph spoke in her sobs with more logic you had in your cool blood.? ? ? ? ?"I..." You began, choking on your words again, "I can't go back."? ? ? ? ?"Because you're afraid, too," She hugged tighter, "Aren't you? It's okay to be afraid, daddy."? ? ? ? ?"I hurt her..." You admitted, softly pulling Seraph off you with great effort. You placed her head in your hand and held her at arms length. The words clang to your teeth as you wanted to lie down and let the moment fade away instead of talking. "I thought you died. I thought Caw and Gino died. I smelled a rat, I didn't smell you. I saw Annekke alone and weak, and she didn't know where you were. I thought you died because of her!" You had to take a breath, and you held a curled fist to your mouth. Then you said the truth, "I attacked her."? ? ? ? ?You heard her sob harder, and you turned your head away. You're a pitiful sight. After all you've been through, all the people you've killed and carried, you aren't even strong enough to face your own daughter.? ? ? ? ?"Daddy..." She said behind her tears, "Please don't leave us. Mama can forgive you. It was a mistake, that's it. It was Pyrrah's idea. She lied about Risa, she scared Mommy. Mommy wants to go back home too!"? ? ? ? ?"I'm..." You forced yourself to lock eyes with her, both yours and hers are now pink with irritation, "I'm not going to go far. I'm friends with Risa too, in a sense."? ? ? ? ?Seraph pulled herself in and wrapped her arms around your neck in a hug. She spoke in your ear, her breath tickling your fur a bit, "Let's go home. We can talk about so much. You can tell us all your adventures, and what you were up to..."? ? ? ? ?You pat her on the side gently, your sorrow subsided slowly. "I... I'll consider it." You pushed her off gently before giving her a peck on the forehead. "I need to take care of something first."? ? ? ? ?"Promise you'll be back?" She asked, folding her hands in a pleading motion.? ? ? ? ?You stood up and placed a hand on her head, "I promise."3111? You took a breath and stepped out of Risa's bedroom.? ? ? ? ?You're here with a plan. You've completed Risa's mission, like you blatantly would. Last time she offered you a gift, any gift, and you got the best gift of all out of it. Now, you're hoping you could use her favor for something very important. For you to live a normal life. For you to stop killing people.? ? ? ? ?These past months have been horrible, but they taught you a lesson: the worst part about hurting people is that it gets easier the more you do it, whether you like doing it or not. You have to stop now before you lose yourself. You have to stop before you become another Pyrrah or attempt to do what you had done to Annekke.? ? ? ? ?Risa soon peeped her ears and head from behind the couch. She seemed to have been hunting, unsuccessfully.? ? ? ? ?She crawled towards you with a neutral look, making you feel as if maybe she was successful after all. She then, in a cheery voice, asked, "What's up?"? ? ? ? ?It seemed even though she's been gone for about a week, she hasn't let the joy of a completed mission wear off. Or maybe she was just happy to see you in good health. You don't think it was the latter.? ? ? ? ?You bowed on one knee, "I have something to ask you."? ? ? ? ?"You using the favor you earned?" She guessed, correctly. "Alright, shoot. Wait, no let me guess. Hmmm... You found your family, yeah? Now you must be wanting... Clothes? Right, Zurv needs a tailor, Rick told me about that. I can get online and order a trained micen. I was going to do that anyways, Anton asked me to... You wanting food? No, no. You could have taken that yourself. Alright, go."? ? ? ? ?"I mean nothing personal, but," You took in a breath, knowing the consequences of no longer harboring Risa's protection. "May I be released from your service? May I be a free man?"? ? ? ? ?Risa tilted her head to the side. "That sounds like a waste of a favor. Seriously, you already have that."? ? ? ? ?Your ears lowered when she mocked the idea but perked back up when she said that last part. You looked up to her, "What do you mean?"? ? ? ? ?"Are you wearing a scarf?"? ? ? ? ?"No."? ? ? ? ?"An outfit? Leather like that Gertrude girl?"? ? ? ? ?"No... Wait, you mean...?"? ? ? ? ?Risa nodded, "You never worked for me. I mean, yes, you worked for me, but I never owned you. I can't free a free man."? ? ? ? ?"That means... You could have ended me at any time." You began to realize the gravity of the situation. You broke at least a dozen rules. Hell, you just walked out into this room sure you wouldn't get eaten. This whole time you were just a mouse to her. A toy? A pawn? Not even an enforcer? "Why... I got away with a bunch of shit. Why?"? ? ? ? ?"Because I trusted you." Risa answered, laying her head in front of, looking directly towards yourself, "At first it was because Seraph was so cute. But then you started doing things for her, for me, I figured if I just ate you like I planned to it would be a waste. And I was right."? ? ? ? ?"You... planned on?" You were still out of it. You were invincible a few moments ago, now you're once again at Risa's mercy. It's not a pretty thought.? ? ? ? ?"It was around the time Pyrrah found the Sect before you. But you managed to get Zurv on my side. But then you started doing Pyrrah's job better than Pyrrah, and you were so much more amusing. So I kept you around."? ? ? ? ?"I..." You blinked, "What does that make me now? I... I don't want to feed anyone else to you anymore."? ? ? ? ?"That's fine." She answered, "I was more than capable of doing that on my own. I just wanted you to know your place, and you pretty much have it memorized now."? ? ? ? ?"Does that mean my family doesn't have your protection anymore?"? ? ? ? ?"Are you listening? I found you amusing, and I still do. Along with Seraph. So long as you, and Zurv don't piss me off of step too far out of bounds, I'll see what I can do to let you live. Sound fun?"? ? ? ? ?You nodded. Zurv, Anton, and Rick are protected as well? This is better than you hoped for. "So... We just have to behave ourselves?"? ? ? ? ?"That's always been the case. Oh, and I'll be making it mandatory to smell like a certain perfume. That way I don't eat you, thinking you’re a common criminal sent here from everywhere else. Gotta play it safe. Especially when I'm drunk. So about that favor?"? ? ? ? ?"I... I dunno." You said in all honesty, "I thought I was going to use it up on resigning without getting eaten."? ? ? ? ?"About that eaten part," Risa said, diving her head in. You didn't have time to brace yourself, your right leg was already in Risa's mouth. She slurped it all the way in, before laughing historically. She then spat you out, leaving a horrid face plastered on you. "Look at you! You look so cute when you can't act tough."? ? ? ? ?"Am I going to have to get used to that?"? ? ? ? ?She licked her lips, "Yep." Before getting to her feet, "Go home, Momby. We can talk about this later."31111? ?"Risa," You said after a moment of silence.? ? ? ? ?She sat on the couch and looked at you. She was curious, as if she had thought the conversation was already over. Why is the mouse still here? Shouldn't you have been running off? There's nothing more to talk about, is there? There was only one question left unanswered for you.? ? ? ? ?You asked, with as much curiosity in your voice, "What happened to Serena?"? ? ? ? ?She leaned forward, towards the TV, not you. Though, she still stared at you, "Why would it matter?"? ? ? ? ?That's a legitimate question. Why does it matter? It's something you'd have to admit to yourself. Out of all the people you've met, she has yet to have betray you, or attempt to threaten or harm you. Maybe it's because you didn't know her that well, or that given enough time she will do it eventually. But the fact still stands, you want to make sure her death was at least quick.? ? ? ? ?"I wanted to know how she died." You said, "I knew her enough that I at least deserve to know."? ? ? ? ?"She didn't." Risa answered.? ? ? ? ?What? You blinked in surprise. Surely Risa is just screwing with you. She tried to kill three leonas.? ? ? ? ?She seemed to notice your face and she continued, "I don't know where she went. She was there for our victory celebration, got a little tipsy, but she left before anyone woke up. I pressed the issue, we thought Shieki ate her, but the denizens of Desio said they saw her leave." She shrugged, "I dunno. I'd have made sure she stayed in Zurv, where we could see her. But whatever."? ? ? ? ?"I thought you'd have eaten her." You said plainly, not thinking. "What changed?"? ? ? ? ?She turned her body to face you, "Maybe if you'd stop thinking I'm just a mouth to run away from, you wouldn't be asking that question."? ? ? ? ?"I'm sorry," You answered, with a shrug and looked down, "I just figured... You killed for less."? ? ? ? ?You heard a soft pat on the ground in front of you, and you looked up to see Risa had jumped on all fours and is ready to pounce. She licked her lips, "Yep."? ? ? ? ?You walked home, your fur all soggy from Risa drool. You knew she wasn't going to down you, but that didn't mean you had to like being a lollipop. She didn't even dry you off. Again, you aren't sure what you did wrong. But you can guess! You figured she had a role to keep. That she wasn't just doing this to assert dominance, though that was a major factor, but you feel as if she has intentionally kept distant from you.?? ? ? ? ?She didn't look all that bothered after Pyrrah was brutally murdered in front of her. Though she did look concerned for her health before and after the bludgeoning. Perhaps this is why? In your line of work, someone could get lucky and push you off the counter, or smart enough to stab you when you aren't looking, or big enough that no number of stabs with a needle will stop them. She's concerned you might die.? ? ? ? ?You couldn't help but smile. Even though you're damp with her drool after almost a half hour of play time, you're still having a kick out of figuring out Risa.? ? ? ? ?She can feel after all.? ? ? ? ?It isn't pity either. There's nothing to pity about you. She's also friends with Shieki, and Seraph. She doesn't admire strength. She admires the good in people. You're starting to wonder what she would have done should you wish to continue killing people in her name. Probably wouldn't have liked it.? ? ? ? ?Why have you kill so many people? To make sure you knew she had the power to make it so. To make sure to remind you that you were still a mouse, and yes you do need reminders. You'd be a rattis if it wasn't for your gargantuan bollocks weighing you down.? ? ? ? ?Risa, in the grand scheme just wants to have fun, justice and order. That's why she plays with you and Seraph, to have fun. That's why she hires you, has Zurv behave themselves and tries harm any who do good, to have justice. That's why she has to be demanding and show who is in charge, to have order. That's why she has to eat micen and show little mercy, to have all three and a snack.? ? ? ? ?It's been a few days now. You're back at home, back with the family. Annekke still distances herself from you whenever you're around. But that's about to change. You saw the woman lying on the bed- your bed- and made sure she will have enough sleep for tomorrow.? ? ? ? ?She may never forgive Risa for scarring her and killing her family, but you can forgive her for almost doing both.? ? ? ? ?But you will go one step beyond. You will make sure she is capable of taking care of the kids. She will no longer be a hunk of meat with eyes over the kids.? ? ? ? ?Tomorrow, you'll show her how to gather food. And tomorrow, you will use your favor to get an apology out of Risa. Okay, maybe not. But you will make sure your kids will survive.? ? ? ? ?This wasn't the case. When your kids got back, they were sad, Seraph was even sobbing. They said Annekke and Mr. Were Rat were gone.? ? ? ? ?Honestly, at this point, you couldn't care. It would have been nice to have her back, but you figured this was for the better. You mostly planned for her to watch the kids. You could ask Risa, use that as the favor. It was a funny idea, but you'd prefer not to be calories by the next day. Maybe Zurv could be a place. The kids could learn how to be tailors...But for now, for this chapter of the great mouse Mombasa, this is the end.Garret the Rattis1? ?The micen squirmed in your jaws.? ? ? ? ?You were laying down on your cot, just finished digesting a different mouse. Now there's room for his friend. "Let me go! I'll do whatever you want!" she pleaded. The mouse was laying horizontally between your teeth, her legs dangled from the left side of your lips, her arms and head were hanging out your right. "I won't tell anyone where you are, I promise!" She began to tear up. You heard that before, it's how you became to be known as a myth amongst the colonies. You're not making that same mistake again.? ? ? ? ?You lift your head up, cause her rump to slide towards your throat.? ? ? ? ?"No! No! No! Please don't!" She cried as she slid even more. She tried to grab you lips or teeth but you bit down, squeezing her ribs and making her panic. For a moment she let go, giving you enough time to swallow down. Your neck began to expand as her rump, tail and legs began to pass your gullet. She wasn't begging anymore. She focused all her efforts to grab something, anything. Now her head is at your teeth, one is nearly touching her eye. She stopped struggling, she knows it's futile.? ? ? ? ? With another gulp, she was in enough that you can close your jaws. And you did. One last swig and she was on her way to your warm, tight belly. You sat up, feeling your gut expand, not by much mind you, it's just a micen. You merely look like you ate a full meal, which you did. ou lay back down on your cot and rest your head on some cotton, pulling a blanket over yourself and letting your weariness get to you.? ? ? ? ?You wake up, your gut isn't as full as it should be. You throw your feet off the bed and open a chest. It had plenty of food in it, from a container full of honey to some stale bread and cereal flakes. You seem to be running low on water when you checked the canteen. The micen never have enough water on them. Takes about six of their canteens to fill yours. You grab it and head outside your door. It led to a long hallway, beneath your feet was a pipe of warm water, above you were one for cool. You loosened a screw slightly, allowing the water to drip into your canteen. You took a swig and filled it again before sealing the ratchet. The people who created this place put red dots lining the pipes that were designed to be okay to drink from. That way, the water pressure wasn’t an issue.? ? ? ? ?You place it back into the chest and stretch your legs and arms for about a minute. It's a long way to the surface. You step outside once again and get on all fours. You dashed your way along the pipe for about five minutes, at a pace that you weren't too tired by the end of it. You made it to a part where there was a hole in a wall. It wasn't too big, but you were able to squeeze through it easily. Above you is your secret hunting ground. A place where micen travel from one point to the other, one of the only passages hidden away from the prying eyes of the leona, but not popular enough that it's full of micen.? ? ? ? ?You waited patiently under a hatch that was hidden enough that no one would know it was there unless they were looking for it. Soon you heard footsteps. They passed over the hatch unwittingly. You could have just opened it and grabbed them, but other micen might be around to hear your prey scream. You waited until you were sure there were no companions in the distance. You opened the hatch, the micen was a quarter of a meter away from you. They turned around and noticed the large creature come from the ground and yelped while turning tail. They were carrying a dufflebag, making it hard for them to get away. As if there was a chance of that happening.? ? ? ? ?You get on all fours and gave chase. When the micen was close, they turned around. Dropping the bag and pulling out a sharp shiny needle, you could see it was indeed a...12??She was a purple furred female.? ? ? ? ?Bright blue, orange eyes; cyan hair, and an hourglass body covered by khakis and a white T-shirt. She held her needle pointed towards your face, halting your charge immediately. She stood in a stance and held her weapon with both hands, spreading her legs and bending her forward knee. She kept her chin down, "I don't want to hurt you but I will, and judging by that scar, I know I can."? ? ? ? ?You were silent, starring at her. She was scared, her fear held a common scent among prey.? ? ? ? ?She glanced between you and the bag. "The bag is full of food. It's yours if you leave me be. You can eat without being hurt and I can live another day, everyone wins."? ? ? ? ?You nudge the bag. It was heavy, full to the brim. You opened it to see a piece of a tart. Why would someone need so much food? Also, why would a grown micen need to fulfill their sweet tooth. You lift your head up and sniff the air. Tart, bread, sweat and fear, along with something else. A scent other than hers. Multiple scents. The woman dropped her guard when she realized what you caught a whiff of, "Oh no,".?You smile, it was her pups.? ? ? ? ?She held her guard and backed away, making her lose ground as you inch closer. "Not them," She begged, "Please, you don't have to do this. Just take the food and go. It can feed you for a whole day." Her words didn't even slow you down. Finally, she stood her ground and jabbed the needle at you. Fear and desperation made her forget whatever training she might have, making her lunge too far. You grabbed it and ripped it out of her hands. While you were able to, you stuck it deep into a wall next to you, before continuing down. Far off, at least half a meter down was a door. A legitimate door, made of wood and actual craftsmanship with a lock and everything.? ? ? ? ?The woman was desperate. "Wait! Wait!" she ran next to you trying to keep pace. She took off her shirt and threw it down. "Eat me, just leave them be!" You ignored her. She tried grabbing the fur on the side of you constantly repeating herself "Eat me. Eat me. Eat me." before jumping in front of you. She pushed against you with outstretched arms before laying her head next to yours, "Please eat me!" She cried. You finally stopped, hearing her snivel and tear up. "Don't touch them. I'm the one you want." You can feel her tears on your shoulder.? ? ? ? ?You stood still, letting her cry as she accepts her own side of the deal. She grasped the fur on you and burrowed her head in your shoulder."Fine." You muttered.? ? ? ? ?She gasped; whether in fear or relief, it didn't matter. You grabbed her waist. "Wait! May I ask for a favor?"You frown, "What?"? ? ? ? ?"Let me take the food to them. And let me... Let me say goodbye."122??You breathed a huff of air through your nostrils, "Fine."? ? ? ? ? You let her go and she stepped back and bowed her head, another tear fell off her face. "Thank you!""Three minutes. Or they're mine." You growled from your throat. The woman didn't waste any time. She ran off behind you to retrieve the bag. You followed her from afar, ready to charge if she went past the bag. Lucky for her, she didn't. She grabbed it and raced back to the door. "Two minutes." She unlocked the door and burst through, you were able to hear voices.? ? ? ? ?"Mom, what's wrong?" you heard a young man’s voice ask.? ? ? ? ?"Alec, take the food. Listen, listen to me. I need you to take care of your sister." Her voice sounded like it was trying to stay calm, in the end failing to make it seem that way.?? ? ? ? ?"Mom what-"?? ? ? ? ?"Don't interrupt." She snapped, "I need you to be big, like daddy alright? Mommy is going to be okay, just be strong. Promise me! Don't open that door for anything until the food is out."? ? ? ? ?"Mom what are you saying?" His voice started to whimper.? ? ? ? ?"Be brave! I love you. Tell your sister I love her, and daddy and I were proud of you both." After a moment of her silence she runs out of the door frame and shuts the wooden slab beside her, locking it. Her kid’s calls were audible but unintelligible. She placed her head on the door and started to cry."One minute." You mutter.? ? ? ? ?She backed away from the door and gestured her finger for you to follow her. "Away from the door, I don't want them to hear it." She backed away, but you kept the distance from her. As she backed away she took off a leg of her khakis and took another step before removing it entirely. She placed it to the side. And continued far from the door that was being pounded against."Time." You pounced on top of her.? ? ? ? ?She winced in pain as she landed on her back with you on top of her. "Wait! Just... Just one more favor." She closed her eyes.A growl came from you throat.? ? ? ? ?She choked on her words. "I... May you... Just..." she grabbed your hand that was next to her head and placed it on her left breast and blushed. "Play with me? Gently?"1222?"Fine." You growl, starring at her closed eyes.? ? ? ? ?She blushed and opened one eye. The next moment was really quiet, she debated on what to do for her last time. She grasped your palm, it was on her breast but your palm was the size of her head, so she moved your hand in a circular motion and pushed it against her harder. She closed her eyes and blushed, "I'm sorry. It's been too long, I don't remember much.""Enough." You growl, grabbing her hips with the other arm and placing your left hand behind her head to support.?? ? ? ? ?You stuck your tongue out and licked her body from the hips, across her belly, and between her chest. She shuddered and blushed, "A-again." You did it again. She shuddered again, and you let the back of her head go. She left it limp, blushing intensely when you licked her a third time. You licked her neck and breathed warm air on it. She took a breath and exhaled a sigh of pleasure. You licked up her chin and against her face; giving her bangs a cowlick. Her eyes were wide open in ecstasy. "It's so warm... Ah!" She yelped when you placed her head between your lips and slurped her in, letting out your tongue between her breasts once more. You used your hands to glide across her sides gently, before grabbing her hips and pulling her out.? ? ? ? ?Her fingers twitched and her eyes were wide. Her breathing was heavy and irregular, she even managed to smile, but only for a moment. She's ready. You stick your tongue out and placed it in between her legs. She's too small for you to really feel anything, but it's the thought that counts. She squeaked in sheer surprise and pleasure. You let go of her and she gripped tightly onto your tongue. Her legs squeezed your smooth muscle and she locked her feet together. Her head was down, her wet bangs covered her face. You can see her mouth trying it's best to decide what mood to express and you felt her fingers twitch more. She started to thrust her hips and grind her body against your tongue. You opened your mouth to allow her more room. She tried to hide her embarrassed moans to much avail. However, one or two managed to escape.? ? ? ? ?Finally, she pinched your tongue between her legs again and lied limp. She rested her head against your nose, petted the side of your head and unlocked her feet. She stood like that for a few seconds until she faced you. You spat her onto the ground. "Please don't eat-" She began but you growled, shutting her up. You placed a finger on her stomach, stroking it and admiring her trim figure. She doesn't look half bad for someone who had at least two kids. You try and shake these thoughts. She's a micen! She's nothing but food for you. You could hear her whimper, she still isn't ready to be eaten.You sigh, "You aren't ready to be eaten yet."?? ? ? ? ?She shook her head, in the faintest whisper, "I'm sorry, I can't-"?"Shut up." You growl softly. "How about this..." You began, placing your finger between her breasts and dragging her beside you. "I'll let you live..." As the words escaped your mouth, she smiled widely. You continued, "If you obey me without question. Any time I want, I can come over and... Play with you. If you don't," You roll onto your back and lay her on your gut, "My stomach is always vacant for someone like you. So do you accept these terms?"12221? ?"Yes! I accept!" She nodded her head.? ? ? ? ?You smiled and set her down. She struggled to stand up. You asked, "Do you have a name?"? ? ? ? ?"Desire. It's... I'm called Desire." She couldn't face you.?Such a fitting name,?you thought. She sat down and curled up, hiding behind her legs. "I... I can't believe I get to live. I thought I was going to die." She paused, slowly backing up, widening the space between the two of you, "What's your name, sir?""Garret." You huff, keeping a close eye on her.? ? ? ? ?"Are you the monst- The myth? The Were Rat?""Stupid name." You growl, "Yes I am the monster." You reach and grab her foot gently so she can stop backing away.? ? ? ? ?She didn't seem to mind, to your surprise. "You're not a monster."You pulled her leg, dragging her across the ground. She squealed loudly and found herself under your open jaws. She turned away, lifting her hands up and begging for her life. You tossed her lying ass to the side and walked away. "Thanks for laying yourself on my nose, earlier. I'll have your scent for a week. Don't bother running away. You're safe."?? ? ? ? ?As you crawl past the door you heard Desire call back "Thank you. For letting me live and everything." You stopped for a moment, thinking of something to say, but nothing came to mind. You continued your walk.? ? ? ? ?You hid back under the hatch, patiently waiting for a meal to come by. You took this time to ponder as to why you didn't just eat her. She was a micen. She was food. She begged, but so did the others. Something about her...? ? ? ? ?The sound of footsteps grew ever closer. It's been about an hour. since last time. This time, you weren't taking any chances. When the steps were past the hatch you opened it up and grabbed the leg. A female yelled in surprise when she hit the ground with a hard thud. You reeled her in before she could say anything. It was dark, so you were unable see what she was wearing. All you know was it was a shirt that you promptly tore off. You covered her mouth and felt around her legs for any pants. She was wearing shorts, which you subsequently tore off.? ? ? ? ?She tried shaking her head, as her jaw had trouble moving. You drag her through the arch and tossed her onto the lead pipe. Before she can begin begging you knocked her down with the back of your hand and said, "Run." You stand up and stretch, hearing her scurry off. Your back ached for bending it for so long. You placed your hand on your neck and pushed, satisfied with several pops. You lent down and touched your toes, stretching your hind legs. Then you stretch your forearms, calves and back. After about half a minute you get on all fours again. You counted to three and made a mad dash. The hallways and pipes are meters long, and the only exit that you know of is behind you, save for your room.? ? ? ? ?You started counting when you ran. The record for a micen running is ninety-seven. This time you counted to sixty-four before seeing the mouse down the hallway. She ran faster when she heard your claws on the pipe. As you pounced, she ducked, making you miss the tackle. You turn around and see she's in deep pain. She's limping on one leg, possibly pulled a muscle.? ? ? ? ?Even with her injury, she's trying her best to get away from you, turning and hopping in the opposite direction. You stood up and walked towards her, keeping beside her with her own pace, "It's over." She didn't say anything, just looked down and sniffled. You grabbed the back of her head and lifted her up. You began to drag her to your home.? ? ? ? ?She was quiet most of the way. It wasn't until you were almost there did you hear her say, "I always knew I was going to die getting eaten, but I thought it was going to be a leona. When I heard a rattis was living nearby... I knew I wasn't going to make it to the end of the year." She was silent again. You entered through the arch of your home and tossed her onto the cot. You open the chest and shift through the contents. She continued, "I guess I'm telling you this because I need someone to know this. If you're going to eat me I won't stop you. I can't stop you anyways. I'm rambling, I'm sorry. I'm nervous."? ? ? ? ?You found what you are looking for. A piece chocolate. You turn to your prey and offer it to her. She thanked you and took a bite out of it. "How come?" She asked with a mouthful."For sharing how you feel." you grunt.? ? ? ? ?"You're a gentleman too?" She leaned off the cot, "Now I really won't stop you. How is it? You know, swallowing a micen?""It would be like you swallowing that chocolate. It takes effort, but it's wonderful. But that chocolate doesn't squirm. Or beg."? ? ? ? ?The mouse looked at her chocolate. It was almost the size of her forearm. She licked it and nibbled on the sides, "It's not the same...." You pulled up a chair and watched her consume the candy. When she was done she laid back, rubbing her belly. "I can only imagine what it feels like. Do you think, maybe...? I can try it on you?""Sure." You lean your head in.?? ? ? ? ?The woman places her hands on your jaws. She opens her mouth and nibbled on on your chin. She did her best to get your chin and nose in her mouth at the same time, but all attempts failed. She frowned, "You win some, you lose some. Just let me take a breath, and... Hope you enjoy."You opened your mouth and were able to feel her place her hands onto your tongue. You could taste her sweet, succulent flavor as she rubbed your smooth tongue. Your stick the muscle out and guide her head into your mouth. She lied limp as your close your jaws and lips, slurping her in. She didn't make a single noise, other than coughing on your drool. You were gentle as much as possible, letting her take a deep breath before swallowing her head. You gulped her as fast and as comfortable as you can make it for her, taking your times to lick and smother her belly with your tongue. You look up and swallow more and more, feeling her slither deeper into you. Finally, you swallowed her feet, sealing her in her new temporary home. Your gut went plump once more. She still said nothing. She squirmed a little, perhaps only to make you happy.? ? ? ? ?You sit on the cot, feeling sleepy with the, what, thousands of calories inside you? You poke your gut, "What's your name?"? ? ? ? ?"Fierce." She muffled, "Thank you for asking. What's your name?""Garret."? ? ? ? ?"Thank you, Garret. Other than a hurt leg, I had a lot of fun." She said weakly. You lay down, letting your stomach get to work on her.When you wake up...122211?? ?When you wake up, you begin to realize how bored you are.? ? ? ? ?Your food store is full. and your stomach is only halfway done with its prize You can't eat, and there's no sense in stealing food for later. You get up and grab your canteen, taking a swig. A full rattis is a boring rattis. It's times like this that you'd run off the weight, the mouse will last you all day. There's nothing to do. Actually, there is. Desire.? ? ? ? ?You put on a pair of pants that you inherited. Damn thing is older than you, and pants that fit a rattis is as rare as a willing micen. Not only does it fit you, but it's specially made. It buckles around your hips and a utility belt is sown on it. It has many pockets and even a metal ring to hold your canteen. There's a large satchel in the back next to the canteen made to store food. You put bread in it, simple but it's spare calories. You wouldn't want to get the munchies when giving mouth hugs to Desire.? ? ? ? ?You buckled the belt and go on your way. You took your time going to the secret hatch. The longer you don't have to crawl around makes the day better. Finally, you got to the hatch and opened it. You're back would start to ache if it wasn't for this being an almost every day occurrence. As you made your way to Desire's door, you heard a call for help. Your tail flinched, it was Desire. You charged as fast as your legs would let you. The call was heard once more but cut off. When you made it to the door, you could see that it was broke off the hinges. You look inside, unable to enter without breaking the frame.? ? ? ? ?There was a cot and cushion in the center of a small room. To the right was a box that was turned over and food crumbs spill out of it. The dufflebag was also missing. There was a hallway that led down, and you were unable to see. "Desire?" You call for her. There was no answer. You called again, "Desire!".? ? ? ? ?"Garret!" a distant response was heard down the hallway.? ? ? ? ?You turn tail and run towards the noise. The long corridor was at least meters long, with twists and turns as well. You won’t find her by sound, but by scent? You sniff the air, following wherever it leads you. You never traveled this far down before. You keep going until you reached a hub. It was a cylinder that you were able to stand in. There were at least seven hallways from this point on. There were three micen sitting with their feet dangling from a hallway above you. Their jaws dropped when they saw you, but none of them were Desire. You sniffed again. It was the arch to your left. You dash through it, until you felt cracks under your feet. This place isn't maintained by micen, it must lead out.The scent was stronger, she's near! You can see two figures down a way off. It's her! The mouse from the right pulls out a needle and pulls Desire in between you both. "Let go of her!" You growl from your throat.? ? ? ? ?"What are you?" She asked, turning the needle away from a gagged Desire's neck and towards you."Let her go." You command. Desire took this time to bow her head in and lash it back at her captor. He head collided with the others chin and she dived out of the way. You pounced and tackled the mouse with a needle while her guard was down. You held your teeth to her neck, making her try and pry your jaws with her hands.? ? ? ? ?A pair of hands grabbed your ears, pulling lightly. "Wait! I need her." Desire cried with the gag around her neck. She tugged lightly again, "I need answers, it's important." You sigh and let go of your prey, placing your hand down on her chest and pinning her to the ground.? ? ? ? ?Desire loomed over her, "Where the hell did the others go? Where did they take my kids, you slaver bitch?!"? ? ? ? ?"Let me go, and I'll tell you everything." The grey furred slaver cried.? ? ? ? ?"Tell me or he'll kill you."? ? ? ? ?"Kill me and you'll never know." The slaver responded with a dead stare.? ? ? ? ?Desire held her gave, before turning to you, "Release her." You turn to her and growl. What right does she have to tell you what to do? "Please release her?" she whispered. You toss the slaver to the wall next to you. "Gently!" Desire yelped in surprise, "Now where are my kids?"? ? ? ? ?"I think he broke a rib." The slaver complained, take a few breaths and placing a hand on her back, "The kids are going to be sold at Tara within a week. They're probably halfway there by now. Looks like you need my help even more, I'll take you there if you let me live."? ? ? ? ?"Tara? Where is it?" Desire demanded.? ? ? ? ?"I'll take you there, if you let me live." She repeated.? ? ? ? ?"Tell me, and you have my word I won't kill you."? ? ? ? ?"I'll take you there. If. You let me. Live." The slaver articulated.? ? ? ? ?Desire turned to you. "Kill her."? ? ? ? ?You turned to the slaver and grabbed her foot. You quickly drag her under your hunched body. "No! No! No! I'll tell you a shortcut!" she begged pushing your head away every time you go for the throat. You looked at Desire, she knelt down, "Tell me. Now!" "Go down this hall. There's a door with a red mark. Take it and it will lead you to a leona's living room. Go across the floor to the counters in the kitchen. Behind the counters, in the walls, is Tara. A slave colony, can't enter without a slave can't leave without one either. I have your word, now let me go!"? ? ? ? ?Desire turned around, "You have my word I won't kill you. But you don't have his."The slaver's eyes widened. You opened your mouth and shove her head in. She cried in protest but you stepped back and pull her to her feet, allowing you to tare her clothes apart. You grab her waist and began swallowing her down as she began the old too familiar 'I'll do anything' skit. She was chubbier than Desire, but you wouldn't dare call her fat. Not that it matters, her pudgy belly in in your mouth, on top of your tongue, ready to enter your own. You gulped her down more and more, feeling your throat expand as you embraced her. Your stomach wasn't done with your past meal, so this one is in for a painful experience.? ? ? ? ?You close your mouth on the feet, swallowing them down. The slaver curled up in your gut. She squirmed, her muffled yells and pleas made it clear she wasn't enjoying the acids. You take a breather. You weren't hungry to begin with, but at least you had a meal.? ? ? ? ?You looked back at Desire. She had her ears covered and looking away. After a few moments, when she made sure there was nothing to hear, she let down her arms. She sat silently as she worked up the courage to say, without turning away, "I need your help."1222112? ?"What's in it for me?" You demand.? ? ? ? ?She still didn't look back. She stood silent, pondering. What could she offer that you don't have plenty of. She closed her eyes, turning around with words hard to spew out. "I'll let you... Eat me."? ? ? ? ?"Excuse you?" You asked, tilting your head to the right and perking an ear, "I'm pretty sure that I don't need your permission to eat you. Hell, I'm sure I can do it whenever I want, right now even." You step towards her and pull her closer, "In fact, what's stopping me from swallowing you right now?"? ? ? ? ?"Two things." She said with confidence, slapping your hand from her and pointing a finger at you "Your full stomach, and your lust. Okay three things, your gut, lust and..." She got closer, her posture is a bit more seductive and her arms rubbed her curves, "You sure I won't taste better willing? We can try all sorts of things. I can be covered in syrup, you can have me for breakfast. Or I can have chocolate melted on my tummy, you could lick it off before... You..." She forgot her act when she stared at your throat, her eyes followed it down to your plump, micen filled gut.? ? ? ? ?You rolled your eyes. With a sigh, you push her to the side. "You're barely willing to let me play with you. I doubt you'd keep your word. Especially when your waist deep in my mouth."? ? ? ? ?"Then do it for the kids!" She kept your pace by your side, folding her hands and pleading.? ? ? ? ?"The kids I never met, and don't know what they look like?" You huffed as you entered the cylinder.? ? ? ? ?Desire ran in front of you, her brows twitched in anger, "Then do it for me! I let you play with me so that you can protect them. If you don't help me find them, you can forget about our deal." She held her gaze, her face carries the fury only a scorned woman could have. You growled, only to hear her growl back and move her head closer to yours. "So, are you going to help me? Or am I going alone?"? ? ? ? ?You stop growling, partly surprised at her reaction, but you kept your gleam until your thought of an answer.12221121"Fine" You snarled.? ? ? ? ?Her face kept its stare before she blinked. Her anger didn't leave entirely, but her enthusiasm isn't gone. "Thank you, now if you don't mind, we need to get going." She tried to walk past you but you stopped her with a hand on her shoulder."If you double-cross me..." you left the consequences unsaid. Can you really harm her more than she's offered? She tried to push your hand off, but you push her back. "It's a long way there. Go home. Get supplies. You have five minutes. Do you know the way?"? ? ? ? ?She shrugged off your arm, opening her mouth to say something but closing it with a nod. She dashed back into the hallway towards home. You sit on your knees. You have no idea what you've truly gotten yourself into. She's a micen. She's food. Why care about her kids? They're food as well, just smaller. Hell, why care about her?? ? ? ? ?A scurry caught your ear. You looked above to your right. The three micen are still in the hallway near the top of the cylinder. They're laying down, just barely poking their head above the edge to see you. You rolled your eyes and stand up, making you almost tall enough to see their faces. When you were on your feet, they got to theirs and ran off. You smirked at their cowardice, able to see at least some micen were smart enough to see the danger you impose.? ? ? ? ?Your thoughts circled back around to Desire. She treated you like another micen. Perhaps lesser than that. You sit back down and ponder why you didn't bite her head off, or why you ate the slaver when you weren't hungry, mainly because she told you so.? ? ? ? ?A bit later, the sound of running footsteps made you lose focus. You're sure it hasn't been five minutes, but Desire has returned. She had her dufflebag on her shoulders until she slung it around and dropped it on the floor. Her knees gave and she fell on her hands, completely out of breath. She held her chest as her breath was scratchy and irregular.? ? ? ? ?You sigh as you get on your hands and knees, grasping and tossing her gently on your back. You pick up the dufflebag and wrap it around your neck before you headed down the hallway the slaver pointed out. You heard Desire mumble out two words, "Thank you." and held onto your fur.You didn't say anything, you just simply followed the slaver's directions at a bit of a jogging pace.122211211You've been on the move for at least twenty minutes? ? ? ? ?This was only a hallway with a few doors. There was no red mark. You couldn't have passed it. The slaver said to go down here until you hit a door with a red mark, could she have been lying?? ? ? ? ?The micen on your back caught her breath along the way. She seemed worried as well. "Where is it?" She asked almost irritated, "It has to be around here!""Could be a way off."? ? ? ? ?"She said it was a shortcut!" Desire snapped.? ? ? ? ?You ignore her insolence. She'll get what's coming to her. As you walk, you wonder what she's planning. She can't possibly live up to her deal. If she's saving her kids, what sense does it make she feeds herself to you in payment? She's playing you for a fool, she's going to pull a fast one like she did with the slaver! No, she can't be that stupid.? ? ? ? ?In your thoughts, you noticed a red mark on the wall. Your ears perk and you toss Desire off your back and run next to the mark.? ? ? ? ?"Where's the door?" Desire pointed out. There wasn't a door in sight, save for the few you passed a little back. "This... This can't be it."You sniffed the mark. It had a familiar taint, "Blood. This is it."? ? ? ? ?"That..." Desire started to growl, "That lying slaver! She is dead in there or else I'd...""She's been dead." You answered. You inspected the mark and floor. There's a crack near the wall and floor. You whistle to Desire, grabbing her attention before you shove your claws and fingers into the crack and pull up. The wood in front of you crack as you lift up the flap. Desire ran to the new opening and looked out? ? ? ? ?There was a giant couch and a coffee table on a vast plain of carpet. Desire took a few steps out but you grab her by the shoulder and pull her back."Didn't you listen? There's a leona out there. You go out there without looking both ways, you're going to get eaten.? ? ? ? ?"I know that," She snapped, "I'm a micen. I've dealt with things trying to eat me since birth. If you're so worried about your snack getting taken, why don't you lead the way?"? ? ? ? ?You toss her on your back and peep your head out. For the first time in a while, you're threatened. Leona's have been seen eating your kind. It's how your great grandma got offed. She got careless chasing a micen out in the open and got caught by a leona. The cats don't like it when someone hunts their food. You never really believed that story, just something your father told you when you were young and ran away a lot, but it was always in the back of your mind.? ? ? ? ?A leona could swallow a micen, maybe two, no problem. But a rattis? You're a little more than twice their size. Their throat would be a tight squeeze. But if they don't swallow rattis, do they cook them, or chew? You never put much thought into what a leona would do to you, you were always the predator. You've even hidden yourself deep in the walls to prevent ever seeing one.?? ? ? ? ?Whether or not a leona could swallow you isn't the question you should be asking. It's time to head across the floor. You take a few moments to scour around the room for any signs of the leona. Not a single clue, but there's a scent that's in their air that tells you a cat has been by here recently. You can't see it, or hear it, and its smell is faint.? ? ? ? ?You take a few steps out of the hole you just made and...1222112111You take a few steps out of the hole you just made and cautiously looked around.? ? ? ? ?No one is behind the couch, or in the other room. You dashed as fast as you could to the kitchen arched and looked around to see no one is hiding. When all was clear, you let Desire down from your back. She ran to the counter and inspected it. She bore the face of concern as she stared around, looking for a way up. Then she spotted a cabinet that was cracked open and pointed to it.? ? ? ? ?"The slaver said they'd be here by the end of the week, but she also mentioned that the way we just took was a shortcut. I'm guessing they are traveling through walls so that the slaves don't get munched on by the cat. Since we're early, we can set up stage for an ambush.""Ambush?" You growl, "How many armed micen do you think we can take on? We need to tackle this another way."? ? ? ? ?"We can think of another way once we have a good vantage point. If they're traveling on the counter, we'll find them. If they're traveling in the walls, we'll get word around for them. Either way, it's in between the two and we can find my kids." She grunted and placed her finger on her chin, "What's the fastest way a rattis could get up there? I don't have a leash, so it'd only look suspicious if I traveled with you but splitting up-"? ? ? ? ?Enough talk. You grabbed the bottom of her shirt and lifted her arms above her head, removing the cloth and bag she had on. Before she could ask what, you were planning on doing, you grabbed her shoulder and turned her around before shoving her head into your mouth. She wasn't happy about this, but you're tired of hearing her voice complain instead of doing something about the problem at hand. You slurped her in until her hips were at your chin. Now you have a firm grip and her struggles do nothing to help her escape.?? ? ? ? ?Her taste wasn't bad either. Her sweet flavor filled your tongue. But you aren't planning on eating her. Not yet.? ? ? ? ?With a good grip on her, you grabbed her stuff and ran up to the drawers, hopping on their ledges. You continued to do this until you got onto the counter. You ran towards the nearest kitchen appliance, in this case a toaster, and hopped from on top of it to the ledge of the creaked cabinet. You opened it more and crawled in.? ? ? ? ?You dipped your head down and gently released Desire.? ? ? ? ?She coughed out your saliva and stood silently before glaring at your angrily, "What is wrong with you? Can't you wait until I get my kids... back..." She trailed off as she noticed she was now in the cupboard, "I was only in there for a few seconds, how did...?"? ? ? ? ?You grabbed her gently and rubbed your drool off of her fur and onto yours. It will evaporate eventually. And if it doesn't you could always use her shirt when she's asleep. You gave her back her clothes when she was done and inspected the walls.? ? ? ? ?The cabinet itself had a few cobwebs, but other than that it had several untouched bottles and bowls. You've also noticed a small hole in a corner and could see that there were foot prints in dust, along with what looked like a place a mat would have been. However, those prints were also dusty, signifying that it was at least a few weeks old.? ? ? ? ?You turn back to Desire, who still hasn't put her shirt back on. She looked tense and hesitant, as if she needed to choose her next move wisely.? ? ? ? ?Oh great,?now?she's afraid of you? That can't be it."What's wrong?"? ? ? ? ?"I'm just a little indecisive." She muttered."We can go back home."? ? ? ? ?"N-no, it's not about that. It's about... Never mind, it's nothing. I'll take care of it.""In that case, I'll take a nap." You've been running and jogging all day. You're tired and deserve rest. You looked through her bag and pulled out a blanket, "Where's a pillow?"? ? ? ? ?Desire blinked, "...Oops."You glanced at her, then back at the blanket. It was small and would barely cover your upper body without your arms tucked inside. You turn back to Desire, "Lay down."? ? ? ? ?She looked at you curiously, almost frightful, "Why?"You marched towards her and grabber her shoulder before forcing her onto her back, "You're my pillow now." You rested your head on her stomach, making her grunt.? ? ? ? ?"You're heavy!" She complained, "Get off!"? ? ? ? ?You growled from your throat shut her up, however she still grunted. Her complaints weren't the problem though. It was her stomach. You could hear growls and gurgles from it. You can't sleep with that kind of nonsense in your ears.? ? ? ? ?You lifted your head up and pulled her out from under you. She asked what you were doing once again but you ignored her and placed her on top of your chest and stomach with the blanket over the both of you. You then slid the bag of food under your head. It was a meager head rest, but it will do."Hold still. Don't wake me." You sneered.? ? ? ? ?The mouse placed her head on your chest and you gradually began to sleep.12221121111It wasn't a long nap.?? ? ? ? ?Maybe ten or twenty minutes went into it. However, it seemed to have been enough for you to feel rejuvenated. Something is missing though, and it took a moment for you to figure out what. You removed your blanket to see that Desire is gone! You throw it across the room and looked for her. No sign or trace. You sniffed the air.? ? ? ? ?She's close.? ? ? ? ?When you find her, you're going to kill her! She probably thought she could run off and look for her kids in a strange place. Stupid mouse! When you started to head towards the arch, you heard someone running, and someone else call, "Get back here!"? ? ? ? ?Desire burst from the arch and hid beside the door with a wooden stick as long and thick as her arm. You glare at her, but she had the expression of determination on her face and hatred in her eyes. She didn't say anything, but she held an outstretched finger to her lips.? ? ? ? ?Soon came another micen through the door. A grey male, with a buzzed haircut and a white belly, in jeans. He was running at top speed with a needle in hand. The moment he put a step past the arch, Desire swung her bat at full strength against the incoming shin, making the new mouse yell in pain and fall over.? ? ? ? ?The needle slid past you. The mouse looked up in anger, only for his expression to change to shock when he saw you. He turned his head behind him to see Desire blocking the exit. His face changed from shock to horror, "Oh no. No, no, no."? ? ? ? ?How kind of Desire; she brought you a snack! You dip your head close to the ground and crawled towards him.? ? ? ? ?"Wait!" The mouse called and held up his hands, "I surrender! What do you want from me?"? ? ? ? ?Desire stepped in and said, "Start by telling me where the hell my kids are!"?Oh right, this crap is happening,?You think, your stomach growling. You think you still have a bit of slaver in your gut, but there's enough room for one more. You lick your lips just thinking about the thought of munching on the micen. Males always struggle the most. You think you might bite down a little, make him squirm as he slides down your throat. You snap out of your thoughts. Soon, though, he will be yours!? ? ? ? ?"Kids?" He shook his head, keeping his gaze away from you, "We don't have any kids- I mean, we haven't had any in a while!"? ? ? ? ?"That's bull!" Desire sounded livid and scorned, "My kids were just taken a few hours ago. If you lie to me again, I'll find someone else!"? ? ? ? ?"I'm not lying!" he squeaked, glancing at you and backing from your hungry gaze, "It's true. We don't sell kids that often. We only capture kids with their parents, to sweeten the deal. They could barely lift a thing and they keep complaining, what kind of product is that?"? ? ? ? ?"Eat him." Desire commanded and turned around towards the arch.? ? ? ? ?You charge and put his shins in your mouth, making him yelp, and roll onto his stomach, reaching for Desire. "No! Okay! We sell kids, but rarely. They make a bad name for us, but some micen can't have children. Unless there's a special order, we leave the kids alone."? ? ? ? ?Your teeth were up to his kneecaps until Desire held up a hand. Normally, you would ignore her, but lately, you feel like listening to her demands will only make her sweeter when you eat her. Desire knelt in front of the slaver, "So where are mine?"? ? ? ? ?The slaver sounded relieved, but was still horrified, "Sitchol. He has them. He and his crew are the only ones morbid enough to steal kids directly from mothers."? ? ? ? ?"He sounds like he needs to be dipped in acid." Desire remarked, "Where is he?"? ? ? ? ?"He'll be here soon. He's taking the long way. He doesn't want to risk the leona seeing his crew with a bunch of slaves." He said. Desire was quiet. her tail wagged from side to side and she was humming a ponder. You could feel the male tug his legs away from you, attempting to probe his chances of pulling them out of your mouth. You bit down gently, reminding him he's at your mercy. He swallowed a lump in his throat and turned his attention to Desire, "I told you everything you need to know. Please let me go. Call off your rattis."? ? ? ? ?Desire closed her eyes and shook her head, "He doesn't belong to me; it's the other way around."? ? ? ? ?You smile, showing your sharp teeth. The male saw your sinister grin, and recognized that Desire just gave you the 'go ahead' to eat him. "No!" He yelled as you grabbed his hips and slurped him in. You could feel the muscle in his legs under the jeans and can tell he's quite the runner. His thighs were much less softer than Desire's. He still plead for his life and kicked his legs to little avail, until you bit gently into him.?? ? ? ? ?It made him cringe in pain, stopping all struggles working against your plan. You lifted him off the ground with your strong neck and slurped him in. His belly wasn't as satisfying as Desire's smooth gut. His was less like ice cream and more like chewy candy, but the succulent flavor was still there.? ? ? ? ?"This isn't fair!" He said as he attempted to wiggle and get you to choke, "I have kids too! They need me!"? ? ? ? ?After hearing this, Desire placed her hands over her ears and turned away. Your prey place his hands on your chin, attempting to pull himself out. It was useless. You slurped in some more and now the only thing out of your mouth was his shoulders, arms and head. You closed your eyes, savoring every moment, feeling his feet and shins entering your belly. His sobbing was turning silent as the less of him stuck out. He's calm now. No need for a strong grip with your teeth, so you eased off. Then you felt a tug.? ? ? ? ?You open your eyes and felt Desire place both of her feet on your chin. Then you noticed she had her arms hooked around the slavers shoulders. She was going to pull him out of your mouth!? ? ? ? ?You realize this too late. With a strong pull and kick, the slaver escaped your grasps and landed on Desire. They both hit the ground with a hard thud.? ? ? ? ?The slaver wasted no time, and dashed out the exit.? ? ? ? ?Desire turned her body towards the exit and crawled a pace. She stopped in her tracks and sat on her knees, staring at the exit, "Yeah, no thanks are needed. Bastard."? ? ? ? ?She closed her eyes. Her ears twitched at the sound and pressure of the breathing on her back and head. You were sniffing her. Exhaling on the mouse as your mind couldn't fathom the amount of anger in you. She stole the food right out of your mouth. There is no greater insult to a rattis than that!? ? ? ? ?Desire was the complete opposite. She was calm and unphased by you breathing down her back. She spoke softly, "Remember. We get my kids, and I'll go willingly. I know I screwed up, badly... again. But I'm worth it. I'll even sweeten the deal. You may play with me before you... You know..."? ? ? ? ?She sounds calm, but her pauses and hesitation show that she is in shock and fear.? ? ? ? ?"Agreed?"122211211111?You stuck out your tongue and gave her back a big lick.? ? ? ? ?She shivered and scrounged her face. Once again, she’s at your mercy after she broke a rule. You're going to savor her taste once you devour her, but not now. You're here, you might as well save the kids with you.You move your muzzle next to her ear, "I forgive you. Deal."? ? ? ? ?Her ear twitched and her eyes shoot open. She turned around and wrapped her arms around your snout, "Thank you!" She hugged tightly, letting loose an exhale filled with stale nervousness. You think she thought she was sure to die. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. He mentioned his kids and I became sympathetic.""Sympathetic?" You smirked and rubbed your head against hers, "You're half right." You placed your hand on her shoulders and nudged her playfully. You were expecting her to fall over and complain about it, as usual for micen. But instead she smiled and pushed back, like a rattis, showing confidence and understanding it was a joke.? ? ? ? ?"If you're still hungry, I've got some food." Desire went to her bag and pulled out several pieces of food. Bread, tarts, some chocolate, and even a grape. "Do you like grapes? They have a very sweet taste to it."? ? ? ? ?She rolled a grape your way and gave you a few pieces of bread the size of her hands.You look at the food, "Desire, there isn't enough food in that bag to last me all day." You rolled back the grape and got up, "I'm going hunting."? ? ? ? ?"Wait, wait." Desire got in front of you and held out her food to you, "No one has to die to feed you anymore. I-I want you think of me as your next meal, you know? Make it special?""You're in my way." You push her gently aside with a hand, "Besides, you need it more than I do."? ? ? ? ?She ducked under your hand and went in front of you, placing a piece of bread on your nose, "Please? I'll get you more food. Can't have my big ol' rattis go hungry, can I?""Fine." You answer and sit back down, "I'll deal with hunger. You're not leaving anywhere. If you get caught by a slaver, or worse, then I came all this way for nothing. Give me that grape."? ? ? ? ?You decided to let the hunger be a convincing incentive to making Desire taste good. With the trouble she's giving you, she better taste like the best micen you've ever had. You've consumed the grapes and the bread, putrid snacks compared to the dlicate delights of a micen. Now all you have to do is play the waiting game with Desire until Sitchol arrives with the kids.?? ? ? ? ?You lie on your back, bored out of your wits. When Desire finished her meal, she got up and lied next to your head. She was looking up at the ceiling with you and asked, "What are you staring at?""Nothing." You said, "I wish I was looking at the sky though. Thought maybe it could have been a beautiful night."? ? ? ? ?"What do you mean?" She asked, "What's so great about the sky? It's either a light blue or a dark blue. Nothing special there.""You've never lived, have you?" You asked wistfully.? ? ? ? ?"I've lived everyday." Desire sounded confused, "What do you mean?""You've survived all your life." You reach a hand to you should and gently pet her head, "You've never done anything that made you see the real beauty this place has to offer."? ? ? ? ?Desire placed her hand on yours and looked at you like you were a crazy person. "How would you know anything about living? You've never been hunted your entire life.""This isn't the first time I've dealt with slavers." You motioned to your scar with the other hand, "I was living with two sisters of mine. One older, the other an infant. I went out for some food, came back and found my older sister dead and younger one missing. The body was covered in puncture wounds from needles. I've searched all my life for the bastards who did that, for the people that took them. Then, later, they found me. Surrounded me. Hunted me down like I was prey. Ever since then, I figured micen were nothing but pests and food. You're no different than us. Maybe even worse. I've been hunted before, Desire, but unlike a rattis who could kill swiftly, micen are numerous and will kill me slowly, bleed me dry like they did to my kin. Everywhere I would go, I will be hated and feared. Ever since I got this scar from them, I've found out life is really, really simple. Have fun. Now, whenever I look up at the sky, I see more than a sun. I see the night as this granite slate of twinkling stars that I just want to rub my fingers across but seems always just out of reach. It's really peaceful."? ? ? ? ?Desire was silent. She placed her hand on the side of your face, "I didn't know you felt like that.""I bet you didn't know I felt at all." You remark. "I'm a 'Were Rat'. I tend to eat people. My words must seem meaningless to you."? ? ? ? ?She was quiet again. This time it was much longer, before she asked, "Can you show me the sky one night?"? ? ? ? ?You didn't answer.? ? ? ? ?After some time has passed, the two of you were still on your backs. You thought Desire was asleep but every time you look over you can see she's awake as you. You don't know how long the two of you were like this. It was silent and calming the whole time, helping you feel refreshed.? ? ? ? ?Desire, without warning, stood up and walked to the door. You reached a hand over in front of her feet. She nodded, "It's fine. I'm going to find out how much a kid is worth. Maybe think of a plan while I'm at it. I won't go too far, I'll be back soon." Before stepping over your hand, grabbing the slaver's needle and proceeding through the door.? ? ? ? ?The moment she stepped out, you felt like you shouldn't have let her go. But you're sure she can handle herself. Clear evidence of this is that she hasn't been eaten by you yet.1222112111112You waited until she was gone until you decided to ignore her words.? ? ? ? ?She doesn't deserve to tell you what to do. She has no power over you. The fact that she hasn't been eaten yet is because you're such a nice guy. She's gone now, so is the reason to listen to her. You aren't stupid, you won't ruin your chances of survival if you just look around. If someone sees you, you're faster, stronger, and have killed for less.? ? ? ? ?You head towards the door. The dust that was once present has had many more footprints defacing it. The arch was obviously too small for you. But a lot of things are. You're nimble enough, and the hall past was big well enough for you.? ? ? ? ?Instead of trying to squeeze yourself through the arch. you did the most obvious thing you can think of. You grabbed the sides of the arch and pulled hard. The thin wood snapped under the strength of your biceps. Now you can just walk through it.? ? ? ? ?You decided to make a right, seeing as how Desire went to her left. It's best not to run into her when you're hunting. You out of all people know that she has enough to complain about. Moving right wasn't the best direction to go to, as it soon lead to a water pipe, right-angled, drop off. You shrug. You can climb pipes easily, much faster than micen. You haven't tried doing it with a full belly though. Still, the drop wasn't far, maybe six or seven tail lengths.? ? ? ? ?You jumped down, yes, you literally just jumped off into the ledge. Not the worst decision you had this week. You land gracefully and gently like a glass jar falling on a floor made of marshmallows. Then you heard a gasp.? ? ? ? ?You look straight in front of you, and you can see a micen so close that your muzzles are almost touching. Better yet, it was the slaver Desire saved.You grin widely, "Hello."? ? ? ? ?"H-Hi." He waved nervously. He had a backpack full of bread and sweet tarts on his back."So," You stretch your arms under you and hover your head taller than him, "How are the kids?"? ? ? ? ?"They're great." He was still stunned."Just uh..." You poke a claw directly on his sternum, "Just taking a stroll? This pipe only goes up. Thinking about trying your luck twice?"? ? ? ? ?"I-I have information I wanted to s-share," He backed up a few paces, "As thank for, you know, not eating me.""Do tell." You stepped forward a single step, closing in the distance the mouse gained.? ? ? ? ?"You're looking for kids," He spoke quickly, "They are expensive. I-I want to help buy them for you."How expensive are they?" You spoke slower, being dramatic and letting his fate seep in.? ? ? ? ?His ears swiveled on his head, "Worth their weight in sweets."? ? ? ? ?Damn. That is quite expensive. In time, you think you could gather that much sweet things, chocolate or candy or anything that tastes sweet, but you do not have the luxury to screw about. Sitchol will be here soon with the kids. And someone must have ordered the kids, so he's going to sell them quite quickly.? ? ? ? ?Then it occurred to you. Slavers care about what goods they generate. If you can start a bid... Bah! What could you have that can possibly be worth two young slaves?? ? ? ? ?Then an idea popped in your head.You asked, "How much is a rattis worth?"? ? ? ? ?He paused with a questioned look, before shaking his head, "Wait, wait, you aren't seriously-""Maybe I am." You calmly interrupted, "How much is a rattis worth?"? ? ? ? ?He swallowed and started to think, "A rattis has to be caught at a very young age, but if fully grown and well trained they can be worth their weight in slaves." Before you could take in any pleasure from the genius idea you just had, he continued, "But I don't think there is any demand for a rattis. They are- You guys are either used for your strength or...""Or what?" You cocked your head to the side.? ? ? ? ?He looked a little embarrassed, "The brothel is looking for one."You growl. How dare he even thinks of the suggestion to mate with a mouse! They are food. You are far above going down to perform full-on coitus with micen; tail lengths, even meters immeasurable distance. It ruins the only thing sacred rattis have. "Are you micen so ignorant about what we consider taboo?"? ? ? ? ?"It's not like that!" he said, "Some micen, erhm, they like the thought of being over powered and... You know... Eaten."Your ear twitched, "They want a rattis so micen can pay to feed themselves to it?"? ? ? ? ?"Obviously you're supposed to let them out, and there isn't much demand so it would cost a lot of goods for micen to do that..." He trailed off about the technicalities before brightening his mood, "But hey, it sounds like it's just up your alley!""And what am I supposed to actually eat and not let out?" You asked.? ? ? ? ?He shrugged, "Criminals. Unruly slaves. Anything that's soft and fits in your mouth.""Alright." You spun him around to face the way he came, "You get to live. Every day is a gift you've earned. Don't let me see you again."? ? ? ? ?You flicked the back of his head and he scampered away.? ? ? ? ?You climbed up the pipe with ease and a smile on your face. While your gut isn't full, you'll be happy enough to rub it into Desire's face that you did her job for her, but better.12221121111121You waited patiently, chewing on some bread.? ? ? ? ?Your stomach is still unsatisfied. Every waking moment it wanted more. Any trace of food inside has completely disappeared, save for the one you’re eating now. If Desire doesn't show up soon, you're scrapping the deal. Hey, you wanted her to struggle anyways. Why not make it legit?? ? ? ? ?It took a few minutes for Desire to return. She was wincing and limping before leaning against the frame of the arch. She looked at the mess you've made when exiting.? ? ? ? ?"What happened here? Did you do this?""That's not something to concern yourself over. Are you okay?"? ? ? ? ?"I'm fine. Really." She limped and sat down, revealing a long, large gash. Blood was coagulating from it, even though the cut seemed new. Before you can say anything, she glanced at the wound and quickly looked away, "Okay, no. No, no, no. It's just a cut. It's fine. I'm going to be fine.""It's not a cut, it's the very definition of a laceration." You have noticed the blood oozed down her leg, and she has been bleeding for a little bit.? ? ? ? ?"Damn javelin. I didn't think they would have used it. I just wanted..." She started to doze off.You heard voices coming from out of the arch. You then noticed a trail on the ground. Desire, you idiot! You snarled, "You led them right to us."? ? ? ? ?"About that," She motioned to her leg, "I've lost a lot of blood... I cannot... Wow...""There's only one way out of this." You said as you crawled in front of Desire.? ? ? ? ?"What are you doing?" She winced in pain as you grasped the back of her head."Eating you."? ? ? ? ?"What?" She grabbed your arms and struggled weakly, "No!"? ? ? ? ?You shoved her in your mouth and pushed her in more until you had a grip on her. She was struggling just like you've planned. Unfortunately, she was calling your name, even with her head down your throat, begging you to stop. The slavers will be here any moment. The only way you can convince them that you're here to dine and dash would be if the micen doesn't know you. She has to pass out.? ? ? ? ?You placed your hand on her wound and held tightly. This helped stop the bleeding as well as making her scream louder before lying limp.? ? ? ? ?Two armed micen showed up just as Desire passed out. You pretended not to notice as you slurped more of the mouse in, her flavor stained by bitter blood. You look at the two finally and see that they are indecisive as to what to do.You spat out Desire but kept your palm on her wound to keep the blood from seeping. You turned your head to the other mice and said calmly, "No need to worry. I'm just passing through. I won't be a bother. Is she yours?"? ? ? ? ?The two men looked at each other before one shook his head, "No. Not anymore. You uh... You have a good day, sir."? ? ? ? ?A soon as they left, you reached over and grabbed the bag of food. You tore off a strap from the back of the bag and tied it around her leg. Tight enough that the bleeding will stop, but not too tight so that it doesn't stop the blood from entering the leg all together. You placed an ear to her chest and checked to see if her heart was beating. Thankfully, it was. As soothing as the rhythm might have been, you pulled away to allow her to breath. Every now and again you placed your palm on her forehead to check for a fever. Best case scenario is she will walk away unharmed. Worst case is that she'll get sick and her journey ends here.? ? ? ? ?You lied down next to her, watching her chest raise and fall with every breath and thankful for such. That's when you realized that you've just saved a micen's life.? ? ? ? ?You've never cared about a micen's health until now. Why? The more you think about it, the more it occurs to you that she doesn't act like a micen. She acts more like a rattis than anything else. Commanding, strong, willing to take action. She's stupid, but she means well and she isn't afraid to shatter a bone or two.? ? ? ? ?Whether she is driven by fear of you or of love for her kids has yet to be determined. You will find out. If she fears you, she'll run away when it's all over. If she loves her kids more than such fear, then she'll keep her end of the deal.? ? ? ? ?When the bleeding stopped, you tore up more of her bag and wrapped it around her leg in a way a bandage would. Micen are just like rattis, very resistant to bodily damage. The wound should close very soon, but the scar will be there for life.Still, you kept to your vigil.122211211111211Your ears swivel and you lifted your head in excitement.? ? ? ? ?Desire took a deep breath and blinked her eyes, staring at the ceiling. She then sat up and grasped her leg, squealing in pain. "Ow! Geez, that stings. Is this-" She bared her teeth, "Is this my bag? What did you do? How are we going carry in what we need to buy them?"? ? ? ? ?You opened your mouth to say something, but she continued.? ? ? ? ?"First you try to kill me, then you tear apart my bag? Next, you're going to hand the kids to a leona and ask politely for him to take them home."? ? ? ? ?Again, you try to protest, but she snaps at you.? ? ? ? ?"And why would you grab my wound that hard? You saw I was bleeding out, and the first thing you do is squeeze it that hard? Are you trying to wrig the blood out like I'm some sort of towel?"? ? ? ? ?At this point, you're done trying to interrupt her. You think most of her intelligence left her with the blood. Well, there wasn't much there to begin with, and you understand she's going through a tough time, but that's no excuse to act like this. Especially to a rattis.? ? ? ? ?"Who even does that? And then you tried to eat me? What? Did you not know I was bleeding to death?" She paused, finally realizing the situation. "I was... Bleeding to death." She rubbed her wound. The blood was dried now, only creating a brown texture on the rag. She still winced at the stinging, but the wound was now closed. She looked at the trail of blood behind her, no sign of the slavers. her words dripped with disbelief, "You... saved my life?"? ? ? ? ?Now is the time that you rub it in. But you won't. She figured this out on her own, so she can figure out how stupid she acted."While you were off making friends," You said, "I found out how much the kids are worth. Ran into our slaver friend, who still hasn't named himself, and he said that the kids are worth their weight in sweets."? ? ? ? ?"Damn it!" Desire cursed, "How are we going to get those kinds of goods?""Calm down. You'll tear open that wound if you're not careful. Now, due to my genius thinking and good nature, I also found out how much a rattis is worth."? ? ? ? ?You stayed silent, smirking and raveling in your well-deserved bravado. Desire was curious why either of you would need such information until her eyes widened and her lips grew into a smile.? ? ? ? ?"Wait, does that mean what I think it mean?" She asked. You stayed silent, only smirking wider as the mouse' intellegence grew a thousand-fold from a minute ago. She almost jumped, "That's a great idea! But..." Her cheer was pushed aside with concern, "Doesn't that mean you'll be a slave?""Of course. That's a given. But this isn't the first time I ran into slaver. They're a cocky bunch, but they still do things by the book. They are wanting someone to fill a position in the brothel- and let me explain, they want me to be an executioner, or... play with willing mice."? ? ? ? ?"Sounds right up your alley," She joked."You shut your mouth," You playfully growled. "It's not the first time I escaped from slaves. And I'm sure a brothel is less defended than their jails. All I have to do is hold someone important hostage. It might take some time, but I'll get out."? ? ? ? ?Desire ran up and wrapped her hands around your neck, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This means so much to me." She clung on you and hugged tighter to the point that she lifted herself off the ground. She set herself down and went still again, with her arms around you. "I've been thinking. Why uhm... Why are you doing this for me? You can't just be doing all of this for a little snack.""Maybe I'm having fun." You said aloud. You feel as if there's multiple reasons. A nice Desire to snack on, along with other micen in the brothel; slavers getting what's coming to them, and then some; and doing all of this you could possibly clear your name of the Were Rat and maybe Desire's colony she visits would accept you. Many reasons.? ? ? ? ?"I see," She poked your nose, "So what's the plan?""Listen up, I'm only going to explain this once."1222112111112111You entered through the gates of the slave town, Tara.? ? ? ? ?It was well guarded, far more than you're used to. The entire town was like a large doughnut that had paths that led to other circles and roundabouts. The traffic going through seemed a bit more like an actual colony rather than a slaver's hideout. All you see are working micen. Bakers, gatherers, armorers, blacksmiths, lock smiths, tailors, authorities. It looked as if when the first slaver said you had to have a slave to get in was almost a lie.? ? ? ? ?One thing that caught your attention was slave related. The only one out in the open. It was a stage at the center of each cul-de-sac. That much be where they auction slaves, or maybe they are just very fond of the art of thespians. Considering that there were so many slavers just sitting around outside, hunting for non-slavers to enslave and sell for slave, you have to be at the right place.? ? ? ? ?Desire was on your back, holding onto your fur. She also had a makeshift collar around your neck, made out of what was left of the backpack. You two got in by simply implying that you belonged to her. The two of you decided to go straight to a map that was posted on a nearby wall, revealing that the brothel was on the right circle.? ? ? ? ?You made your way over it, surprised at how few micen turn their gaze to see something as massive as a rattis. You guess that there must be a few others here, though they are nowhere to be found.? ? ? ? ?You've arrived at the brothel, only to be stopped by the bouncer. Desire told him that she was there to trade you and told him to get his boss. He complied, heading past a red cloth curtain. Desire hopped off of you gently. You made sure she landed gently on her feet so her leg does not get hurt. You placed her in front of a window, who had red silhouettes of two micen in front of a candle.? ? ? ? ?She leaned against the closest wall and took weight off of her limb.? ? ? ? ?Another mouse came out from the curtained arch. A female, long blonde hair, dark tan fur with two black stripes down her left shoulder. She looked aged, about three years old if you had to guess. She rested her green eyes on Desire and held her hand out, "Hello, my name is Madam Kerwar. I understand you are willing to trade your rattis?"? ? ? ? ?"Yes, I am." She leaned and shook her hand, "I'm Desire, and this is Garret."? ? ? ? ?"What makes you want to give him up?" Kerwar asked, "Did he do that?" She pointed to Desire's wound.? ? ? ? ?"I was attacked recently, and Garret here tried to save me. Unfortunately, when he pulled him off, he scratched my leg with a claw. Daddy didn't believe me, said Garret was too dangerous."? ? ? ? ?"I see." Kerwar inspected you, "Is he trained?"? ? ? ? ?"Garret, roll over."? ? ? ? ?You shot her a glance. In any other situation, you'd have bit the head off the mouse who said that. But now, you must comply. You quickly and gracefully roll over without taking up much space.? ? ? ? ?"See?" Desire added, "Trained since birth."? ? ? ? ?"Is he experienced in this sort of work? I mean, you are selling him to a brothel..."? ? ? ? ?"He's..." Desire felt anxious and held a blush.? ? ? ? ?"Good answer," the madam said, "bring him in."? ? ? ? ?It was a bit of a squeeze to get in, but you managed. It wasn't the most uncomfortable you've ever felt. When inside, the Madam asked two guards to escort you to a room straight down the halls. The opened a double door and allowed you in.? ? ? ? ?The room was beautifully decorated with a lit scented candle, along with more cloth and furniture than you've seen any micen ever own. How rich were these mice? Even the floor was carpeted. There was also a wall with chains on it. You assume this might be your room. If those chains are on you, this might be harder than you thought to escape.? ? ? ? ?The bouncer then said, "Stay here while the negotiations are complete. Having a large looming body in the room could cause some intimidation.? ? ? ? ?You're fine with that. You just sat with your legs crossed and stared at the guards. The experienced bouncer was more relaxed than the other one. The other, smaller guard even had his needle equipped in hand. You focused more on him than the other guy, frightening him even more. He wasn't scared like a normal, unarmed mouse but he can see the power you imposed, even to armed mice.? ? ? ? ?"Hey, boss," the smaller one asked, "How do we know it understands us? Does it speak?"? ? ? ? ?"You ever seen a rattis, boy?" He growled, "Put that needle away and be friendly. If he were a wild one, he'd snap you in half for calling him an 'it'. His name is Garret, now show you have a pair and talk to him."? ? ? ? ?He licked his parched lips in nervousness and cleared his throat. He stepped forward and held out a hand, "Hello."? ? ? ? ?You stayed silent and refused to move.? ? ? ? ?The rookie stepped back to his post and placed his sword to the side. "Maybe he is a tamed rat."? ? ? ? ?"Don't ever call a rattis that." The boss responded, "Call him Garret."? ? ? ? ?"Can he read?" The lad questioned.? ? ? ? ?The veteran turned to you, "Garret, can you tell this pipsqueak to shut up?"You turned your head to face the young one with a hint of seething anger and muttered, "You shut your trap, insolent morsel, before I shatter your shin bones into a thousand picks your boss can clean his teeth with."? ? ? ? ?The young man stepped back and the old one laughed and clapped his hands. He turned looked at his subordinate, "Call him Garret." He turned back to you. "You'll like it here, Garret. Food is great, slaves have good taste and tasteful nature if you get me. Hey, stay long enough and you might even get a chomp at Kinley over here."? ? ? ? ?Kinley shook his head, "You can't be serious. Don't get his hopes up."? ? ? ? ?"Ever wonder what happened to the last guard who back talked to someone bigger than him?" Boss said. "I'll give you a hint, you're working his post."? ? ? ? ?You don't plan on staying. You're no slave. You're a rattis. No amount of free food or pleasure will convince you into becoming a tool.? ? ? ? ?After the guards bantered a bit, you heard a knock at the arch before Desire and Madam Kerwar walked in.12221121111121111??Desire walked up you and wrapped her arms around your neck.? ? ? ? ?"Okay Garret, you be good. Got it? Sugar-bottom's going to go, and daddy doesn't want you to come along. I'll visit whenever I can, okay?" Desire held on tighter, he words started to sound truly upset, "You be safe. Got it?"You purred and hugged her tightly, until you heard an 'umph' come out of her lips. "Be safe. I'll miss you."? ? ? ? ?The Madam turned around and told the two guards, "Go and find a crutch we can give her. And stop Sitchol when he comes in, we have business with him."? ? ? ? ?Your heart flustered at her words. Desire managed to buy the kids using you. If all goes right, you'll see her at her home, or maybe on the way there.? ? ? ? ?Desire slowly slipped away from you as the guards take her by the arms and allowed her to lean on them as they guided her out.? ? ? ? ?"As for you. Garret was your name?" She looked at a clipboard in her hand, "Well, Mr. Garret, you now belong to The Red Candle. You will refer to me as Madam Kerwar from now on."? ? ? ? ?Her posture was brave. It's as if she dealt with rattis before. However, you've not seen a rattis in some time, especially not around here. You could have sworn there were a lot of rats around these parts. What happened to them? Did slavers stop hunting them? Or did they over hunt them?? ? ? ? ?"I have just a few questions to ask." She said, "Do you have any preferences to which gender you serve?"You stood silent. Glaring at her, you finally answered, "We'll find out soon."? ? ? ? ?"I see." She scratched a piece of pencil lead against her parchment, "How experienced are you?""Would you like to find out?" You crawled to her and pressed your lips against her fur on her shoulder and gave it a lick.? ? ? ? ?She placed her clipboard under her other shoulder and raised her hand. She dug her nails deep into your nose in a single slash.There was enough for behind it to push you off of her, and the claws were sharp enough that it made you bleed.? ? ? ? ?"Mr. Garret," She placed her hands on her hips and glared at you, "I am treating you as an equal. I suggest you do the same, before I change my mind and treat you like the slave you are. One more slip up like that, and I'll get Norry, and the big man himself, to chain your ass to the wall. Now step the hell back or you'll get no food for a week."? ? ? ? ?You took a step back, holding your angry glare. This whole week you're being told what to do by micen. It's getting annoying. You're up to your tits in insolence. Then you remembered that she thinks you're a tamed rat. You prevent a smile from growing on your face. The plan is falling together nicely. You only need to find someone important enough to help you escape, and get close to them.? ? ? ? ?The Madam is very important, but you can't kidnap her now. Desire is still here, and the kids are still captured. You have to wait and hope you get another chance.? ? ? ? ?Madam Kerwar continued writing, "Dominant behavior, but still takes orders. Good, good. Now, stay here." She left the room, leaving you to your own imagination on how this will play out.? ? ? ? ?You lied down and looked around. The place was rather beautiful, and comfy to boot. You began to think aobut what it would be like living here. Think about it. Free food, willing meals, good sleep and you can be treated as an equal. Maybe if you get on everyone's good side, you could leave the brothel. But all of this for the title of a slave? You aren't truly a free rat, something you swore to yourself that you would die as.? ? ? ? ?Are you really considering the temptations and perks this job has to offer?? ? ? ? ?Desire needs you! Or does she? She has her kids. If anything, going back to her will either make her run away or worse, get her eaten.? ? ? ? ?You rolled onto your back, staring at the ceiling. It had a chandler, burning a few strawberry scented candles, reflecting the light off of the roof. Then you remembered something. The stars.? ? ? ? ?The sweet, soothing silence and the beautiful cricket's music. The cool breeze and the comforting dark. You still have to show Desire the world she is too afraid to see. You can't stay here, can you?122211211111211111What are you thinking?? ? ? ? ?You wouldn't dare allow yourself to succumb to slavery. Your ancestors would spit on you if they saw how you acted now. To even consider that life is an act of sin. You are a rattis!? ? ? ? ?You rolled back over onto your stomach and waited for the woman to come back. It's been some time, if your internal clock was right, it's been an hour or so. One of the candles even fizzled out in one of the stands. You don't know what's taking the woman so long, but you're getting antsy. You want to run, you want to jump and use your legs and speed and strength. It's only been an hour, and you already want to get out of Tara.? ? ? ? ?You paced back and forth around the room. How dare they make a rattis wait?? ? ? ? ?You heard one of the doors open and quickly turned your head to it. It was Madam Kerwar, and a new comer. This one was a woman, perhaps a girl even. Young, but not a juvenile. Still, young enough if you had caught her in the wild, you may have considered letting her go.? ? ? ? ?The newcomer was a grey-ish, blue-ish furred girl with black stripes up her arm. She had short hazel hair and eyes. Her posture was anxious and nervous, and she refused to turn her head towards you.? ? ? ? ?Madam Kerwar walked in, with the girl following. "Mr. Garret, I apologize for keeping you waiting. Bartering for slaves isn't always easy. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that your previous master is now on her way home, safely, and with new property. Now, onto you. This is..." Madam Kerwar looked at her clipboard, "She would prefer for you to call her Little Morsel.""Little Morsel?" You moved your gaze towards her. She blushed an looked down, bending a knees and shuffling her toes on the carpet below.? ? ? ? ?"I will be grading you on your performance and see what should be improved. Micen would have to pay a lot to play with you, so they should get top quality."'Play'.?You thought,?So that's the amount of subtlety the micen go with?? ? ? ? ?The Madam turned to Little Morsel and pointed to a dresser, "There are some spare clothes in there if you want him to be more dominant than he already is. He could tear it off of you."? ? ? ? ?"H-how long..." The woman blushed again, too shy or embarrassed to continue, "How long do I have? I mean, how long can I, you know, stay in there?"? ? ? ? ?"For a minute or two, he'll cough you up as soon as you think you will pass out or it starts to hurt. The safety word is 'ticklefish', whenever you want to stop the session."? ? ? ? ?"Can he vomit at will?"? ? ? ? ?"Garet?" The Madam looked at you, "Are you able to? Or will we have to train you.""I can." You turned to the Little Morsel and licked your lips, intentionally trying to get her to shiver and shriveled into herself in anticipation.? ? ? ? ?"Now remember," Madam Kerwar placed a fist onto Morsel's shoulder to grab her attention, "You're safe. Do not try to harm Garret. Ask scary as it may be, you're safe. Understand? If he feels threatened by you, he could bite. It's in his nature."? ? ? ? ?"I understand."? ? ? ? ?Morsel then went throught he drawers and pulled out a grey, old, overused shirt that was pitiful even by a micen's standard. Then she pulled out shorts that were in similar condition and put them on. Understandable that they would be like that. You're supposed to rip them off of her. They wouldn't give her actual clothes.? ? ? ? ?Madam Kerwar sat down on a nearby chair and watched the two of you expectingly.? ? ? ? ?"So..." Morsel began, looking at Kerwar, "What do I do next?"You get eaten!?You thought as you got into the position to pounce. Morsel noticed your pose too late and you tackled her softly. You grabbed her head and forced her to lie on her back. You held your drooling jaws over her widened eyes. As she grabbed your arms with her hands, you opened your mouth and said, "Look what I've got! A tasty snack."? ? ? ? ?"A-a-a-a What?" She gasped, playfully."A snack! Did I stutter?" You grasped her shirt, "Let's get this off of you."? ? ? ? ?You could hear the fabric shred as you yanked it off of her hard. You've noticed it was easier than most clothes. You ripped it clean off and tossed it at the base of the dresser, away from candles.?? ? ? ? ?"N-no Mr. Rattis, please don't hurt me!"?? ? ? ? ?She grabbed onto your arm and squeezed tighter when you hovered your head over her and drooled. Your spit sullied down her body. She closed her eyes and made a long, happy sigh in ecstasy. The saliva trailed down her body. You swiped your tail to knock the shirt under her before the spit could land on the carpet.? ? ? ? ?You heard Madam Kerwar scratch the lead on her paper, probably marking down how much of a badass you are.? ? ? ? ?You then tore off her shorts, slowly and carefully as to not hurt her. You then placed a foot into your mouth. She squealed in pleasure, placing the other foot to your lips and slipping it in."You know what happens next?" you taunted.? ? ? ? ?"Oh no," she said, bracing herself.? ? ? ? ?You flicked your head up and felt her slide into your throat. Her legs scrounged together as they were pushed deeper inside you. You could hear her moan, and then say...1222112111112111111"Ticklefish!" She squeaked loudly, scared.? ? ? ? ?Your ear twitched and your brow lowered in anger. Really? You were just getting started! Why go into a brothel and ask to get eaten if you're afraid to get eaten?? ? ? ? ?"Please let me go." She begged, "I'm too scared."? ? ? ? ?"You paid some goods for this, are you sure you want to stop?"? ? ? ? ?"I-I'm afraid he'll actually eat me. And digest me and... I can't. How do I know he will spit me up? What if he can't?"? ? ? ? ?"We wouldn't dare let someone die in this place. Bad for business."?? ? ? ? ?"There's a first time for everything."? ? ? ? ?"We could try it on a grape." Madam Kerwar started to sound impatient.? ? ? ? ?"Actual micen!" She looked back at you and tried to pry herself from your jaws.? ? ? ? ?Your neck was starting to feel sore holding up the girl straight above you. You lowered her gently and released her. Her sweet flavor stung onto your tongue. Really now, you haven't had a micen in so long! Not since you got here! You're surrounded be tasty slavers and you can't even get so much as a nibble.? ? ? ? ?Kerwar helped clean the girl off with a nearby towel. She got her dressed in actual clothes and even shoes. She then told the guards to escort the costumer, and suggested she came back tomorrow for a round on the house. She also told the guards to check up on her in around two or three minutes.? ? ? ? ?She closed the double doors and locked them before looking at her clipboard. Her tail swayed irritably, tapping the lead against it. "Just great." She dropped it on the ground and started to remove her shirt.? ? ? ? ?You wondered what she was thinking about doing. Was she... Was she going to take Morsel's place?? ? ? ? ?She removed her pants and folded both clothes before placing them to the side. She then looked at you and smiled before stepping closer, "Now where did you leave off?""Wait," you backed up, "You're willing?"? ? ? ? ?"Of course!" Madam Kerwar snapped at you, crossing her arms, "You think willing micen are just going to waltz in here all the time? Other than that girl, I think I'm the only one in all of Tara. No, no, no. I bought you, for me." She placed her hands on your jaw and grabbed the fur on it, "And don't you dare think about running off. I assure you, we have guards stationed here. And all of Tara is full of armed micen. I just want you to eat me and spit me up this time though, so I can confirm to that Morsel that you can vomit at will."? ? ? ? ?This is excellent. You needed to kidnap someone, and the Madam of Tara's brothel is willing to just feed herself to you. Thing about these micen, they think you're tamed. But you've been running up and down pipes and halls your entire life. You can outrun every mouse in this whole community, even with a full belly.? ? ? ? ?Madam Kerwar tugged on your chin and lips, attempting to part them entirely. You allowed this and she pulled you nose, touching the sensitive part where she scratched it earlier, and forced you to look down.? ? ? ? ?"Alright," She said with her muzzle almost down your throat, "Make this quick, before anyone walks it."? ? ? ? ?You gracefully chomped on her softly and lifted her up. Her delicious flavor sprawled across your taste buds and you could feel her lie down, cautious of the teeth.? ? ? ? ?You quickly swallowed the limp woman. It took a few gulps, and you could feel your throat expand around her body. Her feet were at the back of your mouth and you could feel her head seep through into your stomach. One more swallow made her disappear for good.? ? ? ? ?She slumped into your warm gut. Bouncing around and swaying as if it were a hammock. You could feel her ears almost toughing the funnel that leads deeper in you and all her movements as she shuffled about into you.? ? ? ? ?"Damn." She spoke louder so you could hear. "I really wish I didn't rush that. This feels wonderful. Oooh." She moaned as you could feel her relax. It's as if she's bathing. You twisted your torso from side to side, making her swing around softly. "Hehe, hey! Alright. Let me out. Ticklefish."? ? ? ? ?And do you listen?12221121111121111111"No." You said plainly, licking her taste off your lips.? ? ? ? ?"W-what...?" She asked. She kicked at the sphincter at the top of your stomach, her head was deeper in as it was the first thing you've gulped. She kicked again and again, harder each time, "Enough, playing around. This isn't a game anymore. Ticklefish! Let me out, dammit!""No." You spoke, shrugging your shoulders and head to the side.? ? ? ? ?"Please!" She kicked and pushed her arms away from her, expanding the stomach. This helped wake up the digestive process, secreting more acids into the pouch, "Oh no... Oh no, no, no. You're actually going through with it?"? ? ? ? ?You replied by laying on your stomach, crushing her arms back into her chest. Inside, Kerwar could feel the back of her shoulders and head become submerged in warm juices and bile. At this rate, she'll drown very soon, or she'll be digested from the inside if that doesn't work.? ? ? ? ?"Oh crap. No!" She attempted to re-position herself, but it was clear you weren't allowing her enough room to move. "You're... I should have guessed from the scar! You're a wild rattis! I bought a wild rattis! Please, Garret, I'll do anything! I have power, I'll get you whatever you want! I'll let you go free! Please don't kill me!"? ? ? ? ?By now, the secretion reached past her ears and was starting to crawl up her face. Within a few seconds, her muzzle will be submerged in acids and she will die.? ? ? ? ?You don't want that.? ? ? ? ?You stood up, dunking her head deep into the puddle. But now she has the ability to crawl back up. When she realized this, she immediately did so. She clawed her way out of the acids and curled up with her head to the top of your stomach.? ? ? ? ?"O-Okay, what do you want?" Her muffled voice cried, "Please! You wouldn't do all of this if you didn't want something. It's getting really hard to breathe, please let me out!""No." You said before swallowing a large amount of air. You resisted the urge to burp. Kerwar refused to struggle further. She didn't want to risk opening the stomach and releasing all of her precious oxygen.? ? ? ? ?"What do you want from me?" She begged, her muffle voice sobbing, "Please, I have a daughter! What do you want from me?""I want you. Now struggle."? ? ? ? ?She squirmed and shook more. She kicked and pounded and screamed. You don't care about her or her daughter. You're desensitized by the whole 'child excuse' that micen use by now. You exhaled a soft long burp before swallowing new fresh air.? ? ? ? ?Then, you smashed through the double doors, knocking over a guard who was supposed to check on you. You aren't going to kill anyone, you don't want every slaver to consider you a threat, You grabbed his witless body and tossed him into the room.? ? ? ? ?You dashed as fast as you could to the exit, once again smashing through the doors, snapping off the hinges.? ? ? ? ?That was a mistake. Other micen outside whom heard the commotion from earlier have gathered around, and now their needles were drawn. But they wouldn't dare attack you. You have a hostage inside you, squirming and making the micen think twice.? ? ? ? ?If they hopped on your back, you'd roll over and crush them. The couldn't stab your stomach, it would harm the Madam. The face would just bite you. And the tail would just bat them away. You're invincible... for now.? ? ? ? ?"Someone, help me!" you hostage screamed. You assume the acids that cling to her fur will start to burn. Everything under her rubs is covered in it. You need to get out of here now, before she dies. If she dies, they will surely hunt you down. You just have to get close to the exit and you'll let her out. Then you'll be fast enough to be home free, and they won't be able to sniff you out.? ? ? ? ?You ran as fast as your legs could carry you to the entrance. Your back was starting to hurt, and your hostage was no longer struggling, perhaps drowned by all the bile and gastric juices. You turned around and coughed her up as fast as you could. An escaped slave is one thing, but a murderer is another. You know damn well the slavers keep vendettas.? ? ? ? ?You managed to vomit out the girl, your own acids burnt your throat, but it was worth it. You grabbed onto the Madam, who was barely breathing, and held her close.?"One wrong move, and I'll smash her head into the ground," You growled the micen who gathered around you.? ? ? ? ?"Wait a second. Wait one damn second..." You heard a voice from behind you.?? ? ? ? ?A familiar voice. A voice that boiled your blood with anger and fear by just hearing it. A scent filled your nostrils that had the same effects. A scent that made the scar on your face burn with livid memories.? ? ? ? ?You turned around to see an armored, hooded, grey micen that was almost an inch taller than all the rest guarding the exit. His needle was sharpened along the edges, turning it into a piercing and slashing sword. His build and physique were large and buffed to the point where he almost looked half rattis. He glared at you with glowing amber eyes.? ? ? ? ?It's the man who took away every family you've ever had. The man who killed and enslaved your sister. The man whom you hunted and led you into a trap before he hunted you down like an animal.? ? ? ? ?"I don't believe it. I don't freaking believe it. He's mine!" He scoffed, almost laughing. He placed his hand on his hilt, ready to unsheathe, but he continued to taunt, "When I heard that the brothel was looking for a rattis, I knew someone had a death sentence, but I didn't care too much until i heard they actually found one for hire. I thought to myself 'what rattis would be stupid enough to work here after all the good I've done?' And then it occurred to me, maybe, just maybe, it could be?that?asshole. You."? ? ? ? ?The man pulled out his sword and pointed it at you.? ? ? ? ?"Garret. You are the son of a bitch I've been looking for for so long. The name is Sitchol. Remember the name when you burn in hell, wandering blindly like a scared child, for I'm the man who's going to gouge your eyes out. But first, I have a question, old friend." He growled and started to march towards you, "You still killing innocent people and shit?"? ? ? ? ?You didn't know what to think. Your archenemy just announced his presents before attacking you. Sitchol. After months of running and attempts on both your lives, you finally know his name. This is the bastard who took everything from you. But you aren't foolish. You aren't blinded by rage as you once were. You're not going to make that same mistake and attack him again. But now he has claimed you as his own and is charging towards you. You had to think of something.? ? ? ? ?You grabbed Kerwar by the head and threw her at Sitchol. The hooded mouse caught the woman gracefully. You threw her at full force and he retrieved her like she was a pebble. He set her on the ground before charging once again, weapon at the ready to stab. You moved to the side, making Sitchol miss his mark. Sitchol, however, was still unphased. He gracefully changed his footing and slashes his blade at you, almost cutting your chin.? ? ? ? ?He has the advantage. Several slavers held needles at you, creating a circle of pikes around you and Sitchol. An arena with no escape. The grey mouse was also experienced in handling rattis. When you first met him, he captured half the rats the slavers had.? ? ? ? ?This is a losing battle. By the end of the day, you're either going to be dead, or enslaved. You'd rather be eaten than to go down like this.? ? ? ? ?You grabbed the still weak Kerwar, before she could get up and out of the circle. You decided to help her, by grabbing her by the head and tossing her into the ranks of the mice. A few got out of the way, but any who didn't get knocked over. You didn't allow them time to reform the ranks. You booked it towards the exit.? ? ? ? ?You passed the gates, now unguarded due to your fiasco of a distraction, only for you to realize that Sitchol grabbed firm hold of your tail. You smashed him into the nearest wall, but he still didn't let go. However, now you were out of the colony. Now you could stand up and face him one on one.? ? ? ? ?You got on your hind legs and slipped your tail under you, with him clung on. He was in a position to be smashed by your foot, but he rolled out of the way.? ? ? ? ?With him off of you, it's just you and him. Do you fight him, or do you run?122211211111211111112?You cannot fight him.? ? ? ? ?Most micen are easy to kill. Sometimes a single swipe could take their life. But this mouse isn't an ordinary mouse. If you recall correctly, this one had the strength to slam you on the ground. Something is off with this one. Just by looking him in his amber glaring eyes you can tell every fiber of his being would not rest until he saw you, not just dead, but suffering.? ? ? ? ?You cannot defeat him. Not here, not now. Especially not when you're both so close to Tara, where the slavers could just trickle out of by the dozens.? ? ? ? ?You turned around and ran. You ran as fast as you could, without looking for a leona that could catch you. Without planning ahead. You just sprinted as fast and far away as you could to the nearest hole big enough to fit you. You found one near the floor. One used when rats were more abundant. You decided to take your chances with it, jumping off the counter and retreating into it, not taking a glance back at Sitchol. Once again, you were the hunted.? ? ? ? ?Desire walked on, slightly limping. Her heart was heavy with gleeful joy. Behind her was her son and daughter. Her two kids; her legacy. Alec, the red furred male, held his tired sister on his back so she doesn't have to walk. They've past The Hub, the giant cylinder that lead to all places, and continued on home.?? ? ? ? ?They'll have to find another place to hide. Slavers are getting bolder. They'll be back within a month, maybe even weeks, to find new ones to sell.? ? ? ? ?Desire, however, was just as worried about herself as she was her kids. As she saw home, her heart was beginning to lurch. She had made a friend of Garret. She doesn't expect to see him again now that he was a slave. There were too many guards. They would have stabbed his legs until they could no longer be used if he tried to escape. But she feels happy for him. After all the help he was, it was fitting for him to stay at a brothel. Then Desire realized that this may have been for the best.? ? ? ? ?Her kids need her. And if Garret were to escape, her deal she made with him would claim her life. What was she thinking? She had to do it to convince him. She wishes to see him again, but she knows that will be the death of her? ? ? ? ?Her thoughts were interrupted at the sound of claws scraping the wood behind her with the sounds of footsteps.? ? ? ? ?Alec turned around, eyes widened, and sat his sister on the ground. Desire didn't have to turn around. She already knew who was behind her. Her feelings were torn up what to think. For now, she's just happy to see you.? ? ? ? ?You stopped half a meter short of the trio, before taking a moment to catch your breath. You saw Desire turn around with a smile on her face, reinvigorating you to move closer.? ? ? ? ?The red male backed past his mother, attempting to hide someone behind his own self. Desire stood put.? ? ? ? ?"Kids..." Desire said softly, "I want you to meet Garret. He's the reason I was able to rescue you.? ? ? ? ?The boy looked skeptical. In what world would a rat help a mouse? You stood tail lengths in front of them and lifted your head to reveal your neck; the ultimate sign of submission to an equal, giving them a chance to rip out your throat.? ? ? ? ?"Garret," Desire motioned to her kids, the fruits of hers and now your labors. She placed her hand on the back of the red one's head, "This is my son, Alec. And this one..." She motioned to a little yellow girl with tan hair and green eyes. She was hiding behind her brother's leg, staring at the fabled Were Rat. "This one is Serena. Say 'hello', Serena."? ? ? ? ?She little girl shyly waved.? ? ? ? ?Desire smiled as Alec managed to relax himself, though he kept his eyes on you. The only adult, other than you, continued, "Alec, take your sister home. I have to have a quick chat with Garret. Okay?"? ? ? ? ?The boy nodded and told Serena to follow him home.? ? ? ? ?Desire stepped closer to you and whispered, "I know I asked so much from you but... May I please spend some time with them? Just a couple hours? I-I want to put them to bed. Tell them I love them."? ? ? ? ?You almost forgot about her deal. You nodded your head. You still have her scent. She wouldn't dare endanger her kids any further than she already has today.? ? ? ? ?"T-Thank." You could almost feel the relief coming out of her mouth, "I'll... I'll see you in a little while."? ? ? ? ?You nodded and escorted her home before waving bye to the kids. Then, finally, you're going home.? ? ? ? ?You lied down on your cot. Your gut was empty, but your eyes were heavier. All you wanted now was sleep.1222112111112111111121?"Golden tresses frame your face. Your pillow soft as silk."? ? ? ? ?Sitchol sung as he graced his hand over the plaque of his wife and daughter. His daily visit to the Hall of the Dead was much needed somber silence. He continued to solemnly sing as he closed his eyes. He was in a small donut shape of halls full of names of the slavers who have fallen that were labeled on the walls. It was once a slave pen for the unruliest of their kind, but since Tara and Kert became more commercialized after the death of so many rattis, it was changed into something much more needed.? ? ? ? ?Sitchol's heart was heavy with grief. The slayer of his kin once again slipped from his grasps, from the very center of his home! He has shamed his daughter, and himself for allowing the rat to get away. He should have sent all of his troops. No... Garret would have slaughtered them all with strokes of his arms. There's not enough room for the names of the lives Garret would have taken. But that barely counts as an excuse.? ? ? ? ?The halls were empty, save for Sitchol and the names of the dead. The other micen know better to bother Sitchol when he sings to his family. Or at least they did.? ? ? ? ?"What do you want, Norry?" Sitchol growled at the mouse that stood at the entrance. "You know better than to interrupt me in this precious moment."? ? ? ? ?"I apologize, sir." Norry bowed his head, "But something requires your utmost attention. Immediately."? ? ? ? ?"You should learn from your predecessor to not take chances with me." Sitchol moved his hand to a plaque whose name was completely scratched out.? ? ? ? ?"It's Garret. Someone claims to have his scent."? ? ? ? ?Sitchol twisted his glare, his interest piqued.? ? ? ? ?"Bring him in."? ? ? ? ?Two other slavers pulled in one of the rookies Sitchol initiated two weeks ago. He was whimpering, his eyes filled with fear at the sight of the dreaded slave master. He had a slight scent of drool on him, noticeable by only the most experienced of hunters.? ? ? ? ?The two mice dropped him, and he got on his knees to beg, "Please don't hurt me! I didn't know who he was!"? ? ? ? ?"Shut up and talk." Norry placed a freshly sharp needle to his neck.? ? ? ? ?"Stop that." Sitchol said, raising his hand to his disciple, careful not to raise his voice in front of his family. He knelt down in front of the whimpering mouse, "I promise you that no one will be harmed in the only place I hold sacred. Just take a few breaths. Tell me your name."? ? ? ? ?"My name is Teralt." He said, calmer than he was. "I was chasing someone who insulted me. She didn't look like a slaver, naked and unarmed, you know? I chased her but then she got the jump on me. Demanded to know where her kids were. That's when Garret attacked me."? ? ? ? ?"Girl? Kids? Did the woman have a purple hide?" Sitchol paused as the boy nodded. He clenched his fists, suppressing the rage he had built up as he put the pieces together. He's been played. He fell right into Garret's plans, whatever they might have been.? ? ? ? ?"He was going to eat me if I didn't-" He paused and swallowed, realizing his horrible mistake.? ? ? ? ?"If you didn't do what?" Stichol articulated.? ? ? ? ?"If I didn't tell them where the kids were. Who you were and what you did, where you were goin-"? ? ? ? ?The man couldn't breathe as Norry wrapped one of his arms around his neck and squeezed tightly, "You son of a bitch... How dare you?"? ? ? ? ?Sitchol grabbed Norry by the hair and pulled him off. He'll punish his disciple later for desecrating his sole sanctum with violence, but for now he asked Teralt, "How did you escape?"? ? ? ? ?"The woman." Teralt rubbed his neck, "I lied that I had kids of my own. She took pity and ripped me from the rat's maw. I booked it, but came back later. I had intended to memorize the rat's scent and location, but he got the jump on me. He spared me when I told him how much the kids were worth. While I did, I had enough of his scent I could sniff him out and come back with a crew. He was gone by then. By the time I tracked him to Tara, he escaped."? ? ? ? ?Sitchol stood silent, glaring at him. For the first time in so long, there was hope in finally ending this rivalry. "Good thinking. Seems you've lucked out. This must mean you still have his scent?"? ? ? ? ?"When we find him, are you gonna kill me?" Teralt asked with pleading eyes. It's a shame that Kerwar wasn't trained to memorize scents and to track them, or else this mouse would have been lynched.? ? ? ? ?"No." Sitchol said, "I'm above killing fellow slavers now. But if you fail, I'll have a slave do it to take your place; if Norry is too busy I suppose." Sitchol turned to Norry, almost excited in rage and joy. "I want you to gather half of the idle men. Hunters, guards, all recruits who has spare hands. I want them armored in tin and leather. Equipped with the sharpest needles and pikes and in ranks by the end of the hour. We're not just going to go after any old rattis. We're going after a monster."? ? ? ? ?He turned around and paced back to his daughter to tell her the good news and finish his lullaby with a throbbing heart of glee.? ? ? ? ?You felt something poke at your fur. You awoke and your first instinct was to swipe at the perpetrator. Before you stood the mouse known as Desire.? ? ? ? ?Her tail wagged nervously. She backed away gently when she saw your anger.? ? ? ? ?"S-Sorry." She scampered, "I just thought maybe it's best when the kids were asleep before I go..." As you sat up, she revealed a small canteen, "I got you a little something. It wasn't much, but I called in a few favors and got some chocolate syrup. May I take a sip of it before you...?"? ? ? ? ?You nodded and she took a sip of the lovely bitter sauce. Her face had a sweet smile on it after.? ? ? ? ?"Thank you." She climbed on the table and removed her shirt, "I'm all yours."? ? ? ? ?You shook your head, "Not yet. I wanted to show you something. Get on my back. It'll be quick."? ? ? ? ?You held a pose, so Desire could easily get onto you. Desire listened to you, and held on to your scruff as you ran down the corridor, taking a right.? ? ? ? ?You felt your claws scrape against the roof. You're not going far from the hole you've made, however. You allowed Desire off of you. She glanced around, afraid to tread far from you, fearful that an owl might swoop by and steal her.? ? ? ? ?"Why are we up here?" She asked, fear pumping through her veins as she wanted to get back inside. "This isn't a place for mice. May I get back inside?"? ? ? ? ?You reached over and pressed her chin up, revealing the starry night sky.? ? ? ? ?"Oh... Oh my..." Her mouth dropped at the beautiful sight above. Beyond the grey clouds was a new moon and a sky glittered with lights. The sight was beautiful enough that the both of you ignored the air's icy kiss. You pulled Desire close to you and lied on your back, placing her on your stomach as if she was a blanket. The two of you watched, and for the first time in a long time, Desire felt safe, and you felt happy.12221121111121111111211?You crawled back to your home.? ? ? ? ?The tunnel felt shorter than usual. Your sleepy mind dozed as you walked down the hallway to your room, Desire sleeping on your back. It was the first time she fell asleep under the stars. Silly mouse. You stepped into your room and gently woke Desire, placing her on the table for your own convenience.? ? ? ? ?She sat on the table, shivering from the lack of warmth your body gave her. She looked at what she was on, a place most mice in trouble find themselves. But she wasn't afraid.? ? ? ? ?"So... This is it?" She asked, feeling the wood under her, nervously twirling her finger on it and swiveling her ears.? ? ? ? ?You stood silent, debating on whether to eat her.? ? ? ? ?After a few seconds of silence, she said "Before I go, I wanted to say thank you. You didn't have to do any of this, you could have just eaten me and left my kids to them... Heh, after dealing with me I-I would think you deserve this."? ? ? ? ?She unscrewed the cap of the canteen filled with the syrup and poured a dab onto her left shoulder. As she felt it trickle down her arm, she held her limb out to you.? ? ? ? ?"Give it a lick." She said with a smile.? ? ? ? ?You complied, sticking your tongue out and grinding its smooth surface across her arm. You licked off the tasty bitterness of the chocolate, but for some reason it was all that you could taste. You licked again, seeking the delicious sweetness that micen often harbor. There was very little flavor on her, and what flavor there was teased you to no end.? ? ? ? ?You're almost glad that is the case. Whenever you think of eating her, instinct tells you not to. She isn't a micen anymore, not to you. She's a friend.? ? ? ? ?You reached both of your arms around her and hugged her gently. At first, she was curious what was going on, but the silence said everything. Your warm embrace answered enough questions she had to ask.? ? ? ? ?With her head at your chest, she hugged back, grasping your fur on your sides, reminding you that not too long ago you planned to kill her.? ? ? ? ?"See?" Desire spoke, pushing herself back gently to show she had a tear of joy, "I told you you're not a monster." She rested herself on your chest and pecked your chin with a kiss.? ? ? ? ?Now would have been the perfect time to bite her head off, just for comedic value, or to show any on lookers you're still a badass. But no. You finally felt a warm glow you hadn't had since Reqa was still alive.? ? ? ? ?"Do you..." You cleared your throat, asking something you'd ask an equal or a superior, "Do you want to live here?" You felt Desire's ears perk, flicking your jaw. You continued, "Free food and water. The kids will be safe. I can even teach them how to show respect to rattis. Or they could take their chances like you." You smirked.? ? ? ? ?She hugged tighter, "I'd love that."? ? ? ? ?"Try it again." You advised Serena as she attempted to stab with her again. You flicked it away before batting her softly back.? ? ? ? ?"No fair!" She put her hands on her hips, "You're bigger than me!""Of course I am." You scoffed playfully, "And that's why you need to learn how to fight things like me. Try it again, this time I want you to stab faster. Act like you're really going to hurt me."? ? ? ? ?"Aaah!" She charged the moment she picked up the needle. She aimed it directly at your neck. You opened your mouth and gripped the needle with your teeth. You then lifted it, and Serena's small, dangling body, up in the air. Serena, however, was unperturbed. She smirked and kicked you straight in the nose.? ? ? ? ?As you were staggered back by such a blow, Serena released the needle and charged, punching you in the throat. This made you cough and drop the needle. Serena retrieved her weapon before it touched the ground and charged in. However, she hesitated.? ? ? ? ?Once again, you flicked the needle out of her hands.? ? ? ? ?She was running too fast. She slid on the pipe below, her claws scratching as she lost balance sliding towards your open maw. You grabbed her arm gently and slowed the flow of motion completely.? ? ? ? ?"Hmph!" Serena pouted again, "Can you let me win at least once?""You almost had me." You spoke after releasing her, "But you cowered when you had a clear opening."? ? ? ? ?"I didn't want to hurt you." She teased."That wouldn't have been the case." You brushed your head against her and jested, "Next time, I'll eat you. Show you what you're trying to avoid."? ? ? ? ?"You wouldn't!" She flicked your nose, faintly making you relived the uncomfortable moment it was kicked, "Mommy would have a fit if she found out you even said that.""I guess she would." You shrugged, "That's enough training for today. Let's get back, before she thinks I really did eat you. But first, how do you greet a rattis?"? ? ? ? ?Serena stood up straight and lifted her chin, revealing her tender neck."Good girl. Let's go home."? ? ? ? ?Serena hopped on your back as you began to walk back to your den. It's been an entire week since you spared Desire from her deal. Ever since then you made friends with her, and her children. Alec is still cautious around you, but you don't blame the young man. He'll learn soon enough that he's family, not food. Serena, on the other hand, was happy to make a new friend. Her youth made her trust easy to earn. You like to think she wanted another father figure in her life, but you refuse to believe you flat out replaced him.? ? ? ? ?It didn't take long for them to get comfortable. They only had a few things to get from their house before leaving it for good. Your den is smaller, but harder to find. The only downside is that the nearest pantry was meters away. That's fine. A good walk ought to teach the kids some patience.? ? ? ? ?You felt your little girl climb to the top of your head and rested her chin on your forehead.? ? ? ? ?"Uncle Garreeeeeet." She said sweetly, "Are you going to marry mommy?"You chuckled a bit, "If I didn't know any better, I'd think I already have."? ? ? ? ?"So what do I call you, mister?""Call me whatever your little heart dreams up." You answered.? ? ? ? ?"Hehe," She poked your head, "I shall call you Mr. Fluffykins, and you will be my favorite of the Fluffs Clan."You hissed playfully, "You're not calling me that." You were about to say more, but then a scent struck your nostrils. A scent of an old friend; a rattis.? ? ? ? ?You turned around, hearing scratching and footsteps coming closer."Serena, hide behind me. I have someone to deal with."? ? ? ? ?As the girl slipped and held onto your back, a red rattis with brown hair soon came into sight around a bend. He was a little smaller than you, but still twice as big as a mouse."What do you want, Blackjack?" You hissed. Last time you saw your old best friend, the two of you left on bad terms. You have blamed him for allowing several slavers take Reqa.? ? ? ? ?He wasn't looking for a fight though. He was panting, he revealed his neck. Fear was present in his eyes. He coughed, "Garret." He managed to say, "Micen. They found us.""What?" You growled, "How?"? ? ? ? ?"Slavers. We must have stayed here too long. I was out hunting, I saw that there was no micen around for so long, so I went up and looked for one. I ran into a slaver. He had that scent of The Slave Master all over him.""What did you do?" You asked, horrified.? ? ? ? ?"What do you think I did?""You idiot!" You growled, "That was a scout. He can't report in now. You lead them right to us!"? ? ? ? ?"I know!" He backed away, knowing you're big enough you could break hist skull with a single swipe. "But the slavers never go this far! He tried running, when that didn't work, he tried bargaining. He told me there were dozens of them! It's a manhunt!"? ? ? ? ?Your fur bristled. They were looking for you!? ? ? ? ?"I came back to find you, for old time's sake." He finally caught his breath. "You're still a good man, Garret. I know it. We need to run. Come with me and Bree, we'll find a better place.""You're right." You nodded, "I need to get something first. I have to make sure a few others are safe."? ? ? ? ?Blackjack held his head high once again in submission before retreating back.? ? ? ? ?"Mr. Fluffykins," Serena crawled back to your head, ignorant of the danger present, "What's going on?""Hold on tight." You turned tail and ran as fast as you could back to your den. Your heart starting pumping your adrenaline filled blood hard enough that you could feel it in your ears. "We need to leave."122211211111211111112111This is the worst news you've heard all year.? ? ? ? ?Damn, you thought you yourself,?it’s moment like this I wished I had nursed that guy back to health. What was his name again? Thalmor? Thumbnail??You pressed on. Fear was present in your mind, even when you tried to take your mind off the matter. You ran as fast as you could, almost surprised Serena held on as long as she did.? ? ? ? ?You got into yelling distance to your den. You got here faster than normal, and with the greatest motivation to ever do so.?You called, "Desire, Alec! We have to leave."? ? ? ? ?They both stepped out of the home, oblivious to the cause of your horrified eyes, but sharing a similar face."We have to go." You were almost hissing out of breath. "They found us. I don't know how, but they found us. Get my back, we have to leave now!"? ? ? ? ?They both agreed and hopped on. They didn't have time to gather their stuff, but nothing is worth being enslaved.? ? ? ? ?Even though you were out of breath, you continued to sprint as fast as you could. You ran towards the hatch, towards the only hope you had to escape the nightmare you had come to experience. When you neared the hatch, you stopped immediately.? ? ? ? ?Micen numbered in the dozens. All armed. All armored. All walked in ranks of three facing the other direction. They were filing out of the hatch. This isn't a manhunt; it's an extermination.? ? ? ? ?You backed away slowly. It was unlucky that you managed to run into them as they piled into the hatch, but you were luckier that none of them noticed you yet. Until?he?showed up. The mouse with burning amber eyes. He walked through into the hall and took a single whiff of the air. Then he turned to face you as if he knew you were the all along.? ? ? ? ?You burst into a sprint in the opposite direction, towards home. There's another hallway. You've never been down that way, or at least not all the way down. You walked a minute's worth of length before running into cobwebs before turning back. Now? Spiders are a lot safer to deal with than slavers. Maybe they'd even slow them down.? ? ? ? ?Your muscles ached and stiffened with every step. Adrenaline was the only thing forcing your muscles to move. You passed home and continued. You tore through the cobwebs completely, not a bug in sight.? ? ? ? ?That's when you hit the very end of the hall. A dead end. A wall with only a small tunnel. You stood frozen before collapsing as your muscle give under the weight on your back."Dammit!" You cursed as your sore muscles refused to move. You've led the only people you cared about into a dead end.? ? ? ? ?Serena petted you, trying to comfort you with Desire doing the same, thinking frantically on what to do. While Alec went over to the hole. He licked his finger and held it in front. "It's a tight squeeze." He said, "But there's a draft. There's a way out!""Get them out..." you managed to cough out.? ? ? ? ?Alec went in first. "I can see a light. It goes all the way through."? ? ? ? ?Serena was the next one. She had to have a little help from Desire, who lifted her up and held her until she crawled in.? ? ? ? ?Desire tried to crawl in, but there was a problem. Her shoulders were too wide. Every time she'd try and get in, she would get stuck. "No... I can't fit."? ? ? ? ?"Mom!" Serena called, "Alec, mom needs help!"? ? ? ? ?"No!" Desire pulled herself out of the hole, "Keep going. Just keep going and don't stop."? ? ? ? ?The sound of calling was heard in the distance. The slavers aren't too far off."Desire, start digging with your claws." You commanded, attempting to get back onto your feet, "Kids, make the tunnel wider from the other side."? ? ? ? ?"Where are you-?""I'm going to hold them off." You said, "They want me. I can't let them get you."? ? ? ? ?You didn't wait for any other response, you charged at the slavers. If you're lucky, you could take a few of them with you.? ? ? ? ?As you crawled towards them, your muscles were far too stiff. You skipped stretching your arms and legs, which was ultimately a mistake. Now you waited amongst the cobwebs for anyone brave enough to charge first. You didn't wait long.? ? ? ? ?A brown mouse, heavily armored and armed with a needle charged through. You attempted to smack it out of his hand, but your arm refused to go high enough. He cut you deeply in the right shoulder with a swell slash. You battered him away with a headbutt, but he didn't fight the momentum. Rather, he allowed it to carry him away from you until he rolled onto his feet.? ? ? ? ?He shifted his legs and jump towards you, twisting his torso for a stab at the same shoulder. He's trying to damage your limb to the point you can't move it! They want you alive!? ? ? ? ?You weren't quick enough. You howled and hissed when the splinter pierced through your hide completely, passing between the tendons between the muscles and breaking through the skin on the other side of your shoulder.? ? ? ? ?But the mouse underestimated just how much you wanted him dead. You lied limp completely, crushing his pelvis under your weight, breaking his spine against the pipe. You could hear his screams in agony, but it all ended when you grabbed him by his head with your near useless right hand and crushed it the same way.? ? ? ? ?You pushed his corpse to the side with your head, unable to feel your right arm. When you looked up, you saw him. Sitchol.? ? ? ? ?He was alone. His amber eyes glowed deeply, but his weapon was sheathed. He turned his gaze towards the dead mouse and mumbled to you, "I was growing rather fond of Norry. Do you not care who you hurt?" He sniffed the air and held a smirk. "Is that fear? Why would you be afraid? I didn't smell it on you earlier..." He sniffed again.Oh no...?You widened your eyes when you realized what he's smelling, who he's smelling.? ? ? ? ?As the army of hunters gathered behind him, Sitchol smiled widely. He figured it all out. "Those are your pups..." He drew his blade and held it towards you, "Nevermind Garret, he's mine. Get the others.""No!" You charged, in with a slash.? ? ? ? ?Any experience or training was forgotten in your sheer terror. Sitchol stabbed towards your only good shoulder, severing the tendon to it. You tried to bite him, but he withdrew his blade and ducked under you before stabbing you in the ribs. You felt the pain of a thousand bites drill into your side.? ? ? ? ?Sitchol used this as leverage, pushing it up until you landed on your back before withdrawing it again."Damn you!" You hissed hoarsely as several slavers passed your vision.? ? ? ? ?"Garret!" You heard Desire's scream come closer."Let her go!" You tried to kick at Sitchol, but he stood his ground.? ? ? ? ?Sitchol snapped his fingers and pointed to the ground in front of him. You saw Desire in tears. All she wanted was to live with her children. She didn't deserve any of this!? ? ? ? ?Sitchol wrapped his arm around her neck and held a needle to her cheek. "I've waited so long for this moment. The chance that I could finally hurt you, like you have me." Sitchol dug his needle into her cheek, making her scream in pain as blood dappled from the wound. He didn't stop there. He pressed the blade towards you, ripping and slicing through her tender skin, leaving a wide-open gash that hung from her chin, showing her bottom teeth.? ? ? ? ?"Garret!" She wailed in tears. "Make him stop! It hurts!"? ? ? ? ?You were powerless. You stared horrified at what Sitchol has displayed, unable to speak the words you wished to express.? ? ? ? ?"I'm going to do to her what you did to my daughter. How you killed my sweet innocent girl." He bit down hard on Desire's ear, tearing off a blood ridden chunk and spitting it on the ground. He spoke over Desire's pleas for mercy, "Do you feel that? Do you feel how weak you are? This is how I felt when my baby was dying in my arms." Sitchol's voice began to become more sorrowful, "This is how I felt when you took away the only redemption I had ever had! My greatest joy in life, the only beauty I had left in this world, stricken from me!"?? ? ? ? ?He stabbed the tendon in Desire's knee, making her fall.? ? ? ? ?"No... I'm not going to kill her." She wiped his eyes beneath his hood and continued, "As long as she is alive, you can be controlled. That's what I should have done to begin with. If you were smart, you'd have done it."? ? ? ? ?Desire was bleeding from her mouth, but she managed to spat out, reaching her hand towards you. "Garret. Please don't let him do this to me..."? ? ? ? ?There was only one thing you could do. One way you can stop this madness."I'm sorry. Please forgive me." You said before you used the only strength you had left to quickly crawl up, and then you dived towards Stichol.? ? ? ? ?You closed your eyes, hearing the sickening crack of bone. You missed. Sitchol lied on his gut in front of you, out of the way at the last second.? ? ? ? ?But you knew this was going to happen. Your goal was not to kill him. You stared at him with unforgivable eyes as your felt Desire's last grasps clench onto your fur. They quickly ceased.? ? ? ? ?You held your glare at the slavers, at Sitchol who crawled back. He stared, dumbfounded. You refused to move until you knew for sure she was dead, until you made sure that she would no longer suffer for your mistakes.? ? ? ? ?When you were sure the dead was silent, your body weakened and you slumped down, sobbing.? ? ? ? ?"Well... shit." Sitchol said, impressed and disappointed at the same time. He marched in front of your weeping eyes. "Get this mess chained up. I have another idea in mind."Serena the Mouse By Flynn Coyote The night had been warm and relatively peaceful, only the odd hoot of an owl outside breaking the silence. Even the crickets had stopped chirping, ensuring everyone had been able to get a good night's sleep. It was early morning now. The sun hadn't yet risen but Serena was already awake. The young micen girl had exhausted herself the night before and taken an early night, but now she was rested and once more wide awake. She sighed restlessly and rolled over, looking over to where her brother had settled down not long after she did. He was still fast asleep. Serena rolled back over and stared at the wooden beams going overhead in their little mouse hole. Another few minutes and she rolled over again. Nope, Alec was still fast asleep. 'Mmff...' She sat herself up. The boredom was too much for a girl of her age and after a quick stretch she crawled over to Alec's sleeping form and draped herself over his side. Shaking him gently she whispered. 'Alec... Wake up. I'm bored.' 'Hnn?' Alec shifted softly before lifting his head and opening his eyes groggily. 'Serena, it's too early to get up.' 'Not it isn't!' She protested in a loud whisper. 'We can go anywhere in the house now while nobody else is awake! Come on it'll be fun.' She shook him again, making him squint his eyes shut before pushing her off and sitting up. 'Fine.' He grumbled. 'There's no arguing with you. So what do you wanna do?' He stood up and stretched, yawning and looking back at her with a weary smile as she stood up too. 'I'm hungry, let's go get breakfast!' She squeaked excitedly. 'Keep it down will ya?' He took her hand and led her to the mouse hole. 'Remember what I said? You have to keep quiet. Otherwise big hungry leona might find you.' 'Okay!' Serena clamped her free hand over her mouth but kept grinning underneath, completely unafraid in the way only naīve youth could be. Alec led her as quietly as could be out of the hole in the wall, concealed by a heavy wooden bookcase. He gestured for her to wait underneath while he crawled to the edge and peered out into the living room. It seemed clear. The room was still fairly dark, only a dim light from the television's standby light provided any illumination as yet. There was a blanket draped over the sofa and an empty cup and plate on the coffee table, but other than that there were no signs of life. He beckoned to Serena behind him and the two ran quietly but hastily across the floor and into the kitchen adjacent. Their fur was dimly illuminated by the low light, making the yellow and tan of Serena stand out much unlike the darker purple fur of her brother. 'Do you think we could get the fridge open?' Serena asked. She eyed off the towering appliance before looking back at Alec. 'I think you're crazy.' He shook his head. 'We'd need more micen to get that thing open, and then some way to make sure it doesn't close on us. No, remember what I taught you? Pantry is always the safest bet.' 'Ohh, fine you big scaredy rat.' Serena poked out her tongue and giggled, breaking into a light jog to catch up with her brother who hadn't once deviated from his course. The pair passed under the enormous table, sparing a quick glance at the corners of the table cloth. Sometimes if they hung low enough one of them could jump high enough to climb and find scraps up on the table itself. Not this time though it seemed, either the tablecloth had been changed or it wasn't sitting evenly on the table this time. 'There we go.' Alec pointed to the pantry door. 'Remember how to climb that?' He gave a few more cursory glances around before leading the way, jumping nimbly onto the wooden vent pattern in the pantry door and climbing. Serena followed a few inches behind him until they reached the door handle. With a practiced ease he took hold of one, before leaning over to the other one and planting his foot. With no small strain he managed to wedge it open just enough for his sister to crawl inside and onto the nearest shelf. Taking a deep breath, Serena pushed against the door from the inside, holding it open just enough for Alec to crawl in and jump down beside her. The door softly closed as she let go, the spring loaded hinges pulling it back into its normal closed position. It didn't matter, it was easy enough to push back open from inside and in the meantime they were surrounded by delicious food that was theirs for the taking, as much as they could eat and carry back with them. The young girl's eyes lit up and her hanging jaw began to water as she looked across all the packages and boxed trying to decide what to eat first. 'Pull yourself together will ya?' Alec sniggered, already gnawing at a cardboard box full of cereal. After a few seconds he managed to make a small enough hole to pull one of the small frosted loops through. Placing it softly on Serena's head, he reached in and pulled out a second one before starting to take small bites. 'Is it good?' Serena asked, breaking off a small chunk of the loop on her head and sniffing it curiously. 'Mmhmm.' Alec nodded over a full mouth. Serena took a small nibble before devouring the whole handful in one bite. 'Mmrrff... Sweet!' She licked her lips and then pulled the rest of the cereal loop off her head and dug in enthusiastically. 'These are really good!' 'Settle down.' Alec giggled. 'Let's see what else there is.' He walked around a few more boxes, the low lighting in the pantry made it difficult to see but he managed to find an opened box and climbed to the top of it. 'What is it?' Serena asked, taking another bite of her cereal loop. 'Not sure, but it smells sweet.' Alec replied as he pulled the tab open. 'I think it's... Yes! It's cookies!' He climbed down into the box before pushing one of the cookies back out the top. Serena dropped her cereal and ran over excitedly, standing right beside the box just as Alec pushed it over the edge. 'Ooof!' She grunted with the effort of catching it on her own, stumbling backwards before tripping over the cereal loop and landing on her back with the large cookie on top of her. 'Alec!' 'Crap, are you okay?' Alec hastily climbed back down and lifted the cookie off his sister with a look of concern on his face. 'I'm okay...' She shook her head dazed. 'Why didn't you tell me you were gonna drop it?' 'Why did you stand under it?' He retorted. 'I was only gonna be able to get it down one way, silly!' 'Shut up, I wasn't ready for it.' Serena grumbled, crawling backwards and letting Alec lower the cookie back down. 'But just for that I get the first bite!' 'No you don't!' Alec replied with a grin. 'I did all the hard work.' But before he could make good on his claim Serena had already leaned forward and taken a big mouthful of the soft doughy cookie, making a show of chewing it loudly in front of him. He gave her a slow cocked smile before leaning over and flicking her nose. 'Hey!' She protested through half a mouth full of cookie. 'Don't do that...' Alec grinned and picked the cookie up onto its side before rolling it towards the door. 'If we can get this back to the mouse hole we'll be fed for at least two days. See if you can grab something else.' 'Fine.' She replied, still with the sour look on her face before swallowing her mouthful and starting to rummage through a few stacked up packets of various things. 'But whatever I find is mine and you have to ask me nicely if you want any!' 'Whatever you say.' Alec grinned. He rolled the cookie off the edge of the shelf where it fell down just in front of the door with a soft thud. It would be easy to retrieve from down below once they were back outside, but for now he turned his attention back to his sister. 'There's not much else in here.' She said. 'Maybe we can just take a whole lot of loops back with us too?' 'I guess, if you can carry them?' Alec shrugged. 'Put as many as you can on your tail and keep it coiled tight.' The mental image made both of them smile, Serena being unable to stifle a giggle before starting to scoop a bundle of cereal loops out of the hole they had made in the box and slowly threading them onto her tail. 'This feels so silly.' She giggled again before she leaned on the door and waited for Alec to push it open. As he did so, she climbed back out but lost two of the five loops she was carrying as she jumped across to the door. The cookie, wedged between the door and the bottom shelf, slipped out onto the floor at the same time. 'Don't worry, let's go.' Alec said. With a nimble leap and swing, he followed her in gripping the outside of the door once again and they both started to climb down a quickly as they could. Serena skipped the last few inches and jumped to the floor, looking back up with a proud grin as her brother dropped down beside her a few moments later. She gathered up the loops she had dropped while Alec hefted the cookie onto its side so he could roll it like a wheel. 'I'll lead the way!' Serena whispered excitedly, seeing that Alec would be unable to keep a clear view with the cookie obscuring half of his vision. 'O-okay, just be careful.' He said. Normally he would prefer to lead the way himself, but it was still dark and as far as he could tell nobody was even home. Serena should be safe but he still hoped she would be careful as he had been teaching her. 'Remember all the tricks I taught you. Sight the path ahead, keep your ears sharp and remember to take notice of unusual smells.' 'I know.' She replied, already leading the way back across the kitchen floor. 'Just try to keep up with me with that thing.' She stopped at the doorway back to the living room and panned her gaze across it, just as Alec had taught her. The room was as quiet and still as it had been before. Giving a quick glance back she gave him a nod before trekking back out into the open back towards their hole. Alec followed as quickly as he could manage, rolling the cookie like a wheel. Every revolution made it bump slightly where the first bite had been taken out of it and he tried not to giggle so he could stay alert. Empty house or no, they hadn't survived this long by not being cautious all the time. Serena reached the cupboard that concealed their home and dashed underneath. Alec followed a few moments later, tilting the cookie over and dragging it in behind him. Back inside, he set it down beside the pile of cloth that he slept on. Serena had already offloaded the cereal loops from her tail and was licking the sugar residue from both it and her fingers. 'Okay, got that wanderlust out of your system?' He asked her. 'Got what out of what?' She asked with a puzzled look. 'Never mind.' He said. 'Can we go back to bed for a while now?' He collapsed onto his bed and looked back at her. She tilted her head sideways to match his and then grinned back at him and shook her head. 'Nope! I still wanna go out there and play some more.' She said. 'The leona isn't even home, what are you scared of? As soon as we hear the front door we can run back here!' '...Well... Okay.' Alec sighed reluctantly. 'But just remember we have to be careful, always. Even when it seems like we're safe. Okay?' He sat back up and rolled onto his feet. 'Of course.' She said, moving forward to give him a quick hug before dashing back outside the door. Alec scrambled to catch up to her, stepping back outside to see where she was. 'Serena, slow down.' He called. He caught up to her, already standing in the middle of the living room and looking around curiously. The steadily flicking light from the television still gave the room a dull and somewhat spooky feel. 'We were sure nobody was home, right?' Serena asked. Her voice had a slight shake but she didn't show any other sign of being afraid. 'I think so but remember, be careful. It's hard to see with only a little light so we'll have to keep a sharp listen out remember?' Alec answered. He took a few steps forward. He didn't really want to be out here, but at the same time a chance for reconnaissance in this house when it was empty was a rare opportunity. The two of them started walking towards the entertainment unit, their shadows falling behind them as they started to climb up towards where the television sat. Serena reached the top first, standing in front of the slowly blinking light. Alec watched and shook his head as Serena stared at the light, blinking each time it came on. 'Stop that, you'll ruin your eyesight.' He scolded her. 'It's not THAT bright.' She retorted, but took her eyes away a few moments after it flashed again. She followed Alec as he started to walk towards the edge of the cabinet. Neither of them had ever taken much notice of the larger bookcase on this side of the room, usually only travelling to the kitchen and back. It was half full of books and half full of various disc cases. 'I wonder what kind of books she reads.' Alec wondered out loud, almost missing that Serena had jumped over to one of the lower shelves and was walking across to the far end. 'Wait Serena!' He followed her onto the shelf and across to the far end. 'I've never even been here before.' Serena said. 'It's like going somewhere for the first time.' The other end of the bookshelf was propped up against a low sitting coffee table and she swung herself around the end of the shelf to land on top of it and keep walking. She gave a cursory glance to the cup and plate they had noticed before, but there were no crumbs to speak of. 'Serena!' Alec called, with increased frustration in his voice. 'Stop running ahead of me like that! One of these days you're going to get yourself killed!' 'Will you relax?' Serena called back. 'We're fine. See? Nobody is even here.' She walked across the coffee table to the other end, where the arm of the sofa was only a small jump. 'Guh. At least slow down!' He called. Running after her, he made the jump a few seconds behind her and climbed up onto the back of the sofa beside her. The blanket that was haphazardly draped over the sofa and its cushions was a lumpy mess below them and from up here the rest of the living room looked somewhat smaller. 'This is a nice spot.' Serena said, sitting down at last. Alec sat beside her and sighed in relief. His turned his gaze towards the closed cabinet that concealed their home and traced the way they had come to get here. It was a bigger room than he had given thought to before, the fact that their route was always closer to the other side had led him to never give much thought to it before though. 'Yea, it's not a bad view from here.' He conceded. The television continued its slow dull blink from the other side of the room and there was another dim glow now coming from the window behind the curtains on the adjacent wall. 'It looks like the sun will be up soon. We shouldn't stay here too much longer.' 'Can we go outside later?' Serena asked. 'I guess.' Alec nodded. 'Remember we have to wait though. The middle of the day just before the sun hits the top of the sky is when it's safest. We'll go back inside for a while and then we'll wait for a few hours first.' 'Okay.' Serena nodded. She took a deep breath and leaned back on the soft padding before lying down and stretching out all of her limbs. 'So now you're tired again?' Alec asked with a small smile. 'Maybe...' She answered coyly. 'I just couldn't sleep. But I could sleep here. This is so much more comfortable than my bed.' She rolled over and curled up, looking back at him with a smile. 'Forget it, and don't make the big eyes at me.' Alec shook his head in response. 'There is no way I'm letting either one of us sleep out here in the open like this.' Despite his own words he slid himself over and curled up beside her. She yawned, making him shake his head before he too did the same. 'Are you sure?' Serena asked. 'It's comfy right?' She began to stretch her limbs out, then froze suddenly as her eyes widened in alarm. 'What is...?' Alec began to ask, then he too froze in place. Movement came from beneath them, vibrating through the structure of the sofa as something made it move. With slow movements, he peered down into the seat of the sofa, the rumpled blanket that had been draped there. A few minutes of carefully creeping back towards the end of the sofa and keeping an eye on the blanket revealed the terrifying truth. The blanket was not empty at all, someone was under there. Someone had been under there this entire time. 'Alec?' Serena whispered from a few inches behind him. 'Is it...?' 'Yes.' He replied, trying to keep strong even watching the colour drain from her face. 'Keep very quiet, and climb back down. Don't run unless they move.' 'Okay...' Serena nodded. She approached him and shuffled carefully past, stopping and shaking before the last few inches and freezing up in place. 'Alec...?' 'Keep moving.' Alec pleaded. 'Don't stop.' Serena shook her head, whimpering as she tried to move forward again. Suddenly her arm slipped and she began to slip down the fabric towards the danger below. 'No!' Alec exclaimed in horror, grabbing her tail and pulling her back up. He felt his own feet slip under her weight, but refused to let up until his sister was safe. He wrapped his arm around her waist and tossed her back up to the top of the sofa. 'Get back to the hole, don't come back out until tonight!' 'Alec?' She protested, crawling back to the top of the sofa and curling back up. 'Alec don't go...' Alec tried to dig his claws into the fabric and climb back up but was shaking too much to find a firm grip. His body landed on something soft, bouncing and rolling further before landing on one of the lower cushions. His eyes clenched shut and he clutched his head, dizzy from the fall. A sudden wave of hot air washed over him, followed by a shift in the blankets behind him. He gulped and turned around slowly, eyes widening in terror as the house's occupant looked back at him. Her large nose and lips filled his vision before she shifted and looked down at him with sleepy eyes. 'S-Solace...' He breathed. Cowering before her, his thoughts turned to his sister. Would she be safe without him? Would she be alright on her own, had his lessons really sunk in? His thoughts were cut cruelly short as the leona's hand suddenly shifted from under the blankets and hit him from behind. Suddenly he has pressed harshly face first into the end of her muzzle, soft skin of her lips and nose feeling warm against his body. 'No... I can't!' He protested weakly. He winced as she inhaled his scent, then shuddered as she exhaled before her lips parted and wrapped around his midsection. 'Please don't!' His pleas went unheeded as a loud wet slurp drowned out the ambience and he was surrounded by the hot wet interior of her maw. The smell was horrible, every bit as bad as morning breath with a hint of drinking from the night before. He struggled uselessly and tried to get his bearings, as trying to squirm in any direction was useless unless he knew he was heading towards the way out. A sliver of light whizzed past his vision before her tongue obscured it. He tried to push himself that way, but her saliva had already matted his fur and made it impossible for him to grip anything in here. His head banged against the hard roof of her mouth as she swished him around and savoured his flavour for a torturous few moments before the pressure all around him increased. 'No! I have to...!' His last words were crushed from his lungs as her tongue forced him into the wet folds of her throat muscles. They squeezed in around him as her tongue shifted one more time, pushing him down with a horrifyingly loud gulp... Serena crawled to the edge of the sofa, still shivering and now tears were also leaking from her eyes. She looked back down towards where Alec had fallen. He wasn't there, and now she could make out the top half of a leona's head. She was pretty sure it was the same leona that lived in this house, but in the dim light it was hard to tell. 'Alec?' She whispered. He didn't answer. He had wanted her to get back to their home. Maybe he had already gone there, after falling down the sofa like that surely he would have just run back there, right? She kept watching the leona for a few more seconds, frozen in place once more at the thought of being caught by the giant owner of this house. Beneath her, the sleeping leona shifted slightly, her tongue licking around her lips before she moaned lightly and went back to sleep... 'Alec...' Serena sniffed. 'I'll... I'll see you back home...' Morrix the Heir By Flynn Coyote'Morrix!' A stern voice called, snapping the young girl back to attention. 'Please try to keep up. Once we're inside you can play but we are not safe until then, clear?' 'Yes Dad!' Morrix replied, rolling her eyes and quickening her pace. Her father's armour glinted in the low light as they entered the tunnel that would lead down into the settlement of Tara. Another set of footsteps got closer to her from behind and she turned to see Thanis, one of her father's aides, ushering her to quicken her pace even more. His fur was a similar shade of grey to her own, a dark grey not far from black, but he had light patches of grey on his shoulders where she did not. 'Pay heed to your father.' He said. His voice was also stern, but not without a kindness that her father seemed to be short on whenever he came here. She was always glad when his trips were over and they could talk like a normal father and daughter, but she did understand enough to at least appreciate that whatever he did here was necessary to provide for her and the others. The light from behind faded as they rounded a corner, to be replaced from light within the small settlement up ahead. 'How long are we gonna be here?' Morrix asked, increasing her pace to keep the adults happy. 'Only two days, three at the most.' Her father answered. 'Sitchol, shall I take her to the usual place?' Thanis asked. Sitchol stopped and pondered for a moment, panning his gaze down the tunnel that in only another minute or so would split into the network that comprised Tara itself. 'Let her look around.' Sitchol replied, turning to meet Thanis' gaze before nodding and looking at Morrix. The girl looked back, cocking her head slightly in curiosity. 'After all, she has to learn what this is all about sooner or later. And why it is necessary.' His expression was a neutral smile only half visible under the hood he wore. 'Alright then.' Thanis nodded as the three of them started walking again. Morrix perked up her ears and ran to catch up to her father, dropping into a fast walk to stay beside him. 'Why is it such a big deal?' She asked. 'I already know what you do. You sell rattis don't you?' 'I do...' Sitchol replied. 'But Morrix, it isn't that simple. You see, sometimes it is necessary to do certain unpleasant things. Not all of them are suitable to serve us.' 'Sitchol are you sure about this?' Thanis asked from behind, uncertainty in his voice. 'She's still a bit young, this is a lot for a child to take in.' 'I can handle it!' Morrix retorted, her voice full of confidence in the way only na?ve youth could be. She stared back at Thanis with the defiance she displayed every time someone treated her like a child, despite the fact that she essentially was. 'Hehe, you see?' Sitchol grinned. 'Come now Thanis, you worry for nothing. As micen, we are all well aware of the difference between life and death and how easily one can meet their end. Why the three of us took a risk just to travel here, didn't we? One lucky leona out and about on our path and we wouldn't be here now.' 'Exactly.' Morrix stuck out her tongue to Thanis. She like him, but wasn't fond of how overprotective he was at times. 'Very well.' The brown micen backed off, trailing behind the father and daughter as they entered the main tunnel of Tara. The denizens of this place were almost exclusively carrying some sort of weapon, and those of rank within Sitchol's business empire wore some degree of armour similar to their boss. Thanis walked off to one side, being greeted by a brown micen with a dirty tin breastplate and greaves. 'He brought her again?' The guard leader asked. 'Yea.' Thanis nodded. 'I think this time she's being introduced to the finer points of the business. I don't understand it.' 'What do you mean?' The other asked. 'Half the time he's too protective of her. And then suddenly he wants her to see just how horrible this place can be. I just don't get it. You wouldn't bring your kids here would you Rennek?' 'Hell no.' Rennek shook his head. 'But not for that reason Thanis. Sooner or later kids do have to learn that this world won't be kind to them. I just don't want my kids near these... things.' 'Yea well.' Thanis shook his head again. 'They probably wouldn't be so dangerous if the boss was more forgiving.' He began to walk away, seeing Sitchol and Morrix disappear further up the tunnel being escorted by a pair of guards. 'Whatever you say Thanis.' Rennek called after him. 'But don't go getting yourself in strife over this. It ain't worth it.' Morrix looked around as her father discussed the recent progress that the slavers had made with the rattis in the area. She'd never been in this part of Tara before, and it was certainly more than she had expected. Outside one building there were several rattis in light chains, being inspected by micen of a wealthy look. Further down were rattis in heavier chains and blindfolds, these were hissing at the armed micen who ushered and dragged them into the building before them with needles and sharp strikes to their ankles. 'Certainly different to your normal visits isn't it?' Thanis' voice sounded from behind her, and she spun to see him standing with a blank stare at her before he shifted his gaze to Sitchol. 'I didn't know they were so angry at first.' She said. 'Well they don't like what we do to them.' Thanis explained. 'Your father set this up because they were dangerous. Now, instead of attacking us, they work for us. But it takes a lot of... harsh training to make them this obedient.' Morrix nodded. The girl had wanted to be treated like a grown up but these were things she immediately wished she didn't know. All the same, it was too late to simply run away from this. She turned back to the first group she had seen in time to watch one of the rats being led away by the micen who had been looking her over. The look in her eyes was one of weary resignation. 'Why couldn't we just find a way to be friends...?' Morrix asked. 'We did try.' Thanis sighed sadly. 'And a few dozen micen died. Including your, uh... Never mind.' 'My what?' Morrix asked, her heart beating faster as her mind began to guess what Thanis was about to say. 'Your mother, dear.' Sitchol called, approaching now and giving his daughter a solemn gaze, sad but with a caring warmth that she had not expected to see until they left this place. 'She believed that we could treat with the rattis, find some mutual living arrangement that would benefit us all.' 'It could have worked.' Thanis murmured. 'It would have been great.' 'I agree.' Sitchol said with a pointed glare. 'So when they refused, when they murdered Moreen and the others in cold blood, I decided then that I would MAKE it work! For all of them.' 'I never knew that was how Mom died. I just thought...' Morrix trailed off, memories of the half empty childhood she remembered bringing a single tear to her cheek. 'Don't cry.' Sitchol leaned down and wiped her cheek softly with his hand. 'What we've done here is to make sure these beasts can't hurt anyone again.' He smiled, prompting Morrix to manage a small smile back before he stood and met Thanis' gaze. 'I'm going to head over to the uh, east circle. Make sure she keeps a safe distance from them.' 'Alright.' Thanis nodded. 'Morrix? It might be time to head over to the other circle.' 'I will, soon.' She nodded. 'Just let me stay here a little longer. I'll be careful.' Thanis was silent for a few moments, visibly uncomfortable with the idea but eventually he nodded. 'Alright. Come find me when you're ready.' Half an hour passed and Morrix just watched. Rattis were herded into one building from another while others remained in chains outside, spitting and cursing at any micen who wandered close. Growing restless, the girl started towards the far end of the circle, following the road around and keeping to the opposite side of the rats. Each building here had rattis smell on it. And each building also had at least a dozen micen guarding or attending in some way. Morrix noticed that some of the micen were in almost as rough a shape as the rattis were, but none of them were chained up. Or at least none of the ones outside were. As she reached the other end of the circle, there seemed to be almost no attention on her. One of the micen attendants had given her a glance as she walked by, but nobody stopped her and nobody gave her a second glance. She recognized a few faces from prior visits to Tara, and it was likely that everyone here knew who she was. Her interest was piqued as she noticed the building opposite the tunnel exit to the rear side of Tara, it had only a single guard and he rested against the front wall fast asleep. Whatever is in there can't be too important, Morrix thought to herself, before discreetly making her way to the doorway and pushing lightly. It slid open easily enough, the hinges creaked annoyingly but the guard remained still but for the gentle rock of his light snoring. A low hiss caught her attention as the occupants of the room were revealed. Three rattis, heavily chained and four micen also in chains. All were bound by chains threaded through metal crossbars that led to pillars along the wall. All but one of the rats was unconscious, and it was this one who formed the source of the hiss. 'What do you want here, haven't you tortured us enough?' The voice of the rattis was undeniably young, and definitely female. With her vision having adjusted to the darkness of the room, Morrix could see that she was smaller than the others, though still twice the size of Morrix herself. 'Torture?' Morrix asked, her voice shaky. 'What do you mean torture? W-why would I...?' The rattis turned her blindfolded head towards Morrix' voice and scented the air. 'You smell like him... Are you related?' 'Related to... who?' The micen girl asked, taking a slow careful step towards the bound rat. 'Sitchol...' She spat the reply. 'He set all this up... Rallied support against us... and led the incursion that captured us all.' 'I don't understand...' Morrix replied softly. 'Why did he do this...?' 'What do you care...' She growled back. Resting her head back down, the rat went silent once more. Morrix took another step closer, close enough now to reach out and touch the captive. With a slow careful move, she slipped her hand under the fetid rag that covered the prisoner's eyes and lifted. The rattis jerked slightly but made no resistance. 'Is that better?' Morrix asked, pulling the blindfold clear and tossing it to the side. It was hard to tell in the low light, but her eyes looked to be of a pale blue colour that contrasted the almost black of her fur. 'What are you doing?' She demanded, almost growling. 'I don't believe what my father says about your kind... I think Thanis disagrees too.' Morrix replied. 'My name is Morrix. What's yours?' 'It's... Reqa.' The rat answered. 'My name is Reqa.' 'Okay. How did you get here?' Morrix asked. 'Same way as everyone else.' Reqa growled. 'Your father's lackeys overpowered me. Attacked me and brought me here. They torture us until we don't resist anymore. And then bam, they make us build for them. Steal food for them to keep themselves safe.' 'Why? That's horrible...' Morrix breathed. 'They send you out there... where the leonas are?' 'Not me, not yet.' Reqa shook her head. 'But eventually. I guess it goes without saying that eventually they need... more slaves.' The rattis rested her head and closed her eyes. 'Anyway, now you know how horrible your father is. You should run along before he catches you here.' Morrix sat still for a few more moments. She had heard her father explain why he did this, but speaking to this Reqa... She couldn't believe that all rattis deserved to be treated this way. Reqa by the sounds of it had certainly done nothing wrong. She wondered if she could convince her father to stop doing this, or at least stop treating the rattis so badly. She remembered the story of her mother... but there had to be more to it than that. 'Why are you still here?' Reqa demanded. 'Just wait...' Morrix whispered back. 'I'll help you out of here.' Reqa's eyes widened at the micen's words and she stared back at the girl intently. 'Are you serious?' The rattis' voice was more focused and hushed now, the prospect of freedom had clearly caught her attention. 'Yea, just... let me figure out how.' Morrix examined the chains. They were small, but solid. The lengths wrapped firmly around Reqa's wrists, binding them close together before leading off behind the bars that she was leaning against. It was almost pulled taut, giving the rattis no room to move or struggle. A pin threaded through one of the loops and wedged behind two pillars was all that held the chain in place. It was a simple way to secure the chain, yet effective. There was little chance the rattis could manipulate the pin in any way that would remove it from the chain and being blindfolded most of them wouldn't even know they could try. Morrix climbed over the bars and walked over. 'Do you see?' Reqa asked. 'Oh my, is that really all that was holding us?' 'Simple huh?' Morrix almost giggled. She pulled the pin securing the chain, allowing Reqa to pull it through the crossbars. After a moment's thought she began to pull one of the other pins loose as well securing another prisoner. 'Don't.' Reqa stopped her. 'We were in here because... we were more violent than most. You might not be safe if you let them loose.' 'But... I trust you.' Morrix said. 'And I don't know who these are.' Reqa retorted. 'Like I said, you might not be safe. And... why would you trust me? I hate your father, I badly mauled one of his guards, and I'm starving.' 'I'll get you out of here, and I'll bring you something to eat as soon as I can.' Morrix insisted. 'If you want to stay alive, what choice do you have but to trust me?' Reqa was silent. 'See?' Morrix smiled. 'It's not that complicated. I'm gonna prove my dad wrong. Things don't have to be this way. Thanis doesn't like it either, I'm sure.' 'Thanis?' Reqa asked with a growl. 'Maybe you should ask Thanis how many rattis he's killed.' 'Wait...' Morrix climbed back over the bars and began to unravel the tight chains from around Reqa's wrists. 'You know Thanis?' 'If he's the one I'm thinking of, yes.' She growled. 'Could you... untie my feet as well? My hands are a little numb from being tied so long...' 'Sure.' The girl leaned down and started unwrapping the chain from Reqa's ankles. 'Where do they get this? No micen I know of can make chains like this...' 'They're jewellery chains.' Reqa explained. 'The leona wear these, shiny jewels sometimes around their necks. Usually with chains like this. Your father bartered for them, others he straight up stole himself. Or got slaves to.' 'Okay, I think that should do it...' Morrix finished unwinding the chain from the rattis' legs and pulled it away, leaving Reqa now completely free. In an instant her clawed hand was gripping the back of Morrix' head and pulling her close towards Reqa's face. 'Thank you.' The rattis whispered. She hugged Morrix tightly, her arms easily enveloping the micen's much smaller body into her ragged fur. 'Umm, sure.' Morrix smiled. 'But we should get you out of here. Let me make sure the way out is clear.' Reqa released her and followed her to the door, waiting as the young micen carefully opened it and tentatively stepped outside. 'Well?' Reqa whispered. 'Come quietly. The guard is still asleep here.' Morrix replied. 'There doesn't seem to be anyone guarding the tunnel to get out... I wonder why.' Reqa followed hastily. 'Because they don't think anyone will get out. The guards or on the outside of the tunnel. To stop my kin from getting inside.' They rushed along and entered the long tunnel, moments before footsteps heralded the arrival of a group of Sitchol's slavers. 'Then... how do we get past them?' Morrix asked in a panicked whisper. 'Easy.' Reqa grinned. 'We improvise.' Morrix was about to ask another question before the rattis seized her by the throat and carried her ruggedly towards the exit. Sitchol sighed with relief and stretched his arms as he took a few steps back out onto the streets. His shoulder popped with the movement, making him moan pleasurably. One of his guards off shift was sat on a makeshift porch on the opposite side of the street, almost mirroring the master slaver's own grin. 'A good group of girls this time.' Sitchol muttered. 'I'm impressed.' He turned back to the building before deciding to head back to the central circle. The barracks for his men was located there, as well as a lavishly furbished suite for himself and his daughter. Or at least as lavish as any micen could consider such a term. Still, the trip had been tiring. If Morrix wasn't there when he got home, he'd make sure Thanis brought her back soon enough. The walk to the central circle was much easier on the eyes than his initial entry point, given that the slave pens were isolated on the western side. The rest of Tara was just barracks and a few essential facilities that any settlement needed in order to function, as well as living quarters and second homes for those who made regular visits as clientele. The colony headmaster had been well trained in managing these things when Sitchol had recruited him. The black furred micen reached his abode in short enough order, stopping only once along the way to harshly settle a dispute between two of the guards on a disciplinary matter. One of the micen slaves had talked back to a guard and had her arm broken. Sitchol agreed with his detractor, a damaged slave was no good for sale until they were healed. And so the aggressor had inherited a nice companion to nurse back to health at his own expense. The black micen silenced the feeble protest with a simple wave of his hand, there had been times when others had forfeited far more for far less. Finally arriving at his own den, he sat and allowed his body the next level of relaxation. Only his ears remained alert for any unwelcome movement in the area. He was just beginning to doze off with thoughts of wondering where Morrix was when a scurry of feet outside caught his attention. He heard Thanis' voice demanding to know what was going on, and whimpered answers that she'd been taken. Sitchol's eyes bolted open and he sprang to his feet, almost demolishing the door that led back onto the street in his haste to get out there and hear what was going on. 'Thanis? What is this?!' Sitchol demanded. Six other micen stood around Thanis, with a seventh at his feet with a bruised eye. All eight of them looked at him with mixed expressions of feat and distraught. 'It's Morrix. She's gone.' Thanis answered. 'A rattis has escaped and taken her.' 'How the hell did this happen?' Sitchol demanded, stepping forward with his fists shaking in fear and rage. Thanis picked up the micen at his feet and threw him to the floor before Sitchol. 'I was just asking that myself.' Sitchol leaned down. His hood draped slightly further over his face, adding to his menacing look as he glared into the frightened eyes of the guard at his feet, a tan micen with white stripes. 'Well?' 'I-I was at the northern entrance....' The guard stammered. 'She came from behind us, from inside. We didn't know what to do! She had Morrix held in one hand and her claws at her neck! It was that young one we caught with the last batch, the one that almost took Aron's leg. She got out!' 'She was in chains and blindfolded, how the hell could she get out?' Sitchol demanded, standing back upright and motioning to two of the slaver guards. He pointed back to his chest and they understood immediately, running inside to fetch his armour while he continued the interrogation. 'That's the thing... we have no idea. Someone had to have undone the chains.' Sitchol and Thanis both exchanged a glance. 'Maybe she wasn't ready.' Thanis said. 'She was always...' 'Enough.' Sitchol said. 'Thanis, take a few men with you and start looking. Check the tunnels to the north first, then move up to the main floor. I'll go straight there. We'll find her and meet near the central counter, east wall. Once we get her back here I want you to take her straight back to Kert.' 'Sitchol, if she's-' 'Now!' Sitchol growled, prompting Thanis and the remaining micen guards into action. Thanis gave one last glance at his boss before he broke into a run, slowing only to draw two needles from the nearest weapon rack before he headed up the tunnel with his cohort in tow. 'Where are we...?' Morrix asked as Reqa set her down. The micen rubbed her neck gently, it was still sore from the rattis rather convincing ploy to pretend she had a hostage. 'This is one of the apartments.' Reqa explained. 'My brother told me once that there are more like this, and they almost all have colonies in them. Just like... that one.' She gestured back towards Tara. 'Really?' Morrix asked. 'How many? I've never been anywhere except for Tara and Kert.' 'I dunno. Lots. This is a pretty big place. Bigger than you would ever think.' Reqa grunted and leaned over, an audible growl coming from her abdomen. It was much louder than any stomach growl Morrix had ever heard, which was less surprising a moment later as she remembered that the rattis was twice her size. 'Oh right, we need to find food...' Morrix said, suppressing a giggle. 'What's your favourite thing to eat?' She smiled as Reqa met her gaze, tilting her head in confusion as Reqa smiled and seemed to laugh softly to herself. 'I don't think you want to know.' The rattis girl replied. 'It's not something you'd be inclined to get for me. Or do for me.' Morrix leaned in close, surprising Reqa with her apparent lack of fear. 'Is it... micen?' She asked. Reqa grabbed Morrix by the scruff of her shirt, then ran her claws along the back of the micen's neck and shoulders before playfully pulling her close and running her tongue up her cheek. Morrix trembled a little, but didn't flinch. Reqa smiled and let go, as tempting as it might be to snack on the girl, it wouldn't be right to eat someone so young. Nor someone who had just saved your life. 'I take that as a yes...' Morrix shivered. 'And um, thank you for not... you know.' 'I do kind of owe you.' Reqa said. 'But what are you going to do now?' 'I'll go back... soon I guess.' The micen said. 'And you?' 'I think I'll look for my brother.' Reqa answered. 'We used to make home there.' She pointed through an enormous archway into another large chamber similar in enormity to the one they were in now. 'But now who knows, that's where we were caught so he's probably moved on...' 'This is so... huge.' Morrix exclaimed. 'I've never been outside the colonies or the tunnels between them before. I never knew it was like this.' 'Leonas built this place. It's huge, and so are they.' Reqa explained. 'There hasn't been one here for a while. It's why Tara was built here.' 'I've never seen one before.' Morrix said, starting to walk quickly towards the far end of the giant room with Reqa a few paces behind. 'There aren't any around Kert either.' Reqa stopped her from getting too far. 'Wanna race?' She asked suddenly. 'Race?' Morrix perked up her ears. 'To where?' 'There!' Reqa pointed to a mountain of cloth in the other room, an old sofa that had been left behind by the last leona tenant of this place. 'Go!' The two of them broke into a run. Morrix surprised Reqa with her speed, and by the look on her face even surprised herself. Or maybe she was just having fun for the first time in her life. Reqa let Morrix have the lead, but doubled her pace in the last few feet. Morrix leaped up and grabbed onto the sofa's side, squeaking in surprise as Reqa did the same beside her. 'Can't catch me!' Morrix teased, letting go and dashing across from the sofa to the empty opposite corner of the room. 'Hey!' Reqa jumped off and dashed after her, this time not allowing Morrix any favours. She caught up to the micen and pinned her to the floor in short order, causing them both to laugh in fun and exhilaration before Reqa rolled over and laid herself back on the floor. 'Uuhhnn, so hungry...' 'Oh, right.' Morrix sat up, blushing. 'L-let me have a look around, there has to be something nearby. Wait here.' Reqa simply smiled and nodded, not moving from her relaxed state. Morrix was unsure of exactly what she was supposed to do in this situation. She knew that micen often found food in the pantries of leonas, but there were no leonas living near Kert or Tara. All of their resources were brought in by trade or import from the other colonies. Still, this was only one place, surely she'd be able to find something if she just went a little further. Five minutes more of wandering saw her enter another room not unlike the last one, only this time there was a hole in the side of the wall. She remembered from her early lessons that holes like this were hidden in the walls for micen to avoid the attention of the leonas. She broke into a jog towards it, if micen had made the tunnel then it probably led to somewhere that had food. She recalled that pantries were generally up high, which meant she'd have to climb the wall. But that was okay. She may have lived a privileged life with her father being so successful, but Morrix was still well capable of doing things for herself. Thanis and her father both had made sure of that. She caught an unfamiliar scent as she approached the hole in the wall. Slowing cautiously, she peered around the entrance to the hole, seeing just the normal loose plaster and timber strewn among pipework and the odd bit of wiring. This was nothing unusual, but the scent was stronger here. A low hiss made her gasp, before clamping her hand over her mouth and backing away. Trembling in nervousness, she made to turn around but movement caught her eye from the gap in the wall and caused her to delay. It would prove fatal as a large form lunged from the wall and knocked her viciously to the ground. 'You're one of his...' A low voice growled, causing Morrix to look up and see her attacker. He was a large rattis, his fur a similar shade to Reqa's but unlike her, he was no juvenile. She was astonished at how large he was, even after seeing the ones back in Tara. 'W-whose...?' She stammered. 'You mean... D-dad?' She shivered in terror, her eyes panning from the rattis' claws to his bared teeth. 'Oh? Little miss slaver-in-training are you?' He snarled, livid tone in his voice. 'This must be my lucky day.' One claw dug into her throat, stifling a whimper as the other raised into the air, poised to strike... Reqa had not intended to fall asleep here, just to rest. She'd decided to crawl closer to the wall of the enormous room where she could prop herself up and stay relaxed, but all the same tried to stay alert. The other micen would be in pursuit before long, she had to stay... 'Wake up.' She gasped at the voice, feeling something sharp pressed against her neck. Dammit! She had been surrounded by the slavers, seven of them. The leader of them she recognized immediately. 'Thanis...?' She couldn't hide the fear in her voice. 'Where is she?' He demanded, intense focus and borderline anger in her eyes. 'And the answer better not be here.' He lowered the needle and jabbed into her gut just enough to sting. Almost as if to answer, Reqa's empty stomach growled, reminding her on top of everything else she still hadn't eaten properly in a long time. Thanis smirked, before turning towards three of the other guards. 'Restrain her. The rest of you come with me. We'll continue the search.' Thanis wondered how much further Morrix could be. As the three guards followed him towards the next room, he heard the grunts and futile protests of the rattis behind him. His suspicions were confirmed however, there was no way the rattis had freed herself. And if Morrix had come outside with her without being restrained, then Thanis had been right all along. Morrix was simply too innocent a girl for this. Sitchol should never have tried to pull her into the slaver trade... A cry of pain caught his attention. It was definitely her, but it was so far away. 'No... Mory?' He broke into a run towards the sound of the voice, not in this room but the next. His guards were left behind in his adrenalin fuelled desperation to reach her. Morrix was like a niece to him and there was no way he'd let her... 'Oh no...' He fell to his knees as he rounded the bend, greeted with the sight he had been dreading. Morrix lay still, her chest exposed and moving only barely. Vicious claw marks left stripes of dripping blood down her sides, one of her arms had been gnawed brutally from her socket and both of her legs were visibly broken. A horrific bite mark dominated one of her ears, and a raking claw had destroyed much of her face. Her left eye was gone, leaving only a bloody crater where it had been. 'Th....T...' Morrix seized slightly, her remaining blood covered arm trembling as it tried to reach for him. Thanis scowled at this horror. Morrix was dying, from the looks of her injuries he immediately knew there was no saving her. His eyes raised, losing tears as they locked with those of the monster that did this. 'Thanis wasn't it?' The rattis growled. Black fur, grey belly... Thanis raised his needle as he recognized the murderer's face. 'Garret.' Thanis shook his head. 'She was... She was just a child.' The rattis winced, he hated that the slaver knew his name. Truth be told, he didn't even know how. 'She was another Sitchol just waiting to grow up.' Garret snarled, taking a step back as the other three micen guards finally caught up with Thanis, stopping short in fear and horror at what they saw. 'You bastard...' One of them growled, lunging at the rattis with needle raised. Garret batted it aside and swiped his bloodied claw across the micen's face, felling him in a single blow. 'T-Thanis? What do we do?' One of the others asked fearfully. 'I can't do this anymore.' Thanis shook his head. 'All it leads to is death. She never wanted to be a slaver. She didn't even understand what it meant. She helped the rattis escape. How else would they both be out here?' 'What are you...?' Garret asked. 'Helped who escape?' 'I don't know her name.' Thanis kneeled down beside Morrix, cradling the limp body in his arms. 'But she could probably use your help.' He looked up at Garret sadly, meeting the rattis' gaze and almost pleading with him to simply leave. Garret seemed to relax, no longer holding the same fury he had moments ago. 'Thanis! What the hell?!' The guard snapped. 'When Sitchol hears this he's gonna-' The words stopped abruptly as Thanis' own needle speared through the micen's heart. 'I've had enough of Sitchol.' Thanis snarled. 'I'm gonna help Morrix say goodbye... Then I'm done.' He turned to the last surviving guard that had accompanied him. The micen simply shook his head before turning to flee. Garret left as well, heading in the same direction. Sitchol glared down at the rattis girl, remembering her name as Reqa. She was a recent acquisition, one that had a lot of potential if she had only been more compliant. 'I guess we should start taking them younger.' He muttered. 'The juveniles seem to have too much spirit. Maybe infants will be easier to raise.' 'What should we do?' One of the guards queried. 'I'd like to know where my daughter is.' Sitchol said, boring his amber gaze into Reqa's eyes. Reqa stared back, struggling to keep her composure but it was hard. Ever since she was a small rattis, she had heard this name whispered with caution and fear. He wasn't like other micen. Others were food, a nuisance sometimes, but rarely trouble. But this one. This one was a monster. He drew his needle, levelling it at her chest before raising one eyebrow. His grip tightened and he pressed the point into her flesh, making a small trickle of blood pool around her fur. She winced and squeaked lightly in pain, trying vainly to shift away from the needle point. 'Boss!' A call from the distance came, and everyone looked to see a dishevelled guard bolting as fast as he could towards them. He stopped short, dropping to his knees a few paces before Sitchol. 'What is it?' Sitchol demanded, brushing his hood to one side to better see. 'M-Morrix... And Thanis...' He panted. 'I...' 'Look out!' One of the other guards pointed, a large dark furred rattis was barrelling towards them. The guards all took a step backwards, until they remembered this would bring them closer to the one thing scarier than a charging rattis... 'Get him!' Sitchol roared. 'He's not getting away this time!' Sitchol glared at the face of the same rattis that had hampered so many of his raids. Business would be almost twice as good if only this one was out of the way. The first guard missed his strike and was swiftly eviscerated by the deadly claws, and his comrade met a similar fate only moments after. The third ducked the swinging claws, driving his needle up towards the rattis' neck. Only the sharp reflexes saved the larger rodent from death, but the needle still left a bloody trail up his face, almost taking out his right eye. 'Useless.' Sitchol shook his head in disappointment. 'You.' He turned to face the last guard, the one that had come running moments earlier. 'Y-yes Boss?' The guard stammered, fearing for his life. 'Go back to Tara.' Sitchol commanded. 'Bring more hunters with you.' 'But Sir...' The armoured micen was still distraught, and only now did Sitchol realize it wasn't just fear. There was something else. But there was no time to wonder or ask, as the rattis was moving forward again. His eyes stayed locked with Sitchol as he lowered himself to all fours and walked slowly towards the younger rattis at Sitchol's feet. Slowly it began to dawn on him. There was... an uncanny resemblance. 'Oh? Now I see.' 'Get away from her.' The rattis demanded. Sitchol simply grinned in reply and flexed his grip on the needle, twisting it slightly in Reqa's flesh. The large rattis snarled, absolutely livid but not willing to make a further move just yet. 'Just... kill him.' Reqa said. 'This has to stop. It's only gonna stop with him.' 'Clever girl.' Sitchol grinned. 'Maybe she's right. Or maybe I'm just working on behalf of someone else. Who really knows, right?' He opened his free palm in a mock questioning gesture. The other rattis had stayed where he was for the time being. Sitchol took this moment to raise a questioning eyebrow towards the last guard. 'So... did you find Thanis and Morrix?' 'We did...' Came the reply. There was a definite undertone of sadness in his voice. 'Sir I don't... I don't think we can count on Thanis anymore.' 'Is he hurt?' Sitchol asked. 'Is he dead?' 'No sir...' Came the reply, followed by a deep and slow breath. '...Morrix is.' Sitchol locked eyes once more with the large rattis, his amber eyes burning fiercely. With one swift move he plunged the needle through Reqa's chest, before pulling the point out, now covered in a thick crimson sheen. Reqa struggled and panted for a few moments, before her head lolled to one side, her eyes looking towards her brother, before she slumped. Her lifeless gaze 'No!' The large rattis hissed. 'No... I'm going to tear you APART!' He lunged forward with claws and teeth bared, giving Sitchol little time to react. The needle was knocked from the micen's hand almost immediately, but Sitchol was unperturbed. He felt the rush of wind past his ear as he ducked his adversary's first swing, driving his own fist into the soft gut before lurching upwards and delivering a solid uppercut to the rattis' chin. The guard attempted to charge in and help his master, but the melee was a whirling mess of friend and foe. Claws and fists swung furiously, leaving no room for error. If he missed his strike, he could just as easily kill Sitchol. A cry of pain was heard, and the rattis raised his head. Sitchol drove his hand into the soft underbelly with one hand, his other having latched onto the tendon below the rattis' shoulder. With seemingly no effort, he threw the rattis to the ground with a heavy thud, driving the air from his lungs. Immediately Sitchol gestured to the guard for his needle, but the fallen rat was not done yet. He kicked out with his left foot, knocking the needle flying before rolling onto his belly and pulling himself away. A swing of his heavy tail stopped Sitchol from restraining him further and as soon as he could he rose to his feet and ran. 'Grr!' Sitchol stood back up, blind fury in his eyes as he reached for his needle. Something in his peripheral vision caught his attention. It was Thanis... Thanis held his breath before the final few steps. He dropped to his knees before Sitchol, setting Morrix's body gently to the floor. The black furred micen was silent, looking down with what wasn't anger, but didn't quite look like sadness either... Thanis shuffled back. Nobody deserved this. Not even Sitchol, and certainly not Morrix. 'Mory?' Morrix heard her name called by a familiar voice. 'Can you hear me?' It was her father. 'D-Daa...d?' She struggled to speak, even just breathing was hurting her chest, her neck... her everything. 'Everything... everything hurts.' She tried to open her eyes, but all she could see was red. She couldn't feel her left eye, and when she struggled to wrap her arms around her father, one of them wasn't there. 'I know.' Her father whispered back. 'Just go to sleep dear... It will be alright.' 'It hurts... so much.' She whimpered. 'Daddy please... Make it stop... I can't feel my...' She was interrupted by a coughing fit, losing a mouthful of blood before starting to cry. She'd never felt so much pain before, all she wanted was for it to just stop! 'Golden tresses frame your face... Your pillow soft as silk.' Her father began to sing her favourite lullaby, hugging her tighter as he did. 'Here the moon... is standing by...' There was a small sting in her neck. Nothing compared to the agony that wracked her body but noticeable. She blinked, meeting her father's blue eyes once more through a thin veil of blood and tears. And then it was all gone. '...When you feel that you have gone far... Sail to your room.' Minutes later, Sitchol had finished. His daughter's once beautiful body lay in his arms, already growing cold. He set her down on the floor, slowly taking a deep breath before lifting his gaze to Thanis. The brown haired grey micen, once his best hunter, once his most trusted ally. Now a broken weeping mess. 'Sitchol... I... I can't.' 'I know.' Sitchol answered. 'You've been slipping further and further. But I never thought you'd screw up this badly.' Thanis stood, taking a step forward. He was about to say something when a cold spike of metal rammed through his abdomen. Sitchol's needle twisted as Thanis fell back to his knees, clutching the wound as his former master pulled the weapon free. The slave master watched his former protégé fall to the floor, slowly bleeding before he passed out. Turning and slowly lifting his daughter's corpse, he beckoned to the last surviving guard to follow as he headed back towards Tara. 'When we get back, organize as many hunting parties as you can.' Sitchol ordered. 'You are in command now. What's your name again?' 'N-Norry, boss.' Came the answer. 'Well Norry. I hope you don't turn into another Thanis on me.' Sitchol glared. 'We all know how that turns out.' He looked down at his daughter's mauled face, grimacing again. All signs of the beauty she inherited from her mother were destroyed, reminding him that she had also met the same fate. 'What about all the rattis back in the pens?' Norry enquired. Sitchol stopped, pausing for a moment to think. A scowl grew on his face as he turned to look at Norry with a slow deliberate stare. 'Kill them. All of them. We're going to purge this place of their kind.' Thanis awoke with a gasp. He didn't know how long he had been out, all he remembered was the pain in his gut where... He sat up, wincing in pain as he did. His shirt was gone, torn up and made into a bandage that wrapped around his wound. Blood had soaked through much of it, but the bleeding had stopped. He was alive. Bleary headed and weak, but alive. He looked around. Blood still stained the floor where he had fallen, the body of the rattis girl was gone and there was no further sign of Sitchol or Morrix. 'Urrrnnnh...' He moaned in pain as he pushed himself to his feet. Micen had died from wounds like this, it was slower and more painful, the sort of death Sitchol preferred for those who disappointed him. But it wasn't always a sure thing. Still, dead or not Thanis had nothing left. Nothing but memories of pain and failure, as well as a wound that would... Wait, who had made this bandage?' There was no way it could have been Sitchol. He had never once seen the man take that kind of mercy, especially not after running someone through. A few minutes of wondering offered nothing, prompting him to turn in the opposite direction to Tara and start walking. He couldn't go back, but there was nothing here. Maybe there would be something somewhere new. Or at the very least... A fitting and well-deserved end. Thanis the Cursed By Flynn Coyote1Broken and betrayed, with everything you had to live for stolen from you by the merciless hand of fate you can only put one foot forward at a time. All that is left is to travel as far from Tara and Kert as your legs will take you and hope for the best. The wound in your gut still bleeds a little bit, but at least the worst is over. There must be some angel of luck watching over you, there was no doubt Sitchol had intended to kill with that stroke.?? ? ? ? ?Looking around, it seems surreal to be out in the open like this. If it were smaller, it would feel just like the barracks back in what used to be home, albeit somewhat better constructed. Home was definitely cleaner, the lack of any leona living here had left it in a somewhat musty looking state. Each enormous room took almost five whole minutes to traverse at your reduced pace, leaving you plenty of time to look around.?? ? ? ? ?Eventually you finally reach another doorway. As gigantic as the last three you have passed through, but with one notable exception. It was closed. Some sort of round object was fixed to it about halfway up, presumably the handle, and a little higher than that a chain connected the door itself to the wall beside it. You manage a small grin. This door had been the salvation of Tara, and most micen there didn't even know it existed. The chain was clearly keeping the leonas out, but as for why exactly, you hadn't the faintest clue. In any case, it may be keeping them out but it certainly wasn't going to keep you in. There was a gap underneath. A small one but hey, you are a micen after all.?? ? ? ? ?It would have been simpler without a scabbed over puncture wound and who knows what internal damage, but hey, you managed to squeeze under and crawl to the other side on your belly. Grunting and getting back to your feet, it was time to keep moving. The walls here, just as tall as inside, were much cleaner. It was like some pristine gigantic palace, you've never seen anything like this. Your only real idea of how people live has been shaped by the colonies you have been to. And that consisted almost entirely of Kert and Tara. You only have a brief recollection of a place called Toor you went to once, and though you don't remember much of it Sitchol informed you at one point that you were born in a place called Niarb.?? ? ? ? ?Movement. Or at least you thought you sensed movement. A hast pan in all directions revealed nothing. You were stood in some kind of gigantic hallway, there were several other doors similar to the one you just crawled under visible along its length. To your left it stretches farther than you care to walk. To your right, about three minutes of walking in your current condition is a corner, and at the end of it just past the bend is the nearest door to your current position. That was as good a place as any to start. Setting out, you try to increase your pace. Maybe it would have been a good idea to rest a little longer, but doesn't matter now. Your breathing is even, your pace steady and your vision remains clear for the moment. All things considered, it looks like you're going to be okay in short order.?? ? ? ? ?You round the corner and your heart sinks. Walking in the opposite direction down the hallway directly towards you is a creature taller than any you have ever seen. You remember vague stories about them when you were a mere child, how these gigantic creatures ruled the world above and around micen and fed upon them almost like cattle. You sometimes wondered if they could truly be so dangerous, after most of your life hunting and capturing rattis you had begun to doubt anything could faze you. Oh how wrong you were, now for the second time today your illusions of invulnerability were utterly shattered.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh?' The leona noticed you, her pace stopping as she wondered what a micen would be doing out in the open. For a tense moment you simply stare at each other. Her fur is a lighter shade of grey than your own, and she has short cut silver hair. Her outfit is a well made pair of loose fitting red pants and a red top with a pale brown jacket over top. Her left hand cradles a paper bag and her right grips the top of a cane stick that she seems to be leaning on for support. 'What are you doing out here all alone? It's very dangerous for one of you to be here.' There is a strange gleam in her eyes, which were a rather fetching shade of green. Pretty eyes. Not the sort of gleam you would trust...?? ? ? ? ?The pause is broken as she takes a step forward. The look on her face changes to a small wry smile and you instantly realize you are not safe. But... What the hell can you do? The pain in your abdomen would probably knock you out if you tried to run, yet the thought of your life ending in this giantess' mouth or belly were terrifying...?? ? ? ? ?You have to make a choice,and you have to make it now.12??You freeze in place, not making a single step as the giantess takes the last three steps she needs to reach you. The walking cane hangs loose from her hand, showing that she doesn't need it to move as you initially thought. The look in her eyes has gone from suspicious to intrigued as she stood in front of you.?? ? ? ? ?'Hello?' She speaks again. 'I asked you a question.'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh, I'm... uh.' You struggle for words, not having any idea if there was any micen to leona etiquette or whether the usual reaction was to flee. 'I'm lost. I've never actually been this far from home before.'?? ? ? ? ?'Maybe...' She examines you a little more closely, leaning slightly forward so her head was directly above you. 'Maybe you should head back home?'?? ? ? ? ?'I can't.' You reply. 'I have no place there anymore.' You clutch at the wound on your belly, feeling the dried blood that had soaked through your torn up shirt. The leona looks at you for another few moments before she moves her cane over to your position and nudges you gently with the end of it. At this point you notice is is covered in small notches, perfect for a micen to climb. Meeting her eyes for a moment she nods, and you begin your arduous climb. Only now does she seem to notice your condition.?? ? ? ? ?'You're wounded.' She states. 'Is it bad?'?? ? ? ? ?'It's a stab wound.' You answer. 'From a needle.' You could swear a pang of sympathy crossed her eyes for a brief moment there, before she lifts the cane up and holds it over her paper bag. Looking beneath you, you see a cardboard cereal box and a bottle of milk, as well as a coloured plastic package that has pictures of some sort of chocolate on it. Timing your release carefully, you manage to land on the cardboard box, digging your claws in to hold yourself steady as the leona continued her walk. A minute later you heard the jingle of something metal, followed by one of the enormous doors opening. A few more steps and it closed again, followed by another brief walk and the bag was set down.?? ? ? ? ?The next thing you are aware of is a large hand scooping you out and setting you on the table. All around you is a sheer drop to the floor, normally something you could probably manage. In one of the four chairs is the owner, the grey furred leona that found you mere minutes ago. You notice the other three chairs are pulled away from the table itself, preventing their use in getting down or up from the floor.?? ? ? ? ?'Umm...' You begin, not quite sure what's going to happen.? ? ? ? ?'Quiet.' The leona says simply. There is an authority in her voice you can't place but you feel compelled to obey, not just because she could swallow you whole. 'Wait there.' As if you had a choice. She stands, removing the bag and placing the cereal box and milk on the counter top that was behind her. A pantry sits on an odd angle in the corner, and there are cabinets along the walls to either side. This place looks even fancier than the halls you came from.?? ? ? ? ?You stop examining the scenery in time to notice the leona has poured herself a small bowl of cereal and topped it up with milk. She retrieves a spoon and sits herself back down. Slowly and deliberately, with her eyes locked on yours, she dips the spoon into her bowl and raises it to her mouth. She puts the end of the spoon in her maw, before closing her lips and pulling it out, empty as she begins chewing slowly. You continue to watch in trepidation and awe. This was one of the creatures you've heard nightmare stories about, a carnivorous feline that eats micen whole and alive. And yet here she was eating simple cereal and looking at you like you were some lost child. The thought stirs instant discomfort as you remember what you used to do to lost children...?? ? ? ? ?'Come over here.' She says suddenly, gesturing with her spoon to a flat on the raised side of the bowl. 'Sit.' You do as you are told, sitting on the edge of the bowl where you can now see how little of the food she has poured herself. Maybe your thoughts were right on, after all one micen like you wouldn't fill a belly like hers, surely. You guess this must be the end .It's not as if you could fight this.?? ? ? ? ?'A...Are you going to eat me when you're done here?' You ask, dreading the answer you already know.?? ? ? ? ?'I was certainly going to.' She replied, smiling sweetly before taking another mouthful.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh?' Your ears perked up. 'What changed your mind?'?? ? ? ? ?'Heheh.' She chuckled. 'Nothing for sure just yet, I still might. But first, tell me how you got that nasty wound.'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh this?' You stammer, surprised by this odd twist. 'S-sure. But why?'?? ? ? ? ?The leona narrowed her gaze slightly as she took another mouthful. The bowl was two thirds empty by this point. She swallowed loudly after a few more moments, making you wince in discomfort. 'Because...' She said at last. 'The only thing I like more than a good snack, is a good story. So start talking. Tell me everything.' Her eyes narrow as she lifts the spoon to her mouth once more.121?As the leona stares down at you, finishing her food with an impassive stare, you begin to recount your story. You were born in the poorer end of Niarb, and after someone took your mother when you were only a month old, your father wanted to move to a place called Toor believing it would be safer. Instead the two of you had been assailed by rattis, and only survived via the intervention of a black furred micen and several of his allies.?? ? ? ? ?From there your life had only gotten worse. The black micen had claimed you as payment for saving your father's life, something your father only accepted upon the promise that you would not be harmed, accompanied by a rather harsh beating. This was your first encounter with Sitchol, the powerful and cunning micen who would shape much of your life after this. You were taken to Kert, where your abilities were assessed and Sitchol had determined you were too good to sell as a slave, deciding to train you as one of his own. In truth, you reflect upon the very real possibility that life as a slave may actually have been kinder.?? ? ? ? ?The leona raises an eyebrow as you recount your duties and exploits as one of Sitchol's own slavers, how you were trained to fight, conditioned to kill and how you learned to put your own emotions by the wayside. Then you recount the first time you met Sitchol's daughter, no older than you had been when you first came to Kert. Her carefree and kind nature had stirred the feelings you had repressed for almost a year of your life, and your voice starts to crack as you tell of the encounters with Garret the rattis that would eventually lead to Morrix's death, and Sitchol's abandonment of you as his protege when you refused to serve his needs any further.?? ? ? ? ?'And this... betrayal. This poor girl's death. It was just today?' She asked, when you had finished.?? ? ? ? ?'Y-yes.' You stutter. Telling the story has taken its toll, cementing in your mind the brutal reality of the twist your life has taken so quickly. Morrix is dead. You loved that girl like a niece, and now she's dead. You wonder if letting Garret escape that one time was a mistake...? ? ? ? ?'Well mouse, I have to say that was quite an interesting story.' The leona nodded, seeming impressed. 'But you left out one small detail.'?? ? ? ? ?'What do you mean?' You scoff. How could she possibly know if you'd left something out??? ? ? ? ?'Your name, dope. What is it?' She grinned, leaning a bit closer.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh...' Your shoulders droop, that was a rather simple thing to not mention for that whole duration. 'My name is Thanis.'?? ? ? ? ?'Well Thanis, it's nice to meet you. My name is Maron.' She nodded before standing and taking the bowl to the sink. She rinsed it under the tap and then sat it in a drying rack before dropping the spoon onto the drainer. After taking a moment to flex, eliciting a few pops from her joints and back, she turns around and leans on the counter, looking back at you.?? ? ? ? ?'...So.' You ask after a few moments. 'Was the story... good enough? Or am I still a snack?'?? ? ? ? ?She gave a small giggle before stepping forward and replying.1211??Maron nodded and smiled to you before she spoke. 'Well you certainly seem to have had a more interesting life than any other micen I've met. I guess that has to count for something.' She reached her hand into the cereal box and pulled out a small bundle of flakes, setting them on the table in front of you. Then she fetches a small glass, one about two thirds your height and fills it with water, again setting it down beside you.?? ? ? ? ?'Thank you!' You blurt out. The food and water were a sorely needed positive after a day like this, and you wasted little time in getting down to eating. The cereal flakes were sweet and had a magnificent soft crunch, quite possibly the best thing you've ever been allowed to eat.?? ? ? ? ?'Enjoy it, but stay there.' Maron instructs you. 'I will be back shortly.' You simply nod and keep eating. There were five of the cereal flakes, and you manage to easily get through all but half of the last one. Taking a deep relaxing breath, you dip your hand in the small glass and drink a few big mouthfuls of the clear cool water. Such basic things to this leona were like luxuries to you. You remember how rare it was to get clear water in Kert and Tara, not to mention the rarity of anything sweeter than bread. Still, it's difficult to forget the look Maron gave you when she first saw you, and that fleeting remark she had made when she brought you here. She had fully intended to eat you, and then your wound had fostered seemingly just enough of her curiosity to save your life.?? ? ? ? ?Or maybe it hadn't. Maybe this was your last meal, and she made it sweet enough to make you relax and be more accepting? You really have no idea how a leona thinks. Looking around the kitchen, your eyes pick up on details that indicate a definite presence of micen. Small holes made in the plaster behind appliances on the counter top, as well as several holes along the floor carved through the skirting. Some of the holes are quite far apart, suggesting multiple colonies. You catch a glimpse of movement near one of them, and manage to barely catch sight of a micen rushing back inside and out of your view.?? ? ? ? ?'So... What to do.' Maron's voice sounded from behind you as she re-entered the room, explaining why whoever that was had run so quickly. The idea gives you a slight discomfort, after all you're still pretty badly wounded and there's not much you could do to stop her if she decided she was still hungry. You are stuck for words for a few moments, as Maron is now naked, revealing the full splendor of her grey and black striped fur coat. The fur covered all as it tends to do, except for one vicious scar on her body not at all far from where you received your own.?? ? ? ? ?'I don't suppose you had any alternatives in mind?' You ask her. Though you try not to stare, that scar keeps grabbing your vision.?? ? ? ? ?Her eyes narrow, not a look of curiosity this time as a small twist accompanies one corner of her lips, a look of slight irritation. 'You can stay, but we need to get one thing clear. And this is the golden rule. I am a leona. You are a micen.' She paused, taking a step closer to the table before leaning down and resting on her elbows in front of you, placing her head just above and in front of where you stand. 'If you haven't lived with one of us before, I understand you may not know what that means. Basically...' She opens her mouth wide and lowers it over you, her lips closing on your ankles and slurping you completely inside as you feel your feet leave the table's surface?? ? ? ? ?'W-what?!' You are unsure what to expect, is she actually planning to just eat you after all? Her tongue presses you to the roof of her mouth, then to one side, and the other before pulling you back to the middle. Her mouth opens, the light from the kitchen illuminating the glistening shape of her throat before you and providing a terrifying view. It pulls away from you suddenly, and you feel yourself falling briefly before landing in her hand.?? ? ? ? ?'There will be times when I will listen to the micen of the colonies here. And there will be other times when I hunt them.' She told you sternly. 'I will allow you... let's say three days to acquaint yourself with how things are done here. During that time, I'll cut you some slack. But I suggest you take notice of how things work, because after those three days the information you learn could be invaluable to your survival.' She stepped away from the table, instead setting you down on the kitchen counter. 'Find somewhere to rest up, try and get in touch with the other micen. I'm going to sleep.'?? ? ? ? ?You watch as she turns from you and walks away. leaving you on your own. The lights go out as she leaves the room, but your eyes adjust to the dimness rather easily. The kitchen counter is cold beneath your feet and there isn't anywhere in sight here that would provide a comfortable spot to sleep. Gathering your thoughts, you look towards the far end of the counter top closer to the pantry, remembering that there was a hole in the wall near there that you could see from the table. Well, if this was going to be home, you would have to learn the layout. Willing your legs to move, you began the steady walk, your arm resting on your waist as you went...12111?You had almost reached the other end of the counter when you caught sight of the other micen emerging from the wall. You freeze in place, noticing that they do the same when they draw closer to your position. You spread your arms in a gesture of non-threatening, prompting a few of them to continue approaching your position while others make directly for the pantry.?? ? ? ? ?'Hey!' One of them called in a hushed whisper, pale grey fur and a feminine shape accompanying her and pale brown fur revealing itself as she gets closer. 'Are you new?' She stops a few steps short of handshake distance, and you notice she's carrying a backpack and wearing a basic two-piece outfit made from dark green cloth.?? ? ? ? ?'Yes, I guess.' You replied. 'The leona... Maron, she found me not long ago.'?? ? ? ? ?'I see.' The micen woman replied. 'You should come with us. Did she... Did she feed you?' You nod, and she seems to sigh in relief. 'That's good then. It lessens the pressure on us. Still ,you should probably see how this all works sooner rather than later.'?? ? ? ? ?'We don't have time for this.' Her companion chimed in, stepping forward where you can see him. He was young, probably younger than her but beyond this he looked very similar, brown fur and a similar green outfit. Perhaps some relative? 'It could be another ambush! Remember that night last week?'?? ? ? ? ?'It'll be fine!' She retorted. She turned back to you. 'What's your name?'?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis.' You answered, before continuing. 'Listen, your friend may be right. I'm wounded and I can't move fast. I don't wanna put anyone in danger.'?? ? ? ? ?'You heard him.' The male said. 'Just let him go back to the hole, head downwards and you'll find the colony eventually. It's under the floorboards.' He gives you a stern look, not hostile but not at all patient or sympathetic either. The woman had taken a step closer, slowly reaching a hand towards you and gently sliding her hand around the bandage.?? ? ? ? ?'Is this a needle wound?' She asked, concern rich in her voice. 'Jarek, we can't just let him walk around on his own in this condition... Look, I'm gonna take him back.'?? ? ? ? ?'You're going back with an empty bag?' Jarek asked incredulously. She sighed in irritation and tossed her bag to him.? ? ? ? ?'Do what you can, just don't slow yourself down.' She states, giving him a stern glare. Jarek rolled his eyes, disappointed more than angry at this point. But he made no further protests as he turned and ran back the way the rest of their group had gone. The woman took another step closer, smiling as she lifted your arm over her shoulder and began helping you move much more quickly towards the entrance to the micen's colony.?? ? ? ? ?The journey was not overly difficult, most of the climb was downwards and you had help the entire way. 'I want to say thank you.' You call as you lower yourself carefully to another strut. 'I honestly wasn't sure what I was going to do out there. And, sorry I kind of interrupted you back there, I never did catch your name.'?? ? ? ? ?She looked back up towards you, and steadied you as you landed beside her. 'I'm Kera. And don't worry about it, you needed help, that's all.'?? ? ? ? ?'So what's all this talk of going back with an empty bag?' You ask. 'Are you working as a food gatherer?'?? ? ? ? ?'Technically no.' She replied as you both kept moving down. 'One of Maron's rules is that every micen has to feed themselves. We're allowed to take two or three days worth at a time, which is fair. It's harder on micen with kids of course, since they obviously have to provide more. Most juveniles start learning to retrieve food pretty young. By the time they grow up, they're usually pretty good at it. The ones that... do grow up I mean.'?? ? ? ? ?'You mean...?' You hesitate to ask.?? ? ? ? ?'She's usually more lenient with the kids...' Kera states slowly. 'But it doesn't... It doesn't always help.'?? ? ? ? ?You ponder on those words, following her along a flat beam of wood that leads to a small archway.?? ? ? ? ?'Do you have kids to provide for?' You ask, slightly concerned. 'I'm not causing you to miss out on anything you needed am I?'?? ? ? ? ?She seemed to hesitate, pausing for a moment before she kept walking. 'No. I don't have kids to worry about. And this just means I might not eat tonight. It's okay, I'll go again tomorrow.' She leads you through the archway revealing a new but not unfamiliar looking sight of a micen colony. 'Anyway, welcome to Markep. This is where I live. Come on, I'll get you a bed.' You follow her down a few streets, noting the layout in case you need to leave in a hurry. The place seems larger than Tara, maybe on par with Kert if it wasn't as sparse. There was nowhere selling food, likely a result of Maron's rules, but there were places offering other services like tailoring, a small library and even what you could swear looked like a tavern at best. Not many micen are still active, and those that are are almost exclusively preparing themselves for a food raid of their own.?? ? ? ? ?You arrive a few minutes of walking later at a small cottage made out of excess floorboards and cardboard padding. The door is surprisingly a fully functioning hinge, even looks like it could lock. Kera holds it open, letting you walk inside before following you. The door springs shut behind you both.?? ? ? ? ?'Through here.' She leads you behind a dividing wall, into the only other room this place has. 'It's just my brother and me here, but my bed is big enough for us to share. I mean, if you don't mind...'?? ? ? ? ?'I-it's fine.' You nod, noticing her slight blush which brought about one of your own, thankfully concealed by your much darker coloured fur. 'Honestly I'm grateful for anything you can spare.'?? ? ? ? ?She smiles, helping you lay down on the bed, a surprisingly luxurious motley of soft rags atop some strange glass thing. Moments later she crawls up beside you, burrowing her head into your chest and wrapping an arm around you. 'I'm sorry if this makes you uncomfortable, but it's been cold these recent nights... I thought this might help to...'?? ? ? ? ?'Don't worry about it.' You reply, 'And I promise I'll make this up to you. I don't know where I'd be if you hadn't come to help.'?? ? ? ? ?'Just keep me warm and we'll call it even.' She said, almost giggling. 'We can think about the rest tomorrow.'? ? ? ? ?It didn't take long for Kera to fall asleep, nor for the cold to set in. You could feel the chill on your tail, and in her sleep Kera pulled closer to you with slight shivers and mumbles. You became aware of a low growling sound, and realized with a fresh pang of guilt that it was the woman's probably empty stomach protesting the abandonment of her night's planned task. Unable to sleep, there was too much going on in your head to allow you to rest. Your entire life had been a monument to cruelty and suffering, and when you had finally decided to stop, it had almost cost you your life.?? ? ? ? ?But what haunts you most is that the decision came too late to save her. Morrix is gone, and maybe even worse than that is Sitchol's planned genocide of all the rattis in the area. With any luck, that endeavor would be the death of him. But somehow you know better.?? ? ? ? ?Kera stirs slightly at your side. Maybe your old life was a total screw up. Maybe your first attempt to do something good had been a failure. But right now fate has given you another chance, a gift you've never seen given to anyone before. Let this new life begin.?121111You awoke with a small tap on your shoulder. Kera was still asleep at your side, and as you open your eyes you become aware of Jarek standing beside the bed in your side. His face is a scowl, nonplussed at all by your size and age superiority. 'Get up. Come with me.' He says softly but firmly. Unsure of what is wrong just yet, you comply. Carefully setting Kera's arm down you roll out of bed and follow Jarek into his own room just past the divider.?? ? ? ? ?'What's wrong...?' You ask, noting as he points to a backpack on the floor.?? ? ? ? ?'It turns out Maron wasn't asleep.' Jarek snapped. 'Did you know it's against the rules to gather for more than yourself and your kids at a time? What do you think she thought when she saw me with two bags?! I don't have kids! I'm seven months old, it's damn lucky I'm not in the cage right now!'?? ? ? ? ?'Wait, what happened?' You ask, concern in your voice now.?? ? ? ? ?'She hunted.' Jarek said, his eyes widening as he recalls the details. 'Took three of the others. Then looked right at me, shook her head and demanded that I leave Kera's bag behind. Do you realize what you've done? Not only did your appearance almost get me killed, but now my sister has no way to carry food for herself! You need to make this right. Otherwise...'?? ? ? ? ?'Otherwise what...?' You couldn't help yourself, you want to see his reaction but you aren't insensitive to what has happened.?? ? ? ? ?'Otherwise you can't stay here.' He said, looking down.? ? ? ? ?'Alright look, I'll go get her bag back. Where is it?' You offer.?? ? ? ? ?'Third shelf up from the counter height in the pantry.' Jarek explained. 'Near the rope ladder. Be careful... You might have some slack for a few days, but I wouldn't push your luck.' You nod and head out, remembering the way easily enough and not moving in too much of a rush to keep your wound from being aggravated.?? ? ? ? ?Outside on the counter, you made a beeline for the pantry. A quick survey had made it apparent that Maron was not around, and in the fresh daylight from the window above the sink you could see everything. The rope ladder Jarek mentioned is up against the wall, leading up the side of the pantry into a hole on what looked like the level you needed to get to. The climb is easy but slow, and in a few short minutes from leaving the wall you have managed to get into the pantry. You pull yourself up onto the shelf and take another look around, your ears also panning about for signs that Maron might be around outside. Your eyes adjust to the dark almost instantly.?? ? ? ? ?You see Kera's bag nearby, dropped hastily near the entrance alongside several others that are empty. You make a quick track to it and wrap the straps around your arms.?? ? ? ? ?Light suddenly invades your vision as the pantry doors open, and you find yourself at perfect face to face height with Maron. Your heart skips a beat as her eyes lock with yours, and a slow smile creases her lips. 'Funny, I expected Kera to come for her own bag. How did she rope you into this?'?? ? ? ? ?'K-Kera is still asleep.' You stammer. 'I'm just getting this back for her, since it was my fault she lost it.'?? ? ? ? ?'Put it down.' Maron demanded. 'If Kera wants it back, she can come and get it herself. In the meantime, you should take one of the empty ones for yourself. You'll probably need it by tomorrow.' The thought of sending Kera out here to face Maron is a terrifying one. If Maron was upset at Jarek, and is insisting on seeing Kera herself, there's a good chance that Kera won't make it back...?? ? ? ? ?You slowly lower the full bag to the floor and take a few more steps towards an empty one. You lift the backpack and drop it over your shoulder, but your eyes are still resting on Kera's bag, full to the brim with bread and pieces of cracker.?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis?' Maron calls your attention back to her. 'Get moving. And send Kera out to get her own bag.'?1211111You awoke with a small tap on your shoulder. Kera was still asleep at your side, and as you open your eyes you become aware of Jarek standing beside the bed in your side. His face is a scowl, nonplussed at all by your size and age superiority. 'Get up. Come with me.' He says softly but firmly. Unsure of what is wrong just yet, you comply. Carefully setting Kera's arm down you roll out of bed and follow Jarek into his own room just past the divider.?? ? ? ? ?'What's wrong...?' You ask, noting as he points to a backpack on the floor.?? ? ? ? ?'It turns out Maron wasn't asleep.' Jarek snapped. 'Did you know it's against the rules to gather for more than yourself and your kids at a time? What do you think she thought when she saw me with two bags?! I don't have kids! I'm seven months old, it's damn lucky I'm not in the cage right now!'?? ? ? ? ?'Wait, what happened?' You ask, concern in your voice now.?? ? ? ? ?'She hunted.' Jarek said, his eyes widening as he recalls the details. 'Took three of the others. Then looked right at me, shook her head and demanded that I leave Kera's bag behind. Do you realize what you've done? Not only did your appearance almost get me killed, but now my sister has no way to carry food for herself! You need to make this right. Otherwise...'?? ? ? ? ?'Otherwise what...?' You couldn't help yourself, you want to see his reaction but you aren't insensitive to what has happened.?? ? ? ? ?'Otherwise you can't stay here.' He said, looking down.? ? ? ? ?'Alright look, I'll go get her bag back. Where is it?' You offer.?? ? ? ? ?'Third shelf up from the counter height in the pantry.' Jarek explained. 'Near the rope ladder. Be careful... You might have some slack for a few days, but I wouldn't push your luck.' You nod and head out, remembering the way easily enough and not moving in too much of a rush to keep your wound from being aggravated.?? ? ? ? ?Outside on the counter, you made a beeline for the pantry. A quick survey had made it apparent that Maron was not around, and in the fresh daylight from the window above the sink you could see everything. The rope ladder Jarek mentioned is up against the wall, leading up the side of the pantry into a hole on what looked like the level you needed to get to. The climb is easy but slow, and in a few short minutes from leaving the wall you have managed to get into the pantry. You pull yourself up onto the shelf and take another look around, your ears also panning about for signs that Maron might be around outside. Your eyes adjust to the dark almost instantly.?? ? ? ? ?You see Kera's bag nearby, dropped hastily near the entrance alongside several others that are empty. You make a quick track to it and wrap the straps around your arms.?? ? ? ? ?Light suddenly invades your vision as the pantry doors open, and you find yourself at perfect face to face height with Maron. Your heart skips a beat as her eyes lock with yours, and a slow smile creases her lips. 'Funny, I expected Kera to come for her own bag. How did she rope you into this?'?? ? ? ? ?'K-Kera is still asleep.' You stammer. 'I'm just getting this back for her, since it was my fault she lost it.'?? ? ? ? ?'Put it down.' Maron demanded. 'If Kera wants it back, she can come and get it herself. In the meantime, you should take one of the empty ones for yourself. You'll probably need it by tomorrow.' The thought of sending Kera out here to face Maron is a terrifying one. If Maron was upset at Jarek, and is insisting on seeing Kera herself, there's a good chance that she won't make it back...?? ? ? ? ?You slowly lower the full bag to the floor and take a few more steps towards an empty one. You lift the backpack and drop it over your shoulder, but your eyes are still resting on Kera's bag, full to the brim with bread and pieces of cracker.?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis?' Maron calls your attention back to her. 'Get moving. And send Kera out to get her own bag.'?12111111?There's no use in arguing. You nod at Maron's order and head back the way you came with the empty backpack on your shoulder. Back down the rope ladder and across the counter top to the hole you jog, only to be stopped at the entrance by Jarek and Kera.?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis!' Kera grabs you tight and hugs you, distress clear on her features. 'I'm so sorry, I woke up and Jarek told me what happened. You shouldn't have tried to do this!' You pan your gaze from her to Jarek, noticing the slightly sheepish look in the younger micen's eyes. He didn't tell her that he'd made this a demand of you. It's too late now, there's no point in making this more awkward than it has already become.?? ? ? ? ?'It seemed like the right thing to do, but Maron stopped me.' You reply. 'I'm sorry. She wants you to go out there yourself...'?? ? ? ? ?'I know...' Kera nodded shakily. 'I'm in trouble... Listen, if anything bad happens, could you...' Her gaze drops from yours before she turned to face her brother.?? ? ? ? ?'Come back okay?' Jarek says softly, almost pleading in his tone. Kera gave him a hug before slowly turning back to you and doing the same. She leans in close to your ear and whispers something before slowly stepping outside. She takes a deep breath just outside the mouse hole before heading across to the pantry.?? ? ? ? ?'What did she say to you?' Jarek asked, stepping up beside you as you both peer outside, staying back enough to not be visible to Maron should she glance in this direction.?? ? ? ? ?'I'll tell you when she gets back.' You reply to him. But you don't know if you can. Her words shook you.?If she takes me... Please don't let Jarek watch.? ? ? ? ?Kera walked slowly across the counter top, keeping her eyes and ears alert for Maron's presence. The leona kept some kind of fragrance in her apartment somewhere, it wasn't normally noticeable but it did make it almost impossible to pick up on Maron's own scent. If she had been at the pantry when Thanis was just there, she'd obviously stepped away in the moments since. She tried to keep her breathing steady but the thought that this could be her last minute alive was unnerving in the extreme.?? ? ? ? ?She reached the pantry and climbed up inside without incident. Her bag was still near the entrance to the pantry, and she quickly examined the contents, taking a hasty bite of a piece of cracker before closing it and stowing it on her back. Her feet pumped quickly as she darted back out the hole and down the rope, dropping to the counter top and spinning around, ready to make the last dash to the wall.?? ? ? ? ?Her heart immediately sank before kicking into adrenaline fueled overdrive. Maron was sitting beside the bench, having dragged one of the table chairs over without making a sound. Her eyes immediately locked with Kera's, and her hand made a simple gesture, beckoning the mouse closer. Kera did as instructed, trembling as she walked steadily but not hastily towards the leona.?? ? ? ? ?'Put the bag down.' Maron demanded suddenly. Kera paused, processing the order with dread before she did as she was told. 'Now come closer.' Maron instructed. She rested her head on the counter now, pointing slowly towards her maw with one finger as Kera came closer.?? ? ? ? ?'P-please Maron... I can explain...' Kera tried to protest as her feet carried her closer.?? ? ? ? ?'Shhh...' Maron responded, almost in a calming manner. 'I know what happened. Now, in.' Kera squeezed her eyes shut, her breathing ragged and terse as she tried not to cry. She felt the warmth of Maron's breath wash over her and opened her eyes, seeing with abject terror the sight of the leona's glistening maw, dark throat and pearl teeth before her. Her legs froze at the sight, but she was too close to run and Maron was perfectly fine with pushing her prey the last couple inches herself.?? ? ? ? ?'No...' Kera whispered as the jaws closed behind her. Maron's tongue was not kind, not gentle and not forgiving as it pushed her about the leona's mouth. Drool matted Kera's fur and threatened to drown her until Maron paused for a few seconds, allowing the micen to steal an extra breath. After a few more tense moments, everything around her suddenly lurched and Kera found herself landing hard back on the counter top.?? ? ? ? ?'I understand Thanis' sudden arrival may have impaired your judgement.' Maron spoke softly, almost growling. 'But that does not excuse your actions. You should set a better example for him, and that little brother of yours. Next time, he?will?be in the cage. And next time, you will be the one I expect to pay for the mistake. Understood?'?? ? ? ? ?'Y-Yes! I'm sorry!' Kera cried back.?? ? ? ? ?'Get out of here.' Maron glared. 'You won't get this mercy again.'?? ? ? ? ?Jarek sat almost hyperventilating beside you as you watched with surprise and intrigue. As soon as Maron had taken Kera into her mouth, you thought that was it, and so did Jarek. You had pushed Jarek aside and sat him down, the boy's numb features hadn't resisted. But when Kera was suddenly let go, you couldn't think of the words to tell him before she had bolted through the hole and almost knocked you over. She was trembling, crying and covered in leona drool.?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis! I'm sorry, I was so scared...' She stammered.?? ? ? ? ?'Sis?!' Jarek piled into the hug, jolting you again. Kera released you with one arm to wrap it around her brother, tears falling with renewed vigour. You hate to break this up, but this isn't a great spot to stay and their combined weight is not easy to hold on your own.?? ? ? ? ?'Umm, we should go...' You say.?? ? ? ? ?'Hey Thanis?' Jarek says, standing up. 'It's not that I'm trying to get rid of you or anything, but I was thinking about when this was sorted out, you should probably talk to the headmasters. Work out what you're gonna do here.' You stop and give it some thought. A job? Well in a way it made sense. And these headmasters would probably be the folks to see.?121111111?After about twenty minutes back at Kera's place, helping her calm down and making sure she's eaten something, you decide to accompany Jarek to the colony Headmasters. He leads you to the central hub of Markep, and now that it's daytime outside the place is much busier. You aren't able to walk more than a few steps without passing dozens of other micen, and eventually you reach a building larger than most of the others. It is made of the same timber as most of the other places, floorboard sections filched from wherever they could be found. The entrance was a neatly cut door on well crafted hinges. Jarek pushed it open and lead you through into a small antechamber where a desk was situated in front of the next doorway. A teal furred micen sat at the desk, looking positively bored until the two entered the room.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh it's you Jarek.' She said. 'Are you here to make a report?'?? ? ? ? ?'Yea.' Jarek nodded. 'Losses from last night, and one new addition.'?? ? ? ? ?'Of course.' The secretary nodded back and disappeared into the next room for a moment. She returned relatively quickly. 'You're in luck, they were just finishing a meeting with someone else. You can go on through.'?? ? ? ? ?Entering the next room you were met by three micen in officious looking clothes seated behind a long desk. Jarek led you to the chair that was before them and sat you down, while he continued to stand beside you.?? ? ? ? ?'Jarek, good to see you made it back last night.' One of the headmasters greeted, a grey furred male with dark hair. 'Have you a success report?'?? ? ? ? ?'Yes Sir.' Jarek replied. 'Eight of us went out. Jacen, Arly and Berrim were taken by Maron. The rest of us made it back.' You notice that as he speaks, one of the other headmasters is taking notes. You realize after a moment of clarity that he was taking names, most likely to report to next of kin when he was finished here.?? ? ? ? ?'I see.' The grey micen replied. After a glance at his companion, who nodded in turn, you found yourself in his focus. 'And who is this?' Jarek gave you a simple gesture, indicating for you to introduce yourself.?? ? ? ? ?'My name is Thanis.' You begin. 'I came here after Maron found me. Prior to this I was banished from the only places I knew as home.'?? ? ? ? ?'You can call me Cerrik.' The grey micen replied to you. 'Forgive my concern, but may I ask why you found yourself banished? Is it something we may have issue with?' You notice all the eyes in the room are staring at you now with heavier scrutiny than before.?? ? ? ? ?'I used to be a slaver.' You say simply. 'It cost me something dear, and when I tried to make it right my master betrayed me and left me for dead.' You show them the wound on your lower torso, lifting your fur so they can see the stab mark. 'I have no further desire or intent to pursue that kind of work.'?? ? ? ? ?'I see...' Cerrik nodded thoughtfully. 'What are your skill sets?'?? ? ? ? ?You think for a moment, this wasn't really something you'd given much thought to before. 'Combat, combat training, hunting, subduing micen and rattis, and the occasional... execution.' You notice when you are done that the looks of scrutiny have turned to wide eyed shock, and Jarek looked like he'd seen a ghost. Your lips curl into a quick smile.?? ? ? ? ?'Very good.' Cerrik aid, slightly flustered.?? ? ? ? ?'I'm also good with kids.' You add, giving a small crooked smile to punctuate your words. Cerrik seems slightly perplexed before he composes himself.?? ? ? ? ?'We'll be in touch.' He says. 'Thank you Thanis, in the meantime I'm sure Jarek and Kera can help you learn the ropes here.'?? ? ? ? ?On the way back to Kera and Jarek's place, you became aware of Jarek staring at you the whole time. The smile from before crept back onto your face, and you glanced back at him, prompting him to finally speak.?? ? ? ? ?'So... did you really do all of those things...?' He asked quietly.?? ? ? ? ?'Yes.' You reply. 'Every day.'?? ? ? ? ?'I-I didn't know...' He looked a bit sheepish.? ? ? ? ?'Hey don't worry.' You say, slowing down and giving him a playful pat on the head. 'I was still perfectly convinced by your badass routine this morning. Can I still stay with you guys?' He gives you an incredulous look, before finally being able to smile again.?? ? ? ? ?'I guess. As long as you keep out of trouble.' He smirked.1211111111You decide to spend the day quietly with Kera and Jarek. Kera tells you as much as she can think of about living here, how Maron occasionally meets with Cerrik to discuss the wellbeing of the colony and the need for fabrics and other materials. Maron was a generous host, but one who demanded that her rules be followed to the letter. She would hunt several times a week, and she would punish those who violated her rules almost always on the spot.?? ? ? ? ?Juveniles who broke the rules were put into a cage and given a week. During that time if an adult responsible for them stepped forward, they could take the punishment in the kids' place.?? ? ? ? ?Kera was halfway through explaining the layout of Maron's apartment, and some details about these shiny things that no micen was ever to touch, when a knock came at the door. Jarek opened it while you and Kera stayed sitting on the floor, and Cerrik stepped inside.?? ? ? ? ?'Hello friends.' He began. 'Thanis, I was wondering if I could make you an offer. Given your... skills, and in light of the situation that's about to unfold.'?? ? ? ? ?'About to...?' You ask, standing up. 'What do you mean?'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh no...' Jarek murmured, still standing at the door. 'Rekk and Terrun are coming!'?? ? ? ? ?'What?' Dammit!' Kera immediately jumped up, grabbing her bag and dragging it to the back room.?? ? ? ? ?'Who are these guys?' You ask.?? ? ? ? ?'Troublemakers.' Cerrik explained hastily. 'We've tried to deal with them before but they are pretty tough. They take food from other micen because then they don't have to risk Maron's wrath that way. We haven't been able to get rid of them!'?? ? ? ? ?The door was bashed open suddenly, and the first of the two large micen stepped inside. His fur was a dark brown, his hair a comically contrasting blonde and his eyes a sharp blue. His companion stepped through behind him, almost identical except for green eyes instead.?? ? ? ? ?'Look what we got!' Blue eyes grinned. 'A town meeting it looks like. How went your raid last night Kera?'?? ? ? ? ?'I almost died Rekk, I really don't need this right now.' Kera replied, she was trying to be brave but you could hear the trembling in her voice.?? ? ? ? ?'Don't give me that excuse.' Rekk glared back. 'Hand over half what you have, or I'm gonna leave this place including you, a wreck.'?? ? ? ? ?'Come now.' You say, stepping forward. 'Surely there's no need for violence?'?? ? ? ? ?'Who's this joker?' Terrun stepped up before you. He was slightly taller, but bulkier. If he had any intimidation factor about him it was gone the moment you noticed his stance.?? ? ? ? ?'Cerrik.' You say, ignoring the wannabe brute. 'You're in charge here. What kind of action are you authorizing?' Before Cerrik can answer, Rekk grabs Kera by her scruff and lifts her up. Your eyes narrow and you glance back at Cerrik.?? ? ? ? ?'Anything you deem fit.' Cerrik states simply. You let your gaze go back to Terrun's and a grin crosses your face.?? ? ? ? ?'You boys might want to leave about now.' You say simply.?? ? ? ? ?Rekk thew Kera to the floor and stepped up beside Terrun, both of them now staring you down. You let your smile remain as you drop one leg back. Meeting each of the two thugs eyes one by one you say softly. 'Step forward.'?? ? ? ? ?Terrun lurches forward, swinging his fist in a wide arc towards your head. You catch his clumsy swing on your forearm before your own strike flows straight through and slams into his chest. You feel bone break, as expected, before delivering a second strike in the exact same point. He stumbles backwards, falling to the floor and struggling to breathe.?? ? ? ? ?'What the hell?!' Rekk demanded, half infuriated and half panicking. He tries to rush you, but your footwork has you planted firmly in place and you are easily able to halt his mad rush before turning his own force against him and throwing him into the floor on his back. Before he can react your fist comes down heavily from above and slams into his forehead. His body goes limp as he falls unconscious at your feet.?? ? ? ? ?'That was incredible!' Jarek rushed over to you and looked up at you like an idol meeting their hero. 'You're the most badass micen I've ever seen!'?? ? ? ? ?'You should meet my old boss.' You smirk. 'What do we do with these guys?' You look down at the pair of them. Both of them are now unconscious due to your precision strikes at their weak points. Terrun is pale with shock and Rekk is simply out cold, leaving both of them at your mercy.?? ? ? ? ?'Plenty of others have died because of these two.' Kera said darkly. 'There's no moral high ground to be had here. They don't deserve that kind of mercy.' You meet Kera's gaze but she remains steadfast. Jarek and Cerrik simply nod in agreement. Sighing to yourself, you beckon for someone to give you and hand moving them.?Less than half an hour later, you sat on the counter top. It was still early afternoon and Maron was somewhere about, you could hear her doing something in the next room. You continued to wait, keeping an eye on the two unconscious bodies you had left near the edge. It wasn't much longer before Maron entered the room, her eyes panning briefly across the two of them before resting with yours.?? ? ? ? ?'Something you want to say, Thanis?' She smiled sweetly but coyly, leaning down closer.?? ? ? ? ?'A gift from Markep.' You reply. 'Cerrik said you'd know what this was about.'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh?' Maron grinned. 'These must be those two troublemakers he told me about. The ones nobody seemed able to do anything about. I'm impressed Thanis. You're doing quite well for yourself, and after one day.' She scooped the two sleeping micen up and dumped them on the table where they couldn't escape. 'Nice work. You can go now.'?? ? ? ? ?'Do I... have to?' You ask, causing her to look back at you. Seeing her curiosity, you continue. 'I was just thinking, while I'm still on my three day trial membership here, would it be alright if I had a better look around this place?'?12111111111??Maron looked at you with a sense of mild interest, before shrugging and giving you a quick nod. 'I suppose so. It might help you know where to keep away from.' She dropped her hand to the counter, allowing you to climb on. You find that you have to stay crouched on your knees to avoid overbalancing as she carries you past the table and into the next room. This one reminds you of a library, several large bookshelves lined the walls and a single armchair was positioned in front of a box with a glass front. Opposite the bookshelves along the wall to your right as you entered the room were more cabinets, but these were filled strange metal objects. A window was on the wall to your left, as well as a small desk and chair with what looked like a printing contraption on top of it. Maron deposited you on the soft fabric on top of the armchair and began to point out things in the room.?? ? ? ? ?'Those are the books, mostly historical.' She began. 'It's amazing how... inaccurate some of them are. If you or any micen touches them, it's death. Over there...' She gestured now to the shiny metal objects. 'Those are tags and a few medals. I'm not so attached to the medals but if those tags are moved someone's getting their head bitten off.'?? ? ? ? ?You nod as she makes this statement, not a shred of doubt in your mind as to how sincere that was. 'What is this thing?' You point to the box behind you.?? ? ? ? ?'That's a television. Risa insisted I buy one. I don't watch it much.' She then gestured to the next object, the one you thought was a printing machine. 'That's the typewriter. Feels more natural to me than a computer. If you go near it, you're dead. If you see someone else go near it, feel obligated to tell me. I'm been working on something for years and I don't want it messed up.'?? ? ? ? ?You nod as she stares into you. You find yourself wondering if she's ever shown another micen around like this before, or if perhaps you were simply the first one to ever ask. 'May I ask who this... Risa is?'?? ? ? ? ?'She's... a friend of sorts. She visits now and then.' Something seemed to occur to Maron and she snapped her fingers. 'Right... Risa. Listen, it's probably best for you not to be out when she's here. She has a key and I'm not always home when she turns up.' She walked over to the cabinet that had all of the medals in it, and pulled out a piece of red fabric and a pair of scissors. Cutting a small strip off it, she handed it to you. 'Wear that like a scarf. It marks you out to other leonas as being mine.'?? ? ? ? ?'You mean if this Risa comes here, she won't eat me because of this?' You ask. Lingering memories of things around your neck as a child leave you uncomfortable so instead you wrap the scarf around your left shoulder and let it drape over your chest and back. Maron raises an eyebrow but doesn't question this choice.?? ? ? ? ?'It protects you from her as long as you don't break any rules or backtalk her.' Maron replied. 'A micen wearing a scarf means that micen has been claimed. The red scarf means you are my prey.'?? ? ? ? ?'I see...' The thought is not exactly a comforting one, but at least it's tempered by the knowledge that if Maron wanted to eat you, she could have done so the day she caught you. After today you have one more day of her lenient period, and then you could just as easily find yourself in her stomach as any other micen from Markep could. But there was no point in worrying about that yet. You look to the doorway at the far end of the room, between the medals and books and Maron follows your gaze.?? ? ? ? ?'That's my bedroom.' She explains. 'If you find yourself in there, you're either very privileged, or very screwed. And that's pretty much it. My apartment isn't very big... Relatively speaking.'?? ? ? ? ?'Well I guess my main concern should be the kitchen.' You say. 'But thanks for showing me around here. It's nice to see this side of you. While I can.'?? ? ? ? ?'While you can indeed.' Maron grinned before scooping you up and walking back into the kitchen. You notice that Rekk and Terrun are awake on the table, arguing with one another about how to make their escape. Maron grins and slides you onto the counter before sitting herself at the table. You tell yourself you should probably go but at the same time you feel compelled to stay.?? ? ? ? ?Maron wastes little time, swiping her arm across the table and picking up Terrun in a tight grip. Terrun cried in pain, Maron was characteristically not gentle at all. With Rekk watching on in horror, the leona slipped the micen between her lips and slurped him inside. Her hand reached for her second victim as her jaw makes a few small movements, clearly enjoying her prey's taste. Her hand squeezed Rekk as she swallowed, crushing the air from his lungs before she dropped him to the table. He was alive, but damaged.?? ? ? ? ?After a few moments, Maron leaned down and enveloped her jaws around him, lifting her head and leaving his legs dangling by her teeth. There was some feeble struggling before she slurped him inside and swallowed. Her lips curled into a smile and her tongue ran over them before she turned to look at you. You realize your eyes have gone wide with a mix of terror and intrigue at seeing two other micen eaten alive. Despite it being a daily reality here, this premise is still very new to you.?? ? ? ? ?'Cat got your tongue?' Maron asked with a grin.?? ? ? ? ?'I...I've never seen anything like this.' You stammer.?? ? ? ? ?'Get used to it.' She replied, standing up and taking a step towards you. 'One day it might be you.' She leaned down suddenly, opening her maw over you and closing her lips around your ankles. In the dim light you are only vaguely aware of her teeth all around you and her throat directly above you. Her tongue caressed your form roughly before she stood back up, leaving you slightly damp. 'Mmmh, I'll look forward to this.'?? ? ? ? ?'I hope it's not too soon...' You reply softly. She must have still heard you, as she shoots you one last grin before turning away and walking into her living room. With no further reason to be outside, you make your way back to Markep. It will be dark soon and tonight you will probably have to make a pantry run for yourself.?121111111111Two months passed. You found yourself able to integrate into Markep's society fairly easily. Food gathering has become a regular exercise, and you most often go alongside Kera or Jarek, or both of them. You've gotten to know a lot of others in the meantime, but you keep one of Jarek's earlier pieces of advice close at heart.?? ? ? ? ?Don't get too close to anyone. Those were the words he told you. It had been a harsh reminder of your own first year, the days where you were a leader, but also a slave essentially. You could trust a few of your subordinates. But you wouldn't have expected them to die for you and you probably wouldn't have died for any of them all things considered. But living here was different. Kera had put herself in jeopardy to keep you safe that first night, and since then you'd been going with her whenever you both needed food to make sure she came back. And now that Jarek had reached nine months, the age of accountability according to Maron, you'd been helping him the same way.?? ? ? ? ?It was dangerous now. Maron had made it very clear that you were not exempt from her hunting forays anymore. But somehow you'd managed to survive every trip. Markep was a big place, and there were lots of micen living there. There were days when Maron didn't hunt and on the days she did, she would typically only take three at a time. Sometimes even less. You remember the first time her friend Risa visited. Risa almost had the bearing of a juvenile about her, and you had watched from a mouse hole down at floor level as the two leonas discussed something about a place called Avon and Risa looking for someone Maron knew. It was an interesting sight, Maron did not seem happy as Risa had left. You remember that she'd looked straight at you after she'd closed the door and smirked, prompting you to get back to Markep as quickly as you could.?? ? ? ? ?You shake your head. It was a cold night tonight, but you weren't able to sleep. Something about seeing Maron upset had given you nightmares. She was in distress, and it reminded you of everything you had lost. Morrix was dead because of you, the weeks of dwelling on your failure had made that all too real and horrifying. You'd woken up earlier in a cold sweat despite the low temperature, and left Kera in bed alone. Hopefully she'd sleep soundly enough to not notice you were gone, but for now you just needed to walk around and clear your head.?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis?' A familiar voice called to you from behind.You turn and see Jarek approaching. He has gotten taller, almost as tall as you but is still visibly very young. His clothes have been replaced to fit, but they are the same green that he had when you first met. 'Thanis what are you doing out here?'?? ? ? ? ?'I couldn't sleep.' You reply. 'I needed to go for a walk. It should be safe. Maron is well and truly asleep by now.'?? ? ? ? ?'Can I come with you?' He asked you. 'I was wondering lately... if you could teach me some of the things you know?' You look back at him. He still hasn't lost that respect you won from him back when you'd stopped those two thugs.?? ? ? ? ?'I guess.' You reply. 'I was just going to take a look around. See if there was potential for colony expansion out in the living room.' You grab onto a string that hangs from the counter and goes down beside the fridge to get to the floor. You make the climb down quickly, waiting a few extra seconds when you reach the floor for Jarek to follow.?? ? ? ? ?'Would it be worthwhile going out that far?' Jarek asked you.?? ? ? ? ?'It wouldn't be ideal living.' You reply. 'But I think it could alleviate a few issues we have with overcrowding. The beams between rooms make a sort of barrier between the floors of each room. We could make a colony in one of the walls, and use it as a connection between rooms. There must be other leonas living in other apartments around here. If we were to explore further, we could find another source of food.' You set out towards the living room with Jarek not more than a few paces behind.?? ? ? ? ?'How do you know things like this?' He asked you. 'Nobody in Markep has thought to explore like this for as long as anyone can remember. It's dangerous out there.'?'We're micen. It's dangerous everywhere.' You retort. The living room now lay before you in all its vastness. It looked so much bigger from the floor compared to the view from atop her armchair you had last time. You gesture to Jarek that you should be silent from here on and lead him over to the far wall. On approach you pan your eyes across. The wall itself is mostly in good condition except for one pathway that someone has already cut. The two of you get closer for an inspection, and find that it is too big for just a micen. You pint away, warning Jarek not to come any closer as you carefully lean in, ears alert and scent the air.?? ? ? ? ?You motion to move away quickly and usher Jarek towards the bedroom door. 'There's rattis scent there. Going in that direction won't be safe.' You neglect to add the for you part as you tell him this. You're confident you could handle any rattis you come across. You know how to deal with them peacefully and otherwise, but you couldn't risk taking anyone from Markep in there.? ? ? ? ?Suddenly you both hear a moan of distress from the bedroom. The voice was... It was Maron's? You give Jarek a look, and he simply shakes his head, visibly scared of whatever could cause a leona such distress. You are not so easily perturbed and you steadily creep closer. The door is like the others around here, giving you just enough room to squeeze underneath. You pull yourself out into her bedroom and take a quick look around. The furniture was sparse, little more than the bed, a bedside cabinet and some sort of wardrobe. But what immediately grabs your attention is Maron herself.?? ? ? ? ?Her bed sheets are strewn and half tossed to the floor. She has no clothes on, and her body writhes as if under some sort of torture. You are able to make out that she's asleep. This must be some kind of vivid nightmare? You feel a pang of sympathy run through you at the sight, her suffering reminds you of your own. She must have some deep trauma in her past if it is still with her, still troubling her like this. Without realizing it you had begun to walk closer. You stop, glancing back at the door. Jarek had not followed you in.?? ? ? ? ?'Aaaah!' Maron suddenly cries out and sits bolt upright, snapping your focus back to her. Her eyes are open now, unfocused and confused and with tears staining the fur around them. She's awake. And you are not supposed to be in here...?1211111111112Trying to get back under the door will take too long, it will be much safer to hide in here and wait for another chance. You see the jumble of sheets and wait for Maron to be distracted. Seeing her put her hands to her eyes and rub the sleepiness from them, you take your chance. You bolt quickly but silently on the soft carpet and make a dive into the blanket pile. You're out of sight for the moment, but it still wouldn't be a good idea to stay here. Maron's scent surrounds you, and you crawl deeper to try and mask your own before popping out the other side. You are under her bed now, and your first instinct compels you to press yourself against the bedpost on the floor and remain as silent as possible.?? ? ? ? ?You can hear Maron's ragged breathing above you, followed by what sounded like a whimper and a small cough. Suddenly her feet came down to the floor not far from you. She was getting up. With slow staggered steps, she walked over towards a door at the far end of the room opposite to where you had come in. She opened the door and flicked a light switch. The room beyond was white with porcelain tiled walls, a bathroom if memory served. She would probably be in there for a few minutes. Sure enough, the door closed behind her and left the bedroom in darkness again. This was your chance.?? ? ? ? ?Making a dash for the door you'd come in by, you rolled into the carpet and squeezed yourself back out into the living room. Jarek was still crouched near the crack, wide eyed with worry. 'What the hell were you thinking?!' He hissed, falling in beside you as you pushed him to start running.?? ? ? ? ?'I had to know something. Now I do! Keep moving!' You whisper urgently. You both cross the living room as quickly as possible, back into the kitchen and towards the nearest entrance to Markep.? ? ? ? ?'That had nothing to do with your expanding the colonies idea though did it?' Jarek asked. 'You wanted to see what she was scared of?'?? ? ? ? ?You pause, both of you were out of breath, before answering. 'Yes. She was just having a nightmare, it was not a big deal.' You hold Jarek's gaze for a moment until he nods and rests his head on the wall behind him. 'Until she woke up I mean...' Jarek lets out a small laugh, not entirely in amusement.?? ? ? ? ?'Well, I take it expansion in that direction is a no no then?' Jarek stated.?? ? ? ? ?'Seems that way.' You reply. You don't tell him that Maron was having more than just a nightmare. That was a full blown night terror, something you've had your share of experience with in the past as well. Though they've thankfully been rare since you moved in with Kera and Jarek, they haven't disappeared entirely. You aren't sure but you think Kera has been awake beside you during one or two of them, even though she hasn't said anything yet.?? ? ? ? ?Jarek starts making his way back to the house. You give him a nod to signal you won't be far behind, but you still aren't ready to sleep just yet. You crawl back towards the mouse hole, but freeze when you look outside, and see that Maron has entered the kitchen. She is composed now, focused and visibly on the prowl. Standing almost completely still, only her ears show signs of movement. She's hunting.?? ? ? ? ?You can't help but watch as she suddenly springs into motion, effortlessly and silently crossing the room and crouching beside the pantry. Whoever was in there wouldn't have heard a thing. You find yourself sighing in half disappointment and half fear. Kera generally didn't go alone anymore and you were sure she was stocked with food enough for another day, but still you felt anxious...?? ? ? ? ?You crept out so you could see past the fridge. Maron stayed in position for a full minute. Even from here you could see the group of micen beginning to emerge from the hole in the side of the pantry. There were seven of them, climbing down the rope ladder by twos. The poor bastards couldn't see her from where they were, and you saw her ears twitch every time one of them landed their feet on the counter top. She was counting them...?? ? ? ? ?Without any warning she sprang up. You heard the cries of shock and terror as she loomed over them on the counter for a few seconds, before they all started running again. Maron's hands pinned two of them down and her teeth clamped down on a third. She lifted the other two off the counter as the remaining four scrambled and one by one made it back into the walls. You hear a sickening slurp, followed by a gulp before she speaks to one of the ones she's captured.?? ? ? ? ?'Little runts. You know the rules. What the hell is wrong with you?' She turned to the one in her left hand. 'You especially should know better.' Her lips curled into a snarl before the micen vanished between them. She turned to look at the other before rolling her eyes and sighing. You couldn't make out who it was from here, but Maron seemed not to be interested in eating them. Instead she crossed the room, prompting you to run back to the wall to remain unseen, and approached the cage that sat in the corner. With a quick deliberate motion she opened the top and dropped the micen inside.?? ? ? ? ?'You're a nosy little thing, Thanis.' She said suddenly. You freeze as she turns directly towards you, still where you were about five paces from the mouse hole. 'One of these days I'm going to make you pay for it. Try not to get too much on my nerves too soon. You're starting to intrigue me and I'd hate to lose that rapport we just built.'?? ? ? ? ?You remain silent, too stunned for words. Did she know the whole time??? ? ? ? ?'Get out of here!' She snarled suddenly, taking a step towards you and lowering herself to all fours. 'Not a word Thanis. Or I will tear this place apart to find you.' You were already inside the wall when she finished speaking, unwilling to look back outside and with your heart pounding fiercely in your chest. You remained frozen for five minutes, only relaxing when you finally heard Maron's footsteps leading away.?? ? ? ? ?This was a harsh and disturbing reality check. Maron must have really taken an interest in you despite all indications of the opposite. Maybe your months of survival had nothing to do with your own good fortune and skill at all. She had always been able to see you whenever you were outside. Your hand grips the scarf around your shoulder, bringing your mind back to the unpleasant fact that this meant it was only a matter of time.?? ? ? ? ?And speaking of time, you remember now what the cage is for. There's a kid out there with less than a week to live unless one of their parents stepped forward to take their place. It hurts to think about... Maybe now would be a good time to get that sleep you couldn't catch before...12111111111121You're too shaken and exhausted now to risk going back outside. With a few moments to calm yourself back down, you head back home. Carefully opening the door to avoid waking anyone up, you creep slowly past Jarek's sound asleep form and approach the bed you share with Kera. She is still asleep, shivering but asleep. You lie yourself down next to her and wrap your arm around her, causing her to moan happily and nuzzle into you. A smile reaches your lips as you finally feel relaxed, before you too drift off into sleep...?? ? ? ? ?A commotion nearby caused you to wake up. You could hear shouting, one of the voices was definitely Jarek's and there were at least three others. Kera isn't beside you, causing you to sit up in alarm. You straighten your hair out and head towards the front. The sight of Kera, curled up against the wall beside the door just inside makes you stop. She's distraught and crying, her ears flickering every few moments as Jarek shouts down whoever it was outside.?? ? ? ? ?'What's going on?' You ask, rushing over and crouching beside her.?? ? ? ? ?'Last night... Maron caught a child breaking the rules.' Kera explained. 'Both of her parents were eaten on the spot... so there's nobody to step forward for her.'?? ? ? ? ?'I see...' You neglect to say that you saw it all happen. 'But why are there people outside? What do they want?'?? ? ? ? ?'They want...' She shivered as she tried to form the words. 'They want to put me forward to save her. Thanis I'm scared!' She buried her head into your chest, almost barreling you onto the floor.?? ? ? ? ?'Why?' You demanded. Now start paying more attention to the argument outside. Two voices were demanding that Kera come out, while Jarek and the third stranger were arguing about it being her fault, then not her fault, and something about this should have happened a long time ago. 'Just wait here. I'll sort this out.'?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis...?' She looked up at you as you stood, sheer terror in her eyes as you approached the door. Stepping outside you can see three other micen, all wearing the similar green attire that seems to be common in this place. Two of them were grey furred, the third was a light tan almost yellow. Jarek stood between the three of them and the door, only moving aside as you stepped out.?? ? ? ? ?'What is wrong with you people?' You growled.?? ? ? ? ?'Kera should have given herself up a long time ago!' One of them shouted. 'She's trouble! She's always been trouble!'?? ? ? ? ?'Shut up!' Jarek cried back. 'She's not that person anymore, when are you vultures gonna leave her alone?!' One of the others stepped forward to retort, but immediately stopped and stepped back when you stepped forward too.?? ? ? ? ?'All three of you get out of here.' You growled. 'Otherwise I'm gonna drag one of you up there and swap you for the kid myself.' They looked ready to protest, but none of them were ready to fight you. The story of the day you beat Rekk and Terrun on your own spread through this place like wildfire and now you had everyone's fear if not everyone's respect. It wasn't an ideal arrangement, but it seemed to keep you safe down here.?? ? ? ? ?When they were gone, Jarek started to head back inside. 'I guess we should probably tell you what happened...' You followed him inside. Kera was still propped against the wall and shivering. Jarek and you sit down either side of her, both of you holding onto her softly.?? ? ? ? ?'About... seven months ago. When Jarek was still little.' Kera began. 'Our parents were gone during one of Maron's hunts... Not long after that, I met someone. He was a little older than me. He started to look after us. His name was Roney. And I felt... Like there was something special. After a while I found myself... I found myself...' She tensed up for a moment, unable to continue.?? ? ? ? ?'I was an uncle.' Jarek said. 'To Kera's little girl. Roney was teaching me to gather. And when little Mirry was old enough, he started teaching her too.'?? ? ? ? ?'I see...' You say softly, the realization that none of these individuals were still around already hinting at this story's ending.?? ? ? ? ?'One day the four of us were out there.' Kera continued. 'Jarek and Roney were a little behind us. I lost track of Mirry for a few seconds, and when I caught up to her she had found Maron's jar of jellybeans and somehow got the lid of it.'?? ? ? ? ?You remember the jellybean jar. It's at the far side of the pantry and has a simple airtight lid. It isn't difficult to open as you've heard, but it is a forbidden thing to go after. Maron loves those things and hates it when even a few go missing.?? ? ? ? ?'I called out to get her to get away from there, but Maron was already in the kitchen.' Kera continued. 'Roney sent Jarek back straight away and ran in after us as fast as he could. Just as Maron opened the pantry door he threw me back behind the cereal packets. Roney was trying to beg for Mirry, that she didn't know the rules and that we were sorry...'?? ? ? ? ?'I waited back at the colony that day.' Jarek chipped in. 'A little while later, Kera came back alone. Afterwards, we found out that Roney was... gone. And Mirry was in the cage. Waiting for Kera.'?? ? ? ? ?'I was too scared.' Kera buried her head and started crying.?? ? ? ? ?'The week went by, and then we noticed the cage was empty.' Jarek finished. 'The people here never really forgave Kera for letting that happen. And now every time some kid gets caught, there are these shitbags out there who try to throw her out.'?? ? ? ? ?'How often does this happen?' You ask.?? ? ? ? ?'Not often.' Jarek shook his head. 'It's happened twice since then before you showed up, but both of those times one of the parents stepped up on the last day. I'm not sure what's gonna happen this time, since both the girl's parents were taken the same night. Maron probably didn't know. Or care.'?? ? ? ? ?'Alright.' You nod. 'Next time we do a pantry run, we'll have to be careful. If I can find an opportune moment to talk to Maron in the meantime... I might see if I can strike some sort of deal...'?? ? ? ? ?The next few days were tense. Those in favour of sacrificing Kera were more numerous than you thought, and nearly every time you left the house you'd return to find at least one or two micen in need of being told to piss off. Both pantry raids you did with Kera and Jarek that week were tense and terrifying given your new perspective on Maron, but you all survived. The seventh day came, giving the girl in the cage mere hours to live. Complicating the matter was that Risa had decided to visit, and now you were watching from the counter top entrance to Markep as the two leonas sat at the table discussing that Avon thing again.?? ? ? ? ?You were glad you had left Jarek and Kera back at home. You watched tensely as Maron checked a clock on the wall and excused herself from the conversation. She opened the cage and took out the shivering little micen, depositing her on the table and sitting back down. From here you could just make out the girls face. Terrified eyes, and dark grey fur... She looked just like Morrix in those last moments... No, there was no way you could just let this happen.?? ? ? ? ?You ran out to the edge of the counter top. You were partly behind Maron from here, but a flick of her ear signaled she knew you were there. Risa noticed you instantly, and gave you a playful smile as she slid to the edge of her seat.? ? ? ? ?'Didn't think it would be you, Thanis.' Maron chirped, spinning in her seat and meeting you with a coy smile.?? ? ? ? ?'There has to be another way...' You call out, almost desperately. 'She's a child, Maron.'?? ? ? ? ?'That's what the week is for.' Maron replied. 'Her parents decided not to come forward.'?? ? ? ? ?'You ate them both that night!' You shout, surprising yourself with how forceful that was. That could have been a huge mistake. She hates being talked down to. But her eyes seem to soften in that moment and she looks back down at the terrified girl.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh? I didn't realize.' Maron seemed to think for a moment, drawing a curious look from Risa.?? ? ? ? ?'What are you thinking?' Risa asked.?? ? ? ? ?'Well... I can't just let the girl go back.' Maron sighed. 'It would destroy any value the rules have. But I have to be honest, I do kind of feel for the situation here. Okay, Thanis. I won't eat her. But you will owe me.'?? ? ? ? ?'Owe you... what?' You ask, almost too terrified to contemplate the answer.?? ? ? ? ?'I'll tell you some other time.' Maron grinned. 'Now... Risa, care for a new roommate?' Maron lifted the shivering prisoner up and held her out to the other leona.?? ? ? ? ?'Roommate?' Risa sighed in mock disappointment. 'Don't I have enough responsibility you old bat? What is this?'?? ? ? ? ?'I don't care.' Maron replied, almost laughing. 'You could let her go in some other room if you don't want to deal with her, but like I said, she's not living here anymore.'?? ? ? ? ?'Fine.' Risa took the girl in her own grasp. 'You owe me for this. Giving me a micen I can't eat. I want that girls' night in as soon as Solace and Shieki finally get their shit together and move in here.'?? ? ? ? ?'Fine.' Maron shrugged. 'Just hope you know I'm gonna take you kids for all you're worth.'?? ? ? ? ?'We'll see about that, crone.' Risa grinned, before heading to the door. 'I'll be away for a few days. Lead sounds positive, but I'll let you know when I get back.' Maron simply nodded as Risa left, closing the door behind her. You were relieved when the other leona left. The feeling faded instantly when Maron turned back to you.?? ? ? ? ?'Go back home.' She commanded. 'I will call you later tonight to tell you about... your new job.'?121111111111211?You didn't waste any time. Heading back into the wall you made your way back to Markep and the little house you call home. Thankfully there were no hounds hanging about this time, meaning you could go inside without being hassled. Jarek wasn't home, and you found Kera beside her bed eating a handful of cracker crumbs. She hears you walk in and tentatively stands up, clearly curious as to where you've been.?? ? ? ? ?'Did you manage to work something out?' She asked you, anxiety clear in her voice.?? ? ? ? ?'Sort of...' You say. 'But I don't know how much I should say to anyone just yet. Maron wants to see me tonight about a new job she's giving me. Honestly I'm scared to think what she wants.'?? ? ? ? ?'What about... the girl?' Kera asked, stepping closer and leaning her head on your shoulder as she wraps her arms around you. She was trembling.?? ? ? ? ?'Well, I'm not sure. Maron gave her to Risa to take somewhere else.' You explain. 'Said... she couldn't live here after she broke the rules. And me working for Maron is what I owe her for the girl not being... eaten.'?? ? ? ? ?'That's... awful.' Kera clenched her fingers in your fur.?? ? ? ? ?'Hey, she's alive.' You reassure her.?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis...' Kera hugged you tighter. 'You're... You're going to be a daddy.'?? ? ? ? ?The rest of the day seemed to go numb after that. Not in a bad way, not in a bad way at all. The thought of fatherhood had shaken you to a point where you couldn't even focus on what Maron might want of you that night, and instead of your planned reconnaissance you simply stayed with Kera all day.?? ? ? ? ?'When did you find out?' You ask, resting one hand on her belly.?? ? ? ? ?'I started to suspect a week ago...' She replied. 'But now I'm sure. I can feel it.' She buries her head in your chest and hugs you tight. 'Thanis I'm not ready for this again... What if I screw up? I don't think I can be a good mother!'?? ? ? ? ?'Shhh...' You hold onto her gently, caressing her and helping her to calm down. 'Don't worry. I won't let anything happen.' You stayed there as long as you could beside her. But all too quickly the daylight that shone through the cracks in the floorboards was replaced by dark, and you could hear the footsteps of the leona from above. She wasn't hiding. She was waiting for you. Kera heard them too and knew what it meant.?? ? ? ? ?'Promise me... You'll come back.' She whispered as you started to move.?? ? ? ? ?'I will come back.' You whisper. 'I promise.'?? ? ? ? ?As expected, Maron was waiting for you, sitting at the table and watching as you climbed up and walked out onto the counter. She leaned forward, enough to rest her hand just on the edge. You climbed onto her palm, dropping to your knees and holding on as she brought you close and deposited you on the table. This was where you two had your first conversation months ago. You found yourself wondering if this would be your last.?? ? ? ? ?'You're going to work for me.' Maron stated simply. 'Consider yourself my lieutenant. From now on you represent me in that colony. You enforce my rules. And you bring those who disobey to me. I can't catch everyone myself.'?? ? ? ? ?'Loo-tennant?' You repeat the unfamiliar word.?? ? ? ? ?'Yes.' Maron nodded. 'Do you understand?' You think on her words. You know that there have been many occasions where micen have successfully taken things they shouldn't from the pantry. Many had also made raids on behalf of others and gotten away with it, similar to what Jarek and Kera had attempted on your first night. With you acting as an enforcer of sorts, all of that would stop, but not before a good dozen deaths...?? ? ? ? ?'I don't really have a choice in this do I?' You ask. Maron simply shook her head and smiled back at you. 'Alright.' You continue. 'I'll do this. But can I ask a few things?'?? ? ? ? ?'You already owe me Thanis.' Maron grinned. 'That's why you're doing this remember? Do you really think it's wise to incur yourself even more?'?? ? ? ? ?'I...' You hesitate, but then remember why you need this. 'I have to. Kera is carrying my child. I want to... ensure their safety. And Jarek's too.' Maron seemed to think for a few moments, her face slowly turning to a scowl.?? ? ? ? ?'I'll tell you what.' She replied. 'You and Kera are safe. The little one too. As long as you keep to the rules yourself. And don't go soft on anyone else. No deal on Jarek though. Next he'll meet someone and you'll want HIS family safe too. You, Kera, your baby. That's where I'm drawing the line, and I can erase it at a moment's notice.'?? ? ? ? ?Dammit that will have to do. 'Alright. I accept.' You nod. 'When do you want me to start?'?? ? ? ? ?Maron hummed. 'Effective Immediately.' You only understood one of those words, blinking as she continued. 'I'll have to do some digging but I am quite sure I still have a few... things, you can use. Perks of the job, yours to keep as long as you don't screw up.' She lowered her hand beside you, before carrying you over to the counter top and setting you back down. Your mind is racing with conflicted thoughts. In exchange for your own safety and that of Kera and your child, other micen are almost certainly going to die. Part of you hates this. You'd come here and tried to be nothing but good, but now? It's as if you've taken a step back in time. Micen here had come to respect you, some even liked you.?? ? ? ? ?And now they are all going to fear you. Just like old times...1211111111112111?It was every bit as bad as you feared. That night, after learning of your impending fatherhood and your forced servitude to Maron, the leona had found something she described as from the old days. Clothes sized for a micen that fitted you fairly well. She had told you they were a military uniform from years ago. You had never seen any micen with clothes so well made, even the best tailors in Kert had been forced to work with what was essentially scraps of cloth. Even Claude, their leader, hadn't had garments as well made as this. The moment you had gone back to Markep dressed in this new uniform, people had stopped. Whispers had started. The admiration you'd earned was gone almost instantly.?? ? ? ? ?In that moment you knew that you and Kera would not be living here anymore. You'd find somewhere else. Somewhere you could still reach the pantry to enforce your new duty, but at the same time keep your family away from jealous hands. Jarek, he'd taken it relatively well all things considered. There was some hint of hostility when you told him the details of your deal with Maron, and his unfortunate exclusion. But in the end he had been relieved that his sister was safe. In that moment you had come to realize that this kid was far stronger than anyone else had given him credit for, as well as being resourceful and skilled to boot.?? ? ? ? ?It was not all pleasant. Cerrik respected your decisions but warned of a few circles within the colony that were less content to tolerate your new position. Mostly the unscrupulous types that regularly bent Maron's rules. Before you had a live and let live relationship with these individuals, but now your job demanded that you take action and they knew it. Over the course of three weeks, seven of them had made attempts on your life. Six of those had been delivered to Maron. The seventh had died at your own hands in a more spontaneous attack as a result of Maron's second gift, an exquisite sword. Sharper than even the best whetted needle you'd ever handled and much better balanced, the weapon had a shaped hilt and a slightly broader blade, making it much easier and deadlier to use.?? ? ? ? ?'Gaaah!' You sit bolt upright in a cold sweat, panting heavily and shaking. Beside you, Kera stirs and slowly opens her eyes. You look down at her, already calming as she reaches a hand to your cheek and brings you close. 'I'm sorry... It was...'?? ? ? ? ?'Another nightmare?' She asked. 'Are you sure you want to keep doing this? Thanis... It's tearing you apart.'?? ? ? ? ?'I have to.' You reply. You rest your hand on her baby bump for a few moments before hugging her tight around the shoulders. 'I have to do this. I have to keep you safe. Don't worry... I'll just walk it off.'?? ? ? ? ?'Don't be long.' She called after you in a concerned tone as you stood up. You nod and smile before leaving the small room you'd carved in the living room wall and climbing back down towards the floor. You glanced out across the room. Despite the rattis scent in the far wall, you had yet to actually see any of them in this place. Still, you had elected to dig up into the wall that separated the living room and kitchen rather than go that far, creating a few small rooms that you divided into the sleeping area and food storage. You'd been able to convince Maron of Kera's condition, excluding her from her own raids for the time being but only until the baby was born and she could comfortably move again. And despite being safe from Maron, there was still the risk of encountering less friendly micen in the pantry. As well as which Maron had insisted that her deal only applied to herself and had refused to supply a second scarf for Kera's protection during Risa's visits.?? ? ? ? ?You stood now in the doorway between the living room and the kitchen, in nothing but your old pants and with that same scarf still around your shoulder. From here you could see the dim lighting coming through the kitchen window. You'd managed to get a glimpse one night, outside stretching off into the distance were other enormous buildings, and between them were large poles with lights on top. You still hadn't figured out why. You noticed the shadows of micen along the counter top on their raid. Behind you was the sound of Maron having one of her own nightmares. You sight and press forward.? ? ? ? ?Life seems to have decided you don't deserve a break. Less than ten minutes later you were in the pantry, hidden from the eyes of micen by way of a second access point you'd dug yourself. You watched, unseen as they went about their needs. No rules were broken as they took what they could carry and left. You sighed slowly and climbed back down the way you came. It was always relieving to not have to perform your duty.?? ? ? ? ?You decide it's time to head back. Making your way across the kitchen floor relatively quickly you head back through the doorway then suddenly freeze. Maron is in the living room, sitting in her armchair that she has spun away from the television. As has become almost expected, she has already noticed you.?? ? ? ? ?'Couldn't sleep?' She asked, lifting a glass of something to her face and taking a sip.?? ? ? ? ?'No... I haven't been sleeping well lately.' You confess.?? ? ? ? ?'Is it the job?' She asked.?? ? ? ? ?'It might be.' You reply. 'Ever since I started... I feel like I used to. Something in the back of my mind knows it's... it's...' You sigh and lean against the wall. 'My job means getting micen killed.'?? ? ? ? ?'But it keeps you and your woman safe.' Maron raised an eyebrow.?? ? ? ? ?'From you.' You retort. 'Not from them. Not from Risa. And somewhere this whole situation makes me feel like I've left so much behind. Tara...'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh...' Maron interrupted you. 'By the way, the apartment I found you outside, the one where your Tara colony is? One of Risa's friends is moving in there pretty soon.'?? ? ? ? ?'What will happen to Tara?' You ask.?? ? ? ? ?'Renovators have already gone through the place.' Maron answered. 'Said they found what looked like a colony somewhere, cleared it out. Apparently a bunch of micen tried to attack them. I'm not sure of the details, but from what I heard the place is a clean slate ready for Miss whoever to move in by next week.' You slide to the floor. If Tara had been cleaned out by leonas, then it was probable that Sitchol and everyone you'd known there was dead. Sitchol had been planning to exterminate the rattis when you last saw him, and rooting them out could take a long time. Maybe they'd moved on by now but that wasn't a certainty. And it seemed likely he was still there if micen had attacked leonas. But if that was the case, even Sitchol wouldn't have survived.?? ? ? ? ?That seemed... oddly comforting. These past few weeks had felt too similar to your old life. Maybe you just felt that you were still tied to it. But now... now it was all gone. You couldn't quite place your feeling for Sitchol. You resented him for betraying you sure, but beyond that... He was probably the only constant in your life before you came here.?? ? ? ? ?'Thank you.' You said to Maron, causing her to raise an eyebrow in confusion. Maybe she had expected you to be upset at the news. Instead you couldn't help a smile from making its way onto your face. The hell your life used to be was gone. All that mattered now was the future. Kera. Your unborn baby due in less than a week. And a colony that already resents you. Well screw them. You had a family to feed and there's no doubt any micen would do the same in your position.?12111111111121111?Beautiful hazel eyes stared back at you, just like her mother's as you cradled your newborn daughter in your arms. She had inherited your dark grey fur but had her mother's lighter shaded hands and feet as well as brown hair. The infant looked up at you from your arms with slow blinks and a cute little smile. This was beauty in its purest form, the sweet innocence and naivety yet to be crushed by the weight of the cruel world they would soon be thrust into.?She looks almost just like Morrix...? ? ? ? ?But that didn't matter right now. Nothing mattered right now except for you, your child and the just as beautiful Kera who had fallen asleep beside you after the birth was complete, staying awake just long enough to cradle her daughter for a few minutes. The night had gone perfectly.?This is what he lost. This is why he hated you. He blamed you. It was your fault.? ? ? ? ?You carried the girl over to the second bed you'd set up. Some toothpicks you'd scavenged made a solid enough framework to fashion a small crib and you'd lined the bottom and sides with the cleanest bits of rag you could get a hold of. Setting her down gently, you sat beside her and watched her giggle and fidget herself to sleep before finally being able to lie down beside Kera and sleep as well.?? ? ? ? ?You awoke the next morning a bit later than usual. Stirring slowly, you find that Kera is already up and has the baby in her arms. The girl is asleep and Kera's top is disheveled. 'Thanis.' Kera calls. 'Our stores are empty. Do you think you could make a run to the pantry? I'm gonna try and think of names.'?? ? ? ? ?'Alright.' You reply, walking over and planting a kiss on Kera's cheek before lightly brushing your fingers across her cheek. You don't worry about changing into the uniform Maron gave you, instead just wrapping the scarf around your shoulder, grabbing your backpack and heading out. The kitchen floor is an easy traverse for you now with your immunity, and you make it to the second rope ladder you placed in short order. The climb is easy, you've done it probably a hundred times by now. You only need to be in the pantry for a few minutes, knowing where everything is. Some bread, a few wrapped packets of jam and pieces of cracker. A somewhat bland taking and you keep telling yourself you have to figure out how to access the fridge one of these days.?Marie is a nice name.? ? ? ? ?The apartment door opened, closing moments later. Footsteps outside catch your attention. Leona footsteps. A few moments later you hear a sigh before one of the table chairs slides on the floor. That sigh didn't sound like Maron...?? ? ? ? ?Creeping quietly to the hole in the side of the pantry, you see that it was indeed not Maron. Risa has come in, and she's on her own. Her expression is one of boredom and almost disappointment.?How did she even get in??Well... What to do now? She didn't seem happy but surely you were safe as long as you had Maron's scarf on?121111111111211112Well you have the scarf... And that means you belong to Maron. Risa will respect that, surely. They're friends, or at least you think they are. Granted Maron doesn't exactly smile every time Risa visits, but then again Maron doesn't smile much at all except when she's passively tormenting you. You strap the backpack on and lean out of the hole in the pantry. Taking the rope in your hand, you start to scale down to the floor.?? ? ? ? ?It only took a few seconds for Risa to notice you. And now she seems to stare, a small coy smile on her lips as she watches you walk across the floor. The look suggested she was almost amused that a micen would dare tread in the open in front of her. You tried not to let her get to you, but there was no denying your pace had gotten quicker as you started to move past her chair, giving it a wider berth than you had on your way over.?? ? ? ? ?Suddenly Risa spun on her chair, her grin wider than it had been. You freeze momentarily which gives the brown furred leona just the opportunity she needs to pin and lean down. Before you can move again you're in her hand, sweeping through the air before she drops you on the table and turns back around to face you. One hand rests on the table beside you while the other supports her chin as she leans over and looks down at you, still with that same curious grin.?? ? ? ? ?'Hey there. You're a bold little one. Cute too.' She said to you.?? ? ? ? ?'Well, thank you?' You reply. 'Umm... Is it alright if I go? I have a wife and kid waiting for this.' You shuffle the backpack on their shoulders.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh every micen I ever meet has that excuse or some similar crap.' Risa rolled her eyes. 'Just relax will you? I just wanna chat, alleviate some boredom until Maron gets home.'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh okay...' You settle a bit. 'What does a leona talk to a micen about that isn't an ultimatum?'?? ? ? ? ?'This the kind of talk you have with Maron?' Risa smirks, reaching over with her free hand and twirling the loose end of your scarf around one of her fingers.?? ? ? ? ?'No, just a... genuine question.' You stammer, her hand being so close and fiddling with the symbol of your safety making you rather nervous.?? ? ? ? ?'You do know what the scarf means right?' Risa licked her lips. 'Eventually, she's gonna...'?? ? ? ? ?'No!' You shake your head. 'She gave me a uniform, and a sword. I work for her!'?? ? ? ? ?'Little rodent.' Risa almost growled now, though she kept her smile. 'Only while you're useful. But even during all that, at the end of the day every little micen is just food for a hungry leona, mice feed cats.' You remain silent after this, not willing to feed this conversation any further. 'What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?' She poked you in the cheek roughly, forcing your jaw to spring open.?? ? ? ? ?'Do you mind?' You shuffle away from her hand. 'Does Maron go into your room and torture your micen?'?? ? ? ? ?'Does Maron let you talk to her with that tone?' Risa retorted. 'You shut your little runt mouth.' You do exactly that, sitting still and staring back at her silently. After a tense few moments that felt much longer than they were, her hand scooped you up once again. She brought you to her face, being far from gentle as she pressed you to her muzzle. You felt air rush past you as she inhaled your scent, before her lips parted and her tongue slavered up your body from your feet to your face.?? ? ? ? ?'What? The hell?' You can't hide your shock, but in a fleeting moment you remember this is exactly how Maron used to treat you. Risa simply shrugged and set you back down on the floor.?? ? ? ? ?'That's just so I don't forget you.' She giggled. 'Now run along.'?? ? ? ? ?You crawl back into home as quickly as you can, heart still racing from the unpleasant encounter. Kera sees you the moment you enter and there is no way to hide your matted fur or the smell of a leona's breath still clinging to you.?? ? ? ? ?'What happened?' She asked, her eyes wide in alarm.?? ? ? ? ?'Just Risa... being... Risa.' You reply. 'It's okay, she didn't do anything... permanently damaging.'?? ? ? ? ?'You stink.' She giggled, relieved that you were okay. 'You're going to wash up right?'?? ? ? ? ?'Of course.' You reply, a smile slowly creeping onto your face as you slid your backpack full of food to the floor. 'Just as soon as I give you a hug!' You pounce, too quickly for her to dodge and hold her close. She squeals in surprise as you press your body to hers, sharing the pungent wet present that Risa left you with.?? ? ? ? ?'Eeeww!' She squirms and pushes you away, rolling her eyes before giving you a playful slap.?? ? ? ? ?'Well now I guess we both have to wash up?' You grin. 'Should I run a tub? Oh, did you have any luck thinking of names?'?? ? ? ? ?'Plenty of names come to mind... But I can't pick.' She sighed.?? ? ? ? ?'I thought of Marie earlier, on the way over. How about that?' You suggest.?? ? ? ? ?'Marie?' Kera thought. 'Someone you knew?'?? ? ? ? ?'Maybe. I've known lots of people.' You reply without thinking. Kera shoots you an unimpressed stare before you hastily add. 'I didn't mean like that!'?? ? ? ? ?'Go get that tub ready.' She says sternly, the smile returning to her face. 'I'm gonna make sure Marie is still asleep.'?1211111111112111121?Two months passed. You proudly watch as Marie grows into an inquisitive and healthy child, brought to a mile every time her eyes meet yours. She learned quickly, something all micen tend to do by necessity, and had already made a few pantry trips with you. She didn't have a backpack yet, but it was months before she would need one. One thing you had warned her against was going to Markep. It wasn't a sure thing that anyone would target her just for being your daughter, but it wasn't a sure thing she'd be safe either. Introducing the girl to Maron had been nerve wracking, Marie had seemed a little nervous but all the leona did was take note of her scent. You had tried as much as you could to impress upon Marie exactly how dangerous leonas were, and to keep inside whenever they were around. Maron had refused to supply additional scarves, and you would forfeit your right to wear one if you tried to give yours away.?? ? ? ? ?This morning had been slow. But the night had also been cold, and Marie had slept in the same bed as you and Kera for warmth. She didn't have a proper set of clothes yet, instead Kera had wrapped the rags from Marie's old crib around the girl's waist and chest. It wasn't a perfect solution however, so today you were going to make a visit to the pantry so you could barter for a real set of clothes. 'Marie?' You call.?? ? ? ? ?'Yes?' She pokes her head around the corner of the hollowed out piece of wall you call a bedroom.? ? ? ? ?'I'm gonna go buy you some clothes.' You tell her. 'So I need you to stay home today. You and your mother look after each other okay?'?? ? ? ? ?'Okay!' Marie nodded. There was something about her face that seemed a little over eager, but then again she was an energetic youngster. That's just how kids are.?That's just how Morrix was.? ? ? ? ?Marie waited until her father was gone a few minutes before sneaking back into the living area. Her mother was still napping on the couch with a book that had dropped to the floor probably when she fell asleep. Perfect. She stifled a giggle as she scrambled down to the mouse hole and took the first few steps outside. She looked around, the kitchen was empty but there were tapping sounds coming from the living room. Creeping slowly to the doorway, she curious girl looked through and saw Maron. The leona woman was seated at her desk typing away at something. Marie watched in fascination. Her parents had both tried to teach her to be afraid of leonas, that they eat little micen. But Marie had never seen that, and watching her do something so passive certainly wasn't a frightening image.?? ? ? ? ?Maron's tail was at rest with about a foot of its length on the floor. Marie watched as the tip would flick from one side to the other. She didn't know what that meant for a leona, but from what she could tell the woman was very engrossed in what she was doing. Now Marie felt compelled to get closer. She kept as quiet as she could, creeping slowly into the living room towards the chair from behind and not once taking her gaze from Maron.?? ? ? ? ?Maron stopped typing suddenly, seeming to focus for a moment. Her ear flicked and she took a deep breath before resuming. Marie froze in that instant as well, but feeling safe once more she took a few steps closer. The mouse girl felt a smile creep onto her lips as she came closer to the tip of Maron's tail. The odd flick of the tip every few seconds was making it harder for the young girl not to laugh, and eventually her better judgement left her and she just had to try and catch it. Timing herself perfectly, the little micen crouched down, before wiggling her hips and pouncing forward at jut the right time to wrap her arms and legs around the soft furry tip of the leona's tail.?? ? ? ? ?'Hmm?' Maron's head spun and her tail lifted the girl around and in front of her. 'What... the hell are you doing?'?? ? ? ? ?'I'm sorry.' Marie gasped, suddenly realizing just how silly this game really was. 'I-I was just... playing around.'?? ? ? ? ?'I don't like to be interrupted when I'm working on these.' Maron said, almost growling as she leaned in closer. She adjusted her glasses and took a closer look at the small micen still clinging to her tail, before raising an eyebrow and bringing the girl closer. She bumped the mouse's head with her nose, taking in her scent. 'Wait... You're Thanis' girl right?'?? ? ? ? ?'Mhmm!' Marie nodded, beginning to lose her fear as the smile returned to her face. 'We met the other week and you smelled me then too!'?? ? ? ? ?'Hasn't he taught you to be scared of me?' Maron asked irritably. 'What kind of father is he?'?? ? ? ? ?'He did say I have to be scared of you.' Marie nodded. Maron lowered her tail, dropping the girl onto her desk beside the typewriter. 'But you don't look scary.'?? ? ? ? ?'Had a late breakfast.' Maron smirked. 'Come back in two hours. I mean... No, really, don't do that. Ugh.' The leona leaned back in her chair. Her eyes wandered to the half typed page still in her machine, then back to the irritating child that had interrupted her and destroyed her focus. She certainly knew what she wanted to do, and what she would absolutely do if this was anyone else. But Thanis was working out pretty well, and she'd hate to put him off side after all these months.?? ? ? ? ?'What's wrong Auntie Maron?' Marie asked suddenly. Maron twitched, despite the gall the girl had just displayed she was taken by surprise by this completely unwarranted display of familiarity.?? ? ? ? ?'You... You're damn lucky you didn't say Granny just then!' The leona growled. 'Now what do you want? I'm busy!'?? ? ? ? ?'I just wanted to say hello...' Marie replied sheepishly. 'My mother is asleep and my father's working almost every day. I get bored.' She looked up at the stern gaze looking back down at her and managed a smaller smile than she had before.?? ? ? ? ?Maron seemed to soften a little. Poor girl was in this situation because of her father, who in turn was somewhat trapped himself because of Maron's own presented ultimatum. She took her glasses off and leaned back forward, dropping her head down level with Marie and leaning in close. 'You know I eat micen right?' Hopefully if she could show her that her father was right and that she was indeed terrifying, the girl would leaver her alone from now on.?? ? ? ? ?'That's what Dad said.' Marie replied. 'But he also said I'm not old enough to be eaten yet.' Maron rolled her eyes. Damn Thanis. She wasn't going to put up with this for another what, six, seven months or something? Trying to use the cage would just complicate matters with Thanis, no this girl needed real fear put into her, and she needed it now.?? ? ? ? ?Maron darted her head forward, knocking Marie onto her rump before lapping her tongue over the girl's form and pursing her lips around the ankles. Marie's eyes went wide moments before Maron slurped, drawing the entire micen's form into her maw with one swift motion. Marie squirmed, but Maron's tongue kept her from effecting much of a struggle. Whatever Marie was trying to say was muffled and incoherent and Maron wasn't listening anyway. She tilted her head backwards and felt the smaller body slipping down. Having one so young in her maw was an unfamiliar feeling for her, not that the denizens of Markep would ever know. It was almost an intriguing feeling, but not something she was really keen on getting acquainted with.?? ? ? ? ?Still, just this once. Marie's feet were dangling over the leona's throat. Shifting her tongue, Maron swallowed.?? ? ? ? ?Maron sighed, looking to her watch. She counted the minutes as they went past. Two... Three... That was probably enough. The squirming in her belly was more feeble than normal, but that was to be expected for someone so young. She stood and headed into the kitchen, leaning over the sink and clenching tight. This had taken years of practice, but the ability to wretch and vomit almost at will had been invaluable at several points during her life.?? ? ? ? ?Her practice paid off, and the child's disheveled body landed in her hand. Marie immediately rolled onto her back, looking back up at her with wide eyed astonishment. Maron smirked and turned on the tap before rinsing the drool, bile and chunks of digested goop from the micen's fur. Once she was clean, the leona lifted Marie to her chest and wiped her mostly dry on her shirt before heading back towards the living room. She stopped short, putting the girl down on the floor next to the wall where she knew Thanis and his family lived.?? ? ? ? ?'Don't tell your parents.' She warned the girl. 'And don't bother me again. Or next time I won't let you back out.'? ? ? ? ?Marie shook. She had not been expecting that at all. No wonder her parents were scared of Maron. No wonder all micen were scared of leonas! She could have been food so easily, and there was room in that horrible slimy belly for far more micen than just her. It was certainly an interesting experience. Scary, but exhilarating at the same time. Marie started crawling back towards the hole in the wall to head home. This had been the most exciting day of her life for sure, but now she was trapped. Maron didn't want to be bothered like that again and said next time she wouldn't let her back out. Marie didn't understand exactly what would happen, but she certainly knew that once you ate food, you didn't see it again.?? ? ? ? ?Back inside. Her mother was still asleep. Feeling suddenly overwhelmed, Marie dived onto the couch and hugged Kera tight. Kera grunted in surprise and jerked upright. She relaxed and settled back down once she saw her little girl, starting to hum softly before the two of them fell back asleep.?1211111111121111211You shuffle the backpack on your shoulders, it was lighter now but it also felt like it kept coming loose. Peering at your shoulder you can see that one of the straps is staring to lose its thread. You'll have to do something about that eventually, or else just claim a new backpack from the next rule breaker you encounter during your work. You make your way inside and enter the living room. Kera and Marie are both curled up on the couch fast asleep in each others arms. It is the most beautiful sight you could come home to. Kera must be resting up before her trip. Hopefully she's told Marie.?? ? ? ? ?Smiling the whole time, you drop your backpack and stretch. You step into the bedroom and lift up a flap you've made in the floor not far from the bed. Inside is where you've stashed the uniform to keep it out of sight. Kera knows what you do, but it's not something you want to explain to Marie. Not yet at least. You still hold a small hope that one day you won't have to do this anymore, and the three of you will be able to find somewhere to live that won't leave you in regular danger.?? ? ? ? ?In full garb, you lean gently over and give each of the girls a kiss on your way out. The kitchen was starting to get dark outside as night approached. You headed to the fridge and scaled the rope that lead to the end of the benchtop at the far opposite end to the pantry. Most micen wouldn't come from here, so almost nobody would look. You crept up towards the toaster and crouched down. This was a good vantage point. You could see the micen as they traveled to and from the access hole to Markep, and they hadn't yet figured out where you come from...? ? ? ? ?Marie awoke suddenly, shivering as the last few moments of her dream faded from memory. Teeth...? Oh well. Her mother wasn't on the couch with her anymore, so she got up and peered around into the next room. There she was, loading up a backpack with half a day's worth of food.?? ? ? ? ?'You're awake.' Kera said chirpily. 'Marie, do you wanna come with me? I'm gonna have a look through this wall and see how much more room we can make.'? ? ? ? ?'Why are you packing food?' Marie asked. She approached and took a piece of cracker from the storage compartment, the closest they had to an actual pantry of their own.?? ? ? ? ?'Just in case it takes longer than I thought.' Kera replied. 'If I go high enough and make my way to the ceiling, it might be even longer.'? ? ? ? ?'Does Dad know you're going?' Marie asked.?? ? ? ? ?'Yes.' Kera nodded. 'It was his idea. But he doesn't get the free time anymore, and if this took too long Maron would get upset with him. So I'm doing it instead. There's not much else for me to worry about around here. So what do you think?' Marie considered the offer for a moment, then realized that with both her parents busy she would able able to do whatever she wanted for the night and nobody would know.?? ? ? ? ?'Umm, I might just stay here for now.' The girl replied.?? ? ? ? ?'Alright then. Be good.' Kera have her daughter a kiss before heading to the exit. For practical reasons, she'd start digging from somewhere outside their home and if she found anything, she could make a connecting tunnel through the wooden struts later. Marie watched her leave, waiting until she had dug through the plaster before a grin came to the girl's face.?? ? ? ? ?The gigantic kitchen was spooky in the dark. The window above the sink was the only source of light and even with her eyes fully adjusted, it was dim. Marie walked out slowly into the middle of the kitchen doorway, looking into the equally dim living room. Maron wasn't at her desk anymore, probably in her bed at this time. Her father had warned her never ever to go into the bedroom at the far end of the living room, because Maron hated micen going in there. And sometimes she took micen in there herself, but they never came back out.?? ? ? ? ?The girl was still unsure if Maron was actually scary or not. Sure, the leona was big enough to swallow her whole, and she had, but only for a few minutes. Marie wasn't even sure what would have happened if she hadn't been let out. What happened to food...?? ? ? ? ?The bedroom door suddenly opened. Maron stood there, her breathing was a little heavier than normal and her hair was disheveled. She was completely naked but her fur covered anything that Marie shouldn't have seen. Marie froze in place, nervous more than outright scared as the leona stalked forward. Her first few steps were staggered before she dropped to all fours and homed in on the micen in the middle of the room. Marie found herself pinned down under the cat's nose, hearing a low growl before the pressure lifted.?? ? ? ? ?Maron ignored her, continuing out into the kitchen. But Marie stayed frozen on the floor, not entirely convinced that following her would be safe anymore. Less than a minute went by before the girl could feel the footsteps coming back. Maron filled the doorway between the kitchen and living room with her shadowed form, a micen gripped in each of her hands. Smiling at little Marie on the floor, she leaned down and got back on all fours. Her lips parted and Marie could see another micen already in the woman's mouth.?? ? ? ? ?'What are you...?' Marie started to ask, stopping as she watched the tongue shuffle its prey back towards the throat. Maron's mouth closed again and she swallowed loudly. Marie flinched at the sound, but didn't move from where she was. Next Maron rose one her her hands to her mouth, depositing the next micen inside and once more making a show of swallowing slowly and loudly. Her other hand lifted up, this time opening first enough to reveal the young woman she'd caught.?? ? ? ? ?'Please! Don't!' The micen begged. 'I'll never take any of them again, I swear!' Maron completely ignored the woman's pleas and slipped her into her mouth. This time instead of swallowing she leaned down closer to Marie. Marie was frozen in place once more, not sure what the leona was planning. The girl could hear the woman's pleas and begging through Maron's cheeks.?? ? ? ? ?'Are you... gonna...?' Marie began to ask, then her eyes went wide with horror as Maron's jaw twitched suddenly. There was a sickening wet crunch and the cries from inside suddenly stopped. Marie shuffled backwards in terror, only to be stopped by Maron's hand being placed behind her. The leona finally swallowed again before grinning and beginning to slide Marie closer to her lips. 'No!' Marie cried out, squirming and trying vainly to get away. Maron's hand lifted suddenly, before slamming back down over top of her. She was pinned in place, not hurt but immobile.?? ? ? ? ?'Let me teach you another important lesson.' Maron whispered. 'I'm dangerous. Yes. But if you ever get caught by a leona, don't ever run. Ever. That's the difference between maybe getting eaten, and definitely getting eaten.'?? ? ? ? ?'I wanna go home!' Marie replied. 'I'm sorry!'?? ? ? ? ?'Good girl.' Maron lifted her hand up before leaning in and licking up the girl's body. Her breath smelled like blood, making Marie cringe. Afterwards, Maron stood and walked back into her bedroom before closing the door. Marie stayed where she was for a few minutes while her shivering form competed with itself on whether to run or whether to cry. After almost a minute, she ran...?? ? ? ? ?You find yourself waiting a little longer than usual on the counter top. Not long ago you caught a trio of thieves trying to make off with a jellybean each, and as thanks for capturing them Maron had allowed you to keep one of them. Part of you wishes she hadn't. You've never had anything like this before, and you're not sure you really want to now. You could give it to Kera or Marie, but the thought of Marie trying to get more of them later on isn't a happy one. Furthermore Maron might not be so happy to learn you'd scorned her gift. You'd never heard of her letting one of these get away before.?? ? ? ? ?You drop the pink piece of candy into your backpack and head towards the end of the counter top to go home. There were places you could put this in the meantime until you decided what to do. Other than that, all you wanted to do is forget those three faces. The ones you just sentenced to death.?You haven't forgotten one yet. Good luck with that.12111111111211112112The house was empty when you got home. You knew Kera was leaving to explore the wall tonight, but didn't think she'd have taken Marie with her despite her mentioning the thought to you. You realize you should have asked her to leave a note or something. Which brings up another thought, you have no paper or writing implement in here. That would be something to request of Maron next time you spoke to her. For now however, you needed to rest. If nobody was back by the time you woke up you'd go after them, but Marie knew better than to go too close to Markep by herself as well as to leave Maron alone. But she was an adventurous little spirit. You smiled as you stripped off your uniform and allowed yourself to collapse on your bed.?? ? ? ? ?You found yourself walking through Kert, just like the old times. A friendly voice called your name as you walked, prompting you to turn around. Morrix came running up to you, beautiful blue eyes and a beaming smile just like she always had.?? ? ? ? ?'Are you still gonna teach me to spar today?' She asked, lifting the needle that was suddenly in her hand up for you to see.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh, of course.' You reply, lifting the sword that Maron had given you. 'Is your father too busy?'?? ? ? ? ?'Yep.' Morrix replied. 'He's hunting for Garret again.'?? ? ? ? ?'Wait, how do you know his name?' You asked. 'Why are you here... Why am I here...?'?? ? ? ? ?'We live here, remember dear?' Kera's voice suddenly came from behind you. 'This is Kert, this is where you grew up remember?' You spun and saw Kera approach, just as beautiful as she was earlier today.?? ? ? ? ?'I did.' You nodded. 'But why are... you here...?'?? ? ? ? ?'We came back to fix your big screw up.' Kera replied.?? ? ? ? ?'Yea.' Morrix chimed in. 'Remember, you couldn't save me?' The sword dropped from your grip and you shook your head. You look to Kera as she gave you a disapproving stare.?? ? ? ? ?'Marie too.' Kera whispered. You started to breathe more heavily. Turning back to Morrix you gasped upon seeing that she had turned into Marie, almost the same look but for her now hazel coloured eyes and new clothes.?? ? ? ? ?'No, Marie is safe!' You cried, turning back to Kera. Kera shook her head again.?? ? ? ? ?'Really Thanis?' She scowled. 'Just look at her.' You turned back and saw the same horrifically mauled form that Garret had torn apart on your last day in Sitchol's servitude. She stood there, ripped apart beyond recognition and you couldn't even tell anymore whether you were looking at Morrix or Marie.?? ? ? ? ?'Morrix?! Marie!' You jumped forward to try and grab the wounded child in your arms but it was too late. She lay limp in your arms as your body began to shake with the weight of once again failing.?? ? ? ? ?'And that's not the worst part.' A new but familiar voice said. Your turned back around and saw Sitchol looming behind Kera, who seemed oblivious to his presence. 'You could have prevented all of this if you just killed Garret when you had the chance. I know you were perfectly capable of it. But you weren't strong enough to quell the guilt. Well, here's some more for you to deal with.' Before you could do anything, Sitchol plunged his blade through Kera's chest from behind, dropping your wife to her knees before she slumped to one side. Her face remained locked in that same disappointed stare the whole time...?? ? ? ? ?'NO! You're dead!' You bellowed, charging forward. Your blade was now back in your hands somehow as you lunged in to strike your former master down.?? ? ? ? ?'Even if I am, that would be your fault too. Everyone you touch dies.' Sitchol remained unmoving as your blade reached his chest...?? ? ? ? ?'NGGHH!' You hiss and convulse as you wake up suddenly. Still shaking, panting and sweating profusely, you take in your surroundings. The same bland hole in Maron's wall that you have lived in for the past months. Wooden beams above and below you, struts separating the rooms and modest furniture made from whatever scavenged or donated items you could get in here. You were home. Morrix and your time in Kert and Tara, Sitchol, Garret... All of those were in the past. You lived here now. You worked for Maron. Kera and Marie were just exploring, and they were safe.?? ? ? ? ?You roll onto one side and see Marie curled up on her own bed. She must have come in during your own sleep. Damn, you hope she didn't see you in that horrible state. Kera had told you that some nights you slept well for a time and started having the nightmare deep into the night. Other times it was much worse. You get up and walk over to Marie's bed. She was shivering, curled up and moaning softly. You wince uncomfortably, hopefully she was just cold. On nights like this she usually slept in the same bed with you and Kera, meaning she'd probably seen you in the midst of nightmare and kept away.?? ? ? ? ?It would be alright now though. Marie was a very soothing presence, and you rarely had these nightmares since she had been born. Tonight was probably just because you'd gone to bed alone. You lean down and give her a soft kiss on the cheek, before lying yourself down beside her and hugging her shivering form close to yours. It took a few minutes, but her shivering finally stopped and she settled back into a more restful sleep. Not long after, you did too...?? ? ? ? ?These are the moments you live for. Peaceful times with those you love.?It is a pity they will not last...121111111112111121122?The rest of the night passed peacefully, and you awoke with Marie still curled up in your arms. You allowed yourself a few extra minutes to simply lie there and enjoy your daughter's soothing presence on your mind. Sometimes looking at her reminded you of Morrix, but not today. Today you were going to stay positive about the present and not let the past haunt you. You brush your fingers along the girl's cheeks, making her moan happily before you gently climb off the bed. It's morning, the angle of the light from the entrance to home is enough to surmise that so you don't have to worry about your uniform just yet.?? ? ? ? ?You do however notice that Kera isn't home yet. Her exploration must be taking longer than you both thought. Or at least so you hoped. You decided that your best course was to make sure Marie would be okay for the day and then see about going after Kera. You change into your day pants and red scarf and head outside. The morning light assails your eyes for a scant few moments before they adjust, and you immediately lock eyes with Maron.?? ? ? ? ?She is sitting at her table, dressed in her jeans and red top similar to the day you met. Her left hand drums the table impatiently while her right is holding her phone and tapping her thigh. She checked it momentarily before her gaze returned to you. She was clearly not in a happy mood.?? ? ? ? ?'Is something wrong, Maron?' You ask hesitantly. You didn't want to seem rude but you have also seen how easy it is to put her in a bad mood.?? ? ? ? ?'Risa...' Maron answered simply. 'She's late. I have things to do and I have to speak with her first.'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh okay.' You nod. This was beyond your ability to control, but it does mean Risa will be here soon. You have to make sure Kera is safe. You're sure Risa wouldn't hurt Marie, but it was probably a good idea to at least warn her to stay inside. 'Is it okay if I start a bit later tonight? Kera was exploring higher in the wall, and I'd like to find her and make sure she's okay.'?? ? ? ? ?'That must be what that was...' Maron muttered. 'She's fine, I heard her in the ceiling above my room. Incidentally, probably not the best place to be setting up a living space. You should probably tell her when she gets back.'?? ? ? ? ?'I was hoping to find her before Risa gets here.' You reply. 'Will... Will Marie be safe from Risa?'?? ? ? ? ?'From Risa? I presume so.' Maron muttered back. 'If worse comes to worse I'll just leave her on the table so she can't get into trouble.' You give a nod of thanks to Maron, not the most ideal arrangement but it was better than leaving Marie alone. You head along the wall until you find the hole that Kera had dug, and head inside.?? ? ? ? ?Maron kept tapping her fingers, getting more and more exasperated by the second. Kids these days didn't seem to have any sense of urgency. Risa was supposed to be here before 8am and now it was almost half an hour later. The elder leona was about to give up and leave for her errands when the sound of rushed footsteps sounded outside in the hallway. Finally!?? ? ? ? ?Risa stepped through the door in a rush, panting lightly as she gave Maron an apologetic stare. 'Sorry. The call took longer than I expected.'?? ? ? ? ?'Did you get it?' Maron asked impatiently. Her expression was hopeful, but at the same time jaded. They'd had this conversation before, and rarely with a happy ending.?? ? ? ? ?'Yes!' Risa nodded. 'It took some work, but I got the job. I'll be going after him inside of five months.'?? ? ? ? ?'Really? That's fantastic! But... Why so long?' Maron asked, her curiosity mellowing her excitement.?? ? ? ? ?'Outstanding matters still to be taken care of on the last one. And I still have another job to get through.' Risa replied. 'I'm sorry I couldn't get this sooner, but I promise as soon as I'm out there I'll finish this job as quickly as possible.'? ? ? ? ?Maron sighed deeply, before standing and giving the younger leona a tight hug. 'Thank you... The last one.'?? ? ? ? ?Risa hugged back, unable to keep a smile from her lips. 'Just relax old girl. We'll have this all wrapped up before you know it.'?? ? ? ? ?'Stay safe out there.' Maron smiled back. 'That bastard won't go down easily.'?1211111111121111211221It's been five months now since Kera started to expand home. Once she'd realized she was tunneling over Maron's room, she'd changed directions and branched out. There was now a network of ready made tunnels leading through this wall and even into the ceiling. Some days Kera had taken Marie with her and the progress had been faster. Marie herself had proven capable as well, surprisingly cautious and adept at staying hidden ever since Risa's visit back on that day. You had been tempted to ask a few times, but figure that she's probably watched Risa or Maron hunt. That would certainly be enough to make sure she kept a healthy amount of fear...?? ? ? ? ?Maron seemed less tense during this time as well. Sometimes she even said hello in a cheery voice. Such was the case this morning, she seemed to be in an extra good mood for some reason and gave you a cheery hello not long after you left your home.?? ? ? ? ?'You seem rather in a good mood today?' You inquired. She stood over you to one side, leaning in the doorway as she decided whether to stay home or leave for a while.?? ? ? ? ?'Yes. Risa left last night.' Maron nodded. 'She's on a job that I've been waiting years for her to get. It's been driving me crazy.'?? ? ? ? ?'What's she doing?' You asked.?? ? ? ? ?'She's...' Maron paused and looked to one side, seeming to think on how to explain the matter to you. 'She's tracking down an old friend of mine. And she's going to... bring him home.'?? ? ? ? ?Maron left not long after that for her day's routine, and you spent the rest of the day doing your own thing. You went on a pantry raid with Marie, refining your earlier lessons on what to take, what not to touch and where to hide if micen from Markep came in at the same time. Afterwards the two of you joined Kera in excavating above the kitchen doorway to make a secondary home that would link to the back wall and give more secure access to the pantry in the long run. The two of you had briefly considered the ceiling as an access point, however it was as mired in wooden beams as the floor sections in Markep and would require a drop into the top of the pantry. Ultimately more work than reward, though it could still serve other purposes later.? ? ? ? ?The day passed without incident. Maron returned and spent most of the evening at her typewriter. You spent almost two hours on watch, but no micen broke any rules. Maron elected not to hunt and went to bed much earlier than normal. You noticed that she seemed more tired than usual, but she had been more active that day. Or it could have been because it had gotten unseasonably colder this evening, and for a similar reason you and your girls also elected not to work on excavation tonight.?? ? ? ? ?You sighed happily as Kera wrapped her arms around you from the right and Marie buried her face in your chest and hugged around your midsection from the left. All three of your tails curled around each other, much like your feet all ending in a tangled mess of closeness.?? ? ? ? ?'Mousepile again.' Kera giggled.?? ? ? ? ?'Well it works.' You reply. 'You two are great blankets.' You wiggle into the soft foam and pull both of them on top of yourself, feeling them struggle playfully against your much stronger arms. Marie gives up first, collapsing back on top of you with a badly concealed smile. Kera lasts another two seconds before you pull her back in to a tight hug.?? ? ? ? ?'Fine...' She mumbles, pretending to be pouty. 'But tomorrow you're the blanket.'?? ? ? ? ?'If you say so.' You reply in that tone she hates, the one that makes it apparent you didn't mean that at all. She sighs again with another smile, clearly too tired to be bothered playing your game tonight. All these months carving out a colony sized section in the wall were obviously tiring, and full nights sleep like this in her own bed had become almost rare.?? ? ? ? ?It didn't take long for the three of you to fall asleep, and not a single wayward dream disturbed your sleep. Life had become almost perfect. Life had become... good.?For now.?12111111111211112112211Your feet thump the ground rapidly as you run for the wall. Behind you another set of feet is managing to almost keep up, but not enough to catch you. You skid to a halt just before the wall and spin just in time to see Marie halt at the wall beside you. Both of you are panting heavily with the exertion of all that running, but your smile is bigger, having won another race.?? ? ? ? ?Marie has grown into a healthy and beautiful young woman. Father's eyes be damned, any young male would be lucky to have her, and luckier still to make it past your scrutiny. 'You're... still too... fast!' She panted, leaning on the wall and sliding down into a sitting position. The entrance to home was a few short inches away, the target of the race the two of you had started.?? ? ? ? ?'You had three months. I’ve been training since I was a boy.' You reply, finding it much easier to breathe. You glance out across the kitchen, the two of you had managed to traverse the entire breadth in quite good time, maybe even enough to outrun Maron. You hadn't mentioned this to her of course, but you want to ensure that Marie is as physically capable as possible, especially now that she is past the age of accountability. Risa hadn't visited since the last one months ago, shortly before Maron had told you the younger leona had left for somewhere. But you wanted to make sure Marie was ready for when Risa came back. Maron had made it apparent that she didn't mind Risa making a quick hunt now and then on her visits, and Maron's deal with you didn't protect your family from other leonas.?? ? ? ? ?You glance to the window and notice the shift in light from earlier. It was past noon now and in a few hours you'd have to go to work. Transgressions against Maron's rules had been slow lately, but she doesn't seem to mind that you often have no prisoners. Last month there were only two troublemakers a week at most, and she had even let one of them go. It was almost as if you were living with someone else. You turned your gaze back to Marie as she stood back up, then moments later you realize why. Footsteps are resounding through the floor and within seconds Maron walks hurriedly into the kitchen with her phone to her ear.?? ? ? ? ?'You're back?' Maron spoke. 'How long?' As if to reply, the doorbell rang. Maron's eyes widened and she rushed to the door. Opening it with as much haste as she could, she looked out into the disheveled face of Risa.?? ? ? ? ?'Since... two hours ago.' Risa replied. The younger leona was in rough shape. Her left arm was bandaged at her side and she sported a number of small cuts on the same side leg. 'I'm sorry...'?? ? ? ? ?'What happened to you?' Maron asked, tossing her phone aside where it clanked heavily to the floor and pulling Risa into a tight hug before pulling her inside. 'You look like a mess!'?? ? ? ? ?'You were right.' Risa answered. 'It wasn't easy... We didn't find him, but he knew we were looking.' Maron took a step back. Her expression went from fear to sadness before turning into livid anger and she spun around and punched a hole clean through the kitchen wall beside her pantry. Squeaks of fright could be heard from inside as micen scattered to remain hidden.?? ? ? ? ?'Maron? I-I'm sorry.' Risa stepped forward cautiously.?? ? ? ? ?'Shhh.' Maron stepped back to Risa and gave her another hug. 'I'm just... glad you came back.'?? ? ? ? ?Risa returned the hug. 'It isn't over. Eyes are still looking and ears are still listening. We'll find him again.' Maron nodded. After a few minutes the two of them slowly let go of each other. Risa gave one more apologetic glance to Maron, but the older leona simply waved her off with a smile. Risa left reluctantly to head home, rest and recover.?? ? ? ? ?Maron took a deep breath and walked slowly into her living room. She glanced at her memorabilia cabinet and then to her bookshelf before taking the few steps she needed to be between them. She opened a drawer full of photographs. One by one she sifted through them until she reached a certain one. Her breathing grew more rapid as she stared, before her head started to shake in denial and her knees wobbled. She stumbled backwards into her bookcase before sliding to the floor and wrapping her arms around her knees.?? ? ? ? ?She thought she was so close to finally having closure. But it had been snatched away. He destroyed her life, haunted her dreams and now had almost killed her old friend's daughter. Damn him... The thoughts spilled from Maron's mind like a broken dam and she broke down, no longer able to contain the tears.?? ? ? ? ?You peer outside cautiously, noting with careful optimism that both leonas are gone. Or at least Risa had left. The moment she had been in the doorway you had ushered Marie back inside home and waited. Hearing the footsteps a few minutes after some loud crash, you had decided to check if it was safe.?? ? ? ? ?You turn around, gesturing for Marie to stay inside at the same time as you tightened the scarf on your shoulder. You venture out into the kitchen and observe it to be empty. There is a hole in the wall the size of Maron's fist above the counter top to one side of the pantry. That explains the bang you heard, and it also likely meant that Maron's good mood streak had come to a close. Pity. But where is she now? You head back the way you came and approach the doorway to the living room. A few steps short, you hear her voice, but something is off. Is that... Is that crying??? ? ? ? ?Slowly you round the doorway and look across. And... yes.Maron was on the floor, sitting in a curled up ball of shivering leona and crying hysterically. You'd seen her angry, happy, scared following nightmares. But nothing could have prepared you for this. This is the first time you'd seen her... exposed? Weak? What was this? How do you even describe it? You have no way of understanding what has done this to her, what news Risa had brought back. Thinking about it makes you realize a horrible truth.?? ? ? ? ?Besides Morrix, you'd never seen someone die that affected you so much. But that's what this reminded you of. A crippling fear, a realization of something too horrible to face. Maron was distraught. She was haunted, she was afraid and she was hiding it all behind the facade of the ruthless leona that punished micen with unrelenting rules and control. The stern woman that even other leonas like Risa held a strong respect and admiration for.?? ? ? ? ?Without even realizing it, you had shed a tear or two of your own. No, you couldn't be close to her for this. It would be best to just... go home and pretend this didn't happen.?121111111112111121122112You took up position inside the pantry tonight, trying as hard as you could to forget what you just saw. Maron was in pain, but it was her pain to deal with. Getting emotionally attached would tread dangerously close to violating her golden rule, and that is not a risk you are willing to take. No matter how familiar we get, never forget your place. Those had been her words. The grip you held on the hilt of your sword made your knuckles whiten with exertion before you realized how tense you had gotten.?? ? ? ? ?Footsteps sounded. Micen were approaching on their pantry run for the night. Hopefully they would take what they needed and go, no stealing sweets that they weren't allowed to have and no loading up more than a single bag each. In less than a minute you see them from your vantage point atop a tall cereal box. Twelve of them move in through the hole one at a time and begin to fan out. It is a little difficult, but you manage to keep track of them all. Thankfully nobody does anything stupid. You let out a sigh of relief just as the last one is about to leave, prompting him to stop and look around. Dammit.?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis? You in here?' He called. The voice was familiar...?? ? ? ? ?'Cerrik?' You ask, crawling carefully down the box and taking a step towards him.?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis!' Cerrik repeated. 'What luck, it's good to see you! I was beginning to think I'd never catch you.'?? ? ? ? ?'Why? What's up?' You ask. Before he can answer you hear a knock on the front door of Maron's apartment. You gesture for him to move, it isn't safe being here for too long and especially being out in the open when another leona was around. Maron was far too generous with her micen and Risa sometimes left with one or two. You glanced up and saw Maron approaching the door just as you made it into the hole that led to Markep.?? ? ? ? ?Memories of this place seem fresh even though it's been almost a year since you've been here. Cerrik leads you slightly off course, knowing that many of the micen in Markep now harbour a grudge against you. Finding a spot to sit, Cerrik took a moment to catch his breath before he spoke.?? ? ? ? ?'First off, I just want you to know that Jarek is doing okay.' He said. 'He and I talk now and then, and even though a lot of people have begrudged you for your deal with Maron, he and I both understand why you did it and we respect your choice.'?? ? ? ? ?'You must be popular.' You smirk.?? ? ? ? ?'Well, we don't exactly tell everyone.' Cerrik shrugged. 'But that's not the main thing. We have a problem.'?? ? ? ? ?'Is it gonna concern me?' You ask cynically.?? ? ? ? ?'Probably not, given your history.' Cerrik continued. 'Thanis, there's a rattis around. Maybe two. They've set up a nest somewhere in Maron's apartment and they take one or two people every few nights. I've told Maron but short of tearing the place apart there's not much she can do. They sneak into Markep and take what... who they want. They don't need to risk getting caught by her by going into the open.'?? ? ? ? ?You frown. This isn't good. To hell with Markep, but your wife and daughter have been digging around these walls and if they stumble across the rattis... Then again, maybe you could just take precautions and barricade your own home. Block off this direction and dig back the other way. If the rattis had a food supply here, it likely wouldn't go far and Kera and Marie should stay safe.?? ? ? ? ?Cerrik leans forward, trying to get a bead on your thoughts. 'Well...? Will you help us Thanis? It would certainly make your position more secure in Markep. You still have to visit occasionally.'?? ? ? ? ?You sighed, before giving your answer...?1211111111121111211221121?'Alright.' You nod. 'I'll take care of the rattis. Where does it come in by most often?' Cerrik is delighted to hear your reply and stands to move towards the path down into Markep while beckoning for you to follow.?? ? ? ? ?'He most often takes from the living room end.' Cerrik explained. 'Comes up through somewhere under the doorway itself and hunts anywhere along the south side.' The two of you enter Markep from the north, where the pantry is and you quicken your pace. The living room doorway is where Marie and Kera have been exploring and excavating lately. Granted they were going over top of it, but if they or the rattis decided to explore in a different direction it could end badly for them.?? ? ? ? ?'Has he left a scent?' You ask, ignoring the pointed stares of the few micen that were intrigued by your presence.?? ? ? ? ?'Yes.' Cerrik nodded, keeping up with you as you headed towards the other end of the colony. 'Wait, are you going after him alone?'?? ? ? ? ?'Unless you're coming with me, then yea.' You reply. He stopped walking suddenly, falling behind you as you kept moving.?? ? ? ? ?'Good luck Thanis!' He called, making you grin. After the day you bested Garret, it was apparent that luck was no longer a factor. You had fighting rattis perfected to an art.?? ? ? ? ?Just as Cerrik said, you caught the scent of a rattis near the town's south end. The wooden beams were thicker around the doorway and struts separated the rooms from each other. There were a few small gaps, but only one that a rattis could fit through and it has been widened to that effect. At least from here it wouldn't be easy to move up in the direction of home. You sneak towards the hole and peer in cautiously. Nothing. Well, time to turn hunter into hunted.?? ? ? ? ?Crawling inside easily, you could feel the change in presence as the scent got stronger. Micen never came this far, with the pantry in the other direction there was no need. You remember the scent the first time you explored the living room with Jarek months ago, it was the same. This rattis had been here for some time. And that meant he was well familiar with the place. And probably already knew you were here. It was dark here, sight would be unreliable here until he was closer. But you could hear, and you could smell...?? ? ? ? ?Your lips curl into a smile and your grip tightens on the sword sheathed at your side. He's already watching you. Already creeping closer.?? ? ? ? ?You take a step forward and then pause. Then another step. And then a sudden lurch to the side, drawing your sword as a hissing mass of muscle darts past you. Your dodge gives you the perfect opening and you sweep your blade in a direct upward swing. You can feel the resistance of a thin layer of flesh before another rustle of footsteps compels you to leap backwards. You felt the rush of air from his swing. A hit would mean serious injury or death, but you've danced this dance more times than you'd like to remember and every movement is as instinctive as your next breath.?? ? ? ? ?Two dim blue irises meet your gaze in a split moment as your own eyes finally adjust to the low light in here. From that, and the momentum of the air from his swing, you now know exactly where to strike. The sword spun in your grip and impacted flesh, meeting a momentary resistance of soft tissue before swinging free.?? ? ? ? ?The entire encounter had passed in less than two seconds. Then you heard the slump of the rattis' corpse drop at your feet, blood pooling around the gash you had sliced across its throat. The sword Maron had given you was far sharper than any whetted needle you had ever used. With one of those crude weapons, this fight may have gone another minute. But this blade... This blade was astounding.?? ? ? ? ?You walk back into Markep, sword still in your grip at your side. Blood drips from the metal as you stop. Standing at the south entrance to the town is Cerrik and one of the other headmasters from earlier. Both of them look at you with trepidation.?? ? ? ? ?'It's done.' You say, holding up your weapon so they can see the blood. 'I found one, but if these attacks keep happening let me know. There might be more.'?Refugees from Sitchol's genocide. Still helping him out it seems.? ? ? ? ?'Of course!' Cerrik nodded, finally seeming at ease. 'Thank you so much!'?? ? ? ? ?You nod in reply. 'Don't mention it.'?Please...?With little other reason compelling you to stay here, you make towards the eastern exit, it will put you closer to your home. 'Now if you don't have anything else, I think I'm gonna head home.' Cerrik simply nodded again in thanks, and then you were on your way.12111111111211112112211211You are tense as you climb up out of Markep. That felt too familiar, too much like the old days and even after so long it came to you without effort. Sitchol had always praised you, told you he'd never met another micen who could take on a rattis so well. Since then you'd seen many try but none of them had your prowess nor Sitchol's power. Back then... Sitchol had been your idol. But you'd never been his equal no matter how hard you trained and it had never made sense to you now.?? ? ? ? ?It no longer matters. It's comforting to know you can still protect those that matter from a rattis, and in a way from a leona too. But it's no longer the sort of life you want to lead. All that matters right now is getting home. Kera and Marie would be waiting for you.?? ? ? ? ?You look out across the kitchen quickly. It's still dark, you're not sure how late it is but the coast is clear. Not a leona in sight. You make the quick run across the room and approach the entrance to home. At the last moment before stepping through the hole in the wall you freeze. Something is wrong. You can smell... the slight scent of a leona. Not Maron, and not Risa. But definitely a leona, mixed with the more familiar scents of Marie and Kera. But that wasn't the most disturbing part.?? ? ? ? ?You could see claw marks. Small, perfectly sized for a hand slightly smaller than yours. Someone was... Someone was dragged out through the hole and dug into the plaster as they went. No... No this couldn't be real. Had one of them been taken while you were away? Your heart starts to race as you slowly step inside already fearing the worst.?? ? ? ? ?'Kera!' You call out. 'Marie!' There is no answer, prompting you to go further inside. But the place was empty. 'No... No no no no NO!' You spin back around and face the entrance, noticing something you missed. The claw marks are inside as well, stretching along the wooden beam that went underneath your feet and around the corner. By the looks of it, whoever it had been had tried to run inside but not made it far enough to avoid getting snagged by the tail.?? ? ? ? ?But they had been together... Had only one of them even made it this far? You feel something hit your back and rear and realize you have fallen back in shock. You manage to sit up and try to refocus but this is all too much. Your wife... Your daughter... Everything your life had been was just... gone.?? ? ? ? ?A few hours pass. The pain hasn't numbed yet. The realization has sunk in that without your family, your deal with Maron basically means nothing. What need was there to go on. You were on the floor now near the entrance, staring at the marks of desperation that one of your beautiful girls had left in the floor. Why had this happened? Why didn't Maron stop whoever it had been from taking them? You want to go and ask her, to demand answers and vent your frustrations on her.?? ? ? ? ?But another part of you just wants to wait. Hoping... Maybe it was someone else. Maybe Kera and Marie are just out late, still excavating and camping somewhere else tonight...?Even for you, this is wishful thinking...121111111112111121122112111?You woke up suddenly. You were still on the hard wooden floor, shoulder aching from the awkward position you were lying in. You'd fallen asleep here last night. Your fur was still matted around your eyes where the tears had fallen. Then the memory of last night came back. The emptiness. The scents left behind. The claw marks that once again rested in the centre of your vision. And the feeling of a life rendered hollow and pointless. And... The need for something. Revenge? Maybe. At the very least though you needed some form or another of... closure. You gather yourself up off the floor and pp your shoulder joint so it starts to feel better. Your uniform is a bit messed up. You don't care. Your sword is at your side. Time to get going.?? ? ? ? ?'Maron!' You call out, standing in the middle of the kitchen. You wait a few seconds and there was no reply. The rage builds more and you shout out again. 'MARON!' Still nothing. Dammit. Damn her. You are almost growling, livid with the need for explanation. You head towards the living room, peering through the doorway before walking inside. Still no sign of her. It is a somewhat early hour so perhaps she's still in bed? Well screw it, you're not waiting any more for answers.?? ? ? ? ?You cross the living room and look at her bedroom door. It's closed, so she'd probably in there. Usually during the day it's slightly ajar. You crawl under the doorway like you did last time, heart beginning to race as you realize the depth of what you're doing. Maron has killed micen for less than this, and after the state you saw her in last night you doubt that you confronting her will do much to cheer her up. But... even as these thoughts cross your mind you realize that you simply don't care at this point. Everything you had left to live for is gone. You emerge into Maron's bedroom. Just like last time the sheets are on the floor as a result of her thrashing during her sleep. She's on her back, naked and still for the time being.?? ? ? ? ?You approach the head of the bed across the floor, reaching the post and digging your claws in. You climb steadily upwards unto you reach a point you can jump onto the mattress from. It occurs to you that you are probably the first micen to ever do this. You stand on the mattress beside the leona's giant head. Staring. Usually Maron always knows you're there, even if she doesn't let on. This might be... the first time you've successfully approached her without her knowing. You feel yourself take a deep breath.?? ? ? ? ?'Maron!' You call. Her breath catches suddenly and her eyes open, staring blankly at the ceiling for a few moments until they focus and look to the side. Slowly, Maron rolls onto her side, propping her head up on one arm and looking down on you. The sight would be extremely intimidating for any micen. But once again you remember you no longer care.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh...' She mutters softly. 'I'm sure this will be good.' Before you can speak she yawns, showing off the full spectacle of her maw directly in front of you, teeth, tongue, throat and all. Her breath washes over you after, carrying the awful stench of morning.?? ? ? ? ?'Kera. Marie.' You say, expecting her to know exactly what you're talking about. Or at least curious to see how she'd respond. But she didn't respond at all. At least not straight away.?? ? ? ? ?'...What of them?' She asked after a few silent seconds.?? ? ? ? ?'What happened to them?!' You demand, almost shouting. 'They're gone. Not at home. I saw claw marks at the entrance to our home. One of them was pulled out by someone and there's no sign of either of them since I finished working last night! I caught a leona's scent on the floor outside. Maron... Who was here last night? Who did this? Who... who took them?' Your voice nearly cracks at the end you drop to your knees. Maron's eyes widen slightly and she thinks for a moment.?? ? ? ? ?'...Solace.' She mutters.?? ? ? ? ?'Who?' You ask.?? ? ? ? ?'Solace.' Maron repeats. 'Risa's sister. She moved in not long ago after an apartment became available upstairs somewhere. Came to say hi last night but I wasn't in a good mood. I... I guess she thought stealing a couple of my micen was a fair recompense for where I told her to go.'?? ? ? ? ?'My family is dead because... You were rude to a guest?' You can't believe it. You suddenly notice that your hand is resting on your sword's hilt, and Maron has noticed it too.?? ? ? ? ?'I hope you're not planning anything stupid, Thanis.' Maron growls. 'Remember, you're still working for me. And right now you have broken three of my top rules.' She shifts and her expression changes. She's worried about her rules? Her irritated glare in the past has been the sign that your life could end any second, and on many of those occasions other lives had ended.?? ? ? ? ?Your hand draws the blade from its scabbard. Maron raises an eyebrow, still visibly irritated despite being now curious as well. 'To hell with this job.' You growl, before tossing the sword down in front of you. 'I made this deal with you to protect them, and now they're gone! I'm not going to keep doing this, I'm NOT going to be the murderer of any more micen on your behalf. Do your own dirty work.'?? ? ? ? ?A full thirty seconds passes with you and Maron simply staring at each other. Your mind and heart race, and your thoughts flash back to a similar incident almost a year ago now. The pain of lost loved ones was eerily familiar to the pain of losing Morrix, and now just like back then you had given your life to protecting them at the cost of your integrity. You had done horrible things to others to keep the ones you cared for safe and alive. And all of it had come to nothing...?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis.' Maron began in a low voice. 'Let me think about this. Normally when a micen talks to me like this, they... well, die. But I feel like I owe you a little better than that. I once made a promise to someone that I wouldn't let myself get hurt over one of these decisions again. Now you've managed to royally piss me off. But I have to be honest. I like you.'?? ? ? ? ?'But... I'm not going to work for you anymore.' You repeat. The situation has begun to settle it seems, and you find your anger fading, if only a little.?? ? ? ? ?'That's fine.' Maron replies. 'And I'll decide how I feel about that later. Right now I'm too sleepy for this. And I'm sorry for sounding callous, but I didn't know Kera well enough to care and Marie was too scared of me to even see her much. I can't pretend to be sad, but I do understand how you feel.'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh you do?' You retort. 'Did a monster eat your family too?'?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis.' This time Maron is definitely growling. Her brows crease and her expression darkens. You may have just undone her generosity in the face of your own defiance. You feel the growing calm be replaced by the all too familiar fear as Maron opens her mouth to speak again.?1211111111121111211221121111?Maron groaned as she made the effort to stand through her sleep deprived mind. The look of annoyance she has for you only fades momentarily as she yawns again and stretches her arms above her head, making her look even bigger than normal. 'Let me... show you something.' She said, looking back down at you. 'Then maybe you'll understand.' She reaches down and scoops you into her hand before carrying you towards the door. She opens it and steps through to her living room. She makes her way to the memorabilia cabinet, the one that had been automatic death for as long as you'd been here. You have no idea what's inside, and you've never seen any other micen brave enough to find out either.?? ? ? ? ?'Understand what exactly...?' You ask as she opens one of the doors and deposits you on a shelf. You can see all of the medals and tags from in here. The medals are various shapes and colours, and there are seven of them total. The tags are far more numerous, hanging from hooks in rows fixed to the back of the cabinet.?? ? ? ? ?'Understand why... Well, why I have nightmares. You've seen me cry. There's no harm in you knowing more I guess. But remember, all of this stays between us.' You nod and she opens one of the drawers in the lower section of the cabinet. One by one she starts taking out small photographs, each one depicting a different face which she then places resting against the back of the cabinet behind you. One next to each of the hanging tags. You glance across each of the photos, some of them you recognize as leonas, but there are other creatures you haven;t seen before. All of them are wearing a similar uniform, and there are roughly seventeen of them. Then she takes out three more pictures and leaves them flat on the shelf beside you. As you examine these she raises a hand to her mouth as if trying not to say something. One of them is a micen, dressed in the same uniform that Maron has given you. The second is Maron, visibly much younger and with a strong and fierce smile that mirrored most of the others. The third is a leona you don't recognize.?? ? ? ? ?You look at these photos again, and notice that there are two empty hooks. 'Why aren't these tags here?'?? ? ? ? ?'Those...' Maron takes a deep breath. 'One of those missing tags is mine. And the other is... is him.' She points to the other leona. 'He was one of my officers. That little micen was one of my assets. He worked for me, reconnaissance, subterfuge and the like.'?? ? ? ? ?'What happened?' You ask.?? ? ? ? ? 'Betrayal.' Maron replied. 'Jacob was a turncoat, he was working for the other side the whole time. And... I don't know if Erron was as well, or whether Jacob just blackmailed him somehow. But both of them turned on me during an important campaign. And all of them...' She pointed to the rows of tags with their accompanying photos. 'All of them were killed in an ambush. Jacob caused it. My whole life just went downhill from there...' You turn to face Maron, seeing the scarred stab wound as she lifts up the fur on her belly. 'I was responsible for all of them. I knew all of them. And I failed... all of them.' The effort of those last words took away the last vestiges of will holding back Maron's tears and they began to fall.? ? ? ? ?'What happened to... Erron?' You ask, looking at the photo of the micen more closely now. His fur colour is much like yours, maybe a shade or two lighter and he has white tips to his ears.?? ? ? ? ?'I don't know.' Maron replies between sobs. 'I never found out whether he betrayed me or was just... threatened by Jacob. But this was years ago. He couldn't still be alive. Somehow I miss him most of all...' You sit on the edge of the shelf, all of this new information clashing at once with the pain of your own loss. As much as you wanted to blame Maron... As much as you hated her barely a few minutes ago... You realize that your rage is spent.? ? ? ? ?A few hours had passed. Maron had taken you back into the bedroom and left you there where you had dropped your sword. Despite her claim of still being sleepy, she had decided to go out somewhere after a short while. You had watched her take deep breaths, performing what looked like some kind of calming breathing exercise in the form of a slow dance before she had clothed herself and left. Ever since then, you've just been sitting on her mattress, staring at your sword.?? ? ? ? ?Is this to be your future? Will everyone around you die??Only the ones you get close to.?It feels as though life has no purpose for you other than to suffer.?? ? ? ? ?Maron stood outside the apartment door, taking one more deep breath before she raised her hand and knocked. A minute passed, and she knocked again. This time the door opened, revealing the blue leona that had visited the night before.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh, it's you.' Solace folded her arms. 'What do you want?'?? ? ? ? ?'Two things.' Maron replied. 'First, I just wanted to say I'm sorry for how I treated you last night. I was looking through some... old memories from when I was in the service and... Look I just wasn't in a positive mood. I'm sorry.'?? ? ? ? ?'Well... I guess that's okay.' Solace replied, lowering her arms and giving a curt smile. 'You said two things right?'?? ? ? ? ?'Yes.' Maron nodded. ;On your way out. You took two micen?'?? ? ? ? ?'Umm... Yea.' Solace gave an apologetic smile. 'I guess at that point I was in a pretty bad mood myself.'?? ? ? ? ?'Did you...?' Maron began to ask.?? ? ? ? ?'Well, yea.' Solace placed a hand on her belly and half shrugged, making that smile again.?? ? ? ? ?'I understand.' Maron said with a sigh. 'But... don't ever do that again. Sometimes micen are more than just... that. Sorry again. I'll be on my way now.'?? ? ? ? ?'It would be nice to catch up sometime.' Solace offered.?? ? ? ? ?'Risa says that a lot as well.' Maron gave a small smile. 'And I try. But there are times I just... I just can't handle company for very long. She thinks having closure might help me. Keeps trying to get that assignment. To go after him.'?? ? ? ? ?'What are you talking about?' Solace asked.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh never mind.' Maron shook her head. 'I guess... maybe I'll see you around.'?? ? ? ? ?The sword is in your hand.?Where it belongs.?You're back home. Staring at the last reminder of your wife and child's demise on the floor. Basking in the last remnants of their scents as you sit upon the old piled rags you used as a bed. You remember the first time Marie wanted to sleep in the same bed as you and Kera, she tossed and turned because she couldn't get comfortable. None of you slept that night. You remember the day Kera told you she was pregnant, back when you first started working for Maron. You remember all of the hugs. Every time you kissed.?Every life you ended to protect them.?? ? ? ? ?You can't stay here. You can't live in Markep. The sword is in your hand. You can go wherever you want. No micen could stop you. No rattis could stop you. Only a leona could, and at this point it wouldn't even bother you if it came to that. Maron has shown you the extent of her own pain, and inadvertently shown you just how big the world is. You could go anywhere.?? ? ? ? ?...No. Those thoughts were foolish. The only place you know anymore is here. Things have gotten better before. There's no reason they can't get better again. You know even now you will never forget Kera. Marie. Just like you'll never forget little Morrix. The other micen may resent you, but that could stop if you refuse to work for Maron anymore. You could live among them just like you already did for a while... But would they ever forgive you??Who cares? You have a sword and you're the second baddest thing that lives in this place.?? ? ? ? ?Suddenly a realization comes to you. You don't want to leave this place. A warm feeling suddenly washes over you and you find yourself smiling. This place is where you feel loved. This place is where your best memories are. 'I'm gonna stay here.' You whisper. 'Because I know this is where you'll always come back to. I know you're still with me.'?You don't have a future you fool.12111111111211112112211211111You don't know how long you were at home, just remembering them. Their faces, their scents, their touch. It could have been a few hours, it could have been all day. But when you heard the front door of Maron's apartment open and close, followed by her footsteps and the sound of one of the chairs scraping the floor. You slowly stand and walk out, sword still in hand and uniform sitting loosely off your body. She's waiting for you.?? ? ? ? ?'So, how do you feel?' She asks.?? ? ? ? ?'I think... I think I'll be okay.' You reply. Maron leans down and offers her hand. You climb on and she lifts you to the table. The meaning is clear, she wants to talk to you and it's going to be a full conversation, as you can't get off the table on your own.?? ? ? ? ?'That's good to hear. But what are you going to do?' She sets you down and you think on her answer.?? ? ? ? ?'I'm not sure...' You reply. 'I'm... I'm not doing this job anymore.'?? ? ? ? ?'I understand.' Maron nodded. 'I won't force you to do it anymore. I guess I'll just go back to hunting for myself then.'?? ? ? ? ?'Does that mean I'm fair game again?' You ask, half smiling half serious.?? ? ? ? ?'Haha, so you are still in there.' Maron grinned. 'Well you have the scarf, so you're safe from Risa and Solace. I guess you'll just have to take your chances with me huh?' She leaned in close to you and made a light playful chomp just above your head, making you duck slightly.?? ? ? ? ?'Umm, I guess so!' You reply. 'What about the uniform and the sword?'?? ? ? ? ?'Keep them.' She answered. 'They weren't doing anything in that drawer. And I heard from Cerrik there had been rattis around lately. It might be handy for you to have it.'?? ? ? ? ?'Thank you.' You reply. You decide not to mention that you've beaten rattis unarmed, the sword would definitely make life much easier.?? ? ? ? ?'Things have been strange lately.' Maron said suddenly. She gets an almost sad look in her eye as she speaks and slumps over a little on the table.'Risa's doing everything she can. I'm just worried she's going to get hurt. I don't think I'd ever forgive myself. Neither would Kre for that matter if he knew.'? ? ? ? ?'I don't understand.' You reply.?? ? ? ? ?'That's alright.' Maron replies, scooping you into her hand and setting you back on the floor. 'It's just nice to have someone to tell these things to.' You feel like you have more questions, but Maron seems uninterested in talking on the matter for too much longer. You start walking back towards home and your thoughts take on an interesting turn. Maron has confessed that she likes you. Strictly as a leona would like a pet naturally, but the implications are clear. With her fondness for you, and the scarf protecting you from other leonas, you essentially have as much freedom as you could ever want. Oh, if only the girls were around...?? ? ? ? ?All the freedom you could want. No leona will hurt you. No rattis or micen can threaten you. And you carry this marvelous gift alone. You fool. Maron is playing with you...121111111112111121122112111111The days went on. You kept living in your home, recounting the memories you had built with Kera. Wondering what sort of life Marie might have had. You cried each night for the first few weeks and every now and then after that. But you never let the grief hinder your life. Today Maron was out somewhere. You don't recall just how long it has been, the weeks had turned to months and the months had stopped mattering long ago. You remember a few of the more interesting things that happened along the way. Things that have stuck with you and stand out among the backdrop of what became your daily life.?? ? ? ? ?You remember the day you met back up with Jarek after who knows how long.?? ? ? ? ?'Is it true?' He asked. 'My sister... And Marie... They're um..?'?? ? ? ? ?'Yes...' You replied. 'I'm sorry. I wasn't there. I should have been.' Your explanation didn't matter in the end. Jarek had lived with fear for his sister's life since his early childhood. He attacked you in frustration and grief, not wanting to hurt you but unable to stop. You let him vent. His punches weren't that strong. Afterwards, he apologized. You caught up for a while, he told you about his job as an administrator under Cerrik. One of the elder headmasters had been injured on a pantry run, and if Maron hadn't gotten him then nobody knew.?? ? ? ? ?'Sounds like you're moving up in the world.' You told him. 'Kera would be proud. And I am too. You're gonna do great.'?? ? ? ? ?You remember the day a young leona named Shieki had visited. She was young and sweet voiced, even cute by your own standards. White fur mostly, with a blue underbelly and a strange heart shape on your chest. You remember the trepidation you felt when Maron told her she could hunt if she wanted. You were on the counter at the time, and Maron was looking away. It had been a long time since you'd felt that kind of adrenaline but it soon seemed your fears were for nil. For all her enthusiasm, and despite her sincerest efforts, you made it back home rather easily. And not just you, from your mouse hole you watched three other micen elude Shieki's grasp, forcing you to conclude that she was a lousy hunter. That was the first time you realized that just like micen, leonas had to learn fast or go hungry. Maron had laughed when you said that to her later, but didn't tell you why. Come to think of it, she still hasn't...?? ? ? ? ?You remember every one of Risa's visits. She liked to torment you whenever Maron wasn't looking, on one occasion even having you in her mouth for nearly a full minute. So many times you'd wanted to fight back, or get revenge somehow but each time you saw her talk to Maron about that Avon thing, it reminded you of how much Maron needed her. Risa was trying to find Jacob, that much you'd been able to discern. And the more you watched, the more you saw that the younger leona hated having to disappoint her older friend. But Maron was always looking forward to her next visit, good news or not. Risa played tough, but she was still... sort of a good person? Granted it had been hard to think that whenever you saw her hunt.?? ? ? ? ?Your feelings towards Maron had grown. She wasn't a work colleague anymore, she was a friend. Her softening towards you had opened up new avenues of conversation. She told you stories of how things had been long ago. Even stories of why micen were forced to live the way they did. She told you of a place where the micen were given protection from being food, and the amount of deaths that had happened as a result destroyed any dreams you may have had in the past about a leona free world. It reminds you of Sitchol, and what he had become with no true threat to his influence.?? ? ? ? ?And you remember... now. Risa had come. She was telling Maron some story of almost being killed by micen. Of some little yellow furred bitch and an army she'd managed to scrap together, and how her sister and herself managed to talk them down.?? ? ? ? ?'I'm impressed.' Maron said. 'Personally, I'd have been in there with a knife and probably just let the flashbacks into my head.'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh god no, we're not doing that again!' Risa replied with a laugh, but you could see the seriousness in her expression. 'Your little bootlick wouldn't survive that, and you like the guy remember?'?? ? ? ? ?'True.' Maron replied, grinning as she looked back at you. You were on the counter top halfway through a cracker you'd taken and with a jellybean sitting beside you for after. 'But since when would that even bother you?'?? ? ? ? ?'Ehh.' Risa shrugged as Maron looked back to her. 'Maybe it's Shieki's influence. But Solace has gone way softer than me. Even has her own colony now. Like what you do here, but... Yea. A whole lot softer. All started with that little Gertrude of hers I think.'?? ? ? ? ?'She's still eating them right?' Maron lowered her brow. 'I mean, you give those little bastards an inch and they sit around like they own the place.' Maron held a straight face while Risa reflexively looked back at you. You waved,?? ? ? ? ?'I guess so.' Risa grinned. 'Speaking of which, you still owe Solace a catch up right?'?? ? ? ? ?'Well. I guess.' Maron replied.?? ? ? ? ?'Sweet. Because I was thinking...' Risa paused. '...That we could have a girls night? The four of us. You me, Solace, Shieki. Copious amounts of booze, some gambling, good food. You know? Just an all round fun night. It'll be good to get some relaxation back in the air.'?? ? ? ? ?'You can't fool me.' Maron smirked. 'You just want that drinking contest you challenged me to years ago.'?? ? ? ? ?'That is also true.' Risa answered without breaking pause this time. 'But every day you spend here by yourself with only that little runt for company is a day you might regret when this whole Jacob situation is done with.' You ignore Risa's casual insult towards you. You've known her long enough to know she just doesn't respect micen.?? ? ? ? ?'If it's ever done with.' Maron retorted. Risa folded her arms, losing her positive air for a few moments.?? ? ? ? ?'Don't. Please.' She shook her head. 'I will get it done. But nothing is gained by moping here like this.'?? ? ? ? ?'Alright...' Maron nods with a sigh. 'So when?'?? ? ? ? ?'Tomorrow night?' Risa asked, her ears perked up and a smile of pleading anticipation across her lips. 'Oh, and I couldn't talk Solace out of bringing Gertrude and a couple others, and Shieki will be bringing her micen. So if you wanna bring Captain jellybean over there feel free. It might be fun to watch micen have drinking games. And eat the losers.'?? ? ? ? ?'Alright.' Maron said with a small laugh. 'I'll keep that in mind. Your place I assume?'?? ? ? ? ?'Naturally.' Risa nodded. 'It was my idea. I'll foot the mess. And even the booze. How's that?'?? ? ? ? ?'Deal.' Maron smirked. 'I just hope Solace and Shieki will be okay once you and I get going.'?? ? ? ? ?'Solace... will be fine.' Risa said, shifting a little as if she was nervous. You wonder how scary Solace must be for Risa to be nervous just talking about her. 'Alright, I have some calls to make. I'll see you tomorrow.' The two stood and said their farewells as Risa headed to the door. Maron turned back to you with the smile she had been sporting still on her face. You stand up slowly and walk to the edge of the counter. It was rare to see Maron happy after Risa's visits. But usually they talked about that Avon thing.?? ? ? ? ?'You're going to a gathering with other leonas?' You asked.?? ? ? ? ?'Yea. It should be fun.' Maron nodded. 'Now I kind of think Risa is right. I should have agreed to this... a long time ago.'?? ? ? ? ?'You're too young to have regrets.' You say to her, something she has said to you several times before over the last year or two. It's an ironic joke of course, you know she's at least half a dozen times older than any micen could ever dream of living to. But then again, you have no idea how long a leona can actually live. It would be far too awkward to ask that question now...?? ? ? ? ?'Funny little bastard huh?' She smirked and leaned in close to you. 'Well you're gonna have fun. Because you're coming too.'?1211111111121111211221121111111?'How do I look?' Maron asked, spinning on the spot. She wore a slim but not tight pair of black pants and a similarly form fitting jacket.?? ? ? ? ?'I feel like this question is some sort of trap.' You reply. 'I mean, you know these girls right? Shouldn't you dress a bit more casually?'?? ? ? ? ?'Hmm. Clever mouse.' Maron smirked. 'But maybe you're right. Wait there.' As she disappeared you shook your head slightly at her humour. Wait there she had said. You were standing on the table. That wasn't something you just chose to do here. It took her a full ten minutes at least before she came back out dressed in her usual jeans and a green collared shirt in place of her more usual skivvy. It was almost unusual to see her dressed this way.?? ? ? ? ?'That looks better.' You nod. She smiles and primps her hair. She seemed so concerned over this, meanwhile you were just wearing pants and the scarf around your arm. It occurred to you that you never bothered to replace your shirt when you stopped working for her.? ? ? ? ?'So now we're just waiting on Cerrik.' She said. You folded your arms and sat down. Cerrik had wanted to come along on this for the opportunity to meet micen from farther colonies. There hadn't been any contact with outside colonies for seven years now according to him, and he only knew because prior headmasters had kept records. You didn't see the big deal, but he was almost ecstatic about this chance.?? ? ? ? ?'Sorry!' You heard him call as he scrambled out onto the counter top. 'I was just running through some last minute things with Jarek. He's still a little nervous about being in charge.' As he panted, you noticed he was wearing what would pass for a full suit. Clearly he was taking this more seriously than you had thought.?? ? ? ? ?'That's alright.' Maron nodded. 'Let's go.'?? ? ? ? ?Maron walked with one arm held up at her waist, you and Cerrik perched there as she walked. Her other arm sported the walking cane she always carried when she left the house. She stopped roughly four doors down at the corner opposite the one where her room was located. 'Look familiar Thanis?'?? ? ? ? ?'This is where you found me. In that door?' You look at the doorway that you crossed at the end of your old life.?? ? ? ? ?'That old Tara colony used to be in there.' Maron nodded. 'Now it's Shieki's place. She's probably already upstairs.' Maron started walking again at a quicker pace. You marveled at the scope of the stairs. Seeing how big this place was, returning to Tara may take a few weeks of travel, but going further would be akin to an exodus. You weren't sure what Cerrik is hoping to accomplish.?? ? ? ? ?Maron took a deep breath and released it before knocking on the door. The door swung open inwards a few seconds later and you saw Risa, dressed in a similar manner to Maron herself with simple jeans and a T shirt.?? ? ? ? ?'Old girl!' Risa grinned and stepped aside, beckoning Maron to come in. 'Welcome to your evening chill arena! Open all night for your pleasure.'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh shut up.' Maron said cheekily, giving Risa a slap with her tail as she walked in. 'You and I both know that drinking contests are serious matters.' You find yourself grinning as well as Maron turns around and greets the other two girls. Shieki is on the couch with three micen sitting on the arm, all of whom look up and acknowledge the older woman.?? ? ? ? ?'Hi Maron!' Shieki called excitedly, standing and walking over to her and then looking at you and Cerrik. 'Who are these two?'?? ? ? ? ?'That's Cerrik, one of the headmasters of the colony in my room. And don't you remember Thanis? You tried to eat him once.'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh... I'm sorry.' Shieki apologized to you.?? ? ? ? ?'Stop that!' Risa grabbed Shieki playfully and started pulling her back to the couch. 'You keep saying sorry to them like that, they'll never respect you!' You and Cerrik exchanged a bewildered look before you noticed Solace approaching from the other side of the living room. She had just come from the kitchen by the looks of it. You felt your anger flare a little, but you didn't want to let yourself show it, so you just looked down.?? ? ? ? ?'Maron.' Solace extended a curt hand and nodded politely in greeting. Maron returned the gesture as Solace continued. 'I'm looking forward to seeing you try to out drink us tonight. Oh, you can leave your mice on the kitchen counter if you want. As long as they don't fall in the snack bowls that should be fine.'?? ? ? ? ?Solace wasn't kidding. Four other micen were on the counter top amid a series of ten snack filled bowls and plates. A few moments after Maron dropped you off, Shieki followed suit with the three she had been talking to on the couch. 'Now play nice with each other!' She told you all cheerily before retreating back to the living room. You could hear Risa and Solace explaining some story to Maron, laughing here and there.?? ? ? ? ?'Hi there!' One of the micen's voices drew your attention. 'So who might you two be?' You look back at her and your eyebrow raises. She was wearing leather. Tight form revealing leather. Her brown hair and fur were visible on her face, hands and feet. Where does a micen even get clothes like that? She was obviously a favoured friend of one of the leonas in the other room.?? ? ? ? ?'I'm Cerrik.' Cerrik replied after it became apparent that you wouldn't. 'I represent the colony of Markep in Maron's apartment. I asked to come along so I could meet with micen from other colonies.'?? ? ? ? ?You look around. All of these micen seemed familiar with each other to some degree or another. The woman before you seemed to understand the look on your face.?? ? ? ? ?'Right.' She ran a hand through her hair. 'Introductions?'?? ? ? ? ?Once introductions were complete, you found yourself a plate that had crackers on it. In the middle of the plate was a smaller bowl with some sort of sludge. You pondered for a moment before it became obvious. You dipped your hands into the stuff and smeared it on the piece of cracker you had in your other hand. As you suspected, it made the flavour much sweeter. You took a look around as you ate. Cerrik was talking to Jason and Gertrude, Mombasa was on his own looking like he'd rather be somewhere else, and the others were all in a group around a plate of 'triple cheesy nachos'. Except for...?? ? ? ? ?'Hey.' Another voice got your attention. It was Mango, the kid who lived with Thorrow and Jessie. Somehow he'd been on the other side of the bowl just out of your sight. 'You're supposed to just dip the cracker in there.' He grinned before demonstrating.?? ? ? ? ?'Ah..' You slump your shoulders. 'That does make more sense.' Mango nods and snaps off another piece of cracker.?? ? ? ? ?'You should eat before they want to start.' He warns you. 'They'll catch up for a while, but once they all get drinking... There's a chance things could get messy. Keep clear of Risa.'?? ? ? ? ?'If they're drunk and hungry I think I'll be steering clear of all of them.' You reply with a small laugh.?? ? ? ? ?'Shieki won't be dangerous.' Mango replied. You aren't convinced of that but you don't say anything. Mango might have been able to continue but footsteps in the kitchen doorway caught your attention. Risa stood there with a half drained bottle in her hand.?? ? ? ? ?'Snack time!' She called, clearly speaking to the other leonas even though it was hard to tell whether she was looking at the snacks or at the micen between them. Though to her there probably isn't any difference. 'What should I bring in first?'?12111111111211112112211211111111'Just bring it all in!' You hear Solace call. 'All of it!' Risa grins and takes a step towards the counter. You feel yourself being pulled to one side and look over as Mango drags you off onto the counter.?? ? ? ? ?'Okay, they're eating now!' He tells you. 'This is the part where we stay off the plates. Unless you wanna be considered the same as the food that's on them!' You noticed all the other micen were doing the same, freezing on the counter as Risa slammed the bottle down and looked across you all.?? ? ? ? ?'Hey...' She grinned. 'All of you... Back on the plates. Come and join us.' You hesitated, just like everyone else. Eventually the blue girl, Thorrow, climbed onto the corn chip plate again and sat. Risa smiled before glaring at the rest of you. 'Come on. Now!' A few more followed Thorrow onto the plate, and beside you Mango also stepped back onto the plate of crackers. After a few more moments only Mombasa still stood on the counter.?? ? ? ? ?'Risa is this necessary?' He asked.?? ? ? ? ?'Get on the friggin' plate.' Risa growled. Mombasa obeyed almost instantly, scrambling and climbing onto the same plate as you and Mango. The two of them seemed not to be too familiar with each other. As Risa lifted both plates off the counter, almost stumbling as she walked, you took a chance to get a closer look at Mombasa.?? ? ? ? ?'Live here I take it?' You asked. 'I'm guessing because Risa seemed unusually tolerant of being questioned.' You grinned, which seemed to irritate the black furred micen for a moment before he shrugged it off.?? ? ? ? ?'Lived here longer than most.' He replied. 'Thanks mostly to not being as stupid as everyone else.' You stayed silent, staring at him as the drunken leona set the plates down on the table. Mombasa calmly stepped off the plate as soon as it was safe to do so, as did almost everyone else. As you glance around at the three leona faces looking between you and the food, maybe not even seeing a difference, you happen to notice the room has been rearranged rather quickly. For one, this table wasn't here before. It's even bigger than Maron's, allowing for the bowls to be spread out more. The couch Shieki had been on was pushed to the wall to make room.?? ? ? ? ?Mombasa was looking at the couch as well, and seemed irritated by its new location. Something about the guy's attitude seemed to rub you the wrong way, and you noted how satisfying it would be to hit him. Shieki picks up a chip as Risa sets down the last of the plates and takes her seat opposite the white leona.?? ? ? ? ?'H-hey...' You recognized Maron's voice, turning to see her with a similarly half drained bottle of something just like Risa's. 'Which one of you is... Tho... Thorrow?' As if on cue, every micen on the table and even the two other leonas looked directly at the blue furred mouse just as she was reaching for a piece of chip.?? ? ? ? ?'U-umm... Me?' Thorrow stopped and took a reluctant step forward, subconsciously clutching her white scarf in one hand. Maron beckoned her closer and put her head down close to the table.?? ? ? ? ?'Shieki told me... all about you.' Maron grinned. 'Come here. I want a turn.' You find yourself wondering what the hell she was talking about, but didn't say anything as Thorrow slowly walked closer to the leona's face. Your breath caught as Maron suddenly lurched forward with an open mouth, slurping the blue mouse inside before she leaned back up.?? ? ? ? ?'Maron?!' You took a step forward as you watched the leona you had come to trust gulp down a micen... That belonged to someone else. The look on Shieki's face was one of curious trepidation, but you could swear there was a small curl to one side of her lips. She was smiling??? ? ? ? ?'Thanis... She was fine with it.' Maron purred. 'It's only for a minute. Then I'll cough her back up.' You open your mouth to ask a question but feel yourself yanked from behind by your tail. Suddenly you are upside down staring into the inverted face of Solace. The feeling you had earlier begins to rise once more as Solace leans in and gives you a playful lick. You spin your head to look back at Maron, but her eyes are closed and she's purring while holding a hand to her belly. What... What was Thorrow doing??? ? ? ? ?'Hey.' Solace brings your attention back to her. 'You want a turn? Hehe.' She licked her lips as she lifted you up a little higher before lowering you close to the end of her short muzzle. This is the monster that ate your wife and daughter, and now she's making a game of doing the same to you? You don't care that she might be willing to cough you back up, that would only add insult to injury that your family wasn't given that courtesy!? ? ? ? ?Dammit. Maron might be forgiving, with you at least. But who knows how this Solace would react if you said what you were burning so much to say...121111111112111121122112111111112'No. Screw this!' You shout. 'Let me go!'?? ? ? ? ?'Huh?' Solace seems surprised at your sudden show of defiance. Her surprise turns to astonishment as you curl your body up and rip your tail free from between her fingers, before hoisting yourself on top of her hand and spinning to face her.?? ? ? ? ?'You'll have to forgive me Solace, but I'm not in the mood to pretend you and I could be on good terms.' You say to her before making the jump back onto the surface of the table. It was a hard landing but you managed it before taking a few steps back and looking back up at her.?? ? ? ? ?'What's wrong with you?' Solace demanded. 'This is the first time we've even met you little runt.'?? ? ? ? ?'A year, two years back, I don't know. You came to Maron's place and you took two micen.' You say to her levelly. 'Do you know who they were Solace?'?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis!' Maron calls from across the table. 'This isn't really the time for this.'?? ? ? ? ?'Shut up!' You spin and bellow back at Maron, her slightly inebriated expression raising both eyebrows with your sudden outburst. 'After all the things you told me? All the shit you're going through because of that other guy? Are you trying to tell me I can't get my own closure too?' You realize your fists are clenched, one of them raised to her in what might have been a threatening gesture were she not enormous to you. All four leonas were now staring back at you and you became aware of their expressions one by one. After the initial reaction to you, all of the other three slowly turned to look at Maron.?? ? ? ? ?Maron for her part seemed passive. You swear you see a glimmer of livid rage pass behind her eyes, but she doesn't show it. Instead she takes another slow sip of her drink, before flexing her abdomen and after a few moments coughs Thorrow back up onto her tongue. The drenched and disheveled girl stumbles a little as Maron puts her back down on the table. 'Very well Thanis. Tell her.'?? ? ? ? ?You allow yourself a few moments to calm down before turning back to Solace. 'Kera and Marie... My wife. And my daughter. I have no interest in replaying what was their last moments.'?? ? ? ? ?Solace doesn't answer and can't, because in that moment a hand sweeps you off the table and wraps around you, rocking you ungently until you find yourself deposited on a wooden surface. When you can see again, you see that Risa has moved you to the coffee table beside the couch. You look up and see her intent glare, but it fades the instant she turns back to the others.?? ? ? ? ?'Some little runts just need a time out now and then.' She said. 'We'll leave him there and start playing huh?' Maron and Shieki both smiled in response, while Solace took a few moments longer to respond the same way.?? ? ? ? ?'What are we gambling with?' Maron asked.?? ? ? ? ?'What have you got?' Solace retorted.?? ? ? ? ?'Cash, chips, whatever.' Risa smirked, drawing a deck of cards from her pocket and starting to shuffle them clumsily. As she seated herself you notice that Mombasa has started to climb down one of the table legs. He shoots you the kind of glance that one would give to an utter moron, and this time you don't blame him. In the few moments of calm since you were taken off the table, you come to realize that mouthing off at not one, but two leonas was probably not a good decision on your part.?? ? ? ? ?'What you got?' Risa challenged, staring down Shieki. Shieki stammered a little before stopping and raising her ears. 'I raise you... Thirty.' She put several notes on the table centre. After this she stared back a Risa, with the same intimidated look she almost always had.?? ? ? ? ?'Bold.' Risa giggled, before looking to Solace. Solace scowled at the cards in her hand and shook her head. Risa turned back to Maron now who simply shook her head. Risa nodded and then clicked her fingers. 'Alright. Lay 'em down.' All three of the betting leonas placed their cards on the table and looked at what each other had.?? ? ? ? ?'Dammit Shieki.' Maron grinned. 'That's a hell of a poker face you have. Pretending to be scared of everything.'?? ? ? ? ?'Yea...' Shieki giggled. 'Pretending. Umm, hey, where did Thorrow get to?'?? ? ? ? ?'She's here!' Gertrude called, holding the slumped girl beside one of the candy bowls just outside Shieki's sight. 'I think she's drunk.'?? ? ? ? ?'Probably the...' Maron paused, reading the label off the bottle in her hand. 'Oh right, whiskey. Forgot the word there.'?? ? ? ? ?'Maybe we should get these guys off the table for now.' Shieki suggested, carefully lifting Thorrow and standing. She carried Thorrow to the same coffee table as you and set her down. 'Can you look after her please?' You gave a simple affirmative answer, and Shieki smiled and turned back around. The rest of the micen had already begun climbing down except for Gertrude, who was talking to Solace in a hushed whisper.?? ? ? ? ?'Alright, rodents are out of the way.' Risa hiccuped. 'Shieki! You're dealing. And for cryin out loud, will you two please get some liquor into yourselves?'?? ? ? ? ?'Fine.' Solace smirked. She left the room and entered the kitchen for a moment, returning with a bottle of whiskey and two glasses. 'But I'm gonna do it dignified tonight. Not quite over the hangover from a few days ago.' She poured both glasses half full and slid one to Shieki. The white leona blushed a pale red beneath her fur and looked back at Solace.?? ? ? ? ?'Do I have to?' She asked.?? ? ? ? ?'Yes!' All three of the others chimed back. Risa descended into drunken giggling while Solace continued. 'You weaseled out before, but I wanna see what kind of drunk you are girl. Come on. Cheers!' Shieki reluctantly joined in as all four of them raised their glasses and bottles before taking a swig. Risa and Maron drank the longest, sighing happily afterwards while Shieki almost didn't even make it past her first sip.?? ? ? ? ?'Wh-wh... Why would you drink this?' She exclaimed. 'It burns!'?? ? ? ? ?'Smooth isn't it?' Maron chuckled, before tapping the table. 'Come on. I'm feeling lucky.'?? ? ? ? ?You have to admit, seeing them all enjoying themselves like this did make your bad mood fade pretty quickly. Beside you, Thorrow seemed dazed and incoherent, but she seemed to be able to move now. Four of the others had traversed the floor and were sitting in front of the television cabinet. It was off, only a soft music was playing from the stereo speakers but they seemed more interested in speaking with each other. Jason and Cerrik were nearby, but this time Gertrude wasn't with them. Come to think of it, where was she? You saw Mombasa go under the couch for whatever reason, but Gertrude had disappeared after the card game had started.?? ? ? ? ?'Hey.' As if on cue, her voice startled you from behind. You turned to see the brown furred micen standing in front of you with a stern look on her face. 'I gotta say, you seemed like such a sensible guy, and then you go and do that? Are you trying to make things worse?' Her vice was a hushed but firm whisper.?? ? ? ? ?'What do you mean?' You reply. 'That was my business. You don't even know what happened.'?? ? ? ? ?'We're micen!' She snapped. 'I'm pretty sure I could guess! Listen, Solace used to be a monster around here. But now? Now things are better for us than they've been in generations. We're living almost as good as the leonas are now, a lot of us can live without being afraid. But if you think your vendetta is more important than keeping their respect? There was another one with the same attitude as you very recently. But at least she had the brains to be smart about it!'?? ? ? ? ?'I rebuilt my life around my wife and daughter.' You growl. 'Ever lost a child, Gertrude?' Gertrude's face flickers with the same rage you've seen behind Maron's eyes many times, but this time it doesn't fade. She lunges forward with a fist aimed at your head. It has power, but it is immediately obvious that your training is more advanced. Her move was painfully telegraphed and you ducked low, lurching inside her guard and slamming your shoulder into her gut. Her momentum is arrested completely and she slumps to her knees in front of you.?? ? ? ? ?'D-Dammit...' She coughs. 'Fine! Yes. I know how you feel. I lost my daughter once. But...'?? ? ? ? ?'What but?' You retort.?? ? ? ? ?'I found her again. A few days ago.' Gertrude finished. 'So... I guess I just have a happier ending than you.'?? ? ? ? ?'Wait.' You sit down. 'If you found her again, then I'm guessing it wasn't a leona that took her right?'?? ? ? ? ?'No. It was someone I thought I trusted. Years ago.' She seemed suddenly uncomfortable, but you can draw your own conclusions.?? ? ? ? ?'Well... I guess you are more lucky than most.' You say. 'I'm sorry for losing it back there. I don't wanna screw things up if you have a sweet deal going.'?? ? ? ? ?'It's fine.' Gertrude stood, clutching her abdomen. 'Who taught you how to fight?'?? ? ? ? ?'My first boss.' You shrug. Gertrude shrugs back before walking to the edge of the table and climbing down. You sigh and lie down on your back. After a few moments you feel a tug on your tail and look up. Thorrow has your tail in her hand and looks back at you through unfocused eyes.?? ? ? ? ?'Heeey.' She giggles. 'You look... sexy.'1211111111121111211221121111111121Two more rounds went by. Shieki won again, followed by Maron. Solace mumbled something but kept in good cheer, pouring herself a second drink while topping up Shieki's own. The third round went by and Solace took the pot. Risa sighed in disappointment but broke into giggles soon after.?? ? ? ? ?'I think I need to break out... the mind games.' She said. 'Start psyching you guys out. So Solace, big sister of mine... What are you scared of most huh?'?? ? ? ? ?'Not a thing.' Solace replied with a teasing grin as she dealt out the hands to each of them.?? ? ? ? ?'Maron?' Risa turned to her left.?? ? ? ? ?'Nothing that would help you win this.' Maron replied with a smirk.?? ? ? ? ?'What about you Shieki?' Risa looked across at Shieki.? ? ? ? ?'You have to ask?' Shieki answered with a slight slur to her voice and a big grin. 'Everything. Wh-what about you Risa? What are you scared of?? ? ? ? ?'These two...' Risa pointed to both Maron and Solace and took a long swig of her drink, which Maron mirrored in order to keep pace. 'Also your crazy dad.'?? ? ? ? ?'Whaaat?' Shieki leaned forward with a curious smile. 'My dad's not crazy, he's sweet.' Risa and Maron both burst into a round of laughter as Solace turned to Risa. Risa stopped giggling just enough to check her cards, and dropped another pair of notes into the middle of the table, adding thirty to the pot. Maron calmed as well, chipping in another thirty. Shieki looked at her cards, her eyes going wide for a moment but she hadn't lost the grin. She put thirty in as well. Solace blinked, they all seemed either confident or hard to read. Or maybe they were just gambling for the hell of it at this point. Solace sighed and threw in her last winnings as well.?? ? ? ? ?'We all done?' She asked. As one the other three nodded and the cards were laid on the table.?? ? ? ? ?'Son of a-' Solace cursed.?? ? ? ? ?'Yes!' Risa raised her hand in victory, causing her bottle to lose a few drops that splashed down onto her forehead. 'Full house for the win!' As she celebrated with a small dance, she leaned to far to her left and slipped out of her chair onto the floor.?? ? ? ? ?'You won that bet.' Maron slurred. 'But... But I won the... the drinking.'?? ? ? ? ?'I think... maybe you're right.' Risa giggled. 'Hey mousies... Come get shitfaced with me on the floor.'?? ? ? ? ?'What's wrong with her?' Cerrik asked. 'I've never seen her like that before. Is she sick?'?? ? ? ? ?'Nah she'll be fine.' Wite replied, shaking his head as he walked over with Rim, Sven and Sam. Mango and Jessie followed a little further behind. 'She's like this once a week. It's the whiskey. She doesn't handle it as well as she thinks she does.'?? ? ? ? ?'Speaking of whiskey, she's offering.' Jason interrupted. 'If you all don't mind, I'm all about that.'?? ? ? ? ?'I am a little curious to see what the fuss is about.' Wite added. 'They all seem to love the stuff.'?? ? ? ? ?'Risa?' Shieki stood shakily to look over the table. 'They need cups. Where do you keep the tiny cups?'?? ? ? ? ?'I don't have any of that crap.' Risa replied, sitting up. 'That's your thing.'?? ? ? ? ?'Ohhh... Okay.' Shieki sat back down and took another drink of her own, finishing her second glass. 'This is actually nice once you... Once you...' She blinked slowly and checked the cards in her hand. 'Oooh. I raise thirty!'?? ? ? ? ?'Hand's finished Shieki.' Solace giggled, refilling the two glasses again. 'I think you're drunk.'?? ? ? ? ?'Heeere!' Risa pulled herself back to the table, before lifting up one of the smaller bowls and emptying the last dregs of her whiskey into it. She sat the half empty bowl of whiskey back down on the floor, nearly toppling after it before sitting back up. 'Alright... I have to deal again right? I won?'?? ? ? ? ?'Yes.' Maron nodded heavily. 'Hit me.'?? ? ? ? ?'Good idea. Let's play blackjack now.' Risa fumbled a little and knocked over a bowl of chips as she gathered the cards back up. 'Old girl your poker face is too good. Making all those micen in your home scared of you with that cage. Poker face. Scary face.'?? ? ? ? ?'Shhh.' Maron replied with a grin. 'They'll hear you.'?? ? ? ? ?'Your micen are across the building you dope. Excpet for Cedrik and... Umm... Where's Terrence gone?' Risa said, looking over to the coffee table.?? ? ? ? ?'Probably squeakin one out with Thorrow.' Solace giggled. 'Anyway, I'm out. I got no money left.'?? ? ? ? ?'Just bet something else.' Maron said. She leaned down to the floor for a sec and then tossed something to Solace. 'That's yours isn't it?' Solace looked at what was in her hand and giggled. It was Sven, tipsy as Risa was and wondering what the hell had just happened.?? ? ? ? ?'What was that about Thorrow?' Shieki asked suddenly. 'And what cage?'?? ? ? ? ?'Maron puts juvenile micen in a cage for a week if they break rules.' Risa replied.?? ? ? ? ?'And then if there's no adult to take responsibility for them...' Maron continued. 'Then I have to eat them to keep the rules consistent. But they get a chance! The adult ones just get... straight away... eat.'?? ? ? ? ?'You eat the little ones?' Solace asked, rolling Sven around in her hand and grinning at the noises he made.?? ? ? ? ?Maron nodded and at the same time Risa shook her head. 'Nooope!' Risa slurred. 'She just sneaks them out and lets them go in that place down the road. That old building with all the... all the... you know? To make the other ones in her place think she's doin it.'?? ? ? ? ?'I said shhhh...' Maron repeated. Risa blushed a half apology before lifting the cards up in her hand as if trying to remember.?? ? ? ? ?'Blackjack...' Shieki reminded her. The white leona swayed a little then drained her third glass, purring softly. 'This is... all so wonderful.'?? ? ? ? ?'It's gonna get better.' Risa purred as well. 'As long as... Geenie remembered the thing.' She started to deal the two cards to the other three, and once more Maron and Shieki put a few notes down. Solace instead dropped a confused looking Sven onto the pile.?? ? ? ? ?'Wait what am I...doin here...?' The micen tried to ask, clutching his head. 'That stuff is... is killer. Can I have some more?'?? ? ? ? ?'If I win, I'll send you to the mother load.' Maron giggled, before draining the last of her bottle.?? ? ? ? ?'All right!' Sven punched the air. 'Go old lady!' He cheered before falling over and snoring lightly.?? ? ? ? ?'Aww, that's adorable!' Shieki leaned her hand over and scratched the sleeping mouse on his back, making him kick slightly before rolling over.?? ? ? ? ?'What's the call Old Lady?' Risa asked, turning to Maron.?? ? ? ? ?'I'm gonna stay.' Maron said with a hiccup. Risa turned to Shieki.?? ? ? ? ?'Umm... Hit me.' Risa gave Shieki the next card, and her shoulders slumped. 'Crap... I'm done'?? ? ? ? ?'... Hit.' Solace called as Risa turned to her. Solace's reaction almost mirrored Shieki's as she dropped her cards onto the table. Maron raised her hand in victory, still clutching the empty bottle. Her other hand reached over and took her prize, Sven grumbling as he was rolled across the table. Risa giggled at the sight?? ? ? ? ?'Crap...' Solace rested her head on her hand.?? ? ? ? ?'Bet another one?' Maron shrugged. 'Then maybe you and I can be square. Two mice for two mice, yea?'?? ? ? ? ?'Fiiine.' Solace shrugged back. 'Risa, can you pass me the... the... Sam.'?? ? ? ? ?'Are you drunk Solace?' Shieki asked suddenly. 'Where's Thorrow?'?? ? ? ? ?'Where's Gertrude?' Solace asked. 'All the micen are disappearing.'?? ? ? ? ?'Gertrude?' Risa lifted up Sam. 'But you said Sam.' Sam looked almost as wrecked as Sven, and she stumbled and fell over as soon as Risa set her down. Risa burped and stood up slowly, taking a step to one side and heading towards the kitchen. She returned a few moments later with Gertrude,setting her haphazardly on the table in front of Solace. At that moment the doorbell rang.?? ? ? ? ?'Is that the pizza?' Maron asked. Risa gave a double thumbs up, then made her way to the door and swung it open...? ? ? ? ?You blink slowly, your breath beginning to settle as your back sinks into the soft fabric beneath you. You'd found a way to crawl inside the sofa and located a nice little soft spot. Thorrow's head rested on your abdomen ,rising and falling with each breath you took. One of her arms is wrapped around your leg while the other is resting on your chest, along with yours in a soft grip. Your pants are a little disheveled after your half assed attempt to put them back on, and Thorrow's scarf is wrapped around your other shoulder, because she thought it looked funny.?? ? ? ? ?You can hear the leonas laughing, exchanging playful jabs and generally acting out the good hearted friendship they all seemed to have with each other. You sniffed, as a result of your latest decision you now smelled as awful as Thorrow did, still soaked in the horrible blend of whiskey and Maron's stomach juices. In hindsight... Nah, you'd probably do this again. Another sigh escaped your lips as you began to relax. The doorbell echoing around woke you both back up, causing you to sit upright while Thorrow rolled off you rubbing her head.?? ? ? ? ?'I didn't think there were more coming.' You mutter.?? ? ? ? ?'I didn't... think so either...' Thorrow replied, swaying as she tried to stand up. 'Should we go back out there...?'?? ? ? ? ?'In a minute...' You reply. 'We should probably, uhh... Redress ourselves...'12111111111211112112211211111111211?'Geenie!' Risa threw up her arms for a hug. It was a joke gesture, as Geeaness had both of his hands full with covered trays of food. After a few increasingly awkward moments Risa stepped back so he could enter.?? ? ? ? ?'Good evening ladies.' He smiled and nodded as he stepped into Risa's living room. 'I hope I didn't make you all wait too long. I have some of my specialties for you all to try.'?? ? ? ? ?'Hello Geeaness.' Maron leaned back in her chair and waved. 'I mostly came to this thing to try your food.'?? ? ? ? ?'Then you won't be disappointed.' The male leona beamed, setting his two trays on the table and stepping back. 'I made sure only the best went into these treats, and that includes the micen.'?? ? ? ? ?'But Shieki doesn't eat micen.' Solace blurted.?? ? ? ? ?'Whaaat?' Maron raised her eyebrows and looked at the young leona, who was once again blushing at being the centre of attention. 'Honey don't tell me you've never eaten one of these?' She reached forward and picked Sven up off the table, before pressing him against the end of Shieki's muzzle. The girl's eyes shot wide as she was caught unprepared, but she relaxed as the scent and taste of micen reached her senses.?? ? ? ? ?'She would eat a micen.' Risa said, coming to Shieki's defense. 'It just that she can't hunt for crap... And then when she does catch one...' She trailed off, staring blankly for a moment before a small cute burp escaped her lips. 'Ooops.'?? ? ? ? ?'Silly girl asks for permission.' Solace finished. 'And how many micen do you think says yes? Thorrow is a play... pet to her. Not a food.' Maron still held Sven to Shieki's lips. Shieki giggled and made a few small licks, but didn't make any move to actually eat him. When Maron pushed a bit further, Shieki finally pushed back, setting Sven back on the table.?? ? ? ? ?'Noo... He's asleep.' She said, struggling to focus her eyes through the alcohol to reply to Maron. 'That would be rude.'?? ? ? ? ?'It's quite alright.' Geeaness said with a smile. He lifted the tops of the two trays, revealing a plate of brownies on one and a quartet of delicious looking mud chocolate muffins on the other, each with a micen encased up to their shoulders. 'It wasn't exactly easy, but I took the necessary preparations. Shieki, the one with that intrigued looking blue girl is all yours.' The muffin that the chef pointed out was occupied by a blue female micen with teal tinted hair, and worth noting was that this micen was the only one of the four not shivering with fear.?? ? ? ? ?'These look amazing...' Maron peered wide eyed at the donated desserts and then with some effort managed to stand, swaying a little. 'Geenie... Geenie? I could kiss you.'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh...' Geeaness blushed almost as much as Shieki was. 'I'm... flattered.'?? ? ? ? ?'Maron, you're scaring him.' Solace giggled. Maron giggled and sat back down.?? ? ? ? ?'I might... take my leave now and leave you girls to it.' He shuffled a few steps back towards the door. 'Be sure to have a wonderful time.' Risa slunk close to him and pinched one of his buttocks, eliciting a yelp from the now blushing Geeaness.?? ? ? ? ?'See you around stud.' She said with a wink, waiting a few moments after he left before closing the door. Shieki had reached over and picked up the muffin with the blue micen girl in it and was looking at her with a friendly smile. At the same time Maron had picked up another, and Gertrude and Sam were trying to take one of the brownies off the plate. Solace was watching them with amusement.?? ? ? ? ?'Shieki...' Maron called. 'Just... eat her. That's what she's in the muffin for.' Shieki blushed and looked down nervously, causing Solace and Risa to both look on with baited breath. They knew what was about to happen.?? ? ? ? ?'Umm. May I... I mean...' Shieki's eyes lapsed in and out of focus as she tried to form the words through her slurring lips. 'Eat. Can I... with you... Wait...'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh just eat me already!' The blue micen cried up at her. 'I've been bugging that chef cat for days, he kept saying soon, soon... Just do it!'?? ? ? ? ?'Okay!' Shieki said with an embarrassed smile. She brought the muffin close and ran her tongue over the top of it, before her eyes widen and her lips curl into a large smile. 'Wow!' She took a big bite of the muffin, her teeth and lips barely missing the mouse girl in the centre who was now almost completely exposed, just sitting in the remaining fluffy dessert while she waited her turn with raw anticipation.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh wow...' Maron said through a small mouthful of her own. Her next bite was larger, taking away most of the muffin along with the far less willing micen in among it. The pair of tiny legs squirmed between her lips as she carefully chewed without damaging him. His muffled cry was silenced a few moments later as she slurped him inside and swallowed almost instantly. 'That friend of yours sure can work magic with food.'?? ? ? ? ?'Ahh...' Shieki opened her mouth wide and drooped out her tongue, leaning in for another bite only for the micen girl to grab hold of her teeth and pull herself onto the cat's tongue. 'Ahh?'?? ? ? ? ?'That a girl. Do it.' Solace leaned forward, watching with keen interest as Shieki closed her mouth and savoured the chocolate covered mouse. Her eyes shot open suddenly and her cheeks flushed redder than they'd been all night. She kept going, her jaw moving slowly and soft slurping noises coming from between her lips as she slowly came to enjoy what was happening.?? ? ? ? ?'Aww, I think Shieki just lost her innocence.' Maron grinned. She slid her chair over beside the younger leona and put her hand gently on Shieki's chin. 'Go on, you're in charge of her. Do it.' She lifted Shieki's chin slightly. causing her to giggle a little before making a big gulp, followed moments after by a second before she started panting.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh my...' She gasped. 'I've never had that... happen before.'?? ? ? ? ?'Thorrow must be just as shy as you then.' Risa smirked. She had her muffin in hand and took a bite directly from the top. Unlike the others, she wasn't gentle at all and the micen did not live more than a second before she had pulped it. Solace had dug the mouse out of her own dessert and was eating him first, taking her sweet time and making Sam nervous on the table in front of her. 'Shieki... I'm real proud of you.'?? ? ? ? ?Maron picked up Sven, causing the brown mouse to suddenly jump awake in the leona's grasp. 'So... awake are you, Sven was it?'?? ? ? ? ?'Uh... Uh huh.' Sven nodded, gripping Maron;s fingers nervously.'?? ? ? ? ?'Tell me about yourself. What do you do with your life?' Maron brought him closer to her muzzle, taking his scent.?? ? ? ? ?'I... I basically belong to Solace... I have to after she caught me on a mission I was sent on from my old colony.'?? ? ? ? ?'Where's that?' Maron pressed, grinning and watching amused as Sven stared at her teeth.?? ? ? ? ?'K...Kert.' He replied after a few seconds, half paralyzed b fear and half by the alcohol still fresh in his system. 'I-I worked for Claude. Probably doesn't mean anything to you...'?? ? ? ? ?'Actually.' Maron's grin disappeared and her claws extended, making Sven significantly less comfortable than he had been moments ago. 'I know all about Kert. And this Claude. Doesn't sound like you were a very good person.'?? ? ? ? ?'I didn't have a choice.' Sven protested. Maron smirked and shook her head, unimpressed in the extreme by that most feeble of excuses. Solace raised an eyebrow as Maron opened her mouth and flicked Sven inside too fast for any cry to be made. Maron noticed, and the two simply stared at each other from across the table as the older leona's cheeks and lips moved slowly. A muffled shout came from Maron's lips a moment before she swallowed, after which she raised one finger and smiled.?? ? ? ? ?'One down... One to go.' She said, looking down at Gertrude and Sam.'But I'll at least let you pick.' Only now did Maron notice that Gertrude had a similar somewhat shocked appearance to Solace, and she hid it far less well than her leona friend. Sam was visibly frightened and began to tremble as Maron's eyes met with hers.?? ? ? ? ?You lead Thorrow back towards the way you had come in, heading for the tear in the fabric you'd found. Behind you, Thorrow misses a step and falls, still holding your hand and the sudden jerk pulls you backwards. You both fall through the inner framework of the couch and land on the floor beneath it. As the stars clear from your vision, Thorrow picks herself up to her hands and knees and you instantly realize you're not alone here.?? ? ? ? ?'Where the hell did you come from?' Mombasa's voice sounds, and you look to see him watching the proceedings from just under the edge of the couch where he was out of their sight.?? ? ? ? ?'Uhh... We were...' You begin to try and think of an explanation, but the look on Mombasa's face makes it apparent that he already knows. 'Well.. Anyways, where did you go?'?? ? ? ? ?'Nunnoya.' He replies.?? ? ? ? ?'Nunnoya?' You ask.? ? ? ? ?'Nunnoya business. Shut up.' He smirks, before looking back up. 'One of them is gone. It's barely been two hours. And it sounds like the old one wants another.'?? ? ? ? ?'Wait...' Maron ate one of the micen?' You ask, suddenly curious and concerned as you crawl up beside him and peer out. 'Who?'?? ? ? ? ?'Sven I think.' Mombasa replies. 'Maron seems to think that Solace owes her two micen for some reason. I dunno. Solace doesn't seem to be contesting the issue. Doesn't look happy though. I wonder if I could get away with one of those brownies...'?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis...?' Thorrow suddenly taps on your shoulder. 'Where are we?'?? ? ? ? ?'We should stay here for a while.' You say. You notice from here that Cerrik and the rest of the group have retreated back to the television cabinet, well clear of the table and the four drunken leonas around it. 'We'll be safe here for a while.'?121111111112111121122112111111112111The night went on, and tiredness had begun to set in. Risa had kicked back on the couch, lying along its full length with one arm dangling to the floor as she rested herself in preparation for more drinking to come in a short while. The plate of brownies was empty, the two not eaten by leonas having been tossed to the floor and picked apart by the micen attendees. Thorrow was back with Shieki, the two of them giggling almost constantly at something Thorrow had said about ten minutes earlier as they sat in the middle of the floor, Thorrow perched haphazardly on Shieki's muzzle.?? ? ? ? ?Maron was chatting with Gertrude, having promised Solace about eight times not to eat her favourite micen. Gertrude was almost as drunk as Maron herself, having been dropped into Maron's bottle by the leona and compelled to drink the dregs of whiskey that were still in the bottom. When Maron had let her back out, it had been with a big grin and unfocused eyes, and the pair had hit it off. Maron was now on the floor, half draped over the coffee table and propped against the wall while Gertrude was in front of her, swaying precariously close to the edge and a fall that would land her in Maron's lap. Only Solace was still at the table, contemplating whether or not Maron was serious about taking another micen before she left. Speaking of micen, Sam had joined the others over near the television cabinet, behind Shieki from Maron's view.?? ? ? ? ?Solace's gaze drifted between Maron and Sam as she wondered if the white mouse would still be around by the end of the night. And despite Maron's promises, she wasn't entirely trusting enough to let Gertrude out of her sight alone with her.?? ? ? ? ?You had found your way to Risa's kitchen. It wasn't a case of being unable to get here, but rather having a reason to. Shieki had fallen off her chair and gone looking for Thorrow about an hour ago, and as the leonas had spread about Risa's living room to relax, it had been easy to slip out of the room. After you'd helped Mombasa retrieve a rather large share of brownie of course. He refused to tell you why he wanted so much, but his reactions aren't hard to read. He probably has kids somewhere, maybe even his own if he cared that much.?? ? ? ? ?Risa's kitchen was fancy as hell, much moreso than Maron's. The counter top looks like something you'd see in a palace. The pantry is straight ahead of you but from the floor you aren't sure how to get up there. Still, if micen can live here then there must be a way. It takes you about twenty minutes to find it, an access point fashioned as a micen sized door that allowed you to get inside. Finding your way around was easy enough, you climbed up a few levels until you reasoned you were about level with the counter top. Some of the food in here was clearly micen bait, but that doesn't concern you right now. You aren't here for food, you just want a look around. The change of scenery is interesting.?? ? ? ? ?A noise on the shelf above you catches your attention. You kick the floor, making a sound and the noise above you immediately stops. Grinning, you stealth your way to the other end of the shelf and look for the gap to climb up to the next level. An early career of hunting rattis left you the best micen at this that you've ever known, and living with Maron and her unbelievably sharp senses as well as subsequently working for her had only compelled you to refine these skills further. You make full use of every loose item in here to get your eyes on the source of the noise you heard. Whoever it was, they're not in the pantry anymore so you take the exit on this level slowly and carefully, spotting the source outside on the counter top.? ? ? ? ?It's a micen woman, yellow furred with tan coloured hair. She has simple blue pants and a black coat with a tuft of fur around the neck. She turns around and sees that she's been spotted. If she was running before, she isn't now and she clearly doesn't perceive you to be a threat. You have yet to decide if she's right.?? ? ? ? ?'Well hi there.' You call, stepping out and approaching slowly. 'Don't worry, I'm not hostile.'?? ? ? ? ?'I wasn't worried.' She replied with a smirk. 'I was just leaving is all. I got what I needed.' She shrugs one shoulder, bringing your attention to a satchel she had on her back. 'I heard a commotion here all the way from the next room. Figured I'd stock up after I couldn't figure out what was happening. What's going on?'? ? ? ? ?'Four leonas are getting drunk.' You reply, walking a bit closer. 'And a bunch of micen are along for the ride. So far only one casualty.' You don't mention the four that Geeaness had put into those muffins, but they were doomed from the start anyway. 'They all seem pretty drunk, it might even be safe to get a closer look.'?? ? ? ? ?'Uhh, no thanks.' She replies. 'That's Solace, Risa and Shieki in there right? Things are a bit... awkward, between them and me right now, I'd rather keep my distance for the time being.'?? ? ? ? ?'You know them?' You ask. 'They don't seem so bad. I only sort of know Risa, but I lived with Maron for a year or something so far.'?? ? ? ? ?'Yea well... It's awkward because I kind of... almost tried to kill them. Do you realize how big a screw up that would have been?'?? ? ? ? ?'Ohh.' A memory of the conversation Risa had with Maron yesterday suddenly pops back into your head.?...Some little yellow furred bitch and an army she'd raised...?'So you are... Serena, right?'?? ? ? ? ?The yellow micen suddenly lurched forward and seized your throat, pressing you back a few steps with her momentum and growling harshly. 'How do you know my name?' She demanded.?? ? ? ? ?'Risa... told Maron the story.' You say with a raspy voice. She is surprisingly strong. 'I... overheard... Are you gonna let... me go?' Serena didn't loosen her grip, prompting you to roll her eyes. She was good, but left a critical opening. You jar your right leg out, taking out one of her shins and then push yourself backwards. With her hand latched onto your throat, she is pulled forward allowing your left knee to connect with her ribs. You can hear the breath escape her lungs as she falls beside you. You roll away and get to your feet before she can recover.?? ? ? ? ?'Ugh, nice move...' She pants, looking up at you with a half grin. 'Where did you learn that?'?? ? ? ? ?'My first teacher.' You reply, not for the first time today. 'I grew up in a place called Kert, it could get pretty rough.'?? ? ? ? ?'You don't have to tell me.' She says with a small laugh. 'I've spent plenty of time in Kert. And Toor... I've been to Niarb. I remember Quill, before it was destroyed. And before all that, the quaint little home I had with...' She trails off and shakes her head. 'What do you care anyway?' Where are you from?'?? ? ? ? ?'Wow...' You grin. 'I was born in Niarb, grew up between Tara and Kert, then ended up in Markep over in Maron's place. Sounds like you have been around quite a bit compared to me.'?? ? ? ? ?'Yea...' She replied. 'After my upbringing, it got kinda hard to call anyplace home for long. Either that or it wasn't my choice.'?? ? ? ? ?'Sounds like quite the case of wanderlust.' You say to her. Her eyes widen for a moment and her lips mouth a work you can't quite make out, then she smiles and turns away. You hear her murmur something under her breath before she sighs and turns back to you.?? ? ? ? ?'I should probably get going.' She says. 'Truthfully, I don't like being around here so much anymore. But I don't know where else to go.'?? ? ? ? ?'I'm sure you'll be fine.' You say. 'So Kert is still kicking huh? I would have thought with Tara gone that place would dry up.'?? ? ? ? ?'...I don't think Tara's gone.' Serena says after a moment's pause. 'Some of the... slavers, that I had recruited near the end were talking about the place, but I never found out where it was. I'm pretty sure it's still there though, so you said you've been? You could probably find it again.'?? ? ? ? ?You don't reply. You can't. You had thought Tara destroyed, and now you find out... Had Maron misheard? Was Sitchol... 'Wait. Do you know a micen named Sitchol? He used to be the proprietor of Tara. He also co-ordinated with Claude.'?? ? ? ? ?'Sitchol... doesn't ring a bell. Most of my negotiations with that group happened with subordinates. I never met the one in charge.' Serena shakes her head. 'But I do know that Claude is dead. Vanner runs that place now. And it's doing fine because the slaver trade was stopped by Solace. That was probably for the best. It made sure my... my mistake never happened.'?? ? ? ? ?'Dammit...' You mutter.?? ? ? ? ?'Umm...' Serena begins. 'Was... Sitchol, a big guy, liked to wear a hood and armour?' You snap your focus back to her.?? ? ? ? ?'Yes!' You nod fervently. 'You've seen him? He's alive?'?? ? ? ? ?'Well, he was.' Serena mutters. 'He took a pretty good kick from Risa and I haven't seen him since. Not that I've gone looking. But... Someone in Kert might know something. You could ask Vanner. Maybe even Jason, he goes there often enough.'?? ? ? ? ?'Right.' You reply, forcing yourself to keep calm despite your hand resting on your midsection. That scar was still there. 'I'll be sure to ask around if I can. Thank you.'?? ? ? ? ?'Sure.' Serena nods. 'If we ever meet again, I'm going to kick you in the ribs. Don't die before that.'?? ? ? ? ?'You stay safe too then.' You reply. You turn back around as she heads away and look back towards the living room. Jason is through there somewhere either passed out drunk or still talking things over with Cerrik and the others. It was about time you joined in the conversation...?1211111111121111211221121111111121111?After a five minute sojourn back through the pantry, you manage to get back to the kitchen floor and make a sprint for the living room. The situation when you left hasn't really changed, except Shieki is on her back snoring lightly while Thorrow rests on her forehead. Solace has left the table and is now on the couch, leaning over and joining in the conversation between Maron and Gertrude. Risa is propped against her with a drunken smile as she watches you re-enter the room.?? ? ? ? ?You watch Shieki sleep as you approach the television cabinet. She has rolled onto her side, propping her head on her arm. Her mouth hangs open and a puddle of drool is steadily building on the fur of her shoulder. Thorrow giggles and drapes herself over the leona's cheeks, staring into her mouth. At that point you remembered she liked that sort of thing. Oh well, more power to her. You reach the television cabinet and look around. A tail is dangling loosely from a higher shelf. You climb hastily and take a look, but it's just Mango and Jessie asleep beside each other.?? ? ? ? ?Cute. I wonder if they have a thing going on.?You climb a little higher and see Sam, almost out of sight in the back corner of the hole here. Next level up is the top of the cabinet, in front of you is the enormous television and the murmurings of voices nearby.?? ? ? ? ?'This is gonna be... years of work.' You hear Cerrik's voice. 'But it'll be great when it's done!'?? ? ? ? ?'We're gonna have to get... every spare set of hands digging.' Jason says, before breaking into giggles. 'Everyone's gonna be so pissed!'?? ? ? ? ?'Jason!' You call, following their voices and seeing them both sitting against the back of the television stand.?? ? ? ? ?'What's up Terrance?' The drunk mouse asks you, raising his hand with a grin.?? ? ? ? ?'Sitchol.' You state flatly. 'What do you know about him?'?? ? ? ? ?'Well he's a total ass, that's for sure.' Jason glares back at you. 'Haven't seen him since Risa kicked him though. Hopefully he's dead. I don't think Vanner's people ever found the body though, so prollably not.'?? ? ? ? ?'This the fella who taught you to fight?' Cerrik asks. 'He sounds like a nasty bastard.'?? ? ? ? ?'If he's alive, I have to find him.' You state. 'Where would be the best place to look?'?? ? ? ? ?'Kert?' Jason shrugged. 'Honestly Tanny... I never liked the guy. Don't mean to offend your friend, but he did drug me and try to feed me to a rattis, so...'?? ? ? ? ?'Don't worry about it.' You smile. 'I fully intend to kill him.' You leave Cerrik and Jason with the confused and inebriated expressions they had and climbed back down to the floor. All your leads painted Kert as the best option. It would have to wait. Risa's room is unfamiliar territory and you don't know how to find Kert from here. Then again, Shieki's apartment probably still had a concealed Tara within it somewhere, if you could make it there you would get to Kert easily. The only problem with that plan is that it would take days,maybe even a few weeks of travel to get there from Maron's place without being seen. And you don't know what micen, rattis or other leonas might live in the apartments between Maron and Shieki.?? ? ? ? ?You could try running down the hall, that would be much quicker but just one lucky leona would end the trip real quick. This is no good. All you can do is wait, the opportunity you want will come. Not far away you notice Thorrow slide off Shieki's cheek and land on the floor. You smile, letting your concerns slip away and decide to let the night be the pleasure it was meant to be. As you lift a giggling Thorrow up into a sitting position and sit beside her, your gaze pans over to Solace.?? ? ? ? ?You remember Serena's words. Kert is no longer a slave trading colony. You wonder if there's any truth in that, and if there is, it would be thanks to Solace. You need to see it for yourself. But maybe... Maybe forgiveness isn't out of the question.?? ? ? ? ?Solace had fallen asleep on the arm of the couch, and Risa had fallen asleep on Solace. Maron was still talking to Gertrude, playful ideas dancing through her head as the intoxicated micen leaned over the leona's arm. She remembered the night she had tried to traumatize Thanis' girl, and wondered if similar tactics might work on Gertrude. The brown furred mouse woman was unusually cocky, no doubt resultant of being so close with the leona that everyone else in this room seemed to be afraid of.?? ? ? ? ?'Is it getting hot?' Maron said, brushing her forehead with her hand.?? ? ? ? ?'Ye-yea...' In her inebriated state, Gertrude was easily suggestible and fanned her face a little to quell the imaginary heat.? ? ? ? ?'We should get naked!' Maron whispered excitedly. 'That will be awesome.' She lifted her arm, causing Gertrude to fall forward and clumsily took off her shirt before resting back against the table. Gertrude's eyes became fixated on one spot as she stumbled in an effort to get to her feet.?? ? ? ? ?'Whoooaaa....' She slurred. 'Your boobs are bigger than mine... And all of me.' She giggled, before finally managing to stand and beginning to undo her own clothes. 'This thing gets... so itchy... and hot...' After a few seconds of awkward fumbling where she almost had it off, Maron leaned forward and pulled the leather suit loose with her teeth playfully before dropping it to one side. The taste was awful, Solace must really value this one not being eaten.?? ? ? ? ?'That feels so much better!' Gertrude exclaimed, stretching her limbs and falling back onto Maron's arm. The leona shifted her position, bringing the two of them face to face. Gertrude was now positioned directly in front of Maron's muzzle, separated only by a few inches of air.?? ? ? ? ?'You got a nice little body.' Maron whispered.?? ? ? ? ?'I'm gorgeous.' Gertrude remarked. 'Sven said so. I might miss him...'?? ? ? ? ?'Wanna see him?' Maron asked with a wide grin.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh no!' Gertrude waved a finger and laughed. 'I'm not falling for that!'?? ? ? ? ?'Aww... Well lucky for me.'?? ? ? ? ?'Lucky for you what?' Gertrude leaned closer, confused.?? ? ? ? ?'I don't need you to fall for anything...' Maron shook her head lightly. 'Because... I am a leona. And you are a micen.' Gertrude took a moment too long to realize where Maron was headed before the soft pink tongue lapped over her now exposed body.?? ? ? ? ?'W-wait!' She protested, pushing back uselessly as Maron licked again. 'You're not serious are you?'?? ? ? ? ?'That hot little bod of yours is delicious.' Maron retorted, before lifting the woman up between two fingers and slipping her between her salivating jaws...12111111111211112112211211111111211112Gertrude might have screamed as she landed on Maron's tongue, but the leona's jaws closed too quickly for any sound to escape. Gertrude tried to pry open the teeth, but the leona's jaws were far too strong and her tongue was not allowing the mouse any freedom. Maron curled and slurped her tongue around, moaning softly. Maybe it was just the forbidden aspect, but this particular micen seemed sweeter in flavour than most. It would be so easy, and it was so tempting...?? ? ? ? ?But no. She didn't really want to get any further off side with Solace, and she could tell that the blue leona was already anxious. She leaned her head sideways ad pushed Gertrude into her cheek for a few seconds before pulling the struggling woman back into the middle of her mouth. A smile creased Maron's lips as she tilted her head back, feeling Gertrude struggle even harder as she slipped halfway into the leona's throat. Maron could feel the firm legs trying to squirm their way back up, the hands clinging desperately between her molars. She made a teasing half gulp, hearing the muffled yelp of terror as her throat squeezed around Gertrude's legs.?? ? ? ? ?'Mmmmmhh...' Maron gave one last moan, savouring the last of Gertrude's taste before she dropped her mouth open and reached two fingers inside. She pulled the mouse woman out slowly, sucking as much of her flavour and her own drool off as she could on the way out.?? ? ? ? ?'Wh-what was that about...?!' Gertrude panted, her expression one of livid anger. 'You can't just... eat me like that! Not even if you're just pretending!' She scrambled to her feet, face flushed red with anger until Maron narrowed her gaze.?? ? ? ? ?'Listen.' Maron replied quietly, lifting her finger to Gertrude's back. 'That was just my way of reminding you who you are. And who I am. You would do well to remember that no matter how secure you think you are, you are still a micen. Solace may have your back, but if you were here and she weren't? How safe do you really think you'd be?' To punctuate her point, Maron slowly extracted her claw from its sheath at her fingertip. The slowly advancing point pushed Gertrude forward by reflex and she fell to her knees.?? ? ? ? ?'Ow!' She cried, before looking up at Maron's grin from her new position as the old leona loomed above her.?? ? ? ? ?'Remember this position.' Maron whispered. 'Because this is how you will end. On your knees. Before someone with no regard for your life.'?? ? ? ? ?Thorrow was asleep in your arms again. Her fur was matted but dry and her scarf was limp and still heavy with the scent of alcohol. Your own fur was faring a bit better at this point. You'd been watching Maron play with Gertrude, been a little bit anxious when it looked like she was going to eat the woman but it was all a game in the end, even if Gertrude didn't enjoy it. The brown furred micen was climbing over the back of the couch to get away from Maron. You would have thought that she would go straight for Solace but you figure Solace probably has rules about being woken up. Leonas sure seemed to love their sleep.?? ? ? ? ?The night had gotten peaceful. Twenty minutes after her game, Maron had fallen asleep slumped on the coffee table. You are pretty sure you are the only one still awake, and you're not sure how much longer that will be the case. Sitting up, propped against Shieki's belly had turned out to be surprisingly comfortable even knowing that there is a slowly digesting micen just a few inches behind you. The only thing that would ruin this moment is if Shieki rolled over...?? ? ? ? ?On the verge of sleep an indistinct amount of time later, a buzz followed by a soft melody stirs you once more. Dammit, you were too tired for this, what was that noise even supposed to be? The first and only one to stir with you was Risa, getting up hurriedly after some whispered swearing and heading into the kitchen. From here through the doorway you can see her pick up her phone and answer it, taking a few steps back and leaning in the kitchen doorway. Solace and Maron slept through the noise, which is odd since you heard from Thorrow sometime tonight that she's usually a light sleeper.?? ? ? ? ?'Hello...?' Risa mumbles, slumped against the door frame to the kitchen. After a few moments her eyes widen and she stands up, panning her gaze across the other three leonas to ensure they were still asleep. 'What do you mean? When?' Her voice was firm and serious now.?? ? ? ? ?You think to yourself you probably shouldn't concern yourself with this. But it's not like you can just ignore it either, it;s literally the only thing active in your senses.?? ? ? ? ?'Two days?' Risa continued a few seconds later. 'Alright. I'll see you tomorrow to figure out the details. Don't you dare give this to anyone else. And... Thank you for telling me.' She hangs up the phone and yawns, even from here the sight of her teeth makes you a little nervous. And tired, as you now feel compelled to yawn yourself. Looking back over, you notice that Risa is leaning slumped in the doorway again, her eyes resting on Maron. You would have been curious if you didn't fall asleep at that exact moment...?121111111112111121122112111111112111121'Ooow..' You woke up to a moan of pain and discomfort from behind you. The soft fuzz of Shieki's belly you'd been propped against was starting to move. You spring into action quickly, grabbing hold of the still sleeping Thorrow in your lap and rolling forward. You turn and see that Shieki has curled up and is now yawning, dazzling you with her wide open maw and throat framed by glistening teeth. The sight reminds you of the time Maron did the same, and for a brief moment you remember that the micen in your arms willingly walks into that fleshy deathtrap. Utterly insane...?? ? ? ? ?'What happened?' The ruckus wakes up Thorrow, who immediately cringes and clutches her head. 'Ohh... Oww! What is this? What's wrong with mee?'?? ? ? ? ?'Hmm...?' Shieki's eyes flicker open,they're red and glazed looking, and she smiles at the two of you before yawning again. 'Aww... does my poor little Thorrow have a hangover too?' You grin in amusement as Thorrow tries to stand on her own and almost falls over, landing back in your arms.?? ? ? ? ?'Nobody told me this would happen...' She mumbles.?? ? ? ? ?'I guess this is your first time being drunk?' You ask. Thorrow and Shieki both nod, and then both immediately wince in pain. 'Hehe, don't move your heads!' You tell them. 'You need water, and lots of it.' Shieki slowly and carefully gets to her feet, one movement at a time. Once she is on her knees, she scoops both of you into her hand carefully and carries you in a slow pace towards the kitchen. You notice Maron and Solace still asleep where they were last night, but now Risa is gone. Shieki sets the two of you on the counter and opens a few of Risa's cabinets, looking for a cup. After a few tries she finds one and fills it from the tap. You watch as she drains the glass without stopping, before filling it a second time and drinking it all again.?? ? ? ? ?'Ohh... That's a little better.' She says, before wincing again. She turns and lifts Thorrow up gently, setting her in the sink and cupping one of her hands. Thorrow leans forward and drinks from the pool Shieki makes in her palm, taking in as much water as her small body could. After this Shieki sets Thorrow back on the counter softly and turns to you.?? ? ? ? ?'I'm fine.' You say. 'I didn't end up drinking.'?? ? ? ? ?'Okay.' Shieki nods. 'Thorrow, will you be alright here? I need to.. umm, use Risa's...'?? ? ? ? ?'Yes...' Thorrow interrupted. 'Go already.' Shieki nodded and rushed off, heading for Risa's bedroom. You wonder what she would be going in there for, but as a micen you'd always just attributed leona's bedrooms with death. Maron's bedroom had a smaller room with white walls further through. You'd had a theory or two on what that room was, and if you were right you couldn't blame Shieki for being in a hurry. Come to think of it, Thorrow is holding her legs tight as well.?? ? ? ? ?'Are you okay?' You ask.?? ? ? ? ?'I-I'll be fine...' She replies. 'Umm... Hey listen, last night?'?? ? ? ? ?'Yes?' You raise an eyebrow. Crap. Did she even remember?? ? ? ? ?'I... I don't know what to say.' She admitted after a few moments. 'I never felt like that before.' You can see her blushing even through her blue fur. An awkward silence follows for a few more seconds before you step closer and give her a kiss on the cheek, making her blush even more vividly.?? ? ? ? ?'Just look after yourself.' You say with a grin. 'I mean, this whole spelunking in a cat's stomach thing, what is all that about?'?? ? ? ? ?'It's... complicated.' Thorrow sighed. 'Long story short, I'm willing, but I'm still afraid of dying. Shieki is nice enough to... let me experience it without killing me. Solace and Risa not so much. Both of them have tried to actually eat me before Shieki claimed me. And I was a little scared that Maron might too...'?? ? ? ? ?'Maron is terrifying.' You say. 'I've seen plenty of micen gone because of her. Lived there for over a year now, maybe even two. And I worked for her... For some of that time.'?? ? ? ? ?'But... You're both good now right?' Thorrow asks, leaning forward a little. Before you can even contemplate the answer to that question, Maron is suddenly leaning on the counter. The old leona has never once lost a game of stealth and you have never once realized you were even playing them when she caught you.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh I'm an absolute saint.' Maron says, grinning. 'Demon days are long behind me.' Her eyes look bloodshot and weary, but on the whole she seems to be handling her hangover much better than the other two. She suddenly leans forward and gives Thorrow a lick causing you to almost look away until you noticed the look on the micen's face. Being so close to a leona's mouth, being licked. She was almost... ecstatic. You remember vague stories of the willing ones from your time in Niarb, but the topic was never an issue in Kert. At least not for you. Come to think of it, you'd also heard the word mentioned once or twice in the brothel at Tara. Looking at Thorrow's face and seeing how much she enjoyed it didn't make sense, but maybe the brothel had been able to sustain facilities for this kind of kink? It certainly wasn't the reason you ever visited the brothel, back when you could.?? ? ? ? ?'Maron?' Shieki's voice sounds as the younger leona returns to the kitchen.?? ? ? ? ?'Shieki.' Maron replies. 'I was just saying good morning to your friend. Before I go looking for that... Sam?'?? ? ? ? ?'Ohh?' Shieki lowers her ears. 'You're not really gonna do that are you? She didn't do anything...' Maron stood up and pulled Shieki into a tight hug, causing both of them to wince.?? ? ? ? ?'Shieki dear...' Maron murmurs with a tired smile. 'You need to start seeing micen as micen. And see yourself as a leona. Look at those two little delicious critters. Both of them would fit nicely right here.' She placed a hand on Shieki's belly. 'Just like that delightful muffin wearer you ate last night.'?? ? ? ? ?'Ohh myy...' Shieki's eyes widened a little. 'W-why would I do that?' She seems upset as the memory comes back to her. 'Th-that poor micen... Ohh... I shouldn't have...'?? ? ? ? ?'Shh...' Maron brushes her hands through Shieki's hair, and the girl calms instantly. One of your eyebrows raises in curiosity. Monstrous tyrant, ruthless disciplinarian, tender confidant and now soothing mother figure. Maron is just full of surprises. 'Just be calm.' She continues. 'That little micen ordered you around and you did exactly what she wanted. It's what you wanted too, right? Deep down you know it felt right.'?? ? ? ? ?'Yes...' Shieki murmured. 'But no. I can't let myself be like that. What about Thorrow and Mango and Jessie? They might never trust me again!'?? ? ? ? ?'Heeey!' Thorrow called up.'You're still Shieki! You're still my favourite leona and my friend. So don't worry about it, I still trust you! Besides, you were drunk! We were all drunk, we all did crazy things!'?? ? ? ? ?'Sure did...' You murmur, rubbing the spot on your ear where she'd bitten you. You weren't sure if it was an accident last night, and now you're even less sure, maybe the thought of that sort of thing is how she was turned on in the first place. Not that it matters now. You feel a pang of sadness as you realize you may not see Thorrow or any of the others again for some time. Maron might be socializing more with the others if Risa's plan to get her out more often works, but unless she feels like bringing you along every time you'll likely be left in her apartment. Traveling on your own will be challenging over that distance, even just to get to Shieki's apartment.?? ? ? ? ?Shieki's apartment. Tara. Tara... Maybe you can yet pull together enough reasons to make this trip worthwhile...1211111111121111211221121111111121111212 Sitchol-1?'Uurrgh...' Pain was the first thing he remembered since the impact. Pain in his ribs, probably at least one or two broken. His leg, and his shoulders as well. He tried to move, feeling the familiar cloth of his robe and hood but the weight of his armour was absent. Immediately two dark hooded figures appeared from either side and pushed him back down.?? ? ? ? ?'Don't move.' A familiar voice said, firm but respectful. 'Your ribs are setting well as far as we can see. Just stay still. We'll give you a hand in a short while.'?? ? ? ? ?'You've been in and out of consciousness.' The other said, a female voice, also familiar. 'Do you feel more awake this time?'?? ? ? ? ?'How... How long has it been?' The figure asked.?? ? ? ? ?'Five days.' The first hooded man said. 'For two it looked like you might not make it. Then you started to stir. I told the others that you would never die to such a paltry attack.'?? ? ? ? ?'Paltry?!' The prone figure snarled. 'Next time a leona kicks YOU, you can tell me that it's paltry.'?? ? ? ? ?'But you are Sitchol' The woman replied. 'You have slain rattis unarmed, your prowess and foresight have seen Tara prosper for as long as any here can remember. None such as you would die so easily.' Sitchol rolled his eyes. This one was a great fighter and demagogue, but also a prominent kiss ass.?? ? ? ? ?'Help me up.' He demanded. 'I want a report on everything that's happened.'?? ? ? ? ?'Of course.' The hooded man stepped forward and carefully aided Sitchol in sitting upright before then steadying the micen leader as he stood. Sitchol pulled his own hood back over his head, almost completing the appearance that his subordinates had begun to follow.?? ? ? ? ?'The Rosary has dissolved.' The woman began explaining. 'When the woman leading them lost her will to fight, most of them as well as our own forces among their number became hesitant. Most stood down. What few were still willing to fight were too few to make a successful assault against all three leonas.'?? ? ? ? ?'What of the expeditions?' Sitchol said, looking around the small room he recognized as one of the infirmary chambers of Tara before slowly heading towards the door clutching his rib with his right hand.?? ? ? ? ?'Still moving.' The woman continued. 'Emm, Cue and Tee are leading them. Kay has been supervising the dig. We put forces back on that as soon as the Rosary dissipated.'? ? ? ? ?'What have the expeditions found?' Sitchol demanded as he pushed open the door and headed into the infirmary lobby. Micen staff looked at him curiously but he ignored them. The man to his right headed towards a small storage closet, opening it and retrieving a suit of armour like the one he wore himself as well as a sheath and stowed weapon. Sitchol smiled as he felt the weight re-introduced to his form.?? ? ? ? ?'We've confirmed the presence of four more leonas in the building.' The woman explained. 'Geeaness, a man who has a strict arrangement with his colonies, Maron, and elder woman whom from what we can tell is much the same. There is also a girl named Misty, and a woman named Bianca. We have little solid information on them, but initial maps suggest that if the layout of this building is symmetrical, from what we can estimate there could be a dozen or more we've never seen.'?? ? ? ? ?'I see.' Sitchol nodded. This was disturbing news. One leona could be dealt with. Three, a hassle but doable. Or so he had thought. But if there truly were that many more, then perhaps the plan the Rosary leader had concocted was doomed from the start. 'Tell me, what became of the Rosary leader?' The man lowered his gaze, dim blue eyes vanishing under the shadow of his hood.? ? ? ? ?'We sent Ell and Ay to retrieve her. Ell returned alone, and told us that she had taken Ay's life herself when he threatened her.'?? ? ? ? ?'Fools.' Sitchol shook his head, re-acquainting himself with the weight of his weapon. 'Do you think someone that ambitious would go down that easily?'?? ? ? ? ?'We thought the two of them could handle it.' The man explained. 'Ell has gone back out for her. He is determined to prove himself. He felt that he had failed you.' Sitchol laughed coarsely, then grunted as his clutched his chest again.?? ? ? ? ?'It's times like this I miss Thanis.' He looked both of his subordinates in the eye and sighed. 'There was a micen who could get shit done. Thanis, bring me three rattis heads I'd say. An hour later, there he was with four.' The two were silent, uncomfortable as their master reminisced about a far superior servant than them.?? ? ? ? ?'We do our best for you, Master.' The woman said.?? ? ? ? ?'I know.' Sitchol replied impassively. 'So, Ee and Ess, what have you two been doing?'?? ? ? ? ?'We have been administrating Tara and tending to your wounds.' Ess replied, bowing her head. Sitchol ignored the gesture and walked to the door. He pushed it open and stepped out into the streets of Tara. Home. Ee and Ess were only a few steps behind him.? ? ? ? ?'Right then... Let's get things moving again.'?12111111111211112112211211111111211112121 Sitchol-2'What a disappointment that was.' Sitchol growled, hurrying through the entrance to the tunnel into Tara. He paused for a moment, his entourage giving him a moment as they always did in this spot. The micen leader took a deep breath as he panned his gaze around the place, remembering a trip he made through here years ago. The last day he had ever been really... happy, he guessed. The horrible events had cost him his daughter, his greatest ally, and... a friend? Maybe.?? ? ? ? ?The moment passed and he lowered his gaze, breaking into his hurried stride once again. The six wellarmed micen at his rear rushed to keep up. Tara had seen a slight increase in activity since he had left, and it was about to get even busier once he issued his next orders.? ? ? ? ?'You.' He gestured to his left, one of the micen guards stepping forward. 'According to what Thorrow told me, Shieki isn't home for a number of days. I didn't quite get how much longer we have, but I want you to organize raiding parties to gather as much food from her kitchen as you can. Even empty the fridge if you can manage it. Get going.'?? ? ? ? ?'Yes Sir!' The guard responded, breaking into a run to gather as many free hands as he could.?? ? ? ? ?'And you.' He gestured to his right, prompting the next guard to step forward. 'Get the word out, I want all but the essential sentries recalled. The census no longer has a purpose, we can assume taking on the leonas again is out of the question. There are just... too many.'?? ? ? ? ?'As you wish sir.' The guard replied. 'Where do you want them?'?? ? ? ? ?'The tunnel.' Sitchol answered. 'We're gonna see what progress Kay has been able to make, and do everything in our power to reach Bunker Twenty-Two as soon as physically possible.'?? ? ? ? ?'Why is it so dark down here?' One of the guards asked.?? ? ? ? ?'Use your head.' One of the others replied. 'Fire burns up air, too many candles in a cramped space like this and everyone down here will suffocate. Can't you tell how much warmer it is down here already?' Sitchol ignored the bickering as he led the four remaining guards down into the main tunnel that had been being dug for years now. His life's work, something he had almost given up on so many times since Morrix had been gone. But now more than ever he had seen the reason he needed to continue, This world belonged to the leona. It was time the micen had one of their own.?? ? ? ? ?Voices were heard up ahead. As the group descended into the sloping dark tunnel before them Sitchol began to recognize one of them. It was Kay, firm and authoritative as she issued a command to a group of guards escorting a larger group of disheveled looking micen carrying crude tools. She stood beside a small desk covered in papers, and she wore the same black robe as he and his soldiers all did. Unlike most of them however, she had little in the way of armour.?? ? ? ? ?She heard the footsteps of their approach and turned to face them. Her head lifted in surprise when she saw Sitchol among the newcomers and she removed her hood. Kay's expression was one of surprise, but also relief. She had dark grey fur and short cut brown hair. Sitchol's eyes locked with the hazel of her own and the two exchanged a nod of respect.?? ? ? ? ?'I see you wasted little time in getting this moving again.' Sitchol said as he came to stand beside her desk. The papers were covered in scribbles that looked like some sort of crude map, but the hell if he could read them.?? ? ? ? ?'Y-yes.' Kay replied, her voice carrying perhaps a hint of fear. 'On that day, when we thought you were killed I thought this would be the best course. I was relieved to hear you survived, but...'?? ? ? ? ?'Buuuuut?' Sitchol prompted, leaning in closer to her and causing her to take a small step back.?? ? ? ? ?'I feel like such a coward...' She confessed. 'I was there along side everyone else... Ready to help kill Shieki. But when Solace turned up I felt... I'm sorry, I broke. I ran. I...'?? ? ? ? ?'Shut up.' Sitchol interrupted. 'I don't want any more time wasted on bemoaning what happened. The state of things up in that building has been turning to shit lately. The sooner we get into the bunker below, the better. Don't worry, we know now there are far too many leonas for us to have beaten. The fact that a hundred soldiers didn't die that day is a good thing.'?? ? ? ? ?'Of course.' Kay nodded. 'I'll take it you want my report then?'?? ? ? ? ?'Naturally.' He replied. 'Is it good news or bad news?'?? ? ? ? ?'A little of both?' Kay shrugged, arranging the papers in a pattern on the desk that now looked like something coherent. 'Well we hit the metal just up ahead, but when we started to excavate around the area, we couldn't get any accurate estimate on where an entrance might be. At the moment we have four separate tunnels in different directions to search, but...'?? ? ? ? ?'Until we hit something, there's no way of knowing if we're even close.' Sitchol nodded, slowly making sense of her crude map and her explanation. 'Well, I'm bringing everyone in here. All hands, we're gonna get this done as soon as possible.' He grunted as the wound he received from Vanner stung a bit, prompting his subordinate to give him a curious look before she returned her gaze to his.?? ? ? ? ?'Are you hurt?' She asked. Sitchol almost laughed, Kay's tone seemed to be a mere curiosity than concern. That was why he liked her the most, she was straightforward and honest, unlike the insincerity of those bootlicks Ee and Ess.?? ? ? ? ?'Not as much as I would have thought.' He replied. 'I mean, that kick from Risa hurt like a motherfucker and Vanner's little bitchfit with Serena and her... uncle, didn't help. But I'm sure if I was gonna drop dead I would have by now.' He smiled coyly and shrugged, causing her to smirk before her expression got a little more serious.?? ? ? ? ?'We're going to need more wood.' She said. 'Buttressing these tunnels has slowed us down, but after the first one collapsed, we needed to be more careful. We've almost exhausted our existing supply, including... umm.'?? ? ? ? ?'What?' Sitchol demanded.?? ? ? ? ?'We chopped up most of the furniture in the brothel.' Kay said. 'I figured it was the least important place to worry about given the circumstances.' Sitchol was silent for close to a full five seconds, staring blankly back at a slightly nervous Kay before he eventually slowly turned to one of the guards.?? ? ? ? ?'Go get me a mirror.' He said softly. 'I want to see something.'1211111111121111211221121111111121111211You were seated in one of the waiting rooms of Markep's town centre. Cerrik had wanted to talk to you about something he and Jason discussed, another job offer by the sounds of it. Maron had gone straight to bed and that was where you wanted to be. In your own bed. You weren't hungover but you still didn't get much sleep just like all of them.? ? ? ? ?'Thanis...' Cerrik's voice sounded from the doorway as he entered. 'Boy that... whiskey. Powerful stuff. Did you... Did you drink any?'?? ? ? ? ?'No. Had my fill of alcohol years ago. It distracted from the job.' You replied. 'Besides, I thought it might be prudent to have at least one of us sober to keep the rest from doing anything stupid.'?? ? ? ? ?'Stupid?' Cerrik smirked. 'You mean like sleep with someone you just met? How is that not stupid?' You blinked in confusion, not entirely understanding his objection. It was normal enough in Kert and Tara...?? ? ? ? ?'...So you had a job for me or something?' You asked.?? ? ? ? ?'We wanted to build a tunnel between our colony and theirs.' Cerrik nodded. 'A pathway to allow passage from Markep to other colonies. We realize this is a huge undertaking, and as such we wanted to ask you about security.'?? ? ? ? ?'I can't protect an entire expedition.' You replied, shaking your head. It was as if they thought you were a leona or something. If only.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh don't worry, we realize that.' Cerrik clasped his hands together. 'We were actually hoping you could provide... training?' You gave it some thought for a few moments. While it was nice to hear they didn't want you to move mountains anymore, training micen to fight was something you hadn't done in a long time. The sad reality was that some micen just aren't cut out for combat, a condition that seems to accompany the race on the bottom of the food chain here.?? ? ? ? ?'I could try...' You answer at last. 'How many were you planning on sending?'?? ? ? ? ?'Well...' Cerrik thought for a moment. 'Between Markep's birth rate and Maron's hunting, our population holds steady at roughly sixty to eighty at any given time. I was thinking of sending ten for a scouting foray first. Once we have a better idea of what's out there, then we can organize a larger contingent.' You thought about his plan, at the same time wondering where he learned words like foray and contingent. In the time you'd spent at Markep, you hadn't seen much in the way of vocabulary education, but then again Cerrik did spend a lot of time in the colony archives. Who knew what books were in there. You sure didn't.?? ? ? ? ?'So you want me to train ten of your best to fight?' You asked. 'As well as the most effective negotiating methods with other micen, rattis and if necessary, leonas?'?? ? ? ? ?'I hadn't considered negotiations.' Cerrik admitted. 'Honestly, the only other things we ever see around here are rattis and leonas. I didn't think negotiations would really be worthwhile. But... I would have to imagine I would be the only one qualified to bargain on behalf of Markep.'?? ? ? ? ?'Alright.' You nod. 'Shieki's apartment is down the far end of the hall from Maron's. If we tunnel relatively straight in the right direction, we should be able to make our way there. From there I can find Tara, and from Tara I know the way to Kert, and then to Niarb.'?? ? ? ? ?'But we have to cross two... maybe three more apartments just to get to Shieki's place.' Cerrik sighed. 'And how do you intend to deal with her? No leona likes half a colony's worth of micen just parading through.' You can't help but smile as you remember Shieki's attempt to hunt you a few years back, and how terrible she felt this morning when she remembered she'd actually eaten a micen. You're quite sure you could talk her down. Hell you might even be able to intimidate her yourself.?? ? ? ? ?'Shieki won't be a problem.' You replied, still smiling. 'What concerns me is Tara. And... who might be there.'?? ? ? ? ?'I thought that place was taken out before Shieki moved in?' Cerrik asked. 'Wouldn't it just be ruins? Or... a ghost town?'?? ? ? ? ?'Maybe...' You turned away to hide the look of concern that had quickly replaced your smile. 'But the talk I had with Jason last night... plus someone I met in Risa's kitchen, gives me reason to believe that it wasn't. And if that's the case.'?? ? ? ? ?'Old acquaintances we should be weary of?' Cerrik pressed.?? ? ? ? ?'Let me put it this way.' You turned around. 'I'll be leading this expedition. And I'll be taking my sword.'?? ? ? ? ?A few hours had passed. When you left Markep, Shieki had been visiting Maron and the two of them were still nursing the light remnants of their hangovers. Maron had made hot drinks, you could detect the scent of coffee and chocolate. As expected, a flicker of Maron's eyes told you she knew exactly where you were, while Shieki remained oblivious. You followed the cabinet line once you were on the floor to avoid the table where they were sitting as you headed home.? ? ? ? ?Maron stood suddenly. You froze, watching curiously as she walked over and put a foot in front of the entrance to home. 'Shieki.' She said, prompting the younger leona to stand. 'Hunt. Now. Show me.'?? ? ? ? ?'A-alright.' Shieki stood from the chair and lowered herself to all fours, looking awkward as she tried to get her position right before she started to sniff the air. Dammit, Maron was well aware you were out here and now she was playing games with the two of you. Moments later, Shieki's gaze fell squarely on you as she found her prey.?? ? ? ? ?'Crap...' You murmured, before breaking into a sprint towards the living room. Shieki had to go around the table, giving you a scant few seconds to make it underneath Maron's armchair and barely out of Shieki's reach. But now you were trapped.?? ? ? ? ?'Did you get him?' Maron called.?? ? ? ? ?'He's... hiding.' Shieki replied. You took a moment to catch your breath, wondering what to do now when suddenly the entire chair tiled to one side, she was lifting it! you started running again, this time heading towards Maron's bedroom. You hoped not to have to go in there, but-?? ? ? ? ?'Ungh!' You were battered to one side as Shieki took a swipe at you. It wasn't hard, but it did knock you off your feet. You rolled onto your back just as her hand came down, pinning you in place in the middle of the floor. She was elated.?? ? ? ? ?'Got him?' Maron asked, stepping into the living room behind her. 'Ah, nice. Know what to do now?'?? ? ? ? ?'U-umm...' Shieki stammered, the grin lessening from her face to be replaced by a nervous blush. 'Y-yes...' She looked back down at you, lips quivering as though she wanted to speak. Her hand wrapped around your waist and she lifted you up, bringing you closer to her face. 'I...'?? ? ? ? ?'No.' Maron interrupted. 'No asking for his permission. Just do it.You're gonna let him out anyway, there's no need to worry. Just be assertive. That's what this is for.' You blinked as you realized at last what was going on. Maron was actually... helping Shieki to act more like a leona? Well this could be awkward. But if Shieki was going to learn at your expense, then you might as well make the lesson worthwhile.?? ? ? ? ?'Let go of me!' You tried to push her hands open, but her grip was too strong. Hardly surprising. Timid or not she was a leona. Technically. 'Now! Put me down!' You felt Shieki's hand actually lower for a moment before a stern ahem from Maron stopped her from moving.?? ? ? ? ?'Shieki...' Maron knelt down beside Shieki and guided her hand holding you back to the younger leona's face. 'Go on. Open up. In he goes. Nummy num, gulp.'?? ? ? ? ?'But he... doesn't want to.' Shieki protested.?? ? ? ? ?'You, cat. Him, mouse.' Maron said sternly. Shieki slowly opened her mouth, but balked at the last second and lowered her hands again.?? ? ? ? ?'Sorry...' She said. 'But I don't want to be mean.'?? ? ? ? ?'For crying out loud.' Maron mumbled. Suddenly the older leona seized Shieki by the chin with one hand around behind her, snatching you from her grip with the other. With one deft movement, she pinched Shieki's cheeks together, prying open her mouth while slipping you headfirst inside. You were face to face with the girl's throat, almost touching her uvula with your forehead before the mouth went dark. Shieki's shocked reply resounded in your ears, cut short by Maron's forceful handling her her jaw preventing her from speaking and you from escaping. After a few more moments, Shieki's tongue began to curl around you. Where her mind had said no, her instincts seemed far less reluctant.?? ? ? ? ?'Tastes good?' Maron asked, holding her hand over Shieki's mouth. Shieki nodded. 'Right. Now enjoy his flavour a little. Run your tongue around a bit. Get him nice and wet, easy to swallow. And then... Send him down.' Shieki did as Maron instructed. The younger leona worked her jaw and tongue slowly, letting her saliva soak into Thanis' fur and admittedly enjoying his squirming and taste a lot. When Maron had decided to teach her to be more assertive with micen, Shieki hadn't known what to expect. But this wasn't too bad. After a few more moments, she swallowed. Once... twice... Thanis resisted but she managed to get him down. At least she'd gotten this far. Maron took her hand away.? ? ? ? ?'Sorry I'm not making this easy...' Shieki said softly, feeling the micen land in her stomach.?? ? ? ? ?'Stop apologizing.' Maron replied with a grin. 'And especially to him. When you let him out, I don't want to hear a word of sorry. You are a leona, you can do with micen what you want. But if you let them, they'll only take advantage of you.'?? ? ? ? ?'But-' Shieki made to protest, but Maron silenced her with a raised finger.?? ? ? ? ?'Two minutes.' The older woman said. 'Then your next lesson.'?12111111111211112112211211111111211112112Slick slimy musculature surrounded you, pulsing with the leona's every heartbeat as it squeezed you further and further down. Maron had all but forced Shieki to swallow you alive for some reason you didn't quite manage to grasp and all the struggles you could manage ultimately meant nothing against the girl's powerful tongue and gullet. In a scant few moments after the loud wet gulp that surrounded your senses, you felt yourself land with a shallow splash in what could only be Shieki's stomach.?? ? ? ? ?Your eyes adjusted to the near perfect darkness enough for you to make out your surroundings. Flesh, creased and wrinkled and covered in a slimy coating that you did your best to avoid touching. Your feet were ankle deep in something wet and liquid, and after a few moments you realize that they are tingling unpleasantly.?? ? ? ? ?'Two minutes.' You heard Maron's voice from outside. Two minutes? You were barely here five seconds and you could already feel your feet starting to digest. The odour was already getting to you as well. The air in here was stale, likely as a result of the dregs from last night's food still lingering in small clumps. It smelled of old dairy and whiskey. Of course, the alcohol wouldn't be completely gone from her system this soon...?? ? ? ? ?You tried to wedge your feet somewhere higher, away from the corrosive fluids below you but it was difficult. Anywhere you could put your feet was slick and the constant pulsation and occasional clench of the stomach walls made it almost impossible to stay anywhere still. You thought of last night. During your altercation with Solace, Thorrow had been in Maron's stomach for about this long as well. How the hell did she deal with this? How the hell did she like it??? ? ? ? ?Your senses began to flush as the air got even hotter. Suddenly, water pours in from above, flooding the chamber and leaving only a small pocket of air near the very top. You swam, the liquid mixed with the acids but they were at least diluted enough not to sting. Everything went dark suddenly and you felt yourself being squeezed and pushed up. Moments later you landed on a damp but soft surface. As you flailed and tried to regain your equilibrium, your eyes focused and you realized you were in Shieki's hand as she held you over Maron's sink. Her eyes and lips were quivering as she sat you gently onto the counter.?? ? ? ? ?'Don't say it...' Maron warned from the table. Shieki looked back at her, then at you with the extreme irritated expression you shot back at her.?? ? ? ? ?'...I'm sorry!' Shieki said to you, almost squeaking like a micen herself.?? ? ? ? ?'God dammit Shieki...' Maron shook her head but smiled. She had the look of a mother trying to teach her child but failing to get the lesson across. Still, Shieki was trying. 'That's not how a leona talks to a micen... Thanis, get your tiny ass somewhere else. The cats need to talk.'?? ? ? ? ?Maron was rude, but you could still hear the affection in her voice towards you and Shieki. You briefly wondered what kind of upbringing Shieki must have had to never learn how to hunt micen, or even see them as micen. Rinsing yourself off underneath a pipe had given you a few minutes to think. Whatever Shieki's deal was, hopefully it wouldn't be too much of an issue for you. You managed to wash and save your pants, but the scarf you got from Maron is ruined. You'll have to sort out a replacement soon.? ? ? ? ?You hadn't gotten far into Markep when you spied Jarek rushing around panning the streets. You changed direction to approach him and he caught sight of you, rushing close with a look of concern on his face.?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis!' He called frantically. 'We need help. Strange micen are here, carrying weapons!'?? ? ? ? ?'What?' You asked. Aside from you, this place hadn't seen new micen in years. 'What do they want?'?? ? ? ? ?'We don't know!' Jarek replied. 'Cerrik is talking to the leader now. But they're all armed. And they're all in black.'?? ? ? ? ?Dozens of them. Black garbed micen all in various suits of cobbled together armour, bearing swords and carrying heavy backpacks full of supplies. They stood at the north western corner of town, almost underneath where the pantry was situated in Maron's apartment. A few of them had gone far west, where they could access the wall section and ascend beyond the floorboards. But there was no access point there, there was nothing along that wall at all except for the front door.?? ? ? ? ?You stopped once you were close, joining Jarek among the other local micen who had come to see the strangers. Cerrik stood alone, facing the three who had stepped forward and were presumably the leaders. After a few moments, Jarek stepped forward as well to stand beside him.?? ? ? ? ?'We need supplies.' On of the three spoke, his tone was heavy and he betrayed no emotion. 'We have no interest in staying here, this is merely a brief resting place before we move on.'?? ? ? ? ?'S-supplies are in the pantry above.' Cerrik answered. 'But like I said, Markep is a small colony and the local leona, Maron, only stocks enough to keep us barely at this population. We simply don't have anything to spare!'?? ? ? ? ?'Intel reports Maron to be hostile, Cue.' One of the other black garbed leaders spoke. He made no attempt to whisper.?? ? ? ? ?'This colony is defenseless.' The third spoke, a woman's voice. 'We could take whatever we needed from them and just keep going.' Cue seemed to consider the idea.?? ? ? ? ?'No, please!' Cerrik raised his hands as if to bar their path, but he was shaking like a leaf.?? ? ? ? ?'There must be another way!' Jarek added.?? ? ? ? ?'No.' Cue shook his concealed head. 'Emm, you're right. Order a raid. Take anything we can use. Suffer no resistance.'?? ? ? ? ?'FORWARD!' Emm bellowed at the top of her lungs.?? ? ? ? ?'No!' Jarek stepped forward like a fool, only to have Cue's fist hammer into his head and knock him out cold. You were bounding forward before you knew what the hell was on your mind, swinging a fist and slamming into Cue at full force. The leader fell backwards, but you had left yourself vulnerable.?? ? ? ? ?'Bastard!' Emm spun beside you, slamming a hard kick into your back and hurling you to the floor. Several more hard kicks impacted your ribs before Emm stepped back. Cue had gotten to his feet at glared down at you.?? ? ? ? ?'Emm, keep an eye on this one. We'll sort this colony out.' Emm grunted in acknowledgement of her order and dragged you away from the town towards the holes they had dug in from. The rest of the small army had begun to move, chasing down the fleeing and panicked citizens of Markep. Emm dropped you to the ground and you rolled onto your back. She glared down at you, giving you a brief glimpse of green eyes beneath her hood. You glanced back towards Markep. People were being forced to hand over their entire stows of food, some even being robbed of their clothes. You couldn't let this happen... But how could you stop it?'?? ? ? ? ?Maron was your only chance. You had to get to her. Shooting another sideways glance at Emm beside you, you waited a few seconds for the opportune moment before spinning on the floor and slamming your leg into her shin. She cursed in pain but you were already upon her, grabbing her by the neck and ramming her backwards. Her head hit the wall with a sickening thud and she drooped down and was still.?? ? ? ? ?'Sweet dreams.' You muttered, pulling her needle from its sheath at her waist and sprinting towards the other end of this wall and the way up to the counter top. You had to get there fast. Markep didn't have much time...?121111111112111121122112111111112111121121The counter was cold under your feet as you scrambled out from the walls and panned your gaze around desperately searching for Maron. She was just stepping away from the front door, speaking to Shieki who was now standing beside the table.?? ? ? ? ?'Maron!' You shouted, unable to hide the desperation in your voice and hating how weak you sounded. 'Maron! We need help!' The two leonas turned to you, Shieki looking a little concerned and curious while Maron remained stern.?? ? ? ? ?'What's wrong?' She asked flatly.?? ? ? ? ?'Markep is under attack!' You replied, panting between sentences. 'A bunch of strangers showed up, they look like bandits, or slavers. They're attacking everyone! They're taking everything!' Maron's eyes panned to the floor, her ears swiveling slowly. There wasn't much to be heard from up here, but if there was, Maron would be the one to pick up on it.?? ? ? ? ?'Shieki, do you still have the supply closet key you got off Kre?'?? ? ? ? ?'What?' Shieki blushed and tensed up. 'H-how did you know?'?? ? ? ? ?'Shh.' Maron whispered, getting down on the floor. 'I can hear it now. Go get that... crowbar from the supply closet.'?? ? ? ? ?'What are you-' Shieki began.?? ? ? ? ?'Now!' Maron commanded, getting back up and resting on her knees. The younger leona winced and rushed off, leaving Maron here as she continued to press herself low and search with her sharp ears forsigns of distress under the floor.?? ? ? ? ?All you could do was watch now. After a minute, Shieki came back carrying a large metal bar with a hook on one end. Maron took it with a nod and then hesitated for a few seconds.?? ? ? ? ?'Shieki, this might have made a great lesson, but I don't think you're ready. You should probably go home.'?? ? ? ? ?'Are you going to be okay?' Shieki asked, unable to hide her worry.?? ? ? ? ?'I'll be fine.' Maron smiled. Shieki looked unconvinced, but did as instructed and left, pulling the door closed behind her.?? ? ? ? ?You saw the change immediately. A terrifying light seemed to shine from Maron;s eyes and she stood back up. With barely a grunt of effort, she threw the table across the room and kicked the chairs aside. One of them was knocked up against the counter near you, the others all over the place as Maron cleared the floorboards and looked down. You saw her lips curl into a savage grin as she raised the bar high before smashing the hooked end into the floor. She pulled hard, tearing up the very timber and exposing a section of Markep.?? ? ? ? ?'Maron?!' You called out, shocked that she would inflict such damage on her own home. She didn;t seem to hear you, instead slamming the bar into another section of floor and lifting yet more timber loose. There was a positively savage look on her face now, her claws were out even as she tightly gripped the bar in her hand. Three more swings, and almost all of Markep was exposed. Bandits and locals alike looked up at the frenzied cat with abject terror.? ? ? ? ?'How nice...' Maron hissed. 'Tiny foxen, little treacherous runts in need of killing.' Foxen? The question was pushed from your mind as you saw Maron drop to all fours once again, dipping her forward half into the torn opening in the floor. Micen were starting to climb out now into the kitchen, the locals scattering to the edges of the room while the bandits seemed divided between attacking Maron and getting the hell away from her.?? ? ? ? ?No, not bandits. They clearly had a bigger agenda in mind, they were looking for something specific and this was just a stop along the way. You saw Maron rise back up, half a black garbed micen between her teeth and the other half in her hand. She tossed the corpse aside, slurping and swallowing what was in her mouth before looking behind her. Five of them had climbed onto her leg and she couldn't react fast enough before three of them buried their weapons into her skin. Her cry was of anger rather than pain and she thrashed her leg off the floor, throwing them all clear. Spinning on the spot, she flattened two of them beneath her palms and swiftly bit the top half off a third. The other two fled, leaving her focus as more of them began to assail her again from behind.?? ? ? ? ?You spied Cerrik and Jarek, cornered near the base of the pantry by three of the hooded thugs. You had to help them, Maron was too busy slaughtering the ones that she could see. You spared a quick glance across the room, there were dead bodies where some of Markep's citizens had fought back, trying to overwhelm the foes where they could. Not all of them had survived. You dropped to the seat of the chair from the counter, it was a strain on your legs but you've done worse. You scale the leg hastily, then draw the needle you'd stolen from Emm and sprinted towards your old friends.?? ? ? ? ?'It's been so long since I've razed hell!' Maron shouted, making you cringe. There was something deeply wrong with how much she was enjoying this...?? ? ? ? ?You slammed into one of the thugs, knocking them over before running your needle through the second. The third was Emm, now that you were close enough to recognize her, and she lunged for you with the same cocky manner she had displayed before.?? ? ? ? ?'You bastard!' She snarled under her hood. 'This is your doing isn't it? You sicced that bitch on us!'? ? ? ? ?'You shouldn't have come here.' You retorted simply, parrying her strikes before trying to strike back one of your own. But Emm was a better fighter than you'd estimated, and she deflected your swing as easily as you did hers. The first guard you had knocked over was getting back up, already rounding to join his superior.? ? ? ? ?'Erron look out!' You hear Maron call, before suddenly she leaped clear of the torn hole in the floor and landed atop you, her hands either side of your duel. Her head leaned down, blood dripping from her lips and cheeks as she made to snap up Emm. You dove to one side to get clear, but Emm wasn't ready to die yet. She lurched backwards, before jumping high and sticking her needle as hard as she could into Maron's curled lips. Maron jerked back with a snarl, before her hands snapped in and clapped around Emm from both sides.?? ? ? ? ?You could hear the air empty from the woman's lungs as Maron lifted her up. With arms pinned to her sides, Emm was defenseless. You were spared the scream she could no longer make as Maron lifted her in both hands, before closing them and twisting. Bones audibly snapped and moments later Maron dropped the mangled corpse to the floor, broken hand still clutching the needle...?? ? ? ? ?'Erron are you okay?' Maron leaned back down to you. Her face was sporting a few needle marks around her lips and cheeks, her teeth were smeared red and her eyes... Her eyes were dilated and glazed. She wasn't here, she was... She was somewhere else. 'Erron?'?? ? ? ? ?'No Maron!' You replied, hoping to bring her back. 'Thanis!' I'm Thanis! Remember?'?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis?' Maron shook her head, blinking as her eyes began to focus again. 'Oh... Thanis? What's happened? Why am I bleeding?' She lifted a hand to her face and dabbed at her cheeks. 'Oww... My hips ache... I shouldn't be on the floor like this.'?? ? ? ? ?'Maron...?' You asked, quieter. 'She didn't seem to be listening to you anymore, turning around and looking in shock and horror at the hole in the middle of her floor, strewn with micen corpses and smears of blood.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh no...' She shook her head. 'Not again... I can't do this again...'?? ? ? ? ?'Again...?' You whisper, turning to Cerrik who seemed almost as concerned as you. He simply shook his head in wonder and fear. This was a new sight for him as well.?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis!' Jarek got your attention. 'There's still la few of them left.?? ? ? ? ?'Right.' You nodded, leaning down and prying the second needle from the dead woman's hand. 'We need at least one alive. I have questions.'? ? ? ? ?'What about Maron?' Cerrik demanded suddenly. 'She's... She's gone insane! Markep is destroyed!'?? ? ? ? ?'But most of us are still alive.' You retort. 'That's better than we would have been.'?? ? ? ? ?'We should have just given them what we had...' Cerrik shook his head. 'We could have explained to her afterwards. Asked for more food. Thanis... You shouldn't have brought her into this!'? ? ? ? ?I didn't know this was going to happen...?'Shut up!' You snarl. 'I'm going after them. I've got to finish this.'?? ? ? ? ?'You have to account!' Cerrik shouted before you could leave. Maron turned around and looked down at the three of you, still looking fearful of what she'd done. Cerrik shrank to his knees before her. But she didn't become angry. All she did was whisper two words.?? ? ? ? ?'... 'I'm sorry.'1211111111121111211221121111111121111211211What? No. You stopped where you were and looked back up at her. Did she... just say sorry? Dammit, while it was nice to hear she was concerned she was still not back to herself. You rounded on the spot, sheathing both needles and hoisting yourself onto Maron's thigh and standing on her knee.?? ? ? ? ?'Maron?' You call, getting her attention. 'Get a hold of yourself, a leona doesn't apologize to micen, remember?' She looked back at you, shaking her head lightly before she sighed and a coy smile returned to her lips.?? ? ? ? ?'Get off me, mouse.' She growled, compelling you to jump back down quickly. She climbed to her feet with a grunt of effort and surveyed what she had done. 'Ohh... Kre is gonna be so pissed off.' You didn't know this name, so you simply headed towards the hole to jump back down into the ruins of Markep and looked in the direction you saw the villains fleeing.?? ? ? ? ?Most of the place was in shambles, food and clothes scattered about where they'd been dropped as soon as Maron tore the place up. You were able to glimpse movement up ahead, the last four survivors of the black garbed attackers fleeing back into their tunnels. You picked up your pace and caught the attention of them before they were out of your sight. The space beyond Maron's apartment was visibly uncared for, uninhabited by micen or rattis by the look of it.?? ? ? ? ?Two of the attackers had rounded and were coming to you from opposite sides. You halted in your tracks and retreated a few steps, raising the needle in each hand in a defensive posture. They were trying to hit you from both sides simultaneously but the one to your right was faster than his ally. You darted towards him, engaging him before his friend could help. He was taken completely by surprise, managing to parry your first strike though luck before you slammed into his shoulder. He fell to his back, feeling your second needle through his chest before he could recover. You only needed one of them...?? ? ? ? ?The second picked up his pace but was still a few seconds away. His needle drew back ready to thrust. Moron. You fling your offhand needle directly towards him and start running. The gasp and thud behind you assure you he is down.?? ? ? ? ?The last two are up ahead, and you recognize them as Cue and the third leader whose name you never caught. 'Cue!' you shout, gripping your remaining needle with both hands and breaking into a print before they can escape your sight.?? ? ? ? ?'Tee get rid of him!' Cue growled. That settled it, if Cue was in charge, he was the one you wanted. Tee could die. You swatted aside his needle with your own, swinging your fist and connecting squarely with is face. He stumbled backwards, flailing in fear. You punched again, and again, slamming him to the ground and pulverizing his face with your bloodied fist. You lost count of how many times you struck him, only stopping your punches when his body stopped twitching...?? ? ? ? ?In your rage, you had lost sight of Cue... Dammit. With no way to know where he was it wasn't safe to follow. You growled in frustration and turned back, retrieving the needle from the lackey's carcass on your way. Once you were back in Maron's kitchen you climbed out onto the floor. Denizens of Markep were gathered around the walls in groups, many of them still sneaking fearful glances at Maron. Usually being in the open in the same room as her was a death sentence. But Maron was making no aggressive moves towards any of them.?? ? ? ? ?'I should probably clean this up...' She murmured. She spared a look around the room, making some of the other micen wince before her gaze settled on you. 'Thanis are you okay? You're covered in blood.'?? ? ? ? ?'So are you...' You replied. 'Don't worry, this isn't mine.'?? ? ? ? ?'I need to fix this.' Maron said. 'Do you know anywhere else that the micen can live in the meantime?' You stay quiet for a few moments before offering a reply.?? ? ? ? ?'Kera and Marie were excavating the ceiling before they...' You sighed. 'Anyway, there's room up there. It isn't a town, but it can work for now. The way in is through my place.' Maron nodded, looking around at the micen with a narrowed gaze.?? ? ? ? ?'Alright. Everyone's living in the ceiling until the floor is fixed.' Maron decided. 'I'll give you three days to adjust, I won't hunt. Get started. I need to go and see... Risa.'?12111111111211112112211211111111211112112111That afternoon had been interesting to watch. Many of Markep's displaced people were disheartened with Maron;s actions. They had tolerated her hunting them in return for the stability provided, and now it was shattered. After all the micen had been shown the way into the ceiling, a rough half dug setout that had gathered dust ever since Kera and Marie were taken, you had decided to go back down and talk a bit more with Maron when she had gotten home. But she hadn't returned alone. An orange leona male with black hair and dressy looking clothes had been with her, prompting you to remain hidden for the moment. Risa had arrived a minute later as well. The man seemed halfway between peeved and bewildered as Maron sheepishly explained what had happened. Despite the seriousness of what transpired, you drew an unhealthy amount of amusement from seeing Maron intimidated by someone else for the first time... ever.?? ? ? ? ?'Wow...' Risa had shaken her head after the man had left. 'Lucky Maron, I thought Dad was gonna completely lose his shit. So you really went all in to save the little runts?' She leaned down and looked into the hole, prodding at one of the demolished buildings that had once homed a family of micen.?? ? ? ? ?'I don't know what came over me...' Maron replied. 'It felt like I was back in that little town near the border... Seeing all of those people turn on their own. It was terrible. All I could think of was rage and murder... And then it had happened to me as well.' Maron looked up as you stepped out of the wall. A few moments later, Risa noticed you as well but paid you no mind.?? ? ? ? ?'How is everyone?' Maron asked.?? ? ? ? ?'There's a lot of unease.' You told her. 'What faith they had in you has been shaken.'?? ? ? ? ?'Who cares.' Risa interrupted, standing up. 'A micen should be grateful for every day they spend alive. Let them live with me or Solace and they'll soon see.'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh I'm insulted.' Maron smiled. 'I assure you these guys are all terrified of me. I could tear the ceiling down as well and then you'd see.'?? ? ? ? ?'Hmph.' Risa smirked. 'So these little invader bastards were dressed in black you said? Odd, sounds like the assholes that wanted us dead as well.'?? ? ? ? ?'I thought they were settling back down?' Maron said. 'Why would they come across the building like this?'?? ? ? ? ?'Who knows...' Risa shrugged. 'Maybe that yellow one wasn't really running the show. Or maybe someone else has picked up her slack. We should be careful anyway.'?? ? ? ? ?Maron was silent for a few moments before suddenly speaking up. 'Have you heard any more about...?'?? ? ? ? ?'Next week.' Risa replied, suddenly more serious than she had been. 'He's in New Albion for some reason. This time we're sure he won't see us coming. The guy we have tracking him knows where he's headed, but he can't make a move yet. He's meeting someone, and we'll be ready to take them both. Eight more days Maron. Try not to think about it.'?? ? ? ? ?'Right.' Maron nodded, taking a deep breath. 'I suppose I should make the order for some timber so I can get this mess fixed...'?? ? ? ? ?For the next three days, the micen worked to make the ceiling more habitable. Unceremoniously dubbed New Markep, the space had become a hastily erected tent city made of discarded cardboard and cloth that they had gathered while making full use of Maron's three day immunity. But while most of them worked on making the area livable as well as digging an access tunnel into the pantry from above, you had gone down to the ruins and gathered as many of the fallen needles and scraps of armour as you could with seven of the most able and willing volunteers. Making use of as much time as you all could spare, you had trained them in the basics of combat against fellow micen as well as a few advanced techniques that you had used years back to fight rattis.?? ? ? ? ?On the dawn of the fourth day, Maron had gone back to her regular habits. Two micen were taken in the initial hunt, including one of your recruits. The remaining six stepped up their training, showing quite remarkable progress for the short time they had. But of course the only true test could be when they finally came face to face with real opponents.?? ? ? ? ?It was the dawn of the sixth day. Maron had spent most of the fifth repairing the floor, cutting timber to length and replacing the boards that had been damaged. With sore arms and a tired back, she had grasped her cane for the first time in months to walk from the kitchen to the living room. Once there she had reclined in her chair with a glass of scotch and allowed herself to rest.?? ? ? ? ?Cerrik approached slowly from the doorway after a short while, pausing as Maron clutched at her arm for a few moments.?? ? ? ? ?'Hey there...' She said softly. 'What kind of micen thinks he can just walk on in here whenever he wants?'?? ? ? ? ?'I-I have one day left...' He said. 'I wanted to see if you remembered? And to talk about it...'?? ? ? ? ?'Are you trying to get out of it?' She asked, extending her cane and letting him climb up to the arm of her chair. 'Yes... Yes I remembered.'?? ? ? ? ?'No...' He said softly once he was beside her. 'I just wanted to make sure... You'll keep up with it even afterwards right?' He was shaking as he looked up at her.?? ? ? ? ?'Yes.' Maron nodded. 'I think the way you lived deserves that at least. Hell... I might even tell everyone what you've done.'?? ? ? ? ?'Please don't.' Cerrik shook his head. 'I'd rather it not be a big deal. I'd rather they didn't know. I don't want that to be how I'm remembered.'?? ? ? ? ?'Okay.' Maron answered with a smile. After a few more silent moments she took the lid off her scotch bottle and carefully poured a small portion of the liquor inside, before handing it to Cerrik. 'So tell me... Do you regret it? Nobody else ever made a deal quite like you did.'?? ? ? ? ?'No... They're all alive, right?' Cerrik replied, sipping his drink and sighing happily.?? ? ? ? ?'Yes.' Maron replied, before taking a sip of her own. 'I can take you there, let you see them for a while before we finish this up. If you want?'?? ? ? ? ?'That sounds good.' Cerrik smiled, looking up at Maron with surprise and delight. 'Really good! Thank you!'?? ? ? ? ?Maron drained her glass before topping it back up. 'You're a good mou...' She sighed, clutching at her arm again for a moment before her smile got wider. 'You're a good man, Cerrik.'?121111111112111121122112111111112111121121111You awoke at the usual early hour, your body's sleep rhythm keeping your routine in check. You rolled onto your side, grunting as you bumped your face on the wall. You still hadn't gotten accustomed to sleeping in this place, a small nook you'd claimed in the ceiling as your own sleeping spot. About a third of Markep's survivors had gone back down once Maron had fixed the floorboards, getting a head start on fixing the place and sleeping where they could manage amid the ruins.?? ? ? ? ?You sat up, panning your senses around. Most of the thirty or so micen who had stayed up here were already awake and active, by the look of it some had already even left. You noticed that the six you had begun training were already up and practicing sword drills. Two of them were sparring, using dulled toothpicks as training weapons.?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis!' Rica, the eldest of them, hailed you as you walked over to them near the centre of the ceiling section between two downlights. 'I was wondering if I could spar with you?' Her teal eyes showed an eagerness you relished to see in your students, and the dim backlight made her red fur shine dimly. She looked quite intimidating.?? ? ? ? ?'Sure.' You replied, unfazed in the slightest. Tenk, a green youth just over ten months old, tossed you his toothpick and gathered with the rest of them. 'First to land a strike on the chest or neck right?'?? ? ? ? ?'Sure.' Rica echoed. She mirrored your salute before you both dropped into a combat stance. She jumped forward in a two handed swing aimed at your midsection to put you on the defensive. It was a sound tactic and a good opening move against an average opponent, but your skills were well beyond average. You parried her strike, stepping through as you did and sweeping your leg into her shin. With her caught off balance. she was forced to defend against your counter attack and misstep to dodge your second swing.?? ? ? ? ?You refused to let up, keeping her on the backstep for three more strikes until you landed your final blow on her neck. 'Dammit...' She sighed, dropping her weapon and bowing her head.?? ? ? ? ?'That wasn't bad.' You lifted your toothpick and tossed it back to Tenk. 'Against an average bandit you'll be fine, but you should be more careful against a more experienced opponent.'?? ? ? ? ?'Right.' Rica responded. 'We'll keep training, thank you Thanis.'?? ? ? ? ?You headed back down the wall towards the way out. The place had stopped feeling like home little by little, but the sight of those claw marks in the floor and plaster always served to remind you of how things used to be. But this time you were also greeted by Cerrik, seated near the entrance and cradling his head.?? ? ? ? ?'Cerrik...?' You asked, stopping short as you noticed the somber expression on his face. 'What's wrong?'?? ? ? ? ?'...I'm uh...' He stammered, seeming to struggle with words. 'Thanis... I'm going to die today.'?? ? ? ? ?'What?!' You asked, shocked. You took a seat before him and tried to look him in the eye. 'Why? What happened? What's going on?'?? ? ? ? ?'Do you remember what Maron said at the party?' He asked in return. 'About Maron's arrangement with the... juveniles that break her rules?'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh... Umm...' You paused for a moment, trying to think back. 'Yea I think I remember hearing that... But I was a little preoccupied, I wasn't sure if I heard it right? She lets them go somewhere else right?'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh right... You were playing pelvic thrust with that... Thorrow?'?? ? ? ? ?'Yea...' Your lip curled at the memory, before you blinked and waited for Cerrik to continue.?? ? ? ? ?'Well...' Cerrik took another deep breath. 'Before you turned up by about a year, Maron, she... She would still use the cage. But for real. She was always willing to kill them if nobody stepped up. So... I made a deal with her. But it cost me... myself.'?? ? ? ? ?'What...?' You began to realize what he meant, just like with your own deal, the price must have been steep.? ? ? ? ?'I couldn't have a family. That was her rule.' He replied. 'And she gave me four years. And then... I was hers. So I became a headmaster. I let running Markep become my life. I just let everything else become unimportant. And today is my last day... Today is the day that I become hers.'?? ? ? ? ?'Surely she's not going to hold you to it? Not now...' The fleeting hope you had for Cerrik's life faded the moment his gaze returned to yours. This was Maron. She wasn't going to just forget something like this. And neither would she go back on her word. Maybe if she'd gotten attached to Cerrik in some way, but their entire arrangement had been purely to keep Markep stable.?? ? ? ? ?'It's alright Thanis...' Cerrik said at last. 'I don't regret any of-' Sudden footsteps sounded from outside, along with a panicked voice. It was Risa and... someone else. Someone you didn't recognize. Cerrik rose to his feet and followed you to the entrance. Both of you peered outside, freezing as you saw a leona rushing inside from the entrance to Maron's apartment. It was a youngish woman with orange fur carrying a pack of some sort. She was dressed in a pale green outfit and wore a panicked but firm expression.?? ? ? ? ?You sneaked a few steps outside, wondering what was going on. You stopped in your tracks as Risa appeared in the doorway between the kitchen and the living room. Her face was a mask of despair that she attempted to cover with stoicism. Something terrible had happened.?? ? ? ? ?'Clear!'?A voice shouted from the living room. There was a steady buzz for a few moments before a loud thud. Risa's face cringed with the sounds. She still hadn't noticed you, or she didn't care as the shout followed by the same two sounds happened again.?? ? ? ? ?'Anything?' Risa demanded, rage briefly crossing her features as she turned to face back into the living room.?? ? ? ? ?'No...'?The voice responded.?'I... I'm sorry.'?You saw the look on Risa's face, and all your concerns for remaining out of sight were gone. You darted to the doorway, weaving between her feet and stopping just inside the living room.?? ? ? ? ?Maron was on the floor, laid out on her back on a stretcher. A mask was strapped to her face as her head was tilted to one side and her top had been torn off down the middle, exposing her chest. The leona you had seen before was knelt on the floor beside her, holding something that attached to the mask. There was another leona on the other side of Maron's form, setting down two metal objects attached to cables that led to a large box.?? ? ? ? ?But most chilling of all were Maron's eyes. Green, unfocused and lifeless, they stared past you and through you without moving and without blinking. It felt like... hours, a day, of you simply staring back at them. But in a mere few moments in reality they were gone from your sight as the orange leona removed the mask from Maron's still passive face, and her companion lifted a white sheet that obscured the body from sight...?? ? ? ? ?Risa dropped to her knees behind you and cried. 'Four days... Four damn days Maron, why couldn't you wait FOUR DAMN DAYS?!'?? ? ? ? ?Maron... was gone.1211111111121111211221121111111121111211211111?For the next two days, you were completely numb, reeling from the sight of Maron's body being carried out by the other two leonas never to be seen again. Not much happened. Some of the more short sighted micen of Markep had celebrated Maron's death, many of them having lost someone to her hunts or still resenting the destruction of their home. The elation had faded quickly enough once the realization had set in that with no leona to stock the pantry, there would be no food left for them to take. Some had begun to panic. You didn't care. Your pupils had continued to train even without your supervision and had taken it upon themselves to keep a semblance of order.?? ? ? ? ?Cerrik had mixed feelings of his own. Having been resolved to his own death, one he had chose to save the lives of others, it felt oddly wrong to him that he was still alive following the day he was due to die. In the end he had withdrawn and quietly returned to what duties he could still perform as a headmaster, which at least had the effect of calming most of the others.?? ? ? ? ?Risa had left for whatever it was she had been desperate to do for Maron. In her absence Shieki, being the next closest to a friend that Maron had, was asked by Kre to help clean out Maron's apartment and sort through her belongings. She had teared up after less than an hour and asked Solace to help as well. The two of them had made good progress on the first day but had left the memorabilia cabinet untouched per Risa's request. The table and chairs, the cage, the couch and television had all disappeared on the first day. The stack of papers and the typewriter that Maron had been working on the whole time you lived here and presumably years before was all carried up to Risa's room. On the second day they'd taken the rest of her furniture, and sorted the books in her bookcase before carrying the case itself out into the hallway. It had made you smile watching the small framed Shieki try to carry the heavy piece of furniture with an increasingly frustrated Solace. In the end, the leona they called Geenie or something had come down to help.?? ? ? ? ?Every hour your thoughts had come back to what your own future held. Jarek and Rica had already postulated leading the denizens of Markep to Shieki's place using the same tunnels that the raiders had dug. You had told them to wait a few days, the plan was solid but it had one critical flaw. They'd all be killed or enslaved the moment they arrived. With this realization your next course was clear. Tara needed a change of management,?and nobody better understood how to make that happen than you. Whether it was... him, or not, you had to get there first and make sure your people would be okay.? ? ? ? ?'Are you sure about this?' Jarek asked, whispering low. He was crouched beside you at the entrance to Markep on the counter top. 'I mean, if she catches you, you're screwed. You know that right? You're not... You're not protected anymore.'?? ? ? ? ?'I know.' You replied. 'But there's no other way. I can't follow Tara's tunnels back without knowing what's on the other end. It's better to go in from the way I know. Which means I need a lift around.'?? ? ? ? ?'Why don't you ask Shieki?' Jarek asked. 'Didn't you say she was nice? Didn't eat micen or something?'?? ? ? ? ?'She won't take another micen.' You replied. 'And she doesn't know about Tara from what I can gather. How else would I explain it to her? It's better that I just sneak around with Solace. I can get there from Niarb.'?? ? ? ? ?'So three days.' Jarek confirmed. 'You sure that will be enough time for you?'?? ? ? ? ?'Who knows.' You shrugged. You patted your pocket, reassuring yourself that the sliver of metal in your pocket was still there. Your sword would be staying behind, left in Rica's hands in case she needed it when they arrived. 'But this is the only option I have. Take care.' Jarek nodded and retreated back inside as you eyed off Solace's bag across the counter. It was packed with books and packaged treats but there was still room for you. The biggest risk was getting crushed between the books and the side of the bag.?? ? ? ? ?It was later in the afternoon and the two leonas were getting ready to finish up. The apartment was almost stripped bare with only Maron's memorabilia left behind for Risa to deal with when she returned. They'd be back in this room any minute.?? ? ? ? ?You ran. Sprinting for the opening in the top of the satchel you aimed yourself before diving into the opening alongside the large books. You positioned yourself alongside one of the wrapped treats, from the clear plastic it looked like some kind of wafer treat. All you could do now was wait.?? ? ? ? ?It wasn't much longer. Solace said her goodbyes to Shieki and you felt your surroundings lurch to the side. You held your breath for a moment, then tried to settle into a bearable spot as each step jerked the bag from one side to the other. The stairs were the worst, she took them two at a time and the whole bag jumped up and down. Your body was jolted heavily with each step the leona took until you felt the crack of the biscuit treat under your feet.?? ? ? ? ?Not long after, you heard the creak of a door opening and closing before the sudden sensation of weightlessness. She tossed the bag onto her counter and sighed, slumping onto her elbows beside it.?? ? ? ? ?'Hey Solace.' A familiar voice called. 'How did it go?' You tense as you try to place the voice... It was Gertrude! That leather clad woman who had tried to put you in your place when you met her the night of the party.?? ? ? ? ?'Awful...' Solace replied. 'Shieki she's... she's pretty cut up about it. Come to think of it, I've never seen Risa the way she was either. Before she left.'?? ? ? ? ?'Risa left?' Gertrude asked, sounding shocked and confused.?? ? ? ? ?'Some work trip.' Solace answered. 'She'll be back in a few days she said.'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh.' Gertrude responded. 'How about you?'?? ? ? ? ?'I'm... fine. All things considered.' Solace sighed again. 'It's not like Maron and I were that close. I'm just a little sad seeing what it's done to the girls. I need...'?? ? ? ? ?'You need chocolate.' Gertrude finished.?? ? ? ? ?'Yes.' Solace said with an exasperated sigh of relief. 'At last.' You try to keep cool as you feel the bag shift and the flap opens. You cursed under your breath as her hand wrapped around the wafer bar and at the same time snagged your leg.?? ? ? ? ?'Shit shit shit!' You tried to dig your claws into the fabric of the bag and stay inside, but your strength was paltry compared to a leona and you found yourself dangling from her fingers above the counter.?? ? ? ? ?'What... the actual hell?' Her voice was livid as her eyes narrowed and focused on you. 'You're... Maron's one? You do realize you have no protection now, right? You don't even have her scarf on, what are you thinking?'?? ? ? ? ?'Umm...' Your mind freezes, what the hell were you supposed to say in a situation like this? Your mind blank was interrupted as she dropped you unceremoniously to the counter to examine the treat she had wanted.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh dammit!' She growled. 'Mouse! This thing is crumbs! What did you do?'?? ? ? ? ?'You were...' You blink the stars away, 'Too rough on the stairs!' Solace rolled her eyes and tossed the bar aside where it landed on the counter. Gertrude looked from Solace to you, a knowing look in her eye and a small curve to her lips. She was enjoying Solace's foul mood? Wait, maybe she was enjoying what she knew would come? That wasn't a good sign.?? ? ? ? ?'Well...' Solace took a deep breath before a sly grin crossed her face. 'At least you brought a suitable replacement for it. There's no worming your way out of this one. I can't believe Maron let you talk to me like that. And she had the nerve to call us undisciplined.'?? ? ? ? ?Gertrude stepped forward and hauled you to your feet as Solace leaned forward with her tongue on her lips in anticipation. The micen woman's whispered voice sounded in your ear. 'You screwed up buddy. You screwed up.'?? ? ? ? ?'Yea I did.' You replied, grinning back at her. 'But not as bad as you.' Before she could even raise her eyebrow in confusion, you snapped your leg into her shin and raising your elbow to her chin with heavy force. Before she or Solace could stop you, you had the micen by her hair from behind with one hand,and the metal sliver you'd concealed in your pocket was pressed firmly to her neck pointy end first.?? ? ? ? ?'What the... Let her go!' Solace snarled, slamming her hand down on the counter uncomfortably close.?? ? ? ? ?'One move and she's dead!' You retorted, 'Get your hand away!' Your voice seemed to carry enough conviction to convince the leona you were serious.?? ? ? ? ?'And what do you think is gonna happen next?' Solace growled, her anger visibly underscored by her concern for Gertrude's safety. Gertrude herself seemed unsure, no doubt so much time under Solace's protection had made her arrogant to the point she'd forgotten how to be afraid. She hadn't said another word.?? ? ? ? ?'Look, I didn't want this.' You replied. 'There's somewhere I need to be, and this place is the best starting point. I'll let her go once I'm... out of your reach.'?? ? ? ? ?'You are mine.' Solace growled, following you the length of the counter as you slowly dragged Gertrude towards the only mouse hole you could see, one behind her toaster. 'Just remember that. Next time I see you, no games, no talk. You're dead.' You heard her frustrated growl as you pulled Gertrude through into the walls. You dragged the micen away from the hole and then tossed her against a wooden beam.?? ? ? ? ?'I need to get to Kert.' You told her. 'Point me in the right direction, and once I'm out of here you can go.'?? ? ? ? ?'What if I refuse?' She spat, some of her bravado returning.?? ? ? ? ?'Then?' You grinned savagely. 'I'll beat you to death.'?12111111111211112112211211111111211112112111111Gertrude took one look at your knuckles, your physique and the gleam in your eyes and knew instantly that you were telling the truth. Her life was potentially at stake here and you both knew it. 'A-alright.' She muttered. 'I can show you the way to Kert. But it's down a floor, I really think you would have been better off finding your way there from your own place.'?? ? ? ? ?'I need to go in from another direction.' You replied, gesturing for her to move. She led the way you knew to Niarb at a brisk pace, clearly intent on getting there and being done with you as quickly as possible. 'Going from Niarb would be safer for me. We were attacked from our own direction, I'm not going in that way.'?? ? ? ? ?'Attacked...?' Gertrude seemed curious. 'You mean by micen?'?? ? ? ? ?'Yes.' You replied. 'I'm positive they came from Tara, and Tara is where Sitchol set up his own operation when he wasn't working in Kert.' Your hand clenched around the barb of metal in your hand, drawing a light cut and you stepped up your pace which forced Gertrude to do the same.?? ? ? ? ?'I sure hope you know what you're getting yourself into.' She called back. You didn't answer, but at the same time you were thinking pretty much the same thing.?? ? ? ? ?Niarb was nothing like you remembered it, but upon reflection you didn't truly remember much of it at all. You knew it was relatively prosperous compared to the other colonies in this apartment, but that was about it. The only other place you'd heard of before being taken to Tara was Quill, but you never actually visited the place.?? ? ? ? ?'Can I go now?' Gertrude asked. 'I'm not really... fond of this place. Memories.'?? ? ? ? ?'Did you grow up here?' You asked. She nodded, prompting you to consider what that would have been like. You almost envied her. Compared to Kert, this place was amazing.?? ? ? ? ?'Well?' She pressed.?? ? ? ? ?'Fine.' You answered. 'Just give me a minute.'?? ? ? ? ?'What for?' She demanded.?? ? ? ? ?'You're gonna tell Solace where I am the minute, you're out of here.' You grinned. 'Give me a minute's head start. As a thank you for not cutting you open or beating your skull in huh?'?? ? ? ? ?'Fine.' She echoed you, smirking and folding her arms. 'Then you better run. I won't be taken down so easily next time I find you either.'?? ? ? ? ?'We'll see.' You replied. 'I'm two for two so far, odds aren't in your favour.' She replied with a finger as you turned and started running. The way down to Kert was across the settlement from here.?? ? ? ? ?You tried not to draw attention to yourself, but it soon became apparent that you were being followed. Not by Gertrude, thankfully she wasn't so stupid. It was a micen bearing the new uniform of Tara. You glimpsed him twice as you made your way across town. He was definitely following you, waiting for the perfect time to trap you. What bugged you now was why. Surely, he didn't know who you were??? ? ? ? ?Well, you knew well the best way to get out of a trap was to spring it on your own terms. You paused in your steps, taking note of what looked like a tailor's shop before resting yourself on the side corner of the building at the head of an alley. You pretended to yawn and casually glance around, noticing your tracker slip behind a few buildings down. He would be running now that he was out of clear sight, ready to ambush you from behind and drag you back into the darkness of this alley. Which meant he was running right into your waiting fists.?? ? ? ? ?Three... Two... Footsteps were growing closer and you crept closer to the back end of the alley. One... Your would-be attacker darted around in front of you, balking in shock and horror as he saw you waiting for him. His hand fumbled for the needle at his belt but your fist beat him to the punch, literally. He grunted and lurched backwards under the impact and landed heavily in a pile of discarded trash. You jumped into the air and landed hard on his gut with your knee, driving the air from his lungs in a pained wheeze. Your left hand seized his throat and your right quickly drew his weapon.?? ? ? ? ?'Who are you?' You demanded, your eyes boring into his with a deep intensity.?? ? ? ? ?'I... I'm not answering to you!' He spat, struggling to form words with shallow breaths.?? ? ? ? ?'You're from Tara.' You pressed, noting the shiver in his lip and the waver in his feeble struggles as you mentioned his home. Tara was not supposed to be well known. 'Is Sitchol alive?' Now his eyes went wide with fear. Anyone unafraid of Sitchol was usually far more terrifying even than he was. And in almost every case they were a leona.?? ? ? ? ?'H-how... do you...?' He stammered. That was answer enough. Your expression darkened and his fear grew. His struggles became more fervent as he realized what you planned to do. His mouth opened to scream.? ? ? ? ?You silenced it before it formed, driving his own needle through his chest. He had provided enough information. Sitchol was alive. Tara was a prime spot for the denizens of Markep to move but they couldn't go there while he was still in charge of that place. And then there was the more personal matter of... revenge.?? ? ? ? ?Not long after, you were striding the streets again. The black garb and armour fitted well enough, and the hood made you feel sinister and creepy. Little wonder he always dressed like this. The lower end of Niarb that would take you to Kert was close now. A road you had walked long ago with Sitchol and his men to shape your future, and now you walked it once again. This time alone, this time not thinking of the future, but of the past...?121111111112111121122112111111112111121121111111Kert from Niarb wasn't exactly a short journey. Your pace alone though was much faster than the groups and slave caravans you'd traveled with before and you pushed yourself hard enough to make the journey in under a day. After a few hours rest, you made your way inside. It was just as bad as you remembered it on the way in. The dirt streets on the outskirts of the settlement were riddled with detritus and poor stragglers and castaways of micen who couldn't afford anything in life. Most of them clambered away from you as you approached but others barely even registered you as you walked past.?? ? ? ? ?The tone of the place changed once you were in the town proper. Fancy houses, crafted from real timber rather than scraps and offcuts. The micen around here were all either well dressed and rich or black garbed and armed. The only exceptions were those who were either slaves, or if what you'd heard of Solace cleaning this place up were true, those who were slaves until recently. You made a note, you'd have to find that out. It would be unsubtle and risky to just ask someone, but there were other ways of finding that out.?? ? ? ? ?You had noticed a few eyes watching you by this point. Not guards, but others. You weren't being recognized and that had been your plan, but now it was becoming apparent that perhaps that wasn't a good thing. Things had become different, it was likely that at least a few people here knew all of the guards by sight. Maybe if you ditched the uniform??? ? ? ? ?Several of the other guards converging on your position made it apparent that your realization had come too late. You stopped, and heard the sound of drawing weapons before turning around. Three more had trailed you from behind and cut off any chance of retreat.?? ? ? ? ?'You! Stand down!' A gruff voice called. All five of them leveled their needles at you.?? ? ? ? ?'I'm just passing through.' You said. You took off your hood and spread your arms to show you weren't hostile. Not yet.?? ? ? ? ?'Not gonna happen.' The guard growled back. 'If you are who we think you are, then you aren't going anywhere.'?? ? ? ? ?'Then...' You replied. 'You're going to force me to fight.' You drew your own sword and squared off against the two in front, keeping your ears pivoted to the ones behind.?? ? ? ? ?'We don't have time for this!' Another one called, one of the ones behind you. Her voice was utterly lacking in patience. 'Just take him!' You cursed as all five of them rushed in at you at once. You parried the first strike and ducked two more before lashing out, driving your own weapon through the shoulder of your first attacker. He collapsed in a grunt of pain before one of his comrades slammed their foot into the back of your knee. You fell to one knee and tried to spin, but a rapid swinging fist connected to your jaw and knocked you backwards.?? ? ? ? ?There was one of them restraining each of your arms before you could recover, your needle wrenched from your grip while the third wrapped himself around your midsection and prevented you from kicking him loose. The fourth, her hood pulled back enough to recognize as the only woman of the five of them stepped in and dealt two thunderous blows to your gut and drove the breath from your body.?? ? ? ? ?'You have a meeting to attend.' She muttered. 'Vanner will see you now.' She then delivered a third punch, this time to your head.?? ? ? ? ?When you woke up, you were tied to a chair and seated before a table with several plates of food on it. You recognized this place. You'd been here a few times, you and Sitchol invited by Claude to discuss various terms and propositions. But the name you'd heard now was Vanner. Id didn't take long for him to come in, dressed on over the top garb that ostentatious bastards used to try and impress the lower orders. You grinned as he sat down opposite you, taking his sweet time to finally make eye contact. He was alone in here with you, making him even more cocky, or at least confident in the rope that held you.?? ? ? ? ?'So.' He said at last. 'You are Thanis I take it. I heard your name just yesterday. A rather... angry Solace came here, saying that you'd turn up.' He paused. 'She wants your blood.'?? ? ? ? ?'Yea... I may have slightly pissed her off.' You shrugged as best you could. 'It's okay, I do that a lot.'?? ? ? ? ?'That's the understatement of the year.' Vanner shook his head and rolled his eyes. 'Wow, one sentence and already you're the cockiest bastard I've talked to in years. Even Sitchol has a healthy respect for the leonas. Especially now that he knows how many there are...'?? ? ? ? ?'So he is alive.' You replied, almost growling.?? ? ? ? ?'Yes. He is.' Vanner said. 'When I started putting your name out to the guards for Solace, I started hearing stories from some of the older ones. Those who had heard stories of you. And even one who actually knew you. You're something of a legend, Thanis.'? ? ? ? ?'What?' You asked incredulously. 'Is this some kind of joke? I screwed up. I got an innocent girl killed. Sitchol ran me through and left me for dead. I never did figure out... how I lived.' Your mind flashed back to so long ago, your torn shirt fashioned into a bandage by unknown hands. A mystery you had all but forgotten until now...?? ? ? ? ?'Yes, but before that.' Vanner said, narrowing his eyes and becoming more serious. 'You were Ratslayer. You were Sitchol's finest. A fighter without peer, some say even now. I even heard a whisper that Sitchol regretted what he did to you, that nobody ever managed to take your place.'?? ? ? ? ?'Can we cut to the part where you tell me why I'm here?' You growled. 'My head hurts.' You drooped for a moment, testing the ropes. They were too secure.?? ? ? ? ?'You're here because Solace ordered me to capture you.' He replied firmly. 'But I don't think she quite appreciates your reputation the way we do. What you could do... for us. And so... I am torn.'?? ? ? ? ?You were silent, staring into Vanner's eyes for what felt like an hour as he simply stared back. At last, he sighed and lowered his gaze before he spoke...?1211111111121111211221121111111121111211211111112?'Sitchol is getting out of hand.' Vanner murmured. 'I want to cut a deal with you. If I let you go, I want you to track him down and kill him.'?? ? ? ? ?'That was my plan.' You replied. 'But why? What did he do to you?'?? ? ? ? ?'He's after something.' Vanner explained. 'Something that would render all of this completely redundant. But worse than that is the fact that I'm concerned about his ambitions once he finds it. And what it will mean for those of us left up here.'?? ? ? ? ?'Bunker Twenty-Two.' You said without missing a breath. It had been a while, but you remembered everything easily enough. 'I thought he would have... given up on that. His reason for doing it is gone.'?? ? ? ? ?'Apparently not.' Vanner growled. 'He says he's getting closer to finding it. And more and more, it's becoming increasingly apparent that "my" guards don't work for me at all. Needless to say, this makes me... uncomfortable.'?? ? ? ? ?'So, you're gonna have to let me go?' You almost smirked, but didn't want to risk changing his mind.?? ? ? ? ?'Obviously I can't do that.' He replied, raising an eyebrow slightly. 'If Solace or Sitchol found out that I just let you go, I'm as good as dead.'?? ? ? ? ?'Then which is it?!' You demanded suddenly. 'You wanna let me go so I can kill Sitchol, then you say you can't! So, what the hell are you trying to say?'? ? ? ? ?'Ugh, I can see why there aren't any stories about your amazing intellect.' Vanner rolled his eyes. 'Listen, I'm going to cut the ropes. You are going to bust out of here and escape. But you can't just leave, we have to make it look like you legitimately escaped.' Suddenly it dawned on you and you found a small curve on your lips.?? ? ? ? ?'Does this mean I get to beat you up?' You asked him.?? ? ? ? ?'Unfortunately, yes.' Vanner sighed, drawing a small blade from somewhere on himself he'd hidden. He took a few steps towards a cabinet at the far end of the room and drew your attention to it. 'There's a hidden escape passage behind that cabinet. It will lead you to the edge of town and presents you the quickest way to get closer to Tara. But be warned, Sitchol knows about it and you will likely find guards on the other end.' He then approached you, standing in front of you and hesitating, no doubt contemplating what you would be required to do to him in order for this to work. After a few more tense moments, he sighed and slipped his blade between the ropes.?? ? ? ? ?You stood immediately, making your extra height and bulk readily apparent. Vanner was trusting you implicitly with this move, as it was clear to you both that you could end him rather easily if you so wished. Fortunately, you didn't need to go that far and nor was it truly a good idea. Vanner hadn't exactly earned your trust, but he had the potential to be a valuable ally. Then again, his obligation to Solace was a problem. Questions for later, not now.?? ? ? ? ?As promised, you pushed aside the cabinet and found the hidden tunnel. Vanner looked back a you with a nervous glance before tossing his blade to the floor and nodding back at you. He took a deep breath as you took a step closer to him and squeezed his eyes shut as you raised your arm.?? ? ? ? ?'Grrrrk!' He grunted in pain as you slammed your fist into his gut before dropping your elbow into his back as he hunched over. He hit the floor hard and you took advantage of that by laying a solid kick into his ribs that pushed him onto his side. After this you knelt down and lifted him by the scruff of his shirt before pulling his trembling form closer to yours.?? ? ? ? ?'Thanks.' You say softly before dropping him back to the floor. 'It will look suspicious if you wat too long to raise the alarm, but try to give me five minutes.' He looked back at you, you weren't sure if it was just pain or genuine contempt on his face, before he spat on the floor and nodded to you.?? ? ? ? ?You dropped into the tunnel and broke into a sprint almost immediately. This time tomorrow, Sitchol could be dead. And if he wasn't, chances are you would be...12111111111211112112211211111111211112112111111121It was just as you remembered. The circle pattern of Tara's layout was coming back to your mind as you laid eyes on it once more. The streets were quiet at the moment, doubtless the place had taken some fall in revenue since Solace forced Vanner to clean up Kert. You grudgingly admitted that perhaps the leona did deserve at least a little of your respect. You knelt down in the shadows beside a building near the entrance to the town and watched for a while.?? ? ? ? ?There was no sign of Sitchol around. A few dozen guards walked through in the span you sat here watching but there was a noticeable lack of slaves among them. Most of this section had once been slave pens, but at least half the buildings now seemed to be stalls of some sort. One had even been expanded and was now completely enclosed. Micen came and went here and there, exchanging whatever they had to trade for fabrics and food along here. It was almost as if the slaver trade had dried up even here. But how could that be? You had an idea of where to find your answers, but it was also the place you were most likely to find him. And you had no mind to go in after him unarmed and unrested.?? ? ? ? ?The body slumped dead at your feet as you released him. A clean kill, no blood. Once more you took the armour and the black hood of your slain enemy, only this time it wasn't to disguise yourself, but to armour yourself. It not longer mattered if you were discovered, especially if it brought Sitchol to you sooner. You lifted the needle he was carrying, It was well whetted and sharp. Perfect.?? ? ? ? ?You stepped out into the open and started towards Sitchol's cabin. The few other micen who glanced in your direction made no move to intercept you, so it seemed ironically that this time your disguise was actually working. Sitchol's cabin looked somewhat more drab than usual on your approach. There were no guards stationed nearby, likely an indicator that he wasn't here but it was worth checking anyway. You approached the door and pushed it open before stepping inside.?? ? ? ? ?As expected, it was empty. Even more, it looked as though Sitchol hadn't been here for days, maybe even weeks. But he hadn't been in Kert. Which meant only one option was left. Vanner had mentioned the bunker. He'd been digging for that thing for years in his obsession to create a safe haven for Morrix.?? ? ? ? ?'What are you doing in there?!' A voice demanded from behind. 'You're not allowed in there! You know damn well that the boss is in the tunnels, get outta there!'? ? ? ? ?'Sorry.' You answered, turning around and meeting the gaze of the guard at the door. 'It slipped my mind. I was supposed to find Sitchol and instinctively came here. I'm new see?'?? ? ? ? ?'Whatever, just get to the tunnel. That's where he is.' The guard rolled his eyes and pointed to the south of town where the tunnel must be. You nodded and followed him back outside and closed the door behind you. You set out in the direction he had pointed but something seemed wrong.?? ? ? ? ?'That isn't the right direction...' You muttered, before spinning and seeing the other guard draw his needle.?? ? ? ? ?'You should have known that straight away.' He growled, leveling the point in your direction. 'Who are you, intruder?'?? ? ? ? ?'I'm Thanis.' You grinned. Fuck subtlety at this point. 'I'm the one Sitchol wishes the rest of you were.'?? ? ? ? ?'T-Thanis...' The guard stammered. 'THE Thanis? The one from the stories? The ratslayer?!'?? ? ? ? ?'Wow, I would have loved this reputation before.' You grinned. 'But yea, I guess that's me. So where's Sitchol? I was hoping I could catch up with my old boss.'?? ? ? ? ?'He's in the tunnel.' The guard replied, lowering his weapon and seeming to regain his composure. 'The rumored bunker. It's almost ours Thanis. Is they why you're back? We thought you... were dead.'?? ? ? ? ?'I was supposed to be.' You growled. Now you raised your weapon instead. 'And I want a chance to return the favour. Where is the tunnel? Sitchol and I have to finish things.'?? ? ? ? ?'That will not be your concern!' A new voice called. You spun and saw two more garbed micen, their finer stitched robes and better assembled armour marking them as being in charge of the rest. 'So you're Thanis? Sitchol's finest, ratslayer, a micen bold enough to piss off even Solace? Go figure.' His voice sounded unimpressed but his posture suggested otherwise. His companion, a slightly smaller female micen seemed more reserved as she stepped forward and spoke softly.?? ? ? ? ?'Just think...' She said, you weren't sure to whom she was speaking. 'Nothing we've accomplished so far would compare to demonstrating how superior we are to the legendary Thanis...'?? ? ? ? ?'I feel like this is getting out of proportion...' You shrugged. 'I mean, legendary. Really? I didn't actually do that much.' You took a step towards them and pointed your weapon to them instead. 'But, if you insist on taking my imaginary pedestal, you'll have to earn it. Both of you on me, and then I'm going for your boss. How's that?'?? ? ? ? ?'Cocky bastard.' The male muttered. 'I'll have your job when I show our master your head!'121111111112111121122112111111112111121121111111211'Hrraaagh!' You bellowed a war cry and charged with needle drawn. Your two opponents darted in opposite directions in an attempt to divide your focus. Smart, but you'd seen this before. The female was the smaller and presumably weaker of the two so you diverted towards her without hesitation. Two quick swings with your weapon kept her on the defensive before a left hook with your fist threw her off balance.?? ? ? ? ?You rounded just in time to deflect a thrust from the male's own needle, slamming your foot down on his shin and dropping him to his knee with a grunt of pain. He tried to rise but your elbow slammed into the back of his head and floored him. You stomped between his shoulders hard before stepping over him and spinning to face the female as she got to her feet.?? ? ? ? ?'You're outclassed.' You smirked, reveling in the look of unease on her face.?? ? ? ? ?'I have to win.' She replied simply, the fear in her eyes replaced by the unfeeling determination of a zealot. So be it.?? ? ? ? ?You curled your lip in disgust before launching into your attack again. Her defenses were feeble and you had her disarmed in moments, tossing her needle to the side before slamming her to the ground with your spare hand. The fear was back in her eyes now as your hand gripped her neck tightly. Her hands grabbed onto your arm to try and wrest herself free.?? ? ? ? ?'Get... off... me-!' Her words halted as your weapon impaled through her ribcage. You grinned savagely and stood, leaving her where she lay bleeding to death. You turned and saw her companion staring at you with rage and horror competing on his face.?? ? ? ? ?'How dare you...' He murmured, struggling to his feet. 'You pile of scum! How dare you?!' He roared in blind hate and charged at you once again, his injuries forcing him to run with a limp. Your own savage expression turned back into its former grin as you readied yourself for his horrifically telegraphed attack. These may have been Sitchol's elite according to themselves, but it was apparent that they hadn't been trained by him directly.?? ? ? ? ?'You are pathetic!' You growl, darting to one side as he makes his last few steps to attack. Your forearm slides up the blunt edge of his needle and slams into him, bringing his momentum to a halt. You swing your other fist into his jaw and knock him to one side before following through with a backhand that broke several of his teeth. He tried once more to bring his needle to bear, throwing his wrist uselessly into your grip. You held tight and wrenched his arm to one side with a loud snap before landing a few more punches to his face.?? ? ? ? ?'No...' He murmured pathetically as you dropped him to the ground. 'I surrender... Please just... Stop!'?? ? ? ? ?'We're past the point of surrender.' You snarled, planting your foot on his throat. He struggled feebly, too concussed and disoriented to mount any resistance. You ignored the last of his struggles as you returned your gaze to the guard that had found you before. Glaring directly at him, you threw off the armour and robes you'd donned and flexed your shoulder. It had begun to ache a little.? ? ? ? ?'I don't believe it.' He murmured. 'Every story was true...'?? ? ? ? ?'You're gonna do something for me.' You said to him sternly. His eyes widened as you continued. 'You're gonna go above. You're gonna find the leona, Shieki. And you're gonna tell her everything.'?? ? ? ? ?'What? The leona?' He asked fearfully. 'Are you mad? She'll kill me!'?? ? ? ? ?'This is Shieki we're talking about.' You laugh, stepping off the body beneath you as it finally stopped moving. 'She'll ask your permission first, all you have to say is no. But you will tell her what's happening down here. All the slavery. All the death. The role you all played during that sect attack a while ago. And all of your plans for digging below.'?? ? ? ? ?'What if I refuse?' He retorted, displaying a slight hint of bravado. You simply smirked and folded your arms, destroying any delusions he may have been entertaining.?? ? ? ? ?'You could always just fight me.' You answered. There was a tense few moments of silence as the moron actually considered the option, before shaking his head and taking his hand away from his weapon.?? ? ? ? ?'A-alright...' He said, shaking in fear. 'Y-you're sure she won't eat me if I say no?'?? ? ? ? ?'Pretty sure.' You shrugged. 'Though given what you'd come back to down here, you might actually wanna consider saying yes. Bye now.' You turned away from him as he slowly started moving and locked eyes with one of the other micen who had been watching your fight. 'You...'?? ? ? ? ?'Me?' He squeaked, lifting back his hood and revealing his pale tan face.?? ? ? ? ?'Yea, you.' You nodded. 'Take me to the tunnel. I have a score to settle with Sitchol.'121111111112111121122112111111112111121211 Sitchol-3Days passed since the brothel incident, and Sitchol didn't bother counting. In Tara, daylight filtered through in a few spots to at least give some semblance of time passing. Down here, the hours had to be counted manually. The diggers worked in shifts, the makeshift barracks only able to accommodate half of the total number at any given time. Even Sitchol and Kay were forced to take turns sleeping once they'd settled into a routine. Sitchol's ribs still ached, but at least his stab wound had mostly scarred over. He didn't even bruise where Thorrow had kicked him. The girl was strong, but didn't know anything about the proper means of channeling energy into strikes.?? ? ? ? ?'This is getting frustrating.' Sitchol growled, rubbing his temples with his fingers and staring at the ever expanding map of the network they'd created. 'It's like... we hit the dead centre of the damn roof and every direction is leading us the long way to the edge. If this thing is built like the rest of this building, we might not even find the right face to gain access...' Kay looked on sleepily from beside him and nodded slowly.?? ? ? ? ?'There doesn't seem to be any correlation to the bunker and... and...' Her eyes drifted closed for a moment before she yawned and blinked herself awake. 'And this building above...'?? ? ? ? ?'Even with all the extra diggers it's taking too long.' He growled, trying his hardest not to yawn as well. 'It's a damn shame Thorrow refused to ask for Shieki's help...'?? ? ? ? ?'Well...' Kay shrugged. 'I guess in the long run, it's a good thing that at least no leona will know about this. And if the stories are true, if there really are weapons capable of killing even them down there... We won't even need to be afraid.'?? ? ? ? ?Sitchol was about to reply before the sound of rapid footsteps interrupted him. One of his guards, a veteran named Venat was approaching fast with a look of deep concern on his face. 'Boss!' He called, almost skidding as he came to a halt before the pair. 'News from Kert, I think you'll want to hear this.'?? ? ? ? ?'What could be so urgent you'd leave your post?' Kay scowled.?? ? ? ? ?'Solace came to Vanner earlier today, demanding that he keep vigil for a micen that she lost track of.' Venat panted. 'He put the word out to all of us, and now there's talk among the... longer standing members of your guard, Sir. And stories started going around again. People remembering... him.'?? ? ? ? ?'Don't make me guess Venat.' Sitchol growled. 'Who the hell is Solace after?'?? ? ? ? ?'It's...' Venat hesitated, clearly unsure of how to say it. 'It's Thanis, Sir.'?? ? ? ? ?'There's no way in hell it could be Thanis.' Sitchol growled, glaring at an ever retreating Venat. 'I killed Thanis myself! I ran him right through the gut with my own damn needle!'?? ? ? ? ?'Umm...' Kay seemed shaken by the news but kept herself composed. 'To be fair boss, that hasn't stopped you. You did always say that... Thanis, was a tough bastard.'?? ? ? ? ?'Huh.' Sitchol almost laughed, a bemused expression crossing his features. 'I guess, you are right. But even so... if he's waited this long for revenge, I could only wonder what the hell he's been doing this whole time.'?? ? ? ? ?'From what Solace told Vanner, he was claimed by a leona.' Venat said. 'Maron. Recently deceased. Apparently Thanis went off the deep end and threatened Solace directly by taking Gertrude hostage.'?? ? ? ? ?'...Yep. It's Thanis.' Sitchol nodded flatly after a few moments' thought. 'No micen would have the chops to threaten a leona to her face. Especially by his friggin self. I mean, shit, when I tried I had an army beside me.'?? ? ? ? ?'Should we reinforce Tara Sir?' Venat asked. 'To keep him out of the tunnel? If he doesn't find you up there he'll surely come up here.'?? ? ? ? ?'I love that you're not even entertaining that Vanner might be able to hold him.' Sitchol smirked. 'I mean, that's like the pinnacle clash of brawn against brains, and you're backing brawn? No. This project is too important.'?? ? ? ? ?'You're not gonna convince me you don't consider Thanis a threat.' Kay shook her head. 'I mean... Based on what you've said a few times in the past, this was your best ever... lackey, right? You're prepared for the possibility that he'll find his way here?'?? ? ? ? ?'Of course.' Sitchol snapped. 'Took me a few years to find even eight of you that were half as competent as him. I've seen that bastard take down rattis. And unlike me... He has never used a stim. Thanis was an absolute friggin prodigy at fighting. But he still bleeds. Don't worry. And he's still not as tough as I am.'?? ? ? ? ?'It's hard for me not to worry.' Kay sighed. 'I just...'?? ? ? ? ?'Are you scared you'll have to fight him?' Sitchol grinned. 'Relax, if he makes it here, I'll deal with him myself.' His hand rested at the sheathed weapon at his waist, the magnificent sword he had taken from Serena.?? ? ? ? ?'Of course.' Kay nodded, seeming no less relieved. 'So... Maron's dead.' It took a few moments, but as Kay blinked, staring at the maps on the desk, a small smile found its way to her lips.?? ? ? ? ?'Inconsequential.' Sitchol shrugged, barely paying attention. 'Maron lived too far away to be of any threat to Tara or Kert. We only even know she existed due to her recent interactions with the closer leonas.' He had approached the pocket mirror his other subordinate had fetched those days ago, and stared into his own reflected eyes. They had remained blue. 'Huh. I guess I handled that better than I thought I would.'1211111111121111211221121111111121111212111 Sitchol-4'Sir!' A voice cried out frantically, followed soon after by thudding footsteps echoing up the dimly lit corridor. 'Master Sitchol, please come quick!' The voice's owner was one of the lower ranking guards, young and yet to really affirm himself.?? ? ? ? ?'What is it?' Kay demanded, stopping the younger micen with her hand before he had taken two steps into the central chamber. Sitchol looked up from the floor, the map had expanded beyond the desk's capacity this last day with the rapid expansion of two tunnels in a single direction. The decision had been Kay's, and with Sitchol's approval they had decided to focus efforts in one direction at a time until it was ascertained whether an entrance could be found or not.?? ? ? ? ?'W-we found the edge.' The boy explained, panting softly. 'The tunnel hit a drop, it must go down about seven feet at least. Leona feet I mean.'?? ? ? ? ?'Quite a drop.' Sitchol nodded, a small smile reaching his lips and he stood with a grunt. 'Is there any sign of a door on this drop?'?? ? ? ? ?'Not yet Sir, but we have a reference point for where the structure begins.' Came the reply.?? ? ? ? ?'This is still excellent progress, Boss.' Kay nodded, the nervousness she'd exuded the past day giving way under this new if small mote of excitement. She turned back to the guard and issued another order. 'Tell the crew to keep digging. Start following the wall in both directions if you can, we'll relay a message to the other team to do the same once they reach it. With any luck we'll find the way in on this side.'?? ? ? ? ?'Kay, do you intend to supervise this yourself?' Sitchol asked. She froze, narrowing her gaze before slowly turning to face him.?? ? ? ? ?'I want to see him.' She said. 'If it really is him.'?? ? ? ? ?'Why?' He smirked. 'You're making it sound like this is some kind of personal thing for you.'? ? ? ? ?'Well...' Kay shrugged. 'I'm... curious. When am I gonna get to meet another like him?'?? ? ? ? ?Tension rose in the air by the hour. Another day passed. The waiting was torturous, one one side the slow excavation to a place of wonder, on the other the imminent arrival of an old friend turned traitor. Sitchol did not find sleep easily in the interim, but he made sure to at least take a power nap every few hours. Kay was less willing to leave the chamber and twice he found her propped against the wall with her eyes closed. The shuffling of diggers and their escorts woke her up as he returned,?? ? ? ? ?'How... long has it been...?' She murmured. 'I was having a nightmare again... Maron...'?? ? ? ? ?'Almost another day since the wall was found.' Sitchol replied, watching as a group of juveniles dragged digging equipment into the new main tunnel. Kay followed his gaze, her expression softening as she watched one of them trip.?? ? ? ? ?'I'll be so glad when this is over.' She sighed.?? ? ? ? ?'You'll make a good leader.' Sitchol said, smiling genuinely for the first time since he had awoken after the leona's kick. 'You're the only one with the sense to keep something like this running.'?? ? ? ? ?'What about you?' Kay asked, getting to her feet. This was the first time Sitchol had mentioned that she would be in charge of this after all this time.?? ? ? ? ?'Well...' He began, falling silent as he heard something from the way up. Kay looked towards the tunnel with an ever-growing feeling of dread as the sound of slow footsteps grew steadily closer. Sitchol glanced over towards her and noted her fear before resting his hand on the hilt of his sword. Kay did the same, partially drawing her needle with a trembling hand and lifting her hood with the other to conceal her face.?? ? ? ? ?Sitchol had no time to question this act before the shadow cast down the hallway and into the room. A micen, well built, dark grey and carrying a well whetted needle stepped into the room. He wore simple plain pants and no top, which exposed a puncture wound scar on his midsection. Blue eyes, much like Sitchol's own glared back at him, framed by mid length brown hair that hung down around his scowling face.?? ? ? ? ?'Hello Sitchol.' The micen said, in a voice just above a growling whisper. 'It's been... quite some time.'?? ? ? ? ?'Yes, it has.' Sitchol replied, smiling with a sense of finality and nostalgia both. 'You looking for a job, Thanis?'1211111111121111211221121111111121111211211111112111'Please don't make me go any further...' The boy said, standing a few paces back from the tunnel entrance. 'If Sitchol knows I led you here...'?? ? ? ? ?'It's fine.' You replied. 'Sometime soon, there's gonna be a group of micen from outside the colony coming into Tara. They'll be armed. If you want to live, don't fight. Just surrender.' You watched his eyes widen in fear before turning around and continuing on your way. Candles from further down provided the only flickering light in this place and there would have to be far fewer of them due to the confined space. Sitchol was down there.?? ? ? ? ?There he was. Standing as tall and imposing as ever, the micen who had somehow survived the renovation of Shieki's apartment. The presence of Tara clearly indicated that whatever the leonas found had been something else clearly engineered by him since no other colony existed in this apartment.?? ? ? ? ?'Hello Sitchol.' You said, keeping calm with no little effort. 'It's been, quite some time.'?? ? ? ? ?'Yes, it has.' Sitchol replied. Son of a bitch was actually smiling at you. 'You looking for a job, Thanis?'?? ? ? ? ?'Ha!' You replied. 'No thanks, I've seen where that career path ends.'?? ? ? ? ?'Only for the ones that screw up.' Sitchol shrugged. 'I'm guessing you found your way through the two up to, given the red sheen on your weapon. Pair of bootlicks both of them.'?? ? ? ? ?'Those two, plus two of the three that you sent to Markep.' You growled, drawing your weapon. 'So how many wannabe Thanises did you find. Is this your last one?' You pointed the needle towards the only other micen in the room, a smaller micen with a hand resting on a weapon at their waist. The hood concealed their face and they seemed not to be looking at you.?? ? ? ? ?'Oh, there were eight.' Sitchol replied, rolling his eyes. 'I guess the best of them made it to the end though. My vision is almost complete.'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh...' You realized. 'So this one is... your new heir?'?? ? ? ? ?'I guess she is.' Sitchol said, drawing his weapon. It was an exquisite sword, not unlike the one Maron had given you. 'I will live to see my dream come true, Thanis. It will be Kay who leads the micen into their salvation.'?? ? ? ? ?'The bunker is real...' You breathed. 'You actually have found it? Gods... I thought you were insane.'?? ? ? ? ?'Geniuses often do seem insane to the simpletons of the world.' He retorted, drawing back his hood. One of his ears had been almost completely bitten off by a rattis, and the other had a smaller tear where Morrix had almost taken it off as her father trained her. You remembered that day, and in spite of everything you found a smile coming to your lips. Sitchol noticed it too.?? ? ? ? ?'Even though we're about to do this...' You said, not letting the moment dull your focus. 'I want you to know, I truly am sorry for what happened to Morrix. And Moreen. I never fully understood your pain until I found myself with my own family... And had to lose them as well.'?? ? ? ? ?'Then you must know how much I want you dead.' Sitchol said levelly. His blue eyes stayed locked with your own as he planted his sword in the ground and removed his robe completely. His torso was riddled with scars, old wounds almost crisscrossing his muscular body in grim reminders of how many times he'd come close to being eviscerated by a rattis. His fur was mostly black, beginning to turn grey and silver in places. His subordinate, Kay, was now turned to face towards you. You could see the glimmer of her eyes staring at you, but it was still too dark to see any details of her face. Her fur must have been a dark colour.?? ? ? ? ?'I do.' You replied. 'But Morrix was every bit my family as Marie was... That was a pain nobody should have to feel twice. So, I'll do you one last favour. When this is over, and your body lies dead at my feet, I'll let Kay live. As one last mark of respect.'?? ? ? ? ?This prompted Kay to draw her needle. 'You arrogant pompous bastard!' She snarled. 'Even after everything that happened, you think you're some arbiter of what's right?' She took a step towards you and the glimmer of her eyes intensified. Her voice seemed...?? ? ? ? ?'Kay, be quiet!' Sitchol growled. 'You have no idea who this is you're dealing with!'?? ? ? ? ?'I know exactly who he is!' Kay retorted, pulling back her hood and glaring hatefully at you.?? ? ? ? ?'Morrix...?' You breathed, your arms dropping to your side and the point of your needle digging into the dirt. 'No... not... No, you can't be! YOU CAN'T BE!'?? ? ? ? ?'What's wrong?' She replied, a tear rolling down her cheek as she took another step forward. Sitchol looked on, taking note of both your and her reactions. 'Did you think I was gone? Did you not even try to find me?'?? ? ? ? ?'But Solace took you...' You dropped to your knees, feeling the warmth of tears rolling down your cheeks. Kay was the spitting image of Morrix, but it wasn't her. It was someone who had become much dearer, your own flesh and blood all grown up and wizened by the very world you had failed to protect her from. Hazel eyes instead of Morrix's deep green stared back at you, rife with anger and disappointment.? ? ? ? ?'Say my name.' Kay demanded. 'Show me that you at least remember me the way I remember you.' You took a deep breath and stood, tightening your grip on your weapon. Sitchol was positively perplexed at this point, fixated on Kay while barely sparing you a glance.?? ? ? ? ?'I'm sorry.' You managed. 'I couldn't protect you. And I don't know how you survived but... Please. Forgive me. Forgive me Marie!'12111111111211112112211211111111211112112111111121111?'Solace never took me.' Marie stated softly. 'She took Mother, and that halfwit she tried to help after she let herself be caught in the open. I don't know what I was thinking. I ran after her. Under the door. Down the hall. I couldn't climb the stairs.' Tears started to roll down the young woman's face as she recounted the day. 'I heard another leona coming from back towards Maron's room. I couldn't make it home. So I hid in the closest room I could, praying for a miracle. And then his men found me.'?? ? ? ? ?'Oh yes.' Sitchol chimed in, his lips curling into a savage grin. 'Now I see it. So near, yet so far. And once I saw how much spunk this new little slave had, she climbed the ladder here rather quickly. Like father like child.' He laughed and raised his weapon to you. Now your focus was back on him, there was no way you were going to let him win this. Not after everything you'd done to get here. The needle shook in your grip for a moment before you reaffirmed your grip and raised it in return to his.?? ? ? ? ?'Good luck.' Marie said softly, replacing her hood and walking deeper into one of the tunnels. You weren't sure who she was speaking to...?? ? ? ? ?Your eyes locked with Sitchol's, noticing in detail for the first time the distinct shift in his eyes from blue to amber. You knew what that meant. The anger was flaring within him and whatever those chemicals he'd taken long ago were now re-surging through his veins. Still he didn't advance.? ? ? ? ?And then you realized why, the same reason you hadn't. Neither of you had seen each other in years, there was no way for either of you to see how dangerous the other had become. Sitchol was a veritable powerhouse of a micen that could lay even the strongest rattis low. But he knew, and you knew yourself that you were the better fighter. He had once called you a prodigy, but even so he hadn't been afraid of you then... So why now??? ? ? ? ?With a snarl of anger, Sitchol finally struck. The swing of his blade would have sliced its target in two if you were still long enough, but your reflexes and combat instinct kept you ahead of the lethal strike. Your own weapon was far less suited so such swings especially against an adversary like Sitchol, so your immediate concern was disarming him to bring the fight back in your favour.?? ? ? ? ?His backswing played to your advantage, holding the needle above your head and ducking low you were able to land a fist into his ribs. He withdrew unusually fast, grunting in pain and swinging a downstroke that stopped you from following up. You took the chance to take a step back and get a closer look at what was wrong with him.?? ? ? ? ?'Did I hit a soft spot?' You grinned, noting that his breathing had become slightly more erratic.?? ? ? ? ?'Don't get... cocky you little bastard.' He growled. 'I'm sure even you wouldn't have survived what happened to me.'?? ? ? ? ?'You were always tough.' You retorted. 'So what happened? Rattis give you a good beating?'?? ? ? ? ?'Leona, actually.' Sitchol's features curled back into the vicious grin that he had sported before as he begun to advance again. This time however you knew there was a weakness you could exploit. You moved in to make your initial attack, letting him parry it and diving inside his defenses to land another strike at his ribs.?? ? ? ? ?Instead he swung his fist onto your shoulder with his free hand, arresting your movement and forcing you backwards. You almost didn't see the sword coming for you until the last second, barely managing to evade the swing. Or at least you thought you did. No sooner had you regained your footing than you felt the warm trickle running down your cheek and muzzle. There was no time to worry. Sitchol was not relenting, already preparing his next swing. This time you didn't try to dodge, instead diving forward and catching his wrist on your own to arrest his movement instead.?? ? ? ? ?The blade stopped, but you'd forgotten how strong Sitchol was and the impact of his wrist on your own jolted your arm and shoulder painfully. He smirked and drew his blade back across the length of your arm, leaving a shallow cut across your forearm. Still you blotted out the pain, taking advantage of his moment of smugness to ram the point of your needle through his arm.?? ? ? ? ?'Gaah!' The blade fell from his grip, but tat the same time his free hand slammed into your already jolted shoulder, hurling you to one side and dislodging your own weapon from your grip. Stars swam in your vision but you fought to see through them, scrambling to stand and face your opponent before he could capitalize on his counterattack. As you blinked your sight clear, you watched as he slowly began to pull the needle from his arm, drawing a steady trickle of blood.?? ? ? ? ?'No!' You weren't going to let him recover. You bolted back in with hands raised to strike, forcing him to defend with only one hand against your flurry of quick strikes and punches. You dealt a low kick to his shin and attempted to follow up with a powerful backhand, but his nick twisted under your blow and absorbed the impact. Before you could try again he had opened his jaws and sunk his teeth into your forearm. You screamed, trying to pull yourself free but there was blood in the air now well and truly, and any sense of civility had long since vanished.?? ? ? ? ?The pain brought tears to one eye, mixing with the already drying blood on your cheeks and you reached with your free hand for something to stop this agony. Something glimmered, and you remembered the dull needle in your foe's arm. With not a moment's further hesitation, you gripped the needle tight and yanked it free. Sitchol gasped in shock, allowing you to pull your arm from his jaws.?? ? ? ? ?Before he could recover, you plunged the metal tip into his chest and drove it deep.?? ? ? ? ?A few tense moments passed. Sitchol's eyes locked with yours, the amber slowly fading back to blue as he took short ragged breaths. His arms suddenly raised to try and grab you only to be intercepted by your own, locking you both in a grapple with neither of you able to overpower the other. How was he... still standing??? ? ? ? ?But he was definitely weakening. Normally you were nowhere near as strong as he was, and yet here you were holding his grasp at bay.?? ? ? ? ?'And that's... all of us.' He hissed. 'I can hear her... singing back to me.'?? ? ? ? ?'What?' You growled back, eyes widening as he suddenly began to overpower you. Your shoulders began to strain under the effort of holding him back and your legs began to buckle with the effort of holding firm. 'No... No! Ahh!' Your knee collapsed, putting you on the ground in his grip. One of his hands released your shoulder and grasped at your neck, threatening to crush the life out of you even as his own faded fast.?? ? ? ? ?'Do you hear her singing?' He rasped. 'She always loved that song... Golden tresses...'?? ? ? ? ?'No!' You felt your survival instinct kick into overdrive, slamming your knee into his ribs and knocking him to one side. There was no thought of rationality left in your head as you rolled on top of him, fueled by a feral rage that had left you with nothing but a frenzied desire to end this micen;s life right now. The stars returned to your vision as you felt your teeth sink into his exposed neck.?? ? ? ? ?The stars cleared, and you were on the ground, propped against the wall and all but unable to move. You could taste blood and feel your wounds now, with the adrenaline passed there was nothing to dull your awareness that you were still bleeding and probably close to dying yourself. Your eyes fell on the sight of Sitchol lying a few paces away. Still. And dead. At long last.?? ? ? ? ?The sound of footsteps from further up the tunnel caught your attention. Before you could even wonder, a group of armed micen had entered the chamber, one of whom carried an all too familiar sword... She and another stopped while others kept charging through, heading deeper underground.? ? ? ? ?'Thanis?!' Rica's voice rang out and she and another ran over to kneel beside you. 'What happened?'?? ? ? ? ?'Him...' You muttered, glancing at Sitchol's corpse before trying vainly to stand.?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis you were right, Tara will keep us going.' Rica and her companion hefted you to her feet. 'There's a medical bay up there, we'll get you fixed up. But there's one more thing we need to deal with.'?? ? ? ? ?'Let them keep digging.' You replied, wincing as a sudden pain took hold in your head. 'They're... close. They'll find somewhere that micen can live safely... Nnngh!'?? ? ? ? ?'Are you alright?' Rica asked, slowing down a little. You nodded, prompting her to continue. 'And no, it isn't the tunnel. Shieki was waiting She found one of the tunnels. We would have gotten here a little sooner...'?? ? ? ? ?'What are you saying?' You demanded, putting a hand to your head to try and quell this pain.?? ? ? ? ?'She knows about this place somehow.' Rica continued, 'And she wants to see you. We had to promise her-'?? ? ? ? ?You passed out before you heard the end of Rica's sentence...?121111111112111121122112111111112111121121111111211111You came to an indistinct amount of time later. You were propped up against a post, slumped in a heap somewhere near the old brothel district of Tara. There were two voices nearby, one of which was definitely Rica. You blinked heavily a few times, forcing your eyes to focus and look towards the sound of the voices. Rica stood before a member of Tara's guard, the young man sporting a streak of blood and a bruise where he's probably tried to fight her. His eyes darted towards you and Rica turned to face you, dismissing the boy with a wave of her hand.?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis...' She began, stopping and kneeling beside you.?? ? ? ? ?'Rica, what's happening?' You asked, wincing as the effort of talking and trying to keep yourself sitting up.?? ? ? ? ?'We've taken Tara.' Rica replied. 'But there's heavy resistance in the tunnels. They're being led by a woman named Kay.'?? ? ? ? ?'Kay?' You stammer, trying to get to your feet. 'No, that's not-' You grunt in pain as a shooting agony sweeps through your shoulder and down your side.?? ? ? ? ?'There's more.' Rica continued. 'The leona... Shieki, she got wind of everything going on down here. The slavery, the attempts on the leonas' lives finding recruits here, and the fact that it's all been going on for years. She wasn't happy.'?? ? ? ? ?'What do you mean?' You almost grinned, how bad could Shieki's anger be??? ? ? ? ?'Well... I thought seeing Maron angry was scary.' Rica took a deep breath. 'But this... We came in through the tunnels that the Tarans left, but they didn't do a good enough job hiding their trail. I guess they figured Shieki was too poor of a hunter to find them.'?? ? ? ? ?'Poor bastards.' You scoffed, settling down after another failed attempt to stand. 'She's been taking lessons. From Solace... and Maron.'?? ? ? ? ?'Yea. Good for us, not them.' Rica grinned. 'But she thought we were them, I had a hell of a time explaining we were from Maron's place. But she agreed to let us stay so long as we put a stop to the slavery. I figured why not, we were going to do that anyway yea? But she asked for more than that. She asked where you were, and when I told her that you came ahead, she asked why, and...'?? ? ? ? ?You said nothing, choosing not to expend effort in speaking and simply stared at her instead.?? ? ? ? ?'Sorry Thanis. I told her you used to live here.' Rica sighed. 'It didn't go down well. She wants you...'?? ? ? ? ?'Wants me to...?' You raised an eyebrow.?? ? ? ? ?'She didn't say.' Rica replied, hauling you to your feet and slinging your arm over her shoulder. 'But she didn't sound patient, so I'm getting you up there.'?? ? ? ? ?Your eyes squinted as you walked with Rica into the light. After a moment to adjust, your gaze settled on the enormous clawed foot to your right. It moved, being replaced by a white furred knee. You looked up and saw Shieki looming over you both, her amber eyes reminding you of Sitchol's but for their size and beauty. Rica dropped you and stepped back. You felt the soft fur of the leona's hand rather than the floor as she lifted you up to her eye level. You spared a glance down at the floor. Rica had already left, back into the kick-board beneath Shieki's cabinets and into Tara. Damn... Now you'd never know if Marie would be okay. Damn...?? ? ? ? ?'Thanis!' Shieki's voice boomed in your ears, bringing back the headache from earlier. 'Why didn't you ever tell me? Did Maron know what kind of person you used to be?'?? ? ? ? ?'Tell you what?' You managed, pushing yourself to your hands and knees and staring back at her.?? ? ? ? ?'All the things that have been going on down there?' She growled. 'I thought it was just another colony. I was fine with that! But then I found out that there are slavers down there? How many little micen kids are being turned into slaves? And worse is that I found out you used to be one! I thought you were a good micen! And you used to... You used to kill people. And even kids. I can't believe... Ugh...'?? ? ? ? ?'Ohh...' You sighed, before a smile creased your lips. 'And you blame us? You naive moron. This is nothing but the world leonas have forced us into living in. You wanna fix it? You, fix it.'?? ? ? ? ?'I'm going to.' She growled.?* * *? ? ? ? ?A heavy tapping on the door prompted Shieki to sigh. She'd spent the last few hours relaxing after her unpleasant ordeal but the weight of what she'd decided was still difficult to put from her mind. She rose from her sofa and walked to the front door, opening it slowly and seeing Solace wearing a simple shirt and shorts and a serious expression.?? ? ? ? ?'Shieki dear, is it a good time for me to visit?'?? ? ? ? ?'Umm... I'm sorry, but not really...' Shieki held the door close to shut but Solace didn't leave, instead leaning in and putting some pressure on it.?? ? ? ? ?'I just talked to Vanner.' Solace almost growled. 'Little bastard gave me the run around, but he eventually told me that Thanis is coming to somewhere in your apartment. Have you seen him?'?? ? ? ? ?'What if I have?' Shieki shot back. 'Solace, I told you it's not a good time.'?? ? ? ? ?'Excuse me?' Solace seemed indignant. 'Shieki, I want that little runt. He almost killed Gertrude!'?? ? ? ? ?'Is Gertrude okay?' Shieki asked.?? ? ? ? ?'Yes, but-'?? ? ? ? ?'Then there's no emergency!' Shieki cut the blue leona off. 'Solace, I'm in the middle of two pretty big issues right now and I really need time to deal with them.'? ? ? ? ?Solace fell silent, unsure whether to be angry at the smaller leona or proud of her behaviour. 'Alright then... But if he's here and you find him... You'll let me know right?'?? ? ? ? ?Shieki sighed. 'Sure. You'll be the first to know.' Then she closed the door and turned back towards the micen standing on the kitchen counter top.?? ? ? ? ?Thanis held her gaze for a few moments before lowering his eyes to the floor. He'd probably never return to this place.Thorrow the Willing1Life is just fantastic.? ? ? ? ?It's been great ever since Mango and you returned to Shieki, but ever since Solace taught her how to regurgitate life has been better. At first you were scared when Solace planned to have you die in her, digestion is still a scary concept. But Shieki really does enjoy your friendship, going so far as eating Solace's key to her room for the sole reason to get you out.? ? ? ? ?But now, Shieki knows how to upchuck food from her stomach at will, and she's been practicing enough that she's almost as good as Solace. Now, Shieki eats you almost daily and the pleasure of getting licked and swallowed whole and alive has yet to depreciate. You've grown closer to Sheiki every time she eats you. You're not exactly sure what the others think about it, though you do not really care. You like you, and that's all that matters.? ? ? ? ?You found yourself on the counter, storing food inside a small bag.? ? ? ? ?Shieki's family had invited her to go on a vacation with them for a week. She accepted, but that also means that she was have yo leave you. Mango thinks there's a rattis around, and Sheiki doesn't like the idea of leaving all her micen undefended so she asked Risa to take care of them all. Risa, being the nice person she is, said she'll take proper care of Sheiki's three micen, while if any others that she finds will be volunteer prey. They have a better chance surviving against a rattis.? ? ? ? ?The three of you micen don't want to be as big of a bother to Risa as you can, so you've all gathered at least a few days worth of food. You're pretty sure it won't last a week, but it would cause Risa to have less reason to complain. And with less to complain is less reason she had to eat you guys.? ? ? ? ?As you finished up putting the food int he bag, you felt something nip at your tail.? ? ? ? ?You turned around to see Shieki sneaked up on you against and had your tail inside her mouth. "Still easy to catch since the day we met." She mumbled calmly.""Heh," You blushed, "Looks like you caught me, again. What are you going to do with me? Hmm?"?? ? ? ? ?You released your bag and removed your scarf as you felt her slurp in your tail slowly. You smiled widely. She'll have to leave soon, but maybe she would eat you real quick? You felt her lips on your rump and back and she lifted you up off of the counter. Then her tongue quickly slipped from under your thighs.?? ? ? ? ?Shieki shot her head back and opened her mouth, allowing your rump to land softly on her tongue. You were excited, your heart started to throb hard inside your chest. Under you was the smooth muscle that was coating your legs with her saliva. Around you, her ivory teeth were beginning to close around you. The roof of her mouth touched the top of your head and you shifted your legs behind you so that you laid your tummy on the tongue below. Your legs pointed towards the throat, feet barely dangling over the abyss, and your eyes were fixed on the lips in front of you.? ? ? ? ?The light behind the fangs began to fade as Shieki closed her mouth with you inside.? ? ? ? ?You hugged the tongue below you and you grind your body against it's warm and sticky surface. The pallet above came closer and the tongue lifted and smothered your body against it.? ? ? ? ?You squeaked a long moan and hugged the flesh tighter. You even went as far as pinching the pink flesh between your legs and rubing your hips against it. You're lucky Shieki cannot see you in here, you were blushing so much she would probably see it past your fur. You noticed you were inching closer and closer to the throat as Shieki tilted her head back. You closed your eyes, bracing yourself to be crushed pleasantly by all sides from the strong, circular muscles of the throat.? ? ? ? ?Without warning, everything stopped and was silent. You head a muffled ring of a cellphone past the closed lips.? ? ? ? ?Your soggy environment quickly shifted towards the lips that opened wide. You slipped out and landed on Shieki's bare hand. Her other hand was holding the phone to her head as she answered with a greet.? ? ? ? ?Your ears droops when she placed you in the sink and started to wash you off. You were so close to being swallowed! You could just see it now, wiggling in her empty belly as the warm juice and bile dripped through your fur.? ? ? ? ?Shieki pulled you from the sink and dried you off, before giving you back the scarf. You wrapped it around your neck and by the time Shieki was done with the phone call, she hung up with a smirk.? ? ? ? ?"Maybe next time, Thorrow." She said before calling for Mango and Jessie. The two appeared out onto the coffee table and Shieki carried all of you towards the front door. "All of you guys need to behave, okay?" She reminded you as she was stepping up the stairs carefully, "This is Risa. She said she will punish you if you're too disobedient and while she didn't mention what she'd do, I don't want to know."? ? ? ? ?She managed her way to Risa's door, which was directly above her own, and knocked. Soon the brown leona opened the door. The lazy giantess looked as if she hadn't woke up this early in some time, she was even lazy enough not to wear a shirt with the pajama bottoms she had on. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and leaned on the door frame, "Hey look, a five-foot micen. You leaving so soon, Shieki, my girl?"? ? ? ? ?"Sorry if I'm a bother," She said.? ? ? ? ?"Don't talk like that. You're my friend, I'd even let you eat my micen if you could ever catch them." She seperated her arms and wrapped them around Shieki's shoulders, "You stay safe over there, you hear me?"? ? ? ? ?"Of course!" She responded and returned the hug. Then she handed you and the others to Risa before saying her goodbyes.?? ? ? ? ?The last thing you see of her is when Risa was on the balcony of the stairs and waved when your mutual friend entered a van that drove by.? ? ? ? ?Risa went back inside and placed all three of you onto the coffee table and turned on the television. She changed it to a cartoon channel and pulled out a book from a small bookshelf near the door. She placed the book down and opened it to the first page, "I don't exactly know how to entertain micen. Here's a book about ones adventure to find their mom or something. And you can change the channel with the remote." She gestured to a button on a piece of long plastic. "Don't touch the one that says volume, I'm going back to sleep and I want to stay that way."? ? ? ? ?Mango went directly for the book and Jessie sat in front of the television.? ? ? ? ?Before you could decide what to do, your vision faded to darkness. Risa grabbed your body and carried you off. She held her palm flat in front of her with you on top. She opened her mouth and said "Except for you. I know how to entertain you."? ? ? ? ?Your eyes widened when she tossed you headfirst into her mouth and caught your hips with her teeth. You begin to panic as Risa leaves and lays on her bed. Risa almost never lets anyone out of her gut! What did you do to deserve to be eaten?? ? ? ? ?She slurped you in entirely, making your face plant into her tongue and fall on her closed row of teeth, and...11?You were sure this was it.? ? ? ? ?Risa had her eyes on you ever since you were first caught by her. Ever since she discovered you were willing to go through with it, she forgets the context that you meant and has constantly tried to get you to be her micen. You're not foolish. But this is different. You should have known she was going to eat you! But you trusted her!? ? ? ? ?Risa reeled in the rest of your body with her tongue. You closed your eyes and froze in fear as the back of her tongue rose. Soon it will lower as the rest of the muscle with quickly guide you down her throat with a simple gulp.? ? ? ? ?Then, nothing happened.? ? ? ? ?You peeped open an eye just in time to see a strand of saliva drip onto your nose. She isn't going to eat you?? ? ? ? ?"Do what you want," She muttered as softly as she could, "just don't wake me..."? ? ? ? ?Your heart was now softly beating with relief. You rested your body up against her tongue, which was slightly more rough than Shieki's. Perhaps it's from something she eats? Your body collapsed against it. You blushed with nostalgia about the last time you were in here. You were so scared and so close to being swallowed. It still amazes you that you managed to walk away after yelling at her. Oh how things have changed.? ? ? ? ?You grazed your hand across the squishy surface. You've noticed that her lips were slightly opened behind you, allowing for some light to pass though and help give you vision of your surroundings. It wasn't much, as the teeth were still in the way.?? ? ? ? ?The only bad part about this is that your scarf will be heavy with her drool. But it was far outweighed by how wonderful this feels.? ? ? ? ?It also feels so different. Normally Risa's mouth is something to be scared of. You almost never hear stories about how she would just let some one play inside it. You wonder what you could do to inside it without waking up Risa. You don't have a clue, as Shieki never put you inside her mouth, and for good reason. She's afraid that she would swallow you in her sleep and that she was too heavy of a sleeper to do anything about it. But if Risa swallows you, waking her up isn't an option either. She would be upset if you wake her up and she would keep you in her stomach long enough to pass out. She might even digest you.? ? ? ? ?You don't know how long you have been standing and rubbing yourself on the tongue, Minutes, maybe? The only sign of any passage of time is when Risa started to snore. This also lowered the tongue that was blocking the throat.? ? ? ? ?You decided to lay down carefully on the row of teeth. below you. If you sleep, by the time you wake up, Risa would let you out. Well, you don't want out, but you don't want to risk messing with her gag reflex while she isn't conscious or in the right mind. Then you noticed the dark throat.? ? ? ? ?You had an urge, call it a force of habit, to crawl towards it. There was some air passing through it and brushing past you. It didn't stink of Risa-drool, something that you're used to at this point, but you feel as if you just want to look down the throat. Just a little?111?You decided against it.? ? ? ? ?You're not stupid enough to risk it. You subdue the urge almost completely and lie back down on the teeth.Worse case scenario is that she opens her mouth and chews you in her sleep. Actually, no. That's not even a scenario, people don't chew int heir sleep. Her teeth were too perfect to show that she grinds them either.? ? ? ? ?As you were lying down, thinking and day dreaming, some drool slithered onto your back. It made your spine shiver in delight. Maybe staying with Risa isn't a bad idea after all? When the rumored rattis realize Shieki is gone, they're going to expand their hunting grounds, so yeah, you're going to have to thank Risa when she wakes up.? ? ? ? ?But as you rest your head, you can't help but to feel distressed, upset even. You can't stop remembering what Risa did to your friends during the expedition. How she ate those poor mice in the cup. What she did to Grimlock. You tried shaking the memory out of your head. At least she made it quick, and her attitude has gotten better, but can you really forgive her?? ? ? ? ?Thought for another time. For now, it's best if your rest your head. You shuffle your body so your head can face the lips, where it's easier to breathe, and closed your eyes.? ? ? ? ?A loud knock on the door woke you up. You're almost completely covered in Risa's drool. You're pretty sure the smell is going to stain your scarf almost as much as it is soaked. You aren't sure how long you've been inside either.? ? ? ? ?Risa also woke up to the sound, refreshed and awake.? ? ? ? ?She sat up and upon feeling you inside her mouth, she opened up and grabbed you by shoulder, she gently pulled you out, while at the same time, she slurped all of her germs off of you. It felt very pleasant. You've never been inside Shieki's maw long enough to be covered that much. Her sucking and slurping all of it off felt spectacular. You're going to have to ask her to do it again later on.? ? ? ? ?Risa then smothered you up against her shoulder, removing most of the slime on you and making her fur soggy. As she was doing this, she walked towards the door. She placed you on her shoulder, your fur was fluffed as much as your mind, and she opened the door.? ? ? ? ?Solace was on the other end, and she was holding two micen, one was a red woman with black long hair, green eyes and a white chest, the other was a kind of young male that was pure white. The male also had silvery hair that was slowly turning blank, and his eyes were blue.? ? ? ? ?It occurred to you that you know these people. You had to have seen them before. What was most peculiar was that the white one was wearing a black scarf.? ? ? ? ?"Geez, Risa, put a shirt on, it's almost noon." Were the first things uttered by the giant blue cat, before she brightened her mood, "These two said they belonged to you." As she rose the couple up, the woman hid behind the male who simply sat. You also noticed Solace was carrying a bag of chocolate eggs with her that was held to her torso under her arm.? ? ? ? ?She glared at the two micen with a long smirk.? ? ? ? ?The male looked at you and his eyes widened. This is when you realized who you're looking at.? ? ? ? ?Risa whispered their names as you remembered, "Wite, Rim. We meet again." The brown cat looked looked at her sister, "I'm glad you came over, Geenie dropped some brownies over yesterday I thought you might like some."? ? ? ? ?Solace handed Wite and Rim to Risa, who then led the way to the kitchen. On the way there, you noticed Jessie and Mango were none the wiser about the old acquaintances still being alive. Jessie still looked through channels, and Mango was halfway done with the book.? ? ? ? ?Solace also took note of their presence, "You babysitting?"? ? ? ? ?"You can call it that." She said, "But I don't eat unruly babies. Or at least not as often."? ? ? ? ?Solace pounced over the couch and landed with her jaw just above the coffee table. This scared Jessie who fell off the remote, but Mango didn't shed any attention away from the book.? ? ? ? ?"Tch.." Solace scoffed, "Seems like Mango forgot what it felt like to be hunted." The orange mouse still didn't react to Solace.? ? ? ? ?Risa set you and the rest onto the marble counter int he center of the kitchen. "You guys catch up."? ? ? ? ?"Thorrow!" Wite called your name, "I thought you and Jessie were dead."You shook your head and explained everything. Samara's betrayal, Grimlock's sacrifice and Raze's anti-climatic end. You then changed the subject, "How did you get your scarf?"? ? ? ? ?He explained that Risa tested his will, threatening to eat Rim. He also explained that Jack didn't make it out of the cup. You bit your tongue when you were about to ask who Jack was. Question for another time. "And that's how I got this scarf. Thank goodness, or else Solace might have ate us.""You guys must have been gone." You observed, "Also," you got closer and explained in a whisper what the scarf was for, and how it means Risa claimed him as her prey.? ? ? ? ?"The scarf means what?" Wite asked in shock as he grasped it.? ? ? ? ?Risa leaned over the island and smiled hungrily at the two, scaring Rim once again, before leaning back."What were you guys doing anyways?" You asked. Solace wouldn't try to eat just anyone for doing just anything.? ? ? ? ?"She caught us trying to tear up a piece of wood inside a cabinet. She also thought we were vandalizing. We weren't we were making something. A monument."Your ears perked, "A monument?"? ? ? ? ?"It's like a grave, but lasts longer," Rim answered, "You go over to pay your respects.""A grave?" You shake your head, "Where is it?"? ? ? ? ?"Do you remember the cabinet when we left Solace's room?"? ? ? ? ?A loud smash was heard as Solace left the opened back of chocolates on the island so she can have both hands to receive the brownies. You glared at the bag. That monument... You have to see it. The others would have wanted you to. It's also something to do to burn time. You have a week to do whatever.? ? ? ? ?"Thorrow," Rim asked, "What are you thinking?"1111"I'm thinking I'm going to see that 'grave'." You said.? ? ? ? ?They didn't get the chance to say anything. You were already on your way to hopping in the bag. The two were silently begging you to get out, not wanting to make a scene or grab attention from Solace or Risa. You don't mind, you know what you're doing. Grimlock needs your thanks.? ? ? ? ?You crawled down to the bottom of the bag and waited.? ? ? ? ?Solace will have to take this back to her home. It's a full bag. She loves her them chocolate eggs, and considering how full the bag is, it seems she just got it. If you wait here long enough, she'll take it back home with her. And that's when you leave to get to the monument thingy. Worse case scenario is if she decides to put it in her lap and eat it all. Then she'd notice you and give you back to Risa, or she'd... Nah, she wouldn't munch on you. You're not her micen. So long as you don't help yourself to the goods, you'll be fine.? ? ? ? ?After a few minutes, Solace said her goodbyes and left for her room with the bag of chocolates. It was a bumpy ride and the chocolate oblongs kept bouncing against you. You were also being burried deeper and deeper in the bag, something you haven't counted on. She passed the mezazine of the stairs and entered through the door.? ? ? ? ?You could barely see through the plastic but the all too familiar kitchen was visible. Solace headed straight to the pantry and tossed the bag inside. The weight of the chocolates crushed you enough for you to make an 'umph'. It wasn't your fault, you can't help it when all the air is squeezed out of you. Then your ears perked. How loud did you make that noise?? ? ? ? ?You removed two eggs from your vision and saw Solace. She was facing out the pantry, but her posture looked curious. Her ear was high and swiveled back and forth. Then she turned around and looked at the chocolate bag. Her eyes locked with yours.? ? ? ? ?You placed the chocolates back where they were and tried to swim to a different position, but then you felt everything shift once again. Solace carried the bag to the table at the center of the kitchen and toss it down, making you create another exasperated noise. Solace separated several of the sweets, revealing your body.? ? ? ? ?She smiled wide and hungrily, "Thorrow.""Solace, no!" You held out a hand and shook your head.? ? ? ? ?"Oh, is that how you want to play it?" She opened her mouth and dived into the bag, You tried to swim away, but there's no where to run. She snapped her jaws together twice just above your feet before actually grabbing you with them. She dragged you straight out of the bag. She's not going to actually eat you though, right?? ? ? ? ?As she was pulling you through the air, she twirled a finger around your scarf, tightening it around your neck before loosening it and flicking it away. That's not good!"Solace, wait!" you yelled but were ignored. Solace slurped your legs up util the point that your tail was touching her upper lip and her lower teeth were against your hips.? ? ? ? ?She's actually going to swallow you! This was a really bad idea!11112?"Solace, please don't!" You squealed.? ? ? ? ?"You're not getting away this time, little one." Solace muttered, rather playfully. It occurred to you that you may be over reacting. Could she really just be playing with you? Of course! Solace is a good leona now.You decided to play along, "Oh no," You said teasingly, "Please don't eat me. I'll do anything."? ? ? ? ?Solace chuckled, "You're going to get eaten, Thorrow, whole and alive." her words shoved excitement through your spine, "You're going to slither down my throat and wiggle in my stomach. How does that make you feel? Hmm?""Oh no," You replied jittering with excitement, your arms twitching as they propped you up against the chin, "I'm so scared!"? ? ? ? ?"You ready?""Uh oh!"? ? ? ? ?"Here it comes!" She flicked her head up and tossed you in the air above. This legitimately scared you, but as you were upside-down in the air, you saw Solace jump up with her mouth opened wide. Your head plummetted against the soft tongue as your vision faded to black when Solace chomped gently on you.? ? ? ? ?When your body was entirely in her mouth, she immediately swallowed.? ? ? ? ?You had no time to enjoy the mouth, but you didn't mind. You've been teased enough by her maw, you're prepared to skip it entirely. You smiled as you were constricted by all sides and pushed down the fleshy tube. You didn't squirm or struggle about, at least not yet. As you pasted through her chest, you can hear a purr and a heartbeat.? ? ? ? ?As you plopped into her stomach, you noticed there wasn't much elbow room. The pink walls were so closed in, you think she skipped breakfast. You're lucky she didn't munch on much of the chocolates. You can feel one of them melted under your rump, but if there was a lot, Solace might not have the courtesy to waste them.? ? ? ? ?Solace leaned over her table and laid her stomach on it, "Hehe, I finally got you in there!" She boasted, "I almost thought it'd never happen, but now I think it was long over due. So.. Do you really like it in there?" "Yes!" You called pushing against the walls of the stomach, "Very much! It's so warm and squishy. It's weird but I-I love it!"? ? ? ? ?"Heh, you're a lucky mouse, you know that?" Solace said, giving her belly a rub, "Alright, I guess you want out now." You pat the shriviled pink walls, "One moment..." You stood up pushed and pounded against the flesh. You could hear Solace purr in delight as you planted your feet down and pressed and scratched with as much effort as you could. It all made the blood rush to her stomach quicker. Your scratching didn't hurt, it only made the stomach stretch beyond your claws. You can never hook or cut through it, it's too rubbery. You learnt that predators secretly like this. Shieki said it felt very natural.? ? ? ? ?"That feels wonderful." She said, "I almost don't want to let you out."? ? ? ? ?You aren't sure if she meant that last part. All you know is that your surroundings started to feel wonky. As Solace walked away, you were sloshing about in her. Soon everything stopped and she started to breathe in air and coughing. The stomach shriveled as her abs pressed against the organ. You were shoved up into her throat with bile and spit.? ? ? ? ?It was fast, and in no time, you landed hard against the surface of the sink. She washed the acids off of you and dried you off, smooshing your face against a rag as if you were a dirty dish. She then propped you up on your own to feet and tossed your scarf onto your face.? ? ? ? ?"That was as exciting as I always wanted it to be." Solace added."Were.. Were you always intending to let me out?" You were curious if running away from her all this time was ultimately meaningless.? ? ? ? ?She shook her head, "Nope. When Mango saved you, I planned on having a nice Thorrow for breakfast. In fact, if it weren't for Shieki or Mango being friends with you, I'd have chewed a little for catching you in that bag.""Oh..." You thought by now you and Solace would at least attempt to be friends.? ? ? ? ?"Chin up, little one." She placed a claw to your jaw and faced you up, "That doesn't mean I don't like you. But don't expect me to let you out next time without a little more bartering." She then tugged on your tail, "What were you planning? You actually looked like you didn't want me to eat you when I found you.""I wanted to see a mon-you-mint thing that was made for my friends." You answered, "When I do, do you think you can bring me back to Risa?"? ? ? ? ?"Ha! No." She poked your nose, "I'm not a taxi. I'm not going to go out of my way just to make sure that Risa doesn't get in trouble for allowing you to screw up as big as you did. She's your babysitter. Maybe you should have asked her to bring you here?" Solace stepped away and grabbed a chocolate egg. She unwrapped it and handed it to you, "And there's a little gift. Think of it as thanks for the little fun you gave me when in there. And good luck with finding the monument."? ? ? ? ?The two of you said your farewells and you continued to where the hole the expedition left in was for.111121You found it.? ? ? ? ?After being lost for about an hour or so, you finally found the monument. It was a thin slab of wood with a plaque of thanks for all the ones who died. May, Raze, Jack, Grimlock, Erra, Samara, Jessie and Thorrow. You licked you finger and scrubbed the ink off in hopes of removing your and Jessie's name. It took a little bit of time, but it came off. You then gently used your claws to etch on the bottom, "And may those who lived, live in their legacy."? ? ? ? ?You placed the chocolate behind the grave as a way of thanks. You hope Grimlock would like it, Knowing him, he'd probably prefer bread.You cleared your throat, "Hey buddy..." You muttered and went silent. "I... I never gave it much thought on where mice go when they... You know... Wherever you are," You gestured to the other names, "Wherever you all are... I miss you. I only had a few days to know you but... You were the first friends I ever had. I miss you. And Grimlock... I know what you're going to say, 'shit happens, people die' but... Things changed. That isn't so much as a case anymore. I just wished you were all here to see it."? ? ? ? ?You sat silently in front of the grave, feeling a cool draft on your bare fur. You like to think that was Grimlock and the rest hugging you; telling you that they're okay, wherever they are.? ? ? ? ?"Who were you talking to?" A voice asked.? ? ? ? ?You whipped your head to look over your shoulder and you saw a tall yellow mouse with tan hair. She was wearing blue jeans and a black coat with a hood laced with dark brown fur. You know this micen, but for some reason you cannot put your finger on it.? ? ? ? ?She stepped towards you with an embarrassed look on her face, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude. I just heard a name of someone I knew.""Grimlock?" You asked, your mouth dropped when you realized who you were talking to; his mother, "You're Serena." How could you not remember the face of the person who tried to kill Shieki? Yo quickly stood up, "I don't want any trouble."? ? ? ? ?"And you'll get none, Thorrow." She nodded her head. There was no sense of quarrel in the air."Where have you been?" You asked, "I thought you were friends with Mango? Why aren't you living with him- with us?"? ? ? ? ?She held a somber face, "He doesn't need me anymore. He's safe.""You're making stuff up," You prodded.? ? ? ? ?She didn't appreciate your words, but she nodded, "That I am. I need time alone. Time to think and get over myself." She walked to the grave and read the writings on it. She stood still, her tail drooped limp. She fell to her knees and sat on her feet, "Did Mango ever tell you how he was caught? It was because I didn't listen to him. And my son..." She closed her eyes, "I never wanted him to go. He said it was the only way he could respect himself. He... He promised me the next time I heard about him I was going to be proud of him."? ? ? ? ?You walked beside her and knelt down to hug her.? ? ? ? ?She sniffed, "He was right."? ? ? ? ?She wrapped her arm around your side, and rested her head on your shoulder. She didn't take her eyes off of the grave."You raised him well." You found yourself saying, "He always did what he could to save others. He was the one with the most food, while also being the hungriest and glad of it. He was one of the few mice I've met, even today, who knew what honor meant."? ? ? ? ?Serena grabbed your arm and stood up before quickly and easily twisting it straight. Pain and shock stung through your limb as Serena then placed her shoulder under yours and kicked the back of your knee. She then pulled her body forward and toppled you over her back. You land with a hard thud onto the ground below.? ? ? ? ?Your body shivered with pain and adrenaline. You try to get up but your arm that she grabbed hurt like Shieki accidentally bit it."What..." You winced, "Why?"? ? ? ? ?"I don't like it when people see me cry." She said, crossing her arms, "Besides, Grimlock would have done the same if he were here, just to change the topic.""Oh, good." You muttered and managed to stand up, "Did you get that wanderlust out of your system?"? ? ? ? ?Serena shot a glance at you, "My what out of what?""Nothing." You rubbed your arm.? ? ? ? ?"I'm sorry for tossing you like a rattis drop-kicking a baby micen off the counters.""That's oddly specific." You muttered to yourself.?? ? ? ? ?"If there's any way I can make it up to you-""There is." You answered quickly, "If you can get me to Risa's room as soon as possible." Serena was silent. Her eyes were fixed on you. You continued, "It's a long story, but by the time I get there I could be in big trouble. Can you help me?"? ? ? ? ?Serena placed her hands on her hips. "I wasn't expecting you to say yes... Fine. Give me five minutes alone with my son though."You looked at the grave, then at Serena and nodded.1111211You went to the next cabinet, full of glasses for wine.? ? ? ? ?You sat down with nothing to ponder about, nothing to say. You wished you had said more tor Grimlock and the others when they were listening. You shook your head, you said enough. He probably has better things to do, more adventures to go on wherever they may be.? ? ? ? ?Then you heard some steps from behind you. "Thorrow?"You turned around to see a mouse as blue as you. In fact, everything looked like you, but her eyes are brown instead of green. "Mother?"? ? ? ? ?You got to your feet as the woman ran and hugged you tightly, "Thorrow!" She exclaimed as silently as she could, hearing the soft, mourning sobs behind the wall.? ? ? ? ?You hugged your mother, Mable, tightly. Your heart was throbbing, meeting the woman once again. You haven't seen her since you've said goodbye a few weeks ago, so that you could live with Shieki. It wasn't so much of a sad moment as it sounds. She was very understanding. She was even happy that you've made a friend, especially one that will keep you from being eaten.? ? ? ? ?"Thorrow," She repeated your name in glee as soft as possible, "My Thorrow is alright!"? ? ? ? ?You smiled and picked her up, giving her a nice squeeze.? ? ? ? ?"Eek!" She squealed, "My Thorrow is strong too!""Mom," You set her down, "What are you doing here? Niarb is nowhere near here. Are you on a day off?"? ? ? ? ?She shook her head, "No. I... We lost my jobs to some more experienced micen. Your father and I tried exploring, looking for new small settlements or anything. Solace doesn't like it when stray micen eat from her pantry, so we couldn't do that." She looked sad for a moment, "I... I lost him to a rattis. I'm sorry."? ? ? ? ?You put on a sad face, even though you were unphased. Your father was at work more than your mother. You don't even recall his face.? ? ? ? ?"I went back to Niarb and was prepared to beg, but then they offered me a new job. They said a teacher hadn't reported back long enough for them to think she got caught. I had to accept the offer. So now I teach kids." She finished with a smile and grazed her hand across your cheek, "You've grown so much. Your father would have been proud of you.""How did you find me?" You asked, the question lingered on your mind since you saw her.? ? ? ? ?"Solace said your name." She said, "I told the kids to go back inside. I didn't want to look myself when Solace dived in after you."You realized something rather horrible. A fridge horror of sorts with an immeasurable amount of embarrassment. "You saw me get eaten...?"? ? ? ? ?She was silent for only a moment, looked a bit concerned as well, shuffling her feet on the ground, "You're a willing one. I can't believe it."?? ? ? ? ?She didn't look you in the eyes; she couldn't look you in the eyes. Micen who are willing to just lay down and get gobbled up are seen as unnatural. If discovered young enough, they would be considered a waste of time, and would not be trained to survive. You've heard one story where a seven month-old was kicked out of his house when he confessed to his parents. He was never seen again when he left the colony.? ? ? ? ?"Please tell me it isn't true." She stared at the floor, "That it was all a ruse?"? ? ? ? ?What do you do? She and your father worked hard to raise you. You're her only child, and she can't afford to bear another one, to feed a mouth that isn't hers. She'll think it was best to die with her husband than to figure out their life's work, their only legacy would just feed itself to anything bigger than her.You swallowed a hard lump in your throat, "Yes... I'm willing."? ? ? ? ?Your mother didn't say anything. She backed up, held onto her heart as if a needle struck through it. She still refused to have you in her sight. She merely nodded and walked away."Wait, I can explain." You ran in front of her, blocking the way out, and placing your hands on your mother's shoulder to prevent her from moving, "It's not what you think. I'm not just going to find the closest thing bigger than me and ask him to eat me. I don't like the sound of dying. It's just... When I was younger, I never felt needed. And when I looked at food, I imagined myself as being wanted just as much. And when a predator looks at me I see that they... I don't know how to explain it."? ? ? ? ?"Thorrow," Your mother finally looked you in the eyes, showing she had shed a tear, "I needed you, I still do. You're my baby.""I never felt it." You retorted, "You and dad were always gone, I could count the times I've seen you. Even Matilde left me for dead. Solace at least acted like she wanted me, even if that meant..." You refused to continue, not wanting to give your mother the details.? ? ? ? ?"So this is all my fault?" She asked, not in anger but more grief, "I've worked to get the best teachers- to make sure my baby lives longer than me.""And it worked!" You bowed your head, trying to think of words to convince her, "Because I know so much that Jason taught me, and because I'm willing, all the leonas think I know my place. They respect me."? ? ? ? ?She was blinked, realizing you may be right, "They respect you?"You looked back up to her face, which wasn't as somber as it was before. "As much as any leona could respect a mouse. Shieki claimed me." You tugged your scarf, "So long as I don't screw things up, the others won't touch me. And Shieki doesn't eat micen, or at least she doesn't eat-eat them you know?"? ? ? ? ?"My baby is safe?" She asked, mostly to herself, then asked you, "But you hid in Solace's chocolate, how did you know she was going to let you out?""Solace is playful like that." You said. You weren't going to tell her you thought that was the end.? ? ? ? ?"I... I guess you're right." Your mother placed a pondering finger on her chin. Her face wasn't sad anymore, but rather thoughtful as if you are convincing her that you're doing the right thing."I'm safe, mom. Really I am. And I promise that I won't just give myself up."? ? ? ? ?She looked at you, straight in the eyes, and asked "You promise?" When you nodded, Mable stepped back and removed her shirt, quickly instructing, "Put this on. When you get back to Shieki, tell her to drop by Solace's room and tell Solace to give it to me.""What do you mean tell her to give it to you?" Solace knows your mother as well?? ? ? ? ?"She uhm... She play fights with the kids... Using me as the damsel in distress. But the point is: if I get the shirt back, then I know that the leonas respect you, and I know that you're safe."? ? ? ? ?"Mable. I found them." Solace voice called out softly, "Get over here before I nom on a few... Mmm this one is going first..."? ? ? ? ?"I got to go." She kissed your forehead, "You be safe, okay?"? ? ? ? ?You nodded and you both said your goodbyes. You're also pretty sure it's been five minutes. You knocked on the wall, strange silence existed on the other side. You heard Serena give the okay to come in, so you left via a hole in the corner of the wall hidden by a curtain.? ? ? ? ?You crawled through and saw Serena still sitting in front of the grave.? ? ? ? ?When she turned to look at you, you could see that Grimlock must have given her his chocolate. Her face was stained with the sweets of the coco covered wafer. She attempted to quickly lick it off once she realized it was there. She stood up and cleared her throat before talking.? ? ? ? ?"What time is it? Where is the sun at?"You tried to remember, but the only thing you could recall was, "It's at least a couple hours past noon."? ? ? ? ?"Damn." She grunted, "I don't think you want to take your chances with going outside. Guess we're going the long way."11112111"Let's take the long way around." You suggested.? ? ? ? ?"Alright." She pointed to your back, "Where's your pack?" Looking aback on it, you lost your bag a while ago. You think Samara still has it, or now that other guy. You wished you got it back somehow, but now the problem isn't so much as the lack of food, but the lack of means to carry the food. You really should have thought this plan out. You didn't think of bringing food, and nomming on Solace's chocolate would have been certain death. You kind of wish you didn't give it to Grim and the others, but they could use a little gift. "You don't have one, do you?"You shook your head,"It was taken from me not too long ago."? ? ? ? ?Serena crossed her arms and grunted, "Well, we should be there in an hour if I remember where to go.""But it took the crew days to get there." You pointed out, "How could we possibly get there in an hour?"? ? ? ? ?"You guys didn't have an army willing to dig." She answered, "Cut through everything, the Rosary did. I feel as if we should bring some food actually. Follow me, there's a stash somewhere."? ? ? ? ?Serena went through a hole next to the grave, the same hole your and the crew went through when you began. You are flushed with nostalgia and sorrow when you pasted the arch. You felt like they others couldn't follow you. You whispered a goodbye to the grave, just in case anyone was listening.? ? ? ? ?As your eyes adjusted to the darkness, something that it can easily do, you've noticed that Serena was feeling around the wall for cracks and crevices. She reached in a small concave on the floor next to the wall and pulled out a bag of what you think smelled like tarts.? ? ? ? ?"Damn. They're stale." Serena cursed and threw it over her shoulder, "It will have to do." She growled to herself, "I can't say I'm looking forward to this whole thing." before she motioned for you to follow her. You do so, without question.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?And so, our heroes begin their journey to Risa's den. But will it be as easy as it sounds?? ? ? ? ?Jackie, get the hell out of the projector room!? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Buh-bye.? ? ? ? ?It's been about twenty minutes at least. You were walking the whole time, so not much progress was made as it would have if you were jogging or running. It wasn't a straight line either. In some places there were pipes you had to crawl over. At one point there were very small walls of pipes for water and heat and for whatever the leonas use. You only know that the cold ones can be unscrewed for a quick sip, implying it could be unscrewed.? ? ? ? ?You've always wondered how micen got some of the screws loose. You recall seeing in Niarb this huge mechanism that took several mice to carry. You recalled Jason saying that it was used to unscrew taps on pipes. He said that where there is water, there is life. You're pretty sure that there had to also be food too, but you knew better than to call the teacher out on lessons you know nothing of.? ? ? ? ?But where did that 'wrench' come from? Surely micen couldn't have made it. Did it belong to the leonas?? ? ? ? ?During your travels you noticed that Serena hasn't taken a nibble out of the tarts. You also noticed that she kept a needle sheathed in an actual sheathe that hung on a belt she wore. The hand of the needle was peculiar. It had a guard on it that protected the fingers. It was also knotted, like a brace knuckles were. At the mouth of the hilt where the blade met, it had a little spike jutting out, and a smaller hook.? ? ? ? ?You wanted to ask her about it, but you've both been silent for so long that it would be awkward to just mention it out of the blue. You'll have your chance to ask her about it. Did she make it? Was it expensive to buy? Why was it so fancy if it was just used to stab people?? ? ? ? ?As you reached the halfway mark, Serena threw up a hand in front of you.? ? ? ? ?"Do you smell that?" She asked, sniffing the air, her ears swerving as she attentively looked around.You sniffed, smelling nothing out of the ordinary. "What is it?"? ? ? ? ?Serena stepped forward and strafed in front of you, "You've never been far from settlements, have you?"? ? ? ? ?You shook your head.? ? ? ? ?She darted her gaze at you, "You listen and you listen well. Both our lives depend on it. This food," -she shuffled the bag on her shoulder- "is not for us. It's for the rattis.""The what!?" You squeaked loudly, prompting Serena to dive towards you and closed your muzzle.? ? ? ? ?"The rattis." She repeated, "And I mean rattis as in plural. When they catch us, and they will catch us, you will submit and lift your head up, bearing your neck. You will behave yourself. Solace is tame when it comes to rattis. You will do what I say, when I say, unless you want to be eaten."? ? ? ? ?You're glad Serena was covering your muzzle; it was holding a smirk that mocked ignorance.? ? ? ? ?She removed her hand, not before you removed the smirk. The both of you continued down the path, soon hearing the scraping of claws. It's the rattis.? ? ? ? ?They popped out of the darkness! Two hulking masses of meat and muscle more than twice your size. They walked on all fours, had claws that were sharp, ready to cling onto their prey. They looked like micen, with the exception that their hind legs seemed animalistic.? ? ? ? ?They stopped not far off from your and Serena. You heard the bigger male, dark red with brown polka dots and black hair, growl at the two of you. "Well what do we have here?"? ? ? ? ?"A couple of unlucky strays, maybe." The other smaller female, with silver fur lined with brown polka dots and light blue hair, snickered. She grinned a horrifying grin with yellow colored gums as they both crawled towards you. "Maybe they could use a warm place to stay the night?"? ? ? ? ?You've heard terrible things about rattis. They didn't care for micen. Mice were food. You've heard stories from Shieki's other mice that they even gave slavers trouble. Do you really think they'll spare you if you just give them a bag of stale food and show them your neck?? ? ? ? ?Serena didn't hesitate. She straightened her posture and bore her tender throat, exposed to the creatures that wished to dine on you.111121111Those are rattis. Running is useless.? ? ? ? ?You bare your neck and stand up straight. You're going to trust Serena as you did have her son, or at least you're not going to die tired. You're pretty sure the rattis are faster, and if they saw a running prey you don't think they would just chomp on you and be down with it. The ammount of mice they don't see must mean that they would most likely break you mentally.? ? ? ? ?At least this way you might enjoy it.? ? ? ? ?The rattis stopped and looked at each other before turning back to the two micen who refuse to put up a fight. Then the dark red male crawled towards your companion. He came close enough that his muzzle and nose was grazing against her torso. He started sniffing, taking into account that she hasn't broken her posture.? ? ? ? ?The other yellow-mawed woman came towards you, perhaps to do the same.? ? ? ? ?"Rat-kin." The male smiled, and the two of them relaxed. "I remember you, Serena, Ratkin. It's been a while."? ? ? ? ?The woman sniffed you the same way, before claiming, "I don't recognize this one." She lowered her brow and inquisitively asked, "Does she belong to you?"? ? ? ? ?"Yes," Serena placed her hand on your stiffened shoulder, "This is Thorrow Shiekira, a friend of my son. I'm taking her home. Say hello.""Hello!" You said quickly; anxiety made you speak faster than you intended to.? ? ? ? ?"Don't mind her," Serena placed her elbow on your shoulder and leaned on it, giving the rats a warm stare, "She's nervous meeting new people."? ? ? ? ?"Don't be nervous," The woman strafed around you, "My name is Bree. And this is my partner, Blackjack."? ? ? ? ?She then gently grabbed you and places her lips and a fang on one of your ears.? ? ? ? ?"Don't freak out," Serena warned. You listened and allowed Bree to nibble on your ear. It too felt wonderful, and you make an attempt to add it to the mental checklist of new things to do with Shieki.? ? ? ? ?"You have a toll?" Blackjack asked, motioning to your mostly naked body, "She seems to be traveling too light to carry one. Unless of course, she is one."? ? ? ? ?Your heart was pounding at the thought of them eating you. You imagine it would be painful as they tear you apart, sharing you. But Serena was still calm. She pulled the bag over her shoulder and placed it on the ground, "Will this settle? I know it isn't much-"? ? ? ? ?"You're right." Blackjack said, flicking the bag.? ? ? ? ?"It's full of sweet, flavored bread." Serena added.? ? ? ? ?"And a mouse is full of sweet, flavored meat." Blackjack reminded her, "And they're also bigger than.. this." He pushed the bag away.? ? ? ? ?Your heart was pounding in your chest. Serena would have to think of a good argument quick. She opened her mouth then closed it. She shrugged, "Good point. I guess you could just debate amongst yourselves which one of you gets to eat today." The rats looked at each other before Serena continued, "Or maybe we can work out a deal? There's a room nearby, yes? I hear a leona has some awfully tasty spices in there. So how about... If you let us through, I will come back with a huge bag full of delights."? ? ? ? ?After a bit of thinking, Blackjack said, "How about this. You go get the treats tomorrow morning at dawn.""Why not today?" You asked as Bree released you.? ? ? ? ?"Because Geeaness is still awake. And when he sleeps, we hunt. And when we hunt, any mice we catch belongs to us. Got it?"? ? ? ? ?"Until then," Bree walked passed you, flicking her tail towards her, "You two will sleep at our place. You want to be wide awake, because when we sleep and before Geeaness is awake, it might be the safest time to scavenge, but there's still the locals you should worry about."? ? ? ? ?"They'll be fine, I'm sure." Blackjack remarked, follow her by her side.As both you and Serena followed you whispered under your breath, "Serena Ratkin?"? ? ? ? ?She held a finger to her lips, telling you to shut up. She then pointed to you, then grazed her thumb across her neck, warning you of the consequences.1111211111They led you to their home.? ? ? ? ?It was a large hole in the wall a little ways off from the created path. On the way there, Serena explained how the tunnel you both traveled came about. The Sect built and dug through it in an attempt to create a faster route to Risa's place. If all goes well, they could run the whole things withing twenty, maybe even fifteen minutes. They made sure not to ruin the infrastructure either.? ? ? ? ?You wonder sometimes why the walls and floors are so thick. Surely the leonas would know that this only attracts micen to live in them.? ? ? ? ?These rats, Bree and Blackjack, aren't the only ones. There's also Love, their child, and another whom is only rumored to be about. Rumored and unknown, mainly because he slayed anyone he came across. The leona doesn't want him to be anywhere.? ? ? ? ?When you arrived inside, you noticed a large table and several chairs, along with a chest that smelt of food, next to a pile of clothes that look like they could fit micen. You guess that's what they use to barter for all the food. But upon further expection, the lack of tailoring equipment made you think they, and the food, were retrieved by other means.? ? ? ? ?Bree pointed to another room that was dug into the wall and told you that you will be sleeping in there tonight. As you an Serena entered, you noticed their daughter, a light red furred rat with orange hair. She was lying on a large cotton piece on the ground. She looked up and her blue eyes sparkled as if she was looking at dinner.? ? ? ? ?"Love," Bree began, "These are your roommates for the day. They aren't pets, or food. They just need to stay here until dawn. Understand?"? ? ? ? ?"Oh, okay." Love nodded, a little disappointed.? ? ? ? ?"The two of you make yourselves at home. There's food and water in the chest. Help yourselves to it and the clothes if you find something interested. They're no use to us.""Where will you be?" You asked, looking over your shoulder, "Are there any rules?"? ? ? ? ?"We'll be hunting." Bree answered, "Don't overeat. Don't leave. And you better be asleep by the time we get back."? ? ? ? ?With that, they headed out of the room and down the halls.? ? ? ? ?Love looked at the two of you, "Just don't wake me up. You'll be on my good side."? ? ? ? ?Serena nodded and turned towards the chest, while Love curled back to sleep.11112111111?You decided it was best to avoid talking to the giant rat that could swallow you whole on a whim.? ? ? ? ?Before you left the room, you noticed a curtain next to the door and decided you should let it hang loose, and did so; leaving Love alone with an empty stomach. You're sure Love wouldn't have let you out. Besides, Risa and Shieki would have more elbow room.? ? ? ? ?When you were finished with preserving the room Love slept in from the sightful eyes of a willing mouse, you turned back to see Serena crawl up onto a large chair and rest her head on it, chewing on some tarts and drinking some water from a canteen she found.? ? ? ? ?You search through the chest, disappointed that there was no jelly but satisfied that there was some cheese in it that hadn't molded. You grabbed a piece half the size of your hand and climbed onto the nearest chair before chewing on it.? ? ? ? ?"I presume you have questions?" Serena asked softly to not wake up the rattis, unscrewing the lid on the canteen and taking a swig."Loads." You answered.? ? ? ? ?She nodded, "Ask."? ? ? ? ?Where do you begin? You didn't know so you just asked whatever came to mind."I didn't know you had a last name. Ratkin?" You were excited and continued asking, "And you deal with them so well! I'd have ran at first glance."? ? ? ? ?"It's a title," She said, "Ratkin, it's a title that can serve as a last name. I knew someone who was like a father. He was a rattis, a good guy. Save me and my brother from slavery.""You have a brother?" You asked, realizing how little you know about Grimlock's family, "How come you and Grim never talk about him?"? ? ? ? ?Serena glared at you. It was the look of someone in a punching mood. Her eyes were filled with only two emotions: sorrow and hatred. You realize that could only mean one thing. He isn't around anymore."I'm sorry." You looked away from her glare, "I didn't know."? ? ? ? ?"It's alright. It was a long time ago. I'll get over it." She slid the canteen to you, but the way she forced it made it evident she was indeed not happy.You took a drink, feeling a little fuzzy. Was this water stale? Can it be stale? It takes so... bitter. Almost like bile. You shivered at the taste, not sure if you want more.? ? ? ? ?"Never tried alcohol before?" Serena scoffed with a smirk."Alco-what?" You asked, coughing, attempting to be quiet with Love snoring in the other room.? ? ? ? ?Serena just laughed, releasing all the tension you had with her.Figuring it was your turn, you asked, "Where did you get that needle? It looks expensive."? ? ? ? ?She pulled out the needle and placed it on top of the table. "It's not a needle," She said, "It's a sword. An artifact.""What's that?" You asked, curiousity filling your eyes.? ? ? ? ?She mostioned for the canteen of 'water' next to you. You handed it to her and she continued, "Haven't you paid attention in class? Long ago... I'm going to need to be tipsy to explain all this, hold on." She started chugging the water until it was half empty. "Let's begin. Years ago, and I'm talking years as in plural, decades, dozens, more than you can count amount of years ago, life times, generations of time, the leonas used to war with each other and other races. They used us micen as espionage... To spy on other leonas. The rattis were our commanders in these endeavors as well. Anyways, we were equipped to deal with other micen that came across us."? ? ? ? ?She pointed a finger in the air and took another sip of the canteen before continuing, "Micen don't have this technology anymore. The cats no longer need us ever since they decided to share the same country. So this here is an artifact, made by a leona for a mouse to fight with. There were other inventions as well. Some threw fire at the opponents, others were covered completely in armor, and then there's something known as stimulants. Those things, wow, those things could completely change how a micen fights."? ? ? ? ?She pointed to her neck, "Just one quick little syringe here and you're tough enough to take on a rattis." She sighed, noticing the power hungry look in your eye, "Shame those things have been used up long time ago. Their addictive as all hell I heard. Sometimes it would stay in their systems and they'd slowly go insane too.""That's quite the history lesson." You said, "Where do I find relics like this... sword?"? ? ? ? ?She looked at her canteen, inspecting it, but staying on topic, "Ghost towns. I didn't believe they existed until not too long ago. Towns that were gassed completely by exterminators. Printing pressed were old technology compared to them. But someone screwed up.""What happened?" You asked, recalling what gas is.? ? ? ? ?"Someone did what I tried to do." She felt sad once again, flushed with embarrassment, "I was so stupid. I could have killed so many people..."You stayed silent, letting her rest her mind on what could have happened. "Hey..." You said, "Don't worry about it. No harm done."? ? ? ? ?"My son would still be alive if it wasn't for me." She rested her head on the table, letting a tear slide freely down her face. "It's all my fault. If I hadn't had hated the cats, I wouldn't have needed to send anyone on that damn search party."You stood up on the chair, remembering a lesson Serena taught you about seeing her cry. You crawled across the table and grabbed Serena gently by the hair to lift her head up, before you slapped her. "Quick beating yourself up!" You rasped.? ? ? ? ?You crawled back quickly before Serena could take a swipe at you, "Did you just slap me?""Yes, I did." You said as you sat back down, "Grimlock would have done the same. Do you think he would want you to wallow in your own self pity? He went out there to make your proud, and you're sitting here moping about him. If it weren't for you hating the cats so much, you'd have little incentive to bring him along with you. He'd had had his ears cut off. You think if he were here he'd be happy to see his own mother cry because of his decision? He's a hero! He's been gone for a month. Just..."? ? ? ? ?Serena was waving her hand, "Stop. No more. I know what you're going to say. I said it to him all the time. It's probably his last words.""It wasn't." You said. "It wasn't 'shit happens, people die'. His last words were telling me how he was going to keep his promise and save my life. You raised that boy right."? ? ? ? ?She was quiet now. She rested her head back down on the table, before muttering, "Thank you." She was silent again, sniffling but getting her bearings before she said, "Now I have a question for you. I overheard a conversation near the grave. I need to know. Are you willing?"? ? ? ? ?You can't tell her that! You can't tell her that her son died to save the life of someone who was willing to die. How could you? It would undermine everything you just told her. You didn't hesitate, "No. It was a misunderstanding. If I was willing, I would be over in the other room getting that Love girl to munch on me."? ? ? ? ?Serena looked over at the curtained arch before she nodded, "Fair enough." She got off the chair and motioned you to follow her, "I think it's time for bed. Come on. We have work in the morning."111121111111?A hard nudge woke you up.? ? ? ? ?You opened your eyes to see that Bree was standing in front of you. Behind you was Serena, who wrapped her arm around your waist in the middle of her sleep. Your neck and back ached, wishing you had a pillow. Your tail was also sore, having Serena laying herself on it. You blink and rubbed your forehead, removing Serena's arm and sitting up. You stretched your back and shoulders with a yawn, feeling a pop.? ? ? ? ?Your eyes then widen in pain and the air was forced out of your lungs. Bree threw a bag at you, smashing into your exceptionally exposed gut. The force was tremendous, making your spine forward and curl around the bag, knocking you back onto Serena.? ? ? ? ?She jumped awake as soon as she felt your body on top of her, instinctively throwing you off and reaching for her sword. She calmed down once she realized how little in danger she was in. She got up and took your bag, prompting Bree to toss another one your way, knocking you into the wall.? ? ? ? ?"You mind telling me why we're here, exactly?" You asked, walking between cans of beans. The pantry was quiet to an eerie degree. You think there was more food in here than you'd ever seen in Solace' room. And all of it looked so clean and untouched. "What are we here for anyways?"? ? ? ? ?"We're here to get food." Serena answered, "Specifically, something that tastes good.""I mean, why aren't?they?out here?" You said, "They're faster, stronger, and all the more threatening."? ? ? ? ?"Will you shut up and help me look for..." Serena looked at a piece of paper, "What is this? You call this hand writing? What's sin-no-man? Sinnoman? Wait, do you not know how to spell 'cinnamon'?""Do?you?"? ? ? ? ?Serena looked back at the paper, "No. But I know it's not this. You don't spell things using syllables. What's sure-gar-cube?""The point I'm trying to make is-"? ? ? ? ?"Wait!" She turned to a rack of cups and cans, "I think I found it." She scurried off to it, passing loads of stored food.? ? ? ? ?Something isn't right. Spices just sitting out in the open? The cats don't just leave things in the open like this. It would be stupid, like running into an empty box to hide from a hunting Solace. Or running into a cup to hide from an angry Risa... Oh hell no."Serena, no!" You gasped, tackling her. Before she could inquire or push you off, you explained, "It's bait! It's freaking bait!"? ? ? ? ?Serena looked at the delicious goods, before looking back at you with a skeptical look. "Get off me.""Listen to me!" You said, "I know what I'm talking about. Okay? You think they'd just leave things out like this? It's obviously a trap."? ? ? ? ?"If you don't get off me, I will make you get off me." Serena growled, placing her hand on your shoulder and clenching tightly while she placed a foot on your thigh."Only if you promise to think before you-"? ? ? ? ?She then grabbed both of your shoulders and kicked your gut, before rolling backwards. The pain was too much, draining all of your strength as you felt Serena topple you over over your back and crawl on top of you. She drew out her sword and placed it to your neck, pining you to the ground.? ? ? ? ?"You must not be paying attention. I'm not an idiot. I know it's a trap. But the rattis are far scarier than anyone else in here. And, just a reminder, I am the scariest thing in this pantry. If you have something to say, say it. And if I tell you to get off, you get off. Got it?" "Got it." You said, before seeing an arm wrapping around her neck. You were unable to move with the added weight onto your waist. You heard someone step beside you. You turn to face them, not noticing any details until there was a boot kicked into your jaw at such a speed you blacked out before the pain seeped in.1111211111111?"Thorrow, wake up!"? ? ? ? ?You felt someone place their hands on you and pressed hard against you. You opened your eyes, unable to see anything. It was dark with very little light. Your vision was blurry and your jaw was in pain. Soon your eyes adjusted tot he darkness as it always had, and Serena was checking your pulse.? ? ? ? ?"Oh, thank you!" She breathed in relief, "I thought they killed you."You rubbed your jaw, "I feel like I got kicked by a cat."? ? ? ? ?"Thorrow, we need to get out of here!" She whispered."Why are you whispering...?" You looked around and noticed that you were not alone. A dozen or so micen were crowded around. You noticed that cold tin stung your bottom and you found yourself encased in a box with a wooden roof. You also noticed there was a hatch about six inches up above you. It looked like it only opens outward, as you can see the hinges.? ? ? ? ?There were no doors.? ? ? ? ?"Where are we, mommy?" A little girl cried out from across the room, "Why did they bring us here?"? ? ? ? ?"Just close your eyes," The mother answered, "And remember, mommy always loved you.? ? ? ? ?Other micen congregated amongst themselves. You've noticed Serena was missing her armor and sword, and bore a look of dread and fear. You had one on as well. What is this place? And why would they just through you into a door less room? How did they intend to get you out?? ? ? ? ?You've noticed int he center of the room was blood, and some spicey and sweet smelling powder was strewn across the floor in some spots. Micen gathered around those, tasting it, or rather to just avoid the blood. Wait. Food... Blood... No way to escape. Oh no...? ? ? ? ?Serena confirmed it all, she whispered, "We're in a damn feeding pen.""Meh." You shrugged.? ? ? ? ?"You're not worried about this?" Serena demanded, almost feeling offended.You tugged on your scarf, smirking at how valuable this invaluable piece of scarp was."See this? Who do you think the pen is for? Geenie, right?"? ? ? ? ?Serena looked at the wall behind you, pondering, catching onto what you mean,"The moment the cat sees this. We'll be home free." You said as you stretched your legs and relaxed.? ? ? ? ?Serena sat next to you, "That's... That's not a bad plan. So how are you going to screw it up?""Hey!" You scornfully whispered, "I'm not the one who ran into a trap."? ? ? ? ?"I'm not the one who distracted me long enough to get us trapped."? ? ? ? ?A noise from above interrupted the two of you. The wooden piece was moving, letting light flush into your vision fast enough to hurt your eyes. You shielded it from the light and noticed the big, orange, hungry cat. And he was putting something on his face. What was it? He looked back at the box of screaming prey. He was blind folded.? ? ? ? ?"Well..." Serena noticed the yellow strip of cloth over his eyes, "That's just... terrible.""Maybe he can hear me!" You tried to get over to the center of the room, but Serena held you back.? ? ? ? ?"Are you nuts?" She rasped, "He can't hear you over their screams, I can barely hear you!""That means I have to get closer." You said confidently slipping out of her grasps and running towards Geeaness' sniffing snout.?? ? ? ? ?He was sniffing the blood, then moving his head towards the sweet spices, where most of the micen congregated. His teeth snagged the tail of a male that was tasting it off the ground, and quickly the cat's tongue slid under him. Within a moment the cat reeled his tongue in and swallowed the poor soul.? ? ? ? ?Then he focused his attention on the mother and daughter, who were crying loudly and had the powder on them from their previous tastes."Geeaness over here!" You called, picking up a handful of spice and tossing it into his snout. It was the only thing you could think of to save the girls.? ? ? ? ?That may have been a really bad idea.? ? ? ? ?Geenie puffed air from his nostrils and opened his jaws, heading directly towards you."N-no! Wait!"11112111111111You felt your body being pushed,and your equilibrium unbalanced.? ? ? ? ?You hit the ground hard, with Serena on top of you. She pressed her body against you, flattening the both of you closer to the ground. Geeaness' open jaws passed over the both of you completely. They snapped at air, and Serena rolled off of you. The both of you got up and you rolled towards the blood. It wasn't fresh, but it still smelled terrible.? ? ? ? ?He's finding us by smell!?You thought to yourself,?No one would dare hide in a smell like this.? ? ? ? ?You looked back, wondering where Serena went. She went towards the mother and her child, motioning them to run, and that hiding in the same place he found in you is a very bad idea.? ? ? ? ?A shadow loomed over you. Geeaness' sniffing snout passed over you, ignoring the blood. It merely told him where the center of the box was. Micen don't eat blood, they're wherever the delicious smells are. The micen even covered themselves a little when tasting. Your theory was right. Geeaness is sniffing everyone out!? ? ? ? ?You looked around, attempting to find Serena again. She's not where you found her at first. Wasn't caught, was she? She had to move! Then you saw her, shielding the daughter who was frozen in a corner, shivering in fear from the hungry maw. Serena tried to move her, but she wouldn't budge, fearful that she'll lose what comfort the corner gives. The mother was missing.? ? ? ? ?Your heart skipped a beat when the cat bumped his muzzle into Serena's upper body.? ? ? ? ?"No!" You got up and ran towards her. The mouth opened and encased her head and upper body. As she was getting slurped, you jumped and grabbed onto her legs. You wrapped an arm around both of them, and used your other hand to grab onto her tail.? ? ? ? ?The cat didn't expect the new weight and the two of you were surprised when Serena slipped lightly from his grasps. This was your chance!"Geenie, wait!" You yelled, "I'm Shieki's micen! I'm Thorrow, I have the scarf and everything!"? ? ? ? ?You closed your eyes and felt your feet get lifted off the ground.? ? ? ? ?Geeaness sat on his feet and removed his blindfold before grabbing your body and inspecting it.? ? ? ? ?You opened your eyes and could see Geenie reaching and tugging on your scarf. He was also suckling on Serena's kicking body. You eyes widened and you squealed in horror as Geeaness made a loud, wet slurp. Her legs disappeared!"Geeaness, wait!" You yelled, pointing at the legs between his lips "That's my friend! She's my friend! Please don't eat her!"? ? ? ? ?The cat looked at his snout, moving his lower jaw side to side, tasting the mouse inside with a hum. He looked back at you with a curious smile that borderlined a smirk.111121111111111He laid his hand flat in the air, palm facing up, and spat the mouse on his hand.? ? ? ? ?Serena was breathing like she had someone sitting on her chest. Her fur was soaked completely, weighing her down. She trembled and her eyes were closed tightly. She nearly looked like she was about to pass out. Was she crying?? ? ? ? ?"So, what are the two of you doing out here?" The cat finally spoke."Just... You know. Finding my way back home." You said, "With my friend." You reminded him. You aren't exactly sure if you're off the hook yet.? ? ? ? ?"Hm. I'll talk to the two of you later." He got up and placed the to of you in the same fist. He used his free hand to open a cabinet and pull out an empty jar. He opened it and set the two of you in it before setting it on the counter.? ? ? ? ?Serena lied her back against the wall of the jar, facing the wall. She was breathing smoother, but she placed a hand on her chest, trying to calm her heart down. She still didn't open her eyes, and she sniffled as well.? ? ? ? ?You looked over her shoulder to see Geeaness sit back onto his knees and place the blindfold back on. He then opened his mouth and dived down behind the counter.? ? ? ? ?You put your back flat against the glass and slid down onto your bottom. You heard Serena try to calm down more, listening to her say "I should have never come with you. I want to go home."? ? ? ? ?You had nothing to say. What could you say?? ? ? ? ?"I hate this so much!" Serena muttered as she lifted her arms up, drool clung her fur together so much so that it was even dripping.? ? ? ? ?You unwrapped your scarf from your neck and started wiping off her closet arm. The scarf was made out of a rag, so you'll be able to finish cleaning her in no time.? ? ? ? ?"Is that what that's for?" She asked, more calmly. She was silent, before she pushed you off of her, "Why would the leonas give such an impotent little whelp like you something so powerful?" She demanded, standing up."Hey!" You said, changing the subject, "I saved your life!"? ? ? ? ?"Thanks." She grunted, "And you wouldn't have had to if you didn't get us into that situation!""You were the one walking into a trap!"? ? ? ? ?"I knew it was a trap, I had the whole situation under control if I could have found out where they were coming from!" She snapped, "It was you who distracted me so I couldn't do it!""We wouldn't need that food if we had taken the expeditions route!"? ? ? ? ?"And then what?" She asked, "Starve to death? It'd take us a week to get you home like that! And we wouldn't have needed to leave at all if you didn't come all the way the hell over to Solace' room to talk to a slab of wood!"You yelled, "If it wasn't for me, you'd still be bitching about Grimlock!"? ? ? ? ?At that moment, the world held its breath.? ? ? ? ?Serena's jaw dropped and she held her heart again. She took a few steps back, staring off into space. Your mouth felt bitter and disgusting, like you took a huge bite out of moldy bread.You realized what you did was wrong. Terribly wrong. You sighed, embarrassed, "Alright, I'm sorry, I take that back. I went too far-"? ? ? ? ?Serena lunged at you and grabbed your head, smashing it hard into the glass beside you. Your ears rang loudly on the impact. Serena let go and walked away, muttering curses.? ? ? ? ?You however, couldn't walk. Your whole body was stiff with shock.? ? ? ? ?"Oh shit.." Serena muttered when she turned around, with a anxious face.? ? ? ? ?You reached over to the side of your head that was impacted and dabbed a few fingers on a spot that stung deeply and painfully. You looked at your hand; you were bleeding.? ? ? ? ?"No, no no!" She rushed to your side, and gently laid you on your back. Her voice was nervous, "Okay, stay awake! Stay awake!"? ? ? ? ?Your eyes were heavy, but you tried to listen to her. She grabbed the scarf and rested your head on it. The drool was now freezing, and Serena blew on it to make it cool faster.? ? ? ? ?"Come on, come on" She was barely audible over the sound of your heart throbbing in your ears. Your vision was starting to blur, and the very light from the roof was painful to look at. "Please don't die!" She screamed, feeling your neck for a pulse.? ? ? ? ?You whited out.1111211111111111You blinked yourself awake.? ? ? ? ?You were laying on your side on a cold scarf. You had a headache and you can feel the side of your head throb for a few moments as you lifted your skull and looked around. There were used napkins with dried blood on them. You can't remember much after being pulled out of the feeding pen. Then you were cleaning off Serena. Then you and her went at it. Then you said something. Then...? ? ? ? ?You moved your head to look up where she smashed your head in. There was a moderate crack in the side of the glass. Inside it, and a little around it was dried blood. You're lucky to be alive after that nonsense.? ? ? ? ?On the other side of the jar, Serena was curled into the fetal position on her rump with her tail around her legs.? ? ? ? ?You've noticed how well you felt. You glanced at your body and noticed you have a blanket. Two, in fact, because you were laying on one. You've also noticed there was a pillow between your legs, and another under your cool scarf.? ? ? ? ?Serena noticed your movements and shot her head up to meet with your eyes, "Thorrow! You're awake! Hold still." She crawled over to you and placed the back of her hand on your head. "You don't have a fever. That's good." She smiled and had a long breath of relief, "That's good."? ? ? ? ?Serena then guided you to a position to sit up before inspecting the side of your head.? ? ? ? ?"You'll be fine. Maybe a few headaches..." She hugged you, "I'm so sorry. I couldn't control myself.""No, no." You pat her back, "I'd have done the same in your shoes."? ? ? ? ?"That's why I'm sorry. It was immature of me.""It's okay, really." You squeezed her tightly, coming to terms with what she just said, "Hey, wait a minute!"? ? ? ? ?For the first time since you met her, Serena started laughing. She placed her nose on top of your snout, with closed eyes and a smile. She seems far too relieved to know you survived. You assume she'd think Grim would be sorely mad if he saw that her mother smashed the skull of the woman he saved.? ? ? ? ?She tugged the blanket that covered you, and removed the pillow between your legs, "It's time to share." You glanced to the nearest window outside. It's noon, but the blinds are folded on every window. "He went for a nap." Serena continued, "He gave us a few blankets and pillows a tailor made, to help us sleep as well. I don't know what would have happened if you didn't wake up."? ? ? ? ?She lifted the covers and slunk next to you. You kept the other blanket under the both of you so that you don't sleep on the cold grass, and you removed your scarf, pushing it off to the side.? ? ? ? ?Serena got next to you, "I'm sorry, again.""That's the second time today I got knocked unconscious because of a head injury." You said before holding a smirk, "So, I guess having a thick skull isn't too bad after all."? ? ? ? ?You could have sworn you heard her mumble an agreeing laugh as she rested her head on the pillow and slept.11112111111111111"Mmph!"? ? ? ? ?Your eyes shot open. You thought Geenie nabbed another mouse, but that sounded like it was inside the jar. You lifted your head up and looked next to you. Serena had rolled herself out of the blanket's warm embraces. She was on the glass, curled and shivering. You've noticed her black coat was missing, as well as her sword. The only thing the kidnappers didn't take were her blue pants.? ? ? ? ?You lifted your blanket off of you, immediately getting reacquainted with the cold. You don't mind; she needs this more than you. You threw the cloth onto her half naked body, and tossed her pillow near her head.? ? ? ? ?This didn't help much. She still shivered, but less so. You then decided it was best to tuck her in. You aren't sure if she is a light sleeper, but considering she hasn't woken up yet, she must be having one hell of a nightmare. You tucked her in whenever she held still enough, and her trembling began to fade.? ? ? ? ?She lied on her back, rolling her head on her pillow, and you continued to tuck the blankets under her. Finally, she stopped, and for a moment you could see her smile.? ? ? ? ?"Hey," You heard Geenie tap lightly on the jar where there was a crack, "You're Thorrow? I heard Solace about you."? ? ? ? ?That's either a good thing or a bad thing. You saw Geeaness reach his hands up and gently pop open the lid before holding his palm beside you. It's likely a bad thing. It's a terrible idea to get on his hands, but an even worse one to ignore him.? ? ? ? ?You grabbed onto him and felt his hand pull you out softly. He closed the lid and closed his fist around you before walking. You couldn't see anything, but he hasn't walked too far. The then thing you know, you were tossed through the air. You panicked and squirmed until you landed onto a very soft surface.? ? ? ? ?You looked around, seeing a large pillow covered by an even larger blanket. Oh no... You're on his bed.? ? ? ? ?Geeaness then hopped onto the bed and started at you while on all fours. How much about you did he hear?"W-what are you doing?" You asked.? ? ? ? ?"I heard you were willing." He licked his lips, lowering his head, "Were they wrong?""I-I-I am, but..."? ? ? ? ?"But what?" He asked in disappointment, "Either you are or you aren't.""No offense, but.." You felt your heart beating in your chest and ears with stress, afraid of the outcomes of your actions. You used your words more carefully, "I don't trust that you'd let me out..."? ? ? ? ?Geeaness glared at you, "With all the favors I did, I thought I deserve a little more trust than that. One moment..." He got off the bed and headed towards the kitchen.? ? ? ? ?At first you were wondering why, but then you remembered that Serena was in the kitchen. You were frightened to think he would come back with her in his jaws. It's probably what she was having nightmares about!? ? ? ? ?He came back with a mouse. This one was brown, mostly and he was even wearing Serena's coat. You recall that just before getting kicked in the head, that this was the mouse to do so.? ? ? ? ?"So, Hardy here thought it was a good idea to kidnap a claimed mouse." He clenched his prey tighter, "And he just so happened to steal Serena's outfit, whom of which kindly asked for it back." Geenie reached in and removed the sword he had also stolen and tossed it in front of you. "Serena said she'd allow you to pay for it. And I thought, 'hey, good idea', and then we made a contingency deal. But I'm not a playhouse. I?will?eat you, and I will?not?let you out."? ? ? ? ?You stepped back. He didn't sound like he was asking.? ? ? ? ?He continued to loom over you with his gaze. "It's not all bad. I know a few tricks. Watch this."? ? ? ? ?Geeaness stuck the mouse in his mouth and started moving his jaws smoothly around. You could hear smacking sounds as he opened and closed his lips. You could also see the struggling and weeping mouse bouncing inside. He stopped for a moment, and you can see the skin below his jaw start moving. It was memorizing, to say the least. Then you heard a loud 'gluk' as Geenie swallowed the mouse without closing his mouth.? ? ? ? ?He opened it wide in front of you, revealing that the mouse had indeed been swallowed, but his pants, and Serena's jacket were inact, unzipped, and lying on his tongue."Whoa!" You yelped as he used a claw to drag the clothes off, "That was amazing! How did you do that?"? ? ? ? ?He pointed to them, "With your consent, put them on and I'll show you just how I did it."? ? ? ? ?That is the greatest salesman pitch anyone has ever given you, and it's about getting your agreement to be eaten. Wow, those 'telemarketers' on Shieki's phone could learn a few things; Shieki herself as well.? ? ? ? ?But as exciting as the experience may be, do you really want to go through with it?111121111111111111You closed your eyes and shook your head.? ? ? ? ?The very shirt you wear hold a promise to your mother. You made a promise, you?will?keep it. As much as Geenie's offer was tantalizing, you had to pass. "Thank you for the offer, but now isn't the best time to get eaten. Maybe some other time?"? ? ? ? ?Geeaness glared at you with an unimpressed face. "I thought you were fun," He taunted, "Are you sure you don't want to give it a try?"You nodded, "I am sure. Thank you for asking though. Could you teach Shieki that trick?"? ? ? ? ?His tail swayed back and forth, disappointed, and he crossed his arms across his chest. "Why would I? Hmm?" He sounded playful, rather than spiteful, "Alright, I'll do it. On one condition.""What's that?" You were almost afraid to ask.? ? ? ? ?"Climb in, just for a moment." He leaned in and opened his mouth.? ? ? ? ?You wanted to run, but you're not an idiot. Running would just end up with you getting caught. Then he'd tear you apart and drink your spinal fluids. You nodded and jogged to his chin, placing your hands on his lower jaw and teeth. You pulled yourself in and rested on his tongue that was clear of most saliva.You look outside of the maw, teeth intruding your vision of the pillow, and asked, "Now what?"? ? ? ? ?He was silent for a few seconds before managing, "I 'unno. I 'id no' think you' 'ould get 'his far." He leaned forward and spat you out, "Okay, I guess you are fun. I take it you don't like the thought of staying in there too long?""Nope!" You confirmed.? ? ? ? ?"Fair enough." He picked you up and carried you back in the kitchen.? ? ? ? ?He opened the lid to the jar very quietly and placed you in as gently as possible. Serena was still asleep, as calm as how you left her.? ? ? ? ?"Oh, and one more thing." Geeaness said as he reached in a pocket, "Give her this." Geeaness then dropped a piece of cloth into the jar. You grabbed it and inspected it.? ? ? ? ?It was a brown scarf.1111211111111111111?It was only a few minutes before Serena blinked herself awake.? ? ? ? ?She moans as she sat up and pushed her neck to the side, popping the joints within them whilst she yawned. She noticed her legs were tucked in and that you were sitting looking out of the jar, with something in your hands. She stretched her legs before crawling over to you."What is the meaning of this?" You turned and lifted the brown scarf in front of her.? ? ? ? ?She looked at you with a half-hearted smile. It looked awfully similar to Grim's last smile. She spoke, "When I... Let's say, broke the glass," She motioned towards the crack, "I was panicking. I thought I killed you. Geeaness noticed my actions, after he picked clean the pen, and I started asking for favors. I told him I needed blankets and something cold to rest your head on. He didn't get mad, he started complying and cleaning off the blood from everything."You came to realize how it was all going to end, "He made a deal with you after he gave you everything?"? ? ? ? ?She nodded, "Rumors are true. Geeaness is a nice guy, but he's a businessman first. He didn't mean us any harm capturing us. The locals here were only doing their job to prevent any over population. Without cats, there's too many mice. Too many mice means there will be rats. And comes rats, comes slavers. Solace is going to have a heyday in a few months.? ? ? ? ?"But they aren't supposed to capture claimed micen." Serena added as she started putting on her jacket, "Bad for business. If a cat found out their pet got ate, they'd be in here tearing the place up when he's not around. He's the kingpin. A businessman. And I asked a load of favors from him..."A flare of rage grew into you, "You offered me to him. You told him I was willing, even when I said no."? ? ? ? ?"I did." She was relaxed, forgiving your disagreeing tone, "It was a simple plan. Either you were willing, got ate, all debts were off and I got to go home. Or you were honest to me, and I was given a brand new immunity for our journey." She wrapped the fabric around her neck and smiled.Your eyes widened. You rage grew into surprise, unsure whether to hate or admire, "You planned this all along!"? ? ? ? ?Serena laughed. And laughed. And laughed. She lied back, placing her hands on the back of her head. She finally began to speak, "Do you think so? Surely I couldn't have thought it wise to provoke you to the point that you made a mistake. And then justifiably injure you enough for you to be on the brink of death, so that it looked like I needed help that couldn't be refused. Then figure if you're a damn liar while at the same time indenture myself to get a little device that makes it so that Risa doesn't eat me when she sees me. A device so little that I could easily ditch it soon after so Geenie himself doesn't get any plans of his own?" She laughed again, "Surely you give me too much credit."Your mouth was stuck in a position which it dropped. That cheeky bitch. "You... you gave me a concussion for a scarf? I'm... I'm not even mad." You placed your hands on your hips and smiled in admiration. You could have never thought ahead like this. You looked around, noticing that Geeaness had was in the living room, with a headset on, playing a videogame on the large television screen. You placed your hand on the jar and knocked louder than you could talk. Geeaness was completely oblivious to your attempt to get his attention. The two of you are the only ones who know this secret. You turned back, "So what happens now?"? ? ? ? ?Serena opened her eyes and sat up, "Next part is the hard part. Lunch. But don't worry. Geeaness loves to hear his food get complimented. It shouldn't be too hard."? ? ? ? ?Hell, if all goes just as well as planned as her attempt to get the scarf, there really isn't anything to worry about.11112111111111111111Serena was right.? ? ? ? ?It wasn't long before it was Geenie's lunch time. He walked into the room and began fixing up something small and quick. You smelled some very sweet bake, and noticed that Geenie was pulling something out of the oven. He set them down on the counter before heading over to you and Serena, and gently picking up the jar so you both don't topple over inside it.? ? ? ? ?He placed the jar onto the table and lifted his finger, as if saying he was only going to be gone for a second. He went through the drawers and grabbed a knife, gently cutting into the brown bake and took a plate from a cabinet.? ? ? ? ?He placed a big piece on the nearby plate before putting another, smaller piece next to it. He went back over to the floor and opened up a compartment that was bigger than the feeding pen and placed it in there before hiding it behind the wooden boards again.? ? ? ? ?He then went back and picked up the plate, setting it on the table and scooting a chair in. He motioned for the two of you to come over, pointing to the smaller one, "You two share it."? ? ? ? ?You and Serena both took an uneasy look at each other. Is he offering you off limit items?? ? ? ? ?The food was a block of chocolate bake with some syrup added because redundancy is a great thing in cuisines apparently. You were the first to grab a piece off of it. It was soft, almost gooey. It was also warm. You sniffed it, smelling nothing unusual, before placing it in your mouth.? ? ? ? ?The bitter-sweet chocolate almost melted its flavor all over your tongue. Your spine squirmed. Is this really chocolate?! No wonder even keeps trying to take Solace's eggs. You closed your eyes, chewing on the delicious clod, almost refusing to swallow in case you will never taste it again. Then you remembered: there's a block up? ? ? ? ?"So how is it?" Geeaness asked. Serena was also expecting an answer.? ? ? ? ?But by this time, you were already diving your head in, chewing on the delicious sides, not taking any precious time to take pieces off of it. You pulled back, chewing a piece before making sure your mouth was empty before saying, "It's amazing!" You licked your lips, gathering up any syrup that found themselves there.? ? ? ? ?You moved to the side as Serena also took a few bites. It didn't take long for her to be in the same position. The two of you chewed away at it. Your teeth sank in the pastry and it slipped through very easily. You tried to savor as much pieces as you can fit in your mouth, but by now you can't stop yourself from just eating it all. The next thing you know is that the block was half eaten.? ? ? ? ?"I wanted to ask, what are you girls doing so far away from home?" He asked.? ? ? ? ?You and Serena took turns telling him about the adventure you two had. You began first and told him about the vacation, Risa being your babysitter, why you hopped into Solace's treats and explained a little about the expedition, while Serena told him about the grave, about the two rats and their ultimatum. You could have sworn there were three rats, but now isn't a time to contradict Serena, especially when you were stuffing your face with the chocolate.? ? ? ? ?The block was now almost gone, but so was your appetite. For the first time since Shieki left, you had a full belly. Serena was also fully, purring with delight.? ? ? ? ?Geeaness was attentive to your stories, and when you were finished he got up and removed the wooden floor boards once again. He took out the pan he had all the brownies in, which was now completely stripped clean of any chocolate, and he placed it in the sink.? ? ? ? ?He sat back down, "Where do you go from here?" He asked.? ? ? ? ?"Well," Serena shrugged, "Risa is under us, right? Do you think you could take us there?"? ? ? ? ?"Nope!" He said, "I'm not a taxi.""What is a taxi?" You asked.? ? ? ? ?Serena ignored you, "So there's no way to convince you to get us there?"? ? ? ? ?"Well, there is one way..." He said."What's a taxi?!" You asked, not wanting to be ignored.? ? ? ? ?Geenie looked at you, "Thorrow, how bad are you wanting to go home?"His question made you focus onto him, "Bad. Why?"? ? ? ? ?He smirked and pointed to Serena, "Tell me to eat her and I'll take you there now."? ? ? ? ?Serena was taken aback, "Wha-?""No." You answered without hesitation, "We can walk. Thank you for the offer though."? ? ? ? ?"Heh... You didn't even consider it." He smiled, "I like that." He smirked, like there was something on his mind.111121111111111111111"I'll tell the locals not to bother you."? ? ? ? ?He picked the both of you up and placed you on the floor. He also explained that the rattis will also not harm you, and that there's something much worse that you need to look out for. Slavers. They've been moving around his 'crib' lately. They haven't touched any of the locals and the locals haven't touched any of them. It seemed to be an unwritten rule to avoid each other.? ? ? ? ?He also explained that the scarves may or may not help depending on which slavers catch them and how high their 'eye-que' might be. At this point you're not exactly sure what he means with a few words, but you piece together that some slavers aren't smart enough to know what a scarf means. You remember that Mango talked about how he ran into a slaver once, but the man recognized him and let him go. It's also how he learned about Kert.? ? ? ? ?"What idiot tries and captures a claimed micen?" Serena added.? ? ? ? ?Geenie shrugged, "When they realize that not everyone with a scarf belongs to a leona. Depends how far you'll be from your cat." A sound of claws scratching, a hiss and a squeak was made in the pantry. The cat stood up and said, "Looks like I have someone to deal with. You two get out of here. And make sure she's safe... Serena, right? Anywho, make sure she doesn't get eaten."? ? ? ? ?"Shouldn't be too hard." She smiled and nodded.? ? ? ? ?It was harder than you thought Once again you missed the window of noon. Soon the birds will come out. But that's okay, for now you are simply above Risa's room. Only a few inches of wires, pipes, a little metal here and there, with some wood. You could dig straight down, but that's just asking for Risa to kill you. You're sure that if you dug a hole in her ceiling that leads directly to Geenie, she would be upset that she can't have a secret conversation in her kitchen.? ? ? ? ?You and Serena decided it was best to just travel through it. You can't believe how close the expedition was to rattis. It would have been horrible if they spotted you. One wrong turn and everything would have been terrible. You don't think they'd have let you live long after catching you. And if you did manage to pass them, one wrong turn would have let you meet up with the locals. The entire crew and their journey would have ended in that box."So, Serena..." You began as you started climbing over a pipe, "You worked with slavers, haven't you?"? ? ? ? ?"I allied myself with a few," Serena said, following you, "But I do not approve of what they do. They get the jobs done, and that's what scary about them."This is the first kind of talk you've had a in a few minutes, so it's best if you just keep at it. "Did you ever free any of them? Any of the slaves?"? ? ? ? ?Serena shook her head, "The ones I met were indentured." She placed her hands on her hips, "Do you know what that means?""Something to do with teeth?"? ? ? ? ?"It means that there freedom was bought and they had to work it off." Serena said, "They get paid by getting their freedom back. But they also have to pay for their own food. They are essentially slaves, just not forever. You can't exactly help them." She paused, looking back."What's wrong?" You looked passed her. Serena doesn't stop for nothing. She had to of heard something.? ? ? ? ?She drew her sword and stepped toward. Out of the shadows stepped...1111211111111111111111?It was a rattis darting towards the two of you!? ? ? ? ?Serena drew her blade from it's sheathe and got into the stance necessary to plunge it into a heart. You also braced yourself to either dive tot he right, or left, or to hop on the rattis if Serena was in trouble. The it was too dark for you to know what color the rat was, or even what gender, but you soon find out it was neither Love or Blackjack or Bree. It was a stranger. She came closer and opened her mouth to say, "Get out of the way! Run!"? ? ? ? ?You and Serena move out of the the way as the rattis sprinted past.? ? ? ? ?She was fleeing? From who? Your fur bristled. Or from what? How many things does a rattis run from? Serena knew the answer, she sheathed the weapon and followed the rattis, telling you to follow her.? ? ? ? ?You were about to follow her, you even took a step towards her, but you halted when you heard a weird sound. It was a whistling noise, coming louder and louder. A crack in the ceiling that let in some light made a light flicker in the air.? ? ? ? ?Then a metal splinter slipped through the air at a casual velocity; it was fast, but you managed to step out of the way. However, you obtained a fresh new cut on your thigh. The metal piece was a needle, or it looked like one but was thinner and had a slightly thicker metal tip. That wasn't a needle, and you aren't sticking around to find out.? ? ? ? ?You dashed away as fast as you could, your thigh giving you hell. You glanced down, noticing a thick cut. It didn't just glance off of you, it cut through some of the muscle.? ? ? ? ?"Over there!" A voice called from behind you, "I got her!"? ? ? ? ?You tried to run, but every time you lifted your leg, it burnt and only burnt worse every time you lifted. You aren't going to get much farther. You'll have to stay and fight. But they are throwing needles! Not to mention you're unarmed. They are throwing weapons at you, you don't have a chance!"Serena!" You called at her. It will take more than two hands to fight whoever is coming after you. With Serena, you will dominate them, no matter how many spikes they through.? ? ? ? ?Serena, however, didn't stop running.? ? ? ? ?Your heart sank as you realized that you were soon on your own. Your leg started to bleed heavier. It occurred that your blood had begun to ooze down your leg and leaving a trail for them to follow. You began to crawl."Sere-Ah!" You scream in pain as a metal splinter dipped into your tail.? ? ? ? ?"Shut up," A voice growled as a rope went around your neck and feet. You tried to call again but you felt light headed as the blood flow stopped reaching your brain. Then you felt something drill into your neck, and your head was flushed with fatigue and dreariness. All urge to resist and fight escaped you. The man dropped your head back onto the ground and spoke, "I got her sir."? ? ? ? ?"Dammit, Jeremy." A woman said, "This one has a scarf. We aren't supposed to touch claimed micen."? ? ? ? ?Jeremy poked your neck with a needle, then your back, "White scarf. White shirt. As far as I know, Shieki's mice have white scarves, but this one is several floors up. If you ask me, Cammy, it's a ploy."? ? ? ? ?Cammy growled, "I told you not to call me that." She kicked your foot, which lied without response, "You almost killed her with that javelin."? ? ? ? ?"Yeah? There was another one, so no loss. Help me with this. We're eating good tonight."? ? ? ? ?You couldn't move your muscles. You lost all will to resist. You felt dead and limp, even with your eyes opened. Your mind was in a blank fray. You felt Jeremy lift you up and through you over his shoulder as he walked away; your useless scarf dangling and batting your face.11112111111111111111111How long has it been?? ? ? ? ?How many hours have passed? You were drugged enough that the only muscles you could move were your blinking eyes. You can't believe what happened. They threw you into a basket of food and dragged you. You heard wheels turn and croak and watched the ceiling move. You were on your back, unable to move. But you have noticed that you are in a metal cage as the wire encroached your vision.? ? ? ? ?"She awake?" You could hear Cammy's voice from in front of the wagon.? ? ? ? ?"Nope." Jeremy answered without looking at you, focusing on a map. He glanced at you when you blinked and corrected himself, "Wait, can I change my answer?"? ? ? ? ?"Just make sure the drugs don't wear off." Cammy demanded.? ? ? ? ?You were upset. You would cry if you could. Slavers caught you! You would have stood a chance if she helped you! You realize that you are not sad over her leaving you. You're furious over her leaving you. How could she just abandon you like that? First she gives you a concussion without warning, now she left you to the mercy of slavers! If you ever see her again, you're going to punch her in her smug face. How could she do this?! For a moment you wished you fed her to Geenie.?? ? ? ? ?Jeremy was quiet, moving close to you and leaning over the cage. "If it's any consultation..." You moved your vision towards him, your bitter and undying hate giving you strength to control that much. He smirked, "You're not going to be a slave."? ? ? ? ?You closed your eyes. Why is he talking to you? His very voice is pissing you off. If you get out of this, if you get your hands on him...? ? ? ? ?"You see, there's a feral driving the cart you're in..." He grinned as you moved your eyes around. Are you surrounded by meat? "The?food?cart." He laughed, "And my pet likes fresh meat, so consider yourself lucky."? ? ? ? ?Damn him! Damn Jeremy, damn Cammy, damn this stupid freaking rodent driving your cart. And especially damn Serena!? ? ? ? ?You growled from your throat and began to quietly hiss through your teeth. Jeremy laughed more, full of himself, "What? What, you want to say something?" He leaned his head in near the cage, "Go ahead, say it. I''m listening."? ? ? ? ?In sheer and utter rage, you broke out of your paralysis and grabbed him by the fur on his neck. Before he knew what was going on, you pulled him head first into the wiring. The world seemed to slow down, you were able to see every inch of his horrified face. Then, absent minded, you smashed his head repeatingly into the cart. You didn't stop there. Within your mindless rage, you began to punch him. You saw him bleed out his nose. You continued punching as hard as you can, until your knuckles and wrists began to strain with pain.? ? ? ? ?Then you felt something stab your neck. Your muscles released uncontrollably and the corners of your eyes burned with blood and veins. Your felt, and even heard your heartbeat slow.? ? ? ? ?"What the hell did you give her?!" Cammy screamed. Jeremy coughed and tried to breathe after the good choking you gave him. Cammy grabbed you on the back and pulled you to the cent of the cart, "You dumbass! You gave her the wrong drug! You're lucky she didn't snap your damn head in half before it wore off."? ? ? ? ?"What the hell is going on?" Another voice asked. It was the last thing you heard before you blacked out.111121111111111111111111?You woke up again, after being unconscious for, what, the fifth time?? ? ? ? ?"So you're awake?" Cammy asked, sitting in front of you. Your body was stiff, but you were able to move your arms. Your rubbed your forehead, wiping away sweat that clung to your fur. You never had that much on you before. Your body started to turn cool, and your tongue was dry due to you breathing through your mouth for at least an hour. Then your stomach disagreed with something in your gut, and you upchucked what goop remained of the brownie.? ? ? ? ?Cammy placed her hand on your back and began to rub, "Yeah, sorry. It's not uncommon for the drugs to do that."? ? ? ? ?You weren't focusing on her, rather, you used what strength you've had left to keep yourself from falling into your own vomit.? ? ? ? ?Cammy grabbed your shoulder gently and hauled you so that your back was against the wall. "Hey, it's alright. You're fine. You get to go home.""Wait, really?" In your decrepit and stiffened state, your eyes sparkled with joy and a smile grew on your face. After all the crap you've been through, you can finally at least get a full sleep in a warm bed!? ? ? ? ?Cammy slapped you in the side of the head, "No! I'm lying, you moron. What, you think you'd just go free by choking the crap out of one of us?" You bit your teeth. Of course she was lying. You didn't think she'd go so low to play that trick. "Can you walk?" She asked. You tried to talk, but your body demanded you vomit once more. You gagged, with nothing in your stomach, you only felt the painful wrenches of your insides twist and contort. You wanted to squeal. Kicking your knee, Cammy asked again, "Can you walk?"? ? ? ? ?She didn't wait for an answer, she grabbed you and pulled you to your feet. Your muscles shivered under your own weight.? ? ? ? ?"If you sat down," She articulated, placing a hand on her sheathed needle, "I will you kill you now. Plenty of other people we can hunt."? ? ? ? ?You refused to sit down. Your spine was erect, but you were swaying. You felt dead inside. It felt like you stood there for an entire minute. The whole time, Cammy was clenching her needle, watching in anticipation. Your swaying slowed down, and you were able to stand up straight now.? ? ? ? ?"Good." She motioned in front of the mouse.? ? ? ? ?You limped over to in front of the rodent and began to walk.? ? ? ? ?"We should just let Brutus eat her now." Jeremy sniped.? ? ? ? ?"Moron." Cammy said, "She's drugged to the point that she'd kill him. I think she has more of the Vial in her than blood at the moment. It's hard enough to find a mouse that isn't dead or diseased, so how about we just wait until we get to Kert."? ? ? ? ?You've walked for hours. It had to be hours. You don't remember thinking about much. The only time you've done anything other than walking was turning when you were told to. You heard that you were going to Kert. You heard Mango talk about that place. You truly are a slave, if you weren't mouse food.? ? ? ? ?At one point, Cammy told you to sit down. You were reluctant, thinking it was a means of her to kill you, but she told you it was break time before grabbing you by the shoulder and applying pressure on the back of your knee.? ? ? ? ?You sat down against the wall, staring at the ceiling as your limps were being bound and gagged. Then you wept silently until you fell asleep.? ? ? ? ?Your felt something tug at your hands. You open your eyes...1111211111111111111111111?You open your eyes to see a blurred figure.? ? ? ? ?A micen's figure. You closed them again, trying to get as much sleep as possible. You never wanted this to happen. "On your feet, quietly; before they wake up." Your eyes shot open. That was Serena's voice. You opened your eyes. Your vision is still blurred, but you can recognize the fur of Serena. You growled and kicked her in the shin. In response, she growled and asked, "What is wrong with you?""You ditched me!" You hissed, "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."? ? ? ? ?"Now is not the time to talk about this." Serena used her claws to cut the fishing wire that held your hands and legs together, "We have to get out of here before the drugs wear off." She helped you to your feet, and you stumbled almost entirely on top of her. "Damn, those drugs must be good."? ? ? ? ?Drugs, as in plural. A terrible thought encroached your mind as you looked past Serena."Serena, which drugs did you use?"? ? ? ? ?Serena cocked her head to the side in confusion, "Were they not the same?"?? ? ? ? ?You shook your head as you realized the danger Serena had once again put you in. Cammy crawled from behind the cart. Her fur bristled and standing on end, and the whites of her eyes were bloodshot red. Seeing that her cover was blown, she growled rashly, "You used the wrong drug, moron!" and charged at Serena.? ? ? ? ?Serena released you, turning to face her new found enemy. Serena drew out her blade, but not before Cammy was on top of her. The mouse dug her nails into Serena's neck, the scarf protecting her from losing any blood but not from the choking force.? ? ? ? ?Serena twisted her torso, making Cammy lean forward. Serena then jumped and kicked Cammy square in the stomach. Cammy lost her grip, allowing Serena to smash a fist into her stomach. This is where you came in. You pulled the spare syringe of Vial from her satchel and plunged it into her shoulder.? ? ? ? ?Cammy then froze as the fluids entered her system. She swayed, almost unable to stand up. Serena placed a finger in between the mouse's eyes and gently nudged her, making Cammy fall over paralyzed.You pointed to her satchel, wagging a finger as you began to think, "Why do they keep those two drugs so close together?"? ? ? ? ?"Because those two are morons." Another voice answered. You and Serena whipped your head around to see a bran new mouse with even more cohorts. This one was light grey with brown short hair. He hid his hazel eyes as he dipped his head in for a face palm. "They aren't supposed to capture micen with scarves."? ? ? ? ?The two of you stare at him, Serena plucked her blade from the ground and stood in a guarded stance.? ? ? ? ?He held up his arms in a submissive gesture, "How rude of me. My name is Karse, and you just beat up my sister. But I don't blame you. I would have done it myself. In the mean time..." He pointed down a nearby hall, "We need to get some food in you. The closest settlement is Kert. It's down that way. Come with us and we will buy you a round of drinks, to make up for the confusion."? ? ? ? ?"We can make it there on our own." Serena said, "We can handle a few thugs if we run into trouble."? ? ? ? ?"No doubt." Karse said, "But the slums aren't what you should be worried about. Do you have anything that could get you into Kert itself? Like, say, a basket full of food to trade?" He motioned towards the wagon behind the sleeping feral mouse.? ? ? ? ?Do you trust them? What would happen if you did? What would happen if you didn't?11112111111111111111111111"We'll go with you." You said.? ? ? ? ?Like you expected, you got a disapproving look from Serena."Don't look at me like that." You said, pulling her blade arm down, "Every time we go with your plan,?I'm?the one who gets hurt. We meet some rattis, and the knock the wind out of me. I save you from certain death, and you smashed my head in. You then leave me behind, all part of an oh so wonderful plan I presume and I get bound, beaten, and drugged to the point I have the cognitive skills of a blind, limbless, pidgin who won't stop eating lead paint chips. We're doing it my way for once."? ? ? ? ?Serena glared at you before glancing at Karse and the others, "You want to go with them? They're the ones who captured you."? ? ? ? ?"No, they are." Karse pointed behind the two of you, towards the two paralyzed micen on the ground, "And besides. We're going to Kert anyways. Renek." Karse turned to a man with a black outfit and armor before motioning him to the mouse and cart, "Make sure when my brother and sister wake up that they know we've moved on and that they need to catch up.""Alright, Karse, lead the way," You motioned down the hall and gestured Serena to follow you. She reluctantly obeyed.? ? ? ? ?The slums were horrible! You thought the poor ghettos of Niarb were bad, this one set the bar higher. Or lower? Is that how it works??? ? ? ? ?People clung to the sides of the street as if they didn't have a home, and they most likely didn't. Those who did have a home seemed to have to share it with another family. At one point a fight broke out in front of you over a scrap of bread.? ? ? ? ?The houses were utter drabs. Some were too small to really be considered houses, just one room half the time. And decor must have not been a vocabulary word taught to the lower masses, because this place is as bland as Risa's humor. One thing you have noticed, however, you're the only person you've seen not wearing pants. And you've even recieved a few looks from parental figures here and there.? ? ? ? ?This place needs to get its priorities straight.? ? ? ? ?No one bothered to bump into your or attack, or steal, or attempt any of that stuff. Either you and Serena are intimidating or you girls don't have anything poor people consider worth stealing.? ? ? ? ?The streets were not flat and bare like Niarb's dusty roads, but rather down hill, and in some instances, stairs would have been nice considering how steep the ramp is. The mouse and cart had to find another way around, but it was never left unguarded by at least three men. The people here eyed it to no end, but none bothered to make a move.? ? ? ? ?By the time you got to the gates of Kert, the guards let you all in just by seeing the cart, but they didn't allow the mouse in. It could cause serious trouble if it's not watched properly.? ? ? ? ?Kert itself was amazing, especially compared to the sight of the slums. Just look at this place! There’re lights, and noises and... is that soft jazz playing from somewhere?? ? ? ? ?People had fancy clothes, some had less clothes, some didn't have any but they were most likely kept warm by a red-light bulb next to a building filled with curtained windows.? ? ? ? ?And this place smelled delicious too! Almost as good as Geenie's kitchen, except not as sin-no-manny.?? ? ? ? ?"Well, here you go. You're in." Karse said, stretching his back, "Let me buy you a few rounds at the casino, we can make it even."? ? ? ? ?"Up to you, Thorrow." Serena muttered as if she didn't want to be here.111121111111111111111111111"That would be lovely." You answered.? ? ? ? ?"Wonderful!" Karse said. You noticed Serena rolled her eyes. "Follow us. How good are you with holding your liquor?" He asked as he started to walk backwards. You don't remember the last time you had liquor. Well, you do, but you don't remember much of it, or even how you managed to get drunk. You recall that time you were eaten by a drunk woman, Maroon or Moron, and it gets all fuzzy after that.?You answered, "I swam in it last time I had some."? ? ? ? ?"Damn, you must know how to live." He led you two to a wooden block, with a sign on top saying 'Vanner's casino.' A casino is a place where people gamble, anyone with a brain knows that, but what's a vanner?? ? ? ? ?You ignored the thought as you headed inside.? ? ? ? ?The place looked amazing once you passed some double doors. The place was carpeted, with material that felt great on your feet; the room was lit with candles, both big and small; bars, booze, poker, and food, what more could a girl want?? ? ? ? ?The gambling floor was huge, you think you're under ground, maybe even under the slums. They're lots of noise tot he point you think Kertians tapped into the electrical grid. The bar looked busy, and so did the little cafe on the other side of the liquor cabinet. Karse motioned towards the bartender and held up three fingers.? ? ? ? ?The mouse poured a liquid in the corresponding number of cups and slid them down to you. You picked up your drink and drank. It burned like bile and didn't taste too different from it. You wanted to vomit it out, but you swallowed it down like you would you with the promise of a good time.? ? ? ? ?Serena was much more skeptical, sniffing the drink before having a sip. She didn't seem to mind the taste and continued sipping, "Thank you Karse. Forgive Thorrow about chugging the wine."? ? ? ? ?"None taken, my dear." Karse said as he sipped. The bartender poured another round, and you aren't some pansy. You could chug all the drinks you want.? ? ? ? ?By the time you were on your third cup, you've come to realize that you're tipsy and seem to recall Risa saying something about a 'light weight.'? ? ? ? ?"Thorrow," Serena said, "Don't you think it's time for you to go home?"? ? ? ? ?"Thorrow?" A man said from behind you, "Wait,?the?Thorrow?"? ? ? ? ?You turned around to see a micen in some fancy garbs and robes. He had purple hair, which was weird to look at on a micen. He looked like he was going out, but now he was inspecting you.? ? ? ? ?"What is-" He shot is gaze towards Serena, "Karse, what is the meaning of this?"? ? ? ? ?Karse sat his drink down and held up his hands, "Vanner, I can explain."? ? ? ? ?Vanner's eyes widened and his mouth dropped, "You didn't!"? ? ? ? ?"My kin made a little oopsie is all." Karse spun back to his drink and sipped.? ? ? ? ?"No!" Vanner refused his excuse, "Missing the shithole is an oopsie. This is outrageous."?? ? ? ? ?"You're just assuming. Maybe I did nothing wrong?"? ? ? ? ?Vanner placed his fists on his hips and you swear you could see a vein on his forehead. he looked down and muttered, "Did your kin screw up?"? ? ? ? ?"Aye, they did." Karse said, taking another sip and disregarding Vanner.? ? ? ? ?"Son of a whore, Karse..." He looked at you, "I hope they didn't treat you wrongly."You shook your head, "I'm fine. The drugs are wearing off by now."? ? ? ? ?Vanner shot another angry glare, with a dash of shock, at Karse. "Thorrow, Serena, please follow me. I'll be sure to repay you for what this ruffian has caused. To the mezzanine, come."? ? ? ? ?This place was even better. The meeting room over looked the gambling tables. You were eating mashed 'po-tate-toes' on a plate not too long ago. You must have surprised Serena with the mess you've made, she didn't stop looking at you funny. You swallowed the last bite and turned to Vanner, who was gazing over the gambling floor."Are you alright?" You asked, "Oh! Thank you, Mr. Vanner, for giving me something to eat."? ? ? ? ?"That wasn't eating." Serena said, wiping some food off of her arm, "Eating is a simple process. What you did was pure chaos."? ? ? ? ?Vanner turned around and spoke, "Don't worry about the mess, I'll have someone clean it up. Are you two lovely ladies fed? Good. I want to apologize for my colleagues’ actions; I'll have you know the poisons are being delivered as we speak.? ? ? ? ?"That's not necessary!" Serena said, finally taking a bite of her food.? ? ? ? ?"But it is." Vanner said, "Don't worry, I won't kill all of them. Just Moron 1 and Moron 2. But if the legends are true, stealing a leona's mouse has only the direst consequences. That reminds me, Serena, is that scarf real? Does it protect you?"? ? ? ? ?"Yes, but not as well as I hoped." She said with a mouth full.? ? ? ? ?"I promise, once this is all sorted out, I'll escort you two back home." Vanner seemed calmer now, even smiling, "How does the expression go? Crisis averted?"? ? ? ? ?A knock was heard on the double doors close to your left.? ? ? ? ?Vanner stood up, "Who is it?"? ? ? ? ?The voice behind the door was stern and low toned, but sounded playful and soft hearted, "It's your bestest buddy, Vanner."? ? ? ? ?Serena's fur bristled at the voice. her eyes widened and her spoon hovered a hand's length from her mouth. She had the terrorfying look she had on when Geeaness asked to eat her.? ? ? ? ?Vanner seemed the opposite. He was calmed and smiled again, before saying loud enough for the man behind the door to hear, "Come in, Sitchol."1111211111111111111111111111The door swung open hard with a loud kick on the other end.? ? ? ? ?In the door frame stood perhaps the tallest micen you've seen. Even with his back hunched he is centimeters taller than you, at least four whole inches total. He had black and grey fur, found only on his face as the rest of him was heavily armored. His leather hood covered his face in a dark shroud. And his snout, the only thing that was white, grinned sincerely. He spoke, his voice slightly rasped as he dropped a small cane he was using, "Vanner! How's my favorite lord of the slavers, huh?"? ? ? ? ?"Uncle Sitchol!" Vanner paced himself around the table, arms wide for a hug. He pounced on Sitchol, wrapping his arms in a warm embrace.? ? ? ? ?Sitchol spun him around before setting him on his feet, "Vanner, my boy, you've grown."? ? ? ? ?All the tension in the room recieded; it was just Vanner's kin. You simply lied back, trying to stretch some muscles that felt cramp. At least the drugs are wearing off. Serena, however, cautiously ate her food, sniffing every bite as she tried to steady her hands. What is wrong with her?? ? ? ? ?"What happened to you?" Vanner almost gasped at his friend's physical state.? ? ? ? ?"A leona is what happened." Sitchol then muttered, "I don't like getting kicked."? ? ? ? ?"Sitchol, I'm glad you came." Vanner held his arm and motioned towards the door at the far end, "I have a problem with a loose end I need to tie. Ever since Solace was here-"? ? ? ? ?"I'm going to stop you right there." Sitchol removed his hand, fixated on Vanner but pointing a thumb behind his shoulder, "Vanner, I'm uhm... I'm leaving."? ? ? ? ?Vanner's eyes widened, his brows drooped with his ears. "So soon? But you just got here. When will you be back?"? ? ? ? ?Sitchol shook his head, "I won't. I'm sorry. I ran into something at Tara, something big... Actually, I will return here, but not soon. Not until I finished digging."? ? ? ? ?"Oh... How long will that take?"? ? ? ? ?"This long!" Sitchol held his hands apart, arms stretched, "But if I get who I came for... This long." Sitchol closed the gap about half way. "I'm short on time as it is. I... I know Solace is changing things, I'm not mad at you Vanner."? ? ? ? ?"You're not?" He sounded relieved as he did questioning.? ? ? ? ?"It was a good thing you sided with her. Whether it was luck, foresight, or preminition, you've saved everyone and made the right choice." He poked Vanner's nose, "There's more than three leonas. The Dead Zones, they didn't destroy themselves it turns out."? ? ? ? ?This time, it was Sitchol who gave Vanner a hug.? ? ? ? ?"Kid," He spoke, "You'd have made a damn fine slaver, somehow."? ? ? ? ?The two exchanged laughs and Vanner hugged tighter and showed Sitchol the door. As Vanner walked from the wooden slab, Serena breathed a long, relieving sigh; setting down her silverware and rubbing her eyes.? ? ? ? ?She noticed your perculiar look and explained, "I uhm.. Worked with him before. Long story short, I'm glad he didn't recognize me."? ? ? ? ?"Wait..!" You could hear Sitchol's voice still ring through the door, Heavy footsteps were heard up the stairs as the door opened slowly. Sitchol stared inside, glaring with unease at Vanner.? ? ? ? ?Serena held her breath as she could barely hold her gaze. Something about this man, this half-ling of a rattis, is scaring the toughest mouse you've ever met.? ? ? ? ?Sitchol opened his mouth, "Sorry, I forgot my cane." He grabbed the needle before feeling around his pockets. "Just noticed that you stole some of my sweets."? ? ? ? ?"Heh," Vanner held some taffy in his hand, "Yeah, you got me-"? ? ? ? ?"Also, guards, seize the yellow mouse!" Sitchol commanded.? ? ? ? ?Serena stood up and withdrew her blade as several armored guards charged in. You were about to stand up, but one of the guards tackled you. You both fell over on your chair. You tried to push him off of you, but another guard piled on top of you. Before you knew it, Your wrists, arms, and legs were bounded together.? ? ? ? ?You were thrown onto the table as you saw Sitchol inspect Serena. She was held against the wall, a needle pinned her scarf against the wall, choking her every time she made a move.? ? ? ? ?Vanner was not happy seeing the sudden change of events, "Sitchol! What are you doing? Guards, they belong to leonas, let them go."? ? ? ? ?Not a single guard moved.? ? ? ? ?"I ordered you to let them go!" He made clear.? ? ? ? ?Sitchol shook his head, "Vanner, you get a pass on trying to overstep my authority but only for your ignorance. Do you really think they are loyal to?you?" Vanner was silent, staring at Sitchol as he pointed to Serena, "This mouse nearly killed us all. Her information was off, her tactics were flawed and especially executed poorly. If I had her power, Vanner, you wouldn't have to listen to Solace for your own safety. This scarf?" He poked the fabric, "But a ploy! This woman?" He pulled onto Serena's hair, "Not a micen. Just a mouse. Meat for a rat is all she is good for now."? ? ? ? ?Serena desperately kicked hard between Sitchol's leg. You could hear a loud clank and Serena's grunt in pain.? ? ? ? ?"Great example of foresight, right there.” Sitchol held an amused grin, "Something you lack. Feed her to the rat!""No!" You screamed as the guards rushed Serena off, tossing her down the stairs to more guards.? ? ? ? ?You felt your head lifted up from your hair, and your chin slammed hard into the table.? ? ? ? ?"What about this one, boss?" He said.? ? ? ? ?"Geez, calm down, Teralt. This one really does belong to a leona..." Sitchol said before rubbing his chin...11112111111111111111111111111"Let me talk to her." He spoke softly.? ? ? ? ?The guards listened and released you, backing up and pulling out their needles. Sitchol raised a hand and shooed them away before motioning you to take a seat. As the guards left the room, Sitchol inched over towards you, clutching his needle with every step. How this man could walk is incomprehensible. Every step must be a nightmare as his spine is no longer suitable for the effort. And to think he could do without the cane?You still had rage quelling in your stomach. He's sending Serena to her death! You have to stop this. You spoke, "I'm not listening to anything you have to say until I know Serena is safe."? ? ? ? ?"You don't bargain with me," he smirked, "I bargain with?you. You want her back? Very well. If you care for Serena's well being, you will listen and agree with what I have to say. And you have about five minutes to do so, before she's rat food; and the timer started a few seconds ago. Are you listening?"? ? ? ? ?You kept your mouth shut. He's holding her hostage, and blackmailing you. Disagreeing with him will only cost you precious seconds. You bit your lips, swallowing your rage and nodded.? ? ? ? ?"Good." He limped his way over to the other side of the table, "You may think I'm such a bad guy, being a slave master and all, but do you know why I came here? Why I have done everything?"? ? ? ? ?You shook your head, "I presume you're going to tell me?"? ? ? ? ?"Have you ever heard of the Dead Zones?" He paced towards Vanner, who was backing up towards the door to the room behind him."The places full of artifacts or something like a ghost town or something?" You answered, your fingers tapping and your feet getting giddy as Serena's time slowly ran out.? ? ? ? ?"So you do know? Then I won't educate you about the myths they had. Shaman Tribes of the Apex, and the Rattis Exodus, and what-not and who-ha. But I will tell you something that is no myth." He pointed away, towards the walls behind him, "Tara is on top of something big. A utopia. A place that is sealed off from all leonas, a place where even the rattis cannot find us. There would be no need for a pantry; there's enough food there to last at least a hundred generations! A promise land known as 'Bunker Twenty-Two. You think it's just a colony? No. It''s a metropolis!"? ? ? ? ?"Four minutes." Vanner spoke, counting his fingers as seconds passed by, inching closer towards the door. Your heart began to point loudly in your ears as Serena's remaining lifespan ticked down.? ? ? ? ?"How will I get to this place? You may ask." Sitchol continued, "No one will dig with the possibility it doesn't exist. There is too much to dig to pay for diggers. And the rattis certainly would rather eat us than to help us escape their hunting ground. What do I do to obtain such a safe society? Quite simple, really. As a means to an end, an end which justifies all means; I had to become the man I am now."You slammed your hands on the table, "I dont give a damn how I should care about any of this! Just tell me what you need before you waste another minute!"? ? ? ? ?Sitchol pointed at you, pacing back and forth in front of Vanner, "Straight to the point? I like that. I need you to convince Shieki to help us.""Help you?" You asked, your voice becoming uneasy.? ? ? ? ?"Three minutes," Vanner spoke, counting fingers.You spoke quicker as almost half your time is gone. "How could Shieki help you? She's too big to dig for you, I don't even know where Tara is."? ? ? ? ?"Under her floorboards," He continued. "She can help us by bringing us any micen she catches; by bringing us food and clothes, and needles, and metal and shovels. Anything that could help us dig faster." He stopped on the other side of the table, "What do you think? I wouldn't even need my pet if I have her help. It could be done within days if she somehow help dig herself. Wouldn't she want micen to live in such a safe place?"? ? ? ? ?You paused, thinking. How could you get Shieki to help him? She can't really catch micen. She doesn't sow much. She already gives Tara plenty of food. You could tell her what Sitchol told you! That Bunker is truly a haven for all micen.? ? ? ? ?Then it occured to you just how wrong that is.? ? ? ? ?Sitchol is a slave master. He's using slaves! People are going to get hurt. What makes you think Sitchol will stop using slaves when he's done? But you have to save Serena! But what will Serena think of you if you sided with someone who planned to kill her? Someone who tried to help kill Shieki herself?? ? ? ? ?"Two minutes." Vanner reminded you.? ? ? ? ?You have to make your choice now!111121111111111111111111111111?"I must refuse."?? ? ? ? ?Sitchol blinked in bewilderment. His pause was long and almost uncanny as he looked between Vanner and you. "Huh." He finally spoke, placing his hand on his chin and rubbing it. "Well... This is an interesting development."? ? ? ? ?You held your face as emotionless as possible. Inside you are actually holding in an array of emotions. You feel sad that you just committed Serena to her fate. But you feel angry because she would have wanted this. Oddly enough this makes you feel happy as well, as Serena may not know it, but once you get home you will try and convince Shieki to give Sitchol what have has coming to him, when she gets back.? ? ? ? ?Vanner's ears drooped. "One minute."? ? ? ? ?Serena landed hard on her chest. The guards weren't keen on making sure she felt well before and as they tossed her hard into the room from an elevated door. It was just out of arms reach when if she jumped for it. The floor under her is mostly just dirt. Not a lot of thought went into building this room. It's just big, dark and empty.? ? ? ? ?Or at least that's what it looked like. Serena knew better. She is well aware of the danger she's in. She was breathing heavily, staying in what cracks of light the door behind her allowed to peer through. She blinked as her eyes got used to the dark. The room wasn't empty. There was some mats, and some soft dead grass in a pile. But there was no food bowl...? ? ? ? ?That's when she heard growling and heavy foot steps. She saw in her peripheral vision, a rattis, perhaps the biggest she has ever seen. He looked half starved. His face, and body, was scarred beyond belief. One eye, one nostril and a single ear are all that seemed salvageable on him; the others were scratched to all hell. Half of his teeth looked forcibly ripped out, for as he snarled the gums looked unhealed.? ? ? ? ?The rattis didn't sniff out Serena's scent to find her, rather relied on his hearing, as he isn't looking straight at her, but pivoting his remaining torn ear towards her.? ? ? ? ?Serena felt something under her hand. A rock, or a bone from a former victim, was present. She grasped it hard, but careful enough to not make any noise as she halted her breathing. She tossed it to the other side of the room, towards the mats.? ? ? ? ?The rattis snarled and charged, chasing after what he presumed was his prey as Serena moved somewhere closer. There's a hole nearby, Serena knows exactly where it leads, and she knows it gets moved to the outside world. It is her?only?means of survival.? ? ? ? ?The rattis, however, caught up with his prey. He padded around, listening sharply, until he touched the bone he was unknowingly looking for. He turned his heard sharply, darting his vision towards the door. Serena could only hold still as the rat looked all around from the only place his eye might work.? ? ? ? ?Then he started sniffing, and turned his gaze towards her.? ? ? ? ?Serena shrieked as the rattis charged in, closing in all distance from her. She tried to run towards her destination, but was knocked down. Whilst on her back, the rattis opened his mouth, his foul smelling breath was the least of Serena's worries. "No! Get off!" Her teary voice yelled, placing her hands on his top and bottom jaw, digging her nails in and pushing away.? ? ? ? ?The rattis swiped his hand, knocking Serena's arms away and rolling her onto her back. He paused and placed his muzzle against Serena's whimpering body...1111211111111111111111111111111?He pulled her up to his snout.? ? ? ? ?Serena held her eyes shut as the rat pressed her against himself and began to sniff. Serena isn't an idiot. She knows there's no way out of this. She knows what's going to happen next. He's going to open his jaws and end her. She only hopes that the bite is strong enough to snap her spine, or tear off her head. She cringed as the creature wrapped his arm around her and squeezed her.? ? ? ? ?As the air left her lungs, not as fast as she predicted it would, she was about to order that he made it quick. Then she felt the rat's head resting on her shoulder. Her body was cradled as the rattis leaned right and left, his breath was inconsistent. Was he... crying?? ? ? ? ?Serena opened her eyes as the beast whimpered. She sniffed his fur as well, which created a strange sense of nostalgia. His heart was calming down after beating so hard, it soon rose with a spark of disbelief as he spoke her name, "Serena? Is that really you?"? ? ? ? ?She heard that voice before. Before she met the rats. Before Alec's death. She remembers the man who taught her how to act like a rat. She spoke back, "Mr... Fluffykins?"? ? ? ? ?"That about does it." Sitchol spoke as Vanner ran out of fingers. He clapped his hands together before shrugging, "Minute is up; she's as good as dead. Dead. Deaderino. Deader than dead. More dead than Kerwar's career. No question about it. She. Is. Dead."? ? ? ? ?Your heart has already sunken to the floor, but Sitchol's callous approach to her death made your stomach sick and your mouth taste like bile.? ? ? ? ?He noticed your distasteful look and raised a brow, "You got something to say about it?" You had plenty to say about it, but when you opened your mouth you could feel your entrails wanting to leave your body. You leaned forward and vomited onto the plate. Sitchol scratched his head at your reply, "I guess you do have a point, I am acting kind of like a jerk, but oh well! Heh, you should know better than to accept food from Vanner." He stood up and snapped his fingers, pointing them to the door, "Well, we got to go. Shieki will be needing you back, and I have to get my pet and start digging. You coming?"? ? ? ? ?You looked towards Vanner, who still puppy guarded the door behind him. He nodded, telling you this was the best option to go with. Guards entered the room, one of them ready to tie you up, the other ready to stab; both had a face of disgust at the vomit on the plate.? ? ? ? ?You stood up and stepped towards the door, following Sitchol out.? ? ? ? ?"If there's any condolence in my words, I am sorry what had to happen to her.""No you're not." You grunted, refusing to look at her.? ? ? ? ?"Not when you give me that attitude." He spoke back, calmly. "Why are you this far from home? Isn't Shieki worried about you?" You shook your head, trying to decide whether to be mad or angry. You wished you'd decided to save Serena instead of letting her die. You hope she understood. As you continued to follow Sitchol down the stairs, the guards following close, Sichol spoke again. "And why not?""Vacation. She's on vacation." You mumbled, "Risa was supposed to watch me. One thing led to another..."? ? ? ? ?"Is that so? Does anyone know you're here?" Sitchol asked, popping the knuckles on his fingers. As you shook your head, unable to speak with so many emotions running through your mind, Sitchol changed course. You followed him towards the door that was in between the stair cases, under the room Vanner was in.You blinked in curiousity as he opened it. "This... This wasn't the way I came in."? ? ? ? ?Sitchol flicked his wrist, pointing at you. Your vision darkened as a sack was thrown over your head. Your arms were then restrained and tied behind your back before being pushed through the door.11112111111111111111111111111111"Careful with her. She's strong."? ? ? ? ?The guard's warning was duly noted, as the other guard tightened the fishing wire around your hands. The bag over your head impeded your vision, and was almost thick enough to restrict your breathing. Your tried to shoulder your way into the guard, but they can plainly see your telegraphed movement.? ? ? ? ? You felt so powerless. You're used to it when being manhandled by Shieki, but this is beyond your control. You were being almost completely dragged through the halls. The guards didn't mind, they just continued doing their job, ignoring your struggles and protests.? ? ? ? ?That's when they took the bag off of your head. Before you were double doors that looked large enough to house said rattis. They opened the doors, showing a sheer drop as they prepared to toss you in.? ? ? ? ?Suddenly, out of the doors flew a body, knocking you onto your back as well as the guards. Other guards from further down the hall demanded to know what was happening, that's when you realize the body on top of you belonged to Serena. She immediately crawled on top of a guard beside you as you went with the groove and headbutted the other guard, smacking the side of your snout against his sensitive nose. He made a girly squeal, not because you harmed him, but because the door behind you was opening further; with a hand and claws digging into the floor from the room.? ? ? ? ?The moment the guard was able to get back to his feet, he ran off. The other guard, Serena pinned down. He was unable to escape, no matter how much he begged or struggled.? ? ? ? ?You turned your attention back to the doors. Out crawled a rattis, bigger than both Bree and Blackjack. He clutched his other hand onto the ledge and you could hear his claws scraping the walls under the door as he tried to get up. As he did, the first thing you was was his scarred face. You backed against the wall yourself. You weren't expecting such a terrifying sight.? ? ? ? ?He managed to crawl in through the door and shot a his gaze towards Serena. "Let him go." Before he looked at the man and pointed down the hall passed you, "That way."? ? ? ? ?Serena released the guard who was nowhere nigh reluctant to run. The woman stepped in front of you and grabbed your shoulder, gently yanking you up. "This is the one I told you about," she said as she was using her claws to cut the fishing wire, "She arrived sooner than I expected.""What's that supposed to mean?" You asked. Does she really trust you so much to screw up that she plans for it now?? ? ? ? ?"Oh, nothing." Serena was unable to cut the cords, so instead the turned you around so your back was facing the rattis. With a simple scratch, the binds were cut free.? ? ? ? ?"And who is this?" The ratman asked.? ? ? ? ?"Garret, Thorrow. Thorrow, Garret.""How many rats do you know?" You began to rub your sore wrists and offered to shake the man's hand. Garret lifted a single finger and pretended to shake with it.? ? ? ? ?"Just enough." She added, turning to the nearest door in the hall. "I'm going to look for my sword. I'll be right back. Uncle Garret, keep her company.""Uncle...?" You asked, looking at the man's scars but trying to draw your attention away. Garret still noticed and looked to the closest wall, hiding his deformations for your sake. "Hey," You began hesitantly, unsure how to approach this question, "how long have you been in there? What happened? And if you could have escaped so easily, why didn't you do it before?"? ? ? ? ?Garret snorted a snub of breath and shook his head, "I've been in there long enough to forget what most colors look like. I had no reason to escape, until now. And as to what had hapened to me..." He felt his cut-up face, "Sicthol is what happened.""Sitchol?" How could a single micen do so much damage to something so big? You ask that to yourself, soon remembering that you've been accompanied with Serena.? ? ? ? ?As she ran out of the door with her sword, she motioned with both of her hands waving towards the exit. "There's more, there's more. Go, go, go!"? ? ? ? ?She hopped on Garret's back and grabbed you by your shoulder before tossing you on without your own say in it.111121111111111111111111111111111You were quite amazed and excited.? ? ? ? ?A few moments ago, you were going to be food for a rat. Now? You're riding on the back of a half starved rat, with your new friend, running down a hallway at speeds you didn't know one could reach, while being chased by slavers as you are escaping capture. This was after you had a large amount of drugs in you. And after you were nearly swallowed whole by Geenie. And after you survived head trauma. And after meeting your mother, and Serena, and even paying respects to Grimmy-Grims. As well as survived?being?swallowed by Solace. The week isn't even over, and it's the most interesting one you had in so long. You wonder how Risa is coping. Most likely painting a micen blue at this moment.? ? ? ? ?It didn't take long before Garret smashed through the final set of doors. You were now int he main gambling halls with all the card games and gambling about. After the loud ruckus you and your posse made, it's not hard to understand why so many people were out f their seats looking at you. Oh, and also they were probably afraid of the large hungry looking rat. That may be the reason.? ? ? ? ?There's only one person who was still sitting down. He had his back facing you, collecting his winning from the table before bothering to acknowledge your presence. After doing so, he politely stood up and turned around. Sitchol glared at the three of you with blue shimmering eyes, for once looking surprised, or confused at least.? ? ? ? ?"So..." he said, pointing a finger that jumped between you, Serena and Garret, "What uhm... Explain."? ? ? ? ?Garret only responded with a hoarse snarl, but Serena hopped off and drew her sword. "You son of a bitch!"? ? ? ? ?"Yep," was all that Sitchol said to brush away the insult, "But seriously, explain."? ? ? ? ?"Uncle Garret told me everything!" Serena's hands clutched her blade, and she spoke through her teeth, "I'm going to tear you apart!"? ? ? ? ?"Serena... We have to leave." Garret muttered to her. Was that... fear you heard? Was Garret a micen in the presence of a cat?? ? ? ? ?"Uncle?" Sitchol started to laugh, "Uncle?! Oh my sweet Garret. How many other women did you crush?"? ? ? ? ?This time, it was Garret who wanted a fight. He dashed at him fast enough that you lost your grip and fell off. When you got to your feet, yo saw Sitchol jump behind the table he was at and kick the furniture piece into the way of the rat. As Garret leaped over it, Sitchol started to laugh as he jumped and plunged his boot directly into Garret's remaining eye.? ? ? ? ?Sitchol's laugh was cut short by Serena as she rounded the snarling Garret and slashed towards the mouse. Sitchol merely swiped the blad away from him, utulizing his gauntlets to full effect before he continued to laugh.? ? ? ? ?With Serena unable to break through his parries, and with a hissing Garret's only remaining eye bleeding, it was up to you to help end this. You charged Sitchol and when the time was right, you jumped. You planted both feet into his face, with it was the energy that traveled through the weight of your body from the momentum of speed and gravity.? ? ? ? ?Sitchol flung back, relaxing his body and allowing himself to be toppled over a table; like a rattis drop kicking a baby micen off the counters.You lifted up your arms in the shape of a Y and yelped, "Score!"? ? ? ? ?Serena decided to take this moment and charge in, blade drawn. by the time she was around the table, Sitchol was already on his feet. Serena wasted no time and swiped her sword at him while he was still recuperating from the blow.? ? ? ? ?Sitchol seemed unaffected. The next thing you see was Sitchol swing his arm from the floor up, smacking Serena back against the table hard enough that the sword fell out of her hands.? ? ? ? ?Sitchol opened his eyes and reached for the sword. Serena, the scariest mouse you know, crawled back as far away as she could. Why?! He then stood straight up and popped his neck with his free hand, turning towards you. "I never wanted to fight with my A-game. I really wanted to avoid getting a headache this time around. But you forced my hand."? ? ? ? ?"His eyes..." Serena gasped.? ? ? ? ?"His eyes...?" Garret repeated, his fur bristling. "We need to go!"? ? ? ? ?You now noticed the change in color. It was as amber as the sun Serena called before retreating to her uncle's side, "When did he use a stimulant?"? ? ? ? ?"A long time ago." he answered, "You know nothing of stims.""Why did it make his eyes turn amber?" You asked, rushing to Garret's side.? ? ? ? ?"Make my eyes do what?" Sitchol's ear twitched, before grinning madly and forgetting the question, "Never mind. Die now."? ? ? ? ?"We're leaving!" Garret snarled as he opened his bleeding eye to find the exit. Serena hopped on his back, while at the same time he snagged you and tossed you on as well.? ? ? ? ?As the rat beneath you booked it towards the exit, Sitchol began to laugh and prepared to throw Serena's sword like a javelin, "Hey, come back! You forgot something!"? ? ? ? ?Before the sword could leave his hand, a sharp pain stung through his body. A needle protruded from his hips, where his armor didn't protect. It entered him from behind. Sitchol swung his free hand as he turned around, striking Vanner in the chin head enough that the mouse was unconscious, perhaps dead. No, the twitching proved he was alive.? ? ? ? ?When Sitchol turned back towards his prey, they were already gone...1111211111111111111111111111111112 Sitchol-1.5Rage burned through Sitchol's hide.? ? ? ? ?His blood felt like it was boiling beneath his skin. His fingers writhed with the need to dig into flesh. His teeth gritted against each other, wanting to curse loudly. Only an irate, hoarse growl escaped from his lips. He would have gotten them! The sword was aimed for Garret. Now his hip and back hurts. He grasped the needle that pierced through him, the adrenaline still pulsed through his veins and blocked most pain from the wound.? ? ? ? ?He bent the point hard and fast until it snapped, and he swiftly but gently removed the the rest of the needle from his back.? ? ? ? ?He turned around, facing the perpetrator, or just traitor in general, that attacked him. Someone whom he treated like a son. He skulked towards Vanner's unconscious body and held Serena's blade to his stomach. When he wakes up, Stichol will only need to make one swipe. Then he'll dangle the boy by his legs so that he will feel every little moment of his guts falling out, and the claws that will dig into and crush his kneecaps.? ? ? ? ?"Sitchol, wait!" A familiar voice was heard. Teralt was rushing towards him from the bar, "Don't kill him!"? ? ? ? ?"And why not?" Sitchol snarled.? ? ? ? ?"Solace..." Teralt spoke, trying to calm himself down as much as he tried on Sitchol. He was putting his own being on the line to save a traitor, he should be in the most submissive posture possible when speaking to the slave master; bending over backwards either metaphorically or he will physically. "He works for Solace. I-If she sees how he was treated, Solace wouldn't be happy. This place belongs to her now, and t-this could be seen as some sort of coup."? ? ? ? ?Sitchol held his blade firm, but was not blind to reason. He allowed his remaining ear to pivot as he heard other guards walk forward to see what was going on and why you are about to kill the man they work for.? ? ? ? ?"You will put everyone at risk." Teralt continued, "People will question your authority, and?no one?will dig for you. Especially when the guards know it is you who killed the man who pays them, and unleashed Solace onto them. And their families."? ? ? ? ?Sitchol thought for a moment. Really, the only reason he kept Teralt around was to make sure he didn't do stupid things out of anger, like killing your best friend kind of stupid things. It would be wrong to ignore him, essentially now that he is right. He could intimidate people to dig, but eventually he'd run out of diggers when he runs out of people to stab. Then what? Would he stab the diggers? Who's going to dig then? This whole debockle was a fiasco and the thought of losing Garret only makes him more upset. But by the time when he was done thinking, the stim wore off.? ? ? ? ?A massive migraine burned into his brain. All the rage, anger and spite was replaced by fatigue that sapped the life out of him. Damn. This is exactly what he wanted to avoid. He motioned his hand towards Vanner, "Take him to wherever. He's your puppet now Teralt." The mouse looked query at Sitchols words until he continued, "That means you're staying here and making sure he doesn't step out of line."? ? ? ? ?Sitchol turned around to the guards, rubbing his head, hardly able to keep his eyes open.? ? ? ? ?"Teralt here is your new boss. Don't like it? Save us time and kill yourself. Just know that nothing has changed, and Vanner will still be alive unless Solace... Solace.." Sitchol didn't want to go on anymore, he grew wearier by the word. He turned to Teralt, who understood his place.? ? ? ? ?"I'll gather search parties." He said, "We'll find Garret, and the others-"? ? ? ? ?"No." Sitchol answered. "Let them go."? ? ? ? ?This answer surprised Teralt. The only thing he ever heard Sitchol talk about was how much he hated the rat. Now he will just let him leave?? ? ? ? ?Sitchol continued, "I know when a game is over. He killed a bunch of my men, and even my daughter. In return, I killed his family, his race, drove him into exile, made?him?kill his new family. And tortured and starved him for about two years now. he may have gotten away, but he's blind now. I'm pretty sure... I'm pretty certain that's called winning. I don't forgive him, but I'll let him live knowing full well he screwed up."? ? ? ? ?Teralt stepped aside as Sitchol brushed passed him.? ? ? ? ?"One more thing, Teralt." Sitchol stopped, and looked at him. "Do my eyes change color?"? ? ? ? ?"Only when you're upset." Teralt confirmed with a nod.? ? ? ? ?"Wow." Sitchol remarked as he walked away to take care of his wounds in the clinic, "That sounds really, really stupid."1111211111111111111111111111111111The chase out of Kert was easier than expected.? ? ? ? ?Garret was large, and in charge, it would have been suicide to get into his way. As you made your way into the slums, you were traveling too fast for anyone to really freak out. You got looks and a couple screams, but the farther you went away from Kert, the less people were even present to see you.? ? ? ? ?He traveled until you were in the outskirts of the slums. You haven't seen a soul in the past minute. The three of you stopped for more reason than one, though it was one that had all the reasons. Garret. He was severely fatigued, and his bleeding eye wasn't getting any better. He stopped in an alleyway that he could fit in and Serena and you got off the fatigued rat.? ? ? ? ?"Are you okay?" Serena ran to her uncle's face and held his jaw steady. "Your eye, how bad is it?" You didn't see the eye, and you certainly didn't want to. Serena's reaction, one that a normal person would react to an open wound, was unpleasant. "We need to clean this. Thorrow, we're using your shirt. Cut off a piece."? ? ? ? ?You opened your mouth to reject, but when Serena shot you a look, reinforcing the idea there is no debate about it. You tore a piece of your shirt off, from the left side, to the right, making it smaller on your stomach. The slums are already cold enough, why couldn't Serena try hers?? ? ? ? ?She continued, almost panting in worry herself,"We have to wipe away the dirt and dust. We need to leave as soon as we do that, so don't dawdle or we will increase the likely hood of infection.""Are you crazy? We can't leave." As soon as you said that, Serena looked displeased at you, lowering her brow as her orders were questioned. You continued, "Look at him. If we continue, infection is the least of his worries. Sitchol is most likely sending his goons out this way as we speak. He'd send them outside of the slums. Garret can barely walk, and we can't fight that many people."? ? ? ? ?Serena threw her free hand toward you, flattening it in there air towards her uncle. "If he stays here, he could die!""And if we leave, we will all die!"? ? ? ? ?"Enough." The rattis growled, silencing whatever Serena could have said. He looked towards the wall where Serena was, but not directly at her. "I've seen this before. Sitchol is a smart man, and he won't underestimate our intelligence. Doing something as stupid as staying under his nose is stupid enough to work. We're staying for at least the night."? ? ? ? ?"Where?" Serena growled, "In this cold alley?"? ? ? ? ?"We can find a place to sleep." Garret answered, "Somewhere warmer."? ? ? ? ?"Unless you suggest eating the occupants of the next house we see, we aren't going anywhere.""Why not find an empty house, and rest there until we're ready to move?" You suggested. "No one would have to die. If the owners walk in, we'll leave as fast as we could."? ? ? ? ?Serena and Garret looked at each other, pondering on perhaps the only good idea you've had in a while. There must have been a silent agreement, because Serena pointed to you and said, "Hold onto that rag. We'll find water after we find a place to rest. Speaking of which, go find me a place to rest."? ? ? ? ?"And someone for me to eat." Garret jested. Or at least you hope it was a joke.? ? ? ? ?"No." Serena said, placing her hands back on his jaws, "I know you're hungry, but we're not eating anyone here."? ? ? ? ?"It's not like they'll be missed." He persisted. "I'm only wanting one."? ? ? ? ?"And that's one that?will?be missed. By either a parent or a child." Serena insisted, keeping her glare. "You're not eating anyone. Not here, and not who doesn't deserve it."? ? ? ? ?"Do you know how many days I've gone without eating?" Garret snarled with his fur on end. He wasn't joking. He hasn't been joking. "You'll need more than one hand to count them."? ? ? ? ?Serena said nothing. He just stared at him with disapproving eyes.? ? ? ? ?"I... I need this!" He held his growl before letting it die in his throat. He bowed his head, "As you wish."? ? ? ? ?Serena turned her head towards you. "You're still here?""Oh, right." You bowed your head and started to walk away.11112111111111111111111111111111111As you walked down the street, you heard Serena's voice started to fade.? ? ? ? ?It came to a point where it was completely silent. Every once in a while, you would see someone. One guy was on a roof drawing, another was hammering away and fixing some degradation to his home made of scraps.?? ? ? ? ?You then noticed a girl run out of an alley. She was small, and grey with very little fat on her. What was most intriguing about her was what she wore. A single pristine pink bow that wrapped around her chest. It was catching to the eye, compared to her brown sweats.? ? ? ? ?She looked around, a look of worry plastered itself on her face as well as some panting. "Miss!" She called and ran up towards you, and grabbed your hand, "I need help! Something is wrong with my sister! No one will help me. Please come!""What's wrong with her?" You asked, as you followed her. More like she dragged you by the hand, but following none the less.? ? ? ? ?"She has trouble moving, a-and I dunno what's wrong with her. She looks sick. And hurt!"You paused and stopped, "Little one, wait." You released yourself from her grip, but she grabbed you again. After removing your hand for the second time, you continued, "Stop it! Listen, I know someone who can help you. She's very smart when it comes to this. But I can only help you if you promise one thing."? ? ? ? ?The girl was giddy now, or at least you think you could describe it as such. She was jumping like she had to go do number one. Maybe she's anxious?"You have to let me and my friends spend the night in your house."? ? ? ? ?Yes, yes, yes! Anything!" She she pleaded, grabbing your hand again."We have to get my friends first!"? ? ? ? ?You gathered Serena and the rat before following the girl. The little one was too excited to realize Garret's size. The shack they lived in wasn't far, and it was even made out of wood. That should help keep the heat inside.? ? ? ? ?There was a tarp over the door frame, where you think there was a door at one point. Serena thought it was damn lucky you guys didn't get mugged in the alley the led to the house, but when she heard she could help, she agreed to it.? ? ? ? ?The little girl ran inside and held the tarp open as you and Serena entered the room. Garret was too big to enter, but poked his head in through the tarp to see if there was space for him to fit if he could. He wasn't planning to stay for long, so the thought of tearing the door open to make room has crossed his mind.? ? ? ? ?"She's over here!" The little one called as she ran behind some furniture. You saw on a bed what you think was a micen. She looked terrible! She was just skin, fur and bones mostly. There was very little fat on her. You thought the little girl looked misshapen, but you were not prepared to see this! "Venice, I got help!"? ? ? ? ?"Kitten,.." Venice sounded like she was whispering, "I told you... Not to go-" Her eyes widened the moment she saw Garret's head. She gathered as much strength as she could to crawl back to the edge of the wall the bed. Garret quickly removed his head from the frame and retreated into the closest alleyway on the side of the house. She continued, "Please, please... Take whatever you want. Leave Kitten alone."? ? ? ? ?Serena ignored her pleas and answered, "It's alright. It's alright. We're here to help you.""What happened here?" You you asked, silently gasping, "You look like you haven't eaten in days."? ? ? ? ?Venice shook her head and went back to lying down.? ? ? ? ?"The loan sharks." Kitten answered. Both you and Serena turned back to her, and she answered, "She says she can't eat, because she needs to pay back the loan sharks. But she won't allow me to give any food. She says that it's always my day to eat."? ? ? ? ?"Is this true?" Serena asked the bed ridden woman. To the both of your surprise, she was passed out. Still breathing, but not consciously aware of you.? ? ? ? ?Serena sat next to her and inspected her with her hands. She checked for a pulse, and poked at her ribs.? ? ? ? ?She asked, without turning her head, "Kitten... Do you have a canteen? And a place where you can get water?"? ? ? ? ?"Canteen?" She asked, "Oh, you mean like the jugs? Yeah. And you need water? Come with me, Blue, I need an adult."? ? ? ? ?You looked at Serena, who waved her hands away.111121111111111111111111111111111111Little Kitten took you all the way down the street, several blocks closer to Kert. You made sure you took alley ways, and you did everything you could to make sure no one noticed you. The little girl took you down to a line of people who crowded around a little pipe that stuck out of the ground. There were two guards standing by it, one was having a conversation with a bum, like they were old friends. Another was manning the pipe, turning a valve once people put their jugs to the nozzle and making sure nothing spills. The third was making sure everyone in line was behaving themselves, and ready to answer any questions. This may take a while."Is the water free?" You asked the guard.? ? ? ? ?He nodded. "Ever since Kert's new management with Vanner and the like, the water has been as free as the air you breathe. You enjoy yourself miss."Okay, good. So now the only thing that you have to do now is wait. To help pass the time, you decided to talk to Kitten. "So... What got into your parents to call you 'Kitten'?"? ? ? ? ?"Oh, my parents didn't call me that. Venice and Uncle do." She still seems to be in a hyper mood; she didn't stop moving. "And my real name is Karthy. But Uncle told me that my name is way too ugly for me, and he called me Kitten. It soon caught on with Venice.""Uncle?" You asked, you haven't seen anyone else other than her and Venice.? ? ? ? ?"He's not here right now." She said, swaying her body, along with her tail, "He's gone on a mission. He should be back any time soon.""Oh. That's good." That awkward reply only gave way to silence. But at least the next person was up. Maybe this whole waiting in line thing won't take as long as you initially thought.? ? ? ? ?Serena finished inspecting this pile of flesh and bones molded into a woman and sat up.? ? ? ? ?"How did this happen?" She asked. "Don't pretend you can't hear me. And don't pretend it's the loan sharks doing this."? ? ? ? ?Venice was silent, but her eyes opened up to stare at her.? ? ? ? ?"You have a fever." Serena continued, "You we also short on breath, and twitching. You couldn't have gone to loan sharks in this state." She gently grabbed Venice' hands and pointed to one of her claws, there was a speck of wood on it. "Scratching walls. None in here, from what I could see. You were in pain... And there's no signs of physical damage on your skin..." Serena sighed, "What the hell were you doing in a deadzone without a mask?"? ? ? ? ?Venice still said nothing. She only blinked. As she blinked, her face scrounged up and she coughed.? ? ? ? ?"Probably looking for artifacts? Serena continued, glaring at her. Already the yellow mouse was tired of her crap. "Thought maybe you would get lucky and catch a break? There's a reason it's called a deadzone. You're lucky you didn't go hollow."? ? ? ? ?"I didn't know..." She was able to rasp once she got the strength.? ? ? ? ?"You were in the lingering poisons for too long." Serena added, "You're lucky you're not chewing your own fingers for food."? ? ? ? ?"I didn't..." She coughed hoarsely. She covered her mouth with her elbow until she finished, "...Will I get better?"? ? ? ? ?"You aren't coughing blood. In fact, you're not wanting to eat. You haven't gone hollow." Serena answered, patting Venice on the side, "You'll be fine. Or else.." Serena started speaking through her teeth, "Are you an idiot? Do you not know she needs you? Can't you wait to do something completely moronic until?after?she's grown? She needs you. And the only way to get the loan sharks off your back is if you eat. If you don't eat, they don't get paid. They'll understand."? ? ? ? ?She continued, "Listen well. I will be coming back here. And when I do, if you're not in a capable position to take care of her, then I will."? ? ? ? ?"No!" She held her hand up, as if she was attempting to reach for Serena's collar.? ? ? ? ?Serena gently grasped the hand and laid it to rest to Venice' side. "Enough. I'm going to get you all better. As payment, you're going to let me spend the night. You're safe. You're both safe. Do you understand?"? ? ? ? ?Venice nodded.? ? ? ? ?"Good." Serena's ear pivoted. Someone's coming.? ? ? ? ?"Sissy! We're home!" Kitten announced as she walked through under the tarp. "We're going to make you all better, m'kay?"? ? ? ? ?You entered through soon after with the jug of water. Serena got from her position and held her hand out for the canteen. As you handed it to her, she started talking about the situation with Venice. And how something or other with the deadzone she was talking about a few days ago. She used many big words this time, like 'clavicle', 'sternum', and 'insomnia'. You doubt these are real words, they sounds far too funny, but you entertain Serena with a few nods. She knows her stuff, you might as well believe her in this instance.? ? ? ? ?In return, you tried to explain why Kitten was named so, but Serena quickly lost interest.? ? ? ? ?She knelt down in front of Kitten and pulled out a weird looking speck. It was like someone sat on a bead and flattened it, before shrinking it. "See this pill?" Serena began, holding the speck in two fingers in front of Kitten, "This will help sissy grow. Give her one a day, and only one. It's pure fat. It will make her look less like she is now and big and strong like Thorrow and I."? ? ? ? ?"Okay, okay!" She said, nearly jumping out of her skin.? ? ? ? ?"Let me finish." Serena placed her hand on the girl's head and pressed down, making her stay in place for the moment, "She needs it with water and a little food, never by itself." Serena reached in her bag and pulled out about five of those things, before placing it in Kitten's hands. "If you feed her more than one a day, it can cause re-feeding syndrome, it could kill her. Her body and heart wouldn't be able to adjust to the new sugars..."? ? ? ? ?"Okay, okay!" Kitten started hopping again, too excited to care much for the details."Where did you get those?" You asked Serena as Kitten obeyed her instructions.? ? ? ? ?"The same place where I bought my sword. Just outside Toor..." Serena blinked and reached around her waist, growling a little. It occurred to you that Sitchol still has her sword. She motioned for the water, realizing that Kitten wasn't paying attention to her, she grabbed it herself. She then handed a pill to you and the water. "Go outside and give these to my uncle. I have to stay here and-"? ? ? ? ?"You have an uncle too?" Kitten asked excitingly. "How long are you staying here? Uncle Venny will be back anytime from his mission."? ? ? ? ?"Uncle Venny?" Seren repeated.? ? ? ? ?"Mhm!" She nodded, "But he's been gone for quite a while. He's the reason we have this place. He works for Claude and pays for us."? ? ? ? ?"Right..." Serena said, halfheartedly, "Interesting." She looked back at you, "My uncle is waiting, Thorrow."1111211111111111111111111111111111112?You stepped outside and began to look for Garret.? ? ? ? ?He wasn't hard to find, even if you didn't know he was in the alley beside the house, his breathing was barely audible, but loud enough that you knew someone was near. You entered the alley, pill in hand. What was different about this little way was that it was fenced off, and the top of the path was closed off from the roofs. The only way one could enter is through the gate, and a door that was on the side of Venice' house.? ? ? ? ?You wondered why there would be such a place, then you noticed a bunch of drawing and little colored specks. The drawings were on the walls, and it looked like it was a bunch of little stick figured micen people. Kitten and Venice must have drawn them in their spare time. Then you noticed one the drawing had Kitten and Venice in it. Venice was misspelled, at least you think it is. You noticed next to Venice was one marked Uncle Venny, except there was a five in front of the V, and it was crossed out almost completely.? ? ? ? ?You heard a growl, one you know didn't come from a throat, down the alley. You looked towards the direction of the sound and found good old Garret, laying on a blanket that Serena must have provided him when you went to get the water. You walked over to him, slowing down once you noticed his tail swerving and his position going into a hunting crouch.? ? ? ? ?"Who's there?" He whispered, this time the growl did come from his neck"It's me, Thorrow." You answered.? ? ? ? ?His growl died down, half as swift as his guard and fur. "What do you want?""Just wanted to check up on you." You pulled out the pill of fat and continued, "I wanted to see how you're doing."? ? ? ? ?"I'm surrounded by sweet, edible treats that I can't even look at." He muttered, "I feel like a mouse in a pantry full of candy.""Well..." You stepped towards him with the water and pill, "Serena asked me to give these to you. One should make you feel a little better, and the other, a lot."? ? ? ? ?He saw the pill, blinking at you and giving the look like you're someone stupid. "Do you think that speck means anything to me?" He flicked it away, and you rubbed your hand where his claw grazed you as the pill bounced in the dirt."It was, yes." You answered, picking up the pill, "If you want any water, you'll have to eat th- hey!"? ? ? ? ?While you were talking, Garret snatched the jug and started to drink from it. He growled lightly again, before tossing that too on the ground, "It was barely worth the effort to drink it. I think I was able to taste the lead more than the water.""Apologize!" You demanded, placing your hands on your hips, "That's not my canteen either. You're going to get dirt into it, then it would taste even nastier."? ? ? ? ?"You don't know who you're dealing with." He said, "Let me remind you: I'm Garret, the giant freaking rattis. I could eat you.""Tch, I wish." You muttered as you went to pick up the bottle and pill. He doesn't have to act this way. You picked up the small pill... Then you felt a tug on your tail. It was hard enough that the bottle slipped out of your hand from the force. You look back to see Garret was holding onto it.? ? ? ? ?"Excuse you?" He smirked, "Did I hear that right?" Your eyes widened when you realized what you've just said. Garret didn't wait for an answer, he pulled you pulled you close to him, dragging you through the dirt and ruining your shirt."Let go of me!" You found yourself commanding him as if you were Serena. Except Garret didn't seem to listen to you. Before you could say another word, Garret washed his tongue over your face. When you got the chance, you pushed him off of you, "Get off."? ? ? ? ?Garret sniffed you a couple times before backing up a step. You saw a smile curl at the edges of his lips. Oh no. He grabbed your hands and pressed them together. Before you could call for help, he covered your snout, making it hard to even breathe. With his palm in your vision, you couldn't see anything, but you could feel your hands be squeezed together between two soggy, moist clamps. You could feel his tongue draw you in. It wasn't shocking until you could feel your hands grind on back of his mouth.? ? ? ? ?For a quick moment, you were able to see as Garret released your head, but the opportunity to scream left as fast as it came as Garret's jaws clamped down on your head; his teeth were poking your ribs as your face dug into his tongue.? ? ? ? ?What was truly horrifying is when he swallowed. He's going to eat you! You tried to pull your hands out of his gullet, but it became more and more clear you are not in control. You could even feel your shirt collar tug from behind as the cloth got stuck on one of his teeth. With a simple adjustment on his end, it was free.? ? ? ? ?It was now that you realized you squeaked a moan once Garret's tongue was on your chest, where it shouldn't be. He only smirked, giving you a split second of vision in the fleshy, glistening maw.? ? ? ? ?Now, there's nothing stopping you from being his prey.11112111111111111111111111111111111121You could feel your body slide deeper into him? ? ? ? ?"Gar..." You managed to squeak before you felt him clamp his jaws onto your waist. He must not have minded the dirt on your shirt, his tongue rubbed against it and wrapped around the curves of your body. Another swallow. Your hands and arms were now tightly squished inside the gullet. Your nose and chin were in his throat, your forehead against the roof of his mouth.? ? ? ? ?You wish you could have enjoyed this, but for some reason, you found yourself crying. How could he do this? How could he just eat you on a hunch? You doubt he'd actually let you out. He's too hungry to even consider such an option. How could you be so stupid as to trust a rattis? How could Serena be so stupid to send you to feed him with a measly speck? She had to have planned for this!? ? ? ? ?You felt your body lifted off the ground. You kicked, attempting to put up some kind of struggle. It's useless; you know what will happen next.? ? ? ? ?Then you heard a grunt, and everything stopped. What was going on? Your tail was soon snagged and you felt like you were being pulled. The terrifying view of Garret's throat was starting to drift away, and you could feel your hands and arms be given room as the throat relaxed and you were dragged across the tongue.? ? ? ? ?Your vision was flooded with light, burning your pupils. You closed your eyes and rubbed then, feeling that you must have dropped the pill down his gullet when your hands were squeezed. You felt weight on your feet, something that you were not expecting. You fell hard onto your butt, blinking as your eyes grew into focus.? ? ? ? ?There before you, Serena stood. Her lips were bent into a frown, her brow curled to the degree that only a disappointed mother would ever be able to deploy, and her eyes burned with a silent hiss.? ? ? ? ?Garret was as much of a loss for words as you. It was clear he knew damn well you were not food and he couldn't decide whether to hide his shame and look away or to stand up to Serena. He tried to defend himself, pointing a claw at you, "She said she was willing to do it!"? ? ? ? ?"N-no," were the first words out of your mouth. You looked at your hands, it's fur was as matted with as much saliva as your shirt, remembering that the pill was gone and making you think of an absolutely brilliant defense. "I mean, he wouldn't eat the pill. It was the only way I could get him to take it!"? ? ? ? ?Serena held her glare on Garret.?"It's not true!" He kept with it, even making it sound honest, "I smelled it on her. I... I didn't take the pill, sure, but she's also willing."? ? ? ? ?For a moment there was silence in the air, only Garret's soft panting could be heard. He sounded embarrassed.? ? ? ? ?"I..." He finally broke and looked at the ground.? ? ? ? ?Serena took a few steps forward, picking up the water bottle before continuing to her uncle. She unscrewed the lid and lifted Garret's head by the chin, and poured what was left of it between his lips. She gently slapped the corner of his bottom jaw, but spoke softly, "I've been with Thorrow for the past, what? Three days was it? She had plenty of times to show me that she's willing. She skipped out and denied it just as much."? ? ? ? ?"I swear-"? ? ? ? ?Serena placed a finger to his lips and spoke as soft as she always has to him, "Not another word. She's safe, no harm was done. You're forgiven. No need to talk about it anymore."? ? ? ? ?Garret lied on his gut with a growl and a grunt, "I'm hungry, surrounded by treats and I can't even have a bite."? ? ? ? ?Serena pointed to you, "Find some way to wash up. Garret... Uncle... Come with me." She motioned for him to get up, tugging on his hair and pulling him towards her, "Come on. I got a treat for you."? ? ? ? ?She turned back to you and motioned for you to go back inside. She said, "Go fix yourself and get some rest. My Uncle and I are going to go and hunt for... some morons.""Moron?" You repeated, "What, you mean-"? ? ? ? ?"Inside." Serena jutted her thumb back towards the house and Garret got on all fours and followed Serena out of the alley.111121111111111111111111111111111111211You didn't sleep at all.? ? ? ? ?So much has happened! You aren't sure why, but you got a sickly feeling in your gut, but nothing in your gut to vomit. Other than feeling heavier, perhaps from the stress, there isn't much else to your night. You felt like you wanted to cry. You just want to go home! It's hard to breathe down here. Even after washing up, the place smells like a shit hole.?? ? ? ? ?You also want to punch something hard. How could you be so stupid? It was just a wooden slab. All this trouble for a wooden slab with writings on it!? ? ? ? ?You felt sad again. You had to tell Grimlock you were okay. Maybe just the thought of him knowing this is worth all of this trouble...? ? ? ? ?You heard steps coming from outside the door. It stopped soon before Serena went under the tarp and motioned to you, "You're awake? Good. We're leaving.""So soon?" You asked. As you got up, you felt the need to sleep.? ? ? ? ?"Yes. We may have done something wrong a little too soon. We're leaving." Serena grabbed your arm and nearly tossed you out of the shack."But we need to say goodbye." You reminded her.? ? ? ? ?"We gave them things. That's our goodbye."? ? ? ? ?You noticed Garret in the middle of the street, and his remaining ear swerving on its pivot. "I think we lost them." He said. You also noticed that his gut is just a bit plumper than last time you saw it. Seems he found a moron.Everything was moving too fast, you wanted answers. As you climbed ont he back of Garret, you said, "What happened?"? ? ? ? ?"I had myself a taste of a Rennek." Garret almost hissed a snicker, "Well, maybe a little more, but no bigger than a piece."? ? ? ? ?Serena climbed onto his neck and patted his shoulders, "Let's go!"? ? ? ? ?The rattis ran as fast as he could, which was pretty darn fast if you think about it. In no time at all, you've escaped Kert. Good riddance! No place for a do-gooder such as yourself. However, your heart sank when you realized Kitten and Venice didn't get to say goodbye. Eventually, Garret started making vertical strides. Even in his decrepit state, he managed to climb up walls. His claws were sharp and unkept, so it was a good way to trim them down.? ? ? ? ?Soon enough, it became apparent that no one in the group slept. Serena was caught dozing off as much as you, and Garret slowed down, in some cases stopping and looking confused.? ? ? ? ?Serena called for everyone to rest, looking for a place to do business as well. She made sure Garret wouldn't harm anyone, by making him a bed; in a literal sense. He is now your bed, you are required to rest on him. He didn't care. He had micen on him for the past half hour of travel. He just wanted to sleep, and you didn't argue with it.? ? ? ? ?Unlike before, sleep flushed over you far faster than before the moment you lied on his chest. His fur was rough to the touch, and in some places either greasy or itchy. He hasn't had much hygiene, but neither have you. You didn't care. You just closed your eyes and slept.? ? ? ? ?"Hey..." A voice woke you up. It was Garret's."Hmm..." You muttered as you battered his chest, trying to get him to be quiet.? ? ? ? ?"Serena's gone." He whispered. "She'll be gone for some time." He wrapped his fingers around your waist. Your eyes blinked, still heavy with sleep. He pushed you onto his stomach and made you sit on your rump."What do you want, Gare-bear?" You asked, rubbing your eye lids. You could also feel his gut is all but flat. How long has it been since you left Kert?? ? ? ? ?"You can't lie to me, Thorrow." He said softly. "Serena said she was going into town, or try to at least. A town called Zurv.""Zurrrv?" You asked, realizing how close you are to Risa's! "I know that place-"? ? ? ? ?Garret pinched your snout shut. "The point being... May I eat you?"? ? ? ? ?You shook your head, trying to say no. But something in the back of your mind clicked. Your spine tingled at the thought. It could be the sleep, but your hormones are acting up like crazy. You tried to shake your head, but Garret started tilting your head into a nod.? ? ? ? ?"You can't lie to me, Thorrow.""But..." He finally released, you, allowing you to speak."I... I don't want to die."? ? ? ? ?"You think I'd kill my Matriarch's friend?" He patted your back softly, "I would never do such a crime. I only want you to trust me. Think of it as an exercise. One that you and I both would enjoy."? ? ? ? ?You sat there, contemplating. Why? The answer is no! Or is it? You closed your eyes, the thought of traveling through his neck, the sensations of every pulse...? ? ? ? ?You never did know what it's like inside a rattis. Perhaps it's time to find out?? ? ? ? ?He shook you, "Don't fall asleep on me. Answer."1111211111111111111111111111111111112111You know what? Screw it.? ? ? ? ?You've had enough stress with this crappy adventure. It was worth it, but just barely. The stress of the drugs, pain, sleep and overall every little detail stinging you like a needle is enough to make you not give up this chance. You want this. No! You need this.? ? ? ? ?"I'll do it." You said, pushing his hands off of you. You're not in the mood for any crap, so you decided to set some ground rules. You crawled to his jaws and lifted a finger up. "First thing is first. You won't swallow me, or at least not all of me. I'm pretty sure you're still working on Rennek or whatever it was. Second, the reason I would get all wet was because you were licking me in my sleep. And finally, when I say stop, you stop."? ? ? ? ?Garret only smiled.? ? ? ? ?You turned around and lied your belly on his chest and battered your tail on his nose. "Open up."? ? ? ? ?You closed your eyes, able to hear his lips parting and the liquids in his salivating mouth splitting. He placed his hands onto your waist and dragged you forward. You figured now is normally the time prey tends to, well, pray. But you're a lucky one. You smiled widely, a maddening grin as you felt your tail and feet slink into his mouth and across his tongue.? ? ? ? ?You couldn't help but moan softly as your legs were pressed together in the tight confines of his throat. You felt him pull up your waist in the air so that your knees don't bend backwards. He also sat up. Now you were straight as a pencil, ready to slither down his throat. If only you had some more time, you could give Garret a struggle from inside he could remember.? ? ? ? ?Then you heard it. And you felt it, both the tug and the tingly feeling you get whenever it's heard. Glurk! Gulp!? ? ? ? ?Your lower body felt... so warm! And his breath... It may have smelled, but you never cared for that. It was so hot that you felt it was a terrible thing its touching embrace can leave your fur.?"Do I... Taste good?" You asked, closing your eyes as the response was an approving hum. Another swallow brought you in deeper, making you wiggle your hips, good attempts at fitting them snug down his gullet. By now, his tongue was on your stomach. Garret also rolled onto his gut, playfully sucking on your body like it was a piece of candy.? ? ? ? ?You closed your eyes and held onto his lower jaw. You even bit back playfully, laughing and moaning softly.? ? ? ? ?His teeth was on your back and chest, but they didn't bother you. Or at least they wouldn't have, until Garret bit down on you. Not hard enough to hurt, but enough that he got a good hold on you. You also felt his cheeks curl into a smile."Garret?" You asked, opening your eyes. You then gasped.? ? ? ? ?Serena was at the doorway. Her brow was lowered, and her fists trembled. Her tailed swayed near violently. "You lying bitch." She growled."Wait, wait!" You tried to pry yourself loose.? ? ? ? ?"I heard everything!" She yelled, swinging her arm and smacking her knuckles onto your snout."W-wait, I can explain."? ? ? ? ?She then placed her hands onto your neck, "I should have killed you a while ago. My son... My son, did he know?" She released some pressure on your neck, "Did. He. Know? That you find so much pleasure in... this?"Your heart was pounding in your chest. You shook your head, "No. No, no he didn't."? ? ? ? ?"And how do you feel about how he died?" She clenched tighter, choking the air out of you. "Did you enjoy seeing him as some snack? As a piece of meat?""No! Friend!" You squealed, "He was my friend!"? ? ? ? ?Serena removed her hands. She grabbed your hair, "Well..."11112111111111111111111111111111111121111She pulled you away from Garret's throat.? ? ? ? ?At first it was painfully by your hair, but she then grabbed from under your shoulders. Garret released his grip, allowing you to slide out easily. You landed on the floor, using your hands and arms to break you fall. Your legs ached in the cool air, and soon your knees jolted with pain as they landed on the hard wood below.? ? ? ? ?Serena grabbed you by the fur on your jaw and made you face her. She got down on a knee and placed her nose on your forehead. "I trusted you. Do you know how few times I've ever said that?""I didn't..." You heart sank when realizing how long Serena has been alone. Not just in the sense that she had no one to hang out with, but rather no one to call friend. No one to call family. You forced yourself to continue, "I didn't think it was a big deal."? ? ? ? ?"It meant the world to me." She continued. Her head is above yours, you aren't sure why she is hiding it. You can tell from her voice, you hurt her more than any punch could ever do. "You told me how Grimlock died. It meant the world to me that what you told me was honest. I'm not upset that you lied, I am upset that I can't tell if you're telling the truth now. You pulled it off so well. I can't tell how easy you can lie to me now. I may never know how my child died now. Not for certain. Not anymore.""I was honest!" You cried, not looking up. "I only didn't tell you because I didn't want you to think that I had any kind of joy watching him die!"? ? ? ? ?"You should have... told me... everything." Her breathing started to whimper. "Why should I... believe you now?""Because you're my friend." You admitted. "I haven't said it yet, I know I barely showed it, but thank you. Thank you for protecting me from the rattis." You started whimpering as your heart poured out, "Thank you for bothering to take me to Risa's. Thank you for coming back to me, not leaving me with the slavers. I mean it, Serena, every word."? ? ? ? ?"You looked me in the eyes and lied to me!" Serena spoke louder than her whimpers."I had good reason to lie!" You lifted your head up and pushed her off of you. You were right. Her eyes were watery. You quickly continued, "Was that the only time I ever lied to you? Did I ever lie about anything other than that? Other than what does or doesn't get my rocks on?" Serena only glared at you, but she can see you do have a point. You never lied to her other than something you saw was so little.? ? ? ? ?She took a deep breath, attempting to compose herself, "Don't you... Ever lie about anything. No matter how small, or how minute you think it is.""I promise, I won't." You nodded, placing your hand over you heart as if it were a pledge.? ? ? ? ?"Swear it." She commanded."I swear on anything that matters: my life, and Grimlocks. I won't hide anything from you."? ? ? ? ?"Good." She stepped forward and twisted her torso. At the pique of the twist, she outstretched her arm and leaned down. She used all of the energy from the torque and transferred it into a fist, in your chin. The force of the blow made your body paralyzed and stiff. You stumbled over to the side, landing on your arm."Why..?" You muttered trying to pick yourself up.? ? ? ? ?"That's so you don't forget it. We are at Risa's room. It's down the hallway on your right." She said, motioning her uncle to follow. You saw the she was planning to head to the left. "This is where I wash my hands." She took off her scarf and left if on the ground. "And, sorry for hitting that hard." She muttered, rubbing a bleeding knuckle, "I don't like it when people see me cry." She hopped onto Garret, and you watched them leave you alone.? ? ? ? ?You sat there, blank thoughts crossing your mind. You are home, aren't you? Is it all over? Also, if she didn't like it when people see her cry, why didn't she hit Garret? Did she... lie? You remember what you said to her, right before she hit you. You don't think she knew the real reason behind her blow.111121111111111111111111111111111111211111You walked along to the closet mouse hole.? ? ? ? ?Zurv saw you, you saw them. End of story. They don't want to let you in, and that's fine with you by all accounts.You know where you are! You're at Risa's you're safe and sound by now. You exited the hole, and you felt so wonderful the moment the marble counters touched the bottom of your feet. You just wanted to lie down and roll around. It sounds weird out of context, actually it sounds weird all in all, but you are a weird girl, so it's okay. There it is, the most logical thing you may have ever thought and no one is around to tell it to.? ? ? ? ?Except for Risa. You blinked realizing she snuck up on you.? ? ? ? ?"La..la..di-la-di-dum." Risa hummed, her gaze was unfocused and you could smell the whiskey from her breath as she leveled herself with the table.You waved a hand, "Hi Risa!"? ? ? ? ?Then it hit you. Her hand, that is. She swiped you off the counter and stood up straight. She opened her palm with you, a little Thorrow, on top. You were on her right hand. There were some beads under your rump and two metal plates with writing on them. In the other hand was the whiskey you knew you smelled.? ? ? ? ?But there was something off. Risa was swaying and struggling to keep her eyes opened. She only looked at you, and swayed, and blinked, nodded off before feeling the curves of your torso with her curling fingers.? ? ? ? ?"Hmmm... plump micen?" Risa asked herself. Or was she bragging? You couldn't tell from her drunken slur.? ? ? ? ?Then it hit you. This is a drunk Risa, who thinks you're a plump little micen."Risa..?" You asked, almost as if you are pleading for her to come to her senses, "Risa! Wait!" You called as she pulled you towards her lips and opened her mouth.? ? ? ? ?You didn't say much more. You couldn't. You gagged at the smell of her breath. It was enough to make your eyes water. You crawled back, but the did little to help as Risa pinned you down with her two fingers.? ? ? ? ?Soon your vision darkened and you could feel her soft tongue against your body."Risa, wait! Please!" You croaked out, "I'm Thorrow! Thorrow!"? ? ? ? ?The mouth closed, and the tongue pressed you against the roof of her mouth, squeezing the remaining air out of you...1111211111111111111111111111111111112111111?Before you were gulped, you felt a tug.? ? ? ? ?You slid across the tongue, and your heart pounded heavily in relief. Your body felt cool in the warm saliva as you were pulled passed the lips. Risa then kept you on her palm and looked at you intently. For a breif moment, she was out of it. However, she soon realized that she almost swallowed Shieki's own claimed micen.? ? ? ? ?"Thorrow!" She spoke up, and slurred, "I am so sorry! I didn't mean to. I didn't know it was you.""I-It's okay," You stuttered due to the force of death nagging at your back.? ? ? ? ?At this moment, you realized something. Risa had black streams down her face. It was her makeup, the eyeliner to be precise. Was she... crying? A sniffle or two sounded from her nostrils. If she was like Serena, there is no wonder why she tried to eat you.? ? ? ? ?"Here, here." Risa sat you on the floor of her living room, almost falling on you, "I thought you were lost! I even dyed Jessie's fur blue, but that only made things.. slightly less worse. I.. I will make it up to you, somehow. No, no need to tell Shieki-Cheeks that I lost her favorite little favorite." She's offering you help?! Wow, she really is drunk.? ? ? ? ?"I uhm.." You tugged on your shirt, remembering a promise. You swiftly took it off, "Risa! Can you give this to Solace? Tell her it belonged to a person named Mable?"? ? ? ? ?Risa swayed her head what seemed to be a nod before lying down on the ground. She then simply passed out. You were nearly dumbfounded. One moment Risa was alive and humming, the next she's stone cold on the floor.? ? ? ? ?Then a thud on a window and some laughter was heard. You turned your head around to face the door. You can see a silhouette in the blinds at the window next to it. You decided to investigate as it wasn't too far. You ran up to a nearby lamp and got a grip on it before you crawled all the way up. When you were at the correct height, you jumped onto the window frame and removed the blinds from your path.? ? ? ? ?Mombasa was there, but what was he doing? All it looked like was that he was standing out of the window and staring into nothing.? ? ? ? ?But soon a shadow loomed over you, getting bigger and bigger. You snapped your head to face outside to see a large creature coming from the sky, talons outstretched. It's a bird!? ? ? ? ?You cringed in fear as the creature should grab you by now, but instead you head a loud and heavy thing before it fell onto the ground.?? ? ? ? ?Then Mombasa continued to burst with laughter, pointing at the creature. Oh right, this is probably what windows were made for.? ? ? ? ?"Thorrow! You're back. Where were you?" Mombasa said, almost making you think he cared, but then he continued, "And wow, you've gotten fatter.""Thanks." You muttered, crossing your arms.? ? ? ? ?"Geez, did Risa put you in that mood?" He spoke in a taunting tone, before becoming serious again, "Don't mind Risa. She's sad. Missing funerals does that to you. On top of that, she's drunk and has been binge eating micen all day. I should... I should check on Mango and Jessie, see if they are still in one piece.""You called me fat, as if it was a compliment. I hadn't even eaten anything today, or much of anything yesterday. And I've been throwing up like I'm sick and feeling cramped and sore like a whore's pillow-less knees." You narrowed your eyes at him, "So please, you don't have to be a jerk. You didn't even say hello."? ? ? ? ?Mombasa glared at you, however you know that he could easily lose any confrontation with you, even if he wins. If he beats you up, Risa eats him. If you beat him up, he gets humiliated, and then Risa eats him. You have a hand in this game, and you're willing to abuse it a little.? ? ? ? ?Then he raised an eyebrow, and smirked, "Thorrow, let me get this straight. You've gained weight, while throwing up?""Yeah," You answered with a nod, your arms still crossed.? ? ? ? ?"And your body is sore... You haven't been hating things you used to love, or changing your mood much, have you?""What do you mean?" You asked, now curious, "What is this about?"? ? ? ? ?"Just. Like. That." Mombasa bit his lips, chuckling. He couldn't hold it in. He began to laugh more and more until he couldn't control it. For several seconds he laughed, not even catching his breath. He sat back against the window, holding his chest, "I cant.. I can't breathe."? ? ? ? ?Another thud was heard, and a bird fell from the outside of the window, making Mombasa laugh harder than he ever did, than you have ever seen anyone in your life ask."What? Huh?" You asked, stepping towards him and curling a fist.? ? ? ? ?He fell on his stomach and pounded relentlessly on the ground. It took him a few moments, he even wiped away a tear from his right eye. He sat down, facing you. The two of you stared at each other for quite some time. Mombasa forced himself to calm down."What?" You repeated.? ? ? ? ?"Ahem... hehehe.." He cleared his throat, before saying, "So... Who's the father?"11112111111111111111111111111111111121111112 Serena-1??Serena held the fur on Garret's back.? ? ? ? ?She felt indifferent about Thorrow ever since she discovered the secret of that little rodent. Maybe she was telling the truth the whole time? Or maybe she was a good liar. She's seen how Thorrow's mind worked. She isn't as stupid as she led on to believe. The time in the feeding pin where she thought of two plans in a single instant, on less moronic than the other. But she was smart enough to have the foresight to be claimed to get her out of these situations. And claimed by the nicest cat there is.? ? ? ? ?In a way, Thorrow is the luckiest mouse in the building. Her wants and desires, her guardian angels, and her burden free life. Serena was almost jealous.? ? ? ? ?Still, she wished she gave a proper goodbye rather than storm out angrily. But then she also wished Thorrow didn't hide things from her, no matter how petty. Serena hasn't decided if she was going to believe her son or not. But there is one person she will have to ask...? ? ? ? ?But for now, she's tired, and her Garret needs rest.? ? ? ? ?"Serena..." Garret spoke softly, "If you want to talk about it, I'm here for you."? ? ? ? ?She nuzzled her head against his soft fur. It's how a rattis shows appreciation. She was then able to feel his body tense up. "What's wrong?"? ? ? ? ?"We've got company."? ? ? ? ?Serena stayed silent. She could hear the scratching of claws. She knows someone is coming, other rattis. But they also want to make their presence known.? ? ? ? ?Soon, they came into view.? ? ? ? ?Garret remained motionless, save for his tail that battered from side to side. He spoke, unamused, "Blackjack, Bree."? ? ? ? ?The two rats stopped in front of him. Blackjack's jaw dropped in surprise, "It really is you."? ? ? ? ?Bree wasn't as shocked, but her voice sounded entertained, "We thought you were dead."? ? ? ? ?"Half way there," Garret admitted, "But I'll get over it. Serena, say hello."? ? ? ? ?Bree noticed the yellow fur on Garret's back. "Serena..." She growled, prompting Blackjack to also get into a hunting position.? ? ? ? ?Garret snarled and charged the two. Blackjack, who was familiar with sparring with Garret backed away and revelaed his neck. For Bree, ignorance was bliss as she and Garret were within licking distance.? ? ? ? ?"Geenie is looking for her. Give her to me." She said.? ? ? ? ?"No."? ? ? ? ?"Now!"? ? ? ? ?"No."? ? ? ? ?"I am your Matriarch!"? ? ? ? ?"Are you?" Garret shook his head.? ? ? ? ?"Blackjack," She stepped back, "Grab her."? ? ? ? ?"Blackjack," Garret spoke softer, "Try me."? ? ? ? ?There were a few moments of silent tension in the air. Nobody wanted to make a move. Serena hopped down from Garret's back, "Bree. You and I go back. Remember when Charles was giving you trouble? You and I went to him, and made sure he wouldn't endanger you and Geenie's fabulous relationship." Serena rubbed the fur on her sweater, "He's such a charmer, keeping me warm. And Geenie is a gentleman. But I've seen him... kill lots of people. He is merely a patient predator. You and I both know if Geenie finds me, he will kill me for slipping away like I did. No deals, no mercy."? ? ? ? ?"And if he finds out we saw you and let you escape, then we are on the menu."? ? ? ? ?"He won't find out." Serena answered softly, "Just like he didn't find out about Love."? ? ? ? ?Again, silence. Bree thought it over. She has seen how Serena fights. And considering how submissive Blackjack is in front of Garret, Serena wouldn't even need to fight.? ? ? ? ?"So she's your matriarch?" Bree asked Garret. The rat nodded. Bree hummed, as if she was upset, like she lost a battle. She then showed them her neck before backing up. She put her head back once again before speaking. "If you respect her so much, then I will tolerate her. Follow us, we have our own den." She turned around and headed home. As she passed Blackjack, she nipped him with the tip of her tail on the nose, "You could have at least looked like we were stronger."? ? ? ? ?"So... What happens now?" Serena asked as she climbed onto his back.? ? ? ? ?"It's up to you," He said as he followed. "You're the matriarch."111121111111111111111111111111111111211111121 Serena-2She had to do this.? ? ? ? ?She stood exposed on a dresser. She was standing straight up, no armor, no weapons, no friends. And no one was told where she went. She had to do this. Months had passed since the terrible day she heard the news; the weight of the situation was too much. The air was cool on her fur as the night dragged on, and hunger stung at her gut, though she was unwilling to eat anything until she got home.? ? ? ? ?Soon the door opened and the woman who took her son's life stepped in.? ? ? ? ?Risa paused, noticing the mouse on her dresser who had entered her bedroom uninvited. At first, she looked angry, upset at the thought that a rodent is touching her stuff. But soon her face grew to that of intrigue and inquiry. Serena said nothing. It was Risa who broke the silence. "You're... That one mouse... You're Serena. What are you doing here?"? ? ? ? ?"I came to ask something, very important." She began calmly. "Important to me, to clarify."? ? ? ? ?Risa made no moves, but rather she folded her hands behind her back, showing she had nothing to hide from any answers.? ? ? ? ?Serena asked as clear as she possibly could, her voice trembling in the last moment, "How did my son die?"? ? ? ? ?Risa, for the first time Serena has seen or heard, looked sad. She stalked her way to the bed next to the dresser and sat down to where she was at eye level with the mouse. "The only reason you'd ask me that is if no one told you the full story." She said. "He had a plan. One that would have saved so many lives. Thorrow told me the story, but Mango said Raze and Jessie had a better view." Risa noticed how dry her throat was and cleared it, "He told Thorrow to make a distraction. Thorrow's friend turned on her, holding a needle to her neck and wanted to go home. Grimlock..." Risa noticed Serena flinch at that name, "Your son wanted to save her, but before he got there Thorrow knocked a jar off the shelf. Then I showed up."? ? ? ? ?"It was her fault?" She asked, her voice quivering in sorrow.? ? ? ? ?"It was?my?fault." Risa continued, "I killed the turncoat. And I was about to kill Thorrow as well, but Grimlock didn't allow that. He didn't allow Thorrow to deny him that kind of death." The room was silent for another moment. Risa continued, "Grimlock... That's a name I heard once and always remembered it. I've never met a mouse so brave... If I wasn't so mad, I'd have let him go."? ? ? ? ?Serena sniffed loudly, trying to keep her composer. Risa sympathized with her. On any other day, she would ignore it. But ever since Maron was gone, she didn't realize just how many lives she ruined. She thought she was cold turkey at this point. She killed at least a thousand mice in her life. A thousand names of lives she has taken. A thousand families who was a member short. A thousand lives that were all unique and had their own stories, gone within moments. And out of all of them, only Grimlock was remembered.? ? ? ? ?"Was it quick?" Serena squeaked.? ? ? ? ?Risa nodded, "He didn't feel a thing."? ? ? ? ?Serena dropped to her knees and sat on her feet. She curled forward, forgetting all sense of pride and began to weep.? ? ? ? ?Risa stood up and leaned over the dresser. She lied her head next to Serena and placed her hand so that the mouse was in between the thumb and index finger.? ? ? ? ?Serena grabbed the thumb and hugged it tightly, tears streaming from her face and onto the brown fur below, "I miss him so much... His sweet little eyes... His smile..."? ? ? ? ?"It's what he wanted." Risa whispered, comforting her by rubbing her finger down the mouse' back.? ? ? ? ?Serena only cried harder. "I should have been there... I could have convinced... convinced him to come home. He didn't have to die. I loved him, he didn't have to die!"? ? ? ? ?"Hey... Hey..." She continued to pet, "He knew what he was doing. He died exactly how he wanted. So few people have accomplished that."? ? ? ? ?Serena only sniffed and nodded with her tears.? ? ? ? ?"And for what it's worth," Risa whispered. "I'm sorry."? ? ? ? ?The night continued, but no more words were said. It was unspoken but obvious that if Serena said anything about Risa's compassion, there would be hell to pay. However, when she woke up on Risa's pillow, after passing out from weeping so much, she felt... alive. A smile curled on her lips as a brand-new day dawned. What happens now is up to her. Grimlock is gone, but he will be remembered by so many. But she doesn't want to tear anything apart thinking about it.? ? ? ? ?For the first time, in so so long, Serena was happy.Patrick the Pet By Char891It is the most beautiful day you’ve ever seen. The sun is shining, the bird is singing, and a lot of fresh air is blowing in your face. That’s mostly because you’re riding on what big folks call a car and you can feel the fresh air blowing in from the window. You're sitting in the passenger side of the vehicle. You turn to the person who is driving it. A leona named Felicia, Felicia Catclaw. Felicia is a white Leona with a pink skirt, pink bow, and a t-shirt that says “Micen goes here” with an arrow pointing at her belly. She called herself something of an "Activist" but you never cared. Usually as a micen, you’re supposed to be scared of Leonas since they hunt and eat micen, but ever since you met her, things have changed.? ? ? ? ?“We’re almost there Patrick,” she said to you.? ? ? ? ?“Okay Felicia,” you said to her. “You hardly ever told me about your friend, Solace. Who is she?”? ? ? ? ?“She is a leona just like me, but you've probably guessed that. Oh gosh, I haven’t seen her in like four years. We used to play games, we even got together to hunt. Solace has more experience than I do, She treats it almost as if it's some kind of sport. She's thinks she's even better than her sister, Risa.”? ? ? ? ?You tilted your head and asked, “Risa?” You heard about Solace every now and again, but what's a Risa?? ? ? ? ?“Yeah,” she continued, “Unlike Solace, Risa sometimes chews her food. She not often, but it does make her point across. I hear she toned it down a bit lately once the micen got the memo she isn't to be messed with, but this one time she almost looked like a serial killer from those horror movies you see on TV.” You don’t know what TV means, but you’re guessing it’s that box that plays moving pictures in the living room of her house. “Anyway, Solace and I always loved playing together. We’ve been BFFs ever since.”? ? ? ? ?You nodded, taking in everything at once, and then asked her, “Well how come you two haven’t seen each other anymore?”? ? ? ? ?“My father got a job in another city. Solace and I were very sad to hear the news. On the day we moved, we’ve said our goodbyes and promised to write to each other every month. We hardly write much as we just talk about our days and such. I haven’t told her about you yet, 'cause I wanted to surprise her.”? ? ? ? ?“How do you think she’ll react when she finds out we’re dating?” you asked.? ? ? ? ?"She won't believe it." Felicia turned to you and said, “I’m more interested in how she’ll react when she finds out you’re a willing micen.”? ? ? ? ?“Hehe, yeah.” You rubbed your arms in embarrassment.?? ? ? ? ?"I'm gonna tell her too!"? ? ? ? ?"Go right ahead!" You teased back. You remembered the first time you met Felicia. You were scared out of your mind being caught by the leona. All you wanted was a trip to the pantry and get some grub, then a moment later, you were grub.? ? ? ? ?At least you thought you were. You were pleasantly surprised to see she offered you some food. You weren't sure if it was because you were a juvenile at the time, or if you were cute. She says it's because you're cute, so you like to agree with her.? ? ? ? ?When thinking about that day, your mind slipped into a new memory. One that was of a great beast, a rattis. It wasn't as big as Felicia, but still big enough to down him. He was chased and outnumbered by at least twelve of them, fifty max. Felicia said it was one, but you know better. The one that was closest to you nearly tore you in half with a single smack.But then Felicia showed up and scared him off, all of them off. Instead of putting you out of your misery like any other micen would do, she took care of you.? ? ? ? ?In the joy of the moment's memory, you said, "It makes me glad to know that you’re there to look out for me.” You got up and crawled up her body and nuzzled her cheek.? ? ? ? ?Felicia kept her eyes on the road, petting her boyfriend, until she finally comes to a stop in front of what looks like an apartment complex. “We’re here, Patrick.”? ? ? ? ?You sat still on her shoulder and held onto her shirt as she got out of the car. She locked the vehicle and then started walking towards the building. You are feeling nervous as you are about to meet another leona. You’re wearing a pink scarf around your neck, so that they know that Felicia claims you. But in your mind, it’s more like you claimed her.? ? ? ? ?As the leona climbed up the stairs to the second floor where Solace lives, she noticed that you are feeling a bit nervous. “Patrick, if you're nervous, just remember I am here. I won't let them have you without my permission.”? ? ? ? ?You turned to her and said, “That’s okay Felicia. I’m always nervous when meeting new people.”? ? ? ? ?“You’ll be fine, Patrick,” she comforts you. “You’ve been in me many times before and survived, right?" She giggled at what she just said, "Well, I mean- yeah. That's what the tattoo is there for.”? ? ? ? ?“Yeah, but Solace doesn’t know that, or how I survive. She doesn’t know the secret.”? ? ? ? ?“Well, I won’t tell her your secret. If you want to tell her, that’s up to you.”? ? ? ? ?“Thanks.” You watched as Felicia came to stop in front of a door and knocks on it. Another leona answered the door but you don’t know if it’s Solace or someone else.11?You get a good look at the leona that answered the door. She had blue fur, with a white underbelly, and a bland t-sirt with jeans. She also had green eyes and purple hair. You have to admit she is quite attractive, but not as attractive as Felicia. There’s another micen sitting on her shoulder, and she's a female one too. The micen is dark brown, and unlike you she wears clothes, more specifically, it looks like a black outfit of some kind, like a uniform. The leona stared at you and at Felicia, then she started speak.? ? ? ? ?“Felicia? Is that you?”? ? ? ? ?“Hi Solace,” said Felicia. “Long time no see.” Both leonas embraced in a hug.? ? ? ? ?“Oh, Felicia, it’s been so long,” Solace said to her childhood friend. “I missed you so much.”? ? ? ? ?“I missed you too, Solace. I’m so glad I get to see you again!”? ? ? ? ?They hugged for about a moment or two, until they let go of each other. Solace then turned her attention to you. “And who might you be?” She asked you.? ? ? ? ?“Solace,” said Felicia. “This is Patrick, my claimed micen. Patrick, this is my best friend, Solace.”? ? ? ? ?You got onto your feet, steadying yourself on her shoulder, and bowed to Solace as to show her the respect she was born with. “It’s so nice to meet you, Miss Solace.”? ? ? ? ?“Sure,” Solace points to the micen on her shoulder. “This here is Gertrude. She’s my close friend. Gertrude, this is Felicia, my best friend from childhood, and her micen, Patrick.”? ? ? ? ?Gertrude got up and bowed to you and Felicia. “Hi.”? ? ? ? ?“Hello,” you said to her.? ? ? ? ?“You seemed nice,” said Felicia. “I’m surprised Solace didn’t eat you.”? ? ? ? ?Solace chuckled at the statement. “A lot has been changed since we last saw each other, Felicia. Would you two like to come in?”? ? ? ? ?“We would very much love to.” Felicia walked in as you climbed down to her hand. As you are carried inside you get a good look around her apartment. It isn’t much but you got to see what’s what. The living room has a couch, a TV, and a coffee table in between. On the other side of the room you can see the kitchen with a table where Solace would eat. The kitchen also has a pantry which stores food that doesn’t go in her refrigerator, and you can see a lot of other appliances there. You then see a door on the side of the living room which you would assume leads to her bedroom and her bathroom.? ? ? ? ?Felicia sat you down on the coffee table as she sat down on the couch. She propped her feet up on the table as you relaxed against it. Solace probably doesn’t like it when a guest has their feet on the coffee table, but since Felicia is Felicia, she could let it slide. She sat Gertrude next to you who got a good look at you. She stares at you for about a few seconds and then she asked, “Is there a reason why you’re not wearing clothes?”? ? ? ? ?You blushed when she asks you that question. "Clothes? It feels hot here. I come from someplace colder. I don’t need clothes since I’m all covered in fur. Why is there a problem with that?”? ? ? ? ?“Not really,” said Gertrude. “I just thought that a leona's pet could be given clothes.”? ? ? ? ?“Now Gertrude,” Solace spoke to her. “If Patrick doesn’t want to wear clothes, he doesn’t have to. Besides, he’s wearing Felicia’s scarf right now.”? ? ? ? ?" I 'spose so,” Gertrude shrugged and sat down as Solace rested on the couch next to Felicia.? ? ? ? ?“So Felicia, how long has it been since we last saw each other?”? ? ? ? ?“Four years, Solace,” Felicia answered confidently. “I still remember the day we moved.”? ? ? ? ?“And how’s your father?” asked Solace. “I heard he’s been doing well at his new workplace.”? ? ? ? ?“He’s been doing fine, he recently got a promotion there, and now he’s supervisor of his division.”? ? ? ? ?“That’s wonderful news,” Solace turned her attention to you. “So how did you and Patrick first meet?”? ? ? ? ?For about fifteen minutes, Felicia has told Solace about how she and you met, about your first encounter when Felicia gave you some food. Solace teased her for not even trying to eat you, saying that she reminded her of Shieki, saying it was ironic for her to wear the shirt she wore while at the same time not act on it. Felicia admitted that you were scared of her when you first met, plus the fact that you were still a juvenile at the time. She then explained about the time you, got into a confrontation with a bunch of mean rattis who wanted to eat you, but she got involved and scared them away just to save your hide. You of course shuddered when Felicia said the word, “rattis.” But Felicia explained that after she saved your life, she decided to make you her claimed micen, and that the two of you have been friends ever since.? ? ? ?“That’s quite an interesting story, Felicia,” said Solace. “Patrick’s lucky to have a Leona like you to look after him.”? ? ? ? ?“Hehe, yeah. Oh! I didn't tell you the best part. Sometimes... I eat him just for fun. He enjoys it.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh?” Solace’s eyes widen. You gulped since you know what’s going to happen next. Looks like Felicia kept to her word. Solace turned to you, with a keen motive in her eyes, “So you’re a willing one, Patrick?”? ? ? ? ?You gulped nervously but decided to answer truthfully, not wanting to get on her bad side. “Y-Y-Yes ma’am. I’m willing. So long as I don't die.”? ? ? ? ?Solace smiled. “Interesting.” She turns to Felicia and said, “Felicia, I know he’s yours but is it alright if I have him real quick?” Your heart suddenly starts pounding after you heard that she plans to eat you. You’re willing to get eaten but you’re afraid of what might happen when she tries to digest you. She’ll figure out your secret if she keeps you in her belly for too long.? ? ? ? ?Felicia was nervous too as she doesn’t want to reveal your secret either, but she took a deep breath and told her, “If it’s alright with Patrick. But if he agrees, do you promise to spit him up afterwards?”? ? ? ? ?“As long as he behaves, he’ll be fine.” Solace then turned to you. “So Patrick... Do I have to ask?”111?You stared at Solace as she lowers her head to your level on the table. You thought about the pros and cons of letting her eat you. The pros are you get to experience the noms again and you’ll get eaten by another leona, and she’ll let you out as promised if you behave. The cons however, if she does eat you, she may not let you out and if your secret is discovered, she’ll just keep you in there forever, and you’ll never see your girlfriend again.? ? ? ? ?Thinking about it for just a few moments made the cons not seem that bad.? ? ? ? ?You took a deep breath. You stared at the leona and nodded. Solace smiled, she sniffed you to pick up your scent, and then licked your body to get your taste. She then said, “I’m gonna enjoy having you, little one.” She then opened her mouth showing you the inside of her snout. You stared at it for a moment or two to get a good look at it.? ? ? ? ?Her mouth is the same size as Felicia’s. Her teeth are as white as pearls, and they are sharp and pointy like a feline’s teeth would look. Her tongue deep pink and it looks nice and smooth. You can tell there is saliva on the muscle as well as drool hanging on the teeth. The last thing you saw is the back of her throat. You are mesmerizing at the sight of it. You can see the uvula hanging over the entrance to the gullet and you can see her tonsils on either side of it. The sight of her mouth is as wonderful as Felicia’s.? ? ? ? ?You then took a deep breath, took off your pink scarf and gave it to Gertrude to hold onto, before you started climbing into Solace’s mouth. You start by getting a good grip on the top teeth. Then you placed you left foot onto the tongue behind the bottom teeth. Next you lift yourself up as you placed your other foot onto the tongue. You then get onto your knees as you let go of the top teeth and placed your hands on the soft muscle below. Solace purred as she got the taste off your fur. You lied on your belly facing the throat. Light then began to leave your sight as the mouth began to close. Your tail was still sticking out of Solace’s mouth but she slurped it up so she won’t bite it by accident. Your eyes soon begin to adjust to the darkness so you can see well.? ? ? ? ?Solace then started slurping you around in her mouth. You chuckled as her tongue tickles you. She licked all over your body; this kind of feeling almost reminds you of the time you first experienced this with Felicia. But now is not the time to remember fond moments about the past. Soon you are completely covered in drool, and Solace stops what she’s doing and then she started raising her head. Your body slid like you were on ice. You felt yourself being lifted as the throat is starting to go under you. You begin to slip down towards it, and with a loud GULP, you went past the uvula and down into the gullet.?? ? ? ? ?It took a moment for you to realize... Solace has swallowed you whole.? ? ? ? ?Solace felt the mouse going down her throat. She placed a finger on her neck to determine her prey's current position as it slowly went down her esophagus. The muscles of the throat squeezed the micen down tightly as it went deeper and deeper. Solace’s fingers reached her chest knowing that her prey almost there. As Solace' hand arrived on the left side of her torso, her food exited the esophagus and landed in the stomach. “The little one has made his trip,”? ? ? ? ?“He’s okay, Solace. I mean, I knew he’ll be okay. So are you gonna let him out, like you promise?”? ? ? ? ?“Of course,” said Solace. “I’ll give him a few minutes to enjoy himself, then I’ll let him out.” Felicia nodded and then waited.? ? ? ? ?A few minutes is all you need to take a look around her stomach. You can see the stomach acids where you’re sitting at. You can feel it trying to work on you, it was hot and warm as it always was, but you're used to it. The air was thick and acrid, but you've learn to associate them with the experience so they don't bother you. You can see what appears to be skulls of some micen she had recently eaten and you saw what appears to be some sort of pile of chocolate eggs. The micen must have thought that they could get away with stealing something so precious.Evidently not.? ? ? ? ?Something else also felt a bit... wrong. His legs and feet were starting to feel warm, close to burning. This doesn't normally happen when Felicia does it. Oh, of course! Solace has a higher metabolism than Felicia. She also has her gut already working hard on everything in here.?? ? ? ? ?Once the few minutes were up, Solace picked up Gertrude who still held onto your scarf, went to the kitchen, leaned over the sink and attempted to regurgitate you.?? ? ? ? ?You suddenly felt yourself getting pushed back up the esophagus, and you kept going and going, until you arrive back at the mouth and started falling out towards the sink. You landed hard on your butt and it hurt like hell. You looked up at the smiling leona.? ? ? ? ?Solace turned on the sink and started cleaning you up. While she was cleaning, she asked you, “Did you have fun in there?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes, Miss Solace,” you answered. “Thank you.”? ? ? ? ?“My pleasure." As soon as you're done getting cleaned, Gertrude hopped down into the sink and gave you back your scarf. Once you put your scarf back on, Solace said, "And believe it or not, you’re not the first willing I’ve had before.”? ? ? ? ?“I’m not?”? ? ? ? ?“Nope. Oh, and I almost forgot, just recently I started a micen colony of my own.”? ? ? ? ?Felicia is amazed. She got up and walks towards the kitchen and asks, “Did you really Solace?”? ? ? ? ?“Sure did. I was reluctant to do so, but meh.” Just then, an idea struck her. “Say, Felicia, why not let Patrick be with other micen. I’m sure the others would be more than happy to have him during your stay.”? ? ? ? ?“I don’t know Solace,” she said rubbing her arms. “Patrick and I have been very close for a long time. The last time we’ve been separated for so long was... whenever”? ? ? ? ?“Oh?” This peaks Solace’s interest. She’s heard of micen having attatchments, but not like this."How close are you two?"? ? ? ? ?Felicia turns to you for an answer, but you gesture her not to tell her yet. Telling Solace about your rapport increases the risk on revealing your secret. And you don’t want that to happen yet. Felicia nods and asks, “Do you mind if I tell you about it later?” ask Felicia.? ? ? ? ?“That's not suspicious at all. Sure, we got all the time you need.” She then picked you and Gertrude up from the sink and said, “Now about what I asked earlier. Will you let Patrick visit the other micen while you stay?” You looked at Felicia as she thinks of an answer to Solace’s question.1111Felicia thought long and hard, before turning to Solace. “I suppose it’d be good for him to see other micen. I mean after all I’m here on vacation for a month.”? ? ? ? ?Solace smiled and turned to her brown mouse. “Gertrude, gather the headmasters of the colonies and tell them to meet me at our usual meeting place.”? ? ? ? ?Gertrude salutes. “Sure thing.” She then left towards the nearest colony.? ? ? ? ?Solace turned to Felicia, “While we’re waiting, shall I help you with your bags?”? ? ? ? ?“Sure,” Felicia answered. Solace picked you up and sat you back down on the coffee table and the two Leonas headed out the door for about five minutes. You waited patiently and saw the cats waste no time in bringing in Felicia’s bags. Eventually Gertrude has returned with a few more micen, you assumed are the headmasters, Solace mentioned earlier. One is a grey male with black fur on his belly, hands, feet, and ears, one is another male but his fur is a darker shade of grey, and the third one is a white female.? ? ? ? ?“This feels like déjà vu,” the dark grey male said.? ? ? ? ?“Hey, we’re going to have to get used to this, Maverick,” said the other male.? ? ? ? ?“Yeah,” the white female said, "Any idea why Solace has summoned us here?”? ? ? ? ?“I don’t know, Yidde,” said Jason. “But I think that white leona and that green micen might have something to do with it.” He motioned his head at you and Felicia who sat down on the couch next to Solace. The three micen lead by Gertrude stand at their position while Gertrude stands next you.? ? ? ? ?“Hello people, and Yidde,” said Solace. “Thank you for coming on such short notice..”? ? ? ? ?“Oh it’s no problem at all, Solace.” said Jason. “So why did you summon us here?”? ? ? ? ?“I got two someones that I want you to meet,” she answered. “This here is Felicia Catclaw, my best friend from a long time ago. She’ll be staying with us for a month, so I want you and your micen to be on your best behavior while she’s here, or else she might eat you.” Felicia waves at the headmasters. Solace then points her finger at you. “And this little fellow here is Patrick. He is Felicia’s micen, take notice of his scarf.” Like Felicia you waved at the headmasters as well.? ? ? ? ?“Felicia, Patrick,” Solace continued, “These are those headmasters of the colonies here i've told you about.” Solace points to the dark grey male. “This is Maverick of Granrus.”? ? ? ? ?“Hello,” Maverick bowed his head.? ? ? ? ?Solace then points the white female. “Yidde of Toor.”? ? ? ? ?“It’s an honor to meet another fellow micen and his Leona.” Yidde said as bowed her head.? ? ? ? ?Solace then points to the grey micen with black belly, hands, feet, and ears. “And this one here is my favorite. Jason of Niarb.”? ? ? ? ?“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintances, Miss Felicia and Mr. Patrick,” Jason bowed his head as he greets them.? ? ? ? ?You bowed your head to the headmasters as well, “It’s very nice to meet you too, Maverick, Yidde, and Jason.”? ? ? ? ?“Granrus, Toor, and Niarb,” Felicia said as she counted the names of the colonies. “So which colony is yours, Solace?”? ? ? ? ?“Mine is Desio, Felicia, and it is right on that counter over there,” she said pointing to a few wooden houses on the counter.? ? ? ? ?“Oh? Who’s in charge of Desio?”? ? ? ? ?“You’re looking at her,” Solace said with a smile.? ? ? ? ?“Really? You’re the headmaster of Desio?”? ? ? ? ?“Yep.”? ? ? ? ?“Can you tell me those rules, Solace?” Felicia asked.? ? ? ? ?“I can and I will. But not right away.” She turns to the headmasters, “Patrick here has never seen any other micen since childhood. He’ll be staying with your kind during his visit.”? ? ? ? ?Jason nodded. “We are more than welcome to have him here.”? ? ? ? ?“Good, now there’s another reason why I called you three here. I've started to notice, your colonies are starting to get overpopulated. More food is disappearing, and I feel as if so many micen are going to attract rats. Do you have any ideas how to go about this?"?? ? ? ? ?Jason started to shuffle his feet, swaying his shoulders and taking a deep breath, "We were planning on dealing with that when we go to that bridge."? ? ? ? ?"Because of this, there’s gonna be some temporary changes around here. I’m usually used to seeing a lot of micen, but this has gotten out of hand. I can’t handle too many around here. I can't sleep with all the digging, and I swear I heard an argument in the walls last night. Therefore, starting tomorrow, I’m gonna issue a limited capacity for each of your colonies. Each colony will have a maximum capacity of twenty adult micen each. Juveniles will be an exception as usual, since they’re so young.”? ? ? ? ?The headmasters are shocked in disbelief. “What!?”? ? ? ? ?“Each month, I want all of you to count the micen that lives in your colony. Gertrude you’ll count the ones in Desio. If the number is over the maximum, Gertrude or anyone under her command will go to the colonies that are over populated and the least productive, oldest micen will be brought to me.”? ? ? ? ?Yidde raised her hand and speaks, “Are you gonna kill the micen that are brought to you?”? ? ? ? ?“You know me, that will depend on their behavior. I know you don’t want anyone to get eaten for breaking small rules. But I might have to temporarily make that happen. I know some of you don’t like those changes, but I feel it’s necessary to control the population of this place. Unless you guys don't mind living with three other families all the time with rattis and slavers breathing down your necks.”? ? ? ? ?The three headmasters looked at each other in disbelief, even Jason was stunned from what Solace had just said. Their colonies are over twenty, and their citizens are not gonna be happy when they hear about this. You are just standing there watching the events unfold.?? ? ? ? ?“Solace,” Maverick spoke. “We know overpopulation can be very difficult, but is it wise to send micen to you? Don't take it the wrong way, but that sounds like a bad way to convince people they are safe.”? ? ? ? ?Yidde stepped forward as well, “I’m with Maverick on this one, I mean we can’t have a micen eaten just for breaking a small rule again, it’s like we’re living our lives before Desio existed. Crime is lower than it has ever been, we almost forgot what it was like-”? ? ? ? ?“I know you guys are frustrated about this," Solace kept her patient head on, but you can tell she wasn't as collective a moment ago with the possibility these micen might reject her proposal, "And this is only a temporary until I come up with a solution to our overpopulation problem. Why don’t you talk this over and come up with a decision.” The headmasters are disappointed, but they huddled up, and they began to discuss about Solace’s decision. Solace returns her attention to you, “Patrick, I’ll set you up at one of our guest houses in Desio during your stay here, you’ll see how the micen live around here.”? ? ? ? ?“Um actually, Solace,” said Gertrude. “All of our guest houses are full. Overpopulating and stuff. But the last one was taken by an actual visitor: Thorrow.”? ? ? ? ?“Thorrow?” Solace said. “Last I heard... What’s she doing in Desio?”? ? ? ? ?“She said it was a secret. Then I kicked her to remind her who she was dealing with. Then she said she’s meeting with some micen who shared the same interests as her, meaning willing micen.”? ? ? ? ?“Willing micen? Interesting.” You don't know who Thorrow is, but you never thought there would be more willing micen around here. This gave Solace an idea. But Felicia got her attention as the headmasters have finished discussing. You turned to face the group as well.? ? ? ? ?Jason stepped forward and said, “Solace, we’ve talked this over and we’ve come up with a decision.” You stared at Jason wonder what their decision is.11112You watch as Jason took a deep breath and looked up to the blue Leona. He said, “We have to reject your decision on the maximum capacity rule. I’m sorry Solace but we can’t accept the terms of that decision.”? ? ? ? ?Solace frowned at the three micen. "I just wanted to make sure all of you don't starve or attract more predators, and now you outright refuse my help?”? ? ? ? ?The headmasters stepped back in fear of getting their heads bitten off. Even Jason is scared, less so to the point he hasn't moved, more so to the point he may fear for the other's lives more than his. He pleaded, “Solace, please! Let me explain!”? ? ? ? ?“Please do Jason.” growled Solace.? ? ? ? ?“It’s simple really!” exclaimed Jason. “We can't just give you hundreds of micen. For years our colonies have relied on all of our hands! My colony, Niarb, has about three-hundred micen and they mostly house farms, build, dig, guard, teach, invent, gather and stuff like that! I can't just convince all but twenty to leave their homes. And without them, my colony will just cease to exist! Toor has about a hundred micen living there doing the same thing. Granrus, it has about seventy micen doing the same thing too.”? ? ? ? ?Solace, unamused by Jason’s explanation, said in a low tone, “So... I can't just leave you with twenty, huh?”? ? ? ? ?Jason shook his head. You even face palmed when you see that Solace was not convinced that they can't just hand her hundreds of people. You noticed that Gertrude is calm, and doesn’t care what the outcome would look like.?? ? ? ? ?Jason said, “The point is Solace, other than hundreds might die, if you issue that twenty micen capacity to all of the colonies, there won’t be enough work going on. We can’t expect micen to do too many jobs at once, it’s exhausting, we might not survive, and we can’t... we won't let that happen, Solace. Twenty micen is not enough for our colonies. Please understand. I beg of you.” Jason finished, trying to keep his composer in front of the giant cat.? ? ? ? ?Solace’s angry glare subsided as she realized that Jason does have a point, and that she may have him a bit. She realized that she made a bad impression in front of you and Felicia. Felicia was a little bit scared but not scared enough. You on the other hand were deeply freaked out. And Gertrude, well, she doesn’t seem to care to be honest. Solace then looked at the headmasters who cower in fear with Jason. She sighed and then said to them, “Jason, I didn’t realize you have so many micen in your colonies. Three hundred just living under the floor? I thought twenty would’ve been enough since that’s about how many they are in my colony. I still want want to make sure the place doesn't over populate, but I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you take a head count and determine how many micen are currently living in your colonies. You will give those numbers to me at our next meeting which will be next week. Once I get those numbers, I will determine the maximum capacity for each of your colonies. But for now, meeting is adjourned.” The headmasters bowed and they climbed down the coffee table as fast as they could, still scared and dashed to their colonies. “Oh, and Jason?” Jason stopped in his tracks and turned to Solace. She said to him, “I want to apologize for scaring you like that. Especially in front of our guests.” Turning to both you and Felicia.? ? ? ? ?Jason lowers his head and said, “It’s not your fault Solace. You were only trying to help.”? ? ? ? ?Solace smiled and watches as Jason leaves. She turns to Felicia, “I’m terribly sorry for the way I behaved.”? ? ? ? ?“It’s fine, really,” said Felicia. “You were just showing who is in charge.”? ? ? ? ?Solace chuckled. “So I’ve noticed.” She turns to Gertrude who’s been very calm this whole time. “Gertrude, why don’t you escort Patrick to Desio so that he can meet with Thorrow. I’d take him there myself but I want to spend time with Felicia so we could catch up.”? ? ? ? ?“Of course, Solace,” bowed Gertrude. “It was nice meeting you Miss Felicia. I hope you enjoy your stay.”? ? ? ? ?“Thanks Gertrude,” said Felicia. “Be safe, Patrick.”? ? ? ? ?You nodded. “You know I will, Felicia.” You waved goodbye to her as Solace and Felicia started chatting. You and Gertrude walked towards the kitchen where Desio is located. You both climbed up the counter and then walked towards the colony. Up ahead you saw two female micen standing guard. One of them is teal and has short hair, while the other one looks just like Gertrude, save for the stripe on her arms and legs.? ? ? ? ?“Hello, Ray, Uschi,” Gertrude said to the two.? ? ? ? ?“Hello, mother,” the brown one said. She must be Gertrude’s daughter.? ? ? ? ?“This here is Patrick. He belongs to Felicia who will be staying with Solace for a month. Patrick this is my daughter, Uschi.” The brown gal nodded. “And this one here is Ray.” The teal micen nodded as well.? ? ? ? ?“It’s very nice to meet you two,” you said to them.? ? ? ? ?“Our pleasure,” said Ray. “And welcome to Desio. I know it’s not much but it’ll start to thrive soon.”? ? ? ? ?Gertrude turned to Ray. “How’s Uschi’s first day as peacekeeper for Desio? I hope she’s not too much trouble for you.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh no, Miss Gertrude,” said Ray. “She’s doing a great job. She may be a little brave for her own good, but she’s tough.”? ? ? ? ?“That’s right mother,” said Uschi. “Miss Ray taught me everything I need to know for this job. I'm sure I'll do fine. So where are you taking Patrick?”? ? ? ? ?“I’ll be taking him to the guest houses,” Gertrude explained. “He’ll be staying with a fellow blue micen tonight.”? ? ? ? ?“You mean that Thorrow?” asked Uschi.? ? ? ? ?“Yep. It turns out Patrick is... interested in meeting her. The two will get along much better.”? ? ? ? ?Her daughter chuckled, “We don’t get many of you around here,” said Uschi. “They usually don't last long.”? ? ? ? ?“Now Uschi,” said Ray. “You mustn’t discourage our guests.”? ? ? ? ?“I know.” She turned to you. “You have a wonderful day, Patrick.”? ? ? ? ?“Thanks, Miss Uschi and Miss Ray.” They waved goodbye and Gertrude leads you to the guest houses.?? ? ? ? ?“You’ll have to forgive my daughter,” said Gertrude. “She’s relatively new to the position. Ray took her under her wing in my absence to learn the ways of being an enfor- a peace keeper.”? ? ? ? ?You nod as you and Gertrude walked closer to the guest houses. You’re curious to know who this Thorrow character is.111121Night approaches fast and you find yourself among a group of micen gathering at the guest house where Thorrow is staying. You remember what happened earlier that day when you first met Thorrow.? ? ? ? ?You and Gertrude were approaching the guest house and you spotted a female micen setting up some kind of sign on the doorway of her guest house. The sign read, “No Vacancy.” You got a good look at the micen girl and find that she has sky blue fur and silver hair. And she’s wearing a scarf just like you. The difference is her scarf is white and yours is pink.? ? ? ? ?As soon as she’s done setting up her sign she turned to see you and Gertrude. “Oh! Uh.. Hello Gertrude,” she said to her. “How nice of you to drop by.”? ? ? ? ?“Hello runt,” said Gertrude. “Trying to make it seem as if nothing is going on in there? I don't blame you.”? ? ? ? ?“Yes, I'm afraid. I know what people think of us, and so do they. They’re nervous, but they’re gonna go through with it.” Thorrow then noticed you. “And who might this be?”? ? ? ? ?“Oh. I’m Patrick, and it’s very nice to meet you Thorrow.” You shook her hand with a firm grip.?? ? ? ? ?“He and his leona just arrived about an hour ago on a month long stay,” Gertrude said to Thorrow. “Solace suggested he be among his own kind for a while. The big girl herself even suggested he stayed with you since he likes all the noms.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh, is this true Patrick?” Thorrow asked you.? ? ? ? ?“Yep!”? ? ? ? ?“Well, I’ll be happy to have you tag along.”? ? ? ? ?You chuckled and then Gertrude said, “Well then I’ll leave you to him then, Thorrow. I hope you and your friends have fun being eaten and crap.”?? ? ? ? ?She waved goodbye and turned to leave but turned back and said, “Oh I’ve been meaning to ask you, Patrick.” You turned to Gertrude. “What’s with the mark on your butt?”? ? ? ? ?Your eyes widen as your mark has been spotted. You can’t tell her the truth, not yet, not in public. You thought for a moment and then said, “Uh, it’s my uh… birthmark.” She stared at your for about five seconds, making her brow lower in the process, and then walked away. As soon as she’s out of sight, you sigh of relief. Then Thorrow tapped your shoulder. You turned to her.? ? ? ? ?“That’s not your birthmark, is it? she asked. You shook your head. “Well what is it?”? ? ? ? ?“If you don’t mind, Thorrow, I rather not tell you just yet.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow nodded and lead you inside.? ? ? ? ?And now here you are back in the present, in a meeting room among a group of willing micen. Besides you and Thorrow there are ten other willing micen. Each one is their own unique color. All twelve of you are sitting in chairs with Thorrow’s chair next to what looks like an easel. On the easel is a lousy drawing of a Leona. You looked at it and think it was drawn by a juvenile micen that had at least some experience, but not enough that it cost payment. On top of the pic shows a word that says “Welcome Willing Micen."? ? ? ? ?You looked around and you saw Thorrow taking her seat next to the easel. “Good evening everyone,” she addressed the willing micen. “I trust you all are set for our journey tomorrow?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes, Thorrow,” said every willing micen, except you.? ? ? ? ?Thorrow continued, “We have a newcomer among us today. This here is Patrick. Say hello Patrick.”? ? ? ? ?You stood up in front of the crowd and said, “Hello.”? ? ? ? ?“Patrick,” said Thorrow. “These are all willing micen who will be going on a journey to get eaten by their favorite Leona. This is Sapphira,” she pointed to the blue female micen with brown hair and eyes are like sapphire. “Violet,” she pointed to the purple female micen with a white underbelly and silver hair. “Robin,” she pointed to the red male micen with short brown hair. “Rose,” she pointed to a pink female micen with a white underbelly and red hair and blue eyes. “Angelica,” she pointed to a white female micen who unlike any other micen where’s shorts and a vest. She has black hair from which she forms ponytails, and she has blue spots on her body. “Larry,” she pointed to the black male micen with short grey hair and a grey belly. “Tiger,” she pointed to an orange male micen with black stripes on his back. “Sonny,” she pointed to the yellow micen with a white belly and white hair. “Barry,” she pointed to the brown male micen with vertical black stripes on his body and blonde hair. “And last but not least, Seraph,” she pointed to the grey female micen, with black hair. You waved at each micen who smiled and wave back as well.?? ? ? ? ?“Now that everyone knows each other, let’s begin.” They all nodded as Thorrow now turns to you. “Now Patrick, before we discuss our journey, why don’t you tell the crowd, about how you became a willing micen.”? ? ? ? ?You explained to everyone about the time you first met Felicia, and how you were scared of her at first until she gave you some food. You also explained how you were surrounded by a bunch of rattis who wanted to tear you apart and eat you. The micen were scared at the viceral details, but you explained how Felicia saved your life and scared the rattis away. Since that day, you gotten over your fear of leonas and you warmed up to her. You mentioned that after some time, she started nomming on you which you don’t mind at all. Eventually, it happened. You’ve let Felicia eat you every day and you were regurgitated minutes later. “And that’s how I’ve became a willing micen,” you finished. Everyone clapped, which gave you a nervous smile but you bowed slowly.? ? ? ? ?You returned to your seat as everyone finished clapping. “That was truly wonderful, Patrick,” said Thorrow. “Much calmer experience than I had. Now then I’m gonna show you the route we’ll be taking on our journey.” She removes the picture of the leona and shows a picture of what looks like a map of Solace’s apartment with a drawing of Solace next to it. “Here we are at Desio,” Thorrow continued. “From there we will climb the walls up to the colony, Toor. From there we will find a passageway that will lead us up towards the apartment belong to Geeaness.” She reveals a picture of an orange Leona with a bent ear. Next to the picture is a map to Geeaness’s apartment. “Geeaness loves to cook. In fact he’s a chef from where he works. And he likes to prepare micen for his meal. Like sandwiches, pancakes, spaghetti, and even desserts like cupcakes. So if you want Geeaness as your predator, he’s gonna have you prepared for your role as food.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow then revealed a picture of a mean looking brown Leona, with another map of the leona’s apartment. “After that,” she continued. “We will take a treacherous path down to Risa’s territory. Now you must be careful when you’re around Risa. She’s one of the few leonas who would chew on her micen before swallowing them. So if you’re gonna have Risa as your predator, you better hope her teeth doesn’t knick you before you get swallowed.” That’s right, you remember Felicia telling you that Risa doesn't mind, maybe even loves, the taste of blood.? ? ? ? ?Thorrow next shows a picture of a white Leona with a blue muzzle and belly and a red heart at her chest. Next to it is another apartment map belonging to the Leona shown. “After leaving Risa’s apartment we’ll go further down towards the apartment belonging to Shieki, the Leona that currently claims me. Unlike most leonas, she’s the mostest, nicest Leona I’ve ever met. She asks for permission to eat you, which is something most leonas won’t do. Take it from my account, if you want Shieki as your predator, you are gonna love the experience.”?? ? ? ? ?Thorrow finally reshows Solace’s apartment and pic. “And finally, we will return to Solace’s apartment where we will face Solace herself. We have to go through Risa’s apartment again to get there. Solace has been wanted to eat me since the moment she first found me as a juvenile. She has tried many attempts to get me in her, but she's too playful for her own good sometimes. Solace may be gentle, but she does get upset whenever one of her rules breaks, so don't break them if you ever want to live. She’ll be waiting for us when we return from our journey, the reason is because she would look forward to eat you and have you in her lovely, warm... succulent... tummy..."? ? ? ? ?There was a pause as all the micen stared at Thorrow, who seemed to be off in her own world.? ? ? ? ?She snapped back into reality as faster than she had left it. “So… either way, you will end up in a gut. Whichever one you want is strictly up to you. Are there any questions?” They all stood quiet. "No? Good, now I must warn you though, there are rattis living within the walls of the apartment complex." You almost shuddered at the sound of that word. "You all must be very careful, because rattis are our predators too, but you don't want them to eat you, do you?" They all shook their heads, especially you. "Good, now let's get some rest tomorrow is a very big day and we'll need all of our energy for it."? ? ? ? ?All the micen agreed and they all find a place to sleep for the night. You on the other hand are not tired and you wanted to speak with Thorrow alone, because you feel that you can trust her.1111211You walked up to Thorrow as she takes down her easel, pictures and such. She then noticed you. “Oh Patrick, is there something you need?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes Thorrow,” you answered. “Can I talk to you, in private? Just you and me?”? ? ? ? ?“Sure.” Thorrow led you to the bedroom where she’ll be sleeping. She closed the door and sat down on the bed. You joined her on the bed as well. “So Patrick, what do you want to talk about?”? ? ? ? ?“Thorrow, are you still wondering about that mark I have on my rear?”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow tilted her head and nodded. “What kind of mark is it?”? ? ? ? ?“It’s a very special mark,” you answered. “Magic even.”? ? ? ? ?“Magic?” said Thorrow. “I thought magic isn’t real. Although, I’ve heard stories that Solace have once been turned into a micen. I’m not sure if it’s true or not.”? ? ? ? ?“Well I can tell you about how I got that mark,” you said to her. “But it’s a long story. So long I’m gonna have to break it into parts for you. But Thorrow, if I tell you this, do you promise not to tell anyone?”? ? ? ? ?“I promise, Patrick.” Thorrow gave you her word.? ? ? ? ?“Okay.” You lie down on the bed looking at the ceiling, thinking about where to begin. “Well it all started about a month after that rattis attack.”? ? ? ? ?I was sitting in my home watching Felicia out there talking with her father. Her father said something about going on a business trip for a few days and is leaving Felicia in charge of the house. Felicia kept my existence a secret from him, because if he sees me, he might eat me.? ? ? ? ?As soon as her father left the house, Felicia stared out the window to make sure that he’s gone. Once Lionel’s car is out of sight, she assured me that it is safe to come out now. I walked out my home and greeted her, she then picked me up and licked me, she always liked to greet me like that.? ? ? ? ?“So Patrick,” Felicia said to me. “How would you like to come eat dinner with me tonight?”? ? ? ? ?I paused for a moment as I never had dinner with her before. I figured it’s okay and said, “I would love to come to dinner with you.”? ? ? ? ?“Awesome,” she said with glee. “Would you mind meeting me at the table at say around six o’clock tonight?”? ? ? ? ?“Sure,” I nodded. “I’ll be there.”? ? ? ? ?She then sat me down at my home as I watched her get on the couch and watched some TV. I was thinking about joining her, but I don’t want to be a bother. So I decided to wait until dinner time. While I was waiting, I’ve been thinking a lot about Felicia. She’s not only real sweet, but she’s very attractive.? ? ? ? ?“Attractive?” Thorrow asked.? ? ? ? ?“Yes,” you said to Thorrow. “Just try to disagree with me. Anyways...”? ? ? ? ??I wanted to do something nice for her at dinner. And I was thinking that she should finally eat me. The problem is however is that I don’t want to die, and I know Felicia would not want to kill me, since she cares about me. I’ve wanted her to do it because I loved her, and I wanted to experience the feeling of being eaten by someone who cares about you, or in general really. But I don’t know if she can regurgitate me or not. And that’s when ‘he’ appeared before me.? ? ? ? ?For a few seconds ‘he’ appeared out of nowhere. I get a good look at the creature. I’ve never seen a creature like him before. He has green scales, two bat-like wings, a striped belly, a long snout, and he looks like he has horns on his head. He looked a bit rubbery, and had trouble moving, but I still never saw anything like it! He then spoke to me and said, “Hello Patrick.”? ? ? ? ?I was surprised as he actually knows my name, and that he can speak without his lips moving. “H- H- How did you know my name?” I asked.? ? ? ? ?“I know many things that have been happening in this world”, he said to me. “I know for a fact, that you Patrick are a willing micen.”? ? ? ? ?I was shocked that he actually knew about that. “Who are you?” I asked him.? ? ? ? ?“I am Dracob,” he spoke to me. “And I am a dragon.”? ? ? ? ?"Whoa!" said Thorrow. "A dragon!? You've got to be kidding me. This isn't real."? ? ? ? ?"I was surprised as you are Thorrow," you said to her.? ? ? ? ?I was shocked, I have heard of dragons before but I thought those creatures are myth. “What do you want with me?”? ? ? ? ?“I have seen your dilemma and your desire to be one with the one called, Felicia.”? ? ? ? ?Wow he even knows what's been going on. Who is he? I said to him, “It’s true. I wish I could. But I don’t want to die, and I fear she doesn’t know how to vomit at will.”? ? ? ? ?“But that’s where I come in,” Dracob said to me. “I can help you achieve your goal of being eaten without dying. But you have to do exactly as I say or else it will not work. Am I clear?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes,” you nodded.? ? ? ? ?“Good, now I want you to take this.” He up pulled out from a bag that looked to be an amulet. And on that amulet it had twelve different symbols. All of them are unique, all he had never laid eyes on before. “This is a very special amulet. Each symbol represents... something or other.”? ? ? ? ?“Something or other?” I said to him. “But you-”? ? ? ? ?“I don't know everything. I just got it today." said Dracob. "Is that a crime? I mean-"? ? ? ? ?“What do you mean?” I asked.? ? ? ? ?“I mean... All in good time, Patrick, the answers will come to you.” said Dracob. “I don’t have much time but you must get ready for your dinner with Felicia.”? ? ? ? ?“But I don’t know what task I have to do for her,” I reply to the dragon.? ? ? ? ?“Ah, but you already have,” said Dracob.? ? ? ? ?“I have?” I asked.? ? ? ? ?“Yes, by making Felicia, your friend. I have no doubt that she is the girl of your dreams.” The dragon soon starts to walk away. "I have to go now. I don't have enough patience- energy for this. Just remember what I said, Patrick. And soon you'll get your wish. I will speak with you soon. Until then, farewell." And then he disappeared, in a hole, just like that. I tried to follow him, but only his husk remained. It's as if his soul wandered off? ? ? ? ?“Wow,” said Thorrow. “I didn’t know micen and leonas could love each other.”? ? ? ? ?“Yeah, because that's the most exciting thing about this story, of course it is.” You muttered to her.? ? ? ? ?“ What happens next?”? ? ? ? ?For a moment my head started hurting, but I ignored it and went to the table at dinner time and we begin to eat. Felicia soon became curious about my amulet and asked me, “Where did you get that interesting looking amulet?”? ? ? ? ?I explained to her about my encounter with the dragon, Dracob, and how he can help make my dream come true. “Felicia, I’ve meaning to tell you this for some time, and well, I love you.”? ? ? ? ?Felicia’s eyes have widen. “You do?”? ? ? ? ?"Yes... I do."? ? ? ? ?Felicia thought long and hard about this and she said to me, “Okay Patrick, climb in.” She then placed her head on the table in front of me and nuzzles me. She then opens her mouth, and I looked deep inside. It was the beautiful sight I’ve ever seen. I see teeth, the tongue, even the uvula over her throat.? ? ? ? ?I walked inside past the teeth and I lied on her tongue. She closed her mouth and licked all over me then lifts her head and begins to swallow me. I slide past the uvula and down into her gullet, the trip took about a minute before I reached her stomach. It is much roomier than I expected.? ? ? ? ?“And soon I blacked out knowing that I’ll be digested. But the amulet was gone and it must have teleported me out.”? ? ? ? ?“Where did it take you?” she asked before starting to yawn. You feel tired too as you must have talked for about an hour.? ? ? ? ?“I think I’ll tell you about it later Thorrow,” you said to her. “Right now, you're obviously more interested in the things that make sense. And I’m feeling tired.”? ? ? ? ?“You’re welcome to sleep in my bed with me if you like,” Thorrow offered.? ? ? ? ?“That would be nice, thank you Thorrow.” Thorrow climbed into bed with you as you lay the blankets all over our bodies. You both made sure not to touch each other. And you can’t wait for tomorrow. For tomorrow, the journey begins.?? ? ? ? ?Also, as soon as Thorrow fell asleep, she kicked you on the floor. Considering how strong that kick was, you decided that the floor was much safer. You grabbed a spare blanket and drifted off to sleep...11112111The next morning, Thorrow and you got together with the other micen who have gotting very hungry. Thorrow figured this might happen so she decided to take them to the pantry. She made sure that each micen has his or her own duffel bag. You don’t have your own bag but luckily, Thorrow has a few extra, smaller ones for you. Thorrow led the micen out of the guest house and towards Solace’s pantry.? ? ? ? ?As they arrive at the pantry Thorrow turned around and confronted her fellow micen. “Alright now listen up,” said Thorrow. “Solace, has set a rule on what and what not to take from her pantry. Do not, I repeat, do not take any chocolates, sweets, or anything you can’t carry. The rest you can stock up on as long as you can easily carry your bag with the food inside. Remember, if you open it, you close it. You grab it you eat it. If you make a mess, clean it up. You break it, you fix it. If you can't fix it, find someone who can. If you can't do that, well then you better hope Solace is not in a foul mood if she catches you. Do I make myself clear?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes ma’am!” answered the micen.? ? ? ? ?“Good, now go ahead and stock up. We got a long journey ahead of us.” All the micen proceed to get what food they want in their back. You decided to get some bread, some grapes and some nuts. Soon your bag is almost full, and as soon as the micen prepared to leave, the pantry doors opened up. Solace was right behind it. You and the other micen were frozen in your tracks as you all looked up to the cat.? ? ? ? ?“Good morning,” She said in a soft tone. “I see you’re preparing for your trip.”? ? ? ? ?“Yes, Miss Solace,” said Thorrow. “And we were just about to leave.”? ? ? ? ?“Well don’t leave just yet. I got someone here I'd like you all to meet, because it might be your only chance to see her.” Soon, Felicia is standing next to her.? ? ? ? ?“Hey Felicia,” you said to her.? ? ? ? ?“Hey Patrick,” said Felicia as she reached out her hand and petted you.? ? ? ? ?“Everyone,” said Solace. “This is my childhood friend, Felicia.”? ? ? ? ?Felicia waved at the micen and then got her eye on Thorrow. Thorrow sheepishly waved at Felicia. “You must be Thorrow,” said Felicia.? ? ? ? ?“That’s right,” Thorrow said to the white Leona.? ? ? ? ?“Solace has told me so much about you. You’re not just a willing micen, but the willing micen.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow chuckled and said, “Yeah.”? ? ? ? ?Felicia turned to the other people. “So you all are going to leave?” All the micen nodded. “Well I wish you all good luck on your journey.” She returns her attention to Thorrow. “Can I ask you a favor, Thorrow, before you leave?”? ? ? ? ?“Sure Felicia,” said Thorrow. “What do you want?”? ? ? ? ?“Come here. You know what I want.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow smiled and set down her bag. “Sure Felicia.” Felicia glowed with excitement. Thorrow took off her scarf, gave it to you for safe keeping, and walked towards the white leona as she opened her mouth and extended her tongue for her to climb on. Thorrow got on all fours and started climbing into Felicia’s wide open maw. Solace decided to get on with her day as everyone else watched Thorrow get her entire body into Felicia’s mouth carefully avoiding the teeth. As soon as she got comfortable, Felicia closes her mouth and begins to slosh Thorrow about.? ? ? ? ?You watched Felicia as she playfully chews on Thorrow. While you were waiting, Solace and you got to chat for bit. You two talked about where you’re heading, going to and through Toor and after. You mentioned that you’ll be going to Geeaness’s apartment from there. Solace nodded and even mentions that “Geenie” as she likes to call him, doesn’t like to cough up food, including micen. You told Solace that you’ll find a way to convince him otherwise, which Solace chuckles wishing you good luck with that.? ? ? ? ?Soon Felicia stopped what she was doing and opened her mouth again. Thorrow slid out on her tongue. She was covered in drool but was able to clean it off as soon as you gave her back her scarf. Solace turned to Felicia and asked, “How did she taste?”? ? ? ? ?“Just like how you described it,” she answered truthfully.? ? ? ? ?Solace now faced the micen. “I’m gonna be taking Felicia out to breakfast. So you micen have a good trip, and be sure to choose your leona wisely.” The micen nods and proceeds to exit the pantry the way they came. “Oh and Patrick, before you go, I have something for you.”? ? ? ? ?You turned to Solace with a wide expression. “Me, Solace?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes you,” she said. She went through the shelf above you and got out what appears to be…? ? ? ? ?“A chocolate egg?” said Thorrow.? ? ? ? ?“That's right Thorrow,” said Solace. “This is one of those times when I feel generous.” She gave you the chocolate egg and you put it in your backpack. “Be sure to savor as much as you can, Patrick.”? ? ? ? ?“I will Solace,” you said to the blue Leona. You and Thorrow joined the other micen as you begin your journey.? ? ? ? ?Solace watched as all the micen leave. “Good luck to you all, and be safe.”? ? ? ? ?“Bye, Patrick,” said Felicia. “Come back safely.” You wave goodbye to Solace and Felicia as you and the others leave the pantry through the hole.? ? ? ? ?“Let’s go guys,” said Thorrow. “With a party this big, It will take almost half an hour to get to Toor.” You nodded as you and the others followed her through the dark tunnel.111121111Thorrow, you, and the other willing micen have begun the journey. The blue micen lead you and the others towards the wall that you’ll be climbing in order to reach Toor. Thorrow told you that it took her some time to get to Toor from where you’re currently at; for Toor is located in the ceiling, and it’s gonna take a long time to get there. Thorrow recalled the days that she and a few others went on an expedition to search for other colonies as lively as Niarb. She mentions that after her expedition she visited the other colonies to explain the deaths of those who were on the expedition. There were many.? ? ? ? ?“Wow Thorrow,” you said to her. “It must have been pretty tough breaking the news to family and loved ones of those who were lost in the expedition.”? ? ? ? ?“It wasn’t easy,” said Thorrow.? ? ? ? ?“I’m kinda curious though,” said the red willing micen, Robin. “How did Solace find out about our expedition to the leonas?”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow paused and turned around to see the other willing micen are questioning that as well. Thorrow hadn’t really thought about it before. She didn’t even think to ask Solace about how she knew. She thought long and hard and then she said, “My guess is that Gertrude probably told her about it.”? ? ? ? ?“GERTRUDE!?” all the micen squeaked, as if it were habit to be afraid of such a name.? ? ? ? ?“Yeah,” You spoke out loud. “Solace already knows about Thorrow staying at the guest house from Gertrude and her meeting with willing micen.”? ? ? ? ?“At least she was kind of us to let us go with the food we gathered,” said Thorrow. “I honestly didn’t expect Patrick here to receive a Chocolate egg from her.”? ? ? ? ?The yellow micen, Sonny, came up and said, “Well I think it’s unfair that Patrick gets to have the chocolate egg and we don’t.” The other micen agreed with him.? ? ? ? ?“Look guys,” said Thorrow. “Solace gave the chocolate egg to Patrick, because her friend Felicia claimed him.”? ? ? ? ?“But this is Solace we’re talking about!” said Sonny. "How do we know he's not spying for her?"? ? ? ? ?“So?” Thorrow talked back. “Solace can make an exception. Don’t forget this is her apartment. She makes the rules around here.”? ? ? ? ?The micen hummed, realizing that, for once, Thorrow has made a point. “I guess that's fair."? ? ? ? ?Has passed, but you, Thorrow and the other micen have made it to the ceiling and the colony, Toor. And to your surprise the colony is much bigger than you expected. There are houses made out of trash, and there are other buildings made from rubbish as well. The colony is big but not as big as Niarb. Thorrow turned around and spoke to all, “I’m gonna go see the colony headmaster, Yidde. We need permission from her if we’re going to see Geeaness. I’ll be back soon.” All of the micen nodded and watch as Thorrow heads towards the biggest building. You decided to follow her, just in case she was unsuccessful in convincing Yidde.? ? ? ? ?You followed Thorrow into the large building which appears to be where the headmaster will be residing. Thorrow turned to you and said, “I appreciate you in coming with me. But I think it’s unnecessary.”? ? ? ? ?“Nonsense Thorrow,” you spoke to her. “You probably need all the help you can get. Besides, what if Yidde refuses to let us through?”? ? ? ? ?“Well I can always ask Solace to convince her,” said Thorrow. You see that she is determined to let the micen live their dreams, even if they are weird. But you still stand by her side as she approached the micen sitting at the front desk. “I’m here to see the headmaster, Yidde.”? ? ? ? ?“Do you have an appointment?” The micen asked.? ? ? ? ?“I have,” She said. “The name’s Thorrow.”? ? ? ? ?“Thorrow?” the micen looked up. “The same Thorrow?”? ? ? ? ?“I’m surprised you remembered me,” said Thorrow. “May I see her?”? ? ? ? ?“Of course,” said the grey micen. “Follow me.”? ? ? ? ?“Thank you, come on Patrick.” You nodded as you and Thorrow follow the grey micen down the curtain hallway. It was short walk as the grey micen stopped in front of an arch.? ? ? ? ?The grey micen stepped through the arch. “Excuse miss Yidde, there’s a Thorrow here to see you.”? ? ? ? ?“Alright, go ahead and send her in,” said Yidde. “I’m done with my other client anyway.”? ? ? ? ?The grey micen nodded and lets you and Thorrow go on through. “I take it you know the drill?”?? ? ? ? ?Thorrow nodded. “Walk up to the red carpet but no further.” The grey micen smiled and went back to his desk. You and Thorrow walked inside to see Yidde sitting at her desk. And standing across from her is Gertrude, Solace’s micen. Why is Gertrude here? Did Yidde already count the number of micen living in Toor? But she was supposed to give the number to Solace at their next meeting.?? ? ? ? ?Gertrude saw you both and smiled. She then turns to Yidde and said, “Thank you for your hospitality, Yidde. I should return to Solace and let her know that you finished your head count. I’ll let you give the number to her yourself.”? ? ? ? ?“Thank you Gertrude,” Yidde bowed her head. “I’ll see you at the next meeting.”? ? ? ? ?Gertrude nodded and walked passed you and Thorrow and said with a smile, “Hello Thorrow and Patrick.” You both said hi and watched as she leaves the office.? ? ? ? ?Before she left, she said, "Actually... Why haven't I tried this yet?" She reached over and grabbed your shoulder, pulling him towards her. She stuck out her tongue and gave him a long lick. As you blushed, but felt more awkward than anything else. She shook her head, saying "I don't see the big deal." before walking off.? ? ? ? ?You don't know what to do after that. What can you do after that?? ? ? ? ?Both you and Thorrow turned to Yidde. “Hello Thorrow, and hello to you too, Patrick. What can I do for you both?”? ? ? ? ?“Well Yidde,” answered Thorrow. “We came here to ask for permission that you allow me, Patrick, and a few others to visit the apartment of the leona, Geeaness.”? ? ? ? ?“I see,” said Yidde. “And why should I allow you to go? Most micen who goes there never came back.”? ? ? ? ?“Well you see,” answered Thorrow, “I’m leading an expedition to visit the nearest Leonas in the area. The micen wanted to meet them all.”? ? ? ? ?“Do they not realize that what they’re doing might endanger their lives?” asked Yidde in a stern voice.? ? ? ? ?You step forward and said, “Miss Yidde, I can assure you, the micen know what they’re doing. The expedition may endanger their lives, but they are willing to take the chance to see the leonas in their own territory.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow stepped forward and said, “We will make sure that their safety is our top priority. The journey may be risky, but we are willing to take that risk.”You and Thorrow watched as Yidde scratched her chin thinking about whether to grant you permission or not.1111211111After careful consideration, Yidde asked you and Thorrow one last time. “Are you sure you guys want to go there? I mean the micen who lives in Geeaness’s apartment are insane. And from what I heard, you and Serena almost got eaten after they captured you.”? ? ? ? ?“Yes, Yidde,” said Thorrow. “I admit, last time we were taken by surprise, but this time I’ve come prepared.”? ? ? ? ?“I see, and are you sure you all understand the risks you guys are taking?” she asked. “Once you enter Geenie’s territory, we won’t be responsible for your death.”? ? ? ? ?“We completely understand the risks,” you said to her.? ? ? ? ?Yidde shook her head in disappointment, but she knows there’s no stopping you. Even if she didn’t grant you permission, they’ll likely find another way to get there. “All right,” she said at last. “If you really do wish to go there, then I’ll grant you permission.”? ? ? ? ?“Thank you, Yidde,” said Thorrow. “We’ll be very careful getting there.”? ? ? ? ?“Just one question, Headmaster Yidde,” you said to her. “If the micen in Geenie's apartment are insane, why do you have a tunnel connected from here to there?”? ? ? ? ?“Because not all micen who live there are insane,” said Yidde. “When Geeaness came to visit Solace a few months ago, he asked us personally if we could build a tunnel to his apartment because he feared the juveniles who live there would be thrown into the feeding pen he keeps in the kitchen. So we agreed to allow the juveniles and their parents to take refuge here in this colony until they are old enough to take care of themselves.”? ? ? ? ?“That was very kind of you, Yidde,” you said sincerely.? ? ? ? ?“Thank you Patrick. Now if you two don’t mind I got other things to attend to. I’ll be sure to let the guard know to let you pass to Geeaness’s territory. Just do me a favor, you guys.”? ? ? ? ?“What’s that?” you asked.? ? ? ? ?“Try not to get eaten,” answered Yidde.? ? ? ? ?Both you and Thorrow nod, and you left her office. You both reunite with the group outside. They were waiting patiently for them to return. The black micen, Larry stepped forward and asked, “So, how did it go?”? ? ? ? ?You looked at Thorrow and she looked back at you, then you both look at Larry. “It went well,” you said. “We’re going to Geeaness’s place.” The micen cheered. “Let’s just go and get there, before Yidde changes her mind.”? ? ? ? ?They all nod and walked towards the guard that guards the tunnel to Geeaness’s apartment. The guard is a tan fur micen with a white belly. He wears what appears to be armor. The guard looks at you and Thorrow. Thorrow stepped forward and said, “Headmaster Yidde has granted us permission to gain access to Geeaness’s territory.”? ? ? ? ?“State your name,” the guard demanded.? ? ? ? ?“My name is Thorrow Shikira,” she answered. “And this whole group is with me.”? ? ? ? ?The guard nods, looking at a guard in a tower at the HQ. He stood aside. “Very well, you may pass. Proceed with caution.”? ? ? ? ?“Come on guys.” The group followed Thorrow into the dark tunnel. The guard watched as you all disappeared into the tunnel. “Okay guys, next stop, Geeaness’s place.” The micen are feeling excited. You’re feeling a little excited and a little nervous too. But you’re not worried about it as you follow Thorrow leaving the colony Toor behind. You’re wondering how Felicia is doing and hope she’s doing well with Solace.? ? ? ? ?Meanwhile back in Solace’s apartment, Gertrude was giving Solace her report. She and Felicia are having lunch. They’ve recently caught a few micen who’ve been breaking some serious rules like stealing chocolate eggs and breaking a jar in the pantry. Both Solace and Felicia were already eating the punished micen while Gertrude was giving her report. Gertrude explain to her about her visit to Yidde and that she has already got her head count for that limited capacity on the colonies that Solace proposed yesterday. As Solace swallowed her struggling micen down, she asked Gertrude, “So Yidde has already got her head count?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes Solace,” said Gertrude. “And she plans to give you the exact number in your next meeting.”? ? ? ? ?“Good, good,” said Solace. “She’s doing very well for a headmaster. I can’t wait to hear her report.”? ? ? ? ?“There’s something else,” Gertrude continued. “I’ve also ran into Thorrow and Patrick on my way back. They were meeting with Yidde.”? ? ? ? ?“Hmm seems like they’re gonna try to get to Geenie’s place from Toor.”? ? ? ? ?“So, they are actually serious about getting eaten.”? ? ? ? ?“You seemed surprised, Gertrude,” said Solace. “You did tell me that the willing micen are planning on getting eaten, didn’t you?”? ? ? ? ?“Well yeah, but I didn’t think she would take them to Geenie’s place,” said Gertrude. “Although, I did hear Thorrow mentioned about them getting eaten by their favorite leona? No matter how many times I say that, it sounds stupid. But yeah, if they do get eaten by that chef, it’s for good.”? ? ? ? ?Felicia’s eyes widen. “What!? Patrick’s not thinking about letting that leona eat him, is he?”? ? ? ? ?Solace turns to Felicia surprised. “Well if he’s going to, is there a problem with that?”? ? ? ? ?“Well, he is my micen, I just feel uncomfortable when another person has him.”? ? ? ? ?Solace stared at Felicia suspiciously for a moment. “But you didn’t feel uncomfortable when I ate your micen,”? ? ? ? ?“But that’s because I trust that you,” said Felicia. “If you said Geeaness doesn’t cough up micen, I don’t know what’s gonna happen if he eats Patrick.” Felicia started to cry, and Solace embraced her.? ? ? ? ?“Well... Now, now, Felicia,” said Solace in a comforting mood. “Remember what your shirt says? Besides, he has the scarf.”? ? ? ? ?“Right...” Felicia said, "Right, right."? ? ? ? ?“See?” Solace answered.? ? ? ? ?Felicia wiped her remaining tears as they stopped hugging. “Thanks, Solace. And thank you for the lunch... I’m gonna go powder my nose real quick.” Felicia got up and walks towards the bathroom.? ? ? ? ?While Felicia is using the bathroom, she leans in towards Gertrude. “Gertrude I have a job for you. I need you to go to Geeaness’s place and keep an eye on those micen, especially on Patrick.”? ? ? ? ?“You want me to spy on them? Why?”? ? ? ? ?“I have a hunch about Patrick,” she answered. “But I’m not exactly sure. But I think that Felicia and him have some kind of secret that they’re not willing to share.”? ? ? ? ?“A secret, Solace?” said Gertrude. “I don’t know. It doesn’t sound like a good idea. I still don’t see why I should spy on them.”? ? ? ? ?“I’ll make you a new outfit,” said Solace.? ? ? ? ?Gertrude thought about it. She’s been wanting a new outfit since her old one is getting worn out. “What if Geeaness caught me?”? ? ? ? ?“I’ll make sure he will not eat you,” Solace assured her.? ? ? ? ?“Well, okay Solace. I’ll do it.”? ? ? ? ?“Thank you Gertrude.” Solace sees that Felicia has returned from the bathroom. Solace stands up and said, “Say Felicia, would you like to meet some of my friends who lives in this apartment complex? I’m sure my dad, Kre, would like to see you too.”? ? ? ? ?“Okay, Solace. And yeah.”? ? ? ? ?Both Solace and Felicia head out the front door to meet some of Solace’s friends. Gertrude leaves Uschi and Ray in charge while Solace is away, since Gertrude has been assigned to spy on Patrick and the willing micen. Luckily, she knows her way around for she knows every shortcut in the apartment complex. But she wonders if she’ll get to Geeaness’s before Patrick and Thorrow do.11112111111Hours have passed since you, Thorrow, and a gang of willing Micen left Toor. There were so many twists and turns like a maze you’d get lost in. The micen made sure to stay close to Thorrow so that they won’t get lost. They eventually arrived at a climbable wall. It’s climbable because there are so many ropes and ladders there. There are also pipes to help the micen climb and they are moist so they’re usually slippery. It took all the micen an hour to climb that wall. It wasn’t easy since most of the micen slipped on the pipe but luckily avoided falling off. Thorrow took a head count to see who all is here.? ? ? ? ?“Okay let’s see now,” Thorrow said to herself as she counts each head. “There’s Patrick, Sapphira, Violet, Robin, Rose, Angelica, Larry, Tiger, Sonny, Barry, and Seraph. Yep everyone’s accounted for.” You looked back and see everyone is exhausted. “Let’s take a small break. That climb must be exhausting.” ? ? ? ? ?All the micen agreed and sit down to chow on the food they got from Solace’s pantry. You sat next to a small group containing the pink micen, Rose; the white micen, Angelica; and the orange micen, Tiger.? ? ? ? ?Tiger notice you sitting down with them. “Hey Patrick,” he greeted.? ? ? ? ?“You guys don’t mind if I sit here with you guys, do you?” you asked as you got out the chocolate egg Solace gave you.? ? ? ? ?“Oh no, not at all,” said Rose. You gave each micen equal pieces of the egg. “Thanks for sharing with us your chocolate egg,” she continued, “We were just gonna discuss about our favorite Leona, Geeaness.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh?” you said in a wide eye expression. “So you all are gonna let the chef eat you?”? ? ? ? ?“That’s right,” said Angelica. “He’s so dreamy. I’d let a sexy guy like him gobble me down. Wouldn’t you agree, Rose?”? ? ? ? ?“Oh yes, Angelica,” answered Rose. “He’s very sexy in my opinion too. All male Leona are sexy.”? ? ? ? ?Tiger shook his head and turns to you. “You’ll have to forgive them, Patrick,” he said. “They’re one of those girls who have a thing for male predators.”? ? ? ? ?“Hey,” said Rose as she put her hands on her hips. “That’s not entirely true. We like female predators too.”? ? ? ? ?Angelica nodded. “We just like Geenie more. His cooking is very fascinating. Thorrow told me that she once saw Geeaness perform a neat trick that involves a micen wearing clothes.”? ? ? ? ?“Really?” you asked. “How does it work?"? ? ? ? ?“Well it goes something like this,” said Angelica. “Geenie puts a clothed micen in his mouth. He then plays with the micen in his mouth. And when he swallowed the micen, the clothes that the micen were wearing were left behind on his tongue.”? ? ? ? ?“Wow, that is so cool,” you said to her. “Is that why you’re wearing those clothes?”? ? ? ? ?Angelica nodded. “That’s right. I plan to experience this trick myself.”? ? ? ? ?“Well I heard he can swallow a micen down with his mouth open,” said Tiger. “I usually see Leonas swallow them down with their mouths closed.”? ? ? ? ?“Yeah that is very rare,” said Rose. “I hope he puts me into one of his delicacies. I would love to be put into some strawberry shortcake. I heard it tastes really good.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh they are good,” you said to her. “Felicia sometimes gave me a tiny piece when she makes some. They are delicious.” Rose’s eyes are filled with joy. “So tell me about how you guys become willing. I’ve already told you my backstory back at that meeting.”? ? ? ? ?Angelica thought to herself and started, “Well, It started when I was a juvenile in Niarb. I sneaked out of the colony and into Solace’s pantry looking for food. I know I’m not allowed to go alone but I was hungry. And when I saw something that Leona called cookies, I couldn’t help myself and just had to have some. But when Solace open the pantry and saw me, I was unable to escape because I was so full and couldn't move. Solace looked at me in disappointment and decided to teach me a lesson. She grab a hold me and puts me in her mouth, she slurped me about for a minute or two and gulps me down. I was so scared, but you know, when I first saw what the inside of a tummy looked like, I feel like I was in a trance. It was very roomy and surprisingly comfy. The only downside is that the air is thin. She kept me in there for about five minutes until she decided to regurgitate me into her sink. I was feeling lightheaded for about awhile. I looked up to her as she was cleaning me up, and even though I taste good to her, she told me not to go out alone again until I was old enough. I was scolded for leaving the colony without someone to watch me. Ever since that day, I’ve been fantasizing about getting eaten. I’ve kept it a secret from many others, including my parents.”? ? ? ? ?“Wow Angelica,” you said to her. “That's so cool. How about you Rose?”? ? ? ? ?“Well,” said Rose. “I used to live in an apartment belonging to a young Leona named Misty. She took me to school one day after I asked her to. She said that I might live if I promise to behave, and I have. When lunch time came, I notice that she put in a few micen into something called a sandwich. The micen are tied up so that they won’t escape. I was fascinated when I saw Misty eat the sandwich with the micen in it. When she is done eating the sandwich, I asked about that pink cup like thing next to a spoon. She told me that it’s called a yogurt, and the reason it’s pink is because its strawberry flavored. I asked if I could get a taste, but Misty has a better idea. She picks me up and puts me in the yogurt. I got to taste it before Misty puts the spoon inside bringing me and some yogurt out. I turned to Misty and noticed that she opened her mouth ready to eat me. Before I could react or say anything, I was in her mouth. I got slurped about as Misty slurped the entire yogurt off me. I giggled as her tongue tickles. I thought I was next, that is until she spat me out. She asked me what I think of this experience, and I said, it was awesome. She smiled and chuckled, saying that next time I might get swallowed. At the end of the day, she told me that she can’t bring me home alive as it is against her parents’ rule. So she dropped me off at Solace’s place saying goodbye to me and assuring me that she’ll let my family know that I’m safe. I was taken in by Solace to her colony Desio."? ? ? ? ?“That was awesome, Rose,” you said in amazement. “And I’m sorry that you never got to see your family again.”? ? ? ? ?“It’s alright,” said Rose. “I’m used to it.”? ? ? ? ?Tiger then turns to you. “I guess it’s my turn then,” he said. “I used to live in a colony in an apartment belonging to a Leona named Beth. Every day, I watch as she catches and eats each micen. I was fascinated about this whole cat and mouse thing. One day, while I was finding something to eat in the pantry, I got snagged by the Leona herself, but I didn’t struggle. When she saw how willing I become, she decided to challenge me. The challenge was to see how long I can last in her mouth until morning. I took her up on her challenge, and she opened her mouth and sets me inside on her tongue. She decided to lick all over me first just to get my taste. She enjoys it and then the real challenge begins. All day I was in her mouth, when she talks I keep getting pushed towards the throat. When she eats, I tried avoiding the teeth and try to steer clear of her throat, and when she sleeps I had to hold onto her teeth so I don’t fall into her throat. The challenge was difficult but it was worth it. She was so impressed that I survived through all that, she lets me go with some food. Afterwards, I left the colony and ended up in Solace’s apartment.”? ? ? ? ?“Very nice,” you said impressively.? ? ? ? ?“So,” Tiger continued, “Which Leona are you gonna go for?”? ? ? ? ?“I’m gonna go for all of them,” you answered, “including Geeaness.” The micen laughed thinking that you’re joking. You looked at them all in a confused expression.? ? ? ? ?Tiger tries to control his laughter. “Hehe, I’m sorry,” he said at last. “It’s just that, Geeaness's not the type of Leona that regurgitates micen.”? ? ? ? ?“He never regurgitates micen,” Rose said chuckling.? ? ? ? ?“He doesn’t think of himself as a playhouse,” said Angelica. “Once he eats you, he won't let you out.”? ? ? ? ?“How do you know?” you asked.? ? ? ? ?“Because he told me so,” said Thorrow who has just joined in on the conversation. “Geeaness, takes his role as a chef very seriously. Once a micen get eaten by him, they can never get out. His insane micen think of Geeaness as their god. They even worship him like one. They can even go so far as to capture a micen and throw them into Geeaness’s feeding pen as tribute.”? ? ? ? ?“I did hear Yidde mentioned something like that back in her office,” you recall. “Are they really that dangerous, Thorrow?”? ? ? ? ?“You have no idea,” she answered. “They have many ways to capture micen, like setting up traps in the pantry. That’s how Serena and I got captured when we first got there. This time however, I know exactly what we’re gonna do. Just avoid the traps while going straight through the pantry. That’s where we are going, Geeaness’s pantry.”? ? ? ? ?“Is that wise, Thorrow?” Rose asked with concerned. “What if they capture you again?”? ? ? ? ?“They wouldn’t dare,” said Thorrow. “Geeaness told me that he’d make sure the locals won’t bother me ever again. Stay close to me, and you’ll be safe from the feeding pen.”? ? ? ? ?They all nodded. Soon everyone was done eating and the micen pack up so they can continue the journey. It’s still a long ways away to the apartment but Thorrow assured everyone that they will get there before nightfall. You know three Micen choose Geeaness to eat them, but what about the others? You wonder which leona is gonna eat them. But maybe you’ll find out as you continue the journey.111121111111Hours have passed and the group has come to a stop at a hole in the wall. Thorrow steps towards the hole carefully and peeks inside. She then sticks her head out and turns to the group. “We have arrived, everyone,” she said to them. “We made it to Geeaness’s pantry.”? ? ? ? ?“Does that mean we have arrived at Geeaness’ apartment?” you asked without hesitation.? ? ? ? ?“That’s right Patrick,” she said to you. You are so excited to be eaten by the chef. “But be cautious, everyone. Remember, his micen worshipped the leona like a god. They will most likely set up traps for trespassers like us. So be careful.”? ? ? ? ?Everyone nodded as they went through the hole into the pantry. And to their surprised they see a lot of food that they could eat. You see a lot of canned goods and jars. You watched as each micen rushed in to get some food to pack for their next leg of their journey. You see some micen gathering nuts, jam, and even some bread. But you see something that caught your eye. Chocolate Eggs out in the open. You guess that Solace is not the only Leona that enjoys chocolate eggs. You guess even a professional chef like Geeaness has a sweet tooth.? ? ? ? ?You walked towards the eggs, and as you got closer, Thorrow saw you in shock. She runs to you and yelled, “Patrick stop!”? ? ? ? ?“Huh?” You turned to Thorrow. “What are you doing Thorrow?”? ? ? ? ?“Don’t you see that this is a trap?” You looked at the chocolate eggs and realized that it’s too suspicious for them to be lying out in the open.? ? ? ? ?“Oh my, Thorrow you’re right. I could’ve been easily captured like that.”? ? ? ? ?“That’s right, Patrick,” she said to you as she leads you back to the others. “You’re lucky I’ve been here before. So I know that whenever I find myself in trouble, I can learn from my-” Before Thorrow could finished her sentence she unknowingly stepped onto hidden trap that activates when stepped on, trapping her inside a net up in the air. After the net was activated a lot of micen with well-made spears appeared out of nowhere and start scaring you and the other micen. They lead you all into one spot and they point their spears at them, making sure that they won’t try to escape. Thorrow looked around and finally finished her sentence with one word, “-mistakes.”? ? ? ? ?One micen stepped forward. He’s a male micen with tan fur, a white belly and a black Mohawk hair. You figured that this micen is the leader of the micen that captured you. He has black markings all over his face. You recognized those markings as it marks one as leader of a tribe. You recall that Felicia has told you about those things, as leonas and micen from the ancient past practiced those traditions as it was part of their culture. Could this micen be the descendant of those ancient micen? The leader pulled out his needle sword and holds it towards you and your group with a sinister smile.? ? ? ? ?“Well, well,” he said at last. “Looks like we’re gonna be well fed tonight boys. These micen will fit nicely in Lord Geeaness’ feeding pen.” The warrior micen cheered with their victory cry.? ? ? ? ?“Wait! Stop!” You hear Thorrow cried out from her net. “Don’t you dare harm them! They are with me!”? ? ? ? ?The leader looked up to Thorrow in an irritated mood, “What makes you think you can tell us what to do? Just who do you think you are?”? ? ? ? ?“My name is Thorrow!” she answered furiously. “And as I said before, those micen are with me!”? ? ? ? ?“Wait, did you say Thorrow?” the micen leader asked wide-eyed. “As in Thorrow Shiekira, who was claimed by the goddess, Lady Shieki?” Goddess? You are surprised to find that the micen leader call Shieki a goddess, which kinda make sense since leonas are bigger than micen. But does this mean that he thinks of Geeaness as a god too? Thorrow did say that Geeaness's micen worshipped him like a god, but you thought she don't mean it literally.? ? ? ? ?“I am claimed by Shieki, yes,” Thorrow answered. “But I don’t recall anyone ever calling her ‘Lady Shieki’ never alone a goddess.”? ? ? ? ?The leader’s face turned to a shocking expression when he realized that she is wearing Shieki’s scarf, confirming her identity. He quickly turned to his fellow micen and said, “Cut her down and lower your weapons. These micen are not to be harmed.” The warrior micen did as they were told. They cut Thorrow down from the net and they lower their weapons in shame. The leader walked towards Thorrow and bows to her, “I’m terribly sorry, Miss Thorrow. Lord Geeaness told us not to harm anyone under the name Thorrow Shikira or else we’d face his wrath.”? ? ? ? ?“I figured that it would happen,” said Thorrow. “He told me he’d make sure the locals won’t harm me. So who are you anyway, and what’s with the face paint?”? ? ? ? ?The micen leader stand up straight. “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Treat, leader of this tribe. And this face paint on my face, it shows the markings of a leader. This practice dated back to ancient times by my ancestors. I wore these markings so that my fellow tribesman know who to follow.”? ? ? ? ?“Did you say your name is Treat?” you asked in curiosity and started to snicker. “That’s an unusual name for a micen.”? ? ? ? ?Treat hold his needle sword at you with an irritated look on his face. “For your information, green one, the name Treat was given to me by Lord Geeaness himself. I suggest you respect the name if you know what’s good for you.”? ? ? ? ?You waved your hands nervously saying, “I- I never meant it as an insult. I’m sorry if you feel that way.”? ? ? ? ?Treat growled and sheathed his sword and turns to Thorrow. “So tell me Miss Thorrow, why have you returned? Have you come to submit yourself to Lord Geeaness?”? ? ? ? ?“Well, not exactly,” said Thorrow. “But we did come here to see him. Some of us have wanted to meet with Geeaness.”? ? ? ? ?“Is that so?” said Treat. “And why are you all anxious to meet with our god? Are you here to accept Lord Geeaness as your deity?”? ? ? ? ?“You might say that,” you said to the micen leader. “To tell you the truth, we’re willing micen. And some of us micen wants to get eaten by Geeaness.”? ? ? ? ?Treat’s facial expression has changed. “You guys are willing micen?” You and your group nodded. “Um, could you excuse us for a moment?” Treat and his micen huddle to secretly discuss on what to do with their new guests. You feel that you shouldn’t have mentioned that you’re a willing micen. All the other micen are getting nervous as well. As soon as Treat and the others are done talking they turned to you. “What is your name, green one?”? ? ? ? ?“Um, it’s Patrick,” you answered nervously.? ? ? ? ?“Well Patrick, my fellow micen and I have made a decision for you guys.”? ? ? ? ?You puzzled as to wonder what he means by that. You wonder if they’re gonna throw you all into the feeding pen or are they gonna allow you to see the leona in person?1111211111112Treat stares at you and said, “We have decided, to grant you your request to visit him.”? ? ? ? ?“Really?” you asked with glee.? ? ? ? ?“Yes,” Treat answered. “Just follow me and I’ll take you to him. Oh and by the way everyone, chocolate eggs are not prohibited here. It’s syrup you want to avoid.” You turned to notice that the brown micen, Barry and the black micen, Larry, rubs their mouths off of the syrup.? ? ? ? ?“So why leave the chocolate eggs out in the open?” asked Thorrow.? ? ? ? ?“Well, we figured you guys came from the domain of Lady Solace,” said Treat. “Geeaness doesn’t care for chocolate eggs much anyway. He usually gives them to Lady Solace whenever she visits. Anyway, let’s go.”? ? ? ? ?So even though chocolate eggs trap was an easy trap, Geeaness has no interest in chocolate eggs at all. Nevertheless, you still think Geeaness has a sweet tooth when he has syrup around.? ? ? ? ?Meanwhile, Solace and Felicia has just left Kre’s apartment. Solace hangs an arm over Felicia’s shoulder as they walk. “My dad sure is glad to see you again Felicia.”? ? ? ? ?“Yeah,” said Felicia. “Who would’ve thought your dad is the landlord to the apartment complex. Does he know about that little colony of yours?”? ? ? ? ?“He probably doesn’t care,” said Solace. “As long as we keep eating the micen, he doesn’t seem to have a problem.”? ? ? ? ?“Yeah, but has he called an exterminator whenever there’s too many micen?”? ? ? ? ?“Once,” she said silently. “And it took a long time before the micen start appearing again.”? ? ? ? ?They walked for about a minute or two, until Solace stopped in front of a vacant apartment. She stared at the apartment for it was once belonged to an old friend of hers. Felicia stared at Solace for she sees that Solace is feeling somewhat sad when she looks at that apartment.? ? ? ? ?“Solace?” said Felicia who was trying to get her attention. “Solace?” she said again while shaking her.? ? ? ? ?“Huh?” Solace came to her senses and saw Felicia staring at her, worried. “Oh sorry, Felicia,” she said to her. “It’s just that, this apartment reminds me of an old friend that used to rent it.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh?” said Felicia as she looked at the vacant apartment. “Well who was the renter to this apartment?”? ? ? ? ?“Oh, she was a very good friend of my dad and my sister, Risa,” she answered. “Her name is Maron.”? ? ? ? ?“Maron huh?” said Felicia curiously. “What’s she like?”? ? ? ? ?“She was stern and strict,” Solace chuckled. “She was a veteran in the war that happened a long time ago. We had a disagreement on our first meeting. I ended up stealing a couple of her micen. She scolded me afterwards like such a... grandma I guess. She even told me that micen are more than just food."? ? ? ? ?“Well she proved you right when you made your own colony,” said Felicia.? ? ? ? ?“Yeah,” said Solace. “I guess some of her ‘words of wisdom’ might have rubbed off on me. But we did have some fun too. Risa invited her to a party one time with me and Shieki. We did stuff like playing cards, getting drunk, eating micen, basically just having fun. She was disappointed that Shieki was… well, she was always asking the micen if she would eat them. Shieki told me that one time, Maron forced her to eat a micen without asking if she would eat him. She succeeded and even got her to regurgitate the micen as well.”? ? ? ? ?Solace sighed and continued, “Maron may be old, but she was a lot of fun to hang out with.”? ? ? ? ?Felicia stared at Solace again. “What happened to her?” she asked.? ? ? ? ?Solace stared at the apartment and answered, “She died.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh,” Felicia said as she hugged Solace. “I’m so sorry.”? ? ? ? ?“It’s okay,” said Solace. “She lived a good life. Risa was extremely upset about her death, and she took it real hard. Even Shieki was sad to hear that she died. She was like a mentor to her when it comes to hunting micen. And as for my dad, well I think he might have a crush on her.” The two leonas stopped hugging and then Solace said, “Come on, I’ll take you to see Risa, I’m sure she’ll love to see you as well.” Felicia nodded as the two headed for Risa’s apartment.? ? ? ? ?Meanwhile back in Geeaness’ apartment, you and your group followed Treat out the doorway to the pantry and towards the kitchen counter. Treat ordered his men to stay behind in case more travelers came by. You got a good look at the kitchen. It looks just about the same as Solace’s kitchen. The only difference however is that it looks much, more fancy than Solace’s kitchen. Probably because of Geeaness’ job position as chef. The refrigerator is made of stainless steel. The cabinet doors have a very nifty design and color. Even the counter is made of marble, but come to think of it, wasn’t Solace’s kitchen counter made of marble too? You ponder for a moment before returning your attention to Treat as he stopped in front of a giant plate.? ? ? ? ?“Wait here on this plate while I go summon Lord Geeaness,” said Treat.? ? ? ? ?“How are you gonna summon him?” you asked curiously.? ? ? ? ?“You see that bell over there?” he asks pointing at the service bell on the far end of the counter. As soon as you nodded, Treat answered, “We used that bell to summon Lord Geeaness here. We used it occasionally to let him know that we got micen in the feeding pen or if we have some visitors. Either way, he gets to eat micen.”? ? ? ? ?You nodded as you and your group gets on the plate. Thorrow got on reluctantly thinking that it might be a trick. You watched as Treat run along the counter towards the bell and as soon as he arrives at it, he jumps on it repeatedly for about a second or two. You then hear giant footsteps heading this way. You looked at the doorway and you see a very tall leona entering the kitchen. No doubt this leona is Geeaness. He looks just like the drawing, Thorrow showed back at Desio. You got a good look at the leona. He’s tall, much taller than Felicia and Solace. He has a bent ear, a white underbelly, brown hair, and he has some clothes on like pants and a shirt.? ? ? ? ?Geeaness turned to Treat and said to him, “This better be important, Treat. I was right in the middle of a game, and I was winning too.”? ? ? ? ?“I’m terribly sorry, Lord Geeaness,” Treat apologized. “But I thought you should know that you have visitors in the kitchen.”? ? ? ? ?“Visitors you say?” Geeaness looked towards you and your group but mostly at Thorrow who tries to hide herself. He smiles and walks to your direction. You got a close up view of the leona and no doubt he is incredible tall for a leona. You heard that he is part hound but you think it’s just a silly rumor. But you got to see his belly. It looked big enough to hold a lot of micen. You fear that it might hold the entire group you’re in. You gulped nervously as he picked up the plate. He smiled and then said, “Hello Thorrow. Long time, no see.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow waved at the leona nervously as Geeaness grinned evilly. You somehow don’t like the look in his eye. Is he planning to eat you all or is he just teasing us to make us feel scared?11112111111122Geeaness leaned closer to you and your group, he took a big whiff at you all knowing that you all smell good to the leona. You all froze in fear and stared at the leona who stared back at you and after a moment of silence, Geeaness said, “Boo!”?? ? ? ? ?All the micen gasped in fear, which amused the massive cat.? ? ? ? ?The big leona chuckled and said, “I’m sorry, did I scare you?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes,” you said to him. “Yes you did.”? ? ? ? ?“Good.” He carried the plate full of micen to the table which is not far from the counter and sat the plate in the middle of it. “Now you guys wait here while I go finish my game, which shouldn’t take long.” With that being said, he left the room and went back to his game.? ? ? ? ?You looked at where Treat is located and saw that Treat is making his way back the pantry to join his men there. He looked at you all and gives you all thumbs up, saying that Geeaness likes you all. Well of course Geeaness likes you. Leonas like micen… to eat that is. As soon as Treat disappeared into the pantry, Geeaness returns to the kitchen and sits at the table where you’re at.? ? ? ? ?He stared at Thorrow and said, “So Thorrow, what brings you back to my apartment? Are you going to let me eat you this time or are you toying with me?”? ? ? ? ?“Not exactly, Geenie,” said Thorrow. “But some of us micen are wanting you to-”? ? ? ? ?“So you all are willing micen then?” the leona asked. Some of the micen nodded in agreement. Some didn't. “Well then, this is interesting. So which one of you is it?” He looked at each micen and notice that Tiger, Angelica, and Rose have raised their hands. He was disappointed that only three of them are willing to him, but then he noticed you slowly raising your hand. You are extremely nervous, because if he does eat you, you won’t likely get out. You can tell he’s mostly interested in you, probably because of the pink scarf you’re wearing.? ? ? ? ?Geeaness looked straight at you and said, “You! Green one, what’s your name?”? ? ? ? ?You looked up at Geeaness and said, “Patrick, sir.”? ? ? ? ?“Well Patrick,” Geeaness continued. “I’m interested to know about that scarf of yours. It’s not Solace’s, or Risa’s, or Shieki’s. Who has claimed you?”? ? ? ? ?“Felicia,” you answered. “She’s Solace’s childhood friend.”? ? ? ? ?“Felicia, huh?” Geeaness pondered for a moment. “Ah yes, that’s right, Solace talked about her, like, once. So why are you here?”? ? ? ? ?“Well um… you see…” you tried to bring up the words.? ? ? ? ?Then you see Thorrow stepped forward and said, “What Patrick’s trying to say is, Geenie, is that he is attempting to get every leona he meets to eat him and-”? ? ? ? ?Geeaness’ eyes widen and turn to you and asked, “Is this true?”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow muttered, “So is everyone going to interrupt me or just y-“? ? ? ? ?“Yes, Geeaness it’s true.” You gulped but you stood calm so you can answer. “I’m planning to get every leona I face to eat me. So far, both Felicia and Solace did it. So I plan to get you, Risa, and Shieki to do the same with me.”? ? ? ? ?Geeaness smiled and he laid down his hand in front of you. You nervously climbed on and he lifted you up to his face and he licked you. “You do realize of course that once you’re in, I will never let you out. I have rarely regurgitated a micen and I’m not about to break that habit tonight.”? ? ? ? ?“Pfft,” you scoffed. “I bet I can make you cough me out.”? ? ? ? ?“Is that a challenge I hear?” asked Geeaness.? ? ? ? ?“Well, if the scarf fits,” you said confidently.? ? ? ? ?“Alright then, why don’t I bring you guys to the living room? I want to feel comfortable while I enjoy eating you.” Geeaness carefully lifted the plate with one hand while carrying you in the other. He walked towards the living room couch and sat the plate on the coffee table. Geeaness sat down on the couch and returned his attention to you. “So Patrick,” he continued, “what are the stakes?”? ? ? ? ?You thought for a moment and said to him, “If I win this challenge Geeaness, you will only allow to eat the three micen that wants you to eat them tonight.”? ? ? ? ?“And what if you lose?” the leona asked deviously.? ? ? ? ?You again ponder for a moment you looked at your fellow micen on the plate. “If I lose,” you said at last. “Then you can eat every micen on that plate.” As soon as you said it, all the micen gasp, a few shook their heads in disagreement. You looked at Geeaness who again stared at them hungrily. He smirked at Thorrow, for he knows that Shieki still claimed her and that he can only eat her if she agrees to it.? ? ? ? ?“Well Thorrow,” said Geeaness. “I bet you don’t have the gall to join in on that bet.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow was staring back at you. She has mixed emotions towards you. She doesn’t want to agree to your conditions, because she doesn’t want to get eaten and die. But she is curious to see if you can really get Geeaness to spit you out. She grinned at the challenge and said, “Pfft! You’re on!” All the micen stared at Thorrow in disbelief. She is putting the lives of her fellow micen on the line.? ? ? ? ?Geeaness smiled. Since Thorrow agreed, he is allowed to eat her, should you lose. “Well then, I guess it’s settled.” He puts his free hand up to his mouth and let out a loud whistle. A minute later, Treat and his warrior micen appeared. “Treat, I have a job for you and your micen. I want you to keep an eye on them while I enjoy eating Patrick. I don’t want either of them to try and escape, should he fail to make me spit him out.”? ? ? ? ?“You can count on us, Lord Geeaness,” said Treat as he and his warrior micen salutes.? ? ? ? ?One of them rolled their eyes and jutted a thumb towards Treat, “Can you believe this guy?”? ? ? ? ?“Good!” Geeaness now turns to you. He lies down on the couch and sets you on his chest close to his mouth. “Whenever you’re ready, Patrick.” He opened his mouth and you looked inside. You can see that his mouth is much bigger than Felicia’s and Solace’s. His teeth are clean with the exception of some food stuck between his teeth. You stared at the back of his throat which is no surprisingly inviting.? ? ? ? ?You are reluctant to do this, but confident that you will survive. You took off your scarf and gave it to Geeaness who sets it down next to Thorrow. You then grab ahold of the teeth and start pulling yourself inside Geeaness’ mouth. As soon as you’re fully inside, the leona closed his mouth and start tasting you all over your body. He slurped and sloshed you about. You are lucky that he doesn’t chew on you but he did press you against the roof of his mouth. After a few minutes of toying with you, he lifted his head and you tumble down the throat. And when you hear a loud GULP, Geeaness has swallowed you.? ? ? ? ?You wiggled as you go slowly down the esophagus. Once you reached the end of the tunnel, you find yourself in Geeaness’ stomach. You are amazed to find that the stomach is much bigger than you expected. In fact, it’s much bigger than both Solace’s and Felicia’s. It seems that Geeaness can eat more micen than the average leona. You started relax as you settle in the stomach acids. You rubbed the stomach wall and you can hear Geeaness purring from the rubs. You felt a little tingly from the acids but you assume that it’s the acids trying to digest you but failed.? ? ? ? ?But soon after a few minutes, your body started burning. You looked down to see that some of your fur is missing. You don’t believe it, but you are actually being digested. But how could this be? You’re not supposed to be digested. You looked at the mark that was on your buttocks only to find that it has melted. The mark was supposed to protect you from stomach acids, but it turns out it really a fake all this time! You want to get out now, but since Geeaness doesn’t regurgitate micen at all, how are you ever going to get out?111121111111221You looked around frantically for a way out as the stomach acids keeps burning away some of your fur. At first, you thought about escaping through the intestines but you know that’s not an option for obvious reasons. Plus, you have to escape through the mouth, not the other way around. You looked up to find that the opening to the esophagus is a little lower than it should, probably because Geeaness was lying down on the couch trying to digest you. You looked at the stomach walls and notice that it’s very slimy and not easy to climb. But you don’t have a choice, you have to get Geeaness to regurgitate you whether he likes it or not. You took a deep breath and grabbed ahold of the wrinkles in the stomach walls but not too tight so that the leona wouldn’t notice.? ? ? ? ?Meanwhile, outside Geeaness' belly, Thorrow and the group watched Geeaness as he enjoys his micen treat that is Patrick. The leona chuckled a bit when he feels his stomach trying to work on him. Thorrow is feeling a little nervous. She looked around to see Treat and his men keeping an eye and spear on her and her group so that they won’t try to escape.? ? ? ? ?“Well Thorrow,” said Geeaness. “It won’t be long now until your little friend is digested. Once that happens, he has failed the challenge, and you all will take a one-way trip into my stomach.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow lowered his head and hoped that Patrick will survive. “Don’t feel sad, Miss Thorrow,” said Treat. “It will be an honor for you to get eaten by our god. You’ll be giving him lots of energy so that he’ll do great things for us.”? ? ? ? ?One of the guards rolled his eyes not believing a single word Treat says. But when Treat turned towards the guard, he kept his stance so that he won’t notice. Soon the micen can hear a purr coming from the leona.? ? ? ? ?Geeaness turned his head towards Thorrow and her group and said, “Might as well get ready, Thorrow. I can’t feel him struggling anymore.” Thorrow covered his mouth in horror not believing what he just heard. “That’s right, it looks like your friend Patrick is finally dige-”? ? ? ? ?Geeaness stopped suddenly and placed a palm onto his abdomen. He closed his eyes hard like he is in pain. He groans like he was having a tummy ache. Treat turned to the leona and called out to him, “Lord Geeaness, what’s wrong?”? ? ? ? ?“I… think… I… got… a… heart… burn…” Geeaness said groaning between each word. But how could he get heartburn? What was the cause of it?? ? ? ? ?Meanwhile back in Geeaness’ stomach, you successfully reached the opening of the esophagus. You noticed that the leona is feeling great pain for some reason. You then notice that some of the acids that are still on you are dripping on the orifice to the esophagus. This could be your chance of escape. You rubbed against the orifice with the acid that is still covering your burning fur. You saw that the stomach acids down below are getting higher and higher like a crashing wave. You can feel Geeaness getting up real fast and you can feel him running.? ? ? ? ?You dug your acid covered body up the esophagus giving the leona even more heartburn. You’re being pulled up the esophagus at a slow pace and then it started to go fast. You then saw a light at the end of the tunnel and notice that you are getting close to the mouth. You kept going and going until finally, you fall out and land in the kitchen sink. The light pierced into your eyes for a moment until you are able to see Geeaness in front of you coughing and hacking and expelling some vomit. He try to drink some water to cool down the heartburn and to prevent more acids from leaving the stomach. When he is done, he stared at you angrily. You were feeling quite scared, well you did make the leona angry by forcing him to regurgitate you.? ? ? ? ?After a while, he sighed and he turned on the sink faucet and sets you under it so that he can clean you. You were soon free of the stomach acid that was still on you. Some of your fur was a little digested but it will grow back eventually. Geeaness then scoops you up from the sink still glaring at you.? ? ? ? ?“I can’t believe you pulled a sneaky stunt like that and giving me heartburn,” he said angrily making you tremble in fear. “But I must admit. That was very clever thing for you to do. Since you have successfully won the challenge, I will honor our deal and eat only the three micen who are willing to get eaten by me.”? ? ? ? ?“Thank you sir,” you bow to the leona respectfully.? ? ? ? ?“But don’t think that you got away with it that easily. The next time I eat you, I’ll make sure you’ll stay eaten. If you tell the other leonas about this, I will make sure that you will never see the light of day again. Do I make myself clear?”? ? ? ? ?“Crystal,” you answered.? ? ? ? ?Geeaness went to a cupboard and got out an empty jar and dropped you inside. He then went back to the living room and set the jar next to the plate where Thorrow and her group are standing. When Thorrow saw that you survived, she was gleaming with joy and hugs the jar. Geeaness picked up Patrick’s pink scarf that he left near the group and drops it inside so that Patrick can wear it again. Geeaness then pick up the other micen in the group with only Rose, Tiger, and Angelica still standing on the plate. The jar isn’t big, but it does give the micen enough space for them inside. You all sit down as you all have been given front row seats to see Geeaness eat the three micen on the plate.? ? ? ? ?“I’m gonna head to the bathroom real quick,” said Geeaness. “While I’m gone, you three better say your goodbyes to your fellow micen. You won’t be seeing them in this life again.” The micen nodded and watched as he walked towards the bathroom. Once he is gone, they turned to their group in the jar.? ? ? ? ?“Well,” said Tiger. “This is it.”? ? ? ? ?“Our dream of being eaten by Geeaness is about to come true,” said Angelica.? ? ? ? ?“Say Treat,” said Rose. “Does your god happen to have some strawberry shortcake on him?”? ? ? ? ?“Of course,” said Treat. “Lord Geeaness keeps all kinds of delicious treats. Are you hoping to have some before you get eaten?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes, and the fact that I want to get eaten inside the strawberry shortcake.”? ? ? ? ?“Well I’m sure Lord Geeaness will be delighted to have you inside the delicacy.”? ? ? ? ?Rose returned her attention to you and said, “Patrick, be sure to help get the others to their preferred leona.”? ? ? ? ?“I will do my best, Rose,” you said to the pink micen. “I’ll be thinking of you three on our journey.”? ? ? ? ?“And we’ll be thinking of you guys as we get digested,” said Angelica.? ? ? ? ?“We’re nervous about this,” said Tiger. “But we are ready for this. We are ready to be food for Geeaness.”? ? ? ? ?Geeaness returned from the bathroom and sits down on the couch. He is ready… for dinner.? ? ? ? ?Meanwhile from Geeaness’ pantry, the brown micen Gertrude, who have been following Thorrow’s group in secret, could hardly believe her eyes. She hasn’t been caught by any of Geeaness’ warrior micen for they all are in the living room watching Thorrow’s group while Geeaness tried to digest Patrick. She saw Geeaness swallowed Patrick and what she saw after that was something that she has never thought she’d see. She actually saw the leona rushed into the kitchen and unwillingly cough up Patrick. She kept herself hidden so that the leona could not see her. She could hear him speak to Patrick, and he doesn’t sound too happy. When she saw Geeaness went back to the living room with Patrick, she rushed back through the pantry to return to her friend, Solace.1111211111112211?“Alright you three,” said Geeaness as he stares down at the three micen waiting to be eaten. “Which one of you should I eat first?” The three micen, Angelica, Tiger, and Rose all jumped up with their hands up in the air. You and the other micen in the jar are watching those three jumping for joy. The big leona looked at each one carefully and notice that Angelica is wearing some type of outfit. Similar to the one, most wealthy micen wear when she came to his apartment. “You there, white one,” he said pointing at Angelica who looked back at him. “Step forward please.” Angelica did as she was told and stands before Geeaness who crouch down to the coffee table. “What is your name?”? ? ? ? ?“It’s Angelica,” she answered him.? ? ? ? ?“And why, Angelica, are you wearing that outfit?”? ? ? ? ?“Well sir, I’ve heard you like to toy with micen. Remove their clothes and such. Why, is there a problem with that?”? ? ? ? ?“No,” said Geeaness. “It’s not, but you are indeed correct. I have a couple tricks up my sleeve.”? ? ? ? ?“Well Miss Thorrow told me all about that trick,” said Angelica.? ? ? ? ?“Did she now?” the leona said feeling amused. Thorrow nodded slowly.? ? ? ? ?“Yes, and I want you to do that same trick on me. That’s why I wore this outfit.”? ? ? ? ?“Then you shall be my first prey for this evening.” Geeaness picks up Angelica and holds her up to his muzzle. He opens his mouth plops the white micen inside. She lands on the tongue and watches as the leona closed his jaws around her. Geeaness begins to work his magic and starts tasting and sloshing his victim around. Angelica was actually enjoying this experience and then she started to feel dizzy, not noticing that the tongue is working its way to her outfit. The tongue slips in the crevices of her outfit and slowly removes them from her body. Once the micen is completely naked save for the fur, Geeaness lifted his head and gulped her down sending her straight to his belly.? ? ? ? ?Geeaness then kneels down at the micen and opened his mouth to show Angelica’s outfit, folded up nicely. The micen was impressed even you were impressed as well. Treat and his warrior micen applaud to Geeaness for his outstanding trick. Geeaness removed the outfit from his tongue and sets it down on the table. He turns to the two remaining micen on his plate and said, “Alright, who’s next?” Both Tiger and Rose raised their hands again. Geeaness looked at the two and decided to go for Tiger this time. “Alright, you, striped one, step forward.” Tiger did as he was told. “And what do they call you?”? ? ? ? ?“Tiger sir,” he answered confidently. “And I wonder if it’s true that you can eat micen with your mouth open.”? ? ? ? ?“indeed I can,” said Geeaness.? ? ? ? ?“Awesome,” said Tiger. “I would prefer if you let me get gulped down. Like go down the throat willingly.”? ? ? ? ?“Hmm, unusual request from a micen, but then again you are unusual.”? ? ? ? ?“So will you let me?” he asked excitingly.? ? ? ? ?“Of course.” Geeaness set his head on the table and opened his mouth wide and lets his tongue slip out. Then he gesture to Tiger to go on in. Tiger walked towards the mouth and starts climbing inside. You and the other micen watched as Tiger brings his whole body in. Tiger then crawls towards the back of the throat and stared down in the darkness. He then starts setting his feet over the darkness then he pushed himself towards it and slides down into the esophagus with a GULP from Geeaness as he starts closing his mouth.?? ? ? ? ?“How is he, Lord Geeaness?” asked Treat.? ? ? ? ?“He’s tasty but not as tasty as the female before it.”? ? ? ? ?“You really like female micen more than male ones, don’t ya?”? ? ? ? ?“You know me best, Treat.” Rose is now the last micen left on the plate. She’s been waiting for her turn to come. Geeaness looked at the pink micen as she steps off the plate towards him. “All righty, looks like you’re next, Miss uh…”? ? ? ? ?“My name is Rose,” she said. “And I would like to make a personal request.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh? And what is your request, Miss Rose?” asked the big leona.? ? ? ? ?“Do you have any strawberry shortcake? I’ve always wanted to get eaten while being in strawberry shortcake.”? ? ? ? ?“Well it just so happens that I do have some in the fridge,” said Geeaness. “And I really could use some dessert to go with my last micen. Treat, watch her while I go get a slice.”? ? ? ? ?“Yes sir,” Treat salutes as Geeaness went into the kitchen.? ? ? ? ?The leona returned, a few minutes later with a slice of strawberry shortcake. Rose dashed towards the cake and jumps in. Geeaness picks up a fork and used it on the spot where Rose is located. Rose nibbles on the strawberry shortcake and she is awestruck on how delicious it is. Geeaness smiled and opened his mouth to bring Rose and the cake inside. Rose landed on the tongue as the leona removed the fork from his mouth as it closes. He slurps and sloshes the micen around a bit and is careful not to chew on her as he chews on the cake. He then lifts his head and gulps her down. He can feel her going down her throat and is slowly making her way to his stomach.? ? ? ? ?Rose slid down the esophagus and eventually reached the stomach. She looked around and saw Tiger and Angelica submerged in stomach acids. “Well,” she said. “Looks like we’re all here.”? ? ? ? ?“Yep,” said Tiger. “This… This is it!”? ? ? ? ?The stomach started to pulsate more and more the longer they were in there. Air started to thin, and the stomach began to squeeze them all together. It was warm, not too unbearable. Patrick seemed to have warmed up the acids as well, and drank up all the oxygen.? ? ? ? ?“It’s exactly how I remember it," said Angelica. "And I must say, Geeaness’s stomach is bigger than Solace’s.” The three micen started to choke a bit as they are slowly running out of air. “Well,” she continued. “It’s been great getting eaten with you guys. Now that we’re in the stomach, let us relax our lives away.”? ? ? ? ?“You said it girl,” said Tiger. “It’s too bad, Patrick’s not here to join us. It’s his loss though.”? ? ? ? ?“Goodbye my friends,” said Rose. “It was worth it.” And with that, they are all relaxed and let their worries drift away.? ? ? ? ?Feeling satisfied with his meal, Geeaness rubbed his belly and could feel all three of them inside. "Those micen are certainly delicious."? ? ? ? ?“What about the other micen in the jar?” asked Treat.? ? ? ? ?“Well they’re free to spend the night here.” Geeaness tips the jar to let them out. “Take them to Ovarre. They’ll remain there until morning, except for these two.” He points towards you and Thorrow. “You two are gonna sleep with me in my bed tonight.”? ? ? ? ?“What?” you shouted. “But why?”? ? ? ? ?“Well for starters Patrick, I find you quite interesting after you forced me to regurgitate you. And as for Thorrow, well she’s a cutie. And I still want to eat her even though she won’t let me.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh, I see.” You watched as Treat takes the other micen to their colony. Then Geeaness picks you and Thorrow up and carries you two to his bedroom. A leona’s bedroom is not a good place for a micen to be.? ? ? ? ?It got dark really fast, and Geeaness recently exited the bathroom after having his teeth brushed. You and Thorrow were waiting for him on the bed. The big leona started climbing into bed. “So where are we gonna sleep?” you asked.? ? ? ? ?“You two are gonna sleep, in my mouth.”? ? ? ? ?“What!?” you and Thorrow shouted and before you and Thorrow say anything else. He opened his mouth and puts you and Thorrow inside. He closed his mouth, but made sure not to swallow the two. He lies down on the bed and starts falling asleep. You never expected to sleep in a leona's mouth. You might as well make the best of it for now. The mouth can be pretty comfy, but what if Geeaness swallowed you in his sleep? That is something that you do not want to happen.11112111111122112?Meanwhile, Solace and Felicia are chatting with Risa at her apartment. Her apartment is just about the same as her sister’s. The difference is that she doesn’t have a lot of colonies. They’re talking about the events that recently happened during the past few months or so. Risa talked about the time she first met Mombasa, her encounter with Thorrow’s group on expedition, she even mentions the time she almost got killed by the Sect. Felicia listened to Risa’s story very carefully. She had no idea the apartment used to have micen as slavers.? ? ? ? ?Risa ends her story with her last encounter with a yelling micen. “So there I was, still feeling a little drunk. I rushed into Shieki’s apartment, ran past my sister, and with a powerful force I kicked that little bastard straight into a mouse hole. And I can tell you this, that micen would have had to have exploded.”? ? ? ? ?“Excuse me, Miss Risa?” Felicia turned to where the voice is coming from. It’s from a tall black micen with brown hair. She recognized that micen to be Mombasa, the micen Risa was talking about.? ? ? ? ?Risa turned to the micen and said, “What is it, Mombasa? Can’t you see I’m talking?”? ? ? ? ?“My apologies, Miss Risa,” said Mombasa. “But I thought you should know that I found Gertrude in the pantry. She says she’s looking for Solace to give her report.”? ? ? ? ?Solace got up. “I’ll go see her then, excuse me ladies.” Risa and Felicia watched as Solace went into Risa’s kitchen. Solace opened the pantry and found Gertrude feeling exhausted like she was running from something. The leona carried her into her hand and asked, “you alright Gertrude?”? ? ? ? ?“Yeah,” the micen said panting. “I rushed over here as fast as possible. It’s where they are heading next. Surprise to see you here! But while I was in Geeaness’ kitchen, I found out about something that I think you should hear.”? ? ? ? ?Gertrude’s words has peaked the leona’s interest. She stared at her friend and asked, “What have you found out?”? ? ? ? ?Back in Geeaness’ mouth, you and Thorrow got comfy on the leona’s tongue. You can hear the leona breathing through his snout, and you can even feel his warm breath as it tries to escape through the mouth. But Geeaness kept his mouth closed so that micen don’t try to escape while he’s asleep. Thorrow secured their tails between the molars near the throat, so that they don’t accidentally fall into it. She then noticed that the mark on your booty is gone. She lied down on the tongue next to you and said, “I noticed that your mark is missing. What happened to it?”? ? ? ? ?You sighed, but you said to her, “It got washed away in the stomach acids. Turns out it is nothing more than just a removable tattoo.” You grunted feeling a little upset about it.? ? ? ? ?Thorrow rubbed your back and said, “Why don’t you tell me more about your quest. You said you got your mark after completing the quest, did you not?”? ? ? ? ?You sighed again. You were hoping that it wouldn’t come to this, but you feel like you have no choice. “Thorrow, I have a confession to make.” You looked at her as she looks back at you curiously. “I have never been on a quest.”? ? ? ? ?“You haven’t?” said Thorrow. “But the story? And the things?”? ? ? ? ?You sighed once more and said, “Thorrow, I’m just gonna have to tell you the truth. Felicia did swallow me, and I thought my quest begins the moment I woke up.”? ? ? ? ?But when I did wake up, I found myself in some kind of glass container. I looked at my surroundings and noticed that there are a few things in the container with me. A couple of odd looking plants, and a rock about as big as a rattis. When I looked outside the container I discovered that I am in a room with a bed and pink walls. It was that moment that I realized that I am in Felicia’s bedroom. I was puzzled because I thought the amulet, Dracob gave me would teleported me somewhere far away. Then when I looked closely at the amulet, I discovered that the amulet is really a toy. I slammed it down to the ground only to hear some snoring coming from behind the rock.? ? ? ? ?I sneaked towards the rock and looked to see what’s behind. There I see an orange micen sleeping soundly. The micen has blonde hair, a white tummy, and his back has a yellow triangle on it. There appears to be a few things next to the sleeping micen as well, and they look green and rubbery. After careful inspection on the items, it suddenly hit me. Those objects are dragon parts used for a dragon costume. It was then that I realized that Dracob the dragon is nothing more than a micen in a dragon costume.? ? ? ? ?I wanted answers, and I want them now. So I went up and poke at the orange micen in order to wake it up. He slowly gets up and yawns. He turned to me still looking a little sleepy. But when he saw my angry eyes, he suddenly felt wide awake.? ? ? ? ?“Patrick,” he said to me. “What a nice surprise. Um this isn’t what it looks like. You see I-”? ? ? ? ?“Save your breath, ‘Dracob.’ I know exactly who you really are.”? ? ? ? ?He stared at me wide-eyed and groans knowing that his cover was blown. “Alright, Patrick. I admit, I’m not really a dragon as I claimed to be. I’m just a micen in dragon’s clothing.”? ? ? ? ?“I guess dragons are myths after all,” said Thorrow.? ? ? ? ?“Unfortunately, yes,” you said to her.? ? ? ? ?Anyway, I stared at him and asked, “But why? Why did you lie to me?”? ? ? ? ?“I had no choice,” he said. “After Felicia caught me, she made a deal with me. She said I should either dress up like a dragon for you, or become lunch to her. She said she wanted to test your love for her. I find it strange since I have never met a micen who has fallen in love with a leona before.”? ? ? ? ?“So you did as you were told, just so that you can keep your life?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes, it seemed like a very good deal to me.” He crawled up to me and bows to me. “Please forgive me for putting you through this. I just wanted to go home back to my wife and family is all.”? ? ? ? ?But before I could say anything else, someone came into the bedroom. I turned to look to see who it was. The person is strange looking and is not a leona at all. Instead he is an avian.? ? ? ? ?“An avian?” said Thorrow as she tilted her head. “What’s an avian?”? ? ? ? ?“Avians are as big as leonas,” you answered. “Instead of fur, they have feathers. Their mouths are beaky looking. And they don’t appear to have visible ears at all. And their hands and feet are basically talons, very thick talons.”? ? ? ? ?“Okay I think I get the picture,” said Thorrow. “I’m sorry, please continue.”? ? ? ? ?This avian has green feathers and is shown to be wearing glasses. He stared at me and the orange micen. He looked as if he has never seen a micen before. To be perfectly honest I have never seen an avian before. He picked up the orange micen to get a good look at it. I wasn’t sure whether to be worried or concerned. I wasn’t sure if avians eat micen like leonas do.? ? ? ? ?Suddenly you felt movement coming from the leona. “He-hey!” you shouted. “What’s going on?” Geeaness got out of bed, still feeling tired. “It can’t be morning already, can it?” Geeaness lips parted a bit and you can see it’s still nighttime. He walked towards the kitchen. He took out a cup from the cabinet and filled it with water from the sink. You realized that the leona is thirsty and just wanted something to drink. Geeaness poured the water into his mouth and the water starts rushing towards the throat taking you and Thorrow along with it. But lucky for you two, your tails are still attached to the leona’s molars, preventing you from falling down the throat. But if the leona keeps drinking, they might come loose. You stared down at the dark throat wondering if you and Thorrow are gonna fall into it.111121111111221122Geeaness’ eyes have shot opened. He just remembered that you and Thorrow are still in his mouth. He rushed to a nearby mirror and checked inside his mouth. Thankfully, you and Thorrow are still in, but extremely close to his throat. He stuck his fingers in his mouth to bring you and Thorrow out but only for a moment. You and Thorrow sit on the leona’s palm while he finishes his drink. He then went into the fridge and got out a couple pieces of cheese.? ? ? ? ?“Here,” he said as he gave you a piece. “You two could use a midnight snack.” He was right, you have gotten a little hungry while being inside his mouth. Geeaness gave the other piece to Thorrow for her to eat as well. “Hey, um… I’m sorry about almost swallowing you like that. I was half asleep and I forgot that you two were in there.”? ? ? ? ?“It’s okay,” you said to him. “Even if you did swallow us, you could always regurgitate us.”? ? ? ? ?“Yeah I could,” said Geeaness. “But the question is if I would.”? ? ? ? ?You and Thorrow gulped at that statement. You knew exactly what he meant, and you are extremely lucky that you weren’t swallowed. After you and Thorrow finished your pieces of cheese, the leona carried you both back to his bedroom. He sets you guys on his pillow and lied down on the bed. He opened his mouth in front of you signaling you two to go back in. You were reluctant to do so, but you slowly crawled in. Thorrow followed you behind. Thorrow tucked your tail between the molars, and did the same thing to hers. As soon as you and Thorrow got comfy, Geeaness closed his mouth and went back to sleep.? ? ? ? ?“Now then,” said Thorrow. “You were saying something about this green avian?”? ? ? ? ?“Right,” you said to her. “Like I was saying…”? ? ? ? ?…The green avian picked up the orange micen, Dracob, if that was his real name, and he got a good look at him. As I said before, I wasn’t exactly sure if avians eat micen or not. Dracob was extremely scared, because he has never seen an avian before, I think. He took a whiff at the micen which made him even more uncomfortable.? ? ? ? ?The avian adjusted his glasses and stared at the micen and said, “So you’re a micen I keep hearing about. Well I have never eaten a micen before, but there’s always a first time for everything.” His worst fears have been realized. He’s about to become food to a bird. The avian opened his mouth showing off his teeth that were hidden under thebeak . But before he could plop the micen inside, Felicia came in.? ? ? ? ?She saw what the avian’s about to do and started yelling at him. “DEXTER! What do you think you’re doing to my micen?”? ? ? ? ?“Oh um Miss Felicia well you see I have never eaten a micen before so…”? ? ? ? ?“No!” she yelled, “Absolutely not! Those are my micen, and you’re not allowed to eat them without my say so. And I say you are not eating them.” She took Dracob out of Dexter’s talon like hands. “Besides, I promised this one I returned him to his family. And as for the one in the tank, I have something special planned for him.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh?” The avian turned his attention to me. “So this green micen here is the reason why you invited us over?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes, now if you don’t mind… GET OUT OF MY ROOM!” With that loud statement, Dexter fled from her bedroom. Felicia turned to me with an unusual smile. I wasn’t sure whether to be glad or scared. “Now don’t you worry, little cutie. I’ll be back for you shortly. Tonight is gonna be the night you’ll never forget.”? ? ? ? ?And she was right too. After she returned Dracob to his family, she came to get me and carried me down to the living room where a small gathering is taking place. I took a good look at the guests of the house. I see, Dexter the green feathered avian from before. There’s also a male mutt named Gavin. He had white fur with black spots and red hair. The mutts are what they sound like, dog people. And leonas don’t always get along with them, at least that’s what Felicia told me. Then there’s a female gray fur wolfen named Luna. Wolfen are basically wolf people, there seems to be a trend... Their kind are said to be savages during the war a long time ago, but rather contrary when they have better things to do. I then see a female foxen, named Trixie. They’re fox people, and let’s hope you figured that one out yourself. And finally, there’s a female panda looking ursine named Naomi. Ursine are bear people and they’re mostly bigger built, sometimes fat.? ? ? ? ?“She must be well fed!” said Thorrow.? ? ? ? ?“You could… say that, yes,” you said to her.?? ? ? ? ?“But I got to say, I have never heard of a wolfen, a foxen or an ursine before. But I think I’ve heard of a mutt from Rose, before she… went down there.” Thorrow points at the opening to Geeaness’ throat.? ? ? ? ?“Right,” you said.? ? ? ? ?Anyway, Felicia introduced me to her friends. They all stared hungrily at me, I think. The ursine, Naomi said, “Now that everyone is acquainted with the micen. Let us begin the ritual.”? ? ? ? ?“A what?” asked Thorrow. “What kind of-”? ? ? ? ?“Don't interrupt me please, and I’ll tell you,” You said to her annoyingly.? ? ? ? ?Everyone except for me and Felicia has put on a hooded robe and surrounded me and the leona. And they all began to chant in an unusual language. I didn’t understand what they were saying but the ursine walked towards us. “Felicia Catclaw,” she said to the leona in a dramatic voice. “Do you promise to care for your micen for as long as you live?”? ? ? ? ?Felicia turned to the ursine and said, “Yes I do.”? ? ? ? ?The ursine then turned to me and said, “And do you Patrick, do you promise to care for your leona as well, in addition to letting her eat you as much as she wants?”? ? ? ? ?I looked at Naomi and said, “Yes ma’am. I do.”? ? ? ? ?The ursine smiled. Then she brought out a small chest and opened it showing what appears to be a black wand, pen looking thing. “This mark-maker was created by my ancestors a long time ago. It is said that any micen who is tattooed with this mark-maker shall be granted immunity to acids. Now, turn around, raise your behind so I may bestow it.” I did as I was told, and she applied the mark on my bottom. Some of her friends giggled, I assumed that it was part of the ritual for mark-making. “Now then, in order to complete this ritual, you must enter the belly of your leona. The mark must be put into effect moments after it is applied, otherwise you will be destroyed."? ? ? ? ?I nodded and proceed to enter Felicia’s mouth as soon as she opened it. I made sure my body is completely inside before being swallowed. As soon as I entered the stomach I take a look at my surroundings. It was the same as the last time I was inside her, except there are a few flat looking wheels. And on those odd looking wheels it reads “Antacid.” I don’t know what it means but slowly I began to black out from the lack of air. But surprising after a few minutes I can breathe fine and the stomach acids have no effect on me. It was that moment that I realize my mark is now in effect…? ? ? ? ?“…or so I thought until tonight that is. Ever since that day, I’ve been letting her eat me every day for the past few months. Her stomach is like a second home to me. Felicia told me, to keep the ritual a secret because those friends of hers are part of a secret organization known only to them or those they trust.”? ? ? ? ?“So that’s why you say you went on a quest,” said Thorrow, “So that you can keep the ritual a secret.”? ? ? ? ?“Some ritual that turned out to be,” you said in anger. “Now that I know my mark is just a removable tattoo, I can see that the ritual is also a fake as well. But one thing I don’t understand is, why is it that Felicia’s stomach acids have no effect on me?”? ? ? ? ?“I think I can answer that,” said Thorrow. “Shieki told me about this. Those things you saw that said, ‘Antacid,’ well those things are pills. And Antacid is a type of pill that keeps the acid level… regulated. So you don’t drown. It is mainly used for heartburns according to her.”? ? ? ? ?You were shocked about what you just heard. Felicia has been taking antacid pills the entire time? It’s no wonder the stomach acids weren’t violently growing. “Well that explains the stomach acids,” you growled. “But it doesn’t explain why I can suddenly breathe again.”? ? ? ? ?“It’s possible that Felicia swallowed some air while you were in there.”? ? ? ? ?You begin to growl even more. Felicia has been using antacids and been swallowing air. Your mark is only a tattoo that’s just ink. It all started to make sense now. You were never immune to stomach acids at all. You are just a normal micen like everyone else. It makes you so mad, that your growls are starting to get louder.?? ? ? ? ?“Calm down, Patrick,” Thorrow said as she rubs your back, which does calm you down a bit. “I’m sure Felicia has a good explanation for all this. For now, let’s try to get some sleep. Tomorrow we have a long way to Risa’s. I’m sure you’ll learn to get over your past.” Thorrow got comfy and drifted off to sleep.? ? ? ? ?You sighed and decided that sleep is probably the best medicine for the time being. You got comfy on Geeaness’ tongue and slowly closed your eyes as well.1111211111112211221The next morning, Geeaness has opened his mouth and let out a yawn. With you and Thorrow in his mouth at the time, you can feel his inhaling breath. Geeaness slowly got out of bed and reached into his mouth and pulled both you and Thorrow out. He licks his lips, savouring whatever taste was left.? ? ? ? ?“Good morning, little morsels,” said the sleepy leona. “I trust that your sleep was pleasant?”? ? ? ? ?“Well it is rather warm and comfy, albeit a little wet,” you said to big cat. “But it also felt strange.”? ? ? ? ?“Let me get properly dressed,” said Geeaness, “and I’ll take you to the kitchen to have breakfast with your fellow micen.” Geeaness set you and Thorrow down on the bed while he put on some clothes. He put on a long pair of black pants, and then he put on a white t-shirt. He then picked up you and Thorrow and carried you into the kitchen.? ? ? ? ?He sat you two next to the willing micen group who were escorted from the colony Ovarre by a few guards. You looked around to see a certain micen, but cannot seem to find him. You walked up to one of the guards. “Where’s Treat?” you asked.? ? ? ? ?“He and a few others went to check on the pantry,” the guard answered.? ? ? ? ?You nodded and returned to your group. Geeaness got out a bowl and poured some cereal in there. And then he poured some milk in there as well. But before he could pick it up to take it to the table, he saw Treat followed by a group of guards carrying one of their own bounded. It wasn’t hard for you to see them as well. The bounded micen must have done something really bad, but what? Geeaness felt agitated by his presence, or maybe it’s because he hasn’t eaten yet. The bounded micen was simply a red micen but with a white belly and blue hair.? ? ? ? ?“What is it, Treat?” he asked the micen leader. “I’m about to have some breakfast.”? ? ? ? ?“This little traitor here,” said Treat, “has committed a crime and has broken one of your rules.”? ? ? ? ?“Is that so?” said Geeaness, who soon played an overly dramatic tone in his voice. “And what rule did he break, Treat? Was he making fun of you, the captain of the guard, my precious amongst my precious, my soul incarnate?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes, Lord Geeaness. Yes he did.” He seemed to take pride in the leona’s compliments, “But that’s not the rule I was talking about.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh do tell,” Geeaness teased the micen. “What could possibly be more of a crime than to insult my very Treat?”? ? ? ? ?“Well Benji here was helping a couple of bandits make off with big loads of syrup.”? ? ? ? ?“What!?” Geeaness’ attitude has suddenly changed. “Oh, hell no. How much did they take?”? ? ? ? ?“About six jugs full, my lord,” answered Treat.? ? ? ? ?Geeaness glared at the bounded micen, Benji and asked, “Is this true?”? ? ? ? ?Benji looked up to the leona in fear and answered. “Y- Y- Yes Lord Geeaness but I can explain.”? ? ? ? ?“Don’t even bother,” said the angry leona. “You know perfectly well that my syrup is off limits to all micen without permission! That includes those bandits, the kids, the missus, and the guards, captain of the guards, rattis and anything else that doesn’t ask politely! You had one job, and you took advantage of it.”? ? ? ? ?“No! Please Lord Geeaness!” begged the micen. “Give me another chance! Please!”? ? ? ? ?“You expect insubordination to go unpunished? Even after all the gifts I gave you? I don't think so!”? ? ? ? ?“But I have a wife and kids back home! What will they think of me? What will they think of you?”? ? ? ? ?“Well you should have thought of them before letting those bandits make off with the syrup.” The bounded micen gulped at the leona’s statement, because he knew what is gonna happen to him.? ? ? ? ?“Shall we throw him into your cereal bowl Lord Geeaness,” asked Treat. “Or should we throw him into the feeding pen?” Benji struggled for he knew the feeding pen is the place that no micen wants to go.? ? ? ? ?“Actually Treat I’ll let him decide his fate.” The micen sigh of relief at his words but he looked up the leona in fear. “So what’s it gonna be, Benji, the bowl or the pen?”? ? ? ? ?Benji looked straight at Geeaness, then he looked at the bowl before he looked at where the feeding pen is located. He knows what happens in there. The chaos he inflicted, tossing foreigners into it, only to be messily consumed by his lordship. He chose his answer. “I’ll take the bowl.”? ? ? ? ?“You made a wise decision, little micen,” said Geeaness. “You have just saved yourself from the tearing and grinding of my teeth.”? ? ? ? ?“Can I make one last request?” asked Benji.? ? ? ? ?“You may,” the leona answered.? ? ? ? ?“Please let my wife and family know that I love them with all my heart and that I am sorry for not being able to be there for them anymore. Tell them that the bandits killed me. Let me be remembered with some grace.”? ? ? ? ?“They are loyal enough… Consider it done, but I’m doing it for them, not you” said Geeaness. He then turns to Treat. “Throw him in, but untie him first.”? ? ? ? ?“Yes sir,” Treat salutes. He then cut the bounds on the micen’s hands and feet. And signal the guards to throw him in the bowl. The guards did as they were told and threw Benji in. Geeaness then carried his bowl to the table.? ? ? ? ?You and the other micen watched as Geeaness starts eating his breakfast. So this is what happens to those who don’t follow the leona’s rules, especially the important ones. You watched as the leona stuck his spoon into the bowl to scoop up some cereal. He did not try to scoop up the micen just yet. He wanted to wait until there’s no more cereal left in the bowl. And when Benji is the only one left in the bowl save for the milk, the leona stuck his spoon into the bowl one more time and scooped up the scared micen.? ? ? ? ?“Any last words,” he asked the micen.? ? ? ? ?Ben shook his head wanting to get it over with. So the leona inserted the spoon into his mouth and pulled it out leaving the micen inside. He slurped and sloshed the micen about a bit. He even used his tongue to press him against the roof of his mouth. He then lifted his head and swallowed the mouse down. You watched as the bulge on his neck started going down heading towards the leona’s massive stomach. He rubbed his belly and headed for the kitchen counter and sat the bowl into the sink to be cleaned later.? ? ? ? ?“Treat,” he said the micen as he salutes. “While I go get those micen fed, go get Bree and Blackjack.”? ? ? ? ?“What!?” shouted Treat. “Why them?”? ? ? ? ?“Because they’re gonna be escorting the micen to their next destination, Risa’s apartment. Plus, I want to have a talk with those rats.”? ? ? ? ?You overheard Geeaness and watched as Treat heads for the pantry. You turned to Thorrow and said, “Did Geeaness just say ‘rats’?”? ? ? ? ?“Blackjack and his family are rattis,” said Thorrow.? ? ? ? ?“Rattis?” you shudder at that word. “Oh no, I don’t want a rattis escorting us. Anything but rattis. They eat micen after all.”? ? ? ? ?“Calm down, Patrick,” said Thorrow. “That may be true, but they’re not all that bad. Geeaness will make sure that they will not eat us.”? ? ? ? ?“I hope you’re right,” you said to her. “Have you ever been eaten by a rattis before?”? ? ? ? ?“Well I have been inside a rattis before but not entirely eaten. Just don’t worry about it. Let’s go pack some food for the trip. The rattis will get us there faster if we ride them. You’ll learn to get over your fear of them.”? ? ? ? ?“I doubt it.” You sighed knowing that there’s no way out of the situation that you’re in. You were hoping to not see any rattis during your stay.11112111111122112211As you and the other micen start packing food for the trip, Treat has return with a duo of huge looking rodents. You recognize them as rattis and starts hiding behind Thorrow, hoping they would not see you. The rattis leading the other one, you assume is Blackjack. Blackjack has dark red fur with brown polka dots and black hair. The rattis following behind Blackjack you recognize as female. She has silver fur with brown polka dots and silvery blue long hair.? ? ? ? ?“That’s Bree following Blackjack,” whispered Thorrow. “She’s his wife. They also have a daughter named Love, but Geeaness is not supposed to know about her because of the two rattis rule he made for them.”? ? ? ? ?“How did you know so much about them?” you asked.? ? ? ? ?“The rattis and I are acquaintances. I’ll tell you about it later.” You nodded and return your attention to Geeaness and the rattis.? ? ? ? ?The rattis looked up to the leona. Geeaness stared at them and said, “Blackjack, Bree, thank you both for coming on such short notice.”? ? ? ? ?“What is it that you need of us, Geeaness?” asked Blackjack.? ? ? ? ?“See that group of nine micen over there?” The leona pointed in your direction. “I want you to take them as far as possible towards Risa’s place. But do not eat them, unless they ask politely. I want them to be there alive.”? ? ? ? ?“I can see Thorrow among them,” said Bree. “And I think there’s a green micen hiding behind her.”? ? ? ? ?“That micen is Patrick,” said Geeaness. “He happens to be the one that got me to cough him up.”? ? ? ? ?“You regurgitate a micen?” said Blackjack wide eyed.? ? ? ? ?“Yes and if you tell anyone about this, I’ll kill you all. Is that clear?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes sir,” said Blackjack as he nodded to the leona.? ? ? ? ?“By the way Blackjack,” the leona said to the male rattis. “Have you managed to locate Serena?”? ? ? ? ?Blackjack turned to his wife and turns to the leona and said, “No sir. But we’ll keep an eye out for her.”? ? ? ? ?“See that you do,” said Geeaness. “I want that micen alive.”? ? ? ? ?“Yes sir.” Blackjack and his wife bow to the leona and then starts walking towards you. You keep hiding behind Thorrow not wanting to be seen by them. The other willing micen noticed the rattis and just gasp and froze in fear. It’s obvious that they are scared of the rattis, but at the same time they’re wondering why the leona called them here.? ? ? ? ?“Hello Thorrow,” said Blackjack. “Nice to see you again.”? ? ? ? ?“Hello Blackjack,” said Thorrow. “Hello Bree. You two are looking well.”? ? ? ? ?“Thank you, Thorrow,” said Bree as she sees you still hiding behind her. “Um is your little green friend alright? He looks scared to see us. Which is understandable, since most if not all micen are afraid of us, rattis.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow turned to me and then turned to the rattis. “This is Patrick,” she said. “He… has a bad history with your kind.” You hide your face still feeling frightened.? ? ? ? ?“It’s alright, green one,” Blackjack said to you. “We mean you no harm. I promise you.”? ? ? ? ?“Come on, Patrick,” Thorrow whisper. “Say ‘hi’ to the rattis. We can’t go anywhere until you get to know them.”? ? ? ? ?You do not want to come out of hiding or get to know the rattis, but she does make a valid point. You and the other micen are heading to Risa’s and you won’t be able to get there unless you conquer your fear. You gulped and slowly come out of hiding and said, “Um… hi.”? ? ? ? ?“There now you see, isn’t that better?” asked Bree. “I’m Bree, and mister big and strong here is my husband, Blackjack.”? ? ? ? ?You then noticed Geeaness walked closer. You can see that he’s wearing a chef’s coat. He must have gone into the bedroom to get into uniform. “Thorrow,” he said to the blue micen, “May I speak with you, alone for a moment? I promise it won’t be long.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow sighed and agreed. “I’ll meet you guys at the pantry.” The other micen agreed and started making their way there. “Patrick,” she said to you. “Please try to warm up to the rattis. They’re really nice once you get to know them.”? ? ? ? ?“Okay Thorrow,” you said slowly. “I’ll try.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow climbed onto Geeaness’ hand as he carries her into the other room for a private chat. Blackjack turned to you and said, “So… where are you from?”? ? ? ? ?Geeaness carried Thorrow into his bedroom. He closed the door so that no one else can hear them. A leona’s bedroom is not a safe place for a micen, but Geeaness has a good reason to bring Thorrow here, if not to eat her. Thorrow looked up to the leona and asked, “So what is it that you wanted to talk about?”? ? ? ? ?“I have something that I want to give you before you go.” Geeaness got out something from his nightstand drawer and took out what looks like a brown scarf. He gave it to Thorrow and said, “This is for you, Thorrow.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow was a little shocked as the scarf was given to her. It seems Geeaness wants to make Thorrow his claimed micen. This was unexpected for her, especially since she’s still claimed by Shieki. She turned to the big cat and said, “Um… thank you Geenie. But, I’m already a claimed micen.” She showed Geeaness the white scarf she’s wearing. “Shieki still claims me.”? ? ? ? ?“I know Thorrow,” said Geeaness. “But I was hoping I could convince you to be mine. I’ve been thinking, maybe it was stupid to not cough up micen. If they are willing, then maybe they should enjoy themselves as much as they want. They seem to know their place.”? ? ? ? ?“Yeah, but I know you don’t plan to regurgitate me. You never regurgitate any micen, except for Patrick of course, but he forced you to.”? ? ? ? ?“Come on now, do you really think that happened?” the cat said as he whisper to her ear. “I let Patrick out on purpose.”? ? ? ? ?“What!?” Thorrow’s eyes are wide open. “But I thought-”? ? ? ? ?“I merely pretended to be forced to spit him out just to entertain you guys,” said Geeaness. “Although, I am impressed that he managed to give me heartburn by climbing up throat. Unfortunately, he was unable to escape through it, keeping him trapped in my stomach.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow then pondered a bit. “So if you hadn’t puked him out, he-”? ? ? ? ?“He would have been digested,” the leona finished for her.? ? ? ? ?“Geenie!” she yelled. “Will you please stop interrupting me? I hate it when you do that.”? ? ? ? ?“I know,” said the leona with a grin. Thorrow is not happy with him. “Anyway, just keep the scarf. You might need it.” Thorrow sighed and wrapped the scarf around her neck over the white scarf she’s wearing now. “Oh and by the way,” the leona continued. “I heard… rumors.” Thorrow stared at Geeaness wide eyed. “I’m curious to know who the father is, when you find out of course. Oh and if you don’t mind, don’t tell Patrick what I just told you. I don’t want him to feel disappointed.”?? ? ? ? ?Thorrow nodded as she is carried out of the bedroom. “I got news for you, Geenie,” she said. “He already felt disappointed when he discovered the truth about his leona friend.”? ? ? ? ?Geeaness carried Thorrow back to the pantry where the other willing micen are, including you. And you’re pretty much preoccupied with the rattis who is licking and sniffing you. They stopped as soon as Geeaness showed up. Thorrow hopped off Geeaness' hand and land next to you. “I’ll leave them in your hands, Bree. Make sure they get to Risa’s safely. Remember, don’t try to eat any of them, unless they’re okay with it, just as long as you cough them up when you’re done. Am I clear?”? ? ? ? ?“Clear as crystal,” said Bree.? ? ? ? ?“Good,” said Geeaness. “I better hurry, or I’ll be late for work. Take care, you guys.” You and the other micen waved goodbye as Geeaness leaves the apartment. You then turned to the rattis and noticed that some of the micen have already climbed onto his and Bree’s backs. You and Thorrow climbed onto Blackjack’s back near his head.? ? ? ? ?“Hey Miss Thorrow,” said the micen leader Treat as she turns to him. “Be sure to come back and visit anytime. You are always welcomed here.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow smiled and said, “I’ll keep that in mind, Treat.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh, and Bree?” Treat call to the rattis. “If you see any micen with jugs full of syrup, kill them for me will ya?”? ? ? ? ?“Can’t make any promises, Treat,” said Bree. “But I’ll keep that in mind. Let’s go Blackjack.”? ? ? ? ?“Right,” he nodded.? ? ? ? ?Blackjack and Bree exit the pantry as you ride them out of Geeaness’ apartment. As soon as they got far from the hole where they exited, Blackjack said to Thorrow, “I hope you don’t mind, Thorrow, but we would like to make a quick detour towards home. We need Love’s help carrying you guys.”? ? ? ? ?“As long as we get to Risa’s by nightfall, I don’t mind at all.”? ? ? ? ?Blackjack nodded as he and Bree make their way towards their home. You felt nervous, but again you wondered what Love looks like.111121111111221122111An hour has passed since you left Geeaness’ domain. And you never thought you’d be riding on the back of a rattis, the very creature that you hate the most. You never like the idea of riding on a rattis, but it’s better to ride on its back than to ride in its stomach.? ? ? ? ?Blackjack noticed that you’re very quiet the entire trip. “So, uh… Patrick is it?” he asked. You nodded slowly. “Would you mind explaining about that bad history of yours with the rattis?” You remained silent not wanting to answer his question, which concerns him. “Not much of a talker, are ya?”? ? ? ? ?“I could tell you about it,” said Thorrow, “if it’s alright with you Patrick.” You nodded in agreement. It’s better to let someone else to explain your history to someone you feel uncomfortable with. Thorrow explained to both Blackjack and Bree about your history with the rattis back where you live. She mentioned about the time you got surrounded by a group of twelve rattis who wanted to eat you, and that you were rescued by your leona, Felicia.? ? ? ? ?“Yep,” said Blackjack. “Rattis can sometimes try to eat micen. Twelve though? Dang, that sounds… over exaggerated. But they must be the wild ones from the outside world. But if you were still a juvenile back then, what happened to your parents?”? ? ? ? ?That’s right. You never did tell anyone about your parents. But you remembered what had happened to them. “Felicia’s father ate them when I was six months old,” you answered silently.? ? ? ? ?“Oh, I’m terribly sorry to hear that,” said Blackjack.?? ? ? ? ?“We’re here,” said Bree. “Home sweet home, I always say.”?? ? ? ? ?You and the other micen climbed off the rattis backs and they lead you and the others inside their home to rest for a while. Their home is basically a large hole in the wall, which would make sense since rattis are huge compare to micen. However, they are some signs or expert craftsmanship in the arches of doors and in the carvings on the furniture. You wonder what made them stop. You took a look around and you see a large table and several chairs. You also saw a chest that smelt of food, next to a pile of clothes that look like they could fit micen.?? ? ? ? ?“It isn’t much,” Bree continued, “but its home. There’s food and water in the chest in case you’re hungry. And if any of you micen want any clothes, you can have whatever we got. We don’t need them anymore.”? ? ? ? ?While you and the other micen make yourselves at home, you heard yawning coming from the other room. You turned to see another rattis standing in the doorway. That must be her daughter, Love. She has light red fur, with orange hair. When she saw the other micen, her face was gleaming with joy as if her parents have brought her dinner. “Ooh,” she said. “Are we having a feast?”? ? ? ? ?“No, Love,” said Bree. “They are our guests for the afternoon. We’re taking them to Risa’s, and we just thought we make a rest stop here at home.”? ? ? ? ?“Aww,” Love pouted in disappointed. “I can’t even have just one?”? ? ? ? ?“No, Love,” said Blackjack. “We gave Geeaness our word not to eat them without asking. And even if they did let us eat them, we have to cough them up.”? ? ? ? ?“But that’s not fair, Daddy.”? ? ? ? ?“It’s perfectly fair. Hell, it’s close to following the rules. The leona would eat us if he were to find out that we killed one of these micen.”? ? ? ? ?You felt sorry for the young rattis. Then you notice Thorrow walking up to the male rattis and tugged on his fur and said, “Um Blackjack?”? ? ? ? ?“What is it, Thorrow?” he asked.? ? ? ? ?“If Love wants to eat a micen, she can eat me.”? ? ? ? ?“Really?” said Love. “You mean it?”? ? ? ? ?“But only if you promise to, you know, spit me out afterwards.”? ? ? ? ?“Aww, do I have to?” Both rattis and Thorrow nodded at her, which make her feel a little sad, but still hopeful. “Well alright. I’ll let you out after I eat you.”? ? ? ? ?“Good,” said Bree. “Blackjack, why don’t you help Love with her ‘meal’ while I go take care of the other micen?”? ? ? ? ?“Alright Bree,” the male rattis replied. “Come on, Thorrow. I’ll get you set up.”? ? ? ? ?You watched as Thorrow followed Blackjack into Love’s room. You on the other hand decided to join the other micen for lunch. You see Sapphira and Robin checking out the micen sized outfits the rattis own. You then see Sonny and Barry looking inside the chest to see what food the rattis got in there. And you see Seraph sitting in the corner eating lunch. You wondered why Seraph is distancing herself from the others, but you assume she’s just rather shy. You got out some food you brought back from Geeaness’ pantry. The food consists of nuts, jelly, and some bread. You walked towards the table and sat next to Larry and Violet. The two were talking about Risa, the leona they’re going to go see next. Perhaps they plan to feed themselves to the leona.? ? ? ? ?“So,” you said to the two. “I heard you guys are talking about Risa.”? ? ? ? ?“Yep,” said Larry. “We were deciding on how to feed ourselves to her.”? ? ? ? ?“We figured getting chewed on is out of the question,” said Violet. “It’s too painful.”? ? ? ? ?You start eating some nuts while listening to Larry and Violet’s conversation about how Risa is gonna eat them.? ? ? ? ?Meanwhile, Solace and Felicia arrived at a restaurant called Cyrano’s Bistro. They were escorted to an available table and they were each given a menu. They go through the menu to decide on what to have for lunch. When they made their decision, they gave the waiter their order. The waiter picked up their menus and went to the kitchen to deliver their order. While the two were waiting, a familiar male leona approached them.? ? ? ? ?“Hello ladies,” the leona said to them.? ? ? ? ?Solace looked up and smiled. “Hello Geenie.”? ? ? ? ?“Mind if I join you girls for a bit? I’m currently on break.”? ? ? ? ?“Of course not,” said Solace. “Have a seat.” Geeaness sat down next to Solace. He held out his hand to shake Felicia.? ? ? ? ?“You must be Felicia, Solace’s childhood friend.”? ? ? ? ?“And you must be Geeaness,” said Felicia as he shook his hand. “Solace told me about you.”? ? ? ? ?“Has she now? What did she say about me?”? ? ? ? ?“Oh, not much. She also said that you hardly ever coughed up a micen, until last night that is when you spat out Patrick.”? ? ? ? ?Geeaness’ eyebrows were raised and turned to Solace. “How did you find out about it, when it was supposed to be a secret?”? ? ? ? ?Solace simply grinned at the chef, teasingly. “Gertrude told me.”? ? ? ? ?“Gertrude? I didn’t know she was in my home. I’m gonna have a long talk with Treat about this.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh don’t be such a grump, Geenie. You know Gertrude can avoid being caught by those micen of yours. Besides, I asked her to go there to keep an eye on Patrick and the group. I wanted to see how those micen did in your home.”? ? ? ? ?“Well… I did overhear Patrick being a little upset with you, Felicia.”? ? ? ? ?“What do you mean?” the white leona asked.? ? ? ? ?“I’m not sure,” said the chef. “He said something about a micen in dragon’s clothing. Then he mentioned about his mark being just a tattoo made of ink. He even mentioned something about antacids.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh no,” Felicia said groaning. “Sounds like Patrick finally figured out the truth.”? ? ? ? ?“What are you talking about, Felicia?” asked Solace.? ? ? ? ?Felicia told Geeaness and Solace everything that happened around the time she ate Patrick for the very first time. She talked about how he coaxed a micen to dress up like a dragon. She even mentioned that she invited her friends over who were members of a secret society while her father was away on business. She even talked about the ritual they did to make Patrick “immune” to stomach acids. And finally, she mentioned that he thinks of her as his girlfriend. When she was finished, both Geeaness and Solace were speechless.? ? ? ? ?“So that explains it,” said Geeaness as he looked at his watch. “Well I should get back to work. It was nice meeting you Felicia, and I’ll see you girls later.”? ? ? ? ?“Take care, Geenie,” said Solace.? ? ? ? ?Felicia waved goodbye to Geeaness, as their food were brought in. The two leonas then started to eat their lunch.1111211111112211221111 ThorrowBlackjack led Thorrow into Love’s room as Love sits down on the floor getting ready for her micen meal. Thorrow is nervous as she has never been eaten by a rattis before. Well except for that one time with that rattis Garret, but she wasn’t swallowed that time. Thorrow took off both of her scarves and set them on Love’s bed.? ? ? ? ?“Now Thorrow I want you to listen carefully,” said Blackjack. “This is Love’s first time eating a micen. So I’m gonna need your help on making sure she doesn’t choke while eating you. So I’m gonna need you to do exactly as I say. That way she will eat you without getting hurt. You got that?”? ? ? ? ?“I’ll do my best Mr. Blackjack,” said Thorrow. “But are you sure this is safe?”? ? ? ? ?“I’ll be supervising for the both of you. I will make sure no one gets hurt. Now then, are you ready?”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow breathed in anticipation and looked up at the rattis. “I’m ready.”? ? ? ? ?“Good, let’s begin.” Blackjack picks up Thorrow by the arms and turns to Love who has an eager face on her. “Love, open wide.” Love did as she was told and opened her mouth. Blackjack starts inserting Thorrow’s feet into his daughter’s mouth. “Just relax Thorrow and try not to kick.” Thorrow did as she was told and let Love bring her feet into her maw. Love gulped the micen’s feet down as her legs soon follow. Thorrow can feel her legs getting swallowed as her feet starts to enter her throat. Blackjack made sure the micen’s tail are in the rattis’ mouth as Thorrow goes deeper inside.? ? ? ? ?Soon, Love’s tongue touched Thorrow’s abdomen as she is halfway inside her mouth. Blackjack instructed Love to keep on swallowing Thorrow down nice and easy. She almost choked on Thorrow’s tail, but Blackjack made sure the tail did not go down the wrong tube. Thorrow can feel Love’s teeth on her back the further down she goes. “Thorrow I need you to put your arms above your head,” said Blackjack. Thorrow did as she was told and she felt her ribs entering the throat.? ? ? ? ?Thorrow can do nothing but let Love swallow her down. Soon only her head is left hanging from Love’s mouth. “You’re almost there, Love,” said Blackjack, “Just a few more gulps. Steady...” Love was able to lick Thorrow’s face and with one last gulp Thorrow’s head enters the throat and slowly made its way to the stomach.? ? ? ? ?Love sighed as she was finally able to breathe through her mouth. “That was delicious, daddy,” said Love as she rubs her belly. “These micen are so good! Please, may I could keep this one in there.”? ? ? ? ?“You’re gonna have to let her out sooner or later. Remember, she needs to stay alive for the other micen. For now give her a few minutes to enjoy her new surroundings.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow took a look around. Love’s stomach is a little snug for her but it is surprisingly comfy. She has enough space to allow her legs to stretch out a bit. She can feel Love rubbing her stomach from the outside. Thorrow lean into the rubs and enjoyed that as well. Thorrow doesn’t really know why she enjoys this nonsense, but she is thinking she might be addicted to it.? ? ? ? ?After a few minutes, Blackjack said, “Okay Love. It’s time to cough Thorrow out.”? ? ? ? ?“Cough?” said Love. “I don’t know how to regurgitate.”? ? ? ? ?“You don’t? Then how are you gonna get Thorrow out?”? ? ? ? ?“You tell me. I can’t vomit at will.” When she said that, she can feel Thorrow struggling in her tummy.? ? ? ? ?“Then I guess I’ll just have to get her out myself. Thorrow if you can hear me, I’m gonna try to get you out as soon as possible. Just relax and let me do the rest.”? ? ? ? ?“Okay Blackjack,” said Thorrow. “Please hurry, I can barely breathe here.”? ? ? ? ?“Right. Love I’m gonna need you to breathe in lots of air for me while you go upside down.” Love heads for her bed and lies upside down against her bed while Blackjack began to push against her belly. Thorrow breathes in the air Love brings in, and she soon finds herself being pushed towards the throat. Blackjack pushed as hard as he can. At first it was a wet burp, but then it sounded interrupted by the incoming stomach content. He can feel Thorrow starting to go up Love’s throat again. He keeps pushing until he can see Thorrow’s head in Love’s mouth. Blackjack reached into Love’s throat with two fingers and he starts pulling the micen out, nice and slowly. Love choked a bit as Thorrow is being pulled out.? ? ? ? ?Blackjack was successful in pulling Thorrow out of Love’s mouth. He sat her down as he hugs his daughter. “You did a good job eating your first prey! ”? ? ? ? ?Bree soon enters the room. “Is everything alright, dear?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes, Bree,” said Blackjack. Blackjack explained what happened and how the crisis was avoided.? ? ? ? ?“Right,” Love nods as she turns to Thorrow. “Thorrow, I’m sorry for not being to get you out on my own.”? ? ? ? ?“Its okay, Love. It was your first time after all. Once you’re able to vomit at will, I’m sure you’ll be able to do this as much as you want.” Love smiles and gave Thorrow a big hug. “And besides… Next time I visit, if you know your stuff… Maybe I could go back in?”? ? ? ? ?“You really think so?”? ? ? ? ?“I do.” The two stopped hugging and went to get her scarves. “Here, I want you to have this white scarf.”? ? ? ? ?“Really? You’re willing to give up one of your scarves for me.”? ? ? ? ?“I figured you need this more than I do. I can always get another one from Shieki. And besides, I don’t think Geenie will be able to kill you if you wore it.”? ? ? ? ?“I doubt it,” said Bree. “But who knows? It might happen.”? ? ? ? ?Love nods and accepts the white scarf. Thorrow puts on the brown scarf and they all head out to join the others.1111211111112211221112?Back in rattis’ home, you finished eating your nuts and looked around again. You see Robin and Sapphira still trying on clothes, and then you see Seraph poking at Bree’s tummy curiously. You then turned to Violet and Larry. “So,” you said to them. “Since you’re gonna get eaten soon, why don’t you tell me about yourselves? How did you end up being willing?”? ? ? ? ?Larry and Violet looked at each other and nodded. “Why don’t you tell the story, Larry."? ? ? ? ?Larry nods and turns to you. “I suppose it started when Kerry offered us jobs as entertainers for a group of teens who are part of an after school club. Kerry is the cat that lives in the apartment where we used to live, and she happens to be in charge of the after school club. In exchange for entertaining the leonas, she gives us food for our families.”? ? ? ? ?“Did you have any children?” you asked.? ? ? ? ?“No,” said Larry. “We… can’t have kids… But we didn’t take the job just for food. We took it because we love to be exciting and it was fun. The teens wanted to eat us, but Kerry made absolute sure they we’re not eaten, because we were still working for her. There weren’t a lot of teens there. There’s like about six of them and they all live in the building.”? ? ? ? ?“So how did you entertain them?”? ? ? ? ?“We did many different acts ranging from dancing, drawing, storytelling, singing, we even show off many different talents. We performed once a week doing one act. And on our last week we did our most favorite act of all: The magic act.”? ? ? ? ?“Really?” You looked at the two mice curiously. “I didn’t know you two were magicians.”? ? ? ? ?“Well it wasn’t that easy. I mostly did the magician part, while Violet here is my assistant.”? ? ? ? ?“Yeah,” said Violet. “But we did have a lot of fun. Larry was in a tuxedo while I was in a little dress with a yellow scarf Kerry made for the outfit. And the teens really enjoyed our acts, especially since this is their first time seeing a micen perform a magic act, without horribly dying that is...”? ? ? ? ?“In one of my most favorite of magic tricks,” Larry continued, “we asked for a volunteer to help with the trick. She said her name was Misty. I think it was the same leona you heard about in Rose’s backstory. She sits down on the floor in front of the table that we used for a stage. While I explain to the other ones what the trick is about, Violet told Misty what she needs to do in order for the trick to work. As soon as she’s ready, we perform the trick. When I gave Misty the signal, she opened her mouth and Violet willingly walked inside. Misty closed her mouth as soon as I told her to. Next, I have her swallowed and opened her mouth revealing that Violet is no longer there. I asked Misty to keep her mouth open so I can walk inside to peek in her throat. I reached down and pulled out what appears to be colorful sheets tied together. As soon as I pulled it all out, the teens applauded but I told them the trick is not entirely over yet. What happened next is where the real trick happened. I said the magic words, and asked Misty to feel something in her right ear. She reached for her ear and sticks a couple of her fingers in and there she pulled out Violet, ending the trick.”? ? ? ? ?You looked at the two micen wide eyed, totally amazed. “Wow,” you said. “That was totally amazing. How did you do it?”? ? ? ? ?“We can’t tell you,” said Violet.? ? ? ? ?“It’s against the Magician’s code to tell anyone other than the volunteer how the trick works.” He leaned in, “We had a micen on some hallucinogenic drugs, painted as Violet, to walk in.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh okay.” You looked down in disappointment. You were hoping to try that trick with Felicia, but now that it involves dying, you reconsidered.? ? ? ? ?“Anyway, the teens were amazed. I had Misty take a bow.”? ? ? ? ?“I see,” you nodded, a question on your tongue, “But there’s one thing I don’t understand. Why was that week your last?”? ? ? ? ?Violet turned to Larry and nods to him. Larry is reluctant to do so, but figured he should at least get it off his chest.? ? ? ? ?“We heard a loud crash coming from the kitchen. Kerry went to see what happened. A few minutes later she returned with a couple of micen who are feeling drunk.”? ? ? ? ?“How did it happened?” you asked.? ? ? ? ?“It seems those micen snuck around and tried to steal some of Kerry’s booze. The crash we heard was the sound of a booze bottle that crashed into the floor. That pissed Kerry off as she doesn’t want anyone near her booze without permission. I was angry at the drunken micen most of all.”? ? ? ? ?“How come?” You tilted your head in curiosity.? ? ? ? ?“One of them was my brother, Randy. I was so angry I yelled at him and said, ‘Randy! You son of a bitch! What the hell were you thinking?!’ He turned to me with a drunken face and said, ‘Aw screw you fatso! I need it… badly… because of her, she, bitch wife left me... Besides... What’re ya gonna do?’ We argued and argued and cussing words that we dare not say in public. Violet tried to get me to calm down, but I ignored her and continue ranting at my brother, almost wanting to back hand some sense into him. Kerry was upset most of all. She tossed Randy and the other micen into her mouth and crunched on them before finishing them off. She glared at me and told us to go wait for her on the dining table while she sent the young ones home and apologized to them for my unruly behavior.”? ? ? ? ?“Damn,” you said. “I never knew you were the kind of guy to have such a dirty mouth.”? ? ? ? ?“Does it look like I give a flying rat’s ass?!”? ? ? ? ?“Easy, Sweetheart,” said Violet. “Just calm down. You shouldn’t yell at him for something so simple.”? ? ? ? ?Larry sighed. “I know, and I feel bad for what I did. I’m sorry Patrick. I didn’t mean to get upset with you. But I was lucky to control my anger during my earlier performances, and my attitude towards my brother was unacceptable, even though he deserved it. Kerry returned and sat down at the table glaring at me and Violet, but mostly me. She told me that my behavior in front of the teens was absolutely unacceptable and that I should be punished for it. She picked me up and tossed me into her mouth. While I was in there, she chewed on me. Violet couldn’t help but watch me get grinded against the leona’s teeth. She screamed and begged Kerry to let me go. She said that she doesn’t want to go another day without me and said that if she eats me then she should eat her too. I’ve never really been munched on like that. I really thought she was gonna eat me, until she spat me out. Kerry said that my services were no longer required and that she wants me to get out of her apartment never to come back again. Violet here didn’t want to perform without me so she quit so that she can be with me.”? ? ? ? ?“You were kicked out? That’s horrible.”? ? ? ? ?“Yeah, I had to go with him because I don’t want to live without him.”? ? ? ? ?“And when Solace found us in the hallway, we told her about what happened and she decided to take us to her colony Desio. And that’s where we met Thorrow.”? ? ? ? ?Violet nods and turns to Patrick. “And when we heard that there’s another leona who has a collection of booze bottles, we decided to let that leona eat us.”? ? ? ? ?“And that leona is Risa,” you said. “I see what you mean now.” Forgetting to ask why they chose Risa, you turned to the doorway where you first saw Love. “Speaking of Thorrow, and wonder how she’s doing over there.”? ? ? ? ?“I’ll go check on them,” said Bree as she attempted to get up, almost rolling on the girl beside her. “Please stop poking me, Seraph. I am not allowed to eat you, but I can still step on you.”? ? ? ? ?“Sorry,” said Seraph sheepishly. While Bree went to check on Thorrow, Love, and Blackjack; you look at Robin and Sapphira who are wearing some of the clothes the rattis own. Robin is wearing a red shirt, green pants, and a black headband. Sapphira was wearing a purple shirt and a blue skirt.? ? ? ? ?“You two look nice in those outfits,” you said to them.? ? ? ? ?“Thank you,” said Robin. “I think this outfit made me look cool.”? ? ? ? ?“I look gorgeous,” said Sapphira. “I wonder what the leonas would think of me in this outfit!”? ? ? ? ?Bree returned with Blackjack, Love, and Thorrow following behind. She seemed a bit different. Something about her was off, as if a little detail was missing. “Hey Thorrow,” you said to her. “So how did it go?”? ? ? ? ?“It was amazing,” said Thorrow. “It’s so different! Small; but like a little hammock. You should try it out!”? ? ? ? ?You saw Seraph scoffing, not believing a word Thorrow says. You ignored her assuming that she’s just jealous. Then it occurred to you. Thorrow is wearing the brown scarf? “Where’s that other scarf that you had?” you asked.? ? ? ? ?“You mean the one, Shieki gave me? I gave it to Love. My reasons are my own, and let’s just keep it at that.”? ? ? ? ?“That’s good,” you said.? ? ? ? ?“Um excuse me, you two,” said Blackjack. “But it’s time we should continue our journey. Risa’s apartment is still a couple of hours away.”? ? ? ? ?“Right, let’s go.” You and the other micen headed out of the rattis’ home. Each rattis carry three micen on their backs. You, Thorrow, and Seraph rode on Love’s back. Well someone has to watch Seraph and to keep an eye on her before her curiosity gets the better of her. Barry, Sonny, and Sapphira, ride on Bree’s back. And Larry, Violet, and Robin ride on Blackjack’s back. You are still uncomfortable riding on a rattis’ back, but at least you’ll get to Risa’s much faster.11112111111122112211121Hours have passed, and soon you see an opening up ahead. This must be the opening to Risa’s home. The rattis stopped in their tracks as they got closer to the opening. “This is as far as we go,” said Bree. “That opening leads to Risa’s apartment. I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding the girl.”? ? ? ? ?The micen got off the rattis and heads for the opening. Thorrow went to Bree and said, “Thank you for the ride. Maybe I’ll come by for a visit.”? ? ? ? ?“If you do plan to visit then be sure to bring, you know who.” She said the last statement with a wink.? ? ? ? ?Thorrow looked up at Bree as if Bree knows something about her. “Um, I’ll see what I can do, Bree.”? ? ? ? ?“Good, we’ll see you around.” The rattis went the other direction heading for home.? ? ? ? ?You looked at Thorrow and asked, “What was that about?”? ? ? ? ?“What do you mean?” she shrugged, taking lessons from Geenie and ignoring problems. “Come on. Let’s catch up with the others.” You and Thorrow head for the opening that leads to Risa’s apartment.? ? ? ? ?As you went through the opening, you took a good look around and you soon find yourself in Risa’s living room. The room looked spacious, and you noticed that something is off. You saw that most of the furniture had been moved toward the walls leaving a huge space in the center of the room. The other micen are feeling scared, even Thorrow is a getting nervous. All the micen returned to the opening in fear, except for you. You were feeling confused on what is going on. You returned to the hole and walk up to Thorrow.? ? ? ? ?“What’s wrong, Thorrow?” you asked.? ? ? ? ?“I think Risa is expecting us,” she answered.? ? ? ? ?“What makes you say that?”? ? ? ? ?“Well she can’t have moved all that furniture towards the wall for nothing. She’s making room.”? ? ? ? ?“Making room for what?”? ? ? ? ?“To hunt and chase us.”? ? ? ? ?“And what’s wrong with that?”? ? ? ? ?“Well, um… Risa is like a different person when she chases micen. Any micen she catches, she eats. And she might chew too. That’s why a lot of micen fear her more than her sister, Solace.”? ? ? ? ?The other micen are feeling scared. Robin stood up and said, “Well maybe she won’t hunt us if we call for her and convince her not to harm us. You did say that she’s been going soft for you.”? ? ? ? ?“That was different,” said Thorrow. “Like I said before when she hunts, she’s like a whole different person.”? ? ? ? ?“Well we don’t know for sure until we try. I say one of us should go out there and find the girl.”? ? ? ? ?“I’ll go!” You turned to see that Seraph had volunteered to go out and look for her.? ? ? ? ?“Are you sure?” said Robin. “She might eat you if she catches you.”? ? ? ? ?“So? Isn’t that why we came here? To get eaten by the leonas? Besides, I’ve known Risa for a long time. She wouldn’t dare harm me.”? ? ? ? ?“How do you know?”? ? ? ? ?“Just wait and see.” Seraph walked out of the hole and walked towards the center of the room. You and the other micen looked at Seraph and noticed that she is not feeling scared at all. Seraph looked around and gestured you and the other micen to come out to her. You and the others were reluctant but you scurried out of the hole towards the micen’s location. As soon as all the micen have gathered, you see a brown leona leaping from behind the sofa. That brown leona must be Risa and her face tells you that she’s hungry. And you started to think that she plans to eat you all completely.? ? ? ? ?“RUN!” Sonny yelled as they start running back towards the hole. You decided to do the same and start running for your life. You looked back and noticed that Seraph is not feeling scared at all, even when she is being hunted. In fact, she appeared to be… smiling? All the micen have made it to the hole, but Seraph decided to make the pursuit more interesting by going in a different direction. You think that she must be crazy to think she can make the chase more interesting. The pursuit went on for a few minutes or so. Until finally the leona caught her and engulfs her entire body in her mouth.? ? ? ? ?You were stunned seeing that Risa has caught the micen rather quick. She looked in your direction and smiled. She walked towards the opening where you’re at. The other micen are feeling scared as she walked closer. Both Larry and Violet are starting to get second thoughts about having her eat them. Risa got down on all fours and leans towards the hole. You were suddenly being pushed out by some of the micen. “H- Hey!” you exclaimed. “What are you guys doing?”? ? ? ? ?“Sorry Patrick,” said Robin. “But if anyone’s gonna get eaten next, it’s gonna be you.”? ? ? ? ?“What? You can’t be serious. I don’t want to get eaten just yet.”? ? ? ? ?“Calm down, Patrick,” said Thorrow. “Just try to talk and convinced her not to eat you.”? ? ? ? ?“But you know her, Thorrow. Why can’t you confront her?”? ? ? ? ?“Do I look like I have my white scarf? She doesn’t want Shieki to be upset.” She held up the brown one. “But she’ll take any chance she gets to screw with Geenie. We will not come out unless it’s safe to do so. If it’s not safe, we’ll just go to Shieki’s instead.”? ? ? ? ?“But…” You suddenly felt heavy breathing. You turned to see Risa staring at you hungrily. You closed your eyes and cower in fear as she extends her hand towards you.111121111111221122111212As you cower in fear as Risa’s hand moves closer to you, she suddenly opened her mouth and spat out Seraph. The grey micen was covered in saliva from head to toe. She looked at herself and was disgusted.? ? ? ? ?“I can’t believe you guys want that to happen to you,” she said in an anger tone. “I wanted someone to describe what it looked like, not show me! I am never going back in there again.”? ? ? ? ?You then looked up at Risa who was smiling. “Oh lighten up, Seraph,” she said to the micen.? ? ? ? ?“Risa, look at me!” Seraph demanded. “I am covered in saliva! A few licks was never this bad! I don’t want any part of this adventure anymore, ever again.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh chill, girl. I’ll just clean you up in the sink. It won’t take long. And it’s good to have you home again.” The leona turns to you and the other micen. “You can come out now morsels. I’m done hunting for today.” She then headed for the kitchen to clean up the grey micen. You were shocked and confused. Seraph was never a willing micen the whole time? No wonder she’s been distancing from everyone. She was never willing in the first place.? ? ? ? ?As the other micen walked out of the mouse hole, you turned to Thorrow. “Who would’ve thought Risa and Seraph knew each other?”? ? ? ? ?“Even I didn’t know that,” she said, astonished. “She never told anyone here that she lives with Risa.”? ? ? ? ?“Do you think she was a spy?” asked Robin.? ? ? ? ?“It’s possible,” said Sonny. “I mean the girl is avoiding eye contact with us the entire time, and she has not said a single word.”? ? ? ? ?“Maybe she didn’t want to talk about it,” said Sapphira.?? ? ? ? ?“Why don’t we get some answers,” said Thorrow. “Let’s head to the coffee table.”? ? ? ? ?“Uh what coffee table?” you asked. “Risa moved the furniture, remember?”? ? ? ? ?“Oh… right.”? ? ? ? ?Risa returned and laid her hands on the floor, gesturing you and the micen to climb on. You were unsure at first but you reluctantly do so. The other micen joined in. Once all micen were in Risa’s hands, she carries them to the Dining table where Seraph is waiting. “Now you wait here morsels, while I set the furniture back in place.” She went to the living room and set the furniture back in place. It took her almost ten minutes to put everything back in place. Once she is done she returned and sat down at the table, smiling. “Hello Thorrow,” she said. “Nice to see you again.”? ? ? ? ?“Hehe, likewise I’m sure,” the micen replied.? ? ? ? ?“How come you’re not wearing Shieki’s scarf anymore? Are you now Geenie’s micen?”? ? ? ? ?“No, Risa. I gave my scarf to someone who needs it more than I do. I plan to get another from Shieki real soon. I don’t plan to wear this scarf long.”? ? ? ? ?“Sure, you don’t.” The leona said teasingly. She then turns to you with an eager smile. “You must be Patrick.”? ? ? ? ?You looked at her wide eyed. “You know who I am?”? ? ? ? ?“Of course,” she answered. “Felicia told me so much about you. And I see you’re wearing her pink scarf too.”? ? ? ? ?You chuckled. “Yeah, I guess I am. But enough about me, we want to learn about Seraph here.”? ? ? ? ?“And what makes you think I know much about her?”? ? ? ? ?“Well for starters,” said Thorrow. “You know her name. She mentioned that she’s been in your mouth before. And you said that it’s good to have her home.”? ? ? ? ?Risa smiled grinningly. “Alright, with the power of common sense, you got me. It’s true, I know her. Seraph and I are friends, but that’s all you’re gonna get from me. If you want to know more about her, I suggest you ask Mombasa. He’s not here at the moment but he’ll be here as soon as he gets back from wherever.”? ? ? ? ?“Why would Mombasa know Seraph?”? ? ? ? ?Risa smiled again. “I guess I have to reveal another fact about her,” she said teasingly. “Seraph is Mombasa’s daughter.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow stared at her with her mouth wide open. “What!?”1111211111112211221112121You, Thorrow, and the other willing micen all stared at Seraph shockingly, but mostly Thorrow. “Seraph,” she said. “You got some explaining to do.”? ? ? ? ?Seraph stared at Thorrow irritated. “Fine,” she sighed. “What do you want to know?”? ? ? ? ?“Everything. For instance, why did you come with us, if you’re not willing? Are you a spy?”? ? ? ? ?Seraph rolled her eyes. “I’ve heard from my dad talking about you being a willing micen. When I asked Risa about it, she confirmed that you are. I was curious about what being a willing micen is like. So when my dad wasn’t looking, I had Risa sneak me out to find you. But when I did find you, I didn’t expect you to have a bunch of micen who were all looking forward to be food.”? ? ? ? ?“I didn’t want her involved,” said Risa. “But she insisted that she go see you.”? ? ? ? ?Seraph nodded. “And while I was with you guys, I did a little observation among you all. But I’m not a spy. I was surprised when you Patrick would let Geeaness devour you. You could have been killed.”? ? ? ? ?“You don’t have to rub it in,” you said to her. “And besides, he spat me out. Remember?”? ? ? ? ?“Oh I remembered,” said Seraph. “And he’s one of the few leonas that rarely does that, from what I’ve been told. And Risa here gave me the experience of what it’s like to be eaten. And now that I’ve experienced it, I don’t want that again. Right now, I want to go home.”? ? ? ? ?Risa then heard a rattling coming from the kitchen. “Excuse me.” She crept into the kitchen for about a couple of minutes before returning with black micen in her hand struggling. The micen has blue eyes and brown hair and is very irritated.? ? ? ? ?“This is not funny, Risa,” he said to the leona. “You know I hate it when you do that.”? ? ? ? ?Seraph looked at the black micen, and immediately recognized him. “Daddy?”? ? ? ? ?The black micen looked at the micen group and saw the little girl. “Seraph!” Risa set the black micen down on the table as he ran to her daughter and gave her a heartfelt hug. So, that black micen is Mombasa. You are able to tell in his voice he is thankful far more than irritated now. “Where in the world have you been, young lady? I’ve been looking all over for you.” Mombasa then turned to Thorrow and the other micen. “Hello Thorrow.”? ? ? ? ?“Mombasa,” Thorrow nodded. “You’ve been well I see.”? ? ? ? ?“So have you.” He turns to Seraph. “Seraph, you’re not a willing micen are you?”? ? ? ? ?“No, daddy,” she said. “And I don’t plan to be one. I was just exploring the building with them, that’s all.”? ? ? ? ?“Well, I think you’ve explored enough. I want you to head home right now. Do you have any idea how much you’ve made me worried?” Seraph nodded and climbed into Risa’s hand.? ? ? ? ?Seraph then turned to Thorrow and said, “Well Thorrow, it’s been fun while it lasted. Well, no, it hasn’t. It’s actually been a little horrifying. Dissatisfied is a much more accurate word. Welp! I’ll see you around.” Risa lowers Seraph down to the floor so that she can head home.? ? ? ? ?Mombasa sighed and returned his attention to Thorrow and the micen. “Thorrow, I hope my daughter wasn’t too much trouble. And Hell help you if I find out it’s vice versa.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh no Mombasa, it’s no trouble at all. Although she was very distant from us,” said Thorrow. “But Mombasa, how come you never told me that you have a daughter? You don’t look like the kind of micen to be a father.”? ? ? ? ?“There are many things you don’t know about me, Thorrow. And I don’t like talking about other people when they are not around. And I suggest we keep it that way and not tell anyone about this, or I’ll make sure that the next time you’re eaten, you stay eaten. Do I make myself clear?”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow nodded. “Yes.”? ? ? ? ?Mombasa nodded as well. He turned to you. “So,” he said. “You must be Patrick.”? ? ? ? ?You stood your ground. “Um yes sir,” you answered.? ? ? ? ?“I’ve heard just oh so much about you; in the past day of course. You must be popular. And I know about how you were claimed by a ‘Felicia.’ I must say I’m impressed how many people, and woman, would let you inside them.” He whispered to Thorrow, “Not really.”? ? ? ? ?“I was even more impressed that you won a bargain with Geenie,” said Risa. “Would you like to try to do the same with me?”? ? ? ? ?“Um well,” you stuttered. “You see…”? ? ? ? ?“Oh lighten up cutie. I was only fooling. I can let you out if you want me to. But only if I’m in a better mood, like I am right now. Besides, there will be plenty of time for noms later this evening. But for now, you guys should try to make yourself at home.”? ? ? ? ?The micen all nodded in agreement. Risa carried the micen to the living room coffee table. “I rarely told anyone about this, but there’s a colony called Zurv in this apartment,” said Mombasa. “But they do not like outsiders.”? ? ? ? ?“Really?” said Thorrow. “What happened?”? ? ? ? ?“Oh you know, the more people in a place the more likely you’ll have trouble on your hands.” Thorrow knew what Mombasa meant and did not question any further about it.? ? ? ? ?“Mumble, just try to see if they can stay there for the night,” said Risa. “The worse they can do is say no.”? ? ? ? ?Mombasa sighed. “I’ll see what I can do, but I can’t make any promises. Anton is very strict when it comes to outsiders.” Mombasa hopped off the coffee table and headed for the colony Zurv. You watched as he disappeared from view and you turned around to see Risa staring at you with her mouth wide open. Your eyes widen as you felt the hot humid breath coming from her. You stared into that massive maw as the other micen steered clear of her.? ? ? ? ?“You like that don’t you, Patrick?” the leona teased. You froze in fear as she smiled deviously. “Perhaps you like to have a better view?” You stared at the leona knowing that she’s been waiting to eat you, ever since she heard about you being willing. You want to go in but at the same time you don’t. You closed your eyes as she’s about to engulf you in her mouth.11112111111122112211121212“Stop!” You opened your eyes and notice that Violet now stood between you and Risa. You were surprised that Violet is bold enough to go between a leona and her prey. You curled yourself into a ball position, looking for your happy place. Risa was beyond irritated that her pre-dinner snacking has been interrupted; so upset that she might squash the purple micen instead. “Don’t eat him, Risa,” shouted the purple micen.? ? ? ? ?“And why not?” said the brown leona who raised her voice in anger. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t eat him, and you.”? ? ? ? ?Violet stood silence. She doesn’t want you to get eaten. But why? She had to think up of an excuse to give you time. Risa stared at Violet impatiently. Violet soon had an idea pop into her head. “B- B- Because it’s like you said before, ‘There will be plenty of time for noms later this evening.’ Besides, you shouldn’t have any snacks, or else you’ll be too full to finish your dinner. You don’t want to spoil your appetite now, do ya?”? ? ? ? ?Risa was left speechless, and her brow hanging over her eyes along with a frowny face. Violet was behaving motherly toward Risa. No micen have even the guts to do something like this, or at least didn’t live long afterwards. Risa had mixed emotions toward the purple micen. She’s angry because her pre-dinner snack was interrupted. But she also doesn’t want to scare off all the micen by biting this one in half. Risa shook her head to hide her emotions and stared at Violet with a stern look on her face. “First of all,” the leona stated, “I’m in charge, not you. Secondly, you have no authority of what I can or can’t do.” Violet cowers in front of the leona, fearing for the worst. “And thirdly,” she said as she sighs. “You made a valid point, kind of.” Violet looked up at Risa, shocked. “I did say, there will be plenty of time for noms later this evening. But I wasn’t planning on hurting Patrick. I was gonna spit him up like I did with Seraph.”? ? ? ? ?Violet stood herself up still locking eyes with the leona. “Then, why is Patrick scared of you?” She pointed toward your position. You were stilled curled up into a ball fearing for your life. “He thinks that you were planning on killing him. From what we heard from Thorrow, you could chew us up.” Risa looked back at Thorrow and the other micen who were also cowering, fearing for their lives.? ? ? ? ?Risa just smiled. “Oh I see,” she said. “You guys don’t trust me, do ya?” All the micen except you shook their heads. “I don’t blame you,” the leona chuckled. “I don’t trust myself either.” The micen just stared at the leona not taking their eyes off her. Risa turned to you and gently scoops you up into her hand. She then stroked your head with her finger trying to calm you down. You uncovered yourself and looked straight at the leona’s face. You can feel your heart pumping faster. “Hey Patrick, I’m sorry you’re upset after me scaring you like that. Well, I’m not, but the point I am getting across is that you need to calm the hell down. I thought you’d have enjoyed it. I didn’t know how spooked you could be, I mean, Seraph wasn’t this scared. I’ll give you time to settle before the munching begins.”?? ? ? ? ?You nodded slowly.?? ? ? ? ?Risa then turned to the purple micen. “What is your name?” she asked.? ? ? ? ?The purple micen stood still. “It’s Violet, Miss Risa.”? ? ? ? ?“Tell me, Violet. I know the answer, but go ahead and tell me: Who were you planning on feeding yourself to?”? ? ? ? ?“You, of course,” Violet answered confidently. “Larry and I plan to feed you, assuming that you’re gonna let us out afterwards.”? ? ? ? ?“That’s to be decided. You’re not batting a thousand you know…” Risa turns to the other micen. “Which one of you is Larry?” The micen just eyed towards the black micen who slowly raised his paw. Risa watched as Larry slowly walked towards Violet’s location. “Are you two lovers?”? ? ? ? ?“You might say that,” said Larry. “We were once entertainers for someone named Kerry.”? ? ? ? ?“Kerry?” said Risa. “That tailor person girl? I’ve been calling her Kelly for years… She had her own circus? Crap, that’s genius. And let me guess, you want to become entertainers for me. Am I wrong?”? ? ? ? ?“No,” said Violet. “You are indeed correct.”? ? ? ? ?“What do you do that I can’t do? I don’t think you know me very well. Besides, I get all my entertainment from eating micen.”? ? ? ? ?“We’ll let you eat us as many times as you want,” Violet offered.? ? ? ? ?“We’ll even let you eat us however you like,” said Larry, “as long as it doesn’t involved us getting crushed by those sharp teeth of yours.”? ? ? ? ?Risa puts a finger to her chin pondering at the thought of having two micen becoming her own personal entertainers. If she agrees, they will entertain her whenever she wants. If she declines, they’re food. Either way, she gets to eat them, so it’s good enough for her. “Alright then,” she said at last. “You got yourself a deal, until you become boring.” She lowers her finger down to Violet and Larry as they shake on it. At that time, Mombasa returned from Zurv.? ? ? ? ?“Miss Risa,” said Mombasa. “I have good news and bad news.”? ? ? ? ?“Start with the good news,” Risa demanded.? ? ? ? ?“Okay. Sheriff Anton has agreed to allow these micen to sleep in the colony.”? ? ? ? ?“Wonderful, Mumble. What’s the bad news?”? ? ? ? ?“They have to sleep in the alleys of the colony.”? ? ? ? ?She blinked, “That’s the bad news? I thought you all slept in alleyways. That’s what what's-her-face told me.” She then looked at the time and noticed that it’s almost six o’clock. “Well, looks like it’s almost dinnertime. Shall we head back to the dining table?” Before the micen could answer, Risa scooped them all up, including you and Mombasa. She carried you and the others back to the dining table and sets them in the middle of it. The moment is almost here, you’re gonna get eaten by the infamous Risa, Solace’s psychotic sister. You hope for your own sake that Risa does regurgitate you afterwards.111121111111221122111212121Risa sat down at the dinner table. She brought out a small plate for her prey to climb on. Violet and Larry eagerly climbed onto the plate, but you stayed where you were. You were still hesitant on letting Risa eat you. Risa smiled at you as she used her hand and pulled you toward the plate where Violet and Larry waited. You reluctantly climbed onto the plate and sat between the two micen. Risa licked her lips and stared at you deviously. Your instincts tell you that she wanted to eat you first. And your instincts were correct when Risa said, “I’ll start with you, Patrick if you don’t mind.”? ? ? ? ?You sighed and took off your pink scarf. You set the cloth down and climbed onto Risa’s palm as soon as she lowered it toward you. “Let’s get this over with, Risa.”? ? ? ? ?Risa chuckled. “All right you little morsel. In you go.” Risa raised you up to her mouth as it opened wide. You stared at the inside of the leona’s mouth as you slowly climbed into it avoiding her row of teeth. Risa’s teeth are really sharp. I slight touch at the tip could bleed you. The mouth closed as soon as you lie down on the tongue. Little light were shone through the teeth. You were able to see the throat. Risa shift her tongue around, licking you all over your body to get your taste. She pressed you into her cheeks, and then she pressed you against the roof of her mouth. But soon you are shifted towards the back of the throat ready to be swallowed. You were unable to stand up because the tongue keeps shifting under you. You were covered in her drool, and any resistance you performed slid off as if you were on ice. The next thing you remember, you were swallowed whole by the leona herself.? ? ? ? ?You were slowly descending down the gullet. The muscles in the esophagus squeezed you down as you slowly drop toward Risa’s belly. You land with a plop which gave Risa a satisfying belch. You took a look at your surroundings. The scenery is exactly the same as Felicia’s and Geeaness’s stomach. There’s a tiny pool of stomach acids at the bottom. You could see leftover bones from Risa’s previous meal. It looked like some poor unlucky micen had met its end here. You don’t know who it was, and personally you don’t really care. You decided to settle in.? ? ? ? ?During your time in the stomach, you start thinking about your past again. You were still upset about what Felicia did to you. She lied to you about you being immune and indigestible, and you were gullible to believe her tall tales. You wanted to see Felicia again as soon as possible, so that you could confront her about this. You felt uneasy as your personality of being a willing micen was slowly fading away the longer you stay here. You then asked yourself why Felicia would lie to you about this. Was it because that she cared about you and didn’t want to hurt your feelings, or was it because she enjoyed eating you every single day? Are you… Some sort of tool? Just some piece of candy?? ? ? ? ?Suddenly, you felt the stomach shaking. At first you thought that you were going to be digested. But the next thing you knew, you find yourself in Risa’s sink. Risa has recently coughed you up just like she said she would, and now you were covered in bile that came from Risa’s stomach. Risa turned on the kitchen sink to clean you up. As soon as you were squeaky clean she carried you back to the table and sets you next to Thorrow, who gave you your scarf back. You thanked her and watch as both Larry and Violet climbed onto Risa’s awaiting hand. The two wanted to get eaten together, because they want to share the very same experience. The two micen climbed into the leona’s mouth and you watched as Risa lifted her head and gulped them down. You can tell she really enjoyed eating two micen at once.? ? ? ? ?Thorrow tapped you on the shoulder and asked you, “You okay, Patrick?”? ? ? ? ?“Huh?” you looked at Thorrow who had a worried look in her eyes. “Oh yeah Thorrow, I’m fine. I’m just a little uneasy, that’s all.”? ? ? ? ?“It’s understandable, Patrick. Oh look, Risa’s going to the kitchen again.”? ? ? ? ?“Looks like she’s gonna spit both Larry and Violet out. I wonder if they enjoyed the experience of being food.”? ? ? ? ?“We’ll find out soon enough.”? ? ? ? ?Risa carried the two micen back to the table as soon as she’s done cleaning them. She smiled, feeling satisfied because she ate four micen in one day. Fortunately she didn’t digest them, but she did enjoy devouring them. She grabbed an apple from a nearby fruit bowl and she got out a knife to cut the piece of fruit into multiple pieces. She gave the pieces to the micen for them to eat. She then went to the fridge to get out something else to eat. Since she didn’t digest the micen, she’s gonna settle for some leftover ribs for dinner. You nibbled on the apple piece, and it tasted really good. It’s not as tasty as Solace’s chocolate eggs, but it’s still good nevertheless.? ? ? ? ?After dinner, Mombasa came up to them and said, “Now that you guys are done eating our food and breathing our air, let me show you where Zurv is located.” The micen nodded. “But,” he continued. “You must promise me that you will never reveal the location of this colony to anyone. Do I make myself clear?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes sir,” you answered.? ? ? ? ?“You guys go on ahead,” said Larry. “Violet and I are gonna stay here so that we can get to know our new leona better, and to show her some of our acts that we did back at Kerry’s place.”? ? ? ? ?“Okay, you two,” said Thorrow. “You guys have fun now.”? ? ? ? ?“We will, Thorrow,” said Violet. “Thank you for letting us journey with you guys. It was really fun.”? ? ? ? ?You and the other micen have said your goodbyes to both Violet and Larry as Risa carried them out to the living room. You then followed Mombasa to the location of the colony Zurv. When you arrived, you began to notice the suspicious look on the locals’ faces. You can tell that they’re not very happy to see you or any other micen they don’t know. Mombasa wasn’t kidding when he said that they do not like outsiders. You tried your best not to look at them in the eye. You want to try to ignore them as best as you can.? ? ? ? ?Mombasa took you to a building that services as the Sheriff’s Office for Zurv. And standing in the doorway is a tall grey micen. “Evening Anton,” said Mombasa.? ? ? ? ?“Mombasa,” Anton nodded, “So, are these the micen that you mentioned before?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes sir. They need a place to stay for the night, before they continue their journey.”? ? ? ? ?“I see.” Anton turned to Thorrow, “And where exactly, are you guys headed?”? ? ? ? ?“Well right now, we’re on our way to Shieki’s place, where I live. She’s the leona that helped ended the tyranny of the Sect.”? ? ? ? ?“I see, well we don’t normally welcome strangers into our colony, especially after what happened last time. But since Risa suggested that you stay here tonight, I guess we’ll just have to take you in for the night. Unfortunately, you’re gonna have to sleep in the alley tonight since we don’t have room in our houses.”? ? ? ? ?“That’s okay, we wouldn’t want to disturb anyone this evening anyway. But I do appreciate you taking us into your colony, Sheriff Anton. And we promise that we will never tell anyone about this place, right guys?”? ? ? ? ?You and the other micen nodded. “Alright,” said Anton. “And if you guys are thirsty, there’s a pipe at the end of the colony that has water in it. Now then, I’m gonna go get some shuteye. Mombasa.” He nods to the micen he mentioned. The one nodded back as he heads inside the Sheriff’s office.? ? ? ? ?“I should be heading home as well,” said Mombasa. “I definitely don’t want to keep my daughter waiting.”? ? ? ? ?“Okay Mombasa,” said Thorrow. “Take care now, and we’ll see you in the morning.”? ? ? ? ?You watched as Mombasa leaves the colony, and you and the others head into the alley to settle in for the night.? ? ? ? ?You settled next to the brown micen Barry and the yellow micen Sonny. You chatted with them and asked about their backstory. But they didn’t say much, and just stated that they used to have good paying jobs at two different colonies. You asked them what kind of job it was, but they ignored you and just drifted off to sleep. You yawned for a bit and decided to wait until morning to get to know them better. So you curled yourself on the floor and like Barry and Sonny, you drifted off into a deep sleep.1111211111112211221112121211Meanwhile back in Solace’s apartment, Solace was having a meeting with the headmasters of the colonies Niarb, Toor, and Granrus. The headmasters have recently given Solace their head count in their respective colonies. She heard from Jason that Niarb is estimate to have at least 151 micen. Yidde then told Solace that Toor has about 77 micen, a little more than what she expected. Then, Maverick gives Solace, Granrus’s population which is 42. Solace added the numbers in addition to Desio having 20 micen, courtesy of Gertrude. The total number of micen living in her apartment is 290. Felicia was amazed that a bunch of micen lives in Solace’s apartment, which would make sense considered that there are four colonies and no hunting.? ? ? ? ?“Okay,” the blue leona said at last. “After careful consideration, I will give the maximum population to your colonies at the following. For Niarb: 200. For Toor: 70. And for Granrus: Also 70. That leaves Toor being overpopulated by seven micen.”? ? ? ? ?Yidde lowers her head in disappointment. She looked back up to the leona and asked, “What should I do to fix it?”? ? ? ? ?“Actually,” Solace reared her head around and looked at the walls and ceilings. When she heard that Niarb wasn’t in just one spot on the floor, but under the whole floor in general, she was amazed. The place must have been here for years. Toor and Granrus are only a few meters from each other, and Granrus may as well be a short jog from Niarb. Not to mention that Desio is just a leona’s tail length to the entrance the eventually leads to Granrus. What if… “I have thought about this, and I have a better solution on how to fix it than just giving them to me. Have you guys ever thought about expanding your colonies and connecting them? Like a metropolis?”? ? ? ? ?“A what? You mean like making our colonies bigger,” asked Jason. “And making tunnels and roads to get to the colonies a lot easier?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes,” said the leona. “It’s not a good solution, but it is a temporary one. The entire room could be the colony, with districts and the like. I still need to get it planned out so it’s gonna take some time to make it happen. For now, meeting adjourned.” The headmasters nodded and headed home to their colonies.? ? ? ? ?“That went very well I see,” said Felicia. “But I don’t know if enforcing a population limit is necessary.”? ? ? ? ?“If there’s too many micen here,” said Solace, “It will attract rattis. Either that will attract slavers, or disease, or worse: my father.”? ? ? ? ?Felicia murmured an agreement, “I suppose that last one is true. My dad had always made sure that no micen or rattis was living in our house. I had to keep Patrick a secret from him, so that he doesn’t try to eat him… like he did with his parents.”? ? ? ? ?“So Patrick was orphaned by your dad?”? ? ? ? ?“Yeah, if he caught me with a micen, he would force me to eat it.” Felicia, for the first time since Solace could remember, didn’t seem alright. “I know he’s just being a dad, but I wish he didn’t have to force me to eat them.”? ? ? ? ?Suddenly, Felicia’s cell phone rang. “Oh! Um would you excuse me for a moment, Solace?” She picked up her cell phone and answered. “Hello?” Solace watched her friend talked, glancing away at the notes she took from the meeting. “Yes, this is Felicia Catclaw. Who is this?” Solace merely stared at her friend. “What!? How did this happen?” Solace noticed that Felicia was looking worried. Her breath was unable to be caught as she began panting. “Is he in the hospital?”? ? ? ? ?Hospital? Solace ears perked. Why would Felicia mention about someone in the hospital?? ? ? ? ?Felicia’s expression has gotten worse, as if she wanted to vomit a kicking rattis. “Oh, I see. Well, alright, I’ll be right over as soon as I can. Yeah, thank you for calling me. Okay. Bye.” Felicia hung up, almost unable to cope with the news.? ? ? ? ?“Felicia, what’s wrong?” asked Solace.? ? ? ? ?Felicia turned to Solace with tears starting to drip from her eyes. She walked to Solace and sobbed, placing her face into her chest.?? ? ? ? ?You suddenly shot up from your sleep. You looked around and you find that you’re still in the alley where you sleep. You pondered for a bit a realized that you were just having a nightmare. You couldn’t make clear on what the nightmare was about. But it’s over and that’s all that matters to you now. You should go back to sleep. But then you noticed that the brown micen, Barry, was nowhere to be found. Now where could he be at this hour? You shrug it off assuming that he probably run off to get a quick snack or something. Well as long as you’re awake, you might as well go get some water, since you’re feeling kind of thirsty. Anton did mention a pipe filled with water at the end of the colony. So you made your way to where the pipe is located. You see the pipe where a tiny faucet is attached to it. You used the faucet to get some water into you.? ? ? ? ?Once you drank enough, you turned off the faucet and started making your way back. But then, you heard a familiar voice coming from a nearby alley. Your curiosity has gotten the best of you and you went to see who’s that you heard talking. As you got closer, the voice gets louder. You hid behind a building and took a peek to see the source of that voice. And you’re surprised to see Barry but you can’t see who he’s talking to.? ? ? ? ?“Did you get the stuff?” asked Barry.? ? ? ? ?“Yes, but it wasn’t easy,” said the stranger who sounded feminine. “My partner and I had to trade all six jugs of Geeaness’ syrup just to get this powdery stuff.”? ? ? ? ?“You almost got caught, Ell,” Barry told her off, almost angry. “You’re lucky that guard is a coward or else get killed by that needle of yours.”? ? ? ? ?“Well, I didn’t get caught, so you can take the powder and shove it.”? ? ? ? ?Jugs of syrup..? You realized that the guard that supposedly failed to stop the bandits steal the jugs of syrup back in Geeaness’ pantry was the same guard they mentioned. And because of that he ended up being a part of Geeaness’ breakfast. But what was the powdery stuff that Barry mentioned?? ? ? ? ?“So where is it?” asked Barry.? ? ? ? ?“My partner is bringing it here as we speak,” said the female bandit. “This stuff is venomous and can kill anyone who ingested it.”? ? ? ? ?“Poison. You don’t ingest venom.”? ? ? ? ?“Piss off!”? ? ? ? ?“So it can kill anyone? Even a leona?”? ? ? ? ?“If given enough, yes.” Your eyes widen as your ears can’t believe what it just heard. Barry is going to kill a leona, but why? “All you have to do is cover yourself with this stuff. It has no effect on the skin just so you know. And once a leona eats you, the feline will be dead for sure and you could just crawl out of the stomach.”? ? ? ? ?“Good. That leona, Shieki will pay for killing all our friends. And once she’s gone, I’m going after that damn traitor. I’ll show him just how stupid he looks dual wielding.”? ? ? ? ?“What about your friend, Sonny?”? ? ? ? ?“Sonny is not going to find out about this. He may have renounced his ways of the Sect. But if he finds out that I haven’t, he’ll be the one to eat me.”? ? ? ? ?So that’s it. Barry, Sonny, and those syrup bandits were former members of the Sect you’ve heard about. You have to warn someone and fast. Sonny, that’s it. He’ll put an end to Barry’s evil plan. You slowly crept backwards, only to accidentally knock over a jar that’s behind you.? ? ? ? ?“What was that?” asked Barry.? ? ? ? ?“I think we’re being watched,” said Ell.? ? ? ? ?Your heart is racing as you turned toward the direction of the alley, only to find a tall white micen standing in front of you and punches you real hard on the head knocking you out cold. You lie flat on the ground unconscious, having no idea what’s happening at the moment.11112111111122112211121212111You don’t know how long you’ve been out. But you eventually woke up from your unconsciousness. When you’ve come to your senses again, you took a good look at your new surroundings. You’re in a room with nothing but food, weapons, and empty jugs. You don’t know why you’re here until you suddenly remember what happened before you were knocked out cold. The bandits! The Sect! Barry! Shieki! That’s right, you remember now. Barry was a member of the Sect. And he plots to kill Shieki to avenge his Sect brethren who’ve fallen to the leona. It all started to make sense now, which means that you have to get to Shieki before it’s too late.? ? ? ? ?You attempted to get up when you suddenly realized that you were tied up to a chair. Not only were your hands were bonded but so were your feet. You attempted to cry for help before you noticed that your mouth was gagged preventing you from speaking. You struggled trying to get free, but your efforts were useless and you eventually wore yourself out. You then heard someone coming. You turned to what appears to be the only doorway out of the room that you’re in. Entering the room is a tall micen with a hooded robe. He took off his hood and robe to reveal his white muscular form. You recognize that micen as the same one that knocked you out back in Zurv. He’s wearing blue pants and on his side, is a needle sword that’s used as a weapon.? ? ? ? ?“I see that you’re finally awake,” he said to you at last. “I bid you welcome to our humble abode. I know it isn’t much, but it’s home.” You remember that Ell was the female bandit who was talking with Barry when you were spying on them. “Allow me to introduce myself,” he continued. “My name is Cue.” You merely glared at him and try to talk trash at him, but the gag that’s covering your mouth was preventing you. He stared at you with a lark. “You’re wasting your breath,” he boasted. “No one’s going to save you now, not even Thorrow. Barry made sure of that, by convincing her that you got up and made an early start towards Shieki’s. It’s… It’s not really hard to trick that Thorrow girl.”? ? ? ? ?You shook some more, filled with rage and determination to take down the micen standing before you. He just merely grinned and laughed at your attempted struggles.? ? ? ? ?“Quit wasting energy, moron. Ell and I made sure that you are completely secured in that spot.” You lowered your head having run out of energy. “You’re lucky we decided not to kill you yet. For now, you’re our hostage, until Barry says otherwise. But I bet you’re wondering why we have to do this.”? ? ? ? ?“Why are you doing this?” You demanded, as he was saying his sentence, making him pause in a moment of awkward silence.? ? ? ? ?“Well, it’s because it’s that leona’s fault that we are now homeless, or rather what’s left of us.” He held out a little splint of metal, and placed the tip against your throat, making it bleed a little. “We used to be slavers in the colony Tara in Shieki’s home. She was easily fooled, having thought that our colony was like any other colony. But Tara was not the only colony that houses slavers or members of the Sect. There’s waystations from here across from where Shieki lives. They aren’t too happy that we’ve been reduced to bandits either.? ? ? ? ?“Our leader, Sitchol was the greatest micen of them all, he once slain a rattis unarmed, and his prowess and foresight have seen Tara prosper for as long as any of us can remember. He and the leader of the Rosary once attempted to kill three leonas at once. It was-“? ? ? ? ?“Uh huh,” you interrupted having being able to chew through the cloth that covered your mouth, “I know this. My leona told me all about it.”? ? ? ? ?“I’m sorry, would you like to tell the story?” Cue stood up and rubbed his temples. “Anyway, Sitchol has never given up. He had another plan that will rid us fear of any leona. And it was going well, until he was-”? ? ? ? ?“No, no, let me guess. Was he killed?” you asked, while at the same time using a claw to dig into the rope.? ? ? ? ?“DO YOU WANT TO DIE YOUNG, SHITHEAD!?”? ? ? ? ?You gulped at that last statement he made, including that awful nickname he made to get you to shut up.? ? ? ? ?“Right now, Barry has in his possession a bag of powder that contains mixture of poinsettia and cyanide. In other words, he’s carrying mixture of poison. And he’s gonna use it on himself once he feeds himself to Shieki, which will then have her killed. We will take back Tara, and we are gonna finish what Sitchol started.”? ? ? ? ?You wanted to punch that bandit so badly. But the rope is too thick, you can’t even attack. You then hear footsteps coming from out of the room. “Ah,” Cue exclaimed. “That must be Ell returning from Barry.” You looked at the doorway to see a pinkish, red micen standing in the doorway. Like Cue, she also wears pants with a needle sword at her side, and around her neck you see that she’s wearing a pink scarf, that looked just like yours. But then it hit you, that scarf really is yours. She must have stolen it from you while you were unconscious. “So Ell, what’s the verdict?”? ? ? ? ?Ell turned to Cue. “According to Barry,” she said, “Thorrow easily fell for his lies and believed that Patrick went ahead to Shieki’s place. When she asked why, he convinced her that he wanted to make a head start. You could… You could convince that mouse that she was a cherry if you try hard enough.”? ? ? ? ?“Excellent, and what about Patrick? What are we gonna do about him?”? ? ? ? ?“Barry has given the word. We are free to kill him.” Your eyes widen and struggled once more trying to escape. Ell turned to you and kicked your bounded body to the ground, still attached to the chair.? ? ? ? ?"You won't get away with this," you yelled at the duo.? ? ? ? ?"We already have," Ell exclaimed. "Oh, and by the way, thank you for this lovely scarf. Pink is my color after all." You glared at her, until she kicked you right in the eye, giving you a black eye.? ? ? ? ?Cue walked towards you, unsheathing his needle sword. You looked up at the armed micen with tears coming out of your eyes, most of them are from your black eye. “Tears will not save you now, Patrick. You shouldn’t have stuck your nose where it doesn’t belong. We were going to wait until it was all over, but now I am going to stab you in the throat just as many times as you interrupted me. I’m gonna kill you.” He raised his sword and pointed towards your body with an evil grin on his face. “See you in Hell, Patrick!” You closed your eyes waiting for your life to end…111121111111221122111212121112You heard a sickening squelch and a scream but for some reason it wasn’t your own. You opened your eyes to find that Cue’s stomach was impaled by another needle sword through the back. Cue was breathing heavily, but soon stopped as another hand reached over and dug their claws in his throat. You assumed that it was Ell who had a change of heart and betrayed him, but you saw that Ell was still on the other side of the room. Ell was shocked to see Cue being stabbed before her. So if Ell didn’t stab him, who did? You saw the needle sword pull back as Cue’s body drop to the ground. You got a good look at the owner of the sword. She’s a yellow micen with tan colored hair. She’s wearing some kind of outfit. It’s similar to Gertrude’s but a lot different. You don’t know who she is. The question on your mind right now is, is she friend or foe?? ? ? ? ?“S- S- S- Serena!?” Ell stuttered as she stared at the yellow micen wide eyed when she sees her partner lie dead on the floor. Wait, did she say Serena? Not the same Serena that Thorrow mentioned from her past, was she?? ? ? ? ?Serena turned to Ell who froze in fear. “Ell,” said Serena.?? ? ? ? ?“You bastard!” she yelled at her.? ? ? ? ?Serena pointed her sword at Ell’s neck. “Hm?”? ? ? ? ?Ell unsheathed her sword and used it to push away Serena’s. “How could you?” She bit her teeth together, “How could you abandon everyone?! Just because you forgave our enemies? We followed you, knowing you could figure out a way to kill them, and you gave up everything. Some of us lost more than a child, you bitch!”? ? ? ? ?Serena was quiet, though her body seemed to droop. “Can’t you see that I was wrong?”? ? ? ? ?“You were wrong to leave us!”? ? ? ? ?Ell struck. The two females engaged in a duel. Both fighters are at their fiercest. You were amazed to find Serena here, but why would she show up? Perhaps she has come to rescue you. But how could she have known that you need rescuing. You decided it was a question for another time, and tried to get those bonds loose. Both Serena and Ell are formidable fighters, but in the end Serena was able to knock Ell off her feet. She ran to you position and help untie your bonds. As soon as your hands and feet are free, she shouted to you, “Get out of here and fast!”? ? ? ? ?“Don’t need to tell me twice!” You ran over Cue’s corpse and out of the room. Serena attempted to follow behind but Ell pulled on her tail, making her fall to the ground. Ell got up, almost as fast as Serena, and started chasing you. You don’t know where you are going but you intended to get as far away from her as possible. The area you are in is like a labyrinth of some sort. There are many twists and turns in the area and can easily get you lost. You think you made great progress, until you took a wrong turn and ended up in a dead end. You looked around to find that there’s a new path to take. Unfortunately, you can hear a grumble inside... A rattis!?? ? ? ? ?You then heard an insult coming from the pink micen. You turned around to see her grin getting closer and closer with each step she took.? ? ? ? ?“This game of cat and mouse is over, mouse. And you just lost.” She gets into position getting ready to attack, until a huge creature jumped out from the hole and landed between you and Ell.?? ? ? ? ?You stumbled to the ground and crawled towards the wall behind you. You could hardly believe your eyes. The huge creature that stood between you was the rattis, and he was preventing Ell from getting to you. But how long until he figures out you’re behind him??? ? ? ? ?“No… Not you…” She backed up from her prey, holding the needle firmly. But the rattis simply hissed at her, refusing to move as she says, “Go away!” She tried to run away, to retreat to some sort of safe haven. But the huge creature simply swipe at her and slammed her against the wall on the side. She dropped her sword as she fell to the floor.?? ? ? ? ?The rattis crept closer to the female micen and stood over her. Ell merely looked at the rattis’ unforgiving face. She squeaked loudly as the rattis placed a hand onto her face. She quickly tried to pull it off, with little results to show for it. The rattis simply leaned in, silencing the loud whimpers of the slaver with a sickening crack. Her blood was spilled all over her body. It even got on your now damaged scarf which made it stain.? ? ? ? ?You were amazed on what just happened. Not only did the rattis kill your other captor but he saved your life as well. The rat then turns to you and walked towards you. Uh, perhaps he didn’t come to save you at all. You stayed where you are, as the rattis walked closer and closer. He then extended his paw and said, “Are you alright?”? ? ? ? ?Wait, did he just show concern for you? You looked up and inspect the rattis. He has black fur with a grey belly. He also has blonde hair, kind of like a small mohawk, hazel eyes and you see a scar going down the right eyebrow to the cheek. Goodness, that rat must have gone through a lot. Realizing that the rattis is friendly, you took his hand and he helps you up.?? ? ? ? ?“I’m fine now. Thank you for saving me. If you haven’t shown up, I would be dead.”? ? ? ? ?“Well don’t get used to it, kid. Saving you was a by-product. And I hate slavers especially those who use rattis as slaves.” Rattis were used as slaves? That’s unbelievable, which explains the scar. He must’ve been a former slave who recently escaped from the Sect. “I asked you, are you alright? And why was that slaver trying to kill you?”? ? ? ? ?“My name is Patrick. And I was a hostage.”? ? ? ? ?“I see,” the rattis spoke softly. “Well Patrick, it’s nice to meet you. My name is Garret.”? ? ? ? ?“Garret huh? That name sounds familiar.” You pondered for a bit, until you heard a familiar voice.? ? ? ? ?“There you are Mr. Fluffykins.” You turned to find the owner of the voice, Serena. “I see you caught her. And him.”? ? ? ? ?“Wait,” you said to the two. “You two know each other?”? ? ? ? ?“Of course,” said Garret. “To me, she’s family. Permit me to introduce Ms. Serena Ratkins.” Ratkins? He ain’t kidding when he said she’s family. “It’s thanks to her, that I escape that awful prison back in Kert where the Sect once stationed.”? ? ? ? ?“So you’re Serena, huh?” you said as you shook her hand. “Thorrow has told me so much about you.”? ? ? ? ?“You know Thorrow? How is she?” asked Serena.? ? ? ? ?“I don’t know. I got separated from her and her group because of those two bandits.”? ? ? ? ?“So they kidnapped you?” said Garret.?? ? ? ? ?“Not the first time it happened. But can you tell us why they separated you from Thorrow?” asked Serena.? ? ? ? ?“It's a long story and I would tell you, but first how about we get out of this ridiculous maze.”? ? ? ? ?“No problem,” said Garret. “I know a shortcut. I know these corridors like the back of my paw.” Garret looked at his paw and notices some of the victim’s blood is still on there. He simply licked it, his face was too subtle for you to know if he despised the bitter taste or enjoyed it. “Climb on my back you two and I’ll get us out of here.” You and Serena did as the rattis said. You suddenly realize that you feel comfortable around Garret. Perhaps your rescue must of knock the fear of rattis out of your mind. You sit behind Garret’s head as he crawls his way out of the labyrinth.1111211111112211221112121211121?It took Garret a quarter of an hour but he got out safely and found a place to stop to rest. You and Serena climbed off the back of the rattis as he lies down on the side and rest a bit. You decided to rest as well and sat against Garret’s exposed belly. Usually you would steer clear of a rattis, but not if Garret wanted to hurt you, he’d have done it by now. But you still don’t want any of them to eat you. Serena sat down next to you and gave Garret’s head a hug, letting his head rest on her lap.? ? ? ? ?“Now then,” she said at last. “Patrick is it?” You nodded at the female micen. “I don’t ever recall seeing a mouse with fur on their tail.”? ? ? ? ?“Uh no miss,” you said hesitantly. “I’m from outside the building. I came to this apartment complex a few days ago with Felicia, the leona who claimed me.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh? Then where is your scarf?”? ? ? ? ?“It’s back on that pink micen’s bloody corpse.”? ? ? ? ?Serena looked at Garret who showed little to no interest when it comes to scarves.?? ? ? ? ?“It’s okay. I can always ask her to make me another one.”?? ? ? ? ?“I don’t know how to feel about pets,” Serena admitted. “Aren’t you afraid that she’ll eat you?”? ? ? ? ?“So?” You answered with little thought.? ? ? ? ?Serena narrowed her eyes at you, but you wouldn’t know why. This perked up the rattis’ interest in you. “Are you saying that you’re willing?” he asked curiously.? ? ? ? ?“You could say that.” The eyes of Garret were wide with greed when you confirmed it. “But lately, I’ve been having second thoughts.”? ? ? ? ?Serena only kept her narrow glare, her brow lowered further. Garret took note of his mouse’ reaction towards your news. Why is Serena upset at being a pet? Isn’t she a pet? Both Serena and Garret looked at each other. The yellow mouse sighed and decided to change subjects for the time being. “So,” she said. “What happened that got you kidnapped by those bandits? Garret and I didn’t exactly come to your rescue back there.”? ? ? ? ?Garret nodded. “We’re trying to finish off the slavers. But that doesn’t explain why they captured you when they have no one to sell you to.”? ? ? ? ?You took a deep breath, and then you explained to them about the events that occurred back in Zurv. You didn’t bother to mentioned the colony’s name so that you could keep you word to Sheriff Anton. You told them that you were sleeping in alley in a colony one night, and that you got up to get a little drink of water. You then told them that you overheard a conversation between a micen named Barry and that female bandit Ell about a plot to kill Shieki with poison. You made sure to mention them about the motive they have for killing the leona. Something about getting revenge for attacking Tara because of slavers and members of the Sect. You even mentioned that Barry was a former member of the Sect, same goes to Sonny who have renounced his ways of the Sect. You told the two that you attempted to warn him before the bandit showed up and knocked you out cold.? ? ? ? ?“And the next thing I remembered I ended up tied against a chair about to be executed by those two bandits,” you concluded.? ? ? ? ?“Well we happened to be at the right place at the right time,” said Serena. “Wait! If what you said is true, why aren’t we there to stop him? Why didn’t you tell us this first?”? ? ? ? ?“Because I don’t know how far it is to Shieki’s,” you answered softly. “I fear that by the time we get there, it would be too late.”? ? ? ? ?“Enough,” said Garret as he slowly gets up from his rest. “Shieki’s place is much closer than you think. If Thorrow is as dumb as I remember her to be, then she may have held the whole group to wait for you.”? ? ? ? ?You looked up to them. “Then there’s still time to catch him in the act?”? ? ? ? ?“If we can hurry, then yes,” said Serena. “We’ll be happy to take you there. I knew Barry once, lost more than I ever will to the cats. He doesn’t realize that killing a leona would lead us all to our doom.” She climbed onto Garret’s back and helped you on as well. As soon as you secure yourself behind Serena, Garret dashed his way to Shieki’s apartment. “I certainly hope we’re not too late.”? ? ? ? ?Meanwhile, Thorrow and her group of micen are standing on the dining table in Shieki’s apartment. Shieki, the white leona with a blue underbelly and muzzle, sat at the table and stared at the micen wondering who she will eat. Barry eagerly stepped forward and said, “Hello Shieki, my name is Barry and I was wondering if you’d be willing enough to eat me.”? ? ? ? ?“I-I don’t know what to say…” asked Shieki.? ? ? ? ?“I heard from Thorrow that you are one of the nicest leonas she has ever met. And after viewing your beauty, I can see that she’s right. You’d be perfect enough to be my eater.”? ? ? ? ?“Hold it!” said a loud voice belonging to Thorrow who shifted her way to the front where Barry’s at. “Excuse me, Shieki. But may I please have a word with Barry in private?”? ? ? ? ?“Of course,” said Shieki, full of embarrassment from all the attention.? ? ? ? ?“Um, why don’t I get back to you on that later?” said Barry as he was being dragged away. Shieki nods as she sees Thorrow dragged Barry to the other side of the table.? ? ? ? ?As soon as the two are at a distance from Shieki and the group, she confronts Barry. “What are you doing, Barry?”? ? ? ? ?“What do you mean, Thorrow?” asked Barry.? ? ? ? ?“I thought we agreed that Patrick goes first?”? ? ? ? ?“He isn’t here.”? ? ? ? ?“Well yeah, but I feel that we should wait for Patrick to get here-”? ? ? ? ?“NO!” Thorrow was shocked that Barry yelled at her, which caught the leona’s attention.? ? ? ? ?“Everything alright back there?” asked Shieki.? ? ? ? ?Before Thorrow could say anything, Barry covered her mouth. “Yeah, everything’s fine, Shieki.” Shieki looked suspiciously at Thorrow, noticing that her white scarf is missing.? ? ? ? ?Barry turned his attention back to Thorrow, “Look, I can’t wait for Patrick to show up. He might have gotten lost on the way here, and it could be days before he gets here. I can’t wait that long. I’m gonna get eaten and I’m not stopping until I do.”? ? ? ? ?“Okay, fine. I just wish Patrick never got that head start in the first place.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow watched as Barry ran back to Shieki who’s even more willing to have a micen in her tummy. She felt very suspicious towards Barry, but she doesn’t know why. Maybe she’s just worrying too much and didn’t want Patrick to miss the eating.? ? ? ? ?"So Shieki,” said Barry. “Are you ready to eat me?”? ? ? ? ?Shieki nods and leans towards the micen with her mouth wide open. Barry walked to the leona’s maw and is about to climb inside…11112111111122112211121212111211“STOP!” Barry fell face first on the table when Shieki pulled her head away and turned toward the kitchen counter. Thorrow and the others turned to where the source of the voice is located, and they saw you and Serena on the back of the rattis. You, Serena, and Garret have made it just in time before Barry could have a chance to climb into the leona’s mouth.? ? ? ? ?Shieki approached the group and picked them up to inspect you. She eyed at you, never saw a micen like you before, with your tail and everything. “Are you Patrick?” she asked you.? ? ? ? ?“Y- Y- Yes!” you stuttered as you answered her. "And I need you to set us on the table immediately."? ? ? ? ?“Ah, are you getting ready for me?”? ? ? ? ?“Not exactly, but I need to confront Barry face to face. He’s the reason why I’m late in the first place.”? ? ? ? ?Shieki tilted her head in confusion, but she shrugged and sets you down on the table next to Thorrow. You rushed towards the blue female micen and hugged her.? ? ? ? ?“Oh Patrick,” said Thorrow. “We were so worried about you. What happened? Why did you run off like that? And how did you end up meeting with-”? ? ? ? ?You raised your hand at her telling her to be quiet with a simple bop on the mouth. You took a deep breath and was about to answer her when-? ? ? ? ?“Who cares?” Everyone turned to Barry, the owner of that voice. “The point is he’s here now, and that’s all that matters. Can we get on with feeding the leona?”? ? ? ? ?“No!” you shouted at the brown micen. “There will not be any eating until you all know what really happened to me- what Barry is up to!”? ? ? ? ?Everyone suddenly went quiet. Shieki even though she’s hungry, was curious about where this was going. Thorrow and her group sat on the dinner plate, including the reluctant Barry. Serena remained at Garret’s side. Garret laid down on his side again to rest. They all stared at you listening to what you were about to say.? ? ? ? ?“Thorrow,” you said to the blue micen. “You said that I run off like that. Can you elaborate on what you were talking about?”? ? ? ? ?“We were told that you left early this morning,” said Thorrow, “something about wanting to get a head start.”? ? ? ? ?“And who told you that?”? ? ? ? ?“Barry did,” she said as she pointed towards the brown micen.? ? ? ? ?“Well, that’s not what really happened. You know, I wouldn’t stand a chance out there all alone.” Thorrow stared at Barry, who gave her an innocent shrug. ? ? ? ? ?“Here’s what really happened: I was getting a drink back at the colony we stayed at. I then overheard a conversation between two suspicious micen. One of them was a bandit who recently raided Geeaness’ pantry, stealing some syrup. I overheard an evil plot that involves killing Shieki.”? ? ? ? ?“What!?” Shieki squeaked like the five-foot mouse she was.? ? ? ? ?You shook your head. “Anyway,” you continued. “After learning that they plan to kill Shieki with poison, I had to warn someone. But another bandit appeared in front of me and knocked me out cold. Next thing I remembered is that I’m at their hideout tied against a chair. They were about to kill me, until Serena and Garret came along and rescued me.”? ? ? ? ?“But how did they come to rescue you?” asked Thorrow.? ? ? ? ?You ignored her, taking a note from Geenie’s book, “And now it’s thanks to Garret my fear of rattis is gone. When I told them about the situation I was in, they gave me a ride. And then here I am, ready to confront the person responsible for my kidnapping. That person is one of ours, and he is still an active member of the Sect.”? ? ? ? ?Everyone gasped. Even Shieki was shocked. “There are two of us who were members of the Sect,” you continued. “One of them renounced his ways, but the other one didn’t.”? ? ? ? ?“Just tell us who it was, Patrick!” demanded the red micen Robin.? ? ? ? ?“The one who didn’t renounce his ways was not only a member of the Sect, but he was a slaver of Tara. That person… is Barry!”? ? ? ? ?Everyone stared at the brown micen, who was not amused. Shieki was mad most of all because there was still a slaver around, who was also trying to kill her. Thorrow’s group stepped away from Barry, not wanting to be near him.? ? ? ? ?“So you found me out,” said Barry. “Yeah, that’s right. I am part of the Sect, and a slaver.”? ? ? ? ?“Barry how could you?” said Thorrow. “We took you in as a willing micen, and then you admit to us that you’re a fraud. Why?”? ? ? ? ?“Because I knew you were too stupid. You’re the easiest person to fool.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow glared at Barry, not just because she was called stupid but because she easily fell for Barry’s lies. “Why you little bastard!”? ? ? ? ?“Are you even able to define that word, Thorrow?”? ? ? ? ?“I can’t believe you!” shouted Sonny. “I thought we were gonna make peace with Shieki, but you showed your true colors, Barry. You are no friend of mine.”? ? ? ? ?“I’ve stopped being your friend a long time ago, Sonny,” admitted Barry. Shieki grabbed Barry and squeezed him tight, while at the same time gave him the evil glare. Barry grunts for a bit and stared at the leona. “You think that’s gonna scare me? You destroyed my home, what more can you take away from me?”? ? ? ? ?“You know Barry,” said Shieki....111121111111221122111212121112112“I could eat you. But first..."?? ? ? ? ?You watched as Shieki carried the struggling micen to the kitchen sink. Since Barry is covered in poison powder, Shieki did everything she could to wash it all off his furry body. After all she didn’t want anyone killed by poison. She turned on the faucet and sat Barry under the running water. Barry tried to escape through the drain, but Shieki covered it with a drain plug. She got out a sponge and added some soap to it and scrubbed the struggling brown micen. Barry did everything he can to try to break free. He tried biting on Shieki’s hand but this made her squeeze the micen further. Soon the leona was able to scrub all the poison off him making him squeaky clean. She drained the water out along with the powder.? ? ? ? ?Shieki placed an index finger on his knee and then a thumb on his foot, in a position that should she want, she could make Barry plea for his life. "Maron taught me to never-" Achoo! Snap! Barry's leg bent the way no leg should have ever bent as Shieki's hand twitched with a powerful hiccup from her lungs. A scream of pain escaped from Barry's lungs, "Oh no! I am so sorry! Rat, take care of him while I get a towel or something!”? ? ? ? ?“Wait, what!?” Barry’s jaw dropped when he heard Shieki’s words. Even Garret gets excited, because he hasn’t eaten in a long while.? ? ? ? ?Once the sink was empty, she sat the plug back in the drain and left Barry there. While Barry tries to pull the plug out, Shieki grabbed Garret, or more like Garret let her grab him, and set the rat next to the micen. He looked up at the rat, who gave the micen a sinister smile. The rattis grabbed the micen and started devouring the brown rodent head first. Barry tried to struggle as much as he could, but his demise was inevitable. Garret gulped the micen down little by little, enjoying the micen’s taste. Shieki was already gone. She had ran into her room, perhaps towards the bathroom to retrieve said towel. So far, Barry was halfway in Garret’s mouth. You can see Barry’s legs, even the broken one, kicking, but the rat was able to hold onto the limbs to push the micen further in. Soon, Barry’s entire body was swallowed by the creature and the micen could do nothing but struggle in the rattis’ stomach. Garret’s gut soon became violent before calming down, it’s new prey settling down.? ? ? ? ?Serena hopped down next to her now fully fed uncle. "I don't think he was for us... Uh... I think now is a great time to leave. We'll be back."? ? ? ? ?You’ve turned to see the cat returning, a cool rag in hand. “Shieki, you might want to see this.”? ? ? ? ?The five foot mouse looked down in the sink, the now empty sink, and noticed a rat tail disappear in a nearby wall. "Whoops... Let's.. Forget that happened?"?? ? ? ? ?You looked to her and nodded as she carried you and Thorrow back to the others.1111211111112211221112121211121121Shieki sets you and Thorrow down on the plate where you reunite with the others. They all thanked you for saving the leona’s life and prevented another mass extermination. Although you appreciate their thanks, you still feel uneasy about your leona friend Felicia.? ? ? ? ?You then heard Shieki tapping on the table. “Um, I hate to break the reunion guys, but I’m still kinda hungry,” she said. “Can we get back to the nomming?”? ? ? ? ?You sighed knowing that this was coming. You turned to the cat and asked, “How long are we gonna be in your tummy?”? ? ? ? ?“Hmm, well I think two or three minutes is enough time to be in my belly. A little longer and you would suffocate for lack of air. You want to go first, little mousie?”? ? ? ? ?You chuckled. “Alright, I shall be your first victim then. I was originally gonna be the first one to get eaten anyway. Am I right?”? ? ? ? ?Shieki simply just smiled and rested her head on the table before opening her massive jaws in front of you. You stared into the cavernous maw and after a few moments climbed inside. The mouth is full of saliva dripping from the teeth. You rest on the warm wet tongue which shifts you about a bit. Light soon began to disappear as Shieki closed her mouth. She slurps all over your furry body. You couldn’t help but laugh when she used her tongue to tickle you. She then used it to press you against her cheeks and then to the roof of her mouth. You admitted that this was fun, but you never forget that you’re inside a mouth of a leona. You eventually find yourself sliding toward the dark abyss that is the throat. You can feel the leona lifting her head to swallow you whole with a loud GULP.? ? ? ? ?As usual, the muscles in the esophagus squeezed you as you slowly go down. You’d gotten used to it as you’ve been eaten many times before. Soon you were inside Shieki’s stomach. You take a good look at your new surroundings which is pretty much routine now since you’ve been inside a stomach before. As you settle in, you heard another gulp. Shieki must have eaten another micen, but who?? ? ? ? ?You looked up and see that Thorrow has entered the stomach as well. She must have been eaten after you’d been swallowed. You slightly waved at her as she gets close to you.? ? ? ? ?“So,” she said. “Enjoying your time here?”? ? ? ? ?“I was,” you said to her, “until you showed up.”? ? ? ? ?“Sorry, but I was hoping to spend some time with you, in a stomach. I didn’t trust Geenie and Risa so Shieki is my best option.”? ? ? ? ?You chuckled a bit. “Well, I guess as long as you’re here, we can chat for a bit.”? ? ? ? ?Thorrow’s face is filled with glee as she sits down next to you. You shook your head in embarrassment, but it can’t be helped. Shieki has eaten Thorrow many times before. She is her claimed micen, after all.? ? ? ? ?“So, did you get a chance to see Violet and Barry before you left Risa’s?” you asked Thorrow.? ? ? ? ?“As a matter of fact, we didn’t. Risa got herself drunk last night while she was playing with them.” You tilt your head wondering what she means. “Risa said that while she was drunk she ate the two micen. She was gonna regurgitate them but she was so… ‘shit faced’ she said, that she fell on her bed and passed out.”? ? ? ? ?“What!? You mean to tell me that they’ve been digested?” You exclaimed.?? ? ? ? ?“Yes, and Risa felt pretty bad for it. At least that’s what she told me. I don’t know if she’s telling the truth or not.” Thorrow shrugged.?? ? ? ? ?“What was she thinking, getting drunk like that?”? ? ? ? ?“Risa loves her booze. She just chose the wrong time to eat them that’s all.”? ? ? ? ?“Well, I’m glad I won’t have to get eaten by her again.” You sighed. “That girl is nothing but trouble.”? ? ? ? ?“At least she’s trying to stay out of trouble. She can’t help it if she’s a little psychotic.”? ? ? ? ?Before you said another word, you heard a rumbling sound. Before you know it you’re being pushed back up the esophagus as you are slowly being spat out. You find yourself on the kitchen sink. Thorrow was regurgitated next to you. Both you and Thorrow are covered in stomach juices, so Shieki turned on the faucet to get you and Thorrow nice and cleaned.? ? ? ? ?As soon as Shieki got you and Thorrow cleaned, there was knock on her front door. “Huh,” she said. “I wonder who that could be. Could you two excuse me for a moment?” She left you and Thorrow in the sink to answer the door. You sat in the sink wondering who paid a visit to Shieki.11112111111122112211121212111211211?Shieki answered the door and saw Solace. “Hello Shieki,” the blue leona said. “I hope I didn’t come at a bad time.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh no, it’s no trouble at all,” said Shieki. “Please come in. So what brings you here?” She stepped back in and allowed Solace to follow her into the apartment.?? ? ? ? ?“Well I was wondering if Thorrow and her group ever made it to your apartment. I have something important to tell Patrick.” Solace answered, seeming slightly concerned.?? ? ? ? ?“He and Thorrow are in the sink right now. I just recently… played with them, I guess. So I was cleaning them when you came.”? ? ? ? ?Solace eyed on the dining table where Sonny, Robin, and Sapphira stood. They didn’t expect Solace to drop by Shieki’s home. They wondered if she dropped by to pick them up and take them home. Solace walked into the kitchen where she found you and Thorrow.? ? ? ? ?“Solace,” said Thorrow. “What a nice surprise.”? ? ? ? ?“Hello Thorrow. Hello Patrick. I see you two have been through a lot recently.” Solace smiled down on the two of you.?? ? ? ? ?“You have no idea,” you said to her as she carried you and Thorrow out of the sink and onto the counter. “So, why are you here Solace? And where’s Felicia? Wasn’t she supposed to be with you?”? ? ? ? ?“That’s why I came to find you,” she answered. “Felicia left for home early this morning.”? ? ? ? ?“She did what?” you yelled. “I knew it! I knew she’d ditched me!”? ? ? ? ?“Listen, Patrick, that’s not what-”? ? ? ? ?“No Solace you listen!” you demanded. “Do you have any idea what I’ve gone through? I’ve been eaten by five different leonas in my lifetime! I nearly got digested by Geeaness! I realized then that Felicia was using me the entire time, and deceived me into thinking I was immune to stomach acids just so that she can eat me every day! I really thought that she loved me, but now you tell me that she left, it proves that she doesn’t love me all! She’s nothing but a monster who was looking for an excuse to ditch me here!”? ? ? ? ?You suddenly found yourself pinned down by Solace’s finger with a sharp claw against your chest. Thorrow merely stood there wondering what was wrong with you. It was rare a micen mouthed off at a leona like this. You looked up to Solace who is really angry at you for yelling at her. “First off!” she yelled. “Don’t ever yell at me. Second, Felicia left for home because her father was in a car crash last night. He’s in the hospital, dying! She left so that she can go see him on his deathbed.” Her voice was calm but stern.?? ? ? ? ?“You’re lying! I don’t believe you!” You grabbed her finger and bit hard. Solace yelped in pain and put the finger in her mouth giving you a chance to escape. “You’re just trying to defend her because she’s your friend!” You ran toward the nearby mouse hole crying, getting away from her.? ? ? ? ?“Patrick wait!” called Thorrow. She tried to chase after you, but Solace blocked her way with her other hand.? ? ? ? ?“Let him go, Thorrow,” the leona muttered.? ? ? ? ?“But-” Thorrow’s protest was cut off as Solace shook her head.?? ? ? ? ?“Patrick’s just upset, and he has every right to do so. Yeah he did bite me on the finger and he’s gonna get punished for this. But he does need some time alone to think this through... I’d like to eat him when he’s in his right mind, so that he way everything will sink in.”? ? ? ? ?“But-” Again Thorrow was silenced, this time by Shieki.? ? ? ? ?“Solace is right, Thorrow,” the smaller leona said. “You should leave him alone, at least until he learns to calm down.”? ? ? ? ?“Um Shieki…” Sonny called her from the table. Shieki turned to the yellow micen and sat down, followed by Solace who carried Thorrow over. “I feel bad for what Patrick went through. It’s my fault Patrick almost got killed by Barry and his goons. I should have told Thorrow’s group about our past with the Sect. The only reason we came with them was so that we could talk to you and make peace with you. But it’s obvious to me that Barry doesn’t want peace with a leona.”? ? ? ? ?“Uh what is he talking about Shieki?” asked Solace.? ? ? ? ?“It’s a long story, Solace,” Shieki sighed. “I’ll explain later.”? ? ? ? ?“Shieki, I am truly sorry for what happened,” said Sonny. “And if you still plan on eating me, I want you to do so without regurgitating me.”? ? ? ? ?“You sure that’s what you want?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes, I think that should be the proper punishment for me.”? ? ? ? ?Shieki thought for a moment and picked up the yellow micen. She lifted him over her head as she opened her mouth. Sonny looked down and got ready to be devoured. Shieki dropped him in and gulped him down. Sonny slowly slid down into Shieki’s stomach. Shieki patted her tummy, knowing that Sonny was in there waiting to be soup for her. Solace looked at Shieki wondering if she’d really digest a micen this time. But minutes later, she walked to the sink and vomited Sonny out. Solace simply sighed and rolled her eyes.?? ? ? ? ?Sonny was surprised on what just happened. He looked at Shieki who started cleaning him up. “But why?” he cried. “Why didn’t you just let me die?”? ? ? ? ?“Because...” she answered. “Sure what you did is wrong, but I realize now that what happens in the past stays in the past. You said that you renounced your ways of the Sect, so I believe you deserve a chance at redemption.”? ? ? ? ?“Thank you Shieki.” Sonny bowed and closed his eyes, not knowing how else to react.?? ? ? ? ?Solace merely chuckled, knowing that Shieki is still acting like a five foot micen. “You know Shieki, you shouldn’t just regurgitate every micen you eat.”? ? ? ? ?“Hey! It's my body.” Shieki retorted.?? ? ? ? ?“If you don’t, they’ll take advantage of you. And you don’t want that to happen, do you?” Solace cautioned, gazing sternly with a scrutinous glare.?? ? ? ? ?“Well I suppose not, but they are more than just food you know. Even if you try to teach me otherwise.”? ? ? ? ?“You have to think a little more about yourself than your little micen friends. You have to act like a leona.” Solace then turned to Robin and Sapphira. “So now, you two want a ride back to my apartment?”? ? ? ? ?Both Robin and Sapphira nodded excitedly, eager to get closer to Solace in a way Solace would be happy to help with.111121111111221122111212121112112111While Solace was carrying Robin and Sapphira to her home for supper, you were sitting in a dark corridor against the wall crying. You still can’t believe that Felicia left you here in the apartment complex and for what, to attend to her father in the hospital? You looked back to that moment and realized that through Solace’s gleaming eyes, she was telling the truth all along, and you yelled at her accusing her of being a liar. You felt ashamed on what you did to Solace. You knew that it wasn’t her fault that Felicia left, but you still felt offended for being ditched here and without warning too. Your life has been a living hell since you discovered the truth about yourself. And she knew the whole time too. Deceived by the leona you loved so much. You should’ve realized by now that leonas and micen do not mate together. It was stupid, to think of Felicia as your girlfriend.? ? ? ? ?You suddenly heard a loud footstep coming from the left. You stopped crying and wiped the tears from your eyes and got into position in case you need to run. You saw a large shadow coming from the hall, walking closer to where you now sit. You winced a bit and sighed when you notice that it was only Garret. You sniffed and slowly got up.? ? ? ? ?“I thought heard crying,” the rattis said in a cheerful mood.? ? ? ? ?“Crying? Who’s crying? I’m not crying,” you lied softly.? ? ? ? ?“Hmph...”? ? ? ? ?“So why are you here, Garret? And where’s Serena?”? ? ? ? ?“Serena went to see Mango who is looking after uh… what’s his face?”? ? ? ? ?You tilt your head feeling confused.?? ? ? ? ?“So I thought I do a little exploring and here I found you crying, like a bitch. So what happened, Patrick? Did you break a nail? Bite your tongue?”? ? ? ? ?“Well...” You explained to Garret that you got into a heated argument with Solace. You told him that you got upset because your leona, Felicia immediately left for the hospital in another city where her dying father is being treated. You didn’t believed what Solace said at first and left the group wanting to be alone. “And after that, you found me here… crying,” you said admittedly.? ? ? ? ?“Is that so?”? ? ? ? ?“It was so sudden, Garret. I felt like that I’ve been ditched here.”? ? ? ? ?Garret shook his head in disappointment and sat down next to him. “Come here,” he said to you as you slowly go up to him and started crying into his exposed gut. Garret wrapped his arms around you trying to calm you down. “Patrick, do you truly believe, your friend would leave you just like that? Do you think she meant to hurt you?”? ? ? ? ?You sniffed as you gave him your answer. “I… I don’t know.”? ? ? ? ?“Your friend had an emergency to go to. You can’t blame her for trying to be there for her father. You have to understand that family is important in our lives.”? ? ? ? ?“Well it’s hard to understand, since my parents were eaten by that man. I was orphaned at a young age, Garret. I had no family since then.”? ? ? ? ?“Yeah I felt your pain too, Patrick. I too lost someone I love. I lost my sister to a monster who was responsible for my imprisonment back in Kert. Thankfully, I’m grateful that he’s no longer living. But still she was the only family I had left, well besides Serena of course, even though we aren’t related.”? ? ? ? ?You nodded to him. You’re glad to have someone who shared your pain. Your eyes suddenly focused on the rattis’ exposing belly. You then recall what Thorrow said back at Blackjack’s place.?It was amazing. It’s so different! Small; but like a little hammock. You should try it out!?Maybe she’s right, you thought to yourself. Maybe you should try it out. “Hey um… Garret?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes Patrick?” the rattis answered.? ? ? ? ?“I was wondering,” you scratched the back of your head in embarrassment. “Um, are you hungry?”? ? ? ? ?Garret stared at you narrow eyed but answered in a calm mood. “Well I am a little. Why?”? ? ? ? ?You nod to him saying, “If it’s alright with you…”? ? ? ? ?Garret smiled and got a good grip on you and slowly engulfed your head with his mouth. You didn’t move because you don’t feel like struggling. Garret picked up your taste and started gulping you down little by little. You never thought this would happen, but you were now being eaten by a rattis. Your head went down the throat as your body goes deeper into the rat’s mouth. The throat is a lot tighter than a leona’s throat, but it’s still big enough for you to fit through, even when it squeezes you hard. Garret grabbed your legs to help pushed you in deeper. Your head eventually arrived at the stomach, and you can still feel Garret tasting your feet before gulping them down.? ? ? ? ?As soon as your legs arrived in the stomach, you realized that it’s a little tight. It’s small and not enough room to move around in, but it does feel like a little hammock like Thorrow said. You immediately felt Garret rubbing his stomach. It felt much nicer than before mostly because you were in leona stomachs and could hardly feel a thing. You then realize that since the stomach is small, it means there’s less air to breathe in. You thought about wanting to get out after a little while, but you also want to stay in to rid yourself of the misery that you live in. You are split. What’s the point of this? Have you outgrown this as well??1111211111112211221112121211121121112?What are you thinking? No. You have to confront Felicia. There has to be a reason behind all of this. You pat on Garret’s stomach wall to get his attention. You believe you’ve been in here long enough. “Hey Garret,” you called to him. “I’m ready to get out now.”? ? ? ? ?“Out? Oh no. You’re not getting out!” said Garret cheerfully.? ? ? ? ?“What? But I thought…”? ? ? ? ?“You thought what? That you’re gonna be let out if you get eaten? It’s been too long since I’ve had a micen, and I don’t plan on letting you out anytime soon.”? ? ? ? ?“No please!” You bang on the stomach wall as hard as you can. “Please let me out!”? ? ? ? ?“That is only gonna make it worse for you. You should just accept your fate and be rat food.”? ? ? ? ?“No Garret!” You became exhausted easily due to the lack of air. “Please let me out! I’ll do anything if you let me out anything!”? ? ? ? ?There was silence for a moment. “Do you understand what you’ve gotten yourself into?” asked Garret.? ? ? ? ?“Yes, Garret!” you answered panicking! “This is dangerous! I don’t want to die I’ll never let anyone eat me again! I’ll even give up being a willing micen if I must!”? ? ? ? ?“That’s what I thought, mouse.” You then find yourself being forced up the throat and the next you knew, you’ve been coughed out, now covered in bile. You slowly got up and wipe off all the stomach juices off you. You can feel it burning a little but not enough to burn the fur off your skin. You looked up to Garret with a fearful look in your eyes. “You know being willing is okay every once in a while, even better for the predators,” he continued. “But you have to understand, that not all predators are alike. Knowing your place as prey to leonas and rattis is one thing, but becoming food to them is another. They might be done with you and digest you without warning. You can’t always trust them. Your life is more important than that… interest of yours. And while I would have loved to keep you in there Patrick, but I won’t. Next time? I will. Understand?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes Garret,” you said to him. “I’ll never get eaten again!”? ? ? ? ?“Ha! That’s easier said than done, mouse. Welcome to the real world.” You realized that he’s right. Solace would be expecting you so that she could eat you. But you have to meet up with Felicia again as soon as she gets back.? ? ? ? ?“Then take me to Kert,” you said calmly.? ? ? ? ?“You must be joking,” said Garret in a stern tone. “There’s no way in hell that I’m going near that deathtrap. And besides, that colony is not the type you’d want to go to… actually, are you sure you want to go? With me I mean. I’m a big scary rattis.”? ? ? ? ?“You don’t have to go in with me. I just need a place away from Solace. And since Kert has no leona in their designated apartment, it’s much safer there.”? ? ? ? ?Garret rubs his face groaningly. “I’ll take you there.”? ? ? ? ?“Thank you Garret.” You gave Garret a hug, which he was reluctant to receive.? ? ? ? ?“But don’t say I didn’t warn you, mouse. I won’t be there to save you when- if you get into trouble.” He then got on all fours and you climbed on his back. He then made his way down the dark corridor heading for the colony Kert.? ? ? ? ?Meanwhile, Solace was at home talking to Felicia on the phone, while Robin and Sapphira are waiting patiently to be dinner. Gertrude gave the two a couple of chocolate eggs while waiting. They were reluctant at first since they know they’re not allowed to have chocolate eggs without her permission. But Gertrude insisted that they take them anyway, and that she will take the blame for them.? ? ? ? ?“He bit me, Felicia!” shouted Solace as she talked to Felicia. “That little son of a bitch bit my finger! That rodent could bite through wood, and he bit my finger.” She then sighed, blinking and sitting on the couch, having been calm down now. “Alright, I’ll try to get over it, but I’m still gonna eat him as soon as I see him. I’m sorry for yelling, how’s your father been doing?” She noticed Robin and Sapphira eating a couple of her chocolate eggs, making her fur stand on end, but ignored them for now. “So it’s that bad, huh? Well what’s gonna happen to you when he dies?” She listens calmly and her eyes widen. “Really, that’s not good. Well if you need to- Yeah go ahead and get it taken care of. Patrick and I will be here waiting for your return. Okay. Bye.” She hung up and headed for the dining room table. “Sorry to keep you waiting guys. I had to make a quick phone call to Felicia.”? ? ? ? ?“That’s perfectly alright, Miss Solace,” said Robin.? ? ? ? ?“Yeah, we understand that you’re worried about her,” said Sapphira.? ? ? ? ?Solace got out a bowl from the cabinet and then poured some cereal in. This confuses both Robin and Sapphira.? ? ? ? ?“Uh, Solace, why are you getting out some cereal?” asked Robin.? ? ? ? ?“Yeah, aren’t cereals usually for breakfast?” asked Sapphira.? ? ? ? ?“They are,” said Solace. “But sometimes, it’s nice to have breakfast for dinner.” She got some milk from the fridge and poured some in. “Well get in you two.”? ? ? ? ?Both Robin and Sapphira did as they were told. Solace grabbed a spoon from the silverware drawer and carried the bowl to the table. She sat down and stirs the cereal and the micen around a little.? ? ? ? ?“So did you enjoy those chocolate eggs?”? ? ? ? ?Both Robin and Sapphira blinked and looked up. “Wait, you knew?” asked Robin.? ? ? ? ?“I saw you two nomming on those chocolate eggs of mine,” said Solace. “And quite frankly, I find that unacceptable.”? ? ? ? ?“But… But Gertrude said that we can have them and that she would take the blame for it,” said Sapphira.? ? ? ? ?Solace looked up at Gertrude who gives her a shrug claiming she has no idea what Sapphira’s talking about.? ? ? ? ?“It’s true,” said Robin. “She told us so.”? ? ? ? ?“I had enough of your excuses. If Gertrude told you to jump off the counter, would you do it?” said Solace in a stern tone. “Do you know what the penalty is for eating a chocolate egg without my permission?” They shook their heads not wanting to hear the answer. “You get eaten.”? ? ? ? ?Robin sighed in relief, “Isn’t that what we’re here for?”? ? ? ? ?“Oh right!” Solace smiled and placed a hand on her head, “Long day. But still, consider it foreplay and pretend.”? ? ? ? ?Robin and Sapphira scrambled about trying to get out of the bowl but Solace pressed the tip of the spoon against the two micen, dunking their heads under the milk whenever she saw them, making them unable to escape. The two micen clanged onto the edge of the bowl but their grips were not strong enough and they slide back in. Solace chuckled at the two’s misfortune as she eats her cereal. The micen avoids the spoon as much as possible, but soon there are no cereal pieces left. Only the micen and milk remains in the bowl. Solace dips the spoon into the bowl and brought out the exhausted red micen, Robin.? ? ? ? ?“Solace, please!” pleaded Robin. “Can’t we just talk this out like civilized people?”? ? ? ? ?“Let me think about it… No!” She dips the micen into her mouth and starts chewing on him.? ? ? ? ?“P- P- Please Miss Solace! Ow! Hey, not so rough! Ouch!” cried Robin.? ? ? ? ?“Oh by the way…” Solace lifted her head and swallowed the red micen down. As she feels Robin going down her throat, she dips her spoon in towards Sapphira. “You’re not getting out. As for you… Get on now!” Sapphira shook her head. “I said ‘Get on, NOW!’” Sapphira feeling scared climbed onto the spoon. Solace brought her up to face. She opened her mouth and put her in. She slurped her around a bit and gulps her down. She then feels the blue micen going down her throat towards the stomach where Robin was located. She rubbed her belly feeling satisfied on what she just did. She could feel them struggling in her tummy. At first they thought they were playing the game still, until of course Solace ignored their pleas. Their struggles got worse and worse before they eventually stopped, signaling their demise.? ? ? ? ?Solace drank the milk from the bowl and carried it to the sink to clean it. “Gertrude!” She called to her servant. The brown micen slowly walked up to her thinking that she was in big trouble. But upon Solace’s face was a devious smile where she whispered, “Nice job.”? ? ? ? ?Gertrude sighed of relief, grateful that their little scheme worked. “Wow, I can’t believe that actually worked. You really ate those two for their ‘crimes.’”? ? ? ? ?“Well it had to be done,” said Solace. “Rules are rules.”? ? ? ? ?“Does this mean that you’re going back to your old ways of eating micen?”? ? ? ? ?Solace thought about it for a moment before leaning her head down on the counter and whispering, “Not officially... At least not right this instance… Before that, I have to deal with Patrick.”? ? ? ? ?“But we don’t know where he is, he could be anywhere in this building.”? ? ? ? ?“True,” grinned Solace, “But where’s the last place I would look?”11112111111122112211121212111211211121You and Garret arrived at the end of the tunnel to reveal an old abandoned apartment. You looked around at it in awe. You found that you and Garret were on a kitchen counter and you could see the living room from here. You could tell that it hasn’t been rented for a long time. The apartment was dusty and in a bit of disrepair. You looked around for any sign of life but couldn’t find any. “So where’s the colony?” you asked.? ? ? ? ?“You see that broken floorboard in the middle of that room?” Garret asked as he pointed at it. “That’s where it’s located.”? ? ? ? ?You saw the broken floorboard, and assumed that it was ripped out recently. While Garret climbed down the kitchen counter, you asked, “So what happened here? Do you know who the last tenant here was?”? ? ? ? ?Garret landed on the kitchen floor and slowly walked to the living room. He looked at you and answered, “Unfortunately, I don’t. All I know is that the previous tenant here was a leona. I don’t exactly know her name, but I heard that she died in this very apartment. Rumor has it she was killed by a group of micen who once lived here.”? ? ? ? ?“Once?” You pondered for a bit on what he meant by that. So you asked, “What happened to them?”? ? ? ? ?Garret sighed. “A leona hired an exterminator to get rid of the pests. Every micen in this apartment, if not the entire building, were all eliminated. That is what we call the ‘Great Extermination.’ The apartment hasn’t been rented since then.”? ? ? ? ?“That’s awful. I’m sorry I asked. How long has it been, do you know?”? ? ? ? ?“I’d say it’s around maybe a decade or so. It happened before I was born. It took a long time for the micen to reappear and recolonize.” Garret then stopped about short distance from a nearby mouse hole in the living room. “This is as far as I’ll go. That mouse hole will take you to the slums which surrounds the colony. I can’t take you to the broken floorboard, because it would be a long drop to the colony. I’m going back to wait for Serena.”? ? ? ? ?You nodded and climbed off the rat’s back. “Thank you for bringing me here, Garret. Will I ever see you again?”? ? ? ? ?“I guess we’ll soon find out now won’t we?” Garret scurried his way back as you entered the mouse hole and made your way into the colony Kert.? ? ? ? ?Soon you came across what appears to be a neighborhood that was in very bad shape. You assumed that these were the slums that Garret mentioned. You saw a lot of micen in rags and living in poverty. And the buildings were in a bad case of disrepair. You felt sorry for them and wished there was something you could do to help. But far off in the distance you could see lights coming from the ground. You figured that’s probably where Kert was and you slowly walked there. All the other micen stared at you, for they had never seen you before. Some of them were unfriendly looking, while others looked very scared. Some of them carried weapons for protection. You tried to ignore them as best as you could, and continued walking.? ? ? ? ?You endured all the staring and glaring for about hour. You walked down to the entrance to the colony which is guarded by a couple of micen. One of them has red fur, while the other one has white fur. As you were about to walk into the colony, one of the guards stood in your way.? ? ? ? ?“Hold it,” said the red guard. “Who are you and what business do you have in Kert?”? ? ? ? ?You looked up at the micen guard with a determined look on your face. “My name is Patrick,” you answered. “I’m here to meet with the one in charge of this colony.”? ? ? ? ?“And what makes you think we’re gonna let you in?” asked the white guard. “You don’t appear to have anything to gamble.”? ? ? ? ?“I don’t gamble. Wealth is not my interest. And besides, I’ve been through a lot in the past few days.”? ? ? ? ?“Sorry pal," said the red guard, "but no one is allowed to meet with Master Vanner without an appointment. And unless you got something to gamble with, you’re not welcome in Kert.”? ? ? ? ?You looked down thinking that you came all the way to Kert for nothing. But then you remember that Solace is looking for you. You looked at the guard with another determined look at his face. “What if I were to tell you that I’m being hunted by a leona at this very moment?”? ? ? ? ?The white guard stared at you. “You’re bluffing.”? ? ? ? ?“Am I? She probably knows where I’m at right now. If she finds me here, chances are that she’s hungry. Solace I believe was her name.”? ? ? ? ?“S- S- Solace?” Both guards are quivering with fear. It seemed the guards know Solace and you had them right where you wanted them.? ? ? ? ?“So what’s it gonna be guys? Will you let me go meet your master, or should I wait for Solace to come find me?”Both guards looked at each other. It’s a life or death situation for them. If they let you pass you go meet Vanner. If not then the entire colony might be at the mercy of the leona Solace. You stood silently waiting for an answer.111121111111221122111212121112112111211Both guards talked frantically with each other on what to do about you. They eventually come to an agreement with a nod and turned to you. You looked up at them, still waiting for an answer.? ? ? ? ?“My partner and I have come to an agreement,” said the red micen. “If you’re really being hunted by Solace as you claimed, then we see no reason for you to seek sanctuary here in Kert.”? ? ? ? ?“But there is a catch,” said the white micen. “Vanner is not an easy person to be persuaded. He’ll think of your story as an excuse to get into Kert.”? ? ? ? ?“So if you want to avoid getting kicked out, then you must prove yourself to Vanner.”? ? ? ? ?“Vanner’s office is located in a building called, ‘Vanner’s Casino’. You’ll find it on the right hand side. You can’t miss it.”? ? ? ? ?Both of the micen stepped aside and allowed you to proceed. You bow to the two in respect thanking them for gaining entrance into the colony. You walked inside, officially gained access to Kert.? ? ? ? ?The inside of the colony is much nicer than the slums outside. The buildings are tall and sturdy. The micen there are the wealthiest you’ve ever seen. Even their clothes are made of the finest materials on the planet, compared to the other clothes you’ve seen in other colonies. You noticed on the left a metal bowl with a large hole in it, and tents and fabrics surrounding its sides. The sign says “Kert Gentleman’s Club and Gourmet”.? ? ? ? ?“How fancy,” you said to yourself, “but not what I’m looking for.”? ? ? ? ?You turned to the right to find a giant wooden block with a holiday bulb lying next to it. A lot of micen are attracted to the warmth from that light. They’re like bugs attracted to a bug zapper. You turned to the words painted on the box in black where it reads, ‘Vanner Casino’.? ? ? ? ?“This must be the place. Time to meet this so called headmaster of Kert.” You walked towards the bright block and entered the opening to a hallway with a staircase going down. You proceed to head down the staircase and already you noticed a blue female micen behind a desk and wall of glass. You find this to be pretty weird but you shrugged it off and walked toward the woman. Behind her was a pair of two double doors which are likely to lead to the casino and main area. On the wall you saw a sign that shows you how many chips are exchanged with certain goods. You’re not here to gamble, you’re here to meet Vanner.? ? ? ? ?"Hello sir,” said the woman, “and welcome to Vanner's Casino. Would you like to exchange some goods for chips?"? ? ? ? ?“No, I’m not here to gamble,” you answered. “I’m here to meet with your boss.”? ? ? ? ?“Do you have an appointment?”? ? ? ? ?“Should I have an appointment with the headmaster of Kert?”? ? ? ? ?“Well Mr. Vanner is a very busy man, and he will not see anyone without an appointment, even those who are not wearing any pants.” You took this as an insult, since you refuse to wear clothes.? ? ? ? ?“What about those who are currently being hunted by a leona?”? ? ? ? ?“Sir, I’ve been told that many times. If you’re not here to gamble, then I suggest you leave.”? ? ? ? ?“What if I were to tell you that the leona who’s hunting me is Solace?”? ? ? ? ?This takes the woman by surprise. She has heard of Solace and she knew that she came to check on Kert time and time again. “If you’re proven to be wrong, you’re going to be meeting Solace. Vanner’s office is on the second floor,” she said frantically. “Just take the stairs on the far end of the gambling floor and you will meet him.”? ? ? ? ?“Thank you very much, ma’am.” You proceed through one of the double doors and to your surprise the gambling room is much bigger than you originally thought. You see a bar to your left serving what you assumed to be alcoholic drinks. To the right you see tables with a bunch of micen surrounding them playing what appears to be micen sized playing cards. You see different card games like Blackjack, Poker, and Gin Rummy. On the far end of the room you see the stairs leading up to the room above. That’s where you’re headed, so that’s where you’ll go. As you walked through, a lot of micen stared at you. It’s starting to feel like going through the slums again. You ignored the micen and continued on until you reach the stairs. There are multiple guards guarding the stairs and they refuse entry to you.? ? ? ? ?“Excuse me sir,” said one of the guards, “but you’re not allowed up there, unless given permission to.”? ? ? ? ?“I want to meet with Vanner, sir,” you said to him in a stern voice. “I don’t care if I need an appointment. I don’t care if I need permission. I don’t even care if I wear clothes. I just want to meet with your boss. Is that too much to ask? Or do I have to wait for Solace to come find me?”? ? ? ? ?The mention of the leona’s name brings a gasp among all the patrons and the employees who are staring straight at you with their mouths open. Even the guards are amazed by your choice of words. You then heard a clap coming from the top of the red velvet stairs. You looked up to see a white micen clapping his hands. His attire consisted of white garbs and golden chains. He has purple hair which you assumed was possibly dyed. His eyes were a deep, deep blue. You stared at him as he proceeds to walk down the flight of stairs to meet face to face with you.? ? ? ? ?“So,” he spoked. “You say you claimed to be hunted by Solace? That’s an unlikely story. Do you expect me to believe a micen such as yourself? Give me one reason why she’s so intent to come after you that we should hide you.”? ? ? ? ?“I bit her on the finger when she had me pinned down for yelling at her. And now she wants to eat me for it.”“Interesting. You are either brave or stupid enough to pull a stunt like that. Permit me to introduce myself. My name is Vanner. I’m the one in charge of this casino and this entire colony.”? ? ? ? ?“My name is Patrick, and I would like to have a talk with you if that’s okay?”? ? ? ? ?“Normally I don't, but I’d be willing to give you a chance to prove yourself that you’re not lying about Solace.”? ? ? ? ?You stood up straight staring deep into his blue eyes. You asked, “What do I have to do?”? ? ? ? ?“You must play against me in a game of cards,” said Vanner. “If you win, we can go to my office and discuss why you are here. But if I win, then you must come and work with me for the rest of your miserable life as my personal slave.” You gulped at the last statement. He doesn’t even realize that you are currently claimed by the leona, Felicia. Well of course he doesn’t since you don’t have your scarf anymore. But more to point, doesn’t he realize that slavery was abolished by Shieki? Or does that only cover Tara??? ? ? ? ?“You’re bluffing,” you stated.? ? ? ? ?“Am I now?” The white micen grinned at you deviously. “You can always back out if you want.” He does have a point. You can back out at any time. But you want to have a talk with Vanner so badly, and you want to prove that you’re not lying about Solace hunting you. What choice do you have? “So, do we have a deal?” He held up his hand to shake. What do you do? To shake or not to shake? That is the question.1111211111112211221112121211121121112111You decided that becoming Vanner’s slave is a risk you’re willing to take. “Deal,” you said as you take his hand and shook it.? ? ? ? ?Vanner gave you a smile as you shook his hand. He turned to one of the guards and snapped his fingers. The guard proceeded to set up an empty table for you and Vanner. The both of you walked to the table and sat on either side. One of the dealers came to the table and presented each of you a set of 100 chips. You notice that all the other micen gather around to watch you play. As the dealer began to shuffle the cards, Vanner explained the rules to you.? ? ? ? ?“Now then, Patrick,” he said to you. “The game we will be playing right now is called draw poker. The object of the game is to get a hand of cards that you think would beat other players’ hands. Each player will receive five cards. And the first thing you do is decided which cards to exchange with for new cards. Each hand goes as follows from bottom to top. 1 Pair, 2 Pairs, 3 of a Kind, Straight, Flush, Full House, 4 of a Kind, Straight Flush, and Royal Flush. Shall I explain what each hand looks like?”? ? ? ? ?“No thanks,” you answered. “I think I can figure it out on my own.”? ? ? ? ?“Suit yourself,” he said as he shrugged. “Now before each round, you must wager how many chips to put into the pot. And the other player has to either wager the same amount or higher, or they can fold. Since you and I are the only ones playing, there will be no folding. Remember, your hand must be bigger than mine in order to win. Any questions?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes, how many chips am I allowed to wager?”? ? ? ? ?“As many as you want, but I would suggest you not wager all your chips just yet. We don’t want you to end up losing too early now do we?” You shook your head. “Good. Let us begin!”? ? ? ? ?The dealer dealt out five cards to you and Vanner. You decided to wager as minimum as possible to learn more about the game. You also made sure to exchange the cards you don’t want. Many rounds have passed, and already you lost half of your chips to the sly, white micen. As you play, you understand that a flush means having all cards of the same suit. You also know that a straight can go up or down by 1 number at a time. But you have yet to learn what makes a full house.? ? ? ? ?Later in one round, you decided to wager all your chips, and Vanner wagered the same amount. You heard Vanner snickered after you both exchange cards. He showed you his hand, which are all in a suit of hearts with random numbers and letters. “I got a Flush,” he said with a sinister smile. “What’d you got, sucker?” You looked at your hand and you notice that you have three Kings and two Jacks. You got a hand that contains both a three of a kind and a pair. You wondered and showed Vanner your hand which made the crowd gasp turned Vanner’s smile upside down. “A Full House? Not bad, Patrick. Not bad at all.”? ? ? ? ?Soon, both you and Vanner are back to same number of chips you started out with. You figured that you played long enough. After you received your five cards, you said, “I’d like to wager all my chips please.”? ? ? ? ?The crowd gasped. Even Vanner is surprised too. He said, “You do realize that by doing this, this will be our last round of the game, right?”“I do, Vanner. I think we’ve played long enough, don’t you think?”? ? ? ? ?Vanner smiled and nodded as he wagered all his chips as well. “Alright then, I guess all good things must come to an end somehow.” After he picked up his cards, one of them dropped. “Whoops!” You watched as Vanner kneel down to pick up his card. When he got back up he looked at his cards. “Well Patrick, good luck beating this hand, because I got all four Aces.” The crowd applauded at Vanner’s assumed victory.? ? ? ? ?You looked at your hand hoping to get a Straight Flush. But you noticed something off. You have an Ace of Spades in your hand. How could Vanner have all four Aces if you have one in your hand as well? You sensed foul play on Vanner’s part. You realized that Vanner dropped that one card on purpose, so that he can exchange them secretly for Aces he must have kept hidden up his sleeve.?? ? ? ? ?You looked up at Vanner with a smile more sinister than yours. This made Vanner feeling a little nervous. You showed him your hand and as you would have guessed it, it’s a…? ? ? ? ?“A fifth ace?” the crowd murmured in surprise.? ? ? ? ?Vanner was the first to jump, “You’re cheating!”? ? ? ? ?“Vanner, how could I have cheated? There’s no way I could do something like that.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh, and why is that?”? ? ? ? ?“Because I never wore any clothes. How could I cheat at a game of cards, when I have no clothes to hide them in?”? ? ? ? ?Vanner stared at you for a moment. He could feel all eyes in the room on him. His lips formed a smiled as he clapped his hands which made you and all the other micen confused. “You are cleverer than I thought. I congratulate you, boy. Well done, you have passed my test.”? ? ? ? ?“Test? What are you talking about?” The crowd is even more confused on what’s going on.? ? ? ? ?“I’ve been testing you the moment you entered my casino. Slavery is illegal here, has been for some time. I was gonna reveal it to you the moment you lose, but I didn’t think you’d have gotten an ace. So I tested you again by accusing you of being a cheater, to see if you can prove that you’re not.”? ? ? ? ?“So, all this time, you were really gonna hear me out?”? ? ? ? ?“Only if you were willing to take the ‘deal’ I made for you at the stairs. If you denied it, I would have had you escorted out.” You pondered for a bit, trying to put all the pieces together. “Don’t worry, Patrick. What’s done is done. Why don’t we continue this conversation in my office? But first…” he turned to the crowd. “Everyone, drinks are on the house tonight.” The crowd cheered and gathered toward the bar to get their booze. You shook your head in disappointment and looked up at Vanner who escorted you up the stairs to his office upstairs.11112111111122112211121212111211211121111You and Vanner climbed to the top of the staircase until you reached the crow’s nest connected to the ceiling where you find the door to the headmaster’s office. You see a guard standing by the door. Vanner nodded to the guard as the guard nodded back. He opened it and Vanner gestured you to come inside. Once inside the office you got a good look at your surroundings. The room had a long table in it, with only two chairs. One was close to the door where you stood. The other was at the far end of the table likely where Vanner sits. You thought to be strange but you saw Vanner walked toward the chair on the far end of the table to sit down.? ? ? ? ?“Please, have a seat,” said the white micen. You did as you were told as the guard closed the door behind leaving you and Vanner alone in the room. As you took your seat you stared at the white micen on the far end of the table. “Now then, why don’t you tell me why you are here, Patrick?”? ? ? ? ?“Well Vanner," you said. "I was hoping to seek sanctuary in your colony for a while.”? ? ? ? ?“And what makes you think you can find sanctuary here in Kert?" asked Vanner. "In case you haven’t notice, this colony is not a friendly environment.”? ? ? ? ?You took a deep breath and stared at the micen. “Because the apartment that you’re in is tenant free, is it not?”? ? ? ? ?Vanner raised an eyebrow at you. “Yes. It’s been tenant free for years. Perfect place to hide from Solace, yes?”? ? ? ? ?You lower your head in embarrassment. “Yes,” you answered.? ? ? ? ?“Well, it’s true the apartment this colony was in has no tenant. However, that doesn’t mean that you’re safe from Solace.”? ? ? ? ?You tilt your head in confusion. “What do you mean?”? ? ? ? ?“You mean you don’t know?” Vanner stared at you in amazement. “I would’ve assumed you knew after your first moments here.”? ? ? ? ?“Knew what, Vanner?” You starting to feel uneasy.? ? ? ? ?Vanner shook his head in disappointment. “This colony is under leona control, Patrick. Solace’s control to be exact.”? ? ? ? ?“What?” Your eyes widen, realizing that you’re not even safe in Kert from the wrath of the blue cat.? ? ? ? ?“Yeah, she took control of it after the Sect disbanded. Why do you think we had that broken floorboard in the first place?”?? ? ? ? ?You sighed in disappointment. “Looks like I came here for nothing after all. I wish I never bit Solace in the first place. I got angry at her because she told me that Felicia went home, leaving me behind.”? ? ? ? ?Vanner looked at you curiously. “Who’s Felicia?” he asked.? ? ? ? ?“Felicia is a leona who claimed me.”? ? ? ? ?Vanner’s eyes have widened. “Did you say claimed? What color?”? ? ? ? ?“White. Why, is something wrong?”? ? ? ? ?“Nope, nothing’s wrong.” Vanner got out of his seat and walked slowly toward your spot. “It is actually quite the opposite.”? ? ? ? ?“I don’t understand.” You started to get concerned over Vanner’s words of confusion.? ? ? ? ?“Well Patrick. There has been some talk from some religious micen from the slums. They believe that a white leona would come to one day rent this apartment. They claim that said leona is a god.” A leona as a god? You remember Treat of Ovarre who thinks of Geeaness as a god. Could that be just mere coincidence?? ? ? ? ?“And you think Felicia’s the one?” you asked.? ? ? ? ?“Well I know leonas are not gods, but yes I do think she’s the one.” You shook your head in disbelief but you gesture Vanner to continue. “They say that if she does come, she will provide the colony everything they need such as food, clothing and such. But in exchange, we must offer her a sacrifice in order to satisfy her.”? ? ? ? ?“That sounds pretty farfetched,” you said to the white micen. You sighed not believing all that religious nonsense. “So let me get this straight. You think Felicia will come to rent this apartment so that she can play god to the colony of Kert?”? ? ? ? ?Vanner nodded. “It would help keep this colony under control.”? ? ? ? ?You were about to say something to Vanner until you heard footsteps coming from above the floorboards. It sounded like someone entered the apartment. A lot of the micen in the colony seemed uneasy, to say the least. You fear that you know who it is, but you’re too scared to find out.? ? ? ? ?“Patrick, you stay here,” said Vanner. “I’ll go see who it is.” Vanner left the room and ran down the stairs toward the casino entrance. As soon as he exited the casino and he looked up through the broken floorboard to see who entered the apartment.111121111111221122111212121112112111211112You secretly followed Vanner toward the entrance of the casino but you remained inside the building as Vanner looked up to find Solace staring down at the colony from behind the broken floorboard. She removed floorboard and looked down at the fancy white micen. Her face shows anger, which is not a good sign.? ? ? ? ?Vanner remained calm and looked up to the blue leona. “Hello Miss Solace,” he greeted. “Did you come to check on us again?”? ? ? ? ?“Not this time, Vanner,” said Solace. “Right now, I’m looking for a certain green micen by the name of Patrick. Have you seen him?”? ? ? ? ?You gulped feeling afraid that she would say that. You knew she will be looking for you, but you didn’t expect her to track you down to Kert that fast. How did she know you would be here? Was it instinct, or just common sense?? ? ? ? ?Vanner looked up to Solace again and asked, “And what makes you think he’d be here?”? ? ? ? ?“Because this would be the last place any micen would expect to see me here. And besides, it’s the only nearby colony with no apartment tenant.”?? ? ? ? ?Vanner nodded, knowing that you were in big trouble. “Why are you looking for him?”? ? ? ? ?“I want to punish him for what he did to my finger!” She showed Vanner her finger with your bite mark on it. “The little rodent bit me when I pinned him down!”? ? ? ? ?“Oh… Did he have a death wish?”? ? ? ? ?“Even if he did, that’s no excuse for being an asshole!” Solace leaned in towards the white mouse. “I know he’s hiding somewhere in this colony! If he’s here, I demand that you bring him to me! Because if you don’t, I will tear through your colony and eat any micen I catch! Because from I understand, your colony is currently being ‘overpopulated’!”? ? ? ? ?Vanner wanted to get the overpopulation thing taken care of but not like this. “Solace,” he cried, “I understand your angry, but-”? ? ? ? ?“Quiet!” yelled the leona. “Either you send people to get Patrick, or I’ll get him myself! What will it be, Vanner?”? ? ? ? ?Now you definitely wished that you never bit Solace. You didn’t want Solace to find you yet, but you also didn’t want any innocent, unwilling micen to get eaten for something that you did. You asked yourself what you would do in a situation like this.? ? ? ? ?After careful thought, the answer is obvious to you. But it’s the answer that you did not like. You walked outside the casino, and as Vanner was about to answer to Solace you yelled, “WAIT!” Both Vanner and Solace stared at you. Vanner was surprised that you came out even when Solace was right above. Solace merely grinned having found her prey at last. You stared at the leona, with a sad look on your face. “Solace, I’m the one you want, not the micen who lives in Kert. I don’t want them to die for the mistakes I made. So go ahead and take me, Solace. I will take whatever punishment you feel appropriate for me. I’ll even let you… ‘eat’ me.”? ? ? ? ?“Patrick,” said Vanner, "thank-"? ? ? ? ?“You can’t convince me out of doing this,” you said to the headmaster of Kert. “Your people should never suffer for my sake. They already suffer enough because of the state the slums are in. Some of them are weak, malnourished, or even poor. I want them to at least try to live their lives to the fullest. But they can’t do that if Solace is just gonna eat them because of my deeds. No! Solace wants me and me alone, and that’s exactly what she’s gonna get.”? ? ? ? ?“I wasn’t-”? ? ? ? ?“You heard him, Vanner,” said the blue leona as she picked you up in her palm. “Patrick is surrendering himself to me just to protect your people. You should be grateful to him.”? ? ? ? ?Vanner was about to protest, but decided that some things are best left unsaid. After all, the lives of his people are more important than yours. He bowed to Solace. “Alright. If that is what you wish, then so be it.”? ? ? ? ?“I knew you’d be cooperative, Vanner,” said Solace. “Your colony is safe, for now.” She turned to you as she made a fist around your body, making it a little difficult for you to breathe. “And as for you, Patrick, it’s time for me to take you home for supper.” She licked her lips at the word ‘supper’. You know that she means you. You did nothing as she set the floorboard back in place and headed for home taking you with her.? ? ? ? ?Vanner stared at the floorboard and whisper to himself, “And nothing of value was lost.”1111211111112211221112121211121121112111121Solace had you secured in her hand as she leaves the abandoned apartment. You didn’t bother to struggle to get free. You felt it was pointless to try to escape. Solace’s face still showed anger toward you. After what you did to her finger, you didn’t blame her. The leona slowly walked up the stairs to the second floor of the apartment complex. You looked outside and find that the moon is pretty tonight. The moon reminded you of the night of that ‘ritual’ Felicia set up for you. You sighed knowing that you might not be able to see her again.? ? ? ? ?Soon Solace stopped in front of her door. She got out her key and used it to unlock her door. But as soon as she opened the door, she found Risa on her couch toying and slurping on Gertrude. Gertrude was not happy with the situation, not to mention that fact that she was stripped of her outfit. Risa licked the brown micen just to tease her, but the mouse was not amused. You looked up at Solace who is not very pleased.? ? ? ? ?“Risa!” she yelled at her sister. “Did you break into my apartment again?”? ? ? ? ?Risa just sit there giving Solace a mischievous grin, as she continues to torture Gertrude with her tongue. “Maybe,” she replied.? ? ? ? ?Solace marched up to her sister and pulled Gertrude from her grip. “Risa I told you not to do that! You know dad doesn’t like it when you do stuff like that. What would happen if you get caught red-handed?”? ? ? ? ?“But I didn’t. I’m very sneaky when I want to be. Besides, how else am I gonna see you?”? ? ? ? ?Solace sighed not in the mood. “Whatever you’re here for Risa, it’s gonna have to wait. I have a little micen here to deal with. And stop messing with Gertrude. She’s not your micen to toy with.”? ? ? ? ?Risa scoffed as Solace set Gertrude on the kitchen counter. “Geez, Solace, what’s gotten into you? I haven’t seen you this upset sin-”? ? ? ? ?“I don’t want to talk about it, okay? Just leave me alone.” She stormed into her bedroom and slammed the door shut, which made Risa and all of the micen in the apartment scared and confused.?? ? ? ? ?In the bedroom, Solace dropped you onto her pillow as she lied down on her bed. You stared at her angry face as you felt completely scared. You lower your head, knowing that your punishment is inevitable. You looked up at the leona and said, “Don’t you think you’re a little hard on her?”? ? ? ? ?“Who Risa?” the leona scoffed. “She’s used to it, but she has no business breaking into my apartment like that. She acts like she owns this building. But that’s not why we’re here.”? ? ? ? ?You sighed. “I know. We’re here because of me.”? ? ? ? ?“That’s right. And you’re about to get your punishment.”? ? ? ? ?“Solace before you do, could you at least hear me out?”? ? ? ? ?Solace sighed. “Alright but make it quick!”? ? ? ? ?You nodded. “Right.” You took a deep breath and looked up at the leona. “Listen, Solace I am so sorry. I don’t know what had gotten into me.”? ? ? ? ?Solace rolled her eyes. “I bet I know. You’re upset because of Felicia leaving you, yes?”? ? ? ? ?“No.” Solace gave you a stern look. “Well, yes actually.”? ? ? ? ?“She only left just to go to the hospital in her hometown to see her dad. She’s gonna be back you know.”? ? ? ? ?“I know, I mean it’s great that she’s being there for her dad. But, she could have told me that she had to leave town. And leaving without telling me makes me feel… upset.”? ? ? ? ?Solace sighed and leaned in towards you. “Patrick, you have every right to be upset. But it doesn’t change anything.”? ? ? ? ?“I know.” You looked up at her with tears coming down your eyes. “It’s just that, the reason I was willing in the first place was because of Felicia’s little ‘ritual’.”? ? ? ? ?“Yeah, she already told me about it.”? ? ? ? ?“She did?”? ? ? ? ?“Oh yes. And she felt really bad about it.” She felt quiet at first. Then she said, “But enough about that, it’s time to carry out your punishment.”? ? ? ? ?You cringed knowing that its time. “Alright Solace,” you said to the leona. “I’m ready to take my punishment.”? ? ? ? ?“Good.” Solace laid her head down in front of you and opened her mouth and said, “In!” You hesitated a bit but slowly make your way toward the hungry jaws of the blue leona. You slowly climbed inside on the tongue. Solace closed her mouth and shifted her tongue a bit so that you’re lying flat on your back. You didn’t struggle as she started chewing on you a bit, careful not to damage you. Unfortunately, you got a bit of damage on your body and skin. Your tail got bitten a few times making it into a zigzag pattern, but at least it’s still intact along with the clover fluff at the end of your tail. Not only is your tail damage but so are your legs and arms as Solace grinds on them a bit. You tried to endure the pain she has given you, but you soon find your head between her molars as they’re pressed against it. You cried in agony and in pain. Some of your tears soon fall onto the leona’s tongue, which made her smile. The tongue shifted more as you slide closer and closer to the dark abyss of the leona’s throat. Your legs started to hang over it as you stare down the dark tunnel. The tongue shifted one more time and with a loud gulp, you got swallowed.? ? ? ? ?Again you didn’t struggle as you descend down the leona’s throat. You can hear her murred as she felt you heading toward her awaiting stomach. Soon, you landed in her belly with a splash. The stomach was barely filled with stomach acids that were to dissolve you into juice. You didn’t bother trying to escape because you see no point in trying. So you sat there, waiting to be digested. You started to remember all the good times you had when you were with Felicia.? ? ? ? ?You remember the time Felicia took you to the zoo. There you see all the amazing creatures that live there. Creatures including Snakes, Eagles, Lions, Tigers, Bears, even Crocodiles. You were scared of them, but you had Felicia to protect you. You were glad she was there to take care of you when your parents were eaten. You were still upset over the fact that she orchestrated the ‘ritual’ just so that she can eat you every day. You still felt that she could’ve told you it was fake in the first place. But then you realize that maybe the reason she didn’t tell you was because she didn’t want to break your heart.? ? ? ? ?You soon got upset again, not at Felicia but at yourself. How could you get mad over someone you love? And you took your anger out on Solace, what were you thinking? I guess you weren’t because you were blinded by rage. You wish you could see Felicia, just one more time so that you could have closure with her. You closed your eyes in the stomach as the air gets thin. Soon the stomach juices will pour in...11112111111122112211121212111211211121111212?You felt tears coming from your eyes as you slowly submerged into the stomach acid belonging to Solace and your body became numb. But what happened next is not what you expect. You opened your eyes to find that you are slowly being pushed up the esophagus. You don’t know why, but it looks like Solace is regurgitating you. You felt relieved but confused. You thought you were gonna stay eaten this time, but apparently the leona decided to keep you alive. You soon see a light at the end of the tunnel and you find yourself in the leona’s mouth and you fell out right into the bathroom sink. You still felt puzzled on what just happened and you looked up to the leona with tears still coming from your eyes. Hey eyes are not happy, but they’re not angry either. It’s almost as if she didn’t want you to be regurgitated, but she did it anyway.? ? ? ? ?“I… I don’t get it,” you said to her. “I thought you were really gonna eat me.”? ? ? ? ?Solace sighed as she grabbed the soap. She turned on the sink and started cleaning your mucus filled body. “You may have pissed me off,” she said in a stern voice. “But you’re still Felicia’s micen, Patrick. And I don’t want her to feel even more disappointed when she found out that I ate you for good. Besides, I think you’ve been punished enough and I would like to give you another chance.”? ? ? ? ?“R- R- Really?” you sobbed. “You mean it?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes, and I hope you learned your lesson Patrick.”? ? ? ? ?“I did. I will never provoke a leona ever again, even if I get pinned down.”? ? ? ? ?“Good.”? ? ? ? ?As soon as Solace finished cleaning you up. She turned off the sink and sets the soap down. She dried you off with a towel and picked you up out of the sink. She held you up to her chest as you spread your arms to hug her and slowly cried into her chest. This made Solace feel surprised. This is the first time in a long time that a micen gave her a hug. She can’t remember the last time it happened nor does she care. But she allowed you to continue to hug her and cry into her chest for about a minute. She hugged back as she slowly scratched your ear a bit trying to calm you down, or was she reminding you that she could easily cut it off? She then pulled you out and used a finger to rub the tears out of your eyes.? ? ? ? ?Solace gave you a stern look and said, “You better not mentioned this anyone, or else I’m gonna bite your tail clean off. Got it? I shit you not, I will bite you in half.”? ? ? ? ?You sniffed as you wiped the rest of your tears off. “Y- Y- Yes Ma’am,” you said softly.? ? ? ? ?The leona nodded and carried out of the bathroom and back into the living room where Risa is still on the couch, now watching TV to pass the time. When she saw Solace entered the living room, she turned off the TV and faced her sister. You don’t know what was on but right now, you didn’t care.? ? ? ? ?“You feel better sis?” she asked.? ? ? ? ?“I am now,” she said softly. She set you down on the coffee table where Gertrude stood to greet you.? ? ? ? ?“Welcome back, Patrick,” the brown micen said.? ? ? ? ?“Thanks,” you said to her as you looked up at the two leonas? ? ? ? ?“So,” said Solace. “Care to explain why you’re here now, Risa?”? ? ? ? ?“Oh yes,” said Risa. “I’ve heard about Felicia’s dad being in the hospital in her hometown. Have you heard from her yet?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes,” Solace sighed. “Lionel’s injuries were too major. He… didn’t make it.”? ? ? ? ?Risa gasped as she covered her mouth. You and Gertrude were surprised as well. You were disappointed most of all because you were hoping to at least meet him in person, and confront him about your parents.? ? ? ? ?“So what’s gonna happened to her?” the brown leona asked.? ? ? ? ?“I don’t know,” said Solace. “She'll probably moved on with her life, having the house all to herself.”? ? ? ? ?“That’s not going to happened,” you spoke softly. Everyone turned to you wondering what you mean by that. “Felicia’s dad had the house under mortgage for a few years. Now that he’s dead, a bank owns the house now and will likely be foreclosed.”? ? ? ? ?“That’s awful,” said Risa. “You mean she’s going to be homeless?”? ? ? ? ?“I’m afraid so,” you answered.? ? ? ? ?Risa then turned to Solace. “Solace, she’s your best friend right? Can’t you at least let her stay with you for a while?”? ? ? ? ?“Well she still has some vacation left here,” said Solace. “But I don’t know if she’ll be able to find a place before it ends.”? ? ? ? ?You suddenly remembered your time in Kert. You remember its headmaster, Vanner talking about how the religious micen in the slums hope for a white leona to rent the abandon apartment someday and worship the leona like a god. Since Felicia is a white leona, could that mean that she might have a future home here in the Apartment Complex and play goddess to the colony of Kert? You still think this whole religion thing is ridiculous, but if it means Felicia has a place to live, what choice do you have?? ? ? ? ?“I believe I have a solution to her problem,” you said to the leonas.? ? ? ? ?“You have?” said Gertrude.? ? ? ? ?“Yes. Solace, how long has that abandoned apartment been empty?”? ? ? ? ?“I don’t know, maybe a few years I guess. Why? Are you going where I think you’re going?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes. I think that apartment has been empty long enough. Don’t you think?”? ? ? ? ?Solace and Risa pondered for a moment, and then they realized what you mean by that. The two looked at each other and then nodded. Solace turned to you and said, “I agree. But I think we should wait until Felicia gets back just to be sure.”? ? ? ? ?You nodded waiting for the day Felicia comes back.111121111111221122111212121112112111211112121A few days went by since you were last eaten by Solace as punishment for harming her. Solace recently offered you a place in Desio, but you decline her offer saying you don’t want to stay in a colony for the time being. Instead you remain at the coffee table during the daytime and in the leona’s bedroom at night. Whenever you get hungry, you didn’t bother go into the pantry for food. You figured taking food from the leona without asking is not worth getting eaten again, even though you’re willing again. Solace did however bring you some food so that you won’t get hungry. Sometimes the juveniles came to see you to keep you company. You told them wild and exaggerated stories about your past, about getting eaten by many different critters. They loved your stories and they sometimes asked if it was real or not. You didn’t give them an answer letting them think of an answer for themselves.? ? ? ? ?One evening, you heard a knock at the door. Solace heard the knock too and went to the front door to answer. Behind the door stood the white leona, Felicia. She looked exactly the same as when you last saw her.? ? ? ? ?“Hi Solace,” she said softly.? ? ? ? ?“Come here, Felicia,” said Solace as she offered her a hug. Felicia embraced the hug and wrapped her arms around Solace’s shoulders. You can hear her crying as Solace comfort her. After they stopped hugging, Solace asked, “How was the funeral?”? ? ? ? ?“It was alright,” said Felicia. “Is Patrick here?”? ? ? ? ?Solace pointed to your location on the coffee table. Felicia noticed that you’ve been awfully quiet. Solace took notice of that too and said, “I’ll let you two talk it out while I go make us some dinner.” Solace walked to the kitchen, to see if she can catch any micen that might try to steal from her.? ? ? ? ?Felicia sat down on the couch and looked straight at you. You looked up at her, with a concerned look on your face. “Hey Patrick,” she said to you at last. “You alright?”? ? ? ? ?“No,” you answered. “I’m not alright. A little depressed that’s all.”? ? ? ? ?Felicia nodded, knowing why you are depressed. Her eyes showed you sadness. “Patrick, I’m really sorry about that ritual. I should have told you the truth from the start. But if I did, I fear it would have hurt your feelings and that you don’t want anything to do with me, ever again.” You sighed because you feel that it’s true. You wanted to forgive her right away, but you still felt upset at the moment. “I didn’t want to break your heart, Patrick. I really do care about you. I’m just bad at showing it.”? ? ? ? ?You looked up at the leona, and saw that she started to cry. You can tell that she hasn’t gotten over her father’s death. You now felt tears coming from your eyes. “I bet you probably hate me for not telling you the truth about the ritual after all this time, and I don’t blame you.” She sniffed as more tears start coming from her eyes. You don’t really hate her, but she doesn’t know that. You now started to have sympathy towards Felicia. “So, if you don’t want anything to do with me again, then you won’t have to see me again, when my vacation is over.” She sobbed softly not wanting Solace to hear her crying.? ? ? ? ?You cried a little more and looked up to her. “Hey Felicia?” you said sobbingly.? ? ? ? ?“Yeah?” she sniffed.? ? ? ? ?“While I am not happy about you keeping the truth a secret from me, but I understand why you did it.” Felicia wiped some of her tears off her eyes a bit still looking at your crying face. “I’m really sorry about your father, Felicia. He may have eaten my parents a long time ago, but he was a good man.” Felicia smiled a little, feeling grateful for your kind words about him. You sniffed again trying to stop your tears from falling. “And you know what? I don’t think you have to worry about not seeing me anymore. I still love you, Felicia and I want to stay with you for the rest of my life.”? ? ? ? ?“You mean, you’ll actually forgive me?”? ? ? ? ?Patrick nodded. “I’ve forgiven you for quite some time now.” Felicia sniffed feeling glad that you and she sorted it out. She picked you up from the table and gave you a kiss and hugged you against her chest still crying. You felt her lower your head as her chin touched you back. Your eyes still produced tears as well. But those aren’t tears of sadness. Those are tears of joy, now that you and Felicia made up. You hugged her back knowing that you’ll always be there for her.? ? ? ? ?“There, there, Felicia. It’s okay. It’s all in the past now.” You felt much better now. Some of Felicia’s tears drip down from her cheeks onto her shoulder and it slowly drip down to your face. You felt a heavy breathing coming from the leona as she coughs a bit. She seems to having difficulty breathing and crying at the same time. You kept crying into her chest, not wanting this moment to end.? ? ? ? ?After minutes of crying and hugging, you heard someone said, “Well isn’t that cute.” You turned toward the owner of the voice who happened to be Solace with some supper. “I see you two actually made up. If you two are doing crying and hugging, you guys ready to eat?”? ? ? ? ?You looked up at Felicia who looked back at you, and you both nodded as you wiped away your tears. Felicia carried you to the dinner table as she set you down. Solace gave you some nuts, cheese and some bread crumbs as she served Felicia some ribs. As you eat, Solace said, “So, I heard your house was under mortgage by the time your dad died.”? ? ? ? ?Felicia felt silent and answered, “Yes. The bank just foreclosed the home. But they are given me a week to find a new home and move all the furniture there.”? ? ? ? ?“Well if it’s a new home you’re looking for, I believe I can help you with that.”? ? ? ? ?Felicia looked up at Solace. “Really? How?”? ? ? ? ?“You can move here with us. There’s an apartment downstairs that is currently available now. And the colony Kert reside under the floorboards there.”? ? ? ? ?“Kert? You mean that same colony that tried to kill you? Won't they try to kill me too?”? ? ? ? ?“No, they were smart enough to ignore that order. And don’t worry, Felicia,” you said to her. “I’ve talked with the headmaster there. He claims that some of the micen in the slums of Kert are religious and believes that a white leona would rent the apartment. They think of that leona as a god. But if you ask me, I find that hard to believe. It sounds more of a cult than a religion. Not to mention, the micen down there do not look religious to me.”? ? ? ? ?“I don’t believe they are,” said Solace. You looked up at Solace. “And to be perfectly honest, I do not trust their headmaster Vanner, at least not with my wallet, or anything too important. He’s not the kind of micen to be trustworthy.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh? Then why did you leave him in charge of Kert in the first place?”? ? ? ? ?“Well, he hasn’t screwed me over, yet. So, he has some common sense not to mess with people bigger, or hungrier. And when have I hurt anyone with common sense?”? ? ? ? ?You looked up at Solace, and then you pondered for a bit. She seemed to have made a fair point. You hardly trust Vanner yourself. After all, he did try to cheat you in a card game. It’s no wonder he’s untrustworthy. You bet he also lied about the religious micen in the slums. “Felicia,” you said to the white leona. “I want you to rent that apartment.”? ? ? ? ?“Really?” said Felicia. “Are you sure, Patrick?”? ? ? ? ?You nodded. “Yes. If Vanner wants a leona to rent that apartment, then he shall have it. And besides, I believe you can help those in the slums of Kert.”? ? ? ? ?Felicia gave it some thought as she continued eating. Then she turned to Solace and asked, “When can we see your father about it?” This gave you and Solace a sinister smile.1111211111112211221112121211121121112111121211?The next day back in Kert, Vanner was sitting in his office counting his spoils. The white micen has been getting a lot of jewelry and such ever since he got the job from his late father a long time ago. They were worthless for practical reasons, but just something about them made it desirable. That, and the leonas seemed to like them enough. He bartered food with micen, and jewels with cats. While he was counting, he was thinking about that day when you were around. He remembered when you willing give yourself up to Solace just to keep Kert safe. It didn’t bother him because he was gonna give away your location anyway, but such a sacrifice was still a brave one. Oh well, one less problem. He chuckled as he was finishing counting his collection of gold ingots when suddenly, there was a loud SLAM!? ? ? ? ?One of the guards of purple color slammed his office door open which really pissed him off. “Sir!” he cried as if he was in a panic.? ? ? ? ?“THIS BETTER BE IMPORTANT JOHNSON!” shouted Vanner in a bit of rage, successfully pulling on his trousers before the guard could see him in such a state.? ? ? ? ?“Sorry sir,” the purple micen apologized. “But this is very important! There’s a leona entering the apartment!”? ? ? ? ?“And?”? ? ? ? ?“Sir,” Johnson said panicking. Vanner started to notice something off. He wasn’t this freaked out about Solace coming. “It’s not Solace!” Vanner’s eyes widen at that statement. “It’s someone else! In fact, it’s an adult male! And the scouts say he’s unlocking the door as we speak!”? ? ? ? ?“What?” Vanner is shocked. No one other than Solace can get into the apartment, unless they have the key to the place. And as he recalled, the only leona who has the key is… “Johnson, spread the word! Tell everyone to get into their homes, have their lights turned off, and make sure they stay quiet! Tell them it’s a state of emergency! And while you’re at it, head to the surface to spy on him. I want to know what’s going on.”? ? ? ? ?“YES SIR!” The guard left in a hurry and told the other guards what Vanner told him. Vanner watched as the guards spread the word to everyone at the casino as they rushed toward the exit to their home in a panic. Vanner remained in his office as he heard footsteps coming from above the floorboards. He can hear muffling coming from it. He wondered what was being said up there.? ? ? ? ?“Here we are, Miss Felicia,” the male leona, Kre said to Felicia. Kre has recently unlocked the door to Felicia’s “Brand new apartment. Well not exactly, new as it hasn’t been used or cleaned up in years. If I had known you were coming, I’d have spruced it up.” Felicia looked around for a bit, a little disgusted. You peeked out from Felicia’s shirt trying to hide yourself from Kre. You looked at the orange leona who is wearing a casual suit compared to the t-shirt and skirt Felicia is wearing. Around your neck is a new pink scarf that Felicia made for you. You felt relieved having it again. You returned your attention to Kre as he turned to Felicia. “Now I know it looks bad,” he continued. “But I can assure you, I’ll have the place fixed up in no time. Other than that, it basically has everything you need. The bathroom is connected to the bedroom. The kitchen is functional, or at least it will be once it’s cleaned up. And as for laundry it’s located near the office.”? ? ? ? ?“That’s wonderful,” said Felicia. “How come you haven’t cleaned it up after all this time?”? ? ? ? ?“Believe me I wanted to,” answered Kre as he rubbed his finger against a dusty counter. “But keeping an empty apartment nice and clean is silly when it has micen living in it. Just give the word, and I’ll fix that problem too.” He then started to notice you watching him, but you quickly hide in a panic squeakily. “Um, Miss, I don’t mean to be rude, but there seems to be a micen in your-”? ? ? ? ?“Huh?” Felicia looked down at your position. “Oh. It’s okay,” she chuckled as she pulled you out of her chest and carried you in her palm. “This little guy’s with me. This is Patrick. He’s hiding because he’s scared of you. Say hello, Patrick.”? ? ? ? ?You turned to the male leona who simply smiled at the sight of you. You felt nervous, even with Felicia around. You waved at him a little. “Hello,” you said shyly. You flinched as he extended his hand toward you. You looked to see a lone finger pointing at you. You slowly move your hand toward the finger as he shook it a bit.? ? ? ? ?You shriek as Felicia pulled you away a bit, so that Kre doesn’t try to eat you. “Patrick’s been under my care ever since he lost his parents,” said Felicia to the landlord, Kre. “He feels comfortable with me around.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh, so is he like your pet or something?” asked Kre as he stood firm trying to control his hunger.? ? ? ? ?“You might say that, yes.” She sets you back in her chest so that you’ll be safe from Kre. “You don’t mind do you?”? ? ? ? ?“As long as he behaves and kept under control, I don’t mind at all. But I do want you to give him some type of security measure as long as he’s here,” the landlord said in a stern tone. “You see we’ve had problems with micen in the past. In fact, one of those problems happens to be right here in this very apartment. I don’t want to talk about it and I don’t want history to repeat itself. Am I clear?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes sir,” said Felicia calmly.? ? ? ? ?“There’s also a possibility that there might be a colony here. If there is, I’m gonna let you handle it however you like. If you have any problems, you let me know. Alright?”? ? ? ? ?Felicia nodded, “I understand.”? ? ? ? ?“Good. Now you said you’re bringing furniture from your old place?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes. Solace and a few others are helping me move them here so that I can feel right at home. I already hired a moving van so that they can bring them here.”? ? ? ? ?“Excellent. Now I’m gonna need you to go over some paperwork with me and you’ll be all set.”? ? ? ? ?“Thank you very much, Mr. Kre,” said Felicia as he shook his hand. “It’s gonna be nice living close to you, Solace and Risa again.”? ? ? ? ?“It’s my pleasure Felicia.” You poke your head out of Felicia’s shirt to have one more look around and noticed a purple micen eyeing you from the mouse hole that leads to Kert before slowly disappeared into it. You don’t know who that was, but you don’t care at the moment. You stayed put as both Kre and Felicia walked out of the apartment toward Kre’s office to make the move official.? ? ? ? ?Back in Vanner’s office, Vanner noticed that the muffling has stopped and that he heard footsteps getting softer and softer until none can be heard. He assumed that the male leona left, but he can’t be too sure. Just then the purple micen, Johnson, returned panting.? ? ? ? ?“Well,” He said to him. “Is he gone?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes sir,” said Johnson. “Another leona was with him at the time. She’s planning on moving into the apartment.”? ? ? ? ?“Really? What did she look like?”? ? ? ? ?“Well she’s white furred. With a pink skirt and a shirt that says ‘Micen Go Here’ with an arrow pointing at her stomach. She has blue eyes and a blonde hair with two ponytails.” Vanner eyed at Johnson. “I know it’s crazy but it’s true. She does have two ponytails.”? ? ? ? ?“No it’s not that, you said the leona is white?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes sir, that’s what I said. Why you know of her?”? ? ? ? ?“I think I do, but I’m not exactly sure.” Vanner thought that the leona is Felicia. But it could be just a mere coincidence. He turned to Johnson and asked, “Anything else?”? ? ? ? ?“As a matter of fact, there is. There’s a green micen hanging in the leona’s shirt. I think she called him ‘Patrick’.”? ? ? ? ?“Patrick!?” Vanner’s eyes have been widened. It’s clear to him now that you are still alive and that the white leona that’s going live in the apartment is Felicia. He did say that he was hoping for a leona to move in to the apartment but he didn’t expect it to happen so soon.? ? ? ? ?“Uh sir?” said the nervous purple micen.? ? ? ? ?Vanner turned to him and said, “Leave me. I wish to be alone.”? ? ? ? ?“Of course sir.” Johnson left the office as Vanner sits in his chair, thinking about what he got himself into.11112111111122112211121212111211211121111212111?Meanwhile in Kre’s office, Felicia went over the paperwork carefully. And when she’s done, she signed the papers making her the apartment’s newest tenant. She shook the landlord’s hand thanking him for allowing her to rent the apartment. Felicia was about to write Kre a check for the first month, but Kre insisted that the first month is on him, which made Felicia smile.? ? ? ? ?The next day, Felicia and Solace got into the car so that they can go down to Felicia’s old place to help with the furniture packing. You tagged along just so that you can be with Felicia and get to see your old home, one last time. You sat in Solace’s lap mostly because she was in the seat you’re in when you and Felicia first arrived at the complex. You wanted to sit in Felicia’s lap but she has to drive and you didn’t want to distract her. Risa wanted to tag along as well but she can’t because she had to go to work. Geeaness wanted to come too, mostly because he wanted to try to eat you again. But like Risa, he too had to go to work. Shieki doesn’t have a job at the moment, but she already made plans to visit her dad on the other side of town for a few hours. So, only Solace is free to come with you and Felicia to her old house.? ? ? ? ?The drive lasted for a couple of hours, but they arrived at the now foreclosed house. The moving van arrived shortly afterwards waiting for Felicia to come by so that they can start packing. The movers are a couple of mutts who looked to be in their 30s. One looked like a rare female English springer spaniel, named Chelsea, while the other one is a male golden retriever named Louis. Felicia unlocked the front door and showed the movers what goes and what stays. Felicia carried you to your old mouse hole so that you can gather a few things to take before they’re gone forever. While you’re doing that, Felicia and Solace helped the movers with the furniture and appliances. They move things like the couch, the coffee table, the bed, the TV, and so on and so forth. And they carefully carry them to the moving van.? ? ? ? ?They stopped at around noon for lunch. Felicia went to the kitchen to make some sandwiches for her and Solace. She even made some for the movers, Chelsea and Louis who both appreciated Felicia’s generosity. Of course, Felicia made sure you got something to eat too. So she gave you some nuts and cheese. The leonas and yourself ate at the dinner table. Felicia offered the mutts to eat with them, but they decline and didn’t give a reason why. It didn’t bother them, because it gives them a chance to chat about what’s going to happen in Felicia’s new apartment.? ? ? ? ?“So Felicia, what do you plan to do with Kert?” asked Solace.? ? ? ? ?“Well, I plan to do something with Vanner to show him who’s in charge now,” replied Felicia.? ? ? ? ?“Oh? Do you plan on eating him?”? ? ? ? ?“Of course not. Well, not immediately.”? ? ? ? ?“If I was a leona I would,” muttered Patrick. Both leonas stared at you. “I was foolish to believe that he lied about that religion nonsense in the slums of Kert.”? ? ? ? ?“It’s not that surprising,” said Solace. “But it’s no fun reason to eat him. You should find a better one, like, say: him being smaller than you.”? ? ? ? ?“I’m gonna confront him about it,” said Felicia. “Not only that, but I have plans for Kert. And if I were in Vanner’s shoes, if he wears any, I’d considered those plans.”? ? ? ? ?“Would you mind sharing those plans?” asked Solace.? ? ? ? ?“But I want it to be a surprise.”? ? ? ? ?Solace chuckled and said, “Okay Felicia. But if you need any help with Vanner or any of his misfits, you let me know.”? ? ? ? ?“I’ll keep that in mind.”? ? ? ? ?Solace nods and turns to you. “And where will you be staying once the move is complete?”? ? ? ? ?“Well I don’t plan on staying in Kert,” you said to the blue leona. “Maybe I’ll find a suitable mouse hole to call home. I’ll see what I could find once we get everything situated.”? ? ? ? ?“If you say so,” said Solace. She looked at the clock and said, “We should get back to work. The sooner we finish packing the sooner we can take them to their new home.”? ? ? ? ?Felicia nodded as she and Solace started cleaning up the table so that they can get it packed. The mutts returned from their lunch break as well and proceeded to help get the table to the van. Felicia picks you up and sets you in her shirt so that you’re out of the way. You relaxed as the moving proceeded. Once they finished packing, you and Felicia took one last look at the house and proceeded out the front door. Felicia locked the door one final time. She turned around to find Solace waiting for them at the car. She walked toward the car so that they can head back. But Felicia has somewhere to be first.? ? ? ? ?“Solace, I need to drop by the bank,” said Felicia. “I need to give them the house key.”? ? ? ? ?“Okay Felicia, but we have to make it quick,” said Solace anxiously. “Risa and the others will be waiting for us back home.”? ? ? ? ?“Right.” Felicia got into the car and gave you to Solace to hold onto. The movers got into the moving van as soon as they were ready to go. As soon as Felicia starts driving away, the movers followed behind. Felicia drove into town to drop off the key at the bank and to let them know that the house is ready to be sold.? ? ? ? ?While you were waiting, Solace turned to you and ask, “Hey Patrick would it be alright if you ride in my mouth on the way back? I just feel like having a micen in there.”? ? ? ? ?You looked up at the leona feeling concerned. “You’re not gonna swallow me, are you?” you asked suspiciously.? ? ? ? ?“Nope. I don’t want Felicia to pull over so that I could regurgitate you. I’ll make sure you stay in my mouth for as long as possible.”? ? ? ? ?“Well okay, if you say so.” Solace lifted you up and opens her mouth to set you in. She slowly closes her mouth but not all the way so that you could get some light. Felicia returned and saw that you’re in Solace’s mouth. She was a little concerned but she trusted Solace with your life, and starts driving back to the apartment complex. You lay on your stomach against Solace’s wet tongue during the whole trip back.? ? ? ? ?Once back at the apartment complex, you saw that Risa, Geeaness, and Shieki were there waiting for you, Felicia and Solace. Solace pulled you out of her mouth and dried the saliva off you before giving you back to Felicia. She and Solace greeted the other leonas and gave you to Shieki to hold onto while the other leonas help bring in the furniture. Felicia help guided the movers to her new apartment and inside she find that the apartment is nice and clean. All the dust, the cobwebs, and the cracks have all disappeared. It seems that Kre was able to get the apartment fixed up like he said he would. Nevertheless, she proceeded to guide the movers and the other leonas helping on setting where each furniture should go. She noticed that the loose floorboard has been nailed in so she had the couch set there. Solace and Risa carried the coffee table and set it in front of the couch as well. Geeaness carried the TV into the apartment and temporarily sets it on the couch. Soon more furniture came into the apartment. The TV stand was set across from the couch, and Geeaness managed to set the TV on top of it. The nightstand was set in the bedroom in the corner. Even the lamps were set in their proper place. Until finally, they have one more furniture to put up: The bed.? ? ? ? ?The bed was the hard part because it’s a king sized mattress and requires everyone’s help to get it in. It was difficult getting it inside, but they managed to squeeze it in through the front door. They carried it slowly to the bedroom. They set the bed frame down on the floor and slowly and carefully set the mattress on top. Once all the furniture is in place, Felicia thank the movers and everyone else who helped. The movers, Chelsea and Louis head out the door so that they can return home for the day. Shieki gave you back to Felicia and told you that you can visit her anytime you like, and she starts heading home to tend to her micen friends. Geeaness and Risa both went home as well so that they can get supper. Only Solace stayed behind because there’s still some unfinished business left to take care of.? ? ? ? ?“Patrick,” said Solace. “I need you to head down to Kert and fetch Vanner for me. It’s time we have a little chat with the headmaster of Kert.”? ? ? ? ?“You got it, Solace,” you nodded, looking forward to see Vanner again. Felicia set you at the mouse hole that leads to Kert and walked inside. You start dashing your way to Kert. You notice that the colony is nearly empty, which you find it odd but didn’t care. You start heading your way to the where the casino is located in the heart of Kert. The guards are nowhere to be found but it saves you the trouble of gaining entry into it. You walked into the casino building and made your way to the main room. The main room is empty save for the card tables and the bar. You walked up the staircase that leads to the second floor where Vanner’s office is located. You knocked on the door and waited for an answer.? ? ? ? ?“It’s open!” cried a voice. You opened the door and find white micen, Vanner sitting at one end of the long table. He looked up to you and was shocked. “Patrick,” he said to you as he stood up. “What a pleasant surprise. I see you’re looking well. And is that a pink scarf you’re wearing?”? ? ? ? ?“Cut the comedy, Vanner,” you demanded. “I’m here by request of Solace. She wants to see you.”? ? ? ? ?“If you say so-”? ? ? ? ?“Don’t care for your excuses,” you shot back. “She doesn’t take no for an answer. And you don’t want to make her angry now would you?”? ? ? ? ?Vanner knew that he can’t talk his way out of this one, not when a leona is involved. He sighed and gestured you to lead the way.111121111111221122111212121112112111211112121111?The micen of Kert peeked out of their windows to see what’s going on. They saw you leading Vanner through the streets of Kert after leaving the casino and heading for the surface where Solace and Felicia are waiting. They were scared because they feared that you’re leading Vanner, the man responsible for their free water, little to no taxes, and free food, to his death. Vanner waved his hand down telling the other micen to stay calm and assuring them that everything will be fine. They were uneasy at first but they took Vanner at his word and watched as you and Vanner left Kert and head for the surface.? ? ? ? ?Soon, you and Vanner reached the mouse hole and you both looked up to see Solace looming over you and Vanner. Solace scoops you and Vanner up without hesitation and sets you both on the living room coffee table. Both Solace and Felicia sat down on the couch as you and Vanner looked up to the leonas.? ? ? ? ?“Hello Vanner,” said Solace. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”? ? ? ? ?“No notice is too short for you, cutie,” chuckled Vanner at Solace’s unimpressed face, “So, why did you summon me here?”? ? ? ? ?“Well now that the floorboard that I used to remove to speak with you is nailed shut,” answered Solace. “I called you here to let you know that this apartment finally has a new tenant. Vanner, say hello to your new leona and my childhood friend, Felicia.”? ? ? ? ?Felicia waved at Vanner. “Hello Vanner,” she said. “My name is Felicia Catclaw. As you can see I’m the new tenant for this apartment. Which means, that I’m in charge now.” Felicia lay down her hand for you to climb on. She sets you on her shoulder where you nuzzled her cheek. “You already met my micen, Patrick, correct?”? ? ? ? ?“Uh, yes,” said Vanner. “And he did mention you before.”? ? ? ? ?“So I’ve heard. And I also heard you told Patrick about some cult about me being a goddess.”? ? ? ? ?Vanner scratched behind his head. “Well,” he chuckled sheepishly. “I kinda exaggerated a little.”? ? ? ? ?“Kinda?” you said to him. “You had me believe there’s a religion down there that worships a white leona like Felicia.”? ? ? ? ?“While it’s true that I’m no goddess,” said Felicia. “I don’t mind being treated like one, just as long as religion is not involved.” Vanner nodded. “Anyway, since I’m gonna be in charge of your colony, Vanner, there’s gonna be some changes around here.”? ? ? ? ?Vanner tilted his head. “What kind of changes?” he asked.? ? ? ? ?“For starters,” the white leona stated. “All the micen in the slums are to be given new clothes and portions of food. Oh and I expect them to be nice and clean too.”? ? ? ? ?“Okay. What else?”? ? ? ? ?“If micen wants to get any food from me, they should ask me first for permission. I do not tolerate thieves in my household when I’m in charge, so I expect them not to take anything without asking. Those who failed to follow that rule, will have a likely chance of becoming food themselves.”? ? ? ? ?Vanner nodded hesitantly. “Right! No thieves allowed. Anything else?”? ? ? ? ?“Yes, this next rule is important,” Felicia continued. “The most important rule of all: No more gambling!”? ? ? ? ?“What?” Vanner shouted quite shockingly.? ? ? ? ?“You heard her, Vanner,” said Solace who smiled deviously. “No more gambling. That means your little casino building will go bye-bye.”? ? ? ? ?“Felicia darling, do you honestly think that it’s a good idea to ban gambling? That casino’s been in Kert since before my father was in charge, and his father before him. In fact, that’s where my office is located. Many micen go there to gamble with the jewelry they obtain from different colonies.”? ? ? ? ?“Not anymore, they won’t. Since I’m in charge now, I will not allow gambling in your colony. The micen in the slums are poor enough as it is. And besides, you have no need for the jewelry you possessed now, have you?”? ? ? ? ?“Surely you understand that my casino is more important here in Kert. It’s the main attraction here. What do you say we keep the casino running and keep Kert the way it is? Much less confusion”? ? ? ? ?Felicia picked Vanner up by the tail, and got ahold of him in her fist. “If you think talking, is gonna help you out of this one,” the leona said in a stern tone, “You better think again!” She stared at the micen licking her lips, which made Vanner feeling quite nervous. “Now let me make myself perfectly clear. I will not allow gambling in Kert. So unless you want to become fat, someone else’s I mean, you will get rid of that casino!”? ? ? ? ?Vanner stared at the leona trying to stay as calm as possible while being in Felicia’s tight grip. He doesn’t want his casino to be torn down. He knows the colony needs it. He also knows that if he were to refuse, he would end up in the leona’s stomach. “I know better than to talk to a leona, but this casino is more important to Kert than my life. Surely you must reconsi-”? ? ? ? ?“Don’t back talk to her,” you said to the white micen. “She’s the boss of this apartment. And since you and your micen brethren are living in her new home now, you all have to obey her rules.”? ? ? ? ?“Miss Felicia, can’t we at least talk about this?” Vanner begged to his would be devourer.? ? ? ? ?“Why should we?” Felicia said as she licks the micen who is likely to be leona chow. “Do you honestly think that gambling is more important in Kert and that it should stay enforced there? I find it hard to believe.”? ? ? ? ?“Miss Felicia,” begged Vanner. “Please allow me to explain.”? ? ? ? ?Felicia puts a finger on her chin and looked up thinking about what Vanner’s explanation would be. You wonder if she will ever allow Vanner to explain, or if she’s gonna eat him and be done with it. She turned to you and you gave her a shrug. She turned to Solace who also gave her a shrug and a smile. Felicia ponders a bit wondering what she’s gonna do with Vanner.1111211111112211221112121211121121112111121211112Felicia has made her decision and turned to Vanner who is still trapped in her fist. You watched from her shoulder wondering what she’s gonna say. “Alright Vanner,” she said to the white micen. “I will give you one chance to explain your reason for keeping that casino of yours open. If its reason is one that I don’t like…” She points to her belly. “Do I make myself clear?”? ? ? ? ?Vanner nodded. “Clear as crystal.”? ? ? ? ?“Good.” Felicia loosens her grip on Vanner, but not enough to let Vanner go free. “Now then Vanner, why don’t you explain to me why your casino should stay open and why gambling should remain legit in your colony?”? ? ? ? ?“I’ll have to be honest though, I’m kinda curious about it too,” said Solace. “I mean I didn’t bother asking because it’s not my apartment to begin with. So go ahead and answer Felicia’s question, mouse. And you better be truthful about it.”? ? ? ? ?Vanner took a deep breath. You watched closely to make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid. After all, Vanner is one untrustworthy micen. “Well Miss Felicia, the reason my casino should remain open is because my colony needs it.”? ? ? ? ?“Please elaborate on that,” demanded Felicia.? ? ? ? ?“Right. Gambling is really important here in Kert. Sure it’s a type of escapism, both rewarding and punishing. But it also does one thing for Kert.”? ? ? ? ?“And what’s that?” she asked.? ? ? ? ?“It attracts micen. So many micen, that our casino became a tourist attraction. The people of Kert used that tourist attraction as a business advantage and opened up many different shops.”? ? ? ? ?“Hang on,” you shouted. “I don’t remember there being any shops in Kert.”? ? ? ? ?“You weren’t in Kert that long, Patrick,” said Vanner. “You literally went straight for the casino, my casino. There’s three more. You didn’t even take the opportunity to explore.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh right,” you blushed in embarrassment.? ? ? ? ?Solace merely chuckled at your inept ability, which made you a little angry at the blue leona. She returned her attention to Vanner. “Okay Vanner, please continue.”? ? ? ? ?“Thank you, Solace. Anyway the shops were built to give the tourists what they want, like food or utility. And we usually get them through caravans and traders from different colonies. While we don’t use money to exchange goods, we use food, or jewelry instead.”? ? ? ? ?Solace leaned toward Vanner, who got nervous at the blue leona. “You do realize that all jewelries are from those that are bigger than you. I had a sapphire stolen from me once.”? ? ? ? ?“Yes, Miss Solace. I understand.” Vanner cleared his throat a bit. “I don’t think we’d need the jewelry. Only high class micen, or leonas care about those. Some micen just needed them to buy a cat’s favor. Doesn’t always work.”? ? ? ? ?“Are they stolen?” asked Felicia.? ? ? ? ?Vanner shook his head, “From what we know, they aren’t.”? ? ? ? ?“Good,” said Felicia. “Because as I said before, I do not tolerate thievery. Continue.”? ? ? ? ?“Well then, we got so many micen that we have a lot of shops in Kert, different kinds in fact. We got shops for utilities, shops for food, even shops for weapons.” She stared at you suspiciously. “Well they have to defend themselves, don’t they? Kert is full of criminal activity you know, well when this apartment has no tenant. But now that you’re here, hopefully criminal activity will go down. Anyway with so many shops open, we had to build houses for the shopkeepers. And with so many tourists who don’t want to leave, we have an inn built for them. We have micen working at those facilities for the customers, so that they can have homes of their own. It’s thanks to the casino that Kert became a tourist hotspot, and helped those who live in Kert get jobs.”? ? ? ? ?“Hmm, okay that’s a very interesting case,” said Felicia who started to smile seemingly convinced.? ? ? ? ?“But what about those in the slums, Vanner?” you said to him. “From what I understand a lot of micen there are homeless because they lost all their valuables to that casino of yours and they have no way to get home.” That statement turned Felicia’s smile upside down and she growled at the mouse. But Vanner shows no fear, even when he is staring right into Felicia’s open maw.? ? ? ? ?"Go and ask them who I am,” he said confidently. “They will tell you I am thrice the man my father was. I have done nothing but help them. I help them build their own shops, houses, even their own gambling dens. Free food, free water.”? ? ? ? ?“Get straight to the point, rodent!” shouted Felicia who is a little irritated at the white mouse.? ? ? ? ?“My point is that gambling is an important part of life in Kert. Removing gambling from Kert is like removing the sun from the sky. Without it, Kert will cease to exist. And no colony means you won’t have any micen for you to eat. You wouldn’t want Kert to become a ghost town now, would you?”? ? ? ? ?Felicia has mixed emotions about this whole gambling issue. If she takes away gambling, she won’t have to deal with micen stealing jewelry, but in the process leave Kert abandoned leaving no micen to live there. And she doesn’t want to not eat any micen other than you. If she keeps gambling, Kert will remain strong but a lot of micen will go homeless. Either choice is reasonable, but she can’t decide. She decided to ponder about this whole issue, trying to decide on what to do about it.? ? ? ? ?After a few minutes, she turned to Vanner who’s been waiting for an answer. She has a stern look on her white furred face. And Vanner thought that it’s a bad thing, until Felicia said, “Alright Vanner. If gambling is more important in Kert, then I will allow it to stay.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh thank you Miss Felicia,” said Vanner who sighed of relief.? ? ? ? ?“But…”? ? ? ? ?“But?”? ? ? ? ?“If you want it to stay that way, I expect a periodic payment from you.”? ? ? ? ?“Payment? In bodies or...”? ? ? ? ?Felicia talked back. “The kind of payment I’m talking about involves, your people.”? ? ? ? ?“My people?” said Vanner shockingly. “Are you suggesting that-”? ? ? ? ?“Yes! To keep your casino open, I want you to pay me, one micen per week.”? ? ? ? ?“What!?”? ? ? ? ?“You heard her, mousey,” said Solace with a devious smile on her face. “Give her one micen on a weekly basis and your casino stays open, unless you want to back down. Of course doing so will get you eaten instead.”? ? ? ? ?“If it makes you feel better Vanner,” continued Felicia. “I’ll be only taking any criminals you got in Kert. That way no innocent mouse will have to die.” Vanner sighed of relief, glad that only criminals are chosen. “Plus, it’s a good way to lower criminal activity, like you hope for. It will make the slums a better place, well fed, and morally superior. I’d like to make an example out of those criminals of yours. So if you want your casino to remain open Vanner, you will give me one criminal a week. Do we have a deal?”? ? ? ? ?Vanner was about to say something, but decided that arguing with a leona is pointless. “Alright, deal,” he said reluctantly.? ? ? ? ?“Good,” she said gleefully. “We’ll start the payment next week on Monday. That’s three days from now. So I suggest you head home and get things sorted out with your people.” Felicia sets Vanner down on the floor and used her foot to scoot him toward the mouse hole that leads to Kert.? ? ? ? ?Vanner turned to the white leona and asked, “But how will I explain the whole thing to them?”? ? ? ? ?Felicia just smiled and said, “What’s to explain? Just tell him not to turn to a life of crime. It’s that simple. Now get going, before I changed my mind!”? ? ? ? ?Vanner nodded and quickly ran inside.? ? ? ? ?Solace smiled at Felicia seemingly proud of her. “That was wonderful, sweetheart,” she said to her. “I’m sure your father would be very proud.”? ? ? ? ?“Yeah, and all that debating, is making me hungry,” said Felicia. Your stomach growled in good timing. You and Felicia haven’t eaten since lunch.? ? ? ? ?Solace chuckled. “I’ll go see if Geeaness has any dinner plans tonight.” She got off the couch and walked toward the front door. Felicia decided to lie on the couch so that she can make herself feel right at home. You crawl along her body and made your way to her torso, and lie down where her stomach would be. You got a good look around your new home. It’s not as much as the one back at your old home, but you and your leona have a feeling that your new home will be much, much better.11112111111122112211121212111211211121111212111121?Many days went by. Felicia found a place for you to stay in her bedroom, and made yourself at home there. Usually micen are to stay away from a leona’s bedroom, but there are some exceptions to this rule. Felicia made sure to provide Kert with plenty of food and some clothing material so that micen in the slums can get new clothes and food to survive. You recently got to witness, Felicia eating her first criminal from Kert. The criminal was charged for murdering a family of micen in the slums. You don’t know his motive nor do you care why as you watched the criminal struggled fiercely trying to escape. You only chuckled as you saw the murderer disappeared into the leona’s jaws and saw his bulge go down her throat. Criminals are not the only micen Felicia eats, as another few days went by where you patrol the kitchen counter while Felicia is out, job hunting. You caught someone leaving the pantry trying to steal a few chocolate eggs Felicia got from Solace as a welcome gift when she first moved in. You pulled out your needle sword that you recently got from Felicia, and held it against the thief’s throat.? ? ? ? ?The thief looked at you fearfully. You found that the thief is female, and judging from her clothes she was from the slums of Kert. You examined her further and saw that she is an orange fur with white spots on her back. Her hair is brown and her eyes are green and full of fear. You found her to be quite beautiful at first, but you have a job to do and questioned her.? ? ? ? ?“Alright ya thief,” you said to her in a stern tone. “May I ask what you’re planning on doing with those sweets?”? ? ? ? ?“It… it’s not what it looks like,” she cried. You stared at her which made the thief even more nervous. “Alright, it is what it looks like. I’m stealing those chocolate eggs so that-”? ? ? ? ?“Zip it!” you shot back at her. “You do realize that my girl Felicia does not tolerate thieves in her household, right? You could have waited until she comes back to ask for permission, like everybody else.”? ? ? ? ?“I- I assumed it would be alright since she’s not home.”? ? ? ? ?“Well it’s not,” you scolded. “When the cat’s gone, this mouse’s in charge. Now, you’re gonna spill me the beans about your little theft, or do you want to end up being cat chow?”? ? ? ? ?The woman shrieked as she does not want to get eaten. She got on her knees and tried to beg to you. “Please let me go,” she pleaded. “I- I promise I won’t steal from her again.”? ? ? ? ?“That’s what they all say. Felicia should be back at any moment now from her job hunt. She will decide what she’s gonna do with you. So I advise you walk quietly with me to the coffee table, and you might live longer.” The woman wanted to flee, but she knows that by doing so, you would have her killed. So she had no choice but to do as you say. As you escort her to the coffee table, you asked, “What is your name?”? ? ? ? ?The woman looked at you fearfully and replied, “Jayla.”? ? ? ? ?“Well Jayla, you better pray that Felicia is in a forgiving mood. Like I said, she does not tolerate thieves. However if she has decided to let you go with a warning, then you can considered yourself lucky.”? ? ? ? ?Once the two of you climbed onto the coffee table, you heard keys rattling from outside the front door and in came your leona friend, Felicia. The white leona saw you with the female micen in custody. She set her keys down and sat on the couch before you. “Hey there, Patrick,” she smiled grinningly. “Who do you have here?”? ? ? ? ?“This here is Jayla,” you answered. “I caught her trying to skank a few chocolate eggs from your pantry.”? ? ? ? ?“Oh so this mouse’s a bandit, eh? Well that’s no good.” She reached out and grabbed the scared micen. She looked up at the leona, now even more terrified. “Tell me Jayla, what reason do you have for trying to swipe my chocolate eggs? I thought I made it perfectly clear to everyone in Kert that I will devour anyone who tries to take from me.”? ? ? ? ?“I’m sorry Miss Felicia,” the mouse begged for her life. “I thought it would be okay since you were not at home. I just wanted to-”? ? ? ? ?“And why did you not wait for my return so that you could ask for some?”? ? ? ? ?“I- I was afraid that if I approach you, you would eat me.”? ? ? ? ?“Really?” the leona grinned and laugh. “I may be a leona, but that doesn’t mean I consume every micen I see.”? ? ? ? ?“Felicia, please let me go,” begged Jayla. “I’ll make it up to you, I swear.”? ? ? ? ?“I’ll be the judge of that, Jayla.” Felicia opened her mouth, and Jayla shrieked as she was tossed into it. You stood and watch as the leona sloshed the struggling female micen about in her mouth. Felicia closed her eyes seemingly enjoying her taste. You took that as a sign that she’s gonna eat her. You saw that Felicia lifted her head and swallowed Jayla down. She rubbed her finger from her neck down to her belly, where Jayla is located. “Sorry little thief,” she said as she rubbed her belly. “But I judged ya not to be let go. You taste like the kind of micen who only thinks of herself. Therefore, as punishment, you are to remain in my belly and be kitty soup.” You can tell that Jayla is struggling in the leona’s belly, trying to escape. But the struggling made Felicia giggled even more, having an unwilling micen inside her. The struggling in Felicia’s tummy started to get weaker as minutes go by, until it eventually stopped.? ? ? ? ?You shook your head in disappointment. “Too bad for her,” you said to Felicia. “So Felicia, how did the job hunting go?”? ? ? ? ?“It was smashing,” she said. “I got a job at the supermarket as a cashier. I’ll start first thing Monday morning. But I have to drop by tomorrow to pick up the uniform needed for the job.”? ? ? ? ?“That’s awesome, Felicia. You’re gonna do well there.” Felicia smiled and picked you up and gave you a kiss. You giggled and nuzzled her.? ? ? ? ?Weeks have passed, and things in Kert are getting under control, well sort of. Vanner made sure to feed Felicia a criminal on a weekly basis in order to keep his casino open. Most of the criminals are convicted of crimes such as thievery and murder. You still see some micen trying to steal from the pantry, but you managed to catch each one and offered them to Felicia to be judged. Some of them got off with a warning, but some were not so lucky. Sometimes Felicia would hunt for micen and usually catches those that try to steal from her. One time she caught a micen who was actually looking for her. Felicia decided to carry the micen to her bedroom. You didn’t ask Felicia about the micen, but assumed that she ate him.? ? ? ? ?Nevertheless, you do enjoy your new life in Felicia’s new apartment. Some of your micen and leona friends drop by for a visit. Even Thorrow visits you every now and then. You recently found out that she has a son and that she mostly had to stay home to take care of him. They don’t know who the father is, and is unlikely that they will. Geeaness sometimes drop by to try and eat you or tease you, but you didn’t care. You’re fine with getting eaten, as long as you get regurgitated afterwards. And with Felicia around, she always make sure you do get regurgitated. You did hear from him that Treat would like to get in touch with you and to meet your “goddess”. You chuckled and have Geeaness tell him that he can visit anytime he wants. You didn’t bother asking if he had seen a rattis wearing one of his scarves, for obvious reasons.? ? ? ? ?Things have gotten much better since you first came to the apartment complex. You made new friends, you conquered your fear of rattis, and you even gotten much closer to Felicia after the deception about your “immunity”. Life isn’t perfect for everyone, but you don’t care. You are among friends who cared about you, and you love them very much. What more could a willing micen ask for? ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download