Day 12

Starlight woke me up in the middle of the night, going on about some dream she had. Apparently, it’s the same dream she had had before. She wouldn’t describe it to me, but she said it scares her. It makes her worry all the more about Amaka and myself. I made her promise to describe it to me if it happens again, and she said she would if it did.

After a bit, she calmed down and was able to fall asleep again. I tried to go back to sleep myself, but I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of dream she had for her to worry as such. Given the mystical nature of Ferals, part of me wondered if her dream was a foretelling of something to come. This made me consider trying to convince her to go ahead and tell me what the dream is, but I settled against it.

Like yesterday morning, Johan came down to read his clan history just before sunrise. I took the opportunity to explain the situation with Heather to him. He said she was more than welcome to stay as well, but I may have to help with keeping his pantry full. I told him that wouldn’t be an issue, and it’s not. 

Shortly after sunrise, I left to go to Heather’s. I still felt bad for not staying with her last night, especially given what she went through yesterday. There was no traffic along the way, so I was able to walk briskly. It seemed a bit cooler than normal, so a storm will likely come in a day or two.

I barely knocked on her door when she opened it. As I halfway expected, she was fully nude and groggy.

“Good morning,” I greeted her.

“Morning,” she croaked. “Couldn’t sleep.”

“Why not?” I asked, pulling her into a gentle hug.

“Too damn sore,” she said. “I’ve half a mind slap the shit out of you, by the way.”

“For what?” I asked.

“For getting me worked up over that massage you never gave me,” she smiled. “It might help with the soreness, actually.”

“Makes sense,” I said. “Well, let’s go get you some breakfast, and then we’ll see about that massage.”

“Oh gods!” she almost yelled. “Thanks for reminding me!” She quickly bolted into her house and I quickly followed her to her kitchen. “I had just started this,” she gasped, stirring a pot she had on her stove.

“Smells good,” I said, and it did.

“It’s just a carrot stew,” she said. “Nothing special.”

“Sometimes, the simplest meals are the most special,” I told her.

“A little early for the cheeky quips, ain’t it?” she asked, grinning at me.

“Never,” I smiled.

“Well, you can have some if you’d like,” she said. “I made a bit extra in case you did come by.”

“You thought I wouldn’t?” I asked, trying to appear hurt. I think she saw right through it.

“Maybe,” she kept grinning. “But if that was the case, I wouldn’t have been looking out that window over there waiting on you.”

“So that’s how you answered the door so quickly,” I grinned at her.

“Yeah,” she smiled. “You wouldn’t have even been able to knock once if I hadn’t have busted my ass stepping into the hallway.”

“You okay?” I asked.

“Yeah,” she said, smacking her rump. “I’ve got plenty of cushion there.”

“That you do,” I chuckled. “I still find it hard to believe you stay nude, even at home.”

“I hate clothes,” she said. “Why the hell would I bother with them in the privacy of my home? It’s just the same as you loafing about in pajamas or whatever.”

“I suppose,” I said. “What about unexpected guests?”

“If I’m butt-ass naked while I was expecting you,” she smirked, “what the fuck do you think?”

“I guess you just show off your goods to everyone, then,” I smirked back.

“Bingo,” she said, pecking me on the cheek. “Well, not all of them. I do normally wear a thong at least.”

“So why not now, then?” I asked, leaning onto the counter.

“Because maybe I want you to see all of me?” she looked at me, almost downcast. “You think I’m ugly, don’t you?”

“What?” I nearly choked. “Gods no!”

“Then why should I bother covering up?” she asked, slowly starting to smirk again.

“So that when you do show someone everything, it takes their breath away,” I said, smiling. She giggled at that.

“You know,” she looked up at me coyly, “if I wanted to take your breath away, I’d just smother you with these.” She caressed her breasts as she said that, keeping her eyes locked with mine.

“That you could,” I said, smirking. “And very few men would resist, I’d wager.”

“Saying you’d let me do it?” she asked, grinning again.

“I’m not saying either way,” I said, winking. “How’s your stew coming?”

“Oh gosh!” she bounded over to her pot quick as a flash. “Okay, it’s done!” she added, sliding the pot off of the stove onto the counter. She grabbed a couple of bowls from a cabinet and set them by the pot.

“Need help?” I asked.

“I got it,” she said, scooping some of the stew into each bowl. “You’re a little late asking, anyway,” she added with a smirk.

“Yeah, well let me know when you need a hand,” I told her with a grin.

“Har har har,” she shook her head. “Now you’re just trying to be funny.”

“Couldn’t resist,” I chuckled.

“Might want to stick to squiring former hookers,” she said with a smile as she set one of the bowls in front of me. “Now, I’ve a serious question or two.”

“Ask away,” I said, watching as she walked over to where she kept her utensils.

“When are you moving in?” she asked, sticking a spoon into each of the bowls.

“About that,” I said. “How would you feel staying with me at my friend’s until my house is repaired?”

“Is your friend okay with that?” she asked.

“I wouldn’t ask if he wasn’t,” I told her.

“As long as I’m with you, I don’t care if you move here or me there,” she said, taking a bite of her stew.

“Well, as soon as we finish and you get dressed, I’ll help you move some clothes over there,” I said, nibbling on a bit of potato.

“You mean, I have to wear clothes?” she asked with a playful whine, followed by a giggle. “Like it?”

“I could get used to this,” I told her. “It’s actually got good flavor.”

“Duh,” she stuck her tongue out at me. “I don’t eat food that doesn’t taste good.”

“Of course,” I chuckled. “And yes, clothes are required as long as were staying at my friend’s home.”

“I’m sure he’d make an exception for me,” she winked.

“Or you could just wear a loose tank and some shorts?” I suggested.

“Ugh, fine,” she smiled. “You’re paying for them, though.”

“I suppose that’s fair,” I smiled. “I take it you don’t have much you’d want to take over there, then?”

“Maybe a few favorite thongs,” she smirked. “But that would be about it, since the outfit you got me the other day is in tatters.” She then sighed. “It’s a shame, too. I actually liked the colors of it.”

“Well, maybe we can find you something similar,” I said.

“I suppose,” she smiled. “If not, I’m sure Mare and what’s-her-name bunny can put together something just as nice.”

I chuckled, “Yeah, Mare and Andrea make the best clothes in town.”

Her smile slowly dissipated. “So,” she sighed. “I don’t know how I should word this.”

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Like I said, I don’t know how to ask it,” she said, looking slightly depressed. I put a paw on her shoulder.

“Whatever it is, as long as I’m able, I’ll help you with it,” I told her. 

“Alright,” she cracked, a tear forming in her eyes. “What the hell am I to you?” Tears began to flow like a river as she went on. “Am I just some toy? Just some, some,” here, the poor girl struggled to continue. “Some pretty thing to play with? Like I said the other day, if you just want me to be a fuck toy, that’s fine. Just tell me that’s what you want.” She barely finished that last bit before completely breaking down into full sobbing.

“Now, now,” I said, pulling her into a hug. “I told you yesterday, didn’t I?” I planted a soft kiss into her hair. “Right now, you’re my friend and I’m going to help you the best I can get over your injuries. We’ll figure out the best way to move forward once you’re back to full health.”

“I know,” she continued to sob. “But the past two nights, I’ve basically begged for you to stay, and you went off anyway.”

“I didn’t realize that was you begging,” I said, tussling her hair.

“Well, it’s the closest I’ll ever come to it,” she basically whispered. “I know you don’t have anything here, but I would’ve been better with you here.”

“I’m sorry,” I said, pulling her into a tighter hug. “That’s why I want you to come with me to my friend’s. Not so much for my stuff, but because of other people that have come to be in my care.”

She looked up at me, tears still flowing down her cheeks. “Other people? Why didn’t you tell me!”

“Thought I did,” I said, rubbing my neck. She suddenly pulled me into a deep kiss.

“I guess I can forgive you, then,” she said in-between kisses. “But best you believe me when I say I’m making you pay for making me feel like that, intentional or not.”

“What have you,” I started to ask what she had in mind, but she cut me off.

“Bed. Now,” she ordered, growling as she shoving me in the direction of her bedroom. 

About what happened for the next what seemed like ages full of pleasure, I’ll just say that she assured me she was still taking that herb that prevented pregnancy, and she in turn ensured that I was actually okay going through with what she wanted. I can only believe that it was from having gone so long without that kind of release that made it as ecstatic as it was for me. I can’t recall having ever been so thoroughly drained from such pleasure, either. Abby was amazing, but she also never made me cum as many times in so short a period as Heather did.

After our rather long tryst, while she remained cuddled up in her bed asleep, I went to the kitchen and cleaned it for her. It didn’t take all that long, since her home was generally in a tidy state to begin with. It just took me a little bit to locate where she kept everything.

When I finished with that, I made my way back to her bedroom to check on her. She was still laying in her bed, curled up with a smile on her face. I thought for a moment that she had cracked her eyes open, and she confirmed this by patting the bed next to her. I sat down next to where she patted, and she pulled me down to where I was resting my head upon her hip.

“Where’d you go?” she mumbled, rubbing my chest fur.

“Just to clean the kitchen,” I told her, an involuntary purr beginning to rumble in my chest.

“You didn’t have to,” she said.

“I figured I’d show my appreciation that way,” I smiled, looking up towards her face, although it was fully blocked by her bosom.

“For the food or the fuck?” she asked, giggling.

“Both?” I asked, and she gently scratched my chest and giggled.

“Such a cute kitty,” she teased. “Now get up here and cuddle with me.”

“How about we save the cuddles for tonight?” I said, still purring. “We won’t get you moved if we lay about all day.”

“So?” she asked, propping up on her uninjured arm. “Why not move your friends here?”

“Have a bed that they could sleep on?” I asked, assuming she didn’t.

“Well, no,” she said, “but I can lay out a few quilts for them to lay on. Just as cozy.”

“What room would you have them in?” I asked.

“Well, I don’t know,” she sighed. “The only rooms I would have that kind of space are my living room and the back storeroom.”

“Uh huh,” I smirked. “He could possibly put you in a room to yourself.”

“Fine,” she sighed. “You owe me a massage and a cuddle now.”

“You’ll get them,” I told her, rubbing her calf. “As tempting as laying about with you all day is, I do also need to check on my hunch about Amarlee’s boyfriend sometime as well.”

“Can’t that wait until tomorrow?” the hare whined. “I just let you spunk in me gods know how many times. The least you can do is lay here with me for an hour or two.”

“I did warn you each time,” I said. “Can’t help it you kept going,” I added, still rubbing her calf.

“Fine,” she sighed. “The sooner we get me situated over there, the sooner you can cuddle me,” she added as we sat up.

“That is true,” I smiled, offering her a hand, which she took.

“So, I got to know,” she said after I pulled her to her feet. “Who do you think can confirm whatever it is you think about the bunny’s man?”

“You’ll meet her in due time,” I said. “Just know that I think she may have seen him.”

“Listen,” she said, turning me towards her. “I get that I’m not your squire yet.” She pulled me closer to her. “But if I’m going to be your squire, you’ve got to start confiding in me, right?”

“That’s actually true,” I said.

“I mean, I get you may not want to say it in front of her, in case it’s something bad,” she rested her head against my chest. “But you should be able to tell just me, yeah?”

“Right,” I said, resting my chin on her head. “I should, but I need to know I can trust you with such sensitive information.”

“So letting you go bare in me isn’t enough?” she asked.

“No,” I told her, “not when more than just your life or mine is at stake.”

“It’s that serious?” she asked, looking up at me.

“Yes, it is,” I said, looking deep into her eyes. “Eventually, the things I’ll have to confide to you could change the balance of our whole society should some of it get to the wrong people.” She just looked at me like a wild deer stares at a predator that suddenly ambushed it.

“Wow,” she whispered and started stammering. “I’m not sure I can handle that pressure.”

“You’d be surprised,” I said, rubbing her hair. “But for now, just know that I think one of her sisters may have seen him.”

“Oh,” she said, almost glaring. “Why hide that from her?”

“Because,” I sighed. “Where he may be would make her panic.”

“So what’s the deal with that spiel about upsetting some social balance?” she asked.

“Because where he may be, is going to be the site of some social upheaval,” I said. “And I’m not going into any detail about that with you, at least, not yet.”

She let out a long “Oh” at that. “So that’s why you’re so hush hush about it?”

“Yeah,” I said, tussling her hair. “Now, let’s get you packed up and moved.”

“Nuh uh,” she smirked, pushing me onto the bed again.

She skipped the formality of ensuring I was ready to go again and basically picked up where she had left off from earlier. However, this didn’t last long as she realized after a bit that I wasn’t ready for another romp so soon. Indeed, it left me hurting from my balls trying to spew the cum that wasn’t there, still fully drained from earlier.

I did my best to assure her that it was me still being drained and not that she’s not any good. Still, she seemed downcast while I helped her pack what few things she wanted to take with her.  She even asked what did she do wrong at one point, and all I did then was pull her into a hug and tell her that she didn’t do anything wrong, aside just not giving me enough time to recover from the last time. I emphasized that what she did felt amazing, that the issue was with me not having much sexual stamina.

Although what I told her was true, she didn’t seem to believe it. She kept insisting the whole time that it was her not being good in bed. Finally, when we were in one of the better lit rooms, I sat her down on a chair and let her actually see what my problem was.

“It’s really red,” she commented.

“Yeah,” I told her. “And really sore.” Like she didn’t believe me, she took it in her hands. Although gentle, her touch still hurt to where I winced.

“Why is it so tender?” she asked.

“What have I been telling you?” I asked. “You’ve over used it,” I added, barely suppressing a laugh.

“Sorry,” she blushed. “I know how to make that better, though.”

“How,” I started to ask when I found out what she had in mind. “Dammit girl!” I couldn’t help but yell as she took it in her mouth. I started to try to slowly get her off, but she held up a finger, directing me to give her a minute. Once she took the whole length in her mouth, she began to slowly breathe in her nose, out her mouth, the warm air of her exhale seeming to actually relieve my member. And it felt good as well.

She did this for quite some time, at one point also running her tongue over it. Although I never ejaculated, this did bring me to orgasm over and over again. I eventually had to sit down, as my legs were failing to support me. Eventually, just as slowly as she went down, she came off of it, smiling as the tip departed her lips.

“Okay, so you were right,” she said. “I guess I should’ve known you were right. Very few guys can match me sexually.”

“Right,” I said, rubbing her head. “That was amazing, by the way.”

“I could tell you enjoyed it,” she said, smiling. “And just think, that was just me breathing on it.” She then winked. “Just imagine how it would be if I was actually trying to make you cum.”

“Maybe one day I’ll let you drain my balls that way,” I said, helping her to her feet. “But now, we really need to get you moved if that’s going to happen.”

“Yeah, yeah, okay,” she huffed. “Do you ever just have a lazy day, by the way?” she asked as she pulled a duffle bag from her closet.

“Occasionally,” I told her, smiling. “Usually when I’m not being drug into other people’s drama.”

“Yeah?” she said, handing me the bag to hold open. She tossed several brightly colored thongs and tanks at me. “Make sure those go in, please,” she demanded, not turning to face me.

“Of course,” I said, grabbing the ones she flung too far or too wide. She continued flinging them without really acknowledging what I said.

“Just a few favorite thongs, huh?” I teased once she finished, the rather large bag nearly full.

“I was being a smart ass, smart ass,” she said, smiling. “I’m going to throw what few shorts I have in for good measure.”

“Thought you needed me to buy you more?” I asked.

“It would be nice if you did,” she said. “Most of what I’ve got has holes in the crotch.”

“That’s an unfortunate place for a hole,” I said.

“Yeah? Blame the horny pervs who used to pay me to do that kind of thing,” she said. “And before you ask, I only bought the damn things just so those assholes could do that.”

“I wasn’t going to,” I said.

“Shut it, you were,” she smirked. “That being said, though, I did find a few pairs that I thought looked cute on me, so I didn’t let them get ripped.”

“You? Settling for cute?” I chuckled.

“Hey,” she almost growled. “I know I can be sexy as fuck, but that means being cute’s actually harder to pull off.”

“That growl of yours is cute,” I smirked at her.

“Fuck you,” she smirked, trying not to growl.

“Maybe tomorrow,” I said. She couldn’t help but giggle.

“Smart ass,” she chuckled as she walked over with the last of what she was packing. She gently kissed me as she set the shorts into the bag. “Close it for me?” I secured the bag for her and started to heft it onto my shoulder, but she pulled it back down. “Not yet,” she said, rubbing my crotch.

“You’ve got to let me recover from this morning,” I said, gently pulling her hand away. “I don’t have that kind of stamina.” She started to pout.

“Sorry,” she sighed, her ears drooping. “I can’t help all I want to do when I get excited about anything is fuck.”

“Hey,” I pulled her into a hug. “It’s not your fault. If I had the endurance for it, I’d let you have at it.”

She somewhat perked back up at that. “You mean that I’m too much woman for you?”

I tussled her hair. “Not necessarily, but I’m only good for one complete draining a day.”

“Okay,” she smiled at me. “I guess I can live with that.” She started squirming, though. “But damn it, I’m just so,” she gasped when I touched her crotch.

“May not be exactly what you want,” I said, gently rubbing her folds, “but I’m sure I can do something for you.” She could only look up at me and nod, her mouth open in as perfect of an “O” as I’ve ever seen. So I spent the next little while making her feel good. I didn’t stop until she pulled me into a deep kiss, and essentially screamed her pleasure into my mouth, shaking and trembling in my arms.

“Fuck,” she gasped when she regained her composure. “Yeah, you’re mine now,” she said as she kissed me again.

“You’re going to be my squire, remember?” I smiled at her, pulling my now soaked hand free from her legs.

“Yeah?” she said, leaning against me. “You’re all mine all the same.” She grabbed my hand that was soaked with her juices. “Not many guys can make me orgasm with this,” she added as she started to lick and suck on each finger.

“Having fun?” I asked. She tightened her grip when I tried to pull my hand away. She just nodded and kept at it. “We’ll be out of daylight soon, if we don’t get a move on.”

“Almost done,” she said, licking the palm of my hand. After a bit more, she released my hand. “Nice and clean,” she smiled.

“Gonna dry it?” I asked, chuckling. She just smirked and grabbed that hand and starting rubbing it over her bosom.

“Like that?” she asked, biting her lip.

“Figured with a towel,” I said, smirking at her.

“Nah, these work better,” she said, using her nipple to get in between my fingers.

“Doesn’t that make you frisky again?” I asked, smiling.

“Maybe a little,” she grinned coyly. “But don’t worry, we’ll get where we’re going one day.”

“Today would be nice,” I said, treating myself to a grope of her bust.

“Uh huh,” she smiled. “And you wanted to use a towel.”

“Couldn’t resist,” I winked.

“Well, they’re here whenever you want them,” she smiled back.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I told her, pulling my hand free from hers. “Now, anything else you need to bring?” I then asked, hefting up the duffle bag again.

“Well, there’s my little food store,” she said.

“We can bring that later,” I said. “He did say he may need help keeping his pantry full.”

“That’s fair,” she said. “It would either be that or sell it, anyway.”

“Right, now shall we?” I smiled at her, walking towards the front door.

I bumped into Macy as soon as I stepped out of the front door.

“Alakath!” she yelled as she bounced back. “Johan said you’d be here.”

“How did you know where ‘here’ is?” Heather asked.

“I know people,” the gray bunny said nervously. “Ones who have every legal address in town.”

“What do you need, Macy?” I asked her, sensing her anxiety.

“Red’s doing it tomorrow!” she almost yelled. I dropped Heather’s bag and clamped her mouth shut. I shoved her inside Heather’s house, earning a slight protest from the hare.

As soon as I shut the door, I grabbed Macy by the straps of her tank. “You may want to be more quiet about things like that,” I told her.

“I know, but,” she hesitated, “but Amaka! She’s,” she shook her head.

“What about her?” I asked, in my own nervousness, shaking the bunny. “What about Amaka?”

“He’s making her lead the charge,” she whimpered. “Me, Amy, April, Marrill have all tried to talk him down from that, but he’s not budging.” Tears were forming in her eyes. “She can’t fight!”

“I know,” I said. “Her leg’s,” Macy cut me off.

“It’s not that!” Macy was on the verge of full on bawling. “She doesn’t know how to fight!”

“I also know that,” I said, pulling the bunny into a hug. “I’ve offered to train her, but she’s too stubborn.”

“She’s going to die!” she began sobbing uncontrollably. “All because Red is too damned stubborn to put a real fighter up front!” She pulled herself tighter into my embrace. “All he cares about is his fucking ideology and symbolism!”

“Excuse me,” Heather butted in. “Who’s this ‘Amaka’ person?”

“Her sister,” I said, nodding down at the sobbing bunny. “And someone I consider to be like a daughter to me.”

“Oh,” she said. “Is this about that upheaval you were talking about?” I nodded.

“Come,” I said, pulling Macy to the door, “let’s see if I can talk sense into Jacob.”

“No!” she pulled back. “He can’t know I came to you!”

“Why not?” I asked, turning back to face her.

“He told me not to tell you!” she said. “But, I know you need to know, so I am anyway!”

“You know I’m going to talk to him about this,” I said to her.

“Please, don’t!” she grabbed my arm. “Just, for me, be close by tomorrow, please?” she asked, looking up at me.

I sighed and gently grabbed her by the shoulders. “Look, I can’t let him put her in harm’s way like this.”

“I know!” she whimpered. “But, he’ll,” she paused. “He’ll do something to me if he knows I told you.”

“Knowing that I’m not going to just stand by and let her die, then, why tell me?” I asked.

“So you know to come save her,” she looked down. “If you make it like you happened to come by and see what was happening, he won’t know I told you.”

I pulled her into a hug. “If it were anyone else, I’d tell you to buzz off with the underhanded mess,” I told her. “But, for Amaka, I’ll do it.” She looked up, a slight smile on her face. “When tomorrow?”

“Well, he wants to breach the wall around sunrise, so maybe show up a little after?” she more asked than said.

“Alright,” I pulled her into another hug and tussled her hair. “He know you left?”

“No, I didn’t,” I heard Jacob’s voice from the doorway. “You do remember that your contacts are mine, also?” Macy had a frightened expression on her face when she heard his voice. He pushed Heather to the side as he walked in, soliciting an annoyed “Hey!” from the hare.

“Please!” the gray bunny pleaded. “I just want,” he shut her mouth with one giant paw.

“I know what you want,” he growled as he turned to me. “So, she told you the gist of my plan, right?”

“Just that a non-fighter is leading the charge,” I said.

“Bullshit, the skank’s a fighter,” Jacob said sternly. “No way in hell she’s survived the streets and not learned to hold her own.”

“You’d be surprised how well wit and quick feet help,” I said. “That’s what’s saved her ass out there.”

“Still,” he growled. “Every rat on that street’s had to fight at some point. I’m not believing she’s gone her whole life without using that prick of a knife she’s got.”

“You’ll see in the morning when she tries to run instead of fight,” I told him. “And with her injured leg, she’s going to be a sitting duck.”

“Shan will numb it before we set out,” the pit growled. “She won’t realize it’s still injured until after she stabs those damn sharks in the heart.”

“You’re stubbornness is going to get her killed,” I said. “Macy, Clara, the rest of her sisters, and I won’t forgive such a lapse in judgment,” I told him, glaring.

“You think I don’t realize that this is too soon for her?” he roared suddenly. “If you knew what I not long ago found out from Brutus, you’d understand why I’m pulling the trigger now.” He glared at Macy. “And now, I know I can’t even trust this fucking bitch with that information.”

“You can’t blame Macy!” I roared back at him. “She’s fucking worried about her sister! What the fuck do you expect from her? To know what’s going on and not try to ensure her sister’s safety? Do you think she’s some sort of machine and not a living being?”

“Alakath, enough,” Macy whimpered. “I didn’t come here for you two to go at it.” She began to tremble, tears welling up again. “I just want Amaka to be safe,” she began crying. “I know that I did what you didn’t want me to, but I can’t just sit back and let my sister die!”

“Mace,” Jacob said, his tough demeanor immediately softening.

“Let her stay home,” Macy whimpered. “Amy, Tara, and April all know how to fight. And they’re perfectly healthy. I’m not as worried about them as I am about Amaka.” She fell to her knees. “Not only does she not know how to fight, but she’s inured on top of that.” She looked up at Jacob, her eyes filled with tears. “Please, for the love of the gods, don’t send her out there. I’d rather you send me than her. I just don’t want her to die.”

“Mace,” Jacob knelt beside her, placing a paw on her shoulder. “I can’t send you and she’s got to be there.” She shrugged his paw at that. “For the sake of history, she’s got to be at the front.”

“The fuck does history got to do with it?” Macy yelled at him. “What the fuck does history got to do with sending my sister to her death?”

“Think over the past tonight,” he said, pulling her to her feet. “If you knew what used to be there at that place, you’d know precisely what the fuck history has to do with it.” He actually smiled as he said that. Macy shuddered and punched him in the stomach.

“You think that makes a fucking difference?” she bellowed. “You don’t fucking care, since it’s no one you give a damn about! You just want to use her for your own selfish gain, just like you use me and the rest of my sisters!” Tears had not stopped pouring down her cheeks. “All you fucking want is some dumb broad to write a fucking legend about you! I’m sick of hearing nothing but history this, history that, how we’re going to make history!” She took a couple of steps away, then turned around, a fiercely angry expression on her face. “You know what, fuck you!”

Before anyone could react, she kicked him in the groin and followed that up with a right hook, the sound of which gave away his jaw had just been shattered. I pulled her away before she could do more damage. As I pulled her to Heather’s bedroom, she continued to bellow out and flail in rage at the pit, who had fell to his knees, one hand over his groin, the other holding his jaw.

“Calm down,” I told her softly in her ear over and over again. After a bit, she let out a sigh and let her arms drop.

“Thanks,” she whispered. “I don’t know what came over me.”

“Emotion,” I told her. “Something you’re blessed to have an abundance of.”

“Is it a blessing if I lose it like that?” she asked, still breathing heavily.

“Emotion is something you can’t control,” I told her, loosening my grip on her. “Losing control shows you have emotions bottled up in some way.”

“Yeah,” she sighed, relaxing into my arms.

“Is what you said out there true?” I asked.

“Yeah,” she said. “All that’s how I feel. Here lately,” she hung her head, “he just goes on and on about leaving a mark on history.” She growled softly. “Not all of us. Just him. He keeps saying how everyone will view him as some kind of visionary hero.” She dug her nails into my arm. “I used to think he was,” she turned and looked up at me, “but not anymore. He’s no different than the people he’s trying to bring down.”

“So what are you going to do?” I asked her, maintaining my gaze into her eyes.

“As bad as I want to leave, I can’t,” she sighed. “He’s ensured there’s nothing for me away from him.”

At about that moment, Heather poked her head in through the door.

“Um, hey,” she said, stepping the rest of the way in. “He’s gone now.”

“Fuck him,” Macy said.

“Yeah, he scribbled on this paper to tell you to not bother going back,” the hare said, handing her the scrap. So much for her being a daughter to him. Macy took the piece of paper and looked over it.

“Seriously?” she stammered. “What am I going to do?”

“You can stay here,” Heather said. “I’d hate to see a cute bun like you stuck out on the streets.”

“Thanks, but isn’t he moving in, too?” Macy asked.

“No, I was actually going to move in with him,” Heather told her. “You can still stay here, as far as I’m concerned. There’s enough food for a couple of weeks here.”

“Seriously?” Macy’s eyes lit up. “And people say you hares are selfish.”

“We are, just some of us do have some compassion too,” the hare smiled and pulled the bunny into a hug. “Plus, I’ve been in your shoes. It took a similar act of generosity to get me on my feet again.”

“Still, thanks,” Macy returned the hug and kissed the hare.

“Hun, you’re cute, but you’re not my type,” Heather smirked, glancing at me. “But I guess I can let you have me this time around.” With that, Macy kissed the hare more deeply.

“Why am I not your type?” Macy smirked.

“I like my bunnies a little smaller,” Heather grinned. “Don’t like big tits pressing against mine.”

“Well,” Macy bit her lip, “I love bigger tits against mine.”

“As much as I would love to watch,” I cleared my throat, “we need to see about getting you situated.”

“Me or the bun?” Heather asked.

“Don’t you live here?” Macy asked, confused.

“I’m moving in with Alakath, remember?” Heather said, turning her gaze to me. “It’s one reason I don’t have a problem with you staying here.”

“Ah,” Macy said. “Wait, isn’t Alakath’s house in disrepair?”

“Yeah,” I said. “Still, Johan has agreed to let her come, as he has the room.”

“I see,” Macy said, her ears drooping. “So, I’m going to be all alone, here?”

“You know where Johan lives?” I asked her, and she nodded. “If you get too uncomfortable, I’ll be there.”

“Okay,” the bunny sighed. “What are we going to do about Amaka?” she then asked.

“I’ll figure something out,” I said. “I can’t let Jacob send the girl to her death.”

“I’ll help with whatever it is,” Macy said, the concern for her sister obvious in her eyes.

“No,” I told her. “I’m not letting you get in harm’s way if I can help it.”

“But,” the bunny started to protest but I cut her off.

“But what?” I asked. “Are you able to fight?”

“No,” she said.

“Can you climb?” I then asked.

“No,” she said, more downcast.

“You would just needlessly be in danger,” I told her, pulling her into a hug. “Then I would have both Amaka and you to get out of there.”

“Maybe bring me along, anyway?” she asked. “Give me one more chance to talk him out of it.”

“I doubt he’s willing to listen at this point,” I said. “It’s going to take some kind of force to get her away from it.”

“Still, would it hurt to at least try?” Macy again asked.

“With that temper?” Heather asked. “It actually could. Hell,” she placed her good hand on Macy’s shoulder, “you may have already made things worse for your sis.”

“I doubt he’ll do anything to her tonight,” I said. “But I expect her to notice Macy not being there, and that’ll make her worry. Possibly enough to sneak out herself.”

“No,” Macy shook her head. “She’s too injured. Her leg bothers her too badly for her to move about normally. Shan’s helping as best as she can, but the pain’s getting to be too much for her.”

“I wonder what information he got that’s causing him to act now,” I pondered aloud.

“Something with the General is all I can think,” Macy said. “It has to be significant for him to suddenly make the move tomorrow, when he was planning for next week sometime.”

“You didn’t hear what was said?” I asked.

“No, I was having dinner with Amaka,” she said. “He must have came in through that labyrinth.”

“I see,” I began to ponder some more.

“So, what about your stuff?” Heather asked.

“I don’t have much,” Macy said. “Just a few outfits and some mementos.”

“Well, I can leave an outfit or two for you until you can get them,” Heather said. “I’m sure I’ve a few belts around here that you can wear to tighten the shorts.”

“I’ll be fine,” she said. “I’ll find a way to get one of my sisters to bring my stuff.”

“Okay,” the hare smiled, hugging the bunny.

“Remember,” I said, releasing her from my hug, “I’ll be at Johan’s if you need me.”

“Okay,” she smiled. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah,” I said. “After I’ve gotten Amaka out of the shit.”

“Fine,” she murmured.

“Hey,” Heather said. “I’ll come by when he leaves to keep you company.”

“I guess that’ll be nice,” Macy smiled slightly. “Keep me from worrying myself to death.”

“Yeah,” Heather pecked the bunny on the cheek. “Take care, hun.”

“Bye,” Macy said.

With that, I slung Heather’s bag over my shoulder and led her to Johan’s. The excursion didn’t take all that long. The traffic wasn’t horrible, as we stayed on the outskirts of the bad part of town the whole way. Heather stayed rather quiet the entire way, as did I. When we were a few feet from the door, Starlight flung the door open and pulled me into a hug, nearly causing me to drop the bag.

“You back!” she yelled, smiling.

“Of course,” I said. “I was gone longer than I intended, though.”

“Oh,” the fox looked up with that same smile. “That okay, Johan help me learn more writing, so I didn’t notice.”

“Good,” I said. “Where is he?” I asked.

“He and Gladia go to library,” she told me. “Gladia think she find more about that old place, but book written in my words.”

“You couldn’t read it for her?” I asked.

“I could, but I can’t say what it means in your words,” she sighed. “I not know them that well.”

“You’re still learning, so that’s fine,” I smiled at her. “Shall we go in?” I then asked, and she basically pulled me inside. Heather slowly followed.

“So, where am I staying?” the hare asked.

“Johan say new girl move into same room as me and Gladia,” the fox said. “Johan no have time to clean other room and he don’t let me do it.”

“Upstairs?” I asked. Starlight nodded.

“Give me bag, I carry,” she said.

“I can do it,” I laughed.

“No, I do it,” Starlight smiled. “You do enough.”

“I got it,” I smiled at her. “Just show me where to go.”

“Stubborn,” the Feral fox pecked me on the cheek and quickly sauntered up the stairs.

She opened a door into a dimly lit room with a bed and cot laid out in opposite corners of the room. The bed appeared big enough for two of them to share while the cot appeared old and well worn. I set the bag down in the corner not occupied by either piece of furniture, of which the room was bare of, bed and cot excepting.

“Wait,” Heather began. “Where do you sleep?” she asked me.

“That couch downstairs,” I said. “Although, I’ve been too busy lately to get much sleep.”

“Well, as tired as you should be, that won’t be an issue, right?” Heather winked at me.

“Yeah, but I’ve got to get up early in the morning,” I told her.

“Why?” Starlight asked.

“Something you’re not to get involved in,” I said.

“Oh,” the Feral sighed. “Is it to do with, what the word, chelata?”

“Do you mean squire?” I asked her.

“Yes! That word,” she grinned.

“If my understanding of chelata is right, then squire is nothing close to that,” I said.

“Oh,” she said. “Like I say, I don’t know your words well, yet.”

“Wait,” Heather began to ask. “What is chel, whatever the fuck?”

“Slave,” I said. “Chelata is the Feral word for slave.”

“Oh,” the hare sighed. “How do you know that?”

“Johan explained it to me when I first brought Starlight to town,” I said.

“Her name is Starlight?” the hare asked.

“In your words, yes,” the fox said. “Starlight Snowtail.”

“I see,” Heather smiled. “I’m Heather, by the way.” She gave a slight curtsy. “Heather Waybury.”

“Heather,” Starlight slowly repeated. “I like it,” she then smiled.

“It’s a rather plain name,” the hare blushed. “Your name is a beautiful as you are, though.”

Starlight giggled. “Many people tell me that.”

“Well, they ain’t lying,” Heather smiled at her.

“Right,” I said. “I’ll leave you two to get to know each other. I’m going to try and rest up for once.”

“Night,” Heather said, hugging me. Once she let me go, I went downstairs and sat on the couch. I spent a good bit trying to come up with a plan to get Amaka away from Jacob’s ill-timed assault, but Heather and Starlight’s giggles, while I’m glad they get along, were somewhat distracting. I feel like I’m going to be just winging it, which makes me uncomfortable, as that never goes well.