Family Life

James listened with amusement at the methodical groan of Tensin as he climbed up the tall oak with great effort. Tensin regularly dug his claws into the shedding bark, the tips of his finger beginning to grow raw as a result. But he ignored that. He would prove to that damned bitch he could climb a tree, even without the ability to properly traverse multiple surfaces. And as he climbed, Ni`kyt approached, walking directly towards James.

"Hi, Nee," James greeted, waving a hand before returning to his crafts. Tensin didn't seem to have taken no notice of the female's arrival. "Tensin been at it for hours now."

Ni`kyt gave an inquisitive trill.

"He said something about proving a point." At that moment, there was a scuffle, a curse, and a fall, accompanied with a scream. Tensin land on his back, groaning in pain. "That the fifth fall."

"I said not to count!" Tensin bellowed with an obvious groan.

Ni`kyt crossed her arms and began to make a sound reminiscent of a laugh. To think that after the two hours she had been gone to hunt down tonight's meal, this all happened. Tensin quickly sat up and hissed at the female, his tail slamming against the ground before he fumbled to his feet, muttering curses under his breath. James' face broke into a wide grin as he listened to Tensin once again begin scrambling up the bark, digging his claws into the bark and repeating the cycle. Ni`kyt gave an amused trill.

"Don't antagonize me, woman! This is your fault anywaaaaAAAY!"

Tensin fell once more, this time falling on his neck before the rest of his body met the ground. If not for the short fall, there may have been more permanent damage to his neck; it would be sore the next few days. Tensin groaned but otherwise did not move, finally giving up. Ni`kyt clicked her mandibles before picking up James, placing the boy on her shoulders. She then approached Tensin and grabbed his tail, pulling him behind her as she began to walk. The red and black Chimera groaned but otherwise kept quiet.

On the way back to the cabin, James talked about all the new animal he heard while Ni`kyt caught them lunch. She listened closely to how James theorized what kind of animal it was, as well as it's size and basic shape. Him and Ni`kyt had gone out into the wild and hunted enough times for the young boy to pick up on tricks and trades, including the noises of animals and their appearances. It pleased the female that James had caught on quickly to her teachings and was sharing his exploits to her. It made her feel proud of her child.

Tensin continued to whine and grumble as he was dragged across the forest floor. It didn't hurt too much, as his body was already in pain from falling off of a tree several times. He was already anticipating the soreness for tomorrow. Tensin doubted he'd even get out of bed tomorrow. Then again, who'd make James breakfast? Ni`kyt ate raw meat and tended to burn it a little when attempting to cook. Tensin liked to cook his food and that was James' saving grace. Curse his sense of responsibility over his own selfishness.

"Can I walk now?" Tensin moaned. Ni`kyt answered with low clicking. It meant no. "This is humiliating." A scoff. "Oh hush. I'm sure you've done some stupid stuff in your life as well."

"Nuh-uh! Nee kicks butt and takes names. She doesn't make mistakes at all."

Ni`kyt then gave a low rumble, almost chiding in a gentle way.

"We all make mistakes, even Ni`kyt," Tensin clarified.

Clicks of agreement.

"Like what?" James asked innocently.

"I'll tell you after lunch," Tensin said as he shook free and popped onto his feet. "Ni`kyt has to write it down for me first before I can tell you."

"How come you can't tell it yourself?"

"Because she mostly talks in movements and visuals, which proves a problem when communicating to you. Speaking English is another matter entirely. It hurts their vocal cords unless they practice a lot." Just as James opened his mouth to speak, Tensin added, "Don't start begging, James. Give her time and be good. Then maybe she'll bless us with a beautiful voice that only frogs can appreciate."

At this, Ni`kyt ever so subtly grabs Tensin's head from behind and slammed him into the nearby tree they were passing. The Chimera gave a loud whine before collapsing on to his back, cursing life and his big mouth.

-.-

Back at the cabin, things had settled down more. James and Ni`kyt were sitting quietly with each other in the living room as James showed the Yaut`ja woman all the new crafts he created during her time gone. As he went through them, Ni`kyt went back and forth between looking at each of them and struggling to write that story James wanted to hear. Tensin was in the kitchen, carrying a large stew pot half his size off the burners, his hands grasping the bottom of it. He was more resistant to heat so the scorching metal was no bother for him.

It's been five years since the three of them became what could be best described as a disorderly, completely against nature, surrogate family. Tensin was very lucky that Ni`kyt felt pity for James when he not only pleaded for their lives but also insulted her a bit. She had Tensin get as far away from the conflict as possible but placed a tracer on him for later purposes. Ni`kyt returned towards the end of the conflict, flanking the humans from behind. Only one survived as he fled early on, much to the entire group's annoyance. The female Yaut`ja waited a time before tracking Tensin down once more, claiming that she saw a bear she wanted to hunt when her party grew curious.

As it turns out, it was indeed her people's technology that had blinded James. Just as Tensin had said, James had gotten too close to one of the explosive blast during the first shots. The bright plasma light at close range and high power damaged the cornea inside, making his blindness incurable for a time. If they had gotten to the injury quicker, there may have been a saving chance. James and his family should not have gotten involved. Ni`kyt blamed herself for his disability as she was the one who fired the shot. But she never told anyone. She didn't want James to reject her and Tensin was bound to slip up if he knew.

Regardless, the Chimera had his use, even though everything in her body told her to kill him. Ni`kyt could not simply stay on the planet forever to raise the child, nor could she bring him with her. Keeping Tensin alive was a difficult but necessary choice. After determining for certain the Chimera wouldn't try anything drastic or fatal, Ni`kyt reluctantly let James into his charge. The female was surprised to find during her next visit that the two were as close as brothers, and that the Chimera was a rather talented cook. She honestly assumed he ate raw meat and other unsanitary things, like serpents would normally do.

As for Tensin's origins, whenever Ni`kyt asked, the only thing he would tell is that a ship landed on earth and booted him off. He was rather quiet about his history beyond when they first met, contrary to Tensin's usually talkative nature. Regardless, he had done a fine job in providing a home for James and filling in the role of big brother. The female Yaut'ja could credit him for that much. Even if he was just as bad as an Unblooded-

"Hey Nee?" James' voice cut through her thoughts. She gave a trill. "Why are you gone all the time? We only ever see you three times a year. And those visits are only four days long."

"Technically, I see her," Tensin shouted from the kitchen. "You just hear her- OW!"

Ni`kyt had thrown one of James' shoes at the red and black Chimera the moment he popped his head out from the kichen. He really needed to learn to keep his mouth shut at times.

"You guys really don't like each other, do you?"

The female Yaut`ja gave a soft purr at the way the human boy said that. She ran her claws through his lengthy brown hair and gave a low trill. It was true, the relationship between her and Tensin was a bitter one, but they both cared for the boy. Tensin because James was the one person to truly care for an abomination; Ni`kyt because the human boy was the son she'd never have. For his sake, they would do their best to remain civilized. But between Tensin's snide remarks and Ni`kyt's destructive temper, it was a difficult balance to maintain.

Tensin strolled out the kitchen and proceeded to pick James up, resting his large forehead against James' smaller one. It was something the Chimera would do as a sign of compassion and comfort.

"Yes, me and Ni`kyt don't get along," He answered. "And yes, she is only here for so long. But there are reasons for everything. Reasons that you will one day hear and understand. But that day is not now. You just reached your twelfth year and you still have one more before we even explain the birds and bees. Maybe then we'll tell you about other things."

"What's the birds and bees?"

"Nee can explain that one!" Tensin placed James down and dashed back to the kitchen. "Just not in English or any motions."

At this, Ni`kyt smirked. She then started to speak in her own language, which sounded like nothing more than clicks, growls, and other strange noises. James' face furrowed into a pout in a comedic fashion, much to Ni`kyt's amusement. She stopped and laughed the moment James began to complain about the fairness of the situation.

Just another typical night for the chaotic family.

-.-

Ni`kyt quietly closed the door to James' room as best as she could, fondly looking over the slumbering child as she did. Her expression was a sad one, eyes glistening as a result of the news she carried. News in which she'd have to share with Tensin in order to figure something out.

Despite it's new structure and build, the cabin floors still creaked in certain places, no matter what size or weight you were. Ni`kyt crept quietly away from the closed bedroom and into the living room, where Tensin resided. He had a fire going and was sitting extremely close to it. He did that often when he was deep in thought. She didn't understand why he'd have a fire going in the middle of summer, when it was already blazing hot. Then again, the woods and higher elevation did cut back on some of the degrees here. And given her knowledge of the non-serpent race in the Chimera's blood, it made sense. There was a bowl shaped cup in his hands with tea inside while he read over the story she had written for him to tell. James heard it already but Tensin was reading over it again, deciphering more of its words.

Ni`kyt didn't even have to announce her presence when Tensin motioned to the pile of animal skins not too far from the fireplace itself; her seat. The female Yaut`ja took a mere two strides before letting herself become comfortable in the skins, staring at the fire as well for a time. It must've been a good seven minutes before Ni`kyt spoke. And as usual, Tensin listened intently.

While Ni`kyt had to rely on noises and sounds for James, with Tensin she produced a mixture of both sounds and gestures. Though the sounds we made were quieter and subtle, given how her motions spoke the most volumes.

Bad news, She signed to him.

"Bad as in we have to move or bad as in my head on someone's wall?" Tensin retorted.

Clan getting suspicious. Also criminal on planet.

"Oh it's a combination of both. That's great!" The Chimera said with very false enthusiasm. He then proceeded to sip his tea. "Any ideas on how to procedure with this dangerous task, madam?"

...hoping you had idea.

"Nee, no offense but you literally never let me give out ideas or anything when you're on planet. Plus I'd rather not get drawn into a fight with one of your people. I'm still under my oath of passiveness."

What about James? Danger for him!

"I've been digging a tunnel that connects to a warehouse I've had long before I met either of you. In a few days, I'll be done with the digging. If anything does happen, we can go hide out there for a time being. But I can't leave the woods."

Why not?

"I made a promise to someone to stay here…" Tensin said in a low voice, staring directly into Ni`kyt's eyes. "And it wasn't you or James."

For once, the female had nothing to say and simply turned her gaze to the fire. For Tensin to bring up something small from his past warranted respect and none of the retorts she'd have shouted at him. She clicked her mandibles and closed her eyes.

"You're staying for three more days, right?" She rumbled in answer to Tensin's question. "We should have a small feast. In celebration to the five years we haven't killed each other." She gave a small growl. "I'm kidding. It'll be an anniversary feast. You hunt for the main course, I'll forage for some other foods and cook it all. You can have James all to yourself during that time. Sound good?"

What about danger?

"Do it for James. Please." The Chimera turned to face her completely, setting his tea to the side. "Look, the last thing either of us want for James is to lose another family. If we start panicking now, we might trigger some post-traumatic stress and awaken some of the memories he himself has blocked from his mind. But, if we have a feast and then begin to pack for a small retreat from the cabin, away from possible danger and where we won't be tracked, it'll be easier for his young mind. Make it seem like a vacation elsewhere!"

He gave a pause before continuing, "He is still a child. And while I may not be as old as you or a parental figure for him, I know what's best for him. Causing panic will cause more harm than good. He may be raised by aliens but James' still human. They can't handle certain things. Especially the children."

NI`kyt gave a snort of agreement to that. As crafty and quick thinking as they were, humans would still cower and flee when their life was in mortal danger. Just as the one human from long ago had, when the rest of his men was dead.

After feast, we prepare to move for a time?

"Yup."

And when I leave, then what?

"Me and James will still keep a low profile and you help with taking down the criminal. Shouldn't be too hard."

I'm held under suspicion, you idiotic newt. Risk for me.

"What's life without a few risks? You've already taken many with me and James."

Different from this. They could kill me without hesitation.

"But you hesitated with me. And you didn't know me. This is your clan, Ni`kyt. That must count for something."

Ni`kyt hated it when the Chimera was right about something. Such wisdom for what usually is a savage creature. Then again, the other race he originated from were rather intelligent. It must've passed on for the most part.

Hunt elk for feast? It was time for a change of topic.

"Oooh don't make me salivate," Tensin grinned. "That'll go good with some of the herbs and vegetables we've been growing in the garden."

Then it is decided. I shall hunt tomorrow. I rest now.

"Good sleep then. See you on the morrow, fair warrior," Tensin said with a low, gratuitous bow.

Tensin took his cup and headed towards the kitchen, leaving the female warrior alone by the fire. She listened to Tensin leave the kitchen and make his way to the attic, where he slept for the most part. Even though he had a room right next to James' He rarely slept in it unless he knew James had nightmares or would have trouble sleeping. That way, the boy had someone to be with during his time of distress. But something about being high up from others in a small secluded place appealed to the red and black Chimera in some strange way.

Ni`kyt had her own room, relatively close to James as well, but like Tensin's, it was often unoccupied for the most part. While she did customize it to fit her own needs, it was relatively bare. Especially in comparison to her own home back on her people's planet. Sure, there were a few skulls here and there from some of the small hunts she partook on with James in her company, but they were nothing compared to what she had home.

No, She chided herself. This is my home as well. With James… and Tensin.

The female got to her feet and headed towards her room, being quiet as she passed by James'. As she entered her room, she discarded herself of her clothing before crawling into bed, immediately falling asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.