Thought I'd add on to side stories, but then it dawned on me; I need to step back from fluff and remind myself I am a cruel and horrible person. JK, but I do appreciate a good prank. Plus I'm only slightly cruel.
Peace, love, and total chaos
- S. Nightly
Tom hummed along to the jazz that played through his headphones as he finished up lunch for the day. Today he was in the mood for something southern. Mardi Gras had already pasted, but that didn't stop Tom from getting in the spirit. Swinging along to the joyful sound of a trumpet he finished wrapping the extra sandwiches he made. Since Attacat would stop by once he caught wind, and he always did, Tom started making extras for him. Banning him from the kitchen hadn't gotten Tom really far, so this was the only alternative. As the song fell to silence Tom heard the animal like sound of Attacat digging into the pastries he had set out on a tray.
"I take you like the beignets?" Tom said turning.
A look of concern grew on Tom's face as he found it was not Attacat's claws stabbing into the French pastries. A large bear-like creature with an eye patch glared at him, licking the honey drizzle and powdered sugar from his lips.
"Strange name, but they taste good." Viqtarr said before popping another one into his mouth.
He swallowed and looked to the sandwiches that Tom had wrapped in wax paper. Without permission he took one and unwrapped it. He sniffed it cautiously. Tom thought about telling him that was Attacat's, but there was an old piece of wisdom about leaving bears and their food alone.
"What is this?" He asked examining it.
"A po' boy." Tom quickly remembered the lack of common terminology and corrected himself. "Basically, a sandwich with shrimp."
"Smells good."
"Um... you haven't seen Attacat have you?" Tom asked cautiously. "This food is actually for him."
Viqtarr began to eat. He smiled finding that this po' boy tasted better than it sounded. It also contrasted sharply with the extremely sweet pastry making his mouth all the more sensitive to the array of spices. This was good food. He wouldn't mind fighting the human for it, but it would only ruin his meal.
"He was sent out on a mission. I doubt he'll be back soon." Viqtarr said taking another bite. "He won't be back here for at least two days actually."
"Oh would you l-"
"Don't mind if I do."
Viqtarr took the sandwiches with a smile. Before Tom could question him any further he left, eating one of the sandwiches on his way. He spoke over his shoulder with his mouth full.
"Thanks for the meal. I'll tell you when Atta gets back."
"Sure." Tom said waving goodbye.
Tom wasn't stupid. He won't argue that he was a genius, but he certainly wasn't stupid. Tom also didn't appreciate when he was lied to. When Attacat came by for his food ten minutes late Tom, disappointed and defeated, gave him his sandwich. Attacat stared at the food sadly. It smelt delicious, but at the same time he felt guilty for taking Tom's lunch. He may have done it unknowingly earlier that week, but that was a different case.
"Are you sure?" Attacat said offering the sandwich back. "I'm sure that Viqtarr hasn't eaten all of my food. I could-"
"You and I both know you're not going to fight for it." Tom said digging through the cabinets. "Besides, I can make more."
Attacat looked at Tom struggling to reach the back of the cabinet, even while standing on a chair. Loosing his appetite he put down the sandwich and reached into the cabinet, pulling down the bottle Tom had been grasping at.
"Thank you."
"You shouldn't have to." He said sternly. "You're not here to cook for the entire army."
"No just Bodal, Olkiex, you... oh, and me. That's important." Tom jested taking the bottle over to the counter. "Don't worry about it."
"You know he's just going to keep coming back. I don't want him bullying you."
"What do you think you'll be in the mood for tomorrow?" Tom said off topic.
Tom crossed the room to retrieve a frying pan. He didn't seem very focused.
"Are you even listening to me?"
"I'm thinking something cool. It's probably going to be hot out." Tom continued.
"You shouldn't cook at all if you want Viqtarr to leave you alone. Preferably for a three days when he has to go back the Northern Woods." Attacat continued.
Tom only cut around the panther. He continued to ignore his babble as he began to make another sandwich. He hummed along to himself as he continued. With a sigh Attacat tapped him on the shoulder, drawing his attention.
"Fish." He huffed thinking of nothing else that would get through to him.
"I'm running out of fish recipes. Don't worry I'll get creative." Tom said taking a bread knife. "And don't worry about Viqtarr. I'll fix him something too."
"Don't make him angry Tom." Attacat warned. "He's not that nice as it is."
Tom shrugged innocently and started cutting open the bread.
"Just go on. I've got only got ten minutes to eat and get this cleaned up."
"Tom, I-"
"Go now, or help with the dishes again." Tom said stubbornly.
Tom smiled as Attacat sighed and slunk over to start the dishes. Though the conversation continued to go absolutely nowhere, Tom was pleaded to have a helper. Attacat was not so pleased as he could feel the gears turning in Tom's head, and his didn't like it.
"I think you should look out for Tom. I know a few creatures who are more than willing to push him around." Attacat explained as he walked through the arsenal with Intress.
Attacat was nothing if not a cautious creature. He always wanted to approach things with ease. Knowing that Tom wouldn't like if he openly tattled on Viqtarr to his superior, and neither would Viqtarr, he tried to address the situation passively. Intress, however, was very aware already. Not to mention, Tom had also assured her he could handle himself.
"Attacat, I'm sure if Tom was bothered by someone he would come find me." Intress said trying to have faith in Tom.
"Doubtful. Sometimes he doesn't seem all there either."
"Oh trust me, Tom's very kind, but he's no push over."
Rahwr! Rah! *I.E Bear noises*
The scream caught both warriors off guard. It sounded like a pained roar, one that could have only come from a certain bear warrior. Panicked by the yell they both took off towards the kitchen. Sliding down they hall they were met with a confusing sight. Tom sat on a counter pulling small green peppers and eating them casually as Viqtarr leaned on the other side looking like he was going to die.
"Hey guys, just in time."
"Viqtarr, are you alright?" Attacat asked immediately.
The bear-like creature shook his head 'no'. Tom offered him another pepper, and Viqtarr brgrugingly tossed it in his mouth. A tear slid down and was lost on his furry cheeks. His brow was stained with both sweat and tear. He appeared to be in immense pain, but he throat burned too much to speak or even roar. Looking for a away out other than the container of sugar Tom kept next to him Viqtarr grabbed the pitcher of water from the table.
"Go for it. That's only going to make it burn more." Tom said pointing a pepper at him.
The comment didn't stop Viqtarr from throwing back the water. He immediately regretted the action. He pounded his fist on the table as if it could some how repair his flaming tongue that was now an inferno burning within his mouth.
"Those smells like it could melt through the floor, Tom! Why are you eating them?!" Intress said covering her nose.
The smell of the peppers alone were enough to make her eyes water. How Viqtarr could put one in his mouth was beyond her. Even Attacat took a large step back.
"Because they're amazing." Tom said licking his lips, noting Viqtarr slowly dying not very far from him."Or they are if you like spice."
"What are those?" Attacat asked morbidly curious.
"Serrano peppers." Tom tossed another one into his mouth. "If you're not used to heat they tasted like boiling lava. Viqtarr called me a liar so we made a bet."
Viqtarr reached into the jar with a shaking hand and grabbed another pepper. His tongue had started to go numb so he figure he could handle another. He slammed his face on the stone counter as he felt like he swallowed the sun.
"Why are you still eating them?!" Intress said horrified.
"Oh that's because I bet him free lunch if he could eat three." Tom said after swallowing. "He amped it to a whole week if he could eat five...He may not be able to speak for an hour, but I swear he's going to win just because of pride."
Tom wasn't sure if Viqtarr was simply crying or if juice from the peppers had gotten in his eyes, but either way his brown fur was now dripping wet. It was a pathetic sight. Almost enough to make Tom feel bad. Almost.
"Okay last one. You can have sugar now if you want it, but if you eat the last one you don't win until ten seconds after you swallow."
"Tom, that's cruel." Intress said disappointed. "Stop this before he chokes to death."
"Hey, it was this or say 'please'." Tom snickered. "He happily dug his own grave."
Viqtarr pounded on the counter to get everyone's attention and then forcefully waved her on. He did not need her to fight his battle, and he would not lose to a human! Fighting back all reason he grabbed another pepper and swallowed it whole.
"This is the best day ever." Tom said starting the count down. "Ten, nine, eight,"
Tom couldn't count fast enough. Viqtarr swore the boy was counting slower just to torture him. The entire time it felt as if his mouth was engulfed in flames and his taste buds were slowly wearing away. When it seemed like he might pass out from the pain Tom reached one and plopped down the sugar container next to his face. Viqtarr threw his head back and opened the container letting the entire contents fall into his mouth. When relief came over him he fell down on the floor breathing heavily.
"You...owe me lunch." He slurred as feeling returned to his jaw.
"That was awesome." Attacat said impressed. "Can you even feel your tongue right now?"
"That was horrible, stupid, and looked incredibly painful. I hope you both are proud." Intress sighed sadly.
"Oh I am." Tom laughed. "And now that's settled I made apple pie with a cinnamon crumbled and homemade ice cream. Intress, you are welcome to join me, Attacat, and hopefully Viqtarr if he gets feeling back in his face."
Viqtarr rubbed his jaw as he pulled himself off the floor. He was starting to regain enough feeling he could hold his tongue in his mouth.
"That sound like a perfect victory treat." He huffed.
"If that's what smells so sweet I'm in." Attacat added.
"How are you still hungry after that?!" Intress said appalled. "Actually, never mind. It's just going to give me a headache."
"I hear ice cream helps with that." Tom added.
Realizing all of them had stomach larger than their brains Intress sighed and shook her head. Tom set out plates of pie with fluffy domes of ice cream perched on top. Unable to resist she sat down to eat with them.
"Thank you, Thomas." Intress said politely.
"You're welcome."
"Yeah thanks." Attacat added, hoping there weren't any of those peppers hidden in his food.
Tom put a plate in front of Viqtarr. He smiled coyly waiting.
"I'll get you back for the peppers. Wait and see."
"Is that a promise or a challenge?" Tom smirked.
"Both of you stop now." Intress said sternly. "Something like that can only go down hill."
"Sounds like an idea." Viqtarr said taking a bite of his pie.
Intress caught Tom smiling out of the corner of her eye. He wore that evil smile on his face that reminded her that underneath his sweet exterior was the heart of a tricksters.
"Yep, don't forget to eat your cherry."
"The little red thing? Fine."
Viqtarr popped the treat into his mouth, not realizing only his had been wrinkled and slightly orange. Soon after flaming needles began to stab into his tongue and tears rushed from his eyes as his whole face burned. He threw the ice cream into his mouth trying to quench the flames, but they barely subsided. He instantly stole Tom's and Intress' trying to appease the flame. Attacat ripped his off the table and held it high so he could enjoy his snack. Tom laughed as Viqtarr leaned on the table as his pawed for the treat, his mouth burning like a volcano.
"Oh yeah this is going to be loads of fun."
Intress sighed and got up. On her way out she patted Tom on the back.
"Don't kill each other."
"I make no promises."
"Thomas."
"I'll make sure this only goes as far as irreversibly maimed." Attacat promise fending off Viqtarr with his free arm.
Intress rolled her eyes. This is must have been why they were chaotic players. What was worse was now that two trained warriors were involved the stakes would only get higher, and she did not want to be around when it came crashing down.
