Disclaimer; I own nada zilch nothing! Just borrowing for them for the moment but will give them back safe and sound
Arthur's a young Felenico, a half-cat half-human, with no home and lives on the streets...but a chance encounter changes his life for the better.
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He sticks to the shadows as he searches out his next mark, shying away from the Lawmen as he continues walking down the alleyways...only to pause at the sight of two men that are different from the usual folk around here. His eyes slit as he catches sight of a satchel around the younger mans shoulder and smirks as he makes his way closer, lowering his hat over his eyes as his sensitive hearing picking up their conversation as he waits for the perfect moment to strike.
"Hosea, we need one! I know you disagree on Slavery, and I do as well...but in order to get the bigger picture, we need to invest so we can grow"
The older man sighs "Dutch, do you know just what you will be getting yourself into with purchasing one? The cost alone would put us weeks, dare say months, behind our goal of purchasing land out West" he shakes his head and places a hand on the others shoulder "I don't see how purchasing another mouth to feed will help with our plans"
Dutch shrugs off the hand and growls "You just need some God dam Faith! This plan will work an-" he is cut off as he falls into the dirt and watches as a kid runs off with his satchel.
A smirk crosses his face as he makes a break for it, ducking into an alley as he hears the men give chase and he quickly scales a wall before hiding in the shadows as the men pause in front of him.
Dutch snarls as he pulls out his knife while scanning the area "Come out Kid! Or I'll gut you where you stand!" His eyes shift as he spots movement within the shadows and he narrows his eyes "There's nowhere to run, just return what you stole and I'll let you go away without a hole in your gut"
Hosea pauses as he cocks his head to one side and cringes as he pulls out his firearm "Dutch...I would back away if I were you"
The younger man frowns at his friends behaviour, but stiffens in slight fear at the sound of a deep and deadly growl. He shakes the fear away and straightens as he glares into the shadows "I won't warn you again, Kid!" but ends up taking a step backwards as the Kid moves out from the shadows.
He bares his teeth at the one called Dutch and snarls as he throws the satchel back at him "Have it back, there ain't nothin' good in there anyways" his eyes flicker to the other man and he hisses "You stupid or somethin'? Put that aways before the idiot folk around here bring the Law over"
Hosea nods and holsters his weapon "Come along Dutch...you've got your satchel back and we need to keep moving"
Dutch ignores him as he checks his inventory before narrowing his eyes at the Kid "You little thief! Where is the bracelet and dried meat you stole" he reaches out and grabs him by the scruff of his collar, knocking off the Kids hat only to jump back in terror as the body shifts into a Lion.
The Felenico snarls and pins the man beneath his clawed paws. His eyes slit as he curls back his lips to reveal his sharp teeth and he snaps his jaws beside Dutchs cheek, causing him to flinch, before he shifts back "Don't cha' dare touch me or next time I'll be the one who be gutting you!" with that he lets him go and retracts his claws before grabbing his hat and climbs up a wall, making his getaway along the rooftops.
Hosea sighs as he helps his friend up from the floor "You are one lucky Bastard! As it is rare for a feral one not to kill you when they are forced to reveal themselves" he frowns and waves a hand in front of the other mans eyes "Dutch? Are you ok? Did he hurt you?"
Dutch shakes him off as he stares in the direction the Felenico ran in "Hosea...I think I have found a way for the Plan to work that would benefit us both"
"Now Dutch I-"
He cuts him off "I told you to have some Faith and God has shown us the way! The only thing now to discuss...is who's turn it is to find money to pay for a few more nights in this lovely town" with that he wraps an arm around his friends shoulder as they head to the local Hotel.
+RDR2+RDR2+
The Felenico watches from the rooftops as Dutch and Hosea head to the Hotel and he shrugs as he leans against the chimney as he digs into the food while looking at the pretty purple stoned silver bracelet he couldn't help but take. Once he has finished eating, he makes sure the coast is clear before jumping down and makes his way to the local Fence.
Simon smirks as he catches sight of the Kid and waves him over "What you get this time, Arthur?"
Arthur shrugs as he hands over a couple of pocket watches and belt buckles "How much?"
He looks them over and shrugs "I'll give you $5 for the lot"
"Come on Simon! Those buckles are gold and the watches work"
Simon rubs his chin "I'll make it $7...$20 if you throw in that pretty bracelet"
Arthur flinches and looks at the piece of jewellery before sighing and shaking his head "$7 will be fine"
"It's a pleasure doing business with you"
He rolls his eyes "Sure it is" with that he takes the money and rounds the corner to climb up onto the roofs as he makes his way over to the General Store, smiling as he gets there before it closes and he jumps down so he can enter. He looks around the shelves for the journal...only to sigh in disappointment as the space it normally occupies is empty today
"Sorry Arthur, some guy brought it earlier and seeing as he paid in cash not credit, I couldn't refuse"
He nods "That's ok" with that he heads over to the clothes section and grabs a new clean shirt that is three times his size
"That's mighty big for a Kid your size, you sure you want to waste your money on this?"
Arthur smirks "Yeah, its good to keep the chill out" with that he hands over his money before removing his hat as he tugs on the shirt and then checks through his pockets for one of the many belts he owns.
The Shopkeeper sighs as coins and food fall out of the kids pocket and he shakes his head as he reaches under the till for one of the satchels that got ruined last week during the shootout and holds it out "Here, take this"
He pauses in his crouched position "You sure Mister?" at the nod, he smiles "That's mighty nice of you" with that he chucks in his coins and scraps along with his belts before grabbing his hat and leaving the shop as he heads to find a place to sleep for the night.
+RDR2+RDR2+
*5am the Next Morning*
Hosea lets out a sigh as he watches Dutch pacing the room and he glances at his pocket watch "Dutch, what are you doing pacing at this time in the morning?" He lets out a yawn as he sits up and rubs his face "Maybe we should postpone our meeting with the Mews? As the way you are acting, there is no way they won't think this is legit"
Dutch pauses in his pacing and huffs as he its on the edge of his bed "Sorry Hosea, but I can't stop thinking of that feral Felenico wh-"
"Arthur"
He frowns and looks up at his friend "How do you know he is called Arthur?"
Hosea shrugs "Visited the Fence and paid him a bit extra for some information...however he has no idea about young Arthur being a Felenico" he shrugs "The rumour is that he killed the Gang his Father rode with after they double crossed him, shopped him to the Law and then killed his Mother" he sighs "They stole him, thought they could sell him only they ended up paying with their lives" with that he pulls out a cigarette and lights it "According to the Fence, Arthur was found by the previous Sheriff trembling and covered in blood with the ex-Gang torn to shreds by some wild big cat"
Dutch slowly nods "And they never put two and two together? Figured out that he must be a Felenico?"
He chuckles "Dutch, people believe that the only Felenicos out there are those in 'Shops' as they are called" he gives him a sad smile "Those who are Felenicos tend to hand themselves in as they are well cared for, what with the rich folk wanting to show them off and are willing to keep them in the life of luxury with the cost being their bodies" he shrugs "They get a better life there than in a Brothel"
The younger man thinks it over before standing and heads over to the window, to gaze out into the awakening City "I want him Hosea, just think of the possibilities having a Felenico would bring us! Not just a useful weapon...but a means to move up the social ladder and rake in the cash" he sighs "We can't keep going on with just the two of us, not if we want to make a better future"
Hosea watches the way his friends shoulders droop and sighs "I must be going soft in my old age" at the look of hope, he smiles "Come lets find the young boy, however I have one condition if he agrees to join us"
"And what is that?"
He looks straight into the caramel eyes and states "Under no circumstances will he be collared. It will be his discussion to either stay with us or choose to leave...I won't allow his freewill to be stolen just so we can have a Felenico on our side"
Dutch gives him a thoughtful look before nodding and holds out his hand "Deal"
A smile crosses his face as he accepts the handshake before pulling on his coat as he follows Dutch out of the room "So, do you have a plan to find young Arthur?"
"Don't worry, Hosea...I have a plan"
*Later That Day Around 12pm*
Arthur grumbled as the Barman shoves him out of the Saloon doors and he growls as he bares his teeth while shouting "Didn't want any your shit food anyways!" with that he kicks a stone before making his way through the people milling about in the Town. After bumping into a number of people, he smiles as he quickly turns into an alleyway and scales the wall to hide himself out of view as he checks over his takings.
A noise grabs his attention and he frowns at the high pitched whistle before putting his things away and heads off to investigate...only to huff as he spots the two men from yesterday and he shakes his head while watching as the one named Dutch paces as he nervously glances down each alleyway.
He rolls his eyes at the move (As if I'd be that stupid) and glances at the other man, only for his heart to freeze in shock as the man stares directly at him.
Hosea smiles at the sight of the Felenico and reaches into his satchel, all the while not breaking eye contact, as he pulls out a bar of chocolate along with a tin of strawberries and stands.
Dutch stops his pacing at the move and frowns as he follows his friends gaze, only for his eyes to widen at the sight of the Felenico hidden in the shadows of a chimney on the roof. He clears his throat and goes to speak, but is stopped by a hand on his bicep and a quiet "Shh"
Once sure Dutch won't speak, he places the treats on the floor before stepping back and retreats to a safe distance while taking his friend with him.
Arthur slits his eyes and scents the air before slowly moving out from the shadows as he quickly glances between the food and the two strange men. A nervous growl escapes his chest as he slowly but cautiously makes his way off the roof and down to the ground. Once on floor he sniffs the air and hesitantly makes his way closer to the offerings and once in range, he snaps up the treats and quickly scarpers back up onto the safty of the roof. He glances at the men as he retracts his claws, ripping off the lid of the tin before tipping the contents into his mouth.
Hosea smiles at the sound of a purr and turns to his friend with a quiet tone "Seems young Arthur has a sweet tooth" he watches as the Felenico throws the empty tin away before starting on the chocolate.
Dutch slowly nods and takes a step forward, only to pause at the sound of a deep growl. He holds his hands up in an act of surrender "Now, just hear me out"
Arthur bares his teeth but cocks his head to one side as he licks the last bits of chocolate off the wrapper "I listenin'" he stares into the caramel eyes "Whatcha want?"
He clears his throat and lowers his hands, resting them on his belt as he looks up at the Kid "Now, we have a proposition for you an-"
"I ain't gonna suck your cock and neither let cha fuck me, so you can shove your propositions up yer ass!"
Dutch looks at him in shock before giving him a hurt look "Now, is that anyway to speak to a Gentleman who was about to offer you a hot meal and a nice bath?"
Arthur cocks his ears forward and gives him a suspicious look "A hot meal? What do ya want in return?" He glances between both men and lets out a nervous growl "Not that I wanna go with yous"
Hosea stands and slowly walks up beside Dutch before gazing up at the Felenico "The only thing in return we want is your loyalty, as without loyalty there is nothing" he removes his hat and holds it against his chest "We know what happens to those like yourself and wish to keep you safe from them"
The other man steps forward "We are not good men but we are not like those so called civilised men, those who get pleasure from collaring and treating your kind like Slaves-" he goes to continue, only to quieten at Hosea's touch and nods at the slight shake of the mans head, and straightens "Life on the streets is not a good life for a Kid and on my word of honour, I will not touch you in anyway that you don't want"
Arthur thinks it through before slowly shifting off the roof and onto the ground "So, let me get this straight. You'll be offerin' me a hot meal and a bath...and all ya want in return is loyalty?" He looks at both men in confusion "How do ya not know I'll stab you in the backs and rob ya?"
Dutch chuckles "Easy. You returned my satchel and when you had the chance to kill me, you let me go" with that he steps to the side "Now come, lets get a hot meal inside that skinny body of yours"
The Felenico sniffs and moves to stand beside him, keeping his guard up as the other man leads the way. He slits his eyes and walks a step behind the man named Dutch with Hosea leading the way "You two are some queer folk, dunno if I'm soft or just too trusting...either way, as long as I get that meal you be offering, I'll see what proposition you give"
He raises an eyebrow but nods "I guess compared to the people of this town, we are rather odd...but tell me this, why did you reveal yourself to us? That being your true form?"
Arthur shrugs "Normal folk back off with just a growl, but ya startled me and I shifted" he huffs "Cost me a nice shirt that did" he pauses at the Saloon and huffs "The Owner here don't like me, kicks me out and refuses to serve me"
Dutch places a hand on the Kids shoulder, pausing slightly at the way he tenses before continuing "Hosea, get us three hot meals and a round of drinks while myself and Arthur here find a table" he watches Hosea go and smiles as he stirs the young man to a hidden corner. After taking his seat he leans back and looks at the Kid, noting the dirty matted hair under the hat along with the mud splatted over his skin "Maybe we should order you a bath straight after eating" he reaches out to touch, only to withdraw his hand at a hiss and he cringes at the bloody claw marks along his forearm
"I warned ya! I don't like to be touched" he glances around to make sure his actions wasn't spotted and relaxes as no-one bats an eyelid. He turns his narrow eyed gaze at the man and bares his teeth "Next time I'll slice you so deep, you'll bleed out in minutes!" He looks up as Hosea appears and his nose twitches at the delicious aroma.
Hosea raises an eyebrow at Dutches bloody forearm and shakes his head as he puts the plates down along with the beer bottles "Arthur, not that Dutch didn't undoubtedly deserve it...but can you at least try to show some restraint with your actions and show some manners" he gently pats the Kids shoulder before taking his own seat opposite Dutch.
Arthur huffs and nods as he digs into the meal with his fingers, only to hiss in shock as Hosea slaps his hand with the handle of a knife
"Manners, Arthur"
He forces down his snarl and snatches the utensils, holding them awkwardly as he eats like the normal folk. He pierces the meat and chews with his mouth open "So...how did you two meet?"
A smile crosses Hosea's face as he ignores the behaviour before answering "Young Dutch here caught me trying to rob him, at the same time I realised he was trying to rob me" he chuckles "We then decided to join forces, after all...two people looking out for each other survive longer than one with no-one"
Arthur pauses as he finishes his meal and looks at both men "Never had anyone lookin' out for me" he shrugs "Ma was killed and Pa was hanged by the Law four years back, been on me own since I was eleven" he looks up "You meant what cha said back in the alley? That you wanna me to join ya?"
Dutch smiles "Of course, Son. Besides we could use having someone with your unique talents" at the snarl, he shakes his head "Not that kind of talents...I was referring to the way people underestimate you, of just how dangerous you really are"
"Like you did the other day?"
"Yes, exactly that" he gives him a thoughtful look "The choice is yours, either join us and have two people who will watch your back...or after that bath I promised you, you can return to your life out on your own on the streets"
He thinks through both options and shrugs "Think I'll give ya both a go" he stretches his back "Besides, no skin off my nose if I'll have to kill ya for going back on your word" he stands grabbing his hat from the table "Doubt the Law would give two shits anyway"
A chuckle escapes Dutch's throat "You are a delight" with that he also stands and gestures for him to follow as he heads out to the Hotel.