SR: Er...hi? Yeah, I'm back after a much longer break then expected. I know I
haven't updated in a while but I was seriously lacking in the motivational
department. However, I'm all done with being lazy and sulky ^^. So here's
the next chapter to my story and I hope you like it.
Note: I know that earlier on in the story I said that there would be no yaoi in this but I have officially reconsidered such an absurd thought. So consider this a warning, if you are offended by yaoi (boy/boy) content then you have every right to stop reading. If you have a problem with yaoi and continue reading and then flame me then I will be seriously annoyed with you. That said, on with the story. (Expect it to be a little shorter this time around. (Reviews =Extra long chappie, like 10-20 pages)
He lied
A very amused Tala watched as Suma applied a poultice to Set's jaw. The so- called prince was keeping a cool exterior but his eyes gave away his inner anger. Mariah had not been co-operative.
Hissing slightly as the hot combination of herbs and medicine touched his lower cheek, Set silently cursed Mariah to the deepest levels of hell. Damn, could that woman hit hard, the large bruise he sported vouched for that.
"Keep that on for a couple minutes, the medicine will numb your jaw and releive you of the pain." Suma stated in a tone that left no room for argument. Set merely grunted a short reply before fixing a slightly snickering Ozuma with a glare.
"Tell me, oh great friend of mine, what do you find so amusing?"
"She really let you have it didn't she? What were you expecting? A kiss? Bet you would like that, wouldn't you?" The second in command teased. He found the situation even more amusing then Tala. He couldn't help but feel some fondness towards the pink haired she-devil. They had used to be friends before she and Set had turned cold towards each other.
"Ah! Get that thought out of your head! I don't like her anymore." Set swiped a paw at Ozuma who ducked backwards managing to avoid Set's paw but fell off the log he was sitting on.
"I know you don't like her." Then, sitting back up and leaning over so he could whisper in Set's ear. "You lo-ove her." Set flushed a red deeper then Tala's hair.
"I'm gonna kill you!" That said, Set lunged at Ozuma catching him in a flying tackle. The two rolled around wrestling for a bit before Set finally managed to pin Ozuma. "Give?"
"Give!" Ozuma yelled. "Now leggo!" Doing as his friend had requested, Set bounded back over to where Suma was still sitting.
"Any chance of getting this thing off of me now?" He gestured to the poultice with one of his hands.
"Hmmm, I suppose so but don't poke and probe the bruise to much. It's going to be a very tender area for awhile." Reaching over, Suma literally ripped the poultice off, doing so caused Set to yelp and clap a paw to where the patch of plants had been mere seconds ago.
"That hurt!"
Wimp!" The jeering voice caused Set to whirl around and find its owner. Lavender eyes narrowed fiercely as they locked with ice blue ones. Tala.
"You have something to say to me?" Set inquired, his tone a dangerous hiss. His pride would not allow the insult to pass by.
"Not really...I prefer to use my conversational skills with those who have an intelligence above that of a toad." Tala stated in an impassive voice. Clearly, he did not find himself frightened by Set's wildfire temper.
"Why I oughtta..." Set took about half a step towards Tala before Suma caught his arm and pulled him back.
"Be at ease Set. Tala may not show you proper respect but you must admit that you are not very polite to him either." Suma turned Set around so they were facing each other though Set's eyes barely reached Suma's shoulder.
"What do you mean by that?!" Set hissed. Most of the camp couldn't hear the exchange between the two so they set back to their tasks, only Ozuma and another member of the group named Oliver were within hearing range. Both pretended to do something else but in reality eavesdropped.
"Set, you are very suspicious of the Ex-Captain. You do not allow him to leave camp alone nor do you let him have any say in what our plans will be. It is doubtful that he will run back to the royal family and tell them everything. You must put more trust in him if our plan is to ever succeed. You know this yet you ignore it."
"Listen Suma, in case you've forgotten we're feeding him a pack of lies. Lies that will keep him on our side. I'm suspicious because he knows there's something out of the ordinary. If he finds out..." Set's voice trailed off, he did not need to finish the sentence.
"I see...your logic is slightly twisted Set but still it makes sense. However, try to be more amiable towards him. Perhaps it will throw him off." With that, Suma made his way back to the tent he shared with Enrique and Tala.
"Whatever..." Set shrugged his shoulders and made for his tent. The large thing stood a good five feet high. It was large and comfortable. Normally, Set would go to his tent when he needed to think. Now, he was going there to see a certain lady.
Reaching the tent flaps he stopped and considered leaving the matter be for the night and bunking with one of his friends. Deciding that such an act would portray him as weak in Mariah's eyes he yanked the flaps open and stepped inside. He promptly stepped back out.
"Ozuma!!!" He yelled. The boy in question looked over to Set and then hurried over to him.
"Something wrong?" He questioned tilting his head to the side.
"Step in the tent and tell me what you see!" Set gestured a trembling finger to the tent. Ozuma shrugged and poked his head inside and grimaced at what he saw. Nothing. Pulling his head back out he looked at Set.
"She's gone..."
"Wonderful...have the men search for her!" A sharp rap on the head caused him to cringe.
"Men? I beg your pardon." An extremely offended Hilary (Did I spell that right?) crossed her arms over her chest, wooden staff held tight.
"Ungh Hilary, you know what I meant...but majority rules. Now get searching!" Twitching her nose in annoyance Hilary stalked off to search for the elusive neko-jinn. Set's eyes narrowed as he saw Tala stand and walk towards the woods. "And where are you going?"
"To look for Mariah, dummy. What else would I be doing?" Tala barked back at him.
"Hell no! You're staying right here until we get back." Set mentally swore at Suma when he heard the man give a loud groan of defeat.
"What?! You can't tell me what to do."
"If you don't sit back down then I'll have you tied to the tree in back of you." Set stated with cool confidence.
"Oh yeah? And who's gonna pull that off?" No sooner had the words left his mouth then did he find Ozuma's arms around his waist, hauling him to the tree. "Damn you. Git yer hands off of me." He kicked out wildly since his hands were pinned to his sides. One wild kick saw Ozuma's shin kiss the back of Tala's foot.
"Ayiiii! Stop moving and kicking!" Ozuma pinned him to the tree in a sitting position while Oliver tied the rope. The moment the rope was securely tied Ozuma and Oliver went to join Set and the others who had already left in search of Mariah.
For a good three hours Tala sat there muttering profanities under his breath and probably cursed Set to every sinned place on the planet. However, the day had wore on and Tala was tired. He slowly slipped into the black pool that numbed his senses and took him away from the cruel world. Sleep overtook to him.
Several hours later
Tala awoke and blinked sleepily several times. How long had he been asleep? Judging by the fact that it was night and the fires were burning low and everyone was in their tents, he guessed it had been awhile. He raised a hand to his face to wipe the sleep from his eyes and then stopped it in mid- air. He wasn't tied anymore. Who had untied him? Come to think of it, what had woken him up?
"Tala? Are you awake yet?" A hushed voice asked. Despite the low tone it was used in Tala knew the voice to be Mariah's.
"Mariah, they didn't catch you?" Tala couldn't help but show surprise in his voice. What kind of trackers were Set and his rabble anyway?
"No, I managed to get away but I came back to help you out a bit." Mariah stated and stood up from her squatting position next to Tala. She had gotten rid of her long court robe and now sported black traveling pants and a red tunic. Also a large brown leather belt was wrapped around her waist with several knives strapped into it.
"Where the hell did you get those clothes and weapons? And why would you help me?"
"Where I get my stuff is none of your concern and as to why I'm here to help you...well I think you need to know something..." Mariah bit her lower lip though Tala couldn't see it in the dark.
"Listen Mariah, I'm not in need of any help. Yes, Set is obnoxious and rude and yes, he tied me to a tree but I'm not in any danger from him." He replied coldly. He stood up and dusted his backend to shake the dirt off. Mariah reached forward and grabbed his collar tugging sharply to bring his face so close they were nearly touching noses.
"Set is an outlaw who's committed more crimes then leaves on a tree. He is not royalty, he merely claims to be so he can pass through lands without much trouble.
Tala's eyes widened ever so slightly. So he had been right, Set had lied to him. Anger replaced shock.
"I'll kill him." He turned on his heel and made Set's tent only to be caught in a flying tackle by Mariah.
"No! Don't act so rash. Make for the castle and warn the royal family."
"And what will you be doing?" Tala snapped as he tried to shake Mariah off his legs.
"Me? I'm going to be making Set's life a living hell. These knives ain't for show." She unsheathed one of the beautiful weapons and twirled it expertly. Tala watched her wield the knife better then most his warriors could wield their swords. Miracles in high! Mariah could fight.
"Fine I won't slaughter him, yet but I'm not leaving. I'll force him to admit to his lies one way or another and when he does..." Tala made a slicing motion across his neck.
"Do as you wish then, I'll be around." Without so much as a by your leave, Mariah turned and walked off into the surrounding forest. Mumbling something about all neko-jinns having rude streaks Tala plopped back down on the ground and willed his body back into slumber.
Next morning
Set shifted uneasily at his fire where a large bird he had brought earlier sat roasting. Tala had been watching him all morning and it was starting to make him uncomfortable. Ozuma noticed his leaders discomfort and questioned it.
"It's nothing Ozuma, it's just that red boy over there won't quit glaring at me." He flipped a finger in Tala's direction.
"Ah, he's probably still ticked at you for yesterday. You tied him to a tree, remember?" Ozuma poked him in the chest.
"Yeah..." All of a sudden a thought occurred to Set that made his mind whirl. Who had untied him? Had he done it himself? Had one of his followers? "Damn! I need a walk." Standing up he waved briefly to Ozuma before stumbling into the dense foliage.
Now it has been proven that anger usually outweighs logic and Tala was not about to contradict that statement. Before he had even thought about what he was doing he had slipped away from his seat and after Set. The bastard would be on his knees in an hours time. This, Tala swore to himself. ~
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~ SR: O.O Well...that turned out interesting. Not quite what I had in mind but it'll do. Now, as usual all comments/flames/suggestions are welcome and will make me type faster. Also, I'm not sure if the next chapter should be on Tala and Set or if I should go back to Kai and Ray. Please let me know what ya want ^^
Note: I know that earlier on in the story I said that there would be no yaoi in this but I have officially reconsidered such an absurd thought. So consider this a warning, if you are offended by yaoi (boy/boy) content then you have every right to stop reading. If you have a problem with yaoi and continue reading and then flame me then I will be seriously annoyed with you. That said, on with the story. (Expect it to be a little shorter this time around. (Reviews =Extra long chappie, like 10-20 pages)
He lied
A very amused Tala watched as Suma applied a poultice to Set's jaw. The so- called prince was keeping a cool exterior but his eyes gave away his inner anger. Mariah had not been co-operative.
Hissing slightly as the hot combination of herbs and medicine touched his lower cheek, Set silently cursed Mariah to the deepest levels of hell. Damn, could that woman hit hard, the large bruise he sported vouched for that.
"Keep that on for a couple minutes, the medicine will numb your jaw and releive you of the pain." Suma stated in a tone that left no room for argument. Set merely grunted a short reply before fixing a slightly snickering Ozuma with a glare.
"Tell me, oh great friend of mine, what do you find so amusing?"
"She really let you have it didn't she? What were you expecting? A kiss? Bet you would like that, wouldn't you?" The second in command teased. He found the situation even more amusing then Tala. He couldn't help but feel some fondness towards the pink haired she-devil. They had used to be friends before she and Set had turned cold towards each other.
"Ah! Get that thought out of your head! I don't like her anymore." Set swiped a paw at Ozuma who ducked backwards managing to avoid Set's paw but fell off the log he was sitting on.
"I know you don't like her." Then, sitting back up and leaning over so he could whisper in Set's ear. "You lo-ove her." Set flushed a red deeper then Tala's hair.
"I'm gonna kill you!" That said, Set lunged at Ozuma catching him in a flying tackle. The two rolled around wrestling for a bit before Set finally managed to pin Ozuma. "Give?"
"Give!" Ozuma yelled. "Now leggo!" Doing as his friend had requested, Set bounded back over to where Suma was still sitting.
"Any chance of getting this thing off of me now?" He gestured to the poultice with one of his hands.
"Hmmm, I suppose so but don't poke and probe the bruise to much. It's going to be a very tender area for awhile." Reaching over, Suma literally ripped the poultice off, doing so caused Set to yelp and clap a paw to where the patch of plants had been mere seconds ago.
"That hurt!"
Wimp!" The jeering voice caused Set to whirl around and find its owner. Lavender eyes narrowed fiercely as they locked with ice blue ones. Tala.
"You have something to say to me?" Set inquired, his tone a dangerous hiss. His pride would not allow the insult to pass by.
"Not really...I prefer to use my conversational skills with those who have an intelligence above that of a toad." Tala stated in an impassive voice. Clearly, he did not find himself frightened by Set's wildfire temper.
"Why I oughtta..." Set took about half a step towards Tala before Suma caught his arm and pulled him back.
"Be at ease Set. Tala may not show you proper respect but you must admit that you are not very polite to him either." Suma turned Set around so they were facing each other though Set's eyes barely reached Suma's shoulder.
"What do you mean by that?!" Set hissed. Most of the camp couldn't hear the exchange between the two so they set back to their tasks, only Ozuma and another member of the group named Oliver were within hearing range. Both pretended to do something else but in reality eavesdropped.
"Set, you are very suspicious of the Ex-Captain. You do not allow him to leave camp alone nor do you let him have any say in what our plans will be. It is doubtful that he will run back to the royal family and tell them everything. You must put more trust in him if our plan is to ever succeed. You know this yet you ignore it."
"Listen Suma, in case you've forgotten we're feeding him a pack of lies. Lies that will keep him on our side. I'm suspicious because he knows there's something out of the ordinary. If he finds out..." Set's voice trailed off, he did not need to finish the sentence.
"I see...your logic is slightly twisted Set but still it makes sense. However, try to be more amiable towards him. Perhaps it will throw him off." With that, Suma made his way back to the tent he shared with Enrique and Tala.
"Whatever..." Set shrugged his shoulders and made for his tent. The large thing stood a good five feet high. It was large and comfortable. Normally, Set would go to his tent when he needed to think. Now, he was going there to see a certain lady.
Reaching the tent flaps he stopped and considered leaving the matter be for the night and bunking with one of his friends. Deciding that such an act would portray him as weak in Mariah's eyes he yanked the flaps open and stepped inside. He promptly stepped back out.
"Ozuma!!!" He yelled. The boy in question looked over to Set and then hurried over to him.
"Something wrong?" He questioned tilting his head to the side.
"Step in the tent and tell me what you see!" Set gestured a trembling finger to the tent. Ozuma shrugged and poked his head inside and grimaced at what he saw. Nothing. Pulling his head back out he looked at Set.
"She's gone..."
"Wonderful...have the men search for her!" A sharp rap on the head caused him to cringe.
"Men? I beg your pardon." An extremely offended Hilary (Did I spell that right?) crossed her arms over her chest, wooden staff held tight.
"Ungh Hilary, you know what I meant...but majority rules. Now get searching!" Twitching her nose in annoyance Hilary stalked off to search for the elusive neko-jinn. Set's eyes narrowed as he saw Tala stand and walk towards the woods. "And where are you going?"
"To look for Mariah, dummy. What else would I be doing?" Tala barked back at him.
"Hell no! You're staying right here until we get back." Set mentally swore at Suma when he heard the man give a loud groan of defeat.
"What?! You can't tell me what to do."
"If you don't sit back down then I'll have you tied to the tree in back of you." Set stated with cool confidence.
"Oh yeah? And who's gonna pull that off?" No sooner had the words left his mouth then did he find Ozuma's arms around his waist, hauling him to the tree. "Damn you. Git yer hands off of me." He kicked out wildly since his hands were pinned to his sides. One wild kick saw Ozuma's shin kiss the back of Tala's foot.
"Ayiiii! Stop moving and kicking!" Ozuma pinned him to the tree in a sitting position while Oliver tied the rope. The moment the rope was securely tied Ozuma and Oliver went to join Set and the others who had already left in search of Mariah.
For a good three hours Tala sat there muttering profanities under his breath and probably cursed Set to every sinned place on the planet. However, the day had wore on and Tala was tired. He slowly slipped into the black pool that numbed his senses and took him away from the cruel world. Sleep overtook to him.
Several hours later
Tala awoke and blinked sleepily several times. How long had he been asleep? Judging by the fact that it was night and the fires were burning low and everyone was in their tents, he guessed it had been awhile. He raised a hand to his face to wipe the sleep from his eyes and then stopped it in mid- air. He wasn't tied anymore. Who had untied him? Come to think of it, what had woken him up?
"Tala? Are you awake yet?" A hushed voice asked. Despite the low tone it was used in Tala knew the voice to be Mariah's.
"Mariah, they didn't catch you?" Tala couldn't help but show surprise in his voice. What kind of trackers were Set and his rabble anyway?
"No, I managed to get away but I came back to help you out a bit." Mariah stated and stood up from her squatting position next to Tala. She had gotten rid of her long court robe and now sported black traveling pants and a red tunic. Also a large brown leather belt was wrapped around her waist with several knives strapped into it.
"Where the hell did you get those clothes and weapons? And why would you help me?"
"Where I get my stuff is none of your concern and as to why I'm here to help you...well I think you need to know something..." Mariah bit her lower lip though Tala couldn't see it in the dark.
"Listen Mariah, I'm not in need of any help. Yes, Set is obnoxious and rude and yes, he tied me to a tree but I'm not in any danger from him." He replied coldly. He stood up and dusted his backend to shake the dirt off. Mariah reached forward and grabbed his collar tugging sharply to bring his face so close they were nearly touching noses.
"Set is an outlaw who's committed more crimes then leaves on a tree. He is not royalty, he merely claims to be so he can pass through lands without much trouble.
Tala's eyes widened ever so slightly. So he had been right, Set had lied to him. Anger replaced shock.
"I'll kill him." He turned on his heel and made Set's tent only to be caught in a flying tackle by Mariah.
"No! Don't act so rash. Make for the castle and warn the royal family."
"And what will you be doing?" Tala snapped as he tried to shake Mariah off his legs.
"Me? I'm going to be making Set's life a living hell. These knives ain't for show." She unsheathed one of the beautiful weapons and twirled it expertly. Tala watched her wield the knife better then most his warriors could wield their swords. Miracles in high! Mariah could fight.
"Fine I won't slaughter him, yet but I'm not leaving. I'll force him to admit to his lies one way or another and when he does..." Tala made a slicing motion across his neck.
"Do as you wish then, I'll be around." Without so much as a by your leave, Mariah turned and walked off into the surrounding forest. Mumbling something about all neko-jinns having rude streaks Tala plopped back down on the ground and willed his body back into slumber.
Next morning
Set shifted uneasily at his fire where a large bird he had brought earlier sat roasting. Tala had been watching him all morning and it was starting to make him uncomfortable. Ozuma noticed his leaders discomfort and questioned it.
"It's nothing Ozuma, it's just that red boy over there won't quit glaring at me." He flipped a finger in Tala's direction.
"Ah, he's probably still ticked at you for yesterday. You tied him to a tree, remember?" Ozuma poked him in the chest.
"Yeah..." All of a sudden a thought occurred to Set that made his mind whirl. Who had untied him? Had he done it himself? Had one of his followers? "Damn! I need a walk." Standing up he waved briefly to Ozuma before stumbling into the dense foliage.
Now it has been proven that anger usually outweighs logic and Tala was not about to contradict that statement. Before he had even thought about what he was doing he had slipped away from his seat and after Set. The bastard would be on his knees in an hours time. This, Tala swore to himself. ~
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~ SR: O.O Well...that turned out interesting. Not quite what I had in mind but it'll do. Now, as usual all comments/flames/suggestions are welcome and will make me type faster. Also, I'm not sure if the next chapter should be on Tala and Set or if I should go back to Kai and Ray. Please let me know what ya want ^^
