A/N: Another short chapter following up on events of last chapter, offering some insight into the minds of our animals. Enjoy :)
Chapter 2 Segregated
The shift of status from rescuee to prisoner didn't go unnoticed by the animals.
They had changed up Smelly-No-More's sleeping space. They'd made a room from Earth and the only way in right now, was through a hole in the roof. Momo wasn't really sure what to think of it, but it did make New-Here accessible to him without interference of Blue-Girl.
He noticed that he also was the only one coming. Momo had only gone in after a long while, first hanging out with the other two-legs which he knew to have food, but once the circle scattered off to their sleep-spots, it was time to check up on their newest member.
The boy looked up to Momo's silhouette against the twilight when Momo hopped onto the edge, and when he didn't startle, Momo flew right to him. The boy seemed lethargic, but he moved to pet Momo's back. After a while, the boy wrapped into his blanket more tightly, eventually drifting off to sleep, grip going slack. Momo heard Appa grunt multiple times, he wanted to know if Fire-Spreader was alright and safe.
The boy not only smelled a bit like a fire-spreader, just as Appa had pointed out, he'd also finally displayed some fire-spreading against the inside of the room. That's where the similarities ended, though. It had barely even sparked. He behaved and moved differently, the undertone of his smell was different too, tasting of fear instead of anger… He was whispering and actively holding Momo close like Momo's mother had once upon a time. Momo did prefer this version. No violence, just hugging, food, and comforting one another.
When the boy abruptly moved in his sleep, a short shout leaving his lips, Momo startled and fled. The boy didn't wake up, and Momo was reluctant to go in again. Appa let out another demanding groan, so Momo left to tell him about things.
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Momo had slept on Pony-Tails belly. Then in the early morning hours, he heard another scream and movement in the room. Smelly-No-More was awake again.
Uncurling, Momo sprang onto the roof, looking into the hole and down to the boy, who had moved to the closed opening. He was breathing hard and shaking, and he didn't look up. That didn't look right, so Momo jumped down and tried to land on his shoulders, but Fire-Spreader flinched a mile high and then threw up his arm in an attempt to fend Momo off. Momo caught a whiff of fear, but Momo didn't understand why. He tried to get close again and got shooed away once more.
Hmm, so comfort wasn't what he wanted now, maybe Momo could provide him with something else. Some tasty insects? Leaves to nest in? Some twigs? Or maybe some pretty stones from down at the lake-side? Fake fur? Those bundles were too big to carry though, and Pony-Tail was using one as a pillow and holding onto it, too.
To Momo's worry, the boy only got more agitated at nuts and fruits being tossed his way, he seemed to want none of it. He had instead started scratching at the wall and now Momo could smell fresh blood. Not good. He went to strategize with Appa, but the sky bison wasn't any help in this predicament, though he certainly picked up on the worry.
Hey, Momo just couldn't get close enough to lick him, the guy would hit him, nor could he squash him between his legs, he wasn't a sky bison for wind's sake.
Momo was very glad when Blue-Girl finally woke up and opened that door.
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Appa wasn't happy with their herd either. Clearly, being separated was making things worse. They were a herd, they shouldn't isolate anyone. But apparently Lanky thought it necessary. Their behavior around their new friend had changed abruptly, now everyone but Barefoot held him at a distance, and his companion didn't go near him at all, though Appa could see he wanted to. Water-Girl did do her glowing water thing though, and it seemed to help with the boy's wounds.
Henceforth, Fire-Spreader seemed even more withdrawn, but whenever Appa got close enough, the boy did lean into him. Appa didn't understand why, but they seemed to keep the boy away from him too. He could help, the boy needed some fur to grab onto and he had more than enough.
It appeared that even though the nightmares were worse in the box, Fire-Spreader still seemed to prefer going there than being around the herd. It made no sense.
And he did not appreciate it when Appa waited in front of the door. There had been a tinge of fear in his smell that one time.
As they travelled on, between glowy-water time and just the natural course of wandering suns, Fire-Spreader's sickly smell got better. His skin looked healthier, movements steadier. He seemed a bit more energetic.
Appa wondered why he didn't throw any fire.