Chapter 5
Motherly
Narrator
--
"The yoshis have taken Makal, he may become one of theirs, Master."
The second Hashashin was on a knee standing before his master. His master was robed, with a red and black mask covering his face. He ignored the statement.
"You have performed as I've desired."
The Hashashin's head rose. "Do you mean you wished for us to lose the fight?" he asked, almost standing.
"Yes. I anticipated that fool, Fajor coming to warn their chief of our readying for war. A false fact, it is."
The Hashashin stood this time. "You mean to say we aren't going to war? Why did you have us go to the Yoshis, then?" he asked.
"Because, Ikla. The yoshis now believe we are preparing to fight. They will now fear. They believe we will strike at any time, and for the first few weeks, they will likely guard their village with the highest priority. During this time frame, we would never make it into their village. But, as time passes, the yoshis will grow weary. Their morale will be depleted, and we strike when they are vulrunable."
Ikla took a step forward. "Then why have us attack with such weak armor?" he asked.
"Ikla, Ikla, Ikla.... Do you not see my plan? They believe now that they know our weakness, but they do not. I had you wear training armor because I knew they would be able to destroy that with your weapons. Now they think they know how to defeat us, but when we do fight and you and your brothers wear the true armor, not a single yoshi or any other tribal member will be able to defeat us."
Ikla was silent as his master continued.
"The only thing I did not expect was Makal being taken."
"Master, would you have me take Fajor's life?" asked Ikal.
"No. To do so would likely cause alarm. We want the yoshis to fear, but we do not want them to strike at us first. You will do nothing until Makal becomes a hatchling. You have no choice but to strike him down. He, being a higher rank than you, knew of my plan. Think of him as our enemy when he hatches."
Ikal was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Yes master."
"And Ikla?"
Ikla stayed put.
"Always remember to be cautious around our enemy. We now know that it is entirely possible for yoshis to create eggs out of us. The only thing that stops them is likely our armor, so if they do find a way to strike through our armor... understand their abilities, is all."
--
"I'm really sorry this had to happen," said Sytik for the umpteenth time as he carried Lila back to the hut. Kai followed, and Lila wrapped her arms around Sytik's neck from behind.
"Come on, I've already accepted your apology, silly!" she said. Sytik chuckled.
"You didn't know that was going to happen. And besides that, now we know how to defeat the Hashashins," said Kai. Sytik smiled. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Kai, I've got your pet's clothes ready! Get them before I throw them out!"
Kai groaned. "Gregor, why do you always have to behave like this?" She ran to the Weaver and took the clothing, returning with arms full of skirts, tops, and two pairs of sandals. Kai smiled at Lila, and Lila returned the smile. Sytik carried the girl inside the house and helped Kai come into the hut.
"Thank you, Kai. Thank you Sytik... no, thank you both!" she said. Kai smiled as she set the cloth down and helped Sytik set the girl down. Sytik and Kai sat down on each side of the girl, Sytik checking her broken bones.
"Lila, I'm sure you've noticed, but your casts are made of jungle leaves. They are actually herbs found in the jungle that promote healing in any injury. Your bones should heal within the next two weeks," said Sytik. "I'll give you new casts in three days."
Lila nodded, and Kai spoke up. "How long do you think it will be before Fajor's egg hatches?"
Sytik shrugged. "If I had to guess, I'd say a few days. Let's hope the Hashashin doesn't start as a hatchling, or we'll never get answers from him."
"Shouldn't all eggs start as hatchlings?" asked Lila. Kai shook his head.
"Not all of them. In fact, the time of day actually has something to do with it. If it's morning or mid afternoon, the egg will probably hatch to become a young hatchling, in the late afternoon or nighttime, the egg usually hatches as a grown yoshi. I'm not sure why that's the case, but it's what happens. We think it's something to do with the sun and moon's attraction to the earth. In any case, let me tell you something Lila! A baby yoshi is the cutest thing!" explained Kai, her eyes glistening at the thought of a hatchling. Sytik smiled. "I'll go get your wheelchair."
Lila wrapped her good arm around Sytik as thanks, and he chuckled. He and Lila broke their hug and he stood, messing her hair affectionetly. "I'll be back in a second." He returned a few minutes later with a wooden wheelchair in tow. It had a cushioned seat and cushioned arm rests, with smooth wooden wheels. Carved on the back was an egg with a few spots on it, the symbol of the yoshi tribe. Sytik hadn't seen it until he lugged it inside to show to Kai and Lila, and he smirked. Kai joining in. Lila, however, was utterly shocked. The chair she stared at was beautiful. It wasn't made of material she was used to at home, and frankly she adored the chair. She never knew someone could construct something like that on their own over a matter of a few days. Kai saw Lila's astounded look, and chuckled softly, amused.
"I see Lila likes it," she commented, and Lila's look immediately changed to one of embarrassment. Kai only laughed some more, and playfully messed with her hair like Sytik. Even Lila giggled.
"If you have any problems with your casts or if you feel ill or any worse, come see me. I'll see you around, kiddo!" said Sytik, and he wrapped his arms around Kai. She returned the hug, and gently pushed her lips against Sytik's cheek. He pulled back, blushing but trying to stay calm, and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "I uhh..." Even Kai was blushing, and Lila couldn't quite believe that yoshis could blush. Sytik was shaking, completely suprised by the action, and Kai felt like he didn't accept it. Sytik knew what Kai felt for him, because he felt the same thing for her.
She'd been his childhood friend, and she was there for him when his parents died. He was there for her when she got picked on by some bullies.
She gave him a good smack when he gawked at Syd when she wore some new clothes... and he practically begged for her forgiveness...
...kind of.
He dressed her wounds when she got attacked by a few members of the Koopa tribe, and when Fajor overheard the story, he hunted down the culprits and gave them all the worst beatings they'd ever experience.
But, no matter what went on between the two, Sytik never would've been prepared for Kai's kiss.
Even if he were telepathic, he'd never be able to prepare for it.
But, no matter how taken aback he was, he had to admit to himself that he liked it.
He liked her.
He loved her... but something told him that saying that now would be a bad idea; too soon.
Sytik smiled, his blush fading ever so slightly, wrapping Kai in a hug unlike he'd ever given to her. She was stunned by his action, and Lila had decided to give them their privacy the best she could, so she turned away on the couch (as if she could've gotten up, sat down in her chair, and rode away).
"I'll see you tomorrow, Kai," whispered Sytik. Kai was unresponsive, too stunned with euphoria to say anything other than softly mumbling "....Mmmmookay..."
Slowly, both yoshis let each other go, and Sytik walked out the door, silently begging his feet not to stumble and ruin his stride. The door shut.
"Do you want dinner? I'll make some rice and vegetables!" she said, trying to hide her blush. Lila didn't fall for it, but she didn't hold it against her caretaker, either.
"I'd like that, and I'll help," said Lila, before she began to struggle to get into her chair. Kai helped her in.
"Are you sure?" she asked. Lila nodded. "In fact, if you put out the ingredients, I'll make the dinner."
Kai shook her head. "No, I don't want you to handle a fire with only one arm. Besides that, those casts you are wearing might catch fire. If you really want to help, I'll put out our ingredients and ask you for them as I need them."
Kai walked to her kitchen, and Lila followed in her wheelchair. "I sure don't mind a bit," said Lila, but Kai shook her head again. "No can do. After you heal and I make sure you know how to cook, I might let you."
Lila blinked. She was starting to feel like she was at home... except her Mother didn't even like it when anyone was in the kitchen as she cooked. She wasn't allowed in when her mother cooked, nor was her brother. Her Father? He wasn't even allowed near the stove anymore, not after the first and last time he tried to cook something for his family. After the fire department left, her parents settled it. Only Lila's Mother would do the cooking.
Mom... the thought of her family brought back a fact she had forgotten: She was a survivor of a plane crash, and in the care of a tribe of yoshis that she held no relation to whatsoever, although sometimes she did question it. Ever since she arrived, she'd been treated like she was at home, maybe to keep her from feeling too homesick. When the dust all settled, she was just a 12 year old child, a little girl who had been fortunate enough to survive a crash by the skin of her nose and find her way to an island. As kind as these people were being to her, she still missed having a family.
"Mom..." she whispered, and Kai turned at the voice. "Hm? Did you say something?" she asked, but then she realized what Lila said, and she blinked. "Do you miss your mother?" she asked, kneeling next to the girl. Lila suddenly frowned. "I guess. Yeah.... Yes, Kai. I miss my Mother, I miss my Father, I miss my brother.... I miss my family!" she said, starting to feel distressed. She hid her face in one palm, tears threatening to leak from her eyes at any time. Kai didn't know what to do for the girl. She could give her food and water and love, but the one thing she couldn't give her back was her family. She frowned and put her arm around the girl, who instinctively pulled herself closer to the yoshi. Kai didn't mind, and held Lila's head close as she softly sobbed. Lila suprised herself. Usually she was the strong type. Around her friends, she was always the leader, not the follower. She was shy, yes, but the friends she did have were close, were true friends. Now, without her family, she felt like she was not complete.
"It's okay, sweetie. It's okay..." Kai said, gently rocking the girl back and forth. Lila sniffled, her sobbing softening further.
"K-Kai... Thank you... for... everything..."
"Shh... I know you're sad, and I understand why. Lila, I don't know how your culture works, but here all we show for each other is happiness. The only yoshis on this island who show anything less are the weaver and Fajor, and even they show some love."
Lila's crying stopped completely, her tears still falling from her face. She knew what Kai was hinting at.
The chief, Sytik, and Kai all accepted her presence in the village.
"Lila, if you miss your parents this much, we'll help you get home... but it might have to wait until we settle the conflict on this island."
Lila nodded, and looked down.
"Kai... can I ask you something important?" she asked in almost a whisper. Kai smiled. "I don't see why not!"
"C-can I... think of you as my Mother?"
Kai's eyes widened, and began to water.
A Mom?
"I.... I've never thought of being a mother before. Of course you may!" she said. She'd always wanted a child, even if she couldn't really call "Lila" her own, or even her "Daughter". Life was at one of it's peak points for Kai and Sytik, and it was getting better for Lila... except for the annoying pain in her joints and bones.
End of Chapter 5
Aww! Cute chapter ^^.
I'm pleased with how this came out, except I'm sorry there wasn't much action...
I like how Sytik and Kai are getting closer, and how Lila's got a stepmother now! (I hope it wasn't too soon)
Kai will learn how important a daughter will become to her...
Also, there's a problem! Hashashins... but they were expecting Fajor to win? Maybe the Hashashin he captured will provide information.... when he hatces!
I sure hope you guys like this chapter!