Chapter 7

Vivi's Bodyguard

Tyri ran as fast as her legs could carry her. Her heart was broken badly, and tears fell like a waterfall from her eyes. Arias had stopped crying, and was now stroking her sister's thick coat.

"Sis…. It's okay… I'm fine now….Are you okay?" He asked worriedly.

Tyri said nothing and only gave a faint nod.

"How could I have been such a careless fool? I should have seen that coming! Pell never cared about us! Ugh! He only cared about himself, and I allowed myself to be taken into his little game!" Tyri thought angrily.

"Tyri? What are we going to do now?" Arias asked.

"We're going to make a living here." Tyri said. "I'm going to find a place for us to stay, and we'll live there. I'll get a job in Alubarna."

Tyri traveled awhile, until she found an abandoned house in the middle of the desert. Tyri checked to see if there were any people living there, and then crept through the door. Sand covered the floors and a worn out looking bed was in the corner. A small stove was in the other corner with a cupboard, and a small closet was next to the bed. Tyri let Arias off her back, and opened the closet door. She saw a shelf with two boxes on it, and she easily lifted them off the shelf. When she opened one box, she saw a small teddy bear missing a button eye, and strangely, its scent reminded her of someone….

"Arias, here, it might be missing an eye, but I think you'll like it…" Tyri purred.

Arias trotted eagerly over to Tyri as she handed him the small bear.

"What is it? Is it a toy?" Arias asked, confused.

A stab of grief pierced Tyri's heart, for she had remembered that Arias had never had a toy, and all the baby toys he'd had he couldn't remember. Now, Tyri purred softly and nuzzled her younger sibling.

"Yes. It's called a "Teddy Bear"" She said. "He'll help you sleep at night."

"Thank you Tyri. I love it." Arias said smiling and holding the bear tight.

"That's great. I'm going to tidy up a little bit."

It was late afternoon when Tyri finished. She had sewn the torn up blanket on the bed, swept all the sand from the house, hung up her backpack, and had prepared lunch.

Tyri curled up on the floor of the house, and she thought of the day Pell had saved her from freezing to death, and then shook her head violently. Those days were over, and now it was just her and Arias.

"I'm going to rest awhile. You should rest, too" Tyri said yawning as Arias finished his lunch. "The bed's for you Arias…"

Arias nodded, but to Tyri's surprise, he snuggled up under one of Tyri's large black paws and went to sleep with his teddy bear held tightly in his arms. Tyri watched her brother sleep and laid her tail over her hind legs.

"We're going to be fine… Just… Fine…" Tyri thought and went to sleep.

Pell felt a large wave of sadness overwhelm him as he turned to look at his friends. Nefeltari Cobra looked at Pell for a minute, than finally spoke.

"Well… That takes care of that. Pell, it's good to have you back. You must be very hungry and tired after-" King Cobra began, but suddenly, Pell interrupted.

"No I'm not."

"Pardon me?"

"Your Majesty, forgive me, but I'm not hungry or tired… I'd just like to be… Alone…."

King Cobra hesitated, and then spoke. "So be it Pell. You may be alone today, and no one will stop you… but you must come to dinner…"

"Yes my king… Yes…."

Slowly, Pell left the King Cobra's throne and headed for his room. Everyone watched him, and everyone left to resume his or her normal assignments. All except Chaka, left to see Pell. Apparently, he wanted to see his best friend, despite the fact Pell was to be left alone. Vivi watched him carefully, and then followed him down the hall.

When Chaka tried to enter Pell's room, the door was locked. Chaka listened carefully, and was shocked to hear… Muffled sobbing? Chaka immediately began to pound on the door.

"Pell! Pell open the door! It's me! Chaka!" He yelled.

The sobs stopped, and Chaka heard Pell get out of his bed, the shuffle of feet across the floor, and Pell finally unlocked his door and opened it. Pell's eyes were red from crying, and there were obvious tear lines on his face.

"Chaka, what's wrong?" Pell asked coldly.

"Nothing. I just wanted to see you. I'm really happy you're home, and I was wondering if you'd like to-" Chaka began, but Pell interrupted angrily.

"I DON'T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOU CHAKA!"

"What's wrong with you? You're not really crying about that girl are you? Have some pride Pell!"

"Get out."

"WHAT?"

"GET OUT!"

Before Chaka could say anything else, Pell slammed the door and locked it. Chaka growled angrily and stormed off to his room. Vivi, who had been watching the entire scenario a few yards away, now went to see the Jackal in his room. Chaka was reading in his room quietly.

"Chaka? I need to talk to you." Vivi said.

Chaka looked up and smiled at the princess.

"Hey princess Vivi. What's the matter?" Chaka asked.

"Did you say something to make that girl unable to get recruited?" Vivi asked.

Chaka frowned. "It was for the best. She might have been a criminal." He said.

Now it was Vivi's turn to frown. "For the best? That girl… and her brother… were trapped on a pirate's ship for who knows how long! They might have been tortured on that ship! I bet they were! But no….. Definitely not criminals! They didn't look like that at all Chaka. The only thing they looked like was starving, dirty, and in need of help! We're supposed to help people! Not push them away when they're in need!" Vivi yelled angrily, her rage building.

"Princess Vivi, don't be foolish!" Chaka yelled. "Think about the good of the kingdom!"

"Did you even think about Pell? I could tell he and that girl were close! How about now you think about how to mend Pell's heart!" Vivi screamed and stormed out of Chaka's room.

Vivi stared out the window of her room, lost in thought. She thought of Tyri and Arias, and finally got up and stuffed a few things in a small knapsack. She exited the palace and entered the streets of Alubarna. Vivi had to find Tyri. She felt sorry for her, and wanted to help her and her brother. She asked many people, and finally found her way to the abandoned house. Tyri was curled up on the wooden floor, breathing softly as her younger brother snoozed under her huge paw with a small teddy bear under his arm.

Vivi looked at them with fascination, for she'd never seen a feline Zoan. She'd only heard about one, but that one was an assassin. Vivi approached the sleeping twosome quietly, but with a mere creak on the floorboard, Tyri's ears twitched, and her eyes shot open.

Tyri looked up to see Vivi standing a few yards away from her. She immediately bared her sharp white teeth and a deep, dangerous growl rose from her chest.

"WHO ARE YOU? WHY ARE YOU HERE?" Tyri snarled.

Vivi bowed her head to Tyri, but her she felt her stomach lurch in alarm. Tyri, though she'd looked gentle and innocent earlier, looked as if she could tear anything apart. Vivi would have to tread carefully.

"Greetings. You might not have noticed me…. Back at the palace…. But I was there when you were told to leave. My name's Princess Vivi, but you can just call me Vivi." Vivi said smiling.

Vivi stuck out her hand to Tyri. Tyri hesitated, but then, suddenly, she sat up, careful not to wake Arias, and stuck her paw, which was at least 10 times larger than Vivi's hand, in Vivi's hand and shook it. Vivi smiled at Tyri.

"I want to help you Tyri. I like how brave you are, and you seem like a nice person."

Tyri bent her head.

"You're just saying that…"

Vivi shook her head vigorously, laughing softly and slightly astonishing Tyri.

"Not in the least! Tyri, you're more than likely the strongest girl I've ever known, besides myself and my mom."

"I never saw your mom before…. Where was she when I was-"

"My mother… is dead….. She's been dead for…. Awhile…"

"Oh…"

Tyri noticed Vivi's lip begin to quiver, and she put a hand on her shoulder and wiped the tears beginning to escape her eyes.

"Oh geez….. It's okay…. My mom's dead too… I don't think about it… or at least I try to… but it's hard… you must feel that way too, don't you?"

Vivi nodded.

"Well…. Don't worry about it…. Your mom would be proud to see you… so hold your head up high Vivi! Turn that frown upside-down! Your mom would be sad to see you like this! Come on, smile!" Tyri purred encouragingly.

Vivi laughed long and hard.

"HAHAHAHAHA! Tyri, you certainly are the most interesting girl I've ever known! I see why Pell likes you!"

Almost immediately, Tyri's attitude changed. Her eyes became wide with pain and sadness, and she turned away from Vivi.

"That deceitful rat has no feelings for me whatsoever… I really don't feel like talking to him or about him, so just forget about it…" Tyri murmured with a hint of anger in her voice.

Vivi looked at Tyri with concern, and was about to say something, but Tyri interrupted abruptly.

"I know what you're thinking. You probably think it's all a misunderstanding and I should go back to Pell… but I'm not that forgiving, and I'm pretty sure Pell just betrayed me, so you'd need a lot more proof." She said.

Vivi stared at Tyri for a bit longer, until she shook her head.

"Well anyways, now that we're acquainted, would you like to go to look around Alubarna with me?" Vivi asked.

"Well… okay…. But what about Arias?" Tyri asked worriedly.

"Wake him up. He can come with us."

After a little explaining and coaxing, Arias tagged along with Vivi and Tyri, and they headed for the streets of Alubarna. They walked through the streets together until they came to a huge cloth store. Vivi nudged Tyri.

"Want to go in there? It's called the "Lotus Flower". It's probably the best place to get clothes!" Vivi said.

Tyri nodded and they went in. Tyri was astonished at the incredible variety of clothing in the "Lotus Flower." There were jackets, skirts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, dresses, and many other exotic pieces of clothing there. Almost less than a minute after entering the store, a tall man flung himself at the trio.

"Viiiiiiivi! Darrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrling! Ow are you today?" The man sang.

He hugged Vivi and kissed her in French fashion. He was a tall man with a short black bowl cut hair. He wore a pink plaid shirt and black polo pants. There was lip gloss on his lips, and he was wearing masquera. Vivi hugged him back and smiled.

"Hey Alastor. Nice to see you again!" Vivi said.

"You too darrrrrrrrling! What would you liiiiiiiike today? New drrress? Shoooooes?"

"Actually, my friend is looking for some new clothes. Could you help get her a new look?"

Alastor came up to Tyri and stared at her long and hard, unsettling the Zoan. Suddenly, a huge, goofy grin spread across his face.

"Mais oui, Vivi! I shall give her a beauuuutiful new look! What eez your name darrrrrrrling!"

"My name's Tyri sir." Tyri said looking at Vivi with and unsure look on her face.

Alastor bowed to Tyri, and shook her hand.

"Nice to meet you Tyyyri. So tellllll meeee what yooooooou are looking for."

"Well, I'm looking for something attractive, but not sensuous or girly."

"OOOOOOH! Toooooooooomboooooooy?"

"Yes! Exactly!"

Alastor disappeared among the forest of dresses, shirts, skirts, and other clothing. Arias fidgeted nervously and whispered to Tyri.

"Tyri? Is Alastor…. You know…."

"Yes, but he's a great person" Tyri said.

Alastor appeared again a few minutes later carrying a pair of blue jeans, a rusty red shirt, and a brown jacket. In his other hand, he held a pair of black boots.

"Will theeeese doo?" Alastor asked ginning.

Tyri smiled happily, her eye's shining. But suddenly, a coin slipped from Alastor's pants, dropped to the floor, and it spun rapidly. Tyri, unable to restrain her cat instincts, turned into her full Zoan form and pawed the coin playfully, purring. When she finally pinned the coin to the floor, she slowly looked up at Alastor.

"Oh… um… s-sorry," Tyri said blushing with embarrassment. "I'm just… well… a bit addicted to shiny or quick moving things… usually I can control myself, b-but I…"

Before Tyri could say anything else, Alastor interrupted her, not in an angry voice, but in amazement.

"My wurd… you are a magniiificent ki-tee cat! You must beee a Zoan type!" he exclaimed in awe. "You are amaziiing!"

Tyri's blush deepened, and her panther eyes became round, happy, and as large as soup bowls.

"Really?" she meowed, tilting her head to one side. "You've never seen a feline Zoan before?"

"Cerrtainly! No one hass ever seen a feline Zoan here!" Alastor said excitedly moving toward Tyri, throwing down the clothes and bringing a hand forward. "Do you mind?"

"Not at all," Tyri said pulling herself up from her position on the floor.

Alastor patted Tyri on her furry head and scratched her between the ears. A deep purr rumbled from Tyri's chest as Alastor's hands grazed through her black coat.

"You're sooo soft!" Alastor said happily. "Eet will be an honor to give you a brand new outfit!"

Tyri purred and smiled at Vivi and Arias, who gave her thumbs up. Alastor studied Tyri for a minute, and then grinned happily.

"You are not comfortable in your clothes when you morph noooo?" he asked.

Tyri nodded. "You're right. When I change into my full Zoan form, I'm at least three times the size of a normal panther, and when I'm in hybrid form, I grow at least three feet taller than my normal height."

"Very welllll . I will make you a special ouuuutfit . I will also make an outfit for your little friend," Alastor sang glancing at Arias. "Heeee will come with me, while you two relax in our spaaa . Eeet should take me two or moooore hours to finish while yoooou relax ."

Alastor clapped his hands, and four of his employees led the girls to the spa while Alastor led Arias with him to get started on making Tyri's outfit. When the girls entered the spa, they gasped. It was incredible, complete with Vichy showers, a facial room, a nail room, whirlpools, dry and wet saunas, cold plunge showers, 360 degree body showers, a massage room, a relaxation room with a library, and a dressing and grooming facility.

"What would you like today?" the employees asked. "Massage? Aromatherapy? Shiatsu? Herbal facial? Pedicure? Mud body treatment? Manicure?"

Vivi and Tyri smiled at each other. "Why not?"

Tyri and Vivi had their hair done, had aromatherapy massages, had manicures and pedicures, and relaxed in the dry sauna. As they sipped their cold drinks while wrapped in robes, they talked and laughed.

"Where do you come from?" Vivi asked.

"Sakura Kingdom," Tyri replied. "You've been there before right?"

"Yes. Your homeland is beautiful Tyri."

"Thanks. Your homeland is beautiful, too. I wonder what's happening back at home… Anyway, how's life in the palace?"

"It's okay, I guess. There's not much to do here, and my father hates the thought of me fighting since… well… an incident… so I can't train with the guys. But there's something really great."

"What's that?"

"My best friend, Kohza. The lieutenant guard you saw whisper in my dad's ear, Chaka, gets him into the palace once or twice a week or I sneak out of the palace to see him. When we see each other, we sit on the roof of his house or the palace rooftop every evening. We watch the stars and we talk about things."

"Ooooooh. He's your boyfriend, isn't he?"

"No! Not that! We're just…"

"Really really REALLY close friends?"

"I guess you could say that…"

"Hahaha! Vivi you're blushing!"

"Whatever Tyri! Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"This might be a bit personal… but did you originally have feelings for Pell?"

"Vivi…"

"Tyri I'm serious. Pell was acting very abnormal when you ran off. He even yelled at Chaka, and Chaka's his best friend! I think you hurt him… really bad…"

"Pell betrayed me and my brother! Why should I feel sorry for him?"

"Because he never betrayed you. Chaka told the king he didn't like the look of you and your brother. That's why you were sent away."

"So Pell… wanted me to stay?"

"Yes. Of course he does, Tyri. He loves you."

"Vivi I don't know… d-does he really?"

"Yes, I'm positive. Tyri, please give Pell another chance."

Before Tyri could answer, Alastor burst through the door followed by Arias.

"I'm fineeesshhed !" he sang in delight.

In one hand, Alastor held an army green shirt and a pair of blue jeans. In the other hand he held a jacket identical to the last one, black barefoot shoes, and gray fingerless gloves with a cat paw print on the palm.

"These clothes are veeerry special. Not only will they fit you snuggly, but they will grow with you when you grow into your Zoan forrrrms !" Alastor sang.

"They're wonderful! Thank you so much!" Tyri said, smiling as Alastor handed her the clothes.

"Go try them oooonnn ." Alastor said eagerly directing her to the dressing rooms.

A few minutes later, Tyri opened the door and came out. Vivi smiled at Tyri with delight and awe. She looked brand new, and even though it was tomboy-like, she looked very pretty.

"You look great!" Vivi and Arias said grinning.

Tyri's green eyes shined as she looked in the mirror at herself.

"Really? Thanks guys! You're the best!" she purred.

"What about me, Sis?" Arias asked.

He was wearing jean shorts, a dark blue polo shirt with an "A" next to the buttons and under the collar. On his feet, he wore black sneakers.

"You look very handsome, Arias" Tyri purred, and then she tuned her head towards Alastor. "How much do our outfits cost?"

"On the house today! Having you here is more than payment!" Alastor said grinning.

"Cool! Thanks a million!" Tyri said gathering her things.

"Anytime darrrrling ! Take care now !" Alastor sang as the trio left.

As the group walked through Alubarna, Vivi's stomach growled. Tyri laughed happily as another growl came from Arias's stomach.

"Hungry?" Tyri asked.

"I'm starving. I'm so hungry I could eat a panther!" Vivi exclaimed.

Arias looked up at Vivi, his eyes full of surprise and fear.

"You won't eat my sister, will you?" Arias asked.

"Kidding! I'm just kidding!" Vivi said laughing.

"Oh okay… *Phew*…so where are we going?" Arias asked as he sighed with relief.

"Let's go to the Sakura Diner. You might have heard of it," Vivi suggested.

"I have. It's the best restaurant to go to where I come from," Tyri said.

As Tyri, Vivi, and Arias entered, hey noticed right away that the place was packed. Hardly any tables were left. Tyri took in a deep breath and sighed.

"Mmmmm… reminds me of home," she said dreamily. "My dad took Arias and I here whenever he could. My big brother worked at the diner and caught fish. I wish he was here with Arsith and daddy…"

Vivi looked at Tyri sadly and patted her friend's shoulder.

"You really miss your homeland, don't you?" Vivi asked gently.

"Yes… I really miss all of my family and friends… Arias doesn't even remember any of our family except for me… But one day, I'll scrape up enough money for a boat of my own and we'll get home."

The way Tyri said that made Vivi believe they'd get home. Tyri was determined and strong.

"She'll do incredible things one day," Vivi thought.

A few minutes later, a tall, young man came up to them. He had shaggy black hair and dark green eyes. Tyri felt as if they met before, but shook her head.

"No… it can't be," she thought.

"Welcome to the Sakura Diner. I will be your waiter tonight," the man said as if he'd rehearsed it. "Please follow me."

Tyri, Vivi, and Arias were seated by the window. Their waiter pulled out three menus, a tiny notepad, and pencil.

"What drinks would you like? Our most popular drink is-"

"The snowberry lemonade. I'll have a medium, if you can manage to keep from spilling it along with the other drinks like a retarded lapin," Tyri teased.

"Okay… one medium for you," the waiter said raising his eyebrows with shock and amusement.

"Same for me," Vivi said.

"Me too!" Arias chirped.

"Is he yours?" the waiter asked smiling at Tyri.

"He's my little brother. 9 years old," Tyri purred.

"Wait! Did you say… 9?" the waiter asked in shock.

"Yes… is there a problem?"

"…No…not at all…um… I'll go get your drinks now…"

As their waiter stumbled away, Tyri stared at him, confused.

"What's his problem?" she murmured.

"Is something wrong Tyri?" Vivi asked.

"That man… he reminds me of my older brother, Carson. He even looks, smells, and acts exactly like him!" Tyri said worriedly.

"Don't worry about it. Tyri… could I ask you a question?" Vivi asked.

"Go ahead, but if it's about what I think it is…"

"Oh no, no… It's just that…I've been thinking, and now I really want to ask…could you be my bodyguard? In secret I mean…"

"Me? Why?"

"You're a great person Tyri. You seem to be really brave, a brilliant fighter, and we're great friends already."

"I don't know Vivi… the way my life's been going, I don't know if I can do that…"

"Tyri please! You're a great friend, and I really want to help you! Please be my bodyguard! I'm begging you!"

"Okay! Fine! I'll be your bodyguard!"

The waiter came up with their drinks as Vivi hugged Tyri. Tyri pushed her away, embarrassed.

"That's great sis!" Arias exclaimed.

"Yes, Arias! Tyri's the greatest!" Vivi squeaked happily.

The waiter's eyes widened in shock and he dropped the trio's drinks, the glasses shattering as they collided with the floor. He gaped at Tyri and Arias, lost for words.

"What's the matter?" Tyri asked worriedly. "Are you okay?"

"T-Tyri? Is that really you?" the waiter asked gazing at the young lady.

Tyri, confused, cocked her head to one side, shocked and suspicious.

"Who are you? How do you know my name?" she asked.

"You really don't remember me of all people? You're slower than you were when you fell through the ice when you and I were going back from our hunt when we caught 7 seal pups and you're brain was practically frozen," the waiter remarked smiling.

"I don't believe it… C-Carson?" Tyri asked shakily. "Is that really you?"

"You'd better believe it sis," the waiter said, his voice quivering.

Tyri's eyes widened, and tears filled the siblings' eyes as they embraced each other warmly.

"Carson! I've missed you so much!" Tyri sobbed happily.

"I've missed you, too Tyri. It's been too long!" Carson replied trying his best to fight back the tears escaping his eyes.

"It's been five years you daft dodo!"

Vivi and Arias glanced at each other, and then looked at the two siblings rejoicing.

"Did I miss something? What's going on?" Vivi asked.

"Sis? Who's this man?" Arias asked.

Tyri and Carson pulled away from each other and looked at the confused duo. Tyri put a hand on her younger brother's shoulder as she knelt down in front of him.

"Arias, this is your older brother, Carson. The one I've told you about for… well… years… he looks almost exactly like you, except for the eyes," Tyri said smiling.

Slowly Arias's eyes widened.

"M-m-my big brother…" he whimpered.

Carson nodded, and tears welled up in Arias's eyes.

"C-CARSOOON!" Arias wailed, and he flung himself into his brother's arms.

Carson embraced his younger brother, tears springing to his eyes as well.

"I-I remember when y-you were just four… you and Tyri went missing… w-we couldn't find you…" Carson said his voice shaking, ready to give way to sobs.

"Well, we're back Carson. Is Arsith here?" Tyri said looking around.

"He's in the lounge, sleeping," Carson said shaking his head.

"Typical… tell him Arias and I came and we'll see him around. We might stop by tomorrow."

"Sure thing Ty. Now as I remember before this incredible reunion, I dropped your drinks, and 5 years ago, you and Arias went missing. Let me get you some new drinks and your meals, and you explain what's happened these past 5 years. Deal?"

"Okay, deal."

For the rest of their time there, Tyri explained everything that happened over the 5 years, Carson treated them to a 3 course Sakura Kingdom style dinner, and after all of the explaining Tyri did, the small group talked and laughed almost until closing time. When they finished, they said goodbye, Carson tussled Arias's hair and gave both his siblings a parting hug, and waved farewell as they walked off into the nearly deserted streets of Alubarna. The sun was setting as the trio got outside. Vivi had to get home, or everyone in the palace would be worried.

"I can get you home Vivi," Tyri said. "Get on my back."

Tyri turned into her full Zoan form and lifted Vivi and Arias onto her back and raced for the palace. In minutes, Tyri had reached the palace. She let Vivi down and turned human again.

"Alright Vivi, you go ahead. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Sure. I'll meet you two here at 12:00"

Tyri bowed and grinned at Vivi.

"Okay Princess Vivi."

"Just Vivi, Tyri. We're friends. You don't have to call me "Princess.""

"Okay. Good night Vivi."

" Good night, Lady Tyri the Panther and Lord Arias the Bold."

Tyri and Arias smiled, and disappeared into the black shadows of the night.