Chapter 8

In the Night

Pell picked at his supper, hardly eating anything. It had been a month since Tyri and Arias ran off, and he avoided contact with almost everyone, especially Chaka, the entire time. He hardly ate, no matter what was put in front of him, and trained alone far away from the kingdom. Now, Pell's rib cage was visible, and he was pale. Everyone stared at him as he pushed the food on his plate around with his fork. Igaram hesitated, and then finally spoke.

"Aren't you hungry Pell? Terracotta cooked this dish especially for you. It's roasted grouse…" he said, motioning to Pell's plate.

"No Igaram… I… I'm not hungry," Pell said quietly and weakly, pushing his plate away.

"That's been your excuse for the last 90 times we've asked you!" Chaka growled, his voice dripping with anger.

"Shut your mouth Chaka… you flea-bitten mutt…" Pell retorted just loud enough for Chaka's sensitive ears to hear.

Chaka's eyes narrowed, but he said no more. Things between him and Pell had been tense since the "Tyri Incident", and Chaka hardly talked to Pell. When he did, it was an insult, a disgusted remark followed by a smirk, or constructive criticism full of sarcasm.

To ease the tension, King Cobra spoke up.

"Have any of you seen my Vivi?" He asked worriedly. "She's been gone for more than three hours now…"

At that moment, Vivi came running in. Ever since she met Tyri and Arias, she met up with them for hours at a time each day. They would go out, shop, and hang out with Carson and, later, Arsith, Tyri's mentor.

"Sorry I'm late everybody. I was out shopping for a while," Vivi lied, panting as she chose a seat between Terracotta and Igaram.

"Would you like something to eat?" Terracotta asked.

"No thanks, I'm not really that hungry," Vivi said smiling.

There was silence for a little while, and then Vivi finally spoke up.

"I've seen that girl… Tyri… and her brother around the city…" Vivi said, capturing everyone's attention at once. "She doesn't seem like a bad person…"

Chaka's eyes narrowed and a low growl rumbled from his chest.

"Vivi, I'll give you this warning once and only once: Stay away from them. You don't know what they might be capable of! Especially Tyri! A powerful Zoan like that could surely snap your neck in a heartbeat!" he yelled slamming his fist on the table.

"But I've seen her doing stuff around town! Helping people carry groceries, playing sports with her brother and some of the kids in Alubarna, even break dancing with a dance troupe at the Lotus Flower! She means well!" Vivi protested.

"I don't care! It's all just an act!" Chaka growled.

"Now Chaka, this might just all be a simple misunderstanding," Cobra said gently.

"I'll bet it isn't your majesty! We can't trust her! She's a-" Chaka began but was suddenly silenced by an ear piercing yell.

"SHUT UP CHAKA, YOU STUPID, FILTHY, SELF-CENTERED, REPULSIVE EXCUSE OF A FLEA BAG!"

It was Pell, and his sudden outburst shocked everyone as he exploded, letting out all his anger. He was sick of Chaka's terrible accusations about his friend. How could he act this way after Tyri and Arias fearlessly and politely escorted him back to the palace? But no; it was "necessary" for Chaka to insult Tyri further! He wouldn't allow it anymore!

Without thinking of the consequences of his actions, Pell took his dinner plate and smashed it over Chaka's head. Blood dripped down from a deep cut in the Jackal's forehead, and he saw red and buried his fist in Pell's stomach. Pell gasped in pain, but refused to falter, and punched Chaka in the face. Pell and Chaka yelled angrily at each other, and soon they were on the ground, punching, kicking, and even biting each other, drawing blood with virtually every blow.

"Pell! Stop please! NOW!" Igaram ordered sharply.

Pell turned sharply, and Igaram began to relax, but it was short lived, because in the next moment, he felt Pell's fist burrowing into his cheek. Blood spurted from Igaram's mouth and nose and he fell to the ground as Pell and Chaka continued to fight. Pell felt Chaka's blows weaken, and for a second he was regretting what he was doing, but it was quickly replaced by fury, and he continued to attack Chaka. Suddenly, he felt a blow to his head, and blacked out.

King Cobra stood over the stunned Pell, blood on one of his sandals.

"ENOUGH!" he yelled glaring at everyone, his eyes lit with an inferno of fury. Everyone, frozen in shock, stared at the king. "Somebody take Pell to the infirmary, Chaka and Igaram, go nurse your wounds and I don't want to see any of you for the rest of the night!"

As the king stormed off, Vivi pulled Igaram to his feet. Blood dripped from his nose and mouth, and he wiped it dismissively on his sleeve, but he winced as he touched his mouth. Terracotta dabbed her husband's nose carefully, wiping blood from his mouth as well.

"What's gotten into Pell?" Terracotta asked, obviously concerned.

"I don't know, but ever since that girl ran off with her brother, he's been acting like a rabid banana gator," Igaram replied weakly.

"H-he'll get over it… can I get some help please?" Chaka asked weakly, stumbling on a leg that, to everyone's horror, was torn just above the knee.

Vivi caught Chaka around the waist as his leg gave way from under him. Vivi felt warm blood soak her pant leg from Chaka's leg wound as well as the other wounds he had sustained.

"Chaka are you going to be okay?" Vivi asked fearfully, gingerly touching a deep cut on Chaka's arm.

"I just need some rest Vivi," Chaka said, wincing as fresh blood flooded from his leg wound.

"I'm going to get you to an infirmary bed."

"Heh… I'm not going to stop you… as long as it's nowhere near Pell…"

"…Fine…"

Pell blinked as his eyes adjusted to the faint sliver of light creeping through the curtains in the infirmary. Bandages covered his arms and legs, and he felt a terrible sting in his stomach. He gingerly lifted his blanket and was horrified to see a severely deep gash in his stomach and chest. Dry blood covered the gash as his body feebly attempted to heal itself, but Pell felt as is the slightest move he made would result in the gash splitting. As he touched his wound gingerly, he heard someone groan nearby, and looked to his left, only to see Chaka. He was asleep, and covered in bandages as well, and Pell noticed a deep cut in Chaka's neck, and that he was breathing shallowly. Pell let his anger and hate melt away as he realized he'd nearly killed his best friend, and looked down at his hands.

"I did this," Pell whispered miserably. "What's wrong with me?"

"Nothing is wrong with you Pell. Are you any better?"

Pell jumped in surprise as Vivi virtually materialized from the shadows near the curtains. She'd been watching Pell and Chaka, waiting for them to wake up. She sat near the head of Pell's bed and met his eyes. Pell could see the sympathy in her eyes, and he turned his head away angrily.

"Hey Princess Vivi… Can I help you?" Pell asked quietly.

"Actually, Pell, I wanted to talk to you about Tyri and Arias," Vivi said moving a bit closer.

"Don't feel sorry for me Princess Vivi… I let that girl and her brother take hold of my emotions, and I ended up attacking Chaka and leaving him half-dead," Pell murmured quietly, meeting Vivi's eyes.

"Don't say that Pell… You miss them, don't you?" Vivi asked. Pell broke his gaze from Vivi's and covered his face with his hands. Vivi touched his shoulder tenderly. "Pell… look at me..."

Pell slowly looked up, and Vivi was shocked to see tears beginning to spring to Pell's eyes. She'd never seen Pell cry before, let alone show his soft side often.

"You miss them… don't you?" Vivi asked again, looking at Pell softly.

"I miss them so much Princess Vivi… I think… I've been enamored…by Tyri…" Pell replied, turning slightly scarlet as he spoke. "She and I… we had great adventures for those few weeks I knew her… she was… is… divine… and Arias is like a little brother…"

"They miss you too, you know…"

"Really?"

"Yes… Tyri has told me everything about you, Pell…"

Pell's blush deepened noticeably and he looked at Vivi purely. "She did?"

"Of course she did," Vivi replied grinning.

"Prove it," Pell challenged.

"She told me your favorite color is emerald green because of her eyes, your favorite food is dried and sweetened bird seed, you have two star shaped scars on your chest, you used to be afraid of heights, you have a six pack and toned abs…"

"Okay I think you made your point…"

Vivi giggled at Pell, whose whole face was scarlet now, but he was finally smiling.

"I wish I could see them again," Pell said looking at the window, lost in thought.

"That's what I wanted to tell you, Pell," Vivi said, her voice becoming excited. "I know where they are!"

"What? You do?" Pell exclaimed looking at Vivi, then grabbed her shoulders with urgency. "Where are they Princess Vivi? Please… tell me… I need them…"

"They're living in the abandoned house a few miles from here."

"Thanks Vivi, I'll leave now."

"No Pell! You're still hurt! I can't allow you to go… Wait until you're strong enough."

"Princess Vivi no! I can't-"

"THAT'S AN ORDER PELL!"

Vivi's eyes softened as Pell flinched, and she smiled willfully.

"I understand how you feel. I'm always excited when I get to see Kohza, but I know we can't see each other all the time. My father would get suspicious, and I'd probably never get to see Kohza again. I don't want you and Tyri to end up like that, so don't just go running off while you're injured. Everyone would be worried and suspicious."

"Okay Princess Vivi… I won't go out…"

"Good, now get some rest."

Vivi told Pell good night, and went to her room to turn in. Pell watched the door and listened until he was positive that she was gone, then got up, put on his robes, and headed for the window.

"Sorry Princess Vivi, but I've got to see them," he murmured, and he opened his wings and flew toward the abandoned house.

Tyri's ears twitched and she looked out the window of the house. She thought she had heard something, but she shook her head vigorously. It was just her imagination; there was nothing around except for Arias, who was asleep. The sun was going to sleep as well, but Tyri decided to stay awake and watch it set.

It had been a great day. She hung out with Vivi, talking about the latest gossip in Alubarna. They were like sisters now, and Tyri was always waiting at the Lotus Flower with Arias. Today, they'd gone out to get ice-cream. Tyri loved it, since she hadn't had it in years, and Arias was just as happy as she was. With their ice-cream in hand, they went to the clock tower. There, they sat on balcony, licking their frozen treats and talking. When they had finished, Tyri had sped to the palace with her brother and Vivi on back, and she made it at a record time of 2 minutes and 38 seconds. It had been a great day.

But now, the thought melted away as the sound she'd thought she'd heard earlier rang in her ears. It was a flapping noise, and it was getting closer and closer, and when Tyri sniffed the air, she was shocked to smell mint mingled with the scent of blood.

"It can't be…" Tyri murmured as the shape came into view, and she began to run toward the figure as it began to descend. "P-PELLLL!"

Pell touched down gently in front of Tyri, who was smiling, tears glittering in her eyes. He felt tears in his eyes as well, but as he stepped toward Tyri, a ripping pain slashed through his head, and he collapsed. The gash in his chest had split as he had been flying, and now his robes were soaked with warm blood. Tyri let a cry of shock escape her, and in moments she was beside Pell, lifting him up, and carrying him to her home.

Tyri laid Pell on the couch they'd bought. After being out many times with Vivi, Tyri had bought a couch to sleep on. Now, it was to use it for other reasons besides snoozing. She pulled Pell's robes off, revealing the bloody gash beneath his garments. His chest was stained with blood and sweat as he breathed shallowly. Tyri winced at the sight, and ran to her cabinets, pulling out medicine, rags and bandages.

"Pell, don't move. This will hurt only a little," Tyri said comfortingly, holding a hypodermic needle and leaning close to him.

Tyri gently pushed the needle into his arm, and injected him. His eyes, which had been anxious and focused on her, were drooping.

"W-what was that?" Pell asked fuzzily.

"Propofol. It's a pain-killer. You'll be woozy and tired for only a bit, and then you'll fall asleep. I'm going to stitch up that gash while you're asleep, but for now I'm going to clean it and apply some herbs," Tyri replied while she soaked a rag with a flask of water.

As Tyri softly scrubbed at the blood surrounding Pell's wound, he smiled sheepishly at her. Tyri tried to ignore his fixed gaze on her, but to her utter shock, she felt one of his arms snake around her waist. She looked up to meet his eyes, which were soft, and full of warmth, and she was surprised to see him wink at her, and he smiled devilishly at her as she quickly looked away.

"H-have I ever t-told you… how c-cute you arrre?" He asked shakily.

"I don't think so…" Tyri murmured, trying to stop the color rising to her cheeks.

"Well…I think…you're delicious…"

"He doesn't mean what he's saying!" She reassured herself, though she was now blazing red in the face. "H-he's drugged…"

As Tyri began grinding herbs, she let out a small cry of alarm. Pell's hand had crept down her waist and was now resting on her buttocks. She met Pell's eyes, astonished and reproachful. He was smiling at her, surveying her face, her shocked expression, and he moved his hand away as if he'd realized what he'd done. He couldn't fight the propofol forever; he was slipping away, and he let his head drop.

"P-Pell…" Tyri whimpered, touching Pell's face. "Don't die… Stay with me…"

"Tyri," Pell murmured, grabbing her hand as he began to slip into dormancy. "F…forevermore…"

Tyri's eyes widened in astonishment as Pell finally fell asleep. What had he said? He didn't say what she thought…did he?

Pell blinked, the drug's effects wearing off. The pain from his gash was gone, and he looked down to see the cut stitched up with ointments bordering it. He smiled and sat up, when the sound of soft breathing registered in his brain, and a sweet smell entered his nose. Tyri was leaning against the arm of the couch, obviously tired. Pell's blood stained her hands, but she seemed to be at peace. Pell stroked her hair tenderly, and she stirred, groaning in her sleep.

"You saved me…" he whispered softly.

"Anybody would have done it," Tyri murmured groggily, opening her eyes at last.

"I don't know about that. Thank you Tyri… and… I owe you an apology…"

"For what? Calling me delicious and touching my butt while you were drugged?"

Pell flushed red with utter embarrassment. He had done THAT? Tyri looked at him thoughtfully, and finally giggled to Pell's astonishment. Pell looked at Tyri who was smiling at him, and she cuffed him over the ear playfully.

"It was a first for you," Tyri teased, leaning close to him, numbing his brain just with her alluring scent. "I've never seen you like that. It was the funniest thing I've ever seen… and it kind of flustered me…"

"W-well… I'm sorry… I'm not always like that…" Pell replied shyly. "And… I'm also sorry about what happened at the palace… it was my entire fault… and…"

"Pell?"

"Yeah?"

"Just stop will you?"

To Pell's utter amazement and shock, Tyri pulled him forward by his robes and kissed him. It wasn't the small, friendly kiss he was expecting, but a hard, affectionate and passionate one… and he welcomed it. He grabbed her by her waist and pulled her forward, stroking her gently as she gripped his robes, her animal instincts taking over. Pell felt his taking control as well, and he fell off the chair, pinning Tyri to the floor, and their kiss deepened, moaning and whimpering as they grazed each others' lips.

When they finally broke apart, Tyri caught her breath, and then snuggled into Pell's warm embrace.

"Geez I've missed you," Pell whispered, burying his face in her soft hair.

"Right back at you," Tyri purred.

"So… I guess I'm forgiven?"

"Yes of course you are! Pell, if anyone should be apologizing, it should be me. I ran off without you even getting a chance to explain when I should have."

"It's okay now Ty. I won't make that mistake anymore. That's a promise."

"T-thanks…"

"Don't mention it."

Tyri and Pell talked to each other for hours, snuggled close to each other as they conversed easily. Eventually, Pell got up, pulling Tyri up as well.

"I'd better go," he said, looking into Tyri's soft green eyes, knowing he'd give anything to stay with her. "Everyone will be worried."

"Don't go…" Tyri whimpered, nuzzling him, pressing against his chest.

"I have to. I'll come tomorrow."

"Why should I believe you?"

Pell chuckled, grabbed her gently, and softly pressed his lips against hers once more. Tyri groaned and pushed closer to him as he caressed her, stars dazzling before her eyes.

"What's happening to me?" she thought fuzzily.

Pell separated himself Tyri reluctantly, but he couldn't help but laugh on the inside. Tyri looked dazed, her eyes glazed and mixed with emotions, and Pell wasn't any better. After kissing Tyri, he felt as if his very mind had short-circuited. After a few minutes, Tyri broke the silence.

"I… I think I can believe you…" She purred shakily.

"I knew you would," he replied softly.

As he got out the door and got ready to leap into the sky, he heard a voice behind him.

"Pell?" Tyri said gently, touching his shoulder for a moment.

"Yes?" he asked.

"I love you…"

Pell froze, letting what he'd just heard sink in. A woman, and a beautiful one at that, had told him that she loved him. He, Pell, the falcon-headed freak, had a lover.

"I love you, too…" he murmured, and flew off.

Minutes later, he'd reached the palace. He quietly slipped through the window and shut it gently. He'd made it back without anyone noticing his absence… until he turned and saw a worried and obviously angry Vivi.

"Where were you?" She hissed. "I barely kept everyone from the infirmary you idiot!"

Although Vivi was angry, she could tell Pell was too dazed to argue.

"Sorry Vivi… I couldn't help it…" He said fuzzily, crawling into bed. "I love her you know…"

"Yes… I know you do…" Vivi whispered softly, a smile creeping onto her lips.