Chapter 11: Family
Fang sat at Tails' bedside. He had been there for quite some time - ever since Mrothtar had ordered him to keep watch over him.
That had been… Nearly two hours after the smaller fox had gone unconscious, by Fang's estimate. And as the fox had been unconscious now for nearly a day… He'd been sitting here for at least 20 hours.
And that was no joke.
He had been sitting in the same chair next to Tails' bed the whole time. He hadn't gotten up, hadn't even lifted his furry butt from the chair. He'd shifted and looked around, but for the most part he'd barely so much as moved. He hadn't slept, either, simply sitting there. Watching.
He knew Mrothtar had chosen him to watch over the boy because he was the only one Tails trusted. And, deep down, he knew he couldn't blame the boy for that. They were the only two foxes in this hell… And above that they were the only two foxes left of their tribe. He wondered if Tails could be who he thought he was - perhaps a distant descendant. He had, of course, had a child with one of the other Tails tribe members. It had been secretly, of course, and she had been married - but what did a demon care of marriage? And it appeared to him that the vixen had thought just as little of her union as he did… Though perhaps it was the knowledge that he was a demon and could easily take what he wanted that had motivated her to comply.
Regardless, she was of a higher family by birth and married to one of the Guardian family. It could be that he had contributed in some small way to the DNA of the fox laying before his eyes.
And, now that he took a closer look, he did quite resemble that vixen… Almost enough to make him - he stopped his thoughts there and scowled. If it was true that he was of distant relation to this fox, such thoughts would not be tolerated… Not that Fang cared, of course, but should Mrothtar find out he would be furious. And Fang didn't really feel like dealing with him.
Mrothtar wanted no possibility of their Tribe thriving back to life.
However, looking at Tails again, Fang was almost certain that he was who he thought he was. But if that was so… Tails was not mortal himself. He had the blood of a true kitsune running through his veins - and he had no idea. Fang knew he would have to change that, and soon.
If Tails realized he was part kitsune, he would be able to reap all the benefits of his demon heritage.
Tails, in the meantime, was dreaming. Fang could tell by the way his eyes moved around behind his closed lids. His fingers twitched from time to time. Aside from his sleeping movements, however, the young fox looked almost peaceful. This was the first time Fang had seen him that way. Usually he looked worried, upset, or irritated - and from time to time he'd seen him excited when Mrothtar taught him a new power. He had also seen the young fox happy when they talked. Perhaps all the boy needed was companionship of the right kind.
Fang sat and thought for a very long time, watching Tails like a hawk. That peaceful expression suited him.
He'd have to make sure that he looked like that more often.
He couldn't explain why he felt such a strong urge to protect Tails - even if they were related, Fang was a demon. Family meant very little to him. And love was unthought of; he had only known the younger for a couple of months, but he knew that he did not love him. Even lust could not explain it, as, again, Fang was a demon. If he lusted after Tails he would simply take what he wanted from him. He would not comfort the boy then, as he wished to now.
It didn't make sense to him.
No matter how he thought about it, he couldn't fathom it. There was no reason he should feel so inclined to take care of this boy. No reason at all.
His mind moved from that to how he felt about the only remaining member of his tribe being stuck in Mrothtar's grasp. He wished that it didn't have to be this way. It was a terrible punishment to suffer, especially considering Mrothtar's policy of making those who joined him prove their loyalty.
He hoped Tails' lack of a plan to foil him would be enough, and he wouldn't have to go through the pain of murdering his friends. He knew how painful that would be - it would break the boy. It was enough to break anyone, really.
That was why everyone who worked for Mrothtar had just a little something wrong in their heads. Melda's irritating giggle, for example, stemmed from the emotional instability killing her boyfriend had caused.
Fang sighed and took his eyes off Tails to look to the clock. An hour had passed.
"An hour already…?" He grunted softly, "And yet the boy still has not awoken. Truly something has gone wrong." He looked back to Tails, "I do hope you suffer no permanent damage from this mishap, my little Guardian."
He tilted his head to the side when Tails stirred, wincing at the stiffness in his neck and the loud cracking that accompanied it. Tails moved again, but to Fang's disappointment he merely turned over and burrowed under the covers. He showed no signs of waking any time soon.
Fang leaned back in the chair, small clicking noises causing him to groan. He really needed to stretch - his whole body was stiff.
"Jinji!" He barked.
The racoon came scurrying into the room. "Y-yes Fang?"
It was such a shame that the poor boy was a nervous wreck. "Keep an eye on Tails. I need to go for a walk."
"Yes sir." He was quivering.
The moment Fang got up, he plopped himself down.
Fang felt sorry for Jinji. Almost as sorry as he felt for Tails.
He shook his head as he left the room. How… Mortal of him, to pity them.