Chapter CCL: The Weapon Known As Lachesis Part V

"Mmm..." Mumbling as his consciousness began to awake, the first thing the young boy noticed was the terrible aching that was in his limbs. Wincing as his nerves felt the damage, he sat himself up and forwards. It was then that he discovered that he had been lying within the folds of a white sheeted bed.

Confused by this he asked, "What am I doing here? What-?"

Then suddenly as he asked those questions, the memories all quickly flooded back and he remembered in seconds what had happened! The man with the horrible red energy, the breaking of his train and then-!
Putting his hand over his mouth, worry immediately grasped him firmly as he uttered, "Lachesis she-?"

"Is damaged," came a cold logical tone.

Shocked, Kagi turned and there he saw with surprise a man he had not yet met. He was an older person, with pale skin, a dark beard and sideburns along with a pair of spectacles over his grey eyes. Looking at him, the young boy saw he was wearing the same white lab coat like Rosso and her followers did and he was looking over some notes that had been attached to a clip board at the end of his bed.

Normally if this had been any other situation, Kagi probably would have asked for the man's name. But his concern was solely upon one person as he asked, "...How badly is she hurt?"

With this question asked of him, the man finished looking over the notes and informed Kagi, "To the point she will be bed ridden..." with that taking a small note book out of his pocket, he added, "and if my approximations are correct, it will be al least for a month or more."

Horrified to hear this, Kagi then looking to his body saw he hadn't got as badly harmed and asked, "Why though? Why did she get more hurt than me... I mean I can walk and-!" With that Kagi went to get out of bed but as he did-!

"Urgh!" He quickly began to trip, falling forwards. But quickly-!

"Oof!"

He was caught by the arm by the spectacled man who told him, "Only just." He told him, with that he kept his tight hold on Kagi's arm allowing him to gain his balance.

Feeling him do this, the young boy feeling himself shake cringed from his frayed nerves and the tightness around his arm. As he did so, he looked up to the man and seeing his cold eyes looking down at him behind those spectacles he heard him say, "You can move certainly, but as you can see not too well." With that he pulled Kagi and made him sit back on the side of the bed, doing so the young boy looked up to him and heard him say, "You will be incapacitated as well, though I'm sure your rate of recovery will be more smooth sailing than hers."

With those words said, Kagi finally felt the man release him. As he did so, he still wanted his question answered, "But why? Why am I more okay though! I mean Lachesis she was-!"

"Clearly more exposed to the assailants wrath" with that correcting his lenses he told the young boy, "I suspect he found her to be far more abhorrent then you could ever be."

Hearing this as his reason, Kagi looked down. He still had so many questions about what was going on, but knowing that she'd been exposed to such unbearable agony he couldn't help but grip the white sheets beneath his fingers tightly. He hated what had happened, but more than that he wanted-!

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Surprised the young boy looked up and saw that the spectacled man had had a small pager in his pocket. Looking at it, he sighed and uttered with annoyance, "Looks as though I'm being summoned again." With that he turned his attentions towards the door, walking towards it he told the young boy, "Now I expect you to get some good bed rest, I don't want you to try moving from that space for at least the next three days."

Seeing him leave, Kagi quickly asked him, "Where are you going?"

"To see our dear Lachesis," with that resting his hand upon the door frame, he revealed further, "I am told her wounds are proving too much currently for her nerves, she needs a good sedative to set her straight."

At that age, Kagi didn't quite know what a sedative was. But he understood that Lachesis was in pain and so he quickly he asked of the man, "Please could you, Mr uh...um?"

It was then that it would have been useful to have asked for the man's name at the start, for now he was struggling.

Seeing this awkwardness, the man immediately solved the situation, "Dr Sidolfus."

Hearing his name being given, Kagi then quickly continued and said, "Dr Sidolfus, could you tell Lachesis that I hope she gets better soon! Would you do that for me?"

With this request given to him, the man was quiet as he studied Kagi's face. Then as he saw the desperateness that was there, he then replied with a suspicious smile and said, "When there is a possible free moment, then of course young Kagi."

Feeling relief immediately at this response, the young boy then released a sigh and finally he carefully got back into bed. As the doctor left the room, Kagi tried to soothe the horrible aches and pains that was in his own body... as he tried again to get some proper rest, he couldn't help but utter, "I hope I can see her soon..." With that he drifted off into the comfortable darkness of unconsciousness.

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Seeing these events transpire before them, everyone was silent again. But looking on, it was then that Aeris couldn't help but comment, "Those conditions you both incurred sound terrible Kagi."

With a single nod the green haired boy responded, "They were... we were bed ridden for a long while."

Ody hearing this then decided to ask as Scriptium hung herself over his shoulder, "How long was that while?"

Kagi then responded, "Well, for me... it took about ten days." But then looking up to the screen as various images flashed of him talking with the doctor in bed, he continued to say, "But with Lachesis with herself... it was much, much longer."

Hearing his words, everyone watched on to see what would happen next as they all turned back up to look at the screen with Pete being the most anxious among them.

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"Urgh!" On his legs, Kagi was determined to step forwards as he and his doctor proceeded down a corridor.

The older man, seeing the strenuous effort he was putting himself through to just move forwards sighed. Then doing this he advised the young boy, "I have told you not to push yourself unnecessarily, you will need at least five more days before-!"

"And I've told you already I'm fine!" With that putting his hand on the wall, Kagi proceeded on to say, "I'm just not used to my legs again yet! This is nothing!" With that looking ahead down the darkened corridor he added, "Besides, I've delayed this long enough! I gotta go see Lachesis! I need to see how she is now!"

Hearing him say this, the older man was curious. Then taking out his small notebook again, he couldn't help but comment, "How odd of you... considering I was advised that you found her absolutley distasteful before this point."

Cringing as he heard this, still stepping forwards Kagi then replied, "Well I changed my mind alright... besides, I'm a kid what do you expect from me!?"

This it was clear his doctor was not going to dispute about. Instead he kept silent and placed his notebook back in his pocket and followed behind the struggling boy. Then after about fifteen minutes... they finally arrived at the room where Lachesis was located.

Seeing that they had made it, the young boy was full of relief as he sighed with a small smile on his face. His doctor beside him was clearly not as enthusiastic and so said simply, "Now that we've finally arrived, allow me to get the door for you." With that turning the handle, he opened the door and allowed the visiting guest to pass on through with him shortly following behind.

Going inside the room, Kagi still aching a little as he moved forwards ignored it. For he was more concerned about the person who was before him. For finally there she was, resting in her own hospital bed it was, "Lachesis!"

Hearing his call, the young girl lying underneath the sheets was sat up in bed against a couple of tall pillows. She was dressed in a pink short sleeved hospital gown, her long brown hair was loose and was lying all around her. She almost seemed angelic in that state, however there was no smile on her face as she asked curiously, "Kagi?"

Seeing that he had got her attention, the young boy hobbled forwards a bit more and finally sat himself down in a chair beside her bed. Doing this, still smiling he told her, "Finally! I get to see you! It's been so long!"

All the young girl though did was stare at him quietly. As she did this he decided to enquire, "How are your injuries? Are you nearly recovered?"

"I have recovered to a performable rate estimate of fifty percent," with that she brought out one of her arms that were still tightly bandaged from underneath her white bedsheets. Kagi couldn't help but feel a chill as he saw them, while the girl herself seemed to have no concern as she continued on and said, "It will be some considerable time before I recover to a rate that will be adequate for myself again."

"Oh I see..." he responded. With that there was nothing but silence then between them both as she stared at him quietly.

Seeing her do this, Kagi had to ask to stop himself from feeling too awkward, "Uh? Aren't you happy I came to see you?"

As this was put to her, the girl then told him, "...I wasn't expecting you to come."

Surprised by this he asked, "You weren't?"

Lachesis shook her head and continued on to say, "No, after all..." She then turned to look in the direction of a wide window that was in her room. Doing this she continued on to say, "The last time I saw you, I was unable protect you... and your toy train was ruined."

As she said those words, Kagi remained quiet. He couldn't say she was wrong in her thinking, but looking to her hands he saw that she was squeezing them tightly down upon the sheets. Seeing this he realised that Lachesis was hurting inside, she was blaming herself for what had happened to them both.

He knew immediately he had to right this! So he told her brightly with a smile, "Oh don't worry about that! It's fine!"

Lachesis though didn't turn to look at him, her gaze was still fixed upon the window.

Seeing her continue to do this, Kagi tried again to speak, "I can make another one y'know! It wouldn't be hard for me at all!"

As she heard these words though, the young girl then told him,"But it won't be the same train you had will it? I'm a failure who-"

"Don't say that!"

"Hmmm?" Hearing a sudden sound of movement, Doctor Sidolfus turned away from his notebook he'd been writing in. There he saw that the young boy had grabbed Lachesis's hand and as he did so, he told her, "You're not a failure and I don't care anymore about that dumb old train now!"

However Lachesis still wasn't looking at him as she kept her gaze fixed upon the window. She didn't believe him. This upset the young boy.

Watching this scene transpire, Sidolfus walked towards over and enquired, "What are you two youngsters up to here?"

Seeing the doctor come over to them, it was then Kagi said, "Doctor could I have some paper please?"

Puzzled by this request, Sidolfus repeated, "Paper?"Seeing him nodding urgently, to his question. The now baffled spectacled man didn't have any reason to refuse. So he presented, the young boy with the simple material he'd asked for.

Quickly snatching the paper from him, Kagi began to work on in it hurriedly.

Hearing the rustling of paper, Lachesis felt her curiosity gradually peak. Turning herself back around, she watched as Kagi folded the paper over and over. She didn't understand what he was trying to achieve and it was clear neither did Sidolfus. But before she could enquire, "There I got it!"

With those words said, Lachesis was presented with, "A...bird?" For this was something she clearly not been expecting to see.

Seeing the surprise that was on her face, Kagi smiled and made a small nod saying, "That's right!" With that he then placed the folded white paper animal into her hands for her to gaze upon.

As she looked at it in puzzled wonder, the young boy then explained, "You see I can create anything when I put my mind to it! I was taught by my sister a long while ago how to make animals out of paper and stuff, the art's called Origami." Lachesis though didn't respond, instead she continued to look upon the paper creation with amazement as Kagi continued to say, "Though I haven't been able to master the art yet of making a Crane, the bird's are still cool though, so you see these things are great because even the paper gets messed you can always make more so...?"

Stopping for a moment it was then he finally noticed that Lachesis was looking at it all over still, she was completely fixated upon it. Seeing this, he then asked, "...Um? Do you not like it?"

Hearing this question being asked, the young girl then responded laying the paper bird on her lap, "...I don't quite know how to respond to that question."

"Huh?" The young boy uttered confused.

Sidolfus watching this moment, he then stated, "This may surprise you to learn this, young Kagi." Then as the greened haired youth looked back up to the older man, he heard him say, "But that bird you presented our Lachesis with, is the first tangible item that would equate to a gift."

Quiet, Kagi digesting this information then repeated, "A gift?"

"Correct," Came his answer. Then as he directed his spectacled gaze to the young girl he asked her, "Lachesis, how is the pulse rate of your heart right now?"

As this question reached her ears, Lachesis looking to the lab coated man for a moment. Then quietly she placed her bandaged right hand over her chest, studying the beating rate of her heart for a little she responded, "My pulse has increased by ten beats now."

Surprise momentarily came across Sidolfus' face, but in the next moment he smiled smugly and replied, "I see."

Not understanding what this conversation was about, Kagi couldn't help but utter, "Um? Why does that matter?"

Sidolfus then looking to the young boy told him, "Our Lachesis is experiencing elation, or more precisely happiness at this moment."

Really surprised to hear this, Kagi asked, "Happiness?" Then he quickly realised, "Wait? Are you saying she's never been happy?"

Lachesis hearing this then corrected him saying, "No... this is simply a rare occurrence."

Kagi looking to her say this, he then saw a light of melancholy that had entered her eyes. Catching it before she looked away, he finally then for the first time since he had come to the city, remembered the few times he had noticed her expression. All those times she had, had that same light. While all that time he'd been...!

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Surprised by the unexpected noise, Kagi saw that Sidolfus had pulled out his pager. As he did so, he then said with an annoyed sigh, "It seems I need to correct another report again." With that he got up and went to walk out the door.

As he went Kagi heard the older man complain saying, "When will those fools learn to write properly! Imbeciles!" However before he fully left, he turned and told the children, "Do not tamper with any equipment in this room, understand?"

Kagi hearing this command simply nodded, while Lachesis herself did nothing and only stared on. It seemed the older man was satisfied with this for he was then on his way to take care of his waiting task.

Watching him go, Lachesis remained expressionless. While Kagi sighed and said, "Wow, dealing with that old guy can be real draining." With that looking to her as she turned to look at him, the young boy couldn't help but add, "I mean it's no wonder you probably haven't recovered faster if he's like that with you all the time, huh?"

As this was said, Lachesis tilted her head and asked, "How am I supposed to respond to that?"

Kagi surprised by this question was quiet. But then admitted though feeling a little awkward again, "That was supposed to be a joke but...I guess it failed, huh?"

Lachesis didn't respond to this. Instead she only looked on silently still at Kagi.

Feeling her do this, the young boy didn't want this weird atmosphere again! So he then declared, "Well anyway! I'll make sure from here on out, that you'll get better more quickly!"
"Pardon?" The girl asked him, not understanding him again.

Kagi then explained, "Well, I was thinking I could help with your nursing or something, so you can get better faster!" With that smiling he added, "I mean after all, I think you'll need it if all you've got here to help look after you is old grumpy Doctor Sidolfus."

Lachesis still couldn't comprehend this notion and so enquired, "Why do that? You have nothing to gain from such an activity?"

As she said this, Kagi then told her, "Well yeah, I won't disagree with you there, I won't really gain anything out of it," but looking to her, he told her honestly, "But I wanna make up for how rotten I was to you all this time."

"Rotten?" Lachesis asked him.

Nodding, Kagi then explained, "Yeah I mean, I've been acting like just a brat before now, just concerned for myself...I didn't think about your feelings at all."

As this was explained to her, Lachesis then responded calmly, "How you behaved before was to be expected, Mother told me that when one is deprived of their familial support they would act as you have and-!"
"It's still not an excuse!" Kagi told her mad. Then as he silenced her and she looked on at him quietly he told her, "I mean yeah I have been hurting a lot but..." he looked down and admitted what he remembered, "I know now you were hurting too."

"Hurting?" Lachesis asked, for she didn't comprehend what he meant.

Kagi then explained, "I mean, you felt awful when I didn't let you play with me right? Or when I told you to go away and other nasty stuff... it hurt you deep down didn't it?"

As this was put to her, Lachesis was quiet. She didn't answer and instead looked down to her hands that still held the white Origami bird.

Seeing this Kagi realised, "I'm right..." then feeling his shame, he told her, "And all you were tying to do was help me in your own way." Saying that he looked back to Lachesis and asked her, "That's why you gave me your hairband in the first place to help in the creation of my train right?"

Lachesis didn't at first look at him, but after a moment as she felt Kagi's blue eyes settle on her with concentration. She looked back to him, not saying a word.

Before if she had done this, Kagi would have viewed her as being expressionless and dead like a robot. But there within the depths of her emerald green eyes, he could see the sadness and the air of loneliness that had been lying there that he had paid no heed to know all that time before.

Smiling as he saw this, Kagi then told her, "Yeah I am..." then knowing this, he put his hand onto Lachesis' again that held her bird. As he did, he told her tearing up a little, "I'm sorry Lachesis... I'm sorry! I'm sorry I hurt you all that time! I'm sorry!"

Hearing the little boy cry like this for her, the girl's eyes widened and his eyes leaked over with innumerable tears for her. She felt her pulse raise a little more, she didn't know what to do with these new sensations inside... but after a moment, she moved one of her bandaged hands and put it on Kagi's head.

Feeling this stroking act being done, the young boy was surprised but then he heard the girl tell him, "It's alright..." then miraculously, her lips lifted and a smile blossomed onto her face as she told him kindly, "You don't have to blame yourself, I hold no ill will to you for all this."

As she said this Kagi couldn't believe it, she was being so forgiving to him! Despite everything she was put through, she-! The knowledge of this fact just made the young boy cry harder, but despite this Lachesis kept her smile and continued to stroke the young boy as he cried on more.

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Seeing the scene play out, Pete was mesmerised. For looking on, this was now only the second time he had ever scene Hari make a smile... it was such a warm one. However, he realised that this smile from the past was just as warm as the one he had asked for in the present some time ago.

Looking on at the scene, he could now truly see that underneath Hari's cold exterior what he had thought he might have only imagined, was true. She truly did have a warm and kind heart. To him this knowledge and this scene were both precious treasures. It was to him like finding a tiny single growing flower in a sea of crumbling ruined devastation. His shoulders shook as he made sure not to be spotted in his invisible guise, for he couldn't let his weakness of emotion be seen by others. Especially not by the enemy!

Watching the scene herself along with the others, Nozomi couldn't believe what she was seeing! It was clear Cait sith couldn't either as he commented, "Who'd ever reckon that cold monster could actually have a warm heart underneath it all!"

Nodding Nozomi couldn't help but admit, "Yeah," however the question remained, "But... what could have turned this kind young girl into the cold merciless person we know now?"

Pete hearing this question from the distance he was, then stopped. For he couldn't help but wonder that then too? Why was Hari so cold and subservient to Maleficent and-?

Watching on, Mickey who'd moved over closer to Kagi decided to ask him, "So what happened to you both after that moment, Kagi?"

As this question was put to him, the young man then answered as some flickering images appeared of various every day moments and him assisting Lachesis now again in her hospital bed, "Well, after I had soothed things over with her, I began to help in her recovery, aiding with Doctor Sidolfus where I could and just making general conversation with her when I had the time... I gradually tried to open her up and have it that we become better friends." Then looking on at one scene that was playing, it showed the young girl and boy on the floor with various coloured pieces of paper around them. The two had created a mesh of many different paper shapes around them, seeing this with a warm smile on his own face Kagi then said, "I even taught her how to do Origami... we became closer and closer like I hoped we would as the days went on."

Then as he said that, the scene changed again and there he saw he was then together with doctor Sidolfus. They were walking down the darkened city streets and as they were, the green haired boy went on to say, "Then the more I helped out, the more lenient Doctor Sidolfus became and he even convinced Rosso to let me help him run certain errands."

Then as watching as that one night began to play out, Kagi said, "And on one particular night... it would lead the two of us to making some irreplaceable friends..." with that everyone watched as that fateful night began to play out before them.

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"Finally we're done for this night!" Together with Doctor Sidolfus, Kagi had gone with him to fetch some materials, mainly some medicines and other practical research items.

Looking over everything, the Doctor couldn't help but say exasperated, "Honestly I can't believe such precious materials have to be fetched from a damp and revolting section of the city such as this!"

Kagi only nodded, as he packed the items away into the vehicle they had used to travel into the town. Done with his task he quickly got into the passenger side as the Doctor himself got into the driver's seat. The two of them immediately buckled up and with the start of the ignition, they were away.

Looking on through the passenger side window, Kagi couldn't help but admire the work and lights of the city. Also seeing the thriving populace who were all there, it was hard to believe that this entire space existed because of Rosso and her gathering all these people together. Though, she still scared him at the same time, he couldn't help but admire the woman at points.

Then as he thought these things, Sidolfus sighed tiredly as he said, "I will be glad at last when this last segment of the treatments are over!"

Thinking again of Lachesis who was waiting for them, Kagi looked over to the Doctor and asked him, "Has she got a long way to go still before she's fully healed?"

As this was asked, the Doctor then told him, "It will take at least two more weeks as far as I can tell..." Then correcting his viewing mirror slightly, he added, "There shouldn't be anymore abnormalities to deal from now on, hopefully."

Kagi then nodded, but before he could say another word-!

BUMP!

Suddenly being launched forwards and only held back by the strong pull of his belt, Kagi's head hit the back of the chair behind him! As he did, he ached and asked as the vehicle had come to a sudden halt, "What on earth was that!?"

Disgruntled, both from the shock and impact. Sidolfus could see what it was as he replied, "Vermin most likely."

"Huh?" Kagi uttered.

But Sidolfus didn't bother to clarify, instead releasing himself from the belt and pulling himself out of their vehicle, he told Kagi, "Stay here!" With that he went to investigate.

Not understanding what was going on, Kagi stayed where he was. However he couldn't help but be puzzled by what had been said, "Vermin?"

However unbeknownst to the small boy, the back door behind him was slowly being opened...

Meanwhile, the Doctor himself seeing what was before his vehicle spied what it was. Annoyed he uttered, "So it is one of you again!"

For there lying on it's back, with it's tongue hanging out of it's mouth. Was a creamy brown dog, a bulldog to be exact. Seeing this 'Performance' being done didn't amuse Sidolfus whatsoever, for he'd already witnessed it on quite a few other occasions and so commanded angrily, "Get out of my sight this moment, you useless slab of lard!"

However the dog continued to keep up it's act, though it was clear it twitched slightly hearing the word 'lard' being ascribed to it.

Kagi couldn't tell what was going on exactly, though he was curious and was almost inclined to get out of the vehicle and look himself when-!

RUSTLE! RUSTLE! RUSTLE!

He heard sounds behind him! As he did, he turned his head slowly to look back and uttered, "What is-?"

Then he saw it! A Jack Russell dog with a red scarf tied around his neck! He had brown ears, various orange spots amongst his main body of white fur, with a pair of grey patches on his front paws.

As he saw the dog there, he saw it was rustling around the boxes of medicine! As he saw this, Kagi didn't know what to do! This dog might have be rabid for all he knew! He quietly and nervously began to move his right hand to the door handle and started twisting it slowly open, but as he did-!

CREAK!

The dog looked up startled and quickly, he made eye contact with Kagi! The young boy and dog stared at each other in bewilderment for a moment that almost seemed to last forever until-!

BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

Quickly startled by these loud noises, Sidolfus turned around and demanded, "What in blazes is-!?"

CHOMP!

"AGH!"

Looking back down he saw quickly that the bulldog that had been playing 'dead,' had rolled over and was biting into leg! It was trying to hold him back!

Sidolfus was outraged as he cried out, "You mutt!"

"Doctor! Doctor!"

Kagi had now jumped out of the vehicle and was now crying out "There's a dog! There's a dog inside our ride! It's in the back with all the equipment and-!"

"Don't let it escape!" He cried outraged as he tried to dislodge the jaws of the awful bulldog from his leg!

"What?" Kagi asked puzzled but in the next moment-!

PAT! PAT! PAT!

He heard the sounds of paws and turning he saw that behind him, the dog Jack Russell had exited their ride and was now running down a dark alley!

"Get after it!" Sidolfus cried out! Then as he did this, he threw something to the small boy and said, "Bring it down with that!"

Hearing this Kagi went to pick up the item. However he stopped in his tracks, for he saw quickly it was a white blaster gun! Seeing it, he was terrified! Quickly he cried out saying, "I can't use one of these! I'm-!"

"Just go! Don't ask anymore questions! Or you will pay for it!" Sidolfus commanded.

Seeing there was no time for negotiation, though he was scared of the idea of using it. Kagi knew it was better than nothing! For what was a child like him supposed to do against a wild dog? So with dread he picked it up and headed quickly down the alley after their thief!

Sidolfus though still dealing with his gnawing nuisance had, had enough! "Right that does it!" As they rolled about on the floor he told the dog, "If you don't let go of me right this moment!"

The bulldog though didn't care! For it still had to give time to his comrade to get away, for after all they had-!

Though the dog's thoughts came to a total halt, for there glinting in what light there was. In Sidolfus' right hand, was a single sharp silver scalpel! The dog felt his colours fade as his courage wilted and he heard the man say with sinister intentions, "I'll have to dissect you!"

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Seeing this moment, Balthier who'd been entirely silent up to this point then said quietly, "Even then... he hadn't changed much as a man had he?"

The only one amongst the group who had heard those words, was his loyal companion Fran. She looked at him quietly, she could see he looked uncomfortable and had been looking so, ever since the man, 'Sidolfus' had appeared on the screen. She didn't comment or point anyone's attention to this fact, however she had one guess had who this man was, as she remembered various tales Balthier had told her when they had been alone in private.

If she was correct in her thinking, than this meant that he had a greater connection to the events of this past than any of the group there could know...

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Running down the alleyway, Kagi was keeping his eyes peeled. The heavy blaster held in both of his hands, he uttered though nervously, "Where is it!? Where is it!?" Then quickly as he turned another corner, he saw it-!
There just a little distance away, was the dog with a bunch of medicines stuffed in his red neck scarf and there in the distance he was looking into an old cardboard box. Sniffing at something.

Kagi didn't care for this, instead he took out the blaster and aimed. He was terrified, if the dog went to attack him with it's sharp teeth, he hated to imagine the pain he'd go through! But Lachesis had to get better and he couldn't let something stop them from hanging out together! He had to do something! So quietly he stepped forwards cautiously towards the dog.

In his mind, the words 'Carefully, carefully,' were repeated over and over again. Like some kind of magic chant that would protect him. He was getting closer, his hands were shaking. Just a little more and he'd have him!

Taking a few more steps he was now in perfect shooting range. He was sure not to miss, at least he hoped he wouldn't! He then went to open his mouth to speak, but as he did-!

He stopped, for there from the box. He could hear a soft weak sound and the dog was looking at it worriedly, then as Kagi looked on. He realised the dog hadn't been sniffing, he'd been nuzzling. But it was a-!

"WHINE! WHINE! WHINE! WHINE!"

Startled Kagi looked behind and saw quickly a bulldog come his way, whimpering wildly with panic! As it did, the Jack Russell in the same moment looked over shocked too!

The Bulldog paid no heed to Kagi and rushed straight past the Jack Russell. But as it did, the red scarf necked dog, saw the young green haired boy and both of them stared again at each other startled.

However, the dog knowing what was in the box next to him bared his teeth and growled menacingly! Even if Kagi was a kid, he couldn't falter then!

"GGGRRRGGGHHH!"

The young boy, unnerved by this act almost felt like stepping back. However he aimed the blaster and said with as much conviction as he could muster, "Stay back!"

Quickly it was clear there was a stalemate between them, neither dog nor human were willing to back down! Kagi though tried to reason with the animal saying, "Look! Look! Just drop the medicine and go away okay!?" The dog didn't move an inch to follow this order, instead it continued to bare it's teeth and growl. Seeing this, Kagi didn't give up either though and said, "I promise I won't hurt what's there in that box! I've got someone I'm looking after too! So please-!"

"What're you doing!?"

Shocked Kagi turned, but-!

SNATCH!

"You can't reason with an animal!"

It was Sidolfus! He'd caught up to Kagi and had snatched the blaster out of his hand! The young boy saw in horror, that the man was pulling down on the trigger of the weapon! He cried out, "No don't-!"

BLAST!

The Doctor fired off a shot! It barely missed the Jack Russell though who looked immediately shocked! For the space that had been fired at was now burning with a purple fire and the floor was smouldering... he'd be evaporated in seconds if he stayed there! He had to move-!

Kagi was glad the doctor had missed! But he heard, "Damn it all! This leg!" For the bite he'd ben left with had thrown him off his balance! Irritated, he went to aim again and said, "Drop the medicine now!"

Kagi though saw that the dog was reaching into the box! He had to stop this violence, "Doctor please don't! With that he pulled on his arm and-!

BLAST!

He'd barely managed to stop him from missing again! The Jack Russell seeing this, knew he couldn't stay there! He was a sitting duck! So growling, though looking still at the box with terrible guilt he quickly ran back into the darkness of the alley.

"Kagi! Get off!" With that shaking the boy off him, the doctor scrambled forwards and again tried to shoot the thieving animal that had stolen their medicine!

Seeing this happen though, the young boy moved himself. He had to hurry!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

As each shot was sounded, more smouldering holes were left all over the floor. Irritated beyond all reason, the angry man uttered, "Hell those dumb animals!" For looking to his leg, he realised, "I won't be able to drive now in this state and now we'll have to go back to that cesspool to replenish what we lost!" With that looking behind himself, he called out, "Kagi get over here!"

Hearing this angry tone, hovering over the box. Kagi quickly made his way back and said, "I'm coming!"

Seeing the nervous wreck of a boy make it over to him with his hands behind him in shame, the spectacled man then told him angrily, "Don't you dare show weakness like that again or get in my way!" For he then threatened him saying, "Otherwise you will no longer have the liberties you have now, understand?!"

To which all Kagi did was nod quickly. For he did not want to add more fuel to the old man's anger.

Bitter after this enraged moment, Sidolfus went to go back to their vehicle to call for back up to get their required items and more importantly to get his leg fixed.

Kagi remained quiet, though after a little bit he breathed a sigh of relief. For looking back, he was just glad that Sidolfus hadn't noticed one particular thing he was holding behind himself in his hands. Taking it gently to hold out in front of himself, he looked down worriedly to see lying there,

"Mew...mew...mew..."

A small marmalade coloured kitten, that was shivering weakly from a terrible illness.