Malcho's Qualms

Malcho stood patiently as he watched Dr. Viper work at his lab table, writing down all sorts of plans and theories in his notepads for two hours.

The long violet serpent laid down to pass the time, his new mind curious of what his master was doing to create this new law and order he talked about.

"I have it!"

Malcho lifted his head straight up, blinking in bewilderment at the doctor's excited volume before he covered his yawn with his left wing as he tabbed with his rolled-up tail feather.

"Have what, doctor?"

"A way to transssform the world, though one town at a time."

"I take it you mean Megakat City first?" Malcho queried.

"Of courssse, a metropolitan with ungrateful nature-abusers is the best one to use as an example. Once it's been altered, some environmental enthusiasssts will understand how much nature and its creatures need to evolve."

"Do you mean to mutate everyone in the world, those willing and unwilling?"

"Well, those willing to join us may choose to be like me if they wish, but if they're happy with their normal bodies like Rosssella, then no. As for those unwilling to work with us at all…"

"Do you mean…do away with them?"

"Those who avoid and mean no harm to our new world, no. Those who do, I'm afraid so," he answered with regret.

Malcho blinked before asking a very good question, "Then… where will the pacifists flee to live? I mean… I have not yet met Rosella, but would she not feel more at peace of mind if the wise kats have a place to live?"

Elrod looked at Malcho who looked away, thinking he had angered him. "I apologize, I'm out of line."

"No, Malcho, what you say isss correct…" The scientist looked at the floor beneath him as he contemplated the matter, holding his hands together, massaging his fingers as he thought hard. "Hmm… I know."

He explained to Malcho who nodded in understanding, hoping Rosella would feel the same way.

000

The mutated doctor spent two days discussing with Malcho a way to seize MegaKat City, without harming helpless citizens and execute attackers with mercy. Malcho didn't say it this time, but he did think how Rosella would possibly be… shaken at the thought of death even with kindness.

He kept it to himself because he didn't want to arouse his master's anger of questioning everything. After all, he knew her, so he didn't feel it was his place to say.

He would feel helpless whenever Dr. Viper would take a break to visit his unconscious future mate. He wore his scarf this time, gently having her fingers touch the familiar fabric she had felt since she was hospitalized.

"Your love always provided warmth whether I wore thisss or not but having something tangible brought much solaccce as it did for you all this time."

Elrod untied the scarf and carefully slipped it behind Rosella's head before he re-tied the ends behind his neck, and gently pulled her against his chest, his long muzzle on top of her head.

He stroked his right hand in her hair, grinning when he thought how much better she'd be when everything else was better.

"We'll be happy again, Rosssella, you'll see." He cradled her head in his right palm before he kissed her, then embraced her again. "I'll make you happy again."

He remembered a time over two years ago when she was low like this when she had fallen ill with a fever.

000

Flashback

Dr. Purvis was working in his office writing an idea he hoped to tell Dr. Zyme about, hoping this time his colleague would listen for a change.

He was working even during his break until he received a call, the caller ID saying it was from Rosella's house to his surprise.

"Rosella? I thought she was at work." He answered, hearing his girlfriend's voice, but she didn't sound like her usual self.

She explained in a hoarse voice she was down with a fever. She tried to tell him he didn't have to worry, but he was already on his feet before she could even let the third word out.

"I'm coming over right now," he pronounced solemnly, putting away his notes in his briefcase, closing the drawers in his desk.

"What?" she murmured, "Elrod…"

"Just please lie down and rest. I'll use your spare key to get in," he insisted calmly, winning the conversation.

He made straight for her house, letting himself in before headed up for Rosella's room upstairs, quietly stepping in to find the white she-kat whose head looked hot from the fever.

She seemed asleep already, so he walked up to her wordlessly, lightly putting his left hand on her forehead. He flinched a little from the heat.

"Elrod, you there…?" she breathed, her eyes closed as she slowly moved her head in his direction.

"Shh…" he soothed with a loving smile, holding her right hand that she pulled out of the covers. "Yes, I'm here."

She smiled, holding still as he requested as he rubbed her hand.

"I know you didn't want me to go through the trouble of leaving the lab, but there was no way I could be able to work knowing you're alone here this sickly. Besides, I know this makes you feel better." Massaging her right shoulder, he instructed, "Now, go back to sleep."

She nodded, gripping his warm, tender hand as her way of saying "thank you" before she did as he asked.

For the next few days, Elrod came to stay at her bedside, making sure she took her medicine and such. When she was back on her feet, he made sure he saw her to work and home.

"And you say I worry too much," Rosella joked as she unlocked her door.

"I just want to make sure you don't become ill again so soon," he grinned as they put their coats on the coat rack.

"I understand, but I'm not that fragile," she assured nicely.

"I know, but…"

Rosella gently held him before she kissed him, making him melt in consolation as he returned the kiss, his arms around her waist to hold her close.

Present

"It seems like a decade before…all thisss."

Malcho frowned glumly, knowing the biochemist's heart was aching. His companion was there, but she wasn't there. The anaconda still had misgivings of some of the green mutate's agendas, particularly the most extreme parts.

Dr. Viper spent the next morning busy at the lab, Malcho staying in the hall outside of Rosella's room, directed to give his master updates on her condition.

With his wings folded, he looked from between her door and the direction where the lab is, hoping the hybrid's future mate would stay comatose until the worst of it all was over.

He looked through her door's window to check on her again before his yellow-and-green eyes widened in shock when he saw movement. He immediately slithered to alert the doctor as Rosella twitched and shifted before she exhaled and started opening her eyes.

"Elrod…?"