|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 11:13 am
Jedidah:
Dusk was slowly approaching as 'Di slowly fled the area where the two dens resided. She had returned to wearing her dress, despite the fact that she felt unclean wearing it and that it was torn at the front. He had ripped the collar, changing it from the modest outfit her mother had made for her to the slightly more risque thing she was currently wearing.
But she would have felt unclean with or without the dress. She felt broken inside and out, used, empty. She had nothing left anymore but her memories. And Connor and Artie, but she could barely ever show her affection for them. Her motives had changed when they were removed from their clam shells. No longer was she staying solely to protect her family. She had to stay to defend the two younger otters. Connor was so full of hatred for his father, she was constantly keeping the two apart and yet doing her best to make it seem like she only felt that Connor was useful. And Artemis... She was entirely good, though she hid it well. And still 'Di worried that one day she would be caught. Artemis alone was probably no threat to Angelus, but with Connor and 'Di added...
Jedidah shook her head at that thought and collapsed. She curled up with a shudder and did her best not to cry.
Logan:
He'd been strolling around - well, that's what he told himself. He knew that he was looking for that first otter he'd run into here - the frightened, terrified shell of a female. He just felt like he had to help her. Some found Logan odd - at times he couldn't care less, and at other times he'd do everything in his power to make something happen. And he wanted to give Jedidah her freedom. Servitude was not a life that any otter should have to lead.
So imagine his surprise when he came upon the shuddering lump of fur and fabric that was Jedidah. He paused for a few moments, at the top of the bank, before suddenly realizing where he'd seen that fabric before. He was down in mere seconds, taking care not actually to touch her, instead just standing in front of her, shoulders and head dipped in concern. "Hey, bub? Jedidah? What's wrong?"
Jedidah:
'Di gasped when she heard her name said by a familiar voice. She had done her best to keep her identity mostly secret, so how could he have figured it out? Unless he met someone who knew her and questioned them about her. And why would some stranger do that.
She quickly uncurled and put a large distance between them, backing hard into a tree. She flinched at that, but kept her gaze on him. She couldn't say anything, couldn't even figure out what to say if she wanted to. All she could do was stare at him, her eyes even more hollow than they had been the first time they had met. When she was young, they had shown with happiness, intelligence, and curiosity.
Now they were dull, empty.
Logan:
...Whoops. he hadn't meant to frighten her, or scare her. Backing away a little himself, wanting to give her space, he attempted another smile - as usual, though, it came out rather gruff and intimidating, so he quickly shook it off. Why couldn't he look reassuring? Like he wanted to help? Damnit.
"Don't be scared, bub," he spoke softly, brown eyes sincere, "I won't hurt ya. I...I spoke to yer father." He paused, not wanting to overwhelm her all at once. "He's worried 'bout ya. And he wants ya to know that all they want is you home, safe."
Jedidah:
Her eyes widened at his words. He had spoken to her father? No wonder he knew her name. Though how much more he knew...
"H-how much did he... tell you?" 'Di whispered, her eyes filling with tears. She missed her family so much. To know that they wanted her home and safe warmed her chilled soul, but she knew she had to stay. For if she fled back to them, Angelus would most certainly go after her.
And yet, at that moment, all she wanted was her mother and father to hug her as she cried over the horrors she had been subjected to.
Logan:
Her eyes widened, and he got a response. Smiling despite himself, pleased she was finally speaking, he sighed a little, sitting himself down. He had a feeling they might be there for a while. He only wanted to help - he just wished she could see that. He didn't even want to think about the horrors she'd been through. "He told me...what he knew, I think. Listen, bub, whoever he is who's hurting you...let me help."
He watched her, frowning a little as he noticed subtle changes. Her dress was ripped, her eyes were empty...or at least, emptier than they had been last time. She looked shaken. Anger swelled in the tempermental male, "What's he done!?"
Jedidah:
Of course, 'Di had know idea what her father knew. She knew of the Cat and that the creature was special in a way different from herself and her father, but special nonetheless. She had seen it appear and disappear, knew how it helped her father defend the Oasis from evil. Maybe it had told her father about her sacrifice? But what the Cat had told him, she knew not.
How noble of Logan to offer her help. She just... didn't know how he could. She didn't want to put him in danger when this was her problem, and what if Angelus used Darling against them? She had a feeling Artemis and Connor could take care of themselves in a hostage situation, but Darling... she was as broken as that stupid creature Dru. And yet 'Di still felt responsible for the young female who's mother she helped murder.
She hadn't expected him to yell. She could feel the anger in the air, much less hear it in his voice and she went with her first instinct, dropping back down to the ground and curling into that ball again. Maybe if she had done so, before, Angelus would have left her alone. Or he would have beaten her into submission so that he could have his way. There really wasn't any telling.
Logan:
She wasn't speaking, and it worried him. At first her eyes clouded over a little, and he sensed she was deep in thought. What was she thinking of, he wondered. Was she thinking of her family, and how she missed then? Of the horrors she'd willingly taken, to protect her siblings and family? It took a lot of courage to do such a thing, and if he were to speak the truth Logan had to admit - he was rather overwhelmed by just how much courage seemed to be packed into such a small otter.
What he hadn't been expecting, though, was the curling into a ball. Instantly regretting his outburst, he winced, taking a few steps forwards, but once again not wanting to invade her personal space. She was a flighty thing, he knew that already. He didn't want to scare her so much that she fled again. He just...he wanted to help. Trying to make reassuring hushing noises, he sat again, closer to her this time.
"Bub, listen. Please let me help. You've seen my claws - I ain't normal. Maybe I can help in a way others can't?"
Jedidah:
"I made him mad," 'Di sputtered, though she had hid her face when she had curled. Her words were a little muffled by this, but they still fell into the air between them.
"I drink..... And I'd been mad, so when he offered I resisted. He, He..." She couldn't bring herself to say what had been taken from her. Maybe Logan was right, maybe he could help. He was bigger than she was, probably older and stronger. For all she knew, Angelus fought against females and those smaller than he was. All she had ever seen was him attack Buffy, mini otters, and Connor, but only when the winged male was young. Now that he was almost into adulthood, father and son avoided one another. Could Logan...
No, there was too much of a risk, to everyone she was trying to protect now. Angelus held too much power over her and it seemed he gained more every day. And that probably hurt the worst out of everything.
more every day. And that probably hurt the worst out of everything.
Logan:
Made him mad? Logan listened, eyes clouding with the unmistakable sign of anger as she trailed off. He understood perfectly well. It wasn't one's place in the world, to make another creature's life hell. No-one deserved such treatment. Trying to reign in his anger, not wanting to make the vulnerable female any more frightened, be backed off a little, moving towards a tree. Within seconds the bark was slashed, metal claws emerging and gouging the wood, severly dismembering the tree. Unable to satisfy his anger on just that, he moved onto a rock, slicing it into mere pieces within moments.
Breathing a little moe evenly, anger dissapating for the time being, he returned to Jedidah, voice low. "Sorry," he mumbled, afraid he might have scared her with his display of anger. It was no secret that he didn't have the best control of his temper. "He deserves to pay, bub. You aren't his slave - you shouldn't have to be. Let me show him why."
Jedidah:
'Di looked up to see him slash into the rock. She had missed the tree, but saw the damage and knew how angry he was. She wasn't scared, though she was surprised. She was little more than a stranger to Logan and yet he seemed... furious over what had happened to her.
She wanted to tell him yes, to beg him to help her, and then she remembered why should couldn't fight him, even if the odds were mostly or even entirely in her favor.
She placed her head on her paws, no longer completely curled up, but still lying on the ground.
"He might use Connor or Artemis... or even Darling as a shield. They're barely adults..." she stopped there, closing her eyes as the tears finally fell.
"I promised myself I'd keep them safe..."
Logan:
It was just wrong - the general principle of a male doing something so wrong to a female... He knew he shouldn't get involved, and that he should stay away. But he had to. He just...had to. He couldn't really explain it, but he felt like he needed to stay in this place for a reason. And this must be it. There couldn't be any other reason, could there?
She repeated a few names he hadn't hearn yet, and he furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, retracting his claws back into his paws. And then...she began to cry. He felt powerless, sadness coursing through his veins. He wanted to...move forwards. Pat her shoulder. Reassure her everything would be alright. But he felt that would just make things worse. He doubted she wanted to be touched, after what had happened. Just thinking about it made his blood boil.
"You have to think about yourself too, bub," he spoke softly, his voice laced with concern, "Can't you escape with them?"
Jedidah:
'Di shook her head slowly.
"I can't. I helped... I did something horrible to them and I can't forget about them. And... And he and his little... They broke Darling. I doubt she'll come if she knew I was taking her from her father, and Connor and Artemis wouldn't leave their sister behind, no matter how wrong it is," she sniffed. She'd help to kill their mother, rescued them from death only to be placed into the paws of the monster that was their father. How had she managed to screw that up so badly?
Logan:
He sighed. She was truly trapped - he could see that. The only way that seemed to exist in which to save them was either to kill whoever 'he' was, or have 'him' willingly give up the deal, and relinquish his power over them. And Logan didn't really see that happening. Another, somewhat sad sigh escaped his maw as he leaned forwards a little to let her know what he was planning, before taking a step closer, awkwardly placing a paw on her shoulder. Well, he had to do something.
"You've got courage, bub. I don't know another soul alive who has been or even could be as brave as you. You don't deserve it, though. I'll find a way to help. Promise."
Jedidah:
Those words, spoken so honestly, caused 'Di's lip to tremble before she burst into harder tears. She wasn't making a big deal about it vocally, but she made soft crying noises and shook as she moved her head to press her forehead against the leg that connected to the paw he had touched her with. She wanted to stop crying, she needed to stop showing her weaknesses, if only for practice, but the falsity in his words made it hard.
"No I'm not. I can't do anything because I'm so scared. How can I be brave when I'm scared all the time?" she admitted in a trembling voice, eyes squeezed shut.
Logan:
...He hadn't meant for that to happen. Afraid he'd said something wrong or acted wrongly, he began to pull his paw away before her forehead rested against it, meaning he had to leave it there. Watching her, he sighed yet again, sitting himself and balancing before bringing up the other paw, to tap her head a little awkwardly - he hadn't really done this whole 'comforting' thing before.
"Yer braver than me, bub. You may be scared, but you do it anyway, and pull through afterwards. We just need to find a way to get rid of 'im, is all."
Jedidah:
'Di trembled again, but her eyes finally opened, to small slits.
"I could kill him, I'm sure of it. He doesn't understand what I am, or know what I can do, only that I am physically smaller and weaker.... I just don't want him to use the others as a shield. If I hurt one of them in an attack against him..." she looked down at one of her paws. She had learned as a pup how she was different from her father. He absorbed, but she could use. It had been so long ago, she had found two evil otters. When she had taken from one enough to turn her horns and claws black, she had managed to send small, black blades flying at the other when she slashed her claws in the air. No one but her father knew of that.
"I... I don't know what I'd do..."
Logan:
His eyes cloouded in surprise. She could attack, too? He understood her concern but...well, it gave them such a great advantage. If it was a surprise attack, when the others weren't close...together, if she was as strong as she was implying, they could bring him down together. Logan's eyes flashed with momentary anger, before it receeded, and he looked down to her with a fierce determination instead burning in his chestnut eyes.
"We can make a plan," he stated simply, lips curling in a sincere smile, "A surprise attack wouldn't give him to chance to take a shield. He wouldn't know what was coming."
Jedidah:
'Di scooted back from him and sat up, running a gloved paw beneath one eye.
"No," she said, still timid, but this time with a little more force behind it. There was just to much of a risk in attacking Angelus now. She wouldn't risk Connor and Artemis in the fight, nor her own family should they fail. Plus, there was Dru to deal with. She had a feeling together they could take down Angelus, but she had no idea what his insane toy was capable of.
Plus, she didn't want to see Logan get hurt. They weren't even friends. Why should he stick his neck out for her?
"There's... just too many risks. Plus, I have no idea who his allies are, if he has any... I've learned what not to do, now... Hopefully he won't..." She trailed off, looking down at the ground. She felt dirty again and for that reason she scooted back even more from Logan. Why had she told him? What must he think of her now? She certainly hadn't fought back enough, too afraid of what that would have pushed him to. Despair settled on her features and she looked around for water. She needed to forget, to remove the scent from her clothing and fur. Would she ever really be free, though?
Logan:
Another sigh - he seemed to be doing that a lot. Couldn't she see - they could make the plan perfect. Fool-proof. He'd never see it coming. But...but without her, it couldn't be made possible. So if she wouldn't, that was the end of that idea. He sighed, looking rather worried as she trailed off. He knew what she meant, and that just made him more angry...and more sad. "Well...is there anything I can do to make your life more bearable? Until we do find a solution?"
He was quick to notice her distress, too, frowning as she began to look around hurriedly, "What is it, bub? What do you need?"
Jedidah:
'Di actually managed a smile though her eyes focused on the ground between them. A real, genuine smile. She rarely did anymore, only when she was totally alone with the pair that she considered almost her own pups. She had raised them, after all, and she had no problems showing them affection... When Angelus wasn't around.
"I might.... try and come here sometimes. It's nice to have someone good to talk to... I can't be myself around him, so I cannot talk like this with Connor or Artemis," she said, hoping she got her meaning across. She did like his company.
"I..." He had noticed when she got anxious, and that brought her mind back to it. She looked down at her clothing with a small look of disgust. "I need to swim. To... forget. Do you know where there's water nearby?"
Logan:
He lowered his head to get a better view of her face, and his heart almost gave a jump for joy when he spotted her smile. It was small, but it was a smile. He flashed one back, pleased to have given her enough cause for such a happy gesture. He nodded as she spoke, understanding. Sometimes talking...talking helped a lot more than doing. He had a feeling this was the case for Jedidah. As long as he could help in some ways, though, he'd be happy. "I'll be sure to hang around here, bub. Try to keep me away." He offered a smile at his small joke, but it soon faded as she spoke again.
"Sure, bub," he spoke, beginning in the direction of the river he'd been swimming in that morning, "This way. It's lovely and clean, so you'll be able to wash it all off."
Jedidah:
'Di followed Logan in relative silence, that is until she heard the sound of water. With a relieved gasp, she rushed towards the sound, finding he was right. It wasn't dark or murky like the water by her den. Her sob was soft before she dived off the bank and into the cool water.
It was difficult to swim in her dress, but everything felt dirty to her, so she dealt with it. She arched underwater like a duck or swan and slipped above the surface without even a splash. She only took the moment to take another breath, though, and ducked back beneath to continue swimming. She wondered if Logan would come in, or merely watch. There was even the possibility that he would just leave. She didn't want him to, but she didn't want to ask him to stay if he didn't intend to.
Logan:
Logan was about to speak, and verbally indicate the river, but she was already in it, twisting and turning gracefully, like an otter should. He merely watched from the river bank, not wanting to intrude on what seemed like the one piece of freedon she'd had in a long time. He did enjoy swimming - twirling around in the water had a way of making you feel so elegant. And free, of course. The water wouldn't hold you back.
"Better?" he asked, a small smile on his face.
Jedidah:
'Di's head popped back up to hear his words and she smiled more warmly than she had in a very long time.
"Very much so. By my den, the water is so murky and dark and cold. I hate it," she said as she swam back to the bank and climbed out. She sat down and busied herself with wringing the water from her skirt, her hair dripping into her face. She tried flicking it back but it wouldn't stay put. It was just fall back over her eyes after a few moments. It could have been worse, though. Her mother and sister had wildly curly hair.
Logan:
Her smile just made it all worthwhile. He couldn't help but smile back, warmed inwardly by the knowledge that he'd helped her smile. He nodded in understanding at her hatred - cold, dark, murky water was horrible. You couldn't see where you were going, and felt more dirty after getting out than you did when you slid in. But that didn't matter, now. She was happy to have had her wash, and he was glad to have helped her rid herself of such...filth.
"The sun'll be out for a while longer, bub," he spoke, offering a solution, "You'll be dry in no time." He paused, as if he had something to say but wasn't sure. Eventually he pressed on, however, watching her with serious brown eyes, "So...what now?"
Jedidah:
'Di looked up at that, blinking. What now, indeed. She had time before she had to go back, Dru and Angelus disliked the sun. In fact, she didn't WANT to head back now. She would much rather stay here with someone she didn't have to hide who she really was. And that reminded her.
"Oh... Please don't tell my father about..." She stopped there, her eyes flicking downward in a clear show that she couldn't bring herself to be blunt about it.
"It would break his heart to know," she got out with a small sigh and finally brushed the hair behind her ear. She had been so happy before and it had looked like her happiness had made Logan happy. She felt bad for being down again.
"Can you still call me Jee?" she asked, looking back up with a half-smile. "Nobody does and... It's better."
It also wasn't something Angelus called her. Untainted, she felt it was better than 'Di coming from her new friend.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 9:47 am
Logan:
"I won't," he reassured her, nodding to reinforce his point. It wasn't hit secret to tell, and at any rate he didn't want to be the one to have to tell a father such a thing. He'd seemed upset enough just knowing his daughter was gone - let alone if he knew what horrible things she was being subjected to. At the request, he returned his own smile, nodding once again.
"Jee...alright then, bub."
Jedidah:
'Di rolled her eyes a bit and yet she smiled. She still thought bub sounded like a masculine term, but she was getting to the point where she didn't care as much. It seemed like it was a word that was just very deep in his vocabulary, though she wasn't sure if he used it often with others, or just her. Either way, she didn't mind as much as she had the first time.
Silence fell between them as she fidgeted with her skirt, trying to get the water out faster to give her something to do. Now that she thought about it, though, it was almost getting to the point that he knew everything about her and she knew absolutely nothing about him. That made her let out a short laugh and raise her eyes again.
"I just realized I know absolutely nothing about you besides your name." And that he thought what Angelus was doing to her was very wrong, of course.
Logan:
He watched her with interest, eyebrows rising in surprise as she suddenly laughed. He hadn't heard her laugh before - she had quite a pretty laugh. Smiling gruffly, he chuckled at her statement, shaking his head a little. His history was something he liked to keep private, but she had a point - he knew pretty much everything about her. Cocking his head, sitting himself down, he exhaled. "What you like to know then, bub?"
He paused, before adding another comment, "Mind, I might not want to answer some questions."
Jedidah:
"To be honest, I have no idea where to start..." 'Di replied with a small shrug. But this conversation was grabbing her attention effectively , so she focused on it even more, getting her mind away from what she would eventually have to return to.
"You aren't from around here, so where did you come from? Did you have friends or family? I know things are a little strange here, what with all the otters from different backgrounds, so what was it like there? Why..." She paused on the last question, wondering if that was going a step too far. And yet, she couldn't discourage her curiosity. "Why did you leave?"
Logan:
He watched her, eyes shining in mild interest, wondering what sort of things she wanted to know. He wasn't sure exactly what she'd meant - more about him, as a person? More about his family, where he'd come from? His questions were soon answered by hers, Logan's eyebrows furrowing downwards as he picked through her questions, sifting through the ones he would answer and the ones he wouldn't.
"I'm from a long way away. A place with snow and forests. I did have a family, but no more - the only living relative I have left is a brother." He paused, sighing softly as he thought of his 'brother'. Whilst not brothers by blood, in spirit they were...although not any longer, he feared. He was being purposefully vague, but he hoped she was satisfied by the little information he was parting. It wasn't often he revealed even this much, "It was cold there - not just in temperature, but the atmosphere too. It wasn't a nice place." Another pause, "My brother and I...we took different sides. There was a fight. A long, exhausting battle."
He looked to the sky, eyes clouding over in what could have been sadness, "I left after that. Too many bad memories."
Jedidah:
His story sounded a little like her father's, from what little she had heard from both of them. She wouldn't question him further on that.
"I'm... sorry. That sounds rough," 'Di replied, raising one paw to press against her lower lip in thought. She smiled a bit and let out a small huff of a laugh.
"And go figure the first otter you meet here is one who'll no doubtably make things tough for you, here. At least it's not always cold here." She added the second part mostly to lighten the mood. Having been in misery for so long, it was difficult to find subjects that didn't end up back to that subject.
Logan:
He lowered his head again, studying her with his chestnut eyes, before chuckling a little, breaking into a gruff smile, "It was a long time ago, bub. Besides, I quite like it here." He was grateful she didn't push on the subject - it wasn't one he was comfortable talking about, and not one he himself particaulrly wanted to recall. She laughed again - only a small one - and his smile became a little more sincere. He did like her laugh - laughter was something that should always be free.
"Ah, no worries, bub," he reassured her with a smile, "You're good company. You make my life interesting, at any rate," His smile widened, another chuckle at her feeble attempt at a joke. He shook his head as he chuckled, soon turning his gaze back to the sky. "Anything else?"
Jedidah:
'Di made a small face, somewhere between thoughtful and annoyed.
"I want to say yes, but nothing more is coming to mind. Eh," she finally gave up with a little shrug. She'd lost any semblance of a conversational subject in the halls of her mind. She, too, looked upwards and noticed the color of the sky. Her whole body drooped a bit.
"I need to go soon..." she sighed softly, her head hanging as she worked herself back into her mask. "If I'm not around when they wake up, they might start to wonder..."
Logan:
He chuckled again - that was something that had happened to him on many an occasion when he was younger. He'd been so curious... In an attempt to stop someone interesting from leaving he'd tried to thing of a question to ask, or anything. It had often ended up being something stupid or meaningless.
He looked back to her as she spoke again, though, noticing her drooping posture. He himself sighed sadly, running a paw through his messy hair, tail limp on the ground. "Listen, bub. Jee. You won't have to stay for much longer, 'kay? We'll find a way."
Jedidah:
Jedidah smiled at Logan. It was a sad smile, but sincere. She was thankful that he cared and that made her feel better, about everything. She stepped to him and touched her nose to his cheek in thanks, nodding her head slightly.
"Thank you. You're... a really good male, Logan. I think, knowing I can come talk to you will help make me feel better," she said, smiling to him as she stepped back.
"Careful, 'Didah. He won't be happy if he catches you kissing other males," a soft, chiding voice said from the trees above.
Logan:
He smiled back, but his eyes widened his shock, the male taking a step back but not far enough, to make sure it was Jee initiating this - he hadn't bee shown such affection before. He blinked, surprise clear on his face, but it soon softened into a genuine, sweet smile, as he gave a small nod. "I'm...I'm glad I can help in some way."
The sound from above, though, caught him by surprise, the male pivoting around to face his unknown 'companion', upper lip curled to present a rather harsh snarl. It hadn't sounded...demanding. Nor particularly a threat. But you could never be sure. "Come on out, bub."
Jedidah & Connor:
Jedidah looked up as a winged male stepped out along a branch. He wasn't as big as her father, but for his young age he was as large as she was, not including the white and gold wings at his back. Connor's glowing gold eyes looked down at her with a concerned frown. Her more or less adopted son, Connor was a bit of a jerk. Mistrusting of most everyone besides his sister Artemis and 'Di, he gave off a devil-may-care attitude as he jeered at his fellow creatures.
"He's not going to find out," she called out to the much younger male, stepping to Logan's side and putting a paw on his shoulder.
"That's Connor," she explained before frowning at the young adult. "What are you doing up there, anyways?"
"Watching you. If you're going to go gallivanting off to flirt with some dude you just met, someone's gotta make sure you don't get caught. He DOES come out at dusk sometimes, you know." 'Di blushed at his words. She hadn't intended to come of as flirting, but if that's what Connor saw, did that mean she was? Just great.
Logan:
Logan's eyes were narrowed, watching the winged male carefully as he strolled along the branch. The wings reminded him of Abel, and he suddenly found himself wondering if he was another member of this slightly strange family. He jumped a little at the paw on his shoulder, looking down at it with surprise for a few moments before relaxing, glancing up to the smaller otter once again. He had a strange attitude - one of a rebellious teen, wanting to walk the thin line between what was right and what would get him punished or told off. Logan snorted a little, glancing back to Jedidah, surprised to see her blushing. He wasn't as easily affected by such words.
"Shouldn't you be in bed?" he asked, perhaps a little awkwardly. He'd never dealt with children before.
Jedidah & Connor:
"Shouldn't you mind your own damn business?" Connor spat, ears flicked backwards defiantly. 'Di sighed and shook her head.
"You really should stop, Connor. You... He's been talking of teaching you a lesson, lately..." she replied, trying to calm the younger otter. He merely sneered.
"Yeah, well I'm twice as strong as the old b*****d, he just doesn't see it 'cause he hates me as much as I hate him," he paused to point at 'Di. "Stop worrying about me and Artie, 'Didah. You keep doing that, he'll do much worse things to you. You were there, you know what he's like. Get your act together."
And with that, he spread his wings and fled, but only to keep an eye out for his father.
'Di sighed and huddled a little against Logan's side.
Logan:
Logan listened, ears flicked back a little as he studied the smaller otter carefully. He seemed full of contempt...had he been subjected to the same torture and horrors that Jedidah had? He honestly couldn't tell if his attitude was due to just growing up around such horrors, or from experiencing them himself. It wasn't something you could ask, though. When the other male fled, and Jedidah huddled against him, Logan sighed, placing a paw around her shoulders in an attempt to calm and reassure her.
"It'll be alright, bub," he spoke softly, leaning down to whisper directly into her ear, "I'll make it all alright, 'kay?"
Jedidah:
'Di nodded her head, but sighed again.
"I wonder if even after it's all over, if Connor will be alright. He knows, I don't know how he knows, but he does." She stopped there, wondering if she should say so or not. Well, she didn't really...
"His father killed his mother. I... I helped, because I was told to... But I kept him from drowning Connor and his sisters. Darling's insane, Artemis is vicious most of the time, and Connor's so bitter. Sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing, saving them..."
Logan:
Logan watched her carefully, surprise flashing in his chestnut eyes, but not showing in his expression. His eyes soon softened to concern, though, the male nuzzling Jedidah's neck gently in an attempt to reassure her, and make her feel better. He wasn't sure whether he should, but it just felt right. Instinct was telling him what you did to make others feel better, and he really hoped it was right.
"Of course you did the right thing," he murmured, sighing softly before continuing, "They may not appreciate it, but every life is precious. It's not your fault they've turned out the way they have, bub. It's his"
Jedidah:
Despite how he was trying to console her, 'Di eyes flashed as he nuzzled her, jumping away with a hiss.
"D-don't do that. Not my neck. I-I don't like it," she sputtered, her fur all on end. She knew she shouldn't be upset with him, he hadn't known, but in all honestly that wasn't something she could really be rational about.
Angelus was a vampire, and she was a similar type of creature. He thought to control her by her addiction and so it wasn't uncommon for her, in the beginning, to feed from him in tiny intervals and he would take from her. Over time, she had come to hate it more and more, to the point where she hated others being near her neck. It was denying him that had gotten her into trouble the last time.
Logan:
He spruing away from her just as quickly, eyes flashing with concern as he tried to figure out what he'd done wrong. Had he gone too far, consoled her too much? Ah, no...something a little different. Understanding, he gave a shallow, apologetic nod, lowering his head a little in a rather submissive pose - not something he did often. "Sorry, bub. Jee. I didn't think."
He should've been more careful, damnit! He sighed softly, shaking his head as he stood tall once again, watching her with a sad expression. He really, honestly did want to help. But he was powerless - more powerless than he'd ever been before.
Jedidah:
'Di shook her head and rubbed her neck with the back of one paw.
"You didn't know, I... I'm sorry. It's not something I think about, until it happens. It's just... I'm sorry," she sighed, scrunching up her face, mad at herself. Was she always going to be like this? Had she been completely ruin by what had happened? Little things bothered her, simply because she associated them with him.
"I'm sorry, Logan..."
Logan:
Logan still looked sheepish, shaking his head as she apologised, "No, I should've realized, bub. You're bound to be jumpy...I can't blame ya," he spoke softly, almost not wanting to speak loudly incase he frightened her. At times she seemed like a capable warrior, whilst at other times she was a delicate flower, just about to wilt. He'd never dealt with such a drastic contrast before.
He growled slightly at her apology, "Don't apologise! You don't need to apologise for anything, Jee. You hear me?"
Jedidah:
'Di started at his outburst, but nodded her head. She DID feel bad for it, but he was right. It wasn't something she had much control over, not with how she had been treated. She was just glad that he understood. She had the feeling that few really would.
"I'll keep that in mind, then," she said softly, doing her best to smile. She heard the fluttering of wings and knew that Connor was nearby. He probably wanted her to head back now, but didn't want to intrude anymore. Only with her and his sisters was he even remotely kind or gentle. She was glad he had forgiven her for what she had helped do. And that he would keep an eye out for her... It gave her hope that they would recover from Angelus' abuse.
"I think I should go now. I don't want to get caught sneaking about."
Logan:
Logan watched her carefully, lip curling in a small smile as she nodded. He was glad she understood - maybe that was the first step forwards. He also heard the fluttering of wings, sighing softly. Connor obviously hadn't gone that far, then. And Jedidah's next words made his expression droop a little, although he nodded in an understanding manner.
"Just...be safe, bub."
Jedidah:
'Di liked seeing him smile. It was sincere and there was no malice behind it. So when it drooped, she wished it would come back. But she wasn't about to ask, that would be silly.
She nodded too, her own smile soft but sincere. It was a strange thing, smiling again. She had spent so long trying to keep her feelings as neutral as possible and yet she couldn't hide them from Logan or Amorpho. She had to be strong when Artemis and Connor were pups, teach them in secret that if they were going to be good they would have to hide their feelings, lest their father catch on. And Darling, well, 'Di didn't do anything suspicious around her. There was no telling what the eldest of the trio would tell her father and his toy.
She came forward and put a paw on his.
"I will... Thank you," she whispered. She wished she could stay, but she knew she had to leave. When would she be able to come back? She hoped soon.
Logan:
Logan's smile soon came back at her gesture, as he touched his forehead to hers, being careful to to get too near her neck. He didn't want to frighten her again. He nodded softly, even purring a little, before taking a step back, giving her a reassuring nod.
"I'll be waiting, bub. Just come here and I'll find ya."
Jedidah:
Jedidah flushed when he rested his forehead against hers. Such a small gesture, and yet so comforting. All she could do was nod in return, her throat closing up, making it impossible to say anything else. She gave Logan one last smile before turning and running off into the forest. It was a weird thing, to be running from happiness towards pain, and yet her heart remained light, because she knew he'd be there for her to back run to.
Connor:
When 'Di left, Connor glided down from the trees, landing several paces from the older male. This was a rare thing for the young angelic, for he had learned early on to make use of his wings. Within the trees, he was safest.
"If you ever hurt her, so help me, I'll make my b*****d of a father proud by staining my wings crimson with your blood," he hissed, glowing eyes narrowed. 'Di was the only mother he'd ever known, the only one to truly look after him and his sisters. If she hadn't been there, they would have been dead. If not for the attempted drowning while in their clams, then by malnutrition. His idiot father thought they could live on blood alone. Ha!
His father hurt 'Di enough as it was. He wouldn't stand for some other male to come waltzing in and hurt her more.
Logan:
Logan watched her leave with a sad expession, sighing softly as he looked to the ground, turning himself to leave. He really wanted to help her more, but he couldn't. He was powerless to do anything. The sound of wings drew his attention back, body instinctively taking an attacking pose, the beginnings of a snarl sounding before he recognised the younger winged otter, his stance faltering before he relaxed it, merely narrowing his eyes at...Connor, was it? He...he could understand. Jedidah wasn't the only one suffering.
"Listen, bub," Logan spoke carefully, not wanting to provoke the bitter youngster, "That won't be happening. I'm gonna see to it personally that it's yer father's blood staining the ground. None of ya deserve this."
Connor:
Connor's eyes narrowed a bit more, but he nodded in understanding.
"Just... Be careful with her. She's all we've got," he said, this time a bit less angrily. He'd already lost one mother, he didn't need to lose another. Not caring if the older male had anything more to say, he turned and started walking off. In truth, he had a hard time taking off, so he generally climbed a bit before that. He didn't want the other otter to see that.
Logan:
Logan watched Conner, staring straight into his eyes, not wanting to give the winged male any excuse to think he might be lying. And it worked, since Connor seemed to believe him, nodding to show he understood. Logan gave his own nod of understanding as he spoke, watching as the younger otter walking off. He sighed, giving a soft, "Be careful, kid," before he himself turned, leaving through the vegetation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
