“It's like we're all alone in the world... We must be the only ones around for miles!” Autumn said aloud, unknowingly echoing another yellowblood's thoughts. After spending the day on Busthind, Autumn had elected to follow the train tracks south through the desert to avoid the dangers of the forest. She had heard enough tales of the hunts from the other rebels, particularly Forera and Luxara, to learn to be wary of it. Besides, out in the open desert air she had her wings to take her to safety.
Autumn continued,
“Still, it's beautiful, don't you think? Nothing but sky, the pink sand dunes, the full moons...” She glanced over at her lusus. The caterpillar fluttered along beside him, looking as bored as a caterpillar could. His tail flashed out a dull response. A frown tugged at Autumn's lips. A moment later though, she brightened. She grabbed the camera she wore around her neck, and brought it up to her lookstubs. She centred the lens on her lusus.
“Oh Caaaat~!” she sang. Caterpal looked over just in time for Autumn to take the shot. The camera flashed and Autumn beamed, returning the camera to her chest.
“Now everyone can see what a grump you are!” she teased. That was a bit of a joke. Everyone already
knew what a grump Caterpal was.
Caterpal however barely reacted. His tail flickered out the equivalent of a shrug, and he continued to flutter along, unfazed. Autumn's lips pursed. That was unlike him. The Caterpal she knew was always looking for a fight. She paused, watching him fly on ahead without her. Something must have been very wrong for him to act in such a way.
Suddenly she bounced after him.
“Hey Cat!” she exclaimed, voice breathless with excitement.
“Why don't we play a game? This desert would set the perfect stage for... wait for it...” she clapped her hands together, eyes twinkling with mischief. Her voice dropped to a whisper.
“A hold-up!” She paused for a second to let that sink in. Already she could see that she had sparked her lusus' interest.
“You could be a proper outlaw~.” Autumn continued.
“We even have a set of train tracks. And me? Well...” Autumn flipped her boa over her shoulder, and batted her eyelashes. She clasped her hands over her chest, looking into the sky.
“Poor li'l ol' me ain't never done a thang wrong. I just happen to be fabulously wealthy, and lookin' for a new life in these bright and tryin' times? What do you say to that?”She returned her gaze to Caterpal. The lusus hesitated a moment, gears turning in his head. Then at last, he put his feet on his chest, and puffed himself up as big as he could. His tail flashed out a threatening message. Autumn resisted the urge to smile as she threw a hand across her forehead, mock swooning. Mission successful.
Several minutes later, as they became immersed in their play, Autumn let out a scream that echoed over the dunes.
“Someone help! Please! Anybody!”
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