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Chapter IX - Diplomacy

Mazia walked cautiously through the quiet streets of Luo. There were few places where she didn't see a soldier or two walking around, or stationed at a house. Her ears fell back as she sought a safer place from preening eyes. There wasn't a word for it, but the sanctity of privacy in a home had been violated by a group of rebels who ransacked her beloved's little house. It was as if they had yanked her out of Malech's arms. She folded her arms and shuddered at the thought.

'This isn't right...' She glanced around the somber village that normally hosted lots of activity. There were no elders clacking stones on a board game, children weren't running about and playing, and no one was singing old folk tunes that had been handed down for generations. She felt guilty for shutting the outside world out at such a crucial moment, but the civet was still glad that she had shared it with Malech. Evading a group of guards, Mazia went to her house and quickly ascended the three steps to the sliding door. 'Okay...' She sighed and prepared herself for another round of arguing with her mom. The door slid open only for the civet to be greeted abruptly.

"Close the door!" A hushed voice caught the civet off guard.

"Sorry!" Mazia quietly shut it before setting her skirt on the last free wall peg. 'I forgot about the meeting.' She remembered that her parents were part of a group that sought to oust the oppressive invaders. The room was dimly lit with the shutters barely open for fresh air. A dozen individuals were seated in the center of the front room, all with stern expressions. Among them were her parents and Topaz's father. Nearly every cushion in the household was in use to accommodate everyone. Rather than seclude herself in another room, Mazia chose to sit down and listen to them.

"Will there be anymore visitors?" A female spoke in a low voice.

"No. It's fine." Mazia's father raised a hand. The young civet sat down beside her parents without a word.

"Where were you last night?" Her mother sternly whispered.

"Nowhere." Mazia looked away. Mazia's father placed a hand on their shoulders to ease the tension.

"As I was saying... They've occupied the temple and won't let anyone inside, not even Malwecho." An older female voice told them. A round of distasteful murmurs passed in the dim room.

"I have never seen something so shameful before." One genet shook his head.

"Is there anything that we can do about it?"

"Maybe if the entire village demands-"

"When they are pointing their guns at us?" One interrupted leading to silence.

"But what else can we do? It's impossible to run away."

"I won't leave my home." Another folded his arms. Several nodded in agreement.

"Then all we can do is bear this out and hope for the best."

"If someone else escapes to Abussa, will they help?"

"Abussa and other nearby villages are too small to fight back. We can't rely on them to free us."

"We can't just sit around and do nothing." A young adult male protested.

"We will have to wait for the best opportunity to do something." The older female genet concluded. "Did anyone else have their weapons confiscated?" More than half nodded.

"My rifle."

"My rifle too." A second added.

"They took a machete that I used to cut fish."

"One of my knives was taken, because I didn't have anything else."

"Does anyone still have a firearm?" He asked. Only two raised their hands.

"I have two hidden."

"Mine is hidden as well."

"Keep them hidden, but not too far from reach. We will never know when the time will come to be ready." Everyone silently agreed in the dark room. Mazia unfolded her arms and tried stretching her legs. Despite being in the dark room for only a short time, the thick heat was already getting under the civet's fur.

"Whose house will we meet at the next quarter moon?" A moment of pause ensued. Mazia's ears preened the silent humid air. The fear of an unannounced knock on the door was very real.

"We can gather at mine." Topaz's father, Baku, volunteered. "It's by the edge of the village and jungle, so we will only have to worry about guards patrolling the area."

"If any of us are found out, then we could be put under house arrest or much worse."A male civet warned, but everyone present knew the risks of going against their occupiers. Several elders had notably been put under house arrest, because of their influence in running the village and making decisions. They were monitored daily to prevent as much communication from them as possible. Even others who had fallen under suspicion were placed into the same fate.

"We'll meet again soon." The older female genet adjourned. Hugs and warm farewells were given as each person in turn stood up to dress and leave.

"I'm glad that you decided to sit with us and listen." Topaz's father, Baku knelt down beside the civet for a moment.

"Thanks." She half grinned, knowing that it was more of an accident than anything else.

"How have you been doing? I haven't seen you in a while."

"Ok I guess..." Mazia quietly spoke. "I miss Topaz." She admitted.

"I miss her too." He consoled her. "But Petra and you found out that my daughter had escaped, so I am hopeful that she is safe from this nightmare." Mazia nodded. Topaz's dad looked confident, but neither knew how Topaz was enduring the wild jungle, or if she had escaped to another village.

"Topaz always enjoyed her time in the jungle." Mazia found something positive about the situation.

"That's true!" He chuckled.

"Baku." A voice interrupted. "It's safe to go if you want."

"Okay." The male genet stood up. "Take care." He patted her shoulder before leaving.

"You too." She watched him dress and then leave. 'I hope that Topaz is somewhere safe.' Mazia silently wished as her parents opened the shutters to their home. Fresh air was more than welcome in the stuffy space.

Topaz carried her rifle in hand as she steadfastly walked through Roc's encampment. It was a typical day in the hidden jungle fort. The militia around were doing normal duties like in any other village; airing laundry, keeping their bed spaces clean, and eating, but always ready to fight any moment. An exceptional day like this was always calm with little to worry about. Everyone preferred it to the alternative, and the past few days were great to feel at ease. Topaz's recent reconnaissance missions hadn't revealed any recent enemy activity. The genet passed a few semi secluded hammocks to reach Roc's small living quarter. Linda was standing beside Nambu, Jen, and a young ocelot named Mbwari. Roc paced uneasily back and forth between the group and Keswayo.

"Hey! I'm here." Topaz waved.

"Topaz! Good to see that you made it." Roc halted in her steps and turned to greet her. The genet nodded and stood in line. "We can confirm good news that the rebels have been driven back from the capital area. They're concentrating more of their forces northeast to keep their home territories safe.

"So what did you need us here for?" Jen asked.

"I need all of you to travel down to Ullaza." The white furred ermine began. Topaz glanced around and noticed a few mildly surprised looks. "They've taken a neutral stance on the revolution like many other villages, but I want you all to try and change their minds. They hold influence over neighboring villages along its river and the southeast. With them on the river we can overrun any ground up to the Luo river, where we can cut their local forces into two parts." It was a bold plan to put forth for their small group.

"What makes you think that they will, Roc?" Someone questioned.

"The rebels made an attack further up the Ullaza river on one of their allied villages a couple of days ago. They won't take that lightly, and maybe now they will see that this war is only contained in a few areas of the country."

"Why not send a request via radio?" Jen asked.

"Ullaza is a little more traditional. They have an elder council, but they don't use radios like us. Plus, they're a big village and have remained distant from the fighting up here. I think it would be best to send a group to persuade them to fight with us." Roc explained. "Without them we won't be able to advance beyond any waterway, and then we will be stuck to only defense."

"Where's Ullaza?" Topaz had never heard of the place.

"You haven't heard of the Ullaza River?" Linda asked.

"No." She shook her head.

"It's a big village southwest from here, right on the Free State's border. The river from there leads north, connecting it to the Luo River." Nambu quickly explained.

"Luo..." Topaz whispered to herself. It was the first realistic hope that she might return home someday. Even if it was the faintest glimmer, it was still there.

"If you have any questions then stick around and ask." Roc stated. "You five will set out tomorrow morning, so get some good sleep tonight." She ordered.

"We could liberate my home village if this happens!" Topaz excitedly walked beside Linda as they disbanded for the evening.

"That depends if we can get the elder council of Ullaza to help us out." Linda reminded her before sighing.

"What? You're not excited about all of this? We could save my village!"

"I know that!" The mountain lioness felt mixed about it all. "But it's going to be dangerous moving upriver with help or not."

*Stop by Ahawa.

The early morning arrived in the jungle with a dense fog. The preening sounds of amphibians and other little creatures softly rang in the thick warm air. Soft foot steps, only one with a pair of shoes, walked over the dirt trail. Only three of the original group emerged from the jungle after a half night of sleep. Mbwari, the ocelot, had tripped and sprained an ankle. Jen, the raccoon, helped him back to base so that the others could continue uninterrupted. Their first twenty four hours through the jungle had gone well otherwise. Yet, Ahawa would be their only planned stop between Ullaza that was a village.

"Hello." Villagers foraging in berry bushes and little mangroves greeted the visitors. A few kits were playing in the trees above while their parents and older siblings worked. The two ladies waved and followed the leading ermine into the barren field where the village was situated.

"Are we spending the night here?" Topaz asked Nambu. Without Jen, he was solely in charge.

"No." He cooly stated. "Be ready to leave in an hour." He continued walking.

"Nambu is strict." Topaz mumbled to Linda. The golden furred feline merely nodded as the ermine split off from them. "Where are you going for the hour?"

"Nowhere. I'll wait for Nambu by the trail in case he's ready early."

"Okay." Topaz branched off and headed towards Indi's home. The porcupine's door was always open. "Are you home Indi?" Topaz called out and set her loincloth on a peg. The porcupine was sitting at the low table in the front room, sipping tea.

"Hey Topaz!" Indi rose from her cushioned seat. The two met in a hug. "I didn't know that you would be stopping by today."

"Roc is sending a few of us to Ullaza so we can persuade their elder council to help us fight up to the Luo River."

"Who else is going?" She waved the genet over to take a seat with her.

"Just me, Linda, and Nambu."

"Only three people? That doesn't seem like much for such a big village."

"Mbwari had to go back."

"Mbwari always loves coming here." She said in mild surprise. "What happened?"

"He twisted or sprained his ankle on a trail. Jen helped him back to base."

"I don't think I know a Jen."

"She's the raccoon who wears cargo pants; long black hair, full chest." Topaz demonstrated.

"Oh! Okay, I know who you're talking about." Indi nodded and sipped her tea. "Do you want any?" The porcupine offered her cup. "It's smooth and relaxing."

"No thanks." She kindly declined without wrinkling her muzzle. The genet hated tea. "I don't want to fall asleep while we're walking."

"Ok." She giggled at the thought. "Anything else before you have to go? Some nuts or rice?" She pushed a bowl to the the genet.

"I'll eat a few just to make you happy." Topaz picked a few. The porcupine grinned.

"We had a great time during the festival. Everyone was glad that most of Roc's group came to join in, and I had so much fun with you!"

"It was a lot of fun! I'm happy that I came down to celebrate."

"Elder Masenu and T'rui are still talking about how beautifully you danced. And you played a drum too! I didn't know that you could do that."

"Thanks." She bashfully smiled. "I was pretty tired when it turned dark outside."

"I know. You slept right on top of me!" The porcupine exclaimed and laughed.

"Oh! I forgot to ask last time I was here, but has anyone seen red and blue painted naked people in the jungle?" Topaz asked seriously.

"Hmm... that's odd..." Indi thought for a moment. Topaz's face fell in dismay at the lack of an immediate answer, but the porcupine's face suddenly lit up. "I have heard of some stories about our villagers spotting painted people in the deepest parts of the jungle." She motioned towards the northwest. "I think a few elders call them spirit wanderers or something like that..."

"Do you know who they are?"

"No. I just assumed that they were stories, unless they were talking about you." Indi chuckled.

"They definitely weren't me." She grinned.

"Yeah, I wouldn't want your spots to be covered with paint." The porcupine teased.

"I think I have to go now." The genet suddenly rose to her feet.

"Aww. Already?" Indi followed her to the door. She nodded and tied back on her loincloth.

"Thank you for the quick talk Indi!" Topaz hugged the porcupine.

"Sure thing." She kindly returned the hug. "Are you going back this way?"

"Yep! I will see you again in a week or so." The genet promised before hopping down the steps.

"Enjoy your stay in Ullaza!" She called out. "Tell me about everything!" Topaz waved back and hurried to join Linda and Nambu trekking into the jungle.

The days of traveling through the humid tropical jungle, and bypassing little villages tucked away in the forested hills finally paid off. Emerging from the dense jungle pathway, Topaz, Linda, and Nambu exited the top of the forested hill overlooking the open village, and the view suddenly opened up into a wide swath of land.

"Wow." Topaz gazed at the rolling fields extending eastward. Plenty of villagers were working, farming yucca and rice in great quantities among other crops. A group of kids were playing at the edge of a paddy, balancing along the edges without falling into the water. In the far west, beyond the river, a rain cloud was traveling northward across the flat plains to the jungle. The village itself covered the edge of the sloping hill and the flatter land towards the great bend in its namesake river. There were too many Inkasi houses to count.

"This is a scenic entrance." Linda looked around as they walked. Nambu remained stoically silent as always. The small dirt pathway became crowded when they reached the big village. Many people were walking about; chatting with friends, carrying bags of foodstuffs to the village market, preparing food for a meal, and various other activities. Ullaza was typical of an Inkasi village despite being on the border of the large Free State. Females were usually topless; loincloths or skirts were worn by nearly all over the age of three; and jewelry was commonly worn by both sexes. However, the village wasn't limited to civets or genets like Luo. Ocelots, lions, servals, coyotes, African wild dogs, and others walked the grounds among genets and civets.

'It is a big village...' Topaz looked around the busy row of houses. They passed a circle of older females gossiping while weaving small baskets. A few steps further and two males were filleting freshly caught fish while children mock battled with bamboo shoots. It reminded her of Ahawa and Luo, but there were subtle differences for the southern village. Females typically had shorter cut hair that spiked on top or resembled a plume if longer. Unlike Luo, headbands weren't commonly worn to keep hair from drooping over their foreheads. The trio weaved through busy streets and crossed emptier areas without trouble. Ullaza's villagers seemed accustomed to visitors, and didn't pay any extra attention to the militia group.

Walking into an open market by mistake activated every sense. The smells of fresh poultry, spices, fruits assaulted her nose. The sounds of kits playing, grinding of stones, innumerable voices talking all melded together into a lively thrumming buzz in her ears. Colors of every hue from elaborate garments and jewelry of various styles and sizes were laid out wherever there was space. "I definitely want to spend some time here." Topaz murmured to Linda, who agreed with a nod. Nambu led them zigzagging through Ullaza. After some prodding from the ladies to get directions, the male finally asked a passerby who led them to a larger building. It was guarded by four strong people. Two male civets, a male serval, and a female leopard. Menacing knives adorned their waists.

"Hey." Nambu stepped forward. "We need to meet with your village's leader. Does the person live here?"

"Our leader?" One of the civets questioned. "Yes she lives here, but she isn't here right now."

"Where can we speak with her?" Nambu questioned.

"This way. I'll take you." The male serval pointed. They were directed to a female maned wolf at an adjacent house. She was helping a family prepare an outdoor fire while a young cheetah mother nursed an infant.

"Hello. Are you Ullaza's leader?" Nambu asked. She turned around and fully faced them. The maned wolf was tall and slender with shorter hair. Most noticeable, above her decorated bracelets and necklaces, was a large nipple ring on her right breast. An odd red cloth draped over the left one. Her loincloth was a reddish color, but very long and thin.

"I'm Ullaza's leader, Mafuba." She nodded.

"I am Nambu. This is Linda and Topaz."

"It's nice to meet you three." She grinned.

"We are from up north and-"

"What's with the ring?" Topaz couldn't help but ask. Nambu shot her a glance for asking.

"It's a tradition here for whoever our elders choose as our chieftain to wear one." She flicked the metal ring. It made a tiny pinging sound.

'How strange.' The genet thought to herself.

"What brings you three to Ullaza?"

"We would like to discuss the revolution with your elder council." Nambu began. "We want this village's help in driving those rebels out of the area to the Luo River." Mafuba's kind face grew serious at the request.

"I will have to gather the elder council and discuss this with them before they can hold a meeting with you three. There are other visitors that we have to meet with before you three."

"How long will we have to wait?"

"It may take a few days." She admitted much to the ermine's dismay.

"We are from far away though."

"We can arrange a place for you all to stay at until the elders are able to talk."

"Thanks. We appreciate it." Nambu grinned.

"Nekuru, show them to a guest house." The maned wolf ordered the serval.

"Follow me." The male feline directed them through the village to a home tucked between to others. "Here is the guest home that you three can stay in. If you need anything else, just let us know."

"Thanks." They walked up the steps and walked into the open doorway.

"At least we don't have to sleep in the jungle while it rains." Linda mumbled. Topaz looked around the guest house. It was a standard three roomed Inkasi house, but without any personal decorations. The aged wood was worn, and it wasn't hard to imagine that the building was older than their parents.

"Phew!" Linda grabbed one of the four old cushions in the corner and sat down.

"Tired?"

"We've been walking all day." The mountain lioness remarked. It was nice to finally take a break, but Topaz felt excited to be in the large village. The last thing that she wanted to do was spend it inside. She set her pack aside just as a knock at the door alerted them.

"Come in!" Nambu called. Two genets entered with several rolled up blankets.

"We have fresh bedding for you." One chirped.

"Thank you. Lay two in the other room, and leave one here for me." Nambu ordered. The two villagers quickly did so before leaving. "We will probably spend a week here at the most." He mumbled and impatiently folded his arms.

'He's so cold...' Topaz watched Roc's right hand man read a little book. "Now what do we do?"

"I don't know... Explore the village if you want." He looked up and shrugged. "Keep your belongings here so you don't lose them. It's a big place."

"What are you going to do, Linda?" Topaz didn't need more than one excuse to get back outside.

"Mm." The feline shrugged. "I'll settle down for a moment." She rubbed her foot. The ever curious Topaz left the guest home and jumped down the front two steps in one stride.

'Where should I explore?' The genet looked up and down the wide paths between the wooden buildings. Before the young lady answered her own thought, she started walking down a wide path. Ullaza was a big place, but it didn't lose the touch of being an Inkasi village. Clothes were hanging out to dry on lines, small plants were kept around for aesthetic appeal, and even a few trees were mingled between houses. Topaz briefly observed two mothers, a silver genet and rusty furred coyote, who were bathing their two children in a large wooden basin. The two noisy tikes were playing together and didn't seem to realize they were taking a bath. Splashes of water frequently reached the basin's rim.

'Cute kits are always a handful.' She knew from experience. Babysitting Yani's daughter was often a difficult task, even when she was older. Topaz continued her stroll down the gently sloping hill to the bottom of Ullaza near several stands. Many of the houses had bigger gardens than the upper half of the village. Strawberries, onions, and random bamboo shoots gave the area a more forested feeling. 'It's like Luo.' Se looked up at hanging baskets full of draping vine plants around some homes. It was also crowded. Plenty of villagers were leisurely walking somewhere, in large groups or solo. Even away from the marketplace, all of the occupants created a low noise of chatter and voices like the center of Luo during a festival or busy afternoon.

"Excuse me!" Topaz slipped between a slim cheetah and a large terra cotta vase being painted by an elder leopard. From the corner of a home, she was able to take a glimpse of villagers and visitors in Ullaza. A lioness walked past her while talking to a serval. The strong feline wielded a spear by her side, and only wore a wide red chest cloth for clothing. A ripped cloth on her shoulder likely told the reason why. It was a little odd compared to Luo where everyone above the age of four normally wore a loincloth or skirt piece. But Topaz liked that Ullaza was lenient, like Luo, towards clothing, and apparently the villages were equally lenient. Little kits darted around the passing people while trying to play a game. On the steps to a large house, elders clapped to a song and sang in tune. Topaz enjoyed the atmosphere but felt her leg brush against someone sitting behind her.

"Huh?" A middle aged male looked up at her.

"Oops! Sorry!" She apologized.

'I need to find a less crowded spot!' Topaz slipped away. The genet walked down a narrow street to another open area. An adult lioness was diligently washing a sheet in a bucket of water in front of a home. Inside, Topaz could barely see a male diligently cleaning the floors.

"Hello!" The feline smiled and resumed washing.

"Hi." Topaz waved and wandered around the small open space. Shops were nearby the otherwise calm neighborhood. A loud peculiar laugh caught the genet's ears. It reminded the Luo native of an old cackling ghost. To her right, she spotted a small group responsible.

'A group of hyenas?' Topaz had never seen one before, let alone several. They oddly didn't wear loincloths. All three wore side pieces made of a type of reed or straw that only covered their rears and sides, the opposite of what Topaz wore. However, the clothing design left one particular area open. Their dark skinned members were on full display. It was understandably easier for a female to be present in the nude, but this was a unique situation to the genet from Luo. 'Wait... They're not all male?' Topaz noticed their chests varied. The two females were nearly flat chested, but possessed phalluses larger than their male counterpart! 'Are they female, male, neither, or both?' Confusion filled the young genet's mind. One caught sight of Topaz staring blindly at them.

'What the-?!' Topaz's eyes widened as the masculine member suddenly lifted up before falling back down. A sudden round of boisterous laughs embarrassed Topaz.

"You're not from around Ullaza, are you?" She was surprised to hear a husky feminine voice as the female hyenas approached her. Topaz shook her head at the hardy built ladies.

"I'm from a village far away in the Free State. I haven't seen, uh..."

"We're spotted hyenas." The second female answered.

"But you're a female, aren't you?" Topaz questioned.

"Of course!" The first held back a laugh, but the look on the Luo native's face was less than convinced.

"Hyenas are different from others. Both of our genders look very similar." She pointed out the obvious. "We rarely develop large breasts too, so unless you hear someone's voice, it's difficult to tell someone apart."

"There aren't any hyenas in the Free State." The second female spoke. "To help tell the difference between genders we don't cover our bodies the same as others do. It's a little pointless anyway."

"How can I tell?" She glanced down at their revealing garments.

"We're bigger down there than males." The first explained.

"And our leg pieces reach our knees." The other placed her hands on her hips. "A male's will only be half as long."

"Oh." Topaz nodded at the pieces made from reed and animal hide.

"Or you could just ask. We're used to that." She shrugged.

"But once in a while a kit around here will ask us questions or mistakenly grab it." The other couldn't help but snicker at that. A brief moment of silence passed between the three ladies. "I guess we should introduce ourselves." The hyena grinned. All three laughed.

"I'm Chobok."

"Ogyawu." The second introduced herself.

"I'm Topaz." they exchanged handshakes.

"We are here to finish up a trade. What brings you down to Ullaza?"

"It's actually a long story..." Topaz traced her foot over the ground. "I had to flee my village when rebels seized it. After living in the jungle for some time I joined a militia group, and now we're trying to get assistance from Ullaza to help fight them downriver."

"Wow..." Their faces lit up.

"I have heard about the fighting." Chobok's expression became concerned. "Is your family alright?"

"I don't know... I hope so."

"I'm sure they're worried about you." Ogyawu added. "The fighting isn't heavy towards the south like it is around the capital."

"Yeah..." Topaz tried not to think too much about the fighting, or worrying about everyone back home. A whistle alerted the females' ears.

"Sorry Topaz, but we have to go." Chobok looked over her shoulder. "My husband is ready."

"Stay safe and never lose hope." Ogyawu grinned and shook her hand.

"It was nice meeting you both." She said goodbye and they departed. "They're not so strange after all." Topaz admitted and watched them leave.

"Hey! What are you doing over here?" Linda approached her.

"Huh? Oh, just talking to a few people." She looked around only to find that the hyenas were already out of sight.

"Nambu and I are looking around for neat clothes, wanna come with us?"

"Sure!" She eagerly joined them. Linda led them to the open market where several villagers were selling their wares either with a stand or a blanket on the ground. Various foods were laid out, but the ladies were more interested in the jewelry.

"Look at these at the stones they use." Linda looked at the different designs on the colorful necklaces. Beads were also common, but even little shells strung together dangled above their heads. Topaz's eye caught a different item. She looked at a very long loincloth that almost draping to the ground, and surprisingly thin in width.

'This could be a headband.' Topaz felt the thin material. 'Maybe I could use it as a headband.' She wanted to try, but the material could've torn too easily. Linda was clearly enjoying herself by trying on different things, but Nambu didn't seem to share in her excitement.

"Look at this one too Nambu!" The mountain lioness picked out a cloth and wrapped it around her chest. His eyes barely took a glance. Her nipples poked visibly against the thin fabric. "How does it look?"

"I don't know... The same?" He scratched his head.

"You don't say that to a female!" She slapped his shoulder. "We always look better." The mountain lioness huffed and took the chest cloth off. Nambu grumbled and rubbed his shoulder. Linda approached Topaz, who was feeling over light blue fabric of a chest piece. "Are you buying one Topaz?" The mountain lioness curiously asked. Nambu patiently waited for them.

"Hmm... I am not sure that I like this one enough to buy it." The genet wondered at the garment in her hand. "Do you think I should get one?"

"You don't have a flat chest like me, and using your hand when you run can't work forever."

"You're right about that." Topaz conceded. "But which one should I get?"

"Are there any that you like?" The feline picked through a few.

"Not really..." She wrinkled her muzzle.

"How about this?" Linda held up a large garment that resembled the top half of a shirt.

"No, that's too big. The lioness with the spear wore something like that."

"Who?"

"Someone that I passed by earlier." Topaz shook her head and sifted through more items until something else fancied her. "Hmm... This one is neat." The genet picked up a camouflage chest cloth.

"You like the greens, don't you?"

"It makes me think of the jungle." She agreed.

"I don't think you need a constant reminder." Linda teased.

"But how do you put it on?" She looked it over curiously.

"Here. I'll put it on you." Linda offered and moved behind the genet. Topaz held up her arms while the feline wrapped the garment around her front. It had a different feel on the Luo villager who had only worn a loincloth for most of her life. "There. How's that?" Linda finished tying it around her back.

"It fits pretty well." She grinned and stretched around to look at her back and sides. "Almost tight."

"You want it to be tight." The lioness pointed out. "So everything stays put." Topaz rolled her eyes but didn't say anything.

"It's nice. I think I'll buy it." She nodded and took it off. "What are you getting Nambu?" Topaz asked.

"Nothing."

"How about you get... this!" She grabbed and held up a decorative loincloth with colorful rectangular patterns.

"Uh... No thanks." He pursed his lips at the idea. The genet stuck her tongue at him teasingly and paid for the garment.

"Better than the hats." Linda giggled at the conical woven hats for the rain. "I'm surprised that I got him out of the guest house." She whispered.

"Really? How did you manage that?"

"I practically begged him, but he finally moved when I told him some fresh air would be nice."

"That's good. I wouldn't have been surprised if he sat in one spot until the elders could talk to us."

"Don't say that. He might actually do it." Linda murmured.

"Ooh. Shirts." Both looked at the colorful garments. The two ladies perused through Ullaza's stalls of clothing. The ermine behind them impatiently waited.

"I'm going back to cook something to eat." Nambu measuredly spoke before leaving.

"Have fun!" Topaz called back.

"Don't cook your tail off." Linda grinned but the ermine had already walked out of earshot. "Humph!" The mountain lioness briefly frowned and returned to the stall. Topaz curiously looked over the foreign made shirts that the stall and to offer. A few had funny writings on them or foreign logos that she didn't understand.

"Where do these come from?" She felt over the keen and precise stitching.

"From countries far away." Linda explained while the genet perused them.

"I like this one." Topaz held up a an orange tee shirt with only hints of white.

"Why did you pick that one?"

"Too much white stains easily." She paid for it and moved to the next stall. Various garments and necklaces occupied its space. "Everyone here really likes the color red." Topaz started noticing how many people wore red loincloths or at least sashes, armbands, or something of the rosy color.

"It must be a tradition." Linda shrugged. Topaz picked up a nicer loincloth that tied around one's waist before letting the rest hang normally. It was a beautiful red with black borders. She looked at the garment with a keen eye and felt over it. The soft fabric was nice to touch. It was longer and much nicer than what she was wearing.

"I'll buy this too." Topaz paid for it.

"Thank you." The attending cheetah smiled.

"Wow. You bought a lot." Linda looked at the genet's full arms.

"Yep!" She happily chirped. "I think I'm ready to go back though." She admitted.

"At least they all match your feather." The mountain lioness grinned at the genet's earring.

"Haha! You're right about that!" Topaz hadn't even noticed and followed her out of the open market. The two females had to bump elbows to get through some areas of Ullaza.

"This place is crowded." Linda mentioned as they navigated up a street and towards their guest house.

"Yeah. Luo isn't crowded like this." Topaz looked around at all of the busy people walking up and down the narrow streets. Kits were able to still run around and weave through the crowd due to their size. 'I wonder if they have festivals like we do.' The genet could only guess how large it would be. Just as surprisingly, in a few turns the narrow dirt walkways between homes were hardly filled with a soul. Only an adolescent civet doing laundry and a group of ladies cooking lined one lonely street.

"We're back!" Linda called as they returned to their guest home.

"The food is almost done." A voice called out from the kitchen.

"Mm. Smells good." Topaz hummed as she went into the bedroom with Linda. "I'm just so excited!" She giddily exclaimed. Topaz removed her old loincloth and folded it neatly with her new clothes.

"You're always happy to go nude inside a house." Linda stood to the side and waited.

"That's how I grew up." The genet happily smiled.

"I can tell." Her hands dove into her pockets.

"Alright. Let's eat." Topaz jumped to her feet. They found the stoic ermine bringing the food to the low table. Everyone gathered around and used the provided flat cushions to sit on.

"What did you make, Nambu?" Linda eagerly looked at their food.

"Chicken with rice and beans." He started plucking at the poultry.

"We weren't gone that long, right?" Linda whispered to Topaz. The genet shrugged and started gathering some in a bowl.

"I'm glad that you cooked Nambu, but it's a little plain." Topaz admitted.

"Plain?" His voice matched the word perfectly.

"Yes! You need little shore fish cooked crispy so you can eat them in one bite, and plantains to go with it. That will make a tasty meal!"

"Well, we don't have that." He spoke as he ate. Topaz wiggled her nose and flicked her tail. Linda softly giggled beside her.

"Are you sure that Ullaza can help us?" Topaz asked a more serious question. "I haven't seen a single person armed to fight except for a big hunting knife."

"Ullaza doesn't have mercenaries like us. The people here are villagers first." Nambu flatly answered. "I'm sure most houses have something hidden inside anyway."

"But how are they going to help us use the Ullaza river?"

"With boats and numbers."

"Like a lot of canoes?" She guessed

"No. I mean motorboats." Nambu corrected her. "The rebels use them too."

"Oh..." She had only seen them on occasion when someone from a far away downriver came up to Luo. The noisy motors tended to scare away fish. His explanation settled the genet's curiosity for the moment. The genet returned to eating. The rest of the meal was spent nearly silent. It was their first meal eaten indoors for ages, and it was a little treat to be thankful for. Not having to worry about a sudden rainstorm let them relax for the evening.

"I'm full..." Linda sat back. "Thanks again for cooking." She smiled at the stoic ermine. He silently nodded and tended to the rest.

"So am I." Topaz stood up. "Aren't you sleeping in the same room with us?" She noticed the provided blanket laid out in the corner.

"No. I'll sleep in here." He answered. "Let me take care of cleaning up." He quickly followed up. The genet nodded and walked into the bedroom only to be followed by the mountain lioness.

"Hey." Topaz stretched her arms into the air. "Are you sleeping in here?"

"Yeah." She fanned her face for a moment before unbuttoning her pants with a fast tug. Linda finally kicked her khaki shorts aside. "It is stuffy in here." She remarked at how fluffed out her fur had become with them on.

"Do you want to sit outside for while?" Topaz opened the back door. "There's a little spot for us to sit and enjoy some fresh air." She motioned to the space where they could hang their legs over.

"Sure." Linda readily agreed. "I'm surprised that they have shutters to let air in." She looked up at the wooden panels at the top of the wall.

"I'm surprised that the heat didn't force your clothes off already since we've been inside."

"I don't want to be caught naked around Nambu." The lioness fidgeted with the messy hair on her nape.

"Why?"

"It makes me nervous."

"I don't think he cares. Then again, nothing can move that stone face of his." Topaz mused.

"It's not that. Eh, I don't know..." Linda wiggled her nose and stalled. "I kind of like him." Her muzzle bloomed into a wide grin. Topaz watched the golden lioness give a quick twirl before sitting down.

"I've never seen you act that happy before." Topaz's eyes opened up.

"You're the first person who I've told." She admitted. "He's handsome and strong. I just wish that I could find some way to be alone with him. Maybe by a river and get personal with him."

"By a river?" Topaz found that peculiar. "I thought you felt nervous around him, especially if you're naked."

"If he's naked too then it won't be as bad." Linda assumed. "But, I mean, we don't have to bathe together. If I get too nervous, then I have the water to stare at. You know, Just sit by the water's edge and talk like you and Yeru-" Linda caught herself. "Oh! Sorry, I didn't mean to bring up anything about Yeru." She placed a consoling hand on the genet's shoulder.

"It's fine." Topaz mustered a smile. "Tell me why you feel nervous around him."

"I feel... less than myself if I'm open and giddy around him." Linda folded her arms. "Besides, he's too cold for any romance." She sighed. "That's perfect for being Roc's deputy, but not for me."

"He has a lot of responsibility within the militia. Maybe he will change when this war is finally over."

"Maybe..." The mountain lioness thought for a moment. "Maybe you're right. I feel like I have to be just as stern as him just to get his attention."

"He isn't that dry and stern."

"I even slapped him at the marketplace..." Linda ruffled her messy hair.

"I'm surprised that you didn't hurt your hand." They both laughed at that, lightening the mood. "I saw some hyenas earlier."

"You did?"

"Yeah. Did you know that there were hyenas in this area?"

"Mhm. I'm from the savanna." Linda shrugged.

"I didn't know that." The mountain lioness merely nodded.

"Let me guess... You saw spotted hyenas, right?"

"Are there other kinds?"

"Yes. They're the only ones that all look like males."

"Oh."

"So, what did you do when you first saw them?" A little half grin curled up the feline's muzzle.

"I kind of stared... But we talked for a while, and they weren't really that different."

"There are jokes that they're females are the real males." Linda giggled. "There are plenty of lions in the savanna, but you can tell the difference because of their manes. Mountain lions and leopards don't have manes, but the rest is pretty obvious."

"What's it like growing up in the savanna?"

"Hmm... It's traditional like Inkasi villages. There's hunting, farming, and herding as a way of life but the hot and dry summers don't make that easy." Linda explained. "We also tend to wear more clothes and keep them on." She poked fun of the Inkasi leniency.

"That's not fun." Topaz grinned.

"Ha. You would say that." Linda's tail flicked up.

"but I did hear some strange tales about a Queen lioness that are popular in the savanna. Anyone visiting her from another village or land had to do a favor for her, no matter how strange."

"How strange is strange?"

"Anything that you can think of." Linda spoke.

"Why would some queen request favors?"

"To allow someone to stay in her village. It's a common custom to give something to the host when you visit, and then the host gives you something in return." She explained. "People don't do that in Inkasi villages, right?" Linda looked at Topaz.

"Not that I've heard of, but it sounds really neat." She shrugged. "What did you think of Ullaza's leader, Mafuba?"

"She seems nice and easygoing for such a big place. The elder council must work a lot. What did you think?"

"That ring she had was strange..."

"That's all you have to say?" She burst into laughter.

"My chest is starting to hurt the more I think about Mafuba's ring." Topaz folded her arms. Linda chuckled heartily.

"Maybe you could get a ring like hers." The mountain lioness teased and pinched her friend.

"No way!" Topaz covered her chest. "That has to be really painful."

"I'm sure!" She laughed. "I wouldn't get one either, even if my nips could handle one."

"I'd still feel the pain." Topaz mumbled causing Linda to laugh again. "Sheesh..." The feline stretched her legs and looked at the houses around them. Topaz relaxed and did the same.

"I'm going to bed early." Linda stood up after a while and yawned. "I'm tired from all that walking. What about you?"

"I'll join you in a little bit." She resumed staring at the world around her. The mountain lioness shrugged and went inside. Topaz looked above the rooftops at the sky. A few clouds lazily hung in an orange arc. 'It's so nice outside.' The genet liked how it wasn't quite as humid as Luo. The southern village of Ullaza felt like her home village in many ways. Everything was calm and peaceful as the day drew to a close. Not many were left lingering outside, but a careful ear could pick up a neighboring conversation without trouble. The sound of a reed flute quietly gracing the still air made Topaz smile. The soft notes were joined by a light plucking of a stringed instrument. The tune was lazy and passive, like the village life that most in the Inkasi State knew before the revolution.

"You need to practice more."

"My flute is too old! I need a new one." The two distant voice bickered playfully. Topaz returned to the bedroom and softly shut in the back door. In the dim light she could see Linda sprawled out on her blankets. The slow rise and fall of the feline's tummy indicated that she was fast asleep. Topaz arranged her blankets to her liking while her friend slept.

'I don't have to worry about falling out of a hammock tonight.' She contently laid down. There were no tree frogs or other creatures of the jungle to lull the genet to sleep, but she seemed to find it as soon as she closed her eyes.

Nambu, Linda, and Topaz dashed to the large Ullaza building through a sudden downpour. It had begun as a light drizzle, but had quickly gained momentum. They made it to the steps and under the far reaching roof.

"We made it!" Topaz caught her breath on the steps. Luckily, they managed to avoid getting soaked.

"That's the fastest that I've seen someone run in a while." The maned wolf Mafuba approached them. "I was starting to think that the rain would keep you three from coming."

"We keep our times." Nambu stated briskly. The maned wolf found a little humor in how Linda and Topaz were catching their breath. The heavy rain loudly poured on the rooftop above them and the ground around them.

"Ready?" Mafuba slid the door open. All three nodded and stepped inside. The front room was fairly small with several pegs and a few shelves for places belongings. "Please hang any garments by the door if you wish." Mafuba directed them inside. Topaz and Linda set their loincloths and other apparel aside. Nambu begrudgingly, but silently obliged.

"I'm a little nervous..." Linda whispered. The mountain lioness tried not to eye up the male ermine's athletic body. Topaz elbowed her side to stay focused. Mafuba undressed last before closing the door behind them. They followed the village's leader into a second, wider room. The shutters on the upper walls were fully open. The sound of rain pouring outside and on the rooftop softly hissed and pounded. A group of four elders sat in a semicircle of cushions around the center: a thin fawn and brown female civet; a male leopard; and two silver female genets. In Inkasi fashion the four were nude. All were ready to discuss serious topics with the little group.

'Do they sit inside here for most of the day?' Topaz hoped that a breeze would come by if the rain stopped. Having a lot of humidity stuck inside would be unbearable.

"Sit where you like." Mafuba handed each a cushion. The maned wolf remained standing by the wall while they sat down before the elder council.

'Wow. We're actually here.' Topaz thought to herself as she settled down.

"Thank you for arranging this meeting at our request." Nambu began. "We are happy that you accepted."

"War is never something to be taken lightly, especially in today's situation." One of the elders replied.

"Yes." He nodded. "We'd like Ullaza's assistance in pushing the revolutionaries back to the Luo River. If we can control that point, then their small occupying forces in the west will be cut off from their main groups east and north. That is our goal."

"What will happen after that?" Another inquired. "The war won't be over."

"That is true. The war is going on in the northeast around the capital, but the revolutionaries have suffered defeats recently that put them on the retreat. Now is the best time to attack, when they are less defended in the south."

"What if the capital falls and the government collapses? Will we be fighting a losing war?"

"If that happens then every neutral village should declare war on these rebels. They are not saviors, but cruel occupiers who seek nothing but their own way."

"How many are in your militia?" One of the genet females responded with another question.

"About two dozen." Nambu stated.

"Only two dozen?" The fawn and brown furred female civet seemed unimpressed. "How is your militia going to help while our boats move north?"

"We can clear the eastern side while your boats move to clear the water. All we need your village to do is make sure the river itself is safe where we can be ferried across."

"Are there others than your militia participating?"

"No..." Nambu regretfully spoke. "There are four small villages helping up with supplies and tending to our wounded though."

"Mmhm..." Two elders nodded quietly.

'I wish Jen was here to help.' Topaz knew that the female raccoon could be more persuasive than the stone cold ermine. The talk between Nambu and the four Ullaza elders waned without a clear sign that their support had been won over.

"I have nothing more to say then." Nambu rested his hard fought case. The elder civet nodded and looked at Linda and Topaz expectedly. The Luo genet tensed and swallowed.

'I can't remain silent!' She desperately wanted to free her home.

"Well then-." An elder began.

"If I may speak..." Topaz interrupted. Everyone's eyes turned to the genet.

"Don't say anything reckless." Nambu whispered.

"Yes. You may speak." The elder male leopard allowed.

"Staying neutral will only empower the revolutionaries. They will take over villages like my home with ease. If you wait for them to directly threaten you then you will be fighting alone. However," her voice rose, "if we free other villages under their control, then I'm certain they will aid us in any way possible!" Topaz finished leaving the room in silence as rain pattered on the rooftop. Linda and Nambu turned their attention to the elders who were thinking everything over.

"Mafuba," the old male leopard spoke, "please take our guests outside while we discuss amongst ourselves." The female maned wolf nodded.

"Outside?" Linda huddled to herself nervously. "What about our clothes?"

"Don't worry." Mafuba contained a laugh. "We're not throwing you three back in the rain." She directed them to the right where there was another sliding door. The maned wolf led out to an open "room" that overlooked the lower part of the village. The clearer sound of rainfall returned to their ears as they walked into the veranda.

"What a view!" Topaz could see the rest of Ullaza down to the river, even through the rain, and the plains beyond.

"Sometimes it's easy to forget that half of the village is on a hill." Mafuba grinned at the scenic view. "Even though I grew up here, it's never tiring to see."

"In Luo we only have one hill where our temple is built, but it's steep and there's too much growing to see anything."

"Mm. The jungles are much thicker up north from what I've heard." She nodded. "From my home I'm able to wake up and look outside the open shutters. But sometimes if I wake up early enough, I can peek outside naked for a short time." Mafuba giggled. Topaz smiled and nodded, knowing the peaceful experience very well.

"I don't get the whole 'being naked inside' Inkasi thing." Linda said aloud and tucked her legs. "Why does everyone do that?"

'You're just saying that because Nambu is next to you.' Topaz kept her thoughts to herself but eyed the uptight feline knowingly.

"It can become hot inside during the day, especially when it's very humid." Mafuba explained. "But there are traditional and practical reasons as well."

"Humph!" Linda folded her arms and strained to not look at Nambu. The ermine wasn't paying much attention, choosing instead to look around in deep thought.

"Does the river flood very high?" Topaz looked out to the modestly wide Ullaza River. Two fisherman appeared like dots in the rain while they pulled up their net.

"During the heaviest rains the water can reach a few homes at the edge of the village." Mafuba looked out into the rain shower. Her eyes focused on the water's level. "Yet... the rain is calming to listen to." She softly spoke.

"Yeah... It is." Topaz murmured. A brief moment passed where everybody listened to the sound of rainfall. The Luo genet could imagine herself back home with her family and friends, as if she hadn't left at all. Mafuba stepped back from the railing.

"I'm going to check and see if they have made a decision." The maned wolf returned inside. The trio nodded as she disappeared inside. Silence fell on the militia members as they listened to the rain shower. It was a tense moment where a single decision would determine if they could advance down the Luo tributary.

"What happens if they say no?" Topaz spoke aloud. Nambu looked at the genet staring warily across the village.

"I'm not sure Topaz. We probably won't leave base and travel downriver. It's too risky going that far without any villages on our side of the Ullaza River without any means of crossing it." He explained. Her heart worried about that scenario.

'We couldn't have gone all this way for nothing.' Her lips pursed. "Do you think they'll agree to help us?" Topaz turned around and asked.

"I'm not sure about that either." The ever stoic Nambu admitted. Linda merely fidgeted in her seat. Their heads turned when the door slid open once more. Mafuba reemerged with one of the old female genets. Topaz's mouth became dry.

"We have come to a decision." The elder began. Nambu nodded as everyone's ears listened intently. "Everyone agrees that we should join the war and help your militia." Her words gave hope to the group, especially Topaz.

"Thank you!" Topaz exclaimed and immediately hugged the elder to everyone's shock.

"Topaz!" Nambu jumped and pulled the young genet off the flustered elder. "Watch what you're doing!"

"It's alright." The elder flattened her fur. "We can eat and discuss further plans and preparations if you'd like." She offered.

"We would like that very much." Nambu nodded contently, and they were led back inside.

Topaz blew a sigh as she laid in a tree. The genet's loincloth was bunched into the branch and her lap. Her tail lightly swayed as if a breeze had passed. It was surprisingly calm and lazy for an early afternoon in Ullaza. Most villagers were retiring home or finding shade to continue working while the hottest part of the day began. The genet's brown eyes stared hopefully through the leaves at the edge of the upper half of the village. A lone bucket of water rested at the bottom of a step to someone's house. The ground was wet and watery footprints led to the house's open door where a mother was toweling off her kit. The little naked body tried wriggling away at every chance. The mother chided her son and hurried to dry his fur. Topaz chuckled to herself and returned her gaze into the branches above.

'When we move downriver, we will be closer to Luo.' Topaz thought to herself. The idea itself was almost surreal to the genet who had spent the past few months surviving on her own and then fighting in a militia comprised mostly of mercenaries.

"Let's play here." A younger voice caught the tree abiding genet's ear.

"Hey... Whose pack is this?" Another asked. Topaz sat up and held the tree trunk.

"Huh?" She looked down and spotted three youngsters at the base of the tree. They were no older than ten years, but no less than five. Two were closely looking at her pack. "Hello!" Topaz's sudden greeting startled them. Four heads looked up at her in surprise.

"What are you doing up there?" A silvery grey genet kit piped up.

"Just passing the time." She shrugged.

"But why in a tree?" Another tried climbing the trunk, but his smaller body failed to reach the higher limbs.

"Because I'm waiting for my friends." Topaz told the kits below.

"Who are your friends?" The oldest asked. She was about to answer when an older voice called out.

"Wassu! Dad needs our help." An adolescent male coyote barked impatiently.

"Uh oh. I gotta leave." He mumbled. "I'll see you later." The young coyote darted away. The remaining two were no older than six or seven, and they weren't sure what to do.

"Can you play with us, lady?" The little female cheetah asked. The male genet kit beside her nodded.

"Play?" Topaz's ears perked up at the request.

"Yes!" They said in unison. Their faces were hopeful that the genet would slip out of her lofty seat.

"Aww. I would love to, but..." She tried keeping a smile. "But I'm going to leave Ullaza very soon. In fact, just as soon as my two friends come here." The genet explained. Their tails and ears drooped at the news.

"Ok..." They thought amongst themselves for a moment. "Hey, let's go to the river. My sister should be there."

"Okay!" The cheetah girl agreed.

"Bye, stranger in the tree!" They called before dashing away. She watched them disappear into the village.

'Stranger in the tree...' Topaz wiggled her nose at the funny name and laid back against the sturdy trunk. It sounded like something she would've said at their age. 'Maybe I should've played with them, even just a minute.' She thought to herself.

"Hey!" A not so distant voice yelled. Topaz looked down and spotted Linda walking towards her arbor abode with Nambu not far behind. "We're leaving. Come on! Nambu said that he would leave you."

"I did not." Topaz barely heard his voice.

"I'm climbing down!" Topaz nimbly crept down the trunk and hopped to the ground. She slipped on her pack and caught up to her friends.

"Are you ready to leave?" Linda looked over her shoulder. Topaz eagerly nodded. The moment almost felt surreal as she followed Linda and Nambu into the hilly jungle once again. She would be much closer to home than ever before.

*meet back at Ahawa.

By the time they reached the village of Ahawa days later, it was the late afternoon. It had rained the entire way back for the group. The showers didn't let up for most of the day, but no one complained. In some ways it was better than bearing the humidity on its own.

"We're almost there." Nambu called from ahead.

"I wonder if the rain will let up." Linda murmured sarcastically and blew a few drops off her nose. Topaz couldn't help but giggle at his words. The wet fur clung to her body as much as everyone else's. Linda's spiky golden fur reminded her of Indi's quills.

'I can't wait to see Indi and tell her everything!' Topaz thought to herself. All three emerged from the jungle and onto the flat dusty plain that had become muddy from the constant rain. The village appeared quiet with everyone staying inside. "Where do you two go when visiting?" She curiously asked.

"Nambu and I stay at an elder's home where some of the wounded are." Linda answered.

"I should have guessed that you stick together with Nambu." Topaz teased. The feline's ears fell back briefly, but she didn't retort.

"Have fun at your friend's house." The mountain lioness tagged along with the stoic ermine. Topaz nodded and split up. The genet ducked around houses and ran to Indi's home.

'Just a little further...' Her wet splashing footsteps rounded a corner. Indi was standing outside her doorway in the buff to the genet's surprise.

"Hi Indi!" Topaz ran to the shelter of the doorway.

"Oh! Hey Topaz!" Indi waved and welcomed the wet genet inside. "I see you were caught in the rain. Do you want a towel?"

"Yes, please." The genet shook as much excess water off as she could.

"You can come inside!" Indi called out. Topaz stepped inside and set her wet loincloth and pack on a peg by the door. Indi handed her a towel.

"Thanks."

"Ooh! What's that? It's very pretty." The porcupine noticed a garment over her friend's chest.

"I found it in Ullaza. Isn't it neat? I figured that the camouflage design would be best for the jungle." She took the wet garment off and started drying herself.

"I think it matches your love for the jungle." Indi admired the piece and hung it up beside the dripping loincloth.

"What were you doing outside?" Topaz straightened her hair.

"Oh, I was about to go take a bath at the stream. It's hidden just behind the edge of the jungle that way." She pointed over her shoulder.

"You were? But it's still raining." She could hear the shower outside.

"Exactly! I'll be wet anyway." Indi grinned. "Besides, running naked through the village in the rain is fun." Giddiness marked her voice.

"That does sound like fun." Topaz's eyes brightened at the idea.

"Wanna go with me? You could use one." She pointed at the dirt and bits of leaves stuck to the genet's legs from trekking through the wet jungle.

"Sure!" Topaz didn't need a reason not to and returned the towel. In moments, the duo were outside creeping around the house while all of Ahawa's villagers remained inside. "Can anyone see us?" Topaz whispered. Indi looked around and shrugged. There was always the chance of running into someone, even in the present weather. The two naked females peeked around the corner before running across the open muddy field. Their feet splashed over the ground until they made it behind the nearest undergrowth.

"Haha! We made it!" Indi huffed and walked to a trail obscured by a few bushes and short trees.

"We're already wet." Topaz looked over her fur without a single dry spot remaining.

"Who cares? It's fun being out in the rain." The porcupine showed her down the narrow twisting path. They brushed by low hanging palms and leaves, heavy with water and reached a stream. Lush overgrowth bordered the water. Its surface rippled from the constant drizzle above. Indi dipped her foot in before stepping into the soft silt. "It's always crowded here during a hot afternoon." The Ahawa villager mentioned.

"Yeah, it's not too big." Topaz could tell that the water was only a few meters wide. "I bet it's really beautiful here in the morning sunlight."

"Mmhm! It is." Indi nodded and waded towards the center. The water only reached her thighs at the deepest section. "Come on and follow me." She motioned. The genet waded in behind her.

"Nice and cool!" Topaz felt relief from the long lasting hike from Ullaza. She waded upstream with Indi, and a twist and turn later she found herself staring at a wider pool and a waterfall. Indi didn't hesitate to wade forward and stand beneath the pouring edge.

"Don't just stand there in the rain." Indi teased and waved for Topaz to joint her. The genet hurried to stand beside her buxom friend. The little waterfall was just tall enough to stand under and receive a full shower. Water rushed down her body in a thrilling, yet very freeing flow.

"Ah, this feels great." Topaz stretched her arms up and let the waterfall flow over her front. Indi hummed in agreement and washed her hair.

"La la la laaa." Indi sang before laughing. "I don't like singing to a crowd." Topaz smiled and stared out at the rainy jungle, happy to share the moment with her friend. She felt so much closer to nature in the secluded area. The porcupine stepped out of the waterfall and sat down on a rocky ledge to finish washing herself.

"So why did you suddenly need a bath?" Topaz asked.

"You know that we have lots of berry bushes and other stuff to forage along the edge of the jungle, right?"

"Uh huh."

"Well, I decided to pick a bunch and when you're on your hands and knees for a while you tend to get dirty." She giggled.

"I didn't even notice." Topaz glanced at the water, unable to see the porcupine's legs.

"I was hoping that you wouldn't!" Indi giggled and held up her leg to wash it. "But it was also my luck that it started raining like this, so I planned a little getaway where I could get that fresh feeling between all my quills."

"I see." Topaz grinned but noticed that her friend had a little trouble reaching her foot while balancing in the rocky seat. "How about I get your feet and other leg?" Topaz waded towards her.

"Ooh. Thank you." Indi cooed as Topaz held up her foot and started washing over her sole. "Is there anything that I need to do for you?"

"Just sing a song for me." Topaz requested. Indi leaned back and thought for a second.

"Okay..." She cleared her voice.

Singing in the rain,

I'm naked with my friend

Who is bathing me

So kindly.

"How's that?" Indi giggled.

"No!" Topaz laughed. "Something like when you sang to me when I first came to Ahawa." The genet requested and pulled the porcupine's other leg out of the water.

"Ah. Let me think." She looked up at the grey sky while rain landed on her face.

Listening to the rain

I am happy.

But hearing thunder,

I will scurry

To the trees and shelter.

Here I sit and wait

for the rain to pass,

But not before I listen

To its gentle patter.

Topaz enjoyed the serene moment of tending to her friend who had helped her so much. Standing naked in the rain, bathing, and listening to a nice song all created a perfect moment for the genet. The porcupine sighed as she finished the song.

"I really liked that one."

"Mm. Thanks. If you keep rubbing my foot like that, then I'll fall asleep here." Indi hummed, wearing a pleasant grin.

"Oops. Sorry." Topaz dropped the leg and watched the limb splash into the water.

"It's fine! Thank you for the help." She smiled as the genet sat down beside her. Topaz looked around the little private enclosure that nature provided. The way the waterfall rushed beside them, the raining sky, lush jungle surrounding them seemed so perfect to her.

"I really love this." She softly mentioned as rain drizzled on them. "It's so peaceful."

"Bathing?" Indi guessed.

"Yes, but I mean being out here in the nude surrounded by the jungle and connected to nature. It's like I'm part of it." She spoke with a little awe in her voice. Indi listened with an intrigued ear. "Back at home since I was little I would always enjoy being in the jungle naked, so much that I would get in trouble for it... You don't find that too weird, do you?"

"Weird?" Indi giggled. "I'm glad that you didn't think running all the way out here was too strange."

"No way! I couldn't pass this up." Topaz stirred her legs underwater. The two females leaned on each other and basked in the rain for a little longer before the evening light started to wane.

"Are you all finished?" Indi stood up and checked herself over one final time.

"Yeah, I think so." Topaz regretted that they couldn't spend more time in the stream.

"Okay. We can head back then." Indi waded downstream, leading the way. Both females stepped onto the wet shore, dripping wet as it rained on them.

"How do we dry off?" Topaz half expected to lay around despite the evening rain not letting up.

"We run back to my house and grab a towel." Indi grinned and walked up the pathway. Topaz followed her with a skip in her step. Her body was soaked, but the experience was so exhilarating that Topaz could hardly contain her giddiness. She had never been able to experience running around in the buff with someone else.

"Oh." Indi hesitated behind a bush and watched someone in the far distance. The figure lingered for a moment before returning inside a home.

"Is it clear?"

"No one is out yet!" Indi held her chest and ran ahead. Topaz tagged along and they ran back to Ahawa without anyone noticing they had left. The genet and porcupine slipped around houses before reaching the one they had left. They bounded up the steps and closed the door behind them, still dripping wet. Both released their breaths and relaxed.

"That was fun!" Topaz breathlessly said.

"Told you!" Indi smiled and retrieved two towels. The two ladies helped each other dry off until their fur became a spiky mess.

"I look like a porcupine." Topaz looked at herself.

"Your quills are very soft." Indi and Topaz laughed as she finished drying the genet's back. "I forgot to ask, but how was Ullaza?" She hung both towels on the wall pegs to dry.

"Very interesting, and a lot of fun." The genet summed up the entire trip into a sentence.

"I'm expecting more details than that." Indi grinned.

"That could take some time."

"Aren't you staying for the night?"

"If you don't mind-"

"I never mind!" The porcupine happily placed an arm around her friend. "You can tell me all about Ullaza." She motioned the genet to a group of cushions and a low table. "We have the rest of the day to ourselves." They both chuckled at how little time that was left.

"Where is Xian?" Topaz noticed that the buxom jaguar wasn't present.

"Ah, she has a bad cold from staying outside during a chilly night." Indi explained as they sat down.

"Why was she outside last night?"

"The stars were out before a storm rolled in. She stayed out too late to gaze up at them before getting soaked."

"Like us?" Topaz chuckled.

"In a way." Indi admitted. "But she stayed out much later... Now tell me Ullaza! Please!" The porcupine nearly bounced in her seat.

"Where to start..." Topaz thought a moment while Indi eagerly listened. "The village is really big." She held her hands up. "There's lions, wild dogs, and even hyenas! Their leader wears a funny ring and..."

***

Empty bowls rested between them on the tabletop. Their fur had finished air drying while they talked and ate. The main room was darkening as the clouded sun set in the distant horizon outside. The rain had only ceased moments ago, closing a great day for the two.

"Today was great." Topaz murmured aloud.

"Mhm." Indi nodded in agreement. It had been a perfect day in the genet's mind, and one that she always wanted to remember.

"I really like your house Indi." Topaz gazed around and admired the front room.

"You do? Why?"

"It's plain and cozy." She broke off with two yawns in succession.

"I never really liked decorating the front room very much, because that would mean more for me to clean."

"That is true." Topaz nodded.

"Tired?" Indi noticed Topaz yawn a third time.

"I could use a good night's sleep." She admitted.

"Go lay in bed. I'll clean all of this up." Indi offered. Topaz nodded and went into the porcupine's bedroom. A smile appeared on the genet's face as she looked at the bed.

'Nothing is better than having a bed to sleep in.' She hummed to herself and approached the neatly made sheets. Her attentive ears swiveled hearing Indi cleaning up in the kitchen. The homely sounds reassured her. Topaz knelt down and placed a hand on the folded sheet only to feel something. 'Huh?' She found something hard underneath.

"There's a quill in here!" Topaz pulled the pointy shaft out of the bed.

"A what?" Indi's head poked into the entryway before walking in.

"This." She held up the menacing black and white quill.

"Oops! Sorry!" Indi quickly checked for more. Topaz worried when a few more were tossed out. "I usually clean out and check my sheets every few days." The porcupine smoothed out everything when she finished. "But you do not have to worry Topaz! My front is much softer than my back!" She laughed and patted her tummy. "And I don't roll around while I sleep."

"I'm glad that you don't!" Topaz laughed before crawling in while her friend set aside her headband and earrings. "Mm. There's nothing like a bed." Topaz stretched out and snuggled into the sheets. The structure rocked as her larger friend sat down beside her. Indi held back a laugh and smiled at her friend's relaxation.

"I don't understand how Roc and everyone sleeps in the jungle in hammocks." She shook her head.

"You get used to it." Topaz sighed.

"What if it rains? Or what if I break one? My body isn't made to hang in the air like yours." She whimsically imagined two trees bending from her weight, or a rope snapping as she laid down. The porcupine's soft front lightly pressed against the genet's back. Indi bade her friend sweet dreams, but Topaz had already fallen asleep. "You've been through a lot Topaz." Indi whispered. "Sleep tight, and dream of wonderful things."

Chapter X - Freedom

"Everyone gather around!" A white furred ermine called out. The few dozen militia members gathered in the middle of the base camp and awaited for the female to speak. Roc had a grin on her muzzle, and for good reason as everyone gathered. "Nambu, Topaz, and Linda returned from Ullaza and as most of you already know, they have agreed to help us in the war."

"Does that mean they will come here?"

"No." The ermine answered. "We are going to the Ullaza river to meet with them. It will be a few days hike through the jungle to reach it."

"What about the base here?" Someone asked.

"And the villages below us like Ahawa?"

"The war has moved on, and so shall we." She answered.

"What about food and supplies?"

"Ullaza will be providing some from upriver. Also when we liberate villages they will likely help us in our effort."

"How far downriver will we go?"

"All the way to the end where it drains into the Luo River." She stated. "We can push the rebels out of the area if we can control both sides of the Ullaza river. Water is their main means of transportation from up north. Villagers from Ullaza will have plenty of boats in use along the river, so we can cross wherever we like provided that no one is shooting at us." She half joked. "If anyone doesn't want to go, then feel free to stay behind in one of the villages." No one raised their hand or backed away. "Okay then, lets pack up everything we can from cap and head out as soon as possible." Roc ordered. Everyone broke off and went to their respective areas. Linda and Topaz returned to their little hammocks that had served as their beds for the past month and a half of fighting. The genet bundled together her new loincloth, chest cloth, and shirt that she bought in Ullaza with her ammunition. A giddy feeling swept over her.

"I'm so glad that we're moving." Topaz excitedly packed the few things that she owned. Her mountain lioness friend was more reserved about it. "Aren't you?"

"This place is kind of like a second home to me." Linda thought fondly of the little base camp. "Sure it's dangerous, but it's where I've stayed for nearly three months with people that I have grown close to." Topaz nodded but didn't say anything. The camp was like a second home to her during her stay, and so was Ahawa, but they couldn't replace her true home in the Free State. Topaz looked around in thought as the camp was quickly dismantled. Hammocks were bundled up, as were cooking utensils, and the only items left behind were the makeshift beds of leaves and the roughly constructed furniture for eating. Pretty soon there was another call for everyone to leave. Weapons over their shoulders, they joined the group at the wall entrance. Almost as quickly as the decision was announced, everyone prepared to embark northward.

The preening sound of birds and droning insects filled the dense southern jungle of the Inkasi State. The air was humid and thick like a lingering mist. A light rain had accompanied the group for the early morning, making the ground soft and peaty beneath everyone's feet. One person in front cleared the way by machete while everyone else walked mostly in single file stretched behind. The militia had been trekking through the jungle terrain for a few days. Their rendezvous with Ullaza forces along the river would be just south of the furthest known village under rebel occupation. Topaz was completely prepared. The rifle over her shoulder, pack on her back, her new camouflage garment was tied securely around her chest, and a knife lightly bobbing alongside her hip. Other than dress, everyone else in the militia was similarly armed and ready for the ensuing battles. The militia's current path led through a hilly section of jungle where small cliffs and steep slopes carved a maze throughout the area. Topaz walked to the edge of one and held back a small branch. She looked down the steep slope where plenty of foliage would break a fall, albeit painfully. It always amazed her how trees and other plants could grow on the nearly vertical surface. 'I can barely see the bottom.' Topaz observed. The only red fox of the group noticed the genet's perilous perch.

"Be careful or you'll fall, Topaz." The red fox who had been walking behind her warned. The genet merely wiggled her nose and peered out a little further.

'As if I'll fall-!' The soft ground beneath her feet suddenly crumbled away.

"AAHHH!" A shriek pierced the air as Topaz fell down the steep incline. The world blurred around her as she tumbled down the dirt, smacking various plants that gave way. It all suddenly stopped when she reached the bottom. Dull pain encompassed her body where small nicks and scratches had caught her. "Owww..." She sat up and rubbed her face. Topaz waited for her dizziness to fade away and the spinning sensation to stop.

"What happened?!" The genet heard a distant voice from above.

"Topaz fell!" Another voice exclaimed. There was excitement from above as people gathered at the top.

"Are you okay?" A voice called from above. Topaz looked up and blinked her eyes. Several heads were looking down the steep drop at the genet below.

"I'm okay." She pulled herself to her feet. "Is there a way back up?" She called out. The incline before her was way too steep to attempt a climb back up.

"Nowhere nearby." One answered.

"Topaz, you're down there?!" Ketswayo's loud voice called out.

"Yes. I fell." The genet answered.

"I told her not to stand so close." The red fox murmured.

"How are you going to get back up?" The ermine asked. Topaz looked around, but that was impossible. A idea suddenly reached her.

"I'll meet up with y'all at the river!" She called out.

"Are you sure about that? We can follow you until the ground evens out more." He offered.

"That'll slow everyone down." Topaz insisted.

"If you say so..."

"The river is in this direction." The red fox pointed away from the cliff, and past Topaz.

"Oh. Okay!" She turned around.

"If you get lost, just head west for the river and walk downstream. We'll be looking for you!" Ketswayo called out. Topaz waved before they parted paths. The genet walked through the foliage, holding back low hanging palm leaves every few steps. She brushed past a tree and lingering vines while keeping herself on the right direction. Her feet walked along the soft soil and gnarled roots of giant trees. Her ears perked up hearing a loud bird cawing on a nearby branch.

'It's like I'm alone in the jungle again...' Topaz paused and clearly remembered how she felt after fleeing Luo. The loneliness, uncertainty, and always the overhanging fear that was never too far from her thoughts. 'Although, I'm actually dressed more, not less.' She grinned to herself. Taking a moment to undress and enjoy the nature around her was tempting, but the genet avoided it to stay on track. It reminded her of easier times back in Luo where she could indulge herself with a little time alone in the jungle, and also why the war needed to come to an end soon. The genet hopped over a tiny creek and resumed her trek. An hour passed, and then a second without incident.

Crunch. A small noise caught her ear. At first she didn't make anything of it because of the presence of numerous birds in the canopy above, but since she was alone Topaz took caution. 'Is it just me?' She paused and looked around. Nothing but the tweeting of birds and random insects filled her ears, but the subtle sound of a leaf crunching met her ears again. Topaz crouched down and approached a tall tree. The soft rustling sound was clearer before disappearing altogether. 'This better just be my imagination...' The genet crept around the large mossy tree. The soft noise eerily returned. Her eyes carefully preened the greenery.

'What the...' Topaz froze as she spotted a figure. A couple of steps away in the underbrush someone was digging in the ground. The kneeling figure was decidedly male, and his unabashed nudity made it apparent. His black spots and brown coat of fur revealed him to be a genet just like Topaz. But Topaz recognized the tell-tale blue lines painted on his fur in intricate patterns. 'He's one of them-!' She remembered the two naked painted people who freed her from her own snare. The nude brown furred male reached for a small pouch tied around his waist but his head turned as well. Their gazes locked. 'I can talk to him!' Topaz stepped forward. The male's brown eyes widened in surprise before he leapt to his feet in a hurry.

"It's okay-" Topaz held up her hand, but the painted figure ran away into the jungle. Without a second's guess, Topaz ran after the blue painted figure in pursuit. "Wait! Who are you?!" She yelled for him to stop. She barely rounded a tree before glimpsing the male disappearing into the brush ahead. Topaz pushed countless branches, vines, and plants out of her way just to keep up. However, her vigilant chase was all in vain. The male had slipped away from her. Topaz slowed down before stopping at a large tree. A hand gripped the tree trunk, and claws lightly dug into its touch exterior.

"Darn..." She panted and kicked the ground in frustration. 'Why did he run? I just wanted to talk.' The genet felt a rare opportunity slip away that left so many questions unanswered. Did he live in those abandoned huts? How did so few people know about them? Most importantly, how did they live in the jungle isolated? Topaz also wondered about their painted bodies and nudity, but let the mystery rest. "At least my chest cloth worked pretty well." She straightened the garment a little. The rifle's strap slipped on her shoulder, reminding her of something else important.

'The river!' Topaz's meandering and subsequent chase had led her astray. She hastily regained her bearings and continued walking.

***

The hours waned into the evening as Topaz marched through the dense jungle. Soft endless chirping from crickets and other droning insects filled the humid air with accompanying bird calls from every direction. It had been a long hike through the dense brush and trees, and the genet was ready for it to be over. Topaz crept through a wall of large palm leaves and found the militia group settling down for the evening.

"I made it!" She sighed with relief.

"Don't move!" A firm voice challenged her. Topaz froze as a serval pointed his weapon at her.

"It's me! Topaz!" She held up her hands.

"Sorry..." The serval scratched his head and lowered his weapon. Topaz breathed a sigh of relief and found Linda setting her pack down by a large tree.

"Hey! You made it here!" Linda waved.

"I was beginning to wonder if I had any sense of direction." Topaz grinned and approached the mountain lioness.

"Good to see that you made it." A female raccoon spoke. "For a second we thought you weren't going to be rejoining us." Jen half grinned. "You didn't go on one of your nature escapades?" The raccoon couldn't help but take a jab at the genet's interest.

"No." Topaz shook her head.

"You've definitely been through the jungle." Linda remarked at the bits of leaves, twigs, and dirt in the genet's fur.

"Yeah..." Topaz brushed herself. "I had a... Rough time." She though about the second chance encounter with the painted jungle person. "Where's everyone else?" Topaz noticed that there were few people in the area, maybe only one dozen.

"Roc split us up. Her group is downriver a little, and we're here under Jen." Linda explained.

"I didn't even see the river yet." Topaz admitted.

"You can see the village from it." She led her through the undergrowth. They gathered near the edge of the jungle within sight of the river where several others were standing. Topaz's claws dug into the thick tree root that she was standing on. Peering out from the underbrush, houses were visible on the other side through the clustered trees. Thin trails of smoke were visible in the evening sky. A little envy passed through the group. Rebels were inside dry houses and sleeping on blankets rather than hastily arranged hammocks, or the uncomfortable ground where gnarled roots kept the ground uneven.

"Everyone come here!" Jen called out from nearby. "Roc is ready to transmit us something.

"Must be important." Linda said as they left the river and gathered around the female raccoon.

"Everyone here?" She quickly counted. "Ok. We are ready." Jen held up the device emitting quiet static.

"Listen!" Roc's voice called out so that everyone could hear. "We're going to sleep here and cross tomorrow morning. We are far enough to remain undetected by any patrol from the village. Ullaza boats are close by and we will cross the river with them at daybreak." There was a pause. "I want everyone to sleep well and prepare for tomorrow. It will be our first test in advancing to the Luo River." The quiet static returned at Roc finished.

"You heard her." Jen out the handheld device in a pocket. "Let's get ready for tomorrow." Everyone gradually settled down in the brush and trees as a chorus of frogs preparing for the night sang loudly throughout the jungle. Topaz looked at the female raccoon sitting across from her and Linda. Jen's knees were tucked up to her chest where her arms lazily hung in front. For someone that Roc trusted to lead a second group without Ketswayo or Nambu, the female seemed relaxed for her duties towards the war effort.

"Jen, where are you from?" Topaz spoke.

"Nosonga. It's a big village in the southwest of the Free State, but far away from here."

"But you don't look like you're from an Inkasi village." Topaz pointed out. Sure the femme raccoon was topless and wore simple leather bracelets and even a necklace with two feathers attached, but the khaki cargo pants and metal ring around her finger were completely foreign to the Luo genet.

"Without the loincloth I guess not, but I prefer pants while being out here." She lowered a leg and tugged on the hem covering her lighter grey front. "They're much better for fighting."

"What's that for?" Topaz pointed at the raccoon's ring.

"Oh, this?" She held up the simple piece of metal with a little gem in the center. "It's a symbol to show that I'm married."

"I've never seen anyone else wear one."

"It's something that people do in the western world."

"Western world?" Topaz questioned. Linda grinned at the genet's lack of understanding.

"Yes, a group of countries far away." Jen tried to explain.

"I didn't know that you were married." Linda spoke up.

"Mmhm." Jen nodded. "My husband is still in Nosonga where the war hasn't reached him. I wouldn't mind settling back down when this is all finished." She admitted and stretched a leg into the leaves. "We were starting to think about raising a family too..." Topaz wondered how Chona would feel after the war was over. She certainly wanted the same thing that Jen wanted.

"How did you end up with Roc out here?" Topaz wondered.

"Traveling anywhere from that far out without a river means you have to go through another country in the south first."

"But why?" She pressed the issue.

"Well..." The raccoon stared out into the jungle. "We wanted to help the war effort, and we agreed that if one of us went then the other would stay behind. It didn't take long for me to hear about Roc, so I was able to meet up with her outside the Free State." She explained. Topaz nodded silently. It must've been hard for Jen to leave her mate in Nosonga.

"I don't want to sound crazy, but I saw another painted person in the jungle after I fell down the cliff side." Topaz changed the subject.

"You did?" Jen seemed doubtful at the genet's claim.

"Yes! He was digging in the ground for something."

"Didn't he tell you what he was digging for?" The raccoon teased.

"He ran away from me, but I chased him as far as I could." Even Linda was skeptical about it.

"We're all anxious and ready for tomorrow, Topaz." Linda downplayed what the genet had told them. Topaz frowned and wiggled her nose in thought.

'It did happen. I saw him.' She thought to herself.

"Let's get some sleep. It's almost dark." Jen closed her eyes and leaned against the base of a tree. Linda nodded and laid down the best she could. Topaz patted the feline's feet by her side before laying against the tree trunk behind her. Despite the long days of travel, and unexpected sighting in the jungle, the genet didn't feel very tired. Topaz stared into the darkening canopy above and closed her eyes anyway. She knew that sleep was needed for tomorrow.

Sleep eluded most militia members in the early morning as a rainstorm passed through the area. Everyone huddled beneath the base of large tree trunks to avoid having soaked fur from the pounding water.

"I think it's almost done." Linda yawned as the last drizzle fizzled out. The only sound of falling water was the droplets from leaves throughout the jungle.

"I barely noticed..." Topaz stretched and wiped her facial fur. Her body felt sluggish, but her mind was wide awake. Others in their group were starting to move around and prepare for retaking the riverside village. A quick walk and small portion of a preserved meal shook away any lingering sleep and anxiety. Everybody was ready and awaiting orders from Roc. 'Shouldn't we have moved by now?' Topaz noticed that despite the lingering grey clouds, the morning light made it fairly easy to see. The genet's anxious impatience didn't improve while Jen awaited a signal. Topaz felt her heart jump when the radio on the raccoon's hip made a noise.

"It's probably Roc." Her voice spoke firmly. She stood up and held up the device to her ear. "Hello. This is Jen... What?" Jen's voice was marked with surprise. Everyone in the group looked at each other in confusion. The raccoon held the communication device close to her ear as the voice continued talking.

"What's going on Jen?" Someone asked. She took a moment and faced them.

"The village freed itself from occupation just a few days ago." The female raccoon told them.

"Wow. That's incredible Linda." Topaz nudged the mountain lioness beside her.

"Phew. That makes our job easier." She sighed.

"Come on, you were much more confident back at base."

"That's because I knew the area better."

"What are we going to do then?" Someone asked.

"We are going to visit the village." Jen answered. "Roc's group is going to cross first."

"What about the rebels? Aren't there some around here?"

"No." She shook her head. "None have been seen in the area."

"That's good." Linda murmured. The minutes dragged by until Jen received another communication. The muffled voice from the radio caught everyone's attention.

"Come again?" The raccoon answered. "They are ready for us. Let's move." Jen waved everyone to the river. The small band eagerly avoided puddles through the thick undergrowth until they stepped into completely saturated soil. The wet sounds of multiple footsteps were muffled in the humid air. They reached the edge of the river where the high water was already a few inches high. The heavy rains had swelled the Ullaza river beyond its banks. The village was across the swollen river at a bend, impossible to reach without assistance.

"How are we going to cross?" A middle aged civet brandishing an automatic firearm and a long knife asked.

"Roc contacted some boats over." Jen pointed to the small figures downriver heading towards them. Several Ullaza boats quickly scurried over the water towards them. The female raccoon stepped into the deeper water and waded out a few steps. "Stand in a clear spot where there isn't too much debris." She waved the rest of the group to follow. Everyone began wading into the river single file. The motorized vessels reached them swiftly. Most of the people aboard wore shirts and pants, with few wearing less or even more tribal garments.

"You all are from Ullaza?" Topaz questioned.

"Yep." A brisk voiced coyote reached out and helped her out of the water. The genet took a seat as Linda and two others climbed aboard.

"I didn't recognize any of them." Topaz mumbled to Linda.

"You would say that." The feline half teased. Jen talked to the Ullaza coyote while a cheetah in the back started up the motor. The vessel lurched and moved forward.

"We're going so fast!" Topaz gripped the boat's side and Linda at the same time much to the driver's amusement.

"Calm down! It's supposed to!" The boat raced over the water to the village's docks. Topaz barely had time to take in the world around her, but the wind at her body was an exhilarating sensation. This section of the Ullaza River was completely surrounded by jungle except for a small village peeking over a hill in the bend. They neared the village's modest dock and slowed down. Other Ullaza boats were docking along available space among scattered canoes. A local on the dock waved them forward. A rope was tossed and they were easily pulled up and tied to a post. The tingling exhilaration from the boat ride made Topaz completely oblivious to everyone around her.

"Let's go." Linda quietly rose to her feet and hopped onto the dock. Topaz hastily rose to join her.

"Wow." She exhaled and took a step forward. "I've never moved so fast before." The genet admitted. Linda half grinned in amusement. The two militia members stood to the side as others walked steadfastly by them on the narrow walkway. The planks noisily clattered with so many steps being taken.

"Don't forget your belongings." Jen checked another boat about to dock.

"Jen, what is Roc doing now?" Topaz asked the topless raccoon.

"She is meeting with some of the people here. I'm guessing that they're still talking because I haven't heard anything from her yet."

"What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to help get some supplies up here. We'll probably stay here for a day or at least get everything situated before we leave." Her tail swayed as she talked before crouching down to help tie down another boat. Without any direct orders or a present enemy to fight, Topaz and Linda were left to their own devices.

"I guess we can look around." Linda shrugged. "Unless you want to do something else."

"Fine by me." Topaz nodded and followed the mountain lioness to dry land where they were met with a village built on the slope of a hill. She was happy that they didn't have to fight rebels either. Fighting uphill from the open wouldn't have been easy, meaning that their only other option would've been landing below the village and emerging from the jungle. Despite its size, the riverside village was bustling with activity. Two kits were helping their grandmother collect peelings from cut fruit. Several adults were reconstructing the roof of a house with newly cut wood. A young couple sitting on the porch before their home were weaving baskets together.

"Everyone is busy..." The feline remarked.

"Yeah." Topaz agreed. It didn't matter how old or young, every villager was doing something. The smell of fish cooking was strong wherever they went, almost as ever present as the on going work. Another odd feature was that trees grew in a fair number throughout the village, rather than just the edge. They were most numerous between houses perhaps to help prevent soil erosion.

"Hey!" An adolescent male genet waved. He wore a simple green-brown loincloth tied around his waist with several strings, and a beaded necklace. The simplicity of tribal dress matched his chocolate brown fur and dark spots. "Welcome to the village of Fashoda. Are you two with the militia or Ullaza people?" He noticed their weapons and packs. Linda and Topaz nodded.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Tumburi, and my mother is the leader of our village." He introduced himself to the pair. "Is there anything that I can help you two with?"

"Did you say that your mother is the village's leader?" Topaz clarified. The male eagerly nodded.

"My mother has been the leader of this village for several years." He told them. Topaz imagined an athletic female genet brandishing a host of weapons and tenacity to fight off rebel occupants.

"Can we speak with her?"

"I can take you to her house if you'd like." He offered. "She might have time to talk." Topaz and Linda agreed and followed him through the wooden homes built on the sloped hill. The little village was quaint, but signs of war were never out of sight. Small woven baskets hanging from roofs on homes contained decorative plants like vinca, ivy, but also strawberries. Several of the baskets were unattended, contained weeds, or were off on the damp ground with no plants at all. Small piles of trash and debris had yet to be cleared in the middle of streets. Some houses were outrightly damaged. Splintered wood and shell casings were commonly littered on the ground. Shrapnel was visibly lodged in some walls, broken pots weren't uncommon either. Villagers of all ages were repairing the damage in a giant effort. The entire place didn't feel like a normal village yet.

"It must've been a big fight to retake this village." Topaz whispered, silently dreading a similar result in Luo.

"Mmhm." Linda nodded. Tumburi took the two females around a site where construction on a damaged house was underway. Saws and chipping tools were hard at work in experienced hands. They heard a lonely soft song from somewhere nearby to the tune of a hand drum.

When I jump to the sky

I feel closer to you,

But then I fall down

Missing you more.

"What's that?" Topaz asked.

"Ah." He hummed. "A sad song about losing a loved one. Retaking our village came at a cost." The male solemnly noted.

"Oh..." Topaz looked away briefly. Luckily something caught her eye as a good distraction. "What's with these?" Topaz lightly kicked a sand bag.

"The rebels were trying to fortify themselves wherever they could." He explained. "It made retaking our village much harder."

"How long has it been since you retook the village?"

"Three days." He answered. "There was a strong downpour like this morning that helped give us cover."

"Wow..." Both were impressed.

"This is our home." He stopped before the steps of a typical Inkasi styled home. Several decorative plants were growing in the front of the otherwise indistinguishable Inkasi dwelling.

"Can we go inside?"

"She's been meeting with people since sunrise." He explained. "This is the most activity we have seen before! Fashoda is just a small fishing village. Seeing everyone here is exciting."

"Guess we will wait." Linda leaned up against a wall.

"Can you tell us about your village when it was occupied?" Topaz asked.

"No." He shook his head.

"Why not?"

"I was able to flee when it was overtaken. Many others were able to flee as well, but some were not as fortunate."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Almost half of the villagers escaped into the jungle, but the rest had to live under occupation for weeks if they couldn't escape..." The door opened as someone left the house. "Are they finished meeting with mom, Dunwari?" Tumburi asked the exiting genet.

"Yes. They're about to leave and go to the docks." The brown furred male answered. "But dad needs you. He's chopping wood."

"Sorry, forgot about that." He rubbed his neck as Dunwari left. "Come on inside." He waved Topaz and Linda up the stairs. Inside, Roc was seated with a few locals alongside Nambu and Ketswayo. The end of the meeting appeared very cordial with smiles on nearly everyone's muzzles. People started rising from their seats and exchanged friendly hugs and handshakes.

"What's going on Roc?" Topaz managed to tap the ermine's shoulder through the crowd of fur going outside.

"Topaz! I'm going to talk more with their elders and see if we can help the village for a while." She informed them as she left. Most of the villagers present left with the ermine to Topaz's disappointment.

'Is his mother with them?' She started to follow the departing group, but Tumburi led them to someone still seated.

"This is my mother, the leader of our village." He presented a hand. They were introduced to a pudgy female with heavy breasts and wide hips.

'She looks like a sweet mother.' Topaz couldn't believe that the female genet had been their leader for years, not to mention throughout their occupation. Linda seemed equally surprised. She was dressed very plainly, underdressed since they were inside, with only a simple necklace of wooden beads adorning her pretty spotted fur.

"Hello Tumburi." She grinned. "Are you bringing me more guests?" The mother added with a hint of exhaustion.

"I suppose but these two wanted to talk with you for a while if that's alright."

"Sure! That's fine." She nodded. "Your father needs your help outside. He's been chopping wood all day."

"Oh... I'll go find him." Her son quickly understood and left.

"Hi. I'm Topaz." The genet stepped forward and introduced herself to the modest female.

"I'm Linda." The mountain lioness followed suit.

"I'm Bani Mufari." She smiled and shook hands. "You two are with Roc?" They both nodded.

"Can we talk?" Topaz asked.

"Of course." The mother genet gradually rose to her feet in a much needed stretch. "But do you mind if we walk? I have been seated most of the morning." She grinned as a few joints popped.

"Not at all." Topaz waited for her to dress before they walked outside.

"Ah, it's so nice outside." Bani hummed and took a moment to ruffle her fur in the sunlight. Topaz and Linda hadn't even noticed that the sun was shining through the partly cloudy sky. "My son, Tumburi, didn't lead you around the village did he? He is one to wander around and forget as sweet as he is." The mother genet grinned.

"No, he was very nice." Linda assured her.

"That's good. Out of raising four boys, I didn't expect the youngest to be gentler."

'Four kids!' Topaz felt her eyes and ears perk up. Even Linda appeared surprised about that.

"But as I told Roc, we are very glad that all of you are here." Bani spoke with relief. "We feared that those revolutionaries would return as soon as we ousted them. This is the first time I have relaxed since we freed ourselves. We can finally dream of the war ending." Topaz hoped that she could have the same dream soon.

"What can you tell us about the rebels?" Topaz quickly asked. "We're going up to the Luo River."

"Let me think..." The pudgy lady slowed her steps for a moment. "They had weapons like your own." Bani nodded to the rifle slung over Topaz's shoulder. "Semi automatic rifles and those little hand things that explode."

"Grenades?" Linda guessed.

"Yep. That's what they're called." Bani remembered. "Those things are deadly. Even if you leave your shutters open a little, you are vulnerable just like being out here." Topaz nodded. She saw first hand how deadly they could be with nowhere to run. "Your loincloth and rifle are typical of villages around here. Are you from somewhere nearby?" Bani asked her.

"My village is under occupation as we speak, and anything will help." Topaz explained. Bani stopped in her tracks. Her eyes radiated compassion.

"There is nothing worse than that feeling." Bani consolingly placed a hand on the younger genet's shoulder. The older female's touch helped assuage her deep fears. "All I can tell you is to not lose hope." She softly spoke. Topaz nodded with a clenched jaw.

"Thank you..."

"How did you manage to free your village?" Linda asked.

"It's a long story, but I'll try to explain it all." Bani began. "Our village isn't very big, and a number of us escaped when it was taken over. We found each other and gathered in the jungle to decide what to do. We had to create enough shelter to house everyone, but far enough away so none of the rebels would explore the surrounding area and find us. Anyone who could fish very well went upriver a mile or two to fish while the rest of us would forage and hunt for food. We had only a few guns and some spare ammunition, so we had to utilize our hunting knives and fashion bows, arrows, and blowguns. It took weeks before we were ready to surround our village."

"How did you cope with everything?" Topaz asked.

"To find comfort during stressful times I could always rely on those who were with me, but," she trailed off for a moment, "sometimes I would sit alone in the jungle to focus. There was a connection that I could sense like rain clearing a muddy surface." The mother reflected on the private matter. "Now I'm daydreaming." She softly chided herself. "Anyway, we fought and drove them out with the little things we had. No weapon was useless, but those grenades made everything worse." She frowned at the fresh memories. "Fighting in our village meant that any damage would be on ourselves. That weighed heavily on us all when we fought." She solemnly finished.

"Hey! Bani the miracle!" A small ocelot approached them.

"The miracle?" Topaz and Linda looked at her with confusion.

"It's just a nickname." She downplayed it. "Hey Oru. What's going on?"

"One of the Ullaza wants to know where he can store their supplies at."

"If a storage room doesn't have any leaks, then they're more than welcome to use them. I'll come with you." She offered.

"That's good. We should have plenty to eat tonight then." He grinned. Bani turned to Topaz and Linda.

"I have to go now." She apologized for cutting their talk short.

"It's fine. Thank you for talking with us."

"I'll be glad to talk more when I'm finished." She offered. "Stay for the night and eat well. I'll see you two around, and don't lose hope!" The genet brightly smiled. Linda watched Bani leave with admiration.

"That's a pretty incredible story Topaz." She spoke. "Topaz?" The feline looked around and found the genet seated on a small pile of sandbags with concern etched on her face. Her long spotted tail laid low on the ground without movement. "Hey, what's wrong?" Linda stood beside her friend, but her words didn't reach the distraught genet.

'No, no, no!' She grabbed her ears and cursed under her breath in frustration. Topaz was left with a difficult possibility when they reached Luo. Collateral damage.

The low crackling of a sputtering fire was barely heard above the cacophony of tree frogs and other amphibians at the nearby river. Twinkling stars were barely visible through the lush riverside canopies above. Scraps from a recent meal were tossed into the fire. Ears and tails flicked away lingering mosquitos not deterred by the fire's smoke. The militia was camped out for the night. Topaz was a part of a small circle of one dozen including Linda and Jen. Their weapons were within arms reach, or still on their person. Several Ullazan villagers were with Roc at a nearby campfire or sleeping by the calm shore, and the rest were keeping vigil in their boats. Two local elders were with the militia, for the purpose of guiding them to the end of the Ullaza River. Locating places where rebels were known to have stayed helped them clear out pockets of fighting with efficiency. They were a mere day's journey by boat, and not far from Luo. They had freed two more villages after fighting as well.

"And no one heard of the old villager ever again." A young ermine finished telling a tall tale.

"There's no way that story is true." Linda spoke up.

"I thought my tale about a river spirit was more believable." Another grinned. The young ermine rolled his eyes and loosened his headband. Topaz merely mulled over the bones of a fish that she had eaten before tossing it into the snapping orange flames.

"Someone has to tell a better story then." A male suggested. A brief silence passed where only the fire and frogs were heard.

"I have a story." Jen spoke up with a warm voice. Everyone nodded for her to continue. The raccoon leaned forward with her hands together. Her bare upper body fur eerily glowed from the low flames. "My mother told it to me, who heard it from her mother." She quickly explained.

"Back when the villages throughout the Free State warred with each other, a Tundi village and a Kanem village had fought countless battles against each other. One day, after a terrible battle the Tundi leader offered a cease fire. Everyone met at a shallow river between their two villages where so many lives had been lost. The Kanem leader, Kusokwin, was a good man, but the Tundi leader was bad. He offered in exchange for peace, to have Kusokwin's daughter become his mate. The village chieftain Kusokwin refused at once, and declared that to have his daughter be married to him would be the greatest insult. The other village leader replied that they could settle it over battle instead. Kusokwin knew that another battle would lead to a huge loss of life, and potentially eradicate both villages. With reluctance, he and his daughter agreed. The Tundi leader said that he would pick up a black and white stone from the shallow creek they were standing in, and the daughter would chose one. If black, then she marries him; if white, then she does not marry him." Jen explained the situation.

"Tough bet..." Linda murmured.

"But the Tundi leader was cunning as he was black hearted." Jen resumed. "He knelt down and scooped up two stones into his hand. However, Kuokwin's daughter saw that he picked up two black stones instead, but no one else saw. He then tells her to pick a stone."

"What?" Someone spoke up. "That's not fair." Others around the fire nodded in agreement.

"Do you want me to tell the story or not?" The raccoon sat up and retorted.

"Wait. Can't she just point out that he took two black stones and cheated?" Linda asked.

"Then the deal is off and both sides will fight." Jen explained with a knowing grin.

"Oh..."

"Anyone else want to guess what happens? No? Good." She leaned forward once again to finish the interesting tale. "Kusokwin's daughter was in a difficult position. If she simply picked a stone then the Tundi leader would marry her, but if she refused, then slaughter would ensue." Jen paused to look around the attentive listeners. "So she stepped forward and plucked a stone from his hand. The Tundi chieftain looked pleased, however, the young female dropped the stone into the creek feigning clumsiness." Everyone was baffled by what Jen had told them. "The daughter apologized but told everyone not to worry, because the leader had the other stone in his hand. Since a black stone remained, she declared that the one she dropped was white. The Tundi leader was fooled and peace ensued. And that's how Kusokwin's daughter saved two villages from fighting." Jen finished. A round of approval swept over the group.

"That was really interesting." The male ermine acknowledged.

"I never would've thought about tossing the stone away." Another admitted. Everyone listening was satisfied with the outcome and enjoyed the little story.

"Maybe if the other chieftain was nicer and offered to rub her back sometimes, like my mate, then maybe an agreement could've been made." Jen giggled with a smile. A few laughed. "Let's rest. I'll put the fire out." Jen stood up and stretched. The others gradually stood up. Topaz stared at her feet until a light nudge brought her back into reality. "Hey, we're going to sleep." Linda told her. She nodded as Jen returned with a bucket of water. The fire was put out with a big splash, extinguishing their only viable light source. There was enough even ground for everyone to sleep on.

"You've been pretty quiet since we left Fashoda." Linda whispered as she laid down next to Topaz.

"Yeah..." The genet mumbled and curled her tail around to her front.

"But why?" Linda persisted. "You're not acting like yourself." Topaz blinked in the dark despite barely seeing the mountain lioness's outline.

"I'm worried." She admitted. "About my home."

"That's normal." Linda reassured the distraught genet.

"I'm scared that we'll find everything destroyed from the fighting." A hand rested on her shoulder through the darkness.

"Hey, you know we're going to free Luo, and no one innocent is going to get hurt." She reassured her. "Then you'll be reunited with your friends and family."

"I hope so." Topaz sighed, but remained hopeful.

"Quiet over there." Jen's voice spoke up. Linda and Topaz looked at each other before settling in for the night, frogs and insects whistling and singing into the night.

The afternoon heat and humidity was at its daily high. Gnats and flies buzzed incessantly around anyone deemed an easy target. Everyone within the militia felt some form of malaise from the tiring conditions. Their footsteps were heavier, and disheveled fur was common from trekking through the jungle. They were close, very close to Luo. Every day they neared the destined village Topaz secretly feared what they would find.

The tempo of war had changed throughout the entire Inkasi Free State. Rebels everywhere were retreating to strongholds as government forces and allied forces retook land and villages. Rumors had surfaced of terrible atrocities in some villages where the fighting occurred. Topaz prayed that it was all simply rumors. Evidence of temporary campsites were found nearly every day by the militia, some close to the river and others deeper in the jungle. However, it was unknown who made them. Rebels? Escaped villagers? The mysterious painted tribal people? The uncertainty only made Topaz increasingly anxious.

'Huh?' A not too distant sound of loud crashing movement echoed ahead. The genet's fur stood on end. She instinctively raised her rifle and peered the thick growth in front of them.

"They're just forest antelope." Someone further ahead called.

"Phew." Topaz let out a firm sigh of relief.

"Hey." A hand tapped the genet's shoulder. Topaz turned her head seeing that it was Roc. "How close are we?"

"Maybe only half a mile. Probably a little less." She gave her best estimate.

"Hey. We're camping right here for the night." Roc radioed to Nambu.

"Got it." A scratchy voice answered. As everyone settled down, two figures emerged from the foliage with someone in tow.

"We found someone." An ermine approached them. It was a male brown furred genet. He was tall and wore a decorative loincloth along with a necklace adorned with arrowheads. The local was brought forward to Roc.

"Are you from around here?" Roc firmly asked. The male hesitantly nodded, unsure of his fate in the militia's hands. Topaz's jaw dropped.

"Chona!" She cried out.

"T-Topaz?!" He was equally baffled. The two Luo genets collided into each other's arms. The rest of the group looked at them with a mixture of confused emotions. "Topaz..." His voice full of relief. "I thought you had died." He clutched onto her with a heartfelt sob. She merely nodded, content in his arms. The male genet still held onto her as they undid the hug.

"Yes, it's me." She grinned at his bold brown eyes.

"I can't believe that you returned.... and who are these guys?" He gazed at the militia group.

"It's a long story... How have you been?" Topaz wiped her eyes.

"Well... I've seen better days in Luo." His smile faded.

"I hate to interrupt, but we can't just stand here Topaz." Roc informed her. They gathered at a denser part of brush and sat down while a quick camp was setup. Jen, Nambu, and Ketswayo joined the circle. "So who is he?" Roc asked suspiciously.

"This is Chona." She introduced him. "He's from my village of Luo. We can definitely trust him."

"A friend of Topaz is a friend of ours." Jen agreed.

"Who are you all anyway?" He looked around the motley group of irregulars.

"This is my militia." Roc proudly held out a hand. "We've been fighting rebels since they came down south and threatened several small villages. Now we've freed the Ullaza River with some help, and next is Luo."

"I'm glad that you're here." Chona smiled. "We've been waiting for a miracle to happen."

"It's what we do." The female ermine held up her hands humbly.

"What were you doing out in the jungle?" Topaz asked.

"Getting away from it all..." His expression became sober. "I snuck out of Luo just to be away from those camouflage wearing rebels. Even if it's hot I feel free out here because you can't go anywhere without being watched."

"What can you tell us about your village? How many rebels are there?"

"I'm not too sure how many... Maybe fifty? It could be one hundred." He hoped that his guess was an exaggeration. "It's tough to tell. Everyone, young and old has been working their tails off to help feed all of them. Hunting is a pain when two boot wearing guards follow your group." The male genet certainly painted a grim picture of life in the formerly quaint village.

"You should sleep well out here tonight." Jen grinned.

"We don't have any beds, but there's plenty of room to sleep." Roc motioned to the forest floor around them.

"I appreciate it, but I need to go back." Chona stood up.

"What? You can't! You're here with us now. You're safe." Topaz protested.

"I have to let someone know that you're back! And with them!" He looked around at the militia. "Luo can actually be free again." The words excited him. Topaz frowned and wanted to cry. The most dangerous place for anyone would be the village of Luo tomorrow. "There's a group of villagers who still have their firearms hidden. They can be prepared and help."

"Then I will go too!" Topaz stunned everyone.

"You can't, Topaz." Chona spoke up to her surprise.

"Luo is my home as much as yours!" She argued.

"You'll be putting your life at risk."

"I've done that since the day I ran away!"

"I'm agreeing with your friend Topaz." Roc interrupted. "It'll be too dangerous for you to sneak back in and out."

"Please let me go back!" She begged. "I have to go!"

"You're too valuable already." Jen added. "You know the most about the area, and we will be relying on you for the attack." Topaz shook her head in frustration. It was the best chance she would have to see her home again.

"If Topaz could sneak into Luo and come back then that would give us a lot of intelligence." Nambu spoke up. "Which houses they are in, how many rebels are in Luo, and anything else."

"Chona can cover for me." Topaz added. Roc's expression didn't change.

"I still don't see a reason to risk your safety, but if you want to then there's no need to stop you." The ermine yielded.

"Thank you!" Topaz smiled in relief.

"If you're not back by sundown, then you should know that we will attack by early morning."

"Okay." The genet jumped to her feet. "Hang onto this for me, Linda." She handed her dad's rifle over. The feline nodded.

"Good luck." Roc stood up and shook their hands. Topaz and Chona left and headed for Luo. The walk was quiet, even with the ever-present jungle noises all around them. Topaz wanted to feel happy that she was with the guy she loved, but the thick air almost acted like a physical barrier between them.

"Chona..." Topaz stopped him. The young adult turned around and looked at her expectedly. "I... Uh..." The words formed a lump in her throat. "I'm glad that you're alright."

"Why did you run?" He simply asked.

"I... I was scared." Topaz admitted and looked at the ground.

"Scared? Everyone is scared. They live with us every day. It's a nightmare!" He exclaimed.

"I'm so sorry Chona. Everything happened so fast, and I didn't know what to do..." She stopped herself from crying. A hand touched her arm consolingly.

"I thought you were dead until Mazia and Petra found your necklace in the jungle." He softly spoke. "I'm glad that you're alive, and back home." She nodded and mustered a grin.

"Uh huh." She managed to say.

"I want Luo free as much as you do." He resumed walking with her on the pathway. Topaz followed him to the beginning of the trail where he took her into the dense underbrush. "Look." He crouched down and pointed at an opening. Topaz knelt down and could see the edge of Luo across a few meters of small saplings and grasses. However, a camouflage wearing raccoon and grey fox were stationed at the village's main entrance. The two figures were standing apart where most villagers would leave to the jungle paths.

"We can't slip in another way?" She asked. Chona shook his head.

"There's always someone close by, and they change up here frequently." He waited patiently.

"So we can't slip in?"

"Not without a guard. They'll know you're not a familiar face." He told her. "Unless they remember who you are. Either way they will notice you." Both genets vigilantly waited. When both armed rebels left, they took their chance. Chona grabbed her arm and hurried to the closest houses before the guard returned.

'We made it!' Topaz peered around one house, happy to see her home village once again. However, it was obvious that the Luo had changed under occupation. She could see a guard standing by a home marked in red paint with sandbags and branches closing off an adjacent alleyway. "What's that mark for, Chona?" She pointed at the house.

"That means the inhabitants are under house arrest." He told her.

"Where's my mom and dad?"

"Your dad is probably out fishing under the watch of a guard. Your mom is under house arrest."

"House arrest!" She covered her muzzle to muffle her astonishment.

"A lot of people are, mostly elders."

"Have they executed anyone?" Topaz cringed at the thought.

"Not that I know of." He thankfully shook his head. "But they occupied the temple and a few homes."

"What?! What about Malwecho and everyone else?"

"You'd find someone else to live with if you couldn't escape. A few families managed to run away. That's why there aren't a lot of people outside." Topaz worried as they crept from house to house, evading all eyes. A familiar figure caught her sight. A young mother civet was walking through the afternoon heat with a jar of water in her arm. She wore a plain short and wide brown loincloth, and matching beaded anklets. Topaz recognized her immediately.

"That's Yani-!" A strong hand yanked her into a space between two homes. "Ouch! What was that for?" She grumbled.

"Sh! We can't let anyone see you or they'll know." Chona warned.

"Sorry." She looked away guiltily.

"Let's move around back." He led her around the back of the group of houses. Familiar figures were mulling about their daily chores with heavy feet. There was a lack of energy, enthusiasm, and general happiness throughout Luo. Topaz spotted Lady Amasi and her mate Nabooru mending a broken basket together. Even her favorite elder lacked a smile on her normally cheerful face. It pained her to see the village in its current state. As much as she wanted to shout that she had finally returned home, Topaz remained quiet. She took note of stationed guards, weapons, defenses, and anything else of relevance.

"If I get captured, then you'll have to inform Roc about everything." She whispered. Chona didn't say anything and continued creeping along parts of the village with her. Topaz spotted a particular house and stopped.

"What are you doing?" He whispered through clenched teeth.

"I need to see my mom."

"What?! She is under house arrest, and we don't have a lot of time to spare."

"I need to see her." The genet's green eyes were stubbornly determined. Chona relented with a sigh.

"Alright..." They slipped over to the front of the house. "I'll keep a lookout." Chona nodded for her to hurry. Topaz snuck up the steps and carefully slid the door open. The genet didn't see anyone and hopped inside before sliding the door shut. Her old home looked the same as it always had. Two little rugs were on the floor by the entrance. The small low table had four cushions around it. Her dad's fishing gear was even hanging on the wall. Even though it was hot, the shutters were only partially open. Almost invisible on a separate cushion was a naked figure slouched forward. A middle aged female genet whose black spots adorned her beautiful grey fur like obsidian. Long brown hair was ticked with silver draped down her back like a shroud. Topaz took soft steps forward. Letting her pads lightly scuff over the wooden floor.

"What is it now?" A saddened voice asked. The figure turned around slowly, but her eyes widened at her unexpected guest with shock.

"Mom, it's me." Topaz knelt down in front of her speechless mother and grinned.

"Topaz!" Tiranu muffled a scream and hugged her daughter. "You're alive!" She started crying. The mother's arms were as strong as ever. Topaz was equally relieved that her mother was well. "Is this real?" She whined, telling herself over and over.

"Please be quiet mom." Topaz whispered and held back her own tears. "Someone might hear us." Tiranu nodded and clutched her daughter even closer.

"If only I could keep you safe in my arms... I hoped every day that you were safe somewhere in the jungle." She wiped her eyes. "You always seemed most happy when you could be out there. I love you so much!"

"I love you too mom." Topaz whispered. When they undid the hug, she noticed her mother flinch when she touched her arms. "What's wrong?"

"They've..." Her voice trailed off.

"They what?" Topaz tilted her head in confusion. Tiranu held out her arms instead of speaking. The fur had thinned out in a few straight marks.

"Oh my goodness!" Topaz touched her mother's afflicted arms. The middle aged mother genet had been beaten! "Mom..." She uttered before clenching her teeth angrily.

"They might scar a little, but now that you're here it's alright." Tiranu started crying again.

"Aww, mom." Topaz hugged and comforted her mother. "Where's dad at? Is he under house arrest too?"

"No." She shook her head. "He's been staying at the Durani's and other friends homes since this happened to me."

"How's Mazia? Petra? The elders?"

"They put most of the elders under house arrest too, but they took two away with them. I have no idea where they are." She answered. "I think Mazia has been staying with Malech most of the time. I heard that Petra and her family have been working their tails off in the fields to help feed those goons." She frowned. "We don't have a lot to eat with so many extra mouths to feed." Topaz felt relieved that her friends were alright, but even more determined to do something about it.

"I need to get out of here and inform the group on the situation." She jumped to her feet in realization.

"No one can leave Luo without one of those guards spotting you." Her mother pointed outside. Topaz walked over and stood on the front room table. She peered out through the shutters and noticed three rebels within a stone's throw of the house.

'How do I get outta here?' She paced around the front room as her mother worriedly watched. Her face suddenly perked up at an idea. "What clothes do you have to wear, mom?" Topaz went into the bedroom.

"Wear?" The naked genet stood up confused. "I'm not allowed to go anywhere without a guard." She peeked around the corner. Her daughter was digging through a small stack of garments.

"I have a plan." Topaz flashed a smile and tossed a scarf at her mom.

"A plan?" Tiranu tilted her head and looked at the garment in her hands. "And who is this group that you're talking about?"

"I'll explain. But we don't have much time, so put that on."

***

A striped hyena blew the last smoke out of a dwindling cigarette. Before flicking it to the ground. A heavy boots dashed out the last traces of smoke into the hard dirt. A simple rifle hung from his shoulder, pointing at the ground. His camouflage pants and shirt were an odd thing to wear in Luo, but no one dared point that out to their occupiers. Movement caught his eyes from a nearby house with an open door. He squinted and noted the marking on its side that designating its occupant under house arrest. A female figure emerged wearing an atypical head scarf. Her covered head peered around before stealthily walking away.

"Hey. Where are you going?" He inquired but the figure ran away.

"Hey! Stop!" He barked and took off in pursuit. "Capture her!" The striped hyena yelled at nearby guards. The female took a sudden left and down a narrow alleyway. The striped hyena followed only for his foot to trip over a clay pot. He landed in a stack of woven baskets. The genet escaped the alleyway and ran by more homes as others ran after her. Pretty soon the striped hyena had caught up. The female ran by a chicken coop and unhooked its little doorway. Several fowl flew out in front of the pursuing rebels.

"Grr..." The male covered his eyes and swatted feathers out of the air. Villagers looked on at the sudden chase, afraid to intervene, but silently cheering on whoever was fleeing. However, her luck ran out as she tired. The striped hyena and several other caught up to the genet and grabbed her. "I've got you." He reached out and yanked off the scarf wrapped around the female's head. "What the..." He eyed the female's face glaring back at him.

"Well?" Tiranu challenged. "Can't I go somewhere without being followed?"

"Get back to your house." He ordered the other two to escort the fussy mother. The commotion had caused quite a stir, and required several individuals to catch the quick footed mother. No one even noticed the young adult genet fleeing behind a row of houses.

***

A formerly wide alleyway between two homes was now closed off by sandbags and branches. The rebel group deemed it necessary for "security" without further explanation. Anyone who complained risked being put under house arrest, or on rare occasion, even worse fates. The council of six elders were under house arrest and kept separated from each other as much as possible. Even the village's only radio had been confiscated, making outside contact impossible. Mazia looked at her home of Luo with a lonely face of sadness. The village she grew up in and loved had been turned into a sealed off prison. Children weren't running around laughing and playing anymore. Anyone leaving the village first needed permission, and then had to be guarded at all times under constant watch. Their freedom had vanished. Faithfully by her side, Malech had similar views and feelings about what had developed.

"Are you feeling ok?" He asked.

"Malech... This revolution isn't something we can sit by and do nothing about." She held his arm tightly. "I miss spending time with you in the open, and not having to hide. Swimming, dancing, painting... We can't even bathe without someone armed watching nearby." She folded her arms.

"I know." He agreed. "But being with you makes me forget about all of that." His hand trailed down her arm.

"I love being with you, but I'm tired of forgetting." Mazia frowned. "There must be something that we can do."

"What can we do? They're armed, and there's barely a dozen hidden firearms that everyone else has."

"I wish I knew..." She released a stressful sigh, wondering how much longer Luo could withstand its current occupation. The trouble that she had caused her parents also weighed heavily on her mind. She had selfishly put them through a lot.

"Mazia!" Someone breathlessly called out. The two civets looked over at the male hurrying towards them.

"Chona? What's wrong?"

"Come here." He panted and caught his breath. They stood in a tucked away space between two houses. The genet peeked around and made sure that none of the rebel soldiers were nearby. "I need you two to help me."

"With what?" Malech kept his voice low.

"To prepare the village for tomorrow morning. There's going to be an assault for a militia, and Topaz is a part of it." His news shocked them.

"Topaz is alive-!" Mazia would've screamed had Malech and Chona not held her jaws shut.

"Sh! Yes, she's alive and well, but I'm going to need y'all's help to let everyone know what's going to happen..."

Running footsteps softly pattered across the hard ground at the village's boundary. Topaz ran into the jungle and disappeared from the village's sight. Her body crashed into leaves, branches, and the rare spider's web. Only when the genet knew nobody had followed her did she slow down.

'I'm out of breath!' She flattened her fur and crept deeper into the jungle. An ocelot hidden behind a tree noticed her returning. He jumped out and led her back.

"Topaz is back!" He called out. The genet was ushered towards a close circle where Jen, Roc, Ketswayo, and Nambu were seated. A look of relief came over their faces.

"You made it." She was gladly greeted.

"So what is the village like? Tell us everything." Roc eagerly spoke. Topaz nodded and took a seat. She divulged all of her information into the late evening; how many guards she had seen to what kind of weapons they were using. A rough outline of the village was drawn too, and a plan was crafted by nightfall. Their best option was a surprise attack by dawn. When the moon and stars came out, everyone was settling down for the important assault.

Topaz was seated at the base of a tree, staring up through a gap in the canopy above.

'Why is everyone else calm?' She wondered to herself and folded her arms. A mountain lioness approached her.

"Of all nights, this is the one that you should really get a good sleep." Linda nestled down beside the sky gazing genet.

"I know..." She admitted with a sigh. "You already know how I feel about it." The mountain lioness nodded. "What do you normally do when you can't sleep?"

"I usually try thinking about playing with my friends and all the fun we would have." The feline reminisced. Topaz briefly grinned at the idea. "If that doesn't work, then imagine shooting all those rebels." She made the genet snicker. Topaz found herself smiling as she stared upwards.

"You know... If I die tomorrow-"

"Don't say that." Linda elbowed her. "That's bad luck."

"Well, if it happens then I will be happy because I was able to see my mother again." Topaz felt warm as she spoke. "Plus, I was with the guy I like. You've been with Nambu almost every day."

"If thinking that way makes you feel better..." Linda shrugged and ruffled her messy golden mane.

"I think I'll sleep better now." She mused and closed her eyes in a section of jungle that she had known since a child.

-Battle-

A thin white mist had formed around the riverside jungle in the early hours before dawn. Roughly three dozen pairs of footsteps stealthily crept through the thick jungle bordering the village of Luo. They were easily silenced by the noisy inhabitants of the jungle. Determined eyes looked forward through the odd sense of calm. The trees and undergrowth of vines and moss wood soon give way to wooden homes and other structures. There was no hesitation when the first two guards by the village's entrance were spotted. In less than four shots both were lying dead, and everyone charged forward into Luo. The enemy was caught completely off guard and in disarray at the invading force. Nambu, Jen, and Roc led three groups of the militia through Luo in one big sweep. Gunfire erupted in spatters across the village. Homes became giant shields, and their wooden walls were peppered with the splintering sounds of gunfire. Howls of the injured pierced the air. All of the sounds of war were deafening to any listening ear.

'I've got you.' Topaz internally growled as she stared down the sight of her weapon. A rebel was in her crosshairs. She fired two shots and he dropped heavily. With a smooth hand she reloaded. Just as the genet stood up a startling thud landed at her feet, a black object of timed death. In one split second, Topaz swooped down and grabbed the live grenade. With all her strength she threw it behind enemy lines. Seconds later a blast went off and many cries followed. She crouched behind a line of sand bags and reloaded with a steady hand. A sharp measured breath was drawn before she checked the surrounding area and moved to the next grouping of houses.

The militia forced the disorganized occupiers to flee into the adjacent jungle or to the docks where they fled in motorized boats. The short adrenaline rushed moment seemed to last an eternity for everyone involved, for those actively fighting to villagers hidden inside their own barricaded homes. In less than an hour the gunfire had died down into a few spattering sounds, but even those dissipated too. A few villagers dared to peek open their doors as a few of the militia knocked on their doors twice. Like the receding morning mist, villagers began to fill the village. Topaz collapsed to the ground and released her weapon.

'It's over!' She looked up at the sky as her brown eyes watered. Her vision of the partly cloudy blue sky blurred, but she didn't want to close her eyes. The sight of Luo's blue sky was the most freeing she had ever felt. Topaz touched the ground with a hand and cried. Everything that she had contained inside of her was let out like a flooding river.

"Are you alright?" Linda called out. Topaz barely managed a nod. The nightmare was finally over. Luo was free! She was home! Hunting forest antelope, pounding rice, climbing trees, canoeing downriver, and even sitting on a porch during heavy rains. Most heartfelt of all was the thought of enjoying festivals with her family and friends again.

"Topaz! Topaz!" A familiar pair of voices made the genet's ears perk up. A middle aged grey female genet and male brown genet were running towards her.

"Mom! Dad!" She cried as they collided into each other's arms. Linda stepped back and gave the family space. All three huddled together in joyous tears after suffering months of agony apart.

'All my friends too...' She saw Mazia running towards them over her mother's shoulder.

"Topaz! You're alright!" Her civet friend cried and hugged her next. "I knew you were alright." Her voice muffled in her friend's shoulder. Cheers erupted elsewhere throughout the village. In the arms of her family and friends, Topaz knew that she was back home for good.

***

"Hooray! Hooray!" Cheers filled the late evening air as Luo's villagers celebrated their hard fought freedom. The celebration was spontaneous and minor compared to any regular festival, but there wasn't a lack of enthusiasm. The sounds of hand drums, reed flutes, and singing were boisterous and exciting. Nambu and a few others were guarding the village's docks and temple faithfully, but most of the militia group were celebrating with the locals, weapons set aside. Lady Khama and Tessibu were dancing around in the arms of two young males beside a fire. Dancing was a common sight to see that evening. The urge to freely move was going to be indulged for the next few days.

A large group sat around a fire consisting of Topaz, her family, her friends, and a few elders. She had told a long story starting with her escape and ending with her return to Luo.

"I can't believe what you did!" Tiranu remarked at the end of her daughter's story. "Surviving in the jungle all alone, and then fighting..."

"She was in good hands ma'am." Roc smiled. "But Topaz is more than capable of taking care of herself. We were lucky to find her."

"My little Topaz has always been strong." Tiranu fondly held her daughter close to her side.

"I can't believe that you survived in the jungle by yourself for so long." Chona remarked.

"It wasn't easy." Topaz remembered her troubles and experiences being alone.

"Who exactly were these blue painted people?" Mazia spoke up.

"Not them again..." Linda mumbled to herself.

"I don't know." Topaz shook her head. "But I saw them twice!" Everyone seemed dubious about the sightings though.

"Ullaza seems like such a lively place." Lady Amasi remarked. "But Ahawa would be a nice place to relax like Luo." Everyone started chatting to each other about Topaz's wild tales and adventures, but also about the future. Luo could look ahead once again.

"I need to stand up and walk around." Topaz started to stand only for a strong arm to pull her back.

"You just returned to Luo Topaz!" Her mother fretted. "We've missed having you at home for so long."

"You've been by my side all day mom." Topaz feigned pouting. The young adult erupted into laughter when her mother's arms wrapped around her in a tight squeeze.

"I am your mother! You should never be too far away from me." The bond between mother and daughter was stronger than ever.

"Just for the night." She promised and stood up. A few others followed suit and stretched.

"Why did you have to grow up so fast?" The mother frowned, but felt a surge of pride.

"I won't hug the breath out of you." Baku chuckled and patted Topaz's back instead. "But don't be surprised if we come looking for you in the morning if you disappear."

"I wouldn't expect anything less." She smiled. "But I'm not leaving the village for a while."

"You better not!" Her mother piped up. Taking a step back, Topaz could enjoy the moment of being home. Linda asked Mazia if it was alright to stay at their home for the night. She was given a resounding yes. Petra's parents, Mazia's parents, and her parents were all talking together excitedly. Jen and Ketswayo were discussing something with worried elders, but everything was alright. It was a truly perfect moment for the genet.

"Roc..." Topaz caught the ermine by herself.

"Hey-" A beeping noise interrupted them.

"Roc? You there?" A static laced voice spoke from the device.

"Hold on... What's going on out there Nambu?" She answered.

"We captured a group of three hiding around the temple without a fight." Nambu informed them over the radio.

"Wow. Really? That's great!" Topaz was surprised.

"What should we do with them?" Another's voice was heard on the other end.

"Gather their weapons." Roc ordered over her radio back to the ermine. "And keep them separated under guard for now."

"Yes ma'am." Nambu spoke before finished the call.

"More good news." the white furred ermine flashed a smile. "What's going on Topaz?"

"I just wanted to ask you something."

"Sure. Go ahead."

"When we reached the Luo River, what made you decide to free Luo?"

"When I started defending the small villages like Ahawa in the southern hills, I was looking forward to being paid before anything else. Gradually I became friends with the local villagers and looked past that. By the time you showed up I was happy to know that Ahawa would care for our sick, and others would deliver us food." She grinned. "But at the spot where the Luo and Ullaza Rivers meet I received intelligence about how far the rebels were falling back. Since your village was on the southern side of the river, I thought it would be best to make sure we didn't have an enemies on our left, just straight ahead." She elaborated. "Besides, you've risked your life for us plenty of times."

"Thank you!" Topaz wholeheartedly hugged the militia commander. The ermine wasn't the touchy type of person and patted the genet in return.

"Sure thing." She grinned. "If you don't mind, I'd like to dance around with those two." The ermine nodded over to Lady Khama and Tessibu. Their younger dance partners were sitting down now, resting. "They seem like a lot of fun." Topaz nodded and watched her waltz over to the lively elder females.

"Hey Topaz." Chona approached her.

"Hi Chona." a smile instantly formed on her muzzle.

"That was one incredible story that you just told."

"You have one to tell from being through everything here." She mentioned. The male shrugged.

"What are you going to do now that you're back?" He asked.

"Well... I haven't thought about that." She admitted.

"I was wondering..." Chona began. "If you'd like to go hunting with me since you're back."

"I'd love to, but..."

"But?" He said in dismay.

"We have to rebuild everything that was damaged. It's going to be a lot of work." She acknowledged. A few steps away, Mazia couldn't help herself from intervening.

"Topaz..." The pudgy civet placed her hands on their shoulders. "You helped save the village from those rebels. Enjoy some time to relax." She pushed the two genets together. Topaz's ears fell back as her gaze met with Chona's.

"Wanna walk for a little while?" He asked and took ahold of her hand. She eagerly nodded and they sauntered away. Seeing everyone enjoying themselves brought a great happiness to her young heart.

"I've had my fill of loud noises today." She walked alongside around the edge of the village's center where all of the action was taking place.

"Yeah, it's nice to get away from it all once in a while." He agreed. "That's what I was doing yesterday, or at least until your group stumbled across me." Chona grinned.

"The jungle is a nice place to be." Topaz flashed her teeth in a content smile. "As long as you have an easy path back home." She added.

"Oh! There is something that I want to show you." Chona took ahold of Topaz's hand.

"Really? What is it?" She followed him through the village and away from the loud celebrations to a small house. He led her up the three steps and inside.

"Hold on just a sec..." Chona removed his loincloth and hung it up. Topaz let her eyes sneak a few peeks at him as he walked over and opened the front shutters. The waning evening sunlight entered, lighting up the front room. A very homely space was revealed to the female genet. A small rug covered the space before the doorway, an unfinished decorative mask hung on the wall, the vines of an indoor ivy plant trailed out of a corner. It made Topaz feel right at home. She took her loincloth off and hung it on the peg that Chona used.

"I don't remember ever being inside this house." She looked around. The male turned around beaming a bright smile.

"That's because it's newly built!"

"Then whose house..." Topaz's voice trailed off.

"Mine!" He proclaimed.

"No way! That's great!" She congratulated him.

"Yeah. Living on my own was quite an adventure, but worthwhile." He rubbed his neck. "But you already know all about that."

"But I didn't have anything like this to stay in." She liked it. "It's nice that you have a starter home to adjust in."

"Mmhm." He nodded. "The bedroom is typical, but nice too." He led her behind the partial wall to a more private space. A simple bed with cushions and pillows was nestled against the wall where shutters were pulled closed from the fighting. The dimmer lighting gave the room a more cozy, romantic feel. Topaz felt herself blushing at the thought of sleeping with him.

"Well... Uh, it's very homely Chona." Topaz rubbed her arm and found herself shuffling a little closer to him. A brief moment of quiet passed. Her heart throbbed at the fact that they were alone together at last. Her ears perked up feeling a hand rest on her spotted rear.

"Are you going to stay for the night?" He asked.

"Well... If you don't mind." She softly answered.

"I'd be honored to have Luo's savior stay for the night." He motioned to the bed.

"Savior! That's too much." Topaz bashfully folded her arms.

"No it's not." He contended.

"Roc and her group did so much. I was only a little part of it all." She brushed her leg against the bed's edge.

"But you're a very important part." Chona hugged Topaz and nuzzled her cheek. She hugged him back, and felt the blush returned with vigor. Topaz felt his hands on her upper back, but let hers slide down to his rear. His eyes widened briefly.

"Feisty..." He whispered. Her ears flattened back as they undid the hug.

"I-If you didn't want me to-"

"I trust you." He grinned. Topaz felt her heart and soul soar upwards from his words alone. A brief moment of pure silence passed between them where only their eyes talked to one another. It was a moment of pure bliss for the young genets. "I'm so happy that you're back." His voice spoke tenderly.

"So am I." She remembered running away, surviving, fighting, and traveling like a long unending dream. "All of those months away from home weren't easy..."

"But now you're back." He whispered and rubbed her arm soothingly. Their eyes were locked together, green and brown. Nothing was spoken as their muzzles drew closer until their lips touched. It seemed so natural to let it happen, and both really wanted it. The warmth of their breath mingled through their first kiss. It was light and brief, but it left a wonderful feeling coursing through both genets. They stared at each other in a daze. Topaz brought her hands to his sides.

"Oh my..." Her hands smoothly ruffled the fur on his arms before resting on his shoulders.

"You liked that?" His lips parted in a toothy grin. Topaz fervently nodded. "I did too." His words made her ears fold back bashfully. She looked at the floor for a blissful moment.

"Heh." She smiled and returned her gaze to his. "I wanted to settle down in Luo and live my life in the place I grew up in," she half stepped to and fro, "but I spent the last few months away from home. More time will be spent rebuilding the village..." Topaz broke away from his touch and stepped back to his bed. "It feels like a dream now that I'm back home with everyone." She sat down on the bed and contently sighed. "This bed feels like a dream..." She murmured. Sitting on the soft surface felt so wonderful. Chona joined her.

"You'll have to tell me everything one day. I have a feeling there's so much more you couldn't detail at the fire."

"That could take a long time."

"I'm all ears."

"Maybe another day." She promised. "I'm here with you right now." Topaz placed her hand over his. Their muzzles drew together again. She turned her body to fully face him fully but accidentally placed her other hand on his lap. "Oops. Sorry!" She froze and retracted her hand, but Chona didn't care.

"You are beautiful." He touched her side and trailed down to her hip. Topaz grinned and leaned back into his touch.

"Aww. Thank you." Her ears fell back shyly again. The female nibbled her lip, barely able to contain the bubbling sensations within her. "Chona..."

"Yes?" He retracted his hand.

"I... I've had a crush on you for so long." Topaz admitted.

"Wow! Really?" Chona beamed.

"Yes." She nodded. "It feels great to finally tell you!" She exhaled.

"Well... I guess it was no coincidence that you would show up unexpectedly." He chuckled and fidgeted his hands. "I always liked being around you, even though we rarely had the time." Topaz felt flustered and nibbled her lip. "And now that you're back home and Luo is a free village again, we can... You know... Spend more time together."

"I'd love that." She happily smiled. A little silence passed between the two genets, who were contently enjoying the other's company. Topaz could feel his body heat from how close they were. It was something she had yearned for out the jungle all alone. "You can touch me again." She arched her back enticingly. "I liked it." He reached out and trailed his hand over her leg and waist. Each finger ruffled through her fur like wind on the river.

"Your fur is soft." He gently traced over where the downy white met the tan brown. She parted her legs as his other hand joined in. Topaz laid back onto the bed while his hands continued rubbing her legs and thighs. She smiled blissfully, and her tail twirled contently. But Topaz knew she wasn't the only one who was enjoying the intimate moment. Her eye caught movement and glanced at her lover's groin. Arousal made itself known. She watched his length grow until it was standing proudly before her, throbbing in time with his loving heartbeat. Chona planted his hands by her sides and loomed over her. Topaz's gaze became fixated on his prominence.

"You're acting like you've never seen a male before." Chona suddenly felt nervous. Topaz closed her open mouth.

"Not like this." She hesitantly touched him. "It is hard." She nervously grinned and stroked the throbbing flesh. Chona tensed under her curious touch.

"Careful." He warned. "Or I might spill my seed too early."

"Give me those low hanging fruits instead." She snickered and grabbed Chona's jewels.

"They're not for sale." He grinned as Topaz rolled them in her palm.

"Aww. No fair." She feigned pouting and released them.

"But I am, for all of your love." Their muzzles drew closer and sweetly connected.

"Mm... Mmm." Soft moans exchanged between them until their lips parted.

"I'm ready. Are you?" He asked. Topaz felt something touch her womanhood. The heat brought a tingle throughout her body.

"Yes. I am." She breathily spoke and looked down. His obsidian black member was in position, already at her entrance. "Are you sure it will fit?" She worried.

"Fit!?" Chona snorted and laughed at once. "I'm not that big!" He carefully pushed forward.

"Oh!" She softly whined feeling him enter. "Ahh. Ah." She clenched her toes. "You are big." She emphasized her point by squeezing on his length. The male genet softly groaned.

"As you're tight." He pulled out and pushed back to the hilt.

"Be gentle!" Her words were interrupted by a moan. The female's body tensed in the moment. Chona leaned forward and kissed her on the nose.

"I will." his soft voice promised. Topaz hummed at her love, and managed to lick him. "But that doesn't mean I will stop." He winked and rubbed her parted legs. She nodded, unable to lessen the smile from her face.

The sound of splintered wood being piled up softly clamored throughout Luo. Sand bags were removed one at a time to the docks, although a grunt of complaint wasn't uncommon. Cut and lacquered boards were carried to where reconstruction was needed. Most noticeable was the sound of a group of kids laughing while they played a game. The village of Luo had yearned to hear such lightheartedness during its dark days of occupation. But it was not just the children enjoying the typical sunny day. There was a sense of hard fought freedom in the air, and deservedly so. People worked with smiles and happiness for the first time in months.

"Hmph!" A series of grunts sounded off simultaneously as a large piece of lumber was lifted.

"A little higher..." Lady Amasi directed the younger villagers as they moved in unison.

"Easy for her... to say..." Chona's dad muttered in front of Topaz. The two ermines behind her from the militia didn't seem to mind the labor compared to warfare. The long piece of lumber had recently dried from its lacquer, and it weighed heavily on their shoulders. Literally. Topaz and the half dozen others put in a little extra oomph. The piece set perfectly on the top of a growing wall of a new house.

"Good job everyone!" Lady Amasi clapped. Chona's dad rubbed his shoulder as many others did so.

"Let's take a quick break while they're treating the next pieces." N'Doru twisted his neck. Everyone quickly agreed.

"Okay. I need a rest." Topaz huffed and sat down on the steps of an adjacent house that had been spared from destruction. Lady Khama was sitting on the top step as the younger genet joined her. A stack of garments that needed mending were piled behind her, and a half filled basket on the first step contained newly mended items.

"You're doing wonderfully Topaz." The somewhat pudgy civet elder patted her younger companion's leg.

"Thanks." She managed to exhale while the older civet returned to sewing. Her light humming of a tribal tune made Topaz tap her tail in rhythm. She was happy to look around and see the village's efforts quickly unfold and rebuild what had been damaged. 'If I was better at sewing, I think I'd prefer it over this.' Topaz thought to herself at the physical strain, but it was all worthwhile. The genet fondly thought of the morning when she woke up with Chona, and the the embarrassment of her parents barging into his house to be with her. 'It's great to be back home.'

"This is a fun way to celebrate my fiftieth birthday." Lady Khama mentioned.

"What?" Topaz turned her head. "You're fifty already?"

"Mmhm!" The female civet beamed. "I know it's a long time, but it only feels like a moment has passed since I was much younger." She spoke. The genet reflected on her wiser counterpart's words. She was almost nineteen, but the past few months had been an eternity to her.

"If you're fifty already, then I never have to worry about aging." Topaz tapped the civet's chest. Lady Khama set her utensils down and laughed heartily. Topaz couldn't help but chuckle from the contagious laughter.

"Woo. That felt good." She smiled. Laughter had once again returned to Luo. "You can't expect them to stay so high up forever." The civet teased the young genet.

"Haha I know that." Topaz giggled. "But you're still energetic and youthful to me."

"Aww thank you, Topaz." Lady Khama beamed a bright smile.

"We have another log to move!" Lady Amasi called out nearby. "Don't linger around!" She called out their lack of enthusiasm.

"Are you going back to carry wood?"

"Not right now." Topaz rubbed her arms. "My arms are sore from lifting, and my shoulder hurts from bearing those cut logs." She winced.

"You should go to Den's house. He can rub your muscles all better." Lady Khama chirped. "My friends love going there when an ache pops up."

"I'm not hurt though."

"Don't think that your body can shrug anything off because you're young." Her elder tittered. "At least go over and talk to him. You've done so much for Luo."

"Well... I'll go over." She finally yielded. "Then I'll see what else I can do to help for now." Topaz hugged the elder.

"Take it easy. These houses aren't going anywhere." Lady Khama grinned and patted Topaz's back. The young genet hopped off the top step and walked through the village. Luo was busy as if a festival would begin late in the evening. Topaz spotted Ketswayo and Jen chopping a mangled tree that had fallen between two houses. They paused to wave as she passed by. Most of the older males who had the strength were fishing in the river. Those within Roc's militia were helping repair the village as well, letting more villagers resume their daily tasks of farming, hunting, or fishing. Adolescents and some kits helped their parents, or carried away leftover debris in piles throughout Luo. Even elders like Lady Khama and Lady Amasi were helping in any way that they could. Topaz approached Den's home and found the front door wide open. She peered inside and found the male with a guest. Den was sitting on a cushion and an older female was seated across with both legs stretched out towards him. One foot was in his hands, and the other awaiting in his lap. The brown furred genet was rubbing her foot, and the elder female hummed and cooed while his hands tenderly treated her.

"Oh your hands are wonderful, Den." She smiled brightly. The male didn't seem nearly as enthused as the elder civet.

"Hey Den." Topaz entered. Den stopped and looked up at his new guest.

"Ah, Topaz! I'm glad to see you stop by." He slipped away from the elder and jumped to his feet. "What can I help you with? Didn't you have a bullet wound?"

"I wasn't shot."

"You weren't?" He looked her over desperately.

"No." She reaffirmed.

"Then what's wrong?"

"Lady Khama told me that you could make the aches in my arms and shoulder go away." She told him. Den glared at her for a moment.

"Elders and their 'aches'." He blew a sigh and glanced over his shoulder at the lady civet seated patiently. "What have you been doing lately? Rebuilding everything like everyone else?"

"Mmhm." She nodded.

"Then just take a break. You should be fine in a day or two." He surmised.

"Okay-"

"I really need to go to the creek too..." His eyes lit up at the realization. "Can we talk outside." He discreetly whispered to the genet. "My hands are becoming sore..." He kept them out to his sides, afraid to touch anything. She nodded and walked behind him to the entrance. The older civet took notice.

"You're not taking my handsome Den away, are you?" She asked.

"No, not at all ma'am." Topaz grinned before stepping outside. They walked down a short distance and toward the edge of a mangrove between them and the Luo River. "Do you really need to go to the river?" Topaz asked.

"Yes. I just wish it wasn't a short walk today." He complained. "But I needed you to come by so I could slip out for a while."

"I though that you liked helping people with medicine."

"I like helping people, but I'm tired from treating so many people after your team freed Luo. Besides, some older females love 'visiting' a lot." He explained. "My kind civet back there always complains that her feet ache. I practically end up washing them for her." The brown genet frowned. "And then she always compliments me and calls me her 'handsome Den,' or whatever else is on her mind."

"You're an introvert." Topaz giggled.

"You're not even listening to me." He wiggled his nose and departed.

"Thanks for your help. Enjoy your date." She teased. He huffed and went to the river. Topaz meandered through Luo again. Despite the construction underway, the genet was happy to simply be in her home village once again.

"Ow! Ow!" A young cry alerted the young adult.

"What?" The other one asked.

"I stepped on that." She pointed at something along a woodpile they were playing beside.

"You kits shouldn't be playing around the woodpiles." Topaz spoke up. Both kits looked at her, and then each other before scampering away. 'Kits.' Topaz grinned, knowing that she was exactly the same at their age. She approached the woodpile of various wood scrap. Sticks, potsherds, leftover sandbags, bullet casings, and other things filled the gaps. The genet wandered around the pile, searching for fragments. "Hm?" Her foot brushed up against something. Upon closer inspection, Topaz found half of a broken mask on the ground. She picked up the crafted piece with a gentle hand, and sighed. The paint had been partially chipped away as well. 'This is going to take some time.' She acknowledged that despite freeing her home, time was needed to heal.

"Topaz." A familiar voice spoke.

"Oh! Hey Roc." She turned around and greeted the white furred ermine. The militia leader was wearing her characteristic tank top and khakis with a pistol on her side. Jen, Ketswayo, and Linda were with her. "What's going on?"

"We're going to leave Luo tomorrow." The ermine leader informed her. "Maybe two days at the latest since no one sustained serious injuries."

"Aww, the militia can stay as long as you want." Topaz insisted. "At least until we can have a proper festival now. It'll be so much fun, and we can celebrate together."

"I've already radioed the Ullazan group where both rivers meet. We're going to help guard this side of the river with them for the time being. I'll understand if you want to stay here and rebuild your home village." Roc grinned. Topaz nodded contently. The snow furred ermine placed a hand on her counterpart's shoulder. "You take care of your family, and who knows? Maybe when this war is finally over we can come back celebrate."

"I'll be waiting." Topaz shook her hand.

"I know there's plenty of time to say goodbyes, but just in case." Linda hugged her.

"Thanks. You're a great friend and I'll miss you." Topaz tightly hugged her feline friend. "Stay safe, and stick close to Nambu." She winked. "He'll soften up soon enough." The mountain lioness rolled her eyes with a hopeful smile.

"Take care." Jen hugged her next.

"Thanks. You too." The genet smiled. She watched them depart to inform the others. A little sadness passed through her. They were her friends and she didn't want to see them go, even though they would be fighting those who had driven her out and take. Her fellow villagers' freedom. Topaz still wanted to say goodbye again when they left.

"Someone told me that you encountered strange people in the jungles after you escaped Luo." An old female voice caught the genet's attention. She turned around and found an elder female genet standing behind her.

"Malwecho!" Topaz exclaimed at the elder shaman who flashed a war grin. "You know about the painted people that I saw?" She eagerly asked without pause. "And you believe me?"

"Yes." She deeply nodded and smiled. "They are known as the Makk. They're a small group that lives in the jungles south of Luo."

"How do you know this when no one else does?" Topaz was dumbfounded.

"My grandmother was a Makk." Malwecho grinned. "She came to Luo and married my grandfather."

"Wow! That's incredible!" The youth exclaimed. "What happened to her?"

"My grandmother brought the shamanic tradition to Luo, and was shaman for many years until she passed away. My mother became shaman next, but didn't practice the art of body painting. Eventually she married here and then I came into this world." She softly chuckled.

"I had no idea..." Topaz admitted. "Who exactly are the Makk, and why have they become stories in the villages?"

"That's a difficult question to answer." The elder female admitted. "The Makk inhabit the remote jungles south of Luo and used to visit villages. They're also very close to nature, and do not believe in many things that we use today like radios or firearms. Because of this, most of them are very difficult to contact."

"That's too bad... I would've loved to at least talk to them." Topaz admitted. "But why?"

"When things from the outside world came upriver like guns, radios, and lamps, the Makk decided to remain in close contact with nature and shunned anything non-traditional."

"But why?"

"I don't know." Malwecho shrugged. "I wish I knew, but good or bad that is the choice they collectively made."

"So they're a mystery forever." Topaz scuffed the ground with her foot.

"Well... Not entirely." The shaman let on. The young genet's ears perked up at the other's words. "They are hidden in the southern jungle where it's most dense, but..."

"But?"

"There is a small group of Makk who live south of Luo. I can show you where to go in the temple." Malwecho spoke quietly. "And what to do when you meet them." The elder began walking towards the only hill near the village upriver.Topaz tagged alongside the village's normally reclusive shaman. Her tail trailed close to the ground while she walked.

'I still have one more thing to do.' She told herself. 'The journey isn't over.'

The entire village saw off the Roc's militia as they boarded Ullazan motorboats. The shouts and cheers of encouragement were defeating until they had disappeared behind the first bend. Luo's villagers hated to see their saviors depart so soon, but it was for the better. There were no more rebels along the upper Luo River, and only pockets along the northern bank of the lower Luo River. Afterwards, Topaz, Mazia, and Petra embarked into the jungle together.

"Hold this and stay here until I come back." Topaz slipped out of her new loincloth.

"What? You're going ahead?" Petra arched her brow.

"Malwecho told me that I had to go alone." Topaz explained.

"What exactly are you going to do?" Mazia asked.

"I'm not sure." Her answer stumped them. "Please wait for me here." They nodded in agreement.

"We're going to call for you first thing sunrise if you don't return." Petra told her. Mazia placed a hand on her hip and nodded. Topaz understood and turned around. The genet quietly walked out of sight and deeper into the untamed jungle. She cautiously crept through the dense undergrowth on the forest floor, careful to avoid thick roots from tripping her. Palm trees brushing across her bare fur drew tingled up the genet's back. A freeing sensation from being naked accompanied her, but also a sense of excitement.

'I will finally meet them.' She thought. Malwecho had told her only brief things about the secluded Makk people, and her advice only fueled her desire to meet them. The genet knelt down by a large tree and waited. Her ears listened carefully for footsteps. Her feet dug into the peaty earth patiently. Birds and other creatures were noisy all around the genet, but she remained vigilant. Then it finally happened.

Crunch. Her ears perked up at the sound of soft footsteps approaching the area. Green eyes scanned the area as the sound drew closer. Movement caught her attention. A lone figure crept from the thicket. Topaz held her breath. He was male, bare of clothing, and his body was painted with blue lines. He was a Makk! The male genet approached a certain plant before picking its leaves.

'I'm ready.' Topaz waited a moment before stepping out into view. She made a clicking noise with her tongue. The male's ears perked up. He looked over and spotted her only to be confused. He had never seen her before. Topaz took off and held up her malachite necklace and feather earring. The nude male stopped what he was doing and looked at the glinting gem and fiery red-yellow feather. He motioned for her to follow him. Topaz's heart leapt and walked behind him.

After a short walk through the dense trees, he brought her to a small camp of no more than twenty or so individuals. They were mostly ocelots and fossa, but she noticed a genet, leopard, and civet were present too. Their homes were the most basic in design. Reeds were bundled together to created a wide arch where bay leaves were added on top. It was enough to sleep under without fear of getting rained on. A group of mothers nursing their infants looked on at the stranger. Even their bodies were painted with blue lines, wrapping around their fronts and sides like vines. No matter the age, they wore no clothing and possessed the simplest of tools: stone knives, spears, bows, arrows, blowguns, among little else. Everyone who was at least the age of an adolescent had their bodies painted with blue lines. Topaz felt as if she had stepped into a completely different world, despite being so familiar with the Inkasi jungles.

She was directed to an elder male fossa, and a female ocelot with beautiful spots. They wore necklaces of feathers and carried two staffs made from an aged wood. The swirling patterns of blue lines on their bodies made them appear even more mystical and mysterious to the Luo villager.

"Hello." Topaz sat down before the pair.

"Where are you from?" The male spoke in an aged, soft voice.

"Luo."

"Malwecho sent you..." He realized. "You have questions then."

"Yes, I do." She eagerly nodded only to pause. "Where to start..." Topaz exhaled. "I've always loved being naked in the jungle ever since I was little. It's hard to describe, but I feel more free. It's something I can only feel when being in the jungle that way. I can't just do it whenever I want to though." She felt a little nervous admitting it, but the smiles from everyone around her were understanding.

"There is nothing wrong with that." The elder female softly chuckled. "It is natural for everyone to feel connected to nature. Some have a strong connection like you, and others do not."

"Why don't you visit villages to explain it?" Topaz asked.

"Many do not want to understand." The old male sighed. "Neighboring villages see us as primitive, if they even remember. Nothing more."

"Those of us who are left reside in the isolated southern jungles and central mountains to live peacefully." The female ocelot added. "Too many from large villages downriver believe we are shape shifters and practice magic." Topaz's ears fell back in dismay.

"Is that why they run from me?" The elder pair looked at each other before nodding in unison.

"It's best to remain hidden and stay safe from outsiders." The male spoke.

"But you are naturally curious." The female ocelot spoke wearing a little grin. "It led you to here. I'm sure that it helped lead you to developing a connection with nature."

"But everyone is curious." Topaz fretted. "I've been afraid and fled home when I shouldn't have. I'm reckless when I'm angry, and act goofy when I'm in love..."

"All of these emotions are normal. They are part of who you are." The ocelot explained. "When you love and accept yourself, you'll be able to understand things."

"Understand what?"

"Being a part of the world we live in. Villages, the jungle, everything."

"How do I understand? How do I know?" Topaz asked. The elder couple looked at each other a moment.

"Lay down."

"Lay down?" Her ears swiveled and brow arched curiously. Both nodded.

"There are no words." The elder male explained. "You can only feel and see." He tapped the center of her chest. Topaz understood and laid down on the ground she was sitting on. At once, the matron and patron moved. The Makk matron sat directly above her head. Topaz could feel her fur touching the top of her head. The genet was able to see the elder's muzzle above her, and her legs beside her like towering trees. The male knelt down beside her torso and rested a hand on her tummy, slowly rising and falling with every breath Topaz took. A younger male genet handed the elder a small wooden bowl with faint smoke coming out, Topaz wiggled her nose at the faintly sweet smell in the air. At the same time, others around her began lightly playing hand drums. The soft patting sound reminded her of distant thunder and pounding raindrops. The elder female leaned over Topaz, causing her saggy breasts to almost hit the young genet's muzzle. The young genet felt a pair of fingers touch her. The elder's fingertips traced over her collarbone before resting on her breastbone. A young adult female with swollen breasts knelt down by her other side with a youthful male. They carried small wooden bowls with unknown contents. A middle aged male and female fossa sat by her feet and took ahold of them. Topaz curled her toes feeling their hands touch the soles of her feet.

"Close your eyes and listen." The elder ocelot whispered. Topaz took a deep breath and did so.

'I'm nervous.' She thought, but refrained from letting her body shudder. Others seated around her without speaking. After a moment she felt fingers touching all over her body. They traced over the contours of her body, preening through her youthful white and spotted brown fur. Circles, straight lines, and wavy lines all traveled over her body from chest to feet. The sensation was odd yet just as soothing.

"Puh ba bum bum! Puh ba bum bum! Pa ba bum bum!" The music grew louder in her ears like approaching a waterfall. Topaz didn't know what to expect, but stayed still. The sensation of fingers tracing over her body faded away, but she knew that they were still touching her. Gradually her other senses faded, the sounds of drumbeats, and the sweet fragrance all vanished leaving her completely alone. The genet wiggled her nose and ears expecting everything to return. The odd sense of nothingness reminded her of waking up in the morning. Curiosity nagged at her urgently. Topaz suddenly opened her eyes.

"What the..." Topaz looked around in shock. The jungle and Makk had all disappeared. "Am I asleep?" She thought aloud. The genet pinched herself to find out. "Ow!" She recoiled and flicked her tail. "I guess not..." She looked around only to find herself asking more question. 'Where am I?' The genet was in an all encompassing white misty fog. It was impossible to see anything through it. 'I remember two people were rubbing my feet...' Topaz looked down, but was unable to see past her knees. Without any guidance the genet started walking forward. The mist gradually cleared and Topaz found herself looking somewhere entirely familiar. She suddenly saw a village from overhead, as if she was standing atop the tallest tree.

'Is that Luo?' Topaz noticed an adjacent river that divided the village from a large farm. Several villagers were using hoes to carve out a new stretch of dirt to grow crops. Down below she could see villagers preparing for a festival. Everyone was happy, and laughter could be heard even at her vantage point. The smells of food being cooking delighted her nose. The sight warmed her heart, but it didn't stay very long. New images appeared before Topaz as if she was actually there. Somewhere in a jungle Roc and her militia were creeping along a trail, weapons drawn.

"Are we almost at our old encampment?" Nambu asked the white furred ermine. Linda was by his side faithfully.

"Just about." She nodded with a little grin and continued walking. A new vision of Indi and Xian in Ahawa laughing together came next.

"There's no way that story is true!" The female jaguar giggled.

"It is!" Indi insisted. The pudgy females' laughter faded as a new image greeted Topaz. The sight of a quiet stream where a small herd of forest antelope were drinking its refreshing water. The peaceful scene reminded her of hunting after a day of heavy rains. The fresh smell of water, fragrant plants, and the animals that they hunted.

"Who is that?" Topaz noticed a figure crouched behind a bush armed with a bow, and a knife on her waist. It was a female brown genet in her bare fur with a determined look in her green eyes. Topaz's brow furrowed noticing a red and yellow feather earring and green gem necklace.

"Is that... Me?" Her jaw dropped. Movement caught her eye. A clothed male was crouching beside the familiar female. He was a handsome, strong genet wearing a stone necklace with his own blowgun ready. "Chona?" She could hardly believe it. The antelope's heads rose up as an arrow flew through the air. Excitement ensued as they scattered in a loud rush. Was it the past? The future? Or merely a dream? Before Topaz could make sense of everything that had happened. Her vision began to fade, and lull into a deep sleep.

Topaz awoke and found herself staring into the canopy above. Warm morning sunshine lit the jungle around her in a beautiful golden glow. Birds noisily chirped and peeped from the trees high above. Topaz smiled, feeling a strong connection to the world around her, one that she understood more. The genet sat up and looked around, only to find herself alone. Not a single other person was remaining in the temporary campsite. The fire pit in the center was empty, and most evidence of anyone living there had vanished with their departure. Just as odd, she hasn't moved from the spot where she laid down.

"Wow..." Topaz felt proud to have met them. She reached up and brushed her hair aside only to caught sight of something blue on her hand. It wasn't just her hand though. "Blue..." She whispered and looked over her arm at the snaking lines. Topaz rose to her feet and looked at herself in shock. Her entire body had been painted elaborately with blue paint in wavy lines that snaked across her fur! Some ended with swirl patterns on her breasts and rear whereas others simply ended in a wide curved design on her tummy and legs. She blinked and recalled what had happened last night. The sights and sounds she experienced confused her memory. The genet walked forward.

"Was all of that a dream?" She softly asked herself. "Or strange visions..." She wondered. After looking around the abandoned encampment, Topaz stumbled upon a small pond. She stood on the mossy edge and peered into the still water. A silent gasp escaped her at the still image below. Blue lines covered most of her body in a simple, yet oddly intricate ancient pattern. Her cheeks and forehead were painted as well. "Oh my..." She looked over herself. Even her back and neck had long blue lines snaking between her natural spots. It was a sacred design.

"Topaz!" Her ears perked up at the sound of a distant voice ahead.

'Mazia and Petra!' She hurried towards the sound.

"Hello? You still out there Topaz?" Petra and Mazia called out. The two civets had a rough night in the wilderness, but managed some sleep for their friend.

"Do you think that she's alright?" Petra worried.

"Nothing can stop Topaz when she's in the jungle." Mazia reflected. Petra remained unsure and called out her name again.

"Huh?" They turned as they heard a rustling sound from behind a palm tree and bamboo. Out from the brush a young naked female genet emerged with her body decorated in blue lines. They almost didn't recognize their friend at first glance.

"Woah..." Their voices were surprised, but not so much because it was their Topaz.

"Hey." The genet breathed and simply greeted her friends. No one spoke for a moment to gather their thoughts.

"So..." Petra began. "You're ready to go back?" She asked. Topaz nodded.

"I did what I needed to do." The genet smiled.

"We have your loincloth." Mazia held up the garment.

"Oh. Thanks." Topaz tied it around her waist. The painted genet could feel their eyes roaming over her fur.

"What exactly happened, Topaz?"

"Well..." She searched for the right words. "A lot." Both civets knew their friends was rarely a reserved person, so it was something important to her.

"And I thought I liked painting." Mazia rubbed her neck with a half grin. Everyone shared a laugh. "It looks nice on you." The genet humbly smiled.

"Let's head back to Luo." Petra stated. "I'm getting hungry."

"Sure." Topaz walked alongside her friends back through the jungle to Luo. She felt calm and relaxed despite the spectacular experience with the Makk. The genet had a better understanding and acceptance of herself and the world that she lived in.

Epilogue: A Day at Home

"Ready?" Topaz clasped her hands together as Mazia placed her skirt on the branch beside her.

"I suppose." The civet put her hands on her hips. "Why do we have to do this without any clothes again?" She could never understand the genet's affinity to being in her bare fur.

"Because we used to do it as kids all the time." Topaz reminded her friend.

"But we aren't kids anymore Topaz."

"You're one to talk." The genet smirked and grabbed her friend's hand. "Just trust me."

"Alright." Mazia took a few steps beside her to the edge of the tree line. Ahead of them was the open field that they used to play in back when they were barely required to wear loincloths as kits. Now they were both adults and had mates, but both were still best of friends. Topaz was slim with a wiry build from living a life of hunting in the jungle and canoeing. Mazia had gained some weight over the years, but that was expected since she started a family with Malech. As a consequence free time was something that became scarce in her young adult life.

"Don't be shy. I planned this afternoon forever ago." Topaz excitedly stood beside the civet.

"Shy? When I with you?" Mazia joked.

"Okay... One, two, three... Go!" They ran into the grassy field where the sun shined unabated, warm and welcoming. Both sprinted all the way to the center where they laid beside each other. The two ladies stared up at the lovely blue sky, laughing at the sound of each other panting. The giddy sensations were exhilarating.

"Freeing, huh?" Topaz breathed.

"Eh. I guess so." Mazia grinned in agreement. "I don't normally prance around in my bare fur like you do."

"That means we should do this more often."

"My breasts were jumping everywhere, Topaz!" Mazia snorted, causing the genet to cackle.

"I bet you and Malech make that happen every night." Topaz teased and lifted her friend's big breasts.

"Topaz!" Mazia's eyes widened as the genet groped her. "Stop!" She tried batting the hands away from her chest.

"Oh I bet he rubs these till they're hard." Her hands moved to play the civet's large black nipples instead.

"Topaz!" Her friend yelled. Topaz finally stopped and burst into laughter with Mazia laid back down with a tired huff.

"Sorry, but that was too funny!" She let the chuckles die down.

"No it's not!" Mazia couldn't help but giggle anyway. "You could've made milk squirt out if you pinched hard enough."

"I don't pinch..."

"It didn't feel that way." Mazia mumbled as they gazed up at the sky.

"But I'm serious." Topaz reiterated. "Only good friends can do this together."

"I guess that's true." Her civet friend admitted and raised a leg into the air.

"I always liked your fur coloring. It's really pretty." Topaz admired her friend's striped furred leg.

"Most civets have the same fur color." Mazia nonchalantly rotated her foot.

"Yeah, but none have your exact spots and stripes." She pointed out. "Or your personality."

"Maybe not." She conceded only to feel Topaz roll beside her. A pair of arms wrapped around the civet.

"There's only one Mazia who is my best friend." Topaz nuzzled up to the civet's warm fur. She smiled and hugged her friend tightly with an arm in return. Topaz wormed around until she was laying beside Mazia, sky gazing once again. The two only chatted a few words as they were nestled in the grass, but a moment of pure contentment held them both for the moment.

"We've been here awhile. Ready to head back?" Mazia stood up and brushed herself clean. "I'm getting hot."

"If you are." Topaz followed suit and they walked back to the shady trees. Mazia tossed the genet's loincloth over before retrieving her own.

"I did feel like a kid for a moment though." The civet spoke. "It was a little crazy at first, but thanks for getting me out here."

"I knew you enjoyed it." Topaz hummed as they put on their garments. Mazia didn't say anything about it, but her happy demeanor gave away any hidden clues.

"I don't know how many times I've told you, but I really love that loincloth you're wearing."

"You've said it plenty of times... It's the one that I got from Ullaza." She widened her stance to display the deep red fabric better.

"It's gorgeous, and it wraps around your waist so nicely."

"Thanks. I really like it."

"I don't like to travel to neighboring villages like my parents, but I'd love to go to Ullaza with you. From what you've told me it sounds like a wonderful place next to the savanna. That's romantic too!" She exclaimed.

"Only if we stop by a little village called Ahawa first." Topaz touched a branch as they walked.

"Ahawa? Is it like Ullaza?" Mazia brushed past a large palm tree.

"Well... Kind of." The genet didn't entirely let on. Outlines of a few Inkasi houses came into view as they slipped through the clustered trees. The sounds of sights of village life in Luo were becoming apparent. They spotted two kits waving sticks in the air run around a house before splashing into a large puddle. Nearby a soft thumping sound caught their attention.

"Hey Ituri. Hwanu." Topaz and Mazia waved at a brown and silver genet couple pounding rice together in a large bowl.

"Hey! What are you two up to?" Ituri turned her head without stopping the repetitive motion.

"We just went through a field." Topaz didn't give away too many details about their most recent escapade.

"Maybe we could trade places." Ituri joked as she returned to work. Mazia and Topaz giggles as they passed by the couple and headed into the village. Despite being occupied for months more than one year ago, their home village showed no signs of its recent nightmare.

The people were close to the nature that they inhabited, and with much appreciation for it. Luo was nestled between the jungle and river, but only a few dozen trees were inside the village itself. Plenty of houses though contained gardens, or decorative plants hanging in woven baskets. It was a place where nature and people are cohabitants.

"I think I hear someone snoring." Mazia grinned and pointed to a house where someone was sprawled out, taking a nap. The sounds of Luo were not noisy. Typical of the hot afternoon, the village was calm and relaxed compared to the morning or evening. Lady Khama was sewing on the step to her house while the younger females Raina and Bes sat before her on the ground retelling a story. Similar scenes greeted them throughout the village.

"I guess everyone's mates are out farming in the hot sun, or hunting like you usually do." Mazia surmised. Topaz smiled at the thought. Chona and her went hunting together frequently as mates. He even indulged her sometimes by doing so with a little less clothing on. "That means Petra is out farming with her dad." Mazia spoke.

"You mean taking a break from farming." She imagined a few villagers sitting beneath the shade of the trees, telling tales. The two friends rounded the corner of a home. They waved at Tessibu, an elder female who was kneeling over, tending to her small garden of strawberries in front of her home.

"It looks like her breasts are helping too." Mazia quietly giggled.

"You could too." Topaz lightly elbowed her pudgy friend.

"My excuse is that I'm feeding a kit." Mazia grinned. "And eating a few strawberries is never bad." That made her friend chuckle.

"For her age I'm surprised that she still dances during every festival." Topaz mentioned.

"Who wouldn't? Nothing stops you from hopping around everywhere, beating a hand drum." She mimicked.

"I love letting the music guide me." The genet smiled.

"Hey!" A yell from Yani's house startled them. A little figure followed by a taller figure emerged from around the home. Yani's eldest child, Cawu, was now an adolescent civet. Her body was lanky but with a little weight like her mother. Small breasts were already developing in her white chest fur, and the civet was more conscious about what she wore. A nicer loincloth, matching armbands, and a necklace proved it. Running towards them was her little brother, Banpo.

"What's going on?" They asked, but hardly needed an answer. The little civet was holding a flower in his dirt covered hands. He was only four years old, and didn't require a loincloth just yet.

"Digging through the garden again?" The older sister scolded the kit and grabbed his arm. He whined and presented the flower to Mazia.

"To you." His little voice spoke.

"Aww. Thank you." She held the flower to her bosom and knelt down to kiss the young civet. He bashfully smiled. "I remember playing in the fields and getting into trouble when I was your age." Mazia winked at Topaz.

"Well he's going to play inside for now." Cawu took him back home.

"Aww. He's too cute." Topaz hummed. "It's a good thing we didn't have older siblings."

"Isn't that the truth!" Mazia laughed.

"Mazia! You're back!" A male voice called out. Malech approached the young ladies with a bundle of joy in his arms. A little brown eyed civet kit, not even one year of age yet, curiously looked around the village.

"Hi Malech!" Mazia cheerfully greeted her mate.

"I'm glad that you are back. She has been saying 'mommy' nonstop." He held up their one year old daughter in a safe arm. The wriggling kit recognized Mazia and reached out.

"Aww. She's so cute!" Topaz touched noses with the little kit. "She looks just like you!"

"You and the entire village say that." Mazia grinned and took ahold of her daughter. "How is my sweet kit?" Mazia baby talked the infant and cradled her to her bosom. "Hungry, I bet." She giggled.

"How are you two doing in the bigger home?" Topaz asked. When Mazia was pregnant, they moved into a larger home for her then expecting child.

"I think we are finally used to having so much space to live in. Three rooms are a lot better than two for a family. What about you and Chona in the starter house?" Malech asked.

"It's just the right size for the two of us, and I think my mother has finally come to terms with me moving out." She grinned. "But now she is starting to ester me about having children of my own."

"Does she still visit you daily?" He chuckled.

"Not anymore, but I don't mind." Topaz hummed a little. "I'm confident in what I'm doing."

"That's great to hear. Where's your mate at anyway? Hunting?"

"Yeah."

"That's surprising!" He mused. "Why'd you pass that up?"

"I needed a little time with my best friend." Topaz smiled and placed an arm around the young mother. Malech smiled understandingly.

"Hey Topaz." An aged voice greeted them.

"Oh. Hey Tessibu." Topaz turned around. The elder female genet was dressed plainly with two earrings. Her long silvery hair draped like shimmering silk down her back.

"I was by the docks and someone came to me looking for you." She pointed over her shoulder. Everyone looked over at a very buxom female carrying a hefty pack in her shoulders. Not only fur, but quills were present on her body. A beautiful loincloth draped between her legs, and a simple cloth tied over her forehead kept hair out of her eyes. A necklace of colorfully woven strings held a little malachite gemstone of her own.

"Indi?" The genet questioned who she saw, partially in disbelief. It had been more than a year since Topaz had seen the Ahawa villager. The genet went over and hugged her. The porcupine warmly hugged the genet in return.

"Hello Topaz. It's great to see that you're doing well!" Indi beamed a bright smile. "Xian and her mate stayed in Ahawa though, so it's just me visiting."

"How do you two know each other?" Tessibu asked.

"Topaz and I bumped into each other right before she joined Roc's group." Indi explained. Topaz nodded, remembering the day clearly.

"What are you doing all the way in Luo by yourself?"

"I thought about moving here for a season, if that's alright with you." She winked.

"Move here?!" Topaz was surprised. "But your home in Ahawa is so far away!"

"Thanks to Roc's group, and you," she lightly elbowed the genet, "it only take a few days to reach the Ullaza River, and then a few more days to reach the Luo River. Not everyone hikes through the jungle like you do."

"That's great! But where are you going to stay?"

"I thought about staying in your home, if that's alright. You probably get lonely living on your own like me."

"Lonely?" She questioned.

"You're too young and pretty to not be mated." She giggled. "You don't still live with your parents, do you?"

"Actually... I have a mate now, and I live with him."

"You do? Goodness time has passed!" Indi exclaimed.

"I guess it has!" Topaz bashfully giggled. "But you're more than welcome to stay with us." She offered. 'But how are we all going to fit in one bed?' She secretly wondered about her friend's size and quills.

"Let's go jump in the river." The porcupine suddenly suggested and waved a hand in front of her face. "I have been in a hot boat all day, and I haven't had a cool bath since I left Ahawa."

"Sure! We might meet Petra there." Topaz tugged Mazia and her new family along with them. Even Tessibu tagged along.

"Slow down!" Mazia was trying to grasp everything going on. "I need to sit down and nurse."

"You can do that at the river." Topaz insisted.

"Can we stop by your home so I can drop my stuff off?" Indi asked. "My shoulders are killing me!"

"She's quite a character." The elder female humbly chuckled to herself.

"Who is she?" Malech whispered.

"A good friend of mine. I have so much to tell you two..." Topaz said as they all walked together. Mazia's daughter looked at the adults around her. In the distance, someone was playing a rustic tune with a reed flute. The quiet village of Luo, nestled in the jungle, was certainly going to see more adventures from its villagers in the near future.