FSE

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The morning sky shone peacefully over a small clearing and nearby stream. Moving along cautiously through the undergrowth, a grey rat sniffed the air. He'd stand on his back legs, and focus. . . taking in all the sounds. . . all the smells. The sights. . . he wouldn't worry about those: All he could see were blurs. Utilizing his two stronger senses, he'd confirm safety and gesture behind. He got on all fours then, and scurried forward from the brush. The rat, Tarik, neared a small patch of dirt and rock below a short hill. Above the patch and along hill, several bright red plants draped down. The rat's head turned as he made a final gesture, before disappearing through the foliage.

Lichthia's nose twitched and she looked about excitedly, as she usually did when finding a new territory. Oh, this place was pretty! She was cautious of course, there were places here a smaller pred could hide. A smaller pred like a rat for instance! She'd smile at the sight of the red leaves above them, but as Tarik disappeared in front of her, she hesitated. It wasn't that she mistrusted him, but he wasn't like Jaabir or Jack, someone who's paws or coils she'd put her life into without hesitation. If he was going to double cross her (which she didn't really believe), this place would be ideal. And so she'd follow, but she'd carry her staff in front of her as she disappeared through the foliage, following him. Should he try something, he'd discover she had quick reflexes indeed.

Tarik scampered into his burrow, sighing contently. He truly made it. He survived the snake encounter and got back to his home in one piece! Of course there was more to do, he had to help the snake and mouse, but. . . that help also included getting back to his colony! The rat smiled. His eyes squinted and he'd focus best he could, looking around. Everything seemed to be just as he left it. His shiney objects were scattered about to the top right; bottle caps, can tabs, foil paper and other items of high value. To the top left was his food reserve, now all but depleted; the only remains being some nut shells and cherry skins. The bottom left, that had some old grass thrown about chaotically for a bed. And then the bottom right, just by the entrance, was a small pile of mouse bones he had yet gotten around to tossing out. Tarik blinked and rushed to the pile. Lichthia was going to be in here any second! He'd quickly pick up a bone and raise it up, attempting to carry and toss it out the nest!

Licthia felt just a little guilty as she crept through the foliage and entered the nest. She really did trust Tarik by this point, she wasn't really expecting him to turn on her. She worried he'd notice how she carried her staff. Why he might be hurt. She trusted an owl after all, and she didn't trust. . woah!" Well it was good she did have her staff up, as a stick or something clanged against it in the semi dark. Tabatha had taught her, you never hesitate, never stop to think, let your instincts carry you. There'd be a soft whoosh of air as she drew her staff up and took a step towards the rat cowering in the corner. It was cramped in his burrow, she wouldn't be able to get in a full swing, but she could hurt him well enough, and keep him at bay if he lunged for her with his teeth.

As the bone clashed into Lichthia's staff, Tarik fell back in surprise! "A-ah!" He'd land hard among the bone pile, with several pieces poking into him. He'd then give a soft *squeeeal* of pain and would struggle to get to his feet. His head raised and he'd just barely make out the white blur before him, "L-Lichthia?. . ." He'd squint and jerk back as he saw her readying that staff! "W-wait!" *squeal!* "D-don't hit me!"

Licthia would creep up to the rat, tensed, her staff at the ready. There was little doubt she could hit him hard if she wanted to. "T'salright, Tarik," she'd say gently. I won't hit you. . ." she'd tell him, ". . so long as y'put y'paws by y'side, don't make no sudden moves, and explain to me why y'throwin bones at me." There'd be a short pause, and in a somewhat darker tone, she'd ask, "Those bones what I think they are?"

The rat winced and turned his head away, before slowly and hesitantly looking back with his eyes downcast, in signal of submission. He'd do as directed and move his paws against his side, and swallow. "I. . ." As the mouse posed her second question, and altered her tone, Tarik trembled. The last thing he had wanted to do was upset this mouse! He'd breathe deep and nod slow, "y-yes b-but. . ." he'd shake his head, "I d-didn't p-put them here. . ." he'd scoot back further, "t-this b-burrow was. . . a-another's first!" He'd give a squeaky whine, "I was just . . t-trying to. . . get rid of them. . . b-before you made it inside. . ." There would be pause, "Please believe me. . ."

As the rat cowered against the wall, the mouse would slowly lower her staff towards the bone pile. She'd gently prod at the bones, a little skull rolling aside. She'd turn to stare at him, then there'd be a low snort. Then she'd start laughing and straighten up. "Well. . .." she'd admit, still laughing, "I s'pose if you were fixing to take me out, you wouldn't really do it by throwing a little thigh bone at m'head."

As the skull rolled along, and the mouse stared, Tarik looked away. Such a sight surely had upset her. What was going to happen now? Would she knock him out? Drag him back to the snake? No, she wouldn't need to. . . she knew where his burrow was! She could leave him knocked out and tied and he'd never have a chance to reason with her before Jaabir got to him! He'd give another low whimper, then blink. Was she. . . laughing? The rat's head turned back, partly tilted. At her words, he'd give a bit of nervous laughter in reply, but wouldn't look up at her, only shaking his head slightly. "N-no. . ." He'd swallow, "C-can I. . . s-step out these?" His feet crunched slightly against the rotting remains, "and. . . m-move my arms?"

"Yeah, s'alright," she'd answer the rat in a friendly tone as she poked at the bones again. "So who was this 'previous occupant'?" she'd ask. "Whoever it was must have really liked mice. . . .there are at least three of them in here." While she wouldn't say it, as she knew it would hurt the rat's pride, she doubted Tarik could have caught even one mouse, and definitely not three.

Taking a sigh of relief, Tarik step away from the bones and stand to the side, wiping off his feet in the dirt. He'd look over to the mouse who seemed to be. . . exploring the pile. "I t-think. . . it was. . . Aidan. . . or Hunter" The rat paused, "b-both of those. . . were sent out before me. . . I'm. . . not sure which. . . this burrow has my families sent though. That's how I found it." He'd look around, and his expression seemed a little sad, "It's. . . been empty for awhile. . ."

The mouse poked thoughtfully at the pile of bones. Evidently not squeamish, she appeared completely at ease. "They didn't come back?" she'd ask, a hint of sympathy in her voice.

Tarik shook his head to the mouse, as she continued to prod the remains. "No. . . no one else ever came. I was hoping one of them would. . . then we could stay together. That's why. . . I went searching for our scent." He'd sigh and walk over to the sporatic piles of old grass in the opposite corner; once there he'd take a seat and peer forward. "I didn't smell any other places. . . so I stayed here for shelter. . ."

The mouse would nod, picking up her staff, placing the heal of it against the earth, and leaning against it. "We might be able to use this. . .." she'd say hesitantly. "I was thinkin it might help y'to make up a story, tell folk some other rat tried t'make a meal of me, and Jaabir got 'em." She'd puase, puring her lips. "That never happened of course. And I'll understand if y'd prefer not to do that. They are you're family after all. S'just an idea."

The rat raised his head as Lichthia spoke, then. . . looked down. "I. . . I don't know. . ." he'd say softly, "I wouldn't want. . . to d-dishonor their memory. . ." Tarik raised his eyes, "Th-thanks. . . for understanding though. . . I'll. . . think about it. . ."

The mouse would nod at that. "Yeah. . .might not be a good idea anyway," she'd say softly "After all, they might still be out there somewhere. Then wouldn't we look foolish?"

Ear's twitching, the rat would stare forward. His eye's would look to be. . . shining a little. "M-maybe. . . maybe they are. . ." he'd answer, with a tone of optimism. He'd look around again, breathing calmly, his happiness returning to him. "Maybe they'll come back here one day soon. . ." he'd add, eyes turning to the entrance for a moment. With a blink, he'd look back to Lichthia standing near the mouse bones, "I'd tell them. . . not to hunt you. . ." he'd assure.

Walking back to where she'd dropped a bag, the mouse would give a smirk at that. "Good!" she'd answer. "I wouldn't none of them t'get hurt," she'd add with a smile that suggested she might be joking. "Alright, here's food for you," she'd say, withdrwaing a bag from within the larger bag. "Should last at least through tomorrow." She'd hand the bag over and continue, "Now can y'do me a favor, Tarik?"

Tarik tilted his head at the mouse's reply. He wouldn't really see her smile so well, and would respond with a sigh-based, "yeah. . ." He'd perk up just as well, however, as the mouse handed over. . . food! He could already smell it before she reached him, prompting his nose to twitch, and body to lax. The sight of her smile when up close, would also put him at ease. Upon taking the bag, he'd nod his head and begin to scurry over to an empty corner. . . then pause. His head turned a little wearily, "O-ok. . ." he'd swallow, "w-what is it? . . ."

The mouse would nod. "I wancha t'clean up those bones," she'd answer, pointing in the direction of the bone pile. "M'gonna be bringin Jack over t'morrow. Think he can just barely get in." She'd peer at the entryway. "He's a gentle hearted sole. It'd make him sad t'see a bunch of mouse bones. Specially seein as one of his best friends is a mouse."

Initially, the rat began to dread what Lichthia might come up with. After all, he. . . belongedto the snake now: She could make him do anything and he wouldn't have much of a choice. At her request, Tarik sighed, and nodded. That wasn't so bad. He'd continue moving over to the empty corner as she went on to explain the reason why. He expected it might just be because mouse bones made the mouse uncomfortable, but no, that was silly, she was practically playing with them.The rabbit, however, that made more sense. . . or. . . was that less sense? The rat wasn't sure about logic anymore. He'd lay down the bag of food and push it against the side, getting it just right for storage, before turning back around and heading toward his previous location. Taking a seat, he'd nod. "I. . . think I understand. . .I'll. . . bury them outside. . . before tomorrow. . ." He'd look to the entrance, studying it for a moment. "I could. . . dig a bigger hole too. . ."

"That'd be sweet if y'could!" the mouse would answer, smiling. "Careful not t'bury the bones nearby," she'd warn. "Might be easiest t'put 'em all in the bag, carry 'em to the river." Most likely the rat would make regular trips there for water and to clean anyway. As she spoke, the mouse would rise, picking up her bag, as though perhaps she were getting ready to leave.

Tarik smiled a little himself, and nodded. "That would be. . . fine." He nod, though would look just a little confused at not being able to bury the bones right outside. Still, he wouldn't question it aside from his expression, and simply look to the bag with another nod. As she gathered her belongings, he'd look back to her, "y-you're. . . leaving? . . ." he'd ask softly.

"Yeah, the mouse would answer. I gotta lot to do today. And I wanna spend some time with Jack. Maye even Morathi, though I'm kind of sore. Could use some extra rest too." She'd grin.

The rat nodded in return, "ok. . ." then, would blink. It wasn't exactly a hard choice in his mind. "I. . . think I'd pick the rabbit. . " he'd mutter mostly to himself, then lower his head a bit in an embarressed sort of fashion. "S-sorry. . ." he'd say, before looking up.

The mouse chuckled. "Well I'm definitely seein Jack first," she'd explain. "I been gone from him too long, and I could use some bunny hugs m'self." She'd grin. "See y'later, Tarik. Take care of y'self."

Tarik would relax at the mouse's humor to what he feared might be an insult. "Goodbye Lichthia. . . and. . . thanks. . . for trusting me. . ."

Her bag back over her arm, her staff in her paw, the mouse would smile wide. "I dunno if y'can see it," she'd say softly, "but there's a rainbow outside. Brightest one I ever saw." She'd smile. "S'a good sign I think." With that, she'd make her way out of the entrance. "I'll see y'tomorrow, Tarik."

Laid our in his burrow, the grey rat took a relaxed sigh. After all he had been through, he didn't want to move. He was forced to endure a night of worry and uncertainty, all because he tried to eat the wrong mouse: A mouse with a staff. . . and a python. Tarik raised an eye toward his food 'corner', which now held a bag of fresh berries and nuts. The ordeal was not without it's benefits he supposed. And not just that, he. . . was going to return home. The mouse was going to help him gather enough food to take back as an offering. The rat smiled. Maybe it was worth it? He wasn't sure of that. The python claimed him. He was owned by a snake. . . and a mouse in a way. He shook his head. No, he didn't want to think of that right now. And so, his smile returned with thoughts of family. However, a short time passed before Tarik looked over to the small mouse-bone pile in the opposite corner. He sighed, recalling his agreement to Lichthia. And so, he'd force himself to his feet, and move over to the food bag the mouse gave. Lifting the bag, he'd promtly dump its contents along the ground and take the (now) empty bag over to the bone-pile. After a few moments (and uncooperative femers) later, his bag would be filled.

Tarik stepped out into the light. . . with a wide grin. For a few seconds he just stood there while a subtle breeze came against his fur. Squinting his eyes, the rat could just barely make out the rainbow Lichthia mentioned in passing. It really was beautiful and it must be especially bright, he reasoned, if even he could see it. He'd sigh and force his legs (and eyes) onward to the neighboring lake. A few minutes of careful scurrying would bring him near the waters. Before he took another step, his nose twitched from a most wonderful aroma: A familar aroma. Tarik breathed deep and let his twitchy nose lead the way. He'd come to a smooth flat stone just before the water. There sat several bright red cherries. His smile grew. Things really were getting better! This wasn't the first time he saw the succulent fruit laid out like this, but it was good fortune, he told himself, to find such a banquet a second time. He'd nearly reach down to sample one, but instead, would hesitate. Tarik blinked. He should toss away these bones first! Turning in place, the rat grasp the bag in both paws, and looked out to the stream. The calm yet rapid waters; the sight was peaceful. . . cleansing. Lifting the bag high, he'd let the top fall forward as he kept a firm hold, allowing the old rotted bones to spill out, each engulfed and carried away, soon no longer in sight. Looking down a little closer, Tarik spied his reflection, which smiled back.

The rat sighed deeply, and turned back around, sitting the empty bag to the side as he picked one of the ripe fruits. His teeth would sink in, and the juice lightly sprayed against his muzzle, staining it. "Mm. . ." Tarik's eye's closed blissfully, and his teeth began bruxing between bites: A light chattering noise, synonymous with a happy rodent.

He'd swallow his mouthful, and take a few more large bites, leaving behind only the skin. . . which he too tossed into the river. Looking to the rest of the piled fruits, he'd blink, and lift another. This time, instead of placing it in his maw, he'd place it in his bag. The first secured, Tarik would move to the others, content with gathering them all. As he went about storing his bounty, he'd raise his head to the rainbow-filled sky, giving another long, peaceful gaze at the bright colorful rays of light.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" The voice would be soft, feminine, cultured, and would come from just behind Tarik. A split second later, and there'd be an unmistakable scent, that of an immaculately groomed female cat, with just a hint of flowery perfume.

The rat's ears flicked quickly at the words, but would be too entranced to think rationally, and his first reaction would be a soft, "yeah. . ." As a new scent plagued his nose, Tarik's eyes went wide. 'No. No. No. No.' he'd cried out internally. His head spun, casting him out of his comfort indefinitely. A rat's eyes were poor, but at this distance. . . he could easily make out. . . the form and face of a cat. He'd fall backwards, landing on his rump and trembling hard. "I. . . P-p. . ." Try as he might, no words could be formed and he'd stare with a sense of terror amidst the shock.

The cat was squatting on the ground, her palms placed flat between her feet, seemingly have appeared out of nowhere (though actually having lept down silently from within the tree above). Obviously a civilized fur, she wore simple tight jeans a t-shirt that showed off a lithe muscular feline form covered in grey fur. She had a purse slung over her shoulder, from which the aroma of food might be detected. She'd lift a single paw as the rat stammered. "It's quite alright," she said softly, "I understand what you're trying to say." She'd turn her palm and make beckoning gesture. "Come. Sit with me. Let's chat." She'd smile. "Do that, and I give you my word, that when we're done, I'll give you a head start as far as that log before I hunt you." She'd gesture down the river to a log a little distance away. "It's not a very good head start," she'd admit, "but it's better than the one you have now."

Tarik's eyes stayed glued, but his nose would going a mile a minute. Never tiring from its duties, even in the (literal) face of danger, the sensory organ would alert the rat to more food. . . in that bag the cat was carrying. His eyes went. . . just a little wider. "T-t-tab. . . Tabatha. . ." he'd mutter. His trembling intensified. His fur stood on end. This was the feline, so well known in his colony. . . the one with the highest score. With an audible gulp, he'd struggle to make sense of her words. She knew what he was trying to say? Wasn't that what Lichthia said? Could this cat read his mind? At the offer, he'd continue to stare. His eyes followed her's to the log, but other than that he felt frozen. With a few more seconds of silent staring, he managed to force his muzzle down and up enough. . . to function as a nod. He'd breathe deeply, with great anxiety, as he attempted to get to his feet and move forward. As he moved closer, his head would be downcast. The only thing that kept him from just trying to run now. . . was a soft pinging recent memory. Lichthia said Tabatha 'never lies'. If that's so. . . then. . . he shouldn't risk giving up a better gap in distance. He wasn't sure why that memory crept up on him, or why he chose to follow it. . . but it had. . . and he did. He stop just before her, but wouldn't sit just yet, only looking to the ground and shivering.

At the call of her name, the cat would flash a smile, her fangs gleaming in the sun. She'd wait a little longer for him to move. As the rat slowly approached, she'd stay stock still. As he stopped, the cat would slowly sit down herself, taking on a more relaxed, less threatening posture. "You've heard of me?" she'd reply. "I'm flattered."

The question would be met with a hesitant "Y-y-yes. . ." as he looked away, his body tense and his ears flat.

"I'm impressed," she'd say softly. "I haven't met many rats who've had the courage to approach me as you have." She'd smile. "Have a seat," she'd tell him sweetly, "and tell me who I have the pleasure of addressing?"

A single ear flicked at the compliment, but he wouldn't reply to it directly, only half-nodding. As requested, and with great hesitation, the rat would bring himself to sit, his back hunched over submissively. The words, kind as they were, didn't put him in any sort of ease. Still, he'd lift his nose some at the question to reply. "T-Tarik. . ." He'd say softly.

At the reply, the cat's eyebrows would shoot upwards. "Tarik?" she'd exclaim. "The Morningstar?" She'd peer at the rat as though studying him. "Such a lovely name. . . " she'd say softly.

The rat would blink at the cat's interest. And. . . she knew the meaning? He couldn't help but to tilt his head a little. Tarik paused, then nodded slow. "Y-yes. . . th-that's right. . ." He'd swallow. "Th-thank you. . ."

The cat would lean forward, relaxed. "So, Tarik, would you like some cheese perhaps?" Smiling, she'd add, "You're probably already full from the cherries I left you, but you're welcome to some if you'd like!"

Tarik remained tense, nervous. He'd raise his head to the question, with a twitchy nose. The rat paused. Cheese. . . cheese sounded good. He wasn't hungry, quite full actually. . . but he could use comfort about now. And. . . he wasn't about to risk offending this cat. "Y-yes. . . p-please. . ." he'd reply, still shaken. Then, something would click, and he'd look up. "Y-you. . . l-left t-those? . . ."

The cat would reach over ot her handbag with one hand and open it with a click. At the question, she'd smile and nod. "Oh yes," she'd reply, reaching into her bag and pulling out a cheese wedge wrapped tight in plastic. "Nearly a week ago. I spotted you then, but I wasn't hungry." She'd lift the wedge into her lap. "So I left out those cherries, and hoped you'd find them. I wanted you to have something nice to eat, and I didn't want you to know they were from me, lest it make you think of leaving." She'd extend a single sharp claw and raise it the wrapped wedge. "I do hope you enjoyed them?" she'd ask sweetly.

A week ago? The rat thought back to it. It was. . . her both times. She had been waiting for him. Tarik immediately self-chastised. He should have been more cautious! Cherries just don't appear out of nowhere! Evidently though. . . cats do. 'Ok Tarrik, just stay calm', he would tell himself. 'She. . . ignored you before because she wasn't hungry. . . maybe she wasn't hungry this time either? . . .' The rat swallowed slow, and nodded timidly. "Y-y-yes. . . th-thank you. . ." He'd pause, then question, "a-are. . . you h-hungry now? . . ."

The cat smiled and nodded. "Famished!" she said, her claw slicing neatly through the wedge of cheese. A moment later an a pungent smell of smoked cheddar filled the air. It was an expensive brand, one that arguably only a lunatic would think to feed a wild rat. The cat tilted her head back to look at the sky and made a pouting face. "I was actually going to come for you yesterday, but it was raining!" She'd sigh, sadly, her claw neatly slicing off a piece of cheese which she'd hand to the rat. "And today, I've been waiting since early morning for you!" She'd give him a mock scolding face, then smile, sitting back as he took the cheese. "Quite honestly, I was rather hoping you'd decline my invitation to chat, so we could get straight to the hunt." She'd smile. "But I'm a cat of my word. I never lie to prey."

Tarik's ear's flicked attentively. He was hoping very much in his heart and head, for a simple, two letter answer. 'No' That was what he wanted to hear. It would be the preferred reply by far. Yet. . . as she spoke, his heart (and head) sank lower. 'Famished'. . . that. . . that was the worst thing you could possibly hear from a cat which stood before you: At least, from a rat's perspective.

As the aroma of fresh cheese gently caressed his nose, the rat would receive a minor comfort. It was. . . so alluring. So enticing. It would have to be, to distract his mind, for even a second, from a looming danger before him. His muzzle raised, and his nose twitched. He'd pause, staring. Yesterday's rain. Of course he couldn't see it at the time, but it. . . it was a blessing that gave him one day at least. And all that followed that day after? . . . was his life already so short, that none of it mattered. Tarik breathed deep. He. . . still had a chance. Things were dark of course. . . but still, there was. . . there was. . . hope. Tarik released his breath, gaining just a little calmness. At the teases, he'd only look up and offer a small nod. The nature of the word's though, it drove at him. It was an upsetting reminder. . . she was waiting. And. . . did that mean she was always waiting? The rat shook his head. No. That. . . that wasn't something he wanted to think about: And as such he'd be thankful of the reprieve. The rat took the cheese in his paws, slowly and delicately. It was the nature, of many of his kind, to snatch at food. . . to grab it hastily. While Tarik was not above this behavior. . . he made an definite exception for this case. His nose tickled and fretted with the pungent smell of fine cheese so close. He'd bring his maw down, and part his jaws wide. . . pressing against the offering, and taking forth a large bite. Tarik's eyes shut: It was. . . it was. . .heavenly. A taste he never, and should never, experience in his lifetime as a wild forest rat. A wonderful taste. A. . . forbidden taste. A few seconds would pass, and he'd swallow slow. . . as his ear flicked at the feline's final words. That's exactly what Lichthia said, and the only reason he was here eating cheese instead of taking his chances and fleeing. "Y-y-yeah. . ." he'd reply, "I know. . ."

The cat would tilt her head at the statement. In reality, she'd known something odd was going on even before he'd jumped out of the tree. But she wasn't ready to take that particular bait; as a consumate huntress, she wasn't going to let him lead her. "Tarik," she said softly. "You know I learned about the Morning Star in a game of riddles, the last star shining, when all the others have gone out."

Tarik blinked. He had. . . wondered how she knew his name's meaning. It was. . . something he wouldn't expect a cat to know of. As she explained, he'd look back with confusion. "R-riddles? . . ." he'd repeat, as he reached down to take another bite. His ears continued to twitch with interest, as he thought hard. Something about that. . . sounded familiar. He'd blink slow.

"Yes," the cat would reply, her voice nearly hypnotizingly soft. She'd lower her head and stare down at the rat, yellow cat's eyes unblinking. "I met a clever young rat named Vivek by this stream, just as I've met you. When I offered him his head start, not only did he approach me, but he proposed we play a game of riddles instead." The cat smiled wide. "I was intrigued he'd be so bold. And so we set the rules. They had to be riddles both of us could understand, nothing only a cat or a rat could comprehend." The cat's voice was a monotone. "It was a challenge, I admit. We riddled for over an hour. I learned quite a lot." The cat paused, and in an even softer slower voice, she finished, "In the end, he admitted I'd beaten him fairly, and begged me for his life."

The cat would stare at the rat. "So you see, Tarik," she'd whisper, "I've eaten wisdom."

Those eyes. . . they made it hard to think. . . to move. He could only stare back. He could only see her. And. . . it felt as though she could only see him. . . all of him. It was the only time that Tarik wished his vision was worse: Maybe then, he could look away. As prettified as he was, one word would provoke movement. His ears gave a sharp twitch, and his eyes grew wide. "V-vivek. . ." He knew that name. That. . . was a rat of his colony, one known well for his cunning and confidence there-in. Everyone was sure he would win his challenge against the elder rat leader Adri. He chose his opponent for what was thought to be an easy victory. Adri was strong, as moutian some woud say. . . with the mind of a rock to match. As Adri showed signs of aging, Vivek wasted no time, and demanded a challenge. Riddles, unfortunately, we're not accepted for a fight dominance (though he did try): This didn't stop Vivek. He was confident in strategy, and sought to use that to his advantage. His goal was not to land a blow, but to lure Adri into a corner through relentless taunting, always keeping his distance. Enraged, Adri plowed head first into the wall Vivek had stood before (and jumped away from). As Vivek came in to make his pin, however, it took but one reflexive swipe of Adri's tail. . . to knock down Vivek, and bring about his loss: He was too weak.

Tarik stared with new intensity. This cat saw Vivek. What she was saying. . . it sounded just like him. Was he still alive? At his own game. . . there should be little doubt. He must of survived. . . he must of. As she finished. . . the rat looked deeply saddened. "N-no. . ." he'd mutter, "no. . ."

As the rat became sad, the cat relented. She leaned down and gently drew a single paw finger down his back, stroking him. "He was clever, and competed bravely," she said softly, "and his end was clean, I was gentle. There are worse ways to go." Her voice was still gentle, and her paw finger continued to stroke him as she whispered, "But it's the fate of your kind to feed mine."

She'd tilt her head. "Do you know why I never lie to prey, Tarik?" she asked.

When the paw reached down, Tarik immediately winced and a soft *squeeeeak* could be heard. His head raised slow as the rat experienced conflicting sensations: Comfort from the soft pleasent rubs. . . and terror from the predator's sharp claws. The claws wern't touching him, but they could, any second. . . that's what frightened him. Only the gentle aroma of the cheese in his paws, and the pleasure-enducing strokes, kept him calm enough to listen. His ear twitched. Fate? The purpose of his kind. . . his family. . . was to feed another? It was a terrible thought. But. . . wasn't it truth? The rat swallowed, struggling hard to drown out those thoughts. Tabatha's question gave his mind a brief reprieve. "N-no. . . I. . . do not. . ." he'd reply softly.

The cat continued to stroke the mouse, and spoke in a soft gentle voice. "It's because I'm blessed with strength. . . . . swiftness. . . . and cunning. It would be unfair to resort to lies to catch my prey." The corners of her lips would turn downwards. "If I can't catch my prey without resorting to deceit, then I don't deserve to eat!"

Tarik took a long breath amidst the strokes, struggling to find some serenity: Worse than ever before, things were going dark, very quickly. The thought of this cat devouring Vivek, a rat much wiser than himself. . . had winded his spirit. The grey rat managed to keep himself composed, however, and would take in each new word with great care. His ear would flick three times, in perfect rhythm, with three select spoken words: Strength, swiftness, and cunning. Everything else spoken, suddenly became secondary. Tarik gave a light shakey nod when she finished, and raised his head higher. "Y-you know. . ." he'd whisper in disbelief, "the. . . th-three virtues. . . of. . . . my colony."

The cat would smile at the question. "Know them?" she'd exclaim. "Why I've eaten them!" She'd grin smugly, and lean forward, staring ahead as though thinking. "There was strength." She'd glance down and smile. "I can't tell you his name, because he didn't accept my offer of a head start." She'd peer up again. "He lunged straight for me! A huge fellow, all claws and teeth and bright red eyes! He had a notch in his left ear and his tail was cut short!" The cat's tail twitched, and she smiled, eyes half closed at the memory. She'd extend one paw in front of Tarik, while removing the finger from his back. "He bit me here. . . ." she'd point at the gap between her thumb and index finger, ". .. and he gave me a nasty scratch here. . ." she added, pulling up her shirt sleeve. She'd peer at her arm and give a sad sigh. "You can't really see it, it's pretty much healed." She'd take a breath, and her smile would return, eyelids drooping as she licked her chops. "But he was a lovely fellow!" she'd exclaim. She'd look down at Tarik, and added a bit more sympathetically, "And he met his end as I'm sure he wanted to, fighting!" She'd sight, drawing her arm back. "And I took his strength for my own."

"E-eaten? . . ." Tarik would mutter. He'd first stare with confusion. . . then. . . then he'd look disturbed. She had said she. . . atewisdom, when she ate Vivek. Was she. . . associating a rat . . to each? And. . . not just any rats, but. . . rats of his colony. . . his family. A shiver ran through his spine, from ear to tail, as shespoke of 'strength'. In some ways, the anonymity of not knowing who this was, could be thought of as a blessing for Tarik. Yet, his mind couldn't stop there, it began to process, to force the rat to think of all the family he knew. . . and decide who's fate had been sealed. The shortened tail. . . the bitten ear. . . the red eyes. . . "D-da. . . Dalek. . ." he'd stammer. Dalek was banished a few months prior. Large. . . strong, he was a great value to the colony. He. . . could remember. Dalek was short tempered, and quick to fight above all others. It would be a passing look of condescendence from the leader Marut, that provoked him. No one, to Tarik's memory, had rushed so quickly into a fight of dominance, not with a leader. . . not when losing meant banishment. And as sudden as fight came. . . it latest for hours. Dalek would always fight first, and wouldn't stop till he won. . . or he dropped. Marut, an elder known for his agility, never let him land a blow. As Dalek's energy finally left, Marut rushed in. . . and took advantage of an opening, knocking him downward and ending the fight: He was too slow.

As Tabatha displayed her wounds, the grey rat grimaced. Those wounds were left by Dalek, a rat who was far stronger. . . and the worst he managed were these bites: Bites that the feline took pride in. Tarik went silent. He. . . was panting hard. Vivek and Dalek. . . they both lost their lives to this cat. His world was growing ever darker. . . but. . . there was still. . . still a chance. He wasn't the fastest rat. . . but maybe he could beat her in this coming chase? Tarik took another heavy breath, and nodded slow. "Y-y-yes. . ." he'd say, forcing himself to speak, "f-fighting. . ." The rat wouldn't reply to the cat's words of taking Dalek's strength for her own, but a lowering ear and hunching back. . . would make it evident he had heard.

The cat would reach a paw down, and gently brush the rat's back once again. "It's alright, Tarik. . . . . " she'd say gently. "Dalek's strength. . . is still alive. . . in me. . . . " she'd whisper. "Just as Vivek's cunning. . . . is alive. . . . in me. . ." She'd continue to gently stroke his back. "Just as Hunter's swiftness. . . . is alive. . . . in me. . . ." Tabatha would smile. "The three virtues. . . . reach their full fruition. . . .within the body. . . . of a cat!"

The subtle and familiar touch of the cat's paw, was met with little reaction. Tarik's was too distracted now, and it was the cat who held his focus. Her words, they were hypnotic. A hold he couldn't break. "No. . ." he'd say in whisper as she spoke of Dalek. It was. . . a dishonor to his memory, for the cat to suggest that, but. . . was she right? "N-no. . ." he'd say louder as she said the same of Vivek, struggling with all his being to stay firm. Then. . . Tarik would break. "No. . .!" Hunter was the most recent of outcasts. . . and his closest friend. Tarik wanted so much to believe he was still alive. . . and the reality would come at the worst of times. The grey rat's world began to crumble around him, and a stream of tears trickled forth. "N-nooo. . ." His eyes shut. Hunter was one of the fastest. . . if he beaten. . . then. . . perhaps. . . there truely was no hope? Tarik was much weaker than Dalek, much slower than Hunter. . . and not nearly as wise as Vivek. If all of them had failed. . . what chance did he have? The rat's head draped forward as he continued to weep. Not just for his family, or friend. . . but as a sacred and honored part of his colony was crushed before his eyes. Worse still, and as much as he fought it inside, he'd start to believe her. These three of greater mind and body than himself, all perished from the one before him. Did that make her greater than them all? Was his colony and every other. . . so insignificant, only to be seen as food for the superior? Tarik could barely lift his head now, barely move. His sense of purpose, his pride for his family, and the faith in himself to overcome. . . they been ripped out, stolen from him.

As she stroked the rat's back, the cat would reach another finger to gently brush away his tears with her. "I've eaten strength. . . .", she'd tell him in a voice just above a whisper, "I've eaten swiftness. . . . . . . . .I've eaten wisdom. . . . . . . ..and I've even eaten gluttony. . . . " The cat would smile. "Though that last is not one of the three virtues." The cat would withdraw her paw and sit, palms folded in her lap, leaning forward, staring at Tarik, as though studying. "But I'm not certain if I shall be able to eat hope. . . ." she said softly. Then she'd smile. "I guess we'll find out. . . ."

When Tabatha reached out to his face, the rat winced. Tarik's eyes would shut, an effort to hide from it all. The cat's words though, pierced just as harshly as any claw. He couldn't escape it. He was trapped: Trapped in a state of darkness. He couldn't bring himself to speak yet, but the mention of 'gluttony' prompted a sharp twitch of his ears and a grimace. Just how many of his colony had this one cat eaten. . . and how many were outcasts, all drawn to the same burrow? That thought brought his head even lower, of all the ones who lived nearby, regardless the number. . . none of them survived. So how then. . . could he? In a such a dark place, Tarik could see no light to this. He never felt so powerless, not since. . . last night: That idea would serve as a reminder to Tarik. The night before was just as dark. He couldn't make out the light then, but it was still there, however small. . . and morning followed. Why should he. . . who endured so much, give up now? Maybe there was still light he couldn't see?

At the mention of 'hope', the grey rat's eyes would open and his muzzle would lift. He was still shaken, still trembling, but he'd keep his head raised. Tarik swallowed hard. "Y-yes. . . we will. . ."

Tabatha nodded and smile. "But first, I have tell you about gluttony," she told him, her voice cheerful, as though she were recounting a story. "His name was Rakin. He was the first near here I caught." She'd peer in the direction of the river. "He wasn't as wise as you."

Looking back to the rath, her smile would widen, and she'd exclaim, "He didn't toss his bones in the river. . . . .He buried them outside his burrow!" The cat laughed, her tone suggesting, can you imagine someone being so silly?

"Not a good idea if you're an outcast rat, living all alone. It took me a while to find him, but that effort has been well repaid!"

Tarik would force himself to calm now, to focus, to breathe. The thoughts of lost family would still plague him, weaken him, but he'd keep steady. He'd listen carefully as he could now, to the cat's words and struggle to not let them fester, at least, that was his intent. The mention of Rakin, caused a large gasp that was forcefully hushed. He didn't know much of Rakin, but he did know why Rakin was banished. The other's were forced out for failing a challenge against a colony leader. Rakin was banished. . . for stealing food, from the colony's storage: A terrible crime. Rakin's memory was tainted, that's not to say Tarik didn't feel some symphony to him, but. . . what brought about his gasp was not the loss of Rakin. It had been many seasons since Rakin's banishment. . . and it was possible all others since him. . . met the same fate. . . to the same cat. Tarik tensed, and took another breath. 'It was still undecided', he reminded himself. 'There's still hope'.

Strangely, Tarik felt slight reassurance as Tabatha stated he was wiser. The reason for the compliment however. . . would make his ears flatten: Her laughter at the idea only rubbed his shame deeper. There would be another sigh as he pushed it aside and peered up. "Y-you. . . f-followed the smell. . .?" He'd say softly.

The cat grinned. "It was a little more complicated than that," she'd answer. But once I realized there was a small loan pred with a taste for mice who smelled of rat. . .welll. . ." She'd lean back, arms fold around her knees. "It was only a matter of time."

Tarik would stare back, noding slow. "I. . . see. . ." Inside, the rat would encounter a great shift, a large spark. If he survived, if he lived. . . he could break this chain and save so many others. The idea drove at him and gave him new vigor: He had more reason to hope. The rat's paws gripped a tighter against the slice of cheese.

"So one day. . ." the cat continued, "Rakin was out looking for food when he heard. . ." the cat would stop, sit up straight, raise paws to her throat, and hold still for a moment. *squeak!* *squeak!* Abruptly she'd make a soft sound that sounded somewhat like a mouse. Then she'd burst out laughing. "Oh I wish you could have seen his face!" she exclaimed, "When he rain without looking through the brush expecting to find a mouse to catch, and when he found me instead!" Oh, how the cat laughed!

The sudden mouse imitation made Tarik's blink and head tilt. A cat. . . squeaking? It was unexpected enough to pause his internal conflicts. The laughter brought him back, however, and he'd soon realize just why she was laughing. She tricked him. . . and devoured him. Tarik wouldn't cry for Rakin like Hunter, or feel any great respect to him like Vivek and Dalek. Still, it wasn't something Tarik found especially funny, and he'd struggle at how to react without risking offense: he'd opt for a small nod of the head.

"Oh!" Eventually the cat's laughter would calm, and she'd lean forward, shaking her head. "It wasn't that good a mouse call," she'd say. "i was surprised it worked at well as it did. But you know Tarik. . . . ." Suddenly the cat was leaning forward, staring intently at the rat. She spoke slowly and softly, making short phrases between long pauses. "when you're hungry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...when you're. . greedy!. . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . .sometimes you rush ahead without thinking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .sometimes you do things you later. . .regret. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wouldn't you agree. . . Tarik?"

As she moved closer, the rat's neck came down and his head drooped: Still, the gaze would hold his eyes. He'd suddenly feel. . . bare, like she could see right through him. And as she whispered out to him, the words carried a chill to his very soul. Her message. . . at first he felt no meaning in it. . . then. . . it struck him, and his eyes went wide. The day before, how he ran for the mouse which seemed so plump and enticing. . . a feast: He was too blinded to see the staff she held. . . and was promptly struck. 'Greed', it was the very reason for this terror the day before. "Y-yes. . ." he'd mutter out softly. His reflection on that day would halt as a new question prodded at his mind. Did she know what had happened? Could she. . . read his thoughts?

The feline sat stock still, staring at the rat, as though scrutinizing every twitch and subtle movement of the rodent. She'd be silent a long moment, and when she spoke, it would be just above a whisper. "I'm going to ask you some questions. . . . . You actually have a small chance of surviving this encounter. . . . But if you lie to me. . that chance will disappear." Her eyes would narrow slightly. "Do you understand?"

Tarik stared back to the cat, a tiring look on his face. Yet, even as he wrestled with thoughts of worry and doubt. . . even after all this time and emotion, he still held out, if only just. As she spoke, his muzzle raised. . . and an ear flicked. 'A chance of surviving' Just as before, there was opportunity, he couldn't see: He'd breathe a bit more deeply at its confirmation. The rat would nod quickly at her offer and its requirement. "Y-y-yes. . . I u-understand." He wouldn't know what to expect, but now that light had shown itself. . . he knew he had to take hold of it somehow. He had to save the others. The hope he held. . . was their hope.

The cat would be silent for another short moment; and then she'd ask the question she'd had from the moment she'd surprised him, and he'd turned to face her. "How did you get that bump on your head?"

Her question would answer one of Tarik's own. He knew at the least, she couldn't read his thoughts. The rat would sigh some, both in letting out some stored anxiety. As he began to speak, he'd felt himself both slightly embarrassed (even given the situation) and. . . concerned. This cat knew Lichthia. Would she be angered? He'd tense, and part his mouth. "I. . . t-tried to hunt a mouse. She. . . h-had a stick. . . and hit me."

The cat would give an amused smile, but wouldn't actually laugh."I see." She'd think a moment. "But you were. . .able to overcome her after that? Make a nice meal out of her?"

He'd sigh softly at the smile, and his head lowered a fraction. The new question would be met with a shake of his head. "N-no. . . I. . . did not. . ." he'd respond, the slightest hint of shame his voice. "I. . . w-was. . . k-knocked out. . . unconscious. . . " Tarik paused and peered down. "She. . . tied me." "I see." The cat would nod judiciously, her face serious. "So. . . . " Her lips would be parted as though she were about to ask a question. She'd freeze in that position, and then begin to laugh. "I'm sorry!" she'd say, laughing and shaking her head. "It's just. . .. " Her laughter would intensify, before she finally calmed down.

Tarik would look up as Tabatha prepared to speak the next question. There was a sense of relief in him, that his pride as a rat and a male. . . wasn't brought down any lower than it had been already. Well, that was of course until the feline burst into laughter. The grey rat sighed and looked down once more. He'd wait for her to regain composure before lifting his muzzle to nod.

*ahem!* The laugh seemed to put Tabatha in a better mood. At least when she spoke next, it was in a more casual, friendlier, even sympathetic tone. "Well it's understandable," she'd say. "I imagine she tricked you?" She'd tilt her head. "She probably set herself as a target, pretending she didn't notice you so she could take advantage of you?" She'd give a nod, as though sympathizing with Tarik about how crafty mice could be.

At the least, the change in tone would make it easier for Tarik to focus. Even still, the rat would blink slightly at the question. . . unsure of how to respond. He'd nod, but only half way. "Y-yes. . . n-no. . ." He'd say, then shake his head. "She. . . k-knew. . . I was near. . . and. . ." The rat frowned, "w-warned me. . ."

At first the cat's face would tense subtly at the rat's answer, but as he continued, it would relax, and she'd watch with interest. "Warned you?" she'd ask.

The rat nodded, reluctantly, as he recounted the instance. "Y-yes. . ." he'd answer in whisper, "s-she. . . said. . . I would be happier. . . if. . . I found. . . e-easier. . . prey." Tarik sighed, "I. . . k-kept following. . ."

Abruptly the cat would stare straight head. No longer looking at the rat, it was as though something else were on her mind. "Good for her. . ." she'd say softly. After a pause, she'd add, "I'm glad to hear she hasn't been abusing. . ." Abruptly her eyes would flash down to look at the rat, as though she just remembered he could hear. She'd pause a moment, and finish, ". . .her talents."

Tarik looked up, with slight confusion, as the cat suddenly seemed distant. He wouldn't put much effort in discerning the meaning of her words. Instead his mind welcomed freedom, temporary as it was. When that terrible gaze lifted away, his body went limp. It was as if he had been held underwater, and was suddenly allowed a few breaths of fresh air. When Tabatha lowered her eyes once more, he cringed, the feeling of entrapment suddenly rushing back to him, as he gave a meek nod.

The cat would sigh, satisfied. "Alright, so you tried to take her, she knocked you out and tied you up." She paused, then smiled. "I actually know this mouse," she'd continue. "She's quite gentle hearted." She'd tilt her head, "So I suppose after making sure you couldn't hurt her, she bandaged you up, and let you go?" The cat's face would be place, but inside she was thinking, 'Please say yes!' Oh, she was hungry! And this adorable rat looked sooo scrumptious! 'Please say yes!'

As she continued to speak, the rat blinked, as if a little surprised Tabatha knew he was refering to Lichthia all this time. Though, he reasoned, there was likely few mice who went around carrying sticks. . . he hoped. The new question was met with flattening ears. "S-she b-bandaged me. . . but. . . s-she. . . did not. . . l-let me go."

The cat felt a surge of hope, but then her heart sunk. Her face wouldn't show it though. "Oh?" she'd reply, feigning indifferent surprise. "I see. . . .What did she do with you then?"

The forced memory in Tarik prompted a minor cringe. "S-she. . . t-took me. . . t-to a. . . " he'd pause and raise his head, "snake nest."

"My goodness!" the cat would exclaim. "A snake's nest? What did she do then?" she'd ask. "Just leave you for the snake to find you when he came back home?"

Tarik blinked some, and nodded quickly. He knew already, that this cat was a hunting partner of his snake, but would say nothing further to suggest that. "Y-yes. . ." he'd reply, "but. . . she s-stayed with me. . . s-spoke with me. . . d-dried me. . . f-fed me. . . "

The cat would raise an eyebrow. "She stayed?" she asked. "Wasn't she afraid of what would happen to her. . .when the snake came home?"

"N-no. . ." the rat would reply without hesitation. "S-she. . . was not afraid. . ." He'd pause, "She. . . was. . . h-happy. . . when he came."

"Happy?" The cat would raise an eyebrow and nod. "Interesting. . . " She'd ponder this bit of information a moment. "So, you attacked the mouse, she tied you up and took you to his lair, and she was happy to see him when he came home." The cat smiled and tilted her head. "Was he hungry?"

The rat looked up, nodding to the words. At the question, he swallow hard, looking a little bothered. There would be a short pause before Tarik replied, "Y-yes. . . he was. . ."

The cat's eyes narrowed at the answer; that was not what she wanted to here. She'd stare at the rat for a moment in thought. When she spoke again, she her voice was no longer light, she was no longer feigning ignorance. "So. . .." she'd say softly, ". . . you tried to eat Jaabir's mouse. . . . ." She'd pause a moment to let that sink in. ". .. .who he adores more than his own life." The cat would stare at the rat. "She knocked you out. . . . . tied you up. . .. . and delivered you to his lair." There was still a little hope she'd get to dine on this lovely creature, but that hope was swiftly dwindling. The next answer would probably decide it. "How is it you're still alive?"

Tarik would suddenly wince as the cat spoke Jaabir's name: He simply wasn't expecting it. And both that name. . . and the reminder of the snake's concern for that mouse, brought about all the worry and terror he experienced the night before. Even apart from that, the name seemed to hold other meaning. . . other significance. . . as if it stirred something in him, something he couldn't place. He'd put that thought aside, as he took a breath and answered the cat's question. "H-he. . . s-spared me. . . b-because he t-thought. . . I could be useful. . . " He'd look down, "I'm. . . d-doing him. . . a s-service."

"Service?" The cat would raise an eyebrow. "What sort of service?"

The grey rat would nod, his muzzle raising. "I'm to. . . r-return to my colony. . . and w-warn them. . . of t-the mouse. . . w-with a staff. . ." He'd take a breath, "T-that's why. . . he let me. . . l-live."

The cat's eyes would narrow, and when she spoke, for the first time, there'd be a dark hint of a threat. "Return to your colony?" she'd ask darkly. "You're an outcast!" Her eyes would narrow. "if you're lying to me, Tarik, you will regret it."

As the eye's focused in, Tarik would tremble. Her words too. . . they cut inward, reminding him of the despair he had felt: The thought of never returning. An outcast. "I. . . I. . ." He'd close his eyes and take careful breaths, recalling their plan. . . how. . . there was great hope in his return. "I a-am b-being. . . h-honest." He'd swallow, "T-the mouse. . . w-will help me. . . g-gather enough f-food to offer them. . . s-so they w-will. . . accept me once more."

Tabatha would nod, still looking intently at the rat. "And then you'd return and warn them of what?. . . .. and why?"

The rat continued to shiver, the stare unnerving him greatly. "I. . . I'd. . . w-warn them. . . t-that the m-mouse. . . w-was w-with a s-snake. . . t-that. . . h-he'd. . . k-kill them. . . if. . . t-they. . . h-hunted her. . ." Tarik panted hard, "H-he. . . J-Jaabir. . . t-thinks. . . it c-could make h-her. . . s-s-safer. . ."

The cat would stare a moment longer, and then her expression would soften and she'd nod. "Very clever," she'd say softly. "So this was Jaabir's idea?" she'd ask.

As the cat's expression turned soft, Tarik would exhale deeply. It would take a few seconds for him to recover and gather his voice was more as she posed her question. He'd sluggishly shake his head, "n-no. . ." The rat continued to pant. "T-the m-mouse's. J-Jaabir. . . c-onsidered. . . and. . . c-chose to. . ." There would be another pause as he caught his breath. "If. . . I s-survived the n-night. . . in his c-coils. . . so. . . the mouse. . . could sleep. . . in his nest"

The cat would nod, looking downwards thoughtfully. "I suppose that makes sense. . . " she'd say softly. "I doubt Jaabir could have come up with such an idea on his own." She'd glance down at the rat. "And I'm certain you couldn't."

The cat would straighten and sigh, rubbing her head as though it pained her. "Which means," she'd say with a frown, "unfortunately. .. " she'd glance down at the rat, "I believe you're telling the truth."

Tarik would lower his head and frown as the cat seemed to of insulted his intelligence. He'd only sigh, and nod softly, not dare thinking to challenge her words. At her own frown, the rat wouldn't be sure if it was a good sign, or a bad one. As she continued, he'd lean, and hope, for the former. His head lifted slowly. "T-then. . . w-will I. . . be s-spared?"

At the question, the cat would lean back and sigh. "Personally, I think Jaabir's being foolish," she'd say softly. "I think he ought to have eaten you. . . and then when he was hungry again, he could have protected his mouse from any other harm by eating her himself." The cat would shake her head. "But what I think doesn't matter." She'd glance down at the rat. "Jaabir caught you fairly. . ." she said softly, then blinked and looked uncertain. "Well. . ..his mouse caught you fairly." She'd shake her head, dismissing the thoughts. "Anyway, the point is, you're his prey, rightfully caught, and it's his prerogative to do with you whatever he likes," she'd finish. "And I don't hunt other preds' preys."

The cat's opinion on the mater would cause Tarik to wince and flatten his ears: He liked Jaabir's opinion better. He'd bring himself to listen close, nodding and enduring the humiliating reminder that a mouse caught him. The reminder of being the python's prey, however, brought a twitch. He understood it. . . recognized that at least a part of him now belonged to Jaabir. It wouldn't be until the feline concluded, that Tarik realized what a blessing that was. The rat suddenly began to relax, he felt as though he could drop there. He wouldn't, however, and managed to stay sitting. "I. . . u-understand." Tarik replied, as he felt the sun peek and shine. "Th-thank you. . . Tabatha."

As the rat spoke, the cat would shake her head. "Don't thank me," she'd say softly. She'd look at the rat, a slightly sad expression in her eyes. "I'm hardly doing you a favor." She'd reach out a paw and gently scritch the back of his head. "In two days, you've already had to endure more stress than any rat ever ought to. . ." She'd sigh. "And now you're going to have to endure more." She'd look at the rat with a soft expression in her eyes. "Are you sure you don't want me to take you, Tarik?" she'd ask. "I'd be gentle."

Tarik, completely winded, would only continue to take long slow breaths. His tired eyes would raise as she spoke and close as she reached. After the initial hesitation, he'd only regard the strach as a comfort, and his eyes opened, peering back to her. At her question, he'd open his mouth. . . and hesitate. He wasn't sure how, or why, he had to spare even a second to it. His mind flashed of glimpse of returning home, of the lives he could save, of living a better life. Soon he'd open his mouth once more, as he spoke softly with a nod, "I'm. . . I'm sure Tabatha."

The cat would view the rat sadly, scritching his back. "Such a pity. . ." she'd say softly.

She'd take a breath and straighten. "Alright, there are a few things I want to make clear," she'd say in a more business like tone. "The first thing, is I don't want you running away from your burrow," she'd say softly. "There's no reason for it. I'm not hunting you. And I'll not have you getting yourself predded running away from a nonexistent threat looking for some place else to live." She'd eye the rat. "If Lichthia or Jaabir find you some place safe, or if you case you find your way home that's fine, but until then, you'll stay here where it's reasonably safe." She'd eye the rat. "Understood?"

Tarik would swallow, and nod slow as she spoke again. In his mind he was, naturally, already trying to think to search for a new home. It was practically instinct based, you didn't want to sleep where a predator knew you slept. So at her suggestion, he'd very slightly tilt as head, as if thr prospect was alien. As she explained, and he thought of it was reason, the rat would nod. "Y-yes. . . I u-understand. . . I'll s-stay."

The cat would nod her head curtly. "Good!" She'd look seriously at the rat. "Alright, number two," she'd continue. "It may be that I'll wish to speak with you in the future," she'd say. "So I don't want you running away or avoiding me if you see me. At least not until your back home and with your colony." She'd lower her eyes. "If I call for you and you hear me, I expect you to come." She'd let that sink in. "Understood?"

The second request would also conflict with Tarik's instincts. Though that instinct was far more obvious. This was a dangerous cat and his mind didnt want to be near it. Just as he was now, however, that instinct had to be suppressed and overcome. He'd take a large breath. "I. . . u-understand. . . I'll c-come."

The cat would nod her head curtly. "Good!" She'd look at the rat a moment, and she'd sigh, shaking her head. "The next part really ought to go without saying," she'd say reluctantly, then sigh again. "But I suppose I really should, just to be certain it's clear." She'd straight, and look at the rat seriously. "if I should ever discover that you had let Jaabir down, I will find you. . ." She'd peer at the rat to emphasize the point. ". ... where ever you are." She'd let that sink in and ask, "Understood?"

Tarik swallowed hard as the cat's gaze locked. He'd tense and shiver at the threat, staring back with a sense of dread. The rat would nod slow, and carefully. "Y-y-yes. . . I. . . u-understand. . . a-and I. . . w-won't." He's continue to stare back, and his would show new worry. "W-what I-if I f-fail. . . w-when I've t-tried. . ." his words would trial.

The cat would smile. "Well that's really up to Jaabir," she'd say softly. "You're his prey." She'd frown a bit thinking. "I suppose that means it's really up to Lichthia. . .." She'd toss her head, shaking away the unpleasant thought. She'd give an unusual pronunciation to the name, enunciating the individual syllables more clearly than the mouse typically did.

Tabatha's answer would bring a calm to the rat's fears. He'd begin nodding, slowly, as she mentioned it being Jaabir's choice. Her confirmation of Lichthia holding just as much a part in that decision, was met with another nod, though he did blink as her name was spoken.

The cat would lean forward, narrowing her eyes and pursing her lips. "Just to clarify. . . ." she'd say softly, and look down at the rat. "If you were try and fail, and Jaabir were to assure me he felt you made an honest effort, I wouldn't hunt you down. . but. . . ." Her voice would soften. "You would be released from his service. . .and so you'd be fair game. . just like any other rat."

She'd ponder the point a moment. "In fact. . ." she'd continue, if you try and succeed, you'll be released from his service, and the same will apply." She'd look at the rat. "I wouldn't make any special effort to single you out." She'd smile. "But my protection is temporary, either way."

Tarik lowered his muzzle faintly as he gave a small nod. He wasn't surprised, but he would have certainly prefered that he not be hunted by her ever again, so long as he. . . tried. It would have been prefered, but unlikely. As the cat continued, he'd sigh and nod again. "I. . . u-understand t-that T-tabatha. . . and th-thank you for w-warning me. . ." Internally he'd begin to wonder if the same would be true for the snake, and it made little sense to think otherwise. . . he was useful to the snake now. . . and after his service, he wouldn't be. Jaabir would likely eat him if he were captures after, Tarik reasoned.

The cat would smile, lean down, and rub the rat's ears. "You really are a lovely fellow," she'd say affectionately, her tail flicking, just a touch of regret in her eyes.

She'd sigh, then straighten. "Well. .. " she'd say, "I suppose I'd better go find something to eat." She'd deftly put her hands on the ground her, and push herself part way up. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Tarik," she'd say. "Don't worry, I'll understand if you don't feel the same." She'd smile impishly. "Do give my regards to Jaabir when you see him, won't you?"

When the paw reached this time, the rat wouldn't wince, and gently lowered his head forward as his ears were stroked. Tarik began to lift his head and strain his neck from his sitting position, as the feline rose to her feet. He'd nod again to her words, thinking of it as the only gesture appropriate. "Y-yes Tabatha. . . I w-will. " He'd pause another moment as he stood, wearily, to his own legs, "G-goodbye."

The feline smiled, turned and took her leave, strong as she pushed herself up and lept through the air, swift as she sprinted on all fours up a hill, cunning as she crouched and run using the cover of a line of shrubs. She was disappointed she wouldn't get to eat hope, but there was little question, the cat would go to bed with a full belly that night.

As the grey tabby vanished in the distance, which wouldn't take long for his eyes, Tarik stood still. . . unable to move. Finally, he'd bring himself to turn in place and look up. The sun was shining brightly now, and. . . the rainbow was still there, having always been behind him. "Yes. . . it is beautiful. . ." he'd say say in a whisper, with pride in his voice. The rat wanted to keep staring, but was tired: Instead he'd trudge off to the burrow, more light would come tomorrow.