by Arcaii » Wed Sep 23, 2015 9:27 am
Choices:
1: Does it matter?
2: Does it matter?
3: Is there a problem?
4: Does it matter?
5: Is there a problem?
6: Does it matter?
7: His name is Scat
8: Is there a problem?
Roll says... 8: Is there a problem?
"Yes," you say, lifting up your head and regarding her coolly. "Is there a problem?"
Charlie shakes her head, which you recognize is not an answer, but a sign of disbelief. "You are one little oddball. The whole town is talking about it. One of the Collars tattled on you. What'd you say to them?"
"Just that he was coming with me." Your tail floats above you. "They gave him up immediately."
Charlie laughs. "Alright then. Where's your rescue?"
You start to bristle, but she lift a paw peacefully. "This is just for posterity. I ain't gunna do anything to it."
"Him," you say pointedly, and motion with your tail again.
Scat inches out into the open, shaking like a leaf. It's only with a small, encouraging nod from you that he picks up the pace. He clings to your side. The contrast between him and Charlie is hilarious - she's as big as he is small.
She lowered her massive head to his level, her one eye glinting with amusement. "Hi, scrawny."
He doesn't respond, only leans closer to you.
"You realize your status with the rest of us, yeah?" Charlie says.
Scat nods.
"You know the rules?"
Scat nods again.
"Alright." She raises her head again and looks at you. "He's got it, but you oughta know."
"Know what?" you say, warily.
Thimble trots over, head tilted.
Charlie sits down, looking at all three of you. "Remember when we escaped the vet's office together? When that happened, even though I hadn't said a thing about it, by the rules of Derby, I automatically placed a claim on you. That meant I took responsibility for all your actions as an outsider. You already had some points against you for your lack of blood here, but you've been behaving perfectly, so when I beat Alfred, I didn't have to keep you as my property. You're theoretically a free cat now, but you have my protection until you break a rule."
"Have I broken one?" you ask, ears back in worry.
"No." She grins lazily. "But you certainly pissed a few cats off. Little bits over here is considered free hunting game. It...he has been a thorn in way too many sides for him to turn back now. But you saved him, and claimed him as your property, while you're under my protection. Obviously, this is a bit of a problem. How do we get at him when he's yours, and you're practically invincible?"
"I don't think you can," Thimble says.
"Right." Charlie nods. "He's got a lot to pay for, but we can't make him pay us while he's with you. So..."
She look at you now, waiting.
He's...gotta pay me?
I have to pay?
So what?
Say nothing.