A Healthy Rivalry: The Lion vs The Warrior

XXXIII

Rebel Love Song

Mikhel lead everyone through a rip into Continental HQ, after making a quick pit stop to get Josiah. They came through the Grand Council Chambers, where Bullshark and Monkey were sitting with the Snake's stand-in.

The stand-in stood, golden eyes fully ablaze behind glasses. "It's about time you showed up! We have yet to discuss the matter of Greenland and-!" She stopped talking when her eyes began to glow, and a visible scan covered the new parties, one after the other.

She rubbed her eyes and groaned. "I apologize, it's an Unconscious Activation. Happens when I meet new people." Jolie moved close to her, her own pink eyes glowing bright. The stand-in jumped when their eyes met.

Jolie grinned and tapped a pin on the stand-ins chest, that every party hadn't noticed. "I've never met someone who only uses They/Them pronouns. It's nice to meet you. Your heart is very passionate, but also quiet. Have you ever met my friend Hayton? I think you'd like her heart."

AK and Karter shared a discreet look, but continued to watch.

The stand-in brought their eyes to Hayton, and sucked in a breath. "You have gorgeous eyes..."

Hayton smiled warmly. "Thanks Goldy, you do too."

Jolie grinned and got in their face. "So? What's your name, stranger?"

They answered in a whisper so small that only the Continentals, Jolie, and AK heard, "I guess it's Goldy..." Their eyes moved to Karter, now speaking with the same gusto as before. "N-No names are allowed! We can continue this later. Good day." They made haste to leave the room, with Hayton's eyes glued to their back.

Until Karter stopped them. "Hey, Goldy, wait! Quick question!"

They stopped, only mere centimeters from the door, but turned reluctantly. "Yes, Mr. Lion?"

Karter grabbed AK's adorned wrist, and brought it to his chest. "Do you think our Indicators are tacky?"

The moment their eyes fell to Karter's neck, they also looked at the wrist markings. AK and Karter both swear they saw Goldy's eyes momentarily overtaken by red, but the Stand-In turned around before the pair could confirm. "No, I think they're beautiful. I'm just more a fan of gold."

This made AK and Karter share a look once more. AK broke it and turned to smirk at Hayton. "You're staring, might wanna wipe that drool off your chin."

Jolie physically stopped Hayton from touching her chin. "There's no drool on her chin, you leave my sister alone."

Beau smirked. "Yea AK, respect your elders."

The banter was cut short by the sound of banging on glass, followed by muffled yelling and bubbles. Everyone turned to look at Monkey and Bullshark, only to find a battle of green eyes. Dior was in Monkey's face, with Josiah behind her. "He's just cursed with curiosity. You ever put your hands on him again, and I will break your face."

Monkey seethed, his deep voice booming from his female Host's body in rage. "I took his hands off MY chair! Do I look like I want to willingly smell like you potent Europeans?!"

Dior's hand gripped the marble meeting table, and slightly cracked it. "He was born in South America. He's always wanted to meet the Continental he considers his own, but I'll be damned if anyone insults MY Boy! Continental or not!"

Monkey looked to Josiah in shock, and admittedly, guilt. Josiah spoke before Monkey could though, "Madame, it's okay. It's my fault." He wrapped his arms around her slowly, and brought her close to his chest. "Let's just go explore, yea? I won't touch anything else, I know you already warned me."