Skales x Pythor: My Loyal Number Two

Chapter 2: Unfortunate gathering

And I'm back with another chapter. So happy to see that people enjoyed the first one so much. I hope you enjoy this one just as much.

"Well, isn't thisss just charming," Skales muttered sarcastically as he slithered out of a hallway into an expansive, underground tram station. By the layer of dust and muck covering the walls and ground, he rightfully guessed that the place had been abandoned for a long time. He had to applaud Pythor for managing to find the most deserted place in the middle of a giant city filled with humans. Still, he wouldn't have minded if it were just a tad bit cleaner. He had noticed that his new tail had the unfortunate habit of collecting dirt, so he didn't dare to imagine what would get stuck under him in such a place. But it wouldn't be a good look for a Serpentine General to complain about something as benign as cleanliness, so he kept it to himself.

The station itself was currently filled with a few abandoned trams and a lot of Serpentine, from all the different tribes. With the exception being the ever-powerful Anacondrai. He had suspected that Pythor might have been joking or at least exaggerating their demise, but it seemed he spoke the truth. The Anacondriai were no more. Expect of course Pythor himself. Something that probably had lent a hand in helping him convince the tribes to gather.

He continued out of the tunnel which had to lead them to the station, with the rest of his tribe following lazily behind him. He had tried his best to convince them of the importance to meet up with the other tribes, but it hadn't done much to change their stance toward the subject. And as Skales looked around the Serpentine, he could see that the feeling was mutual. Small time bickering and arguing filled the room, though he couldn't help but worry that it would escalate into something much more extreme, if not taken care of as soon as possible.

It was only once he reached the center of the gathering, that he noticed the hostile stares from the other Serpentine tribes. Even his friendship with Fangtom did little to keep the Fangpyres from looking at them like enemies.

But Skales wasn't that easily intimidated and kept his head held high, intentionally ignoring the myriad of eyes staring at him. He looked around for a bit, as he was unable to see the rest of the Generals. It was only after a moment, that he noticed a black tail sticking out from behind the broken down tram wagons.

"Ssstay here, and try to mingle with rest. I have busssinesss to attend to." Skales said to the other Hypnobrai, before slithering away.

"And under no circumssstance, ssstart a fight." Skales commanded, looking back to receive a few affirming nods, though they looked less than pleased.

As long as the other Generals keep their tribes in check, there shouldn't be a problem. Hopefully.

Skales thought to himself, as he continued on his way, passing through the crowd of Serpentine, who reluctantly moved to the side to make way for him. No matter which tribe he came from, he was still a General. And at that moment he couldn't help but relish that fact, in an almost crude way, enjoying the sense of status and authority he carried. A sly, proud smile spread across his face as he went on his way.

It didn't take long before he escaped the crowd, and made his way to the other Generals. Just as he had thought, once went behind the tram wagons, he recognized the familiar faces of the other Serpentine Generals standing together in a circle. There was Skalidor, Acidicus, and of course, Fangtom, who he had convinced to join the gathering with the rest of his tribe. Skales had been surprised by Fangtom's willingness to come, though he had always been the more daring one between them.

"SKALES!!!" Both of Fangtom's heads called out in excitement, seemingly haven missed some friendly company.

"Fangtom!" Skales shouted back, as he slithered towards the group, with the other two Generals looking at each other, confused.