Numbered and Factions

Chapter 9

 Spark holds his head as he sits there, his eye glows ominously as spirits dance around him. I can't really do much for him without both of us getting hurt with him like this. Anbu comes over and sits in front of him. They stare a bit and hold Spark's head in their hands, they make a clicking noise. I'll never understand them and how they communicate fully. Spark smiles slightly, the light around him fades a bit as he focuses on it.

"You did well Spark."

"Thanks... I think I overdid it at the end though."

"Yes, you did"

Spark's ears twitch as Anbu sits back. Those two have such an odd relationship.

***

Lavender sits in the infirmary alone for once. She reorganizes her cabinets and makes a list of things she'll need more of. The day is quiet with the large group of people not being around. Usually someone is in there with something broken or a gash somewhere. Not today it seems.

An odd breeze blows through the space, Lavender tenses up and holds a scalpel. The breeze kicks up and blows a few papers around as the infirmary door locks. A woman the same height as her stands there, feathered wings, a dachshund's face, a nicely set outfit, and a long tail.

"Lavender, long time no see" The dachshund smiles, Lavender doesnt turn as her own wings spread defensively.

"I'm not letting you kill me. I'm not returning to WolfSong"

"The others wouldn't even let you in the door. You'd be scattered everywhere."

"Why are you even here"

"A fair warning. Amber and Terran are set to come here soon for you."

"Why tell me anything? Don't you want me dead as well?"

"Unlike the others I'm against the murder of people who leave. Fang has done nothing but ruin this faction. I'm forced by his right hand."

"If you know what's best for your safety you'll leave this faction's territory."

"Oh Lav, I know that your strongest fighters aren't here. I may be against it but if you tell them I was here.. I'll scatter your body and blood to the winds young one." the tint of the breeze turns cold and dry, Lavender holds her posture and the scalpel tighter. The winds whip up with the woman's laughter.

"Watch your back, Lavy."

The woman disappears as she appears. Lavender falls to her knees and clutches the scalpel close.

***

We left that night, the way home was uneventful.

I sat in the cafeteria, Spark had gone to bed early. I don't blame him. Lavender and Rabi are there, Lav seems on edge and more clingy than normal. She has her hands clasped tightly together on the table, her ears lay pinned to her head, her tail curls next to her. Rabi sits there smiling.

"Something wrong Lav?" I ask, putting my hand on her shoulder. Lav startles and grabs my wrist tightly, she's stronger than she looks.

"Ah..uh..um.. It's nothing."

"You sure aren't acting normal Lavy '' Rabi bursts in, her face changes to concern.

"I'm sure.. It's nothing" Lav fake smiles, her body language is the same.

"Lavender. There's something wrong isn't there."

She whines and stands, her body shakes. I stand and hold her close, she shakes and shudders.

"I-its nothing come on now" she shudders.

"Lavender Winglad. Tell me why you're shaking" I assert my position, she tries pulling away but I hold her still. She's quiet for a minute and stares at me with a fear in her eyes.

"They're coming for me again." she buries her head into my shoulder, her wings curl close to her body.

"Who's coming after you again."

"T-Terran and A-Amber... D-Darcy showed up in the infirmary and s-she told me th-they were coming soon."

"You want to stay with me for a while? I'll keep you safe."

"I-I don't want you hurt Pixy.. If they get a hold of me.. Who's going to take care of you"

"And if someone doesn't try to stop them first, who's going to keep you from getting hurt?"

Lavender grips my hoodie tightly, her nails turn to little claws as they pull a couple strings loose. She still shakes but it's less than it was.

"I-I'd like to stay with you for a while.."

I hold her close, she relaxes slightly in my arms. Rabi stands and walks off silently. I pick Lavender up and take her to my dorm.