My Brother's Keeper (A Felaryan Fanfiction)

A Touching Reunion

Katrika took Patrick to the great tree. Anna was absorbed in her project, gears and metal parts strewn around. Crisis wasn't there.

"Hi Anna, what are you working on?" Katrika asked cheerfully.

"None of your business, go away, squirt!" Anna snapped without looking up.

"Come on, I have a special surprise for you! Give me a kiss, and you'll find out!" Katrika teased, winking.

"Whatever it is, I'm not interested! Go away!" Anna growled. Katrika pouted dramatically.

"Katrika, please, let me see her. Enough with the games!" Patrick's voice cut through the tension. Anna's head shot up, her eyes widening.

"Wait! Who's that human? Let me see him!" Anna demanded.

Katrika smirked. "Sure, but what are you supposed to say to me? This human was being chased for deserting his post. He's here thanks to me!"

Anna rolled her eyes. "Alright, thank you for rescuing him and not eating him. I am very grateful." Katrika beamed at the reluctant thanks.

Katrika slithered to Anna and handed over Patrick. Anna's face lit up in recognition. "Patrick?" For the first time in years, her face broke into a huge grin. She hugged him tightly, almost crushing him in the process. "I thought I'd never see you again!" She kissed him joyfully.

Katrika huffed, feeling jealous. "Aww, how come you never kiss me like that?"

Anna rolled her eyes again. "Katrika, thank you for bringing Patrick to me. Now, please go away. He and I have a lot of catching up to do." Katrika nodded and slithered off, looking dejected.

Patrick turned to Anna, feeling bad for Katrika. "Don't you think you were a bit cold to her?"

Anna sighed, her demeanor softening. "She'll get over it. Forget her. How are you here? How's my brother? What's happening with the Delurans? How have you been? Do you have a girlfriend?" Her questions tumbled out, transforming her usual grouchy demeanor.

"Whoa! Slow down! One question at a time! Actually, I have questions too, you know." Patrick laughed, feeling overwhelmed.

Anna giggled, a sound so unfamiliar it made Patrick smile. "Sorry, I got a little carried away. How about you ask a question first? Then I'll ask one. Deal?"

Patrick nodded. "Well, for starters, you've grown a lot since we last met."

Anna laughed, a light, almost musical sound. "That's putting it mildly!"

"How did you get so big?" Patrick asked.

Anna's laughter faded. "I knew that would be your first question. The truth is, I don't know. Crisis ambushed me in the jungle and swallowed me whole. I was digested in her stomach. I thought I was done for, but I woke up the next day like this. I have no idea how it happened. I never thought I'd see you or Ivan again. Seeing you now... it's a miracle."

"I feel the same way. When Ivan and I heard that you were eaten, we were devastated. You have no idea how happy I am to see you alive!" Patrick said.

"Now, it's my turn. What are you doing here? How did you get here?" Anna asked him.

"The Deluran government refused to extract the scouts they sent here unless they bring in a substantial amount of minerals to pay for their operation in sending them here. They have fought in a war and are currently conquering another world right now! They need money to fund the military. The scouts here asked for help to accomplish this task, so they began recruiting back on Delurah. When I heard you might still be alive, I volunteered to come and find you. I deserted my post. I was found by Katrika, and I told her my story. I'm glad she knew you and agreed to help me." Patrick said.