Ashkin

Linger

I hurried around my small hut, gathering supplies for our trip. "What to bring for a camping trip to Hell?" I shot a glance at Ren, who sat in the corner napping. I snorted, annoyed, and picked up a slender tree branch which I then proceeded to throw at the sleeping tiger.

He woke with a start as the stick bounced off his flank and he jumped to all fours, hackles raised and ears flattened. He relaxed and snarled at me, sitting back down nonchalantly, as if nothing happened.

I couldn't help but burst into laughter despite the tense situation. "I thought you were going to help me pack. Alex and Peter are probably ready to go already, and here I am with an empty bag."

Ren scratched his ears. "I really don't care what you bring. What would you need anyways?" He mused. "Luckily, I am a cat and I need no such objects to help me along in outdoor life."

Ignoring him, I threw some extra clothes in my bag and walked out the door to where Alex and Peter were already waiting.

"What took you so long?" Alex called from the roof of my house. I looked up and saw her reclined on the rough wooden shingles and had to smile. She jumped off and landed gracefully next to me. She, of course, didn't pack anything. Her bloodstained and torn tunic was her everyday wear, and although I offered her better quality clothes, she always turned it down. She said she liked the "memories" in her old garment. Typical Alex; sentimental about her kills. She rustled her hair and shouted, "Let's get this show on the road. Hey kitty! Get out here!"

Ren padded out of the hut and glared at Alex. The two didn't always see eye to eye. "Adira, please keep your peasants in line. That particular one is getting slightly tiring." He turned and walked on ahead and we all followed, leaving the village behind and treking into the thick woods.

Alex and Ren went on ahead, arguing as usual, and Peter fell into step with me. We walked in silence awkwardly for a moment before he spoke. "So, where exactly are we going?"

I avoided his eyes as I answered. "I don't exactly know. Ren has a general idea, but we're basically winging it."

He scratched his head and glanced behind us nervously. "Cool. Nothing like a great wild goose chase."

"Hopefully it'll all be worth it." I hesitated. "Hey, thanks for coming along to help too." I summoned rocks to me and flung them at trees, trying to ease my embarassment.

"You know I'll always be here for you."

Damn. I was always either a bitch or incredibly awkward in situations like these. Not knowing what to say, I smiled and changed the subject. "Race you!" I took off through the trees, passing Ren and Alex and making my way down the valley. I could hear Peter crashing through the brush behind me, laughing as he tried to catch up. I sped up and launched myself up a tree, hiding up in the thick branches. I saw him coming nearer and timed my jump to the second, pouncing directly onto his back as he ran past. We rolled down the hill to a stop where I straddled him, panting and smiling down at him in triumph, showing my fangs.

He pushed me off gently and chuckled. "That was a lucky shot."

"Bullshit! I got you good and you know it!" I threw a handful of leaves at him and laughed as we wrestled in the damp undergrowth. I used my Power to send a flurry of leaves at him and he counterattacked with his element, fire, and burned the foliage in midair.

"Gotta try harder than that, Princess." He winked and shoved me playfully.

"Don't call me that!" I said, mockingly angry.

"If you two would kindly stop rolling around like cats in heat, I suggest that we stop for the night. I would deem it unwise to continue; there's too many Ashkins around." Ren appeared out of nowhere and we jumped apart, startled by his sudden comment.

"Whatever!" I snapped, anger covering up my humiliation. "Where do you suggest we stay?"

"There's a cabin not far from here. Humans lived there, so the stench will still linger. But there may be a few stragglers we could pick off for a quick snack." He flicked his tail in the direction of the shelter and led the way.

"Oi! Wait for me!" Alex ran into view, her dark hair a complete disaster, infused with sticks and dirt.

"Where have you been? You look like you've been rolling around in a mud puddle." I couldn't help but smile at her dischieveled appearance.

Her eyes shone wtih bloodlust as she answered. "I found a camp of humans! I saw an Ashkin nearby as well and I think it sensed me. It's probably Masking right now, but the cat can find it, right?"

Ren yawned. "What little faith you have in me. Of course I can find it."

I stretched and exchanged a glance with Peter, rising from my spot on the ground. "Let's hunt."