Traveller

Five

Rogue's eyes fluttered open, instantly assaulted by the weak light of dawn. He groaned slightly and turned over.
"Morning, sleepyhead." Tristam chuckled quietly.
"Morning early-rising night-owl." He slurred through a stretch. Tristam chuckled and swung his legs over the side of his bed.
"You ready for training?" He asked. Joel could feel the excitement radiating off of him. He groaned a bit, sat up, then shook his head and chuckled.
"I can't see how you enjoy that stuff, Leo."
"Oh well," he grinned sheepishly before continuing. "Come on, I'll see if we can be partners."
Joel sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed, slipping his shoes on and tying them quickly.
"Oh please. You think that Monstercat will let us have the satisfaction of getting what we want?" He snorted, smoothed out his large plume of tawny hair, then placed his helmet on his head.
"Eh, you're right.." Tristam murmured, running his fingers through his messy, dark hair repeatedly. "We can try though."
"Go ahead, get rejected. You know if you ask he'll put you with Fij or someone else you hate."
"Hey, I don't hate Fij-..." The younger one let himself trail off. Joel raised an eyebrow. "I mean... he's not.. my favorite person in the world but..."
"But...?"
"B-But.. I.. can.. deal with him..?" Tristam continued cautiously, as if saying the words hurt. Joel chuckled as they walked out of the tent.
"Right, okay. My mistake."
Tristam hesitated. "Well, I mean.. I don't love him.."
"That's what I thought."

-

Rebel felt herself tense as the cat rose and stood on two feet. It seemed to be about three or four foot tall, somewhere around there; she couldn't tell.
"Easy," it rumbled. "I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to talk."
Rebel jumped as the last words it spoke sunk in. She began to tremble involuntarily. Her head spun as she tried to push back another flashback.
"First thing's first," It murmured, sitting down and curling it's tail over it's paws. "I, as you have heard, am Monstercat: leader of the rebel army. You've been brought into our camp. We welcome you."
Rebel hesitated. They welcome her? "Th-Thank you." She whispered, head bowed respectfully.
"Chin up, little one. Present yourself with pride." It's tail tip bounced lazily.
"Y-Yes sir." She looked up, anticipating punishment. When none came, she shifted uncomfortably on the bed, anxious for the chat to be over, yet terrified of Monstercat's ultimatum, which undoubtedly determined her fate.
"Relax. Like I said, I will not hurt you. Now, I'd like to ask you a question. Please answer honestly."
Anxiety welled in Rebel's chest, but she nodded anyway.
"What were you doing out there, injured, in the snow?"
She froze. Despite being asked the question multiple times, she froze, completely still. It was as if she was back in the snow, cold seeping into her bones, restraining her until her final breath. She looked the other way cautiously as tears stung her eyes.
"I-I..."
"Don't force yourself, dear. I understand if you cannot tell me; we've only just met, and what you've gone through must be extremely traumatizing." Monstercat's voice was soft and comforting. Rebel nodded slightly, sitting up straighter.
"I-I was fleeing." Her voice betrayed her brave posture.
"Ah, I assumed so.."
Several moments of silence drew by, until she looked up and met the cat's nonexistent gaze.
"Am I your prisoner?"
She could feel Monstercat blink slowly, then hum softly.
"Well that all depends on your view of the situation. We are keeping you sheltered here, at least until you are fully healed, but you are free to leave, as long as you notify me. But, the question is, would you like to go back to where you came, or elsewhere?"
Silence, once again. Rebel didn't know her answer. It did seem nice here, and she definitely did not want to go back to Music Industry Headquarters.. but elsewhere? Before she had a chance to decide, she heard herself say,
"I'd like to stay here, i-if it isn't too much trouble.."
Monstercat smiled and gave a small nod. It stood and gestured for her to hold our her arm. She did so gingerly, and it unsheathed its claws, using them to cut through the patch on her bicep. When it fell to the floor, Rebel became lightheaded with relief. This was her chance to start anew.
"Rebel," it put a soft paw on her shoulder. "Welcome to the family."