I See You

Caves

We had been with the children of the Tutu for a week when I finally came out of the Caves of Council, where I told them everything that happened since my turning age. All my people had been escorted to another place, waiting my return, assuredly well taken care of.

Their caves are extensive and anyone could easily get lost, had they no inside help, which is why it is such a strategic place for the Children of Tutu to have residence.

"Yeah, definitely feeling regret regarding all those comments from when we were kids," Greenlin comments to me, walking to stand beside me minutes after my 'leave' of the CoC, as I watch the mystics in their very natural, everyday cave gym.

In both human form as well as their bear shift, the mystics are buff fighting machines. Inside their gym, they prove though their unison movements that they are not the joke almost everyone back at home believes. The sounds of their roars, growls and shouts are almost deafening, even without the amplifying echoes of the cave.

Never underestimating them again, with their military style living and the way they broke us out.

"Me too," I admit, turning to walk back towards the opening of the cave tunnels, looking for fresh air, for the first time in days.

Greenlin follows me to the edge, lightly scraping his shoe on the ground, nervously.

I don't push the former asshole turned okay guy, waiting for him to say what he needs to. For a while we stand there looking out of the caves, into the surrounding forest, which is just starting to wake up for the day.

"Look, Mystic, I'm so- I want to apologize for all the... the harassments and... nasty stuff I said about your mate... I was a stupid kid who lived in his own head and thought I was the center of the universe. I haven't acted like anything close to a Streakmate, hell, a litter-yearmate, in years," he pauses, "I'm sorry I'm such an asshole."

There is a beat of silence before he turns back to head inside, most likely assuming I wasn't going to answer.

"Was an asshole," I correct him, causing him to freeze, mid-turn. "You're reformed. That 'stupid kid who lived in his own head and thought he was the center of the universe'? He grew up into a loyal dependable Streakmate, who is looking after his sister and friends," I turn to him with a smile. "That asshole was so last month," I continue, teasingly, "We're good, but whatever else it was that's on your mind, you can tell me."

"How did you-?"

I smirk, "Empath, remember?"

He smiles genuinely back, "Right, you're the future Bast." With no arrogant sneer nor is it mocking, proving again he's reformed. "I found-"

"SNOOCKUMS!" a voice yells behind us.

Turning, I see a small girl about our age fling herself into Greenlin's arms. He catches her with ease as she wraps her legs around his waist, grabbing his face and kissing him hard.

I turn away, giving them a small bit of privacy.

He found his mate.

"Oh, God, you're good at that!" She tells him a few minutes later, out of breath.

"Uh, oh goddess, I'm so sorry Mystic!"

I turn back as she hops off him, confused. "What?"

He facepalms. To me he says, "Goddess, I'm sorry. We're on a quest for- and then here I am rubbing this in your face! I-"

I wave my hands frantically dismissing it, "I don't begrudge your happiness, Greenlin-"

The girl interrupts me, defensive, "I'm sorry, but he's mine. I'm his mate-"