Animal Jam: Insubordinates

Chapter 8: Sun-Stained

(WINDY POV)

Ditz's face was frozen when Bouncing swaggered over. Ditz's face was still frozen when Bouncing recognized her. Was she having a seizure...? I was just about to poke her thin, white face, when she weakly coughed. Her eyes sheepishly darted to everywhere but Bouncing.

"Uhh." She squeaked.

Bouncing just stood there, looking really uncomfortable.

"Uhbyewindyandvictorandbouncingc'monADMRALLETSGO." Ditz yelled. She grabbed Admiral's arm and roughly dragged him out of the sagging entrance.

"Umm?" Murmured Victor. He turned his head to look at me, his face frozen in a combination of confusion and concern. I just wearily shook my head. Then, we sharply snapped our heads around to stare at Bouncing.

"Do you.. know Fairy?" I questioned. Bouncing just crossed and uncrossed her front legs.

"Yeah. Met her in high school." She mumbled. I furrowed my brow.

"It looks to me like like you guys have some history." I continued.

Blossom widened her eyes, and vigorously shook her head.

"NO!.. I mean- uh, no. Just acquaintances. Shared a few classes." She hastily replied. Her mouth was slightly open, in a cringe.

Weird?

I looked back at Victor. He just shrugged.

He lightly touched my shoulder with his wide paws. I shivered.

"It's been nice meeting you, Bouncing. We have to go, Windy." He quietly told Bouncing. I softly nodded my head. We hurried out the door, and the last thing I saw was a disappointed Bouncing and jammers flirting with Juno.

"So." I said. Victor looked at me expectantly. I took a deep, shaky breath.

"I have nowhere to live." I squeaked. Real cool, Windy.

"WHAT?!" Victor roared. I cringed.

"Oh wow. I'm really sorry, Windy." He apologized. "It just seems like you'd live with your parents." He added.

I nodded my head. "I know," I answered. "I was actually just locked out, a week ago." I meekly continued. He looked at me like I was crazy.

"Don't ask."

He laughed. "Just like how you were on-and-off unconscious for the last week?" He teased. I giggled. I thought back to the fight with my mother.

"I don't have a daughter anymore! You WENCH." Screamed mother.

I took a quick moment to admire the scenery. We were walking in the main boulevard of the shanty town, jammers scurrying around. Children shrieked and giggled, wielding wooden pirate swords. Teens huddled in circles, trading whatever feeble rares they had that weren't stolen. Tired looking adults rushed around, carrying food, supplies, and wailing babies. The harsh light glittered on the sand and stone of the narrow roads. The white sun reflected on forest green tents, sunshine oozing down the sides. Ancient blankets were hastily spread out under the minimal shade, experienced Aldan traders cawing out their wares spread across the faded tapestries. A battered, golden statue of Mira was placed just in front of the sleek waterfall, praying jammers throwing in their useless gems. Children laughed and waded in the turquoise shadows, collecting the bright playthings. Everything was sun-stained.

It was just so beautiful. Pure civilization.

Victor nudged me. "You can stay with me, until you get back on your feet."

I looked back up at his handsome face.

"Thank you."

At least there was some beauty in an apocalypse.

A few minutes later, we arrived at a small den. It was extremely old, and looked like it would crumble at the smallest earthquake. Victor unhooked a thin loop filled with small gold keys from the quiver of his sun-bleached bow. He shoved it in the tiny keyhole, rattling the damaged door.

"Phew!" He sighed. "Home, sweet home."

We stepped into the ant-sized abode. Two stone chairs surrounded a small, beat up round table. A delicate vase filled with fresh, thin lillies was placed on a low shelf. There was a small pink sofa, placed on top of a white maple leaf rug. Two striped couches were in opposite corners. A yellow falcon plushie was thrown on the couch on the left. I trotted over to it, and picked the soft toy up. I squeezed it to my chest. It smelled like Victor. I mentally slapped myself for being so creepy.

He plopped down on the pink sofa, staring at the falcon plushie in my arms.

"It was Fauna's favorite childhood toy." He murmured. His girlfriend's.

He closed his eyes, and sighed.

I sat down on the striped couch. "Tell me about her." I said, trying to control my wavering voice. "It could help." I added.

He opened his eyes, and met mine. He smiled. It took all of my willpower to not run over, he looked... ethereal.

"First off, she was an arctic wolf."

My eyes widened.

An arctic wolf...?

Then why was she taken?