The Heat Behind His Eyes

The Heat Behind His Eyes - Chapter 3

The chance to meet again comes more quickly than Rai could have hoped for. After collecting
his bounty, Rai returned to the forest for more information. The perfect opportunity arose for a test of strength. After a surprise attack and short battle with the small cat, Rai is honest.

"You're not bad." Never one to mince words, and always straight to the point, Rai considers he may be able to work with this cat. He's never trained anyone before, and he's always traveled alone. He didn't understand himself why he feels so drawn to this particular kitten. Never one to deny himself, Rai figures it wouldn't hurt to be direct. If one didn't ask, one wouldn't receive.

Additionally, the young cat had actually managed to wound him in their test of strength. Not significantly, of course, but a wound nonetheless. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been wounded in such a battle. Had it been the day his eye had been taken, perhaps?

"You. Where are you from? What's your name?" Rai continues. 

"You give me your name first."

"I'm asking you." After a short pause without a response, Rai speaks again. "You're the cat from before, right? You don't seem the least bit thankful. You've got some nerve."

The smaller cat makes a clicking sound with his tongue and says, "No one asked for your help!"

"Well said," Rai responds lightly. He plants his sword into the ground. "If I didn't step in back then, you'd have been done for. Or did you want to die?"

The smaller cat put his hands on his hips, huffs, grits his teeth, and growls. Rai notices the luscious black fur of his beautiful tail swelling out as well. Rai's lips curve up slightly at this reaction.

"Don't get so angry. Brash cats die young. They easily lose sight of their surroundings." 

"Shut up! Just who are you? What do you want from me?"

Rai couldn't resist. "Prone to biting, too, huh?" he asks in a slightly softer tone.

"Shut up!" The younger cat shouts, seeming to snap. He lunges towards Rai, intending to strike. Rai moves deftly out of the way, leaving the younger to strike out at nothing and causing him to lose his balance. Rai takes the opportunity to knock the back of the younger's knees, swiping his feet right out from under him.

Right after the black cat hits the ground, Rai quickly plunges his sword it into the earth right next to the young cat's face, ensuring he has the younger cat's attention.

"You were tripped so easily? Didn't I just tell you? Brash cats die young."

Looking down at the flustered younger cat, Rai smiles. His attraction to the warmth of this young one is even more powerful today than the first day they met—especially after testing his strength and seeing his independent spirit. He can't describe it, but his curiosity is piqued. He simply has to know more.

"I'll ask again. Where are you from, and what do they call you?" He can feel (and almost see) resistance oozing from the cat below. The younger does not want to submit. "Stubborn, huh?"

"Why do you want to know?" Even his question is reluctant.

"I want to know about the cat who wounded me. It's not particularly strange to want to know about that," Rai responds coolly.

"Do you have that much confidence in your own abilities?"

Rai tries not to laugh out loud at that statement, and it is awfully hard to keep his expression neutral.

"My story isn't important. I'm asking about you. Speak." Rai tries to change the amusement he feels into intimidation and focuses that into his gaze at the small cat lying on the ground before him. Why isn't he begging for his life, like others before him had done? Rai fails to play it totally straight, and adds, "I'm not a patient person. If you want me to open a hole in your face, keep quiet."