Hermit Animals AU Book 2

Chapter two

All was peaceful inside the base as a quiet rainstorm started.

Sally was brought to semi consciousness when she felt Xel start tossing and turning.

She blinked and watched him before getting up and hurrying over to Grian. "Grian..."

He didn't respond.

"Grian."

He rolled over slightly.

Sally huffed and pecked at his hand that now hung over the edge of the bed.

Grian gasped and blinked awake. "Sal-?" He muttered. "Wha-"

"Grian, you need to get up."

Grian sat up and rubbed his eyes. "What? Why?"

"Please. Just trust me. You need to go to Mumbo's or upstairs or something. Just not here."

Grian frowned and looked over at Xel, his eyes widened as he saw him tossing and turning, murmuring to himself with a frown.

"What's wrong with him?"

"Grian-"

"Sally, I'm not leaving him like this!" Grian moved to go wake him but Sally ran forward.

"No! Don't wake him! He'll wake up in a moment. You need to go!"

"Sally! Why would I-"

Xel suddenly jerked up with a sharp gasp and started panting, turning to them, his eyes unfocused.

Grian and Sally turned to him and Grian stepped forward. "Xel?"

Sally grabbed the edge of Grian's pants. "No, don't engage!" She hissed.

Xel jerked back slightly before locking eyes with Grian. "Wh-what?" He looked confused and frightened before gaping and putting his face in his hands. "This is it. I've actually lost it."

Grian looked confused. "Wha-"

Xel jerked up. "Don't talk!"

"But-"

"No!"

"Xel, I-"

"I SAID SHUT UP!" Xel yelled, balling his fists.

Grian flinched back, looking hurt and confused.

Sally let go of his pants leg and stepped out of the way with a sigh, drawing Xel's attention. "I told you not to engage...."

Xel stared at Sally in shock. "You're talking."

Sally sighed softly. "Yes. I am."

"But you're a chicken!"

"Yes."

"Stop."

Sally sighed. "I have the right to speak."

"No. You don't you're a chicken."

"That doesn't change anything."

"Yes it does! CHICKENS aren't supposed to be able to TALK!" He snapped before covering his face again. "I'm arguing with a chicken..."

Grian slowly looked at Sally, tears brimming his eyes that held a look of utter confusion. "Sal-"

Xel groaned. "Just ignore them and they'll go away... Just... Ignore them." muttering to himself.

Sally sighed and turned to Grian. "I'm sorry. I'll explain later... just go before-"

Xel looked up again and looked around. "Wait... This isn't the island..."