TBK:CC - Drabble V

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Drabble V – Say Cheese
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The sky was clear.

The sun was bright, radiant with the optimism of morning rays.

The breeze was brisk, carrying the salty tang of adventure as it travelled through the docks to hail the arrival of an incredible presence.

Then, as if nature itself demanded it, the heroic figure fitting of this simple yet vibrant weather made her entrance by climbing to the very top of the ship's mast. Beams of light enveloped her silhouette, making her translucent like some sort of divinity as she leaped from such soaring height to enjoy the roars of rushing wind.

Unbounded by earthly fears, the lithe form landed effortlessly and barely made a sound as her feet touched the planks of the great vessel she single-handedly built and sailed across the grand seas. Oh the things she had seen and the deeds she had done! She was but a simple girl after all, yet the world adored her for her sheer charisma and enigmatic smile, bestowing her with all the luck as she made her way around the continents and left an everlasting mark in history.

What a revered adventurer she was!

After tying her beloved scarf on her head like a bandanna, she stretched her arms as if to receive the sky's blessing. Grinning proudly, the incredible sailor took a step forward in zest, ready to begin another amazing day.

And promptly tripped face-first with a very loud thud.

"You okay there, kid?"

Mariel rubbed her bruised nose as she slowly got up from the floor. She cursed under her breath, glaring irritably at the crooked nail sticking out from the plank. Damn little bugger, ruining her awesome fantasy like that!

The Hamster put on her most fearsome snarl and pointed at the blasted thing in a declaration of war. The small yacht she was standing on shook precariously at her abrupt action but she was undeterred.

"Uh, Mariel? Why are you squeaking at the ground?"

The Rodent puffed her cheeks indignantly and gestured at the sneaky spike with her crowbar. "That's between me and the nail, Bob."

Onean's sole shipwright laughed jovially at his new assistant and simply jabbed his thumb in the direction of a really worn boat beside her. "Take it easy, lil'gal. You can get back to that later. I need that one dismantled."

"Okay! I'll stack up any recyclable materials too!"

"That's a good lass. Oh, the kids are back too, you can do whatever you want with them, haha," the man's muscular silhouette moved and disappeared behind a ferry that was in the process of getting an upgrade and thorough make-over. "I'll be workin' on this beauty here if you need anything."

"Got it!" Mariel then mumbled, "we'll settle this later." She glared at the evil nail one more time before heading towards the dilapidated boat.

Being the cheerful Hamster she was though, her foul mood easily dissipated at the sight of a small crowd of children playing around the dock as they waited for her. The young Martens and Chipmunks always came to the port to play with the various gadgets and items Bob had lying around. The experienced shipwright had long taught the kids how to handle the objects without harming themselves, and since this area was much safer than the Feline-filled streets, they preferred to play here.

"Mary!" A Chipmunk hopped cutely and tugged his sisters' sleeves to get their attention, "what're you doin' today?"

"We want to help too!"

"Hiya you guys," the Hamster patted some of their heads as they clamored around her, "we're gonna do something fun today! We're takin' apart that boat!"

"Oooooh~"

"But we can't just tear into it like crazies. There are steps we must follow of course. Anyways, first things first," she pointed her crowbar at the small ship like a war commander would do with his sword, "we must clear off everything that's on it! Barnacles, weeds, cobwebs… LOOSE NAILS GNARRR…. And torn fishnets, so we can recycle the cleaned parts for Bob later!"

She then held her tool high in the air before swinging it down with a battle cry, "Now, chaaaaaaarge~!"

Laughing and giggling, the Hamster and the children dashed to the poor boat and began their annihilation plan!

Yesterday, the kids came to see who Bob's assistant was because no one had ever been able to help out with the ship repairs before. Once they got over the fact she was a teenage Hamster who could actually fix stuff, they became buds relatively quickly. Although, Mariel was confident that she could've gotten along with them even if it weren't for her impressive skills. Having been the unofficial babysitter throughout her eventful life, she was an expert at how to handle kids, stranger or not.

She genuinely enjoyed being around them though. Even if the task weren't forced onto her, she would've volunteered to look after children anyways because, to her, they were the living proof that the world was not completely jaded. Seeing their smiles were enough to nullify any negative things she had experienced and turn an ordinary day into an awesome adventure!

"Help me stack up these planks!" She called out cheerfully as she pried apart the worn wood from the yacht's structure. Fortunately, most of the material could still be used with proper application of varnish, much to her delight. She had learned to be resourceful at a young age, and discovering the recyclability of an item was one of life's greatest joy.

Her happy little helpers saluted and began working in teams to group the planks by size. Mariel smiled contently before returning to her task of pulling out the rusty nails and bolts. It was hard work especially for a Rodent like her, but years of experience must have helped her build up enough stamina. In fact, she was stronger and taller than most of her species, something she was infinitely proud of.

Vertalis was really one messed up continent, especially in comparison to this much nicer land of Riphaeus. Even the finest village she's been to couldn't compare to Onean, and apparently this town was only average in spite of how peaceful and comforting it was to the young Hamster already. She couldn't even imagine what Elaine's home Ahkalin was like.

It must have been a paradise!

Mariel paused in her work and rested her wrench on her shoulder as she thought about the pretty Husky. The Canines she'd met in the past were either arrogant or indifferent about an insignificant Rodent like her, but at least they were all fair. Elaine was completely different though, not just because she was so gentle and fluffy, but also because of how friendly she was in general. The ever-wagging tail was adorable to watch, as well as the cute little flicks those triangular ears made. It felt odd to be attached to a stranger, especially since Mariel had been proudly independent.  

Last night had been the Hamster's first time to lie down on a mattress that wasn't full of holes or hard as a rock, so she felt so blessed to fall asleep on something so comfortable! She had to share the bed with the blonde because there was only one in the room, not that she minded though. It was another unfamiliar experience to cuddle with someone older, as she was usually the one coaxing her numerous cousins to sleep, but the Husky smelled so pleasant and safe that she had quickly drifted off.  

Elaine also made her feel at ease around Clarice.

Shivering uncontrollably, Mariel gripped her wrench and tried not to think about gleaming fangs, bloody whiskers and slitted pupils. Malicious yowls and disdainful insults echoed persistently in her head though, so she had to take a few deep breaths before she could rein in her fear.

Felines were terrifying, for they could easily hurt her whenever they pleased and not feel any remorse about that.

Clarice's grin flashed in her head then, making her puff her cheeks in annoyance. Sure, the Lynxlioness had been harmless so far. Heck, she was even nice to the Hamster in spite of being so utterly infuriating. She hadn't laid a finger on the Rodent, nor did she spout any racial remarks.

However, who was to say that she wouldn't turn into another one of those abusive Cats? There was no guarantee, and considering the numerous times Mariel's been tricked, she'd rather not take her chances.

But Elaine seemed to trust Clarice…

The Hamster glanced at her trembling fists and sighed. Well, she'll have to get over her catphobia somehow before she could really decide on how to act around that Lynxlioness.

Hammy hammy hammy hammy~

She began to demolish an eroded part of the yacht with her trusty hammer while superimposing that super annoying grin on the worn wood. Yes, she must get over her fear so she could beat that stupid nickname out of that Cat. She liked her name dammit. What was wrong with Mariel, or Mary? It was one of the few feminine things about her so she held great pride in her name. Being an orphan, she also treasured the one thing her parents had given her.

Hamham hamham hamham~

The Hamster violently smashed the plank with renewed vigor.

Perhaps due to the adrenaline from her annoyance, she was able to completely dismantle the yacht and sort out the materials by noon, with help from the kids of course. In spite of the hard labor, this was a pretty straightforward job, unlike yesterday when she was helping Bob in fixing the interior of the ferry. Since the damage was near the hull of the ship, the repair was quite tricky but she managed to impress the man using her experience. She may not understand the complicated terms or the systematic steps, as she never had formal apprenticeship, she was able to follow the shipwright's instructions without any trouble.

"Great job, lass," Bob nodded approvingly as Mariel and the kids showed him their handiwork, "well, it's lunch break now so I'm goin' to Yvonne's market to grab a quick bite. Want me to get you anything? You're free to go meet up with your friends too if you like."

"Oh, I'm going to see a friend," Mariel smiled almost dreamily, recalling the delicious cookies Elaine fed her yesterday, "I'll be back soon in an hour or so, is that okay?"

"Sure thing! Okay, you kids, go get your lunch too."

The Hamster watched the children giving the shipwright a hug and waving at her before going back to their respective homes. It was always heartwarming to see an adult treating kids so kindly, which made her like the man a lot. On top of being popular with the local children, Bob was also frank and easy-going. Of course, because of her Rodent stature and young age, she always got teased no matter what and this employer was no exception. At least, he didn't scorn at her species.

She did wonder what race he was though. It was hard to tell because he didn't have a visible tail and he wore a bandanna as well as a facemask, something about protecting his nose from wooden shreds and boiler residues.    

With her beloved utility belt clasped on her back, she skateboarded down the street hurriedly in the direction of Greene's Bakery. She wasn't able to avoid running into some Kodkods though, who began sneering at her the moment she sped by. Though frightened, she was reassured by the fact they could not catch up to her.

"Look it's that Rat again."

"Ugh, Rats… filthy bunch, those things."

Anger cancelled out some of the fear as she puffed up her cheeks. She despised being called a Rat more than anything! She never stole, worked hard and never lied! She accepted that she may not be the brightest bulb, but she was quite proud of her honesty and trustworthiness.

How dare they call her a Rat! If she didn't have the tendency to freeze at the worst time, she'd so teach those mangy Cats a lesson!

From a safe distance of course.

Her heart pounded uncomfortably fast, urging her to increase the space between her and those Felines. Damn her terror! What she'd give to be strong, to be confident of herself!

"Welcome to Greene's Bakery- oh hello, Mary."

Seeing Elaine's welcoming smile, the Hamster couldn't help but return the gesture. She tried to look casual as she walked around the customers to get to the cashier. Since there was a line, she opted to stay behind the safety of the counter with her friend. It had nothing to do with wanting to look brave and unaffected by some of the Feline patrons of course. No no, she wasn't trying to impress the Husky by fiddling with her skateboard as she waited for the pretty baker.

"I'll take over for now, Elaine," Joyce Greene patted her assistant's shoulder with a small, amused smile, "I can hear your friend's stomach from the kitchen."

The Hamster puffed her cheeks in embarrassment when she noticed how loud her tummy was growling. She frantically wiped her mouth just in case she's been drooling from all that delicious aroma too!

The older girl giggled amiably as she led the flustered Rodent to a small table at the back. "Oh, do not fret Mary. It was quite endearing, really, that my pastries would instigate such an eager reaction from your stomach."

"R-really?" Mariel rubbed her head sheepishly as she sat down, appreciating how the blonde was trying to make her feel better. "Well, y-you really are good with baking stuff… I mean the buns I had last night were probably the best food I've ever eaten!"

She wasn't flattering the Husky. The pastries… no, even the loaf of bread Clarice bought from the market tasted heavenly compared to the gruel and leftover grains she used to eat in Vertalis.

Elaine's cheeks flushed with joy, and Mariel happily watched the characteristic tail wagging from the compliment. It was then she realized that she had yet to speak with the Husky alone. Hopefully, she might be able to change the older girl's impression of a scaredy Rodent now that the Lynxlioness wasn't around to hinder her speaking ability.

Similar thoughts must have crossed Elaine's mind, for she took out a pan of freshly baked pastries from the oven, filling the air with mouthwatering aroma as she asked. "I have not had the chance to ask you before, Mary, so I was just wondering what your favorite food is…"

"Cheese!" Mariel blurted instantly, her mahogany eyes now dazed as she stared hungrily at the cheese buns.

"I am glad my instinct is correct," the Husky smiled amiably, "I noticed the way you were looking at the wedge of cheese yesterday, so I made a guess."

"Hmff'o'myy!" Though the food was still hot, it tasted so amazing that the Hamster automatically stuffed two pieces into her mouth, munching blissfully at the delicious cheesiness. Then she realized how rude this was so she quickly gulped down the food and repeated, "It's so yummy, it's just… there are no words!"

"Now now, you flatter me too much," Elaine giggled quietly as she nudged the pan towards the Rodent.

"It's true!"

"Is there anything else you like, Mary?"

"Well, I love all kinds of nuts too!" She wolfed down her fourth cheese bun without any trouble. She only recently found out her huge appetite, since she didn't have the opportunity to test her stomach's capacity in Vertalis.

"That is Clarice's favorite as well- oh dear," the blonde hurriedly patted Mariel's back when she choked at the news.

Unimpressed by the discovery that she had something in common with that annoying Lynxlioness, she mumbled, "Elaine… why is a nice girl like you travelling with a Cat like her?"

Before their arrival in Onean, the Husky had briefly talked about Ahkalin and her meeting with Clarice when the former was trying to calm down the frightened Rodent. While Mariel understood that traveling with someone was much better than being alone, surely there were more suitable candidates than a ruffian like that Feline?

"Clarice is very enjoyable company, and she also wants to see the world for herself," Elaine replied without any hesitation, her amethyst eyes brimming in certainty, "We both want to make a difference, no matter how little it may be. I cannot think of a better companion than her."

"Oh…" The Hamster was taken aback by how much the Canine trusted the Feline she just met several days ago. Was there something else that reinforced this inexplicable bond? Did it have something to do with this Kura girl she's heard a few times?

"Still… I don't get how you could just leave behind a nice family…"

She must have sounded bitter, for Elaine's ears drooped as she asked tentatively, "How about you, Mary? You mentioned that you are from the West. Did you come here to look for someone-?"

"Sort of," she looked down at the cheese bun in her hands and was overwhelmed by the surge of gratefulness, "Well, to make a long story short, I heard that my parents were caught up in the Beryn Invasion years ago, or the aftermath I'm not sure. My relatives never explained much and I never asked for more..." She paused, saddened not by her knowledge but more by the empty indifference she felt, "But because of that war, we Hamsters left Fenrisyr and have been travelling around since. We're always on the move because whenever something bad happens around the area, economically or whatever, it's always the Rodents that got the worst of it."

"I am sorry to hear that…" Elaine had an unreadable gleam of sadness in her eyes, so Mariel believed she truly meant her words. The Husky probably had relatives back in the Canine continent so might have been affected by the Invasion as well, directly or not.

"But yeah, anyways," the Hamster waved off the spell of melancholy, as she was not one to dwell on the unchangeable past, "I can understand your feeling of wanting to see the world though! I met a nice Shrew a year or so ago, and the nice lady told me that Wars didn't cause bad things 100%. The world might be more than just oppression and suffering. She said I'm still young, so I should go travel and decide for myself. So!"

She stood up energetically and tightened the bandanna on her head, "The moment I saw the opportunity, I stowed away on a ship. I kept hopping from ship to ship until the p- I mean, until I found one nice enough to drop me off near Zylo. I wandered in the forest for a bit…and the rest is history."

The Hamster tried to keep up her bright smile as she recalled her narrow escape from the slave traders in Zylo because apparently Hamsters were rare on this continent. The incident, however, reignited her extreme phobia of Cats, something she thought she had gotten over already after months of travelling by sea. Being the caring men they were, Paddy and Marty had pretended to be Cats, hiding their Otter tails to help her combat this fear. One time, Captain Rio had even called her brave!

But it looked like all that therapy went down the drain since she couldn't even go north to reach her original destination. The Rodent slumped in her seat, disappointed in herself, yet she wasn't unhappy by this turn of events. Captain Rio had mentioned this bar in the Riphaen capital, Kaltrea that was run by her sister Rui Brewfort. The Stoat's relative was probably just as jolly and brazen, and might have been able to help her settle down in this foreign land. However, now that she knew about the chaotic situation up north regarding the Rebels as well as her reawakened catphobia, she decided it was better that she stayed with her current two companions.

She really liked Elaine, and while Clarice was kinda annoying, she was also tolerable.  

"Well, Mary," the Husky gazed at the younger girl with kindness as she reached over to lightly caress her head, "I am glad we found you in the forest. While I cannot promise you anything, as I am also a novice journeyer myself, I will try my best to make you feel at home around us."

The Hamster blushed slightly at her sincere words, but she was also surprised by how pleasant it felt to have her ears stroked. No one had ever done this before, so she closed her eyes and indulged in a few moments to be cared for by another person.

"C-can I call you Lain?" She squeaked hopefully, "I love your name b-but also I think maybe c-calling you by a n-nickname might make us closer-?"

Blinking, Elaine appeared so taken aback that Mariel regretted at being so forward. Of course, they barely knew each other and maybe the Husky was just being nice and tolerant.

"Lain… I like that," the blonde giggled affectionately, scratching the Hamster's ears under the bandanna one more time before pulling away, "We have a long trip ahead of us, Mary, I am certain we can become good friends."

The Rodent beamed at the acceptance, feeling lighter than air, but her euphoria was slightly dampened when the Canine suggested that she should try to open up to Clarice too.

"Sure, if she can stop being so annoying," Mariel puffed her cheeks and scowled, though inwardly she was already trying to plan a way to tolerate the Lynxlioness. Maybe if she didn't look at the Feline directly, so she wouldn't feel scared or irritated based on the older girl's voice alone.

She could easily pretend that the hyper, feminine voice belonged to a lively kid instead of a Cat.

"Here are some snacks for you later, Mary," Elaine walked the Hamster to the door and smiled kindly as she waved goodbye, "and try to come back to the Inn for dinner on time so the broth would not get cold."

"Okay!" She suppressed the urge to burst into a silly grin as she skateboarded back to the port. However, the giddiness was just too much and soon she found herself skipping down the street. What was this warm and fuzzy feeling? What the Husky did might seem ordinary from a bystander's point of view, but it meant a lot to her!

This must be similar to how a person would experience when a family member packed a lunchbox for her.

How nice would that be if it were real?

A family…

Mariel hugged the box of cookies like it was gold and returned to work with renewed vigor. When she arrived at the port though, she heard a distinct Feline hiss that almost made her drop the precious container. Shuddering involuntarily, she forced herself to take the few steps towards a high stack of planks and hid in the shades. The angry yowls got louder and made her limbs lock up in place as she huddled against pile.

You're okay. You're safe here. They won't get you. Just look at the sky, just look at the light… Her lips moved silently as she repeated the mantra, keeping her eyes fixed on the bright blue sky to reassure herself that it was still daytime. Once she could move again, she dared to peek at the spot in front of the ferry, where the argument was happening.

There was a teenage Wildcat whose arms were folded, obviously displeased, as she flicked her tail sassily at Bob. "I couldn't believe my ears so I had to come down here myself… you hired a dirty Rat? My daddy will hear this! You're going to lose your job, Robert!"

"Calm down, Sandra," the shipwright's gruff voice was light, as if trying to placate the girl, but he was indifferent to her threats with the way he casually leaned against the ferry. "She's the best assistant I've ever had. She knows what she's doing. If you want your cruise ready the day after your birthday, then you'll have to live with this. I can't possibly work on the boats all by myself, and there isn't a single person in town capable of repairing them."

"Wha-! This is madness!" The Wildcat screeched in rage and was rubbing her cheek for some reason, "what's with all the subhuman-lovers lately?"

"Sandra," Bob's voice was low with a hint of a growl, "I will not tolerate any of this around my workspace."

"Fine! Just make sure the Rat get the job done!" Hissing, the teenager flicked her tail before grudgingly storming away.

The disdain was so corrosive in comparison to the Kodkod's rude remarks that Mariel couldn't summon enough anger to combat her fear. She stayed at her hiding spot until her quivering stopped, and long after the Wildcat was out of sight. Sighing wearily, she remained slouched as she walked towards the shipwright, who seemed to have noticed her presence a while ago.

"Sorry about that, Mariel," he spoke earnestly, "I wish you didn't have to hear that."

"It's okay," the Hamster's small smile was sincere though, "you stood up for me, and that's more than enough."

"Heh, somebody's gotta speak up about this kind of stuff," he rolled his broad shoulders, cracking them with a satisfied grunt, "I do promise that it's probably the worst you'll see around here. Most of the folks here in Onean aren't actually that bad. Some know what's right and what's wrong, but none of them would do anything to stop the racism from spreading. They just ignore it exist, because it doesn't directly involve them."

"Right," the Rodent bobbed her head, having witnessed exactly what Bob described countless times, "But at least they don't actively encourage it either, and that's good."

"Optimistic lass, aren't you?" Even though only his eyes were visible, he must be smiling because of the way they crinkled in mirth, "That's the spirit! We need more youngsters like you. Now… the poor kids were all scared off earlier by that girl, so it's just you and me."

He tossed her some ropes and pointed at the fairly new boats. "I've seen you climbing around the posts, so I'm gonna get you to set up the masts and sails. We'll work on the rest of the repairs at night because I work best when it's all peaceful and quiet."

"Roger that!" Mariel was happy to be entrusted with the task and immediately resumed her job after she stashed the box at a safer location. Even though the halyard felt heavy on her shoulder, she was able to climb up the pole without any trouble, tying and knotting the lines at the desired locations. One by one, sheets and ropes were turned into sails as she tried her best to work efficiently, improving the time needed to climb up the mast each time.

Even then, it was early evening by the time she finished everything. Sweaty and slightly out of breath, she slumped against the cunningham of the last boat.

"I deserve this," she groaned but smiled fondly at the box of cookies in her lap. Before she began feasting on her snacks though, she saw a few kids approaching her in cautious steps. The Ocelot kittens all looked suspicious, but the curiosity in those wide eyes probably drove them to get closer to this unfamiliar Rodent.

Though surprised at their arrival, Mariel smiled and waved them over. Her fear of Felines didn't extend to children, perhaps due to their underdeveloped fangs and the fact that their mewls sounded cute, so she was able to treat them just as she would any kids.

"Are you sure we should go? I heard Sandy was getting all hissy earlier…"

"Yeah but Bob hired this girl, so she must be good!"

"Isn't she a friend of the crossbreed Cat those guys were talking about yesterday?"

"Oh oh I think she's also with the pretty girl working at the Bakery…?

"Then she must be cool too…"

"But still, Sandy said the Rats are evil…"

Mariel wondered why the Kittens sounded impressed by Clarice, who must be the Cat they were talking about, but she still went towards them and offered to share the cookies. That decided it for them, because they eagerly took a piece and immediately nibbled with happy smiles. Some were even purring, pleased by how delicious the snack was. The Hamster smiled in pride for her Canine friend when the Kittens took more cookies and looked relaxed around her now. Sure, she was disappointed that there wasn't any leftover for herself but hey, at least the kids weren't suspicious of her anymore!

She only had a few chances to interact with Feline children who were free from the adults' influence, but even then, she knew with the right encouragements and, more importantly, kind treatment, they would not hold the same discriminating attitude as the older ones.

Because that was what kids were. They were all fundamentally innocent and pure.

"You really have a talent with children," Bob remarked as he leaped down from the ferry and peered at the exhausted Hamster against the stack of crates. After the Ocelot kittens had opened up to her, they began playing games like tag and whoever could find the most loose nails and bolts. Against a group of kids with boundless energy, the Rodent had no chance. But now that the sun had set, their batteries ran out and so they were all curled up around the Hamster, mewing and in need of a nap.

"Thanks…" Mariel smiled faintly and stroked a Kitten's head. "Oh, I'm sorry about playing during work… heheh. I should've asked you what else I needed to do after I finished the tasks you gave me-"

"Naw, don't worry about it," the shipwright waved her off, his eyes crinkling again in mirth, "we got the whole night to work on the rest of the boats and besides, I prefer watching a Hamster playing with the Kittens. It's a nice sight to behold in this world nowadays."

She sighed in relief, glad that her employer was so tolerant of her, so she vowed to make it up to him by working extra hard later.

"Welp, it's dinner time," Bob picked up a yawning Kitten and gestured at the children, "I'll get these kids back home so you should tell your friends you'll be staying overnight. Remember to eat lots of food cuz you're goin' to need it!"

"Okay, I can do that," Mariel stretched after she grabbed her skateboard, "Thanks again, Bob!"

Fortunately, as it was dinnertime, most of the townspeople were either in restaurants or their houses, so she was able to head down the streets without any hassles. The lack of sunlight was already hindering her poor Rodent vision, making her hasten her pace as she tried to fight down the instinctive fear creeping up her back. She was not scared of the dark, but it was a different story since she knew there were Felines around the area.

She almost shrieked in fright when she heard quiet footsteps just up ahead at an intersection. She nimbly hopped off her skateboard and stuck close to the shadows, gulping as she squinted at the silhouette seemingly sneaking up on another figure even further ahead.

It was that Sandy from earlier, and she was trailing behind Clarice!

Did that Lynxlioness even realize she was being followed? And what was that rock in the Wildcat's hand? Was she going to attack the humming brunette?

Mariel gritted her teeth to stop the chattering as she thought about the incident with Bob and the Ocelots, making the connection that this Sandy girl must be angry with Clarice for some reason.

Angry enough to want to grievously hurt her.

The Hamster clenched her fists, inexplicably enraged, and found herself skateboarding down the street once again. The Wildcat noticed her right away, based on a haughty flick of her tail, but instantly dismissed her. The Rodent stuck out her tongue as sped by her target and inconspicuously dropped a small flask of oil.

Snickering, she turned corner sharply and burst into triumphant laughter when she heard a loud screech. Sandy must have slipped and stumbled spectacularly! Though the Wildcat's confused and wrathful yowls still caused goosebumps on Mariel's skin, she was already at a safe distance away.

Besides, justice was served!

"My hero~"

The Hamster blinked and skidded to a stop in front of Clarice, who was waiting with her arms opened. Seeing that the dumbfounded girl had no intention of falling into the embrace, the Lynxlioness then batted her eyelashes and tried to look bashful like some sort of rescued damsel.

"You saved me from the evil assassin! Oh how can I ever thank you?"

It might even have looked convincing if it weren't for that annoying grin.

The gears resumed working in Mariel's mind as she put the pieces together. "Y-you knew y-you were being followed?"

"Well of course," Clarice tilted her chin up and twirled her tail tuff, signaling that they should continue walking in case Sandy caught up to them, "I just pretended I didn't know because it's funner to see what that girl would do! I totally didn't expect you to save the day though."

Giggling, she winked and placed a hand in front of her heart. "I think I'm in love~"

Mariel twitched.

"So brave and handsome~"

"I just hate underhand methods!" The Rodent regained her ability to speak, keeping her gaze straight ahead not because she was frightened of the brunette's Feline features but because she didn't want to feel another surge of utter irritation by looking at that grin.

In fact, she had this urge to throw something.

"Aww, you wuv me too much to see me get hurt~"

"No!" Scowling, Mariel whirled around and pointed her finger at the smug Lynxlioness, whose fangs made her falter a little but her frustration was still winning, "You're annoying!"

"Because I'm a Cat?"

"No, you're annoying because you're you!!" Though curious at that question, the Rodent replied honestly before glaring at the giddily twirling tail tuff. Well, maybe being a Feline had a little bit to do with it. Why won't the damn thing stop moving!

Seriously, this Clarice girl was so infuriating! Was she even a real Cat? Instead of being hateful and terrifying, she was just wacky in the head! She got that Feline arrogance, true, but not the condescending kind like Sandy's or other ones of her race. Mariel had never met a Lion, but she doubted they twirl their tail tuffs like this crazy Cat.

And that grin, god that grin!

It made her knuckles itch.

"I mean it, Hammy, I'm happy that you saved me~"

Hearing how sincere Clarice sounded, the Hamster decided to calm down and see what else the Feline would do now that she seemed serious.  The younger girl was even prepared to let the stupid nickname slide too, but she squeaked indignantly when her taller companion tried to hug her.

"W-What do you think you're doing!" She held out her skateboard and backed away hurriedly, using it as a physical barrier.

"Hey now, I just want to thank you," the Lynxlioness grinned and grabbed the object, tugging casually as her tail twisted into an S shape.

"Gyaaahh hands off my skateboard!"

Driven by instinct, Mariel punched the Cat's unprotected middle, earning a pained caterwaul and making her loosen her grip. The Hamster hastily got on the equipment and sped away without looking back. It was only when the Inn came in sight that she realized she was no longer afraid of making contact with Clarice.

"Huh, weird."

Then again, that Lynxlioness wasn't like the usual Felines, so the Hamster's subconscious probably already grouped her into a different category.

"The annoying category," Mariel nodded solemnly, and found herself snickering teasingly as she waved at the yowling Clarice, who was trying to catch up. "Yup, that sounds about right!"

"Get back here, Hammy!"

"Eat my dust, Crazy Cat!"

Laughing proudly at her nickname for the eccentric brunette, she stuck out her tongue and hurried towards the Inn's entrance, where a familiar figure was already waiting with an amused smile.

"Lain! Hide me!"

"My, it looks like you two had fun," Elaine giggled softly as Mariel dove behind her just as Clarice got to the front.

"Princess, she punched me!"

"Oh dear."

"She deserved it!"

"What! Just when I thought you were the one!"

"W-w-what are you talking about, Crazy Cat?"

"Now now, let us go inside and enjoy a nice, warm dinner."

"Oh, okay Lain."

"Hey! How about my wound!"

Yup, Mariel decided she quite like how her trip to Riphaeus had turned out so far. It seemed like her dream of having an action-packed adventure just might come true after all.

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