I Present to You

Emyri breathed in, reminiscent of the days that have past, reminded of how the struggles never end. Nevermind the intrusion of an unwanted guest listening to her past, this memory is special to her and she hoped it would leave such an effect to her family as well. Her eyes remained closed for the longest time as she recounted her memories, explaining in elaborate details what took place for when she met her mate, their Father. Upon opening them, she was greeted with quite a sight.

KuliKuli was at one point left with an open jaw before turning her head with a look of focus and concern. Realizing the subtle details which foreshadowed this led to her feeling a blend of betrayal and inner turmoil. Long had she struggled to piece together who she was, or who she now is, that it had escaped her mind to ask who her Mother was as well. Or rather, who their father is.

So she knew all along? So many questions ran through her head all at once, it-it was overwhelming! Why were they running from him then, why not work together when they could? What changed in their relationship, they obviously don't reflect the same affection now as they did before, at least not in comparison to how Mom explained. So it was a lie all this time, from both sides?

Emyri's eyes sealed themselves tight, squeezing back her emotions before glancing over to her oldest, Dimyri. She too showed worry in her eyes, not from betrayal but rather for how her sisters would cope. Dimyri looked back at her mother as both women shared a knowing look and a subtle nod, as subtle as one could be when sharing a crowded carriage that is. That, that there brought a sense of warmth into her heart. Despite the lie being revealed and the dread she had coming to her, it felt incredibly rewarding to feel a slight bit of hope from her.

As for Syri, she could only imagine what troubles roamed through her mind. Being stuck in her feline form restricted her speech, but it was the lack of snarls or meows which made her feel worse. Syri was ever the most affectionate, the most vocal of her siblings. Her silence spoke loudest to a Mother's ears.

As for Na'Vi well...

"You mean, he's... Dad?" KuliKuli hesitated, her eyes looking up at this man, this hunter she had spent so many days hating, only to now realize...

Leone looked away as she narrowed her eyes, her heart pace picking up.

"So he's... he's-"

"He's our Dad, Nity." Dimyri confirmed in reluctance, her tails gently sliding over her sister's shoulders to comfort her. "I know it's hard-"

"Hard? Try impossible!" She snapped, flicking her tails away before wincing and clutching her stomach. "I just heard that my mother has been lying to us for practically our whole lives, and that this guy who's been haunting my dreams since he kidnapped you is my dad!"

"She's our Mother, and he's my Father too." She calmly responsed, rubbing her sisters back and scooting closer still. "I know it's hard to hear-"

"That's an understatement." She grumbled, pulling away and glaring at Emyri. "I asked you before if you were lying, and you still lied! How could you?"

"Sweetheart, please understand-"

"No! No we've spent so long trying to understand who we are, you don't get to lecture me anymore about trust and understanding. Understand why I am mad at you, Mom! Gosh, I feel so sick!"

KuliKuli climbed over her mother and shoved her head out the small window, puking to everyones shock. Emyri closed her eyes and gently rubbed her daughters back before Kuli's tail swatted her hand off. KuliKuli sat back down once she felt relieve, feeling faint before anger began to seep in. She glanced over at the hunter with a mighty snarl, fangs bared.

"You are not my Father!" She said loud and clear, twisting around and moving over to the rear with Reta making room. Reta had remained silent during the reveal, feeling quite familiar with this type of setting unfortunately. Emyri sighed, hanging her head down in defeat.

Reta turned her head to her friend, "Tough day, huh?"

"I don't want to talk." She muttered, curling up beside Na'Vi. Na'Vi remained in her injured state, staying silent but grateful that her old friend cuddled up to her in comfort. It felt familiar, even if she had wished the terms would have been delightful.

As for Emyri and Leone, Dimyri patted her Mother's thigh to comfort her. "She'll understand, just give her some space." Raz remained still as a statue during the story, observing and admiring the brave face Dimyri seemed to pull. Perdilius had been enjoying the entertainment with a most unwelcomed smirk, reveling in the shame of both Mother and Father.

"Splendid, splendid. That was a most pleasurable performance, and a delightful tale I must say. Forbid love, what a fantasy. Oh, the lengths of what a mother will do to save her children, that is true love there."

"Father." Raz started before he was startled as the carriage came to an abrupt stop.

Perdilius smiled as the door was opened, held apart by one of his silver armored soldiers. "Sir, we have arrived."

"Splendid. Shall we?"

"Woo-hoo. Honestly, my ass was getting sore from sitting all day." Reta grumbled as one by one each one exited the carriage. Stepping outside, KuliKuli felt her foot fall upon a cold, wet stone, a huge difference to the grass or dirt terrain she had become accustomed to. As Leone held Emyri's paw helping her step outside and Raz and Dimyri helped Na'Vi up to her feet, KuliKuli squinted her eyes up past the glimmer from the sunlight shining down.

"Ladies, I present to you, The Temple of Trade."

The setting felt damp and wet, full of life with numerous and different animal sounds surrounding them. The stone path led to a broken stairway carved from rock, rising up to meet the infamous structure up top. Standing at an immense length and looming over them was the Temple of Trade, awaiting for it's new guests. Home was a long ways gone from where they stood. As they were pushed to move forward, KuliKuli turned back, wishing for her mate to save them.

Somehow, someway... I need you now more than ever.