Aurél’s eyes narrowed as he turned away from the edge of the cliff, “Our quarry has left the city.”

“Call Mordad back. We’ll move as soon as she and Źiva finish recovering.”

“What is even the point of this?” Aurél muttered bitterly as he turned to Gareth who had his back to him, facing a pyre with Breann’s body on it. Cernun’s was nearby with Źiva lying beside him, ears flicking up as Mordad emerged and limped toward them.

“Gareth!” Aurél snapped, “What. Is. The. Point?”

Gareth finally faced Aurél with a piercing glare, “Do you really not see--”

“I see fine enough! If it’s so important to him, then why doesn’t he drag his ass out here and deal with it himself?”

“Yes. Why don’t I drag my ass out here to do it myself? Isn’t that how the saying goes?”

Both men froze, neither willing but after a beat, they forced themselves to face their leader. He sat upon his saidae, Abel, that unlike most saidae appeared inverted with pure white fur and bone a deep black that made his gold and blue eyes stand out all the more. Thick horns curved forward with ridges. His partner, while shorter than Gareth and Aurél, was well toned with piercing hazel eyes, his long black dreads pulled back in a ponytail.

“I apologize--”

“I understand your frustration Aurél. Just as I am rather frustrated with how this has been handled, Gareth.”

Gareth stiffened, his jaw tightening as he glowered, “This is just a setback Viorel--”

“A setback?!” Viorel swung off of Abel and grabbed Gareth by the collar of his shirt to pull him down to eye level. “Breann and Cernun were murdered publicly in a hotel where you no doubt was caught on camera trying to abduct a young woman! I call that more than a setback! I’m taking over from here and you’re going to leave Cyan to me when we reach her. Is that clear? Or do I need to spell it out for you?”

Gareth fought to keep his breathing steady. Only after he gave a firm nod did Viorel let go and step away from him. Before Gareth could voice anything else, he was caught off guard as another familiar figure appeared from the shadows with his saidae, heading straight for the pyre. “Leo?”

The figure stopped, adjusting a cloak covering his left side. “What are you doing here?” Gareth took a step toward him but Viorel held up a hand, “He insisted he was fit to come and I wasn’t going to stop him.” He then approached the pyre while Abel and Leo’s saidae went to Mordad and Źiva.

They gathered around Cernun, bowing their heads in silence until Abel threw his head back with a mournful howl. The others joined in and when finished they dragged Cernun’s body onto the pyre beside Breann’s. They moved away as Gareth approached, lighting two matches and dropping them on the bedding under the pyre. It didn’t take long for it to ignite, catching onto the wood.

“We’ll avenge you, Breann… I swear it.” Gareth muttered to himself.

***

Cyan shifted, forcing heavy eyes to open and trying to recall when she had nodded off. It must have been for some hours at least since the scenery, as she remembered last, was a desert and now there were buildings again. “Where are we?” She asked groggily while straightening up.

“Kestin. About thirty miles from Lasun and my home town.”

That knocked away any lingering exhaustion Cyan had. She shot upright, eyes locked on Omaira, “You live here?”

“Nah, I live on the road.” Omaira tapped the steering wheel to set her point, “I did grow up here though. Got a friend that decided to open up his own shop instead of getting out of town as I did. But I wouldn’t have anyone else’s service if I can avoid it.”

“Omaira… We can’t stop. We need to get as far away as possible!”

“You said these guys followed you from Iqrasall, right? I don’t think distance is going to matter at this point Cyan. Plus my car is riddled with bullets if you recall. I think it would be best to get that dealt with than chance breaking down in the middle of the road.”

Cyan shut her mouth, teeth clenching before she turned away to stare out the window once more. She hated this. This fear making her lose composure. It made her feel like a child and brought on memories from the days she first began living on her own. Ever since what she witnessed in the warehouse, the fear that came out of that day stripped what confidence and sense of control she had.

A sudden warmth filled her chest and spread to her sides. She let out a sigh, bringing a hand to her chest.

How are— Feeling better then?

That is my line.

Come on… Seriously.

…Better. Are you?

…Yeah. Thanks.

“He’s not one for asking a lot of questions. If you’re worried about that.”

Cyan looked back at Omaira confused, “What?”

“My friend. I think you’ll like him actually.” Omaira smirked, glancing at Cyan from the corner of her eye. Cyan raised a brow, “You setting me up for a blind date now?”

Omaira broke out into a fit of laughter that got Cyan laughing as well. The silence that fell after was more comfortable, lacking the tension of earlier.


The shop Omaira had spoken of was bigger than Cyan had imagined. It was more of a car shop and wash combined with two garages and an open space for hands-on care, probably for those that preferred it over some machine. That was not counting what was likely a lobby area to wait out the service.

There were a few cars going through the wash while one of the garages was occupied. A team of people was working in the garage as a few were managing the wash.

Before Cyan could question about their person of interest, Omaira suddenly waved at an indigenous man who broke from the garage team to wave back and then guided her inside of the open garage. He had a burly build, dark hair cut short—likely to avoid getting caught in something Cyan realized belatedly—and he pulled Omaira into a hug as soon as she got out of the car, which she returned vigorously. Even lifting him after he lifted her as if trying to out stage each other.

You are swooning~

I am NOT!

Cyan quickly rubbed her face, hoping she didn’t have a visible blush. The man let out a laugh as he and Omaira clapped each other on the shoulder, “Omaira! What brings you to these backwaters?”

“Aw, isn’t it enough that I just wanted to see your handsome mug?” Omaira asked with a tug on the man’s chin. He snorted, “Yes well get in line, your car gets to enjoy my mug first.”

“Well, you just answered your own question with that.” Omaira snickered. The man turned to the car, gave it one sweep with his expression shifting to something of confusion and concern, before he waved it off, “I don’t even want to know. I am going to ask who’s the little lady though.”

Cyan paused mid-way of closing the passenger door to look around before narrowing her gaze on the man, “Little?”

Omaira quickly stepped between them, “Her name is Cyan. Cyan, this is Ifan.” She introduced and Ifan bowed his head, “My apologies. Nice to meet you Cyan.” He held out his hand and Cyan hesitantly took it, surprised by the gentle handshake instead of a crushing grip as expected.

“If you could work in a paint job while you’re at it, I’d owe you.” Omaira chimed, “I’m thinking blue?”

“You mean more than you already owe me?” Snorted Ifan before he smiled, “I’ll see what guys and I can do. Go make yourselves at home in the lobby. Pretty sure we just got a fresh brew of coffee out.”

Cyan let out an unintentional sound of glee. Covering up her mouth right away upon realization, she retreated into the lobby before either could make a comment. However, there was no escaping her entity and his callous humor.


“You need to learn self-defense.”

“I need to what?” Cyan asked with her second cup of coffee half raised to her mouth. Omaira raised a brow and shifted her weight to the other leg, her arms folded, “You heard me.”

“I can throw a punch thanks!” Cyan retorted indignantly.

Omaira rolled her eyes and took a seat by Cyan. Rather than sit around in the crowded lobby, Cyan opted for one of the outdoor tables while they waited. Luckily for them, there was a breeze to take an edge off the blistering heat. Ifan had split his team up for half to work with him and the other half to tend to the customers that were being serviced before they arrived. As most were going through the car wash, this wasn’t a complete hassle, far as Ifan reassured when Cyan questioned it.

“…A punch can only take you so far.” Omaira continued, “It’s handy to have more than one move to fall back on, just in case.”

Cyan swished what was left of her coffee around in the cup thoughtfully, “True. But I don’t see us getting into hand-to-hand combat with them when they can just sick their saidae on us.”

“That’s what you got the big guy for. He killed one of them, right? He could fend the others off while we kick ass too.” Omaira winked. Cyan was still skeptical, “They almost killed him though. Which means I’ll die too if he does.”

Omaira’s jaw clenched, “Better to go out fighting, right?” She stood back up and held her hand out to Cyan, “So what do you say? A friendly spar?”

It could prove useful.

With a sigh, Cyan chugged the rest of her coffee before taking Omaira’s hand to stand up. They wandered behind the building for privacy and once there, Omaira shucked off her jacket, tying it around her waist as best that the material would allow.

Cyan followed suit with taking off her plaid shirt so that she was left with the t-shirt underneath. She had switched to another set of clothes Omaira got her, minus her sweater, in the car before they had pulled into the shop due to the other pair being stained with blood.

The duo squared off in front of each other, fists raised. “Okay miss, ‘I can throw a punch.’ I want to see what you got first.” Omaira gestured for Cyan to come at her.

After a calculating moment, Cyan lunged with her arm wound back before she slugged it forward. She was startled when Omaira knocked her punch away with one hand and slammed her chest with the other hand. Cyan dropped to the ground winded.

“See? So I think we--” Omaira yelped as she suddenly tumbled to the ground. Cyan had swung her leg out, knocking Omaira’s out from under her while she was distracted. She sat up on her elbows with a surprised expression before her eyes narrowed at Cyan, “Oh it’s on.” Omaira twisted to pull Cyan into a headlock with her legs with Cyan barely rolling out of the way.

She scrambled to her feet but Omaira was faster and tackled her back down to the ground, pinning her arms above her head. “Score for me.”

“What? Since when were we keeping score?”

“Since now.”

Cyan scowled and then spat in Omaira’s face, forcing her into recoiling back in disgust. With some effort, Cyan rolled herself onto Omaira and pinned her arms out to either side. “Fine! Then that’s two for me!”

Omaira laughed before hefting her hips and back off the ground, bucking a startled Cyan right off her. Instead of going for her right away, Omaira got back up into a readied stance once more, giving Cyan a chance to do the same.

Time flew by with their sparring, Cyan proving to be a quick learner. She fell less and less, fending off more of Omaira’s blows.

“You need to move more. Don’t leave yourself so open.” Omaira barked after landing a kick to Cyan’s ribs. As she went for a punch, Cyan knocked her arm aside before slamming her palm into her chest. Though winded from the blow to her chest, Omaira looked at her impressed, her smirk a proud one. The spar finally came to an end when Cyan, becoming cocky under her successes, tried to slug Omaira again only for Omaira to grab her arm and throw her over her shoulder to the ground. Dazed, Cyan lay panting on the ground, her back stinging from the impact.

Omaira then stepped into her line of vision, clicking her tongue in a scolding manner, “Don’t get full of yourself.” She wiped her brow, a smile returning as she held out her hand to help Cyan back up. “What happened to friendly spar…?” Cyan grumbled while dusting herself off. “As I said, you let this get to you.” Omaira poked Cyan in the forehead and then jerked a thumb over her shoulder, “Anyway, let’s get back before Ifan has a cow looking for us? He and the guys are probably done by now.” She threw an arm around Cyan’s shoulders as they wandered back from behind the building to the table they were waiting at originally.

Ifan just then walked out, running a towel over his hands until he noticed the two, “Still rolling around in the dust I see.” He directed to Omaira with a grin. Cyan raised a brow questioningly but Omaira shook her head.

“Anyway, got good news and bad news followed by more good news.” Ifan gestured them to follow him into the lobby, which had fewer people by this point, grabbing them both bottles of cold water once inside. “My old girl gonna live?” Omaira asked tentatively while Cyan was busy chugging her water and settling into an empty chair.

Ifan nodded with a hearty laugh, “She’ll be fine. All them times I’ve torn her apart and put back together again, I know that car inside and out.” He leaned against the wall as he crossed his arms over his chest, “First bit of good news is that the body is almost done curing in the oven. Bad news is you’re getting some dead cells in the battery pack that need to be replaced.” He emphasized the need part and Omaira groaned, “I thought I heard something off… But frankly, I’ll take dead cells over bullets. Speaking of, was my mirror the only casualty?”

Cyan glanced nervously about the room but no one seemed to be paying their conversation much mind.

Ifan shrugged, “Worst thing, yes. Got the dents out from the front bumper, filled in the holes in the rear with body filler. Patched up the water cell and replaced the lines to the hydrolysis chamber.” He waved his hand dismissively, “The second bit of good news, and I know you’ll love this, I’ve been working on a new battery pack with the newest style batteries that hit the market.”

Omaira’s eyes lit up and she clapped her hands together, “Have I mentioned I love you?”

Ifan grinned, “Yes, yes. Higher amperage and capacity. Might just sate that lead foot of yours.”

“Hey! I don’t have a lead foot, sir! They’re steel toed!” Omaira raised a boot for emphasis, sending Ifan into another fit of laughter, “Ah huh, and I didn’t just preheat the oven either.”

I feel like my IQ just shot through the floor…

I doubt that is any fault on their end~

Cyan bit her lip, which resulted in a harsh breath being released, the half-empty bottle in her hand crinkling under her grip. This caught both Ifan and Omaira’s attention but Cyan made an awkward cough while sinking further into her chair.

Omaira laughed softly with a shrug, “Alright, alright. So how much?”

“Battery pack is experimental, so I won’t have you pay for it. Everything else?” Ifan paused as he considered, “Well labor, parts, and paint will cost you around $1300.”

“The fuck?” Cyan swiftly snapped her mouth shut at the look Omaira gave her, a frown setting at the chuckling she could still hear in her head become louder. Omaira then pulled out her wallet, “Good thing I just had a gig.” She commented while pulling out some cash and then her card to cover the rest. Ifan led to the customer counter to complete the transaction before stretching his arms over his head with a thoughtful hum, “Another hour or so and you’ll be outta here.” He offered his hand out.

“Thanks, Ifan.” Omaira smiled, taking his hand and pulling him into a hug, “Can always count on you.” She stepped back with a pat to his shoulder then turned to Cyan, “Looks like we got an hour to kill.”

“Seems we do.” Cyan stood, waving a farewell to Ifan as they left. “Okay, you were right. I do like him.” She admitted when they were well out of earshot.

“Ha! Told you.”

“…But I still like you more. By a tiny margin.”

Cyan almost didn’t catch the brief fluster that flashed across Omaira’s face that melted into a soft smile, “You’re alright too.”


While they didn’t wander far, Omaira showed Cyan around some of the places she use to hang out the most as a child, usually with Ifan or alone. This being the river that cut straight through town, a café, and a small bookstore with the upper floor being the owner’s home. There was also a junkyard near Ifan’s shop that Omaira informed he often got his materials from there.

The car was done as promised upon their return. As per requested, it was now an almost teal blue color instead of the vibrant dark red it was before. Omaira gave Ifan another tight hug before getting into the car. Before Cyan could join her, however, Ifan cleared his throat, “Omaira, I’d like to borrow your friend a moment?”

Omaira raised a brow, “Sure? Don’t be getting up to anything weird, you lost your bargaining chip.” She tapped the door of her car with a teasing grin while Ifan rolled his eyes and stepped back inside the garage. Cyan looked to Omaira before following after Ifan with her hands stuffed in her pocket, “Okay… what?”

Ifan didn’t answer right away, leaning to see past Cyan as if checking if anyone could see them or not which only raised Cyan’s suspicions. But he moved his hand in a reassuring manner, seeming to realize this, “Look. I don’t know what’s happened. But I have a guess you are running from something and I do know you have a saidae.” He raised his hand again as Cyan began to retreat back, “Relax. I do too. I call her Maxie.”

As if summoned by her name, a well-built saidae emerged from his shadow. Her mane a pure white against otherwise black fur with a soft curl and her eyes reminded Cyan of amber with the orange and yellow hue.

“Short for Maxine. But mainly, I wished to request that you keep Omaira safe. From whatever is going on.”

Cyan looked back where Omaira was still waiting and then back to Ifan with a firm nod, “I intend to. No matter what.”

“Good.” Ifan patted Maxine’s neck and she disappeared from sight again, “Now, should probably go before Omaira get’s weird ideas.”

Cyan nodded and turned on heel to leave but paused, “Ifan?”

He raised a brow at her.

“…What we’re running from…Is very likely to come by here. You… You should probably get away while you can.”

Ifan tilted his head before giving a light shrug and easy smile, “Won’t be my first tango. Go on now.”

Cyan hesitated a moment more before finally leaving as told, climbing into the passenger side of the car.

“I was just about to come rescue you. Ready?”

“…Ready.” Cyan nodded lightly and Omaira drove away, putting one arm out to wave goodbye to Ifan who waved back until they were out of sight.

---

It only took me an eternity to get this chapter finished. Enjoy!

EDIT: Sooooo I had to resubmit this chapter because for whatever reason I couldn't change the picture to promote this beauty. Sorry about that folks. Chapter Seven is on the way. Credit of course goes once again to the wonderful Guttertongue for drawing this piece up. Go visit their pages: Here, Twitter, and Personal Website

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