Poor Bailey:( lucky her that Stranger came n' rescued her from being killed:) as always this is good stuff, a very Good Story, my friend very good Story:cheer: Looking forward to read more on what's hapenin' next:D
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I HATE Writer's Block, So Very Much...Grrrrrr
Thanks Dancin' Steef mate! :D Glad you're enjoying it so much and as soon as I beat this writer's block :nonono: :flames: :compmad: :banghead: I'll update. :D
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Oddworld Just Got Stranger
Dancing With The Reaper Breathing hurt, even thinking hurt. Bailey subconsciously decided that everything hurt.“Where am I?” she thought, “And why do I get the feeling I’ve been here before?” Bailey gave vent to a mental sigh. “Well, time to join the living.” And she bullied her brain into reluctant action and forced her eyes open. They opened slowly and at first her vision was blurry, but after a few blinks it cleared and Bailey looked around She found herself, once again, underground. The room was just like a cave that had been smoothed out. But it was furnished comfortably and it was pleasantly warm, the bed was soft and the sheets were clean. There was a thick, bright rug on the floor and on the table next to the wall was a softly glowing lantern of some kind. There was also a chair, one made to accommodate a Steef’s body shape. And there was a Steef dozing in the chair. “Stranger.” Bailey croaked, her voice hoarse and rasping in her sore throat. Stranger stirred and was awake in a moment. He saw Bailey awake – abit pale, but awake – and an expression of intense relief swept over his features. He came over quickly and stood by the bed. He gently wrapped his arms around Bailey lifting her into his arms. He sank to his knee, closing his eyes and burying his snout in her hair. “I thought I’d lost yer kid.” He murmured. Bailey swallowed and managed to ease one arm around his neck, taking hold of a handful of fur. She gave it a gentle tug so that she could see Stranger’s eyes. She smiled tiredly and kissed his nose. “Nah,” she croaked, “You’re stuck with me fer a little longer.” Stranger gave a relieved chuckled and rubbed his nose on Bailey’s cheek. He drew back, putting a hand on Bailey’s forehead and smoothed back her hair. “What am I gonna do with yer?” he asked fondly, “I turn my back fer a few weeks and yer go an’ git yerself almost killed.” But he smiled. Bailey quirked a half smiled, “Hey, I had a dinner date with Death that I had to keep.” she said weakly. She then coughed, a violent, hacking cough and groaned feebly. “Ow…” Stranger sobered quickly, he gently laid Bailey back in the bed and drew up the sheets before dragged the chair over to the bed and sitting down. He touched Bailey’s cheek with his nose again. “How’re feeling liddle one?” “Breathing hurts.” Bailey rasped, “Actually, everything hurts.” Stranger smiled briefly, “Try not ter talk too much an’ don’t breathe too deep, yer ribs took a beatin’.” “Where am I?” Bailey asked, “And what happened?” “Yer in the winter quarters of the last Steef tribe in Oddworld.” “But I found a valley,” Bailey protested, “With Steef.” She added, Stranger chuckled, “I know they were jist gittin’ ready ter leave and yer dropped in fer a visit.” Bailey laughed gently but the laugh quickly became a wrenching cough. “Bailey, shallow breaths, yer need to calm down.” Stranger propped up the young human and rubbed her back. Eventually Bailey’s coughing fit subsided, her breathing though still rasping slowed and became easier and regulated. Stranger made her lie back and relax, “What,” she coughed again, but only a couple of times, “Happened, after I crashed in on those Steef?” “I dunno, first time I saw yer, yer were gittin’ yer butt kicked by Jorken.” “J-who? And I wasn’t gettin’ beat that bad.” Bailey protested, “No, it was a lot worse…” Stranger muttered, “Jorken, the big Steef.” “Oh…him…what was with him? I mean, I’m not surprised, they don’t trust humans…but he seemed abit…extreme…” Stranger chewed his lip, “Hrm…” he hummed, “…D’yer remember when the old Steef told yer that when the humans started dying, that some Steef disappeared?” Bailey sat up and nodded, wondering where Stranger was going with this. “They neva proved it, but some of the tribe think, that the humans may have killed the Steef.” There was an uncomfortable pause, “One of his kids disappeared.” Bailey’s eyes widened for a second. “That explains few things…” she muttered, “But it didn’t give ‘im tha right ter pound yer.” “He didn’t pound me though, you came and rescued me,” Bailey grinned half rueful, half embarrassed, “As always.” Stranger chuckled, leaning back in his chair. Bailey smiled but then wrapped the bed sheet and blanket around herself, hooding the sheet over her head, the blanket wrapped around her shoulders and looking dejected. Stranger smiled slightly and gathered Bailey, sheet, blanket and all, up into his arms and cuddled the young human. He gently tugged the sheet from Bailey’s head and smiled down at her, curling some of her hair around his finger. “Stranger?” “Yes?” “I don’t want ter stay in bed.” Bailey moaned, “I’m sick of waking up in recovery rooms.” Stranger could have said something about her not being so reckless then, but mindful of Bailey’s feelings – and memories of her recklessness saving his own hide – he didn’t, just held her close and told her a less harsh truth, “Jist mind yer ribs and yer’ll be up an’ about in no time.” “You promise?” “I promise.” There was a comfortable silence. After a while Bailey noticed the soft bandage on one of Stranger’s forelegs. She touched it gently, “This why you couldn’t get back sooner?” she asked, Stranger rested his chin in Bailey’s head, “Broke it.” “How?” Bailey asked, innocently curious. There was a moment of silence. “Bailey, we have more enemies then Sekto and his boneheads. You remember the battle don’t yer?” Bailey nodded, “I remember.” Bailey whispered, “What were those things?” she asked. “I don’t know, nobody does… They just came before I did and they’ve been attacking ever since. I was in another battle, three months ago, an’ one of tha liddle monsters broke me leg.” “I shoulda come sooner.” Bailey muttered, Stranger suddenly looked very depressed, “Why did yer do it?” he asked plaintively, “Why didn’t yer wait fer me ter come fer yer?” “Three months Stranger, I waited, and I got worried…and…” she faded off. “And?” “I needed to come, needed to be here.” And left it at that. There was another silence, neither Bailey or Stranger feeling the need to say anything, communicating with actions instead of words as Bailey yawned, Stranger looked at her with a firm expression and Bailey, getting the message, relaxed against the Steef. Her eyes drifted closed and she slipped into a warm, secure sleep, feeling safe and comfortable to be back with Stranger. |
Oooooh, this is getting more and more INTSENSE;) hehe way to go LW:D I wonder what hapend to one of Jorken's kids... :fuzconf: may it have any conections to that Stranger got abducted when he was small or? Well It's a GREAT story LW, KEEP GOING!
*Holds fingers crossed* :p |
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Sure LW, I will keep me fingers crossed for ya, matie:D:p a new update today? wow yer a fast writer, aren't ya? well I've been very busy myself so I haven't got enough time to write my story:(
I jus wondered...the link above yer siggy, how did ya manage to do it? I'm trying to make my own link to my piccys and i don't know how to do it... can ya PM me some instructions, please? *begs on bare knees* See Ya! -DS |
Heh heh, hope the PM helped. :D You'll havta lemme know, anyway, as promised, here's the next chapter.
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Oddworld Just Got Stranger
Stranger’s Family Bailey was cheerful when she woke up a little while later. She felt safe and loved, still cuddled under Stranger’s chin. She yawned and stirred slightly, stretching and loosening cramped muscles.Stranger felt Bailey stir and opened his eyes from dozing. He grinned and rubbed his nose in Bailey’s hair. “How d’yer feel?” he asked, “Ready to get out of bed?” Bailey suggested hopefully, Stranger chuckled, “Oh no squirt, not yet.” “Aww, c’mon Stranger, you know I hate being cooped up like a chicken.” Bailey moaned. “Hey, yer ain't gittin’ out of this here bed until yer’ve healed.” Stranger said firmly. Shaking his head. “I know yer don’t like it kid. But I ain’t gonna risk you hurtin’ yerself. Not again.” “Okay, okay, I’ll take it easy, I promise, nothing strenuous. Please Stranger, just don’t make me stay here. I can’t stay in bed, it’s driving me nuts.” Bailey pleaded, Stranger could tell she hated being confined to a bed. “Hrm… I’ll talk ter someone.” he relented. Bailey grinned and hugged him. “Have I told you I love you, today?” Stranger chuckled, “Not today.” Bailey rubbed her cheek into Stranger’s fur. “Love you Stranger.” “Love you too liddle darlin’.” “You’ll really try and get me outta here?” “Yeah.” “Thanks.” Stranger smiled and returned the hug. “But if the Doc says yer stay here, then yer’ll stay. Even if I havta tie yer ter the bed.” Bailey nodded in consent. There was a pause. “If…if I’m allowed out of here…where will we go?” she asked hesitantly. “Yer know, where will we stay?” Stranger smiled to himself. “There’re some Steef I want you to meet.” He answered enigmatically. Bailey looked at him, interest piqued, “Really, who?” she asked intrigued, Stranger grinned and ruffled her unruly hair, “Yer’ll see.” “I hate it when you know somat I don’t and gloat over it.” Bailey groused, Stranger chuckled and they lapsed into a comfortable silence. Finally Stranger stirred, standing up, he carefully set Bailey back onto the bed and tucked her in. “I’ll be back inna bit with someone ter look yer over, okay?” he asked, running a hand over Bailey’s face. Bailey yawned and nodded, making herself comfortable and dozing off. She still had a lot of healing to do. ¤§¤ “Bailey. Bailey, wake up, someone here ter see yer.” Bailey’s eyes opened, she blinked a few times then propped herself up on the pillows, staring at the new Steef standing by Stranger, with innocent curiosity. It was an older Steef with pale brown fur and deep blue eyes, like a pair of oceans. He had a belt of pouches around his middle and he held a staff of weathered wood with a separate curling piece of wood wrapped around the main staff. On the top of the staff the wood formed a claw that clasped a vividly coloured butterfly – as big as Bailey’s hand span – of some kind, encased in clear, golden coloured amber, feathers and beads of several different colours hung under the amber and the staff rattled every time it was moved. The older Steef smiled, “Your name is Bailey I presume?” Bailey nodded, “My name is Gershom, Stranger asked me to come and take a look at you,” Gershom lowered his voice conspiratorial and his eyes twinkled, “Don’t like being stuck in bed I hear.” Before Bailey could answer he straightened and turned to Stranger, “If you could wait outside while I look over Bailey, I’ll be done in a few minutes.” Stranger glanced from Gershom to Bailey with a look that Bailey knew; Will yer be alright? Bailey nodded; Yeh, go on, I’ll be fine. Stranger looked back to the healer, he nodded and left. Gershom turned to Bailey as the door closed. “Now miss Bailey, I believe you took quite a beating to those ribs of yours, roll up that shirt, let’s have a look.” Bailey did as she was told, showing her bruised abdomen. The bruises were all faintly green and yellow with only a little black and blue but even so, the marks of Steef hooves could be clearly seen on her ribs. Gershom gently prodded here and there at her ribs and asked where it hurt. When he was quite satisfied he let Bailey roll down her shirt and brought Stranger back in. “How is she?” Stranger asked as soon as he entered, “Healing well.” Answered Gershom, “I’m completely satisfied with her recovery, there’s still some bruising and her ribs are still knitting but as long as she doesn’t physically strain herself I see no reason for her to stay here.” Bailey whooped, “Brilliant!” and looked extremely please with herself. “Thanks Doc.” Stranger looked relieved, “No worries,” replied the Steef healer, “I’ll just bandage Bailey’s ribs for extra support and she can go. You might want to drop in at the herbalist for some pain-killers while I wrap Bailey up.” He added, Stranger nodded, “I’ll see yer inna bit kid.” He said to Bailey, she nodded brightly and Stranger left. ¤§¤ When Stranger returned, Gershom had gone and Bailey was waiting impatiently on the bed, dressed in dark shirt and pants, sneakers, hat, bandana and fingerless gloves. As soon as she saw him Bailey grinned hugely and bounced off the bed, obviously eager to leave as soon as she could. “We can go now right!?” she asked excitedly. Stranger couldn’t help but smile. “Yeh, we can go.” “Yippee!” “Careful!” Stranger called, “Yer don’t want ter hurt yerself.” Bailey relented but couldn’t stop grinning. Stranger smiled slightly at her enthusiasm. “C’mere yer liddle varmint.” He growled playfully and swept Bailey into his arms. Bailey put her arms around his neck and rubbed her forehead on Stranger’s cheek. “C’mon, there’s someone I want yer ter meet.” Stranger finally murmured, Bailey nodded and leaned her head on Stranger’s shoulder. Stranger carried the trusting little human from the recovery room and along one of the corridors of the underground winter quarters of the Steef tribe. Bailey was fascinated by everything, the corridors, unlike the ones near the prison cells were furnished comfortably, lit with slowly glowing lamps. But more so, the Steef that came and went. Bailey couldn’t keep her eyes off them. She blinked innocently at them as only a thirteen-year-old could. And the Steef seemed just as interested in her, the younger ones especially looked as if they wanted to come over and say hello, but their adult companions hustled them away, whispering admonishingly. “What am I gonna do Stranger?” Bailey whispered after this had happened a couple of times, “They all hate me.” “They don’t hate yer. They’re jist afraid, they’ll git use to yer.” Bailey swallowed, “I don’t want them to hate me.” She whispered. Stranger stroked her head. “What…what if-” “What if the Steef I want yer ter meet hate yer too?” Stranger suggested, Bailey nodded into his shoulder. “They won’t.” “You promise?” “Yeh, yeh I promise.” Comforted, Bailey nodded into Stranger’s shoulder and he felt her tense muscles relax. He rubbed her back, “That’s right liddle one, yer don’t havta be afraid anymore.” After passing through several corridors they came out into a great underground cavern, with sphere shaped structures seemingly sprouting from the rock, like weaverbird nests. Wooden catwalks and rope bridges spanned between them and the cavern walls, leading to other tunnels, connecting it to the rest of the warren-like civilisation. The spheres had little lighted windows, warm coloured lights glowed pleasantly. Bailey looked at it all in awe. “Wow.” She whispered, eyes gleaming with curiosity. Stranger grinned at her wonder. “Not bad.” She finally shook off her wide-eyed wonder and tugged gently on Stranger’s fur. “Lemme down.” She said quietly, Stranger did as she asked and set her down. “You ready?” he asked softly, Bailey hesitated and then nodded. “C’mon then.” Stranger smiled and placed a hand on Bailey’s head. He led the way along a couple of the rope bridges and towards one of the circular dwellings, Bailey following him apprehensively. They eventually came to an iron bound door made of thick, sturdy wood. Stranger rapped on the door with his knuckles. A few seconds later a feminine voice spoke, the words muffled by the door but coherent, “Who is it?” “It’s me Alika. I got Bailey.” The door was immediately thrown open and the smiling face of a female Steef, about Stranger’s age, maybe a fraction older, was revealed. She had pale blue eyes and chocolaty brown fur, Bailey also noticed that she was heavily pregnant. “Stranger,” she said with obvious affection, “Come in, come in, bring Bailey with you.” She beckoned to them, Bailey glanced up at Stranger who smiled reassuringly and Bailey entered the Steef home, Stranger following and shutting the door. “Daimen,” the female, ‘Alika’, called, “Daimen, Stranger’s back. And he has Bailey with him.” Another Steef with very dark shade of fur and red and orange eyes, this one male judging by the demonic goat horns, came out of another room into view. It took Bailey a lot of effort not to cower behind Stranger, this Steef was huge. Bailey had always thought Stranger was pretty big, but it appeared that by Steef standards that he was really quite small. He was only just bigger then Alika. Bailey edged imperceptibly closer to Stranger and dug her fingers in his fur. Daimen broke into a huge grin and came forward, Bailey backed away a couple of steps in surprise as the big Steef caught Stranger into a crushing embrace, “Glad to have you back little bro.” he grinned, slapping Stranger’s shoulder companionably. “And this your kid?” he asked, turning shining eyes on Bailey. Stranger, noticing a tenseness in Bailey’s eyes stepped away from his apparent brother and stood behind Bailey, putting his hands comfortingly on her shoulders. “Yeh, this is my Bailey.” He squeezed the humans shoulders gently, “Bailey, this is my older brother, Daimen, and his wife, Alika. They’ve agreed to take us in and let us stay.” Bailey looked innocently up at Stranger and then back at Daimen and Alika. For a moment Bailey watched them guardedly, trying to see past the smiling faces, trying to read through their eyes what they were really feeling. She’d found that Steef eyes, apart from being fascinating no end, were very expressive. She’d learnt to read Stranger and now she read these two other Steef. What she found was surprising. There was no fear, and there was no hate. There was only compassion, and affection, understanding, but more importantly and that touched her most; acceptance. Bailey almost choked up. After so much fear and hatred she’d felt from the Steef, this was, overwhelming. Stranger’s family did not hate her as the others did, nor did they distrust her. They accepted her. Bailey swallowed and smiled wanly and they could easily see that was her way of thanks. “You’re things are in your room.” Alika told her, adopting a reassuring tone of voice, “I’ll show you if you like?” Bailey smiled, “Yeh, I’d like that.” she whispered, Alika smiled and led the young human from the room. |
:eek: W-wow...I've missed...so much...I fell like-like crying...GOOD CHAPTERS, LOBO! :crying: I wish I could've seen them sooner...I WANT A NEW HARD DRIIVE NOW! WAAAAAH!!! :crying: I've missed yer guys soo much...THIS SUCKS!
Keep it comin', Lobo! |
*hands over virtual tissue* Least you got to see 'em now right? Yeh, I hopes yer get a new hard-drive as well, I'm missin' yer buddy!
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Oddworld Just Got Stranger
Settling Into A New Existence “I didn’t know you had a brother.” Bailey said.It was later that same evening and Bailey was on the bed in the room Alika had taken her too, it had a couple of single beds, so it looked like she and Stranger were still going to be together. Bailey was secretly relieved, she wasn’t yet comfortable enough in these new surroundings to not have him nearby. Stranger relaxed next to her and Bailey lay against his stomach, just a little lower then his Steef forelegs. “Neither did I,” Stranger said quietly, his eyes were closed, feeling and looking peaceful, “Until three months ago.” “Nice to have a family again, hm?” Bailey asked. Stranger opened an eye and looked at Bailey unfathomably, Bailey gazed back impassively. “I already had one. It just got bigger s’all.” He said softly, his voice rumbling. He opened both eyes and sat up, “C’mere squirt.” Bailey cuddled up to his chest and Stranger put his arms around her comfortingly. “And yer family just got bigger as well.” “Hrm,” Bailey chuckled, “Guess it did.” She rubbed her cheek on his soft fur and Stranger growling a soothing purr. He laid a hand on her cheek and stroked his thumb across Bailey’s temple. Bailey let out a deep, comforted sigh and put her arms around Stranger’s middle, burying her face in his fur. “They’re nice…” she finally murmured, “I like ‘em.” Stranger chuckled deeply, “They like yer too kid, they may not-a trusted tha otha humans, but they know yer different. Somat about tha eyes, Alika put it.” Bailey smiled to herself, “Windows to the soul.” She thought fleetingly as just then, another voice called from down the passage, “Stranger! Bailey! Dinner’s on the table!” Bailey’s lethargic mood immediately dispersed and she picked her head up interestedly. Stranger laughed to himself, as always, in any situation, Bailey’s voracious appetite won out. Smiling, he set Bailey on the floor and eased himself off the bed. Together they left the bedroom and trotted down a couple of twisting passages to the dwelling’s kitchen. It was bright and warm, cosy, but not cramped. Daimen was already sitting at the table when Stranger and Bailey arrived, in one of the strange chairs that accommodated the Steef’s centaurish body shape. Bailey stared thoughtfully at her chair for a moment, Daimen and Stranger shared a quiet grin, Bailey completely oblivious to their amusement. Finally, with a determined expression the short human scrambled onto the nearest, unoccupied chair. And found herself eye-level with the table-top. Even though the two Steef males could only see her eyes, they could clearly see the peeved expression. Bailey looked at Stranger, scowling. “Oh stop laughin’.” She muttered, but that only made Stranger grin all the more broadly. “You might find these helpful.” Said another voice, Bailey looked at Daimen who was also grinning, but offering a pile of cushions. Bailey accepted them with a nod of thanks and shot a glare at Stranger before making herself comfortable on the cushions, at an entirely more suitable height. Just in time too as just at that moment Alika called to Daimen to come and help her bring in dinner. Stranger made a move to stand as well but Daimen waved him down; “You’re our guests, and you’ve had it rough. Just relax bro, even if it’s just for tonight.” Stranger sank back into his chair. Bailey’s stomach growled in anticipation as an absolutely divine smell wafted to her as Daimen opened the swinging kitchen door and went in. “Ummm, yummy…” she muttered half to herself and half aloud. Soon Daimen reappeared with a couple of plates and set them before Bailey and Stranger, Alika came in right behind him with their own meals. Daimen and Alika re-took their own seats. “Dig in.” Daimen grinned and without any further cajoling Bailey did just that. It was even better then it smelt, she decided. The talk during dinner was light and easy flowing; “Where’s Haigar?” Stranger asked after a moment, “He’s staying at a friend’s house tonight,” explained Alika, she smiled at Bailey, “Didn’t want the little one to feel besieged.” Bailey returned the smile but doubted the honesty of the female Steef’s words. “It’s because you didn’t know if I could be trusted isn’t it?” but she let the lie slide, especially when Daimen and Alika glanced uneasily at each other. Obviously they didn’t think Bailey was a threat anymore. Bailey acted as if nothing was amiss and dinner was a pleasant affair. ¤§¤ Towards the end of dinner, Bailey found herself extremely drowsy, so much so that she nearly twice fell asleep at the table. “Bailey?” Bailey blinked and looked up, resting sleepy eyes blearily on Stranger, “Wotsmatter?” she slurred. Stranger grinned slightly, “I think it’s time yer went ter bed.” “Burr I’m not t-t-t-tired.” She yawned and shook her head slightly, before dropping off to sleep right at the table. Stranger caught the tired youngster before she hit anything and stood up with her in his arms. “I’ll jist take the squirt to bed.” He muttered, he saw his brother and Alika smile slightly before he left. A few moments later, he was tucking Bailey into bed when she woke up slightly with a jerk, Stranger put a hand on her forehead, “S’alright liddle one, jist got ter sleep.” Bailey blinked groggily at him. then she made an ‘hrm’ sound in affirmative and nodded off again. “G’night liddle one.” Stranger stroked her hair and turned the lamp nearby to a soft nightlight glow, then left, shutting the door quietly behind him. ¤§¤ “And then I brought ‘er here.” Stranger finished, he’d just told Daimen and Alika his adventures (or misadventures) with Bailey. “She’s a very special person.” Said Alika after awhile, “You better take good care of her Stranger.” Stranger smiled to himself, “I know, jist hope I can take good care of ‘er.” They were sitting in the lounge, just relaxing, talking now and again about nothing in particular, asking polite questions. On another occasion Stranger would have found the relatively small talk somewhat frustrating but here he was too relaxed and too at home to really be bothered. There was no one hunting him or Bailey, no one out to hurt them, Bailey was safe and he was once again among Steef, something he thought would never happen. Having Bailey around as well just made Stranger feel more at ease. “So lil’ bro,” grinned Daimen after a pause, “When are you gonna get a girl and some kids of your own hm?” Stranger blinked and his green eyes bulged slightly, “Wha’!?” he spluttered, nearly falling from the couch in shock, “Now, steady on, I’ve only jist got home. And anyway, I got’s Bailey ter look after, and she’s already a handful.” “I think she’s a sweet little thing.” Alika commented amusedly, “Don’t be deceived ‘Lika she ain’t always sweet I can tell yer. Righ’ horror when she wants.” But it was clear to anyone that Stranger was really more then fond of Bailey, despite whatever he said. The comfortable lull in conversation was suddenly shattered as the three Steef suddenly heard what was clearly Bailey’s voice, yelp in terror; “STRANGER!” Stranger was up and out of the lounge like a shot, Daimen and Alika right behind. Stranger burst into the bedroom where Bailey had a minute ago been peacefully sleeping to find the young human in a terror-stricken panic, the lamp had gone out and the room was in darkness. Stranger knelt by the bed and tried to calm Bailey down. “Bailey,” he soothed, “Calm down liddle darlin’, s’alright, I’m here. No one’s gonna hurt yer.” Bailey clung to Stranger like a life-line, “Night- nightmare,” Bailey stammered, “W-w-was all dark an-an-and there was s-s-s-something here, but I couldn’t, couldn’t see it.” Stranger stroked her head, “Shh, it was just a dream Bailey, just a dream, nothing’s here, no one can touch yer. I promise liddle one.” Bailey buried her head into Stranger’s fur, “It’s so dark.” She whispered, “Just like Sekto’s dungeons…” Stranger tensed, Bailey never had told him what had happened to her when she’d been taken. “Stranger?” “Yes, I’m here, what is it?” “I’m scared.” Bailey whispered. Surprise flooded through Stranger but he didn’t comment and held Bailey close. He glanced at the door of the bedroom. Alika and his brother stood in the doorway, Alika’s hands were clasped and tears puddled in her eyes, sympathy for Bailey’s fear and unknown experiences tugging at her kind, gentle heart. Daimen stood by his wife, a supporting arm around her. Stranger gave them a helpless look and laid his cheek on Bailey’s head, rocking her gently, murmuring soothingly. “If you want Bailey,” began Daimen in a low voice, Bailey peeped at him, “You can, come into the living room until you feel better.” Alika nodded, “I’ll go and get a warm drink.” She smiled at Bailey and left. Daimen followed, leaving Stranger and Bailey to themselves, “Whadda yer say kid? Stay up fer abit?” Bailey nodded into his shoulder. “Alright then,” Stranger said and scooped Bailey and blanket into his arms, before carrying her into the front room. Stranger settled himself on one of the couches, Bailey curled up next to him, wrapped in the blanket, leaning her head on against his ribs. Stranger put his arm around her and curled her hair around his fingers. Soon Daimen and Alika reappeared, Alika carrying a steaming mug; “Careful, it’s still hot.” Bailey drew the sleeves of the huge nightshirt she was wearing over her hands and took the mug, enjoying the warmth seeping through the cloth from it. “Thank you.” She said in a quiet voice. Alika smiled and sat down again. In low voices, the adults talked while Bailey blew and sipped her drink. She’d only just finished it when she nodded off, her head drooping against Stranger. Sensing her relaxing, Stranger gently took the mug from her grip and set in on a nearby side table. “Do you know what she was dreaming about?” Alika asked at last, Stranger shook his head and kept his eyes on Bailey, frowning slightly and stroking her hair. Daimen put an arm around his wife and hugged her, Alika rested her head on her husband shoulder and they both smiled as they watched Stranger with his kid. Stranger would make a good parent. |
wheee! it's SOOOO GOOD LW :D well done chapters ya got there...;):p looking forward too read more:cheer:
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You can be happy that I'm in vacations. I really found the time to read your story from the beginning to the yet last chapter. Wonderful. Your fantasy is really worthwhile and I wish for you that you keep that forever. *sighs* I remember the time I wrote my stories about Alector, the Mudokon. His story changed and he's a human now. You can see him on my banner, BTW :p
You can be proud of this wonderful story. It's just a pity that less people read it. This story inspired me to make a new character. I can't wait to show him to you. He isn't a usual Steef :D |
Wow! Brilliant! :D I'm sooooo glad you enjoyed it and I'm over the moon the story inspired you. Can't wait to see this new characters of yours. :D And don't worry about my overactive imagination, I think it'll still be churning out ideas when I'm an old age pensioner. :p :D I guess I can take this as permission for using your characters? *looks hopeful* But you'll have to tell me about them so I can do them justice. :happy:
PS. Alector is absolutely spiffing. :D |
Oddworld Just Got Stranger
Oops, forgot to add this here picture of the Steef winter homes, (it's nicked from the very cool games of the Myst series made by Cyan, it's the Moeity's Hideout in Riven : Sequel to Myst, but it suited the story brilliantly - in my humble opinion) ain't they cool?
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wow that's a cool piccy ya got there Lobo:D like it:p uh btw have ya done it by hand or by a comp? anyway good or GREAT work;)... It looks SOO nice and homely too. Wish I was a Steef... sadly I'm not:(
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By computer, but I didn't do it! :D No, There's a PSX game called Riven, the graphics are amazing and this one is a place where a rebel group called the Moeity hang out. It's what I based the Steef winter homes from, so don't give me the credit :p that all goes to the amazing people at Cyan.
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I don't know why Steefs inspire us so immensily. I think because they'rte so mystical and strong. So their homes need to be that too. It looks so pleasant that I wish I was there. It's a good idea to make "zivilized" Steefs, who live in communities and families.
I always think on wild, huge and harsh Steefs, which aren't that lovely. That would be a funny composition. Don't you think so? When I showed you the new character, I can give his/her profile so that you can put them in your fantastic story. PS: Lobo is cute :) |
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Hehe, yes. I first have to finish the new character, then I will draw another picture of the blue-eyed Steef. I'll give him a name. I thought of a latin name, so he will be called Caligo. What do you think about this name? Caligo with the blue eyes. The exotic Steef ;)
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Nice, Caligo. I like it, suits him quite nicely. I think it might be the combination of shocking black hair and blue eyes that make him different (and so cute). But yeh, like it, how old do you think he'd be? To me he looks quite young actually...
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Oh, I don't know how to count Steef years. Perhaps they're different than human years. In human years, he would be 21 (a perfect age :D)
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Oddworld Just Got Stranger
Haigar The following morning Bailey was feeling a lot happier and optimistic, she was safe and the hostility she was getting from the majority of the other Steef would soon fade, she was sure. All in all, things could only get better.And for once, she was right. She woke up to find herself back in bed and Stranger nowhere in sight, but the ruffled sheets let Bailey know that he’d just gone. Bailey rolled out of bed and stretched before changing into a loose shirt pants and her bandana, hat and sneakers she found in the cupboard, along with everything else she’d left the Grubb village with. Bailey felt a stab of guilt, she had no way of contacting Jolee, and she didn’t half miss the plucky little Grubb. Knowing there was nothing she could do about it Bailey made her and Stranger’s beds and then left, walking down the passage to the kitchen. She peeped in to find Alika alone at the stove. “Mornin’.” Bailey said, Alika turned and smiled, “Bailey, good morning.” She smiled, “Are you hungry?” Bailey nodded, “Bit,” Bailey nodded, “Erm, where’s Stranger?” “Stranger and Daimen are painting the baby’s room.” Alika patted her stomach gently, smiling. She set a plate before Bailey, “Traditional Steef breakfast,” she said, Bailey grinned broadly, “Run and Ram breakfast Slam…” she thought amusedly and dug in. “Umm, it’s nice, thanks.” “You’re welcome.” Alika smiled. Bailey ate for a while in silence, then she asked, “D’you know if it’s a boy or a girl?” Alika turned slightly, “What?” Bailey vaguely waved the spoon at Alika swollen stomach, “Boy or girl?” she asked, “Oh, no, we don’t know.” “Any ideas on what yer gonna call him or her?” Bailey asked, Alika laughed, “No, that isn’t up to me.” Bailey blinked in confusion, Alika laughed lightly again, but apologetically, “I sorry Bailey, I forget you are not from Oddworld are you.” Bailey shook her head, “Steeflings are named by the tribe’s Seer, he goes into a trance and a name that has meaning for the Steefling comes to him.” Alika explained as Bailey ate. Bailey nodded in understanding and finished her breakfast. When Bailey had finished she took her plate to the stone sink sunk into the worktop and washed it before putting it with the others on the drying rack. She made to leave the kitchen but Alika’s voice stopped her, “Oh, Bailey, Stranger left a message for you.” Bailey turned and tilted her head fractionally, “He said if you wanted to wander round and explore for a bit you were free too but to come back for lunch.” Bailey nodded. “Yeh, I think I might, thanks Alika.” Alika smiled and continued working. Bailey left the kitchen, went down the passage to the front door and slipped through it. She left the spherical dwelling and padded easily down the rope bridge from Daimen and Alika’s home, off to explore this new world. ¤§¤ Soon Bailey was well and truly lost. She had no problems in finding her way back to the cavern with the Steef homes – she had a good sense of direction, but remembering which one was Alika’s and Daimen’s was completely beyond her. She couldn’t ask the other Steef for help either, for one thing they still avoided her like she had a plague and for another, she wasn’t quite confident enough quite yet. So instead she wandered around, hoping that maybe someone would find her. Luckily for her, someone friendly did. “Hullo? Can I help, you look kinda lost.” It was an unfamiliar, but pleasant voice that sounded like Stranger and Daimen but a fraction higher and younger. Bailey turned as she heard it, It was a Steef, a young Steef, only a couple of inches taller then Bailey herself, he had pale chocolate brown fur but his hair that he had in a rough plait was a very dark shade of brown, and he had blue eyes which Bailey found very familiar but couldn’t think where they were familiar from. Although she couldn’t begin to guess how old the Steef was, Steef seemed to mature differently then humans did, it did have the beginnings of curling goat horns though, so Bailey guessed it was male. “You’re the human right?” Bailey frowned momentarily, “Yeh…how d’you know?” The Steef smiled, “Everyone’s been talkin’ about it.” the Steef grinned, “You’re Stranger’s kid.” Bailey quirked a half-smile, “Yep, that’s me.” she offered a hand, “M’name’s Bailey.” She said and grinned, the Steef returned the smile, not as broadly as Bailey, but a smile that reminded Bailey comfortingly of Stranger. He accepted the hand and shook it warmly, “Haigar.” He answered. Bailey broke into a relieved grin. Seeing the grin Haigar nodded, his smile growing vaguely wider. “Yeh, you’re stayin’ with me folks. So? You lost or not?” he grinned. “Yeh, very.” Bailey admitted. “C’mon then, I’ll lead you back.” Bailey followed the young Steef through winding passages and along the catwalks of wood and cord. All the while talking easily. They passed quite a few Steef one the way, most of them skirting the two youngsters, others looking at Bailey with open hostility. Bailey went quieter and quieter each time. Finally one Steef actually shouted to Haigar; “Wouldn’t get too pally with that one Haigar! Never know when it’ll turn on yer! Backstabbing, humans are!” “He’s right yer know…” Bailey said quietly, “It’d be better if yer weren’t seen with me…Humans ain’t exactly popular round here… Good reason too…” she muttered. Haigar put a friendly arm around Bailey’s shoulders, he’d only been around Bailey for an hour or so, but he already liked the spirited human girl. He’d always been taught that you couldn’t judge an entire species by just a few people. And he liked Bailey, she was easy-going and cheerful, except for now. “Hey now, I don’t believe that fer a second, and you shouldn’t either.” Bailey chewed her lip and didn’t answer. Haigar stopped and put a hand on each of her shoulders, “Listen Bailey, I don’t believe fer a second that all humans are bad, you ain’t. And even if you were, I wouldn’t hate you, Stranger’s family, and you’re Stranger’s kid, that makes you family too. And besides, I like you anyway.” Bailey smiled wanly. “Thanks Haigar.” Haigar grinned, “Let’s go.” And after a while, they reached a familiar dwelling. Bailey grinned. “Brilliant, thanks Haigar.” Haigar smiled, “No problems.” He answered. The two youngsters trotted down the last rope bridge to the door, Haigar knocked on the door and called, “Ma, I’m home!” only a few moments had passed before the door was flung open and Alika appeared, looking harassed, as soon as her eyes fell upon Haigar and Bailey, she smiled. “Oh darling, you found her.” She cried, obviously relieved. She herded the two children through the door and down the passage, when they were in the living room, Alika called; “Daimen, Stranger, she’s here.” Stranger burst into the room, closely followed by Daimen. “Bailey.” He half gasped the name in evident relief. As if they was no one else around Stranger swept Bailey into his arms and held her tight. “Where have yer bin!? I was worried sick about yer.” Bailey threw her arms around Stranger’s neck and pressed her cheek to his. “Sorry Stranger, I got lost, but luckily Haigar found me.” She grinned at the young Steef who blushed dark brown under his fur and smiled shyly. Bailey grinned all the more broadly at him. Stranger smiled gratefully at the young Steef and put Bailey down, “Yer must be Haigar.” He said, Haigar nodded, “Thank you Haigar, fer returning my wayward kid.” Stranger ruffled Bailey’s hair, “You’re welcome Uncle Stranger.” Bailey couldn’t help grinning, “I like it,” she thought, “Uncle Stranger.” “Well,” said Daimen, “Now that the family’s back together, I think it’s time for dinner, Haigar, Bailey, help Alika with the dinner please.” The two children nodded and followed Alika out of the lounge and into the kitchen. Haigar caught Bailey’s eye and they grinned at each other. Bailey felt happiness fill her. Haigar’s words echoing in her mind; “Stranger’s family, and you’re Stranger’s kid, that makes you family too. And besides, I like you anyway.” Not only had she found someone else that didn’t hate her, she’d found a family member her own age. And she’d made a friend. |
Oddworld Just Got Stranger
Steefling Weeks passed and Bailey was content in her new surroundings, the Steef still treated her with suspicion but Stranger, Daimen, Alika and Haigar’s affection more then made up for it. She felt at home and loved and she and Haigar had become firm friends. She knew her way around by now and she could happily wander and not get lost.Two months since Bailey had first entered the Steef home, had passed when her new quiet existence was shaken up abit. A mid-winter blizzard was raging outside, but deep down in the cavern of the Steef homes it was warm, dark and quiet. Bailey however, slept uneasily, something prodded at her subconscious, something she thought she should have remembered, but as with all dreams, trying to remember it, was like trying to catch smoke. And so she slumbered fitfully on, unaware of what was happening. Until she was jarred from her dreams by a pained scream. Bailey shrieked and fell out of bed, hitting the floor with a thud, the sound muffled by the sheets she was still cocooned in. She fought at the blankets but only succeeded in tangling herself more effectively. Bailey stopped, panting for breath in the stuffy warmth of the air trapped in the sheet. It was only then that she heard the voice; “Bailey? Bailey just hold still.” Bailey recognised Haigar’s voice and obeyed and soon the sheets were pulled back and she was staring into Haigar’s wide blue eyes. “You okay?” he asked, Bailey nodded and sat up, “You heard it as well?” Haigar asked worriedly, Bailey nodded again, she knew automatically that that scream had not been in her dreams, “Yeh,” she said breathlessly, “What was that?” she asked. “It’s me Ma.” Haigar explained, looking anxious, “Stranger’s gone to get some help.” “Wh-what’s wrong!?” Bailey asked, “I-I dunno,” Haigar looked on the verge of tears, “She hasn’t been sleeping well lately, she’s had aches in her back and pains in her belly and it’s gotten worse. And-and, I dunno what to do!” tears leaked down the young Steef’s face, darkening the fur on his cheeks. “I don’t want me Mam to die.” He whispered. Bailey got to her knees and put her arms around Haigar’s neck. The young Steef buried his face into Bailey’s shoulder and sobbed. “Yer Mam’s not gonna die.” She said, “She’s just…holy crud on a stick, that’s IT!” Bailey scrambled to her feet, hauling Haigar up with her, “We’re gonna see yer Mam.” She said quickly, Haigar wiped his eyes and nodded, “Okay,” he swallowed, “C’mon.” and he quickly led Bailey from the room and down the hall, following the screams to a closed door from which the cries emanated, “In there.” Bailey’s stared intently at the door for a moment before purposely going to it and opening it slightly, peeped in. The room was thriving with frantic activity. Alika was sprawled on the bed, Daimen was at his wife’s side, holding her hand tightly, Stranger was actually dithering near the wall, almost prancing around, half in agitation, half to keep out of the way of the three older female Steef bustling around the room. “Just a moment dear, not yet, don’t push yet.” Said one of the older females. Alika had tears of pain running down her cheeks, but she grit her teeth and nodded, another female Steef put a damp cloth of Alika’s forehead, “Don’t worry, it’s nearly time.” “Can’t you give her something for the pain?” Daimen asked the third fretfully, “In a moment, in a moment, it needs to brew for another minute.” The third female looked the oldest, she was calm and collected and Bailey had the distinct impression she’d done this all before. It was now that Bailey realised what was happening, she glanced back at Haigar grinning, “She’s due.” Bailey hissed, Haigar cocked his head, “What?” he asked in a low voice, “The baby,” Bailey said, “It’s comin’.” Haigar broke into a relieved grin, Bailey turned back to the scene unfolding in the room beyond the door. She unexpectedly felt something brush between her knees and she suddenly found herself lifted off the ground. “What in blazers!?” she thought, but then realised that she was sitting on Haigar and that he was peeping around the door as well, with her on his back. The older female Steef’s concoction had brewed now and she pressed a soaked cloth under Alika’s nose, Alika took in a relieved breath, the pain obviously dulled. “Alright, now push deary.” Said one of the other Steef midwives. Unfortunately just then, Daimen glanced at the door and saw two young faces. “Stranger.” He called and nodded his head towards the door, the door suddenly opened and Bailey and Haigar tumbled in. Each landing with a thud. Bailey found herself staring up at an upside-down Stranger, she tried to grin appeasingly, Stranger frowned and put his fists on his hips. “Bailey.” He said warningly, Bailey’s grin faded, Stranger picked her up and set her on her feet before doing the same to Haigar, “Alright, c’mon you two.” He said and herded the two protesting youths from the room, closing the door. “But-but-but-” Bailey spluttered, “No buts kiddo.” Stranger cut in firmly, “Yer ain’t goin’ in there,” He fixed Haigar and Bailey with neon green eyes, “Neither of yer.” He said plainly. “Yer ain’t old enough ter see somat like this yet, hell, I ain’t up fer it.” “Stranger, he’s worried about his Mam.” Bailey protested, “Alika will be fine, but right now she doesn’t need the added worry of Haigar bein’ upset or nothin’. We’ll stay right ‘ere if it makes yer feel any better.” He said to Haigar. Haigar nodded mutely. “Yes Uncle Stranger.” He said in a quiet voice. ¤§¤ Six hours. It had been a long and arduous birth, but the results were worth it. Alika was weak and tired but supremely happy with a small bundle of fuzz stirring in her arms, having it’s first feed. “Daimen,” her husband leaned close so he could hear her, “Bring them, so they can see,” she tried to say more but it took too much effort, besides, Daimen understood. He nodded and went to the door. Opening it he was confronted by a sight that made the Steef smile. Stranger was leaned against the wall of the corridor with Bailey cuddled under his chin, Haigar was using Bailey’s leg as a pillow and all of them were sound asleep. Daimen went over and stood over them and called their names softly. Stranger stirred first, he moved and opened his eyes slowly. He saw Daimen’s grin and deduced that nothing untoward had happened. “Everythin’ alright then?” he asked through a wide yawn, “Yeh, ‘Lika wants you all to come in.” Stranger nodded and stretched and gently shook both Bailey and Haigar awake. Haigar somehow managed to become fully awake in only a few moments of actually waking. Bailey on the other had needed more coaxing. Finally Stranger just stood up with a groggy Bailey in his arms and followed Daimen and Haigar into the room. Still sleepy, Bailey looked at Alika nursing the little fluffy bundle of Steefling through half-closed, sleepy eyes and blinked innocently at the new Steef mother and her little baby. Stranger set her on the floor next to Haigar and smiling Alika let Bailey look at the Steefling. The baby Steef and young human gazed at each other for a moment before the baby gurgled happily and reached out, tugging at Bailey’s hair. “Erm.” Bailey said in mock seriousness, “Definitely a troublemaker.” There was a pause, “Human newborns ain’t as this active.” She muttered. “Steef mature quickly, we have very short childhoods.” Alika said softly, “Bummer,” muttered Bailey, “How depressin’…” Stranger chuckled. “You want to hold her? She likes you.” Alika said. Bailey blinked stupidly, “Me? But-I-Whaat!?” “Go ahead Bailey.” Grinned Daimen. Bailey reluctantly held out her arms and the Steefling, without it’s mother’s help toddled over and clambered into Bailey’s arms. In only a few moments she had made herself comfortable and buried her snout in Bailey’s hair. “What is it with Steef an’ doin’ that?” Bailey muttered too low for anyone to hear, the baby seemed to understand and giggled. “Very cheerful ain’t yer.” Bailey muttered, the Steefling nuzzled Bailey’s cheek with her tiny nose then yawned and reached for Alika. Bailey gave the Steefling back. Alika smiled again, shining with the maternal beauty of a new mother. “You have a special connection with her Bailey.” She commented, Bailey scratched the back on her neck, embarrassed, suddenly aware that all the Steef in the room were staring at her with smiles on their faces. “Yeh well…she’s em, just got guts…most liddle kids take one look at me an’ scream blue murder…” Bailey tried to stifle a yawn, Stranger settled a hand on her shoulder, “Alright you, bedtime.” Bailey muttered incoherently in answer but allowed herself to be led back to bed. It had been a long night after all. |
Awwww, how cute:happy::D jus so cute... seems like there's a new member in the lil family:) good chapters there Lobo:p
I'll be soon updating mine, probably this week if I manage to get some free time :fuzemb: anyway looking forward to read more;) |
:D:D:D Yup, a new, very liddle addition :D and Bailey was right when she said the Steefling would be a troublemaker. :D Glad you like, an' lookin' forward to more of your story. :D:D
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Oddworld Just Got Stranger
Woot! Chapter 50!
SNOW! “Bailey?” the voice spoke her name quietly, trying to wake her gently, but when Bailey didn’t respond the voice became louder, more insist with barely restrained excitement. “Bailey!” Bailey snorted and woke up with a jerk.“Wotsmatter?” she muttered groggily, “C’mon Bailey!” cried the voice exuberantly, “You gotta wake up!” “Don’t wanna.” Bailey muttered, drifting off to sleep again, “Ah no, you gotta get up Bailey!” she felt an almighty shove and fell out of bed with a yelp, hitting the floor with a muffled thud. Bailey sat up quickly cursing, “I’m up dammit!” she blinked and rubbed her head and was confronted with Haigar standing on the opposite side of the bed, grinning like the Cheshire Cat, with a knitted hat with ear flaps that tied under his chin, mittens and a thick jumper. “What the hell was that for!” Bailey exploded throwing up her hands. Unperturbed Haigar went to the chest of drawers cupboard by Bailey’s bed and threw it open rummaging around and throwing her warmest clothes onto the bed. “What the heck are yer doin’!?” Bailey asked in confusion. “Get up! Get ready!” Haigar yelled, “It’s SNOWIN’!” Bailey blinked long and slow. “Haigar…” she said, in a tone that suggested she was trying to reason with a mentally unstable, flame-thrower toting homicidal maniac. “It’s bin snowin’ for ages…” “Yeh,” agreed Haigar enthusiastically, “But it’s clear enough to go outside!” “It’s early Haigar,” Bailey whined, “And I’m too old for snowball fights and whatnot.” “Awww, c’mon Bailey, it’ll be fun, and you can meet some other Steef kids.” Haigar wheedled, Bailey groaned, well, she was up already and playing in the snow might be fun. Plus Haigar was on the verge of pleading, opening his blue eyes wide. Bailey rubbed her hair, and broke into a smile, “Alright, alright, I’m comin’.” Haigar cheered and punched the air in triumph, “Yeah!” and barrelled out of the room, “One of these days boy, you’re gonna charm some lass so good you won’t know what you’ve let yerself in for.” Bailey muttered wryly and went through her drawers. She pulled out the Grubb warmsuit Jolee had supplied her with and laid them next to her thickest trousers and shirt, the green woollen jumper, balaclava-hood, scarf and hat as well as her fingerless gloves and woolly mittens. She considered wearing her bandana and hat and pulled them out of the draw. Stranger had returned them to her when she’d been in the Grubb infirmary. The bloodstains, though the bandana had been washed copiously, could still be faintly seen and not amount of skill could fix the raggedness it had acquired. But Bailey didn’t mind, it was her bandana and she liked it just the way it was. She picked up the hat and fingered the soft leather. The jagged hole that the stake it had been impaled on, had put through it hadn’t been fixed either, the brim now looking like it had been bitten. Bailey smiled quietly, it looked more like Stranger’s hat now. She wondered briefly why his looked like it had been attacked by a Fuzzle. But just then, she heard Haigar’s voice; “Hurry up Bailey!” and decided that it was something to be pondered another time, she put the bandana and hat back in the draw, pulled off the shirt and baggy pants she slept in and began to change. When she was quite ready she left the bedroom and found Haigar waiting impatiently outside in the hall. “C’mon! You ready?” without waiting for an answer he grabbed hold of Bailey’s wrist “Let’s go!” and practically dragged the dazed human down the hall, passed the kitchen where the adults and baby were having breakfast and to the door. Just before Haigar could open the door Stranger’s voice called them, “Whoa you two! Where’s tha fire!?” the two youngsters turned, Stranger was walking down the hall towards them, he stopped before them and put his fists on his hips. “Where you two goin’?” he asked, “The snow’s stopped.” Gushed Haigar, “We’re going outside.” Stranger raised an eyebrow. Then he sighed and shook his head, “Not without me you ain’t, someone’s gotta watch yer.” He said, glancing at Bailey in particular. “Don’t Move.” He warned before leaving them. Bailey waited patiently for him to come back, while Haigar fidgeted. Soon Stranger came back looking weird to Bailey in woollens and not the hat and poncho she was used too. “Alright, let’s go.” The two Steef and human shouted goodbyes to Daimen and Alika in the kitchen and left the Steef home, through several winding passages and finally up, out of the underground civilisation and outside. Bailey squinted and blinked rapidly as the reflected glare of the watery sun on the sun blinded her. When she got used to it she took a deep breath of cool, crisp air, held it for a second and then let it out again. She saw many young Steef, chaperoned by smiling adults, shrieking with glee while they played in the powdery snow. The sight of them was infectious and Bailey felt the joy she had felt when she was younger and the excitement of playing in snow. With whoops of childish delight Haigar and Bailey plunged into the games. At first the other Steef children were wary of Bailey and the adults tensed up and their smiles faded. Stranger watched them closely, his arms folded, unsmiling. He watched Bailey in particular, not sure how the other Steef adults were react to her, and ready to defend his little one if necessary. His concern seemed misplaced, for after a few minutes of skirting around the human and avoiding her, while watching her warily, a very young Steef, about Haigar’s age and Bailey’s height approached her. He had shocking blond fur and hair and blue eyes. Bailey had noticed that many of the blue-eyed Steef also had pale fur, she realised that Haigar, being dark but still blue-eyed was pretty unique as Steef went. The young Steef was male and seemed part of a little gang, his friends a little way off, watching him. Maybe he was trying to show off, maybe it was a dare, but regardless of the reason, a young male Steef had come up to Bailey and looked at her intently. Bailey held the eye contact, knowing it was important, she had to let him know that she was neither afraid of him, not considered him her superior, but she also had to remain non-threatening. The Steef circled her slowly, Bailey kept her face impassive, but felt surprise. The young Steef male was inspecting her as if she were a Steef too and a male Steef at that. Luckily she knew what to expect and how to react to send the appropriate message for both male and female Steef. Haigar stood back but by the tenseness of his stance, it was clear he would leap to Bailey’s defence if this other Steef got nasty. But he didn’t show any threatening signals. After circling Bailey twice he stood in front of her again and leaning forward until his nose was only an inch from Bailey’s. He let out a breath that washed warmly across Bailey’s face, Bailey didn’t flinch in anyway but instead let out a small growl. The Steef returned the growl and then wrestled Bailey to the ground, not roughly but not gently either, a scrap of this kind was the Steef’s way of assessing another’s strength and guile. They tussled for a bit, throwing up snow as they grappled. Eventually Bailey managed the upper hand and as the snow cleared Haigar hid a grin, Bailey was sitting on the Steef’s back, his arms pulled behind him. Bailey waited a few seconds just to establish she’d won and then got off him, she offered and hand and the Steef took it, hauling himself to his feet. He drew back slightly, not alarmed but with an impressed and almost friendly look. After looking at Bailey for a moment, he spoke, his voice a shade deeper then Haigar’s; “Chiron.” He said, put a hand over his heart, Bailey copied him, “Bailey.” “It was a good fight.” Chiron said, Bailey shrugged lightly, “Only because you underestimated me.” She commented, Chiron chuckled, “I won’t be guilty of it again, I can assure you.” Bailey grinned, “Then I should watch my back.” She held out her hand, Chiron looked at it confused, “It’s how we say hello.” Bailey explained, Chiron took her hand and shook it. “Strong hand shake.” Bailey nodded. “So you’re the human.” Chiron said, “So what if she is?” asked Haigar, coming to stand beside Bailey. Chiron put up his hand, “I mean nothing by it Haigar, I’ve just heard rumours.” “About the human who came last time.” Said Bailey, “I’ve been told what they did.” She nodded to Chiron’s and Haigar’s expressions, “I hope I can maybe get the Steef’s confidence back and try and take back what the others did. I mean nobody any harm here and even if I did, I don’t think I’d have much of a chance.” Chiron gazed at Bailey piercingly but then he nodded. “You have truthful eyes Bailey,” he said, “I think you are different from your kin.” He put a hand on Bailey’s shoulder, “I hope we can be friends?” he asked mildly, Bailey grinned and put a hand of Chiron’s shoulder, “I’d like to have you as a friend.” It was only then Bailey noticed that she, Haigar and Chiron were surrounded by all the other young Steef that had been only a while ago playing in the snow. She also saw the adults not too far away. She was sure that they’d heard Chiron and herself conversing and most of them looked less wary of her then before. The young Steef children, seeing that Bailey really wasn’t all that scary and seemed to have bonded with Haigar and Chiron, came forward shyly, wanting to say hello to the human Bailey as well, but held back by their own shyness. Finally, one Steef, a female with ruddy-brown hair and toffee brown eyes steeped forward and inspected her as Chiron had done, but in the way that female Steef did, and as Chiron had, as if Bailey were a Steef, but this time, as she was female. It was less tense and didn’t have a tussle. “Laylana.” She introduced herself when she and Bailey had ‘met’ in Steef fashion. “Bailey.” Bailey replied. And so it went on, the Steef circled her and according to if they were male of female, fought her as well. Sometimes she won, sometimes she lost but all of the Steef were amiable and Bailey could almost feel the wariness and distrust they had had for her dissipate. The adults to glanced from Bailey to Stranger and back to Bailey, seeing how she treated their young ones. Her facial expression and her body language all said she was truthful and trustworthy, unlike her predecessors who had been continually guarded with devious eyes and dubious speech. Bailey seemed easy-going and open. Soon the children threw aside all constraints and soon were all laughing and screaming, pelting snow at each other. Bailey found that even in play Steef were more serious then human children, even a snowball fight seemed organised. The Steef roughly made up two teams, under a leader and built little barricades of snow before plunging into snowy warfare. There seemed to Bailey, an unspoken but unbreakable rule that if you were hit in a way that would kill if the projectile was deadly, then you had to die and join the other ‘victims’ on the sidelines. All the Steef children were amused when Bailey ‘died’ dramatically, lingering for half a minute before kicking the bucket. After the snowball war, they made snowmen, or as Bailey thought, snow-Steef. Once again the Steef children were delightedly amused as Bailey built a traditional snowman, made from two giant snowballs with twigs for arms and nose and little pebbles for eyes and mouth. Bailey showed them how to make snow angels and she couldn’t help laugh when Haigar tried it, his snow angle looking like some kind of mutated, six-winged butterfly. She mucked around for hours in the snow with her new Steef friends, but eventually the adults began calling the children in to the warm. As was expected there was half-hearted griping but they said their goodbyes - many calling to Bailey that they’d have to meet up again sometime – and went underground again. Stranger came up to collect Bailey and Haigar who – like everyone else – were soaked and bright eyed. Stranger smiled, “C’mon you two, let’s head off.” Bailey and Haigar didn’t argue and followed Stranger back into the Steef winter quarters, as they made their way back home, many older Steef stopped them and introduced themselves to Bailey. It was obvious they were trying to make amends for their earlier suspicions and Bailey was only to glad to accept their advances. She reached home with Stranger and Haigar feeling happier and lighter then ever. Nothing could darken her day now. ¤§¤ Later, feeling warm and dry and full of good, warm food, Bailey dozed, leaning against Stranger, eyes drooping and half listening to the adults talk. She yawned widely and cuddled up closer to him. Stranger put an arm around the small human and stroked her hair. Bailey made a muffled contented sound and snuggled her cheek more deeply into Stranger’s fur, putting an arm around his stomach. Soothed by the sound of Stranger’s breathing and the regular thud of his heart, Bailey drifted off to sleep. |
Sheesh, where is everyone? Have all me maties boycotted or somat? :D
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Oddworld Just Got Stranger
The Naming A couple of days later Bailey was dozing on the couch. It was about mid-morning and after a bad night of sleep, Bailey was exhausted.She was woken from her nap by something patting her cheek gently with little paws. Bailey snorted and blinked awake, she moved slightly and found the Steefling sitting on the couch, level with her stomach. Seeing her awake the baby giggled and patted her cheek again. “An’ whadda you want?” Bailey asked through a yawn. “Baba.” she sat up, eyes wide, “Wh-what did you say?” she asked slowly, the Steefling gurgled and giggled and bounced up and down; “Baba! Baba!” Bailey frowned slightly, “Baba?” she muttered, “Baba…Baba…Ba-” the Steefling chuckled and wagged a hand gently at Bailey, “Baba!” “Ba-” Bailey’s eyes went wider, “Baba!? Are you tryin’ to say my name!?” “Baba! Baba!” the baby laughed, “Bai-ley.” Bailey said, slowly sounding the word, “Bai-ley.” “Ba, Ba,” the little Steefling was trying to force the word out, “Ba…Bailey!” Bailey threw up her hands, “HA HA!” she yelled, “You said my name! Say it again!” “Bailey.” The Steefling giggled. Bailey whooped and tumbled off the couch. She scrambled up, “C’mon, we gotta show yer Mam and Dad.” She picked up the Steefling and hurtled out of the lounge into the kitchen, “She talked!” Bailey yelped as soon as she’d burst through the door. “She talked!” Stranger, Alika, Haigar and Daimen were all sitting at the table and they looked up quickly with wide-eyed, surprised expressions. Bailey hefted the Steefling up a bit, “Go on,” she encouraged, “What’s my name kiddo?” “Bailey! Bailey!” giggled the Steefling, bouncing in Bailey’s arms, “Bailey!” Bailey grinned. “I’m her first word!” Bailey gushed. She turned to the Steefling, “Can you say Mamma? Mam-ma?” she pointed at Alika, “Mam-ma?” “Mam- Mam- Mamma.” The Steefling chuckled, “And Dada, Dad-da?” she said pointing to Daimen, “Dada!” “What about, Haigar, Hai-gar.” And Bailey pointed to Haigar, the Steefling frowned, “’Aiga?” Bailey chuckled, “Close enough, what about Stranger? Strain-jer.” “Stainjer?” “Maybe that one’s a bit hard.” Bailey said musingly. She looked up to find Alika and Daimen beside her. Both of them were smiling. “Can I take her.” Alika asked, Bailey nodded mutely and handed the baby to it’s mother. “What’s, what’s gonna happen now?” she asked hesitantly, “It’s time to take her to the Steef Seer.” Alika smiled. “She’s old enough to receive her name.” ¤§¤ Bailey sat on the couch in the front room of the Steef home and tugged at the neck on her green Grubb shirt, feeling somewhat underdressed in shirt, trousers and sneakers - she'd refrained from her hat and bandana - and she was beginning to feel vaguely uncomfortable with it all. From the way Alika, Daimen and Haigar were acting, this 'Naming' was something important and she felt a bit uneasy with not knowing about Steef culture and their customs to realise the importance. Stranger looked just as uncomfortable as Bailey did as he tugged at the throat of the robe he was now wearing, also feeling edgy. It was a long, red robe, worn open, made of velvet-like material with a high, wide collar and long sleeves that reached past his hands. The velvet scratching and irritating at his neck. Neither of them knew what to expect and there was a mutual feeling of being out of their depth. As a result Bailey stuck close to Stranger. Stranger looked down at Bailey and felt her unease. He smiled slightly, trying to hide his own awkwardness. “Feelin’ nervous kid?” Bailey nodded, “Bit, I dunno really what’s goin’ on…” “You an’ me both kiddo.” Stranger reassured, there was a silence before Bailey voiced a question; “Whose this Steef Seer?” Bailey whispered after a while, “Is he like the Grubb one?” Stranger shrugged uneasily, “I dunno, but I know he ain’t the tribe’s leader, we haven’t met him yet, but I bets it’s only matter of time…” the aspect didn’t exactly fill Bailey with confidence, it only served to make her more nervous then she already was. Just then Haigar came into the front room, “Uncle Stranger, Bailey, c’mon, we’re leavin’.” Stranger and Bailey glanced at each other with frowns of confusion. “Leavin’?” Bailey asked, “The Seer’s summoned us.” explained Haigar, Bailey blinked, her confusion hadn’t been cleared by Haigar’s not-much-by-way-of-an-explanation statement. But she got up regardless and she and Stranger followed Haigar from the front room to where Alika, Daimen and a very excited Steefling were waiting, “Baba!” gurgled the Steefling happily when she saw Bailey, even though she could say ‘Bailey’ she always called the human ‘Baba’, Bailey grinned. Daimen led his family out of the Steef home and into one of the twisting passages that formed the maze of the Steef warren. ¤§¤ Eventually they came to a halt, in front of them was a huge curtain, made from a finely woven tapestry with glittering thread and bead-work, it was very old but well looked after and Bailey peeped around Stranger, looking at it in awe. The curtain was drawn back and a young male Steef, not much older then Haigar was revealed, “He’ll see you now.” The young Steef said meekly and held the curtain open for the little Steef family to enter. Bailey held back momentarily, was she expected to come too? She was a human after all. But Stranger, right behind Bailey, gave her a little nudge and Bailey went through the curtain. The Seer’s aide led them along a dark tunnel, only lit by faintly green-blue glowing, emanating from slivers of green-blue iridescent rock in the walls. After a few minutes they came out into a warmly lit chamber and Bailey was instantly hit with a bout of déj* vu, it was almost identical to the Grubb Seer’s home, with the sort of furniture Bailey was used to seeing in old country manor houses and there was a thick, warm rug on the floor. It even had the dreamcatcher-esque mobiles of hide and bead hanging from the ceiling and the stuffed animals with their glass eyes gleaming in the light from the fire in a grate on one wall. Even the smell of the herbs was familiar. The Steef Seer was sitting on what Bailey saw as a giant beanbag and he was wearing something that wouldn’t look out of place with the Native American Indians. He even had a couple of blue and green feathers hanging from his masses of white hair. It was then that Bailey realised something that surprised her. The Steef Seer was entirely white. She’d never seen a white Steef before. The Seer looked up at them and Bailey experienced another shock. The Steef’s eyes were also completely white. He was blind. It didn’t seem to hamper him though and his other senses must have sharpened because as soon as they entered he looked up and smiled. But then the smile faded and his expression became thoughtful, “I was told that I would be naming a Steefling today.” He said in a dry, cracked voice that was nevertheless pleasant on the ears, “Yet I see three here who are unnamed, and only one is a Steefling…” The Steef squinted, as if trying to make something out, “And if I am not gravely mistaken, one of them doesn’t seem to be a Steef at all,” there was a pause, “A human.” The Seer said with a look of surprise, curiosity and a hint of a smile. “Well I never thought I’d live long enough to see one of your kind again little miss. But onto the real reason we’re all here today,” the Steef rubbed his hands and then held them out, “The Steefling is you would Mother.” He said to Alika, Alika put the baby in his arms and the blind Steef tickled the Steefling under the chin. The little baby giggled and tugged at one of his feathers. Alika, Daimen and Haigar all sat, Bailey and Stranger following suit, still at a complete loss on what was happening. The Seer went very still and for a horrible moment Bailey thought he’d died or something, but then she noticed the slight rise and fall of his breathing and realised he’d gone into a trance. Bailey sat cross-legged, one elbow on her knee and rested her chin on her hand, watching the Seer and Steefling quietly. Even the baby seemed to know that something serious was happening and she remained quiet and watchful. Time seemed to stand still. The scent of herbs permeated the air and the warm made Bailey drowsy but she stubbornly remained awake. Time passed, Bailey didn’t know how long but it didn’t matter, she wasn’t bored, on the contrary, she was on fire with interest. Then, without any previous signal, the Seer picked up his bowed head and took a deep breath. Immediately the silence and stillness ended and Bailey stirred. The old Steef gave the Steefling back to Alika, “Her name is Loki.” He said smiling, Alika returned the smile and bowed, “Thank-you Seer.” She whispered, “You’re welcome my dear, I foresee great things in store for your little one. And look to Jelani’s daughter to protect her.” He added cryptically. Alika’s expression was one of confusion but she nodded. “I will Seer.” She said. Alika rose and was followed by Daimen, Haigar. Bailey made to follow but she as got up, a hand closed on her arm. She looked round and was faced with the white furred, white eyed Steef. “Talk with me.” He said, Bailey blinked and glanced over at the other Steef, they stood at the entrance of the chamber with looks of surprise and innocent curiosity. “O…ok…” she said hesitantly. Stranger lingered, watching the Seer and Bailey with the intent eyes of a parent looking out for his kid. But he nodded and left after Daimen, Haigar and Alika. Bailey looked back to the old Steef and allowed him to lead her back towards the beanbag. He lout go on her arm and sat down, Bailey stood about awkwardly for a moment, “Sit, sit, make yourself comfortable.” Said the Steef Seer. Bailey did as she was told and sat down. “So you are the human.” He said at length, Bailey nodded, but remembering he couldn’t see, answered, “Yeah, I’m the human.” “You sound like you’ve said that a lot lately.” He chuckled, Bailey cracked a smile, “Yeah…I guess I have, I’m a bit of a novelty around here.” She admitted, there was a silence until the Steef spoke again, “And you have been learning our ways?” he asked, but he sounded like he knew the answer, “Yes, I don’t understand all of it, but I’m learning.” The Seer nodded, “Good, that’s very good. You are at home here?” “Yes. More then anywhere else I’ve been.” “You have been to many places.” Bailey grinned, “That doesn’t sound like a question.” The Seer nodded, also smiling, “No, it isn’t, I have been told a lot about you. They have told me more then you guess I think. More then you even know.” “That wouldn’t surprise me.” Bailey said, The Seer looked thoughtful, “You are an accepting child Bailey. More then others of your kind have been.” Bailey stared, “How d’you know my name?” the Seer smiled, and Bailey caught on, “Oooh, so they told you that too, these,” she pause searching for a word but failed to find one, “These, whoever they are that you talk too.” The Seer nodded, not at all offended by Bailey’s words. He nodded, “They see the past, present and the future.” “That’s how they know a Steefling’s name?” The Seer nodded, “Yes.” Bailey paused a fraction of a second before asking the question that had intrigued her as soon as she had heard the Seer Steef speak. “How is it, that you could tell, yer know, ‘bout me and Stranger, and that I was human? When you’re…” she faded off, the Seer leaned back and smiled enigmatically. “You mean when I’m blind?” he asked, Bailey made a sound of embarrassment that affirmed the question. “Blindness is not always a disability Bailey.” The Steef said, “I may not be able to see the world as you do, and I mourn the loss, but instead I can see wonders that you will never get to see. But as to your question; everyone has an aura, and I can see that aura. I tells me about a person, what sort of person they are…whether good or evil…” the Seer sighed, “Unfortunately it was too late when I saw the aura of the first humans to come to Oddworld, it was dark and disturbed, their aura was a boiling chaos with no peace.” The Seer sighed sadly and there was a depressive silence, but then the Steef brightened and looked at Bailey again; “Yours is calm and centred, you know who you are and are proud of that. I see no evil in you, you would not harm another willingly and you’re truthful, there is no deception in you.” “And Stranger-?” The Seer sighed, “Stranger has a long way to go, though his aura has no evil or dishonour, he is still in turmoil and his aura shows this, it swirls with no proper course and he is lost, he does not know himself…” The Steef paused, “But I see the beginnings of the journey to find himself, he has started to discover who he really is. You are helping him with that. He is at ease when he is with you, he is himself.” Bailey watched the old Steef. “If I can help,” she said finally, “I will.” The Seer nodded, looking relieved. “Good,” he said in a low voice, “That’s very good.” |
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Oddworld Just Got Stranger
The Visitors Once again, as Bailey slept, she found herself in dreams that could not be her own imaginings.She sat up in bed, frowning into the darkness. Something had woken her but she didn’t know what. Bailey listened intently, trying to pierce the darkness and trying to blot of Stranger’s snores. It was then she heard it, a deep, vibrating humming. Bailey frowned more deeply and listened, trying to work out what the sound was, scarcely breathing so she could hear it. And then, a voice, said her name; “Bailey.” Bailey blinked, her eyes becoming huge. She opened her mouth and tried to say something, anything but nothing came out of her mouth. “Bailey.” Came the voice again, Bailey swallowed; “Whose there?” she whispered tremulously, fear making her voice higher then normal. Bailey did not fear any enemy she had fought, she had been wary of them, but never afraid. But this was something she couldn’t see, something she couldn’t touch. Something that didn’t make sense and that was scared her. Fear of the unknown. “Bailey.” Said the voice again, “There’s something we want to show you.” And then, with out warning, three blue and glowing somethings just came through the wall and into the bedroom. Bailey’s fear sky-rocketed, this made no sense to her mind. She didn’t understand. Her throat closed and she could make no sound. She blinked huge fearful eyes at the phantoms that had just materialised through a solid wall. Bailey blinked again with less fear and more of a questioning expression as the blue, shimmering clouds gained more definition and became three male Steef, between Daimen’s and the Seer’s age. But what hit Bailey more then this was what state they were in, forcibly reminding her of the three Weirdos that had contacted Abe. The Steef that appeared to be the leader seemed alright, he was in one piece at any rate. But the other two were…missing bits… One of them didn’t have a head, just his body leading up to a roughly severed neck and nothing else. The third Steef had his head but was missing his horns and it looked like his heart and lungs had been ripped out, all his ribs wrenched out of his chest so he looked like some bloody representation of an eagle. Bailey gulped. “Stran- Stranger.” Bailey hoarsely whimpered, “Shh, child. There is no need to wake your friend.” Said one of the Steef who stood slightly ahead of his fellows. The Steef in one piece. “We mean you no harm.” Said another one, Bailey couldn’t tell which. “We just wish to show you something, something you must see, must understand.” Said the first Steef again. “What- what d’you wanna show me?” whispered Bailey. “We will show you.” Said the third Steef voice. Bailey, keeping her eyes firmly on the apparitions, hesitantly climbed out of bed and pulled a jumper over nightshirt and sleeping pants and laced up her sneakers. Tentatively she stood before the spirits. She swallowed again and drew herself up. “I’m ready.” She said firmly. The lead Steef nodded and then they sank out of view through the door. Bailey crept after them, desperately trying to not make any noise and opened the bedroom door, slipping through it and closing it gently. She followed them out of the Steef home and through the underground Steef winter city. Eventually Bailey came to one of the hatches that led topside and heaved it open, it was extra heavy with the weight of new fallen snow pressing down on it, but she finally managed it and scrambled out into the snow. A cold wind immediately cut through her thin clothes and bit her skin like a thousand tiny needles of ice. A flurry of wet snowflakes blustered in her face and Bailey hugged herself and shivered. She seriously considered going back to bed but her stubbornness drove her own and she began to struggle through the snow. Bailey trudged along, the snow coming up to her knees, soaking her pants through. But she still continued, her only guides the faintly blue, will-o-the-wisps that marked the three Steef. Their voices, soft whispers when they were in her room, now all but drowned by the ferocity of the storm encouraged her on and the human followed their faint outlines, wondering from time to time what madness had driven her out into the freezing bitter cold of the winter night. Eventually Bailey came to a small wood of trees, the trees seeming to huddle together in the blizzard. Bailey stumbled in among the trees, earning a slight reprieve from the storm’s full brunt. The spectres were right there waiting for her, they were talking amongst themselves in low voices and Bailey could only catch a few words; “Too far…young one…make it the rest of the way?” Bailey fought the urge to sit on a nearby stump, she knew that out here, she’d never get up again. The Steef spirits turned and looked back at her, they could tell she was cold and wet and tired. And each of them felt some guilt, but what they were leading Bailey too, was too important to go undiscovered. “It is only a bit further Bailey.” Said the whole Steef, Bailey nodded, saving energy for walking instead of talking. The phantoms began drifting away again and Bailey dutifully followed. Deeper into the forest – which seemed a lot bigger now – she walked until she came to a great wall of thorns, a thicket was blocking the path in front and there the blue spirits were once again waiting for her. “Beyond this and up the steps and we will be there.” Said the hornless Steef, Bailey nodded again and drew her attention back to the wall of thorns. With a resigned, but determined sigh Bailey went right up to the thicket and looked at it for a moment. From a distance it seemed tightly woven, but closer too, Bailey saw that this was not the case. There was gaps between the thorns and branches, and if she was careful she guessed she could find a path right through to the other side. She forced her way in. It was a close thing and in places a very tight squeeze but eventually Bailey tumbled out of the thicket on the opposite side, covered in small, bleeding scratches. She was too numb to feel them now but she knew that she would feel them later… Climbing slowly to her feet Bailey swayed and fought to keep her balance. She had to blink a couple of times before her eyes focused on the three phantoms leading her on this trek, but they did eventually and Bailey stumbled after them as they began to drift away again. The trees had thinned when she caught up with them. The next obstacle loomed to the right of her, in the form of great white slabs of rock that rose high above her like so many naturally formed broad steps. The flats were sprinkled with snow. Before her the land dropped away and she found herself on the summit of a high cliff. For a moment Bailey could only stare at the land around her from her new vantage point. It stretched for miles, like a great patchwork below and the view took her breath away. When she came to herself again, Bailey noticed that she was out of the trees and she turned back gazed at the fringe of tall, dark trees that outlined the dark wood, a few feet behind her. The darkness between the trees look cold and frightening. There was only one way to go. Up. Bailey turned to look at the giant white rocks that led up like a giant’s boulder formed staircase. She glanced at the spectres that stood beside her. Her eyes held the question, ‘Up there?’ and the whole Steef spirit nodded wordlessly, but his meaning was clear; ‘Up there.’ Bailey had come far to back down now, she flexed her fingers and approached the first ‘step’, it stood a foot above her head. Bailey jumped and scrabbled with her sneakers until she was able to hook her arms over the edge and haul herself up onto the first ledge. She looked up, the wind picking up at the higher altitude and whipping her unbound hair. There was still a long way to go. ¤§¤ When she finally made it to the top, Bailey was exhausted and when she looked over the landscape she felt a swirl of vertigo and moved away from the precipice. Now she had no shelter on the bare stone and the wind was strong enough for her have to crouch to feel safe. On three sides there was nothing but air. On the left, the tops of the trees of the forest she come through sway like a deep, green sea in the night. On the right was the huge, sheer, cliff drop that look over the sprawling landscape. Bailey felt sick just thinking about it. In front though, was another small cliff, like the one she had climbed to see the stars when she and Stranger had been travelling to the Grubb village. That seemed a lifetime ago now. The earthen wall stretched along Bailey’s right, she saw know that the wood below grew at it’s base. On the left it plunged away, joining the first cliff, making it taller and even more formidable. Bailey gulped and looked up, trying to keep her balance. Trees grew above her, where the cliff of earth must level out onto another plateau like that of which the Steef lived. Tangled trees writhed up there and Bailey felt a comforting wash of familiarity, these were like the trees further south and Bailey felt an urge to be up amongst them. She began to climb, keeping her eyes firmly fixed on the wall in front of her face. She dared not look elsewhere in case she lost her grip and she fought to forget how high she was. It took her a while, but relatively quickly Bailey had clambered up and over the cliff and was now on flat, solid ground again. Bailey moved away from the edge and looked up towards the trees, feeling more comforting familiarity. She looked around at her own level and soon found her apparition guides, they were beckoning to her, they seemed frantic and excited and Bailey realised that they must be near their destination. Cautiously but not at an ambling pace, Bailey wound her way through the trees, following the Steef souls’ glows. After a while she caught up with them. They stood to one side of the path, the whole Steef on her left and the other two torn Steef on the right. Between them was an archway made on lots of slender, supple branches entwined together. There was something sinister about the archway and Bailey hesitated. But after that first second she clenched her fists, lifted her chin slightly and walked boldly through the archway. It was like walking into a nightmare. And what Bailey saw, high on the cliff plain, burned it’s image into her mind, and she screamed. |
Oooohh I wanna read more :D it getting so exciting Lobo!:happy: wonder what Bailey saw:fuzconf: anyway still looking forward to read more:p :cheer:
sorry for not replying sooner I was about to do that but then something wrong happened to the computr:( :fuzconf: |
YAY! A reader! :cheer: Thought for a horrible second I'd lost people's interest. :fuzemb: Anyway, glad yer back Dancin' Steef, next one should be up inna bit. :happy:
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Oddworld Just Got Stranger
Snow On The Stones Bailey woke with a start, gasping and shaking. She looked around with wide eyes and found herself back in her own room, in her own bed. Had it all been a dream? Was it her own imagination? Had none of it been real? She sat up, and found her pant legs cold and damp…Stranger, woken by her yelp as Bailey, sat up, “Bailey?” he asked softly. Bailey tumbled out of bed and threw on her warmest clothes over her nightshirt and pants, tugged on sock and sneakers and pulled on mittens, scarf and hat and bolted from the room. Stranger sat in utter surprise for a moment but a moment later he too jumped out of bed and as fast as he could, got dressed, to follow her. Bailey charged down the hallway, past the kitchen where Alika, Daimen, Haigar and Loki were sitting down to breakfast. The Steef looked up in shock as Bailey sprinted past the open doorway to the front door. She wrenched it open and shot out. The only thought occupying her mind was that she had to get to where the Steef souls had led her, had to see what she had the night before. Had to be sure it was real and not some nightmare. Bailey scampered along the bridges and walkways and through the tunnels until she burst from the door and stumbled out onto the new snow. There were no tracks, the snow fall last night had covered her tracks if she had gone out. Bailey did not stop, she had to know, had to find out. She struggled through the snow, wading through the damp white. When she reached the wood she plunged in without slowing her pace and soon as was at the wall of thorns. But this time, she had no time to find a way through. It was straight up and over. She clambered up the thicket, ignoring the barbs but protected more now by her thick clothes and mittens. She climbed over the thicket and tumbled down the other side. She hit the ground and few a few, breathless, agonising seconds Bailey curled into a little ball and shivered, gasping for air. She had barely recovered when she scrambled to her feet and continued her mad helter-skelter dash. When she reached the white rock steps of the mountain and the cliff face she hauled herself up, her burning muscles screaming with protest. But she did not slow and she did not rest until she had scrambled up the last step and was among the trees. Only when she came into view of the woven archway did she slow. She swallowed dryly and warily padded forward and through the archway. Once again the image fit for the horrors of nightmares assailed her senses. Graves, six of them. But they were not in the form of Grubb tombs, nor the little pebble pyramids she had learned the Steef used as grave markers. These were human stones. And with them, were those human’s trophies… There was an entire Steef skeleton propped up near one. On another rest a pair of curling Steef horns, and one another, was the severed skull on another Steef. And further back still, near the graves of the first humans to die, was another entire skeleton, of a very young Steef, not yet old enough to even have horns… Bailey knew the fate of Jorken’s youngster. Bailey’s knees buckled and she fell down to them, sobs clawed at her throat and she felt a scream rising in her. Bailey sagged to one side and curled up at the base on one of the trees. “Bailey?” Bailey shuddered to herself but as she heard Stranger’s voice she looked up slowly, tears stains and dirt marking her cheeks and around her eyes. Stranger stood under the archway. He regarded the boneyard grimly then moved closer to Bailey. He crouched down to her level and looked her in the face. “Why,” Bailey gulped, “Why did they havta do it? Why couldn’t, they just leave them alone?” Stranger wrapped his arms around Bailey. “I dunno.” He said, “I dunno…” Bailey sobbed into his chest, shaking. Stranger stroked her back and soothed his human. Bailey clenched at his shirt, letting out all her tears. “How did you know they were here?” Stranger asked after a moment. Between gulping sobs Bailey stammered out her story, of the Steef spirits she had been led by. The ones whose bones stood bleached white in this graveyard. After a moment Stranger stood, Bailey in his arms. He cuddled the human to him, calming her raw fears. He wanted to get her out of here, and he wondered if Bailey would ever get to live a normal life when things kept happening. Bailey whimpered and clutched Stranger’s shirt, burying her face into it. “S’alright Bailey, I’ve got yer. Nothing can touch yer now. Yer safe.” He stroked her hair and calmed her fears. Exhausted Bailey leaned against Stranger, occasionally whimpering and sniffling. Stranger gave the boneyard one last, dark look and left, holding Bailey close as an accumulation on fear and weariness drained her and she fell into an uneasy sleep. ¤§¤ Bailey woke up again later, feeling a lot worse then before. Her throat felt cracked and parched and sore, her eyes burned and their sensitivity to light seemed to intensify as the dim lamp of the side table seemed harsh and too bright. Breathing was hard, but Bailey felt that the problem was in her throat not her newly healed ribs. Bailey stirred weakly and found herself still in Stranger’s arms. “Stranger.” She tried to say his name, but all that came out was a hoarse croak. It felt like her voice was not under her control. She tried again, mustering all her energy to say a single word. “Stranger.” Her voice sounded strange, not her own. Stranger’s ears twitched and he opened his eyes from the light doze he’d drifted into. He looked down at Bailey and his smile faded when he looked into Bailey’s face, her cheeks were a sickly pale colour, reminiscent of bone and her eyes were bright with fever. Bailey shivered and cuddled closer to Stranger. “Stranger,” she mumbled, “I feel really lousy…” Stranger put a hand on Bailey’s forehead, it was burning under his touch. He looked into her fevered eyes again and felt the glands under her throat, they were swollen and tender and he could feel Bailey’s overly rapid pulse. “Yer sick kid.” He muttered, “Bein’ out in tha’ snowstorm musta made yer come down with somat.” Bailey moaned and pressed her aching head against Stranger’s fur. Stranger stroked her hair soothingly. He rose carefully and gently set the small human on the bed, wrapping her up firmly. “I’ll be back inna sec with someone ter see yer.” Bailey only whimpered in response. Stranger stroked back her hair and kissed her forehead but he quickly left the room in search of a healer. He returned a bare few minutes later with Gershom. Stranger thought it best if it was someone Bailey knew. Behind him and the Healer, standing at the door, were Alika holding Loki, and Daimen and Haigar. They watched, concern for the small human mounting in them. All Bailey could hear was a dull monotonous booming in place of voices. She felt cold and shivered, but her skin burned with a soaring temperature. The old Steef healer leaned over her and peered into her fever bright eyes and felt her forehead. Bailey shrank away, feeling vulnerable and afraid. Her mind unable to keep her thoughts together and think lucidly, all Bailey wanted was to curl up to Stranger and feel safe and protected, be reassured that she was loved and that Stranger was there for her. She whimpered. “Where’s Stranger.” She whimpered. Stranger came closer, so he was in her line of vision. “I’m right here liddle darlin’.” He pitched his voice low and soft so Bailey could hear him, Bailey fixed her eyes on him, pleading. Her expression cut deep into Stranger’s core, he didn’t know what Bailey wanted from him and it hurt his heart. He gathered Bailey into his arms and she nuzzled into his chest, hiding her face, holding his fur with a weak grip. Stranger cuddled his Bailey and pressed his cheek to her’s. “Gershom’s only trying ter help yer, he’ll help yer git better. It’s s’alright liddle one.” “Stranger, don’t leave me.” Bailey managed hoarsely. Stranger felt another sharp tug on his heart, did Bailey really think he was going to leave her when she needed him? “I ain’t leavin’ yer, I’m here with yer baby. I’m here.” Bailey loosened her fragile grip on Stranger’s fur and as long as she could feel him close she allowed the old Steef the do his examination. Gershom examined the young human while Stranger sat with Bailey leaning back on his chest. He felt Bailey’s forehead and cheeks while Stranger held her reassuringly, stroking back her hair and kissing her forehead, murmuring comforts. The Steef healer then gently opened Bailey’s mouth and like Stranger had before, felt her swollen glands and looked down her throat. He asked Bailey to breathe deep while he listened to her chest but as she took in a ragged, laboured breath Bailey choked and began coughing, a coarse, hacking cough that sounded like it tore her throat. Gershom felt Bailey’s tongue, taking her temperature and took her pulse. “What’s wrong with ‘er?” Stranger asked quietly, holding the worry from his voice in fierce check. The healer finished his examination, he sighed and shook his head. “I don’t know what’s wrong with her.” He said worriedly, “It must be some kind of human disease.” Stranger’s green eyes went wider and he held Bailey closer to him, Bailey, completely unaware of what was happening around her, murmured painfully, flinching and whimpering, pressing as close as she could to Stranger, on the verge of delirium. “Whadda ya mean you don’t know!?” Stranger asked, his concern and fear for Bailey rising like a snake, poised to strike. But he bit back his temper and asked with strained calm; “Is she gonna be git better or not?” “I’m sorry Stranger,” said the healer, shaking his head, “I don’t know. All we can do is wait and keep her comfortable. Keep her warm and stop the shivering, make sure she has plenty of fluids to keep her from getting dehydrated and try to get her to eat something to keep her strength up. It won’t be pleasant for her though, her throat’s swollen and red raw, swallowing will be painful but if she doesn’t eat, she’ll only get worse. She also has catarrh coating the back of her throat, that’s why she can hardly breathe. And the coughing is exhausting her, but I don’t know what to treat it with. It’s some kind of human disease I’ve never come across.” “Stranger?” Bailey’s voice croaked painfully. “I’m here, what is it?” Stranger asked tenderly, “I don’t- don’t wanna die…” Stranger swallowed a lump in his own throat. “Yer ain’t gonna die liddle one, yer ain’t gonna die.” He looked at Gershom pleadingly. The Steef healer smiled, but the worry shone in his dark blue eyes. “You’re not going to die.” He said after a pause, “Just get some rest, drink as much as you can, and you’ll get better. I’ll make up some medicine that’ll make you more comfortable.” Bailey made a whimpering-moaning sound and nodded before relaxing against Stranger drifting into an uneasy, fitful sleep. |
Awww poor Bailey:( hope the Healer can fix some medicine for her... as always a very good chapter Lobo I wanna read more:happy::D
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Oddworld Just Got Stranger
Resisting The Reaper The next couple of weeks were the worst Bailey had ever experienced. She had hot and cold flushes continually, first she felt burning hot and then she felt freezing cold. The flushes came fast and strong and she was exhausted but she couldn’t sleep. She kept coughing, hacking up thick green and yellow gunk from her throat and she found it difficult to breathe, the spit in her mouth was thick and disgusting, her tongue felt swollen and coated with slime. There was a weight on her chest. She couldn’t breathe through her nose and she could hardly breathe any better through her mouth, and she felt weak. Her eyes watered and she began sneezing constantly. When she did manage to get a few hours sleep nightmares plagued her and she more then once woke up screaming for Stranger.Stranger hated feeling so helpless, but he did everything he could to keep Bailey calm, every time she began to panic, the coughing struck with full force and Stranger began to worry that she may be in such a panic that one of these times she wouldn’t be able to catch her breath. He made sure she rested and drank enough, and after the first couple of nightmares he refused to leave Bailey alone, staying continually by her bed, talking about nothing and everything, always in a low, soothing tone. Bailey seemed only to be completely calm when Stranger was there, either talking or stroking her face, his snout buried in her hair, or even just so she could hear him breathing. And then, thirteen days after Bailey had first become sick, her fever rose alarmingly. Her dreams became delirious and she could not tell what was real and what was not. She saw things that made her deathly afraid and she screamed and tried to get away. But Stranger’s voice forced it’s way through the living nightmare and held back the dreams. Bailey latched onto that voice and shivered. Stranger held his Bailey desperately. “Please Bailey, don’t die.” He murmured, “Don’t die and leave me alone.” He closed his eyes and pressed his nose into Bailey’s hair, smelling her warm, familiar scent. Tears leaked from under his eyelids and Stranger sobbed, holding in a howl of grief and rage. Over his Bailey’s smell, was the smell of death. Stranger growled and hugged the weak human. “You will not take her from me.” He growled ferally. “She is mine and you will not have her.” At the door of the bedchamber, Daimen held a quietly sobbing Alika while Haigar held his little sister. The night passed slowly and Stranger refused to move. And eventually, Bailey’s grip of life strengthened and she began to recover. She slept without the nightmares and breathing came easier. Her temperature lowered and she no longer shivered. Bailey would get better, Gershom assured, Bailey would recover, with time. Even as she got better, Stranger became worse, the strain finally began to tell upon him and take it’s toll. While Bailey had been ailing, he had not left her side, he hadn’t eaten and he hadn’t slept well either with Bailey’s bad dreams and it was slowly wearing him out. No matter what Alika and Daimen said, they could not make him move, take food or drink and now he was suffering the consequences, slowly deteriorating before their eyes. When Gershom came to check up on Bailey a few days later, he saw Stranger’s poor condition as soon as he laid eyes on him. He looked tired and older and greyer, he had dark circles around his eyes and the green in them wasn’t as bright and iridescent and he looked in need of a decent, square meal. “You can’t go on like this Stranger.” Gershom admonished sternly, “You’re not invincible you know, making yourself ill by not looking after yourself will not help Bailey or you. Do both you and her a favour and go get some rest, Bailey’ll be fine.” “I can’t leave ‘er on ‘er own.” Stranger insisted mulishly. “You haven’t eaten properly in weeks!” the healer said, “You haven’t even got a decent sleep, you’re wearing yourself out Stranger. How do you think Bailey would feel when she finds out you became ill because of her? Think about it Stranger.” Stranger would not listen and when Bailey finally woke up properly for the first time, she found Stranger just as ill as she had been. With much the same thing she had had. But a Steef strain of the flu virus. And just as Stranger had for her, now she stayed with him, he did not dream as she had, but relived memories that he had otherwise wished to forget… Bailey stayed with him and soothed his fevered fears, but unlike Stranger she did not starve herself of victuals or sleep. So she retained her health while Stranger fought his illness. Bailey knew, with some deep down instinct that there would be a reckoning soon and things would come a head and she would need her strength. She knew that there was an enemy to be fought here, and if she didn’t fight and win, then Stranger would die. It came one night, a few days later, Stranger had been weakening steadily, his breathing wheezed and rattled in his chest. Bailey sat on a chair by the bed, her arm across Stranger’s chest, head resting on the other arm and sleeping in a light doze. Something made her stir, a sound that she didn’t hear, a breeze she couldn’t feel, something not entirely of the living world. Bailey raised her head. A black mist hovered by the bed, a mist that moved slightly by an otherworldly wind that snagged and tugged at it like black robes. Bailey knew why he had come and what he had come for. Stranger lay on the bed, cold and pale, his breathing all but gone. Bailey tightened her grip on him. “You can’t- can’t take him.” Bailey said, shaking her head. “He belongs to me now.” The spectre hissed, not unpleasantly, but with finality. “He belongs to me.” Bailey snarled, “And you can’t have him. I will fight you if you try to take him from me.” “You will lose.” “Nevertheless, I will fight you. I will not give him up so easily. I will not let him go, not now. I will not let you have him.” The phantom seemed to cock his head thoughtfully to one side, “I demand something for his life.” It said at length, “You will have it.” Bailey said, “You shall have your life for a life, but you will have to wait.” “I will not wait overlong. There is a war coming.” Bailey nodded slowly, “If I have not given you your life when you ask for it, then you can take mine.” The spectre was silent for a moment then; “I will agree to your terms, you understand little one, a deal with me is binding.” “I understand.” “So be it. Until the time comes…” the black mist faded and Bailey was left alone. Stranger’s chest suddenly rose and fell with a natural rhythm as he breathed deep again, colour came back to his pale furry cheeks. His fever faded, his forehead was dry. Stranger was recovering. |
Ooohh so exciting:p it seems that Stranger REALLY loves Bailey a lot... me thinks that they both are brave heroes:) still looking forward to read more:happy::D BTW I'm soon going to update my story again, perhaps today or tomorrow. Well gotta go now, ta ta!(:p)
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:eek: Poor Bailey and Stranger...It's a good thing they'll be better. But Bailey gambling her life with the Reaper? Iiee...
Yeah, Stranger DOES love Bailey a lot. Same with Umi as well. It makes me feel...tingly inside. I'ma waitin' fer more from yeh, Lobo! I'm ANXIOUS to read more! |
Oddworld Just Got Stranger
Blood Pact Bailey did not mention her pact with Death to anyone, but she was constantly aware of it, and aware of the blood that had to be paid.A couple of weeks passed and another snowstorm raged outside. Bailey began to feel restlessness creep over her. Of course she loved being at home with her Steef family but being cooped up constantly, now that she’d completely healed, was starting to get to her. She wanted to be outside and enjoy the fresh air and the snow, but now Stranger was well again, he wouldn’t let her anywhere near the snow again until he was satisfied she’d gotten over her virus. When the time came. It was not Stranger who decided. The storm lifted and once again the young Steef of the tribe went out to play their games and enjoy the snow. Those who Bailey befriended came to see if the human would join them, but they were politely but unarguably turned away, all with the same reply. Bailey had recently been sick and she would not be out for a while. Haigar and Loki went with Alika and Daimen, Bailey did not begrudge them. She encouraged them to go, she only regretted not being there for when Loki encountered her first snow. Stranger stayed at home with Bailey. Bailey had just resigned herself to a quiet day inside when a deep throated horn sounded. Neither Bailey nor Stranger knew it’s meaning but both were immediately on their feet and tense. They looked at each other, by mutual consent the two former bounty hunters armed themselves and were out of the Steef home in seconds, Bailey strapping on her weaponry as she went. Steef were running in all directions, arming themselves with bows and swords and spears. Stranger readied his crossbow and Bailey drew her handgun from it’s holster. “What’s happenin’!?” Stranger shouted to one Steef, “We’re bein’ attacked!” came the swift answer, Stranger and Bailey looked at each other again and with wide eyes. Then they charged from the home cavern and as fast as they could and got out into the open. Once again the snow plain thronged with fighting Steef and the strange creatures that reminded Bailey eerily of humans… Alika suddenly appeared, running from battle with Haigar in tow. “Daimen’s fighting!” she panted as she reached them, “And Loki is missing.” She cried. Bailey’s mouth fell open and she choked. Alika had been right when she’d said they had a connection, Bailey adored that Steefling and she felt a rage at whoever had dared take her. She wondered briefly who Jelani’s daughter was, and felt the resentment that she was not watching over Loki. “Get inside ‘Lika!” Stranger roared over the noise of battle, “Haigar! Take care of your mother!” Haigar nodded and practically carried his grieving mother away from the fighting. While everyone’s attention was elsewhere, Bailey slipped away. She ran through the fighting Steef and creatures, looking desperately for Loki, when she did see her, her breath caught in her throat. The Steefling was screaming and held between two of the short minion-like creatures. Bailey felt anger rise in her, akin to the Rage that possessed her completely, but this was different, her mind was sharp and clear, cold and calculating. Bailey gave a roar that sounded more Steef then human and charged. She barged into one of the creatures and bowled him over, breaking his neck and getting a slash on her shoulder and upper arm that was shallow but bled profusely. Bailey turned and growled at the remaining creature and slowly stalked towards him like a panther. Trembling the creature offered the now quiet Steefling. Bailey took Loki and smiled at her. The creature let out a relieved breath. Bailey gently set Loki down, and then with the speed of a striking snake or a bolt of lightning she had the creature by the throat. She strode forward, dragging the creature along with her until they came to where the land jutted down. Below razor sharp rocks twinkled coldly and cruelly with frost. “No one,” Bailey held the creature over the brink. “Hurts,” further, “My,” further still over the rim, “Steef.” Bailey snarled she released the minion creature and turned her back on him, she walked a few steps back towards Loki, then she spun, her gun in her hand and fired. The creature toppled over the rim, and hit the rocks below with a wet ‘thunk’. Bailey picked up Loki. “Let’s go home.” she growled, Suddenly there was a crash and five more of the squat creatures burst through the low shrubbery near the cliff edge and faced Bailey and Loki. “Uh oh.” Loki said in her baby voice, “Uh huh.” Bailey said. For a second the creatures, Bailey and Loki looked at each other, and then, suddenly, as if unpaused, Bailey turned and ran, there were cries of rage behind and the creatures came after her. Bailey kept running, if she remembered rightly…there stood been an old chute nearby. Haigar had told her that lower down it was used as a laundry chute, for unmarried male Steef to use. They sent their laundry and it was cleaned and sent back. It was a bit of a jip in Bailey’s opinion but Haigar also told her that the chute reached the surface and that sometimes, young Steef used the chute as a fast track to get to places quickly. If she could find the chute… Luckily she remembered where to find it and fortunately it wasn’t far away. Bailey put on an extra spurt of speed and raced across the snow. She skidded to a halt where the chute should have been and furiously dug in the snow. Finally she uncovered it and kicked it open she swept Loki into her arms and jumped down. She braced the soles of her sneakers on the chute walls and closed the hatch, juggling Loki she drew the sniper rifle and slid it into the rings to hold the hatch down, she waited with baited breath for the creatures to arrive. They did and scrabbled at the hatch for a long time, but the rifle held and they were frustrated in their efforts. Bailey let out a quiet sigh of relief as they gave up and wandered off, muttering amongst themselves and blaming each other for losing Bailey and the Steefling. Bailey grinned at Loki, “We gotta get you home kid.” She muttered and slowly and gently eased her sneaker soles away from the wall. The effect was instantaneous and Bailey yelled as she and Loki suddenly shot down the chute. Loki giggled and clapped her hands as they slid down the chute and crashed in a laundry trolley at the bottom, their fall cushioned by dirty sheets. The force of their impact was so great that the cart shot forward and crashed into the opposite wall. Bailey groaned as she was slammed into the wall. Loki giggled and clapped, “Again again!” she laughed. Bailey clambered wearily out of the cart and flopped on the floor. “Again!” “Oh you have got to be kiddin’…” moaned Bailey. She reached up tiredly and took hold of the cart rim and hauled herself up. One leg ached, as if she had pulled a muscle and she had to limp on it, not putting her weight on it. She reached into the cart and scooped up Loki, “Now look kid, you gotta behave.” Bailey said. Loki sat quietly, a serious look on her face as if she understood. “Ok.” Bailey said and left the laundry. She limped down the passageways, unusually not meeting anyone else, until she finally reached a very welcomingly familiar Steef home, Bailey gave a relieved sigh. “Home. Alright,” Holding her leg stiffly and trying to put as little weight as she possible could on it, Bailey limped down the wooden rope bridge. And finally she got to the front door and knocked on it. “Hullo? Hunnies, I’m home.” The door was flung open and Alika stood in the doorway. She saw Bailey with Loki and made a sound of incomparable relief. “Bailey.” She gasped, “You found her.” Bailey nodded and offered Loki. Alika took the baby and hugged her in relief. Bailey smiled tightly, the pain in her leg was intensifying and the muscle clenched like she had leg cramp. Trying to limp inconspicuously and as little as possible Bailey entered the Steef home. “Bailey?” Bailey inwardly groaned and turned back to Alika, “Are you alright?” “I’m fine.” Bailey said, Alika came up to her and touched the faint dark stain blossoming on the shoulder of Bailey’s old black shirt, her fingers came away red. Alika knew blood when she saw it. And now that she looked, she could see Bailey was pale and she was favouring one leg. “Fine, Bailey?” she said sceptically. Bailey didn’t answer, just looked at the floor, “Haigar!” Alika called, Haigar came out of the kitchen, he saw Loki and Bailey with relief, he came down the hall smiling and hugged Bailey, Bailey winced and hissed in pain, Haigar drew back quickly. “She’s hurt.” Alika explained to her son, “Help her into the kitchen and look after Loki, I’m going to get Daimen, Stranger and a healer.” Haigar nodded, “C’mon Bailey.” He said and supported her as she limped into the kitchen, Alika followed and put Loki in her baby chair while Haigar sat Bailey down, “I’ll be back soon.” Alika said, pulling a pale blue cloak from a peg by the kitchen door and buttoning it under her chin as she left. There was a silence and then, presently; “How d’you feel Bailey?” asked Haigar. Bailey was slumped in the chair her head tilted back, her eyes closed. “Tired, very tired.” Bailey brought her head forward and opened her eyes, looking at Haigar, “What happened?” Haigar drew out a chair and sat on it backwards. “We were attacked again, in the chaos Loki was separated from us, and then you and Stranger came. You disappeared and Stranger went to fight with Da, hoping he’d see you, but when the creatures ran – or were dead anyway – he still hadn’t found you, he came back here, hoping you’d already be here, but you weren’t. Him and Da went looking for you.” Bailey frowned, “You mean, that those…things, just broke off and scarpered?” “Yeh, no one understands it, but it’s making people very wary.” Bailey sat forward, trying to keep pressure off of her injured leg. “Very.” She murmured, still frowning. Her mind was working at a faster pace now, trying to find a connection that she knew had to be there. Just then the kitchen door opened and Stranger, Daimen, Alika and Gershom entered. Daimen saw Loki and smiled gratefully at Bailey, Stranger looked like he was half way between wanting to hug Bailey and never let her go and throttling her for scaring him. One thing was exceptionally clear. He wasn’t going to let her out of his sight for a very long time. Gershom smiled and shook his head, “What am I going to do with you, I’ve seen more of you in the last couple of months then I see most of my other patients in a year. What have you gotten up to this time hm?” he asked, but his eyes were twinkling kindly. He turned to Stranger, “I’d like to move her into the bedroom if you wouldn’t mind.” Stranger nodded and picked up Bailey, carrying the human into her own room and sat her on the bed, mindful of her leg. Gershom came in shortly after. “Okay little one, let’s take a look at you.” He moved to stand by the bed and pulled down the collar of Bailey’s t-shirt so he could see her shoulder wound, it went from her collar bone, down to her elbow. Gershom clicked his tongue, “You have been in the wars haven’t you?” he said rhetorically. He brought a clay tub from his pouch and smeared the cut with a thick green gel. It stung a fraction and Bailey took in a quick breath but the sting was soon replaced by a soothing coolness, Gershom wrapped a soft, pliant bandage around her arm and shoulder and tied it firmly and neatly. He then moved on to her leg. He rolled up her pantleg and gently felt the muscle. “Pulled tendon.” He muttered, “Nothing serious and only temporary, a firm bandage and mild painkillers will do.” he fished out more bandages – stiffer this time – from his pouch and wrapped Bailey’s leg firmly. “Don’t let her strain it and she’ll be fine in about twelve days. The cut will take a little longer but the gel with sort out infection and speed up the healing process. Other then that, she should be fine.” Stranger nodded, his arms folded. Gershom inclined his head and left. When the door shut behind the healer, Stranger turned glowing green eyes on Bailey, Bailey tried to smile appeasingly but Stranger shook his head. “Not this time Bailey.” He said sternly. Bailey sagged slightly. “Sorry Stranger.” Stranger sighed and came closer, sitting on the bed. “I was worried about yer kid.” He said, “I don’t want yer ter get hurt.” Bailey nodded morosely and stared at the blanket, drawing circles with a finger on the fabric. “Yer know it’s ‘coz I love yer.” Stranger went on, Bailey nodded again, “And I’m proud of yer fer savin’ Loki,” Bailey looked up at him, “But yer ain’t gonna be lucky every time.” He said sternly, but gently. “One day yer gonna do somat reckless and yer ain’t gonna come out of it. And I don’t want ter lose yer kiddo.” Bailey nodded, dropping her gaze, “I understand.” Stranger gave another sigh and rose. “Yer ain’t leavin’ this house until further notice. Yer understand Bailey?” Bailey nodded again, it was a fitting punishment really. And she knew it was only because Stranger cared. Stranger chewed the inside of his cheek and paused at the door, looking at Bailey again, feeling a confusion of mixed emotions, regret and pity and empathy for how Bailey must be feeling and compassion, but most importantly, love, this was why he had to do what he must. He hated shutting Bailey in, but it was for her own good. He couldn’t bear to see her hurt again. “It’s fer yer own good liddle darlin’,” he thought, “It’s only because I love yer so much.” He let out a breath through his nose, “Bailey?” Bailey looked up at him, but Stranger shook his head, “It don’t matter.” He said thickly. He made to leave; “Stranger?” he turned, Bailey was looking at him, “It was something I had to do…” she whispered, “I’m sorry, but I can’t help it…I can’t stop being who I am…” Stranger’s expression became pained he came back to the bed and dropped to his knees, “Oh my Bailey,” he sighed, “I don’t want yer ter change.” He stroked back her fringe, “I wouldn’t change who yer are, not fer anythin’, I jist want yer to be careful.” There was a silence and Stranger put his arms around Bailey, “Yer know I love yer, don’t yer liddle darlin’.” He said. Bailey smiled quietly to herself and moved one arm over Stranger’s. “Yeh, yeh I know. I love you too yer big lug.” Stranger squeezed her gently and chuckled. ¤§¤ Bailey was once again woken by something not truly there. She woke up slowly and recognising the feeling sat up. The darkness of her room obscured her vision but even though she could not see, she knew who was there. There was a sound, like a softly exhaled breath and a whispered voice; “Out blood pact is sealed and I am content, keep your Steef little one. Your courage has saved him from me. And I will not be back for him, for many years, so rest little one. You have nothing to fear from me, until the next time you defy me.” “Until the next time.” Bailey said, there was a soft, hissing chuckle and then silence. Bailey listened to Stranger’s snores in the other bed next to hers. She smiled and lay down. “Until next time.” And there would be a next time… |