Oddworld Just Got Stranger

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

Awwww, s'ok, at least you give us a good bit of story when you do update.

And unfortunately, yer all gonna havta wait fer the next bit, see I've been bugged by the folks at fanfiction.net to update there so now I'm trying to write two stories at once so updates might take a bit more time...sorry...

[Dark Elite_H2]

It ain't that short...It was good. That's what counts. Not like the quality of my attention span, that was good, Lobo. Need'nt to worry, good friend. I shall update soon. Believe me. Since I got an account on me mom's laptop, I can update sooner now. Ain't that great?!
Hmm? Fanfiction.net? I should check out the place. You've posted yer fic 'ere to that place?

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

Hey hey matie! Glad you enjoyed it but as I said in the previous post, the next chapter might be a while in coming. Sorry 'bout that...

[Dark Elite_H2]

No worries. My update is comin' up in a few!

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

Dur duh! And after waitin’ fer next to forever, here tis! Another chapter fer all yer luverly people.

Trek

Finally the entire Steef tribe were gathered on the snow plain; Bailey, Stranger Loki, Alika, Haigar and Daimen among them. For a while they milled around uneasily, waiting for something to happen. Stranger and Bailey were especially nervous, this was a new experience for them after all. Loki on the other hand was too young to feel nervous and she was just excited.

Bailey stuck close to Stranger feeling equal parts excited and anxious. As a result she fidgeted nervously, twisting the straps on her packs in her fingers. Sensing her nervousness Stranger put a fatherly arm around her neck. Bailey rested her head on Stranger’s ribs and put an arm around his stomach. She looked around for someone familiar and noticed that there was one Steef missing.

“Where’s the Seer?” she whispered.

“The Seer doesn’t come with us.” explained Damien who’d overheard her. Bailey was surprised.

“All summer by himself? But, what does he eat? Isn’t he lonely?” Damien laughed gently,

“Yes, I don’t know and no.” he answered, Bailey scowling mockingly. “Yes, he spends all summer in the winter homes, because he cant make the journey every year, sometimes he comes and other times he doesn’t. Maybe we should take it as a good thing, he doesn’t feel that the tribe is in danger for him to come along.”

“What about being lonely?” Bailey persisted.

“When I was a little girl I asked the same question.” Alika joined in, “I was told that the Seer went into a kind of hibernating trance, he doesn’t need food when he’s in the spirit world and he had those on the spirit plane for company.”

“Isn’t that a long time to be in a trance?” Bailey asked, Alika shook her head,

“No, several months to us could only be a few hours for him. To him we’ll be back in no time.” Bailey nodded, her questions satisfied, she leaned her head back onto Stranger’s ribs.

“Whadda we waitin’ for?” she asked quietly, after a while.

“I dunno.” Stranger shrugged. Just as he said it the clan of Steef who had up until now being talking quietly went silent as another Steef made his way through them to the head of the group. He was big, bigger then most of the Steef Bailey had seen, and he was dark, almost completely black with a thick, vaguely curly mane and dark brown, almost black eyes. Huge, red-brown horns sprouted from his head, arching up vaguely. At his side was a younger Steef, about Haigar’s age and height and this one Bailey recognised.

“Oh look, it’s Chiron.” She said mildly. “But whose he with?” Haigar trotted closer to stand with Bailey and followed her gaze,

“That’s his father, the tribe leader, his name’s Ixion.” Bailey suddenly had a mental image of Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker…the picture made her smile.

“’E’s big ain’t ‘e.” she said to Haigar, the young Steef nodded. Bailey went quiet as Ixion raised his arms to get everyone’s attention.

“My friends,” he boomed, “Another year has passed and we leave our warm winter homes and go down into the valleys to enjoy the summer. Stay together and do not stray and we shall be sleeping under the stars tonight in out summer home.” A cheer went up as Ixion turned and began leading his tribe of the last Steef in Oddworld across the snowfields. Bailey walked with her family, wondering what summer amongst the Steef would be like.

¤§¤

The pace of the march wasn’t as slow as Bailey had thought, the Steef moved along at a comfortable but not ambling speed which covered ground pretty quickly. The route they took seemed to be the same as they had in years past as Haigar kept pointing out certain landmarks and told stories about the places and the adventures he himself had had when he was younger. It all fascinated Bailey but she couldn’t help but notice when they passed a certain path that Bailey knew all too way, the land began sloping down and Bailey looked back and up at the sheer cliff that rose to the right and behind the Steef marchers, to a ridge covered in gnarled trees. Where stones lay, covered in rotting leaves…

“Bailey?” Haigar’s questioning voice brought Bailey out of her thoughts, she shook herself and blinked,

“W-What?” she asked, she noticed that she’d stopped walking and that the Steef behind them were passing, Haigar and Stranger were a little ahead, waiting, both of them looking back with worried expressions on their faces. Stranger looked at Haigar and muttered something. Haigar glanced from Stranger to Bailey then nodded. Throwing a glance up at the ridge that had caught Bailey’s attention, the young Steef turned and trotted past the marchers to his parents. Bailey’s eyes strayed towards the ridge again.

“Bailey.” Bailey turned, Stranger was looking at her, “C’mon kid.” He said in a no-nonsense voice. Bailey nodded and walked over to him. Stranger put an arm around her shoulder and guided her back to the family, but not before giving the ridge a dark look.

“Stranger?” Stranger looked down at the human. “Did yer,” Bailey paused, uncertain on how to phrase the question, Stranger didn’t encroach on her silence, he sensed she needed a little time to think and didn’t need interrupting. “Did yer…tell Jorken…yer know…about what we found?” Stranger didn’t answer straight away. He stared straight ahead, keeping his arm around her.

“Yeh.” He said finally in a quiet voice, “I told ‘im…”

Bailey swallowed and nodded, feeling strong echoes of the feelings she’d experienced when she’d found the graves.

“It’s ok.” Murmured Stranger, “It’s ok.” Bailey buried her head in Stranger’s fur. She nodded.

The Steef tribe made it to the bottom on the long, gentle slope and came to the river that wound past the ridge cliff and made up the watercourse in the gorge where the old bridge that Bailey had helped destroy had been.

Here they stopped awhile. The Steef took off their packs and settled down into small groups and talked quietly amongst themselves in muted conversations. Bailey, also set down her pack and watched the river, following the packs of ice floating along with the current. She glanced up at the sun veiled by grey snow clouds, the clouds were still thin and the thicker part of the cloud head was still far away, it wouldn’t snow today, maybe later tomorrow, if the wind kept up at this pace.

From the sun Bailey deduced that it was roughly midmorning. Time for a late breakfast. She joined her small family and though they noticed that she talked little and ate less, they didn’t comment. She was off somewhere else they knew, and she shouldn’t be disturbed. Stranger kept glancing at his silent Bailey. She stared into space, seeing nothing, or rather, seeing something that no one else could.

Eventually the tribe moved off again, Bailey following but still in silence. She mechanically stayed close to Stranger but her thoughts wandered and paused on other things, her mind turning them over gently as she examined them. She withdrew into herself and failed to take any more notice of the country around her. The ridge had brought back painful memories Bailey would have preferred to forget, but as things were, that didn’t look too hopeful. So she went into a depressive silence, thinking about nothing in particular.

The sun was going down when the Steef stopped again, this time they stood on the ridge of a high cliff, below them was a broad vale, one that looked very familiar to Bailey, she peered over the edge.

“Must’ve been where I ‘dropped in’ fer a visit…” she thought dryly. Slowly, one by one and following Ixion, the Steef filed down a steep and narrow defile, invisible to unseasoned eyes, that led down the seemingly sheer cliff face and into the vale. Bailey kept close behind Stranger and hugged the canyon wall, eyes firmly fixed on Stranger’s hindquarters. “Don’t look down, don’t look down, don’t…” she repeated the mantra in her head, fighting down fear. She risked a glance away from the furry flank in front and her eyes were drawn irresistibly to the drop on her right. She gulped and made a choked whimpering sound, “Too late.” As vertigo hit her smack in the face and she swayed. With a muffled noise that sounded like ‘meep’, Bailey froze; eyes huge and round. Behind her Haigar stopped too;

“Bailey?” he asked, “Are you alright.” Bailey whimpered and shivered. Haigar laid a hand on the human’s shaking shoulder, “Alright Bailey,” He said soothingly, “I want you to listen to my voice. Look straight ahead and just walk. I’m right behind you so you won’t fall. D’you understand?” There was a pause and then Bailey nodded very slowly. “Good.” Haigar smiled in relief, “Ok, now you can start walking.”

There was another pause and then Bailey set off again. She stayed close to the wall and with Haigar’s encouragements she eventually got to the bottom of the defile and to the valley floor without anything happening. She breathed a sigh of relief, grinned weakly at Haigar of swore blind she was never going to use that path ever again, much to the amusement of her Steef family.

[Dancing Steef]

YAAAAAY Update! good chapt there Lobo I love it keep it going cuz I'll be waiting for more

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

Thanks DS, might take a while though...stupid writer's block...

[Dark Elite_H2]

Ya ay ya ya ya! Read it on hotmail, purdy darn good! Ya! Update soon, and I'll do the same.

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

Okay, it’s a few weeks after the last chapter, just so yer know. Sorry it took so long…urg, writer’s block…

Like Deer In Summer

Spring was in full swing. It was been about three weeks since the Steef tribe had arrived at the summer valley and already the little huts they lived in during summer were completed. Daimen and Haigar had helped Stranger to build a little one for himself and Bailey while Bailey watched Loki like a hawk.

Bailey was just settling into life again when, a couple of days later, another aspect of Steef made itself known to Bailey’s complete astonishment.

They shed their horns.

One day Haigar and Daimen – and every other Steef male had their horns – and the next, Haigar didn’t. When Bailey saw him she just gaped. Eyes huge and mouth open, he looked so weird without his horns.

“What?” Asked Haigar, “What’s wrong?” Bailey pointed at his head,

“Aren’t you missin’ sumat?” she squeaked. Frowning Haigar patted his head, and then he broke into a grin and chuckled.

“Don’t worry Bailey.” He said, smiling, “It’s perfectly normal.”

“I didn’t know you shed yer horns.”

“Only during spring, they’ll be back in a month or so.”

“So, all male Steef lose their horns and re-grow ‘em?” Haigar nodded, “Does Stranger know?”

“I’m sure he’s well aware.” Bailey wondered for a second what Stranger would look like with a full set of horns. The mental image only made Bailey think he looked more intimidating…in fact, all the Steef males were kinda scary. She’d never thought about it before, but Bailey really was afraid of these people. Well okay, maybe not afraid exactly, more afraid of that they could do. She respected them and she didn’t begrudge them that respect either.

She suddenly felt somewhat lonely and she realised just how very small and insignificant she really was. Haigar must have noticed her abrupt change in mood because his eyes softened and he looked concerned.

“Bailey? Are you alright?” Bailey looked up,

“W-what? Oh, yes, I’m fine blue…I’m…just gonna find Stranger…” Without another word Bailey wandered away from Haigar, the young Steef watched the human leaving, the worry in his eyes increasing as he frowned slightly. He shook his head, he doubted he’d ever understand Bailey, however Steef-ish she was. He turned away. He had to find his uncle.

¤§¤

Bailey sat in a secluded part of the Steef summer valley. The forest grew behind her and a small stream trickled down some rocks and formed a little pool nearby. Bailey watched the water for a while, feeling unexplainably miserable. Without warning a shadow fell across the river and Bailey looked up slowly. Stranger’s neon green eyes blinked at her and he was frowning gently.

“I didn’t do it.” Bailey said without her usual humour. She slumped her chin in her hands again and stared at the stream. Stranger quietly came closer and sat next to her. He looked sadly at Bailey, she seemed so miserable, he gently brushed a strand of hair out of her face and rumbled a purr.

“Kid…what’s wrong with yer…Haigar said yer seemed upset.” Bailey didn’t answer straight away, she folded her arms across her drawn up knees and buried her head in them.

“Nothin’…” came her muffled voice, “I’m fine.” Stranger sighed,

“C’mon liddle darlin’ I know yer lyin’ ter me. I always know.” Bailey slowly looked up at Stranger.

“Really?” she asked softly, “Always?” Stranger allowed a small smile to cross his face,

“Yeh, always. Parents know stuff like tha’ about their kids.” Bailey swallowed thickly. Stranger stroked her head. “Yer know I love yer, don’t yer kid?” he asked, Bailey nodded,

“Yeh. Yeh I know.” Stranger opened his arms and growled playfully,

“Then give yer ol’ man a hug yer liddle punk.” Bailey smiled as she was swept into Stranger’s powerful embrace. She still felt rather small in the grand scheme of things, but she also felt protected and loved. So it was okay to feel small sometimes, as long as Stranger was around, well then, she was fine.

“Love you Stranger.” She muttered and rubbed her cheek to Stranger’s jaw. She felt it vibrate as he chuckled.

“I know.” Bailey made a contented sound and closed her eyes. Stranger pressed his nose to her hair and let out a breath.

¤§¤

Just as Haigar had said, over the next couple of days all the male Steef in the tribe lost their horns. It was sort of odd for Bailey, it wasn’t that hard to tell the males from the females, but it was getting difficult to identify Stranger. Before hand Bailey had always used his lack of horns to see him quickly, but now they were all hornless. It was all rather disconcerting really.

She was even more anxious when she thought of when the Steef horns would all re-grow. She worried slightly that if Stranger’s re-grew as well then she would have even more problems spotting him from a distance, she was also vaguely worried about what he would look like. The prospect of the change scared the human slightly, although she didn’t know what worried her. Maybe it was something to do with familiarity, she didn’t know, but she wasn’t looking forward to it at any rate…

Unfortunately, whether she liked it or not, the human had to face the change head on when it came three or four weeks later. It didn’t come gradually either, just like when the Steff shed, the horns re-grew over night, sprouting from their heads and curling into ram-horns.

Bailey didn’t exactly take it calmly to begin with either. She came out of her room in the small, cosy hut, yawning and bleary eyed and went just outside where Alika was making breakfast. Haigar, Damien and another Steef, who seemed familiar but a stranger were already awake and sitting around the fire. They all sported impressive, curling horns that were varying shades of a ruddy brown. Bailey yawned and greeted them sleepily. As she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, the three Steef males came into sharper focus, and she gaped at the third Steef, he was smaller then the other two, with pale hair and neon green eyes…the pieces slotted together and the penny dropped.

Bailey screamed.

She bolted back into the hut and threw herself into her room, securing the door. She pressed her back to the door and slid down to the floor, shaking.

Stranger smiled at Bailey as she came out of the hut and greeted them, still tired. But then she’d gaped at him with something akin to horror and then she’d screamed, and run. Stranger felt his heart wrench and he scrambled to his feet and followed. His new acquisitions must have startled her, he thought. She was still groggy and the sight must have just given her a turn. But he swallowed painfully when he saw the closed door, and heard her terrified sobs…

“Bailey?” he whispered, standing close to the door, “Bailey, honey open tha door. It’s me… It’s only me.”

“Go away.” Choked the voice on the other side of the door. Stranger’s breath caught in his throat and he sank to his knees, it felt as if his heart was being ripped out. He heard pure, unadulterated terror in that voice. He choked back tears. Bailey, his dear little Bailey, was terrified of him.

“Bailey,” he whispered hoarsely, “P-please, lemme in.” he stuttered, “I jist want ter, ter show yer.” No answer. “Please liddle darlin’,” Stranger pleaded, “It’s only me, I promise, I ain’t changed.”

“St-Stranger,” whispered Bailey’s voice, “I’m…I’m scared.” Stranger felt another stab to his heart but he shuffled closer to the door and placed a hand on it.

“I know, I look different kid, but I’m still me, an’ I still love yer.” The door gave slightly and opened a crack. Bailey peeped out. Stranger remained still and just let her look him over, watched how she stared at his red-brown horns. Saw the shock and fear fade, he let out a breath of relief. “See?” he said softly, “Still me.”

Bailey swallowed and looked at Stranger, he was still the same, he hadn’t changed, not really, he’d just…recovered a bit of himself. She opened the door a bit more and wiped her eyes on her sleeve. A hand caught her chin and wrist and her hand was gently pulled away, her chin was lifted and Stranger wiped away the remains of the tears with his thumb. Bailey slowly got up onto her knees and moved so she and Stranger were closer. Stranger gently lifted her hand closer to his head and then let it go, Bailey looked at him questioningly. He looked unflinchingly back and Bailey reached up tentatively. Her fingers brushed the hardness of his horns and drew back slightly, but then reached forward again and touched them, running a finger along the curling shape.

Eventually she drew back and looked at Stranger, she could see the pain she’d caused and felt her throat clog again. She looked down, one finger touched her chin again and picked her head up.

“S’ok.” Stranger said gently, “S’ok kid.” Bailey swallowed and nodded, letting her herself droop again, with a sniffle she pressed her head to Stranger’s chest. Stranger’s arms came up and around and he hugged her, smiling in relief. With a strangled sob Bailey put her arms around Stranger’s chest.

“M’sorry Stranger.” She whispered, “I…” Stranger stroked her hair.

“It doesn’t matter. I understand.”

“I love you Stranger.”

“I know, I love yer too squirt. I may change, but that never will. I would never hurt yer kid. Never.” Bailey nodded into his fur. She heard Stranger’s voice and felt it rumble comfortingly in his chest, “I’ll always look after yer kid.” He said, “And I’ll never, ever stop loving you.”

Bailey believed him, and felt safe.

Nobody said anything when Stranger carried Bailey outside and sat down again, cuddling the young human to his chest. Bailey kept her eyes closed and buried her head into Stranger’s fur. Stranger stroked her hair gently, careful not to hurt his human with his claws.

¤§¤

Neither Stranger nor Bailey mentioned what had happened that day. If it ever was brought up, Stranger would growl and Bailey would shrug and say something along the lines of being caught off-guard before promptly cuddling up to her favourite Steef, refusing to say more.

Stranger was worried to begin with, he hadn’t meant to scare Bailey so badly. But Bailey felt the need to be closer to Stranger again and he wasn’t about to push his Bailey away when she wanted a cuddle.

[Dark Elite_H2]

Aww...A fluffy ending, but a funny beginning. Nice job, Lobo my friend! Continue, and get over yer writer's block! I mean it! NOW! (points a seldom, tight finger to Lobo)

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

I can safely say I've gotten over the block fer now, YAY! HAPPY DANCE!

[Dancing Steef]

I read yer Story yesterday and it's still awesome... I send a pm to you, about the rest of the comments Looking forward to read the next bit

BTW err, have ya heard of Microsoft word? because if you want you can use that programe instead of writer's block, if ya have it... well I myslef is using that programe and it's never giving me problems. Just a tip though... I'm going to update my story as well today

See Ya!

~DS~

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

I’ve beaten the writer’s block! YAY!

Don’t Stop Me Now!

Loki enjoyed being in the summer valley more then most. She was still very young by Steef standards, and liked romping in the grass and chasing butterflies with the other Steeflings. But there was one thing that Loki had quite a unique knack for. So unique that only she and one other person had it in the area.

Getting into trouble.

Although how she managed to do it when Bailey was twice her age no one had any idea. Though Alika worried about her youngest she never was too afraid for her. Bailey was a constant bodyguard. And she took her job very seriously…even if sometimes they both got into a lot bother…

It was getting late spring when Loki once again got herself up to her ears in a mess. It was one of the rare occasions when Bailey’s attention had been diverted that Loki slipped away on her own and soon there was an uproar to find the missing Steefling. Although Alika didn’t blame Bailey for Loki being so devious Stranger insisted that if she went out to look she’d only get dragged into whatever Loki might have found. She was therefore put in her room and told Not To Move for Anything by Stranger.

Bailey sat on her bed. Like she had many times she got up suddenly and paced the small room fruitlessly before sitting down again, all the time the same thoughts running through her mind.

Where is she?
What has she gotten herself into?
Will Stranger and the others find her in time?
This is all my fault.

Finally Bailey couldn’t take it anymore. She couldn’t just sit here while Loki got herself hurt, or even killed. Bailey left the hut and stood outside the door for a moment.

“If I was a small Steefling that gets into crud without trying…where would I be?” it only took her a moment to think of it and when she did she slapped her forehead. “Idiot! Why didn’t I go there first!?” with that Bailey broke into a run, knowing exactly where to look.

Over the last few days Bailey had noticed that Loki had shown a lot of interest in the building of the hall at the far end of the valley. What it was for, Bailey hadn’t found out yet but it was being built like the huts but because it was so huge it took a considerably longer time and it was only getting it’s foundation finished at the end of the week. Building material and the scaffolding were scattered about the place and all the young Steef had been forbidden to go anywhere near it while construction was on the go. Bailey headed for the building site. She skidded to a halt when she reached it and looked around.

“LOKI!” she yelled, “WHERE ARE YER!?” no answer. Bailey’s heart hammered, a thousand terrible reasons why Loki might not answer her appearing in her mind. She began to jog through the area. Searching and calling as she went.

Finally she found the Steefling. Bailey stopped, pushed up the brim of her hat and gulped. Loki clung to a beam of horizontal scaffolding, a good fifty feet off the ground…

“How in the dickens?” she muttered. She sighed, “Loki?” The Steefling quivered and opened one screwed up eye a fraction.

“Bailey.” She whimpered, “Bailey, get me down.”

“Alright, alright. Don’t panic. I’m a-comin’.” Bailey looked around quickly, but first she needed to alert the adults. She saw a pile of lumber nearby and scrambled on top of it. She wobbled precariously for a moment but soon found her balance and looked around for any Steef. Luckily she saw one, too far to recognise but a dark-furred one by all accounts. She put two fingers in her mouth and blew a shrill whistle. She saw the Steef stop and turn to look towards her. Bailey put her arms in the air and waved madly. “OVER HERE!” she yelled, banking on the Steef’s superior hearing to hear her voice.

The gamble paid off. The Steef bellowed, shaking the ground and letting every Steef within almost a mile radius know where to come. The lumber pile shook under Bailey and she jumped off. She turned back to the scaffold. Now she had to get Loki down. She could tell by just looking at it that no Steef which was old enough to retrieve the Steefling could get up there and it wouldn’t hold a full- or even half-grown Steef’s weight. She sighed. It was up to her.

“Okay Loki,” she called, “I’m coming up.” She saw the Steefling nod and looked around for a way she could get up onto the scaffold. A noticed that the horizontal beam Loki was on was held up by two diagonal struts at either end. That was no good. But between each pair of struts was another pole. It was completely vertical and sticking from them were lots of sturdy pegs. Perfect.

Bailey looked back as she heard something behind her. She saw the search parties of Steef coming towards the site. She would have to be quick if she didn’t want Stranger or anyone else to stop her from getting Loki. Bailey darted over to the nearest pole and tested the strength of the pegs. They held. Quickly, Bailey climbed the pole.

She was only half way when the Steef arrived. They crowded around the bottom of the scaffolding , murmuring and pointing and even a few gasps. It was only when Bailey heard a familiar voice did she pause.

Stranger.

With a great effort Bailey ignored her father-figure and kept climbing. After a while she reached the top and slowly, falteringly and wobbling a good deal Bailey managed to stand on the beam, her arms out, balancing her. She took a deep breath and took a step forward, and then another, and another. Her confidence grew with each step but she remained careful as she slowly cross the beam to Loki on the other end.

As she reached the middle a wind began blowing. It snagged her hat and made her wobble even more dangerously. Suddenly Bailey slipped and she nearly tumbled off completely but she grabbed the main beam just in time. She hung by her fingernails for a few heart stopping seconds before she was able to haul herself up and carry on.

Down below Stranger’s heart went wild in his chest, Bailey was so close to getting herself killed. Stranger had to exercise a lot of self control not to shake with suppressed adrenaline as he watched his Bailey performing one of the stupidest stunts she had ever done. When she slipped Stranger’s heart did a somersault and he was nearly sick but thankfully Bailey didn’t fall but scrambled back up onto the beam. Stranger breathed again.

Bailey stubbornly continued her balancing act until she got to Loki. She slowly sat on the beam, one leg on each side.

“Hullo kiddo.” She beamed. Loki opened one eye tremulously.

“I’m sowwy Bailey.” She whimpered, “I promise I’ll never go when I shouldn’t again, just please get me down!” she wailed. Bailey waved her hands at the crying Steefling,

“Hey, hey. Now need fer that kid, jist leggo of the beam an’ I’ll get yer down, okay?” Loki looked at the grinning human.

“Okay.” She allowed Bailey to prise her from the scaffold and put her onto Bailey’s shoulders, they’d done it plenty of times but Bailey realised round about then that soon Loki would be too big to carry. She didn’t think too much on that now. She needed to concentrate on getting down.

Bailey slowly stood and made her unsteady way to the other set of struts that were close by. There was a rope at that end with a flat piece of wood attached to the end. An idea began forming in Bailey’s mind. She reached the end of the beam without any difficulties and pulled the rope up to her hand over hand until the little lift was at their level.

“Right, Loki I need you to sit on this and hold tight, okay?” Loki nodded, her eyes wide with terror. When she was on the makeshift lift Bailey began lowering until Loki hit the ground with a gentle bump. She was immediately smothered by her mother. Bailey meanwhile gave the rope a tug and swung herself on it. It took longer for her to reach the ground then it had for Loki but she did it without accidents. As soon as she was on the solid earth again Stranger was there. He took Bailey by the shoulders.

“Yer okay?” he asked sternly. Bailey looked up at him and nodded. She saw the way Stranger sagged in relief very clearly. The Steef took her face in his huge hands and shook her very gently. “Don’t yer ever do that again, you hear me!?” he said, scolding. Bailey nodded. “Ah, c’mere you liddle monster.” Stranger muttered and gave Bailey a relieved hug.

The Steef crowd dispersed, as Stranger led Bailey away with his hand on her shoulder and rubbed his face in a long-suffering way.

“You kid, are gonna be tha death of me.” Bailey grinned and wrapped her arms around his stomach.

“Nah, you’re going to live forever.” She said. Stranger chuckled and rubbed her hair.

[Dark Elite_H2]

“You kid, are gonna be tha death of me.” Bailey grinned and wrapped her arms around his stomach.

So true! So very true!
Loved that bit! Wanna 'ere more, Lobo. You hear me, Lobo? More...(quivers in content)
Oh! And I added a lil' more ter mine. Jist a little. Not enough to probably make you like me.

[Dark Elite_H2]

I don't mean to double post in 'ere, Lobo. But...you're over-due fer an update, me friend. I'll continue to wait.

[Dancing Steef]

Go Lobo I read the story yesterday, but I forgot to reply, sorry... It's getting more n' more intense keep 'em chaptrs comin'

[Icarus]

intresting, keep working, i mean continue with the story

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

Awww, thanks you guys.

Getting impatience are we DE? Maybe I should hold off and make you suffer! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA-choke, cough, hack-HAHAHAHAHAHA...oh forget it, I'll put another chapter up, just a mo.

Ah, that's okay Dancin' Steef, and would you mind if I put some certain scribblings up when you're finished?

And thank you Icarus, I certainly will and thanks once again for commenting.

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

And yes, Darky, you can laugh at the title, good RP’in’ times eh?

The Reason Behind Nasty Rammers…
Lecture: Why Steef Have Extremely Huge Horns…

Spring grew into summer and Bailey noticed that some of the male Steef, particularly those without female companionship becoming rather more agitated and violent the usual. They were picking fights and just generally being edgy. Though, Haigar became more depressed then angry and Stranger – thankfully – didn’t change at all.

Bailey at first thought that they were just restless but when she saw a couple of the males ramming each other and locking horns over another, female Steef, the human finally put together what they were up too. And she was completely fascinated. She would watch them fighting utterly awed, there was a lot of power in these…well, ‘cute and furry’ individuals. Of course the bellows were deafening and Bailey cringed at the though of being caught in the middle of two combatants, but from a safe distance they were somewhat intriguing to watch. Stranger found her watching a few days after this ‘rutting’ season had started.

“Bailey?” he asked questioningly, “Whadda yer doin’?”

“Watching them beat the snot out of each other.” Bailey remarked nonchalantly, nodding towards a big dark Steef and a smaller, lighter one who were butting heads like a couple of mountain goats. Stranger looked towards them and then back at Bailey,

“Why?” Bailey shrugged,

“I dunno, I just like watching ‘em.” There was a pause, “So when are you gonna get out there?” Bailey asked innocently, Stranger gaped at her for a moment, mouth open.

“What!?”

“You heard me.” Bailey watched him intently, completely unabashed. Stranger on the other hand suddenly looked awkward and rubbed the back of his neck.

“Why would-”

“Why not?” Bailey countered, interrupting him. “It s’not exactly fair that you havta be stuck with just me forever.” Stranger grinned and growled as he ruffled her already wild hair,

“What if I like bein’ stuck wiv yer forever?” Bailey quirked a half-smile but Stranger looked suddenly sad. He reached out and stroked her head. “Hey, they’ll be plenty of time fer me ter find someone when yer all grown up.” There was a pause. “Humans…don’t live very long do they?” Stranger asked.

“Compared to Steef…no…not that long.” Bailey said. “Few make it past a hundred.”

“Two hundred years.” Stranger murmured sadly, “At least two hundred years ter find someone…” he sounded very depressed. Bailey looked at him curiously,

“Stranger, somat’s botherin’ you.”

“I don’t want ter outlive my kid Bailey.” Stranger muttered, “I don’t want ter be alone without yer. You’ll be long gone an’ I’ll still be the same…” the Steef faded off miserably. Bailey patted his hand,

“You scared I’m gonna die Stranger?” she said, it wasn’t really a question but Stranger nodded. Bailey grinned and cuddled up to him.

“Silly Steef,” she said, “I’m more then likely gonna outlive you by a very, very long time…if I’m unlucky.” Stranger frowned and rested his chin on Bailey’s head.

“How’s that then.” Bailey twirled a bit of grass between her fingers,

“Humans apparently don’t age in Oddworld, they just…continue…although I guess it could just be a matter of aging slowin’ down a heck of a lot… So,” she said sweetly, “When are yer gonna find someone, I need some kind of mother.” Stranger stopped but then smiled and kissed her hair.

“Did yer know I love yer?” he said conversationally,

“Stop changin’ the subject.” Bailey muttered but she closed her eyes and let it go. “I though yer’d get swamped actually.” She added after a pensive silence, “I mean, you beat Sekto and everythin’…”

“But I ain’t exactly a ‘respectable’ Steef…” Bailey spluttered in amusement,

“You? Respectable? Hardly…”

“That’s what I said.” Stranger frowned slightly, but Bailey was off on a musing tangent.

“But you get away with the whole ‘bad boy’ attitude if you ask me…an’ you ain’t exactly unpleasant ter look at…” Stranger’s expression became more and more like a carp. Eyes bulging and mouth open. He made a strangled sound. Bailey snickered. She put her arms behind her head and leaned back on his chest and went back to watching the fighting Steef. “The paler ones gunna win.” She said at length.

“Oh really?” Stranger asked in amusement, “How d’yer work that out?”

“I can feel it.” Stranger let out a sigh and relaxed, closing his eyes, feeling Bailey against his stomach. He thought about the day in the Bolamite nest. He hadn’t known what a human was back then. He chuckled to himself as he remembered Bailey’s first words to him and when she’d threatened him with a gun. He’d disliked her then. How quickly she’d grown on him. Stranger was glad she had, he didn’t know that having the squirt around could make life so much more enjoyable.

Bailey dozed off before she saw which of the two fighting Steef won, she was just too warm and comfortable in the sunshine with Stranger. This life definitely agreed with her. She wondered fleetingly about Jolee and Meech. The Grubb said she’d look after him. Bailey let out a sleepy sigh as she descended into dreams. She hoped they were alright…

[Icarus]

i like it alot, it has a good feeling to it, and thank you for giving me a reason to use my brain.


you wanna hook up just kidding.

[Dark Elite_H2]

Aww...great chapter, Lobo. And yes...I did laugh at the title.

[Dancing Steef]

Hehe Good work there Lobo I liked the title as well keep 'em chaptrs comin', buddy!

[Dark Elite_H2]

Oh I feel stupid askin' this. I've read yer story from way in the beginning (and believe me, it's more funnier if you don't read it fer a long time) and Bailey mentioned "Or you'll what? Throw a wobbly?"
Now, I'm part british, but can you explain ter me what a wobbly is?

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

Lol, that's okay, a wobbly's a temper tantrum. Funny mental images, Stranger having a temper tantrum...hee hee

[Dark Elite_H2]

Ahhh...Somewhat I knew that. Jist wasn't sure of it.
And yeh. It'd be a Kodak moment if Stranger actually threw a temper tantrum of say...he not getting an Outlaw right.

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

Urg, computer went nuts and then I ran out of inspiration and then when I did finish somat I was sick as a dog… But at least I’m here now right?

Over-Protective

A shadow fell over Stranger’s face and the Steef opened one eye.

“Howdy Dai.” He muttered. His older brother grinned,

“Chilling out Stranger?” he teased. Stranger grunted but smiled as he closed his eye again.

“Yep.”

“Bailey’s out like a light.” The older, darker Steef commented. Stranger opened his neon green eyes again and picked his head up slightly. Daimen was right, Bailey was snoozing gently against his ribs. Her hat had fallen off but she still had a very torn up green bandana around her forehead. He smiled as his mind went back to when she’d won the hat and his gut clenched when he saw the ragged hole in the brim. A hole caused by a stake… “Does she always wear that?” Daimen asked, bringing Stranger from his reverie.

Stranger blinked,

“What? Oh, yeh, she’s always had it, haven’t really seen ‘er without it since we met.” Daimen folded his legs and stretched out on his stomach.

“You never actually said how you two met.” He said lightly, Stranger swatted at his brother,

“Maybe because it’s embarrassin’, bein’ outmanoeuvred by a thirteen year old. Daimen had his eyes closed by this time and he laughed,

“Now you have to tell me.” Stranger sighed and shook his head amusedly,

“Fine, fine.” He muttered and began to talk.

¤§¤

“An’ then she poked me with ‘er gun and made fun of me accent.” Daimen chuckled, but before he could say anything, another, drowsy voice added,

“Yeh an’ now I sound like ‘im.” Stranger and Daimen looked over to Bailey as she retrieved her hat before dropping head back onto Stranger. Stranger ‘hrm’ed and poked her. “Eh, no need to get moody wiv me.” Bailey huffed, her eyes closed. Stranger rolled his eyes and raised his eyebrows at Daimen in a ‘see what I mean’ look.

Bailey suddenly frowned and one hazel eye opened quickly. The human sat up, looking annoyed. The two Steef caught her expression and both were put on edge.

“What tis it Bailey.” Stranger murmured.

“Loki.” Bailey muttered and stood up. No sooner had she said it then a young female Steef appeared. It was Loki, she was about Bailey’s height now with her mother’s blue eyes but with extremely pale brown fur, nearer Stranger then Daimen or Alika. She’d grown quickly as summer had come around, shooting up from being only as high as Bailey’s knees to being taller the Bailey herself.

As she approached the two Steef males and the human saw clearly that she was in tears. Daimen stood quickly, Stranger following suit.

“Loki, what’s the matter honeycakes?” Daimen asked his daughter in concern.

“Oh, Dad!” the young Steef wailed and fell into Daimen’s arms. “It’s not fair!” she cried. Stranger and Bailey looked uneasily at each other.

“What happened?” Bailey asked.

“I’ve been, Chosen!” Loki cried like it was the end of the world. Bailey blinked,

“Chosen, chosen for what!?” Daimen however looked stone-faced. He held Loki’s shoulders and placed her an arm’s length away from him.

“Who baby? Who’s Chosen you?” he asked sternly. Loki choked out a name and at first neither Daimen, Stranger or Bailey could make it out, but when Loki repeated it, they heard.

“Karnan.” And she dissolved into tears again. Daimen hugged his daughter, talking quietly and soothingly. Stranger put a hand on his brother’s shoulder.

“Dai, what is this?” he asked. Daimen looked at his young brother, his eyes blazing in fury.

“We’ll go home, and then I’ll tell you.” He growled and half-carried a weeping Loki towards the huts, Stranger followed, Bailey waited a moment. Stranger turned when he realised she wasn’t with him.

“Bailey?” Bailey shook herself.

“Coming.” She murmured and jogged to catch up.

¤§¤

Loki had stopped crying now, only sniffling occasionally. The family sat around their hut fire, Alika prepared dinner, looking upset, while Daimen comforted Loki. Haigar when he’d heard his sister had been ‘Chosen’ by Karnan looked livid, his fist kept clenching and unclenching. Only Bailey and Stranger were clueless about what was going on and Stranger finally broached the subject.

“What is this all about?” he finally asked in a quiet voice. Daimen spoke while he stroked his daughter’s hair,

“Loki came of age this summer, traditionally she can get married and start her own family.” Bailey’s eyebrows shot up.

“But, but, she’s only a baby!” she exclaimed, Daimen smiled slightly,

“To you she still may be young, but by Steef standards, she older then you are.” Bailey blinked, and then, of all people looked at Haigar, Haigar blushed but grinned,

“Yeh, I was way older then you when we first met…I would have found a mate by now…” he faded off and looked away. Bailey frowned slightly then turned back to Daimen.

“But you’re right Bailey, even Steef would consider her too young, for at least another year or two, but it’s possible for her to get married now.” Stranger shifted uncomfortably.

“And this Karnan, he doesn’t seem to care about that.” Daimen’s expression became dark.

“No. He never has. He changes mates to some one younger every few years…he’s older then you Stranger.” Bailey looked outraged,

“How can he do that!? How come you’ve let him!?” Daimen gave Bailey a look at quelled the human’s anger and made her cower slightly,

“We don’t let him do anything Bailey.” Daimen said quietly. “These traditions go back a very long time…not all of them are so acceptable, but that’s just how it’s always been. And Karnan knows how to manipulate the old laws.” Bailey cocked her head.

“How d’yer mean?”

“When a Steef girl is old enough to marry, suitors fight for her, but if there is only one who wants her, well then he can get her without a fight. Unless one of the family will fight in place. But there’s a problem. But the combatants must be evenly matched, Steef honour,” he added to Bailey’s confused look. “Haigar and I cannot challenge him, it would not be a fair fight.” Bailey looked up at Stranger,

“Can’t you do something?” she asked. Stranger looked at Daimen,

“If there is something…” but Daimen was shaking his head,

“As much as I appreciate your offer Stranger, it’s impossible. Karnan won’t fight any of us.” Daimen nodded to Bailey. “He’s only Bailey’s height.”

Bailey growled.

“I should go an’ gouges his eyes out.” She snarled savagely. Stranger put a hand on her shoulder.

“Easy Bailey.” He murmured, but seemed to agree with the sentiment. Bailey became silent and talk during dinner was thin. Bailey didn’t seem to take any notice, an idea was percolating in her mind.

But she would need Haigar’s help.

[Dark Elite_H2]

'Bout bloody time, Lo-bo!
Hrm...got's a lil' confused, is this a 'I'll choose you to marry me,' kind-a thing?

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

Sorry... am completely ashamed of self. And no, it's a 'marry this guy unless someone else fights' kinda thing. I think Bailey might just go ballistic...even more so then now...eeee, nasty...

[Dancing Steef]

GREAT chapter there Lobo! yeah that lil Karnan guy should really need some spankin'

~DS~

[Dancing Steef]

sorry for dubble post, the reason why is that I asked Lobo if I could make n' send in some pics of her characters on the story so... as I promised Lobo here are the characters of yers