WTAE 2 / Backstories / Predatory Neon + Skittish Siamese

Instructions

BACKSTORIES -------------------------------------- PREDATORY NEON -------------------------------------- "Jannah!" Their father's deep voice rumbled through the 'cottage' (it was really the size of a mansion), and Jannah slipped down the stairs. "Yes, Father?" Jannah asked, careful to keep a neutral tone. "The Elders wish to see you. Make yourself... presentable." He ordered. Meaning clean the dirt off their paws, and do their best to hide their vibrant pink front legs. Jannah suppressed a sigh. "Very well, Father. Is that all?" He nodded. "Go." Jannah turned without complaint and went back up the stairs, making sure they were out of their father's sight before letting their cool composure drop. It was never a good sign when the Elders wanted to see you. Then again, it was even worse when they arrived unannounced, so at least they hadn't done that. Jannah dunked their front paws in the bowl of fresh water kept by their door for this purpose, cleaning all the dirt off their paws before moving to the bowl beside the water bowl. This one was filled with a green liquid that matched the green of Jannah's back paws perfectly, and thankfully no one looked twice when it seemed as though the pattern of their front paws was always changing. After giving the paint a few moments to dry, Jannah made their way back downstairs, where their father was already waiting by the door. His face was strangely pale, and his usual fake smile looked more like a grimace. "It appears that the Elders did not want to wait." He said, his voice slightly strained. "They are currently outside." Oh. That would explain it. Jannah nodded, shoving their fear down, and stepped outside. The Elders, dragons with massive abilities in different areas, were not the sort you wanted to leave waiting. All five were standing in a semi-circle around the entrance to Jannah's house, and they felt their heart drop. "Elders," they said, dipping their head respectfully. "Jannah," the Elders chorused, doing the same. Well. That was unexpected. Head dipping was considered the most respectful of greetings, and generally reserved for the highest in the hierarchy, meaning only the Elders. Gaia, the forest spirit and probably the oldest of the Elders, stepped forward. "As you probably know, I am getting on in years." Her wispy voice was quiet, so quiet that Jannah had to lean forward slightly to hear her. "I am on the search for someone to take my place, and I believe that you will do a good job of it. Your training will start tomorrow at dawn." Jannah blinked at her, unbelieving. "You... want me to take your place as the forest spirit? Why?" They asked. Gaia smiles lightly. "Because I have been around for a long time, young one, and I have yet to see anyone as in love with nature as you are. Even I am unsure if I have quite the devotion to it that you do, and as you said, I am the forest spirit, the one who supposedly has the greatest connection with nature. Now, go inform your father of this. I will be here tomorrow at dawn." As Jannah watched, the Elders flew off, sinewy bodies flashing in the sun's dying light. That was entirely unexpected. -------------------------------------- SKITTISH SIAMESE -------------------------------------- "Again." Mother demanded. Alejandra growled, but got back up. Training got tiring after a while, especially when your trainer was Alexis, renowned protector of the sky spirit, Orion, who also happened to be the leader of the Elders. "I still don't understand why you push me so hard." Alejandra huffed as she ducked another strike at her head. "All the Elders and anyone else of importance already has a protector, not to mention none of them would take on someone who hasn't even passed 7,000, let alone someone under 5,000." Mother struck again, hitting Alejandra in the chest with her spiky tail. "Dead. Because eventually a protector will die and whoever they were protecting will need a new protector. Besides, you won't be young forever. Nor will anyone else. A new Elder may want a new protector." Alejandra backed away, breathing heavily, while Mother prowled closer, hardly even sweating. "Regardless, you need to know how to defend yourself." A strike from the back. Who was back there? Xe knew she should've been paying more attention. Alejandra whirled around with a growl, careful to keep an eye on Mother, and came face to face with her aunt, the forest spirit's protector. "I thought you were on duty, Maia." Mother said, tone scolding. Maia rolled her eyes. She was significantly younger than Mother, but still relatively old. "I am. Elder Gaia is in the sitting room. I came to fetch Andra for her." Mother's mood improved significantly. "Elder Gaia needs to see Alejandra?" Maia nodded. "Well then, don't let me keep you waiting." Mother said, nudging Alejandra. Alejandra scowled at her, but followed Maia out of the training room to the sitting room, where Elder Gaia was indeed waiting. "Mistress, I have the child." (cont below)