Thread: Unlikely Saviors [-:Haru|Luana:-]

Tika squirmed and kicked as the orc issued her threat. The orc was plenty strong enough to hold her out like an angry cat. She stopped when she heard Kion's return shout. Tika felt somewhat guilty. Especially when Kion said he cared about their hides. They wouldn't be in this position if not for her. Damn it all. The orc looked around for the location of the lion. She had heard his return call but couldn't pinpoint the sound. Still she held out the gnome, her bargaining chip. Quite frankly she was in the same position as the lion. Just trying to protect her little friend. She looked down at Catty who was nursing her sore wrist. Damn conscience...full bred orcs didn't have one. Then again, she wouldn't know Catty if she were a full blood. Weren't trying to kill everyone! Catty suddenly piped up. Woulda landed safely! Just early? Tika stopped flailing and looked down to the other gnome. Wait...why? The red haired gnome asked as she simply hung there. Business. Not yours, Catty said with her nose in the air. Fair enough, Tika could understand privacy. Still, interrupting our trip too. Rude. Catty stuck her tongue out and Tika followed suit. The orc rolled her eyes and sighed. Kion had moved in a way that now he could see the orc and the other gnome... or at least their feet. The steam kept several inches off the floor, and that gave him an advantage so long as he stayed as low as he could. He paused though, as he heard them talking, and the other gnome said they weren't trying to kill everyone on board. That could change things, but he needed to get Tika out of trouble. Kion had no problem with diplomacy, but this situation was going to end at one extreme or the other. I need your promise that if I come out, that you'll set my friend down. Kion called out, watching the feet he could see. Tika's were not on the floor so he could only imagine she was being held off the ground. As he finished speaking he stood, slowly, fur matted a bit as he stood in the steam, but he could hope that they did not see him, and by now he was close enough to charge if need be. But with Tika in the grip of another, he had to admit he was worried about her. With a little sigh to himself, and as a show of good faith, he tossed the head of the axe onto the floor. That was the head of the axe you left behind. I'm dropping it as a sign of good faith. Now, set down my friend so we can go. he called, legs coiled beneath him and ready to spring. The orc listened and looked down to Catty. The pink haired gnome gave a small shrug. They had lost already, why make it worse. For a time the orc considered just what to do. Meanwhile Tika frowned a little still dangling by the back of her shirt. A loud, metallic clatter rang out. The head of the orc's axe. She looked towards the sound. He had disarmed himself to save his friend. Once more she looked to Catty, her face softening. Very well lion, the orc finally said and lowered Tika to her feet. Still stooped down she scooped up Catty and put the gnome on her shoulders. For such little things you lot are a burden. Catty snickered and hugged the orc's half bald head. Tika couldn't help a grin as she watched the two. Clearly they had been companions for a while. It was weird to see a gnome so attached to someone. Kion listened, and peered intently though the steam, padding just a few feet closer on all fours and then he saw Tika's feet hit the ground and the other gnome clamber up her friend. Standing now, he strode forward, seeming to almost materialize out of the steam, and even though he knew she might kick him in the toe for it later, he scooped Tika up and set her on his shoulders much as the other gnome sat on her friend. He eyed the orc for a moment, but didn't ask any questions. As promised we will leave in peace, but I will tell you that I hope nobody else dies because of this. Kion said. The orc and her gnome simply nod, say their farewells, and about this time the sounds of shouting and booted feet can be heard as a number of crewmen hustle down to the engine room to see what is going on, leaving the four with little time to escape. Shit! Kion cursed softly under his breath and then actually looked at the other two This way. the orc said and would hurriedly lead them down one small path, which soon led out of the engine room, and there was a hatch, rather large and big enough for even her and Kion to squeeze through it. The orc bent and undid the hatch, where it obviously led upward, and peering up Kion could see that it was a hold of some sort baggage perhaps. Kion said, I'll go first. and would gently set Tika down. The lion moved up the short ladder and sure enough it was one of the huge cargo holds. He laid on his stomach and extended an arm down. Grab hold, it will go faster. he said, and would help pull the others up. The orc and Catty jumped when Kion emerged from the steam. Tika just looked at him in relief. It was short lived when Kion quickly snatched her up and put her on his shoulders. Not unlike a parent finding their errant child. She struggled a moment but ceased when she found herself up on his back. Though she did pull a small face. His fur was soaking wet. The biggins said their polite goodbyes while the gnomes nodded curtly to one another. Then sprinting footfalls and shouts. Tika held on as Kion ran after the orc. The orc seemed to know the area well and led them to a hatch. Kion set her down and quickly scurried up the trunk. The orc plucked Catty off her shoulders and handed the gnome up to Kion. Then she grabbed Tika and did the same. Once the gnomes were up and settled the orc grabbed his hand. She kicked against the wall to help propel herself up as he pulled. With the group all up Catty stepped up to the hatch. Once it was closed she pulled out a vial and poured the purple liquid on the hinges. The metal hissed, warped and rusted before there eyes. Woah! Tika's eyes widened. Not bad, yeah? Catty said with a smirk. Not bad? Sprockets, never thought of somethin' like that! Yes yes, well done. Now can we get out of here before they come looking in here? The orc said with a heavy sigh. Catty just gave a snarky grin. The orc shook her head and picked up her little gnome. Thanks, by the way. She said to Kion. For heaving is up here. Sorry about attacking you...and threatening you, she said as she turned to Tika. Just don't ever hurt my fluffums again, she said with a smirk. Catty giggled. With a curt nod the orc headed off. Tika looked over at Kion. Hope you're alright... she paused and looked away, her little ears turning red. And...ya know...thanks...