Jylat - Starting Over

[Yolanda Riona]

The whole room seemed to be put on pause in that instant. If it weren't for the hushed breathing, I might have almost thought we've been frozen in time. Usually, I would have imagined a statement like that would have gone without even the slightest thought of second meaning. No, it would have seemed normal. Yet, the blue veins that suddenly swerved as if on their own in Links' fur pattern was just not normal. I suddenly found Dromar standing between me and the aged fox.

"What do you want with Jocie?"

I almost thought he was going to spring on Links then and there. In all my life, I'd never seen him look as dangerous as he did now. It was truly terrifying. It was Crosis that then stepped between them, facing my guardian.

"There's no reason to feel threatened. The Tyrells have always been good people."

Dromar looked past his father, letting out a hiss. The sudden role reversal still seemed strange to me. I was always so used to Dromar being the one to settle things, to play as the conscience of the family. Yet, as of now, he was on the same level as me.

"Your father is right, Dromar."

I looked over with Crosis and Dromar's gaze also following. The aloofness Esmeralda earlier displayed had been completely wrenched from her face. Violet eyes pierced through all of us before resting on Links.

"Of course, this also means this matter is more serious than I first thought. If it has anything to do with what you're implying."

[Links Tyrell]

Alindel stepped back sharply as Dromar stepped forwards. She was a kind and gentle person but she tended to be a little sheepish and fearful at times. It was perhaps one reason why she had stayed with Links for so long, she always felt safe in his company.

Links meanwhile simply closed his eyes through the whole exchange of words and only opened them as Esmeralda spoke. He seemed undisturbed by Dromar's actions, his expression showing no hint or fear, surprise or even boredom. It was just a matter of Links' knowing he could handle himself.

"Dromar was it, what I want is to help her. I can see you are protective of her, a commendable trait...but you must also accept to trust others. I do not mean any harm." His voice was slow and steady, holding no hint of his inner thoughts just like his face.

Standing up fully on his feet, his staff now held loosely in his right hand, he stepped towards Dromar, stopping just in front of him and addressing all three dragons. "I only ask your permission, if you refuse we'll leave without question...however, I would advise that you at least let me try to work out and explain what is happening to you're adopted family member."

[Yolanda Riona]

With Dromar remaining a buffer between Links and me, I couldn't see either of their expressions. However, the tension remained dragged out in the silence that followed. I flicked a gaze from Crosis to Esmeralda, but Dromar's voice quickly fixated my attention on him once more.

"I don't know what you're talking 'bout, but I don' like it. Mighty fishy to me."

"Dromar..."

"I don't wanna hear it, Pops. Nor from you, Ma'."

I watched as he took one step closer to Links, looming over the aged vulpine now with ill contempt. It was amazing how fast the mood in the room had switched. Suffocating, even. I didn't like it. These people I'd met never seemed like they'd ever been any harm to me. Maybe a little weird, but not in the dangerous respect.

"Dromar, this is no way to treat guests. You do know that, don't you?"

"I won't hear it. Not now. Not from you!"

Dromar suddenly spun, his almost gold eyes glazed over from the heated temper he rarely showcased. I backed up as well as I could. There wasn't a whole lot of space to maneuver though. Not in the wheelchair. The blue dragon thrust a finger in Esmeralda's direction.

"I want an explanation, for one!

His attention turned back to the couple.

"And I want you out! Now!"

[Links Tyrell]

Alindel was already backing towards the door. As much as she wanted to help Jodie she hadn't been prepared for an aggressive dragon. It was clear to see she was upset though, she looked ready to cry as she finally managed to choke out a response. "D-don't you understand? We're just trying to h-help and..."

"Hush Alindel, its no use. Let's go," Links didn't seem bothered by Dromar's explosive outburst, the fox already having turned away before the dragon had even turned back towards him. "...it's clear that we aren't welcome and the air suddenly feels a little uncomfortable."

He crossed over to the feline, reaching a hand out and gently brushing her cheek before placing his arm around her shoulder and turning her towards the door. He looked back over his shoulder for a moment, seemingly ignoring Dromar and looking at Crosis and Esmeralda, "Sorry for our intrusion, we'll go. Miss Jodie." Links gave a small nod at the vixen and then turned away, heading towards the exit.

[Yolanda Riona]

"Wait."

It was the first thing I'd said since our time spent back, well, home. And it stuck out like a sore thumb. I felt most likely every eye upon me. I always relished in attention, but this was different. Dromar was different. His gaze had dropped to the floor, but his fists were clenched tightly, so much that blood was starting to leak from his hands. More than likely caused by digging in his claws.

"Jodie, I won't have this and you know it. These people are no good to you."

"You're wrong. They haven't done anything but have patience with me. I know you're concerned and I know-"

"You know nothing!"

"I know enough that Essy and Crosis are right. We don't have any reason to be throwing them out! It's not even your place to say!"

"But it is my place to protect you from a freak like him!"

That was the last straw.

"I'm dying, Dromar! I'm dying and I know that. And I'm thinking about it every damned day! There's not a day that goes by that I don't wonder "Will today be it for me? Is this the day?". I know where I stand, I know where every one of you stands. Do you think I'm that stupid that I don't realize this? I'm nineteen years old! I'm not some pup anymore!

"The Tyrells, they're giving me a chance! Maybe it's my last one! I don't know and I really don't care anyway because if this is a chance, it'd be stupid to pass this up out of fear or pride or whatever! I'm letting him help me, whether you like it or not! And there's nothing you can do about it 'cause you're not my father!"

I watched as the color drained from Dromar's face. I didn't even realize what I'd last said until his expression hit me. I suddenly felt a rush of guilt hit me by a landslide.

"...Look, Dromar. I didn't mean that last-"

"It's fine, Jocie. I understand. You don't need me anymore and that's alright. You're growing up. Not a kid anymore."

His face betrayed his words as he left the room. Silence returned. I wished I could simply vanish right then. But it wouldn't happen. Nothing like that happens in the worst situations, no matter how much you wished for it.

[Links Tyrell]

Links and Alindel had stopped just beside the door as Jodie exploded. Links looked rather indifferent, although he seemed to give a few surprised blink. Alindel was, for the first time in a while, rather quiet. It looked like she didn't know if she should leave or not, if anything the situation was even more awkward now than it had been before...at least a moment ago it had been clear cut that they leave.

For a moment it looked like she would try to say something but the unease in the air seemed to sap her voice. Links seemed not to have a problem, turning back towards everyone and pausing for a moment.

"Well, providing it is agreeable with you of course," he motioned towards Crosis and Esmeralda, "I think we'll be staying a little. Alindel dear...you don't happen to have any of that green tea with you do you? It's awfully good for soothing the nerves, I know you said you were running out."

Alindel didn't reply at first, still a little stunned. Eventually she fumbled for a bag round her shoulder and opened it, looking up after a moment. "A-a little," she replied sheepishly.

Links just nodded and looked back at the trio before him.

[Yolanda Riona]

"Not to worry. We have a wide selection ourselves. From all over the continent, really. You should really try some. It's exquisite if I do say so myself."

I wasn't sure what made me feel worse. Links and Alindel's reactions or the familiar false voice of Esmeralda. I had a feeling that she was going to make this meeting as short as possible. Her eyes leaked out her true intentions which although they would miss the hint, I could see it clearly. I was in deep trouble. I looked around, hoping at least Crosis remained, but he had disappeared. Probably going after Dromar.

Soon enough, Essy was ushering us into the dining room, which was more of a dining hall if you asked me. She humbly offered some various snacks and treats, despite the dark feelings looming from before in the entrance hall. I didn't take any. Neither did she. And then, after everyone had been seated comfortably, she perched her head on her elbows with her fingers laced and spoke softly but with enough volume for the others to hear.

"So, what's the story, dearies? How do you propose we help my little Jocelyne?"

[Links Tyrell]

Links and Alindel sat as they were offered chairs, Links refusing anything to eat but Alindel accepted a small toffee...mainly to have something to concentrate on so she could settle her nerves. The feline remained quiet, knowing that this was best left to Links to handle.

The fox hybrid remained silent for a moment as Essy spoke and then remained so for a few moments afterwards. Looking up at her he eventually spoke, seemingly completely unfazed by the situation and getting straight to business.

"Well Ms, the level of help I can offer depends very much on the nature of the problem. I know for one that Jodie's power is similar in some ways to my own but it is not the same. If I may I would like to conduct a small test to confirm my suspicions."

He looked to his side, his hand reaching over and lifting his staff from where it rested against the table, placing it down on top of the table...making sure to avoid scraping the surface.

"This is very important to me, it gives me something to focus on, something to concentrate and control my skills, and..." He paused, tapping the blue gem set between the bladed tip, "...and something to channel through."

He turned to look at Jodie, "Miss, if you would I would like you to place your open palm on this gem. In doing so I can momentarily experience a portion of your own skills. It should give me a clearer picture of exactly what is happening."

[Yolanda Riona]

I eyed the staff curiously. I'd noticed it before but had never really given it much consideration up until then. With all the distractions finally ceasing for the most part though, my focus was on full blast. Just how would it work? The way he said it, things sounded too easy. But then, he was old and admittedly probably knew a lot more than I did. My gaze drifted to Esmeralda though for confirmation. A short nod echoed my own decision and I placed my right hand on the gem.

[Links Tyrell]

There was a moments pause, a silence falling over the room. Then suddenly the gem started to brighten as if someone was shining a torch through it. A slight breeze drifted through the room as a sudden haze like hot air passed round the gem and Jodie's hand. It was only there for a split second before vanishing, the gem giving a sudden and rather bright pulse and then returning to normal.

For Jodie it likely would have felt like a mild tingle, a stark contrast to what Links had felt. Clutching his hand to his chest for a moment he sat back hard in his chair, gasping slightly. Alindel almost choked on her toffee, cramming it to the side of her mouth and leaning over towards Links. "Links, are you alright, what happened?"

Links didn't reply for a moment, he simply reached forwards and took hold of his staff, pulling it away from Jodie and setting it back against the table. "I'm...fine my dear, just fine. I had forgotten how powerful the joys of youth can be...I guess I'm slipping."

He looked back at Jodie, his expression perhaps showing a little concern but otherwise blank as normal. "Well I can explain to you what is happening...but how it happened is only a theory for the moment."