|
Chapter Two: A New Friend - Cub
After a long time of sailing Nacase pulled his boat into the dock. No one remembered the odd night, except him. He tucked the cocoon into his coat and headed off the ship. A stop at the local Inn then he was going to get a few things done.
He set the cocoon down in the room he'd gotten, left, told his crew they'd sail again in three days, then left for a day of spoiling himself. A few hours later Nacase returned to the Inn a new man. Not really but he felt like one. His hair was short, ear length at longest, and he was clean shaven. He no longer smelt completely of the sea either, but the smell of faint violent sea lingered on him. He pushed the door open, a packet of food for the Egyptan when it hatched and some for himself as well. He'd stopped by a library and found out as much as possible about the Egyptans and from what he'd learned the cocoon was due to hatch. He set the packages of food on the dresser and glanced down at the bed, no cocoon - no cub. A moment of panic before he realized what had happened. The cub had crawled out of its cocoon and was now either looking for its caretaker or playing some hide-and-seek game.
He searched the room for a while without a sign of the newly hatched Egyptan anywhere. Just as he was about to leave the room he heard the faint silvery laughter of a child's voice. However it came from not the room or outside the room, but in his head. Aw, yes. They spoke through mind speech.
"Come out, little one, and let me see you." His voice was strong, but kind.
A little green muzzle appeared from nowhere and then an ebony, star etched body followed as the small Egyptan pounced upon Nacase's foot.
*Got you!* Cried the small voice in his head. He looked down at the small creature with a stone expression, unwavering and pwerful, but as the little black head lifted to see his reaction the hard look vanished to replaced with a warm smile. Nacase reached down and scooped the Egyptan into his arms.
"I bet you're hungry..." It was a question and a statement and the Egyptan only grinned, wagging his five tails then licked Nacase's face. He was already attached to the little Egyptan. Glancing to the bed he caught sight of a small note. He set his young Egyptan on the dresser with the food packages and picked up the note. Immediatly the little Egyptan was bouncing up and down.
*What's it say! What's it say!* He begged, itching with curiousity. Nacase chuckled and read aloud.
"This young Egyptan is of the Star Hope tribe, and the only one of his kind. His parents are Hope and Midnight Star, their breeding is what resulted in the special colouration." The note continued. "The Star Hope tribe is solidly colored, has a rainbow fringe, and a guiding light star on its back. By request of the parents we implore you call him Phantasm. There is meaning behind the name that you are yet to know.
-Midnight Star and Hope"
He found the end odd but shrugged and turned to Phantasm as the Egyptan giggled. *Phantasm* He said happily. *Thats me!*
Nacase nodded. "Yes it is, little one. Now, how about getting you some food?"
*Alright!* Phantasm exclaimed happily. Nacase chuckled, setting the note down and fetching the food he's gotten for the cub.
continue
|
