The Pearl Part 2: Whore Spider
Chapter Fourteen
Edited by PennLady
This is a copyrighted work of fiction. All rights reserved.
The moment Sebastian appeared, Chad launched himself in the air. The experience cemented a conclusion he'd been coming to for awhile. Hawks, being diurnal, made piss poor forms for night flying. He could make out enough to fly fairly straight and that was about it. Fortunately, he didn't need to see the Jorogumo to find her. He could sense her, like a foul blight, and that guided his flight.
Chad could feel the air currents across his wing feathers and adjusted for them without thinking. Except for the eyesight issue, he found flying enjoyable. The differences between being a goldfinch and being a hawk were staggering. For one thing, he knew he wasn't trapped in this form indefinitely; for another, the sense of strength and freedom he had now were nothing like his experience as a little songbird. Too soon he came upon the Jorogumo's lair and the import of what he was doing weighed on him, tempering his new-found joy.
He circled over the building then took a fly through. She had fled. He thought he caught the movement of the spiders, but couldn't be sure in the shadowed darkness of the place. However, he was certain she was no longer there. He wasn't surprised; whatever else she might be, she wasn't dumb.
He picked up her trail and continued following. Before long, he was riding the winds above her. She hurried to a small grove of stunted trees and over-growth. She secreted herself in the underbrush and appeared to be weaving something out of her webbing. Chad couldn't make out what. He landed in the nearest tree he could and settled in to wait. He couldn't see the building from where he was, but hoped he would see Qiang when he came. He wondered if Qiang would allow him to be a hawk--temporarily of course-- at some point when he could more enjoy the experience.
Once she received Qiang's all clear, Dakota made her way over to Sebastian. He responded to her immediately. He perked up and smiled, although when he lifted his head out of the water, it was an effort
"Dakota," he said happily. "I'm so happy to see you."
Seeing him strain, Dakota sat down on the bank and patted the area next to her. He laid his head next to her and Dakota stretched herself out on his head. Her legs were still on the bank, her butt and torso across his snout and her head rested between his antlers. She pillowed one arm under her head as the other hand stroked his mane. Sebastian began to purr weakly.
He was aware something had happened, but didn't know what. He had nebulous memories of the past day. It had all seemed much clearer until Qiang took his pearl and dropped it into the river. Why had he done that, anyway? Given how hard he'd tried to get it before, handing it off to the river, which would just give it back, made no sense.
And Dakota felt...different. He could sense the river in her, and had to wonder just how that came about, but that wasn't all of it. She seemed more vibrant, though she looked as exhausted as he felt. But that wasn't quite right either. He felt far more aware of her than before. Maybe that was it. He could sense her better, the puzzle piece at last making a whole picture. The sense of her laying against him filled him with more contentment than he'd ever imagined possible. He brought the ruff of his tail around, shook the water from it, and laid it across her back.
Qiang watched the two of them, immersed in their own world, and said nothing. Let the young lovers have their moment, even if it kept him from the Jorogumo for that moment longer. He studied them both. Sebastian was free of the Jorogumo's poison and bile, though still weakened. As he looked over Dakota, he could see she had somehow claimed a piece of Sebastian into herself, perhaps in the calling. So be it.
While Sebastian was foolish enough to fall in love with his favorite, at least he showed wisdom in his choice of favorite. She was resourceful and brave, and on the whole probably the cleverer of the two. Qiang had to admit, they made a good match.
The pearl bobbed up in the water next to Sebastian. He reached out with his claw and grabbed it, absorbing it back into his body. With a wild joyousness the river crashed into him. He had to smile, though he was a bit confused by the river's elation at his being there. More and more, he was coming to the conclusion he had missed something vital.
As Qiang finished his examination he said, "Things appear stable here. I must finish this matter, I've waited too long already." At Sebastian's confused expression Qiang added, "Dakota will explain."
"Be careful," Dakota said, her worry evident.
"I will be." He then rose into the air and disappeared over the trees.
So, what did I miss?
"Are you sure you're strong enough to do that?"
Actually, it's kinda coming easier. 'Sides, I think it might be a bit of a challenge, talking with how you're sitting.
"Well, I can move, you goof." Dakota started to push herself upright when she felt Sebastian's tail gently push her down.
No, please stay. This really is nice. It's like having you here proves to me I'm still alive. I've missed you, but I don't know why. I can't remember you being gone or anything.
With a deep breath Dakota related the story, as far as she knew it, of what happened. She omitted the part with the bakemono and her house burning down. She knew he'd have to be told, but it didn't seem like the right time. It could wait until later.
Sebastian was still for a moment.
Wow. I'm sorry you guys had to go through all that. I really am.
Dakota continued to stroke his mane. "Don't worry about it," she said softly. "I'd do it all again."
Though the sense of the river was fading she felt a tickle as it shifted inside of her, gladdened by her remark and Sebastian's purr deepened. She felt the rumble all the way to her core and smiled. When the river jiggled and shimmered to the vibration, she giggled. It felt as though the river were playing.