A Song of Solitude: Part Four

by Kakosenas

Kakosenas was sitting high in the large gnarled oak tree that had become their home, absentmindedly preening her black feathers, when she felt Xeromai's presence. Kakos looked up and shuffled to the side to make room for Xeromai to land. Xeromai landed, panting heavily and trying to catch his breath.

"What's up?" Asked Kakos, looking at the stained blood still on Xeromai's beak and talons. Strange that he hadn't cleaned himself before coming home...

"I...I need to...talk...to you...about something," he said, through gasping breaths. Xeromai gave her an accusing glare. Kakos shuffled backwards, feeling a bit scared.

"Tell me. What is it?" Kakos asked uncertain. Xeromai took in a deep breath and continued.

"Kakos...we're a mistake. You and I. I'm sorry to say this but I-" Kakosenas cut him off, "A mistake?! How can you say such a thing!" she yelled.

"Please...just let me finish," Xeromai said, trying to collect his thoughts. Kakosenas nodded, shocked and in a stupor.

"We're different Kakos. You're just too much. You're evil and it's going to be the end of us both. It's been foretold. I simply can't..." Xeromai trailed off.

"Different?! What in Neopia are you talking about?!! We're of the same species! We're both evil! The same Xeromai! Can't you see that?!!" Kakosenas exploded with words.

"No Kakos...I can't..." he said lowly, "I just can't..." Xeromai backed up, almost slipping and falling out of the tree. Kakosenas watched him, confusion settling into her head. Her thoughts cried out just one question: Why?! Xeromai leapt off of the branch and sailed into the air, leaving Kakos and her confusion behind.

Not even a split second had passed before Kakosenas was in the air, flying after Xeromai at a great speed. The sun was beginning to set, the sky in colours of red, orange, and purple, as the two figures flew silhouetted against it. Xeromai weaved in and out of the trees, Kakos in hot pursuit. The branches of the trees clawed out at them both, leaving long streaking gashes, but both didn't notice. Kakosenas's mind was too full of a need to understand and hate that the feeling of pain was just pushed aside. Xeromai suddenly banked sharply to the left, Kakosenas foresaw his move and cut him off. Slamming hard into his side. The force of the collision sending them both hurtling through the air. Locked in combat the two plummeted down towards the earth. At the last moment they broke free of each others grasp and skimmed the surface of the ground. Xeromai landed, his claws digging into the ground. Kakosenas landed close beside him.

"Stop trying to run away. Running from a problem is the worse thing you can do," Kakosenas said, looking at Xeromai. Without warning, Xeromai slashed at Kakos with a talon. It cut deep under her right eye, leaving a stinging cut. Kakosenas stumbled back, startled out of her wits. Blood welled up in the cut and dripped down her face. Xeromai took his chance and took to the air again. This time much slower because of the heavy mist in the air. Kakosenas stood, shocked. After a few moments she recollected herself and took off after Xeromai again. She caught up to him rather quickly because of her smaller build. Flying above Xeromai she could hear his ragged gasps for air. Kakosenas folded her wings tightly against her sides and dive-bombed Xeromai, hoping to knock him out of the air. Talons outstretched she came close to Xeromai, digging their sharp points into his wing joints. Xeromai howled in pain and spun in the air, slashing at Kakosenas. One of Xeromai's talons caught Kakos in the upper neck, cutting deep. Kakosenas bit onto Xeromai's left wing, sending them both spiraling to the ground. Everything a blur.

***

Kakosenas awoke with a start, her heart feeling like it had leapt up into her throat. She couldn't move. Kakos shifted her gaze, trying to catch a glimpse of Xeromai, but he was nowhere to been seen. A heavy mist began to fall, dampening Kakosenas's black feathers. A long white feather floated down to the ground, landing a few inches from Kakos's beak. It was soaked in both water and blood. Undoubtedly Xeromai's. Kakos shut her eyes tight, blocking out the image of the feather. A crack of thunder broke across the sky, releasing a rush of water. It poured down upon the forest, mixing with Kakosenas's tears of anguish and confusion.

"You were right...I am what you said I was..." she whispered. With a burst of energy she pushed her weak feelings away and struggled up into a sitting position. Her red-hued eyes traveled skyward, narrowing into slits. Never again will she allow her emotions to get the best of her. A rogue.

For now and forever more.

The End