Violet lay propped in a dark corner of the cave pressing herself against the back wall, left shoulder still stinging slightly, processing -well attempting to- the reveal of Kieren's ability and the quick demise of the bear. The return to the cave had been awfully quiet; for one the eight other members who had followed Kieren, after hearing the armored bears roars, were walking with apprehension. Kieren's rage seemed to linger in the air, making it colder than it already was and nobody wanted to risk the chance of upsetting him further. Secondly, the aftershocks of Kieren's attack had wounded a further five unlucky to be too close. If all that wasn't enough a sudden downpour, hail included, had started and within seconds they were soaked to the bone. Ted, Tom, and Zen had slung the unconscious members over their shoulders and moods grim had led everybody back to the cave.
All in all, Violet's healing abilities were pushed to their limit, no sleep in twenty-fours hours, two mauled, and a further six wounded not including herself.
Well she couldn't complain, her second ability remained a secret and she had retained her life. It could have been worse.
"Why it is still bleeding?" Kieren jolted Violet out of her reverie, he took a seat next to her eyes still showing a hint of annoyance.
"Armored bears carry poison in their claws, it's slowing down the healing." Violet cast grey tired eyes to meet his and was surprised when his gaze softened. Kieren continued in the same stern voice, "I'm aware of their poison, perhaps I should rephrase the question, why did you fully heal the rest, leaving yourself for last and at a point of being unable to fully heal yourself?"
Violet chuckled dryly, "I'm being heroic Kieren."
He was not amused, Violet sighed pushing him back slightly, for someone who didn't like being touched he sure liked invading her space. "These people don't know how to handle pain, they're worthless, plus my right side is my favorite when it comes to a good mauling." The comment earned her a flick to the forehead. Exhausted, and now annoyed she retaliated, she kicked out her foot intent on catching him in the chest. He caught her foot easily, too easily, grabbed her other ankle and pulled her in closer ignoring her protests. "I thought you didn't like being touched! Let go!" His lips curved, eyes shining is amusement, he leaned closer and whispered by her ear. "I'd be willing to make an exception for you." He laughed as she attempted to swat him away and without waiting for a response rose to his feet tossing her a blanket, "get some sleep, night duty has been assigned."
Violet grumbled a response turned over and closed her eyes. Sleep claimed her almost immediately, the blanket smelled like him, it was a warmer scent, surprising, like his eyes could be. She let out a soft sigh and was dead to the world.
Violet woke several hours later to the sound of yelling, it seemed they were not going to catch a break. She sat up quickly, surveying the situation in clear alarm, nothing was exploding and there was no blood in sight. Violet relaxed and turned her attention to the team member responsible for waking her. It was Mera, the ice whip girl, Violet stretched and joined the crowd of people listening to Mera. As she looked around she noticed that Kieren was not present, she smirked, must have ran off to murder some more bears. "They were captured, i swear, I barely got away! The trees here are evil, vines, death, i..i...i..." her lower lip trembled, she continued with a screech, "they're strung up, they tried to take me too, i want to go home... I won't be murdered by trees!" Violet massaged her head, "Mera, could you construct a logical sentence?" Mera began speaking in that same screech and Violet walked away. Too early, too hungry, no incentive. She cleaned up, taking extra care to brush her teeth and wash her face, found some food and sat near the entrance. It was still raining, packing food and several sets of lightweight clothes in her go bag- rain jacket included- had been a good call. Although as the wise Sarah Whittle once said, 'A little rain never hurt anybody'.
The unmistakable form of Kieren emerged from the rain, a dead turkey slung over his shoulder.
"What? It's not already deep fried?" Violet called out as he neared, mimicking lightening from her fingers.
"Oh Violet, I was under the impression you didn't eat meat, you that desperate for some of mine?" He dodged the apple core flung unceremoniously his way and continued, "What kind of shit play is going on back there?"
Eyes narrowed Violet replied, "Captain Kuznet's games are almost as good as Jumanji's. His ability is tied to the earth yes? Sounds like he's taking prisoners, stringing them up in the trees and Mera's pissed her pants because the trees are evil." Zen and Tom who had approached to take the turkey from Kieren, laughed at Violet's explanation but likewise turned to Kieren and Zen supplied. "That was out general impression as well, Alex's having a hard time calming her down."
"They let themselves be captured by trees? I didn't know we were babysitting." Kieren looked over at Mera contempt unhidden in crystal eyes. "Zen, Tom, get Ted, you three will bring back the remainder of the two useless squads who were captured, it'll be of no aid to have members ready for tagging like flies in webs."
Violet watched as they prepared to leave only to be distracted by a hand on her shoulder, "You really don't leave scars behind, all recharged after your nap?" Violet faced Kieren "did the turkey injury his highness?"
He smiled, "would you look after me?" Violet scoffed, but quickly changed to a guarded stance with his next statement. "That would mean," his fingers grasped at her right hand, he pulled her palm up towards his eyes, stroking soft damaged skin with upmost care "that this particular scar, has an intriguing story." He did not miss the anger, hurt, and trepidation that flashed in her eyes as she yanked her hand away. Violet attempted to ignore the lingering heat in her palm. "None of your fucking business." She turned on her heal and walked back towards her sleeping spot. Kieren watched her walk away, an unreadable expression on his face.