Chapter Ten.

Zev crouched down, studying the injured girl closer. Her clothes bore burn marks, and her upper body was covered in painful-looking cuts. A deep stab wound on her thigh added to her injuries. Blood stained her clothes, and her hair was singed, sticking to her face. She looked sorrowful in her battered state.

On the ground, the cat rested with its head upon its paws. She had discarded the dead rabbit. Zev scrutinized the girl more closely, then leaned in to listen for her heartbeat. It was slow but steady. He withdrew and let out a sigh, directing his attention back to the cat. "What are you doing, Zevran?" He scolded himself, feeling torn. The feline looked exhausted; she must have endured quite the ordeal. Had she brought the injured girl on her own?This situation was serious, and Zev hesitated. Should he take her with him, or... ?

Running a hand through his hair, Zev sighed deeply, hands planted on his waist. "I really don't wanna get tangled up in this," he whispered to himself, conflicted. Suddenly, the cat let out a yowl. Zev felt the cat's insistence grow, and her meows became more urgent. He met her bright blue eyes, and a tiny smile tugged at his lips. She meowed again, even louder.

"Alright, alright. I hear you," Zev conceded, "I'll take her with me, but you're coming along too." He took a series of calming breaths, closing his eyes. He could do this. He was just helping someone in need, not getting entangled in deadly matters that might have him killed. Panic surged through him at the thought of dying; it was an outcome he couldn't afford. Not now, not ever. Zev's eyes snapped open as he realized he was hyperventilating. Another deep breath steadied him. "Okay. Alright... Let's bring her to Linvale..." he resolved in a hushed tone.

The decision was set in stone, but the problem at hand remained: how to transport this person without drawing the attention of the town. It felt like one hassle after another. "Ugh, I'm already drained," he grumbled, rubbing his forehead. Zev found himself locked in a silent gaze with the cat, their eyes locked in an unspoken conversation. The cat cocked her head, silently questioning him. He simply shrugged and strolled toward the nearby stream, and to his surprise, the cat followed closely.

"Well, who cares, right?" he chuckled to himself.

Zev's stomach was growling, but he wanted to feed the cat first. Perhaps some fish would do the trick. Cats were fond of fish, weren't they? Yeah, she probably liked fish. Zev contemplated this as he stared at the gently flowing water. He nodded in agreement with his thoughts and looked from the stream to the cat, who had gone back to the girl. "Hungry, aren't you?" The cat responded with a soft meow, perched by the girl.

"Don't worry; I'll get you some fish," Zev assured and then turned his attention to the task at hand.

Memories of competing with his brother to catch the most fish flashed in Zev's mind, eliciting a chuckle. "Man, those were the days," he mused aloud before plunging into the stream.

Emerging from the water, Zev spotted some fish perched atop rocks, still lively. He grabbed them, their desperate wriggling futile in his grasp. He laughed and tossed most of the fish onto the ground. Zev approached the feline who was now licking its tail.

"Here," Zev said, handing her two fishes. The cat sniffed them for a moment, then meowed loudly, looking back at him. "Yeah, I know it's not warm, but it'll tide you over until we find something better. Sound fair?" Zev explained, gently scratching the cat behind her ears. She leaned in to his touch with a contended purr. Zev picked himself up and returned to the discarded fish, grabbing one with his fingers.

"Ew, we're both stuck with cold fish, kitty. Deal with it," he joked with a smirk before taking a bite. The taste was bitter, causing him to gag slightly, but he swallowed and took more bites.

Zev glanced at the cat, still engrossed in sniffing the fishes. "What? Not up to her majesty's standards?" he teased. The cat responded with a meow. "Fair enough," Zev chuckled, shaking his head. He resumed eating the fish, occasionally spitting out unpleasant bits. His gaze returned to the cat now nibbling at the fish. Zev smiled and continued eating, though he knew this fish would haunt him for days.

Eventually, Zev couldn't take it anymore. He tossed the fish aside and headed back to the stream. After rinsing his mouth and taking a drink, he walked to a nearby tree and plucked an apple from its branch. He devoured it eagerly, feeling stupid. What was he thinking choosing cold fish over fresh apples? Zev shook his head and took another bite. He also gathered some vines from the another tree, yanking them until they snapped. Once done, he noticed something gleaming under the sunlight and he picked it up, stowing it.

Half an hour later, Zev had consumed a small mountain of apples. Beside him lay the vines, now fashioned into a lengthy rope. He tore the sleeves off his shirt and approached the injured cat. "Can i help you with your wound?" Zev inquired. The cat turned to him and rubbed its cheek against his arm. Zev grinned, scratching the cat under her chin. "Thanks."

Zev carefully lifted the cat and wrapped one sleeve around her wounded belly. It quickly stained with blood, causing him to sigh as he patted her head. "This might sting a bit." he warned before securing the other sleeve around her wound. She tensed up momentarily but soon relaxed, enduring the pain. Gently placing her back on the ground, Zev took a step back to ensure the wound covered. It darkened slightly with blood. Zev ruffled his hair, wishing he could clean her up, but he wasn't certain she'd allow it. That's why he opted to cover the wound instead.

"It's time to go." Zev whispered to the cat. The feline looked up at him with curiosity. He crouched beside her, extending his hand. "Come on, we're leaving." The cat sniffed his hand before limping back to unconscious girl on the ground. She nuzzled the girl's head and licked her face. Zev approached them, speaking softly, "It's okay, We're not leaving her."

The cat moved away from the girl, and her horn emitted a bright blue glow. Zev gasped, shielding his eyes with his hand. After a few moments, he could see again, but he noticed the cat was growing in size. She expanded until she was as large as a polar bear, letting out a deafening roar that sent birds scattering from nearby trees. Zev could feel his body vibrating slightly.

"You just became very intimidating," Zev remarked with a wide grin. "Well, that certainly explains how you brought her here," he cautiously reached out to touch the cat. "You're not gonna bite me now that you're big, are you?" he teased.

The cat didn't attack him; Instead, she nudged her massive head into his palm and started licking it. Zev laughed softly. "So cool."

With gentle care, Zev lifted the unconscious girl, finding her surprisingly light. As he gazed at her face for a moment, he couldn't help but murmur, "Quite beautiful." He then turned to the cat and carefully set the girl down on her back, securing her in place with the rope he made. Zev sighed, thinking about all that had transpired since yesterday: his daring escape, meeting Bie, and now encountering a colossal cat and an unconscious lady. He ran his hand through his hair and muttered, "Koa's gonna figure something out."

With determination, Zev began walking alongside the babbling stream, the giant cat following behind.

*****

It was almost noon, and fatigue weighed heavily on Zev's shoulders as he carried the girl. The cat had returned to its regular size, but hunger gnawed at them mercilessly. The sun, relentless in its ascent, blazed overhead. Linvale was drawing near and Zev's weary eyes scanned the familiar surroundings.

"If this stream truly leads to Linvale, we must be close to Elm City." Zev murmured to the cat, who kept on trotting beside him.

Moments later, Zev reached the end of the stream, which merged with a larger one, flowing directly toward Linvale. A bridge appeared in the distance, bearing a welcoming sign that read 'Welcome to Elm City.' Relief and joy flooded Zev as he exclaimed, "There! We're here!"

Carefully, he set the girl down on the ground, ensuring her comfort. Looking up at the sky, a torrent of emotions overwhelmed him. Laughter, tears, and laughter again. He couldn't control his emotions anymore. He clutched his chest, struggling to regain composure, all while his gaze remained fixed on the girl.

"You'll be okay soon," Zev whispered with a reassuring smile.

The cat grew to its collosal form, and Zev gently secured the girl on her back. "Come on, it won't be much longer," he told the feline, receiving a meow in response. Together they strolled over the bridge and entered Elm City.

Elm City greeted them with its enchanting beauty, just the way Zev remembered it. Towering trees lined Elm City, forming natural canopies and welcome shades. Streetlights, adorned with enchanted crystals, sparkled as they absorbed the sunlight. A gentle breeze whispered through the city and Zev breathed deeply, absorbing the coolness.

"Yeah, I'm back." He spoke to nobody and everything in particular.

Opening his eyes, he continued his journey through the city. Verdant grasses rustled underfoot, the scent of trees filled the air. Golden butterflies and tiny fairies danced around them, adding to the enchantment. The city's buildings, a harmonious blend of modernity and nature, brimmed with vitality. Some soared great heights, while others stood as humble abodes. Zev cherished every moment, from the distant sounds of motorized carriages to the nostalgic sight of traditional wagons and carriages drawn by horses and landstriders: majestic bluebirds with vibrant orange beaks, elongated necks and legs.

Zev continued strolling with the cat by his side, taking in the familiar sights of Elm City. But then, something caught his attention. The people around them were staring and gossiping, and it made him uneasy.

"Is that girl okay?" a woman asked her husband, pointing at them.

"No, she can't be. She must've been kidnapped or something. Look at her, does she look okay to you?" her husband replied.

Another woman chimed in, "Maybe that man did something to her. We should call the police."

Zev's heart raced, he knew this was going to happen, and he didn't want more attention. He whispered to the cat, "Do you think the police will come?"

The cat meowed.

Zev took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. He scanned for police but didn't see any nearby. He patted the cat and said, "Let's make a run for it before the police comes."

He started running, and the cat followed, but the girl slowed them down. "Keep going, we're almost there," Zev urged the cat.

Suddenly, the cat began growling at someone, trying to them away. Zev sighed and ran faster.

"Come on!" he shouted to the cat. But It was too late. A uniformed man approached, yelling, "Hey, stop! You're causing a disturbance, don't make me use force."

Zev looked back, still running, and laughed. "Nahhh, how about that?" He leaped over a tavern sign, with the policeman in pursuit.

Zev and the cat weaved through the streets until they reached a row of houses. He bent over, catching his breath. The cat bumped her nose against Zev's shoulder. "Don't worry. I'm fine," Zev assured her.

The policeman drew nearer and Zev straightened up. "Come on, it's the fifth house," he told the cat, who looked utterly exhausted, just like him. They needed to hurry; the policeman would arrive any moment. Zev kept running, and the cat followed closely. They passed the first house. "No," Zev muttered, "Not there. Not this one either." They raced past three houses.

The officer closed in, barking "Halt, halt i say!" Zev froze, desperately gasping for air. The cat bumped into him, panting heavily. "Fuck!" Zev cursed. The police man rushed up to them, standing behind them.

"Put that lady down or I'll have to take you in forcefully," the officer ordered Zev. The cat growled and lashed her tail angrily.

Zev glared at the cop, "No, you're mistaken. I live here," he confidently declared, and the officer frowned.

"Look, officer, I need to get her to someone who can care for her," Zev pleaded, gesturing toward the cat. The officer examined him closely, "Uh-huh....and what's your name?"

"His name is Zev." someone interrupted from behind Zev. Zev grinned widely as he recognized the voice. "I can't believe you, always causing trouble," the voice scolded him. Zev turned around, and there was a man with fair skin and a face dotted with freckles. His blond hair, parted in the middle, cascaded down the side of his undercut. The young man's sapphire eyes peered behind narrow, rimless glasses.

"And who are you?" the officer inquired. The blond adjusted his glasses, saying, "I'm Koa Alvarez, and I'm responsible for Zev and his companions," as he stepped in beside Zev and put an arm around him. Zev nodded vigorously. "Yep."

The officer instantly straightened up upon hearing Koa's last name. "M-Mr. Alvarez," he hesitated. Koa's gaze shifted from the Zev to the policeman, and he smiled. "Yes, that's me. It appears you haven't met me before, have you?." The officer lowered his head. "No, I apologize, Mr. Alvarez, but he was causing a disturbance on the streets, and the condition of the girl was alarming the people."

Koa's expression turned serious. "Didn't you hear me say they're under my care?" His words held authority, and the officer conceded in defeat. "Yes, Mr. Alvarez.," he nodded, stepping back and to the side. Clearing his throat, he regained his composure. "Alright, well, uh...I'll leave you to it then," he stammered before turning and quickly walking away, his boots clicking rhythmically on the pavement.

Zev and Koa waited until he was out of sight, then burst into laughter.

"That went smoothly," Zev chuckled, wiping away a tear.

Koa continued to laugh. "Using dad's name to get out of trouble never gets old." They shared a few seconds of laughter before quieting down. Zev embraced Koa tightly. Koa smiled and ruffled Zev's hair. "Welcome home, Zev" Zev let go, and Koa inspected his cloak. "Ugh, now you've dirtied me," he complained, holding his garment with disgust. Zev patted his shoulder with a grin. "Aww, you're still a neat freak, how adorable."

"Shut up, tch." Koa retorted, giving him a playful shove. Koa glanced at the girl and the cat. "Anyway, that girl looks like she's dying. Let's take her home. You can explain everything later." Zev nodded and gently picked up the girl, while the cat returned to her normal size. Koa looked down at the cat and said, "Fascinating." He scooped up the wounded cat and cradled her in his arms. "She's hurt too. Poor kitty."

Zev took a step forward, nodding toward the sleek, obsidian-carved motorized carriage parked on the opposite side of the street. He turned to Koa, who stood beside him, and asked, "That's yours, right?"

Koa shook his head, holding the cat close to his chest. "Nahh, that's the family's. Can't you see the crest?" he explained. Zev squinted and, sure enough, spotted the emblem- a simple design of an azure circle with two mermaids on either side, cradling a water droplet in the center. 'Alvarez Family' was written in elegant gold lettering underneath. Zev chuckled "Yeah, I'd recognize that anywhere."

Koa playfully nudged him, "Let's go." Together, they crossed the street towards the carriage. It's dark exterior gleamed, adorned with only the family crest. Dark red leather covered its wheels, and tinted windows concealed its interior. The driver sat inside, facing forward.

Inside the carriage, Zev gently placed the girl on the seat and Koa laid the sleeping cat beside her. The interior of the carriage was spacious, comfortable and completely empty save for them. Zev pulled the curtain shut, isolating them from the world outside. The driver turned around with a warm smile, asking, "Shall we head out, young master?"

"Yes, please," Koa replied. With a nod, the driver started the engine, creating a low rumble. The carriage began to move, and Zev looked out the window. "Uh, isn't the house on this street?" he asked, gesturing to the houses they were passing.

Koa shook his head in disbelief. "Did you develop amnesia in Crystal Pit? How do you forget the chateau you grew up in?" he teased. Zev shrugged, "Whatever man,"

Changing the subject, Koa remarked, "So...that's an interesting earring." Zev chuckled as he touched it. "Oh this? It was a gift from a Bloomer troll i met, Bie." he explained. "How did you find me, anyway? I was already on my way to you...sorta."

Koa removed his gloves, placing them carefully in a transparent case. "I didn't find you. I happened to come across my brother, who I haven't seen in four years, dealing with legal issues right after he got out of prison. It was purely coincidental 'cause I'm just returning from a meeting." he recounted, placing the case on a nearby stool. Koa continued, "Let's not forget the giant cat and badly wounded girl." He pulled Zev's ear, causing him to yelp in pain.

Zev winced and rubbed his sore ear, scowling. "What?" Koa shrugged.

Zev chuckled, "Dramatic much? Thank you, anyway."

Koa blinked in surprise. "Who are you, and what have you done to Zevran? I can't believe you expressed gratitude."

With a grin, Zev scratched the back of his neck. "Well yeah. After everything that has happened recently and the people I've met, I've learned a thing or two." Koa stared at him quizzically for a moment before breaking into laughter. "I'm going to miss your old 'Zev, the thug' days." he said, patting Zev's shoulder, "You better not deviate from this change."

"Yeah yeah whatever. Don't act like you haven't missed me in the past four years." Zev retorted.

"Of course I have, idiot. So did Twila." Koa replied, giving Zev a punch on the chest before laughing. Zev grunted, holding his chest and smiling. "We have a lot of catching up to do."