17 Reunion of Solidarity

Shane glanced between the intense gazes of Jack and Nye. "Well, I think I need another drink." He said, glancing back to Jack, with a wink. "I'll let you two get better 'acquainted'. Play nice now, Jackyn. This one's a stone cold fox." Shane chuckled in a playful manner, patting Jack's back before heading for the stairs.

"........" Jack uncomfortably stared at Shane, with a stunned expression.

Nye briefly glanced to Shane, as he passed her to descend the stair case. Her vision returned to Jack. "I wasn't aware that humans knew about Knothole." She mentioned, approaching Jack.

"Hmph, well more you know..." Jack scoffed, as he sort of just stared at her, still a bit unnerved.

Nye leaned against the railing beside him. She let out a soft groan of discomfort as her back pressed against the rail, which seemed to soften the Angel of death's expression. Her emerald eyes peered up to him, meeting his. He seemed uncomfortable, glassing away in a near instant.

"well, It's nice to see that you have a friend of sorts." Nye went on, trying to break the silence.

"Hmph. I doubt you came up here just for small talk. I'm still contemplating your offer, and I don't feel like socializing." Jack grumbled, his back leaving the edge of the railing.

As his back turned to walk away, Nye grabbed the back of his hood. "Just hold on a minute..." Without warning, she felt a rush of a memory pass her by. She was left in a brief pause, but she came back to reality.

Jack had his gaze now focused on Nye, with that same odd stare. Her hand was still gripping his hood. "What is now?...You're spacing out again, aren't you?" He seemed faintly irritated.

"Sorry, just... another memory. I thought for sure I had gotten better at suppressing them by now." She muttered coyly, as she withdrew her hand from his garb.

Jack exhaled, keeping his mouth shut. He was clearly frustrated by her, leaning back against the railing with a huff of annoyance. He kept his eyes averted, now crossing his arms. "Well?"

"Well, what?" Nye quirked a brow, pondering briefly as she glanced his way.

"Are you gonna tell me about it, or not?" Jack gritted his teeth, as he scoffed.

"So now you want to talk." Nye seemed surprised, yet intrigued.

"Hmph. You're the one who stopped me. Not like you're gonna leave me alone either way. So might as well get it over with." Jack peered over, with scowl.

Nye smirked, in amusement. Her gaze turned to her ring on her hand, growing more somber in expression. "If you really want to know. This ring plagues me with involuntary memories of my past life." She said, her eyes peering up to Jack. "I've seen yours as well, as I'm sure you could guess from that shared memory you witnessed before."

"Seems more like a nuisance than anything." Jack remarked, not entirely interested in the conversation. "Having knowledge of something like that is pointless if you ask me."

"It may seem that way, but perhaps the knowledge it retains can have it's perks in the long run." Nye replied, focusing on Jack.

"You're impossible to figure out." Jack scoffed, in a sardonic manner. "Just about the only thing I can make sense of, is like all Amygdala, you are obsessed with learning shit. Your motives are entirely unknown, and yet you expect me to just ally myself with you, solely on the reason we have a common enemy? Just quit acting like you know me... cause you don't."

Nye looked off, with a gloomy expression. "It's not like anyone really knows me either. This outward facade is little more than a mask to hide whom I am on the inside..."

Jack glanced back to her, taken a bit by surprise by her behavior.

"We all have our fears, and anxieties. I put on a front, so others don't see those weaknesses. I didn't want the responsibilities that fell into my lap, when I learned my lineage. I may enjoy gaining knowledge, but just as much so, do I hate how the templar treat those who aren't Rhyme. I made a compromise, so we can all be free one day. That is why I took this role, and the same reason I think we can benefit from an alliance. Like me, you're scared of those who look down on you... I can see that." Nye admitted, holding a pensive gaze.

"..." Jack sighed, clearly feeling a bit guilty. "Well, you've made your point. You sure you want to soil your reputation, by having a wanted felon in your ranks though? I'm not sure how apparent it is to you, but since you came up here, everyone has been watching." He glanced over to Nye, with uncertainty.

This made her tilt her head briefly, before taking in her surroundings further. Sure Ashe had already left, but everyone else within Knothole seemed to be watching her, but trying not to make it too obvious. Nye was a bit surprised by this, but looked away with a grimace. "It doesn't matter. I've already heard plenty rumors about me, being an imposter... People will think whatever they please, so who am I to control their opinions?"

Jack shrugged, turning to Nye. He peered down at her. "You're not going to have a good chance against the Rhyme if you can't get allies. You know that, right?"

Nye's eyes met his, staring up to him. "I am aware. Even so... If something like fighting along side another outcast prevents an alliance, then they are no better than the Rhyme. Even with the stories I've heard, I can tell you're not who they say you are."

Jack pocketed his hand into his trench coat, looking to Nye from his peripheral vision. "If that's how you feel, then I'll fight for you..."

Nye was astonished by this, and smiled. "I'm happy to hear that. I do hope we can become friends, Jack."

He scoffed a bit, closing his eyes. "We'll see..." He turned off. "If I were you, I'd get that wound looked at. The air carries the scent of your blood."

Nye glanced away. "I was going to have Finch look at it, once I warned you about the Templar... I was eavesdropping on a Templar war conference of sorts. They have stealth forces stationed in Belmont, on account of you. It would be wise to tread carefully."

Jack glanced back to her. "Is that why you wanted to speak with me?"

"Aye, it is." Nye nodded, seriously.

Jack averted his gaze. "Hmm...I need to go speak with Shane... after, I'll take you to that secret place of yours."

"You needn't trouble yourself-" Nye began, but was interrupted.

"-It's the least I can do. I owe you that much, besides... You're bleeding. Just wait here, I'll be right back." Jack insisted, sternly.

"(From the way his words have changed... Does he mean to protect me?)" Nye had a soft smile, as she nodded.

With that, Jack turned off to go down stairs and speak with Shane, who was at the bar. Shane turned to the Angel of Death, with a crooked grin. "So, how'd it go, with that lady friend of yours?"

"Knock it off. We have other things to worry about, that she informed me of." Jack explained.

"Oh? Templar matters?" Shane grew serious.

"Exactly." Jack nodded.

Nye was left there to watch from the top floor, as the two seemed to communicate further into the discussion. Nye waited as instructed, taking out her sketch pad to draw as she waited...

Wandering the grassy country side, Solitaire was walking beside Miles. Zyron wasn't too far behind them either, stepping over an uprooted vine of a nearby tree. As they trekked onward, Miles decided to glance back at the dog.

"He's still following us..." He grumbled to himself.

"Ya'know I can hear you!" Zyron snapped.

Solitaire narrowed her eyes, peering over to the short feline. "I'm starting to think you just didn't want Zyron to follow us. That what it is, Fluffy?"

"Fluffy!?" Miles hissed, gawking in shock as he ceased movement.

"Called a nickname, mate. Better get used to it." Solitaire stated, in a sardonic manner, right as she passed him up.

"I told you before, I'm not following you. There's a fork in the road just ahead, so I'll be out of your hair before you know it." Zyron grunted.

"Whatever you say, Ronnie." Solitaire teased.

Miles kinda stood in silence, staring in utter shock at her. Solitaire kept walking, and even Zyron got ahead of Miles, leaving the cat standing there as breeze blew by. The path ahead was coming up to a tree, that Solitaire was about to pass by.

"Sup." A voice called from above. It was Ashewyn standing on the tree limb. He jumped down, standing before Solitaire. The red haired Amygdala pretty much towered over the three of them, with how tall he was. "Nye sent me to find you guys." He said, in a laid back manner, as he cleaned his ear with his pinkie.

Without warning, Solitaire had taken both of his hands in hers, holding them together in the air. She was blushing, staring deep into his confused yellow eyes. "Hello there. You're pretty hot stuff, mate. I'm Solitaire by the way." She said, in the most alluring way possible.

"Uh, Ashewyn." Ashe blinked, totally unsure of what was going on.

Both Miles and Zyron seemed caught off guard, as their gaze focused over to them. Miles' ears sharply shot back, as his tail's fur stood on edge. He leapt to the ground on all fours, rushing over. His body slithered between the two, pushing Ashewyn away from Solitaire, in jealousy. Ashewyn seemed confused still, but caught his footing without issue.

"Alright, back off! No need to get up close and personal, pal." Miles snapped.

"Oy! Whad'ya do that for, Fluffy!?" Solitaire snapped, grabbing him by his ear roughly.

"OW! HEY! CUT IT OUT! THAT HURTS!" Miles whined.

Ashewyn was completely dumbfounded by this, sweating uneasily. Zyron on the other hand, was still at a bit of a distance. His tail drooped a bit, as he stared over. "(What have... I gotten myself into?....)" He thought.

Solitaire was gripping Miles' jacket collar, shaking him vigorously at this point, but neither had seem Zyron collapse forward onto the ground. There was a thud, which finally got both of their attention, causing the two to turn around. Even Ashe glanced over, seeing Zyron laying face first in the grass.

Solitaire looked scared, immediately rushing to the dog's side. "Zyron!?" She called out, crouching down to his side. She turned him over, to see his face. He was sweating, and didn't look so good.

He weakly looked up to her, as she held him on her lap. "Fuck... Something's not right... Urgh..." He winced, softly.

Solitaire felt his forehead with her palm, just as the other two approached her, they too seemed concerned. "You're burning up..." Solitaire said, with furrowed brows.

"..." Zyron's eyes were growing heavy, right before they closed. His breathing was starting to sound distorted again.

"Ronnie, come on, talk to me?" Solitaire grew nervous, but received no response. She pressed her ear to his chest. "...He's still breathing... it's all wonky though..." Solitaire shifted back up, looking to Zyron with a worried expression.

Ashe crouched down beside her looking to Zyron. "Looks like the color in his cheeks have vanished as well..."

"... Pfft, no wonder he kept close." Miles muttered, with an annoyed grimace. He crossed his arms, turning off, with a huff.

"Bleeding hell... I thought I got jammy when bodging up his wounds... I'm blooming daft. This is all my fault..." Solitaire held her face, restraining tears of panic.

"Alright, simmer down. I got cha covered. Solitaire, right?" Ashe said, getting Zyron up, and onto his back.

Solitaire was staring up to the red haired man, behind tear filled eyes. "...M-Mhm." She timidly nodded.

"If we get back to Wynorex, Finch can figure out what the matter is with your bud. Kay?" Ashewyn smiled. "Now come on, we should get moving before it gets worse. I'm not a fan of doctors, but Finch knows his shit." He said, taking Solitaire's hand to help her to her feet, and leading her along with him, still carrying Zyron.

Miles grew furious, leering to them, as they rushed ahead.

"Move it or lose it, Stripe." Ashewyn called, getting the feline to begrudgingly hurry after them.

Sometime later, back within the Wynorex under city; Nye was in Finch's chambers, as he mended her injured wing. She sat on the strange chair inside, as Finch was at work. Nikolai seemed to be lingering around them, glancing a bit to the doorway at times. Out there was Jack, he was leaning against the wall, with his arms crossed. His electric blue eyes glanced up, as the entrance gates opened. Walking inside was Miles, followed by Solitaire and Ashewyn, who carried in the unconscious canine Leashed.

"It's that one bloke." Solitaire grimaced, hiding behind Ashewyn.

Miles was flaring his teeth, with his ears back and tail on edge. "Grr...."

"Hmph. " Jack scoffed at them in annoyance.

"It's fine, just take it easy you two. Hey, where's Nye?" Ashewyn inquired, approaching Jack.

"Figure it out for yourself." Jack could only leer up at the red haired boy.

"I'm right here." Nye appeared at the doorway of Finch's chambers. Her wings had already retracted into her back, before stepping out. "Do keep the conflicts to a minimum now." She stated.

Nikolai was floating after her, glancing to Ashe curiously. "Mistress, something appears odd with this fellow."

Nye then took notice of Zyron. "Hmm? What happened to this one?"

"We rescued him from a witch." Solitaire tried to explain. "He's not in good shape though, I did the best I could to mend his injuries..."

"I see... Ashe, take him inside to see Finch." Nye motioned to the chamber she just exited.

"On it." Ashe replied, taking Zyron inside.

Solitaire followed after him, nervously, but glanced to Nye. "Do you think he'll be alright, Spooky?"

"I can't say. Leashed have didn't genetics than us, so I'm unsure how well his body can sustain damage and infection. You should follow Ashe inside. Leave everything else to Finch. Understand?" Nye patted Solitaire's shoulder.

Solitaire nodded. "Thanks Nye. I'll do that." She said, following Ashewyn inside.

"Finch, Nye said to bring the Leashed to you." Ashewyn stated, as he approached the plague doctor. "He got real messed up."

"Place him there." Finch instructed, motioning to his work table.

Ashe took Zyron to Finch's table, laying him down. Zyron looked in really bad shape, his breathing seemed stifled, and his complexion was very sickly in color.

"Can you save him? He got injured really bad from a bloody witch on his belly and hands. I-I tried to mend the wounds. Really, I did." Solitaire explained, but she sounded kinda frantic.

Finch began to examine Zyron's body. "Very well, I'll see what I can do to save the dog, miss Solitaire." He said, undoing Zyron's jacket, and lifting his undershirt to examine the wound on his abdomen, and then undoing his bandaged hands. The inflictions seemed to have a strange deep purple color spreading from the wounds. "An infection has began to spread, he is lucky that he is not already dead. It also appears that he is running a fever, and his complexion shows loss of skin pigment. This could be serious. Please fetch my tools, so that I may begin."

Solitaire nodded, grabbing the tool case from beside where Nye had been seated, and brought it over. Finch began working on cleaning out the infection, with help from Solitaire.

"Guess I'll leave you two to it then. Holler if you need me." Ashe said before he left the chamber, seeming uneasy about the medical supplies and such. As he stepped out, he noticed Miles looking to Nye just outside the room.

"Nye. I wanted to talk to you about something that's been on my mind. Can we talk in private? Away from 'him'." Miles asked, leering over to Jack with accusing eyes.

"Sharp tongue for a cat." Jack retorted, boredly.

"Bite me!" Miles hissed.

Ashewyn sweated uneasily. "Oh boy."

"This won't bode well. Tsk tsk, most definitely not." Nikolai added.

"Miles." Nye scolded, making the cat jump a bit, as he timidly looked to her.

"Uh, y-yes Nye?" He settled down, looking to her nervously.

"If it quells this hostility, meet me upstairs. I do not enjoy conflict." Nye stated sternly, before heading for the staircase.

"I'm coming." Miles grumbled, before glancing back to rudely stick his tongue out at Jack, then rushing on all fours after the Queen of Fiends.

Miles followed Nye, as she ascended the spiral stair case to the highest floor. She entered the bed room, walking over to the treasure chest, to place away a small pouch of Zircon. She closed it, and got to her feet, as Miles came in behind her in the doorway. Nye walked to the center of the room, not far from the couple steps that were just behind her, that lead to the fur covered bed. She stood there, glancing over the shorter feline, as he stopped in front of her.

"What did you need to discuss then, Miles?" Nye partially pocketed her hands.

"I don't like you going around that Dream Weaver guy!" Miles exclaimed, placing his hands to Nye's arms.

Nye somewhat just looked to Miles. "You're judging him before you try to know him."

"That's besides the point Nye. You're being too trusting with him." Miles tried to reason with her.

"Do you trust me?" Nye asked, seriously.

"Yeah, of course." Miles was taken back a bit.

"Then why are you so worried?" Nye inquired.

"Well... I get jealous seeing you around him. Nye..." Miles furrowed his brows. "The truth is..." Miles was growing nervous.

He stepped closer to her, pushing Nye back onto the fur of the large bed, right as he pressed his lips against hers. Nye seemed completely flabbergasted, as she pushed him back enough to break the kiss. "Excuse me, but... What are you doing?" She scoffed.

Miles was still hovering over her, as he blushed. "I don't want to share you anymore, Nye. I just can't stand it. I'm constantly aching for your touch, just let me love you okay? I want to be with you Nye, I want to make babies with you. Please, don't make me beg for your love. My body can't take it any longer." Miles said, letting his hand stroke her face, as he was about to kiss her again.

Nye gripped his hand, roughly. "Miles, get off of me."

"But why?" Miles was uneasy.

"You're forcing yourself on me, while there are many factors to why I have to decline. It just doesn't work that way." Nye stated, seriously.

Miles grew frustrated, grabbing both of Nye's wrists, to pin her to the bed. "Why!? Because I'm a Leashed!? Some PET!? WHY CAN'T YOU LOVE ME!?" He shouted at her face.

Nye didn't seem phased this time. "First off, my kind doesn't mate the same way that your's does."

Miles was confused, letting his grip loosen. "What do you mean?"

"Amygdala don't have sex, Miles." Nye tried to explain.

Miles finally released Nye's wrists, letting her sit up. He was looking to her with a vast expression of confusion. "So, like abstinence or something?"

"No, it's different. We don't have sex, period. End of story. Our biology is completely different, so we don't reproduce the same way. Understand?" Nye got to her feet, crossing her arms.

"I don't get it Nye. It just doesn't make sense how you can go without screwing." Miles quirked one of his ears, as he stared to Nye.

"Why can't you allosexuals just understand, that not every bloody person wants to get laid?" Nye seemed to be growing frustrated.

"You're not making any sense Nye. Why can't you just love me!?" Miles retorted.

Nye shot Miles a sharp gaze. "Because Miles, there is so much about us Amygdala that you know nothing about, nor will ever understand. I'm done discussing this." Nye seemed agitated, exiting the room, without warning.

"Uh... Nye?" Miles let his ears drop backwards, as he grimaced with a sigh. "What did I do wrong?..." He got up fast, hurrying after Nye. However, upon reached the bottom of the stairs he couldn't seem to locate her. "Nye?"

Ashewyn was sitting on one of the stone benches not too far from the entrance. He was leaning back with his arms behind his head.

"Hey, Red. Have you seen Nye?" Miles spat out.

"Yeah, she took off again. That fiend, the reaper looking one, went with her. What did you say to Nye anyway, cause she seemed pretty pissed off?" Ashe glanced over to Miles.

"WHAT!? Hey! That's none of your business. Besides, I need to catch up! Where'd she go?" Miles went for the door.

However, Ashewyn got to his feet, blocking Miles' path. "Whoa now, Stripe. I think you might wanna reconsider following her. She clearly needs space, man."

"Oh yeah, and you would know that how?" Miles snapped.

"Common sense, dingus. It is what it is." Ashewyn scoffed. "Let her cool off, and you relax. Got it?"

"Okay, where's that raven haired jerk!?" Miles demanded.

"You didn't hear a thing I said, did you?" Ashewyn sighed. He boredly stared, as Miles furiously went around the Wynorex location, looking for Jack. "He left a while ago, when you and Nye were talking. Just chill out, okay?" Ashe shrugged, taking out a cigarette to smoke. He snapped to make fire, lighting the cigarette before putting out the fire on the tips of his fingers.

Miles groaned, glancing back before walking over to the walkway to Finch's chamber. He pressed his forehead into the wall, in frustration. He had his eyes closed, but opened them to see a slight peripheral view into Finch's chambers. He could see that Finch had finished cleaning and mending the wound, as well as bandaging Zyron back up. Solitaire still seemed worried, but Finch stepped outside, looking to Ashewyn.

"Ashewyn? Would you mind flying the canine leashed to one of the sleeping chambers upstairs? I do believe it is best for him to rest a while longer, so that the infliction does not fester further." Finch inquired, removing his mask.

"Sure thing." Ashe replied, heading in to carefully pick up Zyron. He glanced to Solitaire. "Doc says were moving him up top, kay?"

"You can go with him, if you like. He should be just fine." Finch turned to Solitaire.

"Thank you for the help. Really." Solitaire seemed relieved, following after Ashe. She passed by Miles, glancing to him, as Ashe flew upstairs. "You alright, mate?"

"....You should go keep an eye on that mangy dog. I'll be fine..." Miles pouted, with a grumpy expression.

Solitaire turned to the stairs ahead, glancing back briefly to peer at Miles. "Well, alright then. I'll be upstairs if you need me." She said, heading up after Ashewyn.

Miles sighed, taking his face from the wall, he wiped his sleeve over his mouth. He then noticed Finch staring at him. "What is it?" Miles huffed.

"Would you like to discuss that of which troubles you?" Finch inquired.

"Not really." Miles scoffed.

"If you're certain. I do know a lot about things, that you do not. I may have an answer for whatever it is you're seeking." Finch stated, turning off.

Miles ears perked up a bit. "Uh, fine... if you think it'll help."

"Come in then, perhaps I can place your mind more at ease." Finch smiled, heading into the chamber.

Miles begrudgingly nodded, stepping into the room after him. Both of them took a seat at the table inside. Finch placing his mask to the table, before entwining his fingers.

"Do tell me about that of which ails you." Finch asked.

"Well.... It's Nye..." Miles timidly admitted.

"I see, do go on." Finch asked, seeming intrigued.