by J. C. Fiske
“Damn bird . . .” Gisbo mouthed under his breath as he scratched Fao behind the ears, and she followed him about the room as he made breakfast, got dressed, and sat down with a book.
“No voices . . . none at all. Listen, Fao! None!” Gisbo smiled as he nuzzled his wolf’s face playfully. “Ah, now just to relax with a new book and . . .”
There was a knock at the door, followed by the door opening a crack as Nina peeked her head in.
“Can I come in?” Nina asked. Gisbo looked up, and suddenly, he felt a fierce pain in his stomach as Malik’s face seemed to flash all over her features.
“Seems like you’re already halfway in. Might as well,” Gisbo said as he picked up his book and pretended to read. Nina came in and sat across from him on the couch, just looking at him, and let out a deep sigh.
She actually let that Strife touch her. Probably in ways you could never even . . .
“DAMN IT! SHUT UP!” Gisbo yelled as he slammed the book shut and grabbed at his head.
“Gisbo, I, I didn’t even say anything,” Nina said, leaning back in her chair, and her eyes began to water.
“No, it’s not you, Nina, it’s . . .” Gisbo started.
“It’s the Drakeness, isn’t it?” Nina asked.
Gisbo didn’t reply as he stared at the floor.
“Gisbo, I just wanted to say I don’t blame you for what happened in the courtyard earlier; it wasn’t your fault. You didn’t mean to push me down. It’s this Drakeness, it . . .” Nina started talking and Gisbo zoned out.
Look at her, like she has nothing to apologize for, the voice said.
“And like you don’t have anything to apologize to me for? Really? I told you all about Malik, what he did to Kinny, and you never, EVER, in all this time we’ve been together, never thought to mention to me that, oh, yeah, he used to be your boyfriend?” Gisbo asked.
“Gisbo, I, that whole situation is complicated and . . . and what do you mean we’ve been together? Is that what we’ve been? Together? You never asked me to be your girlfriend, you’ve never asked me to hang out with you since we’ve been back. Is that what we are? In all my life, I’ve never felt more alone!” Nina said.
“I don’t wanna listen to this right now,” Gisbo said. He got up and put his book back on his shelf. Nina stood up and folded her arms.
“Gisbo, I don’t know how else to do this! It needs to be now! Just, please, there’s a dance soon, and well, I wanted you to take me and . . .” Nina started.
“I don’t dance,” Gisbo said.
“Well, I, I can teach you! It will be fun, we don’t have to . . .” Nina started.
“Don’t want to learn,” Gisbo said.
“Gisbo, what . . . If I’ve done something to hurt you, I want to know! Please, let me fix this! I’ll do anything!” Nina said.
Listen to her rattle on; you don’t need this in your life, the voice said.
“Nina, maybe I’m just a little freaked out that you seem to know everything there is to know about my life. Maybe I don’t find it at all exciting or thrilling that you know more about me than I know about myself. Maybe I have too much on my mind right now to worry or be nagged about going to a stupid dance with you, and maybe, just maybe, I never asked you to be my girlfriend because I never saw this going anywhere just to prove you and your stupid visions wrong, how about that? Is it ok if I think on my own too? Or are you going to tell me what to think next?” Gisbo asked.
“Gisbo, I’ve never told you what to do or what to think! You know I can’t control this, it’s just how I am, and I’m not nagging! I just thought it would be fun if we went together since you’re supposed to bring a date. I just assumed . . .” Nina said.
“If you want a date so badly, why don’t you just bring your boy toy Malik? I bet you two have SO much to catch up on,” Gisbo said as he stormed out. Before he could, Nina grabbed his arm.
“Let go of me,” Gisbo said.
“GISBO! Stop this! This isn’t you! It’s the Drakeness talking, it,” Nina started.
“NO! No, it isn’t! Nothing is more powerful than my will, NOTHING! Nothing controls me or my thoughts or my future other than me! Understand? Not the Drakeness, not the damned Phoenix, and certainly not you! You want the truth? Looking at you sickens me knowing that Malik was all over you before me. That’s not the Drakeness talking, that’s me talking! Understand? Just leave me the hell alone! Every time I’m around you, I just, you make me think of him now and I just get so, so,” Gisbo started as the support beam on his wall morphed into Malik’s laughing face. Without a second thought, Gisbo hit it with everything he had, knocking a hole right through the side of his house. Nina jumped, startled.
“Gisbo, you’ve been distant even before you found out the truth. You’re, you’re the only one I really know here, the only one I have to talk to on the entire planet! I, are you saying . . . you don’t want to, to see me anymore?” Nina asked through choked breaths as tears erupted in her big, doe-like eyes.
“You said it, not me,” Gisbo said as he turned to leave again.
“Gisbo, but, don’t you see? Don’t you see that I . . .” Nina started, when Gisbo whirled on her.
“You what?” Gisbo asked, startling her.
“Nothing . . .” Nina said.
“Good,” Gisbo said before he stormed out of the tree house and down the stairs, leaving Nina streaming tears.
“Don’t you see that I . . . love you?” Nina asked, and with that, she broke down into full-blown tears.
Gisbo stormed through the woods, off to his regular training grounds in a fury that came from nowhere when he finally stopped.
“What is wrong with me? Where did that come from? I was having a fine morning and then . . . I need to go back,” Gisbo said. He ran back, but Nina was gone. Gisbo felt an awful guilt set in as he found himself slumped into his reading chair with Fao’s big, blue eyes looking up at him.
“What is wrong with me, girl? I never used to be like this, did I?” Gisbo asked. Fao whined and licked his hand, then rested her muzzle across his lap. Gisbo began to pet her.
Of course you were. Two words: Oak County, the voice spoke.
“For the love of . . .” Gisbo sighed in frustration as he grabbed at his throbbing skull. The voice continued.
You cannot silence me. I am you, you are me, the voice said.
“I can’t be here alone, I have to keep moving. Come on, girl, let’s go find Nina,” Gisbo said, and together, Renegade and wolf walked through the woods.
“Fancy meeting you here,” a voice spoke. Gisbo whirled around to see Kennis dressed in her restaurant apron, ready for work, walking through the trees behind him.
“Oh, hi,” Gisbo said.
“You just roll out of bed or something?” Kennis asked.
“Um, kinda,” Gisbo said.
“You hungry? I can make you something at Joe’s, free of charge,” Kennis said. “We’re so overstocked on steak and eggs for tonight’s party.”
“If you’re offering, that’d be great!” Gisbo said, looking into her shining features and feeling a tingle of butterflies and that undeniable, near intoxicating peace.
“So, who are you bringing to the party tonight? Are you bringing that girl I always see you with?” Kennis asked.
“Who, Nina? No, we’re just . . . friends,” Gisbo said.
“Oh, I see . . .” Kennis said. “Well, you do know that it’s customary for the girl to ask the boy to the opening ceremonies. Did she ask you yet?”
“Um, I think she’s bringing somebody else,” Gisbo lied.
“Oh, too bad for you,” Kennis said.
“How come?” Gisbo asked.
“Well, you’re going to look pretty silly dancing by yourself,” Kennis said, smiling.
“Wait, who says I even have to dance?” Gisbo asked.
“You will if you want to enter the tournament. All the contestants sign up, then join the dancing circle as part of the festivities. It’s required,” Kennis
said.
“Well, screw that, I’m not doing it,” Gisbo said, folding his arms.
“Oh, come on. It’s not that bad. Compared to what we did a few months ago, it will be a cake walk!” Kennis said.
“I’d rather go to war than dance,” Gisbo said, folding his arms.
“Oooo! You tough guy you!” Kennis said, crossing her arms, imitating Gisbo with an upturned lip. “Tell you what, I’d hate for you to look awkward and silly out there. I’ll do you a favor and dance with you tonight and coach you the whole way through,”
“Wait a minute, are you asking me to go with you?” Gisbo asked.
“Rolce was right; you are a bit slow,” Kennis said.
“Hey! Rolce said that?” Gisbo asked.
“It’s only fair, considering all the good things he says about you,” Kennis said.
“Oh, well, yeah,” Gisbo said.
“You don’t take compliments well, do you?” Kennis asked.
“Um,” Gisbo said.
“I don’t either,” Kennis said.
“Why, why are you doing this?” Gisbo asked.
“Doing what?” Kennis asked.
“Being nice to me,” Gisbo said.
“Did we not agree to be friends?” Kennis asked.
“Well, yeah, but . . .” Gisbo started.
“And did I not promise Kalloway I’d keep an eye on you?” Kennis asked. “She’s like my mother, you know.”
“Well, sure, but . . .” Gisbo said.
“And would Kinny or Kalloway want you to look stupid on the dance floor tonight? I think not,” Kennis said, smiling a sweet smile that made Gisbo’s knees weaken just enough to nearly stumble. Kennis grabbed his arm in a flash and kept him up.
“Oh boy, if walking’s a problem for you, I can only imagine how you’ll dance,” Kennis said. “Don’t worry; lucky for you, I’m a good teacher.”
“Good, something tells me I’ll need it,” Gisbo said.
“You will,” Kennis said. “And to tell you the truth, I also feel like I owe you one. You saved my life. One dance lesson should clear my debt.”
“Oh?” Gisbo said.
“Yup,” Kennis said.
“So, how are you doing without . . . Kinny?” Gisbo asked.
“About as good as I can. Another reason why I wanted to befriend you. It’s been lonely having no one to talk to,” Kennis said.
“What about Niffin or Ashlin?” Gisbo asked.
“Ashlin’s dating some younger boy. He’s still a Renegara. She’s never around anymore,” Kennis said. “I have Niffin, but she’s very shy. I can barely get ‘boo’ out of her half the time, and the rest of the girls, sort of keep to themselves in their own little clique. So, who else can I go to but you?”
“Glad to be a last resort,” Gisbo said.
“You’re welcome!” Kennis said, grinning. Gisbo laughed. “Well, here we are. Steak, eggs, home fries, and some toast sound good?”
“Perfect, thanks,” Gisbo said.
“Coming right up! Coffee?” Kennis said.
“Cream and sugar, and Kennis,” Gisbo said.
“Yeah?” Kennis asked, turning around.
“Seriously, thanks,” Gisbo said. Kennis smiled.
“Just have a seat. I’ll have it out in a bit,” Kennis said.
Gisbo sat down at the same table he and Whip had occupied hours ago. Out of instinct, Gisbo looked over at the side of the steak shack for the Goat Man. Fortunately, nothing was there. Gisbo turned his attention to Kennis as she went about cooking him a wonderful brunch after she tied back her long, blond hair in a silky, flowing ponytail that bounced from side to side as she worked.
Something was different about her, besides the obvious changes that seemed to have bloomed out of nowhere. She had a good heart, a naturally caring personality, a smile and gaze that made him melt, and quite possibly the most attractive body Gisbo ever laid eyes on. She had no idea how truly beautiful she was, possibly because her beauty came over night, much like the old fairy tale The Ugly Duckling.
Even her Boon’s a swan. Gisbo smiled at the thought.
“Here you go. I’d love to talk more, but, you know, hate for you to get bored of me before tonight,” Kennis said, placing the meal before him.
“That’d be awful. I hate awkward silence,” Gisbo said.
“It’s the worst. I’ll see you tonight then?” Kennis asked.
“Yup,” Gisbo said.
“I’ll be at your place at seven. Dress nice!” Kennis said as she turned around and made her way back to the kitchen. Gisbo watched her walk away and nearly lost his breath. Her swaying behind and curves danced and writhed, causing his body to tingle all over.
“Hey, yo, earth to Gisbo!” a voice said.
“Hm?” Gisbo asked, as if waking from a dream. “Oh, hey, Grandfield, what’s up?”
Grandfield slid into the chair across from Gisbo.
“Did you know there’s supposed to be a dance tonight?” Grandfield asked.
“Yeah,” Gisbo said.
“A required dance?” Grandfield asked.
“Um, as of fifteen minutes ago, yeah,” Gisbo said.
“A girl’s supposed to ask me to go! And no one has! What am I supposed to do?” Grandfield asked.
“Can’t help you there. I’m not a girl last time I checked,” Gisbo said.
“Crap, crap, crap! I hate this! Who the hell would ask a fat oaf like me out?” Grandfield asked as he pulled a box of donuts out of his pack and began scarfing them down.
“Don’t you think you should take it easy? I mean, you . . .” Gisbo started.
“I DON’T HAVE AN EATING PROBLEM!” Grandfield bellowed, spraying crumbs everywhere.
“Um, I didn’t say that. I meant take it easy about a girl asking you out, but . . .” Gisbo started.
“I’m, I’m sorry, buddy, you’re right. It’s still only noon, plenty of time, I just, to go out dancing with nobody? Jeesh, what the hell am I gonna do? Wait a minute, why are you so calm? Did someone ask you?” Grandfield asked.
“Yeah, actually. I’m going with Kennis,” Gisbo said.
“WHAT? How in the blue hell did you manage that? She’s, like, every man’s dream girl around here now! I mean, I’m not one for change. Never have been. Change scares the hell out of me. But let me tell ya, when it comes to Kennis Flora, that is the kind of change that nobody saw coming! And, just, wow, even in that ponytail, just look at her! Which begs the question, why’s she bringing someone like you?” Grandfield asked.
“Are you ok, man? You’re talking a mile a minute,” Gisbo said.
“Ugh, sorry, sugar rush. What about Nina? How does she feel about that?” Grandfield asked. Just the name set him on edge and immediately brought his thoughts to Malik.
“We, I think we called it quits,” Gisbo said.
“Say what? Really? When?” Grandfield asked.
“Today,” Gisbo said.
“And then, just like that, Kennis asks you out?” Grandfield asked.
“Um, yeah, yeah, I guess,” Gisbo said. “Believe me, I don’t know how it happened either.”
“Jeesh, you move quick, huh? Some guys just have all the luck. The hottest girl in Heaven’s Shelter, and she’s going with Gisbo Falcon,” Grandfield said. “Which only means I have a chance too! Thanks, Gisbo, I appreciate it, man. I’m gonna go, um, put out the vibe or something.”
“Uh, yeah, sure. Good luck with that,” Gisbo said.
“Luck ain’t got nothing to do with it. It’s called sex appeal, buddy, and believe you me, I got loads of it!” Grandfield said as he lifted his stomach and let it fall, jiggling, then dumped the rest of the donut box in the trash. With a big, impish grin, he pulled up his pants and began strutting about as sexily as a bloated peacock through every group of girls he could. Gisbo shook his head and couldn’t help but laugh as he looked down at Fao.
“Maybe you should just ask him out, girl,” Gisbo asked. Fao looked up and cocked her head to the side with a
whine. “Here, finish up this plate and we’ll go get in a quick training session, then take a nap,” Gisbo said, offering his plate beneath the table, and Fao devoured it in a flash.
Gisbo said goodbye to Kennis and made his way through the woods to his usual training spot. With Fao, he trained in his Boon form, unessential form, and full essence until he could no longer move. He went back to his dwelling and collapsed into his bed with thoughts of the beautiful Kennis to fill his dreams.
Chapter Seven: Moonlit Flight
“I . . . holy hell, I mean, well, no, but . . .” Gisbo managed to stammer out. There, standing in the doorway, was a girl, no, a woman, whose beauty literally took his breath away. He always thought it was just an expression, an expression from some lonely, closet case poet.
“Hi,” Kennis said sweetly with a big, beaming smile that showed all her glistening, snow-white teeth. She was dressed in a turquoise gown that brought out her eyes, even in the moonlight, and pulled tight to her hourglass figure and womanly assets, but not to the point of flaunting. The dress didn’t need to enhance anything that was already there. She stepped forward and stumbled a bit before Gisbo caught her and held her up.
“Ow! Sorry, sorry, I’m so not used to walking in these,” Kennis said as Gisbo helped her regain her footing. She was just an inch shy of Gisbo’s height in her heels.
“You look handsome,” Kennis said, never once dropping her smile. Gisbo couldn’t take his eyes off her as they traveled up and down her voluptuous form, lips, and moonlit face that seem to make everything glisten. Every breath was hard to take in. Every part of him shivered and tingled pleasantly. Never, ever, had he felt this way around anyone, and rather than drive him nuts, as it would have a few years ago, he welcomed it entirely. While he felt this way, the voice and the Drakeness were completely and utterly silenced.
“Um, this needs to come off though,” Kennis said as she grabbed Gisbo’s tie and popped the tag off.
“Oh, yeah, that could help, I . . .” Gisbo started as he again trailed off, lost within Kennis’s smile, then downward to her overly developed bust.
“Ahem, I’m up here,” Kennis said.