Ch. 13: Preview #2

He breathed in relief when she straightened and paced the floor.  Her tail brushed his thigh, giving him goosebumps.  Unlike his tail, hers seemed to have a life of its own, a product no doubt of expertly swaying, undulating hips.

☄☄ “You’ve come so far!  Shame you had to fail.  You dispatched my little cubs” ☄☄--She waved her hand with clear disdain--☄☄”Then my brethren, the Panthers: that was more impressive.” ☄☄

She faced him and scoffed.  ☄☄ ”But what now?  Your Mighty is rather small.  And you’re just a Mouse! … Sigh… One who couldn’t even remember to bring his sword.  You make it all too easy.” ☄☄

She lifted a gloved hand and beckoned past him.  ☄☄ “Let’s make this interesting, shall we?” ☄☄

Two cubs advanced each carried a heart-shaped bottle, red and full!  One, she beckoned to her; the other, to stand near Jen.  His stomach roiled with conflicting emotions as the potent bottle neared.

☄☄ “I’ll allow one of you to step forth and face me in single combat.  Whoever is appointed champion even gets to drink the full bottle sitting before them, prior to our fight.  That should even the odds, hmm?” ☄☄ She reared back with a haughty stare.  ☄☄ “Only one catch, Mouse: you have to decide who will fight.” ☄☄

☄☄ “… Me?” ☄☄ Even his deepened voice still came out like a squeak.

The Sphinx nodded, and flashed her eerie sharp-toothed grin.

Thank God, Jen thought, itching for the fight.  She couldn’t stand being small and weak again.  She pined hungrily for the bottle hovering in front of her, waiting for the signal so she could chug it down, then toss these cubs aside and face the Sphinx in a real fight.

☄☄ “Um…” ☄☄

Jen gasped.  Her teammate hadn’t chosen her yet!?  She looked up with uncomprehending horror as her Mouse actually seemed torn by the choice!  What?  She had talked to him!  He knew better!

☄☄ “Mmmm… not such an easy choice, is it?” ☄☄ the Sphinx wickedly chuckled.

Theo turned and saw Jen’s increasingly animated thrashing.  ☄☄ “Be a Mouse!” ☄☄ his daughter demanded hotly, amplified by a mic.  ☄☄ “Do the right thing!” ☄☄

But his gaze returned to the bottle in front of him. He replayed Jen’s scathing condescension until it filled him with defiance. She would never respect him again unless he did something so bold, so extreme, that she had to take notice.

☄☄ “Shall I sweeten the pot?” ☄☄ the Sphinx lilted, raising her arm and beckoning again.  A cub carried Theo’s sword forth, the one he’d dropped earlier.  ☄☄ “If you are the champion, I’ll let you fight with this sword.  Only you, not your Mighty.” ☄☄

He inhaled. ☄☄ “Why?” ☄☄

☄☄ “I much prefer fighting Mice.  So much more exciting.” ☄☄  She reached her long hand and stroked his cheek with the backs of her fingernails.  Even through the mask, it was exhilarating.  ☄☄ “Well?” ☄☄