"All I know is that all of you are adorable kittens." I exclaimed, patting their backs. These cubs now have the audacity to tease my very being. They also discover their passion for music and right now they are on their way to train to be an idol. A beasty idol?I sighed, imagining the path and fate these cubs will have. Even if I don't like humans , I can't do anything when they grow up alongside them. And develop a strong passion for music that humans made. All I need to do is blessed their chosen path. I just can't force them to do what I want. I'm a decent being only to my being. If those pests do anything wrong to them, they will die immediately.
To the present, the youngest of the brothers measures me, teasing me that he is now a head taller than me.
"Already taller than me, ha?." I chuckled. Pinching their arms playfully.
Those cheeky smiles, "Imora, of course were still your adorable little white tigers." One said as he jumped to hug me.
"Aren"t you so sweet Kai." I whispered. "I'll miss you guys!" I say softer as I hug him tighter. Is it okay to let them do what they want? I never thought I'd eat my words.
I vowed to hate and never meddle with them but I was banished from my very realm. Choices are all I ever had when I'm in Ardenia. Yet in order to live and deliver my vengeance. I have no choice but to obey and accept my banishment, and live among mortals. It irks my very core to breathe the same air as those pests yet for my sweet revenge and for these littles cubs, I must endure it. Plus, it's between me, my brother, his lover and the humans. The cubs are out of it. Gray gently patted my back, seemingly comforting me yet he slowly yanked the poor Kai out of my arm. Oh boy. The fellow softly landed himself on the floor.
"It's not a one-hug Kai." Gray exclaimed, as he coolly put on his smug face.
"Gray." I softly scolded his behaviour. It's their way of being playful with each other. I'm just reminding them of their boundaries.
Then another joined in. "That's called being selfish Kai." Teased by the tall red hair man as he crouched to tickle the lying man. The poor Kai cackles as he desperately tries to grab his captor's hands. Which he failed to yanked away as River was way stronger than him.
Against the silly display of affection, two pairs of warm soft hands envelop mine.
"We will miss you too, Imora." Leo and Levi softly said as I hugged them both masking the tears that were begging to fall.
"You guys…" My lips quivered as I tried to hold them tighter.
"Hey, hey…" His furrowed brow with his soft gaze gave me the comfort I needed.
"Imora, it should be a complete hug." He added.
"Yeah." They say in unison as I realized that Kai, River, and Gray are already by my side. Their eyes soften as I acknowledge their presence.
"Besides, we will make time to call and visit you or us. Right?" He said as the other agreed.
"Its not like we're gonna leave you, so stop crying." I chuckled as he quickly turned his head away.
"Guys, in my standard, all of you are still a baby!" I protest. Compare to me who live for a hundred years, although in my realm I'm still young, in this world, let's say I'm twenty years old? Yeah that should be it, I wanna be young. These furball who want be an idol are all seventeen years old. Yet I've become someone they rely on.
"Yeah, you are a lot older than all of us yet you're a crybaby." Atlas says playfully.
"Well I don't care, I'll just miss you guys, that's all." I declare as I rush towards them for a hug which they happily oblige.
I never want to part ways with them. It breaks my heart to let them roam free into this human infested land. If only those annoying pests did not intervene and ruin my realm we wouldn't land into this godforsaken place.
"Remember, if a human ever breathes wrongly, just silence them." Clasping their hands I reminded them. "I'll take care of it, okay?"
Sensing the hesitation I rephrase my words.
"Just tell me if something is wrong, I'll be there for you all."
I said as my gaze softens to their innocent being, did I go too soft on them that they don't know violence? They were tigers, it should be in their genes, no? Recognising that I hand fed them and cooked their meals ,it seems like they went astray. Too bad.
"I know how smart you guys and sweet you guys are but…" I paused, noticing their smirking faces except Kai who all I ever know is the purest one. Those smug and proud look is really something.
"Ahem, always take care of each other. Don't leave one another." I pleaded as a sudden memory flashed before me. Maintaining my composure I brushed those memories away for the six to not notice.
"Kai." The pink hair fellow smart himself. I chuckled, this isn't a military roll call.
"Remember to call me okay?" He nods obediently.
"River, stop causing trouble and always be safe." Noticing my nagging, he whistled pretending he didn't hear anything. I sighed, knowing him I know he will keep it in his mind. Just sometimes.
"Atlas, eat more." I say softly "Everything will be fine." Reaching my hands to his now cold hands. Slightly squeezing it. Atlas is the most serious and disciplined among the six yet is the most agitated. Nervousness stems from what happened in the past. Looking at the perfect act he is putting I can tell that he is in shambles. "I can't wait to watch you dance." I whispered. Seeing his blushing ears I laughed.
"Imora…" Gray whined.
I sighed, knowing them all all i can say is they are a nosy body. To them nobody should be left behind. Even secrets are shared. Is it even considered a secret? I think so too.
"Gray, behave, always protect your brother. And I just said that I can't wait to see you dance and hear you sing." I said, clearing the tension. Whooh, oh these cubs.
"Levi, don't eat junk. I'd rather you eat nature than those things." I say crossing my arms.
Copying me he said. "Look who's talking." With a knowing look on his face. What? Averting my eyes to his piercing gaze, I racked my brain trying to figure out when he saw me eat candies. I awkwardly laugh as I think I've been caught. Yeah, I am caught looking at the way the brothers are holding their laughter.
"Anyway…"I heard a cackle, interrupting me and I noticed that Leo seems to be the one that is having fun. Our eyes met, he tried to smart himself but failed because he can't help but find that revelation humorous.
"S…sorry." He said through the cackle. Noticing my smile, he awkwardly forced a smile seemingly a reconciliation, but looking at the mischief in his eyes, it's hardly not. He finished what I was about to say, imitating me. "I know, I know, Leo, guide your brother."
My lip twitched in his sudden mischief. I guess they really are unpredictable brothers.
These fellows really aren't scared anymore. They're grown.
"Don't be careless, if anyone sees you in your true form tell me, I'll be there." Nodding, we embrace each other for the last time.