Oh Death,

where is your sting?

’Aren’t you supposed to be taking it easy?’

The question warranted a scowl from the palomino pacing the stone halls and impressive arches of the colosseum. His hooves rasped along the stone flooring, his pace a slow amble, but two-toned eyes of pale gold and slate blue focused on his feline companion with that dark, brooding look.

“I don’t know what you mean.” Simple and to the point, gruff and standoffish. It was not the first time that Ba’al was in a foul mood and Kit knew it wouldn’t be the last time, either. Still, it was her job to keep him from acting out or being too stupid or obstinate, and it was a job she relished and found herself remarkably good at. The golden tiger followed her companion along, blinking slowly at him, knowing that these moods weren’t his fault.

Ba’al was… Complicated. He struggled to make friends but thrived in making enemies, yet his heart sung for it to be the other way around. The soldier desired companionship and understanding like a festering wound, but his social skills were lacking and he understood nothing of intermingling with others. His youth as a child soldier had imprinted in him a terrible fear and skepticism, a deeply rooted anxiety that everyone he met could not be trusted. There was Helios, of course, the palomino’s only true friend, but the other soldier could not be around all the time, so the duty of socializing Ba’al had fallen upon her and Kit was ready for the difficult, complicated, misconstrued task it would prove to be.

’You do, you’re just choosing to be facetious.’ Ba’al paused, pale brows furrowing as his dark expression turned more complex, more thoughtful.

“I’m being what?”

Kit barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes. ’Don’t play dumb. Helios said for you to relax and take things easy for a while. You’re pushing yourself too hard again and he’s worried. We’re both worried.’

Ba’al heaved a sigh, tail flicking in irritation. Of course Helios would have said something to Kit… “What am I supposed to do?” He asked his companion, letting the uncertainty that coalesced in his gut be seen, “I don’t understand what he wants from me.”

Of course, there were things that Ba’al wanted, he just didn’t understand how to go about obtaining them. All he knew was Solterra. Ever since he was young and impressionable, serving this sandy land was all he knew. It was his goal, his life’s mission, his sole reason for existing… Yet even after all these years of having his collar removed, he struggled to find reason amidst all of the chaos that came with freedom.

So? Ba’al stayed in Solterra, despite wanting to go elsewhere. It was easier here, patrolling these streets and halls and partaking in the occasional spar. It was familiar, and safe, and in the end, that’s what mattered. Or so he thought.