The Lost Ones

His rebuke had her blood running hot through her veins; the mention of her parents cutting her to the core. He meant to inform her but her body shook and blue eyes met his amber. His scent had a familiar perfume; but one she had not wanted to think about. It was her parents that gave birth to her and her litter-mates. She had vowed to protect them, to honor her parents… She shuddered. The man before her was snow-white and seemed relaxed; head tilted to the side and tail swaying behind him. He was much larger than she. She listened to his voice with critical ears. Was that curiosity… Relief, happiness she heard in his tone? Or was it something sinister - the musings of a madman?

She let him continue. Our parents. The term was new and awkward. He spoke it with ease though and she let her own tail fall a little. Her eyes widened a sliver at the mention of his name. Noel. Yes… The older siblings. He was her brother after all. Her left ear flicked and she studied her paws, embarrassed. But who could blame her? How could she trust him? “Well,” she spoke through nervous teeth, “I am Meep Kringle… You are right.” A shadow crossed her visage. It was family that had murdered her parents. How could she even trust him? But perhaps she should tell him. Surely he would show some sign - of loss, grievance, or satisfaction that would give way to his mind-set. She hated to do this, but had to. “Noel,” she began, her voice soft. “Our parents are dead… They were murdered.” She let the word hang on the air and took a tentative step forward. “By our cousin… I… I am taking care of Squee and Nyan Kringle, but t-they’re gone… Perhaps you’ve seen them?” her gaze was urgent. She had to find them. “No one’s safe,” she added, as if that would change whether he had seen them or not. She had to find them - before some monster did.