Rose took it in her paw and studied it. “What does it…do?” she asked, looking up. Drizzle fidgeted. “I like working with tech,” she admitted. “I make lots of stuff. Since we live in Zelda, I figured my things should look pretty. After all, Zelda is considered one of the prettiest cities. The bracelet protects your body, building a mental barrier around it. That way, no shadows get in.” “That is so cool,” Rose breathed. “You made this yourself?” “I got the tools from the tech shop,” Drizzle hesitated. “And I got the glitter from the-the gift shop.” “It’s awesome,” Rose promised, and Drizzle seemed to relax. “And I got you a vial of Velentalism,” Opal held out a small silver necklace attached to a blue bottle with some liquid inside. “What’s Velentalism?” Rose asked, taking it. “If you were to get hurt badly or get sick or have something wrong with you, you could take it and it would clear your body and mind,” Opal explained. “We were almost out but I figured you’d need it.” “I-I…I…um…if you’d like we could hunt together,” Sunrise suggested. “I’ll make sure Forest doesn’t do…you know!” Rain joked. “Why are you giving me these things?” Rose asked suddenly. “We…just…wanted you to be safe,” Drizzle seemed to break down at that sentence. Rose cast a suspicious glance at Raven and she gave her a look that said, no idea what’s happening here! “I’ll go now,” Rose said slowly, hopping to her paws. “Sunrise, we don’t have to hunt now unless you want to. I’m okay with waiting.” “S-sure,” Sunrise stammered. Rose and Raven left the room, feeling the cats’ eyes on them. “They don’t usually act like that,” Raven hissed the moment they were outside. Sunlight warmed Rose’s fur and she considered how long she’d been out. Probably a day or so, by the feel of the warmth. “Rain was fine, but the others…” Rose said doubtfully. “Drizzle is the only one who I know why she’s acting weird,” Raven said, then stopped, saying, “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. It’s not my secret to tell. Drizzle will tell you when your trusted.” Rose kept quiet about that, but only because she wanted to know why the others were like that. “Why did they bring me gifts?” Rose asked again. “Actually.” Raven squirmed. “It’s obvious, Rose.” “What?” Rose demanded. “They want you to like them,” she said, looking at her paws. “Because they’re….” “They’re what?” Rose pressed. Raven looked up straight at Rose. “They’re scared of you,” she whispered.
