But it had been the
only decision he could think to make. He’d spent five years alone, with only his morning trips to the diner and occasional phone calls with Dee to remind him that other people were still wandering the world. Still going about their lives without him.
He hadn’t wanted to know any of it. He hadn’t wanted to deal with reality at all. Maybe his determination to hide from his problems had finally driven him insane.
“We have coverings for your pale bits, sea eyes. But first, do you remember anything other than the storm? Do you know the name of the people you belong to? Are they Fraynes as well?”
His confusion must have been apparent. “I belong to the Glider Clan. Lenard is Felix. And a handsome one at that.”
Lenard blushed at the mention of his name. The youthful excitement in his strange ebony eyes did something to Kansas. Made his lips twitch and his heart lighten. He used to be like that. Trusting. Hopeful. Long forgotten memories tried to find their way to the surface and he immediately and violently pushed them back down. That Kansas was gone.
“I don’t belong to any clan. I’m just a regular guy from Iowa.” She continued to watch him with a blank expression on her face. “I’m human.”
He watched the two share a look, both mouthing the word “human” as if they’d never heard it and his stomach dropped. He started to shiver, realizing as he did the warm light that had been filtering through the trees was quickly fading. If it got any colder his balls might try to crawl back inside his body.
“You said you had something for me to wear?”
“Yes, of course.” Fenna slid a strap over her shoulder, revealing a small backpack made of shimmering red fabric. As she rummaged through her bag, Kansas studied her more closely.
She was a truly stunning creature. Jim Henson’s creations had nothing on her. All sharp angles and grace, the perfect human/bird hybrid with the overly slender frame of a young girl, and dark, pupil-less eyes that studied him with a frank curiosity that was unmistakably adult.
Opalescent feathers covered her head in a tight swirling cap, circling down her graceful neck. They framed her breasts and belly and the smooth skin between her thighs, leaving her sex bare. The feathers running from her shoulders down the underside of her arms were longer and thicker, clearly meant for flight instead of vanity, but no less beautiful.
Lenard was a thing of beauty as well, with strong muscles beneath the red hair that covered nearly all of his body. His face was narrow, lips full and lush, but without a doubt, from his ears to the—Kansas gulped—tail twitching behind him, Lenard was definitely feline.
“I have to ask, just in case. There isn’t a special effects studio around here somewhere, is there? Or maybe a costume party? ’Cause if there is, you two would definitely win first prize. And I know I’d feel a hell of a lot better.”
Lenard shrugged at Fenna’s expression of confusion, and Kansas sighed. That settled that. He reached for the towel-length fabric she handed him, grateful for the covering. He wrapped it around his waist with fumbling fingers, tying it in a firm double knot.
Whatever this was, it felt real enough. His toe was still throbbing and the cloth felt cool against his heated skin. But if he truly accepted that, he might lose what little composure he had left. If this was real, if he was truly in another world or dimension that was, while seemingly harmless, still unrecognizable? He couldn’t wrap his mind around the ramifications of that.
It meant he might as well be dead. That he would never see Uncle Emerson again. Never talk to Dee on the phone.
And he sincerely doubted Fenna or Lenard knew what coffee was.
A warm hand cupped his shoulder. “Breathe, Kansas Frayne,” Lenard said gently. “You are lost, but not alone. Not anymore. You are among friends.”
The sentiment was kind, but Kansas couldn’t help but glance down at the monster erection Lenard was still sporting. Was it always like that? “Thanks.”
Oddly, he did feel better. At least he had a towel now, and he wasn’t trapped in his delusion alone.
What would you do if this were only a dream?
He made an attempt at a carefree grin. “Let’s go with it. Take me to your leader.”
Lenard released him and stepped closer to Fenna, both looking at him with a now familiar look of confusion.
“Nothing? Come on, I’ve always wanted to say that.”
Fenna nodded slowly, a cautious smile on her face. “Whatever you say, sea eyes. We can talk more about this reference on the way to the city gates. We should be there before darkness tomorrow.” She eyed his feet. “Can you walk with those, or does Lenard need to carry you?”
“No! I mean, no, thank you, Lenard. I can walk.” Shoes would be nice, but he wasn’t about to complain. The Felix looked willing, but still a little too…well…frisky for his peace of mind.
“Very well. Follow me, Kansas Frayne. I know a shortcut.” Fenna turned to head toward the tree line, and Kansas caught Lenard’s resigned gaze. He shook his head subtly, dropping his hands on Fenna’s shoulders to turn her gently in the opposite direction.
“Oh, of course.” She looked flustered. “That’s the way I meant to go. Sea eyes has me out of sorts. It isn’t every day a storm child drops in from the sky, you know.”
“I know.” Lenard soothed her with soft, agreeable murmurs, glancing over his shoulder at Kansas with an apologetic smile. Why?