I jolted awake, blinking rapidly in order to clear my groggy vision. I looked around, and saw both Aladdin and my sister’s beds empty. I rubbed my head, then grabbed onto a loose beam in order to hoist myself up. I kicked Tulio, and rolled my eyes at his peeved expression.
“Don’t give me that look. I just it would help you to know that Kida and Aladdin are missing.” I said rolling my eyes and crossing my arms. I gently knocked Esmeralda’s forehead with my knuckle, and smirked when she shot up a hand in an attempt to smack me.
Esmeralda:
I felt a slight knocking noise from my skull. I flung my arm, smacking air, and slowly pushed myself up. I looked around, feeling a soft bit of sunshine peeking in from behind the barely-there blanket we used to cover the window. My stomach grumbled, but as usual I ignored it and brush dirt off of my face and skirt. I raised an eyebrow at Chel, confused about the rude awakening.
“What’s your damage, Chelita?” I asked, using the childhood nickname from when we first met. I ran my fingers threw my mess of hair, and when I hit a snag, I shrugged and decided to just leave my hair alone today… Like I always did. Djali tugged on my sleeve with his teeth, meaning he was hungry. I chuckled softly and placed a small carrot on the floor next to him. I felt his sad brown eyes staring a hole through me.
“I’m sorry, that’s all you have…” A mumbled, softly, petting my kid, and then looking back at Chel.
Tulio:
I hacked when I felt a blow to my stomach. My eyes shot open and my body jerked itself up. I glared at Chel wondering what her issue was, but then she explained. My eyes widened and I stared at Kida and Aladdin’s unoccupied beds. I also noticed that our weapon pile was taking up residence on the floor.
“Where is Kida’s spear?” I mumbled, and got closer to their beds to see if I could find any clues. I gripped my stomach as the normal pains started rushing back. I didn’t eat very often, as I gave most of my food to Mowgli and Ranjan, as did all the others. I grimaced but then went back to searching.
Chel:
I looked away when an expression of pain washed over Tulio, as we were all used to having our own pains. My breath stuttered.
“Maybe they just went out looting…. Anyone notice that Jasmine’s bed isn’t even messy? It’s like she didn’t sleep--” I stopped talking, realizing that Kida and Aladdin must’ve gone after her.
Tulio:
“Chel, you stay here with Ranjan and Mowgli. Esme, come on, we have to find them.” I stated bluntly, making no room for any replies. I picked up my sword, and Esmeralda nodded to me. I ignored Chel’s exasperated stare, and we headed out, searching for the rest of the family.
