Chapter Text
Stella was out again. She had fancied a smoothie of sorts but couldn’t tell what flavor she wanted.. She’d probably be able to decide when she got to the establishment. Ahh.. her sweet tooth made her jaw itch, how she yearned for something sweet..
She’s grown used to walking the streets of Sage island, She finds that all people are quite respectful and kind. Especially the old lady at the flower shop that always compliments her and gives her a flower, she always pays but the old lady insists on giving it to her for free.. oh always melts her heart.
Stella turned to look out upon the peer, my.. what a sight. Oh to live by the ocean one day.. she began aching for her home once again.. the river by her house always provided a safe spot to vent out all feelings.
She yearned for a small safe space again, well she did have one of course but it’s not comfort in people she wants. What she wishes for is a place away from everyone, that allows her to relax. In this form, that’s what she has. No one knows her. That’s something to be happy about..
She was almost there at the smoothie shop, oh she couldn’t wait!! She knew a shortcut too! What fun!!
Oh how she forgets..
Men are horrible.
(🐊trigger warning content (harassment) ahead! please go to the next crocodile to skip.)
As she walked through said shortcut, she heard the last thing she wanted too.. a cat call followed by whistling.
“Hello, princess! Why don’t you come here?~” a man yelled, he sounded drunk.
Usually, she could just glare at someone and they’d go running for the hills but in this form.. she can’t do that. She remembered hearing her older sister cry to her mom about how some weird humans would call out to her.. she felt herself shake a bit as she kept walking.
This is the side of Sage island that Sebek hardly ever saw, yeah sometimes he’s been harassed by other students or hit on but as Stella? This side is shown far too much.
As Stella walked faster, her path was blocked by another man. “Where do you think you’re going, sweetie? Don’t you wanna stay here with us?~” he said with a grin.
Stella backed away, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew combat pretty well but.. as she looked around, more guys were there.. she was out numbered. Her body tensed up, she’s never felt this defenseless ever..
As they began closing in on her, she felt like a fox getting trapped in a cage. She felt as if shadows were stalking her, reaching out to get her.. like a gazelle feeling the gaze of a hungry lion. She had to do something, she had to protect herself! Why couldn’t she? Why was she freezing up? This never happens in all her years of training!!
She stepped back and bumped into another man, he looked at her with lust. The other men had the same expression on their faces.. why couldn’t she speak? Her mouth opened but she couldn’t even cry or yell for help.. she was one of the loudest people you’d ever know but.. why? Why?
Do something Stella! Do something! Anything! She’s never felt fear like this before.. she’s never felt hunted before.. they’re going to get her.. she’s gonna..
Horrible images streaked in her mind.
Oh great seven.. please save me.. she turned her head to a far exit. She had to make a run for it!- one of the men grabbed her by the waist. Every hair on her body stood up at once.
No. No. This can’t happen.
“No! No! Unhand me! Please! Get away!” She screamed, her voice a shaking mess. Her hand gripped onto her closed parasol and she raised it to swing at the monsters trying to grab her. “Get away! Get away!”
Tears began stinging her eyes, she didn’t want any of this attention. She didn’t like it. She hated it. One of the guys caught her parasol and tossed it back, leaving her without a weapon. She backed up against a wall.
She’d have to start swinging.. oh, why didn’t she bring her magic pen..?
“Just.. let it happen, we won’t hurt you at first-“ the man was cut off. Stella has squeezed her eyes shut.
A series of yelling and smacks she heard from in front of her, she wished not to see. She crouched down holding her ears, almost like a child. Why was she so scared? She’s not helpless, she can wipe the floor clean with anyone! Yet.. why..?
“Bastard!” Yelled one of the men and after that an eerie silence.
(🐊you’ve reached crocodile! Trigger warning content ends here!)
“Pardon me, Miss.. are you alright?” A familiar voice rang out.. she slowly opened her eyes, her body shaking.
She looked up to see Jade leech! Stella couldn’t have felt more relieved to see someone she knew. Jade held her parasol, not towards her but just held it. He looked a bit disgruntled by it?
She slowly stood up, “T-thank you.. I-I..” she didn’t know what to say.
Trey came running in, “Those other men ran off!” He said agitated. Sebek nearly cried, her cousin was standing right there.. yet, she couldn’t blow her cover. She wanted nothing more than too hug him and say she was terrified and felt worried.
When Trey noticed her eyes, he felt odd. As if he’s seen them before.. Mn.. he frowned, this girl reminds him of his sister and older cousin. “Are you okay?” He asked softly.
“I..” she hesitated for a moment, “yes.. yes I am. Thank you so much, I am indebted to you both.. she bowed her head.
“Ah, no need.” Jade responded with, “You being alright is enough for us. Though, I can’t say the same for your parasol.”
Stella looked down and realized what he meant, her parasol was broken.. she frowned, she really loved that parasol.
“Rest assured, I can have this fixed.” Jade held out a small piece of paper and handed it to Stella. “My number, Call me in at least two days. I believe I'll be able to fix it.”
Trey glared at Jade and also handed Stella his number, “If you ever have more trouble, Call me, some guys don't know how to act unless they’re put in their place.”
Stella smiled and gave both of them a big hug. “Thank you both, a million times over.. May the throne fairies blessing be with you both.” She pulled away and walked off quickly, not wanting to cry in front of them.
Jade smiled as he watched her walk off. What a lovely lady.. yet, he couldn’t shake off Trey glaring at him.
“Were you trying to make a move on her right after she got harassed?” He asked, seriously.
Jade was caught off guard by the question, he thought for a moment.. he realized how creepy that might have been. “That wasn’t my intention, I swear! Her parasol is broken! I just wish to fix it!” He held his hands up and shook his head no.
“Mn. I’m watching you, Jade.” Trey huffed.
“Why did you give her your number then? Am I the only one in the wrong here?” Jade asked, curiously. What is this double standard?
“I didn’t give her my number because of- well.. she reminds me of some of my family.” Trey looked towards the exit Stella left from, “Seeing her in fear reminded me of some stuff that’s happened to my family.. I don't like it.”
“Big brother instincts?” Jade asked with an understanding smile.
“Something like that.” Trey nodded and smiled back
.
When Stella returned, she quickly hid everything. He went to find silver, who was setting his alarm clocks.
“Sebek? What’s wrong?” Silver asked, noticing Sebek had a sad expression.
“Just.. something happened.. I wish not to speak about it but..” he trailed off.
Sebek sat next to silver and silver smiled. He hugged Sebek.
“Its alright, Sebek..” he whispered.
“Thank you, silver..” Sebek responded as the tension in his shoulders vanished.
.
Trey sent a letter home to his sister and cousin that night.
He worries for their safety