OPEN — there was a cat that really was gone

[Atticus Roux]

'You're the problem.'

Atticus ears pinned to the back of his head, a low growl rumbling from his chest. Unsheathed claws dug into the hot sand. Ivan's voice drove him further, piercing phrases picking at his brain. He stepped forward. His chest grew close to the floor and his limbs tensed, ready to pounce forward and attack. "SHUT THE FUCK UP!" came his high-pitched yowl. With time for his brother to respond, the male dove forward with paws outreached.

Before Atticus could slash towards Ivan, his brother had already darted away. Narrowed gold eyes stared down the Roux as he ran. The grey tabby's tail lashed wildly. A huff left him. 'Coward,' he thought. Even so, Atticus was hesitant to attack back and relied on the others to back him up. His thought almost seemed hypocritical. In this situation though, he thought Ivan's understanding would overcome his intelligence. Apparently, that was not possible. Even for his brother. Pitiful.

With his brother's silhouette faded off in the horizon, he turned his head to the floor. Weary eyes stared at his sharp, ivory claws. The concept of allowing himself to dart forward and considering the thought of hurting Ivan was something that pained him deeply. Family, to Atticus, was important. He never wanted to lose them, but did they think the same? Even with Ivan coming to see him, it brought calamity among their relationship. The attack caused a divide between them. One that might never heal either. But where was his father? Would he visit? He hadn't seen Winston, Alice, or Simon either. Hell, even Aurum or Beck could of shown their face. Yet here he was. Alone. The only one who showed their face was a entitled smartass. Perhaps running away wasn't the best option... For him though, he felt it was right. No matter the outcome.

A tearful gaze turned up to Kydobi. Blood poured down his face, intermingling with his dripping bodily fluids. Snot, saliva, and tears galore dabbled his face. Needless to say, the mental roller coaster he just went through was chaotic. The turmoil brought upon him was unfavorable. "Not really," he muttered. If he was at home, he would of already went to his mother or father by now. Within The Pitt, Atticus had no idea who their healer was. He had barely acquainted himself. His only resource seemed to be Sweeney. There were a few others, such as Dante and Piers, that he had met briefly too, but he did not understand their purpose here. Instead, he defaulted to looking around aimlessly. No one appeared to have herbs on hand.

Dante's words rang in his ears. While the boy didn't know the hybrid's name, he chose to speak up anyways. "No, you're just a selfish prick," Atticus snapped. That said, his eyes returned to Kydobi. He awaited some further assistance, despite not asking for it directly.