Minor
The day passed by in blur. We all changed to our LaMahinnian forms so we wouldn't stand out as much. We no longer worry about hiding what we really are, generally speaking, and our family is fairly well known here, but there are always new people or those who are prone to stare and gossip and that can get annoying.
And the city was packed and buzzing with gossip about us. Some people had seen us on previous occasions, or had at least heard rumors about our true identities. Others were hearing about us for the first time. It was amusing to hear the various thoughts and theories as we meandered through the bustling and decorated square.
There was a mix of awe, fascination, suspicion, and superstition. Some people seemed pretty accepting. Others were reserved. A few were pretty convinced we were monsters that obviously couldn't be trusted.
Over hearing one such comment, Shooter suddenly jumped up onto a table being set up in the square, "Roar!"
The older woman baker gasped and grabbed her chest. "Oh, you!" she lightly smacked the back of his head. "Oh yeah, they are a real nuisance." She laughed, glancing at the man that had just been voicing his concerns about letting strange monsters roam free around the kingdom.
He looked completely aghast and a little afraid. The older woman, who we had known most of our lives, handed Shooter a cookie as he waved at the man, then he gave her a peck on the cheek before hopping down and rejoining us to continue exploring.
"The only trouble they've ever caused is raiding my kitchen and begging for treats." She laughed. "They mostly use their shape changing ability to look cute and confuse me on which ones I've fed." She laughed, "But they do sing like angels..."
Her voice trailed off as we wandered through the different booths, admiring different masks and wares for sale along with the tables of free food and drink. We slowly made our way toward where a few stages were being set up.
We aren't big on schedules, so the way these events usually went, was the stages were open for anyone to step up, play or sing a song or two or tell a story, then they'd step down to give someone else a chance to step up.
There were already a few musicians playing or practicing on stage. The feel of excitement and the sound of music was causing anticipation to build. I could feel it swelling in me and my siblings as we began to quietly vocalize along with instruments while still weaving through the crowd.
A pair a musicians noticed us and invited us to join them. And so the first impromptu performance began.
As we moved up to a stage for the first time, I found myself looking around, scanning the throngs of people gathering around us. But was only looking for Qualin. Even though he said he wouldn't be able to come, I couldn't help wondering if he had changed his mind, or maybe he would at least pass by...
I let my voice swell and ring out. Maybe he could hear me? For some reason, I really hoped that he could.
***
Qualin
There was no room for slacking off or taking chances today. Most of the day was spent resting and getting ready. As the sun began to set and the festival began to get into full swing, we left the inn to get into position.
"Now don't forget your part." Boss man was reminding me for the thousandth time.
"I know. Get in. Make my way to the East wing, keep it quiet until there, than grab what I can and make a fuss to draw the guards attention so you guys can get in for the real payday. I got it, no problem..."
My voice trailed off as the sound of singing caught my ears. The voices seemed to carry above the general din coming from the city center. And I could hear one ringing out higher and clearer than the others. I closed my eyes for just a second to let my ears focus on the sound.
"Jixai!" The sound of the command made me remember I wasn't alone, but it was too late. The electricity sparked in my collar and shot through my body. I grit my teeth to keep from crying out. Fortunately, that was just the warning command and only lasted a second.
"You pay attention when I'm talking to you!"
"Sorry, master." I rubbed my neck and blocked out everything to focus on the task at hand.
"And what do you do when the guards show up?"
I let out a small sigh. "Kill as many as I can."
"Exactly, these bastards are highly trained and dangerous, so don't bother with your stupid tricks other than to stay alive long enough to do your job-"
"-And get back to the shuttle."
"Right. But I swear, if you cut and run too early and leave us hanging-"
"You'll skin me alive and chop me into kitty bits?"
"Damn right I will, now get your ass moving."
"You got it." I turned and made my way to the palace.