Chapter Twenty Seven

Time meant nothing to me now; whenever I noticed hunger gnawing in my stomach I ate, sometimes I noticed I was tired and guess that I slept after that. I invented games to try and keep me occupied; smacking my tongue off my forehead, trying to name animal noises I heard now and again, jerking the chains holding me down and staring at the rusty walls until I could see pictures. I could never tell really, no matter whether I was awake or asleep I just kept sitting in this metal box staring at the walls. The only time I was absolutely sure was when Steamer spoke to me; she was how I knew I was awake. It was one of those days.
“Jeese, no one’s been left in for this long before...” she mumbled as her red eye stared through the gap in the sheet metal “They must have forgotten you.”
“Real funny” I mumbled as I lay on the cracked dirt, I could hardly summon the energy to move my head to look at her. I closed my eyes slowly; maybe if I held my breath long enough it would all go away. I wished something would happen; this was just boredom on top of more boredom, even horrible pain would be better than this.
“Ivory...” Steamer said softly as she gazed at me “Are you alright?” There was more sentiment in her voice than usual, something was up.
“Yeah, I’m fine; is something wrong?”
“You’re... on the ceiling” I looked around and saw she was telling the truth; I was clinging onto the ceiling without realising I was doing it.

“How long have I been up here?” I asked as I peeled myself from the ceiling and landed heavily on my back. It hurt but I didn’t care anymore.
“Last time I checked you was three days ago, you were normal then. Though you did yell something about tea and there was a loud clang about four hours ago so I’m guessing you went all flipside then.” Four hours. Four hours hanging upside down. Even though I was going to be crazy by the end of this I’d probably be stronger in some ways. I groaned to myself; writhing about on the floor out of frustration. I slammed my feet off the back wall as I gripped the chains tight; I knew I couldn’t break them but I just kept pulling. I almost jumped to the ceiling as something thumped back, something heavy that had been going fast. It must have been an animal; we were near the pens after all. Why was it here though? I listened, staying very still as I heard scrabbling on the other side of the metal wall. Claws were scratching at the hard earth; I could see little tips appearing under the very edge of the rusted metal. Then there was a soft roar... and it set fireworks off in my head like New Years Eve.
“AROUND THE OTHER SIDE!” I yelled, slamming my head against the wall as I suddenly jerked upwards “COME AROUND!”

I moved away from the wall, stretching out as far as I can to try and kick the door in. My feet talons stretched out as I tried to open the door; only managing to scrabble against it. I could hear the scrabbling from this side of the door now; she was trying to get in. I needed to let her in or I’d just slip into insanity. I couldn’t reach the door though and she was pressing from the wrong side, there had to be some way for me to... that’s it! I crawled back slightly, picked up an empty food dish and threw it as hard as I could at the door. It was knocked open but only slightly; that was all she needed though. Black paws gripped the door and almost wrenched it from its hinges as it was forced open. The door opened, there was a black blur and the door slammed closed again. I was lying on my back by now; a pair of massive black paws were on my chest and a warm, rough tongue was bathing me in saliva.
“Yes yes, I love you too Ebony.”

I looked around at the wall separating me and Steamer; I could tell she was leaning against it because parts were glowing red.
“Nice pet” she said “She must be really loyal to you.” I spluttered as I tried to fend Ebony off, she was still sitting on my chest and licking my frantically. The second thing that hit me, the first being Ebony herself, was how thin she was; her bones showed clearly through her skin and her eyes were sunken slightly.
“She’s a great friend... been with me for years” I smiled softly as I scratched her behind her ears “Her name is Ebony...” I stroked her neck firmly, she was curled up happily on my lap and purring loudly as if she hadn’t enjoyed herself in years. I looked around at where I was sitting; I finally noticed what I was sitting in. There were half full bowls of food everywhere; I picked one up and gave it to Ebony who immediately stopped purring and started chowing down. This is what I needed; Ebony was here to keep me from going mad. If she was here, another heart beat and someone to care for, then I’d be alright. I’d survive this torture.

For the rest of the day I cared for Ebony, giving her food but not too much encase she became ill as I had been, then checking her body for wounds. There seemed to be some scars crossing her face and legs; something with large teeth had tried to bite her. She’d obviously been in fights but quite some time ago, all the scars I found were healed up quite well but she still growled as I touched a few swollen cuts.
“Looks like they don’t treat the animals any better than they treat us” Steamer sighed as she watched us from the hole “You’re lucky you know? Most guys don’t find someone like that in here.”
“I know; she’s always been here for me. She’s kept me sane for longer than you’d ever think, I’m just happy she hasn’t started talking back you know?” I chuckled to myself; it was the first real laugh I’d had since I’ve been here.
“You know they’ll try and take her out of here when they give you food?” Steamer said as a waft of steam washed out from under the wall.
“They can try; she can make herself really small and if they so much as step one inch into my range I’ll be wearing their bowels as a hat.” I didn’t smile, I didn’t laugh. Steamer knew I wasn’t joking in the least sense; I could even picture myself doing it. I mean, I had enough spikes didn’t I?

I slept for ages afterwards; I never knew how comforting a cold wet nose in your cheek could be. It was peaceful, how I’d imagined death would be like; a dreamless sleep in an ocean of calm. Shallow breathing... soft mews and purrs in my ear... heavy body on my chest... fur brushing against my exoskeleton... For half a second I was back in my house, wrapped tight in my blankets like a cloth sausage roll with Ebony resting beside me. Nothing to worry about but finishing that website on time and when I’d next talk to Jessica. There were still some things keeping me in the cell though; it was hotter than any bed could get, there were hisses during the night as Steamer relaxed and the smell of the animal pens always in the air.
“You really are strong aren’t you?” Steamer said; my mind was phasing between unconscious and awake “You take strength from those around you... even when there’s no one there they always seem to find you. Maybe you will survive this place.”

Disclaimer: *gnaws on the femur of the last person who stole from me or lavalamp studios* What?

Ebony and Ivory collection
Ebony and Ivory chapter twentyeight