Alphonse/Edmund: The one where they're furries

[ironysoul]

One hundred years in feline form, and now walking on two legs feels stilted. There was a knot between his shoulders that Al knew he could stretch out if he switched to fur. He could hunker down on his haunches and reach his front paws out far, sinking into a bow that would make every nodule of his spine pop. But while King Peter hadn't expressly banned fur, Al (and for that matter, the rest of the pride) still felt like it was something frowned upon now. Lesser, than their human form. At the very least that they should be grateful for it being restored.

He flexed paws (hands) and reminded himself again that his claws wouldn't unsheathe from the tips of his fingers. A hundred years in fur, and after almost a decade being able to change, he still felt wrong in this one.

At least, in the years since the age of winter, the pride had been restored to Cair Paravel. They'd served as stewards for generations, until Jadis had banished them. Not, Al was forced to admit, that he'd have been a particularly deft housekeeper with four paws. Maybe he could have dusted with his tail. The thought made him giggle.

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[ironysoul]

That response alone told Al that he’d been right. Something was very wrong with Edmund. He wasn’t himself at all, and whatever he said or thought, Al was being the very best friend he knew how to be.

He ached to say something, to argue, but Edmund was in no place to hear it. Edmund could think whatever he wanted about Al’s motivations. Maybe that was for the best. It would only hurt more in the long run to tell him the truth.

He paused before Edmund left, the words all catching on his tongue. He couldn’t think fast enough to keep up. “Edmund, wait — the Pride.” Al spoke as if he was still a member. “They aren’t happy about Kala. Be careful.”

[just_edmund]

The worst part about it was that Edmund knew Al was trying to be kind. It felt like cruelty at the moment. But Al was determined to see his brand of kindness through, leaving Edmund to muddle as best he could. Alone.

The Pride. It was a warning. A threat, even. Edmund paused, set his mouth. Nodded. They were afraid of their power being compromised. If Kala were to bear him an heir...no, they wouldn't take kindly to a Panther as heir to the Narnian throne. It would never get that far. Kala and he would be long dead. "I will," he promised, only because he wouldn't trust the Lions as far as he could throw them, which was not at all.

Still. He had questions to ask. Tomorrow.

~*~

"Al! How lovely you're back! You look -"

Mid-hug, Lucy put him at arms' length to peer closely at Al. "Just awful," she concluded, truthfully and with a great deal of sympathy. "Have you seen Edmund then? Did you quarrel again?"

[ironysoul]

If Edmund thought that Al would ever threaten him, ever threaten his child... Al would be crushed to even imagine it.

He made his way immediately to Lucy, almost panicked as he chased her down. The hug and notice were welcome. The implication that they’d quarreled less so (even if it was true.)

“Lucy! There’s something terribly wrong with Edmund.” No sense in mincing words. He needed someone to help Edmund. For Narnia’s sake, if nothing rkse.

[just_edmund]

Her quirked eyebrows immediately furrowed into lines of worry. Lucy tugged him close, into a deserted hallway, so that they wouldn't be overheard. "You noticed it too. Oh dear, it's that obvious?" Outsiders being able to tell - that wasn't good. Not that Al was an outsider, but he wasn't one of the Pevensies, who knew their brother through and through. Or at least, Lucy had thought she did.

She looked seriously at Al. "First tell me what you saw, and what you think it is. I don't want to influence your judgment with ours." They had a different perspective on Edmund, an intimate one but not that of an Old Narnian. (Or, she thought sadly, of someone who loved him as a lover might.)

[ironysoul]

Al had practically lived in Edmund’s back pocket for months. He’d been closer to Edmund than anyone. And yes, he loved him. Even if Edmund could never love him back. Even if Edmund loved Kala, or someone equally terrible.

“It’s like he’s had some twisted idea of what an omega should be put into his head. He won’t even disagree with me, and he was especially familiar.” Al blushed, remembering Edmund curled up against him, his head on Al’s shoulder. Not the time or place.

“And he’s been spending a lot of time with Kala. Lucy, Kala’s — I don’t know if you should trust her.”

[just_edmund]

Lucy nodded distractedly. Especially about the disagreeing part. She wasn't so distracted that she could miss the implications of familiar and that blush. "Some things about my brother are best left unimagined," she huffed, holding up a hand. "But the rest of it...that's what we've noticed too. He's never rolled over and let anyone get their way. If anyone would fight for their cause, it would be Ed."

At the mention of Kala, Lucy pursed her lips. She felt like fingering the hilt of her sword. "Peter and I don't. There are many stories, but too little proof. She's played her part well, contrite for what she did in the Winter. How can I say she's not?"

She put a hand on Al's arm. "Please. For Edmund's sake. What do you know?"

[ironysoul]

For Edmund. Al was relieved to hear that Lucy and Peter were suspicious, at least. But he wanted to help.

Quietly, he laid out everything he knows. Everything he saw Kala involved in, in the 100 years before the Pevensies arrived. It wasn’t a short list, and he was careful to phrase things as neutrally and as fairly as he could.

Maybe she really was penitent and wanted the best for Edmund. But Al couldn’t look past the changes to his beloved. It was one thing to have left knowing Edmund was happy and content and doing well. But finding him like this, shredded and so unlike himself. He’d made a terrible mistake.

“Has he been this way the entire time I left?”

[just_edmund]

Lucy listened to the list with growing horror. It wasn't that any one of them, or even all of them, were unforgivable. But the kind of person who could do that for a hundred years, knowingly...was it fear, like her Mr. Tumnus? Or true belief in a future where the White Witch and her kind reigned over Narnia?

She exhaled slowly at the end of it all. Her thoughts were spinning. She realized Al had asked her a question, and turned her gaze back to him with a shake of her head. "The first month, he seemed...a little lost, but came back well from the attack. The second and third, he began to keep to himself some days, but others was his usual self. I confess, the change truly began when Kala came to court, although Susan keeps reminding about correlation and causality and all that." Lucy brushed aside the sensible notion with a hand. This was her brother's heart and mind they were battling for. There was no time to be sensible.

"Al. They've begun courtship, even if nothing's declared. He seems to think it his duty. I've told him a thousand times, he needn't marry soon or at all, but he won't listen." She made a noise of frustration. "Why does he have to be like himself when it comes to that, and nothing else?"

[ironysoul]

Courtship. He knew, of course. He’d smelled it on Edmund. As as a student of science, Al was apt to agree with Susan. The timing could be coincidental. This could be sincere on Edmund’s part, or it could be the information he’d gotten from whatever books he read.

Was Al colored by his own bias? He’d misjudged Edmund early. For all his observation, he’d never known Kala personally. It seemed she’d been respectful of Edmund so far. And she was a well suited match. Maybe it was jealousy. Maybe Al’s broken heart just couldn’t survive Edmund with anyone else. There was something wrong. But suddenly, Al wasn’t sure it was fair to blame Kala.

In a very small voice, he asked, “Is he happy?”

[just_edmund]

Oh, Al. Lucy looked at him for a long, long moment, considering his question very carefully. Her heart ached for them both. Al so clearly loved her brother, and she was becoming more sure by the day that Edmund could find no better mate.

Her answer, when it came, was truthful. "Who he is now...would be content to marry Kala and give Narnia an heir and rule whatever she let him. But he is so much more than that. You know that, Al." She squeezed his arm with conviction. "Aslan himself gave the justice and mercy of Narnia to him, and him to Narnia. We cannot do without him. I cannot bear for him to become a shadow of his true self."

She met the golden eyes as if in challenge. "Help us find what's wrong. Whatever is between you, Narnia needs her Just King."

[ironysoul]

And there it was. No matter how Al felt about Kala, if Edmund still wanted her when this was all over... they had to accept that, then, didn’t they? He had to.

“Tell me what you need, your majesty,” he said finally. If he was helping Edmund he’d do anything, and once his life was back to being his normal, infuriating self, Al could leave again and Edmund could live his life the way he ought to.

If that meant seeing Edmund mate someone else, Al would have to live with it. He needed to accept what was best for Edmund.

[just_edmund]

"Find out whatever you can," she pleaded. "Maybe we need to go back to the original attack and learn more about what happened. Maybe Kala is involved, maybe she isn't. We need ears among the Old Narnians, no matter what their reputation. A few of Susan's most trusted Wolves are working for this cause. And I know - " Lucy's voice dropped to no more than a muttered breath. "I know the Pride is seeing what can be done about...correlated matters. But I fear it will be too late. If this thing takes Ed's will away for good...it will all be for nothing."

Her eyes blazed like she was ready to do battle for her brother's spirit. The Valiant wished she could swing a sword or slip a dagger into something on his behalf, but this war would be more subtle than that. At least until the tournament.

Her hand tightened on Al's arm. "Watch over him as you did before. Even from afar. I don't know who or what has him, but they mean him no good. He needs our protection." Lucy's expression softened, knowing what she was asking of Al. "Don't give up on him," she murmured. "Even if you think he's given up on you."

[ironysoul]

That was quite a painful ask, Lucy. Al had already given so much to Edmund, knowing that he would never be able to have Edmund in return. His throat closed off and he sighed, looking to the side. It wasn’t Lucy’s fault. And their last conversation had made it clear to him that she would support her brother. That was as it should be.

“I’ll try,” Al said finally, his voice soft. “But I’m only here for the tournament, you know. And only as long as King Peter decides he wants me to be.”

Al was well aware how tenuous his position here has become. No matter what it almost felt like, this wasn’t a homecoming.

“I’ll see if I can make contact with any panthers. There aren’t many I trust, but there are some. Maybe they no something and they’ll talk to me.” Outcast to outcast, he thought, but didn’t say.

[just_edmund]

Of course it was painful. Everything about their current situation was. But they were running out of options. And Al was too valuable an ally not to recruit in this fight for her brother's freedom. Some heartache might just have to be the price of it.

Only a temporary ally this time. Lucy rubbed her forehead. "We'll have to work fast, then. Everybody will be here for the tournament. It will be the best time to listen for news and gossip. I want to know if Edmund was their only target, or if others have been bitten too. If anything seems strange to you, even if it doesn't seem like it's connected, make a note of it and report back. We'll be doing the same. I'll send word in a few days to meet with us."

She almost added that if she begged Peter hard enough, if things were that desperate, he could always order Al to stay and help even after the tournament. But that was a card she hoped she wouldn't have to play. Once Al saw how things were, that Kala was the wrong sort of person for Edmund, and that Al was the right sort, maybe he would come around on his own.

She always was an optimist.

[ironysoul]

Easy for Lucy to say when it wasn’t her heartache.

Al didn’t share her optimism. He was highly skeptical of Kala, but hadn’t he been one of the first to push Edmund toward other panthers? The animals of Narnia wanted their kings and queens to be pure. Respectable. No panthers were ever going to follow a panther king who took a lion to mate. And no lion pride was going to welcome a panther omega, or any cubs he whelped.

Al loved Edmund. His heart was bonded to Edmund’s spirit, and Al knew his chances of mating and bonding with anyone else were slim. And maybe, in his secret, wildest hopes, he’d wondered if Edmund could feel the same. (He knew the truth. Edmund had told Al himself that he liked his life. He liked the thrill and chase of new love. He didn’t want to settle and mate.)

But even then, Al wanted more for him than mating to one of Cair Paravel’d cursed lions. He wanted Ed to be happy when he finally did settle down. He wanted him to have heiress and all the things he could never have with Al.

But he kept all of that private. No sense in burdening anyone else with it. “Okay. I’ll wait to hear from you,” was all he said to lucy.

[just_edmund]

Cair Paravel turned topsy-turvy in the final preparations for the tourney, as all the guest rooms filled, the surrounding towns swelled to brimming, and everybody jostled for a piece of the fun. Wagers flew as liberally as drinks. By far the highest bets were on the Elrics. If Peter had been competing, the betting pool would have been split, but the High King abstained, choosing to let the other three Pevensies represent the crown in the competitions. Susan, of course, was practically a shoe-in for the archery contest. Lucy was predicted to take the day in knife-throwing. And Edmund...

"Not a chance," decreed the loudest of a tavern's many drunk patrons that afternoon. "It'll be the Elrics at the end. And if it ain't, a round for everyone in this pub on me!"

The unlikely prophet had proven true across the several days of duels. Few could stand for long before either brother in the ring. Edmund's battles were harder-fought. Even his drive to fight seemed altered these days. It was infuriating, but he fought on, resisting the dangerous urges and summoning every bit of willpower he had to win each round. Some only wished to win the title in the knights' category; others in the weres'. But First Champion would be the best of both, and that's what Edmund fought for.

And then...his next opponent was announced, and his heart leapt to his throat. How could he face Al? They had sparred together in friendly competition before, of course, long before all of this...but it seemed impossible to set aside all of this and focus only on the task at hand.

He must. It was his only choice.

Transforming in his tent, Edmund emerged from it in his Panther form, sleek and lean. Leaner than before. Thankfully, whatever had transformed his nature had not given him any obvious outward characteristics; he merely felt the difference. That could be overcome. (He hoped.) Had not Al said as much before? That he was not at the mercy of biology?

He squared off, watching and waiting for his beloved opponent.

[ironysoul]

Al had known it was likely he’d have to face Edmund at some point. His king was no slouch in combat, Al knew that from their many sparring bouts. It was a relief that Edmund still cared enough to fight, after the display he’d put on. Al had followed his progress through the tournament. He could see the places Edmund faltered or hesitated. He recognized a submissive impulse for what it was, but luckily, he didn’t think anyone else would.

And this wasn’t early in the rounds. Combat had been staged for days, with more combatants eliminated every bout. It was down to just a few of them now, half a dozen or so of the best warriors Cair Paravel had to offer. Edmund had done well for himself. Everyone should be proud of his showing.

But the odds still favored Al. Any Narnian who’d lived through the longest winter knew what the Elrics were capable of. The white lions were a well known site on he battle field and in the combatant’s ring. And while Edward had fought well in defense of Narnia, in this, he was sill untested. Loyalty to crown and kingdom extended as far as the coin purse, it seemed.

By the time Edmund emerged out, a large white lion already rested in the ring, lounging on the packed dirt. He rose when the panther approached, shaking briskly before padding toward him. His large, furred head bowed in deference to his liege — but there was a twitch to his tail that said such deference wouldn’t last long.

Al had wondered how he’d cope with seeing Edmund again like this, but it seems the scent of omega has faded from Edmund. That was a relief on multiple fronts. He closed the gap between them, his head fitting neatly under Edmund’s in a greeting.

[just_edmund]

His heart in this form was used to sudden bursts of energy - and yet the sight of Al, gleaming pale and beautiful in all his leonine glory once more, had the power to make his pulse race as though it would burst right out of his chest. Edmund panted, letting himself cool off a little. It wouldn't do to start this fight already in a state of frenzy; he'd wear himself out far too quickly with the bigger, stronger Lion.

The Panthers fought smartly. That was their advantage; that and their whip-cord speed, a split second altering their course to some wholly unexpected place from which to launch their attack.

That was how he had to approach this fight. Logic battled with biology as he felt the warmth of Al's head against his chin. He lifted his own head proudly, rubbing his greeting back as befit King to Steward, and huffed beneath his breath. Al still smelled as good as he always did, but Edmund was nowhere near heat, and so it was a bearable instinct today.

Thank Aslan.

"For Narnia," he growled in the brief traditional salute, before he slithered away and began circling Al, pacing. His whiskers quivered as if tasting the air between them. Whoever pounced first was often at a disadvantage. It was in the interest of the smaller opponent to suss out the movements first, judging the best plan of attack. This wasn't Al, this was his rival for the title. That's all he needed to remember.

[ironysoul]

“For Narnia,” Al returned, staying in the center when Edmund broke away to begin circling him.

Normally, Edmund was right. A panther would have the advantage over a lion in speed, even though he might find himself outweighed in sheer size and power.

But Al was no normal lion, and that was why so many had underestimated the Elrics in combat. He moved with incredible speed, without sacrificing power in the attempt. Many had called it unnatural, even super human.

Of course, Ed had seen Al fight before. He wouldn’t be shocked by he speed with which he fought. For the first time in this championship, Al’s element of surprise was missing.

To compensate, he waited patiently for Edmund, still crouched in his submissive greeting pose. His paws were ready underneath him, poised to bolt, but otherwise he stayed still and seated, letting Edmund circle him.

[just_edmund]

They knew each other's styles well. Al was patient, more patient than Ed, who could stalk a single prey for hours through the woods just for the sheer determination of taking it down. He wasn't going to circle for hours today. But he would look at the perched Lion as if soaking in the sight of him, poised for Edmund to come to him. And he would let Edmund come to him, and Edmund could never help himself when it came to Al.

He came, springing from coiled back legs, up and over to try to land on Al's back. His body flew like the shadow of an air through the air, supple and dark and graceful. He would land, as ever, on his feet, but whether he landed on Al or not was in question.

Given their record, the odds were low, but there was always a chance.

[ironysoul]

Al didn’t follow Edmund around, but he was expecting an attack from behind. He darted out of the way, his legs springing underneath him. He could go faster, but he wanted to conserve his energy. He had a feeling that this would be a longer fight, and stamina was one place Al had been known to falter. So he was cautious.

He turned to face Edmund as Edmund landed, making sure to watch. He wasn’t pouncing yet, but a rough landing, on scrabbling feet, could provide an excellent window. If he leaped in before Edmund regained his footing, maybe he could immobilize his king quickly.

So he watched, alert and focused for any sign of weakness or any dropped guard. And he tried very hard not to think of Edmund as anything except his next opponent to defeat.

[just_edmund]

Edmund fought for his landing, but in this form fortunately, his balance was impeccable. He crouched low as he gained his footing, and rather than wait around to see if Al would pounce on him, he sprang right out of the landing into another launch at the big Lion. He couldn't maintain this fast pace, but a series of fast moves were less expected and gave Al less time to recover too.

If and when Al chose to use his full weight against him...that was when Edmund might falter, his body less powerful than before, and he'd never been one of the physically strongest of the Great Cats. Now, he had to dodge a direct blow, keep himself agile and moving. Which was also taxing, over time.

If Al even gave him any time.

[ironysoul]

Clever, clever! Al saw Edmund using his strategy against him. He leaned again, but this time instead of moving out of the way, he went under the height of Edmund’s jump.

He was bigger and stronger. If he got beneath Edmund he could try to flip and pin him. The longer this fight went on, the more distracted either of them could get.

He waited for his moment and then he surged up, aiming a shoulder to Edmund’s belly. He’d be vulnerable with Ed on his back, but it was worth a try. Maybe he’d take Edmund by surprise.

Al waited

[just_edmund]

Edmund velveted his paws as he clung on to Al's back. He didn't want to draw blood, although a well-timed claw (carefully applied) could be a valuable shock in a pinch. For now, he would try to use wits and speed to outpace the bigger Lion. His balance would help him stay on, and his grip was excellent, honed from years scaling narrow tree limbs.

But Al didn't try to shake him off or even roll over. There was suddenly a shoulder thrusting into Edmund's vulnerable belly. He half-gasped, half-yowled, clinging on through sheer stubbornness despite the blossom of pain. He arched to pull his underside away from Al's reach, taking the moment to catch his breath and let his muscles recover from the fast series of attacks he'd launched.

Bending his head, he churred near Al's mane in the quietest of tones. "You'll have to do better than that to shake me, darling."

[ironysoul]

Al huffs out a laugh. The last time he’d done this, his opponent had been taken completely unaware and they’d gone flying. Edmund was holding on, putting him head and shoulders above the other opponents Al had faced.

Now he had a problem. Al rolled, tying to use his speed to toss Edmund from his back. He couldn't turn to bite, couldn’t snap. His only option was to buck Edmund from his back so that he could pin him.

“You’re making this difficult, your majesty,” he grumbled, slamming hard down on the pavement and transitioning smoothly into his roll.