[CENTER][h2][color=#C9A281]Xiao Mei[/color][/h2][img]https://i.imgur.com/H0vRWf5.png?1[/img][/CENTER]

[color=F0E68C]“What did you think you were doing?”[/color] 

Although discrete, Mei could note th subtle frustration in her sibling's tone. She couldn't blame her though; Asteria's response was appropriate for the situation, but unless she insisted, Mei felt no need to explain her actions in detail.

[color=#C9A281]"I-I d-d-dont know; it st-started to at-t-tack, so I p-p-panaicked."[/color] She whimpered in response as she stared at the cavern floor, trying to avoid eye contact.

Her sibling took several deep breaths to calm herself down, but still spoke with a bit of annoyance in her voice. [color=F0E68C]“Whatever. It’s done now. This just cost us two or three potential allies though,”[/color].

Mei was impressed at the level-headedness Asteria displayed; it only added to the reasons on why it was worth staying close to her and their mother.

While Mei was lost in thought, Asteria had suddenly brushed against her, as if comforting or reassuring her. Lowering her head even further, trying to hide her brief surprise, Mei whispered in a mumbling manner [color=#C9A281]"I-I'm s-sorry"[/color]. Fortunately, her sibling was a compassionate one. Whether this was genuine or instinctual, Mei couldn't say for sure; even with her history of violence, the ferocity she had shown throughout the day was a bit excessive even for her. Nevertheless, Mei still believed that the kindhearted were always the ones who were easier to deceive.

[color=F0E68C]“I don’t know about you, but I want to track Edward down and see if at least some of this mess can be fixed.”[/color]

If Mei could've shown her displeasure with a deep and breathy sigh, she would. Unfortunately, she had an image she needed to maintain.
 [hr]
A well timed coincidence or just fate toying with them, Mei couldn't deny how volatile the environment in the cave was.

Wasting little to no time, their mother had pounced, leading the offense and displaying an ample amount of speed and agility as she skillfully weaved through the venomous volley of shots. Making use of her relatively smaller size, Mei ducked and log rolled to the side, doing her best to avoid the incoming attack as well. Seeing how immediate the actions of her fellow rats were, Mei immediately followed up and jumped into the fray, mimicking the movements of her sister. At least she tried to. Mei had noticed for a while now the difference in speed between the three of them. Their mother being faster was easily believable, but for Asteria, who was part of the same litter as her, was something Mei couldn't just accept. She assumed that their first few days of life were generally similar, so why was there a gap? Was she not pushing herself enough? Well, Mei didn't know for sure, but it was a good time to find out. She needed to utilize and get to know the capabilities of her body sooner rather than later.

Exerting as much effort as she could, instead of trailing from behind, Mei veered towards the opposite direction. With both Asteria and Mother up front, Mei hoped that their initial attacks would serve as a distraction while she'd sneak in. As soon as she got close, Mei planned to lunge forward as fast as she could with, aiming towards the trunk of either lizard with arms extended and claws bared.

 Despite the lack of coordination, hopefully their makeshift three-pronged approach would create enough confusion for a decicieve blow to land.

[@SilverPaw]