The Tiger Within 186 Old Friend... Part 1

Just then the door burst open, ruining the serenity of the moment. Kyera turned as she smelt a familiar scent. Her heart jumped to her throat. Inside, her voice screamed no.

The sounds of growling and struggling filled the air. An angry wolf fighting for its freedom. Black fur tinged gray as it snarled and fought the ropes that held its neck and chest. Judging by the way the ropes were settled he had nearly slipped several off. A few loops swung wildly, having been bitten in half.

Kyera looked up at Clovis who seemed expressionless and then the Emperor who was curious. Her heart grew cold. She had almost forgot where she was.

One of the men securing the beast pulled a club and raised it to strike the wolf. Kyera could no longer wait. She roared at the man, pulling away and stalking toward him. Realizing there was trouble, the man turned and laughed.

It was a cold sound that Kyera remembered from her first days as a capture. His club was the first taste of humanity she had disliked. "come on kitty, we can do this again if you wish." he taunted and Kyera leaped.

"MOON!!" shouted Clovis, worry in his voice. The club began to come down at her, busting her across the jaw. Kyera growled in pain, gripping the club and ripping it from the Man's hand. She tasted the blood and felt sick. She would have to wash her mouth thoroughly. She didn't like the taste of trash.

The man squealed and gasped as he held his bleeding hand. Several fingers had been served by her bite. Kyera bashed the club against the wall, splitting it as she threw it away from herself. She roared a warning at him, before turning to the wolf who was still struggling.

Her eyes met those familiar black orbs and she raised her paw. The Emperor and his son watched in shock, prepared to see blood split across the floor. The wolf had stopped growling as if he had given himself over to fate. Kyera's claws extended to their full 5 inch length as she slashed forward and the ropes fell away from the elder wolf's body.

The guards went to stop her but her roar and cutting glare stopped them. The black wolf stood unsteadily. He was panting from exertion. Greatful black pools met her golden as he dropped his head in respect and thanks. Kyera leaned down pressing her forehead to his chest lifting his head. The pair showed affection for one another for but a moment before stepping apart.

'You do not look well, Princess.' he whispered in the forest's common tongue. Kyera sighed nodding.

'You bring news of home? I heard a cry on the wind last night. Is Talis alright?' she asked, ignoring the obvious. The lack of deep sleep had completely messed with her and as close as she and Daxin were, he already knew the answer.

'Yes… but Talis is fine. Kyera… here is not the place…' he tried to say, looking back at the humans who were staring in wonder at the large wolf and larger tigress communicating with one another. His eyes widened and hackles raised and kyera looked behind her. Clovis had gotten up from his seat and walked toward them.

'Daxin, calm down. I can handle him.' Kyera a.s.sured the wolf, who was not in the mood to be trusting or forgiving. She looked back at Clovis who stopped at her haunches meeting her eyes. She turned and stood with her back to the wolf, her expression communicated through her eyes.

"Are you friends?" Clovis asked softly wondering if she could understand him. Kyera decided to take a chance and dip her large head in a nod. His eyes widened slightly. "come, sit both of you. The wolf is a guest of the Tigress." Clovis called out to the surprise of the humans in the room. Kyera was shocked, but seeing how unsteady the wolf was, she agreed.

'Come rest, Daxin. You can tell me the rest laying down just as easy as standing up.' Kyera purred in the same common forest tongue. Daxin nodded and followed her, laying down nearby. His eyes were grim as he watched her.