Blair ran as fast as he could his four legs beating the ground beneath him in a steady rhythm. He ducked, and leaped over fallen branches and logs, avoided rocks and small scurrying animals. Behind him he could hear the wolf pack that was chasing him, and the sound made him run faster. Only you would piss off a wolf pack, Blair thought as he ran.
He burst through some bushes into the clearing where Jim was lying in the soft grass licking his fur. They had made it far into the forest and found the clearing. Simon had gone to the stream, which wasn’t far from the clearing to fish while Blair had gone exploring.
At Blair’s quick entrance, Jim leaped up, and Blair dashed behind Jim ducking beneath Jim’s lashing tail pressed against Jim’s back legs. Blair felt like such a coward but he wasn’t moving.
“What’s wrong?” Jim asked.
Blair was unable to answer as three wolves entered the clearing snarling. The one in the lead was a wolf so pale as to be almost white with a scarred muzzle.
“Out of the way, cat. I have business with the cub.” The lead wolf snarled.
Jim didn’t take his eyes off the lead wolf, but asked, “Blair?”
“I was just walking along minding my own business when I accidentally bumped into whitey there. I apologized but he just bit me on the muzzle. I tried to back down but he growled and bit me again, so I turned and ran. I’m sorry, Jim.”
“Not you fault Blair.” Jim snarled at the thought that someone had bit Blair. “Your business with him is done. You’ll have to go through me to get ot him.”
“My pleasure, cat.” The leader said as the rest of the pack of twelve wolves entered the clearing. Jim snarled and his black tail lashed. Behind him Blair became scared for Jim. He wasn’t sure a jaguar and a wolf could take on a twelve wolves.
The leader and his two lieutenants attacked with growls, and Jim slashed at them with his claws while managing to get his jaws around one of the lieutenants head. The powerful jaws of the jaguar crushed the wolf’s skull, and Jim spat the brown and gray body to the ground while slashing at the other two with his claws. The wolves backed down a bit, but then the entire pack rushed Jim and the sentinel barely stayed on his paws. Blair helped as best he could, biting at the wolves with his teeth, snarling and snapping. Jim roared in pain and anger as the wolves bit at the great black furred body.
Then another roar answered Jim, and Blair turned in time to see the huge magnificent Kodiak charging into their midst. When he reached the clearing, Simon charged into the pile of wolves that were on top of Jim and Blair knocking several of them about ten feet. Simon then stood on his hind legs and roared as he lashed out with his big paws. On of them caught a wolf that was biting at Jim’s neck, and the wolf flew in the air hitting a tree and falling onto the ground dead. Simon continued to bat at the wolves his strength more than a match for the pack. They leaped on him trying to bite but found that a grizzly’s hide was thick and tough.
Not far from them, Henri, Rafe, Joel and Megan found themselves within the woods, and had heard the roar of the cat and the answering roar of the bear. The flacon had told them the forms that Jim and Simon had and knew that that could only be them. Looking at each other, they quickly broke into a run, Megan flying ahead of them with Joel at her shoulder, and Brown barely keeping up. Rafe flew ahead to find them.
They came upon the clearing to see the pack of wolves attacking the huge Kodiak, and among the dead wolves, and the live wolves was a black shape that could only be Jim. With a roar, Henri charge toward the wolves with Joel behind him, and Megan ahead of him.
Joel’s horns took out a few of the wolves, and Henri managed to kill a few before the few survivors fled. Only one wolf remained behind, and that wolf was nuzzling the black panther that lay on the ground bleeding from a dozen wounds. Henri knew that the gray wolf was Blair.
“How did you guys get here?” Simon asked as he regained his four paws shaking himself.
“We are not sure. The last thing we remember is a gunfight the basement.” Joel said.
Simon walked over to where Blair was trying to wake Jim. The panther was unconscious, and Simon became worried. He watched as Blair began to lick the wounds on Jim’s body.
“How is he?” Joel asked.
“Not good.” Simon said. “He took the brunt of the attack.”
“This is my fault. I should have just let that wolf bite me or whatever he wanted. I should have given him proper respect. Its what started this whole mess.”
“Did you know that was what he wanted?” Simon asked.
“Not really. I forgot I was a wolf.” Blair said. “And not a very dominant one either.”
“Its not your fault, Blair.” Simon said.
Henri came up and helped Blair lick Jim’s wounds clean.
Joel and Simon walked over to the side of the clearing to talk.
“We can’t stay here. The dead wolves will bring scavengers.” Simon said.
“Jim?” Joel asked.
“I think with Henri and Megan’s help we can carry Jim.” Simon said. “We need to find a place to shelter and get food for all of us. I figure we can follow the river.” Simon said then he looked over at Rafe who was perched in a tree. “Rafe.” He called. The golden eagle spread his wings and glided over to a branch closer to Simon and Joel.
“Captain?” Rafe asked.
“I need you to scout ahead for us. Find us a place where we can get food for all of us. Take in mind the forms we have, I don’t think Joel and Megan will be able to eat any meat. Follow the river upstream towards the mountains.”
“Sure, Captain, no problem.” And with that Rafe spread his wings and launched into the air.
They went back to the clearing where Megan and Henri had dragged off some of the wolf carcasses while Blair continued to tend Jim.
“I’ve sent Rafe off to scout us a place to stay. Hopefully with shelter and food for all of us.” Simon told them.
“Jim?” Blair asked.
“Henri and I will try and get Jim onto Megan’s back and she can carry him with Joel helping her keep him balanced. You don’t mind do you Megan?” Simon asked.
“Of course not, Simon. Anything I can do to help.” Megan said.
It wasn’t long before Rafe returned ready to guide them to the place he had found.
Megan laid on the ground her hooves beneath her as she waited. Henri firmly but carefully grasped Jim’s scruff in his jaws and lifted the panther while Simon used his forelegs to help lift Jim. Together they managed to place the unconscious panther on Megan’s back. Joel stood beside Megan as she stood using his nose to keep Jim in place. Simon help as well. With Joel on one side of her, Megan slowly walked surround by the rest of the gang with Rafe flying overhead.
It was slow going and by the time they reached the place Rafe had found night was falling. Halfway there Jim had regained consciousness, but weak from blood loss he rode Megan’s back the entire way. Rafe was forced to ground himself when night fell, eagles not being owls. He was perched on Joel’s horns getting a free ride. It was Henri’s and Blair’s eyes that guided them through the darkness.
Hey Henri you remember that movie, The Ghost and the Darkness?” Blair asked.
“The one about the lions, yeah. That was a good movie. Can’t believe I’m a lion though.” Henri laughed.
“Its your spirit guide. It suits you.” Blair said.
“If you say so, Hairboy or maybe Wolfboy.” Henri laughed.
The place Rafe had found was a sheltered spot near a tributary of the river. The tributary was a small stream that flowed into a pond. The pond was full of fish. The sheltered spot had a hollow and a rocky overhang. The grass was tall and succulent looking to Megan and Joel.
Henri and Simon helped Jim off of Megan’s back after she laid down. The sentinel was sore and tired, and Henri and Blair walked on either side shoulder to shoulder lending their support as they guided Jim to the mouth of the abandoned fox den. Inside Jim curled up and fell instantly to sleep. Blair curled up beside Jim to keep the sentinel warm.
“We need food.” Simon said. He looked over at Megan and Joel whose heads where already down as they grazed.
“If it wasn’t dark I would try to fish. These eyes are pretty good at seeing below the surface of the water. Just in daylight though.” Rafe said.
“That’s alright, Rafe. I’ll try and get us some fish, but I don’t think that will tide all of us over.” Simon looked at Henri.
“Guess its up to me then.” Henri said. “No problem. But what should I hunt. The falcon said that all earth type animals were once human or descended from humans.”
Simon sighed, “I don’t know, Henri. Use your own judgment. If you bring back a deer, none of us will say anything. I just don’t know. I do know we can’t starve to death and we can’t eat grass like Megan and Joel.”
Henri nodded. Simon was right. He loped off into the forest in search of game whatever it may be.
Henri lucked out however. He found some strange looking deer like creatures that had purple fur and curling silver horns. The creatures were fast, but Henri managed to sneak up on them until it was too late for them. He brought down one of them easily his jaws strangling the beast to death. He dragged it back to the sheltered clearing.
Simon had managed to catch several fish in the pond. Rafe was currently dining on one of the trouts in a tree. Simon had brought Jim some of the fish, but Blair couldn’t seem to get the jaguar to eat. Jim was listless and hurting, and though he was hungry he felt too sick to eat.
Blair continued to lick Jim’s wounds trying to keep them clean, hoping that what he had read about wolf saliva was true.
Blair wolfed down the fish satisfying his own hunger. When Henri brought back the deer like animal, Blair went out to get a piece for Jim hoping that it would stir Jim’s hunger enough to have him eat.
Henri let Blair have a piece while he and Simon feasted on the deer. Simon had told Henri that Jim wasn’t eating, and Henri was scared that Jim might die from his wounds. He asked Simon who said he wasn’t sure.
Jim didn’t eat the meat, though he tried. Blair wanted to cry, he too was scared that Jim would die.
Henri brought Blair some more meat, and Blair wolfed it down. He felt strangely full but continued to eat some more. Finally, when all the meat was one, he laid beside Jim. Henri came inside and laid on Jim’s other side. Between the three of them they kept the jaguar warm. They took turns licking Jim’s wounds and sleeping.
Outside, Simon had dragged the bones and leftover meat away from the clearing for the scavengers to find and finish off. Joel was lying beneath the rock overhang his hooves tucked beneath him chewing his cud. Megan was still grazing. Simon went over to the pond to wash his fur and get a rink. It occurred to him that Jim might be thirsty and look around for something that he could use. But could find nothing. He went back to the shelter, and stuck his head in.
“Jim are you thirsty?” Simon asked the jaguar.
The great black head nodded.
Simon looked at Blair. “How do we bring him water. Can he walk?”
“No he can’t. I think I know a way, but don’t get grossed out or anything.” Blair said as he crawled out of the den. He walked over the water and filled his mouth with it while Simon followed. He crawled back into the den.
Jim managed to lick the water from Blair’s mouth and tongue. Simon shuddered inside, but knew this was the best way. Henri and Simon helped Blair bring water to the jaguar.
After Jim had his fill of water, his hunger stirred. The sick feeling had dissipated once his thirst had been cared for. Simon was about to go catch some more fish when Bair said. “Don’t bother Simon. Now I know why I continued to eat even after I was full.” Blair said. Then he looked at Jim, “But its up to you Jim.”
Jim knew what Blair was talking about having studied wolves when he was younger, “Simon’s pretty tired already, Blair. Go ahead.” In fact Jim helped the process by licking Blair’s muzzle. An instinctive reaction, Blair regurgitated the extra meat he had eaten instinct telling him to do so because he was caring for a sick pack member.
Simon and Henri tried not to be grossed out as Jim ate the food that Blair had regurgitated for him. The meat was enough to sustain his hunger for the night. When he was done, Henri and Simon brought more water, then Blair licked Jim clean along with Henri’s help. When they were done, Henri and Blair curled up next to Jim inside the den. Simon slept under the rock overhang with Joel and Megan keeping watch over them as Henri kept watch over Blair and Jim. Rafe roosted safely on Joel’s horns.
When morning came, Simon was the first to awaken. Yawning, Simon stood up and walked over to the pond to lap up some water. Wishing he could have a cup of coffee, Simon lapped up the water then waded into the pond ignoring the cold as he tried to fish. Rafe woke and stretched his wings when Joel lifted his head also awake. Megan came awake as well. They stood up and Rafe launched himself into the air. The two of them walked over to the pond and drank their fill as well. Simon came ashore having tossed four good sized fish on land. With one more fish in his jaws, Simon walked over to the den hoping he would not find two grieving friends.
He stuck his head in to find Henri awake. The lion looked at him, and Simon caught his breath. He looked closer to find Blair licking the wounds on the panther whose eyes were open and looking at Simon.
“Hey Jim, you feeling better today?” Simon asked.
“A little.” Jim answered.
“He’s a bit feverish, Simon.” Blair said.
Simon gave Henri the fish who placed it in Jim’s reach. Jim slowly licked the fish, and opened it with his claws. He ate the fish fastidiously while Henri and Blair licked Jim’ wounds clean. They had taken turns throughout the night in keeping the wounds clean afraid infection would set in. Henri had also taken the time to completely bath Jim’s fur since Jim was too weak to do it for himself.
When Jim was finished with the fish, he tried to get up. Blair stopped him with a paw on his back, “Chief, I gotta go, and you definitely don’t want me to do it in here.” Jim said.
On either side of the panther, Henri and Blair helped Jim out of the den so that he could relieve himself. While they where out, they took him over to the pond so that the could drink some water. While Jim lay beside the pond napping in the warm sun, Henri, Blair, Rafe and Simon ate on the fish Simon and Rafe managed to catch. Joel and Megan grazed on the grass.
When they were done eating, Henri and Simon walked over to lounge on the rocks near where Joel and Megan where grazing. Rafe perched in a tree and preened, while Blair laid down beside the sleeping panther.
“How are we going to get back?” Joel asked Simon.
“I don’t know. The portal isn’t there anymore. I don’t think we can get back. We may be stuck here forever.” Simon said.
“That’s not good. What about these Elves. Maybe they can help us get back.” Megan said.
“You don’t want to talk to them, trust me.” Another voice said. Henri stood as did Simon as a spotted leopard leaped from a tree onto the ground. Joel and Megan stood together behind Simon and Henri. Blair was in front of Jim.
“Do not worry,” The feminine voice said, “I mean no harm to you. I saw you all together and knew that you were new here.”
“How can you tell that?” Blair asked.
“Because you are together. Eventually, everyone separates and lives with their own kind. It happens.” The leopard said as she flowed over to he stream and lapped up some water. “Forgive me, my name is Maria.”
“What did you mean that we shouldn’t talk to the elves?” Blair asked.
“The Elves have magic. They are the ones who created the portals. Only an elf can open the portals. And they wouldn’t do it to allow you to go home.”
“Why?” Simon asked.
“To the elves we can be very useful. I don’t know why when we come here we become animals, but we are very useful to the elves. Like your friends there.” Maria nodded in Joel and Megan’s direction. “They would use your hooved friends like we used horses and cattle. Only they don’t eat meat. Lucky for us.”
“And the rest of us.” Simon asked.
“Zoos, perhaps. Circuses. The worst however would be to captured by one of their sorcerors.”
“What would they do?” Henri asked.
“The sorcerors can make you into their familiars. But only certain animals. I don’t know why that is.” Maria answered as she laid on the ground.
“Which animals?” Blair asked.
“Only cats. Any type of cat would be fair game for the sorcerors. If you and your friends are captured, the two cats among you would be sold to the highest bidding sorcerors, I can guarantee you that.”
The others looked at Henri and Jim.
Maria stood and went over to where Jim and Blair were. “You friend has been injured. May I, I was a doctor in our world.”
Blair looked at Jim who was fast asleep, perhaps even unconscious. He nodded.
Maria studied Jim’s wounds, licking a few of them. “You did a good job. The wounds have no infection that I can detect. If you continue to keep them clean, and him fed and given plenty of water, I believe he will be alright.”
“Thank you.” Blair said.
“You are welcome. Please take my advice. Stay away from the humans. My friend was brought here like I was. He was also a cat. A beautiful white tiger. They captured him, and the last I saw of him he was fawning and lapping the hand of a sorceror. Completely loyal to the elf.”
Blair shuddered.
Maria looked at Henri, “Perhaps Lion, you would like to join me. I am sure together we can bring down enough food to feed your strange pride.”
Henri looked at Simon who nodded. “I would like that.” Henri followed Maria into the woods. Simon looked at Rafe who nodded and took to the air. He would follow his partner and be sure of his safety.
“If she is right, we can’t go to the elves. Henri and Jim would be in to much danger.” Blair said.
“I know.” The idea of being a circus or zoo animal was horrible but not nearly as horrible as having your free will taken away by a sorceror.
“No elf is putting a saddle on my back.” Megan said.
“So what do we do. If the elves are the only ones who can open the portals…” Joel trailed off.
“I think we should face facts. The chances of us returning to our world is very slim. And the danger in attempting to return to great. It exacts a heavy price.” Simon answered. The others nodded.
Some hours later, Jim woke up and managed to drink some more water and eat a bit of fish that Simon caught. Blair licked Jim’s wounds clean again, and Jim asked where Henri was. Simon explained about Maria and told Jim what she had said. Jim lowered his head. “This is my fault. If I hadn’t been so bullheaded and followed that thief…”
Blair growled, “And did you drag us with you? Did you throw Simon and I through the portal? No. We went of our own free will. Stop blaming yourself.”
“Blair’s right. We followed you. You didn’t force us. And we have no idea how the others got here.”
“I have a suspicion that the ones we were in a gun battle with did that, Simon.” Joel said.
“You’re probably right.”
They were interrupted when Henri and Maria came into the clearing dragging another purple deer. They dragged it close enough for Jim to reach, then they all dug in.
Later, Henri dragged the bones and carcass into the woods for the scavengers to feast, then returned, lapped up some water and laid down to clean his fur. The other laid down except for Megan and Joel who continued to graze. Rafe perched high in a tree to act as a lookout.
Maria helped Blair clean Jim’s wounds again, and she looked them over pleased to see that they were healing well.