The Panther and the Wolf
 

The sun sparkled off a single leaf, poised in the act of dropping onto the jungle floor below. Birds softly called to one another below the clear azure sky.

'When?'  The Wolf padded through the clearing.  'How long until we meet again?'

'Days, years, we cannot know' The Panther said calmly.

'Oh yes, of course.' The Wolf paced a small circle, following its own tail.  'I hate the waiting.' The Panther watched its companion with an amused expression in its eyes.  So young, and yet so old...

A shadow rippled through the clearing.

'Time to leave.' The Panther stretched to its feet and vanished out of existence.

'See you later.'  The Wolf lay down, head on its paws.
 

 'That was quick.'  The Wolf observed as the Panther blinked back into existence.  'Not as long as last time you went.'

'I do not stay long' The Panther returned its companions greeting, pressing its head against the Wolf's cheek. 'I cannot, until we are both called.'

The Wolf resumed its pacing, energy streaking through the sleek frame. 'So, how long now?'

The Panther lay down again.  'Time has no meaning.'

'Oh, I forgot.'  The Wolf lay down beside its protector.
 

Another shadow fractured the sky.

This time, both animals stood. 'Now.' Said the Panther softly, eyes gleaming in anticipation.

'See you soon.' Called the Wolf as they faded.
 

"I should arrest you." Jim Ellison slammed the annoying little shit up against the wall.

Blue eyes met blue

/amber to brown/

Skin pressed against skin

/fur to fur/

Jim let him drop, then stalked out of the building.

Blair Sandburg brushed himself down, then followed.
 

The Sentinel raised his crossbow and fired, the bolt finding its home in the Panther.  The animal arched in agony before falling.

The Sentinel faded.

The Wolf flashed in a moment later.  'Oh no.  Stay still.'  Carefully it tugged the shaft out, tongue licking and soothing the damaged skin. 'You'll be ok, I promise.' It assured, nuzzling the soft cheek.  'I'll sort it out.'  It faded out again.
 

"Now PUT THEM ON."

Jim sighed and did as Blair asked.
 

The Panther stood up, whole once more.  It growled once, in approval, before phasing out.
 

"Dammit, don't stop!" Jim felt hands pulling him away from the limp figure. "No.  NO!" He looked up, an irrational hope spreading through him as he saw the Panther watching the proceedings.  The animal stretched its claws out and roared before vanishing.
 

The Panther streaked through the jungle, searching desperately for its companion.  It soon found a trail of blood, dark against the emerald leaves.  Fear in its heart, the Panther followed the trail to the river.

The Wolf lay there, eyes closed, breathing shallowly past the arrow in its side.  The Panther crouched by the Wolf and slowly tugged the shaft out.  The Wolf tensed and whimpered as the motion brought a fresh well of blood.

The Panther carefully licked the wound, watching the Wolf sigh and relax as the wound healed, flesh made whole.

Eyes flickered open as the Panther nudged the Wolf's face. 'Thanks' The Wolf carefully eased to its feet. 'I hate it when that happens.'  It stretched, eyes flickering over the jungle. 'What now?'

Muscles rippled as the Panther padded into a clearing and lay down, the Wolf at its heels  'We wait.'

'Again.' The Wolf laid its head on the velvet back. 'Pity.  I liked him.  He had a life within him.'

'He still may.'

'What?!'  The Wolf's head lifted, ears flicking in excitement. 'What are we waiting for then?'

The Panther stretched its forepaws out. 'The Choice.'

The Wolf laid its head down again, feeling the pulse beating beneath its jaw. 'The Choice, again.'

'Yes.'  The Panther focused its eyes, watching a scene in another world....

All Content Copyright © 2001 Taleya Joinson
Last modified: November 12, 2010