Status: In progress

Spirit Dreamers

Therians

I looked around me, suspecting that the cougar from yesterday, was stalking me. But I didn't hear anything, nor did I feel any other animal’s presences nearby me.

I looked down, trying to control my shock, realizing that I was once again, a white tiger. The moonlight causing my white fur to look even brighter. My massive white paws proving it; I was dreaming again? The same dream from before?

I stood in place, not wanting to move from my area, not wanting to meet any other animals like before. I was afraid. And being a tiger again had me frightened enough.

I concentrated on the scent that my nose instantly caught. I turned towards the direction it was coming from. It smelled really good. It was the mixtures of baked goods, paint, and clay. But I made my nose concentrate on the delicious goodies.

The scent made me assume that someone was baking nearby, which sounded odd, but I couldn't think of any other possibilities.

Slowly, but surely, I made my way towards whatever it was. My curiosity growing. Assuming whatever it was, must be harmless.

My paws made wide strides, as the scent became stronger; I was close now, which made me move faster towards it.

I froze when I realized that the scent was coming from the shadows. The night and the trees, overcasting, causing great shadows amongst the forest.

My eye sight somehow giving me the ability to see the outlining of another animal.

I made a slight defensive position, feeling their presences, but not knowing if they were some type of threat to me.

The fur on my back had risen, but slightly from the sound within the shadows. It was another wild cat, so I backed away, assuming it was the cougar again. But then I stopped and stood in place when the animal revealed itself.

It walked towards me, slowly; it's eyes only being of what I could see at the moment; it's eyes shining in a way. Until it walked out of the shadows just enough, for the moonlight to hit its face.

It was another big cat as I assumed, but it wasn't the cougar; it was a black panther. Its sliver eyes twinkled from the moonlight.

The scent that I smelled earlier was coming from the panther.

My body stiffened from the new voice that had entered my mind.

*...You finally showed up...I've been waiting for you...*

It was a guy’s voice this time. Sounding the ages between eighteen and twenty.

*...Who...who are you?*

I couldn't help but question.

*...I'm just like you...I've been trying to bring you out, so we could talk; so I could help you....do you not want any help?*

I stayed silent, and then said.

*...What are you talking about??*

God, it was just like the dream from before, when that cougar questioned me, when I was trying to question her. Their mysterious questions frightened me; and I absolutely had no idea what they were trying to ask me.

*...Help? For what...??*

*So, you don't know.....um look, you might want to sit down for this...or at least listen to me before you go back...*

I backed away from him, as he walked out of the shadows completely. His black long tail swayed through the air, calmly. Showing me that he really did mean no harm to me.

*...Go back? Back where...?*

He looked towards the ground like it brought him sadness to answer. When his head rose, his mysterious eyes held mine, and said.

*...To your human body...*

*...W-what are you talking about?*

Now he was really freaking me out.

*Listen....haven't you noticed anything strange? You've been 'dreaming' so much lately; but you keep having the same type of 'dreams'.*

He said the word “dreams” with invisible air quotes.

*H-how do you know that??*

*...You feel crazy; your able to talk to animals in these 'dreams'. Your acting weird when you 'wake up'...you’re eating more meat now; (and most likely attacking the dairy products too)...and you're paranoid; your body is changing, physically...it's only gonna' get worse...*

Now he was saying “wake up” the same way, but he kept talking in a light tone, which seemed pretty soothing, even though his voice was also mystifying in a way.

I stayed quite, my fright increasing. He continued...

*...You can't sleep like you used to;...and it all started happening after that day...after that cougar slashed your arm...*

A jolt of shock came as soon as he finished his sentence.

*...I was waiting for you; to explain all of this...your one of us now....you're a Therian.*

I frowned subconsciously.

*A what??*

*A therian...we're not the only ones...a therian is when a person that has a spiritual connection to a certain animal...they're basically reincarnated as a human in a new life, but still having a strong connection to that specific animal they once were in their past life, s-*

*I don't understand what you’re talking about.*

I cut him off. This dream was creepy enough; I didn't need any more of it. I had no idea what the hell he was talking about.

*...I know, and that's what I'm trying to explain to you...I'll put it more simply for you...what happens to people in all those werewolves movies, when a werewolf injury's a defenseless human?*

As soon as he said werewolves, I instantly remembered the giant black wolf from before.

*...Uh...they turn into one...but what d-...*

I said nothing more when I had realized what he was trying to say. He read the shock in my gaze.

*...Yes; even though you don't literally turn into that animal, your soul changes into that animal, because your soul is connected to that animal...and in this case, you were scratched by a werecat (thank goodness), therefore making you one of us now.*

I took in shaky breath, while I listened, my body trembling. I laid down, feeling as though I was ready to give out.

*...A...werecat??*

*Yeah...like a werewolf, but we're werecats.*

*....This is just a dream, this is just a dream, this is j-*

*No, it's not. It might seem like it is, but it's reality, and you have to remember that; it's dangerous if you think otherwise...like I said before, our souls have connections with these animals...that's why you're a bangle tiger, and I'm a panther...and that's why that girl that scratched you, is a cougar...you guys, come on out and say hi.*

Different scents overwhelmed my nose, my ears being filled with sounds from all around me, my eyes watching the movements within the shadows, my head being filled with giggles and whispers.

*W-who's out there??*

*It's okay, they're not going to hurt you.*

The black panther said in a soft voice, but my eyes were watching my surroundings.

First, a jaguar emerged. Their green eyes held my gaze, but with compassion. The scent of cigarettes, guitars, a different area, mixed with this area, and gasoline came to me. A girl’s voice filled my head; her voice sounded pretty, kind, and sweet. Sounding close to the panther’s age, with a slight Tennessee accent.

*Hi! And welcome to the group. I'm Avery, what's your name, honey?*

Before I could answer, another wildcat had jumped down from the trees, and landed wonderfully and safely a couple feet from me. It was a leopard, their eyes green as well, though it was more of a light green color. Scents of make-up and CD's hit me.

Another girl’s voice came to me now. Her voice sounding the ages between sixteen and seventeen. Her voice sounding nice, shy, and cheerful.

*Hi. My names Lynn, it's nice to meet you.*

It seemed like a never ending of wildcats, as another had sprung out from the shrubs and tall grass, with such grace, and agility, that made me stumble back.

They landed in a position that looked to be life threatening, but the cheetah's eyes told otherwise. I gazed upon them, their stunning eyes, which were dark purple in the middle, going into a lighter shade of a purple on the outer area of their irises.

The scent of a whole different area, with different types of animals, clothes, and accessorizes, filled my nostrils. Then a different voice of an excited pretty Australian girl filled my head.

*Hello! My name is Meiar. Tell us your name, please!*

I instinctively turned around, feeling the presences of another animal. I turned to find the cougar from before walking out from the shadows. I smelled the scents of another area mixed with this area, as well as caffeine, and photos.

The girls voice sounded a bit embarrassed, her cute filled Mississippi accent, made me tilt my head in wonder.

*Heya...sorry about what I did to you before...you know, changing you and all...my names Charlennedy...so; what's your name?*

I hesitated as I looked at the werecats all around me, all five of them watching me, waiting for an answer.

My gaze falling back on the black panther.

*And by the way, my names Scott.*

I wobbled unsteadily. This was all too unreal!

*Give her some space, you guys! She needs time to take this all in...we don't want to scare her back into her body.*

The group of werecats stepped back, as each and every one of them told me to breathe, calm down, or that it was going to be okay. Feeling sympathy for me.

Then there was complete silence till I could stand again, to introduce myself.

*....Um....my...my names...um...Malean...*

All their voices filled my head, saying hello's in their accents, then Scott said.

*Alright; Malean...would you like to join our group?*

The girls whispered “yes's” like it would make a difference, and then Scott gave them a look, and said.

*It's only your choice, Malean; we won't make you choose...and if you need time to think about it, then we'll give you as much time as you'd like.*

I hesitated. It sounded only right to join, I mean, I was one of them now, so wouldn't that mean that I'm in no matter what? They were giving me free will, but....what would happen if I did join??

Some of the werecats chuckled; I looked back to them, wondering why they were. I sighed subconsciously, realizing that they could hear all my thoughts...there were obviously no secrets around here.

*There's no pressure, Malean, and we wouldn't make you to do anything you wouldn't want to do. There's no like you 'must go through the ring of fire', or whatever, haha.*

We all chuckled together, remembering how that was from the movie, “Finding Nemo”.

Scott continued.

*But; if you do decide to join us; there will be rules, but it won't be like crazy rules, just understandable rules. And you don't have to decide right now. You can wait till you go back, if you feel more comfortable that way. Plus, you'll have more privacy, heh. Oh, and if you stay with us, we'll be able to show you how to control your spirit, like what to do, and what not to do.*

I bowed my head in a nodding motion, and then asked him.

*Okay, well...what kind of rules would I have to follow then?*

There was a little silence, each of them sharing a glance, till Scott said.

*...Well, we were actually going to discuss a certain topic after you joined the group; Malean, remember how I said we're not the only Therian's out there?*

*Yeah...*

*Yeah, well; we're not the only Therian's in this area either...*

*.....Are you talking about...*

*Yeah...werewolves...we'd rather keep our distance from them...*

*...Are you guys, like...enemies...?*

*Well...not...really, but technically, yes...it's only nature, really. For centuries cats and dogs were always enemies, there's hardly cats and dogs that get along, but; we already tried that, and it didn't work.*

*...What happened?*

*...If you want to know more, then follow us. We need to go to our base.*

*Your base?*

*Yeah, it's like our hang out place.*

Avery's voice had entered my mind.

*Oh, okay...um, I'll come then.*

I followed them, as they tried not to invade my space, giving me a lot of free room around me. After a while of walking on all fours (I have to get used to this), we came to a clearing, and a wide cave.

I stopped in my tracks, looking around more carefully.

*What's wrong?*

Scott asked me.

*...This place looks...familiar...*

Charlennedy's voice filled my head.

*...This is the place where you changed...*

As soon as she said that, the battle between her and the wolf came back to me. When I didn't know what to say, Charlennedy said.

*...I didn't mean to hurt you, Malean; I was just trying to protect our base...and that damn wolf was in our territory...I didn't know what the hell he was doing here, but I was too angry to listen to any of what he was trying to tell me...*

I looked over to the cave, realizing that before I changed, I was standing in the entrance of that same cave, when Charlennedy was watching me.

Charlennedy spoke again when she seen the memory play inside my head.

*I wasn't gonna' to hurt you, I swear, but you were in our cave, and your scent was mixed with a little of...one of them.*

I frowned subconsciously to the last of what she said.

*...I'm confused.*

I admitted.

*...That wolf was trying to protect you from me, that's why he attacked me; because that stupid wolf thought I was gonna' to hurt you, or somethin'.*

I couldn't help but frown again.

*But why?*

*I don't know. You obviously know him...*

Scott interrupted my thinking process.

*And that's what we've been needing to talk about...that wolf broke the rules. We had an agreement that we would never set foot on each others territory, but he obviously mistreated the deal...but I now understand why he did it...*

Avery spoke up.

*Yeah, I get it too, but we had a deal, Scott.*

Lynn joined in.

*Yeah, so doesn't that mean that we stick to it??*

Meiar sounded a bit anger, speaking in her Australian accent.

*They're right. We should follow the deal, we shouldn't let it slide. They broke the rules, so that means that they have to pay the consequences.*

Charlennedy agreed.

*She's right, Scott. Just because the stupid wolf was trying to protect her, doesn't mean we should let them walk all over us, what if they think they can do it again!? Because she's here now!*

An awkward silence overcame then I said what made sense.

*...She's right.....and I've already decided...I'mmm not joining.*

I turned away, and began making my way out of their base, but Charlennedy and Scott's voices stopped me.

*Wait, Malean.*

*M-Malean, I didn-*

*Charlenn, be quite.*

Lynn mumbled.

*Nedy, just leave her alone.*

Meiar agreed.

I turned back to them, waiting for an answer, then Avery's sweet and honest voice, entered my head.

*Look, she didn't mean what she said, Malean. Her anger just took over, I mean, we are talking about the wolves here, and she was recently attacked by one, in our territory...but we do want justice, it's only fair. Malean, we'd love to have you as part of our team, but we're not going make you, if you don't want to. And if you ever do decide to change your mind; then you have to remember that this isn't all fun and games; someone could get hurt, or even worse; someone could get killed, and none of us want that. So just remember what you’re getting yourself into, and what team you choose.*

I sighed deeply, not really understanding what she meant.

Scott's voice spoke up.

*Thanks, Ave. Go inside the cave to wait; I need to talk to Malean some more. And no ease dropping, please.*

The werecats listened to him, disappearing within the darkness of their cave.

Then Scott walked past me, as he said.

*Come on. Let’s talk over here.*
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Here's another chapter, these new characters are real friends of mine that wanted to be in the story, including the character named "Nikolai", but all their names in the story are either made up, or middle names. So thanks you guys.:) Hope you enjoy reading about yourselves.:D