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It had been years since Kurt had even thought of the circus when he happened to notice the flyer at a local grocery store. A show or two attended as a child but those were fuzzy memories at best. He hadn't thought about the circus since and likely would have continued if something on the advertisement didn't catch his eye. Amongst the many images of big top tents, lions, elephants, ringmaster, and other generic circus stuff was an elegant looking black jaguar shown adorning the top corner. With the circus only in town from Friday until Sunday, Kurt made sure his Saturday was free as his interest in the circus had just been rekindled.

Saturday turned out to be a rainy day but it didn't dissuade Kurt any. He just put on a rain jacket then grabbed his keys, phone, and wallet like always and headed out. A man in his late twenties, Kurt was a little taller than average with a lean body, light skin, sympathetic face, trimmed short sandy brown hair, and an unpretentious demeanor. Like most people his age he had a job, friends, friends, and was generally living a good life. If he was known for anything it was for being perpetually single and something of a furry.

It was that latter detail that helped spur his drive out to the circus. While cats of all sorts interested him, black jaguars were a personal favorite for quite some time. Kurt found himself identifying with them so well that when he saw that black jaguar on the flyer he couldn't help himself. He'd never actually gotten the chance to see one in person so after years of just getting by on pictures and videos he just had to go for it. Especially since he didn't know when he'd get the chance again.

Circus Vondeltrap was a traveling circus which had a reputation for pageantry, entertainments for all ages, and most famously their troupe of performing animals. Their purported feats are all accomplished with no use of force or punishment, instead having the animals- which included lions, horses, tigers, elephants, and the star of the show as far as Kurt was concerned, the black jaguar- simply respond to verbal commands given by their trainer. It added some extra excitement for Kurt beyond just seeing a black jaguar up close.

The circus was set up on the edge of town where sports fields were located and its big top tent was visible over the treeline well before Kurt saw the tents themselves. Given the weather it was no surprise that the parking lot was somewhat empty. There was trash enough to assume the previous day's fairer weather meant a bigger turnout. Kurt didn't mind being saved having to deal with such big crowds. He ended up parking near where many trucks and trailers related to the circus were set up. The trailers in particular were set up with tarps and tent flaps over them to form an enclosure. After getting out of his car Kurt could smell and hear enough to guess the enclosure was where some, if not all, the animals were kept.

Kurt flashed his phone with his pre-purchased online at the entrance, getting him waved in along with a short welcome of, "Circus Vondeltrap is pleased to have you," from the man at the gate. Inside he had a long row of vendors and smaller tents doing games of chance, food, trinkets, merchandise, smaller acts, and rides mostly aimed at a younger audience. There were more patrons inside than the parking lot had Kurt believing, though it was still clear enough that he could avoid the groups and families that made up most of the crowd.

It didn't take long for Kurt to start getting caught up in the sight, smells, and sounds around him. Barkers shouting their games or wares, fried food vendors taking orders, fortune tellers promising magic, a live band playing brassy, upbeat songs; it was really winning Kurt over and he hadn't even spotted the reason he came to the circus in the first place.

Some exploring of the grounds led to Kurt coming across a schedule of all the circus events, acts, and other performances sorted by the tent they were located in. There was the big top tent, two slightly smaller tents, and a fourth dealing just in sideshow attractions. As for the show he wanted, 'Beast Tamer Helene and Feline Friends', it had five shows throughout the day. The first he had missed but the second would be starting in just a couple of minutes.

The walk to the big top tent was at least a short one. Kurt had to buy a separate ticket to get in but once he did he was inside he felt properly impressed. Under the violet and white striped tent were three large, immaculate large circles with padded soil surrounded by three sections of curved grandstands stretching some twenty-one rows. There were many colored spotlights situated on tall scaffolding as well as another brass band, this one featuring a lot of large drums that took a person each to thump out a tone setting beat that put Kurt in the mind of something grand about to happen.

Seating was fairly open with red tickets like Kurt's getting the widest choices of seat while blue tickets were front row with cushions and armrests. Kurt was satisfied with the view from the fifth row in a section where he was mostly alone. In the opposite grandstand were the majority of families and other folks settled. Likely since it faced the three rings directly while the other two sections ringed the other sides. Aside from having a lot of space to himself, Kurt had positioned himself nearer where the performers and animals would enter from. An easy choice given where he was there in the first place.

Right on time the lights dimmed followed by the drums starting a rolling beat. A single spotlight shone down on the center ring where atop a small podium stood a handsome, silver haired and mustached man in a purple tailcoat, bespoke in gold frock and buttons to compliment a black shirt and pant combo. A cane in his right hand all but completed the ringmaster attire except for the hat. One could assume his well tended coif of styled silver hair was the reason.

"Welcome small, tall, and all to the grandest show you'll see, The Marvelous Circus Vondeltrap!" announced the grinning ringmaster just as the music crescendoed. "I'm your Ringmaster for the proceedings and my name is Finnian and I'll be your guide to the wonder that will follow promptly! We specialize in only the most serene and surreal entertainments you can experience under the big top! I hope you are all ready for a show that will dazzle and delight you! My only request to all is refrain from flash photography as it can distract our performers, both human and animal. You'll find each well treated and cared for here at Circus Vondeltrap so please don't spoil your and their fun. Now with that out of the way, may I ask you all to direct your attention to the trapeze high above us where The Soaring Sky Scandinavians can be seen about to defy gravity! Look at those smiles on their faces, folks! No fear!" cheered Ringmaster Finnian as the spotlight shifted from him to the acrobats above.

A ninety minute show then followed with the acrobats just being the start. Clowns, gymnasts, elephants, more acrobats, and between them all a little comedy bit from the Ringmaster that got at least the children excited and clapping. Kurt thought it was all expertly done even if it really wasn't why he was there. He did though get to see Beast Tamer Helene herself when she accompanied the ten elephants out from the back. Unlike the more forgettable pachyderms, Kurt was more taken by the woman herself.

Wearing a similar, albeit cut to reveal a lot more bare skin, Beast Tamer Helene was a woman no older than Kurt from the looks of it. She was wafer thin save a perky rack that her jacket and tux helped accentuate. Her long, smooth, pale white legs were covered only in purple fishnets and ended in black, strap heels. Atop her head was the purple top hat the Ringmaster passed on but looked loved atop the blonde's head. Her thick curls bounced around her shoulders and back as she walked around the rings. With piercing blue eyes, a classic beauty with full lips and long lashes that even Kurt could appreciate from the 5th row.

Beast Tamer Helena cut an impressive, dignified figure as she strode around the rings and her elephants. Her act was presented by Ringmaster Finnian on the microphone so Helena's voice was only heard giving commands. Sadly Kurt was too far away to clearly hear anything. Not helping was how Helena mostly communicated her commands to the elephants with simple hand gestures. Elephants knew their routine and proved justifiably impressive. Especially when their keen minds were put to the test in pointing out audience members by their appearance. After that the elephants and Helena made their exit while more clown antics were set to follow.

The following acts were more kid friendly and didn't provide Kurt much amusement. All the while he was checking his watch to see how much time was left. With only twenty minutes remaining and then just now shooting a man out of a cannon into a net, Kurt was hopeful the felines hadn't been bumped off the program.

"Let's give Jan The Flying Dutchmen a big hand! Another successful firing without being sailing right out of the tent! If he can walk away from it, folks, it was a success! We'll try to kill him again later this afternoon, we promise!" joked Ringmaster Finnian as the cannon act cleared out and the light shifted. Clowns and stagehands alike could be seen setting up large boxes and other obstacles. Meanwhile the spotlight kept on the Ringmaster who kept the show moving right along in his usual upbeat manner, "Next and last to close out our performance for you today features the return of our magnificent Beast Master, Helene, as well as her feline friends with whom she shares a special affection. I'd say more but why bother when Helene can speak for herself."

At that the spotlight switched from the ringmaster to Helene who was sitting on a high stool by herself, legs crossed, in the ring nearest Kurt. She was dressed just the same as before only with a black felt bag hanging off her right hip. "Thank you for that brief introduction, Finnian. And thank you for rightly handing it over to the stars of the show. Not me of course, but them!"

Six additional spotlights shone down, two each aimed at the top of each grandstand. There in pairs were the assortment of large cats that Kurt had seen in the poster. They all sat looking quite proud of themselves with two lions, a male and female, atop Kurt's own stands. The grandstand to his right had two tigers while the left another tiger and the black jaguar. Kurt could tell even at a distance it was the same he saw advertised with its coat shining in the light.

"Come on down, everyone, so I can introduce you properly. And don't worry, folks, they won't bite," assured Helene.

The cats all rose and proceeded down their respective grandstands, splitting off so that they descended down the stairs on either side. Their spotlights followed them as audience members took pictures and videos. Despite all these distractions all the cats were well-behaved and just kept moving towards the rings. Kurt was disappointed that the jaguar hadn't been on his side but the lions were certainly impressive. Especially so close up.

When all the animals reached Helene's ring they sat in a row right beside each other without a fuss. "Aren't they lovely, folks? Let me introduce my co-performers, roommates, and good friends. First we have our tigers, with Zara, Tessa, and Bruce! Then our lions, Vera and Maestro, and our lone black jaguar Sasha! They're the most well trained, well behaved animals you'll find this side of Dr. Doolittle!" Helene roared with a smile as every cat stood up on its hind legs when its name was called where it received a hunk of freshly cut meat from the satchel at her side. "Now I think it's time we showed the audience what you're already capable of! Places, please! And a little music! Something lively!"

The band struck up some showy, upbeat tune while Helene stood and the felines moved into their set positions. A brief choreographed dance routine followed with Helene showing off her grace and ability while the cats would move around her flaunting their own skills by leaping, often under and over one another, and other varied tricks. They moved to the center stage where a flashy ending barely paused for applause before Helene showed off just how smart the cats truly were. She would spy a particular member of the audience and give the tigers a two or three word description. Whichever cat was asked would scan the crowd, find the person, then run over to point them out in the crowd.

Kurt, like the rest, were impressed only after a few displays of this skill by a mixture of the lions and tigers. When it was the black jaguar's turn Helene gave it but a single word to go off out of the blue. The word 'bass' was not entirely that descriptive given an audience of nearly two-hundred. But it took Sasha the jaguar just a few moments scanning the audience to correctly pick out a man in the front row of Kurt's section. A likely big fisherman, the man's shirt had the graphic of a sea bass being caught on a hook which brought a lot of impressed noises from the audience. Kurt included.

This show of their smarts was followed by a display of agility as they felines competed in a race of the obstacle course put together by stagehands. The cats were each given some time to shine as they each tackled the course in their own way, showing as much personality as they could. Another dance number followed before the act came to a close with Helene and the cats all bowing and thanking everyone before making a combined exit. The crowd stood and cheered as they went, sounding as thoroughly impressed as Kurt was himself. His only criticism was not giving Sasha a reason to be on his side of things.

Everyone filed out and were readily invited to come back for one of the three remaining shows throughout the afternoon and early evening. Kurt would make sure to attend every single one of them, taking the hour or so in between shows to eat, go to the bathroom, and simply stretch his legs. On several occasions he tried to find a vantage point to see if he could spy any of the big cats from outside while on break but never had a clear line of sight. At least the shows provided more opportunities for Kurt to see the cats, and Sasha the black jaguar, especially.

Each show was similar but in at least Helene's feline act she did various things by dancing to two others songs before the last show repeated the first's. The outcome of the race at the end changed too with the display of smarts being different by its very nature. One thing that didn't change that Kurt was glad about was where the cats entered from as he was able to situate himself in the right grandstand and sit along the right staircase to get a close view of her. He was right along with the others in taking pictures as Kurt wasn't sure when he'd get this chance again. Sasha proved even more gorgeous with each passing performance in the man's eyes with her sleek, muscled frame hidden just beneath a gorgeous coat with distinct rosettes vaguely visible within the dark of the fur. Worth the price for repeated admissions.

The last show started at seven with the biggest crowd of the day. Kurt was still able to secure his preferred seat and was ready with his camera for Sasha's entrance. The rest of the show went the same until it came time for each cat to show off its wits. After impressive showings from the other five, Sasha's turn saw Helene giving the jaguar a strange prompt.

"Sasha, dear, find me your biggest fan!" Helene instructed with a big smirk.

After this command Sasha took no time at all to scan the crowd, simply getting up and padding over towards Kurt's grandstand. Next she was padding up the stairs on his side just the animal to come and sit right beside him. The spotlight shone over on the two with Helene explaining that, "Hasn't missed a show all afternoon and we appreciate that sort of commitment here at Circus Vondeltrap. Show him your appreciation, Sasha!"

At that the big cat nuzzled against Kurt's arm before giving his cheek a lick. Kurt was never one for the spotlight or attention so this exchange had him red in the face embarrassed and unable to think of what to do but pull a stupid grin. But after the jaguar's lick he and Sasha's eyes met for the briefest of moments where Kurt saw something different behind the animal's yellow eyes. Sasha cut the moment short as the applause of the audience died down and she returned to the center ring. The show went on afterwards but Kurt was in a daze until the very end. So that when the band struck up its final tune and people started to get up to leave he hadn't realized it was over.

Kurt got up and cycled out of the big tent with everyone else. It was quarter to nine and the midway part of the circus would be open just over another hour. So most people went towards the food and games while Kurt broke from the pack to again try his luck at spotting the animals again. But like last time he had no luck. That left him wandering around the midway wondering if he should go home or not. He decided to after knocking over some milk bottles with a ball and winning himself a small, cheap but cute black jaguar plush toy. Kurt thought it a fitting souvenir so he headed out the exit.

A drizzle was starting up again as Kurt walked towards his car prompting him to put his hoodie up. As he did he glanced back towards the circus and the enclosures with a mind to mentally say goodbye to the animals. By chance when he looked he saw that some of the tarps around the trailers had been blown around by the weather. Which in turn had exposed the sides of two of the caged trailers with one having a tiger and the other the male lion, Maestro. He could see them prowling around and cringing whenever a breeze would blow in. This is what brought a worker over to grab the tarp and secure it back to the ground, depriving Kurt of a further glimpse.

When Kurt reached his car he was slow to find his keys and to then get in. Then rather than start the car he just sat there in the dim glow of a parking lot light pole. Even as people returned to their cars around Kurt and drove home he couldn't bring himself to do anything. Kurt was far too lost in internal debate over a scheme that the man would have never considered in most circumstances. Something about this time felt different and it was making the usual reasonable, cautious, and reasonable man want to do something crazy. At least by his ordinary standards.

The circus finally closed, sending an exodus of people out into the parking lot to leave. It was the sounds of the crowd that shook Kurt back to the moment. With a feeling that his plan could work- and a fear that if he waited too long he'd have second thoughts and chicken out- he got out of his car. From there he casually made his way through the flock of homeward bound patrons until reaching the plastic, waist high plastic mobile fence on the edge of the lot where he spied the big cat trailers. After making sure no one was looking he nonchalantly stepped over the fence. With about sixty meters to cover and a mostly empty field, Kurt made for the shadows nearer the big top tent and then made his way over. Remaining unseen was paramount to his scheme if this was going to be a quick in and out thing.

Sneaking in the dark seemed to work with Kurt reaching the back of the trailers. Here diesel fumes were thick in the air from several loud generators and idling vehicles. Finding the edge of the tarp, Kurt carefully stuck in his head to see what he was dealing with in terms of layout and people. The latter being the more pressing concern which as it turned out wasn't needed since as far as he could tell, there wasn't anyone around. That gave him the courage to slip all the way in where he crouched down low enough to roll under the trailer he was coming up alongside. It was the same trailer he saw earlier with a tiger in it so he tried to be mindful of that too.

It turned out Kurt's luck was better than he thought with not only no people around but he spotted a sign likely meant for anyone entering through the tunnel from the tent. It read 'No Entry until 6 AM' in big, red letters with some skulls and crossbones sketched in besides. That threat at least meant in Kurt's mind he wouldn't have to worry about being interrupted. Also making things easier was the simple setup that saw six trailers- four for animals, a dry freight one for supplies, and the sixth a smaller, unmarked one with covered windows and rear door- all arranged in a circle around a makeshift ring. With only a few electric lanterns for light, each hanging on the back of an animal's trailer, the scene was perfect for Kurt's fairly simple scheme.

Kurt only had to be mindful of the feline residents that were definitely in. On his right was the tiger trailer he'd glimpsed earlier with its side panels folded up. Thick steel bars caged what turned out to be just one tiger, Zara. She was currently lounging comfortably on some hay, body stretched out to full, with bowls of water and meat close by. She did notice Kurt creeping by but was more concerned with priming and cleaning herself. On his other side were the lions, Vera and Maestro, who each had their own torn up, threadbare couch to sprawl upon. They had their meals, Vera had a blanket on her back, Maestro a strange button controller in front of him, and both were watching a flat screen television in the top corner of their enclosure. Kurt couldn't see what they were watching but it was some soap opera with the subtitles turned on. It was keeping them well distracted from Kurt's presence.

Crouching under the trailers Kurt tip-toed along until he could stand again inside of the circle made by the trailers. With the supply truck to the left of the lions and the entryway to the right of Zara he hurried across to the two opposite trailers to get a better look at their occupants. Namely Sasha. He had to sneak back under the trailers to come up between them where many of the generators and their cables were laid down. Likely why both trailers in this case had their sides down instead of an open air cage. With both trailers looking the same from where he stood Kurt was left having to check them both closer. For that, he chose the trailer on his right since something about it just pulled at him.

Ducking another yet another trailer Kurt hoped maybe the other side was open which to his relief it was. Then as he stood up to look and see what cat was inside he came face-to-face with the black jaguar Sasha. Their noses were close to touching as the jaguar had clearly heard him coming and had come to see what it was. A few sniffs from her wet, black nose satisfied Sasha. She backed off and was very clearly very relaxed. It took Kurt a few moments to stop his heart racing after coming so close to her. And while initially it was fear it had calmed into quite an invigorating exhilaration.

Like the other animals, she had a large, clean, and well-maintained space with cushions instead of straw which Sasha plopped herself down upon so that she was still facing Kurt. She had bowls of food, blankets, and even a television, though it wasn't turned on. Most striking about the space were the walled sections which were covered in paintings. They had an impressionist look to them but were all decently done pieces by some artist, mostly being landscape paintings from various nearby regions. Most of all Kurt was impressed by the jaguar herself whose recently brushed coat looked as marvelous as ever. Somehow her relaxed state had her looking even more eye-catching to Kurt who fumbled to take his camera out and made sure the flash was turned off.

Just as Kurt was about to snap a photo he felt a pang of guilt. "Sorry, I shouldn't have been that forward after sneaking up on you like that. I'm Kurt. Your biggest fan, remember?" Kurt said with a slim smile as he tried to show the jaguar some respect. In return she flicked her tail, her eyes on him but otherwise unmoved. "I'll take that as a yes. Probably can remember my smell, right? You have amazing senses I know so I would assume you would. Hope I'm not intruding or anything on you after hours. Didn't catch you looking indecent obviously, since you look as stunning now as you did in your shows. Maybe even better."

Kurt found himself babbling like a bashful suitor to the jaguar who was patient enough to listen. When he finished Sasha sniffed the air again and this time followed it with as non threatening a roar as there was.

Taking it as a good sign, the man moved a little closer and kept sharing to help steady himself more. "Probably wondering why I'm here, Sasha. Well, if you promise not to tell the lions and tigers, I came for you. Saw you on an ad for the circus and just had to come. It's also why I risked coming over here too. Stupid, right? Now that I'm saying it out loud, it does sound kind of stupid. I could have gotten in trouble, right? Or eaten," Kurt admitted with an uneasy laugh as he reached the bars.

Sasha stuck her tongue out at Kurt in return along with more batting of her tail. She lapped up some whatever while eyeing Kurt as if to say she wasn't hungry- at least to him it did.

The cute gesture struck Kurt and made him chuckle. "Never met a jaguar with a sense of humor before," he remarked kindly. "But you are the first I've ever met up close so what do I know? Didn't know lions watched television either but I saw that today. Been here barely ten minutes and it's been rewarding already." With Sasha so relaxed Kurt thought nothing of sliding his arms through the bars just to cross and lean on. A risky show of trust around a wild animal but Kurt was too starstruck to consider any danger. Not when he felt so comfortable around her. "You really are worth it, Sasha. You don't know how long I've felt a, I don't know what to call it, a connection with jaguars like you. Since the first time I saw one as a kid in a nature magazine it stuck. It's really hitting me now how many years that actually is to be in love with something you've never actually seen. Until today anyway. And you exceeded expectations," Kurt stressed before sighing deeply.

Struck by the gravity of a longtime dream fulfilled, it left Kurt feeling somehow satisfied but also wanting more. He was going to try to unravel what that meant but that's when he felt fur brush against his hands. Looking up he saw Sasha rubbing against him affectionately. She turned and did another pass, nuzzling against his arms before laying right there at the bars. This put her within easy reach, wanting to return the tenderness he reached to gently pet the jaguar's haunch. When she made no move to attack him he took a chance, moving his hand to pet and rub closer to her belly and ribs.

Once he did that Sasha reacted by stretching her legs out to give him better access to her fuzzy belly. Kurt took the hint. "Such a well behaved girl you are, Sasha. Are you like this with everyone or am I special?" he asked with a halfhearted smile.

Sasha's answered by taking one of her paws and setting it down on Kurt's. He could see her massive nails slick out ever so slightly only to pull back. Making it clear she was letting him do this and he would know if she didn't have her approval. So it wasn't much of an extra step for Kurt to think she didn't let just anyone do this.

"So I am special, huh? And you're good at acting like you understand even. I really wish you could talk. You'd have a better understanding than any person I met how I feel. Or I imagine you would. I've never found anyone that was in the same wavelength on black jaguar. Which maybe I shouldn't be surprised at given I've never been on the same wavelength as most people for most of my life. You know, lots of friends and acquaintances but never someone that I felt good with, you know?" Kurt asked after opening up some. "You do know, don't you? You're alone in here too. That's a real shame but I guess there aren't many like you, are there? Not finding your likes easily I imagine. Probably lucky just to have you," reflected the man who was touched enough to add, "I know I feel pretty lucky too."

Some time passed where Kurt didn't bother trying to express how he felt since he didn't think he was doing a good job of it. It was easier to dote on Sasha with pets, scratches, and affection. She loved it, moving closer and rotating so he reached her preferred spots. Every moment of it Kurt savored. He had hoped just to see a jaguar with the exact coat he'd dreamed about but now here he was with two hands buried in Sasha's decadent fur. Kurt thought he knew all the details about a jaguar's shape and form but he realized that was just theory. This was the real thing and Sasha couldn't be more perfect in the man's eyes. Best came when she pushed her head readily into his hands, letting him rub her ears, scratch chin and cheeks just like a house cat would. Only Sasha was a little bigger than that, and Kurt loved it.

After what turned out to be close to thirty minutes of silent bonding between the two Kurt finally had the urge to talk as he told more of his life story to her. He covered everything he could think of, sharing freely embarrassing moments or personal moments in his life. As he went on about feeling lonely Sasha would pause from her enjoyment of continued pets to fondly nuzzle and lick his arms and face. Kurt took out his phone, whose background was an earlier picture from a show that day of just Sasha, and showed her pictures of the show as well as others from his life. Included were images of a furry character he had done of himself as a black jaguar which also spurred licks from Sasha.

Sharing with her was coming so naturally that it was like she was another person he'd known for years. They were just catching up after a long time it felt like and as Sasha clearly enjoyed listening, he just kept talking. Eventually when it came to relationships Kurt was somewhat bashful to admit never finding anyone he was comfortable being with sexually. He laughed that he wasn't sure what was wrong with him but figured women just weren't that interested. A point that pricked Sasha's ears up.

"Did I say something wrong?" he stammered anxiously as Sasha appeared to move away from him at first. Kurt could feel his heart sinking when Sasha in fact was just turning so that her rear was facing the man. He was tempted to say something when the jaguar's tail flicked up to show a swollen feline sex, causing Kurt to blush once he realized what she was doing. "Are you... presenting to me, Sasha?" he asked in a tentative voice.

Responding with a deep roar and further flicking of the tail it seemed to bring to mind jaguar mating rituals to Kurt. A thought that only deepened the blush in his cheeks.

"That's really sweet of you, Sasha. I wish that was an offer I could accept. You're probably the first woman I've ever felt really close to. Course we wouldn't be the right species for each other. Feel like that's on me though since you're... beautiful. While I'm... me," he told Sasha regretfully. Somehow guilt followed from not being able to give Sasha what she wanted. That meant repressing a slightly stirred passion in his loins, bowing to the limitations of reality.

Hearing the man sigh, Sasha lowered her tail, padded over to her water dish and drank until her heat was briefly cooled. After she went back to the bars nearest Kurt where she laid with her belly facing him. She adds a meager roar and some other noises that the man couldn't discern the exact meaning of.

"I'll just take it that you know what I mean. In some other life where I'm born a jaguar I'd be more than happy to oblige. Hopefully some day you'll find the right guy for you," Kurt said optimistically while he returned to petting Sasha's belly. So how is life on the road with the circus? Were you born in the wild or always in a cage I wonder. You definitely seem at ease and happy in there," observed the man. "And out there, when you're performing? You're definitely at ease there. I thought I knew what I would expect from a show involving what's basically a lion tamer but I'm happy I was very wrong about that."

Kurt's next spat of babbling involved recalling his favorite moments from the four different shows that he saw that day. Most of his attention was on everything Sasha had done with lots of doting words but he made sure to give the lions and tigers their due too. Their choreography was complimented but it was all the displays of wits that he was most impressed by. It allowed Kurt to show off his own keen memory in remembering the acts in near perfect detail. His favorite being Sasha finding her biggest fan and how that made him feel. A moment that started Kurt crying- not something he often did.

Sasha provided more of her close comfort, especially when seeing him start to tear up. She got herself as close as she could and licked Kurt's face when he rested his forehead on the bars in sadness. It did the trick in bringing a smile to the man's face. Soon his spirits were lifted and he was thanking her again; gushing so much that Kurt thought he saw a jaguar blush.

It's that modesty that makes Sasha arch her back and shiver just to go back to her water for another drink. Sadly after a few laps it was empty. Still thirsty and with Kurt on hand Sasha decided to grab the empty dish whereupon she presented it to her biggest fan.

"Uhhhhh, I feel like you're trying to tell me something," Kurt said with a sly smile.

Not finding the sarcasm amusing, Sasha hugged. She then tilted the dish in her mouth so that she could push it through the bars and right into Kurt's hands. A curt roar followed as Sasha laid back down.

"Okay, okay. I get it. Was just having a little fun with you. I think I saw a hose near your supply truck. That where they keep that?" Kurt asked Sasha, getting something like a nod in return. "I'll be right back then. Won't take a minute," he promised.

Determined to keep that promise Kurt crouched down and went until the trailer. He stayed low with his thoughts on what other topics he could chat with Sasha about. Checking his phone he was surprised to see that it was nearly midnight. Not that dissuaded him from thinking he could probably spend another hour there before he would definitely have to head home. Popping out into the central area he set his sights on the trailer where he thought he saw a hose hanging before. Walking over, he whistled an upbeat, tuneless song and was feeling good when he heard someone start humming along with him. Stopping dead in his tracks, Kurt can feel someone staring at him.

"Don't let me stop you. She gets cranky when she's thirsty," a vaguely familiar woman's voice told him from his left. It took a second for Kurt to recognize her as Helene the Beast Tamer, though sounding more relaxed than the boisterous tone he knew from her shows.

Finally turning his head Kurt saw the woman seated on the steps in front of the shorter trailer which appeared to be hers. She had on her jacket from the show but only a white tank top, short shorts, and a pair of black rimmed glasses. There was a cigarette in her mouth, just a stub, and a nearly empty glass of tomato juice in her hand as she sat carefree. Somehow, even dressed down and unassuming she has a dominating presence to her. At least one that Kurt thought he felt.

Kurt gulped hard while his face blushed. "Oh- I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to- I shouldn't be here. I'm sorry, I'll leave. I'll-" Kurt was quick to apologize as he knew he was caught but Helene stopped him by just holding her hand up.

"You don't have to apologize. You also don't have to leave since there's no one here that would throw you out, as I'm the only person here," Helene explained to him carefully with 'person' getting considerable emphasis. She continued, putting out her cigarette butt in an ashtray behind her before proceeding to take out another along with a lighter, "Like I said, if Sasha wants water you'd best get to it. The water hose just behind the stacked chairs where you're already headed. Don't want to keep her waiting," smirked the woman just as she lit a new cigarette.

Unable to think of what to say, Kurt just nodded and nervously went back to his task. The hose was where she said leading to an awkward couple of minutes of Kurt filling up the large dish with Helene observing silently. Kurt figured his best chance to get out of here without being handed off to police would require not agitating the woman. He was definitely on the back foot still and when he finished filling the dish the walk back was no less unpleasant.

As Kurt went to duck back under the trailers Helene loudly cleared her throat. "Easier to just go around the side. Just pull the flap back," suggested Helene casually.

"Oh, uhh, thanks. Thank you," Kurt fumbled to say. He went the way she said with an eagerness to get out of view.

"Once you give the dear her water, tell her I need to borrow you for a spell. Tell her I just want to have a short chat about your situation. And tell her that exactly, if you could," Helene kindly insisted. Gracious as she sounded there was also an underlying implication Kurt had no choice in the matter.

"Y-Yeah, s-sure. Just give me a minute to tell Sasha, her, umm, what you just said. I, uhhhh, sorry. I'll just get going then." Kurt's nerves were showing in his hesitant speech and he was all too happy to get back to Sasha.

Kurt was through the shortcut and back to the open side of the trailer was able to breath a little easier. Seated and waiting for him was Sasha with her moved down the end of the enclosure nearest where he came in. She had clearly overheard part or some of what was said based on her head being cocked to the side out of curiosity. Sigh, Kurt carefully slid the water into the enclosure. However the jaguar's attention was still on the man.

"Sorry for the wait... I, well, I met your boss. Your blonde tamer one. She, ummm, she didn't seem mad I was here? So that's good but she said she wanted to borrow me for something? Or well, a short spell in her trailer to talk about my 'situation'. I hope she's not just distracting me while she waits for the cops to get here to haul me off for trespassing. She's not the sort of person for that sort of thing, is she, Sasha?" Kurt fretted, his hands stuck through the bars and rubbing at one of Sasha's ears. It had the big cat grinning sublimely while Kurt was able to get out some of his tension through her fur. "You don't seem to be put off by it. That because Helene's not tricking? Or, the more likely answer, you don't really understand me. Smart as you are, you can't tell me what to expect. Sure wish you could. Would stop my heart beating like it's about to explode."

Sasha continued to enjoy the man's fingers work on her fur with no real response to his worries. She enjoyed that for a little longer and only then opened her eyes to look back at the man. A few licks to his hands and arm were followed by one to his nose, making Kurt smile despite his anxiety.

The jaguar then ploughed off the water and started drinking, leaving Kurt with nothing to really do but go back and face Helene. "Hope I get to see you again, Sasha. If I don't, thanks for listening and everything before. Felt like sometimes you really understood me. Haven't felt so relaxed around anyone like this in a long time. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you, Sasha," Kurt said quickly in parting with some emotions making his voice quaver. It's those feelings that make Kurt leave without waiting for Sasha to reply. Otherwise he would have to talk to Helene while wiping away tears.

Back in the middle there was no sign of Helene. However the back door on her trailer was left open in invitation. There was a curtain of what Kurt noticed were actually old leather straps used in animal rains and restraints that had just been decoratively repurposed. Thick as they were a warm light trickled through gaps and was at least welcoming. Taking a deep breath Kurt stepped through unsure what exactly he was stepping into.

It was hard to not feel transported by the cozy, comfortable, and urbane interior with hand built furniture and paneling, deep violet curtains, fragrant incense, and dim lighting improved with strings of white lights pinned around the windows. There was a plush red carpet everywhere but the doorway where a sign read: 'Bare feet and paws only. No shoes or boots.' So Kurt took his shoes then moved in further, past a kitchenette and washer dryer, brushed aside a lace curtain to a lounging area that included blush couches on either side along with several pillows and some small tables. In the left one was Helene, seated and with her drink refilled.

"Have a seat. Can I get you something to drink? I heard you talking for a while so I imagine your mouth must be as parched as Sasha's was when she sent you off on your errand," she offered politely, sitting up slightly.

"A drink? Oh, umm, water is fine," he answered indifferently while sitting down slowly.

"Just water? Nothing with a little more flavor?" suggested Helene as she rose from her own seat. "I have a few options, including alcohol if you're that type."

"I guess, milk? Not much of a drinker," Kurt explained. "Sorry that I'm frazzled, it's just, I wasn't expecting..."

"To share a drink with me? Life is full of surprises Kurt, sometimes you just have to roll with them. Otherwise they'll rule ya," remarked Helene as she went to the fridge in the kitchenette. "Milk, huh? I think I have a little left. Is lactose free fine?"

"Sure, yeah. Whatever you have is fine," Kurt said, trying to be calm. As he sat there he looked around the room more, noticing lots of framed pictures, newspaper clippings, and paintings of or about the circus. Catching his eye most of all was one that shared the same style as those Kurt had seen in Sasha's trailer.

"Perfect. I love when people are flexible," she thanked, pulling a milk carton from the fridge.

"Heh, I can imagine," Kurt smiled. "I appreciate the hospitality you're showing, really. Especially considering I'm the one trespassing."

Helene laughed. "Hospitality is a way of life in the circus, dear. It's all give and take on the road. Maybe if you were trying to steal Sasha or our generators, which has happened a lot recently, I would be upset. But you, you were walking to her. Giving her attention, love, and opening up from the sounds of it. My only complaints are that you didn't simply ask if you could see her. And that you've not thought to introduce yourself," she mentioned.

"Oh right, sorry. I'm Kurt," he replied.

"Kurt. A nice name. A good name. Nice to meet you, Kurt. I'm Helene. I hope Sasha was on her best behavior. Wouldn't want her making Circus Vondeltrap look bad." Smirking, she poured Kurt's glass of milk and handed it him before returning to her own seat across from him.

"Sasha? She was great. Perfect. Just, so damn perfect. She was friendly from the moment I... snuck up on her. Definitely not the best way to make an introduction but she didn't seem to mind. Had a whole different plan when I came up to see her but one thing sort of led to another and, here I am," he Kurt recounted nervously.

"And here you are," she repeated, letting that be the final word for a minute before continuing when she saw her guest squirming. "No surprise about Sasha. She's always been a treasure since we took her in. Though I can't recall her being so relaxed around a new person as it sounds like she was with you. Sasha is polite but has a reputation for being standoffish usually. Sometimes she's a bit of a diva too, like as of late," Helene divulged. As she spoke she never looked away from Kurt. Even when she sipped her drink she wouldn't take her studying eyes off him.

"Diva? I wouldn't say that about her at all. She was letting me pet after just a couple minutes, honestly. Never met an animal quite so smart as her either. And her eyes are so emotive too. Maybe that's why I ended up chatting with her for so long. Was a somewhat one-sided conversation but she's a good listener," an earnest Kurt recalled favorably. "I'm sure a lot of it is credit to your training but credit to Sasha too. Even if I didn't have a thing for jaguars, black ones like her especially, I'd still be thoroughly impressed."

"Sasha is full of personality, I won't argue with you there. They all are, really. Sasha is expressive and fussy, Tessa is playful and cordial, Bruce is docile and sweet, their daughter Zara is curious and clingy. Then you have the lions with Vera some days eager to show off and others you can't get off the couch. Maestro is lazy but a sweetheart which makes up for a lot. And you, Kurt, what about you? I know that you're a supporter of the performing arts, animals, and melanistic jaguars. And that you're Sasha's type. But I'm sure there's more than that," Helene stated with interest, crossing her legs carefully as she did.

"Me? Oh, I'm nothing too special. Boring, unrewarding office job I got after university and spend most of my time at home where I live alone. Suppose I'm a pretty nice guy. Don't usually trespass or anything," he tried to joke. Kurt was still rather tense but Helene had so far kept him at ease. Still he tried to keep an eye on the door just in case.

"I should hope not. Only on special occasions," smirked Helene.

"You could say that. First time I've done it since sneaking into the zoo as a teenager. Both times to see the big cats, funny enough," reflected Kurt.

"I'm sensing a pattern. Do you have some sort of personal connection to the animal? I overheard some of what you were talking about with Sasha while I was having my nightly couple of cigarettes but wasn't always clear. Wasn't exactly trying to eavesdrop so I'm interested in getting a picture of who Kurt is. And take your time. I'm wide awake and in no rush," Helene invited her guest while making sure he didn't try to abridge any details.

For the second time that night Kurt went over his life, tribulations, and long love affair with jaguars. The difference this time was that Helene would pepper him with probing or clarifying questions that had him opening up about his living situation, family, friends, job, plans and hopes for the future. She also interjected with things she had overheard when he mentioned them or asked about things half-understood if it seemed related. By forty minutes Kurt's nerves and fears had faded with him sitting reclined like Helene.

Kurt had a faint feeling that this was an interview of sorts but how Helene asked her questions, listened, and shared little of herself. That feeling was pushed to the background when Helene asked to see the furry art that he had shown Sasha out of curiosity. He obliged, showing her what he had from his phone with Helene approving except to know how the character's fur was more like a snow leopard's than a jaguar's. One Kurt was aware but had chosen differently for the sake of his character. But did add that after getting hands on with Sasha he would definitely be getting art with more accurate fur to what he felt. A response the woman approved of by all accounts.

Questions from there focused on Kurt's connection to black jaguars in particular. Most of his initial answers were loving their look, how they moved, their attitude, and more superficial things. Helene's questions were all about getting to more concrete answers so she never let him get away with 'I don't know'. "You always know," she'd assure him. Then, every time, he'd dig deeper and would always find an answer.

Well over an hour in and neither Kurt or Helene were showing any signs of letting up. When Helene stood and collected their empty glasses to refill them, she came to a question that Kurt was finally unable to answer. "With such a love for jaguars, what would you do if you woke up one day as one and could never change back?" she asked firmly.

Not expecting the question left Kurt thinking of a good answer. Then when he thought he had it he heard heavy footsteps at the door. He tried looking over but a curtain, Helene, the fridge door, and a table were in the way. Still whatever it was pushing through the leather curtain and weighing enough to rock the trailer.

"I was wondering when you'd show up. You're late," Helene reprimanded lightly without turning her back.

There wasn't an answer and Kurt finally saw why when Zara stepped through the lace curtain. Her nose was already twitching when she entered and the tigress followed it over to Kurt on the couch.

"Nice, kitty. Nice kitty. This one is Zara, right?" Kurt asked Helene while Zara sniffed at his clothes.

"Good eye. Yes, that's Zara. She'll probably be a little nosy with you since that's normally her couch but she'll settle somewhere else. Once she's given you a once over and makes sure you're not hiding treats," Helene kidded as she filled glasses.

Zara did a thorough sniffing over of Kurt which finished with her satisfied but disappointed slightly. No treats and losing her preferred seat being the culprits that Kurt could sense from the tiger's empathetic eyes. She then moved to lay down so as to take up as much of the free floor space as she could. Making Helene tip-toe around her when she returned with the drinks.

"Just make yourself comfortable anywhere, Zara," Helene jokingly remarked.

"She's beautiful too, by the way," Kurt made sure to mention of the stunning tiger at his feet.

"You hear that, Zara? Our new friend here can see how gorgeous you are." Helene said to the tigress as she petted her head.

"And well-behaved. You have a real way with them. They don't just trust you. They seem to really love you," complimented Kurt.

Helene gave a satisfied smile. "I've always had a special way with animals. These cats in particular I have a special bond with. Zara knew me from the day she was born so I'm family. To her. All compliments aside, you still haven't answered my question," she was keen to remind.

"Oh right, that. Sorry. Zara distracted me," Kurt chuckled with a blush.

"She sure can be. Now back to that answer you were about to give me" grinned Helene, her legs recrossed and eyes back to examining him.

"If I woke up a jaguar, like Sasha, and there was a note on my nightstand that said I wouldn't ever change back I'd probably be rather upset at first. Hard not to be if it happened without my saying, just because it should be my call to make. Getting past that and finding a safe place to live I would probably enjoy it once I had settled in completely. Things would be very different and I would lose some things but overall? I could go to sleep happy and wake up looking forward to my life, I think. I'm sure if I had similar feline company that would make things even better," Kurt said as sincerely as he could.

"So you wouldn't panic? Seek a cure? Mourn your humanity?" Helene carefully queried in a gentle succession.

"Panic at first, probably. If I was at home or at work that would cause issues, suddenly be a jaguar. And I'd have some remorse maybe but I wouldn't hate myself. I'd probably love it once that initial shock wore off. Such a freedom to their life, even in a situation like Sasha is with her enclosure. My apartment has less lounging space than she has," Kurt confessed half-smiling. "I'd look great, have a better life by my reckoning, and I'm sure I'd have some company. If Sasha liked me then that seems like a good sign I'd make it as a jaguar. She's the expert," he admittedly readily.

"She's a woman who knows what she likes so I would take that as a compliment. Course she's not the only judge of who would make a good jaguar. Or lion, or tiger for that matter. I've got a rather keen eye for divining those sorts of things. Not a useful skill for those outside my unique profession I'm afraid," explained Helene with eyes still set on her guest.

"Oh? Think I wouldn't do well as a jaguar or others?" asked Kurt. The question was made casually but he found himself hoping she'd tell him he'd make a wonderful jaguar.

"It's not about doing as well, dear. It's about having the right attributes. The right mindset.

Kurt smirked. "Do I have any of those?"

"Hmm, can you dance?" Helene asked carefully.

"Dance? Me? I've never had much of a knack if I'm honest. Two left I guess," he answered easily enough while being unsure if she was serious or not.

"Two left feet can be changed easily enough. And a knack taught. Would you be willing to learn is what I'm more interested in," clarified Helene in a docile voice. As she spoke Zara re-positioned herself on the floor to lay against the woman's legs. Helene obliged the tigress with rubs behind the ear with her bare foot.

"Could I learn? I mean, I guess, but I don't think I'd look as good doing it as Sasha or Zara or any of the others. Honestly, I thought whether or not I'd make a good jaguar would come down to more than my will to dance," he admitted with a halfhearted smile. "Course you could also be joking."

"This might be one of those fun cases where you're right on both accounts. I was having some fun with you, sure, but I only asked what I couldn't be sure about myself. For the rest, I just gathered from everything else I know of you. You checked all the boxes, no surprise there. Wouldn't be a good judge of this sort of thing otherwise," Helene reminded him. "Knowing that you're at least willing to try to learn gives me more ease and saying that I think you'd make a lovely jaguar. Black like Sasha would fit well on your shoulders, I think."

An uncharacteristic blushing in Kurt's cheeks accompanied a clearing of the throat as he tried to compose himself. "Oh, really? Well thank you for that. Good to know if I ever wake up in that situation some day that I'm at least suited to the life. How about you? What would you do in that case?" he asked out of genuine curiosity.

"Me? I'd change myself back," a partially distracted Helene revealed without expanding further. This because she was already in thought following Kurt's sincere, ardent response to her own question. Whatever the consideration, she settled it within a few seconds. So quickly that Kurt hadn't yet thought of a response to her offhand non-answer so Helene spoke again, her tone of voice closer to the enthusiastic beast tamer. "I have an idea. How about a private dance lesson?" she suggested.

The unexpected offer triggered the man's modesty. "A dance lesson? Now? Here?"

"No better time than now. Tomorrow I'll be too swamped with shows all day then night it's all packing to leave before dawn so really no other option. However we won't be doing that lesson here since dancing requires some room to move. I think for this we can use the main ring in the big top. Won't be anyone around there at this hour so we'll have privacy," she assured as she rose from her couch. After a stretch Helene stepped over the sprawled tigress and into the kitchen to put her drink in the fridge. This while Kurt is still catching up.

"Wow, you're serious about this. It's kind of you to offer but I've already kept you enough tonight. Like you said, you have shows tomorrow and I've imposed on your hospitality, and that of your feline family, long enough. Maybe when you come around next?" Kurt's humble nature was shining through despite an internal desire to take her up on that offer. Especially if there was company. In his heart and eyes he was daring her to insist because that gave his conscious permission to acquiesce.

"Oh come now, Kurt. Where's your sense of fun? Of adventure? Besides, I can promise you, dear, this isn't an offer that comes around again. Maybe once in a lifetime opportunity here to do a little more than just see and touch the dream. I'll let you live it," Helene boasted to Kurt while rousing Zara up to her feet. Something the sleepy tigress was slow to do.

His modesty rebuffed, Kurt felt more comfortable saying what he wanted to from the start. "Sure, I'll take you up on that. There won't be anyone else, right?" an anxiously excited Kurt wanted to make sure.

"No other humans, no. I figured you would want Sasha as a dancing partner for this so she'll be present of course. Zara keeps me company at night so she'll serve as part of the audience," Helene explained. This as she was taking off her costume jacket to hang on a rack near other pieces of that outfit. Her attention then turned to a now seated and waiting tigress. "Zara, be a dear and see if your parents or the pride couple would like to watch too. Sometimes they enjoy a break from routine. Not as if they don't get enough sleep every day."

Zara got right up and left, rubbing against Helene's left as she did.

While Kurt watched her go, Helene presented a key to him. "Use this on the front gate to Sasha's cage to get her out. Tell her we're doing dance lessons in the main ring and she'll take you where you need to be. I'll need a few minutes to change into something a little less relaxed than what I'm wearing so head out and give Sasha the good news," she grinned from ear to ear.

"Oh, sure. Yeah, I can do that. You won't be long?" Kurt asked as he rose to leave.

"Ten, fifteen minutes tops," she readily promised. Nodding, Kurt went to leave, key in hand, when Helene remembered one lingering point. "Can I ask one more question?"

Kurt stopped in the doorway and turned. "Sure."

"You said you had a plan when you went to see Sasha. One that you dropped when you two connected as you did. What was it?"

Again Kurt was caught unawares. "Huh? Plan? Oh, oh right. I did. Seems sort of lame now in comparison," he confessed, his hand reaching behind him to where he had something stashed in his waistband. It was the stuffed black jaguar doll he had won earlier. "Was going to give her this. But really it's just a cheap imitation of the real thing, now that I've seen it."

"How sweet. Sounds like you won't be needing it though. Mind if I have it?" Helene asked humbly.

"This? You sure? I got it from one of the games here so you can probably get five for yourself if you wanted."

"Not exactly. I could get one, sure, but it wouldn't be that one. You won that prize and you wanted to give it to someone you admire, only to shun it when it proves unbefitting of their quality. That's a stuffed animal with a lovely story. Makes it unique," argued Helene with a showy passion that easily won Kurt over.

"All yours, Helene. Consider it a thanks for everything so far and to come," Kurt said as he once again went to leave.

"That I will, Kurt," she promised then watched him go. "That I will."

Kurt felt his heart fluttering as he allowed himself to get excited. He wasn't entirely certain what it would involve but it was enough that Sasha would be there too- with no bars between them this time. While he hurried over to the rear doors where his enthusiasm had him struggling to just get the key in. When he did it took several turns before metal locks could be heard disengaging internally. This allowed the two solid doors to smoothly fold to the side. Lifting himself up on the tailer's tailgate, Kurt climbed into the back which had a small area where food, cleaning supplies, harnesses, travel documents, and other gear for Sasha.

Ignoring all the stuff Kurt went instead to the door plastered with warning signs for 'Live Animal' and 'Only Trained Staff Beyond This Point'. Ignoring these he undid the single deadlock and opened the door with his only thought being to call to Sasha to bring her over from where she was likely waiting for him at the side. But of course when he opened it Sasha was there, seat and waiting with a pleased demeanor as she looked up at him.

"Guess you heard me coming? Course you did. You always do," Kurt admitted while kneeling down to pet her. She returned with licks to his face followed by affectionate head bonks so forceful that

Kurt nearly fell over. He balanced this by giving Sasha the hug he had been waiting for. "Aww, I'm excited to finally see you too. Got some good news too. Helene offered to teach me how to dance, for some reason. Wanted you to help too so sent me to come fetch you. So here I-" but Sasha pounced on him, too thrilled to let him finish.

Not wanting to fight a good thing Kurt just let her enjoy herself until Sasha at last relented. When she did, the jaguar leapt down from the trailer in one bound. She landed gracefully then took her time stretching while Kurt got up and followed after her. This led him down the cover tunnel to the main tent which was a journey through the dark for him with just a light at the end to keep him on track. Certainly not Sasha who became more of a presence in the shadows. He'd see her outline briefly ahead of him just to feel her brush against his leg from behind soon after. Guessing Sasha was just having fun, he just went with it. It was turning into such a night to remember for Kurt that he couldn't fathom what could make things better.

As they neared the exit of the tunnel into the big top several other tunnels intersected which lead from places like where the elephants were kept and the clowns slept. When Kurt finally entered the big tent from between the two decks what light there was shone through the walls of the structure, giving every an eerie, partly cloudy with a full moon vibe. In it he could at least see Sasha better with the jaguar leading him by a few paces. She brought him all the way to the center ring then stopped to nudge Kurt's leg with her head and body.

"Whoa, what is it? You want thanks for being a good guide? I can do that," Kurt grinned while obliging Sasha with pets. While appreciated, the jaguar must have had another meaning since she dashed off towards one of the grandstands. "Was it something I said?" he asked after her.

Sasha was more focused on whatever she was doing quickly than explaining herself. Kurt wouldn't be left in the dark long as a few spotlights came on and he saw Sasha milling around the lighting station at the top of the grandstand. She managed to get three unfocused spotlights that doused the center ring in enough light to blind Kurt for a few seconds. Sasha was back beside him soon enough, nuzzling him like she never left.

"Didn't know you were part of the crew too. What other hidden talents do you have?" Kurt joked as he got down to pet Sasha.

"Sasha is full of surprises. All the most interesting people are," Helene stated as she approached from behind Kurt.

Turning, Kurt was taken aback by both the beast tamer's change of attire and the full cadre of her felines that accompanied her. Decked out head to toe in a smooth, glossy black leather which was accented frequently by bits of repurposed umber colored leather straps. Her boots and pants were sheer on her body, fitting her perfectly with the sole of each boot of the repurposed leather. This leather also hung in two loops from her belt over the side of either hip. Helene's slim stomach was bare up to her chest where a hardened version of the black leather formed a sort of crop top with her arms bare and shoulders accented with a large curl of black leather from which several straps hung. Most eye-catching though was the large, almost oversized witch's hat sitting high on her brow. The brim in the front case to a curled point while the back hung lower over her back. Black streaks of makeup under her eyes and mouth completed her exotic wardrobe.

As she wasn't enough she was flanked by her tigers Tessa and Bruce and the lions Vera and Bruce. Leading just ahead of Helene was Zara, cutting an impressive entrance that left Kurt somewhat mystified.

"I didn't realize the dance lesson had a dress code," quipped Kurt at the approaching cadre.

"You mean this old thing? It's something of a tradition actually. The others know what I'm talking about," Helene smirked as she walked right up to the man. Meanwhile her cats spread out around them both forming a large circle. Only Sasha remained still seated beside Kurt who now had to look up at Helene with her boot's added height. "Shall we begin your private dance lesson, Kurt? I warn you, once we start we don't stop until you've learned the lesson," she informed him with restrained pleasure.

"I guess so? I've never done anything like this before," Kurt admitted. The scene was giving him goosebumps now with all the other cats arrayed all around with eyes squarely on him.

"I should hope not. This is something of a once in a lifetime so it would be odd for it to happen twice, no?" smirked the woman. She brings up a hand to Kurt's cheek while the other moves deftly behind herself. "Things will be a little intense at the start but don't worry, it will all cool down once the initial shock wears off. Speaking of wears, I have something you put on you. It will help you become the perfect dance partner for Sasha here." As Helene spoke from behind her came a purple leather collar set with deeper violet gems. Simple clasps made it so she only had to lift his head slightly to get it on with the other. "There, it's done."

"W-What's this for exactly?" Kurt stammered with his first showing of nerves as he didn't even get a good look at what she had put on him. It took him feeling at it to realize it was a collar. Stranger still when he couldn't find a way to remove it with the clasps having disappeared.

"That's for making you the match for Sasha, like I said. Sadly as you are you're not quite at her level. The collar will change that. And you as a result. The next hour or so will be quite the experience for you but I want you to know that you can get through it," Helene promised cordially. As she did she stepped back from Kurt, looking at him with a peculiar fascination.

A tense heat developed in Kurt's head, caused by what he thought was just the lights. "I'm still not quite s-sure I f-f-follow. Damn, starting to feel hot under the spotlight," Kurt commented while wiping his sweaty brow.

"You'll get used to it, I promise," smiled the woman.

"Will I?" Kurt put sarcastically despite his growing discomfort. A touch of wooziness came over him briefly with him regaining his senses quickly enough. Sasha all the same leaned into him as he wobbled to steady him further. "T-Thank you, Sasha," he said to her. Then as he leaned to pet her his head was struck by another, stronger bout of dizziness. One that dropped him to one knee with Sasha there to lick his flush, sweaty cheek. "I don't know what's come cover me all of a sudden but I feel like I've come down with the flu."

"It does feel like that at the start. And really on through the end but it's never a heat that will boil your insides or anything fatal. It's just part of the process," Helene explained.

"The process of learning to dance?" Kurt asked, panting.

"But of course. If you want to dance with jaguars step one is being a jaguar. Once you have that down we can move on to the actual choreography. First things first," revealed Helene magnanimously.

Confused and feeling unwell, Kurt went to ask Helene what she meant when a vicious cramping took hold of his right hand. Spreading up from the knuckles the pain had his fingers bending in ways that hurt as bad as they looked. This pain faded gradually but the sensations only grew more vivid with the last joint of each finger bending backwards in an unseeingly display. As if not enough his fingernails on that hand each popped off one at a time. Even his thumb was not immune though it appeared smaller in size than it one had been. Things reached a peak when his palms and knuckles stretched longer, leaving his thumb to shrink to the side. Accompanying this was the spreading thin, webbed flesh between his extended fingers as well as sharpened claws burst from his former nail bed.

With all this horror going on Kurt wasn't sure how to respond except with startled dismay. "My hand! It's... it's.... I don't even- arg! fuck- know! Changing? Fuck, it's not... stopping," Kurt wheezed and heaved. He had his left hand gripping his right wrist to stop it shaking violently. Even subtle stiffness could be felt in his left hand's joints.

"It won't stop until it's done, Kurt. Sorry that I sprung it on you like this but experience has taught me that for souls like yourself, the right thing to do can still be impossible to choose. So I made the choice for you and I know, in time, you'll understand why I did it. For now it's best if you just let things happen. If you fight it you'll still lose only you'll end up hurting yourself. And no one here wants to see that," Helene said with care but while also having backed out of the ring entirely. Kurt was now in there with just Sasha next to him and the rest ringed just a few steps away.

Soon with the cramping getting into Kurt's left hand and his right only getting more inhuman he did try to stand again to try and leave. "You're changing me into a... cat? A j-jaguar? That's not - fuckin ow!- not possible!" insisted a very heated Kurt.

"Uh huh. Can you really say that when you're growing paws? I think I even see pads forming. And your ears... those aren't quite the right shape either, are they?" Helene was all too happy to point out from afar.

There was certainly aching in Kurt's ears that he was aware of more now that he said so but his attention was still fixated on his hands. Stubbier, thicker nails were still growing out of the tips of each one with strength coming into them from a broadening portion of the rest of his hand. Webbing stretched further up these changing digits while as Helene pointed out puffed out flesh on his palm was turning pink and into feline pads. Similar pads started as small blisters on the tips of his barely recognizable right hand. His left, meanwhile, was only just losing its nails but was not far behind.

Tugging at Kurt's ears was further distressing him though he couldn't see what was happening or touch them to know. They felt like they were getting tugged longer but also wider with a slight ringing in them. "S-Stop! Please, I don't... I don't..." but words failed Kurt.

"None of that," Helene waved off with what felt like to Kurt as heartlessness. "You're perfectly suited to this life mentally. I'm making you perfectly suited physically. It seems a curse now but you'll see the reason soon. Just as they all did."

Kurt shook his head out of confusion. "As who did?"

"Who? Who else is here but those around you?" Helene questioned in a quixotic manner with her arms held out. Kurt strained to see what she was getting at when it dawned on him. Detecting as much, Helene continued, "Tessa and Bruce were the first, joining on the same weekend to form the basis for our troupe. They were very eager and willing to be tigers and the life it involved. Their daughter Zara is proof enough of their happiness as to their choice. Vera, Maestro, and even fair Sasha were more like how I think you will be, Kurt. Willing to join the life but scared to take that first precarious step. Look in any of their eyes, look into Sasha's next to you, and you won't a twinkle of regret. You're going through what they did and like them, you'll be happy for it by the end. But I get the fear and anxiety now. It will pass, Kurt, I promise."

The tender way the woman spoke made it hard for Kurt to summon the anger to shout back. While knowing all the feline eyes observing him were humans once too- Zara the exception- gave him added pause with what to say. Further changes to his hands was making them more functionally like a jaguar's only with still growing keratin claws he couldn't retract yet. Those nails, the weight of the paws, and the shifting weight and structure of his arms had Kurt down on paws and knees effectively. Ligaments, muscles, bone, and all other internal viscera moved around just under the skin, making it impossible for Kurt to stop twitching and fidgeting from one sensation or another. Curling, more curved ears and a notable bulging at his tailbone added more stress to a man that was having his life turned upside down.

Words were failing him but Kurt's mind was thoroughly aware of things. As he peered into the eyes of each of the other cats there was confirmation of Helene's disclosure about their origins. Maestro licked his paws confidently in resplendent, kingly repose with a face that told him not to fear. Vera, seated proudly at watching more like an adoring parent, had a similar calming demeanor. Tessa's posture was more supremely confident with a spirited encouragement of Kurt to accept things. Bruce had excitement in his eyes while he laid facing the center, paws tapping as if he couldn't wait to come over and welcome the man to the fold. Zara, standing in front of Helene, was the only one to twist and cock her head like any curious feline would. But there was restlessness in his twitching body that was only restrained by self-discipline alone.

Last there was Sasha who was still close beside Kurt as the changes spread to more and more of his body. Once he was hunched over on paws and knees she nuzzled against him as best she could. When their eyes met it was a fleeting moment. Bulging and panicked, Kurt shared a knowing flicker in his eye with her before he clamped both eyes shut and returned to his erratic breathing. Sasha's concern was closer and more intimate than the rest. There were distinct feelings of sorrow from seeing the man in such hardship that were only tempered by her own similar experience. Keeping close with such care gave some strange comfort to Kurt. A good thing as soreness in his gums escalated rapidly, having teeth falling out while his jaw, nose, and cheeks all throbbed.

"This, this is so unreal. I'm trying to-to-to not fall to pieces right now but it's hard," Kurt admitted. Sweat was by now pouring off him, puddling under him or soaking his clothing. Steam was also rising from his body as mysterious forces worked at him from almost every angle. "Is this... forever?" he managed to ask, being one of the many things at the forefront of his mind.

"Forever and ever. Quite the thing, I know, but you'll come to know it's the best. Besides, you'll hardly be a normal jaguar, with your wits and memories and what makes Kurt Kurt still there. Just balanced with the new jaguar, it instincts, needs, and desires that will merely help you survive and adapt better. You'll lead an easy life with your only requirement being participation in the shows. I'm sure you'll make a wonderful addition," announced Helene.

Kurt's back curled upward, his body feeling a twinge down the spine so intense he thought it would break him. This lifted him off his knees and only to all fours, causing his clothing to feel its own strain as his heaving chest, bulging hips, and bloated gut were all getting in the way. "My life... my job, my... my family..."

"From what I gathered you were unsatisfied with life. Family and job included. They'll be left to wonder about you and the best of them will hope you're in a better place. And you will be. You're among those who understand and will care for you. You'll be happy here, Kurt. I promise, Helene firmly assured.

"But... But, but that's.... I didn't... Shit, m-m-my feet," gasped Kurt as a new pain set in. Cramping like what came over his hands was tugging now at his toes.

"I wouldn't worry about finding the words to fit the moment, Kurt. Just do your best to mind your new claws. I wouldn't want anyone, least of all you, hurt by accident," a concerned Helene warned as she sauntered back into the circle. She passed close with enough breathing room for transforming man. At that moment the final joints on the fingers on his left hand bent backwards in a painful sight Kurt was at least spared any pain from. The claws there were growing impressively like the other with its arm taking on the same sort of musculature and fat distribution as the sympathetic jaguar beside him. A scene Helene enjoyed as she knelt down behind Kurt and started untying his shoes. "I'll have this off for you in just a second. They can cause issues if left on sometimes. Isn't that right, Maestro?" she asked the lion seated to her right.

The lion roared but then sheepishly rolled on his back, showing some belly while kicking both back feet up in the air.

"Exactly. So just keep steady and you'll be fine," Helene said in a voice calm as a full-bellied lion in the sun. With a cool deftness she removed both of Kurt's shoes and then his socks, setting each bare, bulging foot down in the soft dirt of the ring. "There, much better."

Kurt expected to feel more of his clothing removed but instead watched Helene return to her previous position, arms crossed, standing behind Zara. The sprouting of the claws on his toes- except for his big toes which shrunk away up the instep- and the stretching of fleshy webbing between digits had him clenching his teeth for several moments before he could manage to speak. "My clothes... my, my everything is... tight. So, so h-hot," he complained with more teeth falling from his mouth as he did.

"I know, dear. Hardly fitting you well anymore. Tradition isn't for me to remove those though. In fact, this is where I'll be bowing out of the ceremony, Kurt. Don't worry, though, you're in capable... well, you're well taken care of. Welcome to the family, Kurt," Helene said, adding a cordial bow. Then without another word she headed towards the exit, removing her hat as she did.

"N-No, no. No! You can't... leave..." But Kurt's failing voice barely carried. Helene walked away unheeded and whistled a tune to herself. Leaving Kurt to his fate.

Panic at the feeling of abandonment- by the only person who could stop this and give him some time to think- was setting in at the same time his tightening clothing was cutting into him. That and the hold still rubbing around his neck had Kurt on his last raw nerve. Not helping either were his elongated feet, now sporting pads and better resemblance to a jaguar's. Shortening of the legs was making him increasingly unsteady despite their heartier looking muscles. Kurt noticed dark, blocky rosette patterns with a black dot at its center showing up on his stumpier, broader arms that brought to mind Sasha's close-by fur. That brought his weary attention back to her where their eyes locked again.

He teared up. "I... I... I'm scared," fearfully sobbed an all-but-toothless Kurt.

The confusion in his mind played in his dilated eyes and was not lost on the empathetic Sasha. As the one most recent to join the group, the memory of the experience of transformation was fresh in her own mind. It's why she was happy to first hear then see everyone but Vera ambling towards the man, mouths open. This would help.

Kurt's reaction when he saw all the cats bearing down on him was less happy, more frightened he was about to be mauled to death then eaten. Fevered as he was, his clothes painfully undersized and ill-fit, and feeling something snaking down into his pants from the base of his spine it was hard to reason properly. He saw their open mouths, their teeth, no human witnesses and couldn't figure anything other than death. It turned even Sasha into a threat when she let them close in unhindered. They came from all sides with Sasha moving to stand in front of him.

"P-Please I-I... don't want t-to... die... Please," Kurt pleaded to Sasha in what amounted to a whimper.

Sasha could give no words of comfort but did come close and unlike the others, had her mouth closed. Something Kurt was having trouble with himself due to thinning lips and forward distention going on with his jaw. The corners of his mouth pulled in the opposite direction, revealing more of his sharp, feline teeth as well as a stretched tongue. Not as impressive as those the lions and tigers around him were bearing more now that they were on him. It's why Kurt's attention stayed on Sasha, just like she wanted.

He felt them bump their noses into him followed by careful biting. So Kurt braced from excruciating pain of being disemboweled with his last look on at least Sasha in all her beauty. However the ripping and tearing of flesh turned out to be just the ripping and tearing of clothing as the lion and tiger pairs carefully shredding it off. Between them all he was stripped naked in a matter of seconds with not a scratch on him. They even pawed the clothing away, piling it outside the circle before all the cats save Sasha returned to their spots around the pair.

It took Kurt several seconds to see what they had done and while it had revealed a greatly changed body as a result, they had left him unharmed. Exposed as he was, Kurt could still ease himself down from a total breakdown. That left him still rather scared and overwhelmed by everything but not in such a state as before. With a doting Sasha coming over to sniff and then nuzzle Kurt, whose upper lip just split under his nose with either side plumper and showing signs of becoming a bed for whiskers. It was helping at least.

Being free of all clothing but the beast tamer's enchanted collar meant all of Kurt showing. The extent of the changes stretched from top to bottom now with most every part of him shifting in one way or another. His arms and now legs too had the characteristic short, powerfully muscled legs that jaguar's were known for. There was more movement needed up his knees along and his pelvis, while larger, was lagging behind when it came to function. He splayed his hips more to accommodate for this but not intentionally. Signs of more jaguar patterning were showing up on the legs now too.

Also freed by the clothing was Kurt's new tail. Bony, still lightly muscled but showing signs of fur already down twenty centimeters of growth. It hung down over his bare backside with no strength yet to move. He still felt it though and a small part of him may have even taken solace in having a tail now. The shape of his torso had changed with how Kurt's ribs stretched down his thinned and more flexible core though breathing still ached terribly. Hard to notice rows of small nipples showed up around Kurt's stomach around this time too. They would have gone unnoticed except for a different sort of heat to emerge in his groin. Kurt looked under himself and saw, past the new ribcage and rows of nipples was his erect, hanging cock as he felt it come over somehow aroused in the midst of everything else happening to him.

Lifting his head back up, Kurt was apt to try and not think about it but Sasha was there again to nuzzle him with more loving affection. She followed this up by coming beside him, laying on her side, and then pawing in direction. Somehow Kurt's brain was able to interpret this show. He laid down as best he could to mirror Sasha with his legs only more splayed to accommodate all the changes. Kurt hardly noticed at first but felt a touch of embarrassment with how his aroused manhood stuck out at her. Not helped when it started to leak pre-cum.

But Kurt's fears were unfounded as Sasha nor any of the other cats minded the display. Which Kurt knew came from their own experiences along with a comfort being in being nude and not caring what others thought. Sasha was of course the one who was most closely comforting to Kurt with her matching his current posture as best she could in charming solidarity. Seeing her like this was lovely for him as it also reminded him of her swollen vulva. Something that triggered an urge in Kurt that was no longer unquenchable. Though for now it was enough to reach orgasm himself, beginning a copious emptying of his waning testicles.

With his body no longer capable of words Kurt was growling and letting out a satisfied though ragged sound which brought to mind the noise sawing of wood. The loss of his voice wasn't mourned by the man at all given the orgasm's euphoria had him sedated for the first time since the changes first started to twist his flesh. That it was a long lived climax made it more enjoyable with Sasha's pleased smile the cherry on top. It made what came next in his loins easier to bear.

Already much of the flesh of his cock was red from squeezing out every last drop of human seed possible. This caused a shrinking of the testicles somewhat with the lightly fuzzed scrotum tugging tighter. But once he was all but empty the head of his cock was growing more pointed in shape. Much of the skin of his penis's shaft became more robust before melting into the first stages of a sheath. This flesh rolled back towards his body, revealing no more of his cock due to its shrinking length. It did get a bit thicker compared to Kurt's old member with backwards pointing spurs indicative of any feline cock. He watched all of this in a tensing awe until abrupt changes to his shoulders, now sans collar bone, came closer together.

Seeing Kurt's member come into its own was a particular delight for Sasha who squirmed and wiggled. Her tongue lolling out of the side of her mouth, panting from a heat of her own. Sasha's tail was always wagging quite vigorously. Something Kurt could almost mimic as strength seeped into his newest appendage, allowing him to move his close to full grown tail around somewhat. Then as Kurt's cock and balls came to resemble its jaguar counterpart the lady jaguar scooted closer and closer to him. With every few centimeters closer she'd sniff the air coming off Kurt again, letting herself get intoxicated as his scent matured.

As Kurt's penis slid part way back into a slightly furred sheath remained protruding since his arousal was never really quenched. Much of his groin up to his lower back and tail were now covered in a dense black fuzz that was ever growing. Full jaguar rosettes that had appeared most everywhere on his body by now with areas like his crotch and tail having fewer with many incomplete in their shape. That didn't keep the fur here from looking any less pristine nor lacking when it came to fluffiness compared to elsewhere. It helped give Kurt's lower body a more complete appearance of a male jaguar. Subsequently making Kurt shiver from top to body with nothing less than excitement.

Like Helene had predicted Kurt's initial panic was giving way to an easing of his biggest fears. He hadn't come up with much in the way of answers so much as realized he didn't much care about any of it truly. Loner as he had always been with an intrinsic connection to black jaguars. Just like the one he was about to become. The more his body contorted, grew, shifted, and sprouted its coat the more content his nerves. There was still much to go before he was truly a match for Sasha but Kurt no longer feared that end. Now he raced towards it.

His body responded with the twisting of his pelvis, hips, and spine to a jaguar agile, flexible four-legged bearing. Knees shifted up with his haunches, rump forming and ass cheeks splitting. There was also tugging from the tail on the pelvis which drew out Kurt's anus in the process. This and the rest felt awkward to say the least and had the man wincing hard. Seeing him troubled had brought more Sasha nuzzles and affection. Providing the best sort of distraction as Kurt's eyes gladly opened if it meant seeing her.

The diversion proved more than capable of making the last few minutes of his backend's structural changes pass comfortably. When these adjustments settled Kurt allowed himself to close his legs in order to try rolling onto his stomach for some stability. Kurt was undermined by the paunch of his longer belly still feeling tender. His organs were still shifting around inside him as much of the skeleton from below the neck was near to the build of a well fed and nourished male jaguar. He knew jaguar's were a more robust animal but with a weight near, if not over, a hundred ten kilos. If not he'd pack on the weight soon enough given his still growing frame.

Kurt's struggles with his gut amused Sasha as well as the others. Many took the opportunity to get up and come closer to the center again with the only difference being Sasha's inclusion with Kurt as the group's axis. The give big cats got close enough so that laying or sprawling they formed an intimate circle around the pair. Each would sniff the air, roaring or growling back approvingly at Kurt's improving scent. Or could simply watch as any likeness of his old human body was kneaded out by the collar's powerful magic, gifting him- in their eyes and his- as the physical embodiment of the species. Seeing this had Tessa and Bruce fondly nuzzling and cleaning each other as it brought back memories of their own experiences. Maestro and Vera couldn't help but remember their trial of transformation spurred by their love of lions. Vera was uniquely delighted at how much better Kurt smelled, looked, and acted now. Her enhanced instincts still just gave her vivid desires to wrestle with a new playmate.

Another bout of awkwardness, this time it tied to Kurt's shoulders drawing into their final positions. This had his arms flexing and sometimes pawing the air with claws sticking out and retracting despite him trying to hold them back. Minor adjustments to his sternum helped settle his rib cage followed by his vertebrae. Together they filled out his upper body to the same stoutness set by his rear. Soon he regained control of his forelegs, retracted his claws, and could once again take deep breaths without wincing.

Aside from the obvious size and orientation difference, Kurt had underestimated just how much power he had in just his paw. Added to the rest with the advancing transformation linking all nerves, tendons, muscles, veins, organs, and all else in a growing harmony of function. There was a lot to be said too for how limber he was now. Never the most flexible of people, Kurt gave up on laying down to stretch and contort himself however he could. It helped greatly that his new muscles were in need of stretching and his joints required movement. The sight of a clearly joyful Kurt enjoying the fruits of his still yet finished transformation made those cats watching smile if they weren't already. Seeing him had Zara mimicking him while Tessa, Sasha, and Maestro feeling an urge to stretch too.

Seeing the others all acting so welcoming helped Kurt feel more at ease with everything. That he had thought them capable of disemboweling him only a half-hour prior were now acting like lifelong friends and family. That feeling was enhanced by the changes affecting their magic on his senses. Namely his sense of smell. The swelling around his upper and lower jaws had created a proto-muzzle with a split upper lip leading to a squat, swollen nose. Tugging around the corners of his nostrils pulled them out to the side and back, broadening not just the nose but the bridge up to his brow. There it settled momentarily but the nose continued developing, the flesh turned black while coming over moist. Roots of numerous whiskers were also present below his nose. Wasn't long until white whisker strands sprouted from those roots to help Kurt's senses but he already had capability enough to detect each cat's distinct smell. Altogether the scent would become linked in Kurt's mind as the smell of safety and more importantly, home.

The transformation had reached the point then where, neck straining and human hair on his head shedding off rapidly, where there was only his coat and skull left to make him a suitable companion for Sasha. The latter change was the one he most dreaded since just getting his ears, muzzle, nose, teeth, and tongue had been a lot of trouble. He drooled on account of keeping his mouth open frequently for fear of biting himself. This was due to his incomplete transformation so there was at least anticipation from Kurt that that would be fixed. Aching stiffness from his broadening neck, the collar stretching magically to fit, bled into his skull more after several loud, audible wet pops aligned everything.

Kurt tried to brace himself but still couldn't be prepared for changes resculpting his head. Flattening of his brow, an overall squaring of the skull, and the proper filling out of his muzzle were combining for an eye watering, gasping, drooling Kurt. His skin was at least up to the task of keeping up with all the changes, stretching to help close his mouth somewhat and keep discomfort to a minimum. Hardest proved to be the adjustments around Kurt's eyes the hardest to endure. The eyeballs themselves were not spared discomfort and while he wanted to shut his eyes he couldn't. Making the process more of an ordeal.

Helping at least was Sasha moving to stay in his line of sight as it all unfolded. In doing so she had a front row seat to watch his irises grow to fill up much of the front. As they did their color became a shimmering golden yellow with his pupils quivering. Gradually the changes settle, gifting Kurt with a jaguar's eyes in both appearance and function. Things were now in shades of blue, yellow, gray, and greens with sight especially sharp when he focused on the dark outside of his illuminated ring. Any exploration of his newest visual senses were put off by the close at hand and all the more appealing sight of the beautiful Sasha.

After that the rest of his skull's contortions were nothing that could distract from the lovely lady in front of him. Every ache and irritation was just something that made him look more like her. His mouth, cheeks, and muzzle matured to full size with strength most felt in Kurt's bite. Having a longer tongue at about seventeen centimeters that was like so much of the rest of him: flexible, stronger, better sense of taste, and danger in the form of the many tiny, rear-facing barbs on the top portion of the tongue. Licking it along his new, impressive teeth was just the beginning of his practice with it. Opening his mouth and showing these new features off brought close sniffing and licks from Sasha. Ones Kurt could finally return properly.

In much the same way that the group as a whole's aroma would come to mean home for Kurt, the smell of Sasha, something of a rich, floral yet musky scent, would come to mean soulmate. The last few changes to his skull, mostly between and around his ears, were complete which finished more than just his face. Lacking only for fur Kurt's body otherwise ended its transition from man to jaguar. He now had the size, bearing, strength, quickness, and flexibility of a jaguar. There were at least rosettes of some shape most everywhere now with the black fur most progressing around his haunches, crotch, belly, legs, and paws. The coloring of his belly underside was lighter but it was the lack of fur on the shoulders, back, ribs, and head that made him look partially shaved. A problem he was too enamored with Sasha to mind.

With Sasha just taken with Kurt she recognized the hallmarks of a finished anatomy. To verify this she began a close, careful inspection of him with eyes, nose, and tongue where necessary. It confirmed every suspicion she had and then some. While she worked Kurt enjoyed the attention as well as the warm, prickling sensations caused by his spreading coat. When Sasha would use her tongue were his favorite moments though. Especially when a supremely satisfied and still very aroused Sasha licked longingly at his penis and sheath. This action was more than just a delight. As Sasha nuzzled back up to Kurt's head she moved in front of him once more but this time presenting her hindquarters to him as an invitation.

Kurt was of his own mind and aware of himself but instinct had bled into mind, furthered by a male jaguar's hormones. These gave him the tastes and predilections natural to his body. This translated to finding every aspect of the female jaguar's figure not just beautiful but sexually exactly what he wanted now. It wasn't a supplanting of his past feeling so much those feeling developing in something of a romantic bestial lust. There was no hesitation in Kurt to walk up to Sasha with his nose and tongue leading the way. Any wonder what to do was handled without thinking. He sniffed her rump with attention to her swollen vulva. Licks followed with a pungent taste that his feline brain relayed as a good sign. Though Sasha's lifted, twitching tail and deep, needy roars also indicated she was ready for him.

Those watching couples that had been human once themselves knew this was when they'd know how well Kurt had accepted his transformation. If any had doubts he dispelled them in an instant by mounting Sasha like any eager male jaguar would such a suitable female. Instinct helped guide Kurt's probing cock to where it needed to be, penetrating Sasha and making her roar deeply. Nibbling fondly at the back of her neck as he did Kurt's newfound energy and strength were poured into passionate thrusting. They knew Helene had made the right choice, as always.

For Kurt it was a freeing experience he never imagined having when he first saw that flyer for the circus. But now there seemed now other way it really could have gone. This body fit so seamlessly to him that the underlying shyness, anxiety, and feeling of not belonging was all but put in check. Allowing the bolder aspects of Kurt's personality to shine through brighter than ever before to his reckoning. No regrets or worries about what the world would do without the man he used to be. Everything was truly right in the world now that he had the body, mate, and home he'd wanted. Making his first climax as a full feline a memorable one.

The two mating jaguars roared in celebration as they copulated surrounded by their larger family. Neither felt any modesty, least of all Kurt who after the deed was done and he dismounted it was with pride he looked to Bruce and Maestro, his fellow males. They nodded their approval, roaring for him. Just after this Sasha was being lauded by Tessa and Vera who shared their own appreciation with unmistakable roars of their own. Before they had even caught their breaths the other cats came in to congratulate. Licking, nuzzling and coming to lay about the jaguars, making for a one-of-a-kind clowder of cats.

Laying in the midst of them all who accepted him so openly made Kurt feel he really belonged. This despite the changes still not having truly completed. Even after heated sex with the new love of his life Kurt's head, neck, and shoulders had only a lightly coat of fur. There weren't any bare spots left but his darken jaguar skin was easily visible. Kurt wasn't concerned about what he lacked given how captivated he was with those parts of his body where the fur had filled in. The distinct black fur he'd loved for so many years from pictures to Sasha was now adorning him was a thrill of its own. The elegant way the fur was midnight black in places while elsewhere the rosettes and lighter colored filling showed through. His paws were also resplendent in their purely jet black fur that wrapped around his paws. Sight of his tail was a thrill too with how well the fur there looked good no matter how he flicked and curled it. It was all just so amazing as to be hard to believe it was really happening.

Being as taken as he was with himself it allowed those areas lagging for fur to fill in more and more. Darker patches around his ears and chin spread to encompass his muzzle, circle his eyes, and fill in the flat space between his ears. Kurt noticed it only when the fur came in on and around his nose. Spaces between the fully grown white whiskers disappeared to help complete the look. It made the yellow-gold of his eyes pop even more though this was not something he would appreciate until getting in front of a mirror. Getting proper, full on licks from Sasha to his cheeks and face were the best. She didn't have to hold back from hurting him with her tongue anymore so could really lean into it.

Soon the other cats joined in with their tongues, licking and preening his fur wherever it was grown in. The more of him that was covered the more room there was for all five to give Kurt his first bath. Seeing what they were all doing Kurt imagined this another ritual in the process and readily accepted their care. Feeling their tongue, their breath, and their presence so close made it hard for him to have much thought to how long was left in his transformation. The prickly, slightly turgid sensation of growing fur had diminished throughout most of his body by then with just his throat still rife with it. Flexible as he was he couldn't see that so had to rely on sense alone. Easier when he was being so thoroughly pampered.

The final minute of Kurt's transformation into a jaguar was a stark difference from the first. Helene had known him better than he knew itself. Just made her respect her all the more, finding himself happy and grateful to be one of her beasts. Kurt barely knew her but felt in his heart that could trust her completely. Just as he did Sasha and all the other present feline company. The welcoming feeling grew to the rejoicing of some long lost member of the family who had finally come home. He allowed himself to savor the feeling of the magic at work at him since he wasn't likely to experience it again. There wasn't much left though to take in as the feeling dwindled to a barely a tickle, leaving his neck and chest as beautifully furred as all of him. Then it was gone completely, leaving just the feeling of... himself.

Sasha had been keeping a close eye on what Kurt couldn't, knowing that the last bit of fur was all that stood between her and the mate she's long for. Bursting with excitement, the frisky female licked his bemused face before moving to his neck and chest where the freshest grown fur was for even more passionate licking. Wasn't long until every other cat was lining up to lick the same area, requiring him to roll over on his back so they could all fit in. It was another special ritual they all partook in to properly christen their newest member. The endearing effect it had for Kurt was one he'd never forget so long as he lived.

All this ease helped make the collar on his neck sit so comfortably he'd forget it was even there. That proved true enough when the collar itself disappeared from around his neck. He'd only ever feel its presence in times of danger or when learning Helene's commands but otherwise was never present. A reassuring sense of freedom resulted and kept Kurt ever satisfied with his new lot in life. One relatively unshackled when compared to the doldrums of his old existence.

This went on another ten minutes or so before the lions and tigers all stood to leave, doing so calmly and in no rush. Kurt wondered if he should follow but as Sasha was still laying close beside him he waited to see what was happening. All five moved to exit back to their trailers but paused just a step outside the spotlit center ring. Maestro, Vera, Tessa, and Bruce came to stand in a row facing Kurt and Sasha with Zara taking the hint to do the same. Then, from right to left, each would roar their loudest, bowed deeply, then exited allowing the next to repeat the gesture until Sasha and Kurt were alone again.

Gone were all the things that separated them when Kurt spoke to Sasha in her trailer. Bars, walls, responsibilities, and species were problems solved so the fruits could be enjoyed. They snuggled tenderly until the last of the group had gone. Sasha then started licking Kurt more suggestively around his crotch which sent a clear signal about her frame of mind. Full of love for practically everything in the moment the invitation was accepted by Kurt, leading to yet more hot and horny copulation. Over the next couple hours of lounging they'd have sex twelve more times with neither feeling their lusts truly satisfied. Their rapport for the other grew all the same leaving the future full of opportunities for more.

For now the late hour, busy day, and repeated breeding sessions had taken their toll on both of them. Kurt had no trouble at all submitting to Sasha's wisdom in how to live as a jaguar and followed her up the grandstands to be shown how to work the lights; done by pressing on several specially laid out foot pedals near the lighting rigs. She then led him back to their trailer, allowing Kurt to utilize his low light vision and really see how good it was now. When they reached the trailer Sasha showed Kurt another trick by accessing the trailer through a special hatch underneath. That got them inside and back to snuggling quickly and discreetly. Inside Sasha showed him around, refreshed with some water, relieved themselves, and then cuddled together amongst the cushions to rest.

Sasha led the way as always, falling asleep sprawled over Kurt with her forearms gripping him in a close, loving embrace. Kurt got to watch her slip into a deep slumber that cats always seemed to enjoy. Tired though he was, Kurt's mind was still buzzing from the day's events. He ran it over and over in his mind to make sure he would never forget a detail. A seed of doubt was also present that everything he had experienced was a vivid dream that he woke from after falling asleep. It was another reason to make sure this magically perfect day stuck with him in any event. Especially every tender instant they shared from their meeting to that very moment. When his mind settled more sleep did finally win out Kurt made sure to rest his head nose-to-nose with her. His last thoughts were of how profoundly and with all his being he wanted to wake up to the same beautiful view.

As it turned out waking up proved more a shock than anything. Seeing the world through a jaguar's eyes, down a jaguar's snout hit him with the reality of his very real situation in ways that didn't occur during the previous night's ecstasy of emotions. Once he shook off his waking daze he felt his heart go from resting to racing rapidly. Then another jolt of fear when seeing Sasha and thinking she, the vicious animal, was about to kill him the human. But he had a muzzle, whiskers, fur all over, a tail, and the weight of a body that was entirely feline. His initial reaction was to reject the body out of a fear of out just how inhuman it was. Kurt tried to crawl free of the female jaguar's grasp but she remained firmly affixed to him still in an abiding sleep.

Once the initial shock wears off a feeling of remorse at what he had given into last night. Gone was Kurt the man and replaced, permanently from what he recalled, with that a black male jaguar. Unable to free himself he was left to stew in the thoughts swirling in his head. He had every chance to walk away leading up to his transformation and yet he stayed. At odds with his body as he was Kurt did still not entirely hold Helene, Sasha, or any of the others responsible. Just him rebuking himself for having surrendered reason for pursuing a fantasy. Now he was stuck in this body with a life in the circus his only prospect. It seemed a malaise would set it as he reassessed why he would have ever agreed to this in the first place.

But rather than add to his sorrows Kurt found himself remembering truly why he had done it: because it felt good and felt natural to him. Those good aspect did rise back up his mind which did buoy his confidence enough that he wasn't on the verge of a breakdown. There were of course still doubts and concerns from Kurt but he didn't have much choice anymore but to try and live with it. Saying goodbye to what family, friends, and coworkers that he had helped fill out the hour he spent there panicking and coming to grips with the results of his choices. It got him to a point of at least accepting what had happened to him, with just a touch of apprehension.

Finally Sasha stirred from her own slumber, yellow eyes opening and darting to look at Kurt first. It stirred up that anxious excitement in him as he watched her nuzzle and squeeze him between her paws with deep love and affection. Was endearing enough to bring up Kurt's feelings a little more. She then rose, stretched, crawled off Kurt, stretched more, and then sauntered over to the far side of the trailer where fresh food and water were waiting.

Kurt sat up and had a dizziness strike him on account of his brain grasping the magnitude of the transformation. How truly different his body, his very life was now. There would be no going back, so best to accept things and try his best to adapt.

It was already late in the morning with the circus lively as it prepared to open soon. As Kurt ate he saw workers passing by whenever someone needed to check the generators or plug something in. Most would at least glance at them with some noticing that the circus now had two black jaguars. But none thought anything strange about it nor mistook Kurt for anything but an exquisite but dangerous beast that needed to be treated with the utmost respect. Made sinking into this new life an easy thing so far.

They were joined by one of the animal attendants that worked under Helene who introduced herself and proceeded to treat him as if he had always been there. She refilled their food and water, brushed them both, checked their teeth, claws, and whole body for any injuries, cleaned the space up, and left having pampered the two animals the whole time. Both received pets and scratches though Sasha was more used to being touched to Kurt's more shy response. That didn't stop the woman petting him copiously as she gave Sasha extra care for the performances that day. After that she said her goodbyes until evening and saw herself out.

Unsure what would come next, Kurt just stuck close to Sasha. He didn't have to wait more than five minutes for a sharp, commanding whistle from outside that got both jaguars' attention immediately. Sasha though went quickly to the trapdoor exit, motioning with her head for Kurt to follow. Which he did without a second thought which led him back to the central area where all the other big cats were waiting as well as Helene. She had on her dress pants and shoes but only a tank top and bra on top as she stood eating an apple.

"Good morning you two. I trust you both slept well?" a grinning Helene asked the pair as they joined the gathering.

Kurt was modest in response to Helene while Sasha licked at her mate's head to show off what good spirits her rest had put her in.

"I'll take that as a rather definite 'yes' from both of you," Helene jested. "Well, Kurt, let me officially welcome you to Circus Vondeltrap and to the troupe. I won't waste time with 'I told you so's but I will say things turned out much like I said. Except that you look even better than I would have imagined. I'm sure I speak for everyone here, including my employer, that we're grateful to have you Kurt. You're a great addition and clearly you belong with us, wouldn't you agree?"

Replying with the best roar he could muster, Kurt wished he could speak again just long enough to thank Helene and the rest for what they had done for him. So he wagged his tail, raised his paw, and smiled to try to convey it instead. It did the trick.

"So happy for you, dear. And Sasha, you seemed very happy with your new beau. Glad you finally have someone to keep you proper company. Who better than your biggest admirer?" giggled Helene. Composing herself after sparing her jaguars a wink, she continued, "Now to go over today's schedule. We have the usual Sunday arrangement of five shows starting at half-past noon. Nothing out of the ordinary so far as the routine today as I think it would be good to let Kurt see how we do things. Kurt, you'll be observing everything if you were worried about having to perform on your first day. We'll get a few lessons in you and you'll be dazzling audiences with your friends. Just keep close to Sasha, your ears and eyes open, and you'll pick up on how we do things here. Glad you have you aboard, Kurt."

A growl from Kurt to show he understood and Helene's talk continued to her gathered felines. After a thorough rundown of the day the cats all went back to their trailers to wait for the first show. Helene took Kurt aside briefly to assure him that his belongings, car included, had been disposed of in such a way as to not lead back to the circus- something they had some experience with. Before parting to get herself ready she encouraged Kurt to have as much sex as he and Sasha wished. Noting that Sasha would perform better with her mind cleared of other distractions. Kurt rushed back to the trailer to inform Sasha just to find her waiting and already presenting. He really was in love.

In the coming days and weeks Kurt would learn the ropes of his new life. Dressage and performance practice daily had him ready to make his debut only three weeks after his transformation started. He'd prove a popular addition and would show up on flyers himself, drawing in crowds to see him and the others wow them. It was a good thing he had picked things up quickly since keeping to Helene's suggestion to copulate frequently resulted in a noticeably pregnant Sasha. A joy that was met with celebration from Helene, the cats, and the circus at large. Sasha would have to take off from performances for a while but Kurt had no issue taking the spotlight as the lone jaguar in the show.

Days spent performing were followed by evenings relaxing close together. Some nights they'd watch something, others Sasha would show Kurt how to paint. Their bond as mates deepened with every day and Kurt got to go to sleep every night with his soulmate embracing him with one or both paws. Also close at hand when they slept was the stuffed jaguar Kurt had gotta Sasha as a first present. A wonderful reminder for the former man of the most important day of his whole life. Every day since had been another high point. Making the future one he welcomed without fear. So he could go to bed easy each night- excited for what life and the circus had in store.