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Miyori's Chronicles

A Lost Eagle - A Journey Begins

The sound of the drums echoed in my whole body. The brazier heated my fur in this fresh and drab night. I was standing, tied against our village totem with a thick rod. My father was in front of me, a few metres away next to the fireplace, wearing the traditional clothes of our clan. It was rare of him to be dressed in Boreas' Skin, the Gryphon God and protector of our mountains.

“The time has come, my son."

His round ears pointed proudly, as did his tail which wagged in a slow, confident motion. His worn and damaged fur, paling in places, proved his age and experience as Boreas' servant.

The whole village was in attendance, observing the scene. The Ritual of Passing that my father was setting up was often a once-in-a-lifetime event. His last battle weakened him to the point where he only had the strength to perform the ritual and make me his successor.

The village elder approached slowly to my father, leaning of a huge staff which he was dragging as if its weight was almost unbearable. Straightening up before him, not much impressed by my father's charisma, he spoke with an unexpectedly clear and loud voice.

“Are you sure of your decision, Horas?" He asked him abruptly. “He is too green and inexperienced. His training is not even fully complete."

“That question again, old man?" Father curtly answered.

“The Passing is dangerous. It requires years of training and to successfully pass numerous of spiritual trials to strengthen the candidate's soul. He is still a child!"

“Do you really think I have a choice? Look at these marks!"

In a burst of rage, he threw his bone knife on the stone table he used for the ritual preparation, before pulling of his tunic. Large, dark, putrescent stains were visible on his chest.

“The corruption flows through my veins like a poison. I don't even know if I'll survive the night."

“I… I'm aware of that," the elder tempered. “But he is not ready, nor could he endure the ritual."

“He will…" My father calmed down. “This brat is stubborn and rebellious, but I believe in him. No matter what, a Guardian is to see the light of dawn… He will learn in time."

Father sighed and judged the mixture he had just finished. He chanted a few words before coughing and spitting blood onto the herbs and ash pots. Some villagers wanted to lend help, but his imperious gaze told them to back off. He grabbed the bowl with a trembling hand and turned to me.

I would have run away at this very moment, but the ties were too strong and too tight. I tried to break them by pulling with all my strength, but it was useless. This destiny he imposed on me was unbearable and it was impossible to me to refuse it too. My short life as a child was all about that, even if the Passing came way sooner than expected. I did know what was about to happen; fear gripped me, to the point of panic.

“Father, stop…" I begged him while he was approaching.

“Don't worry. Our whole family had to endure this at some point."

He put his paw on my shoulder and stroked my face with the tip of his tail, trying to comfort me somehow. Even his warm touches could not calm me down. Tears were flowing on my cheeks as my own tail wagged wildly, more and more as the bowl got closer to my lips. I hated this man so much. I cursed the whole village for not stopping him. Two warriors stood on my sides and held my jaw open to force me to swallow the beverage.

“Forgive me, my son, for this burden you'll have to bear without me."

My screams were covered by the liquid pouring down my muzzle as I struggled. My tongue burned, and my body convulsed with the pain that tore at my insides. I…

I woke up in my straw bed, giving a huge cry. The light of the morning sun lit up my hut with a soft gloom. The dust constellated the air like pollen during the Renewal, fluttering slowly. All I heard was the deep silence of the winter snow covering the mountain. It was just a nightmare, the same as every day since I became a Guardian, years ago.

I got up quietly, holding my hand over my face trying to try to regain my composure. With a shuffling step, I left the hut and stretched out, my paws in the frozen snow. A long yawn unhinged my jaw as the freshness of the season invigorated me and drove the restless night from my mind.

“Well, we're not shy, I see!"

I turned to this familiar voice. Kobe, my childhood friend, was there, sitting on the bench to the left of my door. His mid-length black hair flowed in the cold breeze. He was wearing his winter clothes, consisting mainly of a thick fur cloak. He looked away when our gazes met, his cute human face blushing at the sight of my nude feline body.

“I'm sure you like the view." I replied with a tired smile.

“I don't deny it, but, still, go get something to wear." He demanded, awkwardly. “I don't need to admire your snow leopard manhood so often. Anyway, it's cold today. I do know your fur is thick and warm but at least show some decency."

“Let me finish waking up before…" I yawned again. “May I ask what you are doing here this morning?"

“Your master sent me to get you. She wants to speak with you urgently."

“What does she want now?" I asked with annoyance.

“She warned me that it was important enough for her to come and pull you through the snow by your tail if necessary. So, if you don't want me to do it myself, your sheath to the air, you should hurry."

“Fine…" I resigned myself. “Give me a minute."

I walked into the hut and casually grabbed the clothes I left on a nearby stool: a pair of simple shorts and a sleeveless waistcoat, both grey and blue. They had been made by the tribe's weaver just for me. Although they weren't traditional, these clothes were comfortable and practical for many occasions. I loved light outfits, especially as my fur is more than enough to protect me from the harsh climate.

I put on my armbands and my spiritual amulets without forgetting the most important thing for a Guardian indeed: my Soul Carrier. I grabbed it from the shelf by my bed. It was a blue crystal in the shape of a fang, attached to a rope that I often wore around my neck. It was my most powerful tool, lent by my father as well as his responsibilities.

One day, I should also entrust my son during his own Passing, but I doubted that day would ever come. I would surely never have any descendant. Even the elders didn't believe my lineage would continue after my death. For the village, I was the last Guardian of Miyori. By the way, I was doing nothing to change their minds.

“Can you hurry up, you damn stray cat?" Kobe shouted at the window with some weariness.

“I'm coming!"

I slipped on the Carrier and adjusted my clothes before storming out of my hut, crawling along the snowy dirt road.

“Race me, if you dare!" I challenged my dismayed friend without stopping my run.

I lived only a few hundred metres from the village. Yarita was perched in the long mountain range of Miyori, the kingdom of Boreas. We were just below his den, at the foot of the Holy Mount. The tribe wasn't very large, and this isolated place didn't attract many visitors. At most, a merchant from the so-called civilized world had set up a trading post to provide us materials in exchange for herbs and handicrafts found only in these lands.

A few scholars did pass by from time to time, even smugglers I had to watch out for. The number of caravans had increased for a few weeks in the area, giving me an extra workload I could do without.

To tell the truth, I had little interest in this rabble and was content to monitor the doings of these unwelcome people. Fortunately, incidents were rare, and I could afford to explore the lands and discover their treasures and secrets while helping local spirits to free themselves from their torments.

When I reached the edge of the village, many locals greeted me with respect. Children came to play around with my tail, forcing me to dodge them with grace, even if their parents scolded them immediately. Akara, the eldest, my teacher and tutor, was sitting on a fir log, observing the lives of her flock.

“There you are, you damn field cat," she called out when she noticed me.

“A morning person, as always," I yawned with defiance.

“If you fulfilled your role as a Guardian diligently for once maybe I'd be a little more pleasant!" She pushed on the word 'diligently' by smashing the floor with her staff. “The sun is high in the sky and I was waiting to see your ears pointing at my door as soon as it rose."

“I'm sorry…" I replied with a pout.

“If you're father were able to saw this…"

“I refuse to talk about him!" I interrupted her, huffing in annoyance.

My master sighed and shook her head at my childish adolescent expression. She clutched her shaman's staff tightly, showing a softer face.

“You have dreamed of Horas again, haven't you?" She asked with a touch of melancholy.

“It's nothing…" I ducked and looked away. “I'm used to it. I'm sorry I didn't wake up earlier for training."

“No exercise for you today, my dear. Boreas spoke in my sleep, and he got a task for you."

Although I was Boreas' Guardian, I still was too weak and inexperienced to hear his voice. Akara, as a shaman, was sensitive to it and the Great Gryphon shared visions with her to reach me and communicate his wishes.

She took out a scroll from her cloak and showed me a charcoal drawing she handed to me. It featured an animal that I knew well, even though it was rarely seen: a Syrel eagle. The symbols I could see of their plumage were the proofs of my lord protection.

“It's a familiar, isn't it?" I asked.

“At last, you show a hint of intelligence. One of them was captured and taken away by the Lion's agents."

“The Lion?" I said in bewilderment. “I thought he had an agreement with the Gryphon not to encroach on his lands."

“That is the case. Boreas is furious. We will have to expect a violent blizzard for a few days. He is kind enough to let us prepare ourselves before his wrath breaks."

“This a serious offence…"

I fiddled with the fur of my chin, trying to think. I was having a little trouble considering the full implications of such an affront. Divine treaties and promises were often complex and involved many details, rituals and protections. Stealing a familiar was a barbaric and very severe doing. Animals were the pure form of the god who bore them, especially the Astats, capable of speech, who are considered the most sacred. Such a crime was a declaration of war.

“What should I do then?" I asked my master.

“You should leave before the storm raise and bring back the familiar before the wrath of Boreas sweeps away everything that lives in these mountains."

“They should have reached the valley now…" I worried. “I… I never left the mountains, or the Sacred Mount, until now."

“You are to leave, Ikita. It's your duty and responsibility."

Her tone was firm, but comprehensive at the same time. She stood up then and laid a hand on my shoulder, rubbing my fur with affection. Without talking, I took her hand in mine and nuzzled it with love. She was my teacher, but also the closest person I had to a mother.

“Go, Ikita!" She commanded me with conviction.

She kept watching me as I turned around and went back to my hut to pick up some travel stuff. Taking the dirt road seemed longer than usual. The journey ahead dreaded me just by thinking about it. I crossed Kobe's path at some point. He was walking casually towards the village, looking relaxed as usual.

“I can see by your face that you don't bring good news," he assumed sheepishly.

“Not really," I confirmed. “I am to depart immediately."

“For long?"

“I don't know to be honest…" I answered while scratching my head nervously. “I must leave the mountain to retrieve a kidnapped familiar. But I must confess that I don't know where to look. I have never left the Holy Mount until now."

“Wait a second…" He thought for a moment, then clapped his hand. “Sara told me that a Sumerian caravan left the mountain yesterday. I assumed their members were mere scholars, but, according to her, she noticed a bird in a cage while she was haggling with them. The animal bore primitive symbols on its feathers."

“Sara? The trade post manager? She left yesterday evening after the meal."

“She took over the caravan actually," he said, holding up his finger. “She told me before leaving that all these people were going to Bahjel, the provincial capital. She hoped that she could use her new connections to set up an office there."

“Bahjel…" I resisted the urge to spit at that name. “Father often spoke of this town. It's an evil nest full of corrupted beings. There is nothing but debauchery and misfortune there."

“There are a few good things too, whatever the old-timers say."

“I doubt it," I responded, crossing my arms in annoyance.

“By the way…" He moved closer and whispered in my ear. “I heard that there is a much sought-after establishment with handsome, hungry male vulpine servants quite…"

I didn't wait any longer to suddenly leave him and go on my way, shoving him unceremoniously. I could hear his frustration behind me as I walked away from his nonsense. I wasn't overly bothered by the idea of enjoying the fleeting love of one or more men, but Bahjel was not an enviable place, even with the few I knew. There were some things he could not see.

I turned my head to watch in the valley direction, far towards the clear horizon, to the west. I was able to discern the vague silhouette of the metropolis, behind the grey desert of basalt and rocks. Even if we lived dozens of kilometres away from this place, we could admire it or hate it. However, only my eyes could see the evil aura that emanated from her like a dark putrescence invading the sky in a vast, corrupting cloud.

After reaching home, I had just begun to pack my bundle when a deep weariness came over me. Between the hectic night before and the new task I had been given, I was confused and anxious as I realised my sudden departure.

“I need a break…" I told myself, with only the wind growing in response.

I felt that the caravan was a day ahead of me. I should have to use tricks to catch up with them. I knew a method that would be effective enough to allow me to take an hour to rest my brain. I would have to use my spiritual power and that would be very demanding on both my body and my mind.

My nervousness was too obvious, so I thought about it for a minute, my wagging tail nearly knocking over several objects I had carelessly put down. The situation seemed clear enough, but I didn't know what my mentor would think if she found out that I was shooting the breeze instead of saving the village.

“Oh, screw it,"' I swore quietly.

No thinking was needed. In this condition, I could not accomplish my task and I did know the ideal remedy for my anxiety. It would take me only a few minutes to reach it. Located in the Hallowed Lands, the locals would stay away from it. They would legitimately think that I would meditate there so that the Gryphon would grant me luck and good fortune during my endeavour.

I hurried off and took the steep path behind the house, leading to the summit. After about ten minutes, I found the small path I was after. It was overgrown and split off from the main road into a gap in the rock. The latter was lined with numerous inscriptions and enchanted talismans, restricting entries.

I followed the passage, eager to reach my goal. A bluish light generated by the lichen covering the walls enlightened the place. Before I had even arrived at the end, I could already hear the lapping of the water, streaming on the rock. Finally, a large room revealed itself to me. A tiny hole at the back let out clear, warm water, steaming in the coolness of the room. It filled a shallow pool a few metres wide. In the centre, a rock vaguely shaped like an animal was encircled by ropes and symbols, showing through the mist.

This was my goal and surely of the most ridiculous secrets of my lineage. Whether it was sacred or not, I was not the first of my family to come to this mere hot spring to unwind before a difficult mission. If it had any other purpose, no one had told me about it.

I took off my fetishes and armbands to put them carefully on the edge of the pool. Then I slowly removed my waistcoat. The heat and steam made my thick dark grey fur clammy and the curves of my muscles more apparent.

With practice, I had grown from a puny child to a handsome nineteen-year-old man of enviable build. I spent a lot of time grooming my fur, especially my tail. I made sure that the shape of my chest was adequately sculpted. Even at the age of fourteen, I drew the eyes of the other teenagers and erotic curiosity was very common between us. Seducing other males was a very pleasant and freeing hobby of mine.

I indulged in old memories and sexual experiences, taking my mind off my issues as I removed my shorts, revealing to the secrecy of the place a sex already responding to a mood that had become more than mild. I tossed them off a little further and stepped into the hot water.

The warmth wrapped around my toes and ankle as my rough pads and claws met the smooth rock. Slowly I laid down in the water, enjoying the pleasant feeling. I stretched out my whole body, leaning against the edge with my legs spread wide. The delight of this stance, aided by my erotic thoughts, gave me a half-erection whose slight throbbing satisfied me. I closed my eyes and let myself go into a sweet voluptuousness.

After a while, a voice suddenly interrupted the silence of the cave.

“Of course, I find you here."

I opened a lid and saw Kobe's face just above mine, without my having heard him coming. I had taught him some stealth techniques and had apparently been a good teacher.

“Am I that predictable?" I asked with a touch of amusement.

“You're an open book to me," he confirmed. “You always come here to relax when your duty catches you up this bad."

“Say," I smiled. “Are you going to bring me back to reality or will you join me?"

The lusty look I gave him clearly conveyed the thoughts that were running through my mind. Under his clothes, I could easily imagine his exquisite apprentice hunter's body, slim, muscular and desirable, from having seen it so many times. We had passed the stage of casual curiosity long ago.

He didn't answer me and just shrugged before undressing with a goofy smile. He slowly removed his fur coat and brown tunic, caressing his skin sensually. His trousers were then hastily taken off, allowing me to admire his nude, almost hairless body. Although we were used to seeing each other like this, it did not prevent his penis from rising.

My own cock came fully out of my sheath, taking on its full size. With my fingertips, I pushed the skin to release it completely, giving me a slight shudder, which I sustained with a fleeting touch along its length. I then resumed my posture and closed my eyes again, abandoning myself to the place once more.

I felt my friend entering the pool and lying next to me. My tail was twitching, and I took this opportunity to rub his legs, playing up a false innocence. I crossed my arms under my head and then waited.

It didn't take long for my groin to be rubbed by a familiar hand under the water. My excitement regained its intensity and I pulsed just from the sensation of his cares. I didn't move and let him do so.

His strokes became wider and closer to my genitals, until his fingers grazed my member. He caressed the full length of my shaft and finished by fondling my balls, which he so often complimented in our privacy. They reacted and tightened as my partner took them in hand to gently massage them. I moaned slightly in pleasure.

“I figured you'd want more than a bath," he whispered close to my ear with a sensual voice.

“That wasn't in my plans," I explained," but I don't object to a little more… fun."

“You shouldn't tire yourself too much before the journey ahead," he said, putting his hand on the shaft of a penis that was desperately expecting his attention.

I slipped my right arm behind his neck to draw his face closer to mine. Our lips touched each other naturally and I kissed him with longing and a budding passion. At the same time, he delicately grabbed my member. He slowly masturbated me, making sure to run all over it, causing me to groan with each stroke. My tongue met his as he brushed my barbs with his finger, causing me to jerk and shudder with the ease of his stimulation. My tail tensed and he used his free hand to pet it, as he knew its sensitivity well.

I was ecstatic and nothing else existed in this tiny universe but us. With my hand, I drew the curves of his chest, emphasizing his pectoral muscles and focusing on his prominent nipples. The lack of fur had the good side of giving me the full sensation of his skin and shape.

The more time passed, the more adventurous we were. A pure delight invaded my body. He himself finally moaned when I reached his own turgidity to stroke it with desire. His smooth testicles were pleasant to touch and playing with them was a guilty pleasure of mine. My snout and tongue roamed his neck while occasionally nibbling. My whole self was invaded by a powerful erotic pressure as I proceeded to masturbate him in return.

Our bodies gradually moved closer to each other as we made out passionately. Our actions on our eager sexes continued as we placed them face to face as we intensified our vigour. I felt that I could not hold out much longer. The pleasure was increasing, becoming powerful, almost unbearable. He himself was close to the point of no return, the touching ends of our cocks causing our bodies to shudder with excitement.

My breath was heavy as I buried my head in the crook of his neck trying to resist a little more. I did not want to lose this ecstatic moment to make it last forever. I failed, however, when with strength and vivacity Kobe grabbed the base of my tail and squeezed it, causing a powerful impulse that sent me over the edge almost screaming.

I felt my balls suddenly shrink. I tried in vain to resist as a momentary pause occurred, culminating in an unstoppable climax. My fluid poured into the basin with each throb of my sex in long strings mingling with those of my friend. He was also cumming, the two of us merging in the same exaltation.

Our moans and groans continued until the flow dried up leaving us in a soft, haunting plateau of comfort. We stayed like this for several minutes before we embraced again, pressing our crotches together with contentment, draping ourselves in the afterglow of our lust.

"I think you need to go now, you perverted cat," he whispered to me when he released me soon after.

"Just give me some time..." I begged childishly. "Only a few seconds."

“Would the ever so brave Guardian of our tribe allow his weakness to reveal itself?"

He smiled warmly. For a moment I felt as if I was a few years back in time when we were still carefree teenagers.

"The Guardian sometimes needs to be just a normal guy too," I replied with a touch of melancholy.

We exchanged a little longer gently, as much by words as by further erotic touches with no other pretension than our own happiness. These moments had become rare since I fully assumed my position as a divine servant. This cute idiot was the only real anchor I had in this world of horror and danger. A treasure I valued.

Hurried by time, we got dressed and left the cave. At the end of the road, back near my home, we parted after my friend sharing a last encouragement. He took the direction of the village under the reproachful glance of a hawk perched on a small tree.

These birds were Boreas' eyes on his whole domain. As far as I could tell, he had never approved of me allowing a common human to roam his lands in such a manner. If the meaning of our activities was totally alien to him, Kobe's very presence was no doubt sacrilege. However, deciding on the comings and goings in the Consecrated Lands was my exclusive prerogative, thanks to the pact binding us.

Without delay, I returned into my home and took my travelling bag, filling it with all that I needed. I wrapped my feet in straps in case I had to walk for a long time on the Dark Plains. Then I meditated one last time before going out.

The sun had already passed its zenith. I could feel the wind rising in strength all over the Sacred Mount. The wrath of Boreas was already coming, but even if it meant several days or weeks of hardship for my tribe, it would help me in my task. The updrafts were strong enough to speed my journey.

I grabbed my Soul Carrier with my right hand and began my incantation.

O great spirit of the air and sky! Mighty Eagle of Deross, Lord of the Cliffs of Drenor. Give me the wings that will enable me to honour my task in the name of our lord. Hear my wish and grant me the power to ride the winds.

My crystal glowed brightly. The power of the spirit I summoned washed over my being, my muscles and my bones. I felt nausea and intense pain in my shoulder blades, forcing me to my knees. My bones cracked as the wings that the spirit granted me by the blood pact between us grew at a prodigious speed.

I felt a part of his mind mingling with my own as my new limbs took shape. Feathers as dark as my fur grew on the new appendages. Within ten seconds they finished maturing and the pain was gone.

The part of the entity's soul that had fused with me allowed me to control these attributes as if I had always worn them. The wingspan was about four metres, and I could feel the magic of the Pact making my body as light as a bird. I deployed them deftly. With a fluid movement, I took off and launched myself into the air with a single flap.

I looked at the village from an unusual perspective, barely hearing the screams of wonder from my companions below. This was the most powerful power I possessed, if not the only one I was able to master. A non-consented power. Such was the magic of the Pacts, my privilege as a Guardian: to incarnate myself, in whole or in part, in the shape of the spirits who mixed their blood with mine.

With the mighty wings of the eagle, I flew so high that I could see the whole mountain and the region, far above the misty summit. With an impulse, I ejected from the windy column and sped off towards the vast, filthy fog of Bahjel, my only lead to the Boreas' familiar.

My fear was gone, replaced by the thrill of discovery and the adventure I was about to experience.

I was the talons of the Gryphon and the Lion should beware its wrath.