Episode #4, Gifts, Rage and Honor
Here's installment number four of "Hope for the Lost." Enjoy
"Umm, no I was going to make all you modern versions of the clothes you're wearing. Underwear is a little out of my skill range I'm afraid but, I could try anyway. It might not be as form fitting as the real thing though it should work just fine." He replied. Curiosity appeared on the mountain lion's face as she placed everything down. Next she asked him where he learned these skills he's mentioned since breakfast.
Anton was more than happy to share while she assembled the sewing machine. Once it was ready for use he struggled to his feet and sat down on the small stool. Taking a moment to acquaint himself with the ancient device before starting. "Neesha you wouldn't happen to have measurement dummy lying around anywhere?" He asked. Scratching her chin briefly as she recalled if they had something like that handy.
Sadly she came up empty but, told him to hang on while she asked Roselle. Once she was gone Anton began fashioning robes big enough for them to wear. At least until he can get their measurements from the clothes they're currently wearing. Granted this wasn't something he wanted to do but, he'll have something to do. The machine was ancient though it worked smoothly telling him it was cared for.
As he worked this wave of dread crawled up his spine as the door opened. Not wanting to look over his shoulder to learn who was there but, he had an idea. "Seeing as your in no shape to be moving or getting out of here mind fixing this?" Va'lure asked. With that said she tossed her shredded clothes by his feet and waited for a reply. "I'm in the process of making a large enough robe you can wear temporarily." He began.
"It'll be harder to fashion you and your sisters' clothes without taking measurements." He stated. She took a few more steps closer to him forcing him to stop and look up at her. What happened, next Anton would have a hard time believe well into the future. "Yeah, that would put a damper on your ability to make us garments to wear. Luckily I can save you the trouble of physically taking our dimensions." She replied.
Next she walked back over to where she tossed her clothes and picked them up. She fished around in one of the pockets and pulled out a small folded paper. Giving her wrist a flick tossing it right to him and when he caught it she spoke. "I kept a record of all our physical changes from before and after being cursed. You should be able to work off what's written there human if not call, Roselle." She said.
With that she left the room politely than when she had entered the room. Not wasting time he opened the paper up then immediately ran into a little problem. To make matters worse nobody was within earshot so he had to wait for someone. Fortunately for him he didn't wait long as Tellara came by to see if he needed anything. "I'm glad you came by Tellara do you mind translating what's on this for me?" He asked.
Her ears twitched curiously, she smiled then walked over and sat next to him. Taking the piece of paper from him and began reading off what Va'lure wrote down. Anton went to work cutting several strips of fabric to the exact length she read. Next he reached for Va'lure old garments to get an idea of what she'd like to wear. "Va'lure prefers something functional over something fashionable, huh Tellara?" He asked.
The snow leopardess nodded while I got to work on the ancient sewing machine. It would take him several hours of work before he had a final product done. Tellara watched him work diligently on the first of five new garments for them. While he worked Roselle brought him dinner and Sakoura came by to touch base. Though neither of them stuck around since they had other things that needed doing.
First thing the next morning when Roselle came by to ask Anton if he was hungry. He had worked through the night making all five sisters some decent underwear. Seeing as the Jaguar was there he asked her to try the set he made just for her on. Taking the garments from him then went behind a privacy wall in the far corner. From out of nowhere this excited squeal echoed throughout the guest house.
That wasn't the only thing he managed to create during the course of the night. He made five robes made to fit each of them and wouldn't restrict range of movement. Roselle literally flipped over the privacy screen and bounded over like a child. It's been so long since she had anything that fit let alone looked so good on her. Poor Anton didn't see it coming when she buried him in a super tight embrace.
When he felt the need for air he tapped her shoulder and she kindly released him. Anton had to shake himself silly after that seeing as he wasn't prepared for it. "You're welcome Roselle mind taking the rest to your sisters for me while I eat." He said. Without warning again she grabbed his chin then kissed him hard on the lips. Sending a huge jolt up and down his spine first then grabbed everything and left.
Keeping his fingers crossed that the others would like what he's made for them. Given Roselle's reaction the rest should have a similar reaction to their new garments. It was Va'lure that worried him a lot though her new outfit should win her over. Of course that's wishful thinking at this point but, miracles can in fact happen. Not that he has seen any personally if you exclude these five lovely titanesses.
As he enjoyed more of the meal Roselle had brought there was a knock. Permitting them to enter the sliding door opened with a loud bang making him jump. Whipping his head and upper body around to see who his guest was this time around. Only to see Va'lure standing there with the rest of her sisters standing behind her. Though this time around instead of anger and disgust for the first time he saw content.
"Let me guess I need to make adjustments on your underwear or you hate them?" He asked. "The underwear fits remarkably well though the robe you made is a little tight. Only around the shoulders everywhere else there's plenty of room to move around." Va'lure replied. He asked her to come over and he'd make the necessary adjustments she wants. Doing as he requested she removed the robe then placed the garment in his hands.
Asking her exactly where the tightness in the shoulders was making it easier to fix. Kneeling down next to him then marked with a claw what he wanted to know. It was a simple repair all her needed to do was enlarge the gusset of the sleeve. This should cure the tightness in the shoulder she experienced after trying it on. "Okay, Va'lure you're welcome to wait it should take me about fifteen minutes." He said.
Not really wanting to stick around him but, Va'lure figured it wouldn't kill her. Besides she was a little curious as to what else he was in the process of making. This would also allow her a chance to see what really made this particular human tick. Seeing as her siblings adore him so much despite the fact he doesn't belong here. While he got to work on enlarging the shoulder area she poked around the place.
When she stumbled upon a large marked box though before she could open it. Anton snuck up on her then tapped her wrist and said to leave that alone for now. Seeing what was inside were things that he's yet to finish and didn't want touched. Of course Va'lure wasn't overly happy about being scolded but, she let it go. Figuring that she'd find out soon enough what was hidden inside that marked box.
Seventeen minutes later Anton finished the alterations then had her try it on. Keeping his fingers crossed that the adjustment was enough to make the tigress happy. She took the robe and walked behind the privacy screen then put the garment on. Next tying the waist band before moving around and found the earlier tightness gone. When she stepped out into the open Anton got to see just how good it looked on her.
"Looks like the adjustments did the trick, is there anything else I may have missed?" He asked. Va'lure was a little caught up in how good the robe felt now to hear his question. Though when he repeated himself loud enough to ruin her little daydream. She told him that everything fit and felt good nothing else needed to be changed. "That's good to hear please let the others know if theirs need adjusting come by." He replied.
With a nod of her head she left the guest house to check with her siblings. Waiting until he knew for certain she was gone before retrieving that marked box. Inside was the new clothes he was creating for them and none of them were complete. Luckily none of the others came by needing adjustments which eased his conscience. Hopefully he can at least finish Sakoura and Va'lure's stuff before dinner time.
Sure enough as dinner time came Roselle knocked before entering the building. He just finished Sakoura's new outfit minutes ago and was just putting it away. As the jaguar entered then made her way over to where he was currently standing. Placing his meal down on the table as he walked gingerly over and sat down. "Anton did you put catnip in Va'lure's robe or underwear by any chance?" She asked.
Looking at the jaguar funny then told her no he didn't but, wondered why she asked. She was more than happy to tell him leaving the human speechless and shocked. Apparently Va'lure liked the robe more than she actually let Anton believe. If the tigress loved the robe then she was going to flip when she gets her new outfit. Of course the others are more than likely going to smother him with tons of affection.
Sitting down at the table Roselle place his dinner then pulled the cover off. Thanking her for his meal as she left to rejoin her sisters back in the dining hall. Leaving Anton alone to eat in peace and resumed his work on the remaining outfits. Hoping to have them all done first thing in morning before they wake up. Not only that he'd also like to at least get the repairs to the village started as well.
If this injury hadn't been so close to his lung and spine he'd be getting the supplies. Little did he know Sakoura managed to sneak into town and get what he needed. Everything was waiting for him when he was well enough to begin fixing things. Neesha and Tellara had prepared all the wood and recycled what couldn't be used. While Va'lure huddled herself in the village library like she normally did everyday.
Not long after midnight Anton finished the last outfit and put away in the box. Giving his muscles a stretch before lying down on the cot then went to sleep. Six hours later he awoke to the sounds of a huge argument going on close by. Throwing on some clothes before he went to investigate what the fuss was about. As he walked out into the open when he saw all five sister in the middle of training.
Standing there in awe as all five feline warriors went through their excerises. Unable to look away at the barely dressed warriors began sparring with each other. Sakoura and Va'lure squared off then Neesha and Tellara soon jumped into the fray. Roselle stood on the side lines for a moment clearly waiting for right moment. Now they weren't using their full potential but, Anton had trouble following them.
Once his eyes adjusted to the scene before him he was able to watch unhindered. At the same instant Roselle rushed in then sent all four of her siblings stumbling. Her movements were extremely fluidic yet, didn't lack structure or stopping power. Anton recognized her style of martial arts from somewhere but, couldn't remember. Sadly his spying didn't go unnoticed long when Va'lure saw him standing nearby.
Roaring with outrage the tigress launched towards him like freight train. Despite his injury Anton felt he had no choice but, to stand his ground against her. Teeth bared the tigress close the gape quickly despite having such a muscular frame. His only defense was to utilize her own size along with momentum against Va'lure. Acting fast he reached out grabbed the tigress by her upper canine then heaved.
Next he gave her a swift but, gentle jab to the windpipe making her gag hard. While he fell to his back then kicked against her stomach thus finishing the move. Va'lure slammed into the ground with a hard grunt and skidded along the ground. Once she came to a stop, Anton carefully got up then waited to defend himself again. Coughing as she recovered from being punched and wisely remained where she lay.
Unfortunately Anton's counter caused his wound to reopen and began bleeding. Collapsing to the ground writhing in pain while the others rushed to the human's aid. Being closer than the other Neesha was the first at his side and tore his shirt off. Doing everything she could to get the bleeding to stop without using her magic. The pain was unbearable luckily Sakoura was able to keep him from thrashing around.
Roselle was already fetching the first aid kit and Tellara was using her powers. A gentle mist of ice water to numb the pain long enough for the jaguar to return. Until Va'lure had her sisters move aside then knelt down and touched his wound. Soon a soft flash of multi-colored light got his attention followed by warmth. The pain coursing through him vanished and his large wound began to close up.
"You know for a human you've got balls the last person to do that was my father. Granted Sakoura has kicked my tail more than a few times but, to have you do it. Especially in a wounded state that takes heart and guts befitting a true warrior. I've behaved dishonorably after you made these undies and form fitting robes." She said. Once she saw that his wound was gone she pulled her hand away then vanished.
Before anyone could say anything to the tigress leaving them puzzled and angry. "Sakoura, leave her alone don't go twisting the dagger anymore than it has, okay." Anton replied. Causing the lioness to stop in her tracks and turn to look at the human strangely. Next he had the four clearly confused felines to follow him to the guest house. Once inside he asked them to sit down and wait while he grabbed something.
Taking a moment to place each of their new outfits into separate packages. Before carrying four of the five boxes then set each box down before its owner. Tellara was twitching with excitement to open the present Anton made but, waited. Oddly enough she wasn't the only eager one though they kept it to themselves. Waiting for then male human to sit down or give them some kind of instruction.
"Roselle go ahead take your box, go behind the privacy screen and put your gift on." He said. With an okay from her she took the box then walked behind the screen and changed. Hanging the robe up on the privacy screen first then she removed the box's lid. Inside was a custom made kimono top and pants that gently hugged her body. After tying the waist band she stepped into the open with tears welling up.
Words couldn't express how much the jaguar loved the new outfit he created. Rising to his feet as she came over then pressed him tight against her ample chest. Whispering thank you over and over into Anton's ear as tears of joy fell down. Upon letting him go Sakoura was next followed by Neesha and finally Tellara. Each of the sisters hugged him tight and thanked him for such wonderful presents.
The last person on his list was Va'lure, Sakoura offered to bring it to her sister. "I'll be fine Sakoura it would be best that she receive it from me than anyone else." He stated. Granted she and the others argued until he hushed them and went to the library. Where he calmly knocked on the old door then waited for permission to enter. Sadly there was no reply from Va'lure fearing the worse Anton barged right in.
In doing so caused the tigress to jump, curse and wonder what the hell happened. To make matters worse the fur on her tail stood on end due to being surprised. Of course Anton did his best not to laugh at the poofy tailed tigress and apologized. "Why are you here I think I've embarrassed myself enough." She said eyeing him. He approached her and placed the box meant for her in her hands then stepped outside.
Looking at the box then his shadow standing on the other side of the sliding door. Carefully opening the box revealing a gold and black dragon adorned top and pants. The box fell to the ground not long after she crumpled to the ground sobbing. Hearing this Anton reentered the library and rushed right over to Va'lure's side. When he touched her shoulder and before the human could react things went dark.
All he made out from where he was, was the sounds of mumbled thanks. Pulling his head out then looked around and found himself pressed against her bust. Being the tallest and strongest out of all her siblings Va'lure's curves were very soft. "Umm, glad you like your new clothes could you please put me down." He said. Doing as he asked then went to put her clothes on someplace a bit more private.
Not once since being cursed has Va'lure shown anyone such affection before. As she slipped one foot at a time into her new pants then pulled them up slowly. It hugged her frame enough and allowed plenty of room for her to move around unhindered. Grabbing the long sleeve under shirt then put it on followed by the sleeveless jacket. After buttoning the coat up Va'lure felt something odd inside one of the pockets.
Reaching in and pulled the object out when she brought it to see it clearly. It was lavender colored silk hair band with cherry blossom petals along the edge. The memories this awoke dropped the tigress to her knees then tears began falling. "I found that in a small box in a hidden under the floor it had your name on it." He stated. Looking over her left shoulder at the human but, before she said a word Anton left.
Leaving her to the memories the silk hair band held for her all those centuries ago. "Thank you Anton you have no idea what this means to me having it returned. My rage blinded me from what I was supposed to do and now I rediscovered the path. First thing I need to do is conquer my demons then I can focus on my family." She said. With that she called for Sakoura and told her the news then asked not to be disturbed.
Now Sakoura didn't have a problem with it of course but, she sensed something. Granted she couldn't put her finger on it at the moment there was a difference in her. The lioness' instincts told her the change in her older sister was one for the better. Time will ultimately reveal that to be true, meanwhile she went to tell the others. Once they were filled in Sakoura decided to pay Anton a visit to get some answers.
Though she hesitated on doing so figuring he'd like to have some privacy. Until she saw him sitting on the stairs on the guest house looking a strange object. As she got closer it appeared to be a small piece of paper with images on it. Upon closer inspection it was a photo of Anton's relatives standing side by side. "Hey, hun sorry to disturb you but, there's a few things I'd like to discuss with you." She asked.
To be continued.