Episode #6, Modern Difficulties

Story by deltroon1986 on SoFurry

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Hope for the Lost, #6.


Before the newly stripped tigress could react her siblings rushed towards her. Wrapping their older sibling in a tear filled group hug thus making Va'lure cry. Anton stood nearby watching them and it made him wonder about his future. Despite his family there was nothing else really waiting for Anton back home. Even though he stumbled upon this place by accident he's felt drawn to this village.

Things seem to be coming full circle for these five warriors from a long lost age. Once their village is completely repaired there won't be a reason for him to stay. Granted he's become fond of Va'lure and her sisters but, some doubt still lingers. Despite receiving Va'lure's permission to stay he can't help wonder for how long. In the meantime he'll focus on finishing the repairs to the village and go from there.

After dessert everyone went to bed so they could get an early start tomorrow. Sure enough around seven in the morning Anton was woken up by Va'lure herself. He followed her to the dining hall had breakfast and got to work making repairs. Anton created a list for Va'lure and Sakoura this way they could get started. While Tellara, Neesha and Anton finished where they had left off the day before.

Those repairs didn't take long to complete they were done around lunch time. Granted there were still a couple of buildings that require small fixes and a little paint. The Grand Hall, Library along with Government Center needed extensive work. According to Anton's findings those buildings will require foundation repair first. Luckily Va'lure and Sakoura have the muscle Anton needs to restore those buildings.

"I have to admit all the work you've done our home is almost back to normal. Of course there's a few buildings remaining Sakoura and I will help with those places. First thing tomorrow let's finish the list you gave us after we've finished eating." Va'lure stated. Next she asked to go over his list just to confirm what was left to do around town. Handing it over to Sakoura who happened to be closest to the tigress at the table.

Though while Anton, Neesha and Tellara relaxed Roselle somehow vanished. "I wouldn't worry about it as social as she is our sister does enjoy some solitude. Trust me she'll be back by dinner but, if you want to find her check the cemetery. If our sister isn't there than the only other place she'd be is over at the hot springs." Sakoura said. Curiosity proved to be too hard for Anton to ignore so he went searching for her.

Figuring she could either use some company or help gathering items for dinner. He checked the graveyard first like the Sakoura suggested then headed to the hot springs. <These hot springs are something else and seeing as I'm here might as well relax. I doubt Roselle is here since there's no trace of the clothes I made her.> He thought. Next Anton stripped down until he was nude then slowly stepped into the water.

As the soothingly hot water soaked into his muscles Anton drifted off to sleep. Little did the human know when he sat down in the spring that he was being watched. By the very feline he went looking for and she decided to get a much closer look. Roselle had originally come to the hot springs for a little private time and grooming. Sadly he kinda of ruined her private fun but, she was hardly discouraged though.

Seeing as Anton was snoozing peacefully and probably won't hear her coming. Upon approaching the spring he was in, Roselle's sense of right and wrong spoke up. What would the human say if she tried indulging in some special intimate play. Naturally she'd have to answer to her sisters for doing such a thing with him. Roselle's loins ached and with a virile male feet away certainly didn't help matters.

Fortunately her sense of reason kicked in and she slipped away to get dressed. Before Anton saw more than she was willing to let him for the time being at least. Even though he's got plenty of eye candy since arriving at their cozy mountain village. "Curling up beside him in that spring would've certainly been a great experience." She mused. As she headed back to the village then would send Tellara to fetch him later on.

Considering that he's been working nonstop bringing their home back to life. "There you are sister Anton went looking for you a while ago have you seen him at all?" Neesha asked. The middle sibling told the mountain lion he was taking a well deserved break. That didn't mean it was alright to join him regardless of how tempting it sounded. Before her sibling could try anything Roselle dragged Neesha back to the village.

Where the pair cooked dinner and Sakoura volunteered to go fetch Anton. She was a little disappointed that she couldn't see him naked but, he was shirtless. So it wasn't a total loss in the African lioness eyes as he put his shirt and coat on. Being the second largest out of all five siblings hiding in the bamboo was tricky. Especially with the leaves tickling at her whiskers making hard not to sneeze.

"Sakoura you're many things but, a ninja isn't one them you stand out too much." Anton smiled. Cursing in her native tongue then she asked him what gave her away. All he did was point at the appendage swishing behind her smacking the stalks. Once again the lioness cursed having forgotten about that unpredictable tail of hers. Being the humble soul Anton didn't laugh at her expense as they rejoined everyone.

During dinner not much was said they simply enjoyed everyone's company. Granted Sakoura and Anton had somehow silently volunteered for dish detail. While they cleaned Sakoura got to know their human guest on a more personal level. She was curious to learn of his travels and the people he's met on his journey. Admiring the massive feline's curiosity reminded him so much when he was a child.

When he couldn't keep himself out of a book or exploring the local forests. Anton smiled recalling the numerous times that he got into trouble with his folks. Seeing their son acting like his grandfather, he was given the best possible education. Thus giving him the pathway to any future Anton wished to take after graduation. Traveling the world hoping to find his true calling in life seemed like a good idea.

Before coming to this holy place he wasn't any closer to finding his calling. When he found Tellara in the forest it was like fate told him where he was needed. Of course Va'lure didn't make him feel welcomed at first but, she's come around. Though with the repairs of their home nearly complete it presented another problem. He agreed to leave here once his work was done despite Va'lure's change of heart.

Anton wasn't the type of person to go back on a promise unless it was necessary. "Could I have a word with you, Anton when you are finished drying the dishes." Va'lure said. Sakoura recognized that particular tone in her sister's voice but, didn't appear upset. That bothered the lioness more and she warned him to be careful when he goes. As the last of the dishes were put back in the cabinets he tracked down Va'lure.

Fortunately she wasn't far leaning up against one of the wells this village has. "I'm here Va'lure per your request is everything okay or should I start packing?" He replied. The tigress' eyes opened then focused on the human standing right before her. Next she unfolded her arms and in her left hand what appeared to be an old sword. "My father held this test when a warrior believed he was worthy." She began.

"This sword has been in our family for generations but, it's never been unsheathed. My ancestors said that this weapon can sense what lies within a person's very heart. To draw its blade is said that the person is pure of mind, body and soul." She informed. Curious to know the tigress' real reasons behind wanting to test him like this. "Since your arrival I've sensed there is more than you appear, Anton." She added.

"With this sword it'll confirm or deny there's something truly special about you." She stated. Without saying another word she extended the sword's handle towards him. Taking the weapon from Va'lure and right away Anton noticed something unusual. For a traditional Chinese long sword it felt very light and also like it belonged. Holding the sword's handle firmly then with his other hand grabbed the scabbard.

Next this smooth and pleasant ring filled the air as the weapon was released. "How can that be not even our father could draw that blade from its resting place?" Va'lure wondered. The shock in the feline's voice confirmed that Anton just performed the impossible. For some reason he inspected the blade and found an inscription on the blade. Luckily during his time among the sisters he's learned some of their native language.

The message read; "The purest of heart can walk through the darkness unscathed." Upon reading those words aloud the blade began to resonate and glow faintly. Anton felt a power ebbing from the sword and somehow knew what to do next. "Va'lure can you do me a favor, please go retrieve your sisters and bring them here." He stated. Confused by his request but, decided to do as he asked and went to fetch her siblings.

Once she was gone Anton closed his eyes and placed his head against the blade. Without any sort of warning a presence reached out to the human before speaking. "Greetings Anton I've waited a very long time and let me start by saying thank you. My name is Fonn, patriarch of Va'lure's family bloodline and this sword's creator. I forged this blade with the intention that its power will never used." Fonn began.

"Though many have tried to free this sword from its sheath and all have failed. For you to pull the blade from its resting place than your heart must be truly pure. I must know what your true intentions are now that you possess this special sword?" He asked. All Anton said was he wanted to help Va'lure and her sister be free of their curse. "Hmm, that won't be easy their curse is complex so I'm not sure it can be done." He stated.

With that Anton's eyes opened as Va'lure and the others approached his location. As the color of the blade changed from white to a soft blue gaining everyone's attention. "According to your ancestor that forged this sword he gave it special properties. There's also a chance the power contained in this weapon could remove the curse. Now the odds of that are slim at best but, there's a chance it'll work." Anton revealed.

"I do recall our great, great, great, great grandfather was the village blacksmith. Questions remain as to how he found the special metals to forge our family's swords. You'll have to forgive me Anton for being skeptical but, may I inspect the blade." Va'lure replied. He moved towards the tigress and raised his arm up presenting it to the tigress. As she reached for the weapon's handle something caused the feline to jump back.

Cursing in her native tongue while shaking her hand briskly until the pain faded. "Okay, not going to try that again apparently our ancestor prefers you wield it. Now the question remains just how will you go about ridding us of this curse?" She asked. That's certainly the million dollar question how could this perform such a feat. Luckily the sword's resident spirit told Anton to aim the blade's tip at everybody.

Telling everyone to stay where they were while he moved to a better position. Once at a safe distance he raised the sword above his head towards the clear sky. Next he brings it down to his chest then extends the tip out towards the sisters. Where five large bolts of mystical energy raced to engulf each feline warrior in light. Sadly Anton soon felt his energy fading as the sword tried to remove their curse.

Magic is a strange thing it's a long forgotten art by today's modern standards. All of a sudden a blast wave of energy rippled out knocking Anton to the ground. A huge plume of dust was kicked up though it settled quickly and as he stood up. First thing he did was turn his attention to Va'lure and the others with high hopes. Though after the floaters he had dissipated but, to his dismay they're still cursed.

Of course Va'lure was less than pleased but, she hadn't forgotten the slim odds. The light from their ancestor's sword faded as the mystical power was used up. To make things worse the blade shattered, turn to dust but, the handle did remain. Grasping the sword's handle and what was left of the blade and gave it to Va'lure. "I'm terribly sorry I wasn't strong enough to rid you and the others of the curse." He said.

Roselle walked over and wrapped her arms around him then spoke into his ear. "Anton you did everything you possibly could to cure us and we're in your debt." She smiled. Va'lure was quick to back up her younger sister before she headed for the library. Nobody could blame the tigress for desiring a little privacy after what happened. "Well, said sister why don't we go to the hot springs for a nice soak." Sakoura suggested.

"If it's all the same to you I'd like to be alone for a little while if that's alright." Anton replied. Not expecting that from him the remaining siblings were more than a bit surprised. Respecting his wish to be left alone they slowly made their way to their rooms. Where they grabbed their stuff and headed to the hot springs outside the village. As for Anton, he decided to see Va'lure and inform the tigress that he'd be leaving.

After failing so miserably there's no point in staying here it was best to go home. Once outside the library's door it suddenly opened almost like she sensed him coming. "Come inside Anton I had a feeling you'd come here to see how I'm really feeling." She stated. When he didn't move Va'lure knew instantly that wasn't the reason for his visit. That much was certain judging from the way the human was presenting himself.

The tigress could sense that Anton was planning on leaving their village. Feeling as if he failed to keep one of the promises he made to her and the others. "Anton I'd like for you to remain here with me and my family despite our agreement." She said. Surprise instantly appeared on his face upon hearing the feline admit that openly. "Granted you couldn't lift our curse but, you given new life to our home." She added.

What she did next surprised and scared him as she grabbed him by the shoulders. Pressing the human male firmly against her massive bustline then purred softly. This was the first time in centuries that Va'lure has shown any affection to anyone. Unbeknownst to the feline this small fire slowly began to burn deep inside of her. To the tigress it felt like her heart had finally opened up after everything he's done.

Though little did either party know this sensation was a bit more primal. For now it was easily ignored but, as time passes this feeling will grow stronger. Until she'll be unable to restrain herself as the need begins to take over her mind. Being anthro for so long they should've experienced estrus cycles but, haven't. The sword's magic somehow awakened the full potential of their feline breeding.

By removing their immortality which had sealed their ability to bare children. Since Va'lure is still the curse's source she'll the be first of the group to go into heat. Unfortunately she won't be able to handle herself when her heat reaches its peek. To make matters worse it's been several centuries since they got any release. Again when Va'lure's heat strikes the tigress she's going to go out of her mind.

"Umm, Va'lure not that I want to complain but, could you let me go please." Anton said. Her arms released the human then he gave himself a quick shake and sat down. "Sorry about that, Anton as you're probably aware I normally don't show affection. To be perfectly honest you've rubbed off on me since you came here. Unfortunately my pride and temper has kept me from seeing the truth." She admitted.

"Father did warn you on numerous occasions that it would blind you, sister. It's too bad that he's not here to see you finally realize that particular life lesson. Oh, Anton I may not be a ninja but, even a woman of my stature has her moments." Sakoura replied. Upon hearing her voice Anton jumped then swiftly moved out of the line of fire. Making both felines laugh richly though lioness hadn't come to share pleasantries.

"Sorry to disturb your quality time sister but, Tellara spotted outsiders close by. It's more than likely that it is a hunting party so shall I go scare the life out of them?" She asked. Va'lure had her sister give the job to Tellara and Roselle monitor them closely. Once they know what's going on then they can take the appropriate actions. Sakoura bowed slightly then she excused herself to pass along her instructions.

"Believe it or not Anton this kind of thing happens at least once a month. While a majority of the time they simply move on without us having to do anything. Granted there've been instances we've had no choice but, to come out of hiding. Fortunately just the sight of us is usually plenty to keep them from ever returning." Va'lure said. Upon hearing those words this odd look appeared then he bolted out the door.

Apparently what Sakoura informed them, reminded him of something he heard. It was before coming here he overheard a group of mythologist review some intel. He was able to catch up with the pair then asked Neesha to go retrieve Tellara. "Whether or no you realize it that you're about to walk right into a trap." He stated. All three felines heard him correctly and wisely went inside the village then waited.

When Neesha and Tellara came back Anton fetched Va'lure so she'd know also. "Those people you saw Tellara aren't hunting for food but, for beings like you. If they catch even a glimpse than your home will no longer remain safe or isolated. You'll be hunted down mercilessly for military purposes or medical study. Either way ladies I would advise setting up some defenses before it's too late." He informed.

"Tellara do as Anton suggested creating a snow storm barrier around the village. Include the hot springs and the underground shelter just to play things safe, okay." Va'lure ordered. Like a blur the young snow leopard vanished do as her sister had commanded. Roselle chased after Tellara if only to add her magic to prevent future visitors. "Stay here, Anton those two will be fine besides its safer here." Neesha pointed out.

"Well, said Neesha let's head over to the shelter until the barrier is created. At least until we know for certain those people you mentioned have moved on." Va'lure added. Storm clouds began to form in the sky as Tellara and Roselle used their magic. Back in the forest the myth hunting team were surprised by the sudden weather. "Umm, is it me or did this storm just spring up out of nowhere?" Bruno asked.

To be continued.