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Looking up from the photo into the eyes of the concerned African Lioness. "You're wondering just what in the world I did that brought such a change in Va'lure." He said. Nodding yes, Anton was more than happy to fill Sakoura in on what happened. As she listened to his words and the ribbon he found hidden in the guest house. Everything came together now that her sister is on the mend which was promising.

"Now that she's healing I've got a bad feeling she's going to face her demons. Personally I believe that she's not ready for such a battle but, I can't stop her either. You're the only person that can physically convince her to wait for the right time." He added. Smiling as she took him by the wrist and escorted him to the library and knocked. Waiting patiently as a huge shadow approached then the door was slowly slid open.

"Sakoura, Anton what is it didn't I ask to not to be disturb unless it's truly important." Va'lure replied. The tone of voice was less than pleased but, she was curious about their visit. Sakoura was more than happy to tell her sibling if they could come inside first. Motioning the pair to come in than closed the door behind them and sat down. Where Anton pleaded with the tigress not to go facing the demons of her past alone.

That it'd be the worst decision she could make for herself and the others. Adding to the fact that she wasn't ready mentally to face such memories right now. "What right do you have to tell me what I can or can't face alone human, hmm?" She stated. Anton's expression changed then he told the pair that he's been there himself. Upon hearing that the two feline warriors decided to hear what he had to say.

"A few years ago I did a few things I wasn't exactly proud but, I tried to repent. Though in doing so I found myself at death's door but, Master Shiro saved me. Without his guidance and support let's just say that we would've never met. Now Va'lure I want you to promise me that you'll wait until you're truly ready." He said. Sakoura expressed her concerns also as Va'lure leaned forward promising them.

"Before I forget you need to understand this won't be a pleasant experience. Once you begin this journey there will be no stopping regardless of how bad it gets." He informed. The tigress flinched what he revealed to her proved to be a sobering thought. With nothing further to say Anton got up then excused himself and left the building. Leaving the two siblings alone to process everything that he revealed to them.

Since his injuries were healed Anton fetched Tellara and Neesha to begin working. Even Roselle chipped in the best she could while Sakoura and Va'lure were quiet. As the morning gave way into the afternoon then the evening they called it a day. From there everyone walked towards the dining hall where Roselle cooked dinner.

Tellara insisted that Anton sit next to her not that he minded sitting next to her. Sadly no sign of the elder siblings but, as he went to get up the large door opened. Apologizing for being late Va'lure and Sakoura sat down directly across from Anton. From there the group ate peaceful while indulging in some polite conversation. "Umm, out of curiosity who went into town and bought the supplies?" He asked.

Without bothering to look up at him Sakoura raised an arm answering his question. Naturally his next pair of questions went like this one did she steal the supplies. If she didn't than how did she purchase them without the townsfolk freaking out. Va'lure was more than happy to clarify on the matter once she finished chewing. "You recall the mage that cursed us, well he left his spells behind." Va'lure began.

"Since I'm the source and cause of my family curse I can use his spell scrolls. I simply used a guise spell on her thus concealing her true form from the townsfolk. Now the spell doesn't last long about four hours, long enough to buy everything. First thing tomorrow we can get started on all the repairs that our village requires. While you, Neesha and Tellara finish with what you're currently working on." She stated.

"With so many buildings in need of various repairs you know this'll take awhile. Considering that when I arrived you were adamant about me not sticking around. Now I can write a how to list made by the morning if I work through the night." He replied. Reaching across the table Va'lure placed her large hand upon his shoulder. "That was before you really opened my eyes so you're welcome to stay." She stated.

Besides he had made the others a promise and he intends to see them through. Everyone finished eating one by one leaving Sakoura and Va'lure to wash dishes. As Anton made his way back to the guest house where the tigress was waiting. Apparently she wished to speak with him without any of her sisters being around. Curious to know what was on her mind the pair slowly headed towards the library.

Finding a clean area to sit among the vast building Anton waited to be questioned. Most of them were pretty basic though some were harder to answer than others. There was one question left she wanted to ask and he had a feeling what it was. "I'd like to know exactly what's going to happen when I face my demons?" She asked. With a sigh he told there's no amount of preparation for what she'll have to face.

"Do you see that mirror over there on the wall and how it's shows my reflection?" He stated. Nodding as he instructed the tigress to get up and stand an arm lengths from it. "Picture an exact replica of yourself stepping through the mirror like it was a door. While you may look exactly alike this copy is your direct opposite. Everything that you've bottled up over the years has come forth to be heard." He resumed.

"I'm sure as a master of the martial arts you're familiar with Yin and Yang right? So this double would be your inner Yin to what I've seen as your outer Yang. Now I want you to understand this sort of transition varies from person to person. Since it's been giving a chance to speak up nothing is going to stop it from talking. Such a process of inner freedom can be quite the mentally violent journey Va'lure." He said.

Hunching slightly where she sat while her mind was going a thousand miles an hour. In her heart Anton spoke the simple honest truth that was anything but, misleading. Now she found herself questioning having to undertake such mental journey alone. Even though Anton would be there every step of the way guiding her through it. "Now I must ask you Va'lure are you absolutely certain this is what you want?" He asked.

What frightened the tigress more was what kind of reflection she'd have to face. The only way to know for sure is take the plunge and confront her demons like a warrior. "Anton when all of the repairs to the village are finished will you help me?" She asked. Giving her a nod Anton stood up and wished the tigress a pleasant goodnight. From there he left the library and made his way back towards the guest house.

Resting gently against one of the outer support column Anton saw Tellara. Reaching up then brushed his fingers along her cheek gently waking the snow leopard. Before he had time to react she scooped the poor human into her powerful arms. Nuzzling his cheek while chortling softly into his ear as she carried him inside. She was hoping that he wouldn't mind comforting her and he was happy to.

The next morning he woke up alone figuring she joined her sisters for training. Taking a moment to get dressed before going outside where everyone was waiting. Sakoura was quick to ask if he'd like to join them with their morning exercises. Feeling honored at the fact they'd like him join Anton humbly accepted their offer. Though he informed the group that has been a while since he's done any training.

Luckily Anton was permitted to sit out while the five sisters began sparring. Asking Roselle if she'd be his sparring partner and she was more than happy to. She promised to use kid gloves since she was just as strong as her other siblings. During their little match Anton had trouble keeping up with the Jaguar's motions. What ever form of martial arts she used was a precursor to modern fighting styles.

Even though she was training at his pace the human was still having trouble. After a good fifteen minutes Roselle decided to stop before he got injured by her. Not only the others were winding down so she had him join her in the kitchen. Where the pair spent the next thirty minutes cooking a large and hearty breakfast. It was a good thing seeing as he was curious to see how talented she was at cooking.

Little did he know that Roselle had some requirements before he could help. Anton didn't have any issues with it until she told him to strip until he's nude. Next the jaguar handed him an apron before she allowed him to help her cook. Letting the human sweat a little before finally telling Anton that she wasn't serious. Granted she would've enjoyed seeing he bare butt wiggling as he moved around.

Naturally knowing her siblings they wouldn't be overly thrilled about it at first. More than likely she'll get lectured by Va'lure and Neesha will try to out do her. Speaking of nudist it's actually been quite some time since that puma has done that. Perhaps a warning will serve Anton well in the event that Neesha decides to streak. Upon learning that he swore that she was joking until she told him otherwise.

With that said they got to work cooking knowing the others will be starving. Roselle was a blur in the spacious kitchen and Anton struggled to keep up with her. Sure enough as the last dishes she cooked made their way onto the large table. Anton could hear voice approaching the dining as Roselle removed the tea kettle. While he placed the pots and pans she cooked with into the sink to soak.

Tellara was the first to enter the room followed by Sakoura, Va'lure and Neesha. Va'lure perked up when she noticed Anton reentering the kitchen for a moment. Where he removed the apron as Roselle finished getting the tea ready to serve. As the group ate the room was filled with happy conversation and happy bellies. Neesha and Tellara were the last to finish therefore they were elected to clean up.

Anton wandered over to the guest house to grab his tools and repair list he made. By the time he returned to the village center Sakoura appeared with all the supplies. Taking a little time to inspect everything she purchase before going over his plans. Saving all of the heavy work for last for now he'll pick up where he left off. Hopefully now that he's got all the stuff he needs fixing the village should be easy.

As long as he doesn't find any surprises once he continues where he left off. By this time Neesha and Tellara finished the dishes and got right to work helping him. A little after noontime the trio managed to fully repair roughly four more buildings. Until Roselle came over and asked them to take break to have something to eat. "Anton could you swing by the library when you're done eating please?" Va'lure asked.

Not seeing the harm in it he agreed to meet her there once he was finished. Anton had an idea what she wanted but, he wouldn't know for sure until he went. Once he finished his meal he thanked Roselle for the meal and met with Va'lure. As he reached the front stairs Sakoura was waiting for Anton by the sliding door. When Va'lure joined them the tigress didn't waste time with what she wanted to do.

"It's barely been twenty four hours are you positive that you're ready?" He wondered. From his tone of voice she knew that he was more than a little worried about her. "Anton, I appreciate your concern but, I don't want to drag this out." Va'lure stated. With a heavy sigh he told them he needed to get something from his backpack. Once he had everything Anton returned to the library where they were waiting.

"Va'lure please take a meditative stance in front of the huge mirror over there." He said. Doing as he instructed she walked over and knelt down before the piece of furniture. Sakoura came over hugged her sister's neck and wished her the best of luck. Placing a few leaves of various herbs and some sage then set everything on fire. Allowing the flames to build up then blew softly on it until the smoke billowed.

As he began to chant Va'lure's eye grew heavier and heavier until they closed. Next she felt her spirit drifting away then she found herself sitting in a strange place. Carefully looking around she noticed a small pond of water mere feet from her. Rising to her feet and walk over to placid surface then looked down at the water. Va'lure found herself gazing at herself before she was cursed to be a feline demon.

Leaning closer that when Va'lure's human image suddenly grabbed her throat. "This has been a long time coming now it's time for my voice to be heard tigress." It spoke. Startled by this Va'lure broke free and readied herself for the copy's first attack. When all it did was emerge from the water and take a few confident steps forward. Anton soon began to chant instructions into her telling her not to resist.

Upon hearing his words she knelt down and allowed her double to speak. "Since the day of the curse you've locked me away along with your own sisters. You have much to answer for and you're gonna to pay quite the heavy price tigress." It began. Instead of starting a brawl she knelt down and lowered her gaze from her double. "I'm ready to receive what ever punish you deem me worthy of." Va'lure replied.

Not expecting this, her human form faded into mist and someone else appeared. She was visited one by one people she had scorned, threatened and assaulted. Each one tore into her making the tigress feel the pain she had inflicted upon them. Back in the real world Anton and Sakoura couldn't believe that she was crying. At this point in her mind Va'lure was slowly breaking down cursing her actions.

The last person she expected to visit her was her very own father Goau. He was anything but, an understanding parent as he degraded his eldest child. Scolding her for allowing her temper to put her entire family in jeopardy like she did. If she gave that mage a chance all of this heart ache could have been avoided. Clinging to every harsh word her father said Va'lure felt her spirit crumbling.

What kept the tigress from literally snapping in two was Anton's soft voice. Sakoura was growing more and more concerned for her older sister's well being. Granted she trusted Anton to help her through this but, when would it be over. He assured the lioness that her journey will be complete when she says it is. Though in the event things get out of hand for her he promised to bring her around.

Compared to a few people he's seen undertake this Va'lure is doing rather well. Anton reminded her, this type of journey varies depending on what's locked away. When Va'lure shuddered vividly told him that she's reaching the very source. Crossing his fingers that Va'lure's prepared to face what really wants to be heard. All they can do now is pray that she makes it through what's about to happen here.

Meanwhile each of demons that dwelled deep within the feline's heart spoke up. Sadly she didn't know how much more of this she could take but, she kept going. Her drive to find peace with not only herself, her past along with her younger sisters. She owed it to them to conquer her demons and be a better role model for them. As each spirit from her past forgave the feline in the real world something occurred.

With each of her demons finding peace a silver/white stripe began to appear. For each mistake she forgave herself for one or more stripes would slowly emerge. Seeing this told Anton that he didn't have to worry about the tigress' fate anymore. "Sakoura you can breath easy now Va'lure is going to be fine from here on out. If these stripes are any indication your sister will be of sound mind and judgment." He said.

The lioness took a closer look at the new markings that appeared on her sister's fur. She was filled with relief and the same hope Anton had about the mighty tigress. Though Sakoura couldn't be blame for having this small lingering doubt about this. Fortunately as the last few stripes appeared on her body Va'lure's eyes opened. She took a moment to relax then looked over her shoulder at Anton and Sakoura.

Giving the pair a satisfied smile before crashing to the floor with a loud thud. The sounds of her snoring filled the air next as Sakoura walked over to her sister. Hoisting the sleeping tigress up into her arms and carried Va'lure over to her bed. Where she could rest comfortably in safety then the pair quietly left the library. "You can relax, Sakoura she's drained after she's rested she'll be back to normal." He said.

Looking back at the building she could still hear Va'lure snoring away inside. "That's good Anton though I can't help wonder what frame of mind she'll be in. Granted I know you've been there before there's no telling when it comes to my sister." Sakoura replied. The lioness' concern for her sister was endearing after what she's gone through.

"If you feel your place is to watch over her than I won't stop you Sakoura. There's still a lot of work that needs to be done to the village before the spring." He stated. Taking a moment to think everything over then looked at him and responded. "Anton, carry on without me I want to be nearby in case my sister relapses." She said. Giving the earthly colored feline's arm a soft pat and left her to guard Va'lure.

From there he tracked down Neesha and Tellara then resume making repairs. Saving the buildings that required Sakoura and Va'lure's strength to start working. Roselle pitched in like before when she wasn't doing chores around the village. She would check on her older siblings to see if they needed anything or Anton. The jaguar was adamant they stop for dinner and pick up first thing tomorrow morning.

When Sakoura joined everyone in the dining room she was still concerned. Anton got up from his seat walked around the table and held the lioness' neck. Jumping slightly from his sudden display of affection but, she found herself purring. "She's going to be just fine Sakoura she's not the type to let anything get in her way." He said. What happened next caught the poor human by surprise as Sakoura kissed him.

This caused three mixed reactions from the other feline warriors in the room. Tellara growled jealously at her sister for kissing him while Neesha whistled. Next she egged Anton to take her older sister into the kitchen for some private fun. Of course that's when Roselle stepped in and scolded both of her younger siblings. "How can anyone get some rest with all this damn noise?" Va'lure asked sourly.

To be continued.