I'd just awoke on a ship, chained, with others around me. Annoyed, I simply broke the chains that were on my wrists. A few people gasped, then they began wanting me to do the same for them. As annoying as that was, I went ahead and did so. I heard someone above deck shout about shore approaching. So I came up with a plan. I freed my legs next, as well as the others.
The colors didn't appear to have any kind of magic dampeners... but the cell and walls did. Fine. Bending metal was easy anyways. It didn't take me long to widen an area for me, and several others, to fit though. By this point the sailors had began rowing at the shouted commands above. By the time we'd come to a stop at the docks, we were all freed.
Not that I knew these people by any means. Though, surely enough the only magic dampened available had been on the cell and walls. I could feel my mana once more. The first sailor down to secure us was met with my claws, along with the next. Killing men was easy for any tigrine.
The next person I caught and made them tell me where my stuff was. I killed them, even though they answered. Then I went to where they told me my things should be. I heard people shoutimg ad the freed people began to attempt to escape the ship, some jumping into the sea. I almost didn't find my things with all the chaos, though they also weren't where I was told.
It wasn't like this was a jail ship. I'd not committed any crimes. I put my stuff on, while a man came up and tried to grab me. I threw him through the window.. porthole thingy. Dumbass. Whirling, I headed upstairs where most of the noise was occurring. Surely enough, it was chaos, and guards were pouring in, arresting people.. sailors and prisoners alike. Weird.
I slipped off the back and skirted the side, jumping onto the dock from the hull. I sprinted through people and around a few buildings, slowing and walking backwards as I checked the direction I'd come from. I was unaware if I'd escaped or not, and the big man I backed into had been unnoticed, until I'd bumped him.
I jumped forward slightly, whirling to face him, my ears flattening. He was a broad man. A very broad man, with distinct lion features. Green eyes and silver fur. He'd turned just enough to see who'd bumped him, and I could see a little red kobold before him.
After looking at me for a moment, he said, "You seem to be in a bit of a hurry."
".. I guess so." I said. "Where is this?"
"This is Winter's Halt. How did you get here without knowing where you are?" He asked.
"It's a funny story." I said, listening around us. "But anyways, do you happen to know what the date it?"
"Uh, yeah it's mid July, a Friday. Did you hit your head or something? You can't remember what day it is, don't know where you are? What, you get kidnapped or something?" He half chuckled.
I blinked at him, "Ok, smart guy. Do you know where Isla Silver Reef is?"
"Sorry, not much of a cartographer myself. You want to know something like that, I may know a few people." He said.
"Then you don't know it?" I asked directly.
"Can't say I do. Is it an Island around here? Cause there are a lot of islands.. I don't know all their names." He said.
The kobold was cycling things to put on his counter while we were speaking, I could only assume to try to guess what may catch my eye. "I'm not sure if it matters. I haven't heard of Winter's Halt and you haven't heard of the Isla." I said with a sigh. I heard some people discussing the ship incident and the apprehension of the people who were aboard. Along with someone saying the guards are hunting for anyone who may be related to the issue. "I should go."
"Alright, well, if you're looking for any pertinent information, there is a pretty knowledgeable librarian in the next town over, Ymir's Town. It's in the next town over." He said.
Some more people were passing by, without seeming to see the two large cat people, one said, "A few people said a stripped cat woman broke the shackles and murdered some sailors." The other said, "I didn't see one."
"Thanks for the info." I said.
"Eh. Any time I'm not busy." He replied. "Oh, yes. I've been told it's rude not to introduce yourself. I'm Dirthin. What's your name?"
I glanced at the kobold for a second, he was pointing at something very shiny, then looked back at 'Dirthin', "Vexie Silver."
Dirthin chuckled. "I believe my friend here would like to sell you something. Instead of shiny bobbles, why not clothes for the girl, Scarlet?"
"Aah, yes I have." The Kobold said, pulling out some different clothes.
"I'm an adult. I'm twenty." I informed Dirthin, then I looked at the clothes presented. It was certainly true that I was wearing less clothes than the other people I'd seen.
"As I've been told, years don't make you an adult." He said. He continued in a mocking way, "The way you present yourself does."
"Sounds insufferable." I commented. I selected the plainest looking outfit that was offered.
"Eh. Certainly can be." He said.
"Are there Tigrine around?" I asked, paying what the Kobold said it costed.
"Eh, a few here and there." He said.
"Like actual Tigrine, or is it tiger- tabaxi or tigerfolk?" I asked. "It'a a little different."
"I'm not a hundred percent sure." He answered.
I patted his shoulder and said, "That's ok. Which way is that librarian?"
"It is in a city to the West, through the desert." He said.
"I see. Alright." I sighed.
About this time, some guards located us, "Excuse me, we would like to ask some questions."
He looked at them, "Do you? Really?"
".... We've been told a striped ca- er, feline, woman was a part of the issue we had at a newly docked ship.." A guard said.
"Well, as you can see, she is talking to me. You can wait your turn or keep walking. I suggest the second one." Dirthin said.
"Mr. Hearthry, we have to investigate the issue about the ship.." the second guard said.
"That's simple. I woke up chained and in a cell on a ship with a bunch of humans. I broke the shackles on myself and the others and bent the metal bars. I haven't committed any crimes up to killing a few sailors, and that they were apprehended means they aren't law abiding. Therefore, I broke humans out of a slave ship and killed a few slavers." I said. "That's all there is to say on the matter aside from any who cage a tiger will have the same lifespan."
One guard began to look hostile, the other looked at Dirthin, grabbed the other's shoulder and said, "I-it's not currently worth it. If he steps in we're done."
The other glanced at him and stood down. Cowards. But that did mean after they made their excuses they left. "They should probably look into having tigers for guards. We tend to not get intimidated by cute little cats." I commented.
He chuckled. "Am I the cute little cat in this scenario?"
"Can be." I said, giving a slight smile.
"Well, sorry to let you know, but there are several tigers that tread lightly around me." Dirthin said.
"Definitely tabaxi, then." I replied. "You are little. Though. I didn't know there were small Leonin, too. Then again, you're the first Leonin I've seen."
"I suppose I am a little on the shorter side, but I still cut an imposing figure to most." Dirthin insisted.
"That's important to you, isn't it?" I asked.
"It's amusing to me. Being imposing takes care of some situations without my interference." He replied.
"I'm not intimidating at all. That's the dangerous part." I pointed out.
"Your dangerous, hmm? How so?" He asked.
"Because I'm cute and look cuddly, and that makes people think that I am not as trained as I am." I said. "Besides, Island Tigrine are as tough as Taiga Tigrine, we just don't need all the extra bulk."
"My brother would agree with you on bulk being unnecessary, but I enjoy a good workout." Dirthin said.
"What kind of workout?" I asked.
"I have personalized equipment to train my strength, or just a good fight." Dirthin said.
"Fight for fun, or fight to kill?" I asked.
"Can't it be both?" He replied.
I thought about it for a moment, "I suppose it can, yeah.. I'm game to play if you want."
He laughed, "Alright, I got an area we can use. Follow me, I have a warehouse that'll work."
I had no qualms to follow him. It wasn't like I trust him.. but then again, it wasn't like he was some devil or demon. He was just a cat. When I showed I was agreeable, he led me along to a big warehouse, and inside it. It was a spacious area, with few boxes to the side against the walls, but not much
"I'm not in the mood to clean up a mess, so unarmed only sound good?" He asked.
"Do you count claws as armed?" I asked, "I don't, but I've a few cousins who did."
"Nah, no claws. Fists is what I was going for." Dirthin said.
"See, clarification is good." I said cheekily. "No claws it is."
He got into a ready stance and said, "You can start whenever you want."
I took in the unfamiliar fighting stance he'd taken. It was minimalistic and left him to a wide range of defensive and offensive movements to take. Since he left me to take the initiative, I launched into my own style of offensive attacks. I couldn't ambush him, so straight forward assault was what I leaned on, being mindful to not use claws.
After landing one square hit, he began to move. Hits were exchanged. His training allowed him to hit more times in quick succession than I could, but I could hit much harder than I looked able to. It was a trait Tigrin possess. Whereas I was wily, my stripes didn't confuse him. Basically, I could see why he earned the weariness of the guards.
After nearly twenty minutes, he called an end to the play fight. I wrinkled my nose a little, "More impressive than I thought you'd be."
"I'll take that as a compliment. I feel you were a little above what I thought you would be as well, though I could train you to be better if you want. Inbetween jobs that is." Dirthin said.
"Sure. I don't know what this land is like, a teacher is something you don't pass up." I replied. "I would appreciate learning from you."
"Here I thought you'd want to go home or something." He commented.
"I want to know exactly where I am. You could call it paranoia.. I know of the Roan Empire to the South of the Isla with the ice tundra further South, and the Volcanic Island to the Northwest, the Four Kingdoms continent to the North East, but aside from 'Winter's Halt' and a nearby city? I don't know where I am in relation to the world." I explained.
"Oh, we're actually to the West of that four kingdoms continent." Dirthin said.
"West? Directly West?" I asked.
"Yeah, West. I don't know about directly West, but West." Dirthin said.
"Then ships complain about whirlpool and water spouts, right?" I asked.
"Some of them.. if they make it back." He acknowledged.
"Oh.." I said. Ears sagging. "Yeah, no one has contact with this place anymore. It's cursed."
"Cursed is it? In what way?" He asked.
"The Gods have turned their back on it and allow devils to roam. For the last few centuries the Seasons have frozen with no intervention, and there is supposed to be some calamities occurring soon. Of darkness, dead, flame and water.." I told him.
"Hah. You should meet my nephew." He said.
".. Why is that?" I asked.
"Oh, multiple reasons that I don't want to try and get into. Just trust me, it would be a very interesting conversation for you." He insisted.
"... Alright, that's fine." I agreed. There was no reason not to.
"Alright. Follow me to my office. He should be home at the moment, he's grounded." He said.
"Uh, what?" I asked, staring at him in shock.
"Um.. follow me to my office. It's a much faster way to get around." He said, sounding confused.
Aghast, I had to ask, "Why has he been buried?!?"
He looked at me in utter confusion then said, "Ah. Grounded means.. he isn't allowed to leave the house."
I blinked, processing what he said. "Oh. What a strange way of saying that."
"I suppose it is. But it does get the point across that he is stuck where he is." Dirthin said.
"Most certainly. If we get grounded on the Isla, it's being buried to your ears on the beach." I informed him. "You're lucky if someone digs you up in time to avoid the tide."
"That does seem a bit more severe. Hell, the boy still gets snacks." Dirthin replied.
Feeling more comfortable, I followed him to a set of double doors, one gold, the other silver, with lion heads as handles. He opened the silver one, letting us inside. This room was a large training room with ample space, dummies, weapons, a kitchen in the back and three doors. He shut the door behind us, then re-opened it, gesturing for me to go back out.
The setting had completely changed. Before us was a spacious foyer, we were on the upper level, withe a walkway spanning to the left and right of us, with an opening across from a descending staircase, where I could see doors a plenty, including another set of double doors with a man standing dutifully at them. There was carpet running the length of both the stairs and the walkways, everything was shiny with neat art and vaces available to look at.
I felt like a bunpkin looking around at the shiny splendor of the house, he caught my attention again, leading me to the left set of stairs, down them, and towards the right set, and now I could see a massive hallway in the middle that we went down. To the right we passed an open door where couches and a short table were, to the left was a few shut doors, we turned into the next right doorway.
This opened into a massive library that had a piano and a couple of instruments in it. Two human children, an albino leonin with a nursing cub, and ample places to sit. The children and Leonin looked at us casually. The male human child looked pensive once he saw us.
"Everyone, this Vexie. I have brought her to the estate to talk with Isarial, because I thought that would be amusing. Have fun." Dirthin announced, taking a seat.
"For what purpose, Uncle?" The human boy asked.
"Well, currently just my amusement. But I think it could be amusing for both of you." Dirthin responded.
"I see. Well, Vexie, I am Isarial, this is Zeraldinria, Snow Den, and Jasper." Isarial introduced the people in the room. He looked at his Uncle briefly, then looked back at me. "Aside from Uncle, what brings you here?"
"A ship." I replied. "We had been talking about this place being cursed when he decided I should talk to you."
"Cursed how?" The boy asked.
So I explained the legend of the curse and where it's thought to originate, as well as Asmodeus' fixation on the area. Which the boy listened to with great comprehension. Towards the end of the explanation, a gold Leonin, smaller and resembling Dirthin entered. Though he didn't interrupt.
When I concluded the explanation, he said, "I see. So that's why the world is destroyed if I did nothing. I'm working on resolving those issues, so none of it is going to happen."
"See? Interesting kid, huh?" Dirthin asked.
"I suppose. I'm just glad he wasn't buried." I said.
"Nope, not buried. Just locked up in the house for his own protection." Dirthin said.
".. Right. Anyways, the way you speak, you aren't from this continent?" Isarial asked.
"Correct. I am from Isla Silver Reef." I said.
"I'm afraid none of us are familiar with that island." Isarial said. "Not many on this continent know much about anything beyond our shores."
"I believe the gods meant it to be so, not that you can expect God's to have reasoning." I noted.
"True nough. Did you want to go home?" Isarial asked.
"I'm not greatly concerned about doing so. I was more so alarmed by not knowing where I was." I replied.
"So you're not concerned with being on our cursed continent?" Dirthin asked.
"Eh, worst that can happen is that I die, anything else is an experience." I said.
"Well, that's a fair enough view point." Dirthin said.
"You don't have family to return to?" Isarial asked.
"Aunts and Uncles, cousins. But Tigrine don't really spend much time together like Leonin or humans do." I shrugged.
"Tigrine?" Isarial asked. "What is the difference?"
"There's Catfolk, Leonin and Tabaxi. Tabaxi can be tigers, but aren't Tigerfolk like Leonin aren't Lionfolk. Tigerfolk encompass the three types of Tigrines, as well as the orange and black Tigerfolk, though not the Rakshasa.. Tigrine are a larger and longer lived bunch, with Island Tigrine being the smaller of the bunch." I explained.
"What is a Rakshasa?" Isarial asked.
"A demon that resembles Tigerfolk, but for that it's palms are where the back of the hands should be. It feeds on humanoids exclusively and plots vile things." I answered. "Luckily, they pick their targets very carefully to keep themselves secret. It often alters it's appearance to appear to be some influential person. It's immune to most magic except high level spells."
"Oh." Isarial said. "You know a lot about that."
"Unfortunately, yes. The Empire to the South was previously plagued by one." I acknowledged.
"Huh. Well, how'd they figure it out?" Isarial asked.
"An Archdevil was used to handle the Rakshasa." I said.
"A devil to fight a demon. Interesting." Isarial commented. "At least a devil holds to their contracts strictly." He blinked and looked at the girl, "Never make a deal with a Devil or Fey."
"Indeed, they tend to go above and beyond when adhering to the words of their contract." The gold lion said. Then he squinted at my neck. "Might I know what that symbol means to you?"
Confusion flashed across my face briefly, then realization. My choker possessed Asmodeus' symbol. It was unremoveable, and couldn't be hidden. I'd answered everything else directly. "I'd actually forgotten about that. It's a symbol of possession."
"Possession? Not a willing follower?" He asked.
"No, but it... hm. Actually could be a bit of an annoyance now... Since this continent has his attention.." I frowned, thinking on it.
"If you were attempting to escape his attention you certainly came to the wrong home." The gold one said.
"I don't currently have his attention, but curiosity demands I ask why that is." I replied in a frank manner.
"My son temporarily turned him into a snail." He said.
I stared at him for a moment, blinked, then tried to hide my amusement as I realized he was telling the truth, then began laughing outright. "A snail!" I gasped, "Oh, that's too good."
Once I sobered up, the boy said, "Then you're one of Asmodeus' people?"
"Yes, as I said, a Rakshasa was plaguing the Empire. It's the Isla's closest ally. To handle it, my late parents made a deal with that Archdevil." I said. "My only defense for the stupidity involving myself was that I was a toddler."
"They used you?" Isarial asked. A look of empathy entered his eyes.
"To be entirely fair, they lost their lives, I get to live mine. As I said, the worst that can happen is that I die." I shrugged.
"Well to be fair that's typical the worst result for anyone." Dirthin said.
"He doesn't demand anything of you?" Isarial asked.
"Occasional entertainment if he's paying attention. Thing is, he doesn't." I shrugged.
"Well, let's just hope he doesn't tune in while you're here. He may get quite the show." Dirthin said.
"Indeed. By the way, I am James Hearthry, since my brother doesn't seem to want to introduce us." James, the Gold said.
"Oh.. Nice to meet you, I am Vexie Silver from Isla Silver Reef." I replied politely.
Dirthin scoffed, "I'm not your servant. I don't introduce people to you."
"Manners dictate that when you bring a person home you introduce them." Snow Den said, "James just missed Isarial's introductions made in your stead."
"By the way, have you eaten anything?" Dirthin asked.
"I haven't. Was a bit busy today." I said. I wasn't sure when my last meal was since the whirl pools were at least three weeks from the Isla.
"Then let's fix that. Lunch is close to being served, and we have quite the staff." Dirthin said.
"Aren't you being to kind? You've already offered to teach me to fight better, and helped me earlier." I said, it wasn't what I was accustomed to.
"Much like the one you currently unwillingly serve, I'm bored." Dirthin said.
"You're also stranded in another continent.." Isarial pointed out. "It's not like feeding a person will put us out."
Dirthin laughed, "Indeed, just look at me, I'm quite the handful for the kitchen."
".. I'll accept it then, thank you." I said.
I noticed Isarial frown a little, but he said nothing. James led us through the house to their dining room. I sat where I was indicated to. The servants didn't seem flustered when setting another set of dishes and food out. I was amazed really, I'd never experienced anything like this before. I'd heard of it though. The utensils were strange to me, really. We used chopsticks or our hands to at our meals.
Still, I followed their lead, if the two children could do it, so could I. Minding my manners, by parroting the hosts, I tried the food. It was so delectable.. Indescribably delicious. I was able to keep myself calm, but I felt my tail displaying my pleasure with it'a wag. I also know my whiskers were perked up. The rest of me remained placid, however.
Conversation flowed easily from the two children, including the adults into it, and even speaking to me occasionally. Just light conversation without any bickering present. It was a very pleasant experience. Zeraldinria seemed to enjoy the food as much as I was.
Once many of us had eaten our fills, Snow Den asked me, "Vexie, do you lack clothing or funds?"
"That's rather direct and personal, but I did buy an outfit earlier, I also recovered my weapon and money from the ship." I replied.
"Ah. Our son has a tendency to hire people for various things, that's mainly why I asked." Snow Den explained.
"Oh.. Thanks.." I said, uncertain of how to further respond to that.
"I suppose if you wanted to look for work there would be several things you could do.. but I'd recommend joining the Adventurers Guild. They do freelance." Isarial said. "The only things I could send you for currently is town guard or something life threatening."
"I see." I said, pondering on it. "Like what?"
"Well, I could send someone to destroy a Lich's phylactery.." Isarial said. "Or maybe send you after the Bloody Hawkes. I know what they look like, but... well, what's your moral compass? Are you fine with killing people who may not have done anything wrong yet but will do unspeakable things in the future?"
"That's a loaded question." I replied, "Phew.. No, I don't have moral issues with killing others. If I can do it, and there is the slightest provocation, I will do it."
"Now that's an answer I can get behind. If you do accept the job I got some spare equipment you could use." Dirthin said.
"The phylactery would be part two of preventing the Undeads from attacking." Isarial said. "The shadows are likely stopped, or it will be stopped when the knight comes. The rest can be handled as they occur, and I've never feared Asmodeus."
"Why fear what can be killed? That's my motto." Dirthin said.
"Anyways, it's not like you do need to take such jobs. Plenty of jobs around without getting involved." Isarial commented, "It is dangerous to be involved with my plans. There's people who don't like what I'm doing."
"Then why are you doing it?" I asked, curiously.
"Because I can do it." Isarial said simply.
"Fair." I admitted.
"With adult supervision you can." Dirthin clarified.
"Yes, yes, well, I've been busy to go out anyways. And technically you're the adult I'm allowed to go outside with." Isarial said, rolling his eyes.
"True, but I gotta be a little more cautious myself." Dirthin said.
"Eh, I just gotta tell Dad in more detail what I want to do." Isarial said nonchalantly.
I wasn't sure what they were referring to, but James and Snow Den were giving the two pointed looks, so I figured it was best to leave the subject alone. It wasn't my problem in the least. Either way, Dirthin declared it was time for him to get to work, and James seconded that.
They headed out and I became increasingly uncomfortable until I said, "I'll check out the area around. Haven't seen it before, after all."
"Have fun." Snow said.
"Mm. If you go to a warehouse maker with a wreathed lion you can see the town I built." Isarial said.
".. Town you built?" I asked.
"Well, City I had built." Isarial clarified. "Haril is the guard captain there. You can see if you want to be hired."
"He's being honest." Snow Den said.
"Then I will check it out." I replied.
I headed out their house, the doorman letting me out, and entered the city. I noticed the giant tree immediately. Then how bustling it was in the city. I wondered around a bit before spotting the warehouse that was mentioned. I went up to it, was looked over, then directed inside. A portal was opending, and I was beckoned to enter it.
Having gone in, I exited into a large underground city. Everything had a blue hue from the odd lighting. But it was well lit, enough for humans to walk freely. The initial area I'd walked out into was a market area. Bustling and full of friendly and laughing people, with a few guards being friendly and watchful.
I also saw stairs spiraling upwards, so I followed it. Once I reached the top, I found a town with sunlight shining in it, though it was clearly underground. I noticed in both places that felines were the rarer of the groups. And had only seen tabaxi thus far. Still, I kept looking around, noticing a medical tent, eating place and so on.
Once someone got close to me during my wandering about I asked them where Haril would be, and they pointed me towards the stairs near the waterfall leading upwards. I went up the stairs, then followed the left wall to the entry area then to the other tunnel that immediately widened. Just as I was instructed.
After a brief glance around, I saw a big human man barking orders at some people. I figured that was the one I was told to speak to. So I approached. He paused, looking at me.
"May I help you with something?" He asked.
"Are you the guard captain here?" I inquired.
"I am.. Did you have something to report?" He asked.
"A strange boy told me to come here." I shrugged, "Since his Uncle will be training me, I figured I could do as the kid said."
"Ah, you must mean our founder." Haril said.
"Isarial, yes. Anyways, I was offered to try and become one of your guards or take on dangerous tasks assigned by the kid. As a foreigner, it's not bad for me to met people, you know?" I said.
"Well, alright. I can give you the expedited version of the test if he's willing to recommend you." Haril said.
"You're just gonna take me at my word?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Your description alone gives me reason to believe you. Not to mention you'd be a damned fool to pretend to be sent by the boy." Haril replied.
"Hm. Yeah, I can't take on his uncle yet. I'm gonna try though. Once I improve some." I grinned, then noticed a big cat approaching us.
"You may do as you wish, but I have no intentions of trying to take that lion on." Haril said.
Noting the stripes, I felt a little prickly towards the cat. "Aw, but he's such a cute little kitten. It'd work out.... Naw, really, I am not much of a match for him, but I hit harder than he expected."
Looking me in the eye he said, "Don't ever let him hear you say that about him. I don't think anyone could stop what he'd try to do."
"But I did say it to his face?" I said.
"Then you must have caught him in an extremely good mood." Haril insisted.
I looked at the tigery cat, who had reached us, "Well, I'm hella cute, so of course he was in a good mood."