Puzzled, Olivera probed deeper. The two species had never been great friends, but neither had they been enemies. They held different values, but had always managed to respect each other's society. There was a touch there in the memories. A dark stain. Something off. Olivera examined it carefully. The spot was very dark in the center, but rings formed around it, lighter in color, stretching out to encompass the entire brain of the jaguar-man.
The closer she got to the spreading discoloration, the more agitated and disturbed the jaguar became. The moment she merged, as soft a touch as she used, she felt evil shift, become aware of her. Around her the shadows swelled and took form. Within the jaguar's brain the blemish stirred as if disturbed.
Olivera backed off, not wanting to rouse the ire of the cat any further. The animal was shaking, fur wet and dark as its sides heaved. The man was beginning to lose the battle for control of the beast.
