I stepped out into a new life, my siblings still unaware of our current situation. I searched the outskirts of the den which thick jungle covered. Trees reached into the sky. The canopy so far I couldn't even see it. Rays of light crept through which dotted the floor as I scoped the surroundings further. For ages I spent gathering meat from other's killings and creeping around. Hours long spent hunted birds just waiting for the time to strike.
It reminded me of how I used to live, searching or trapping food for your next meal to get through the day. My siblings grew up quickly while I took the lead. The next five years I trained my body and mind to adapt to this new lifestyle. I outsmarted the jungle and managed to gain control of its inhabitants. The birds now stayed a yard's distance away, silencing their calls when near, and tigers who avoided me. The monkeys in the trees wouldn't dare throw rocks in my direction. I had respect. But at the cost of being stained with blood.
Though, I never went hungry as prey couldn't best me. I explored the entire jungle but it only saddened me. Each time I reached the outskirts I would follow it to a now withered flower where it seemed no trace of blood was ever shed. The jungle's peace began to bore me.
While I used to be able to play with my brother he now viewed me as a threat. They began not recognizing me as their own. My behavior being too different. I wanted to leave. I wouldn't be accepted anywhere I went but perhaps on a new adventure or a new place could bring me joy.
I just needed someone to speak to... I didn't even know if I could still remember my own language but how did my mother know it? I accepted it thinking panther's had their own language but my siblings only roared and other panthers I met responded in only side glances and aggressive roars each time I spoke.
And so I left, abandoning the den I made and the territory I protected.