The Survivor And The Tiger

Chapter 2: The Encounter

Gracie pulled out a machete she had been allowed to bring on her small plane for jungle purposes and cut off her sleeves and chopped a matter of inches of her hair off. She knew she'd need to stay as cool as she can. She ran. Ran until she couldn't anymore. There were heavy movements in the vegetation and she dared not move a muscle. Suddenly a roar erupted from the plant growth and a flash of deep dark orange and jet black striped came from the trees and before she knew it, she had sliced a juvenile Bengal tiger's right ear clean off and was pinned by the shoulders. Man versus beast, face to face. The tiger was extremely hefty and heavy for its size, horrid smelling breath and huge bared teeth. She didn't dare look into its eyes, that was just a sign of aggression. She slowly moved her machete towards her own chin, earning a vicious snarl and a tightened grip from the beast. She flung her arm out and the blade of her machete burrowed itself into the tree. The tiger roared and reared up and slammed it's. huge paws back on her shoulders instead of killing her, realizing the weapon had not been meant to hurt it. "I need that machete to live... I will not harm you if you do not harm me." Gracie whispered. The large creature seemed to be studying her, every feature. It snuffed half-heartedly and slowly got off of her. "Listen, sorry about your war Mr. Tiger." She said and nudged her shoulder at his head. "I'm Gracelyn. You can think of me as Gracie. How about I call you Stripey." She said receiving a grunt she took as "are you serious?" In tiger world. "Ok, ok, how about Khan?" Gracie said with a chuckle. This time the tiger chuffed at her and slightly nodded. "Alright, Khan it is." She said and stood by him. She knew very well the tiger could have killed her right then and there. But he didn't. Khan gently nuzzled her, he was aware of the harm he could do. Gracie grabbed her machete and sheathed it. Khan gave her an alarmed look, "Remember Khan, I won't hurt you unless you hurt me." Gracie reminded the beast slowly. Gracie tied a piece of brightly colored thread to Khan's neck cautiously, she needed to remember it was him, not another. "Ok Khan. Let's go!" Gracie piped and started to walk, Khan stayed only an arms length behind her. How long could their friendship last? Women and juvenile male tiger. However it would play out, Gracie was fine with what she had for the time being. Khan close behind, they set off. Away from the wreck, away from her lifeless son. It was a new start for human and tiger alike.