G.C.S

Prologue

He heard it come from behind the forest. Its large paws made craters in the soft dirt. He waited in the bushes for what seemed like an eternity. This was the moment they had been waiting for; The moment that would change their world.

"Take it already..." Yuri whispered, peering at the beast through the bushes. It seemed to toy with the bait, the big cat pacing around it as if he knew it was a trap.

"Be patient, soldier. The time will come eventually." The heat was scorching, sweat trickling down Yuri's face. He faintly saw the pather nibble on the bait.

"Target has taken the bait. Repeat, Target has taken the bait." Yuri weakly said through the mic. Yuri aimed, then shot. The dart whizzed past the cat, scraping its cheek.

"Crap! I missed the-" He was interrupted by a low growl. The cat swiped, Yuri barely dodging its claws. It pounced, Yuri rolling away. The cat drew heavy breaths, still looking at Yuri with mean eyes.

"Easy now, buddy... No need to fight me..." Yuri calmly said to the panther. It stumbled a bit, its eyes growing weak. It took one last breath, then pounced on Yuri, Yuri sliding back into a tree.

"Owwwwww...." He groaned, rubbing the back of his head. The panther slept soundly on his lap, its large paw resting on Yuri's leg. "Target has been sedated. Move the heli to my location." He ordered, sliding the panther's paws off his legs. A searing pain soon filled his leg, blood staining his pant leg.

"What the-" he questioned, looking over at the paw. One of its claws was out, covered in Yuri's blood.

"You little..." Yuri commented, grabbing the bandages out from his bag. Dust soon flew up around the cat, Yuri looking up. "Bout time..." Three ropes dropped down from the helicopter, each one with a soldier sliding down. One came over to Yuri as soon as they reached the floor.

"You ok? That looks bad." The soldier said, examining the wound.

"I'll be fine. Thanks, though, Malaki." Yuri responded, getting up. They hopped into the heli, the rest of the crew jumping in after they had secured the panther. Yuri and Malaki took one last look at the magnificent forest, then shut the door.

"Tomorrow we are returning, correct?" Malakai asked, tending Yuri's wound. "Yes..." Yuri groaned. "Tomorrow is another day..."