Primal Outcasts

Chapter 13: Shadows beneath the surface

A few weeks had passed since Kuma's battle with the mysterious tiger and the human girl. He'd taken the time to recover, spending quiet days with his new friends, who had brought him both joy and a lingering anxiety. Despite the comfort of their company, he still kept his secret hidden, unsure how they might react if they ever found out. The memory of that sushi night with them stayed with him, a warm reminder of the connections he'd made. He would tell them when the time was right—when he was ready.

Jagger approached Kuma and Riyu who are in the throne room, a pleased look on his face. "Kuma, King Riyu." He began, nodding respectfully, "I wanted to talk to you both. My king has heard all about what you've done for me. Even though I was your nation's enemy, you still helped.

Kuma perked up, a bit surprised. "Your king knows about us?"

"More than just knows," Jagger replied with a grin. "After all I told him about you guys with flame mail. He's deeply grateful for everything you've done. He's impressed by the courage you both showed facing threats that most would run from. In fact, he's extended an invitation to you—an honor he doesn't offer lightly."

Riyu's eyes sparkled with interest. "An invitation?"

"Yes you heard it right, King Riyu. Will you accept? If you're busy, he understands." Jagger said.

Riyu's eyes widened with intrigue. "Las Mesozoic..." he repeated thoughtfully. "It's been a long time since I've been invited anywhere, and your king's gratitude is... well, quite the honor. I haven't been there for years. Of course it was different circumstances of course."

Kuma looked between the two of them, excitement starting to bubble up. "That sounds amazing!"

Riyu nodded, pride evident on his face. "It would be a good experience, Kuma. But..." He paused, glancing down. "I can't just leave my duties here. Not yet, anyway."

Kuma, seeing his father's hesitation, quickly spoke up. "Hey, I could go instead!" he offered, his tone eager. "I mean, it's not every day we get invited to a place like Las Mesozoic, right?"

Riyu's face tightened for a moment, a flicker of concern crossing his eyes. "You know, Kuma... we just went through a lot. I almost lost you once. What if something happens again? I don't think I could bear it."

Kuma stepped closer and gave his father a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Dad. I'm fully recovered, and I'm ready for anything! I'm not letting anything stop me."

Riyu gave him a hard stare, as if reminding Kuma of the countless times his confidence had landed him in trouble.

Kuma chuckled, raising his hands in defense. "If necessary, of course!" he added with a wink, trying to lighten the mood.

Riyu hesitated, a flicker of worry crossing his face. "Alright, Kuma, you can go," he said after a moment. "But you'll be taking Max as your escort."

Kuma's face fell slightly. "But Dad... Max doesn't even like me," he protested.

Riyu raised an eyebrow, his tone firm. "Son, Max is one of my strongest generals. So either you go to Las Mesozoic with Max, or you don't go at all. Especially with Crystal Hollow targeting you... we don't know why yet, and I'm not risking it."

Kuma sighed, relenting under his father's unyielding gaze. "Fine, I'll go with Max," he said, trying to sound cheerful again.

Jagger chuckled, giving Kuma a reassuring pat on the back. "Don't worry, Kuma. Max is just a bit gruff, but he'll look out for you."

Kuma rolled his eyes but managed a small smile. "Alright, I'll give him a chance," he said with a laugh. "Guess we'll be off to Las Mesozoic soon!"

Then Kuma left the throne room with a new burst of energy, calling back to Riyu and Jagger as he walked out, "Let me see if Amy wants to come too!"