Short Stories

The Last Black Panther

I was the only survivor, the last of my people, since The Raid. That was a terrible day for my people. Blood shed, war and unforgivable loss. The beautiful, evergreen forest was now stained red with all those who perished in the war. Humans from Valdaha had infiltrated our sanctuary which therefore disrupted the peace, exterminating each black panther in sight. They charged in trampling everything in sight, hurting the core. This was the energy source,the balance which allowed life to flourish in the living surroundings. The death of what I thought was the last of my people just served as another fatal blow to the core. Equilibrium was shattered.
I was born in the forest. The earthy smells that filled your lungs as you gasped for air, the sweet song of birds in perfect tune, the fresh droplets of rain each day, this was all i knew. I owned jet black fur and gleaming gold eyes. I was not like the others. The elders believed that I was strong and I would become a skilled warrior one day, they were right. My parents were both skilled warriors who fought for their people in many wars, sadly they died in The Raid also. I was now the protector, the one to carry on their legacy and I was proud to do so.
Alone, in a jungle full of living creatures but I was still alone. I did the only thing that kept me focused, I trained. I felt a rush as I ran through the forest. Fresh air that filled my lungs, the feel of the earth and the greenery. I was agile, smooth, able to be seen and invisible when I wanted to be. Stealthy, able to pounce on my prey. The sweet succulent meat was always enjoyed. Every inch of the forest was at my feet available for me to explore without disturbances. I was free, yet I felt confined still to loneliness.
Years had past and I continued to prowl the forest alone. I found myself at the ruins, a desolate part of the forest. The smell of death, decay and fatality lingered in the thick air. I came upon another panther like me, one of my people, my family. She was dead. She already was decaying, her black fur layed flat. Flies, maggots and other insects feasted on her. Her bones visible with pieces of her eaten flesh, all this was the work of some unknown hungry beast. She was not dead more than a week so she was alive all this time, now she is gone. I sat by her body for hours letting my emotions get the best if me. Tears flooded my eyes and flowed endlessly down my face. I was not alone but now maybe I am. I could not take it any more, after I buried her I went further into the ruins. I never went so deep in the ruins before, but it was breath takingly beautiful. It was lovely and now mine or so I thought. I heard a growl, immediately my mood changed and I was in high alert. I had a very good idea where the noise came from and I was sure to surprise my potential attacker. I leapt with all my might towards the noise. Snarling like the picture of danger I was sure to scare the attacker. To my surprise I was greeted with the playful growl of a young pup. At first I didn't let him keep my attention because I was surprised. I played with the young one showing him I was not a threat. He led me back to his family. For someone who travels alone and had been without companionship I was glad to be surrounded with others like myself.