FSE

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I greet you again, dear watchers and friends, new comers and strangers alike. Two weeks passed without only the vague promise of a story. Two weeks without any kitty action to read. That HAS to be changed, starting from this very moment.

This is the story I've been working on and off during this time. It has kitties in it, mating, and a plethora of other interesting things to enjoy. While I had my share of problems during the writing process, I am pleased with the final result of this story. That being said, I'll stop boring you with my rambling.

Just get a cup of coffee, tea, or whatever you happen to fancy and get reading! And, as always, I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below. Was I good or was I terrible? Be sure to let me know.

***

Dusk found Athys alone, sprawled on the stone of an overgrown balcony. He busied himself with a paw, running his tongue across the moist black pads. Three strokes, and he stopped. Lifting his head, the lion flared his nostrils. The evening air was cold and rich in scents. It flowed through the lion's pale golden mane, ruffling the maturing strands of fur.

"More plans?" He shared his thoughts with Reya. The tigress's scent added a pleasant aroma to the flavor of concrete and vegetation. The tigress climbed the rest of the stairs with graceful dexterity. Athys turned his head, watching. The black tipped ears came first, then her fiery eyes. They looked at him, two molten globes surrounding a dark sphere. Her nose followed, sprouting a white and black painted muzzle with long whiskers on each side.

She walked towards him. "Not for the moment." Her mind touch bore the softness of her paws. Athys perked his ears, but the pads made no sound. The tigress was silent as the wind's gentle caress. Wind had a way of changing courses, and sounds were deceiving. Athys needed none of the basic senses to feel for his sister when his gift burned brighter than all of them combined. He felt Reya's as his own. They were siblings, after all, sharing much between them. It was such with their gifts, but not with their appearance.

Athys rolled on his back, half of his head resting on nothingness. The stone pillars of the balcony had wide gaps in between, offering a perfect peek of the lands below. Trees and vegetation dominated the lush territory of the FeralFangs. They covered everything, although signs of the old world still existed. Some small ruins here and there, rusted cars, and other mementos left behind by a once flourishing race. They were spread and far; insignificant traces of a once significant race.

Humans. They stretched as far as eyes could see, snuffling every trace of nature. Their dens threatened to touch the sky while their metal mounts swarmed the land. A cloud of endless color and diversity, the pride leader named them. Rumors said they conquered nature itself. If that was true, where were they now? How did they vanish? What decimated their flourishing race?

Athys was deep in thought when warm gusts of breath made his tail twitch in response. The tufted tip brushed on the cold stone clean before colliding with Reya's nose. It tickled! Athys moved his tail a few times, aiming for nothing in particular. The sky displayed a particularly interesting hue this evening. Specks of orange mixed with violets and blues, wrestling in a dazzling display of shadow and light. Fire and night. Was that how humans perished? Fighting and dying until darkness claimed them?

Athys kicked one of his hind paws. A presence hovered above his male parts, warming them with soft rushes of air. Athys blinked and craned his head. Reya lowered her head further and licked the speck of pink protruding from the sheath. A jolt traveled across the lion's lower belly. It felt warm and strange. The member twitched and pierced through the sheath, but a second lick never came. A low rumble left her throat as she raised her head, displaying the familiar grimace.

Athys rolled on his back. Whatever that new sensation was, it vanished. He walked towards his sister, saying nothing. They both loved taking in each other's scents. Perhaps Reya more than him. If she couldn't breed, as father often said--

A rub on his neck distracted the lion. Reya buried her head past his maw, right into that half grown mane. With quick rubs, she fondly nuzzled his neck. The embrace of teeth snuck in there too. Athys found that most unpleasant, pawing at the tigress twice.

"Father will have us summoned," Reya said. She drew back, her eyes sparkling with affection. The two felines' muzzles were a claw width apart, and Reya did not hesitate to run her tongue along the lion's dark nose.

Athys responded in kind. Two licks, then he dropped on the ground, paws latching around Reya's neck. The tigress growled. Her retaliation consisted of weak bites and feeble paw strikes. Weird. She was always in a playful mood. Athys darted his open maw to her throat. Play or not, he never bested his sister. Maybe now he could--

A paw swing stole his vision. Athys blinked, shielding his eyes from the soft threat. Too late. Reya was above him, front feet planted on either side of his head. The pressure around Athys's throat could only mean one thing.

"What moves such certainty?" The lion thought. A mere distraction while he desperately tried to scramble the tigress' balance.

Reya did not bother replying. She never did when play was involved. Her stance was solid and confident, and her form unwavering despite the storm of kicks and growls. Release finally came. Athys rolled on his feet. Barely. His belly still touched the ground when Reya pounced. The cats tangled in a heap of paws and stripes. Growls of different pitches erupted from their throats. A violent scene by any standard, yet claws never left their sheath.

Like before, Reya had her fangs around the lion's neck. Athys lost count how many times he tasted defeat. The outcome repeated itself like day and night. She was so swift! She broke through any grips and turned disadvantage into momentum.

"You are defeated."

A roar and several kicks made the tigress leap. She crouched, eyes large in the retreating light. Athys found purchase on the solid ground and snarled. He hated losing! A half hearted leap turned into a tackle. Reya knew this maneuver too well. Athys only managed to touch her flank as her bulk disappeared from his field of vision. A quick turn to the left revealed her striped form. Athys imitated his sister's previous leap.

Too late. The force sent both of the cats against the tough pillars of the balcony.

"You will best me some day. Expertise rarely eludes experience."

Athys's chest rumbled. His blood still churned with predatory instinct. He was larger than her. Stronger. But he was on the ground, broken and defeated like helpless prey. Reya towered above him, head inching closer to his exposed neck. Athys snarled. He wouldn't allow her to--

A moist lick on his nose turned thoughts of retribution to more pleasant ones. Reya always did this after one of her victories. Her rough tongue returned, caressing whiskers, nose, fur, and exposed fangs. Athys closed his eyes. Rough growl acquired the soft rumbling of purr as he surrendered himself to Reya's affection. She ran her tongue up the lion's nose, all the way between his twitching ears.

And dozen casual licks bloomed into a full grooming. Crickets started their songs, adding flair to the monotony of night. Nothing was more important than grooming. The two felines argued about feral combat and questioned the past when Reya poked her head past the lion's flank. She licked the short fur thrice, then stopped. Athys had his head on the ground, basking in the flow of delight. Reya's scent flowed through his nostrils. It had the flagrance of familiarity and...something else. Athys didn't care for explanations.

Not until a rough presence brushed against his sensitive member. Elation surged through his limbs, then pain. Athys kicked and snarled at the confused tigress.

"I shouldn't have..." she said, rolling on her back, displaying the white of her belly. Athys got up on his fours, walked towards her, then met the ground once again.

"We never apologize to each other," he said. They rubbed and licked their muzzles.

"Is there a reason for that?" Reya challenged.

"Time. You are stubborn as stone," Athys nipped at her ear. Reya shook her striped head

"A trait inherited from loving mother. You are not any different, Athys. That's why you keep challenging me to play."

"Father always said the line between playing and killing is thin."

"I know," Reya got up and reader on balcony's edge, placing two front paws on the stone. Her form was lithe and inviting. Athys always admired her coat. The way flames and darkness mated on her fur was exquisite.

"You are still a cub, Athys. Only your scent is fully mature."

"We are the same." Athys rolled on his belly, paws pushing the warm stone underneath. Reya's striped tail rapped the side of his snout as the lion took in her scent. He bared his fangs, a low growl escaping his throat. No traces of heat lingered, yet the scent of a mature female warmed his blood. He pawed at her back, feeling the soft fur sliding down his paw. What did he want? Instincts pushed him into a strange direction. Mount her. Mount her and...

A distant roar had the both the cats' ears perked.

"Those would be the summons," Reya said.

Athys joined her on the edge. His ear pained as it found itself between rows of small teeth. A paw strike took care of that.

"How important was that? I almost forgot about it."

Reya chuffed. "Different coats, same predator. How fares your gift?"

"Almost spent."

"Should be enough to get us down there. Father gets frisky when his own cubs delay him." With that, Reya jumped over the edge. The trees looked like bushes from this height. The fall should've killed her.

There was no fall. Reya glided to the distant garden, manipulating the gravity with her gift. Athys growled, apprehension clawing at his insides. Great cats lacked wings for a reason. With a half-hearted moan, he pushed himself over the solid stone and into nothingness. Air sizzled around him, but not for long. He quickly reached inside himself, raking at the energy residing within. The blaze that once burned like the sun itself was reduced to sickly specks that dissipated into thin air. The fires rushed around forming a protective cocoon. The ground below rushed at frightening speeds. Athys barely made sense of anything. He glided above the chaos of colors, falling faster than anticipated. Trees displayed their full canopy just as the gift burned itself out.

Athys dropped with a growl. Dust stirred under his paws, and the smell of rusting metal overwhelmed his senses. He quickly leaped from the truck and onto the grass sprouting concrete. These were not the gardens. Small signs constructions littered each side, dilapidated or close to crumbling. Weird, dirty, but familiar. The gardens were just beyond this circle of ruins.

Athys covered the rest of the distance like an ordinary feline.. The sky bruised to a deep violet when the scents of the gardens replaced the stench of men. Several felines were gathered around the dry fountain. Some sat on wooden benches. Others fidgeted, flicking tails impatiently. Out of thirteen, only three greeted Athys. Two of them were kin.

The lion rubbed head and neck with the two tigresses. A lion with a splendid, fully grown mane walked towards them. He too joined the greeting ritual, attracting three others. Soon, all followed, and the evening sung with the growls and moans of felines.

Laryth led his family at the foot of a drained fountain. The stone was worn and mossy, strangling the carvings in the stone. Laryth walked around, saying nothing. Athys felt a familiar presence brushing against his thoughts. It was like a water stream prodding at his consciousness. He allowed it in. It was weird how father could link more minds together.

"Darkness sees us reunited." The lion scrambled atop the angular fountain, legs struggling to find proper balance in the limited space.

"Half a day threatens eternity," Reya added. She sat on her haunches, with Athys beside her. Fera embraced the ground, grooming one of her paws.

"I have nothing to share."

Mother seldom did. Gift-less could not share thoughts or form mental pathways and often kept to the feral ways. Athys watched her curiously. The motherly scent he knew since his youth turned ripe and alluring. He could hardly resist it. The lion approached with slow, tentative steps, earning a growl from the snarling tigress.

Reya bumped into him. "Poor time you chose to play. Father is about to tell us our task."

"You call that playing?" Athys nipped Reya's ear and paced back a few steps. His amber eyes shifted to Laryth. What could he want now? Reya's summons were vague and lacked any meaty details. Humans rarely trespassed into feline turf. Nonetheless, they were a threat. With half the pride hunting them, those remaining would be as dead as the crafts they left behind.

Athys walked towards the fountain. His paws barely made any sound on the soft grass. The lion watched his son's approach from his elevated perk.

"What task needs completion?" The earth was chilly on Athys' haunches.

"A delicate one," Laryth leaped from the fountain, right between the triangle formed by the 3 felines. "The pack needs thinning. Breeding season has them in frenzy. Mates and supplies take their full attention at the moment, but as soon as their females carry young in their bellies, they will trespass into our lands. "

"The pack?" Athys inquired. That was something new. "They proved no threat--"

"Never were," Laryth interrupted. "Yet they're a nuisance. A disposable one."

"Dispose? You plan to end them, father?" Athys asked.

"Quite right. Their territory is in the heart of the old city. We all know what kind of prey resides there."

"Runts, rodents, half-beasts," Reya rubbed her head against her mother's. Athys watched the two females. Longing stirred within him, along with the need for...something. Despite his better judgment, Athys padded closer to them. No snarl rebuked him this time, and he happily rolled on his back, pawing and nuzzling the two females.

"Precisely," Laryth growled. "They will spill into our territory absent proper nourishment."

Athys growled as a weight fell on his limbs. Laryth, pridelord of the FeralFangs and sire to Athys and Reya rolled on his back like a youngling. Status really was insignificant when family was involved. A game of paws and bites briefly ensued. Then Laryth rose on his fours.

"You will take Algon with you," the prideleader said. "Though his gift--"

"His gift? He doesn't have one, and my brother drained his to kill Evan Longshade," Reya intervened with a growl. "Send me."

Fera had one of the tigress' paws in her jaws. "Daughter, sit. You're not leaving."

"My mate has the right of it. Females are too important to risk."

"But I-I'm....am..." Reya trailed off. They all knew what she wanted to say. That didn't stop Laryth. The large male circled the tigress and pressed his nose under her tail. Three quick sniffs and a lick had his crimson tongue lolling between two impressive canines.

"Still unfit to bear cubs."

Reya hung her head. Reproduction was the greatest of gifts. For a feline to not be able to hold life in her belly...it was...

"But you're still young, cub of mine," Laryth nuzzled her reassuringly. "Maybe your time has yet to arrive."

"Maybe," Reya said, despite the fact that every other female passed through at least once heat cycle. Everyone knew it.

"Let her come with me then," Athys joined the two of them. "We are an effective coalition. We proved you that."

Laryth swished his tail. The cats looked at each other for several seconds. "I will allow it."

"What?" Fera snarled, tongue poking between her canines.

"It's the best choice, mate. You know why."

The tigress reluctantly agreed. Her offspring were no strangers to bloodshed. "Keep to the shadows," mother said as she affectionately licked each of her cubs. Athys thoroughly enjoyed his treatment. An endless purr vibrated from his throat as he rubbed against his striped mother. Fera swished her tail, yowling softly as she joined her mate.

"You've ended bigger threats, offspring. Run swiftly and return all the same. "

The two siblings and their parents exchanged the greetings again and split. Athys walked quickly, enjoying the smoothness of soil under his paws. All manner of grasses and trees rose around him. The smell of vegetation entered his nostrils, along with the scent of felines. Reya walked alongside him. Muscles rippled under her ruddy fur. The uneven stripes dashed along her form slightly shifted in unison with her steps, like they had a life of their own.

"Mistakes were made," Athys growled, licking his nose. "We were better off secluded in that human nest."

"And do what?" Reya shot him a glance. Her whiskers were exquisite. Athys always liked nipping those during play.

"Sleep. Hunt. Play. Stalk," the lion replied. Two felines roared their greetings from afar. Athys drew in a breath, answering with his own reverberating roar. They barely walked a few steps, and signs of the EverGarden started to appear. Trees grew taller and wider, their branches twisting high above the contorted trunks. Grasses became wild and erratic, covering everything. Bushes could be seen here and there, bearing colored fruit. Athys evaded them. What wasn't poisonous had spikes and foul scents.

"In that order, is it?"

"Perhaps not. Yet playing is more exciting than hunting runts. They live in a pack for a reason, sister."

Reya pushed herself into the lion, guiding him between two thornbushes. "And so do we. There is greater strength in numbers."

"That is the only great thing about them. A cub has no problem tearing a wolf's throat. They are scrawny and weak," Athys growled.

"Every creature is until it fully matures. I remember no stalkers ending your life when you were a wee little cub."

"That isn't a reason."

"What is?"

Athys swished his tail, the tufted tip brushing on the thick underbrush. Reya could be annoying as a fly when she wanted to. And it wasn't the gentle nibbling of his tail that made Athys growl in protest.

"You should have asked father." The lion pushed the ground with his paws. Plants rustled and trembled, parting in the lion's wake. Half hearted strides turned into long, graceful leaps. Athys ran, breathing in the cold air. Night almost fell upon the land. A speck of darkened purple broke its way through the thick canopy. Despite the retreating light, Athys saw everything. He ran past scratched trees, fallen trees, and gnarled trees. Wherever he looked, vegetation sprouted, along with the faint scents of prey. The FeralFangs really took the lion's share when it came to the territory. It was a huge wedge section carved through what the humans once called The Botanica and the surrounding parks. Nature took over everything the humans left behind, and nowhere was it more obvious than here.

Athys slowed his pace, panting heavily. Paws burned with effort, and air entered in waves through parted jaws. Reya joined him, wetting her nose with a crimson tongue. "I hoped we would reach The Divide before darkness covers the sky."

"We will," Athys nuzzled her warm neck. "Just need to keep a steady pace."

"It was your idea to run," Reya snapped, catching his ear. Athys rolled on his back and kicked all of his paws. He fended off the tigress. Or so he thought. Reya walked around, clearly uninterested. "We can play by the lake. Come swiftly."

She turned her rear, rapping Athys's muzzle with the white tuft of her tail. It was too nimble to be caught by the lion's jaws. Athys tried again. Too late, thought the sight of Reya's dark slit provided a different type of motivation. Pushing himself up, Athys followed. He lowered his head, sniffing. Nostrils flared, catching the scent of Reya's alluring smell. The tigress turned around, fangs bared.

Athys had no time to evade the soft pads falling on his muzzle. "Do you want halfbeasts to come out of their dens?" Reya snarled. "You are fortunate to kill two with the gift you have left. Mind our task and stop playing like a newly weaned cub."

"Playing is what sharpens our claws," Athys pawed back at her. Reya closed her eyes, doing nothing against the sheathed claws and soft pads. "Of course, playing with oneself is considerably dull."

"That is how it will be, brother, until we happen upon a group of halfbeasts."

"They rarely go past our stalkers," Athys said.

"That only applies to our borders. Once we reach The Divide--"

"A horde of them will swoop down upon us." Athys approached the tigress. She didn't seem to mind the tongue running across her cheek, all the way up to her ear.

"Better hope not. Father will be ashamed to learn how I killed them all while you hid in the grass like common prey."

Athys wanted to snarl at the challenge, but Reya's purr spoke otherwise. He continued to lick her head for a couple more strokes before the tigress had enough. Athys didn't insist. He followed Reya's lead without questions. He asked none, though plenty swam around his head. Why did father gave them this task? Wolves scarcely ventured into FeralFang lands. Their own were too far, and the few who caught prey were killed on the way back by the half-beasts roaming through the unclaimed lands--The Divide, as the felines called them.

Night fell upon the vegetation and the two cats in its earnest by the time they reached the lake. Bent trees surrounded the lake, bowing their branches in reverence. Their leaves were long, thin and clumped in thick patches, like a lion's tail tuft. In fact, they did resemble peculiar tails. Athys approached the shore. Thick water plants surrounded the bank, rising twice the size of a lion before they exploded in an efflorescence of bulbous, sharp-like petals.

The lion stalked through the water reeds, paws sinking in the soft soil. The squelches stopped when water surrounded the lion's toes. Athys growled. His pads felt uncomfortably numb.

"Cold," he crouched, catching the chilly liquid with his long tongue. The thin stream felt cool and pleasant for his heated body.

"Summer approaches its end, brother. Light and warmth flee from the upcoming darkness," Reya said. Athys nuzzled her when she joined, leaving a damp spot on her neck. A paw stroke back. Athys barely evaded it with a well timed leap.

"Afraid of a bit of mud?" the tigress lifted her head, water dripping from her wet muzzle.

"Afraid of what you might do next," Athys licked the water off his chops and resumed drinking. With his belly full, he turned his head towards Reya. Or the place where she used to be. Moonlight fell on the reeds that swished lightly under wind's caress. Athys sniffed the air and disappeared into the vegetation. He found Reya on the grass, rolling like a cub. The tigress mewled, looking at Athys. Moonlight caught her eyes, revealing pupils large as coal beads. The tigress finished her roll. She stopped on her side, left foreleg and hind leg still hanging in the air.

Athys walked towards her. Crimson tongue flicked between two canines, caressing Reya's damp jaw. Two paws wrapped around his neck, and a warm presence licked his ear.

"Join me," Reya said, her breath warm upon the lion's muzzle.

Athys dropped with a growl. The earth's cold touch ran across his spine as he rolled. His restlessness caused all of his four paws to entangle with his sister's.

"Full moon tonight. Remember father's stories?" Reya asked, pushing her nose into one of the lion's forepaws. Athys tried licking it, but Reya was faster. Her tongue rolled slowly on the chilly pad. So warm.

"The ones about that?" Athys, turned his to the bright sphere rising above the lake. "Not all. He mentioned humans more than anything else."

"Silly cub. Humans are prey. That isn't," Reya snarled. "Our claws can never reach it, yet the moon's light reaches us. Influences us."

Athys pulled his paw from the tigress' gentle jaws. She didn't bite too hard to earn her retribution. "How do we know it isn't one of the human crafts?"

"Father told us," Reya buried her head into the thick clumps of fur adorning the lion's neck. "The moon breeds like we do. When it is large and shiny, it chases the darkness away."

"That sounds like fighting," Athys purred, front paw touching the tigresses' neck while his hind pushed into her flank, seeking warmth. Athys felt his thought tighten as teeth replaced claws. He lashed with a paw, but the strike lacked momentum. Another defeat! He shouldn't have let that sneaky feline so close.

"Fighting? Consider yourself bested."

A growl erupted from the lion's maw. "That wasn't even a proper contest."

"It doesn't have to be proper."

Athys kicked and roared. Paws scraped against the tigress' coat, sliding off harmlessly. Though pride enflamed the lion's vengeance, he couldn't bring himself to unsheathe his claws. Playing was a contest of wits, not strength.

Athys paced around, nostrils flared. Reya's tricks always gave her incremental advantage. He used some against her, yet she always had a new one prepared. And she used it right now. Reya growled softly, kicking and brushing against her brother like a heat stricken female.

A long growl vibrated in the lion's throat. Familiar scent filled his nostrils, and warmth seeped through his fur. Athys flicked his tail, sending a jolt of delight through his spine. Why was it feeling so good? Reya always did this. Her affection was familiar, just like her scent. She circled Athys one more time before dropping on her belly, wrestling the grass with smooth tail swipes.

Athys looked upon her form. The black stripes slashed her coat like black tongues of flame. He always liked Reya's rich coat. It gave her such a unique appearance. The lion moved up to the tigress, paws surrounding her rump on each side. Reya looked back. A low growl left her as she tilted her head back. Athys licked her forehead twice before lowering his flanks. He couldn't say why. There was something very enticing about his sister, and very hard to resist. Stiffening his tail and posture, the lion pushed his member forth. Quick movements of hips rammed the crimson spear against Reya's rump. Athys growled, lust burning in his blood. He had to find it. Had to bury his member deep inside.

Had to sire the cubs.

Yet his member only found fur, and then...nothing. Reya darted from under him. Athys roared, a mellow, pathetic sound between a moan and an actual roar as he was ripped from his moment of great delight. Athys licked his muzzle and watch Reya stroll around him. Her tongue found his ear, then his neck, and finally the side of his muzzle.

"Why?" She asked

"Why what?"

Why did you mount me?

"I can't explain, Reya," Athys rubbed on his sister and paced around. "It's strange. Sometimes, even I can't make sense of these impulses."

"Instincts are never wrong," Reya walked alongside him, giving her brother the occasional signs of affection. "They guide us. Give purpose to our life. I often call you a cub, and for the right reasons."

"And I never believe you," Athys pawed at her face.

Reya dipped her head, allowing the pads to fall down her cheek. "You should." They walked away from the lake, stopping at the base of a tree. Athys lifted his tail, marking it with his scent. Reya rubbed her head on the trunk before doing the same. "Your scent is proof enough. You have matured, brother. You can probably sire cubs if you mate the right female."

Reya moaned, her growl filled with longing. She talked about signs and clues, but none came her way. It was a burden not being able to bear cubs, especially to females. Most took great pride in furthering the numbers of their kin.

Athys dropped on the soft grass. "I want no other female."

"That's stupid. Your seed would serve greater purpose if planted in a receptive female."

"And that will be you," Athys nipped the tigress' tail. He liked playing with that fluffy, agile tip. It wished and moved with graceful dexterity. He caught it several times before it lifted, revealing what lay underneath its base.

"Then have me."

Athys was too occupied to notice the vivid thoughts. He sniffed and lapped between Reya's folds repeatedly until a rumbling growl made his ears perk. He retracted his head, licking his snout off Reya's scent and taste. "We... We can't."

"Afraid I will birth halfbeasts?"

Athys found no thoughts to share. Father talked about the dangers of mating with blood related felines. The cubs were born defective or dead. Some said that was how half-beasts came to be. From unclean unions. Though there were few similarities between the half dead bipeds and felines, fear kept such rebellious desires caged.

Reya backed away, slapping her tail between the lion's hind legs. "Don't be a scared cub. We talked about mating. We mounted each other a dozen times, and we've seen felines doing it all the time."

"I...we have a task to fulfill, sister," Athys mounted her, licking the nape of her neck fondly.

"Can wait," Reya's purr made his own fur vibrate. "Just release into me. I know you want it. Always wondered how it feels."

Athys growled with apprehension. What If she was wrong and father was right? The thought of his sister birthing one of those rotten things made any trace of lust vanish. The lion licked her neck twice, then backed away.

"Fulfilling a curiosity doesn't worth the outcome."

"What outcome?" Reya rose on all fours. "There is none. I told you before, you silly cub."

"You may be wrong."

"When was the last time?"

Action spoke louder than thoughts. The two felines settled the matter through heated contest. Reya's fierce determination earned him two victories out of three. To vent his frustration, Athys ran until exhaustion. Only after the sky turned truly black the two felines found their usual, brisk pace.

And they kept at it for hours. The wild lands and gardens of the inner lands gave way to the first signs of the old world. A round moon blinked from between the tall dens of the humans. Their crafts were most annoying, clogging the main road like carcasses. Athys leapt over the smaller ones, maintaining his brisk pace. Reya followed closely.

"I never liked the border," Athys sprayed his liquid scent on a car, marking the rusty metal with his urine. His tail lowered, only to find itself between Reya's nibbling teeth.

"Why does it come out when you--"

The lion turned around, canines glistening in the moonlight. "My tail will look as dull as yours if you keep doing that."

The pressure flared, making the lion snarl in pain.

"It's never dull. And I asked first."

A paw struck her head, followed by another. Reya retaliated with her own quick strikes. Though she put less strength behind the swipes, she was quicker than her brother. It all took a momentary distraction for Athys to find himself sliding on the ground, with a snarling tigress at his neck.

"Will you answer now?"

Athys snarled in defiance. He could kick the tigress. Or swipe her until her grip receded, then go for the throat. Both were viable options. He may have considered them if the twitch of a ear hasn't attracted the lion's ire. Teeth flashing, tongue lashing, Athys bit on the soft cartilage.

Reya growled her fury. She couldn't properly roar, with her own teeth pressing on something.

"Draw?"

"Draw."

The felines cast away the confrontation temper with soothing licks. Healthy purr filled the night. Athys would've licked his sister from nose to tail tip if she wasn't so quick to get up.

"I barely got past your shoulders," Athys complained with one of Reya's hind paws captive in his maw.

The tigress tug it once. Twice. The third time didn't come. Athys thought she gave up until a wet spray washed over half of his body. He licked his muzzle, tasting Reya's pungent aroma.

"That was unfair." Athys blinked several times. Good thing it didn't sting. Shaking his head, he raised on all fours.

"Fair is for fools," the tigress growled, tail flagging in the wind as she took the lead.

The border was a wide, cluttered place. Buildings sprouted from the same ground as trees. If the two could breed, then the border was the result of this. Vegetation took over everything. Leaves sprouted from the vine choked buildings. Trees rose high and tall, poking their branches between poles, wires, and sometimes, even buildings.

The earth felt soft under Athys' paws. Short grasses and moss made the grey earth of the humans feel like natural soil.

"I retract my thoughts. The border isn't quite as bad as The Desolation."

Reya turned her head briefly, then took a turn to the left. The felines walked between several buildings before emerging in a moonlit road.

"We used to inhabit it," Reya said, jumping over a stagnant puddle. "Our numbers may be too low to safeguard it now. Soon though."

"Soon," Athys agreed. He remembered when he and his sisters assisted the stalkers on patrol. They crawled through and between buildings for two days. Prey eluded them, and they returned to the EverGarden with sour mood and empty stomachs.

"After the wolves are thinned. Or maybe after the humans are gone for good, we will use our gift to bring this land to its original form."

"That will take whole seasons," Athys growled.

"Less, if we use more of our stalkers. Rotten as their heads may be, half-beasts learned their lesson," Reya said.

"The last time our kin took that risk--"

"I know what happened, brother," Reya's hiss cut through the air. The tigress leaped, claws burying themselves between vines and the chipped stone of a structure. Athys followed until the swing of a paw bent his whiskers.

"No need to follow."

The lion groomed himself while he waited. The EverGarden, with all their fertility, were one of the worst decisions the FeralFangs ever made. Ambition left them exposed to threats, and they came from every side. Between half-beasts, wolves and humans, they also had to deal with SharpClaws. Composed of smaller felines, the pride went rogue and snatched a good portion of FeralFang territory. Claws left their sheath at the thought. Those rotten furred traitors deserved to be wiped out like the lesser races. But the FeralFangs leader of that time, a tiger of scant years, saw the loss in a different light. No predator could live without prey, and he allowed the rogues to take what they begged for for years.

"That way."

Athys buried his nose in the tigress' neck, making her growl with affection.

"You are so fickle, brother," she licked his nose. "It's why I love you so much."

"That is questionable," Athys rubbed his body against her, tail caressing the tigress' flank. "The feel of your teeth and your paws is more familiar than--"

She licked him again. "Than what?'

"That," Athys tried to grab her tongue, but it had a certain quickness. And sliminess.

"Silly cub. The female who will bear your cubs will realize the mistake she made."

"She won't admit it." The two felines looked at each other, exchanging not a single thought. Athys didn't need them to feel the crumbling sadness and burning longing oozing from his sister. He felt them as clearly as he inhaled her breath.

The lion nipped at her whiskers. "I'm talking about you."The earthly smell of paw pads was his physical reward. The audible one still rang in his ears as the tigress bared her teeth.

"I hate when you do that," she snapped her jaws and turned around.

Athys could only see her erect tail and expanding slit before a jet of urine sprang in his face. That probably counted as a reward too.

"Hasten your pace," Athys growled.

"Or what?" Reya snarled mockingly. She deserved a good scuffle for that.

But Athys had no such intentions. Poking his head under her tail, he slid his tongue between her small folds. Bitter taste wet the tip of his invading tongue. It slid deeper than he expected, thanks to a timely shiver from the tigress' rump. Reya roared. She leaped away from the confused lion whose tongue dangled between his fangs as he inhaled her sharp scent.

"Silly cub."

Athys shook his head. The allure of his sister seeped deep into him, igniting a well known blaze. No. Not here. Growling softly, the lion approached. Mellow sounds left his throat as he brushed against his sister. Why wasn't she denying his affections? Fighting against the overwhelming urge to mate was so difficult. She was so close, so warm. Athys nipped her ear and slid a paw over her neck. Flanks already thrust into empty air, rippling with muscles.

Reya arched her head, a long growl leaving her throat. Her striped belly met the ground, allowing the lion to properly mate her. Presented with such an invitation, Athys straddled his sister, placing two legs on each side of her body. He licked her neck again and again, moistening the fur with his affection. He never dominated his sister like he did now. Towering above her, the tigress was completely exposed to his whims. Even her tail fled from the crimson member prodding for her lips.

Athys growled, throat vibrating with unquenched desire. He thrust aimlessly, each exerting its toll on his sensitive member. He poked fur, and flesh, and--

A yowl erupted from his chest. Warmth fettered him, squeezing and pulling him deeper into its fold. Surrounded on all sides, the member throbbed defiantly before surrendering its seed. It flowed like fire, squirting in quick, healthy spurts. Breath left Athys during the height of release. His teeth nibbled, struggling to hold Reya's neck between them. Every muscle in his body tensed under pleasure's strain. The growl altered its pitch, mixing with his sister's as the two felines reached their peak.

Several drops wet the fur under Reya's tail, clumping the white strands together. Athys slowly released her neck. He remained inside her for a brief moment, then withdrew. Reya rolled on the ground, purring happily. Athys didn't know why she did that. All the females exposed the white of their bellies after the mating. He joined her, enjoying the grass and the dust under his back. His paws entangled with Reya's, and they both rolled on the side, facing each other. Reya's eyes glimmered with happiness and fulfillment, feelings shared by her wet tongue. Athys closed his eyes, allowing his own tongue to wrestle with that warm, barbed intruder. One stroke on the nose, two on the muzzle, and several more under her jaw. Reya lingered on his neck. She always enjoyed ruffling that fluffy, growing mane.

They didn't talk about the mating or the consequences. Instead, they basked in each other's affection, enjoying every lick, nuzzling or growl. The moon's light left the road before the felines resumed their journey. They ran with long strides, chasing each other amidst the darkness.

Mating's excitement died down shortly before sunrise. Reya climbed the chipped steps sluggishly, tail flicking tiredly with each step. Athys wanted to grab one of her paws, but even tripping his sister felt tiresome. Yawning, he followed the tigress to the upper level. Human crafts littered the decrepit place. Destroyed, smashed, or broken, they allowed rats and pungent scents to breed. Athys wanted to complain, but even he knew better than resting in exposed places.

"This den seems large enough," Reya paced around the wedge shaped room, casting her shadow on the moonlit ground. "Windows offer a good view of the surroundings."

"Don't care much of seeing human crafts," Athys looked at the dilapidated giants surrounding them. Exposed to the elements, even the tallest buildings succumbed to age. They died, like any living creature. He lay on the moonlit stone, away from the rot surrounding them. He had no idea how the strangely shaped objects littering the room were called, nor did he care to. Humans shaped everything to their whims, be it wood, stone, or others. "The only good view here is you."

Reya approached, her purring getting louder with each step. Her white tipped muzzle came into view, then a tongue, snaking between her barely opened maw. Athys flicked his own, barbs twining as their tongues danced and wrestled.

"I could say the same thing of you," Reya said, dropping next to her brother.

"A compliment? You feel generous today, sister." Athys growled, a paw wrapping around her neck while the other pushed that fluffy head away. "Where are those dull complaints you keep repeating?"

"Tucked in their sheath. I don't feel like mauling you before resting." She pushed her head past the paw and into her brother's fluffy neck. Athys couldn't help but growl a mellow, affectionate whimper. Warmth spread throughout his fur, pushed by gentle licks.

"Very considerate of you."

"When am I not?"

"When we share a kill," Athys exposed his neck to his sister's desires. A healthy purr rumbled through his throat. Those nudges and the nibbling felt delightful. Better than meat, for certain.

"There are no rules for sharing. You either fight," Reya's teeth pressed a bit harder. "Or surrender."

"None of us ever does." Athys kicked a hind leg. That only annoyed the tigress. She hissed, pressing the soft meat between her jaws.

Athys roared, a muffled, choked sound. The situation was rather amusing, but annoying nonetheless. "I may be doing it now, but it doesn't count," his tail slapped, limbs kicking, trying to dislodge the pest. Reya endured the attack like a true predator: unyielding and stubborn until the end. Like always, she released her brother before the discomfort turned into pain.

He rose, shaking his maned head. Play or not, defeat tasted like intestines: weird and bitter. And Athys hated those! He walked around Reya, trying to extinguish the fire rising within. How could he lose all the time? She was smaller. Agile, yes, but still slender and outmatched in strength. By all rights, Athys should overpower her. He could kill half-beasts and humans, but his sister proved to be a different kind of conquest in more than a way. Her eyes followed his every move, reflecting the moon's light like a dark, clear lake.

"What bothers you?" Reya asked, paws dangling in the air. Rolled on her back, hind legs spread, her belly trapped the silver light, where it waged battle with the dark stripes slashing through her fluff.

"Half-beasts," Athys lied. That seemed a good excuse to rejoin his sister. "I can't stand their stench, and their misshapen limbs."

"We will sense them long before they approach the foot of this hideout," Reya said, tail flicking. "There is no cause of concern."

"With you, there never is," Athys growled. He licked her neck, then moved lower, pushing his nose into that soft, soft belly. Silky fur tickled his nose and whiskers, and suave scent filled his nostrils. A hind paw pushed his shoulder, lacking any force. Passing between her flanks, Athys gently invaded his sister's sanctuary. The tip of his tongue washed over her lips, picking their scent and taste. He felt the shiver coursing through the tigress' limbs.

"Their numbers can be problematic, Athys. Packs overwhelm even the strongest of hunters."

She was right. Those rotten abominations knew how to hunt in groups. They had a sense of coordination, just like wolves. Unlike them, they often made use of what the environment provided. Stone could be ripped and thrown, wood lengthened and sharpened. Rotten as their flesh was, the beasts showed signs of early intelligence. They evolved. That was an uneasy thought, better kept in the dark.

"I doubt any will cross our path," Reya added, her tail moving restlessly between the lion's hind legs.

Athys placed one paw on each side of the tigress. He licked her belly with long strokes until he climbed all the way to her neck.

"You want them to," Athys finished, leaving her chin slick with saliva.

"Where is the challenge in killing a rogue beast?" Reya snarled. Her breath felt warm against his nose. Athys licked one of her fangs, dripping with saliva. He barely retreated before Reya snapped her jaw.

"Perhaps there will be more," he growled. Front paws pressed into the ground as his flanks lowered, pushing the erect member with quick, terse movements. Soft fur clumped around it, stealing the moisture dwelling on the crimson protrusion.

"It's still a waste. Our gifts shouldn't be wasted on runts."

He could feel Reya's paws pressing against his belly. Lower. Lower. He thrust again and again, growling with unspent lust. Warm shivers embraced his sensitive member with every push.

"You're right," Athys snarled as his tip poked something hard. Pressure became too difficult to contain, and the throbs only made it worse. "Yet wolves are even less a threat. Fragile necks, broken with a single swipe of my paw."

"Matters not," Reya licked his contorted muzzle. "Our last task drained both of our gifts. Not being weary is what gets you killed."

Athys would have been amused if not for his clenched member. It flexed wildly, ready to unleash its burden. The lion thrust desperately. He needed the embrace of those scalding lips. He needed their slickness. His instincts screamed to find that warm shelter, yet weakness overcame him. He couldn't prevent it. Another throb, and his seed would--

"You always spent your gift reckle--" Athys roared, overwhelmed by the sheer strength of release. He found Reya's slit just when the first drop sprung forth. With a thrust, he buried his member deep inside her folds. The slick flesh embraced him tightly, triggering unbearable spasm of pleasure. Seed broke through, quickened by the sweltering prison.

Moans turned into growls, then into a weak roar. With each throb the lion's tail jolted. Claws left their sheath, scrapping against hard stone. It was all too intense. Athys found a measure of relief in Reya's neck, his fangs nibbling weakly at her throat. The tigress too roared, her front paws wrapping around the lion's neck. Her lips tightened repeatedly, drawing every drop of seed deeper inside.

Athys pulled out with a soft moan. Release never blazed as strong as it did now. He felt spent. Legs felt unsteady, and nostrils flared wildly to allow for more air to pass through.

"You're going nowhere," Reya pulled. The added weight led to the lion's inevitable collapse. He dropped on his sister, limbs splayed in all directions.

"I never planned to," Athys complained. He shifted to his side. Reya did the same, settling for a much more comfortable position. Laid in a pile of paws and tails, they basked in each other's warmth. Purrs of contentment rumbled through their chest, the twin tones only adding to the song of the wind.

"Good. You start to learn," Reya said. She lazily laid her head on the ground, tongue flicking lazily between her lips. Athys closed his eyes.

"As all cubs do," he taunted, nipping her tongue.

Reya gently pulled back. She didn't even snarl. This wasn't the fierce tigress Athys knew. She pressed her head closer. Their noses touched, and a few whiskers entangled in each other. They sat like that for several heartbeats. Athys blinked, losing himself in Reya's stare. She was so close, and so warm. Little traces of playfulness in those large, glimmering eyes, replaced by fulfillment and affection. The same feelings he felt.

"And all cubs mature," Reya said. "You are a better mate than any, Athys. If I could breed, I would have chosen none but you."

Athys lifted his head and gave her two sloppy licks on the side of her muzzle. "We did mate, my stubborn sister," he laid his head back, giving a quick lick between her eyes. "And will do so until you bear the cubs you desire."

"Silly cub."

"Stupid mate."

None had the energy to strike first. With no incentive, the felines fell asleep, cuddled into each other like two overgrown cubs.

Aaaand that is that. The end of the first part, at least. I'll get working on the second tomorrow. It should come out much sooner than the first one did.

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