Jeremy sometimes got weary of hiding in the shadows, and running with his animal kin in the sewers, and would occasionally leave the city and journey to the woods. This habit went back to his days when he worked at the Dallas Zoo, as an intern. He loved nature, and wildlife. He never thought he'd become so involved in it struggle on a more personal level.
Today was one of those days that Jeremy needed to get away, so once again he found himself in the forest, taking in the sights and smells it had to offer. He knew that he risked a lot coming to these woods, but the beauty drew him more than the fear could keep him away. At times he would walk the animal trails, as a human, dressed in hiking boots, sturdy jeans, and a sweater. Today he traveled as a rat, the most thrilling way for him to enjoy the forest.
He hid now in a hollow of a fallen tree log, a fox had moved through the area, and Jeremy didn't feel like being someone's lunch today. He patiently waited until his senses told him it was safe. Tentatively he took a step out, but quickly stepped back. He recognized the sent of a house cat, one that one of his kind must know to survive. Feral? He could sense the cat coming towards him. He knew he was being hunted. Looks like I might be lunch after all.
Through the undergrowth, Jeremy could now see the cat, a pretty short haired calico. He could also see that the cat could see him, and he knew full well the look in it's eyes. Shuddering he moved back deeper into the log. The cat moved into full view, crouched, ready to pounce. Jeremy decided on a different tactic. He shot out of the log, switching to his homid form as he did so. That cat sat up and contentedly cleaned itself.
"My you're a pretty one, aren't you." Jeremy said to the cat.
"Meow." The cat replied then looking up.
"Ack! I can't understand you."
The cat stepped forward and began to rub its head on Jeremy's leg. Reaching down he picked the cat up and held it in his arms, petting it slowly. The cat purred contentedly. It's not often a cat acts this way towards me. He walked to a near by tree, sat at it's base, putting the cat in his lap.
"Looking for a friend eh?" He asked the cat.
"I'm always looking for friends." The cat replied. Jeremy was surprised, yet somehow wasn't. He was a wererat after all, and he knew there were also werecats.
"I'm was worried you were gonna eat me."
"I'm not hungry."
Jeremy laughed.
"I'm not like them." Her whiskers twitched. Jeremy nodded.
"Yes, them. Too busy fighting themselves."
"The garou often forget they are not alone in the struggle." The cat took a deep breath, stretching a bit before curling into a ball on his lap.
"They often forget many things."
"They want to kill me."
"Yeah, they want to kill me too, but we must stick together."
"I am Seline," the cat finally said.
"Jeremy, Jeremy Tunnelwise." The cat purred as he stroked her fur. Sleepy green eyes blinked looking up at him.
"It is nice to meet another." He nodded.
"It is."
"But there is one among us who is not so trustworthy." Her voice dropped to a low raspy hiss. He looked at her puzzled for a moment. "Beware of the khan."
"Khan? Who is that?"
"Shide Han He sells to the highest bidder."
"Mercenary eh? He doesn't work with the Wyrm? Or those Pentex clowns?"
"He works both sides. Beware of him. Grrrrrrr."
"Damn, there are more important things than personal gain. I will beware of him, he won't buy my trust. But you have earned mine." What was he saying? Jeremy thought however he had a feeling that he could trust the cat.
"Earned your trust? How?
"You didn't try to eat me. It's good to have a friend, than none at all."
"Oh, you may have more." He looked down at her curiously. "You just don't know it yet." The cat grinned.
P.S. I've gotta give Anna all the credit for this one. Thank you Anna.
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