My loyal cub

Uncaging the beast

All my life I have been cast aside. I was chubby. I had a heartshaped face and short shaven hair on the sides but long hair in the middle that I let fall to the left side of my head. I have curves but wasn't overweight.

As i stood in the middle of my one-bedroom apartment, I couldn't help but feel lonely. My parents had died when I was very young, so my uncle raised me on his farm. I've learned all kinds of trades, learned very early on how to handle the hard work at the farm, but was also thought how to be empathic and show kindness.

I stood at 5.5 ft short, had dark hair and green/brown eyes with specs of gold. I didn't consider myself ugly but the outside world thought otherwise.

As I left my apartment and wandered down the street i just walked, not really caring where my feet dragged me. After about half an hour i came across the warehouses, normally its quiet there but tonight there seemed to be a buzz. All sorts of people were gathered, curiosity got the better of me.

As i opened the door i was greeted with a stench of matted fur, growls and cages. In those cages were Demi-humans, half men, half beasts. It varied from men with the traits of bunnies to lions, deer and more. Most of them looked feral or starved or both. As i walked trough the rows of cages i spotted a cage that felt... silent... i crouched down to look inside but was startled by a greesy looking man with little hair left on his head. " Hello missy, looking for something special? I got whatever you need, a beast to fight for you in the pits, a companion to help you relieve steam when needed, or is there something specific you are looking for?" I took a step back from the guy, i didnt trust him. My glance went back to the cage. I saw a Demi-human that had the traits of a snow leopard. Soft silver fur that covered his shoulders and neck, his hands resembled paws but not completely, i could see the retractable claws on his fingers. His feet were full leopard paws and his tail was the longest i had ever seen, thick with silver fur and gold spotted markings.

My eyes were drawn to him, i looked to see his face and was stunned by his eyes, pale icy blue shone bright. He was thin, too thin, seemed like he hasnt been fed or washed properly for weeks. I stood up and spoke to the merchant " How much do you want for him?" i asked. I didnt want to buy him out of pity but something in me told me to save him from this cage. "Ah this fine species here is my best fighter, he is worth atleast 750 gold pieces" he grinned. I looked back at the Demi-human, 750 wasnt alot to me, my parents had left me quiet a bit of money but it was still alot.

Without thinking further into it i agreed "great" the greasy man said "i'll get the keys but i warn you, dont take of the collar, he is dangerous". As he walked away i saw the leopard's ears move towards me, i hunched down. "Hello, my name is Gaella, what is yours?". The leopard shrunk back, expecting some sort of lash or punishment, whatever reason for i did not know, i just asked him a question. He didnt answer me and i didnt push but before i could get up again the greasy man was back and banged the cage "OI! your new master asked you a question, answer her!". I stood up abdruptly " there is no need to yell or talk to him like that, if he doesnt want to say his name, i won't force him". I looked down at the leopard again, giving him a soft smile.

As the cage unlocked, i waited for him to come out. A few minutes passed by and i stretched out my hand, giving him a soft smile "it's ok, i won't hurt you". He looked at me suspiciously, no one ever did not hurt him or didn't expect something back for any form of kindness, that much he had learned.

I took a few steps back, giving him the space he would need. The cage was small and when he stepped out i noticed he must be atleast 6ft10. As he stood up to his complete height i felt really small, my head didnt reach his shoulders. I looked up at him with curiosity. "Well, here are the keys to his collar and the agreement of the sale" the man handed me the papers and keys and took a step back from the leopard. "Now don't go making any trouble you, i don't need my good name tarnisched" and he walked away.

I looked after him, nauseau rising up in my throat at what he just said. I turned my gaze towards the leopard " shall we go? I have a hot meal and shower waiting for you if you want". At the words shower and meal the leopard looked at me and gave me a small nod.

He followed me out of the warehouse and we started the treck back home. He stayed behind me the entire time, always following but never walking next to me. I was fine with that, something inside me told me that he wouldn't hurt me.

As we entered my appartment, i noticed how tall he really was, he had to duck to enter trough the main door. I led him inside and told him he could look around. He entered the appartment, tail low and ears flat, seemingly afraid of what might lurk in there.

As i put away my stuff, i watched him. I saw him open the door to the bedroom and the bathroom and then he just stood still, unsure of what to do next.

I moved over to him " are you ok with me removing your collar?" his eyes grew large, tentatively reaching up to the metal around his neck. He gave a slight nod. As i reached up to unshackle it, the lock clicked open and it landed with a hard thud on the floor.

He looked at me and he spoke for the first time since she met him " thank you" he rasped out.