Awakening

[Races The Night]

The following storyline takes place after the event of this: www.livejournal.com/users/smokeywild/84638.html#cutid1

The incomplete storyline has been taken from Critter Haven: critterhaven.12.forumer.com/index.php

As one of the brain childs of Maira and me, here is the first Leopard thread, we hope you enjoy it ;D



The shrill ringing of the phone startled Maira out of the strangest dream but as she rolled over to answer it she saw Sammy and Nate lying between her and the phone. Seeing the two of them in her bed brought back all the memories from earlier that morning and the night before and she just let the phone keep ringing as she tried to process everything again.

Only when she heard her bosses voice come on the answering machine did Maira snap out of her daze. Flinging back the covers she crawled out of bed and ran around the end of it to snap up the phone before the slightly miffed sounding woman hung up. "I'm here, I'm here, sorry bout the answering machine."

"Maira, why aren't you at work? Its almost noon, you should have been in two hours ago."

Maira couldn't help but cringe at the disappointment in her bosses tone. After all, she worked for an animal shelter and it wasn't that people were depending on her, it was the dogs and cats. "I'm sorry Hannah, I'll be in as soon as I can. I wasn't feeling quite myself this morning, I should have called."

There was silence on the other end for a moment, almost as if her boss had covered the mouthpiece of the phone with her hand, before she said, "Its okay Maira, your shift is covered today, if you're not feeling well stay home. Will we be seeing you tomorrow though?"

"Yes ma'am, I'll be there, thanks for being so understanding," Maira said, relief clear in her voice. When she heard the click from her boss hanging up Maira hung up her own phone and just stood there staring blankly ahead of her.

She wasn't sure how long she stood there but a rustling from the bed startled her and she turned and saw Nate and Sammy both looking at her questioningly. "So you have the day off then?" Sammy asked excitedly.

Maira barely had time to nod 'yes' before Sammy was up and out of bed and shoving her at the closet, "Well then get dressed, you need to meet the rest of the Pard and they normally get together on Saturday afternoons, this is perfect!"

*****

Not half an hour later, the trio was piled back into Maira's truck and they were heading to where the Pard was getting together that night. It was a local pizza place so Maira actually knew how to get there but she still let Nate drive. She still wasn't quite sure of what was going on.

When Nate finally pulled up to the restaurant Maira's stomach was twisting with butterflies and Sammy had to practically shove her out of the truck. "Come on, get out! They won't bite," she said with a laugh.

Half glaring at her friend, Maira finally got out of the truck and followed the two of them inside. The familiar noise and smells of the restaurant comforted her and before she knew it Maira was feeling more relaxed. When she walked into the private room right behind Sammy and Nate she didn't even flinch at the roomful of eyes staring at them. Her own eyes just travelled from face to face, smiling at the friendly looking ones and nodding at the rest.

As Maira was looking at everybody, taking them all in, Sammy watched her carefully. When she saw Maira wasn't likely to turn around and walk out of the room she cleared her throat and said in her typically bubbly tone, "Everybody this is Maira."
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races_the_night
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 11:59 am Post subject:

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D'yan pulled up in front of the pizza parlor. He pulled the old, battered truck into a parking spot, hauled himself out of the drivers side and made his way across the brightly lit car park, towards the warm glow of the neon light signs above the door to the pizza place. Inside, a bustle of activerty passed by the window as waitresses went about their jobs among the strips of flourescent lighting. D'yan hated the fakeness of urban lights. HIs spirit was a wild one and at its best amongst the shadows and natural moonlight out in the wilderness.

Still Pard protocal said that he was required to be here unless business called him away. He swung open the front doors and entered the solid wall of sound and movement. His darker half rose in agiitation at being awakened by the sights and smells. Unberringly, his boots carried him to the corner where the Pard was huddled, the scents of each individual a signature mark to other members.

As he passed, a female leaned out of the booth. He caught her chin in his gloved hand and stroked her jawline. She fairly purred with pleasure. Samira and he were well acquainted. Without saying a word, D'yan shrugged the hevay leather jacket from his shoulders and sank easily into a spare seat. He stretched his legs out in front of him, removing the cramp from being folded in his truck.

His keen eyes scanned those gathered, nodding imerceptiveably to allies, glaring at enemies. Until at last hee settled on a strange, nervous face. A new comer. Now this wasn't an everyday event. Obviously allied with Nate and Sammy, the young female was illa t ease among the others, her scent screamed hidden fear and confusion.



Maira
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 12:43 pm Post subject:

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Since they had arrived Maira hadn't said more than two words to anybody. She knew she wasn't being overly friendly but that was Sammy's personality, not hers. Even in a situation she was perfectly comfortable in, Maira was likely to be the quiet one of the group. She prefered listening to people and learning about them.

Every time another member of the Pard arrived Maira's barely settling nerves would flare back up. She hadn't realized just how many people in the area weren't actually people. Or at least not what she'd up until now considered normal people.

She had nearly calmed down again when yet another member made his way over to the group. As seemed with most of the members, he appeared to be paired off with one of the females of the group and he sat down next to her. Maira watched as he surveyed the group and when his eyes finally settled on her she met them as bravely as she could.

She'd noticed that some of the group members were more on edge, more guarded, just more...fierce. He was one of them. She waited for Nate or Sammy to lean in and tell her just who he was as they'd done with every other newcomer. When neither of them said anything right away, Maira finally broke eye contact with him and turned to Sammy.

Sammy was in a quiet, but heated discussion with the woman sitting on the other side of her and so Maira turned to Nate. He wasn't talking to anybody but he wasn't really paying much attention to anything in general. With a gentle prod to his ribs to get his attention Maira waited.

It was only a minute before Nate finally turned to Maira and he leaned down and said softly, "Sorry, somebody was asking me about you. They wanted to know who Changed you." As he spoke he saw the question in Maira's eyes and he looked up and around at the Pard. It only took him a second to spot the newest arrival and he nodded to the other man by way of greeting before turning back to Maira, "That's D'yan. I don't know him incredibly well as he's a Hunter and I'm a Scout. We interact just not much."

Maira was about to ask more questions when two things happened, the first was that Nate's look got distant again and then the pizza arrived. At least the pizza would give her a reason to be quiet and just people watch.

As she ate and watched, Maira couldn't keep her gaze from travelling back to D'yan. He was a darkly handsome man, she had to admit that, but that wasn't why she kept watching him. There was just something about the way he held himself. It was the same with all the other 'fierce' Pard members she'd noticed before. Those were the people she realized she was watching the most. She'd just taken a bite of her pizza when Sammy leaned in close and whispered, "He's handsome isn't he?"

Maira, if she hadn't been expecting some sort of comment like that from Sammy, would have choked on her pizza. Instead all she did was turn and glare at her friend until she could swallow. Then she answered playfully, "Yes he is, but he's obviously taken." Sammy just shrugged and went back to her own pizza.

It wasn't long after everybody finished their pizza that people started leaving. The Saturday get-together's were never about business, just about spending time with the Pard. Everybody seemed to leave in pairs or other groups which just reaffirmed for Maira that almost everybody was attached.

On their way back out to the truck, Sammy and Nate dragged Maira to meet all their friends and finally to introduce her to the Alpha pair of the Pard. The meeting went smoothly, and they decided on a time when they could all talk with Maira more. As a new member she likely would have questions or concerns.

Finally as they exited the restaurant, Maira gave a huge sigh of relief. She had never felt so much like she was being sized up as those couple of hours. She didn't realize she was standing right in front of the door still when somebody opened it into the back of her. She gave a small yelp and jumped away from the door quickly. Looking back she saw the man that Nate had called D'yan making his way out as well.
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races_the_night
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 10:07 am Post subject:

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The night passed uneventful and D'yan became restless to be out in the natural air, instead of the constant stream of recycled, refiltered air. Out of duty to the Pard, he waited out the excruciating meal. Samira fussed over him constantly until he growled a warning and she backed off. Finally, as thing were widing down, D'yan excused himself to visit the rest room, where the solitary walls gave him some minimal relief.

Upon returning, D'yan was relieved to see that most of the Pard was breaking up and leaving for their individual homes. Thankfully, D'yan made his way to the door. He pushed it open and bumped dinto a fleshy barrier. Letting out a grunt of surprise, D'yan stepped back reflexively and glared at the female barring his way.

"Watch where your about, whelp." He warned simply.




Maira
Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 3:46 am Post subject:

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ooc: just forewarning, i've had a horribly rough night so far and its nowhere near done...

IC: Maira had moved quickly out of D'yan's way and was about to smile at him when he said dismissingly, "Watch where your about, whelp." In the short few seconds it took D'yan to utter those words the smile that almost was, faded from Maira's lips and instead she glared at him, her temper rising at the insult.

It may not have been meant as an insult but the day she'd already had made it seem as such. Before she could think better of it Maira growled out, "I moved so just get off your fucking high horse and leave me the hell alone." That said she turned on her heels and stalked off to her truck, climbed in and waited for Nate and Sammy to catch up with her.

Sammy had watched the whole thing, as had Nate, but Sammy took off after Maira rather than confront D'yan. This left Nate. He watched Sammy long enough to see her climb into the truck with Maira and then turned to D'yan and apologized for the woman.

"She's newly Changed, just last night, she doesn't normally have a temper that i know of but apparenly the beast isn't settled in her yet." Nate didn't know if his apology would make an impact on D'yan, or if one was even needed but at least he'd made the attempt at keeping the peace. Upsetting a Hunter was never good for one of the less physically enclined of the Pard.
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races_the_night
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 2:44 pm Post subject:

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((Its' ok hun, keep the temper flowing LOL I just realised I wrote Dayan as D'yan all the way through ^.^' urgh my tired mind, it also looks like he's taken a leaf out of Daine's book of the egotistical hot head))

Dayan didn't give Nate a reply, simply stood there until the other man left reluctantly. Now out of sight, he allowed a satisfied smile to creep across his features. So, the female had a temper and a sharp tongue to match. Somehow, Dayan doubted that the only reason for her temper was the unsettled beast - it might add to her problems - but he guessed she had always had a temper burried deep down inside.

He contemplated his next actions carefully, an upset female was a dangerous one at best. He made his way over to the trio, his attention focused on the new cub, a lazy half sided grin turning the corner of his angular mouth upwards. "It seems we have gotten off on the wrong foot, ma'am. Let me apologise for my rude behaviour and blame it on being unused to crowds." Through the open window he reached out to claim her hand and placed an elegant kiss upon the knuckles. "I pray my rudeness is forgiven, now, if you will excuse me I must be going." He turned to go, releasing Maira's hand somewhat reluctantly, his fingers sliding a piece of paper into hers before breaking the contact.

Satisfied, Dayan made his way across the parking lot to his truck and slipped into the drivers seat. Home seemed a long way away and the night was still relatively young. Maybe he would have a chance to run the forests for a few hours before retiring completely for the night.




Maira
Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 8:51 am Post subject:

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Maira was still fuming when Nate got into the truck from the passenger side, putting Sammy in the middle. Without having to say a word to him, Nate handed over the keys to Maira and she was about to start up the truck when a warm voice stopped her.

Her eyes still flashing murder, Maira turned to tell whoever it was to just leave her the hell alone. The sight of the half smiling Dayan made her blink twice. How could a man so rude one minute suddenly seem so....tempting? Just that thought alone sent Maira's sensibilities reeling a bit and the longer Dayan talked the more tempted she got.

By the time Dayan let her fingers drop, Maira's cheeks were still burning from the kiss he'd placed on her knuckles. She didn't even notice the piece of paper he had slipped her until Sammy prodded at her ribs asking, "Whats that?" She was looking at Maira's left hand and looking down herself she saw the piece of paper.

Still in a bit of a daze Maira looked to Sammy, then back to the paper, then she shoved it in her pocket. All she knew was that if that piece of paper had Dayan's phone number on it she certainly didn't need Sammy knowing; rumor would be around town in 15 minutes, maybe less, that she was dating him.

After what seemed like forever Maira dropped Nate and Sammy back at the club they'd all been to the night before to get their car. After a quick goodbye Maira pulled out back into traffic heading for home. With all the thoughts of the previous 24 hours Maira missed her road and had to drive down the the next one, turn around, and go back.

When she finally walked into her house Maira kicked off her shoes, dropped her wallet and keys on the kitchen counter and headed for the living room. Exhausted from all the changes in her life Maira just flopped onto the couch and reached for the remote to the TV.

A few minutes into the news, Maira felt something poking at her hip and so she reached into her pocket. She pulled out her name tag from the animal shelter, must've gotten washed in the pants, and a piece of paper. When she saw the paper she remembered the incident in the parking lot at the pizza place.

Her heart beating almost as fast as it had been only an hour before, when the paper had been given to her, Maira slowly unfolded it. The string of numbers was indeed a phone number and the name on the paper was his. She just sat there looking at the paper with its numbers and his name for almost fifteen minutes before she finally worked up the nerve to go get the phone.

Plopping back onto the couch Maira punched in the numbers and waited for the phone to start ringing. When it did she nearly dropped the phone. Tightening her grip on the phone so as not to drop it, or be tempted to hang up, Maira waited to see if Dayan would pick up.
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races_the_night
Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 9:46 am Post subject:

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The piece of paper held, not only his name and number, but also the name of his business. It was one of Dayan's business cards, he carried them around with him incase a new client showed up and was interested, or a new contact was made and needed information.

The phone rang and rang. And rang.

Meanwhile, Dayan all but fell out of his truck at the faint sound of his phone ringing back in the house. Making his way onto the old wooden porch he fumbled with his keys until he had the right one in the lock and twisted. The door swung inwards to the welcoming darkness and ringing got louder.

Stepping in and reaching around the wall to flick the switch for the lights Dayan strode over to the phone table and picked up the reciever. "Darke Systems, Dayan here, how can I help you?" His voice was rough and would never fit the polite tones of a secretary. But as a one man business he really had no need of a secretary.




Maira
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 7:43 am Post subject:

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ooc: short I know, sorry =(

The gruff male voice that answered the phone startled Maira into nearly dropping it again. In fact, Dayan had to say hello a second time before Maira could finally find her voice. Swallowing twice Maira said softly, "I'm not sure why I'm calling really but you gave me your card today. My name is Maira and I'm afraid I was the redhead with the temper at the pizza place."

By the end, Maira's voice was more calm and a bit more sure. She would have kept rambling but it was a habit she'd been trying to break for ages. Instead she sat on her couch, fidgetting with the tassels on the blanket that she used as a pillow, waiting for him to answer.
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races_the_night
Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 10:55 pm Post subject:

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Dayan's rigid, businessman mind eased off at the light tones of the female voice as she explained her situation. "Maira." The sound was oddly familiar on his lips, but he couldn't place it entirely. Still , it was a nice name, an exotic one even.

"Ah, the new arrival, you would be very hard not to spot in a large crowdd, what with your firery redd hair and whip-like tongue. I take it you are home safely and without further hassle tonight?" As he talked, Dayan lowered himself into the immensely cushiony chair in the living room. The black leather creaked as it shifted to mold around him.

"So, tell me, how are you finding life as a Leopard? Do not say that you have not truly explored the new side to you?" He asked in silken tones. It would not do for a Leopard to never know of their strengths and immeasureable speed, nor the joys one could get from wandering the forests as a beast.




Maira
Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 11:56 pm Post subject:

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Maira liked the way her name sounded coming from him and couldn't help but smile. Her smile grew even greater, and her fidgetting increased, as he continued to tease her. She was even going to apologize for her temper but it didn't seem like he wanted an apology, didn't seem like he needed one.

While their first encounter may have started off on the wrong foot, they eased into a comfortable familiarity. So when he asked about her life as a leopard she told him easily, "Last night was my first Shift actually and I don't remember a damn thing. All I know is I woke up naked in a heap with other people and leopards." Here she paused and laughed softly at the memory of it. "All I know is that THAT more than anything scared me outta my mind. Then Nate Shifted from leopard to human right in front of me and I fainted." She wasn't proud of the fact that she'd fainted but it was a fact, and one she could laugh at, so she figured she'd share it.

When Dayan didn't comment right away, Maira asked both cautiously and curiously, "What is it like? Being a leopard that is. Do you remember what happens once you change back?" She'd had Sammy and Nate captive for hours asking them all sorts of questions (many of them 2 or 3 times) but she'd never really asked about what it was like to BE the leopard that now prowled inside of her. Realizing that, she could feel the big cat begin to get restless and that made her even more curious.
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races_the_night
Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 1:06 pm Post subject:

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Dayan's grin turned darkly content, "It is like all your birthdays wrapped up into one, little lady. You've never known true power until you feel the power coursing through the leopard's veins. You know everything about your beast, everything they know about their environment - and they're aware to a degree far greater than your own. You knpow every single racial memory of their species, how to hunt, how to stalk, how to track. And yes, you remember every exquisite moment of it upon returning to your human form."

He leaned back in the comfy chair and threw his booted feet up onto the table. "We seldom remember our first changes, its just the way of it, the beast has simmered for so long that, once released its an incredible surge of power that allows him or her to take over its human host's mind and body for a short period of time. I wouldn't worry about it, provided you can exert control over her then, you'll remember more of your changes."

There was a pause at his end. "Have I been helpful?" He asked silkily.




Maira
Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 5:43 pm Post subject:

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Maira was lost in a bit of a haze when she heard Dayan ask if he'd been helpful. Somewhat distractedly she answered slowly, "Yes and no." Her voice had left open the end of her answer, sounding as if more would be forthcoming but only silence followed.

The leopard inside her had deffinately stirred at Dayan's words, she wanted to show Maira that all the man had said was true. Maira just couldn't figure out what to do about it.

Giving herself a shake, Maira blinked a couple times and cleared her throat, trying to focus on the phone conversation she was failing miserably at. "Sorry, she seems to be waking up I guess you'd say. Its sorta hard to concentrate," she apologized to Dayan. He'd been sitting on the other end of the line so patiently and so quitely she didn't even know if he was still there.
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races_the_night
Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 11:21 am Post subject:

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Dayan nodded, unseen at the other end of the line. "You'll get that feeling for a while, until you grow used to it." He replied, slouching further into the comfy chair. "If she's awake and aware, your best option is to take her for a spin until she's too tired to protest any longer. If you deny her too long you'll suffer in the long run, these guys are very demanding."

[Races The Night]

Maira
Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2005 8:47 am Post subject:

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Maira had been afraid he'd say something like that. Gulping back her nervousness she asked as calmly as she could possibly muster, "And just where and how do you suggest I do that? I live in the middle of suburbia hell. Nothing but housing developments for miles and the closest park is for camping, still full of people."

Her fidgeting had started again and the poor blanket was on the loosing end. The first tassle she'd been fingering had already fallen off strand by strand and the second one came off in one big nervous yank. The more nervous she got, the antsier the leopard got inside of her, demanding to be let out to run.

A shaky sigh escaped her as the leopard's wants tried nearly overtook her. "Just talking about this is making her more....real I guess is the right word," she whispered just as shakily.

Why on earth didn't Sammy or Nate tell her these things that Dayan was telling her? It seemed like it should have been among some of the first things she was told, a necessity to her life at this point. If she lost control in the house she had no doubt things would go from bad to worse but she had no way to stop it, no where she could go...
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races_the_night

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 11:32 am Post subject:

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"Ah, the new are always unimaginative." He murmured to himself. "The city is your jungle, Maira, there's plenty of places you can be and still be safely hidden away from human eyes. Or there's plenty of wilderness outside of town if you're that concerned about people. Personally, I find the wilderness more inviting, but some find the town is their home."

"Honestly, there is nothing wrong with pretending to be an escaped zoo animal on the prowl in the park, all those stories you here are people similar to us. You should try to get out, keeping her down is dangerous and harmful in the long run." He sighed, sensing her reluctance. 2Why don't you come out here and I'll give you a few lessons." The last thing the pard needed was a kit making mistakes and selling them out to the authorities and FBI.




Maira
Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 11:42 am Post subject:

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Maira had to stop the sniff of disdain that nearly escaped her, Unimaginative my ass, she grumbled in her mind while Dayan continued talking. As she listened she eventually forgot the comment and when he suggested her pretending to be an escaped zoo animal she couldn't help but laugh.

She was about to make a smart remark to that but then Dayan suggested her going to his place so he could give her some pointers. Why hadn't Sammy or Nate offered? They'd been so helpful earlier. Shrugging the worriesome thought away she answered him, hopefully not to eagerly, "I don't want to bother you but if you don't mind that'd be wonderful."

Yep, too eager.

Oh well at least she'd be able to get a better grasp on the reality of the situation if she had somebody willing to help her through at least one night. The leopard inside Maira practically purred at the idea of being with another of their kind and being allowed to run.
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races_the_night
Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 12:34 pm Post subject:

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D'yan reeled off the directions to his house frm outter town and asked if they were ample enough. "I sleep when both my personalities are tired." he purred afterward.

Outside, a distance away, an owl called. D'yan's head shot up, alert. "I am being called." He said, almost regretfully. "It won't take you long to find this place." he grinned widely, despite the fact she could not see him. "I'll be waiting." He put the phone down and hurried out into the night after the call had been sent out. Tearing his clothes off, he shifted on the wing and disappeared into the darkness.




Maira
Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 12:48 pm Post subject:

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Smiles can be heard over the phone was something that had been drilled into Maira's mind during her years of working at the animal shelter and for once she was on the recieving end. She gave a lopsided smile herself as she took down the directions and when the line clicked dead she just sat on the couch smiling.

She didn't sit there very long for the cat was on the prowl inside of her still and she didn't want to keep her waiting. All in a sudden burst of energy she jumped off the couch, ran to the kitchen and snagged her keys off the counter, and slipped back into her shoes. She was nearly out the door when she thought to grab a coat, it had been getting chilly at night lately.

The drive was actually a nice one, not too long in reality but it seemed to take both forever and no time at all. Excitement, nerves, and the cat's desire to run all had Maira's mind on anything but driving. In truth it was quite a miracle she pulled into Dayan's driveway still in one piece.

The truck came to a slow rumbling stop, and once she had flicked off the engine she just sat there a minute trying to get her bearings. She'd rushed out of her own home in such a hurry she hadn't really had time to let this all sink in and now here she sat in a strange man's driveway so he could teach her how to be a leopard. It all sounded so bizarre...

Giving herself a small shake Maira finally opened the door and climbed down out of the cab. Slamming the door shut she started walking up to the front door. Once on the porch she was aware of her footsteps sounding on it and she couldn't help but flinch, why did she have to be so loud? Giving up on silence she reached out her hand and knocked on the door.
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races_the_night
Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 3:44 pm Post subject:

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Among the darkness there was a spot that was blacker than black, framing two amber eyes. The leopard panted out the exertion of a swift return to his den lest the female be unattended for an unpolite amount of time. Watching her climb the steps, assuring himself there was no wildlife about to do her harm, he disappeared, slinking back to his den, shifting shape as he went.

There was a robe he always kept on the back door for circumstances like these, where someone came by and he was unprepared. Slipping through the back door as silently as he could, Dayan donned the robe to hide his lack of clothing. Prowling throught he house he hit the switch for the lights and headed for the door.

He swung the wooden panel in on itself and greeted Maira, flooding with light from the porch lantern, swinging in the mid level wind. "Did you find the place alright?" He asked, stepping back to allow her entry. "I heard your vehicle pull into the driveway."




Maira
Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 11:11 am Post subject:

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Maira didn't have to wait too long until she heard some noises from what she assumed was the back end of the house and then feet making their way to the front door. If she'd known he was out back she just would have walked around. Oh well, at least he heard her knock.

When the porch light flicked on and the door swung inward it was very hard for Maira to miss the fact that Dayan was in a robe. She raised an eyebrow and gave a lopsided smile as she answered him, "Yeah I found the place just fine, got here quicker than I expected." Then she couldn't resist asking, "I thought you knew I was coming, did I interrupt something?" Her tone was lighthearted as she followed him into the house.
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races_the_night
Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 12:27 pm Post subject:

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Dayan smiled lazily, tugging the ties of the robe tighter around his waist. "Not at all." He replied. "I was just out back when I heard your truck pull in." He led them further into the house and gestured to a seat near the fireplace.

"How bad is she?" He inquired, moving to the kitchen and asking her if she wanted something to drink. "You seem on edge, is she that aware?" It was evident in the way she carried herself that the leopard wanted out, Maira stalked everywhere, probably without noticing.

At the scent and presence of a female, Inka raised his head among Dayan's subconsciousness. His back turned to her, the man forcced the beast into submission. The leopard growled his disleasure and disappeared into the depths of Dayan's mind.




Maira
Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2005 1:08 am Post subject:

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Maira took the seat he offered near the fireplace gratefully. Her nerves were still making her a bit fidgetty and the last thing she needed to do was start pacing. She watched as Dayan made his way into the kitchen and when he asked if she wanted anything to drink she answered, "Just water thanks."

When Dayan asked, "How bad is she?" Maira knew right away he was asking about the big cat she could feel prowling around inside of her. Just the knowledge of that seemed to make the leopard even more alert, or maybe it was something else. Either way, it took Maira a moment to answer.

Finally after a few long calming breaths Maira blinked and turned her attention back to Dayan to see him standing holding out a glass of water to her. "Sorry, just thinking about her too much is like an invitation for her to get pushy with me." Realizing just how crazy she probably sounded, Maira took the glass of water and took a sip to hide her flaming cheeks.
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[Races The Night]

Dayan smiled in his unique, rueful way. "Yes. Yes, you'll find that. Talking about them normally makes them nosy, 'tis the way of a cat I suppose." He took a seat opposite her in a matching armchair and sipped at his whisky.

"You do seem a little tense." He observed. "I'm assuming you've only reached the First Change and nothing more? That the first time your friends brought you to us as the cat, it was your only experience as her." He mulled over this information a while before coming up with the simple solution: "We can fix that tonight, if you're willing of course? I can teach you a few tricks about keeping her under control and making the shift from one form to another slightly ewasier and, perhaps, less disturbing. An open mind is best when it comes to matters of the beast, you'll be surprised at what they're capable of. Never underestimate one, is my advice, especially your own."

He leant forwards, over his knees, the small glass of whisky held in the tips of his fingers. "The deicison is left to you, Maira," Her name was a purr, enhanced by Inka's eager anticipation to be loose again. "If you wish, we can go hunting tonight. It is quite safe."

[Maira]

Chills climbed up Maira's spine as her name rolled off Dayan's tongue. How on earth could a man's voice do that to her? It'd never happened before. She had to shake herself to get her focus back before she could respond at all.

"Yeah, last night was the only time I've been through the Change. I don't even know what we all did last night either and I think thats one of the things that's been bothering me more than anything." Just thinking about that again caused the leopard inside her to purr. Apparently the cat had enjoyed herself last night...

Shrugging to herself Maira continued, "As for hunting, and you showing me how to work with her, I'd really appreciate it. I am just totally lost." As she spoke, Maira's eyes darkened a shade or two as the leopard inside of her surged close to the surface. She could sense the male leopard sitting right in front of her even if Maira couldn't. A nice strong companion to run the night with, what could be better.

[Races The Night]

Dayan felt hot under the collar of a sudden, wishing he had more than just a robe on at that moment. Inka was now dangerously aware of the female who had entered his den. Power flowed off of Maira in waves of intoxicating perfume. Swallowing hard he managed to push words from a suddenly tight throat. "Well, if you want to Shift, I suggest you shed your clothes lest they be torn during your Change." It was the hardest thing Dayan had ever had to do, being a man first and foremost and definately not one to deny the pleasures of the flesh, he motioned to the stairs and, consequently, the bathroom. "You can change in there, I'll wait outside and guide you through it."

He was wrong, the hardest thing he had ever had to do was wait outside of his bathroom, talking Maira through what she could expect. "When she comes up she'll be hard and fast, so you have to be ready for her. The only way you'll retain memory is by controlling her to some degree. You need to seize during that initial burst of energy. After that...jsut hold on and ride her down, is the best way to describe it." He shrugged his heavy shoulders and let the robe falls from them to the floor, hissing silently as the cold air trailed fingers across his back.

[Maira]

Maira saw Dayan flush and considering that she felt quite warm herself for reasons she wouldn't admit she didn't even bother wondering why. Remembering what her clothes had looked like after last night, Maira wasn't surprised at Dayan's suggestion that she get undressed. The fact that he mentioned it with quite a bit of ease told her just how comfortable he was with this whole thing and she tried to let that reassure her. When he pointed at the bathroom though, the few last twinges of nervousness flew out the window.

Setting her glass of water down quickly, as she could feel the leopard was very close now, Maira made her way quickly over to the bathroom and shut the door hurriedly. The second she had the door shut, Maira was pulling her clothes off as fast as she could. Straining the seams to get them off quickly would be better than getting them shredded. As she undressed, Maira listened to Dayan's words coming from the other side of the door, committing it all to memory as best she could.

She'd barely had time to toss aside her last article of cloth when the surge Dayan said would come, completely overwhelmed her. Crying out in surprise and not a little bit of pain, Maira did as Dayan had told her. As she felt her muscles twist and bunch, her bones rearrange themselves, and her skin sprout fur, Maira held on for all she was worth, not letting the leopard push her away.

Almost as soon as it had started, Maira found herself on all fours, breathing heavily, her tail twitching with agitation at being locked in a small place. Giving a low growl, leopard-Maira pawed at the door. As she did so, she saw a huge white paw with black spots trailing up her leg. The leopard part of her was not at all impressed or bothered. The human part was shocked out of her mind...she was a snowleopard!

[Races The Night]

Dayan waited until he was sure Maira had compelted the Change successfully and heard the leopard growl and claw at the door in impatience. He swung the door inwards, surprised that, in her haste, Maira had failed to flip the latch. The white snowleopard padded out just as Dayan allowed the Change flow through him, lest Maira catch a glimpse of him without clothing and become uneasy.

He doubled over as his body structure rearranged itself and fur sprouted across the wide muscles of his back and chest. A quiet scream turned into a throaty growl as the Change completed itself and Inka rose to the forefront of his mind,Dayan holding the 'reigns' behind. Inka shook himself and padded over to the female, who was delightful in her white brilliance. He greeted her in the way of his people, sidling up beside her and giving her a sound brushing with his head.

{i}You did well{/i} The voice that was Dayan's and yet not, said. {i} Now we hunt, you need to stretch your limbs. Shall we?{/i} Inka asked as he stepped forward onto the stairs, lancing back at the newly changed kit.

Long ago Inka and Dayan had come to an agreement that there should be a mechanism on the back door that allowed Inka to undo it, should the need arise. This made leaving his home, easy for the two leopards. Once out, inka took off into the undergrowth and immediately set upon a tree, where his powerful limbs hawled him up the bark effortlessly. Once above, he peered down at Maira-leopard, his blue eyes glinting in the darkness, the only sign he was actually there. {i} Come, join me up here. You will like the view of the forest.{/i}

[Maira]

Leopard-Maira was still getting used to her change of perspective and didn't even notice Dayan's brief moment of exposure as she padded past him into the hallway. When she did finally look back at him it was just in time to see a large black leopard coming straight at her.

As Inka brushed up against her, leopard-Maira purred in response. When the voice sounded in her mind leopard-Maira's tail twitched in surprise. That was something that Sammy and Nate had also left out. I had a good teacher, was all that she said in response, her mind voice with more of a purr to it than her normal voice.

When the black leopard made his way down the stairs and out of the house, she followed more than willingly. The feeling of her muscles moving so smoothly was intoxicating. Not to mention the added sensations from her heightened senses. How humans lived without all of this reality leopard-Maira suddenly had no idea. Humans were missing out.

Once in the forest, Maira watched Inka closely and if she hadn't been she wouldn't have seen him leap up into one of the trees. When he told her to join him the she followed instinctively. Only once she was perched safely next to the black male, did the human side of her question just how she'd done that. Doing as she'd been told, leopard-Maira looked out at the forest from their perch in the tree. He was right. She loved it. Its beautiful... came her wistful and eager reply.

[Races The Night]

If leopards could smile, this one would be beaming with male satisfaction - and maybe puffing his chest out. Inka adjusted himself intoa sitting position on the thick branch, his gaze locked on the horizon, where the wasted light of streetlamps lingered like a haze on the city scape. Behind them lay almost endless forest. Here, between worlds, as it were, he had the best of both worlds.

You're doing well. He encouraged, suddenly sprining into action and leaping, his paws extended out to catch the branch of the opposite tree and drag his huge body up onto the ledge. I'll show you how to hunt. It's easy, we'll go after small prey first, rabbits. No kills, just trap them then we'll let them go. This was Dayan speaking. Unless Inka was truly hungry for raw meat, Dayan refused to kill any of the inhabitants of the forest, rather simply corner them to prove he was the victor of the hunt, then allow them to continue on their way. It was the thrill of the hunt he hungered for most times.

Branches twisted and snapped as the black leopard stretched himself downwards, back onto the forest floor. He looked back up, waiting patiently for the female to join him. We have a need to find a name for you too. He mentioned as an after thought, slinking intothe bushes, already onto a rabbit scent. He paused by the trail. Its easy to follow, just use your nose to track the creature down. The leopard jerked his head in a very human gesture, at the scent trail by his feet.

[Maira]

The female snowleopard purred at the male's praise and then followed him to the ground. Once she was back on solid ground, she asked, Find me a name? This was Maira asking, not the leopard, why would she need a name? She knew who she was. As if to point out the obvious, the leopard seized a small bit more of control from the human just to remind her who's body she was in at the moment. Feeling slightly foolish Maira realized what the black leopard had meant.

She'd not bring it back up unless he did, she decided. Instead she put her nose to the trail he had indicated. Immediately she caught it and ran off into the underbrush. The placement of each paw, though effortless, was with extreme care so as not to make a noise.

At one point, the leopard nearly got sidetracked from the scent of the small rabbits by something she knew to be much bigger. A much better meal. Only by sheer will was Maira able to keep the leopard to the task that Dayan had set them: track the rabbit, catch it, and let it go. Almost as soon as she'd gotten the leopard back on the trail of the rabbit, she could smell a scent which she could only describe as fear. They were close.

Coming to a complete halt, leopard-Maira flicked her ears carefully to detect any little sound. Finally a slight thumping came to her attention off to the right. Not even turning her head, just looking out of the corner of her eye, leopard-Maira could see the poor beast quivering with fear. In an instant she was on it, calling back to Inka, I've caught it!

[Races The Night]

Dayan-Inka silently appraised the way Maira was able to discern the rabbit scent and pull the leopard away from the bigger prey. Bigger, wasn't always better. Dayan-Inka purred his slight disagreement with that arguement and continued to stalk after the female.

He waited a distance behind her as she pounced on the poor creature and announced her success. Inka leapt into motion with pure force, sliding between maira and the rabbit, just incase the leopard took over and began to truly hunt the rabbit. It had happened before, while training, it was an easy mistake to make.

Rather than reprimand his new student for something she had not yet done, Inka purred and rubbed his lean body against the snow leopards. You did well, well done, you're not as new to this as you may think you are. She, and he reffered to the leopard, is very mucha ware of what you are and how to act. The rabbit scampered away ebhind them, into the safety of his warren.

Inka circled the smaller leopard, head low, scenting the ground as he kept watch on her. Tell me, white one, how do you feel about endless ground below your paws? You have the whole night ahead of you - and it is your night - tell me, what do you want to do? I'm yours for the entire night. The last was purred out in mindspeak on a decidedly male amusement.

[Maira]

Leopard-Maira backed away from the rabbit as soon as Inka slid between her and it. If it had been a true hunt, and a kill denied her, the snowleopard likely would have struck out at the bigger male. This was a lesson however and she felt obliged to listen to his instructions. When he again, commented on how well she was doing, all thoughts of striking out at him fled leopard-Maira's mind.

When he asked what she wanted to do for the rest of the night, and volunteered his company for the whole night as well, leopard-Maira purred as she thought. Digging her claws into the soft earth beneath her huge paws, and sniffing the crisp evening air, she realized all she wanted to do was run. With no warning she was taking off again into the underbrush, as she passed the big blackleopard, her tail snaked out across his nose and she sent to him, Catch me. And then she was gone.

[Races The Night]

Dayan smiled darkly, in the guise of the leopard, a shiver shoting down his flank as Inka caught the scent of the female. Large paws pounding the ground, Inka took off after allowing Maira a dignified headstart. Branches and leaves scratched his hide in a decidedly provocative way.

Inka was fast, but had the disadvantage of being male and having a lot more muscle to heave around, so in effect, Maira was faster. Using is tale for balance, inka took to the trees, out of sight and where he could leap the distance in fewer stride. Keeping the snowleopard in sight he wound his way through the thickers branches of the trees, leaping from one to the other, exhilarating in the power of the leopard and the crisp wind ruffling his short fur, how the moonlight played across the planes of muscles on the snow leopards flanks.

Dayan-Inka waited until he was directly above the snowleopard before he attempted to catch he, falling from his branch, his full weight behind him.

[Maira]

The snowleopard knew he was following her but she didn't care. Feeling the soft earth rushing beneath her paws, the branches from the low bushes brushing and scraping against her sides, and the cool evening air on her face, she was just revelling in running. Her first night that she conciously understood what was going on with her, the first night she was truly her new self, Maira couldn't hope for anything more.

She had just caught sight of a clearing ahead of her through the trees and she was bolting for it when she heard a noise above and behind her. She didn't bother looking up, she could smell him, the big black male, and he was hunting her like she'd hunted the rabbit. Of course, that is what she had told him to do. Thrilled at the chase, she picked up her speed twisting and turning through the underbrush.

Finally, she thought she'd lost him when suddenly right above her there was a shaking of leaves and then his scent falling down at her. She didn't even have time to move out of his way and before she knew it, the snowleopard was pinned beneath the big black male, sprawled on the forest floor.

If it had just been Maira that was pinned, she would have been squirming to get loose but the leopard liked the weight of the male, it was close and comforting and brought out something that Maira was trying to deny. Purring, with both excitement from the chase and also with the pleasure of having such a strong male close at hand, leopard-Maira tilted her head backwards and licked Inka's jaw with her rough tongue.

[Races The Night]

Dayan-Inka had a hard time reigning in his less...admirable instincts. They beat at him like tiny jackhammers in his head. He placed an affectionate nuzzle on the top of her head, but found it impossibly hard to move away, so he just stood there, crouched over her, his weight pinning her to the soft leafy carpetting of the forest floor.

I am one of the best hunters the Pard has got, cherie, do not think you could escape me, the forest is my home. He chuckled, a rumbling growl in the back of his throat. His tail dily whipped the air above him as he nigh on purred with male pride.

He settled down on top of her, deliberately using her as a stool. I am certainly not planning on moving, cara mia, you will have to throw me off if you want to be free again. He stubbornly remained, quite comfortable and if leopards could smile, this one would be beaming with satisfaction.

[Maira]

The way Inka-Dayan's voice purred through her mind, leopard-Maira relaxed more with every word. As she was laying on a rock however, she wasn't overly comfortable laying the way they were. She knew if she squirmed to move it, he'd think it her weak attempt to get away. So instead, she just stood up. Granted it was a lot harder than it should have been, what with a big male, who outweighed her by who knew how much ,sprawled on her back.

I never thought to escape you, She started as the big male awkwardly removed himself from her now standing frame. I just wanted to run and thought we'd both enjoy the chase. Once he was once again standing on his own four paws, leopard-Maira turned and regarded him, the leopard's body language giving away way more than Maira would ever think possible.

Sidling up next to him, rubbing first her muzzle against his jaw and then her whole body along his leopard-Maira asked knowingly, And you did enjoy yourself didn't you?

[Races The Night]

Dayan-Inka chuckled in her head, the sound resonating and deep as the black leopard moved off the smaller one. He sat and allowed the snowleopard to fit her body to his. He purred, all male pleasure. A little too much, I think. Dayan said, rising to the forefront of Inka's mind yo itterate his thoughts.

Inka's tail lashed the air in impatience as he pressed down firmly on Dayan's mind until his human stepped back reluctantly. I could enjoy many an activerty with you. Confusing as it was, this was Inka, a slightly rougher, more stony voice than the warm, whisky smooth bairtone of Dayan.

Standing, the leopard returned the gesture, making sure the female was well and truly coated in his scent and no one else's. If you want to run, my lady, then run! This is your night after all... He waited to see if she would take off again, dsitracted briefly by the screech of an owl as it dived for its prey somewhere in the short distance.

He nipped her flanks to urge her onwards. Big and deadly they may be, but the forest was no place to sit around talking in hushed tones. Even the trees had ears here and there was always something bigger just waiting for its next meal...even if it was just a hunters trap or poacher.

[Maira]

Doing as the big male urged, and her body demanded, the snowleopard took off into the forest once more. She ran and ran, revelling in the feel of this powerful body moving so gracefully where her human body would be blind and clumsy.

Heading deeper into the forest leopard Maira eventually quit looking up at the darkening sky as the trees had grown so close together now it wasn't worth the effort. The damp dark smells of the forest were exhilirating and before long, Maira gave into the snowleopard and let her track down any scent she pleased. Why not? No harm in exploring, especially with Inka right behind her.

Before long, one of the scents she was following led the two leopards to a tiny clearing. It wasn't truly a clearing, just the result of an ancient tree falling in the last storm. Coming into the clearing, the snowleopard slowed, taking a close look into all the shadows and at the twilit sky before climbing up the fallen tree. It was still leaning against a couple of its neighbors so there was a bit of an incline as she climbed.

Right as she reached the lowest branch (more than halfway along the downed tree) a gentle mist began to fall. Being a cat, Maira thought that the snowleopard would have hated the rain but surprisingly she loved it. Perfectly content to take a break from her explorations the snowleopard propped herself securely against one of the branches and laid her head on her big white paws, purring with her pleasure at being so free.

[Races The Night]

Inka clambered through the maze of trees around the clearing, hissing in pleasure at the fine, cool mist that fell on his haunches. The big cat was in his element, darkness was approaching fast, the dark velvet sheet spreading across the sky and coating the land in night.

He pounced on a leaf, leaping and twisting in mid air as he batted at it with his huge paw. Twilight's hand touched everyy inch of the forest, casting a sheen over the leaves and bark. Rubbing up against the coarse covering of a tree, Inka re-scented his territory, reaching out, paws high on the trunk, to score the length of bark with his claws, prolonging the stretch until every knot in his muscles untangled. He roared in pelasure.

When he stepped out into the centre of the clearing a light rain had begun to fall from the thin clouds overhead. He watched as the last ray of sun cast a dying light over the fallen try and his companion. Where the darkness ate away at the ray there was a purple radience that splintered into a thousands shades when it touched the droplets of water as they fell.

It was as if Twilight were claiming her for himself, a disciple of his court, a runner of messengers, the ear onwhich to rely on, the hidden advisor. In that moment between darkness and light, as Inka peeered at her from the foliage she was Twilight and she was Rain. The rain melted into her skin, an illusion of a raindrolet snow leopard.

Twilight's Rain. The name was as certain as they all breathed.

Twilight's Rain. He murmured silkily, his boyd lowering to the ground in a crouch. His tail flicked the dewy air. You were born to hold that name.

[Maira]

Twilight's Rain, the name reverberated through her mind, touching all the little nooks and crannies, she'd never felt anything so True. The snowleopard looked drowsily at her companion as he continued to speak and when he was through she leapt off her perch on the fallen tree.

Slowly padding up to Inka, Twilight's Rain looked him over more carefully than she'd done all evening. The sight of him, a living shadow, standing and breathing before her. The only part of him that didn't seem an illusion in the quickly darkening night were his ice blue eyes and those entranced her. How could he have known her Name. Her human hadn't even known. She hadn't even known.

When she finally came face to face with Inka, Twilight's Rain crouched down and offered him her soft white belly in submission. She wasn't sure why she did it so much, she just knew it was the right thing to do at that moment. I may have been born to that name but you brought me to it and for that I am immeasurably grateful. The thoughts had been the snowleopards but it was Maira who spoke, her voice soft and submissive as her belly.