An Unexpected Encounter

Just on the edge of the ruined land, Jayde came across a large crater in the ground. Looking down into the crater she saw a massive black beast, it's broken wings spread out, Jayde wasn't quite sure what type of beast it was, and although she was tempted to get closer, she could she see the labored breathing of the animal. Even a fool knows that the most dangerous animal is an injured one, and Jayde wasn't about to take the risk of getting near this beast, she could feel the powerful aura the beast emitted, while she couldn't read what level it was, she knew it was extremely powerful and could squash her like an ant.

Just as she was about to turn away and carry on with her trip to the lake, the spirit beast lifted its head and looked directly at Jayde. Jayde stared into the eyes of the creature and she could feel the animals desperation, she seemed to be imploring Jayde for help.

While Jayde wasn't a softy, she had always had a soft spot for animals, and even though she knew it was extremely dangerous, she couldn't help herself, there was no way she could turn away and leave this spirit beast to suffer.

Cursing herself for being all kinds of stupid, Jayde scrambled down the crater and approached the animal.

"You damn well deserve to be eaten for being so stupid" she whispered to herself.

"Gods this must be one of the stupidest things I have done" she carried on.

As she got closer to the animal, Jayde could see that it resembled an old earth panther crossed with a saber-tooth tiger. It had beautiful black fur, its body shape and head was similar to a black panther, but it had large fangs just like the prehistoric saber-tooth tiger Jayde had seen comvids of back when she was in the Federation, two massive wings spread out from the shoulders of the beast. It was quite an awesome sight to behold.

"Er...kitty I really don't mean you any harm, so please don't eat me" Jayde spoke softly hoping to calm the animal down.

The spirit beast opened its eyes, it had pure jade green eyes and looked straight at Jayde. She could have sworn the animal was laughing at her.

Jayde figured she was imaging things, "So we have an agreement, I'll try to help you, and you won't eat me?" she said walking closer.

The beast huffed out a breath, it really sounded like a snort of laughter to Jayde, looking up at the beast suspiciously.

"Are you laughing at me?" she asked, then thinking about what she just said, she slapped her forehead Jayde mumbled to herself "Seriously Jayde now you are thinking animals can laugh, this world is driving you batty"

[I won't eat you, little one] a melodic voice said in Jayde Jayde's mind.

"... "

"Did you just speak to me?" Jayde was really starting to think that she must be imagining things, animals don't talk.

[hmm] the voice said laughing softly.

Shaking her head Jayde looked dazedly at the beast

"Gods this world gets stranger by the day".

Then remembering that the poor creature was badly injured, Jayde searched her storage ring, and pulled out a bunch of healing potions and pills that she had and offered them to the spirit beast.

"Look, I don't really have much healing skills, but these potions and pills should help"

[Little one, it's too late for me]

"Huh?... what do you mean it's too late for you, no you just need to take these potions and I am sure you will be fine" opening up on the potions Jayde moved the bottle nearer to the mouth of the creature and poured the potion in.

[You are very kind for a human, little one, but your potions won't work for me, save them for yourself]

Jayde could hear the conviction in the creature's voice, feeling really distressed that such a unique beast was dying Jayde was at a loss on what to do. She really wished that she knew some healing arts or even alchemy so that she could help.

Realizing that there wasn't much she could do, Jayde decided to accompany the spirit beast, no-one should die alone she thought. Sitting down comfortable next to the spirit beast, and without consciously thinking about she stroked the creature's head softly.

"So what happened here, who hurt you so badly and how did you end up here in the Dark Forest?" besides being really curious about this spirit beast, Jayde wanted to distract her.

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