How to Seer, Part 12b
Story by comidacomida on SoFurry
This is another writing prompt from the furry writing group in which I take part on Telegram.
(Interested in joining us? You can find it here: https://t.me/joinchat/CPoeZhclggenrOEh0yYwvg )
The focus of this prompt is to do a short story of "about 1000 words" with the prompt: how do you protect someone when you're their biggest threat?
We're back once again in the world of "The Gift" but, rather than post this as a proper Ch 13, I've elected to call this Ch 12b because it's actually from Mishupishu's point of view. This continuation takes place the night after the trip to the lake after everyone has returned back to Billy's apartment. Mishupishu originally planned on leaving, but Billy convinced him to stay... and then things happened.
How to Seer, Part 12b
copyright comidacoida 2020
Oh, William, how could I possibly explain to you everything that is so right that it is so wrong. To have you laying in my arms is nothing I could have imagined and yet, as you sleep, I find myself unable to picture a world without you. What have you done to me, and why do I not want it to end? I am not a Spirit of humans, but of nature. Why then do I draw so much Spirit Energy from you? Why are you so free with it? HOW are you so free with it? Man is not meant to be this way.
I am a hundred times your age, and yet you still teach me new things. Existence is different now with you in it. I am a Naturae Spirit; my place is chosen for me amidst the trees and rocks and water... always the water. Why is it I find myself connected to a Human when I have spent centuries apart from your kind? Why do I WANT to be here? Why do YOU want me here? I tried to leave... but you asked me to stay.
Earlier today by the lakeside I felt something I had not felt before. We were close-- so very close, and you wanted to be closer. I pulled away. I am no good for Humans, William. I am not a Spirit of Humans; I am a Nature Spirit. I have spent time as a Guardian. I can identify dangers and I know how to protect. I am dangerous, William-- I am no Nephili; I am no Rakshasha; I am no Feral, but I can be just as dangerous. I can be MORE dangerous. I cannot protect you from myself.
Something had almost happened at the lake and I pulled away. I knew that I had to leave, and I was ready to tell you that tonight-- I had started to tell you that tonight. We returned to your home; it has always been alien to me... so far from the water... but it always felt right. It felt right because of you and I knew that was wrong. I told you it was time for me to leave but when you asked why I couldn't explain it. How do I tell you that I am the biggest threat to you and that to protect you from me I must leave?
I tried to explain it, William, but your language is not mine, and I could not make you understand; I could only say goodbye. But you would not let me go. When you took hold of my wrist I knew that you were a powerful Shaman, but I am a Spirit, and I willed my form beyond your reach... or so I thought. Your grip never wavered and I could not escape. Was it because I didn't really want to go? I have killed hundreds of Humans in the past but in the present why does it take just one to tame me?
You told me then, William, in my language, with words I had not realized I had taught you. You said to me that you did not want me to go... that your life would not be the same if I left. You would miss me. You would mourn me leaving. You said the words-- the words that no Human would ever say to me... to the Water Panther. You said you loved me. I knew the words, but that does not guarantee I understood the meaning. I have had love for copper, and for my lakes, and for water. But what was it to love another? Why did I not leave?
I stood there, unsure of what to do or say. I should have left, shouldn't I? Then, for the second time today you came closer than any Human before you would dare do to the Water Panther. I felt your presence-- your body heat-- your Spirit Energy. And then, I felt your lips. It was what you had wanted to do at the lake; I knew as much, but in the quiet isolation of your bedroom I did not pull away. Why did I not pull away? Everything had changed in that moment. Questions were answered, but more arose to take their place.
Purring had always been reserved for private enjoyment of copper. I also purred in the deepest hour of night when I was alone in my lake, reveling in the quiet surroundings. I do not purr around others; I do not purr FOR others. Why did I purr for you? Why am I purring now? You are laying on my chest, gone to the world of sleep, to a place that Spirits cannot follow. I do not envy you that trip, but I am jealous that you are there and not with me. I am a jealous Spirit... jealous when what I want is not within my grasp. I want so much from you, and you give me even more than I could ask for.
How did you get me to stay, William? Was it the kiss? Was it what we shared when your clothes were on the floor and mine were banished with a wave of your hand? You are a powerful Shaman, William... so powerful that you have as much control over my Spirit Summons as I... so powerful that I wonder if I could resist your commands. Why do you not command me, William? You have only ever asked. Why? Shamans demand... they do not beseech. Why didn't you order me to stay? Why am I staying when you haven't commanded me to?
The feel of your body on mine... I have touched many Humans in the past, but in those moments I was the predator; never had I been so... affected. You said it was your first time. How could I possibly admit that it was mine as well? Your touch.... Ancestors! Just the thought that something could feel so... Why can't I find the words for it? What have you done to me, William, and why can I not hate you for it?
The feel of joining with you... of you with me... the caress of your furless form, the way you gasped as we became one... the soft murmurs as you reassured me that you were not in pain, and that I was doing everything just fine. Did you know it was my first time, or were you worried that I wouldn't know how to handle you? Both were true, William... and, oh, Ancestors-- I still don't know how to handle you. You are laying on my chest and I want to run, but the only thing I want more is to stay right here.
You are the worst and best thing that has ever happened to me. You are the first Human who has ever found a place in his life for me, and you are the only Human with whom I have ever wanted to be this close. Closer even... to feel your insides again, to have you make those sounds... to make the sounds that I made for you, and to see my reflection in your eyes-- I can only see my reflection in water, and in your gaze... but when I'm looking into the water the reflection is not the same-- when I see me in your eyes I know what it is like to smile.
You told me you loved me, William. Do you know how dangerous that is? I do... but I love you too. I will be your Guardian. I had already decided that I would leave in order to protect you, but that would have been the easy way. I will stay, and I will protect you. I will become better than I am now. I will not be a threat to you. I have found many causes worth dying for, but you are the first one I have found that has given me a reason to live. You are MY Human, William, and I am a jealous Spirit. No one will take you from me. If you ask me to share you with the others here, so be it, but if anyone or anything tries to take you from me, then you will see with them as proof why it is I am so dangerous.