Cougar's Roar

by Jim Mohr

  “No. I’ve been told about him though.”

  Labrador goes back to looking out of the window. “I wish Wolf were here. He would watch after me.”

  I park the car and I turn to Labrador. “Watch after you? Why do you need to be watched after?”

  Labrador turns to face me. He is distraught and obviously afraid. “Do you sense it? Do you know who is all here? I don’t like to fight, but you know how cats and dogs behave.”

  I smile as I think to myself, “or cats and cats.” “Labrador, I’m a cat and we aren’t fighting.”

  He smiles innocently. “No, because you are friends with the pretty woman in white. Everyone who is friends with the pretty woman in white will be friends with me.”

  Chapter 54

  Cougar—Devante Estate: The Buckhead District, Atlanta, Georgia

  The Captain of the porte-cochere guard approaches us. “No weapons are allowed, even Alliance personnel. Turn in your side-arm.”

  My gaze turns steely at these four civilian guards in front of me. “I don’t fucking think so, human. Alliance personnel are mandated to carry when off base.” Labrador gasps at my language.

  “That may be sir, but these grounds are owned by Lord Davante. No weapons are allowed.” I see a guard move his hand to his pistol. I enter his mind. He fears me. They do not know how far I will go to keep my pistol. I see that however much they fear me, they fear Lion more.

  I unsnap my Kalashnikov. “I have a Russian-made 44 Magnum.” I tap the black ivory grips. “I have diplomatic immunity, and I would love nothing more than to kill four humans. Back off… NOW!” My voice echoes off of the marble pillars, the humans step back. The guard with the wandering hand moves it away from his pistol.

  The captain looks at his associates, then to Labrador. “Okay then, but keep it holstered.”

  “Yeah, I’ll try.” I say as I grab the door handle with my telekinesis and open the heavy oak door.

  Labrador exhales. “Mountain Lion, you scare me.”

  “Sorry, my friend, I won’t hand my pistol over to anyone.”

  He pats me softly on the back. “You’ll watch over me, won’t you?”

  “I sure as fuck will,” I reply. He gasps again as I smile.

  “Mountain Lion, I’ll get my friend. I want you to meet him.” Before I can reply, Labrador bolts into the mansion.

  I enter the foyer and I can see it was at one time ornate and of the highest quality. Years of neglect have darkened the light-colored hardwood floors. The trim is darkened, as is the crown molding. A dirty area rug lays in the middle of the room. Even through the ground-in dirt I can make out a map of the world drawn in the style of the 1800s. Several Psychokinetics are in this room, to the left, and to my front, are doorways. The doorway to my front is quiet, the one to my left is full of Psychokinetics. I can smell a fire, I sense fear and apprehension, this place is thick with it. I sense two extremely powerful Psychokinetics in the mansion; one in the room to my left, the other further away. I sense Cheetah approaching me.

  “Cougar!” She sees my rank. “Oh, wow, First Lieutenant Reed.” She smiles, her smile reminds me of our youth, how long ago that was.

  “Cheetah.” I reach a hand to her, she softly grabs it. She has her Kastane sword. “You snuck it in?”

  “No, I ran past them,” She says proudly. “Cougar, this isn’t what I thought it would be. Lion wants our allegiance, our fealty.”

  “Well, he won’t get it from me.”

  “He has minions. Falcon, Hyena, Osprey, Jaguar, and a Coyote. The eleven Pigeons are here also. Cougar, don’t get into a fight.”

  I look at Cheetah, with a look of frustration. “Why does everyone think I’ll get into fights? Besides, if he acts like an ass I’ll fight the bastard. I’m not backing away from any civilian.”

  Cheetah frowns as her eyes lower. “Damn, I knew you would say that. Well, I’m here if you need any help.”

  “Thank you, Dena.” I touch her arm. She immediately smiles and blushes.

  “Owl and Dove are in the next room.” She says as she points to the room to my left.

  “Thank you,” I reply as I walk toward the room, Cheetah follows me. I notice that her steps are light as if she has no weight at all. It is odd that I never noticed something so obvious before.

  The next room is a sitting room. It is impressive in size and furnishings, it hasn’t been neglected as the foyer and the grounds have. Two great stone fireplaces are burning, several couches, chairs, and tables are scattered around the room. Clusters of Psychokinetics have gathered, some with a drink in hand, other with hors-d’oeuvres.

  Through the crowd I see Labrador leading a darker-skinned man with intense brown eyes and black hair toward me. He is powerful. The man is wearing civilian clothing with a 9 mm pistol at his side. Labrador bounds forward, to announce his friend.

  “Mountain Lion, this is German Shepherd!” He announces. German Shepherd does not react. His look is dark and ominous.

  I extend my hand to German Shepherd. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, German Shepherd.” He looks at my hand, a scowl on his face.

  “I do not shake hands,” German Shepherd answers. I lower my hand.

  “I was told that no weapons are allowed. How did you get your 9 mm in?”

  German Shepherd stares at me. The man is full of brooding anger. “I am mandated to carry, same as you Lieutenant.”

  “Ah, so what rank are you?” I ask as Cheetah softly grabs my arm. German Shepherd glares at her, then at me.

  “I’m a Sergeant First class. Mountain Lion, I expect you to treat all of the dogs with respect.”

  I look at the man and I debate how to address him, as an Alliance Sergeant, or as the second most powerful dog. “Sergeant, I’ll treat civilians in accordance with Alliance regulations. Don’t worry about my behavior.”

  His eyes flash. “Call me by my Psychokinetic name. Human titles mean nothing to me when I am dealing with other Psychokinetics.”

  Cheetah squeezes a little harder on my arm. “I’ll address you, Sergeant, according to your Alliance rank and I’d advise you to throw a ‘sir’ in there sometime when you speak to me.” German Shepherd’s eyes grow wide as I feel his defensive power raising.

  “Cougar!” A female voice sounds behind me, it is Dove, Owl is at her side. Labrador smiles at the arrival of this pretty woman in white.

  I turn to face Dove as her arms wrap around my neck in a soft, loving hug. Owl is itching to speak. Before Owl can say anything, another man joins our small pod. Immediately, the two birds bow to our latest visitor. The man is a dark-skinned black man. His clothing is a blend of black and white. He is slightly shorter than I am, medium build, and his hair is as white as Doves. He is by far the most powerful Psychokinetic I have ever met.

  He nods to German Shepherd as he focuses on me. “Cougar, I have heard many things about you. I am Eagle and I wish to give you a word of warning.” His accent is thick, he is from Africa most likely.

  Cheetah and I nod to the man as I speak. “Eagle, it is a pleasure to meet you. What is the warning?”

  “I do not want my family brought into a fight amongst cats, or between cats and dogs. Keep your weapon holstered. Doing otherwise would result in our kind turning on you.”

  “You speak like someone who knows there is going to be a fight,” I reply.

  As if a thick, wet blanket were thrown over my consciousness I hear Eagle’s words in my head. “Lion fears you and your friends. He wants you to submit to him. If you do not submit, he will kill you.” Eagle’s mouth doesn’t move, he is using telepathy to speak.

  I think of my response. “Fine, then he will kill me. I bow to no one.”

  Eagle shakes his head in disappointment. The voice in my head continues. “Then, your only hope is to fight him like a human. If you fight him as a Psychokinetic, you will
die.” His voice distracts any thoughts I can muster. Eagle continues speaking with telepathy, “There is a point in submission where your powers will not be detected. If you learn this, it will aid you against Lion”

  I speak out loud, so the entire group can hear me. “I am a Lieutenant in the Alliance. My loyalty is to the Alliance. One of our defenses is our diplomatic immunity. If I defend myself, and other civilians come after me, regardless of what species they are, I will pile the bodies up. If any of your birds come at me, they will die.”

  German Shepherd glares at me yet again. Eagle is emotionless as he looks at me. “It is unfortunate that your life has had the hardships that it is had thus far. Cougar, you are not all powerful. Just because you carry a human weapon at your side, it does not make you death incarnate. You cats get into your adolescence and you are more interested in marking your territory and picking fights.” A pressure builds in my chest, I sweat as my mortality becomes apparent. “Do you feel that?” Eagle says. I nod. “I have you, right now. My telekinesis has your heart, your defensive power doesn’t stop me. Why?”

  My eyes are wide as fear grabs me. “I… do… not… know.” My breathing is becoming difficult as my vision has sparkles in it.

  “Your heart is beating against my power.” The pressure leaves, I am normal again. Eagle steps toward me. “Be careful who you pick fights with, Cougar. This is one little bird who can kill you, and quickly.” Eagle smiles at me as my hand goes to my Kalashnikov.

  Eagle looks at Owl and Dove. “Come with me, the cats and dogs are about to cause trouble.” He looks back at me. “Cougar, your mother is still alive. She is with the Wolves.” He smiles at me. “I am not an enemy, so lose your bravado when you speak to me. I am Eagle, and only one other is stronger than I am in this place.” He turns and walks to the far end of the room, Dove and Owl walk behind him.

  An annoying cackling laughter sounds from behind me; it is Hyena.

  German Shepherd looks at him then back to me. “He’s laughing at you.”

  I try to ignore the fool as I lean toward Cheetah. “Have you ever met Eagle before?”

  “No, Cougar, I haven’t,” she replies.

  Hyena laughs again as he walks up behind me. “Hee, hee… Cougar! Where is your human bitch? Did she stay in Wisconsin? Awww… Hee, hee, hee, too bad.”

  I turn to face him, we are toe–to-toe. “Backup shithead or I’ll spear hand your stupid ass again.”

  I feel his defensive powers raising. “You don’t scare me, pussy.” Hyena’s eyes flash with a yellow color, I can tell he is angry.

  German Shepherd looks at the fool. “Hyena, leave Cougar, now. He is not in the mood for your games.”

  Hyena’s eyes grow wild as he yells. “Don’t get involved, CHIEF! This is between us.”

  A wave of telekinesis pushes me away from Hyena, it is to dissuade me from beating the little fat fucker to death or to get me out of the way for something else, it isn’t apparent.

  German Shepherd’s voice sounds like a growl as he speaks. “If you ever insult me again, cur,” Hyenas body contorts as he yelps in pain, German Shepherd’s telekinesis has him, “I will snap your filthy neck. You have not earned the privilege of speaking about my race. YOU TAUNT ME?!” The floor under German Shepherd cracks as his telekinesis focuses on Hyena. Cracks sound out from Hyenas ribs as he coughs, bloody bubbles form between his lips. “I should let Cougar kill you. I should let him feel your heart stop, you dishonorable coward! You are an insult to the dog family.”

  “Release him! Now!” Falcon yells, she has come from some hidden corner of the place. Hyena falls to the floor as German Shepard turns to face her.

  “This doesn’t concern you, Falcon. This is a matter amongst dogs,” German Shepherd replies.

  “Hyena is a minion of Lions, it is my concern.”

  I step toward Falcon, I feel pain in my head and my world is blackness. I never saw Hyenas strike.

  Chapter 55

  Cheetah—Devante Estate: The Buckhead District, Atlanta, Georgia

  As Hyena falls to the ground after German Shepherd releases him, my world slows. My ability is kicking in, on its own it seems. Hyena is healing himself as he collapses, I can hear it. His eyes as he falls are always on Cougar. From under his shirt, he pulls a short, blunt weapon. It is a bulawa, a wooden handle with a small steel ball atop it. The ball is the size of a pool ball.

  My hand goes to my Kastane sword as Cougar turns to face Falcon. Hyena leaps at Cougar, the weapon coming down in a high arc. My sword slices through the air, skewering Hyena as his weapon strikes the back of Cougar’s head.

  Hyena looks at me in shock as my sword has found its mark. Cougar grunts as he falls to the ground.

  “STOP THIS! NOW!” yells German Shepherd.

  Falcon looks at me, fear and anger in her voice and on her face. “You! You stabbed him!”

  I pull my sword free of Hyena as he falls into German Shepherd. I flick his blood from my blade as I assume a fighting stance. “Of course, I stabbed him. You dumb bitch, he hit Cougar from behind.”

  German Shepherds power is felt by everyone present, he is healing Hyena. Labrador looks at me, he is crying. “No, put your sword down. Stop this, all of you, don’t fight.” His voice is full of compassion and innocence. I feel ashamed of myself as I sheath my sword. If Falcon strikes me, I cannot defend myself.

  I kneel to Cougar, his hands twitch. I touch his wounded head and release my healing power. I feel my love for him rekindled, his bravery, his honor, his pain… God, I love him so. His blood sticks to my hand as I pull it from his now healed head.

  I stare at his blood on my skin, I feel the anger growing in me. My vision blurs and my eyes well with tears as I look up at Falcon. “Bitch, you made a fucking enemy today. I’ll skewer every one of you if you ever lay a hand on him again!” My teeth clench and my jaws ache.

  German Shepherd throws Hyena to the ground, he is healed, but not moving. Falcon spreads her feet as she prepares to defend herself.

  A lion’s roar echoes off of the walls, the sound startles me. Falcon looks over her shoulder, toward the source of the roar. “Our Lord summons us to the throne room. I am done with you, Cheetah.” Her words are full of fear. She fears Lion. I fear this world of Psychokinetics that I am a member of.

  ***

  Cougar

  The back of my head burns as the cold tile soothes my face. My powers awaken. I can sense Cheetah near me, two other females are with her. My eyes roll as I grasp at the white tile. My legs move and I lift myself to my knees. I sense a trace of Cheetah’s power. Has she healed me?

  Hyena struck me. That little fat fucker will pay! I look around from my position on the floor, Psychokinetics are filing into a large room connected to the sitting room. Cheetah is kneeling next to me. Standing over her are two teenage girls—one, a thin blonde girl, the other, a heavier brunette with glasses. A red and white fake tail swishes behind the brunette.

  The blonde speaks. “Do you need help getting up?”

  “No,” I grunt as I stand, the world spins slightly as my sense of balance begins to be restored. “Where is Hyena?”

  The brunette with the tail speaks. “On behalf of the dog family, we are sorry. German Shepherd took him. We have to go now though, Lion is calling us.”

  I look at Cheetah, tears wet her cheeks. “Cougar, I’m sorry. I was a little slow,” she says.

  A sharp pain subsides from where I was struck. I shake my head, hoping to clear my thoughts. “It’s okay. I shouldn’t have turned my back on him.”

  The blonde girl touches the brunette’s shoulder. “Come on Kit, leave the cats. Let’s go.” The two girls bound off, heading for the throne room.

  I slowly stagger toward the throne room, Cheetah grabs my arm. “Those two stopped to see if you were okay, the brunette especially was concerned. They are two of the Foxes. Kit an
d Tee, I think are their human names.”

  The entrance to the throne room is an enormous 7.5’ x 4.5’ wide doorway. The throne room itself is larger than the sitting room. A great mural of the Serengeti covers the sidewalls from floor to ceiling. The opposite end of the room is covered by a yellow curtain. In front of the curtain sits an enormous white marble throne. Three tiled steps lead to the throne from the main level we just entered into. Memories of my dream as a child come to the surface. I saw that throne in my dream. This place is not what it appears to be.

  The room is crowded, though spaces wide enough to walk through weave amongst the Psychokinetics. I do not sense German Shepherd, Hyena, or Labrador. Lion is approaching from a hall behind the yellow curtain.

  Chapter 56

  Cougar—Devante Estate: The Buckhead District, Atlanta, Georgia

  Falcon’s voice echoes as she yells, “All bow for his Majesty, Lord Davante… LION!”

  Most Psychokinetics bow as Lion emerges from the yellow curtain. I do not. Cheetah looks at me, sees I am not bowing, so she does not. Her hand goes to her sword. Owl and Dove both do not bow. From my position, I can see Eagle prodding them both to submit to Lion. Owl looks at me, a devious smile is on her face as she extends her middle finger at me while winking. I can read her lips as Lion’s gaze surveys the throne room. She mouths: “I flipped you the bird.” Even in this situation, her sense of humor is still present.

  Lion sits on his throne as he glares at Dove. “Thank you, Falcon,” he says. “Why were there minions who do not bow?” The air seems to crackle with his power. I know now, tactically, that I am in a bad place.

  I tap Cheetah’s thigh. “Let’s leave.”

  She turns as she considers my suggestion. “What is it?”

  “Why are you two talking?!” Lion yells. “There must be silence when your King is on his throne!”

  I grunt and touch my Kalashnikov. “I am not sure what you mean by my king. I answer to my base Admiral, not any civilian. I would advise you to learn the laws governing Alliance personnel and what we are allowed to do. Specifically, you would be wise to understand how host country laws apply to us,” I say.