The Heart’s Reconciliation

Years came and went in that mountain cave, and yet Logan did not grow older like Brian and Jay. His curse from the dragon haunting him every day. He was unable to die, any injuries healed instantly, every bone found to be coated in unbreakable metal. Logan saw this as a bit of a blessing however, he would never have to worry about never being there to protect his family again.

The boys having turned of age and size enough to defend themselves a few years ago, Logan returned them to the place of their birth. Kelly's, Shannon's, and her sister's headstones still stood and Logan visited them every day. His brother Victor returned from the wars, a changed man, covered in scars and quite possibly more broken than when he left. He had grown cold and distant, only helping with hunting and the occasional border fight. Over the years, close friends and needy strays became part of the family, not of blood, but of bond; all swearing their lives to the survival of the pride. Brian, sharing exactly the same in his dad's curse, decided to put his gifts into becoming a doctor. While Jay, well, he became quite sick.

Incurable by his brother, they soon discovered that the dragon had cursed the unlucky son in a very different manner. He was turned into a vampire, cursed for all eternity not only to suffer from his mother and baby sister's deaths, but to hurt others as well in order to survive. His thick jet black mane sparkled like the night sky and his eyes turned as blue as the mountain lake they had once lived by. Unlike the other big cats, he had a second set of upper fangs, tipped in the same metal his father and brother's bones were coated in. The metallurgist they consulted identified it as a very rare metal known as Adamantium, stronger than steel. Jay however kept his gentle soul, but became more secluded, distancing himself from the ones he cared for the most. Only coming out after dusk, he lost the closeness he once had with his twin, and yet that was who was there for him the most. Jay had already died many times in fights and once in attempted suicide, his healing taking longer than his father and brother. Minutes healing on earth was hours in the underworld. So ironically enough, his only friend was Lucifer, the King of Hell. He would always joke like the warden he was "What you in for this time?" They eventually began to drink and laugh together swapping stories and even occasionally striking a deal. When asked about it Jay would reply that his friend understood suffering unlike anyone else, being condemned to doing something that they never wanted, like he was.

Brian on the other hand was Logan's literal golden boy. Often dressed in a plaid shirt, jeans, and a cowboy hat, his eyes shone like the sun itself, his mane, like a fresh field of wheat grass, and a soul that burned with a passion far beyond Logan could have hoped for. Though he knew he would never die, he was grooming Brian to be his successor. Jay knew he wasn't the favorite, that was clear, but he couldn't help but feel he was destined for something special.

Logan had become restless after moving back to the camp of his beloved's resting place. He said that being there made him feel close to her, and yet he kept himself constantly distracted with side projects making additions to the camp, big enough to accommodate anyone who wanted to join. He even picked up songwriting

again from his school days. Almost everyone in the family played an instrument, but really only the main family had the true gift of singing. Logan, Victor, Kayla, and her sister were all once in a touring band together and Logan often bragged about having recordings on VHS but never had the heart to play them, though the boys used to sneak in and watch them.

When Brian wasn't making daily rounds checking on everyone as the doctor, he was often in charge of tending the crop fields, though Jay preferred to do it. He said that he found the work peaceful, plant tending by moonlight, talking to the souls in the stars and the plants themselves. He had an unusual infatuation with the moon and called her Luna. It controlled him in a way. Every full moon, Jay absolutely had to consume blood for his condition, and if he didn't prepare for it, he would go into a blind bloodrage and attack the nearest creature. This scared him the most, the insatiable possibility that he could kill one of his family members. Had his brother not been invulnerable, he would be dead. Jay's heartache was almost beyond words could describe.

Unknown to them, all of their lives were about to change forever…

On Winter's eve all was normal within the clan, preparations were being made for the cold months: cotton and moss stocking, fur pelt skinning, and wall bracing with woven branches. An alarmed howl suddenly came from the camp watch out, breaking the quiet rustle of the camp work. Only known as Spears, this little acrobatic tiger is an adopted non-blood related nephew of Logan's. Jay took pride in his ninja like cousin, being almost as sneaky as he was and all the more flexible.

A large border guard patrol escorted what looked like a small rogue group of tigers. Logan observed that they were scrawny, with patchy fur covered in blood. Exhaustion filled each and everyone's gaze. The whole pride gathered behind their King with his two sons by his side, to see what all the commotion was about. A glare of defiance, strong will, and fear sparked in the tiger leader's eyes as the group approached Logan. He was noticeably old and laden with almost as many battle scars as Victor. Logan gave him a strong but calm look as he introduced himself as the king of this group. "What brings you to our territory? You must be very bold," Logan said knowing full well of their reputation amongst their neighboring territories. "My name is Slade," said the tiger leader in a gruff determined voice. "And this is my family," flicking his tail at the rest of the pitiful group. "Our land was taken over by a hoard of hyenas and we have been chased away from everywhere else. We even tried fighting for a few without great success. We ask for temporary sanctuary until we can recover. I'm not looking for a fight, but I will if I must... just make sure I die this time." "Woah, calm down," Logan said suddenly amused. "I admire your spirit, but I do not fight the wounded or weary." Logan sat back with his ears flattened and an inquisitive look on his face, clearly thinking this through thoroughly. They looked like they had some decent fighters. He leaned over to silently consult with Brian. Jay, sitting alert with his usual sunglasses on and a leather trench coat, tail wrapped neatly over his paws, turned and

gave them a clearly offended look, so much so that someone from the tiger tribe snorted with laughter.

"Okay, you may stay. BUT you must go by our rules. Winter is coming and there is a food shortage. We don't hunt specific species at this time so stocks don't get low or become nonexistent. Also, those that are fit will help with pulling the extra weight around here. We all do chores, even me." "Okay." Slade said regretfully after a few moments, but with a twinkle of relief in his eye. With a nod from his father, Brian looking desperate rushed over to the group to immediately check their wounds. The tigers just slumped to the ground accepting any kindness that was offered, sighing with relief. "Oh, and my name's Logan," said the king to Slade as he started assigning members to help the new arrivals settle in.

Out of the back of the crowd ran a sleek malnourished tigress. "LOGAN!" she yelled nearly jumping on him. Leaping back startled, defensively he unsheathed his claws not realizing who it was. "It's me, Nala! I'm so glad you're still alive and thriving it seems." He instantly rubbed heads with her in pure joy of seeing an old friend. "Thank you SO much for what you did, risking your life for ours. None of this would have been possible without you. I am glad to be able to return the favor." He turned and yelled "Hey Jessie! Take Spears and go get some dinner for our guests." A young tiger stepped up and nodded to the king. He had on a red bandanna, stained with motor oil and was missing his tail. Smiling back at Nala, Logan went on, "OH! Come meet my sons... This is Jay," he said, walking her over to where the dark prince was still sitting observing. He dipped his head to her and said thank you for what she had done. "My, my. You have grown into quite a dashing young man," Nala said. Logan than pointed out Brian amongst the crowd of tigers already covered in gauze and blood, vigorously disinfecting a young leopard's leg. "That's my eldest daughter he's working on, her name is Diamond." she said. Logan looked at her in surprise and admiration. She then pointed out another leopard and cheetah sitting huddled together talking in the back. "Her name are Crystal, and Ruby there is adopted." Seeing that they were being watched, they walked over to introduce themselves and express their appreciation. Shock and awe froze them as they were told that Logan was indeed the man from mom's stories.