Before Leo could react, a panther—sleek, black, and deadly—burst from the bushes. Its yellow eyes gleamed as it lunged straight at Joy.
As the panther lunged at Joy, its claws outstretched and fangs bared, Leo acted quickly. With a powerful leap, he collided with the panther mid-air, knocking it off course and sending it crashing into the jungle floor.
Joy scrambled to his feet, drawing his bow and notching an arrow. He aimed carefully, trying not to lose sight of the panther while Leo engaged in a fierce struggle. The panther growled, swiping its claws at Leo, who dodged and retaliated with ferocious strength.
Joy tightened his grip on the bow. He had no choice but to act. With steady hands, he aimed at the panther, releasing the arrow with all his strength. The projectile flew through the air, striking the panther square in the chest just as it lunged at Leo again.
The panther collapsed, its body falling lifelessly to the ground. Both Leo and Joy stood, panting, as the jungle returned to its eerie stillness.
That evening, they roasted the panther over a bonfire. The flames crackled, and the smell of meat filled the air as they ate, grateful for the victory and the sustenance it brought.
The next morning, after a hearty meal of panther meat, they set off again, continuing their journey through the endless jungle.
"Leo," Joy said, breaking the silence, "thank you. Thank you for saving my life."
Leo only glanced at him before turning back to lead the way. His tail flicked behind him as they walked, the jungle thick and endless.
Days passed, and the landscape began to change. Joy and Leo walked for what felt like an eternity, navigating through dense foliage and avoiding other dangers. As they walked, Joy spoke less, but his mind was filled with thoughts of Tia and the life he once knew.
On the eighth day, they reached an open area. Joy's heart leaped at the sight. "I think I've found it," he muttered to himself. But as he looked around, his excitement faltered. The open area was vast, stretching out with no signs of civilization in sight. His shoulders slumped.
"I'm done. I can't walk any farther. There's no end to this jungle," he said, sinking to the ground in defeat.
Leo approached him and nudged him with his head, trying to push him back to his feet. Joy weakly swatted his friend away. "Leo, stop. I'm tired. I think I'll be stuck in this jungle forever."
Leo sat beside him, then took Joy's jacket in his teeth, tugging it as though trying to get him to stand.
"Don't you understand, Leo? I can't go on," Joy said, his voice thick with despair.
But just then, a growl echoed through the jungle. From behind a tree, a massive tiger appeared, its eyes glowing with hunger. Leo, his tail stiff with fear, stepped back slowly, his muscles tensing.
Joy's heart raced, but before the tiger could pounce, a roar erupted from behind them. Four leopards emerged from the underbrush, their yellow eyes glowing fiercely. They stepped forward, their bodies tense with aggression, and roared in unison.
The tiger hesitated, then, with a final warning growl, it retreated into the jungle. The leopards turned toward Joy, their gaze sharp and unyielding.
"Leo, help me!" Joy cried. "Why are they looking at me like that? Are they going to eat me?"
To his surprise, Leo stepped forward, walking calmly up to the four leopards. He nodded his head at them as though in greeting. The leopards returned the gesture, then looked back at Joy before turning away, signaling for him to follow.
Joy was stunned. "Okay, okay… I understand," he muttered as Leo nudged him again, tugging at his jacket to urge him forward.
They walked for several more hours, and soon, they reached the top of a hill. From there, Joy saw something he hadn't dared to dream of for weeks—an actual city. His heart swelled with joy, and he hugged Leo tightly.