Once Upon A Time FanFic: The Magic Within Ch. 39

~Melody’s POV~

                My body shivers just as another gush of cool air brushes past me. I could never get used to this cold weather. The Forbidden Jungle was always warm. At least there I couldn’t freeze to death but the sweat was always worse. If there was a lake or a leaf big enough to fan myself, then I was safe. Still, there’s no way to really avoid the heat or the sweat. In the cold, however, I could warm myself up to defend against the freezing weather.

                It’s a good thing I put this red trench coat to use. If I was only in my indoor clothes, which consisted of a white and burgundy striped long-sleeve and a brown suede skirt with black tights and matching brown booties, then I’d probably be frozen in the middle of the forest. Even in my coat, I could still feel the bitter cold air graze through me.

                I don’t know how anyone could live through this.

                If my mother didn’t kick me out of the house, insisting I needed some fresh air after all the days I stayed indoors, I would be in room, under the covers and avoiding any swish of cold air.

                But, I wasn’t at home. I was out, in the forest. I was cruising past the trees and breathing in the fresh air that my mother wanted me to do. Though, I will admit; it is relaxing. From hearing the pitter-patter of tiny animals scurrying through the ground and birds fluttering across the sky and the trees flowing with the wind, it did put me at ease after all the work I’ve been doing.

                Aside from being stuck at home, on my own accord, Henry and I often visited David at his home from time to time. All the three of us did was figure out places as to where Sabor and Clayton could possibly be hiding at. It was nothing much, but each time we hit a dead end, I practically grew more and more frustrated. Each minute that we couldn’t find the murderous duo, the more time they had to hurt someone I care about and the more time I would be failing everyone.

                And, it seems like others were noticing my behavior, especially my mother.

                From what I could remember her saying, she knew that the stress was getting to me. From my breakdown that happened a week ago to all the work I’ve been doing, my mom thought it was best for me to take a break from all the “investigating”. Her only suggestion was to take a walk in the forest. Couldn’t she think of something else? Doesn’t she know that I’ve lived in the forest long enough to breathe in all the fresh air to last me a lifetime? 

                Of course, my only response was to question her. I mean, what’s to say that I might not just continue working and look for Sabor while I’m in the forest?

                But, she didn’t buy it. She thought I would be too lazy to look out on my own.

                … She wasn’t wrong about that.

    Why do moms always have to be right?

                I didn’t argue with her after that. If I did, I would’ve been walking with a crick in my neck after my mother used her magic to force me out of the house. It really sucks when your mom has magic; you can never win an argument with her.

                At least I wasn’t the only one who was kicked out of the house.

                While I was out hiking through the woods, Henry was out on a... “date” with Violet. I practically threw up in my mouth when Henry told me his plans. Romance is so overrated. I don’t know why he tries so hard for Violet. If he isn’t careful, it all goes to waste. Love is a complicated thing that only hurts you in the end, especially with the wrong person. I just hope he knows what he’s getting himself into.

                Although, I didn’t say that him. I love my brother too much to hurt him, so I kept my mouth shut.

                So, after all that occurred, I’m left wandering through the forest, alone. Well… not alone, I did have my mind to keep me company.

                However, I couldn’t help but think about Sabor. She could come after me. With me being alone in the forest and Sabor having means of rendering me defenseless, now would’ve been the perfect opportunity for her to pounce me and slice my throat. That’s really not the way I’d want to go, but that’s how cruel she can be, actually… she can do much worse.

                During my train of thought, a high pitched sound squeaks a soft, “Meow.”

                I jump in surprise. Then, my hands glow a purple aura as I call upon my magic.

                But, wait… Sabor doesn’t meow. Last I remembered, a leopard always roars.

                With that, I lower my defenses and the aura around my hands dim down until it disappears. Next, I start looking around. I had to figure out the source of that sound. It’s not something you’d hear in a forest. I turn my head left and right as I search everywhere around me. I look as far as I can see to looking right below me. I even kicked through a pile of fallen leaves to see if the source of the noise was under there.

                Eventually, I came to what I was looking for, but it was the last thing I expected to see in the woods. Hidden beside a heap of twigs and moss that bundled beside it, a soiled cardboard box lied between a fallen log and another tree. The box sinks further down the moist dirt thus it being concealed from the outside world.

                Seeing the plain old box, I thought nothing of it. It could’ve been some trash some low-life left behind and didn’t bother to pick it up. And, the cardboard was already moist enough that the earth was going to take it as its own.

                I roll my eyes and turn away from the object.

                Suddenly, the object shakes while whatever was inside ruffles and another choir of meows echoes out, catching my attention.

                I look back at the cardboard box and scrunch my brows. What the hell is inside there?

                I walk over to the box, staying cautious to any potential threat. Once reaching to ominous box, I lean down, my knees touching against the fallen log, and I remove the excess twigs and wet leaves that lay on top of the closed box. Then, I pull open the box.

                What I see inside makes me gasp.

                Cuddled inside the box, a litter consisting of three young kittens laid together to keep warm from the freezing weather. I couldn’t see much of them nor could I separate each one since they were shaded by the box and they had patches of dirt covering their fur.

                Seeing the light finally entering their “home”, three pairs of eyes look up at me. They shiver when they feel the cold air enter their shelter.

                Why are they here? I thought to myself. How could someone be so heartless as to leave these innocent younglings to fend for themselves or to die?

                Well, I may not know who was responsible for this unbelievable crime, but I know who would take full advantage of it. These little bundles of joy were the perfect victims for Sabor. They could’ve easily been her lunch if she had the chance. But, not if I have a say in it. I surely won’t allow Sabor to get her hands, or paws, on these innocent creatures.

                Without another thought, I pull the soaked box from the gap. I bring the box to my chest and support the box with my hands, ignoring the gross mud seeping into my fingertips and the moist cardboard that was sinking into my clothes. Rescuing these kittens was more important than worrying about myself, so I pushed aside the thought of getting dirty.

    But, I could still feel the dirty water getting to my skin. I sigh.

                I have to bring these kittens to the only place I know they could be safe. Then, I summon a puff of smoke to teleport me away. Looks like my little stroll was going to have to come to an end. I continuously blink my eyes just as the smoke was clearing, and I stare at the grey-painted, three story house in front of me.

                I know the person living in that home could take care of the kittens while I’m not around. Obviously, they weren’t my first choice but I couldn’t think of anyone else to go to. The only problem that stands in my way is if they reject, but I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. I’m more than certain that he’ll take on the responsibility.

                I take in a deep breathe then climb up the flight of stairs, careful to not disturb the three younglings, and once reaching the front door, I knock on the white wood. I sway side-to-side while waiting for the person answer the door and let me in. After a few seconds, I see a dark shadow coming closer to the front door and the sound of footsteps grows louder. The knob turns and the door screeches open.

                On the other side, Killian pops his head out only to find me in front of him.

                Thank god he was home. I really didn’t know if anyone was inside that place. After all, he and Emma are usually out, and if the house was empty, then this was a wasted trip.

                Killian was the only person I could go to on such short notice. I couldn’t possibly go home. My mother would most likely not want to take care of three felines. She never liked a dirty house, and with three kids, four if you count little Robin, and three cats under one roof, the house would be a disaster zone. So, with no other choice, here I am at the home of Emma Swan and Killian Jones with the said man right in front of me.

                Upon laying eyes on me, Killian raises a brow. “What are you doing here, Melody?” he questions. “You’re the last person I expected to see after… everything that’s happened between us.”

                “You’re not wrong there, Killian. But, with the situation, I’ve chosen to put my feelings aside in order to save innocent souls.”

                “Who needs saving?”

                “If you let me come in, I’ll show you.”

                He squints his eyes, trying to study me and find the trick I was pulling, but he reluctantly opens the door for me.

                I smile and walk inside, still keeping a firm hold on the box. I stroll into the living room and turn to face the man.

                Once I was inside, Killian pushes the door shut then faces me. He held a stern gaze, still on the idea that I might pull a trick on him, but I could see in his eyes that he was confused.

                “Now, will you tell me who needs saving.”

                I nod but still held the cheeky smile. Then, I kneel down and place the box beside me. I slowly flip the box to its side, careful not to tumble the precious creatures inside. Once the box laid flat on the ground, I crawl back then look inside the box. Three pairs of eyes stared back at me. “Come on out little ones,” I call to them. I keep my voice quiet and sweet, which was the exact opposite of me, in order to not scare them.

                Finally, listening to the sound of my voice, one by one the little fur-balls galloped out of the soiled box. In the light, I could distinguish each small feline, and let me tell you, they were all so different. I don’t even know if they came from the same litter. The first that strutted out of the box was a fluffy, pure white kitten with sparking blue eyes, and upon closer inspection, the little darling was a girl. The next to come out was a scruffy, black kitten with the same colored eyes (that was only thing that could possibly make them related). Lastly, a fuzzy, orange kitten with hazel eyes followed its siblings’ suit. The last two of the three were male, so that makes two boys and one girl in the litter.

                Once they were all out of the box, the three kittens rounded together, sitting side-by-side, then look back at Killian and I. The orange feline tilted its head, wondering as to why two giants were in the same room as them.

                Once they were safely out, I push myself from the wooden floor, dust my tights, and glance back at the other man in the room.

                He simply held a blank stare. “You’ve got to be kidding me?” Killian says.

                I shake my head. “No, I’m not.”

                “This is what the whole fuss is about?! You expect me to take care of three cats?! I thought actual children needed saving.”

                “They may not be human children but they’re still innocent beings worth saving.”

                “They’re animals.”

                “So, what? They can’t be rescued?!”

                “That’s not what I meant, Melody.”

                “Aren’t heroes suppose to save everyone?! Aren’t they suppose to protect anyone that’s innocent no matter who they are? That’s definitely what Tarza would do.”

                “I understand, Melody; it’s who you are.”

                “Then, why won’t you help them? It doesn’t matter if these precious angels are just animals to you, but to me, they’re my equal. I wouldn’t hesitate with any other creature if it meant I saved their lives from Sabor. You and I both know it was right thing to do.”

                He sighs then brings his hand up to his forehead, massaging his temple. “Why did you even come to me in the first place?”

                “You were the first person I thought of who could do the job.”

                “What makes you think I’m going to take on this job?”

                Now was the time to bring out my tricks. I smirk and cross my arms. “How else are you going to get me to accept your forgiveness?”

                He drops his hand and scowls. He knew where I was going with this.

                “After everything you’ve done to hurt my “feelings”, the least you could do is do me this favor. Plus, you still owe me after I won the bet. Remember, you have your little girlfriend.”

                “You’re blackmailing me?” he responds in disbelief.

                “Of course I am.” I give an innocent smile. “I may be angry, but I still know what to get what I want.”

                “Oh, you’re unbelievable. Using your supposed tattered feelings to get me to do your work.”

                “Now you’re catching on, Killian. After all, you’re the one who taught me these tricks.”

                “What if I don’t accept your favor?”

                “Then…” I start taking slow steps towards Killian. “I can run back to my mom and cry to her that the big, bad, mean ol’ Killian hurt my feelings again. I can even sell it by saying that you threatened to feed these poor defenseless kittens to Sabor to crush my animal-loving heart…” I gesture over to the small audience that looked upon the scene. “in order to keep me quiet.” By now, I was right in front of the taller man, staring into his blue eyes that were practically igniting in flames. “Now… who do you think she’s going to believe? And, let me tell you, that leather jacket isn’t going to save you from the hellhole she’s going to put you in.”

                He lets out a puff of air through his nostrils in order to keep his cool.

                “Besides, how can you say no to these adorable little fluff-balls?” I turn my back on him and maneuver over to the small trio. Then, I pick up the perfectly white kitten. Her tiny body fit perfectly in my hands. “You can’t possibly say no to this little face.” I turn the kitten so that she was facing me and I give a gentle kiss on her nose.

                He groans. “Even if I accept, how could we possibly know that I’m not allergic to cats?”

                I roll my eyes then gently place the kitten back down with her brothers. I stood back up on my two feet and stare at the man in a leather jacket. “You were pounced on by a tiger that clearly overpowered you and who was ready to scratch your eyes out and eat your heart for breakfast. You fought him with all your might and not once did you sneeze… It was a lucky guess.”

                He sighs. Not another word came out of his mouth.

                I knew I won. Without any other argument, I smile. “Great!” I shout. “I knew you’d come around. I’m so glad I came to you for help.” With that, I walk away from the kitten trio. “Now, I know that taking care of three kittens can be a tough job but I know you can do it.” I reach Killian and grip his shoulder “I have faith in you!” I say, giving him words of encouragement.

                He knew I was already leaving, which meant he would be alone with three little felines. “How on earth can I take care of them all by myself?”

                “Don’t worry; I’ll be back.”

                He raises his brow.

                “What do you expect these cats to sleep on? The ground?! I have to get them proper bedding. Plus, they need food and toys. They’re growing kittens and need as much nurture as possible.” With that, I let go of Killian and walk over to the door. I twist the knob and pull open the door. I walk through the doorway and drag the front door behind me.

                But, before I could slam the door shut, Killian speaks up behind me, “How do you know I won’t die from allergies?!”

                I halt. Then, I take a step back and pop my head into the room. “Oh please; you’ve spent so much time with women that I’ve lost count, so I highly doubt you could be allergic to –“

                “Melody!!!”

                I giggle, pull myself out of the room, then slam the door behind me.

~Melody/Killian Flashback~

                While deep in the Janaavar Jungle, the five adventurers, which consisted of three humans, a black panther, and a sloth bear, continue to trek through the jungle. With the adventure they’ve been through, the five of them agreed to avoid any contact with any other creature in the Janaavar Jungle while they searched for the Prophecy, seeing as the only humans in the group had an extreme amount of bad luck while in the land. It looks like everyone wanted a piece of the humans.

                But, even with their setbacks, it did not stop them from venturing further into the jungle. They did have each other to protect, and their teamwork proved to be a valuable asset. They would surely find the Prophecy in no time.

                During their travels, Killian traveled alongside Bagheera and Baloo. They kicked the dirt below them as they trekked forward. Occasionally, from time to time, Killian always had to watch his footing whereas the two animals beside him cruised nonchalantly; nevertheless, that didn’t stop Killian from keeping up with them. He was a quick learner even when this was his first time travelling alongside creatures not of his kind.

    Melody and Mowgli, however, had their own unique way of getting around as well as helping the time pass by. While the others walked below them, the two raced along the trees. They scurry from branch to branch to see who was the fastest, and even with a few mishaps, they did not fall off from the tree lines, not even once. Traveling through the high depths of the trees was just as easy as walking on the ground for the two. They were a natural; they were one with the jungle.

    The two were also connecting well. After all their time at being the odd one out, they finally found someone that was like them. They were humans and they practically grew up in the same environment. Melody could even see a little bit of herself in Mowgli; it’s like they lived in the same life. They were always meant to meet, and their friendship was unlike anything they could’ve expected. I mean, who else grew up in the jungle like them? It was a one in a million chance.

    The two laugh amongst themselves as they continue to play their little game.                 By the way things looked, it could be anyone’s game.

                Killian looks up into the trees and finds the two racing each other. He smiles before lowering his head and glances at the other travelers with him. A sight like this; Killian might never get used to it. It’s still an adjustment; after all, he did just learn about a new perspective at life. How did he ever wind up in an adventure like this?

                Noticing a pair of eyes staring at him, Bagheera looks back at Killian. “Is something wrong?” he asks.

                “No; all is well,” Killian answers. “It’s just… so strange.”

                “What is?”

                “I never thought in my entire life I would be traveling with, not to mention working with, a bunch of animals. This isn’t exactly what they taught me while I was in the Navy.”

                Bagheera chuckles. “Looks can be deceiving, Killian.”

                “I’ve noticed.”

                “Whatever humans have said and whatever they perceive us to be, creatures like me, creatures that are anything but humans, are just as smart as they are. We think and we feel. We may not go about life like you, but we have our own way of getting through.”

                “I see.”

                “Remember, we are capable of doing as much as humans can.”

                “I’m definitely learning that now,” Killian comments.

                “That’s good to hear.”

                “Just for the record, you and Baloo are doing much more than my shipmates are. With bums like them, they wouldn’t have dared to venture this deep in the jungle, especially after all we’ve went through.”

                 Baloo laughs, “They sound like a bunch of scared toads.”

                “I can’t argue with you there. I will say, though, that this is a whole new experience for me. Even when I’ve traveled through similar jungles, this… is a whole new world to me.”

                “That’s kind of you to say, Killian,” Bagheera thanks. “I will agree to that. While on this expedition, I’ve learned more about you. I thought Mowgli was just a special man cub, but I’ve come to find out that there are humans that are brave and compassionate.”

                “Well, there’s not a lot of us out there, but I’m pleased to hear that I’m one of them. I don’t hear much of that where I’m from.”

                “What can I say, I hear that animals are a great judge of character.”

                Killian nods. Then, he looks back up at the tree lines. He follows Mowgli and Melody’s traces as they race each other from high up. Those two were getting along well; Killian finally notices. However… that’s not what was ticking in his mind. Killian couldn’t help but see how well Melody was keeping up with Mowgli. The little boy spent his entire life in the jungle, but he doesn’t know what Melody’s excuse would be.

                “Somethings troubling you again,” Bagheera states.

                Killian scoffs. “You need to stop reading me.”

                “You’re as open as a book, Killian.”

                “I’m just wondering…”

                “Wondering about what?”

                “Melody’s keeping up with Mowgli. How can she run through the trees as well as him? I didn’t think a girl like her could do such a thing.”

                Bagheera lifts his head up to see the scene for himself. It was true; Melody was practically surpassing Mowgli but still fell behind on purpose to give the boy a fair chance. She wasn’t struggling. She was effortlessly gliding through the tree branches.

                “I think I may have the answers, but without knowing where she came from, it’s only a theory.”

                “Well, I’ll take anything you have. I never really asked Melody about herself, but if I had, her answers are very vague.”

                Bagheera drops his head and sighs, “I think she may’ve been raised in the jungle.”

                “Like Mowgli?”

                He nods. “No human alive could move as swiftly as she can, not without the help of creatures that belong in the jungle.”

                “How can that be possible? I met Melody in the docks, and there are no jungles anywhere near that land.”

                “You said you don’t know much about her.”

                “… I don’t. She could be hiding an entire story I don’t know about.”

                “You know there’s only one way to find out.”

                Killian nods. “I’ll have to talk with her soon. If we’re to go on more adventures, I need to know everything about her. Secrets can’t be kept between friends. Then, there is no trust established between us.”

                “It seems like you two have to build more trust if want to remain close friends.”

                “I agree.”

                “Hey!” Mowgli calls out.

                With that, Baloo, Bagheera, and Killian lift their heads up only to find the said boy dangling from the branch by his legs. Mowgli’s back was to them and his mop of hair was hanging from his head.

                As he swayed back and forth, Mowgli points out in front of him. “We’re here!”

                They all stare at the hill in front of them. The escalated earth didn’t seem all that dangerous, but with its steepness, climbing up would prove to be daunting. It’s difficult but it’s not impossible. However, the only problem can be what’s at the end of this trail; with the luck these adventurers have, anything can get them when they least expect it.

                “The Prophecy is all the way up there?” Killian asks.

                Mowgli lifts himself up then hops from the branch. Fortunately, he didn’t break any bones in his body nor caused any damage on his way down. He bends his knees as soon as he makes contact with the ground. “Yea. You really think that something that valuable would be in arm’s reach?”

                “No. I was just making sure.”

                “Are you scared of heights or something?”

                “Oh, come on, Mowgli. Just leave Killian be,” says Melody. With that, the girl hops down from a branch and lands beside the pirate. Her boots squeak and her pants wrinkle as she bends her knees once coming into contact with the ground. “This Prophecy is important to us, and we wouldn’t want let down after coming all this way. We don’t think there’s any other way to defeat the Crocodile.”

                “Your enemies a crocodile?”

                “It’s just a nickname, but he’s much crueler than any other beast we’ve met.”

                “Then, let’s a move on! We can’t waste time.”

                “That’s what I was going to say,” Killian mumbles.

                Without another word, the five travelers climb up the steep hill. It wasn’t too difficult for them pace forward, well except for one. Killian did slip a few times, but who could blame him? Melody was also having trouble hiking up the hill with the boots she wore. They didn’t have much friction against the ground. But, no one was going to let one man fall behind. Melody and Killian locked arms to help them climb with ease; their combined weight might make it less prone for them to slip again. And, Baloo even walked behind the humans to catch them in case they had another mishap. Mowgli was the one to lead them while Bagheera walked by his side for protection.

                The humidity was no help to them, but after an hour of hiking up the hill, all five of them finally reach the top. They all breathe a sigh of relief after finishing the trek. Melody and Killian even wipe away the sweat from their forehead that they obtained three-fourths of the way in.

                Upon reaching the top, they didn’t have to search anymore. What they were looking for was already planted right in front of them. It was like a reward to the worthy travelers for venturing through the whole jungle just to reach this point.

                And, it would be an understatement to say that they were dazzled at the beauty before them.

                Situated on the peak of the hill and lying under the protection of a large boulder, a formation of white, foggy crystals shined an array of colors from the light that managed to seep through the thick trees. It’s like a bundle of rainbows clashed inside the crystals. The jewels itself crowded together, fighting for dominance, while a small cluster towered over them creating a make-shift pedestal. Hovering on top of the crystal pedestal, that’s where the real magic lied. An illuminating orb, with the colors similar to what the stones were reflecting, showed itself to the five travelers. While floating in the air, a fog of what could be excess magic trailed behind and around the orb and streams of color drifted away from its origin. How it was displayed, the sparkling colors swirling inside look like it was holding the most powerful magic of all, and it was. It was holding the stories that the future could only tell.

                Melody and Killian didn’t have to question what the magical orb was. They knew fully well that this was the legendary Prophecy that was only rumored to exist, but only it wasn’t a rumor anymore. The Prophecy was as real as they were.

                They were only meters away from getting the answers they so truly desired. The only thing that was left for them to do was go to the Prophecy and ask their most crucial question, and that question was what would they have to do, or endure, in order to defeat the most wicked monster in all the land. What would the future hold in order to defeat the darkness that haunted this world?

                Well, their answer was right in front of them. All they have to do is take that first step forward.

                The duo look at each other then nod in sync.

                Killian was the one to take the first step, with Melody following right behind him.

                But, the second his foot stomped down on the ground, crushing a bundle of twigs, it felt like death haunted them and finally decided to show itself.

                An ear-pinching, deep, and menacing roar erupted from behind the group.

                They all couldn’t help themselves but to halt their breathing and stop any movement in their bodies.

                Melody’s eyes were the size of saucers but she was the first to turn her head. Everyone else wanted to believe that their ears were playing tricks on them and dared not to see the bitter truth. But, Melody knew better. Like they say, you should never turn your back on a tiger.

                With that, Melody makes eye contact with the ferocious Shere Khan.

                He was the last soul that she thought she would ever see here. She thought she got rid of him, but he’s stronger than he looks; his scar that was stamped across his eye was a definite sign of that. Just when she thought that she had pushed him far away from them, Shere Khan simply walked away with only a scratch then tracked and followed the travelers all the way to their destination. He planned this all along. In his mind, the cruelest way to die was right in front of the finish line, leaving his victim the burning agony of never completing their quest.

                He was going to finish what he started.

                “Shere Khan,” Melody breathes out.

                “I’m happy to see that you remember me,” the tiger replies.

                “I could never forget a being like you.”

                He chuckles.

                “I thought I got rid of you. I thought I pushed you far away from us that you could never find us.”

                “I may’ve been beaten by you once, but I wasn’t going to let you get away from me. I am going to complete my revenge and snuff out every man in this jungle.”

                “Shere Khan, don’t do this,” Bagheera pleads. He finally turns to face the beast.

                “We created this law to protect ourselves from man. You should know that more than anyone, Bagheera. I’m simply here to abide by those rules. We can’t let those ruthless beasts destroy our way of life. Now, I’ll say it again to get it through your thick skull; man is forbidden!!!”

                “The only ruthless beast I see is you,” Melody spats out. With that, she twists her body around to completely face the large tiger. “Man hasn’t brought fear; you have. You’re the only one that’s obstructing everyone’s way of life, and if you want to kill us, you have to go through me first.”

                “Very well then.” He roars, yet again, then pounces right for the girl. His claws were sharpened to a point and his only target was Melody’s heart. He had a mission to complete and nothing could stop him now.

                Seeing the beast coming right for her, Melody conjures up her magic, her hands glowing a faint aura, and prepares herself for a mighty battle. But, before she could come into contact with the tiger, a force pushes beside her and she falls to the ground with an “oof”.

                She lifts her head fast enough to see her companion being trampled on by the tiger. “Killian!” she shouts.

                Although below the tiger, Killian put up quite the fight. He wasn’t planning on being mauled by a tiger twice his size and he surely wasn’t going let anyone else take the fall. He may be a mischievous pirate, but he had a debt to pay with his other travelers. He wouldn’t have gotten this far if it wasn’t for the help of the inhabitants of the Janaavar Jungle. Without their help and their sense of direction for getting around the jungle, he and Melody wouldn’t have found the Prophecy.

                The only thing that is holding them back is Shere Khan, and Killian wasn’t to let a giant mass of fur keep him away from his revenge.

                With that, Killian uses his hook to try and slash the tiger fighting above him, potentially stamping another scar that mirrored Shere Khan’s other scab.

                However, Shere Khan was quick to dodge the pirate’s attack. Then, after a number of Killian’s pointless moves, Shere Khan growls, showing the pirate his sharp fangs, and pushes his head towards the pirate. He intends to rip the human’s face into pieces.

                Killian, at the last second, grabs onto the tiger’s face and pushes the beast away, but with the tiger stronger than him, Killian struggled to hold him off.

                Even through the struggle, Shere Khan could definitely over power him, but he was waiting for the right moment to weaken the human.

                But, he waited too long.

                With one final push, Killian manages to get the tiger away from his face far enough for him to retrieve his sword from his holster. Just as Shere Khan was about to make another attack on him, Killian thrusts his sword forward. He intended on piercing the tiger’s heart.

                Shere Khan was quick to move away from Killian’s attack, but he wasn’t fast enough to get away without a scratch.

                Killian succeeded in injuring the tiger by creating a deep gash on the tiger’s shoulder.

                Shere Khan roars in pain then pulls back from the pirate, giving Killian enough time to escape his grasp.

                With the human away from Shere Khan, Baloo and Bagheera take the opportunity to fend off the large tiger. They try scratch their opponent or bite a chunk of meat out of them, but even with two against one, Shere Khan was a worthy opponent. If they couldn’t defeat the dominant tiger, the best Baloo and Bagheera could do is offer a distraction, even if it meant sacrificing themselves to death.

                Bagheera manages to steal a glance towards Mowgli, who was already high up in the trees, and yells, “Run!!!”

                The young boy had tears in his eyes. He knew where the fight was going. He couldn’t leave Bagheera again, possibly for good. He gripped onto the tree branch and hesitated to move.

                “Run, Mowgli!!” Bagheera shouts. If it was to be his last moments, his only wish was that Mowgli was safe.

                Mowgli’s body was trembling, but he eventually follows Bagheera’s command. He was going to get away from the beast. With that, Mowgli rushes across the branch and hops down to the next. The least he could do was try to meet with the two other humans in the group and find safety with them. But, with adrenaline and a wave of anxiousness pulsing through his veins, Mowgli lost a part of himself. It’s like he completely forgot how to walk on trees.

                As he makes it onto the next branch, Mowgli loses his footing. He stumbles forward and falls to the ground. Trying to break his fall, Mowgli attempts to land on his two feet but that was a big mistake. His right foot bends by the ankle with his sudden force and he cries in pain before crashing onto the ground. With a sprained ankle, there was no way Mowgli could run away now.

                Shere Khan saw his opportunity and took it. He prances for Baloo, and with his teeth, grabs hold of the bear’s neck before throwing him across the floor. Then, he turns for Bagheera, and with his large paw, slams against the black panther’s head, knocking him out long enough to get away. Once finishing off the two accomplices, Shere Khan faces Mowgli then gallops towards him.

                Mowgli couldn’t do anything except to try crawling away, but that proved to be worthless. He was defenseless. He sprained his ankle so he can’t run away, and he isn’t strong enough to fight against Shere Khan. He couldn’t do anything else except to accept death. Mowgli was surely going to be killed by Shere Khan.

                What on Earth can anyone do now?