x
“Blite, I ask again, do you accept these powers and this name?” The Great Tiger seemed to stare right through Blite’s thoughts.
“I . . . I do,” he said, struggling to maintain his excitement and wariness.
The Great Tiger smiled and touched Blite’s nose. Energy seared through him like a bolt of lightning, and he fought to stay on his paws, gasping with the agony that came to him.
“Then, by my word as well as yours, I give you these gifts. Blite, you, from now on, are immortal. You can no longer die and can talk to any living thing." The Great Tiger's eyes sparkled. "Tell me, Blite, would you like your new name?”
Blite stared in disbelief at the Great Tiger and his own body. He was blinded by pain but still had enough room to wonder, How are these powers and abilities soaring through me right now? How can he even grant something like this?
Then, suddenly, the pain stopped, as quickly as it had come. In its place, he felt bolts of powerful energy and strength soar through his body, and he suddenly felt like he could do anything.
But Blite still had work to do, not sit there and admire his new overpowered strengths.
Blite held his head high and looked into the Great Tiger’s warm eyes. “I accept, and I'd like my new name,” he said proudly. He felt himself getting bigger, taller, and stronger as if he had just had a kind of magical growth power.
I’m strong now. I have all the power I’ve ever dreamed of. Whatever my name is, I’ll live up to it. I am ready to get my revenge.
“Then Blite, you are that name no more. I give you a new name that you will carry on forever. You are now named Invincible,” the Great Tiger said.
Invincible. Blite smiled. That’s perfect.
“Goodbye, Invincible. Remember, I will always be with you.” The Great Tiger disappeared, and so did he.
Invincible woke up, panting. Chara and Calzar slept soundlessly beside him, Calzar’s tail and paws twitching in a dream.
Invincible got to his paws and felt super strength in that very step. It was so unusual, Invincible thought he would never get used to this. But I will. This is what I wanted, and the Great Tiger gave it to me. I’m going to learn it eventually.
Invincible thought of his former Streak, giving a small frown.
I don't understand why I would even... even need this... in the first place. How could they—my mother—my father—agree to send me out of the Streak? They're no parents of mine! And my tiger-brothers. They took the Streak’s side against mine when they’re my kin! Just—how could they? Look how you treated me! I still don’t understand one bit why you think having a different coat deserves scorn and exile.
He slowly got up and nudged Chara and Calzar. They blinked their eyes open slowly and looked at him.
“Wha—Blite? What’s wrong?” Calzar asked sleepily.
Invincible looked at them. “My friends, I am no longer Blite. My name now is Invincible. King Invincible,” he announced clearly.
“Hmm?” Chara fixed her eyes on him, blinking away sleep. “What do you mean?”
Invincible exhaled. “The Great Tiger came once again, in a dream. He gave immortality.” He told them what he could now do, and their eyes widened rounder than moons. “...and now, our work has officially begun. Now, to start, we will have to trick the Streak. And I know just how to do that. You two will become 'members' of the Streak. Then, once you gain enough trust, you will report to me, and the night that I decide I'm ready, I will go to Flora’s den, tear her throat out, reveal myself, and take over the Streak. So, I hope you will both be up for it. I cannot be with you, of course. There are not many other black-and-white tigers around here, I'm sure.” Invincible gave a short eye-roll.
Chara and Calzar exchanged quick looks as Invincible looked between them. After a moment, they looked back at him, and Chara dipped her head. “We'll do it, Invincible,” she said.
Invincible gave a satisfied smile. “Ah, my friends, I knew you'd do it. Now, we can’t just stand here and gossip. We have to take over the Streak, here and now,” he sneered.
He trod lightly through the forest with them toward the Streak’s camp, and Invincible kept watch for a patrol, ready to dart out of the way. They kept walking through the forest until they reached the Streak’s territory, the scent of tigers mingled in the air.
“Stay quiet, and if and when they find you, act . . . powerless against them. Don’t let them think one bit that you are enemies, not until you report to me and I want to strike. Just act like you want to join the Streak, and meet me at the edge of camp as soon as you can,” Invincible ordered, then padded away into the undergrowth.
...
Chara and Calzar stalked through the Streak's territory, tiger scents filling the air around them. They were getting a little close to the camp, but still far enough, when the leaves crackled not far away and fresh tiger scents rose in the air. Calzar realized this was a patrol, and he shot Chara a glance. The leaves rustled again, and a branch snapped, even closer than before. Then, suddenly, the patrol burst out of the bushes, circling the newcomers.
“Who are you and what are you doing in the Streak’s territory? Convince us to not tear you two to pieces right now for trespassing!” one snarled, another swiping an unsheathed paw at Chara, but purposely missed.
Calzar hesitated briefly, half of him wishing Invincible didn't leave them so quickly to deal with his unfamiliar Streak.
“F-fellow tigers. I am—” He thought for a brief heartbeat. “My name is Bone, and this is Crymini. We have come here with... with the desire to join your Streak.” Calzar convincingly dipped his head submissively.
“Why in the Great Tiger would we let you join our Streak?” one growled. "We find you two unfamiliar tigers on our territory during our patrol, and usually, we deal with intruders pretty quickly. So what makes you think we'd allow you to just join the Streak?"
“Because we would help you with prey and patrols, and care for everyone. I promise we will become great members of your Streak.” Chara stepped in, and Calzar dipped his head to her in silent gratitude. He had his friend with him, and he was sure Invincible wouldn't stray too far if they needed help... he hoped.
Two tigers in the front exchanged suspicious glances but finally turned back to Bone. “Crymini, Bone, we will take you to the camp and our leader, Flora Goldenclaw. Me, Miger, and Sixen are Patrol Tigers, what we call Littleclaws. We will take you to camp, and Flora Goldenclaw will decide your future,” Miger said finally.
The tigers turned, Miger flicking his tail toward them, signaling to follow. Calzar nodded to Chara, and they began the trek to Invincible's former Streak.
ns 15.158.61.48da2
