The Planet Theria

 

Rayna’s eyes met the sky the very same moment her bare foot touched the white sand. It was dawn. Rayna watched on as the sky lightened. The stars seemingly twinkled a last time before fading as the sun’s rays scattered through the atmosphere, painting the sky with hues of pink, orange, and purple. The world was waking from its slumber, and a new day began.

Rayna spied a black panther sitting at the shore as waves crashed there. It’s sleek and glossy fur with hints of gold and green in the light. The large feline seemed to be transfixed at the multicolored sky. Despite the warmth of the new day on her skin, Rayna felt a chill run down her spine. She craned her head skyward again, feeling the ethereal presence of the Ancestors and the Gods. Eyeing the panther once more, she smiled. 

Always so spiritual. Rayna shook her head, gripping the long dagger at her hip. If only you’d stop picking such a dangerous place to pray. You know the Blood Tribe frequents this place.

The panther’s head then snapped in Rayna’s direction. The panther’s pair of striking emerald green eyes made her blush. She blushed even harder as the animal began to inspect her visually.

The light armor she wore did little to conceal her lively features. Rayna was a stunningly beautiful woman with a thick, curvaceous, and muscular build. Her hair, a black mass of thick curls, is styled in the ancient fashion of the female warriors of the Leopard Clan, puffy and voluminous. Her bronze skin was flawless and accentuated by her leopard spots that covered her entire body like tattoos. When she shifted into her animal form, the spots would be in the exact same place.

The panther left a trail of pawprints in the sand as it stalked its way towards her. The panther closed its eyes and the shift began. Rayna watched as the feline’s features shimmered from existence, the crown prince of the Panther Clan standing in its place. A chill hit her when she felt the presence of the gods. Now that she was in the presence of the crown prince, a warmth flared through her until it reached its destination between Rayna’s thighs.

Rayna didn’t know which form was more beautiful. The panther or the human. As a human, The crown prince’s mane of long, black hair that cascaded down his back, framing his face in an artful mess. His skin was the sweetest shade of fresh honey with his slim and toned physique. The golden hue of the sun seemed to reflect off of his rock-solid muscles. 

Rayna observed that today (as always) that despite his regal standing, the crown prince preferred a more understated and humble approach to fashion, opting for simple yet elegant attire.

Traditional gold and green jewelry, signifying his royal lineage were around his neck and adorned on his fingers. The only clothing he actually wore was the flowing white tiger skinned skirt he wore to his genitals. The rest of him was bare.

“Did my mother send you to fetch me, or did you decide to tail me on your own accord, Rayna?” He gave her an incredulous look.

Rayna’s expression turned wry. “I trailed you for one reason, Kion: to keep you safe, no matter the cost. Kion, This territory is contested; the Blood Clan has been known to encroach here. They use any excuse they can fathom to sate their appetite for violence especially amongst their own.”

“It’s still the gateway to the Higher Realms, Rayna.” Kion’s breath escaped in a soft sigh. “I was fully aware of my surroundings and if any of the cannibals came near me—” Kion drew the khopesh, holding the sickle-shaped sword fiercely. “—if we’re separated and you hear I’m in danger, don’t come to rescue me, come to fight alongside me.”

“So much for that little clawless panther, clinging to his mother’s hind legs, huh?” 

Kion smiled. He knew exactly what she was referring to. Growing up, tapping into his animalistic nature wasn’t Kion’s strong suit. Shifting was one thing. Giving into the power that his heritage carried was still a scary thought. He looked away from Rayna for a moment. If he stared for too long, lustful hunger would threaten to consume him. Rayna wasn’t special. It happened when he was around most female felines. He was just happy that he’d matured to the point that it stopped happening around his mother. 

“I’m still wondering how the young leopardess never sustained brain damage from headbutting members of the Bear Clan for staring at me sideways.” 

Rayna’s lips curled into a sly smile followed by a deep purr of pride, remembering the childhood incident well. “You wouldn’t have dared stand in my way, Your Highness.”

Kion’s eyes lifted towards the sky. “If you promise to never call me that again for the rest of our time out here, I’ll return to the palace with you right now.” 

* * *

The scent of blood hung heavy in the air, a crimson perfume mingling with the sweet, earthy fragrance of Jasmine’s bedroom. The walls, crafted from polished obsidian, shimmered with an almost liquid sheen, reflecting the golden light spilling in from the sun-drenched balcony. The air thrummed with a wild energy, a testament to the untamed power of Theria’s most powerful clan, the Panthers.

Jasmine, Queen of the Panther Clan, savored the taste of blood in her mouth, the essence of the young deer pulsing on her tongue. She tore another piece of flesh from the carcass, her powerful jaws crunching through bone with a primal satisfaction. Earlier the deer had been a swift, delicate creature in the meadows of Theria, living its best life. Now it was a mere morsel for the mighty Queen.

As she feasted, her thoughts drifted to the bloody history of her people. For centuries, the Panther Clan had been known as the “Noble Savages”. They were revered for their connection to the sun, their reverence for their ancestors, and their unwavering prowess in battle. Their victories were etched in legend, their reign unchallenged across the sprawling landscapes of Theria. The Panther Clan, strong and proud, ruled with an iron paw. 

Suddenly, a young servant boy about thirteen entered the chamber, his eyes wide and filled with a mixture of fear and respect.

Jasmine’s body trembled as her panther form stirred with a primal urge. She shifted, her muscles rippling beneath her thick coat, the transformation swift and seamless. Her human form, still bearing the traces of her savage feast, emerged from the panther’s frame. Blood dripped from her chin, staining the sky blue silk of her gown, a crimson testament to her primal nature as she stepped into the boy’s personal space.

“Your Majesty,” The young boy stammered. “Rayna has returned with Prince Kion.”

Jasmine eyed the deer carcass inches away from her. The liquid crimson on Jasmine’s lips flew towards the boy with each word, making him step a few cautious steps back. The boy’s wide eyes and hesitant steps brought back memories of Kion at that age.

Jasmine finally wiped the blood from her lips. “Have you shifted yet, Asher?” 

Asher shook his head. “No, my Lady, but I feel the shift coming more and more each day.”

“That’s wonderful.” 

Asher’s heart leapt in elation at the smile the queen was giving him, his mind wanting to ask a question. “If it’s not too forward, my Lady … h-h-how was it for you? Your first time shifting, I mean?”

A laugh escaped the queen’s throat. “Let’s just say it is always best for your first time to be in a calm environment. I actually shifted for the first time during a night out with friends. We had too much to drink, a war of words began, and in mid sentence instead of yelling at my friend, I was growling at her and seeing red.”

“Wow,” It took everything inside the boy not to laugh as Asher had heard many stories similar to the queen’s. 

“Let me just remind you that  our shifting is a gift, Asher. Treat it as a gift always.”

“...Hear the queen well, Asher.” Kion’s voice hit the air. “If you don’t respect the gifts that the gods give then the consequences are severe. The Blood Clan were once like the rest of us, but now they’re not humans, they’re not animals — they’re just monsters driven by the taste of blood.”  

Asher looked over his shoulder as Kion entered the chamber, his youthful face etched with a seriousness beyond his years. Behind him stood Rayna, her face stoic and unwavering. The Leopard Clan were known for their fierce loyalty and unwavering dedication. Asher wished someone would tell Rayna how intimidating she actually was. 

Kion placed a warm hand on the youth’s shoulder. “That’s why the balance between both aspects are important. Can you remember that, Asher?”

Asher nodded excitedly. “Yes, Sir.” 

Kion looked towards his mother then to the shredded deer by the balcony. “Now, may we have some privacy? Even Princes have to answer to their mothers.”  

“My son,” Jasmine wrapped Kion in a fierce, maternal hug as Rayna walked Asher out of the room and stood guard at the door. “Maahes watches over you, and so do I. If Rayna wasn’t your shadow then I wouldn’t let you leave the palace at all.”

Rayna, her eyes locked with Jasmine’s, remained stoic. Maahes was the chief deity revered by the Panther and Leopard Clans. The sun itself was the living symbol of their shared heritage.

“Mother,” Kion spoke up, his eyes flickered with a hint of defiance. “I only went to pray.”

Jasmine raised an eyebrow. “And what wisdom did the spirits impart to my son in his recklessness, going anywhere near Blood Clan territory?”

“I went for guidance. Looking to the past to preserve the future.”

“You know, Kion,” Jasmine’s gaze shifted towards Rayna, a sly smile playing on her lips. “Our clan’s history is woven with bonds of love and loyalty with the Leopard Clan.”

Kion scoffed, his expression was one of pure amusement as he knew what the queen was getting at. “Mother, are you insane? Rayna is my protector and friend, not a romantic interest.”

Rayna’s stoic demeanor wavered for a fleeting moment. A flicker of emotion crossed her face before she quickly regained her composure. Jasmine, sensing the shift in Rayna’s demeanor, her eyes narrowed with suspicion. 

“Rayna,” she said, her voice taking on a regal tone. “I killed a deer. It is only fitting that one such as you, who goes above and beyond the call of duty, should be rewarded.”

Rayna’s eyes met Jasmine’s, a silent understanding passing between them. Hurt by Kion’s words, she shifted into her leopard form, her muscles rippling beneath her sleek coat. Jasmine and Kion followed suit, their forms transforming into powerful panthers, their eyes glowing with an ethereal light.

Rayna smiled, the scent of blood mingled with the raw flesh in the room. It was a simple gesture that meant so much more in the context of their clans. 

Jasmine, Kion, and Rayna dug into the deer,  the bond between the Panther and Leopard Clans echoing from the room towards the Higher Realms.