Chapter 15: Chasing Breakthroughs
The days following Korran's hunting expedition passed swiftly, and the atmosphere in the Panther Village buzzed with anticipation.
The Deer Tribe was set to arrive soon, and preparations were underway to accommodate them. While the treetop village offered protection and a unique charm, the Deer were known for their preference for solid ground, and temporary huts were being erected below the trees.
In the midst of all this activity, Yue Lixue found herself spending more time with Veylan's mate, Maria. It felt like she was really growing closer to her sister-in-law and really, she was.
Initially, it was just a way to keep her mind off the impending arrival of the Jaguar Tribe and the weight of the suggested political mating, she still wasn't comfortable taking another partner. Her and Korran had now gotten closer and things were peaceful, but as they worked together on tanning the hides, a camaraderie blossomed between the two women. Their differences became a source of curiosity and connection.
One afternoon, as the sun filtered through the leaves, casting playful shadows on the ground, Lixue sat beside Maria, her hands busy scraping boar hides. Maria, ever the warrior, worked with a practiced efficiency that both impressed and intimidated Savannah.
"You know," Maria began, glancing sideways at Savannah, "there's something I've been meaning to ask you.
Yue Lixue looked up, her brow furrowed. "What's that?"
"Why haven't you tried to get your first star...or any stars? Assuming your tribe helped you awaken your beast because you have your tattoo." Maria asked bluntly, her tone curious yet serious. "You're a beast female, and yet you don't seem to be the type who would simply leach off others' powers and abilities. Yet you've never pursued the stars for yourself and seem frail even now all the same."
Yue Lixue paused, embarrassed at the blunt insult wrapped in a complement, the question catching her off guard too.
Vague memories of her life on Earth flashed through her mind—her days as a city girl, far removed from the wild and powerful existence of the Panther Tribe. "I guess I never really thought I could," she admitted, her voice soft. "Back on- at home... I was just... well, I was a bit of a nobody. I didn't seem to have any special abilities or talents. I didn't think I could ever be strong like you or Korran."
Maria raised an eyebrow, a hint of disbelief in her expression. "That's not true, Lixue. You're here, aren't you? You've survived in this world without a mate and who knows what attacked you before Korran found you, and you've shown strength in ways you probably don't even realise just being here and recovering from that alone without any malice. I would be wanting to hunt down the people that left me in such a sorry state as you were left.. You're not weak just because you haven't gained any stars yet but you are more frail than you could be.."
Lixue bit her lip, contemplating Maria's words. "But isn't that what's expected? To gain power? To become a warrior ?"
"Power isn't everything," Maria replied, her voice firm yet gentle. "Many females cling to others for strength, and they remain weak because of it. You have the potential to be more than that. You just need to believe in yourself, train a little and work hard."
Lixue felt a spark of determination ignite within her. "I want to be strong, if it might help me to protect myself and event the village and Korran," she said, her voice steadier now. "I just don't know how..."
Maria paused her work, her gaze locking onto Lixue's. "Then let me train you. I can show you how to harness your inner strength and guide you in your journey to take on stars but... I can't earn your stars for you. Only you will know when you're going through a breakthrough. If you're not strong enough to gain your first star, you could die. Actually, you can die if your too weak to gain your next star at any level. It's why many females decide not to but that's not a worry by your reasoning.." Lixue paled a little but she was already so pale that Maria failed to take notice. She hadn't been aware this death by being too weak might be responsible for some male deaths too. Causing general female aversion. This beastworld had dangers beyond the obvious but she liked the idea of being less weak and more capable of taking care of herself.
Lixue's heart raced at the offer. "Really? You'd do that for me?"
"Of course," Maria replied, a smile breaking across her face as her two panther stars gleamed prominent, "You're more than just Korran's mate now Lixue. You're part of the Nightstrider family and our tribe now, and if you ask me... I think you have what it takes to rise above other females ang get your first star. We can start tomorrow."
As they continued to work on the hides, Lixue felt a sense of excitement and hope blossoming within her. Even the idea of being more sure on her feet was a luxury and she enjoyed the idea of it being a reason to be carried less by Korran.
She and Maria chatted more freely, sharing stories of their lives—Lixue recounting tales that she could remember of her Earthly upbringing. Although the faces and names she couldn't recall. Lixue edited the Earthly versions to suit the Beastworld narrative by what she understood.
Sharing further experience, Maria recalled and told tales of early dags; her training as a warrior. Their conversations flowed easily, and Yue Lixue found herself laughing at Maria's playful teasing about her initial reactions to the dead rabbits.
The next few days passed in a flurry of activity. As the villagers prepared for the Deer Tribe's arrival, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. The temporary huts were constructed, and the scent of fresh timber filled the air. Lixue and Maria spent their mornings tanning hides and their afternoons discussing training techniques and strategies.
Maria's coaching style was tough yet encouraging. She pushed Lixue to challenge herself, teaching her how to wield her claws but the issue is Lixue couldn't shift into her Snow Leopard form it was as if she was blocked. Instead Maria made the training far simller: how to move with agility, and to tap into the primal instincts that lay dormant within her. "You have to learn how to embrace your beast," Maria would say, her voice ringing with authority. "Feel the power within you."
Lixue worked hard, her determination growing with each passing day. She started to see glimpses of her potential, and the bond between her and Maria deepened. They became not just mentor and student but friends, united by their shared experiences and aspirations.
As the day of the Deer Tribe's arrival drew closer, Lixue felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. She wanted to prove herself, not just to the Panther Tribe but to herself. With Maria's guidance, she felt a newfound sense of strength and sureness in her own body. Something that she had been lacking ever since she got here, although the treetop village itself felt like challege was wasnt quite able to take on yet - learning how to climb up and down.
Only with her snow leopard full form would she be able to do that. This was Lixue's own personal goal but she hadn't shifted yet.
Her nights, if not spent being amorous with Korran were spend in a type of meditation that most beasts would remember from childhood - trying to connect to their beast to make the start of their beastmark manifest but Lixue already had hers. She just needed to break through what felt like freshly re-frozen ice.
With each of Maria's training session and her body growing stronger and more sure, she felt closer and closer to that breakthrough.