Chapter 25: Back in the Tribe

The journey through the enchanted forest led Jane, Jonah, and Vincent to a hidden area veiled by trees . As they stepped into the heart of the forest, an ethereal glow bathed the surroundings, revealing a concealed sanctuary untouched by the desolation that haunted the outer edges.

Before them stood the Tribe of tigers of various sizes and colours. A gathering of beings deemed as the ultimate predators . Mysterious figures with eyes that mirrored the depth of the forest surveyed the newcomers,looking at them with eyes of hunger, envy and desire whilst acknowledging Vincent with familiarity.

A tiger that was seven foot tall that looked like a giant covered in blue skin and luscious white mane approached Vincent. His mane was fully white alongside beard and chest hair. He had piercing blue that seemed to emanate a chilly aura. On his head were four blue horns. On his hands were blue tattoo that run from his abs to his hands. His hands were as huge as gauntlets large enough to crush the human with the largest head on the planet,with his black claws being outstretched.

He was bare chested wearing steel trousers. Yes, trousers made of Steel. Covered in biceps as if they were chiselled on his body. His biceps as large as the thighs of body builders. His body was well toned with muscles in their right places.

His abs were so toned they disillusioned one to make one think, they were metallic. He sauntered majestically to Vincent.

His boisterous laughter resonated whilst questioning to Vincent,"Hahaha!!!! Guru my bro, what do you have here." As he scrutinised the gremlins who hid behind Guru after seeing him approach.

"Bagheera, what you see here is livestock I plan to rear so that when they grow larger. I eat them,"Vincent remarked whilst giving a stern warning with his eyes that screamed murder to Jane and Jonah making them effectively shut up.

"Livestock you say. HAHAHA!!!!!"

Bagheera's laughter echoed through the hidden enclave, his imposing presence commanding attention. The Tribe of Tigers, each with a distinct aura of strength, observed the newcomers with a mix of curiosity and primal instincts.

Bagheera eyed Jane and Jonah with a predatory gleam, causing a shiver to run down their spines. "Livestock or not seek permission from the tribe leader before they fall under our protection, they better not cause trouble. The law of the jungle doesn't favour the weak."With a flick of his tail, Bagheera turned away, addressing the Tribe.

"Let them roam within our territory,as Vice- leader I have given accede for them to be nurtured by Guru but if you so believe to be stronger than him you can try killing them. But do not seek protection from anyone when the repercussions come knocking. That is how our tribe works. Strength is king."

In the center of the tribe, a hut that was larger than every hut was located. This hut looks like it was made with a heated clay and it was chocolate in the colour.

The hut stands proudly with a thatched roof woven from golden straw, embracing the warm hues of the sun. Its walls, painted in earthy tones of brown, blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Standing at a modest height, the hut's rustic charm is enhanced by its sturdy wooden frame, weathered by time and elements. A welcoming entrance, adorned with a simple wooden door, beckons you to explore the humble abode, where simplicity and nature intertwine.

Though it outlook was that of a debilitated building on it's last leg,it's charm could not be denied. It was a building that was a symbol of strength, immovable and towering. Serving as a source of faith for the residents that in spite of every scenario they'll overcome as long as a village Chief existed.

"Follow me," Vincent or more like Guru addressed the twins as they move towards the center of the tribe. Their destination, the largest hut in the centre.

Upon reaching the centre where the hut of the village chief was located, Vincent quietly warned the duo following him.

"Listen don't speak a word and always loom in the eyes of the Chief when he's talking to you else you're dead."

Before entering the hut Vincent had a nagging feeling at the back of his mind. As if there was something he's supposed to remember. It was akin to the itch that is almost within arms length but unreachable.

Not knowing cause of this feeling he proceeded to enter the hut with the two in tow.

Entering the hut he discovered the source of that feeling when a distant memory replayed itself fresh in his mind when he saw the interior.

"Holy shit….how did I forget this? Where is Eidetic Memory when you need it the most," Vincent muttered to himself before letting off a resigned sigh.

A moment later his danger senses begun tingling as if being set off by a catastrophe.

As soon as his senses tingled his passive skill [Combat] was in full display.

"Whoosh"

The sound of the rustling air was heard as the shadow of a fist emerged in Vincent's view occupying his sight. The fur on his body swayed as if being cooled by a hairdryer.

'Fast' was the only thought in Vincent's mind as his body automatically leaned to the side as he dodged the fist by a hairs breath. The momentum of the Fist attack kept on moving as a literal air cannon hurtled at a mahogany tree in the distance.

Bang.

The top half of the mahogany disappeared as the splinters spread all round.

The duo who had not yet entered were shocked by the sudden attack on Vincent frozen stiffly in their place like puppets with its strings cut after seeing the aftermath.

The tiger men who saw this did not show much of a reaction apart from disappointing glances, they threw at Vincent's direction. As if sad that he wasn't hit.

"Hmm, you dodged that? Impressive Guru it seems you have grown a bit stronger. You may now enter to have an audience with me," the silhouette of a massive Lion spoke to Vincent but its full body could not be seen since it hid in the shadows.

Yes, the nagging feeling Vincent felt was this. The tigerkin as they may calk themselves did not consist of just tiger's but felines. As acclaimed King's of the jungle, they held the belief that strength was king. And that if you wanted to have an audience with the Chief you had to survive an attack before being granted an audience. This is because not anyone was privileged to be in the presence of the Chief and to maintain his prestige in addition to enforce his or her power. This rule was made by the second Chief after the establishment of the clan.

'These lunatics. What rule was this survive an attack before meeting the chief even if disaster was knocking at the door,' Vincent thought to himself bothered by this strange rule and fearing for the body he was occupying.

"Guru, enter I don't have all day," the tribal Chief spoke in a dissatisfied tone after seeing Vincent lost in thought.