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  progressing but she couldn't bring herself to go back, not in her feline form...not yet. With a burst of speed, Zula bounded forwarded and headed for home.

  Five

  Maxell finished drawing the second vial of blood and absentmindedly ran his free

  hand gently over Cleo's fur. The feline was so tired and worn out that she didn't move.

  When Maxwell realized what he was doing he sharply withdrew his hand . "I'm

  sorry," he whispered.

  Please don't fear your action of comfort Dr. Anderson. I more than anyone

  appreciate what you are doing. Tryphaenea assured him.

  Maxwell nodded and smiled. "It will take a few hours for me to run these tests.

  Cleo is very ill and needs nutrients and rest. May I have your permission to insert a

  catheter and feed her intravenously?"

  Tryphaenea nodded her gleaming silver mane. Of course. If you feel this

  intervention is necessary.

  "Yes, I do. I know you want your daughter to live."

  The silence answered Maxwell louder than any thought could. A powerful wave of

  heartfelt emotion washed over him. It was a if he felt rather than heard any answer

  from the elder feline. If not for Maxwell holding on to the edge of the examination

  table, he surely would have been forced to his knees.

  Forgive me. I forget how sensitive humans are about emotions. This is a difficult

  situation for me so my feelings are close to the surface. I love my daughter very much.

  Typhaenea twitched her tail and audibly sighed.

  Maxwell quickly inserted a fresh catheter and attached a line and saline bag to it. He turned and faced the older cat. "It will take a few hours but this will rehydrate her

  and get some well needed nutrients into her body. She will likely sleep though the

  process."

  Thank you Dr. Anderson. You have redeemed your species tonight.

  Maxwell was unsure as to what kind of contact Tryphaenea had with humans

  before him but it was not the time to inquire. "You are welcome to stay. I am sure you

  need rest as well."

  The matriarch shook her head. I can not stay. I have many that rely on me,

  especially now. The tide is turning and things do not change, my kind will not survive.

  I will trust you to care for Cleo.

  "I will not take your faith in my abilities for granted. I will make sure to have the

  results of these test in the morning and then I can plot a course of action. Cleo will

  certainly sleep until then. Rest is mother nature's best medicine."

  Maxwell watched as Tryphaenea raised herself up on hind legs and nuzzled her

  sleeping child.

  I thank the goddess that Zula found you. We will return in the morning

  and discuss what needs to be done.

  Dr. Anderson nodded and watched as the majestic looking feline turned tail and calmly head out the door into the late afternoon shadows.

  Six

  Tryphaenea sat under the burgeoning night sky and stared up at the stars. She had

  not gone far into the Northern forest before the stress of the day took its toll. She felt a

  tightness in her chest and her limbs began to shake. Tryphaenea stopped and lay in the

  cool, dew covered grass. She took a few deep breaths and tried to shake off the fear

  and dread she had been trying so hard to hide.

  We can't have lived so many centuries and survived so much to disappear! I won't

  allow my child or my people to die this way! Goddess help me... help us. Tryphaenea

  cried out to the heavens in hopes for an answer. The sound of the evening breeze

  rustling a few leaves was the only response. I'm tired. I can't lead anymore. The world

  is just a different place now. The Matriarch's thoughts were frantic and scattered as

  she tried to make sense of it all. Her beloved daughter was dying as were many others.

  She felt she had no one too pass the torch to. In the old days and in the old world the

  Miu females could battle as feline warriors if no blood successor existed to become

  Matriarch. I am too old and have witnessed too many changes to our world. What

  should I do?

  Tryphaenea thought back to when the Miu were likened to Gods and Goddesses

  and worshipped as such. She raised a paw up to her neck and felt the gold pendant

  hanging there. This piece of jewellery had been handed down from one mMtriarch to

  the other for centuries. The origin of the piece was shrouded in mystery but it was

  said that it was hand crafted and provided to the very first Miu matriarch by Gaiea herself. The details of the piece were now a bit worn but the gold never lost its shine

  and the words etched there were still visible. The image depicted was that of two

  large winged cats facing one another with the words, “You are the Great Cat, the

  avenger of the gods, and the judge of words.”

  Now we avenge nothing. Tryphaenea thought. No one fears us or respects us and

  the new religions have no room for us.

  “Blessings Matriarch.”

  Tryphaenea looked up to see Zula, now in her true form striding towards her. “Are

  you alright?”

  “Blessings my child,” Tryphaenea nodded her silver head in Zula's direction. “No,

  I am not alright. I did not live this long to watch my daughter die. She was to take my

  place and guide us into this new confusing world of humans and technology. If she

  dies I have no one to take her place and if she does not, it will be a long recovery and

  I am too tired to lead us any further.”

  “She won't die. Maxwell will take care of her.”

  Tryphaenea eyed her hand maiden. She was a solitary creature with no family and

  no kitten of her own. She would soon be past her prime of baring young. The old

  matriarch wondered what would happen if Zula became too attached to this human.

  Miu could not live in human form and shifting often had dire consequences. A thought

  crossed Tryphaenea's mind. Could it be done? She wondered.

  “Could what be done?” Zula asked, narrowing her eyes. She had a strong feeling she was not about to like the matriarch's answer.

  “I keep forgetting not to broadcast my private thoughts around you,” she chuckled.

  “I want you to know that I love and respect you for your service and what you have

  done to try and help Cleo and our kind.”

  Embarrassed at the sudden compliments, Zula bowed her head and stared at the

  ground. “It is a pleasure to serve you and your family. This is the duty I have sworn

  my life on.”

  “Yes, very true. But at times we have to shift our life plans to suit the situation or

  in the case the modern age.”

  Zula stared at the matriarch. She was confused at the meaning behind her words. “I

  don't think I understand.”

  Tryphaenea came close to Zula and wrapped her tail around her in a gesture of

  affection and motherly love. “You are an intelligent creature and one of the bravest

  warrior maidens we have had in many generations. I never fear from my life when

  you are near.”

  “Thank you Matriarch. I have worked very hard to keep the old ways and hone my

  skills.”

  “You remind me of myself so long ago; before I took the reigns.” Tryphaenea's

  eyes welled up as she recalled images of herself as a young warrior princess.

  “I never had the pleasure of seeing you in battle but the stories of your capabilities

  are the stuff of legend great lady.” Zula blinked her amber eyes and s
miled at the old matriarch. “It has been said that no warrior maiden or princess after you was as

  powerful or cunning.”

  “Not even my own daughter I'm afraid. She lacks the strength of will and desire to

  be a warrior. Not that it is needed in this century.”

  Zula back away from the matriarch, her spice coloured fur was bristling. “I meant

  no disrespect toward you or Cleo.”

  “None taken,” the Matriarch answered calmly. “You need not fear acknowledging

  the truth. This generation is softer than any before it. There is a rampant sense of

  entitlement that I just don't understand. I love my daughter and I fear for her life but

  no, she will never lead our kind.”

  Confused as to what the matriarch was leading up too, Zula once again moved

  forward and sat on her haunches with her head cocked. Tryphaenea laughed.

  “It's times like this that you look like such a young kit. Am I not being obvious

  enough for you my dearest handmaid?”

  Zula raised an eyebrow and shook her head. “I'm not purposely trying to play

  dumb, but I suppose a bit more clarity would be appreciated.”

  The elder feline sat back took along look at her loyal hand maiden. She then

  looked up at the night sky and grinned a toothy grin. “She is humble as well goddess,

  it is the right thing to do.”

  “What is?” Zula asked.

  “I know now what needs to be done for our kind to survive and hopefully prosper in this modern world.” Tryphaenea glanced over at Zula who was still sitting and

  watching her with great interest. “You are a warrior maiden; intelligent and humble

  and you have knowledge of both the old ways and the new world. Once I find out

  what is to happen to my blood daughter, the daughter of my spirit will take my place.

  You will take over as matriarch at the next full moon.”

  “I...what? No!” Zula was stunned at the news. She had never imagined taking the

  matriarch's place and had never wanted this responsibility.

  “Zula!” Tryphaenea's voice was firm and full of emotion. “I need you to do this for

  me and for our kind. I know in my heart that the goddess agrees with this. Cleo is not

  strong enough and never will be and there is no room for infighting or challenges in

  today's age. I have the right to choose and I choose you because you are capable. But,

  you have to accept of your own free will. Will you lead our kind into this new history?

  Will you keep the memories of our past intact? What is your answer?”

  It took a moment for the words to penetrate Zula's brain. Her mind flashed through

  images of her life. Everything I've done has lead me to this! She thought.

  “”Yes,” the matriarch agreed. “It has. Have faith in that.”

  “I don't know if I can lead as long and as wisely as you have but I will do my best

  to lead and protect the Miu into the new age. My life for theirs.” Zula lowered here

  eyes and her head in a show of reverence to the old matriarch.

  “Thank you,” Tryphaenea answered gratefully. “Now let's go home. I am tired and

  tomorrow will be another long day. We can discuss the details later. I will ask that for now that you keep this between us.”

  “Of course.” Zula suddenly looked at Tryphaena through new eyes. The old feline

  looked drawn and tired. Her coat had lost some of it's sheen and her eyes were dull

  and watery. “I am still your handmaid and I am still responsible for you. Let me guide

  you back home so you can rest.”

  Tryphaenea nodded and the two felines leaped side by side into the darkness of the deep forest.

  Seven

  The night was a long one for Dr. Maxwell Anderson. In just twenty fours hours he

  had discovered that an incredibly intelligent species of feline lived amoung humans

  had sought him out specifically to help them.

  As the sun rose on a new day, Maxwell rubbed his eyes and started at the results on

  the computer screen. “Amazing, “ he muttered. “Simple amazing.”

  A low whimper distracted him from the results. He turned to see Cleopatra

  quivering in her sleep. She had curled herself up into a tight ball. Cleopatra's long,

  thin tail curled around her body and her head, hiding her face from Maxwell's view.

  “It's okay Cleo. I promised to help and I will.” Maxwell spoke quietly so as not to

  wake the sick creature.

  After sitting for what seemed like hours in front of his computer, Dr. Anderson was

  sore and stood up, stretched his long arms and legs and yawned. He walked to an open

  window and inhaled the cool, early morning air. “I need coffee.” Maxwell doubled

  checked the Cleo was safe and sleeping and then quietly walked to and out the office

  door. He locked it behind him then walked across the yard to his house where Mabel

  lay in wait for him, sprawled across the kitchen floor.

  “I've had an interesting evening old girl,” he commented while scratching the top

  of the cat's head. She purred and turned her nose up to look him square in the eyes.

  “But, I assume you already know all about that.”

  Mabel blinked and rubbed up against his leg then walked over to her water dish and sat down.

  Maxwell laughed and nodded. “Okay, I see. I've neglected my duties have I?” He

  laughed again as he filled the bowl with fresh water and a small porcelain dish with

  wet cat food. Mabel drank and ate quietly as Maxwell made a pot of fresh coffee and

  placed a piece of whole grain bread in the toaster. Within moments the deep, nutty

  aroma of brewed coffee filled the air. A smile crossed his lips as he poured the brew

  into a mug and added a touch of cream. Hi memory played back the image of Zula's

  face as she lapped at her very first cup of coffee and cream. It was image that would

  stay in his mind for all time. The look of sheer delight was intoxicating. “But,” he

  sighed. “She's not human is she Mabel?”

  The cat mewed and went back to eating her breakfast.

  Maxwell buttered his toast and with coffee in hand headed back to the office. He

  found two very large and familiar looking felines waiting on the doorstep. “Good

  morning Tryphaenea and this is Zula I presume?”

  The large Persian glanced back at the sleek, ginger cat that sat close to her. Yes,

  Maxwell. I can't shift back into human form so soon. It will take too much of a toll on

  me.

  “I understand. At least I think I do. Come inside and let me share my findings with

  you. Cleopatra was still asleep when I left.”

  Is that coffee? Zula asked. Her front fangs were exposed when she grinned.

  “It is!” Maxwell smiled broadly. “I'm sorry I didn't bring anymore.” Tryphaenea watched the pair and knew this was a private joke of some sort. What

  is coffee? She asked.

  Zula looked up at Maxwell then back to the matriarch. It's a human drink. It's

  made with cream!

  Although amused at Zula's enthusiasm for the human and his choice of drink,

  Tryphaenea kept her comments to herself.

  At any rate, Zula continued sheepishly. How is Cleo?

  Maxwell unlocked the door and placed his cup and plate on the counter. “Come

  inside and you can see her.”

  The felines followed Maxwell into the examination room. Cleo was awake but was

  laying very still with her eyes open and focused on her mother and Zula as they

  entered the room. The intravenous
was still attached and the ringers bag was almost

  empty. You came back!

  Of course we did my precious daughter. I told you that you were in good hands

  with the human. You look much better and your cheeks are fuller. Tryphaenea moved

  in close and nuzzled her daughter front leg.

  Maxwell cleared his throat. “Excuse me, Cleo was very dehydrated but she has had

  plenty of fluids and nutrition for now. It will be up to her to maintain this. It will be

  important in her feeling well.”

  You know what is wrong? Zula asked quietly as if not wanting to disturb the

  Matriarch's thoughts while she was with her daughter. Zula's breathy, feminine voice rang like bells in Maxwell's brain. All he could do at

  that moment was nod.

  And?

  “Sorry,” Maxwell shook his head and his thoughts back to the present moment.

  “Yes, I do know what is wrong...but...”

  But what? Tryphaenea abruptly interrupted Maxwell. What is it?

  “Do any of you understand human biology?” he asked.

  Somewhat but of course not as well as our own. Zula answered quickly.

  Maxwell sat down in front of his computer and turned on the screen. “I have the

  results of the tests I did last night. Because your kind seem to have mostly feline

  biology mixed with some human traits it was a bit difficult to pinpoint what is wrong

  with Cleo. I had to tweak the test a bit but what she has is the basic equivalent of FIV

  or human HIV.”

  I don't understand. Tryphaenea said. What does this mean?

  Before Maxwell could answer, Zula padded over to where he sat and stretched her

  neck up to view the computer screen. I think I know. HIV killed a lot of humans in

  years past did it not? It is an immunodeficiency disease?

  “Yes,” answered Maxwell. “This is very true. There have been a lot of medical

  advancements since the 1980's and humans can live years longer now with the right

  cocktail of drugs and proper diet and care. However, the the mutation of the feline

  form of this disease and the human form which is also present in Cleopatra's body complicates things.”

  How did my daughter get this disease? Tryphaenea asked. The worry going

  through in her mind was very evident to Maxwell as his thoughts mingled with hers.