she swung beneath him as he held her by her scruff. most of the way, she was lost in nothingness—it would seem she did not dream, and she was stuck only in her minds darkness. but upon being placed down, she stirred. sleep clung to her lids, and they were difficult to part. when they did, however, she was greeted with a familiar face, the first face she had ever seen. the cub rose and chuffed weakly, feeling incredibly warm... but still, so incredibly tired; she pondered for a brief moment her saxicoline existence... had that ended? the cubs impossibly regal mien remained with her throughout whilst her eyes darted around to gain some semblance of proprioception: ( where am i? ) but the frigidity beneath her enabled the cub to know she was very much alive—she could still feel. the tenderfoot was quite confounded as to where she stood in each and every sense. while intrigued in comprehending her own ontology, the space in her mind was limited. too much had happened in the span of minutes that had drawn themselves out to feel like hours! she felt desolate, for she hearkened to her hearts desire of ubiety—to stay upon her throne, where she had been born. she was unwise to wish to return, but then, she was freshly born and had much to learn... but she was who she was, and shes did know many things for one fresh out of its chrysalis. a mere pupa who knew too much. of course the cub did not know it all... but that was what she truly thirsted for.

she recalled the three-headed beasts show of power, and also, that of the beast who had lived within the cave she was taken from. the young one heeded his words, going for a drink... her state of dehydration would depart from her, so long as she continued to drink the tepid liquid.

displaced from my own home, she mourned, looking to the beast and seeking to crawl between his forelegs and curl herself there. ...what is your name? you... protected me... the selfless act had been true, one truer than her own intent that had seemed selfless but her motive had been one that was misplaced. at least, towards him, who recklessly put his life on the line for her... saved me. i will repay you, when i can. she was breathless again, tired... and she peered up to him adoringly, her worship apparent. what was it, that you did? what sort of magic?

he departed from her, and she let out a yowl of protest, but it was vanquished by his voice; a voice that sought to teach the cub who knew nothing. she looked to the glimmering stone-jewel-shard within him, and cocked her head. i will do those things, she promised in earnest, eyes a-glow; the impassioned woman drew closer to him, but did not lurk too near to the water. giggle? a twang of jealousy bullied its way into her, and the woman-cub blinked. ...we could become very strong, together, i imagine. the strongest. i am not sure what i can do, but i know... i know it will be... something, she wonders if strength, power, is a thing of interest to him. the cub would find out, she was certain, what mattered most to him. what way could she repay him?

as for the cat, she returned back to the subject, tiredly thinking of a response. perhaps... perhaps not. it was his home, even before i lived and breathed, she did not know if the cerberus had lived there himself, but he must to have, to have been there then... right? he was... older, that much she knew. so perhaps he belonged there.

he found his use for her, and she offered the three-headed beast a grin. she blearily blinked her crusty eyes to get the remaining sands of sleep out of them before moving to paw absently at his own pale mitt. yes, she purrs pleasantly in response. he had a great amount of teeth, rows and rows of them in each mouth of his; she had but one set that was presently useless against most opponents, though the way they pinched was painful. her capabilities would have her become a powerful predator, but as a young cub she could offer him nothing but her growing magic abilities which could thus far only effect her, to her knowledge. he spoke of family, too—she blinked at him. family. could this one be family...? he had the strength to be named such a thing, and already he looked after her as though she were one. family. another thing to live for—but also, die for. internally, she winced at the thought. she was primarily a selfish being, only keen to look out for herself and her own survival. if it were not for the fact that he had aided her in her own, she would be more wary; but her affections toward him were oddly real, and she chuffed to him. μεγάλος αδελφός, comes words from the grecian babe, her rounded ears twitching as she gave him her own name.

as for his belief, she nodded. there was no denying she agreed with him; the place was her birthright. her stone had brewed her within those walls. still... there was a reason he acted such a way... all beings acted with motive. this she wholeheartedly believed. they acted based on what drove him. i do not think so, either. i will return there, i think. i will see why. perhaps he feared you, she surveyed kerberos, and squinted at him. he would be easy to fear, had he not saved her and she not adore him so as it was. if it is not marked... there is nothing to protect. strange, she was thoughtful. perhaps it is his intention. the cub could not be sure.