Legend of Siberia

Part 9

by Neoraichu

This story is rated 'M' for Gratuitous Kink. Tigress X 'OC'

WARNING: This is a strange tale, so READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

The ancient monastery sat on a high hill surrounded by the jagged mountain peeks. The massive stone walls had kept its occupants safe for a thousand years against the storms, beasts and barbarians. Only a few remembered who constructed the place, or what sort of people lived there before the monks took over. It was originally constructed as a fortress, controlling key trade routes. But the coming of a permanent winter ended the trade through this part of the mountains. The place was no longer of vital importance to the military, who had not used the place for a hundred years before the monks moved in, and made it a vital center in the teaching of the Northern Kung Fu Styles.

But as they had done for hundreds of years, the monks manned the walls, vigilant for those in need. The only place not watched was the secret door where children would be left to be raised in the Kung Fu Arts if they had no where else to go, and no one else to look after them. The only sign that someone was there was if someone bothered to ring the ancient bell hung at the side of the door. It was a low, sad tone that told everyone there was a new mouth to feed, and a new monk to train.

So the two monks looked out over the vast snow fields, somewhat bored, but none the less alert. Then the male hare tapped the boar on the shoulder, and pointed out. "Someone's coming," he said dryly.

"I wish I could see as well as you," replied the male boar.

"We both know your species is not given to good eyesight," he answered, "though you might see better if you ate your carrots."

"You know I hate carrots," he shot back, "So who's coming?"

"It's Siberia," he replied, "and there's a southern tiger on her back. She's signaling that she needs medical attention for the tigress."

"Why isn't she just using the monk call? Her voice would easily be heard from there..."

"I'm not sure... no, wait. She's signaling that she may have been followed. We need to get every off duty monk to the main gates right away!"

The boar turned around and called loudly into the compound, "Alert! Alert! Siberia is coming with an injured southern tiger! She may have been followed! All off duty monks to the main gates at once! This is not a drill! This is not a drill!"

Monks of various species rushed to the main gates, awaiting the orders to open the gates, and deal with whatever was coming. Each brought their chosen weapon, be it staff, sickles, daggers, or something more exotic. As was their tradition, no one bothered with armor. It was too limiting on their ability to move. While silk made wonderful light armor, it was very expensive, and no one currently could afford the luxury of such a thing.

"She's at the gate!" called down the hare, "and no sign of anyone following! Open up and let her in!"

So they opened the gates, and let the two of them in.

"Her name is Tigress," said Siberia, "and she has a concussion from falling down a cliff. She said her eyes where sensitive to the snow glare, and giving her headaches. We had a run in with the Red Panda Bandits during the Truce of the Blizzard, so I wasn't absolutely sure that they haven't tried to follow us. I think she should be treated as soon as possible."

"What about you, Siberia?" asked one of the monks.

"I'm fine, don't worry about me."

"We don't see anyone following, and as soon as we close the gates, it won't matter even if they were."

"Then secure the gates, I can take Tigress to get looked after myself."

"Are you sure?" asked another, "You must have been carrying her for miles across the deep snow..."

"I'm fine," she answered shortly, "I'll get some rest as soon as I'm sure Tigress is alright. I can't do any less for my first student."

"Student?" asked another.

"Yes," replied Siberia, "She specifically requested that I take her as my student."

"Not Master Yak or one of the elder teachers?"

"No," replied Siberia, "For some reason, she wants to be taught by me."

"I'm sure that the elders will respect the request," replied the first monk.

"Well, I have to get Tigress looked after immediately. Please attend the gate. If I wasn't followed, I'm sure the rest of you can get back to your duties," said Siberia evenly. She trotted off in the direction of the main building where she could find the healers and herbalists of the temple.

...

Tigress awoke in a dark and warm place. There was a nice warm bed underneath her, and an equally warm and soft blanket over her. In fact, there was an even a pillow under her head. She then realized that she was still blindfolded.

"Your awake," said Siberia softly.

"Have I been out long?" she asked.

"Oh, just a day and a half," came the answer, "The monk healers and herbalists have been looking after you. Now that you're awake, you can take some herbal tea medicine to balance the chi in you head. No one thinks you suffered any severe or long term damage from your fall."

"Have you been here..."

"No, I've... just been checking up..."

"Don't you believer her," came a male's voice, "She's been by your side every minute you've been here. She hasn't slept a wink."

"Healer," replied Siberia, "You didn't have to..."

"You've been here all this time, just for me?"

"Well..." she replied awkwardly, "It's just..."

"She fussed over you like she was your mother..."

"Healer!" she snapped, "You are not being helpful!"

"Let me remove the blindfold," said the Healer, "We need to see how your eyes are." Tigress could feel a small pair of hands undoing the blindfold. As the room came into view, she realized just how dark it was. The room was only lit by a small collection of about half a dozen candles. The windows were shuttered tightly closed, locking out any light. She noticed that the Healer was a male goat.

"How are your eyes?" asked Siberia.

"I'm fine," answered Tigress.

"Well you should still take this medicine," said the Healer, "as a precaution." He handed her a wooden stein with a dark fluid in it. It smelled like medicated tea of some sort.

"Be careful, it's..." said Siberia as Tigress took a deep drought and promptly gagged, "It's bitter."

Tigress coughed as she agreed, "That's the... cough bitterest medicine... cough I can ever remember."

"Get her some water..." said Siberia quickly.

"No, it's fine," interrupted Tigress, "I can handle it now." She showed it by more slowly sipping the medicated tea without further gagging.

"Wow," said the Healer, "I've drank that stuff for years, and I'm still not used to it."

"Tigress is adaptable," said Siberia softly, "The kind of person who adapts to all adversities."

"I'm sorry I made you all worry," said Tigress between sips.

"I wouldn't be a good teacher if I didn't look after my students as well as I look after myself."

"It's alright?" she asked with suppressed eagerness, "They'll let you train me?"

"Yes," answered Siberia, "Grand Master Yak has approved. I shall go back to the Jade Palace with you to help deliver his gift to Master Shifu, and where I shall teach you my Northern Kung Fu Style."

"You're leaving here?"

"Well, yes," she replied, "I'll eventually come back when the time is right. The Grand Master feels it has been too long that the martial arts of the north has been separated from the martial arts of the south. Perhaps by sending me to train you as well as learn, that we can come closer again."

"That would make me..." said Tigress awkwardly, "happy."