Disclaimer: Not mine, someone else's. Here's the next little part in my small series of one shots about unusual friendships over the years. So, please, read and review and enjoy. Angel Mouse, August 2005

Unusual Bonds 3 – The Lone Wolf and the Noble Tiger

by Angel Mouse

The Lone Wolf

It had always been such a beautiful place. Such a peaceful, beautiful, kind and hope filled place. My soul was at peace there, at rest and happy. I was the best and because I was the best, I was given the ultimate honour as being made the Princess's protector. Only the best warrior in our entire army was given that position. I had worked so hard to gain that position. I had trained and trained and forced myself to become the best. I had to because of her. She filled my life with her glowing presence and filled my heart with her soul. If I couldn't be with her, then my life had no meaning. And even though by being her protector, I still couldn't be with her, I could still be in her presence. And that gave my life meaning.

She was the light of my soul, my entire reason for being the warrior I am today. My love for her will burn ever bright in my soul, but I know that we can't be together, and sometimes that also burns in my soul in the deep of night. But now I am overcome with the guilt and the pain that I have caused her and my fellow Rangers and I know that I can never, ever redeem myself in my own eyes. No matter how much they tell me they forgive me, I can never forgive myself.

But one of them, one of those brave young people, has touched me in a way that I haven't felt for a long time. It's not a romantic feeling, not like the love I feel for Princess Shayla. But it's a feeling of friendship that I haven't felt in a very long time. The Ancient Warriors were my friends, my companions and we fought, laughed, played and dreamt side by side. But this one, this one quiet, smart young woman has made me feel more accepted by just her presence, rather than by any words any of them have said.

Besides the Princess, she is the only one I will let touch me in any way. I'm not sure why I allow it though, it's strange. The others know I like my space, my privacy, my self imposed exile and they don't intrude. But she doesn't hesitate to. She tries to include me in everything they do and it is touching that she does.

The Tiger spirit suits Alyssa so well. She embodies it's kindness of spirit. It's nobility of soul and its concern for the members of its pride. When ever I feel lost or feeling more alone than I normally do, and I can't go to the Anamariam, she always knows to find me by the statue that was a tribute to my friends. She'll come there and stand by me, wrapping an arm around my waist and leaning her tiny body against mine. She smiles warmly at me and tells me that everything will be okay and that there is hope against the darkness that is around us and inside me. And she makes me believe. I have my love for the Princess, but I also have the love I feel for this gentle Tiger spirit that makes me believe that one day, my dreams will come true.

The Noble Tiger

It was always peaceful on the Anamariam. I love spending time there, with the others and the Princess. She's such a graceful and noble, wonderful person that I feel honoured to be chosen by her and by the Tiger Spirit. I love my fellow Rangers, and hold them in the highest regard possible. I feel honoured to be among them. We have such a powerful responsibility that sometimes it can be over whelming but I know that it's worth it and that I always will do my best for them.

And then he came along. Straight away I could tell, as could the others, that the Princess had some special bond with this lost soul. And that's what he is. His soul has been scarred and hurt and lost, but it still retains its nobility and the love that makes him unique. You just have to see him and the Princess together for just a moment and you can see the enormous love and respect they have for each other. The universe wouldn't be so cruel as to deny these two beautiful, hopeful, wonderful people the chance to be together once we have completed our mission.

But he holds a special place with me. Even when he was under the horrible spell he was, there was still that nobility of soul that made him treat my injuries. I think that's why I try to make sure that I include him in everything we do. He's been alone for so long, in the darkness for so long, that what little light I can bring into his life, I try to. I don't try to replace the Princess and I don't even try. But I try to make sure he knows that he's not alone.

He is such a gentle, noble spirit but he is also a loner. When you think about it, the Wolf is the perfect animal spirit for him. He will feel the guilt for his actions for a long time, I know this, and I try to make him understand, but I know one day, deep down, he will come to some sort of understanding with his soul. And some days I can tell it's harder than others. And when it's like that, he takes refuge by visiting the memorial to his fallen friends.

So, when his heart feels that dark, that alone and that lost, he will go to that memorial. And it's when he does that I will go to him. I will stand by his side, wrap my arm around him and lean against him. I'll let him know that even though he tries to keep himself separate, I won't let him. I won't let him be alone and be sad. And deep down, I think he appreciates that. He has the Princess as the light in his heart and his soul, but he has me to make sure that the darkness will never take over completely.