[Sakyo] You can talk?!
[Tiger] It is inherent when forming a pact. Thank you for accepting my request for a pact.
The tiger bows its head, struggling to find its balance. After a moment, it's able to find enough strength to sit down. The small white tiger cub runs next to its mother, having not seen her for a while.
[Tiger] Hello, my cub. I'm sorry I haven't been with you for weeks.
Sakyo feels warm inside seeing the small cub rub against its mother, seeing clearly just how much it had missed its mother.
[Sakyo] If you don't mind me asking, what happened to you? How did you end up with so much of that miasma stuff?
[Tiger] I suppose you deserve an explanation after freeing me. It all started about on month prior to now.
[Sakyo] (Oh, another flashback.)
~Flashback~
One day, while I was out hunting for food, I was ambushed by a group of people who possessed that black mist. The brought me back to a white place with many children trapped in clear, hollow trees.
[Sakyo] (Does she mean glass pods?)
While I was held there, they would constantly force that black mist inside my very being. I still remember how much it hurt, but I was somehow able to endure it.
The black mist would enhance my strength greatly while eating away at my entire being. It felt as if a poison had been forced into me, slowly draining me of my energy. I don't remember much after that. The next time I regained consciousness was when I felt a great pain in my back.
[Sakyo] (That was probably when I stabbed her.)
Though I had regained consciousness, my body was not mine to control yet. Something else continued to cling to my soul, not letting me move on my own.
I was trapped in my own body, unable to control my own actions. I thought I would continue being a prisoner for the rest of my life, until my body was suddenly engulfed in warmth. It was as if that black mist had been expelled from my body and I could finally move once more.
~End Flashback~
[Tiger] When I opened my eyes, you were standing before me. I wanted to thank you then, but my worries for my cub took priority. I did not want leave without giving you thanks, so I thought it best to bring you along with me.
[Sakyo] I see, that warmth was probably me using my {Miasma Absorption} skill on you.
[Tiger] Perhaps it was. I am grateful to you for freeing me of that black mist, but are you ok? I don't wish such a burden on a man-cub.
[Sakyo] You don't have to worry about me, I'm stronger than I look. (It's weird, I absorbed all that miasma stuff, but I don't feel any different.)
[Tiger] Very well. (Wince)
With a sudden loss of balance, the Tiger's front legs give out their support once more, barely catching herself again. Sakyo and the cub rush to her side, trying their best to hold up her body.
[Sakyo] What's wrong?
[Tiger] It would appear that black mist abstracted more of my strength than I previously thought. I fear I am not long for this world.
The tiger lays down on her side, her breathing becoming heavier with each passing moment. Her cub walks to her face, gently rubbing against her, checking if its mother is ok.
[Tiger] I'm sorry, my cub. I only just returned to you and now I must leave once more.
Her eyes become watery, as does her cub's. With weak movement, the tiger raises her head to look at Sakyo.
[Tiger] Man-cub, I hope you will forgive my impertinence, but I wish for you to listen to one final request.
[Sakyo] Of course.
[Tiger] Please, watch over my cub. She is too young to survive on her own. I do not wish to see her follow me into the great beyond too soon.
[Sakyo] Are you sure about this?
[Tiger] Yes, you are not like the other humans I've known. I sense something special within you. You are an oddity among them. You do not look at me with distain or contempt. I feel that I can trust you with my cub's safety.
Tears begin forming in Sakyo's eyes looking at the once strong apex predator now laying at death's door right in front of him, but he's barely able to hold them back.
[Sakyo] You can't just give up so easily. I'm sure we can find a way to heal you back at the kingdom.
[Tiger] It would not work. While in that white place, no healing spells or potions worked, and I will not survive long enough for another journey.
[Sakyo] But... but...
[Tiger] Please promise me, man-cub. Promise me you will care for my cub.
Wiping his watery eyes, Sakyo finds his resolve to accept the tiger's final request.
[Sakyo] I promise.
Her face didn't change much, but it was clear that the tiger was smiling ever so faintly, grateful for the young human.
[Tiger] To form a pact with her, you must grant her a name.
[Sakyo] A name? Why didn't I need to give you one to form a pact?
[Tiger] Ours was a temporary pact, so a name was not needed. I hope you will give my cub a fitting name. One that will grow strong as she does.
[Sakyo] (A name for a white tiger. No, she's a Midnight Tiger variant. Hmm.) How about Lumi?
[Tiger] Lumi?
[Sakyo] It comes from the word "luminescent" which means to emit light. It's also a name that can mean "snow" like her white fur.
[Tiger] I see, Lumi. Yes, that is a fitting name for my cub.
System: [Notice: You have formed a pact with Midnight Tiger Cub variant. You have chosen the name: Lumi.]
[Tiger] With this, your pact in sealed. Lumi, I entrust you to this man-cub from now on. May you have a long and happy life. Grow strong and healthy.
Lumi continues to brush against her mother's face, their watery eyes never leaving each other for a moment. The tiger lays her head down once more, her neck becoming too weak to keep it lifted. Her eyes feel heavier with every passing second.
[Tiger] Man-cub, before I pass, I wish to know your name.
[Sakyo] It's Sakyo.
[Tiger] Sakyo, thank you for accepting my request once more. (huff) It is truly unfortunate that I cannot see my cub grow, but I trust you will look after her. (huff) Though I will perish here, I hope... my body will serve you well in protection. (huff) My coat is yours to take.
[Sakyo] What?
[Tiger] (huff huff)Take care of her, Sakyo. (huff) Take care... of my Lumi...
With her last words securing her daughter's safety, the tiger draws her final breath. With a heavy heart, Sakyo closes her now lifeless eyes.
Lumi, realizing her mother is now beyond her touch, wails with weak cries echoing through the cave. Sakyo takes this moment to sit next to the cub, lifting her in his arms, and holding her in a warm embrace.
The system's robotic voice echoes in his head, but he ignores it to focus on consoling the grieving cub in his arms.
...
After what seems like hours pass, Lumi's tiny paw wipes her tear-filled eyes. Leaping from Sakyo's arms, she turns towards him with determination.
[Lumi] (mew)
[Sakyo] I know that look. It's the same one Garm gave me when I first brought him home. You're ready to say goodbye, aren't you.
As if understanding not his words, but the emotion behind them, Lumi nods her small head. Once Sakyo stand up, he remembers that the system had given him a notification earlier.
System: [Notice: Midnight Tiger, who you have a temporary pact with, has passed. Midnight Tiger has granted you her remains. Would you like to extract all materials?]
With one final look, Sakyo picks up Lumi and agrees to the systems request. A bright light engulfs the cave and fades just as quickly. Looking again, the area where the Midnight Tiger once laid is now empty.
System: [Notice: Extraction Successful. You have obtained 4 items: {Midnight Tiger Pelt}, {Midnight Tiger Bones}, {Midnight Tiger Meat}, and {Midnight Tiger Soul}. Notice: Due to acquisition of {Midnight Tiger Soul}, all physical abilities and skills will receive a permanent 2% increase.]
[Sakyo] I see, this is what she meant about her body serving me after she's gone. Now, your soul will always be with us to watch over Lumi. Although, I'm probably not gonna use this meat. I'd feel too bad eating it, and it wouldn't feel right to just sell it.
With his mind racing, Lumi rubs her head against Sakyo's leg. Seeing the young cub so close to him, he finally makes a decision.
Taking the next hour to work, Sakyo digs a large hole next to the caves entrance. Once the hole is big enough, Sakyo places the {Midnight Tiger Meat} at the bottom. With one last goodbye, he and Lumi dig the dirt back into the hole, burying the remains in a shallow grave. Before leaving, Sakyo takes a few small rocks and makes a circle around the grave, marking the spot to remember should they ever return.
[Sakyo] There, now we'll always know where to come back to. Come on Lumi, let's go home.
Leaping into his arms, Lumi is finally ready to leave. With the rising sun's light filling the cave with its warm embrace, Sakyo and Lumi begin walking back to the raid site.