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Of Fangs, Claws, and Hidden Realms.

Summary:

History, as they say, is written by the victor. What endures in memory speaks volumes about those who hold the pen.

Picture a world where magic lurks in the shadows, where people shapeshift, and vampires bite. In this realm, a young woman is on the brink of awakening to the hidden realities surrounding her. Little does she know, she is about to be entangled in a war that predates the existence of any living human. She will bond with a Tiger and a Vampire, together they will face the challenges ahead, but will they survive?

However, our tale begins before her era, during a pivotal moment of divergence. Is this where the familiar history you know took root, or could it be that this is the inception of her story, stretching back to the very beginning? One can never truly know, for that is the essence of a story, and every narrative requires not just a protagonist but also a reader – or shall I say, an Observer.

[Previously called: Vampires, Tigers and Weres, Oh my.]

Chapter 1: An introduction

Chapter Text

The tale you're about to delve into is intricate, containing elements of light and darkness, joy and sorrow, recounting past events with all the facts at hand – I guess one could say it is a retelling.

No doubt, you're pondering what you've stumbled upon. You might wonder how I know you read my words. The answer is simplicity itself: curiosity.

A thing to consider is that these words hold the truth, albeit subject to interpretation. I could have penned these down as fiction; alternatively, they could be genuine events from your history that have faded into obscurity.

Then again, from a certain point of view, there's the possibility that everything you encounter beyond this point is occurring as you read it. Yet, that notion opens Pandora's box of questions, a thought for another time.

Let it be known that I bore witness to these events, at times actively participating. Now, I must weave them into a narrative and share it with you.

As for a name, you may refer to me as Zephyra. Now you have my name; we need a name for you, shall we say, Observer.

Now, I will only disclose a little history of my reality at this stage—or should I say our reality? Now that is a captivating thought, wouldn't you agree?

The story of humanity is a complex tapestry woven with threads of truth and myth, reaching back through the ages. While most people believe they understand their history, to put it simply, they do not.

Traditionally, humans have been regarded as the pinnacle of evolution and, to some, the dominant species on Earth. However, this perception needs to be clarified. In actuality, the evolution of humanity took a different path, marked by a significant divergence from our connection to the natural world.

At one time, all species on Earth had the remarkable ability to shape-shift and transform themselves physically. Yet, this capability was lost over time; for example, in the wilds are creatures who forgot themselves; the opposite, for that matter, is the humans who diverged and went on to build sprawling cities. Nevertheless, some managed to maintain this primal connection, retaining the power to shift into the forms of their ancestral kin. These individuals became known as the Werekind.

Among the Werekind, the oldest and most revered were the Dragons, ancient beings who held a just and peaceful rule over their society. Dragons embraced every species, fostering a harmonious coexistence and offering guidance to humanity. They played an instrumental role in shaping cultures, facilitating the integration of Werekind with other communities, and maintaining an enduring peace.

One notable example of this harmonious society can be found in what modern humans refer to as Ancient Egypt. However, as the passage of time tends to erode the true essence of historical events, the wisdom and teachings left behind by the Dragons became muddled and obscured, or, as with Egypt, absent entirely.

The Dragons faced a tragic fate in a distant time and are now teetering on the brink of extinction. The survivors, few in number, eluded their impending doom by retreating into seclusion. Some sought refuge through their profound ties to nature, while others found solace in self-imposed exile. The events of that pivotal day remained shrouded in secrecy, known only to those who bore witness. With each passing year, their once-thriving population dwindled, leaving an aura of uncertainty and mystery surrounding their continued existence.

Unaware of their origins and the complex interweaving of species throughout history, humanity continues to inhabit the Earth. Oblivious to the rich history of their shared ancestry and the ancient wisdom obscured by the sands of time, they traverse a world that veils profound secrets beneath its surface.