The Jaglion continued to walk over to the trembling Olivia, before stopping in Its tracks to observe her. Its eyes were a cavernous hazel and they seemed to have pupils that looked like sharpened daggers, ready to be hurled towards her. Its whiskers were as thin as a sheet of graphene. Its fur was melanistic with spots like roses covering its body like a winter coat. Its ears looked like teddy bears, able to hear- sense every sound that was made.

“I found him when he was a cub, his name is Keiko,” Stated Miss Ezmerelda coldly.  

Finally, Olivia gained the needed courage to move her legs as they finally awoke from their long slumber. To Olivia’s surprise, Keiko lowered his head towards her hand that was clutching the lantern as if it was a weapon. Olivia closed her eyes as she felt his raspy breath, causing her hand to feel like it was summer. Keiko had opened his mouth, showing his rosy-like tongue. Keiko licked her warm hand, causing her to drop the lantern which slammed onto the floor like a child having a temper tantrum. He raised his head up to her hand. She stroked him cautiously, peering down at the wondrous creature. His eyes glistened as she stroked him, she could hear his gentle purrs as she continued. Olivia was bewitched. 

Olivia was fascinated by this creature’s soft fur and vibrante purrs. Miss Ezmeralda began to speak again, stopping the big cat’s purrs from being heard.  “Hm, he must like you, Olivia- No, He adores you,” Expressed Miss Ezmerelda. Keiko moved his head away from Olivia, he glanced at her one more time before fleeing back to the gate. Olivia watched as the Jaglion fled and could not help but show a small smile. 

They began walking back to Lockwood Village. There was a soft breeze, causing Olivia to become silent. She saw Miss Ezmerelda looking at her, for the first time she had a tranquil smile on her face. Olivia couldn’t help but feel as if she was being contemplated. She peered behind her and saw the serene eyes of the big cat.     

“He will watch you for quite a while dear,” Miss Ezmerelda said, a warm smile plastered on her face. “I found him a few years back when he was just a young, frail cub. The poor thing was starving, desperate for food and shelter. His Ma must have left him and he must have been the runt. I took him into my care, I raised him and taught him that humans were not all foolish and malicious creatures so he didn’t cause me any harm but do the opposite.” Olivia’s heart ached at the thought of this poor creature alone in the wild, starving. “I-If you didn’t find him he would of- ” Olivia began but was cut off by Miss Ezmerelda stopping abruptly. “Olivia, i’ll warn you now, you musnt speak of Keiko, If you do there is a colossal chance of him being hunted and shot,” Warned Miss Esmeralda. Olivia flinched at the harsh tone but nodded quickly, understanding that she must protect this animal, at any cost- even if it’s her own life.

Eventually, the two arrived back at their home. Miss Ezmerelda beckoned Olivia to her room so she could get a few hours of needed rest. That eventful night, Olivia couldn’t sleep. She was wondering about the mentalistic big cat. She did her best to allow sleep to take over but nevertheless her brain wouldn’t stop replaying the moment when she met the Jaglion. When he had respired on her hand, she felt a sudden burst of confidence and assurance that the animal wouldn’t cause harm to her. Olivia wanted- no, she craved to see this Jaglion again.

So, Olivia then decided she would go and visit the Jaglion the next night. The day flew by and the Sun slipped lower into the sky as the Moon returned, it was night once more. Guided by excitement, she rushed to the same gate and thrusted the wooden lever down. It rose and so did Keiko. He attempted to fall back to sleep but to no avail. Reluctantly, he stood and stumbled towards the excited girl. Olivia reached into her pocket and pulled out a small handful of meat, she noticed Keiko began to wake himself up at the scent of the delicious treat. Olivia giggled before putting it in front of the greedy cat. He grasped hold of the meat into his mouth, gave a small growl of gratitude and ate it in one go. Olivia left and closed the gate once more. She eventually learned how to set down a bear trap, after almost trapping herself multiple times. She caught a few rabbits and hares. Keiko was of course hunting himself, catching a few mice- maybe even a deer or two when he was able to be in the forest that stands before the gate. He was quite a confident Jaglion and he would always approach the small human with aplomb. One night, Olivia was even allowed to climb onto the Jaglions back! Olivia had begun to change her personality, she used to be a moody child who never wanted to participate in any activities or chores and now she was always joyful and loved helping with anything that she was inquired about. Miss Ezmerelda had even begun to change, she was always being seen with a small grin and even told Olivia a little bit more about her scion.

Over Winter, Miss Ezmerelda began enjoying Olivia’s company, and so did Keiko. Miss Ezmerelda also recognised something else, Keiko was beginning to create an attachment with the once moody Olivia. They alleviated each other. This was a bond that couldn’t be slashed, even by the most acicular razor blade.