Cheep-Cheep awoke to the sound of dripping water and the feeling of damp fur. His mind struggled to grasp where he was before he became aware of just how different he was. The young Muskeeran was struck by the strength that seemed to vibrate within his bones and sinews. He leaped to his feet, noting how easy the motion was, before the memories came back in a flash and he whimpered at the remembered pain.

Death had come for him and he had dodged its cold breath by the smallest of margins. He had been both predator and prey in the moment but he had come out as the victor. At least that was his thought before he heard a growl from behind. He whirled, fearing what he would see, and had it immediately confirmed. There, as if it had never drowned in that pool, was the green-skinned creature he had fought.

Cheep-Cheep stared in shock before his eyes took in the minute differences in form the creature sported. He relaxed as the creature simply readied itself for battle. There was no hint of recognition in its gaze, nor was there the heat of revenge that Cheep-Cheep would have recognized lay within his own eyes when he let it show. The Muskeeran dismissed the creature from his mind as he took in the cavern around him.

With a flash of apprehension, he wondered just how long he had been gone from the dens of his people. As if reading his mind, the being over this place began to speak in her voice that rumbled through his being with an echo of power.

“Hello Cheep-Cheep, did you enjoy your nap?” The girlish voice giggled the humor a stark contrast to the power her voice represented. “You’ve been sleeping for some time, though perhaps not as long as you might be thinking. About half the day roughly.”

Cheep-Cheep sighed in relief. He might have a chance of flying under the radar if he acted right. He had meant to actually hunt something in order to make his story more believable but maybe he could slink in without anyone else noticing. He chirruped a question and the voice giggled again.

“Oh, I would say you succeeded. Do you not feel your new rank?”

The Muskeeran certainly did. He flexed his paws again and at mental prod, the squiggles of self-awareness came to the forefront of his vision. He didn’t understand much but he knew what some of the numbers meant and he could tell they had gone up, including the most important one. Now he was a Rank 4 being like the chieftain. His revenge was close to being fulfilled.

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He thanked the voice before leaving the cavernous, monster-filled, labyrinth. She received the thanks with humor before lighting his way out. Soon Cheep-Cheep was breaking into the light where he was confronted by a disconcerting sight. Waiting in the clearing before the entrance to the cave was the team of individuals that had gone in with him before.

Meek-Fee saw him first and chirruped a greeting in their language and the others perked up as he came out. Chi-Chala came up to him and sniffed before clicking her tongue in approval.

“So. It be true. You like chief now.”

Cheep-Cheep wanted to deny it but he couldn’t. They had already seen the truth before he could act to cover it up. Not only that but they had seen the cavern’s power already, and had Experienced it. They knew. He sagged expecting the worst but was caught off guard by Chi-Chala and Meek-Fee’s sniggering.

“You think we want chief to rule long-time? It be time for somethin new. We comin' to new time an’ new time need new chief.” The fervor in Meek-Fee’s eyes as he squeaked his words, threw Cheep-Cheep off. Chi-Chala’s eyes were less so but she nodded agreement regardless.

Cheep-Cheep turned his gaze to the Talpi, to which Dorn shrugged. “We…care not. Do what will. So long as…cavern…remain for all.” And Cheep-Cheep understood. The Talpi wanted to remain included in the cavern runs. If the current chief discovered the power right under his nose he might use his personal might to force a positive outcome for his tribe to the detriment of the Talpi who had lost their chief to the green one.

Chi-Chala then turned and jogged to a stunted tree that grew along the edge of the clearing. She returned with a carcass that she threw to Cheep-Cheep.

“For you. Not good to come back with paws that lack,” she chirruped as he caught the burden in surprise. He thanked her but she shook her head and looked at him with eyes that were fierce. “Be good chief after you win.”

Cheep-Cheep took in the group and nodded, feeling an entirely different burden fall on his shoulders. It had come about sooner than he thought but here were supporters for his cause. He had expected that he would have to find them after he had carried out his revenge. With supporters already in place things would be both easier and harder. To them, he was already chief, and expected him to fulfill the role.

He nodded, accepting the burden as his mind began making plans. His rank up had increased his mental capacity, though he was only subconsciously aware of it. Now operating more like a fully Sapient creature, his intelligence was being utilized in ways he had never contemplated before. To him, it was simply what being chief meant. He settled down with his new supporters to plan, first how to get him into camp without suspicion and then looking to the future.

They would need to hunt in the caverns again, perhaps numerous times before he could take his revenge. The chief was still more Experienced than him with years of hunts under his pelt, with numerous Instinct-Gifts that would help him survive. Cheep-Cheep knew he would have received more as well and would need time to acclimate. Soon, though. Soon he would be ready.