Cathy looked around, wondering where she was. No buildings in sight, no civilization as far as the eye could see. Just miles and miles of grass.
She heard a roaring in the distance. It was most likely from a lion. She listened again, hoping to hear the roar.
"I'm butt naked in the middle of a grassland inhabited by lions, and I'm listening for a roar." Strangely, she didn't contemplate her situation much, just took in her surroundings.
She heard another roar, and smiled. Then she realized what she was up against. An incredibly muscular killing machine vs. a naked women with a broken amulet.
She heard a rustling in the grass. A large, yellow furred paw stepped out into the small patch of dirt. It was soon followed by a large lion, with a red mane, furred tail, and a whole lot of teeth.
Cathy cowered in fear of the enormous beast. "It's going to kill me!" She screamed.
"Of course not." A voice said. "It won't harm you in the slightest."
"Who... Where are you?"
"Don't bother looking for me. I am simply part of you."
"Part of me? What do you mean?" The voice laughed gently. "I'm the part of your subconscious that is being controlled by that medallion round your neck. Have you noticed that the cat is gone?"
"Yeah, but..." It suddenly clicked. "Is that lion..."
"Yes. Part of the medallion, and part of you, too. You just need to let it in to your heart."
"Why would I want to do that?" The voice laughed again. "The cat's medallion seeks out those who need something, and gives it to them. Intelligence, happiness, and in your case, some bravery and strength."
Cathy breathed heavily. "I don't need any bravery."
"Really? Why don't you tell me about your life?"
"Uh, okay. I, I'm in college, getting a degree, have a boyfriend..."
"Tell me about your boyfriend."
Cathy gulped. "His name is Scott. I met him six months ago. He's a bit mean but I-"
"But you what? You don't really like him do you?"
"No, okay? He's... manipulative. Always telling me what to do, always just being so..."
"And your degree? What of that?"
Cathy said "I'm planning on going into astronomy. It's what my parents want me to do. But I'm guessing you already know it's not what I want to do."
"Precisely. You don't want to listen to others. You want to go it your own way. But you can't. You're a coward."
Cathy sobbed gently into her hands. "Yeah, so? You're just gonna laugh at me, huh?"
"Of course not Cathy. Remember the lion?
Cathy looked back at the feline that had frightened her earlier. It sat on the ground, staring at her, thumping its tail impatiently.
"You can solve all your problems. Become one with the lion before you. Cast away fear and cowardice."
Cathy edged towards the lion. For every step she took, it took one step towards her, until they were face to face.
Suddenly, the lion leapt at her, striking her chest. But it did not knock her down. It entered her body.
"Feel the power surging through you! The lion that has slept for so long! Awaken!"
Cathy looked at her hands. They were no longer hers, but instead thick paws with long, sharp claws. She felt her tail, swaying pack and forth behind her. The wind whipping through her fur. She looked to the sun, and let out a roar, as loud as possible.
..........
"Huh? Wha..."
Cathy was in her room, sweating profusely. She was still wearing the medallion, and her bed sheets were torn, with pillows and feathers everywhere. Her room was a mess.
A quick check confirmed that she was still human. She saw her cat, Patch, cowering in the corner. She picked him up and stroked him.
When she looked at herself in the mirror, she noticed something odd. The cat on the medallion had been replaced. In it's place was a lion, still humanoid, with rather feminine features.
She had completely forgotten her dream.