Anubis|| Chapter fifteen is up!!!!!!!!||
Dec 25, 2016 20:04:58 GMT -5
phantomstar57, EthanTheAnnus, and 6 more like this
Post by EthanTheAnnus on Dec 25, 2016 20:04:58 GMT -5
This drawing by Brownie was so amazing that I decided it was time for a banner change...
Prologue
On a dark, rainy clifftop, two cats fought in the night.
“This isn’t a joke, Khonsu!” snarled a dusty yellow she-cat. Her rounded ears were flattened against her head and her green eyes blazed with fire.
“I do not care for your petty opinions, Sekhmet,” spat a silver-gray tom, his single white forepaw flashing in the darkness. “Apophis is rising. Chaos will rule.”
“I am no friend of Chaos, Khonsu! And I know you, for one, are loyal to Ma’at.” Sekhmet’s claws slid out threateningly. “If you have no faith in Ra, I will personally rip out your throat.”
“Sekhmet, Sekhmet, Sekhmet,” tutted Khonsu. “I support neither side. Either way, I will win. Either way, you will lose.”
“That’s not true,” she snarled, digging her claws into the peaty, wet earth. Rain flattened her fur. “If Ra is triumphant, I will be his loyal warrior once again!”
“You have only fought Apophis a few times, Sekhmet,” snarled Khonsu, dropping into a crouch. The two gods began circling each other. “Bast seemed more controllable to Ra.”
“Without Ra, you will get no rest, Khonsu! You will be in the sky all the time!” Sekhmet curled back her lips.
“That is my plan,” hissed Khonsu. With a roar of rage, Sekhmet leapt for the moon god. In a puff of silver smoke, he disappeared. The lion goddess gave a cry of anger.
“I will find you, Khonsu! And when I do, I will destroy you!”
Chapter one
The small tom opened his eyes to a honeysuckle den. Sunlight filtered dimly through the leaves and a breeze cooled the den. He stretched and yawned audibly. He padded to the den entrance on clumsy paws and stopped suddenly as he heard voices. Voices he recognised.
"He means no harm, Set!" cried a she-cat- mother, thought the kit dimly.
"You always say that, Nephthys!" said a tom.
"He means no harm!" she insisted, her voice thickening to a snarl. The kit hung his head guiltily. They were talking about her again. That was moons ago! he growled to himself.
"She would still be here if it weren't for him!" another she-cat's voice echoed out. "My kit would still be here! Banish him!"
"Be reasonable, Bast! He's only a-" began Nephthys.
"This is what I have been telling you!" snapped Set. "We should banish him!"
"He's a kit!" she cried, but her voice was drowned out.
"Banish him! Banish him!" chanted the cats.
"Quiet!" roared a voice. The kit lifted his head and slowly backed deeper into the den, working his way into his nest. He heard the sound of Ra leaping from his rock to the ground. The kit moved faster into his nest, curling up tightly into a ball.
"This kit," began Ra. "This young, five moon old kit, had no idea of his power. But I do. He must be removed from our home, but not because of what he did, but because of what he is going to do." A murmur rose from the cats and the small kit curled himself up even tighter, a ball of dread hardening in his stomach. They're getting rid of me!
"I have had visions," Ra announced. "This kit must be moved. But before we do, he needs a name. Bast, go and wake him, would you?"
"But-" protested Bast.
"Now!" snapped Ra. The she-cat plodded into the den and shoved him roughly.
"Come on, devil," she growled. The kit obeyed and moved on quaking paws from the den. His eyes fixed on Ra. A naming ceremony was a time for celebration and joy for what was to come. For him, it was a time of fear and uncertainty.
"Little kit," beckoned Ra. Bast shoved him forward and he skidded, face landing in the dirt. Laughter echoed around him. He forced himself up and looked at Ra.
"You shall be known," said Ra, eyes twinkling, "As Anubis."
"He means no harm, Set!" cried a she-cat- mother, thought the kit dimly.
"You always say that, Nephthys!" said a tom.
"He means no harm!" she insisted, her voice thickening to a snarl. The kit hung his head guiltily. They were talking about her again. That was moons ago! he growled to himself.
"She would still be here if it weren't for him!" another she-cat's voice echoed out. "My kit would still be here! Banish him!"
"Be reasonable, Bast! He's only a-" began Nephthys.
"This is what I have been telling you!" snapped Set. "We should banish him!"
"He's a kit!" she cried, but her voice was drowned out.
"Banish him! Banish him!" chanted the cats.
"Quiet!" roared a voice. The kit lifted his head and slowly backed deeper into the den, working his way into his nest. He heard the sound of Ra leaping from his rock to the ground. The kit moved faster into his nest, curling up tightly into a ball.
"This kit," began Ra. "This young, five moon old kit, had no idea of his power. But I do. He must be removed from our home, but not because of what he did, but because of what he is going to do." A murmur rose from the cats and the small kit curled himself up even tighter, a ball of dread hardening in his stomach. They're getting rid of me!
"I have had visions," Ra announced. "This kit must be moved. But before we do, he needs a name. Bast, go and wake him, would you?"
"But-" protested Bast.
"Now!" snapped Ra. The she-cat plodded into the den and shoved him roughly.
"Come on, devil," she growled. The kit obeyed and moved on quaking paws from the den. His eyes fixed on Ra. A naming ceremony was a time for celebration and joy for what was to come. For him, it was a time of fear and uncertainty.
"Little kit," beckoned Ra. Bast shoved him forward and he skidded, face landing in the dirt. Laughter echoed around him. He forced himself up and looked at Ra.
"You shall be known," said Ra, eyes twinkling, "As Anubis."
Chapter Two
The small, lithe, dark-pelted tom stretched luxuriously and glanced around. The city hummed with traffic and life, the sun only just beginning to peek over the horizon. A fat pigeon hopped around, pecking up bits of bread. The tom dropped into a crouch and stalked forward, tail low, eyes narrowed. Two pawsteps, one pawstep... Now! Just as he prepared to leap, a loud yowl echoed around the alley. The pigeon's head shot up and the tom leapt for it, but it was too late. With a squawk, the bird flew into the skies. The tom snarled in annoyance and turned around to spot a brown tabby tom. Eyes narrowed in rage, he flew at the other cat, claws outstretched. He bowled into the brown tabby, rolling him over and over. He pinned the tabby to the ground and snarled, "Who are you?" The brown tom's eyes widened.
"Yamukhun," he whimpered.
"You dare interrupt my hunt?" hissed the dark-pelted tom, brown eyes lit with a fiery rage.
"I-I didn't mean to, Lord Anubis," Yamukhun murmured. The dark tom sat back in surprise.
"You know who I am?" asked Anubis.
"Of course," replied the tom, his voice slightly shaky. "We all do! Everyone in DartClan, anyway."
"DartClan?" The term was new to Anubis.
"My Clan," Yamukhun explained. "I'm trying to warn Lord Ra.."
"Warn him of what?" asked Anubis. Yamukhun's solemn green gaze met his brown one.
"Apophis is rising."
"You didn't think to warn Ra of this.. hmm, I don't know, about ten sunrises ago?!?" Anubis snarled at the tabby as they rushed through the city.
"I was trying to!" growled Yamukhun. "But I don't know how to get to the gods."
"Then it's a good thing you ruined my hunt," replied Anubis. The tom winced at this.
"Yeah.. about that..."
"Look, apologise later," ordered the death god. "Right now, we have to warn Ra."
"You're right," replied Yamukhun. "Let's go." The two raced through the streets and then Yamukhun skidded to a stop, making Anubis crash into him.
"What is it, you fool?" hissed Anubis.
"That," said Yamukhun shakily. Anubis looked around the brown tabby to see a six-lane highway.
"Great," he grumbled. "I'm the god of death and I'm with someone who's scared of dying."
"You're immortal," pointed out his companion. Anubis dipped his head. Just then, a mysterious dark-pelted she-cat and a a dark gray she-cat padded up to the curb.
"Is it safe?" asked the dark gray she-cat.
"I'm not sure, Leafwind," replied the other. "I don't think our patrol could cross here."
"But we need new territory!" Leafwind cried desperatly.
"And I need herbs!" shot back the other she-cat.
"Why do you need herbs?" inquired Yamukhun curiously. Before Anubis could blink, they were both pinned to the ground by the she-cats. And both had their claws at their throats.
"Yamukhun," he whimpered.
"You dare interrupt my hunt?" hissed the dark-pelted tom, brown eyes lit with a fiery rage.
"I-I didn't mean to, Lord Anubis," Yamukhun murmured. The dark tom sat back in surprise.
"You know who I am?" asked Anubis.
"Of course," replied the tom, his voice slightly shaky. "We all do! Everyone in DartClan, anyway."
"DartClan?" The term was new to Anubis.
"My Clan," Yamukhun explained. "I'm trying to warn Lord Ra.."
"Warn him of what?" asked Anubis. Yamukhun's solemn green gaze met his brown one.
"Apophis is rising."
Chapter three.
"You didn't think to warn Ra of this.. hmm, I don't know, about ten sunrises ago?!?" Anubis snarled at the tabby as they rushed through the city.
"I was trying to!" growled Yamukhun. "But I don't know how to get to the gods."
"Then it's a good thing you ruined my hunt," replied Anubis. The tom winced at this.
"Yeah.. about that..."
"Look, apologise later," ordered the death god. "Right now, we have to warn Ra."
"You're right," replied Yamukhun. "Let's go." The two raced through the streets and then Yamukhun skidded to a stop, making Anubis crash into him.
"What is it, you fool?" hissed Anubis.
"That," said Yamukhun shakily. Anubis looked around the brown tabby to see a six-lane highway.
"Great," he grumbled. "I'm the god of death and I'm with someone who's scared of dying."
"You're immortal," pointed out his companion. Anubis dipped his head. Just then, a mysterious dark-pelted she-cat and a a dark gray she-cat padded up to the curb.
"Is it safe?" asked the dark gray she-cat.
"I'm not sure, Leafwind," replied the other. "I don't think our patrol could cross here."
"But we need new territory!" Leafwind cried desperatly.
"And I need herbs!" shot back the other she-cat.
"Why do you need herbs?" inquired Yamukhun curiously. Before Anubis could blink, they were both pinned to the ground by the she-cats. And both had their claws at their throats.
Chapter four
"Please don't hurt us," whimpered Yamukhun. Anubis shot him an angry look. So much for trying to act fierce, he thought. Now they'll think we're kittypets.
"I command you to release me," hissed Anubis. The dark gray she-cat, who was pinning the death god to the ground, snarled in amusement and defiance.
"You really think we're going to do that?" she growled.
"I said, release me," he snarled. Yamukhun shot him a nervous look.
"Um.. A-" He broke off as Anubis made a jerking movement with his tail.
"Would you like to know how and when you will die?" he asked the mysterious black she-cat. She gave him a malicious smile.
"I was already told by a stray named Solstice," she mewed. Anubis' eyes narrowed.
"Then tell me," he said.
"I'm going to be hit by a monster," she replied simply. Anubis snorted.
"By Ra, of course not! You are going to die, side by side with me, as we fight for your Clan. I will meet you in the Underworld and I will help you into the afterlife." Silence washed over him and he smiled smugly.
"Oh yeah? If you can tell how someone's going to die, can you tell what someone's thinking?" Leafwind gave him a look full of challenge and malice.
"Well, you're thinking what an idiot I am," he said to her. "And the other she-cat-"
"Midnight," the mysterious dark she-cat snarled.
"Midnight," corrected Anubis. "Is thinking about her Clan, herbs and... Is that a prophecy?" Midnight stiffened.
"Stop it!" she snapped. The death god ignored her and recited, "Come the days of young and old, When we find the bold, With the tom who holds the chains of death, one will take their final breath."
"Who are you?" asked Leafwind.
"Why," he replied. "Don't you know? I am Anubis."
Chapter five
Midnight snorted with contempt.
"Those gods are dead," she snarled. Yamukhun whimpered.
"Midnight..." he hissed, somehow remembering the she-cat's name.
"You think that?" snarled Anubis, pushing Leafwind off him and standing up as tall as he could, eyes blazing with rage. "Those other gods are dead to me, but not to you. They cast me out. Ra approved of it. Now, little she-cat," he growled, unsheathing his claws. "How would you like to die?" Without a word, Midnight stepped back.
"Now either leave us alone," said Anubis, slightly less angry, "Or come with us and probably get killed." Yamukhun sidled up to Anubis.
"Is this wise?" he asked.
"Very," Anubis hissed into his ear. He turned and bounded towards the traffic. His eyes narrowed in determination and he leapt onto the first lane. Anubis hurled himself into the second lane. He reached the third and paused to glance back at Yamukhun, Leafwind and Midnight.
"Are you coming?" he meowed. That was when the car hit him.
"Go away, Ra," he spat.
"Young Anubis." The sun god took a step closer to the death god.
"I said, go away, Ra!" repeated Anubis with the hint of a snarl. "Let me die in peace."
"You are not dying, idiot," seethed Ra, his claws flashing through the impending blackness. "You are the god of death." Anubis drew back his lips in a snarl and again tried to stand but couldn't. His claws unsheathed in frustration and he swiped at Ra. The sun god was too far away for him to reach.
"Leave me be," he hissed.
"Stop giving up!" growled Ra, losing his calm, cool composure. "You are destined for more than this!" He closed his eyes and breathed out slowly. "Listen, death boy. You are not going to die here." Anubis gave a yowl of anger as Ra dissipated. He could hear voices and feel the softness of grass under his body.
"He said he was a god," meowed one. Midnight, thought Anubis dimly.
"He deceived us," replied Leafwind.
"But... He looked exactly as the DartClan elders described Anubis!" Yamukhun's voice wavered.
"He did read our minds," added Leafwind doubtfully.
"And now he's dead. Just like a mortal." Midnight spat out the final word with contempt and kicked Anubis' body. The dark tom, who had been laying as still as if dead, leapt up.
"Idiot," he growled, claws digging into the ground, eyes narrowed in fury and blazing with fire. "You messed with the wrong god."
Anubis and Midnight stared off. The mysterious dark she-cat sneered and unsheathed her claws.
"You survived, kittypet," she taunted.
"You won't," growled Anubis. "Not when you talk to me like that."
"I'm sure you can take me," meowed Midnight. "But I'm too... what's the word... tired from lugging your big furry behind off the Thunderpath!"
"It's a road, genius," he snarled. The she-cat stiffened and stared at something over Anubis' head.
"Run," she mewed. "Run!" Leafwind and Yamukhun followed her gaze. Their eyes grew wide with terror and their fur bushed out in horror. They began to flee, Midnight at their heels. Yamukhun seemed to realise Anubis wasn't with them and wheeled around. Leafwind and Midnight were forced to halt and they, too, turned.
"Run!" screeched the DartClan tom.
"I don't run," hissed Anubis. "Not from anything." Then he turned and saw a large, silver-gray dog. The beast's black eyes narrowed and it let loose a gutteral bark. Anubis crouched, eyes narrowed into slits.
"Come on then," he muttered.
"What is he doing?" cried Leafwind. Midnight snorted.
"Being an idiot," she replied. Anubis leapt at the dog, claws unsheathed, teeth bared. He bit down onto the beast's furry, muscled shoulder. The dog growled and shook his off, pinning the death god down with one paw. Claws pierced his fur and Anubis struggled. He bit into the dog's paw and flew at the beast as it raged. Pushing off it's shoulder, he landed on it's back and put his teeth in the back of it's neck. The dog growled but couldn't shake him.
"Try me," hissed Anubis. The beast settled unhappily, still letting loose the odd growl.
"Now, why are you here, Khonsu?" asked the death god. And, before the eyes of Yamukhun, Leafwind and Midnight, the dog became a lithe silver-gray tom with a single white forepaw and a moon anklet.
Chapter Eight
"I'm here because..." Khonsu paused, glancing around nervously before continuing. "Apophis ordered me to kill you... Or he'd kill me." Yamukhun moved next to Anubis as though he was about to try to protect the death god.
"Calm down, moon god," said Anubis. "You're an immortal!"
"Not around Apophis. He has this... This crystal. It can kill even immortals." He moved back nervously. "I should go. I'll tell him you were with some other cats and you defeated me."
"That's what I had to warn Ra about!" cried Yamukhun. Suddenly a shadow fell over the five cats. "You won't be warning anyone, little kit," sneered a voice. Anubis snarled.
"Apophis." Anubis looked around and spotted a black tom with yellow eyes. He glanced around savagely and his gaze locked on Khonsu.
"You. Little. Traitor!" The tom stepped closer and Anubis noticed the red snake mark on his neck. The tom lifted a paw above the earth and closed his eyes, concentrating. A small, red crystal began to emerge.
"No you don't!" cried Anubis, reaching forwards with a paw. Black and gray smoke shot into the air and surrounded the evil god, but didn't seem to harm him. Reaching down, Apophis grapsed the crystal in his teeth and put it next to him.
"Nice try, kitty," he snarled. He picked up the stone again and aimed it at Khonsu. The moon god turned his panicked gaze the the death god.
"Find Ra," he begged. "Warn him!"
"Tas!" cried Apophis. Bonds engulfed Khonsu. "Hi-nehm!" And before their eyes, Khonsu was sucked into the stone.
"What. Just. Happened?" Leafwind stared at Apophis reverently.
"I think that... That Khonsu was joined with that crystal," replied Yamukhun fearfully.
"He said Tas- bind, then Hi-nehm- join together." Anubis turned to the other cats. "We should... How do I put this?... Run." The four cats pelted out of the alley.
"Oh, come back!" called Apophis. "I only want to play!"
"Follow me!" yowled Midnight. She led the way, scrambling to the top of a fence and then leaping onto a the roof of a house. Anubis followed her with Yamukhun on his tail.
"The camp!" Leafwind cried. Taking the lead, she left from rooftop to rooftop, tiles scattering beneath her paws. Anubis did his best to scramble after her. A forest appeared at the edge of the town. Leaping off the roof, they raced towards the forest.
"I see you!" Apophis stood in the alleyway below them. Anubis frantically leapt down and pelted after the TundraClan she-cats. Reaching the cover of the trees, they slowed and Leafwind led them to a stream. They waded along it, erasing their scent trail. Moving along, the death god found a strong cat scent. It grew more and more fresh as they drew near the camp.
"We can stay with TundraClan for a few days," mewed Midnight. "Then we'll warn Ra and search for a better territory for our Clan." Leafwind pushed aside some fern fronds with her paw. Cats padded back and forth across the clearing.
"Welcome," she meowed, "To TundraClan."
"Great job," Anubis hissed. "You got the attention of the whole camp. What did you think it would be- five cats?"
"But... DartClan had no elders or many kits!" Yamukhun continued to stare.
"My deputy!" A long-haired white tom with calico patches approached Leafwind, who purred.
"It is good to see you, Lionstar. We met these two by the thunderpath, or as this weird city cat calls it," she flicked her tail at Anubis, "A road. He's Anubis. The other one is Yamukhun. We were chased by Apophis."
"Those old gods are just myths!" snarled Lionstar. "This tom," he motioned toward the death god with his paw, "Is only pretending to be a god!"
"That's what I thought, Lionstar," mewed Midnight, stepping forward. This surprised Anubis- she seemed like the last cat who would stand up for him. "But then he was hit by a monster-" she paused.
"A car," supplied Anubis.
"A car," continued Midnight. "And he got back on his paws after about ten heartbeats. He wasn't even injured. Then this-this dog came and attacked us. Anubis fought it bravely and then it changed into a little cat named Khonsu. He was urging us to warn Ra when... when Apophis came. He sucked the moon god into a crystal and chased us. We had no choice. We had to come here." After he speech, Anubis realised that the mysterious she-cat thought highly of him.
"I will not be lectured by a simple medicine cat!" roared Lionstar.
"You know I'm an atheist," replied Midnight quietly. "What would I gain by lying?"
"Very well," replied Lionstar- he was clearly the Clan leader. "But first, this Anubis will prove himself in a trial only a true god can pass." As the death god looked into the leader's slitted eyes, he realised the tom was going to make sure he would fail.
"What?" asked Yamukhun, looking at the death god with fear in his eyes.
"A curse," murmured Anubis angrily. "He's cursing the rock. It will only last for a short time and will not affect the caster."
"But you'll be okay, right? It is just a curse," the DartClan tom said uncertainly.
"I will," he replied, flicking his tail over his friend's ear. "But if any of you mortals touch this rock... Dead." Yamukhun's eyes widened and he dipped his head. "Stay back," he warned and Lionstar gave him a look of approval.
"Smart tom," he mewed. "Anyone who even comes near this rock will feel the claws of my assassins." Two large burly toms and a small, lithe she-cat formed a circle around the front of the rock, being sure to leave a cat-length of space between them and Leaderstone.
"Come," the TundraClan leader beckoned. Anubis padded over warily, deciding to go past the she-cat. She hissed at him loudly and he jumped back in surprise. He rushed past and stopped just before the rock.
"Go ahead," jeered the burly black assassin.
"Be quiet, Deertail," snarled Lionstar and the tom flattened his ears to turn away. Anubis tentatively reached out a paw and placed it on the rock. He felt the force of the curse and he fell over, his breath stopping for a few heartbeats. He heard the jeer of the TundraClan cats and he forced himself to stand.
"This curse is not fatal until you reach the top, stupid tom," hissed Lionstar. Anubis took a deep breath and bounded up the rock. He reached the top and awaited his fate.
He was standing there for a few heartbeats before he heard Lionstar snarl in frustration.
"How?" he spluttered.
"I told you," replied Anubis. "I'm a god."
"Ha! You expect me to believe that? You are merely a strong mortal. But do not fear; we'll reveal the truth at some point!"
"Lionstar-" attempted Midnight.
"Shut it, medicine cat," he hissed. "I can break this traitor."
"Lionstar, no," Leafwind mewed, stepping forward. "This is no way to earn the trust of your Clanmates. And if you are wrong? You may have just insulted the god of death himself!"
"What would you know?" growled the leader. "You're only my deputy, and I intend for it to stay that way!" The whole of TundraClan seemed to inhale sharply.
"You're no leader!" snarled Yamukhun, making Anubis jump. "In my clan, the leader would be happy to hand over leadership to his or her deputy! They were not power-hungry as you are! They would never defy death!" Lionstar's eyes narrowed.
"Where are you from, ignorant one?" he hissed.
"DartClan," replied Yamukhun proudly. "A member of the Khun family."
"DartClan," spat the long-haired white tom. "A disgrace to the name Clan." Rage welled up inside of the death god as his friend was insulted by the leader. "And the Khun family? I heard the oldest Khun, undoubtedly your weak, feeble old father, is the leader of that Clan of misfits!"
"Stop it!" roared Anubis, taking the camp by surprise. Unable to calm his anger, he advanced on Lionstar. Fear showed in the leader's eyes, but the anger still did not fade.
"I-I didn't mean it," spluttered Lionstar.
"Yes you did!" snarled Anubis, unsheathing his claws. "You belong in the underworld with all the other traitors! Ammit will gladly devour your heart!"
"Lionstar!" The assassin, known as Deertail, called out to his leader. "You only have two lives left! Don't do this!" Ignoring the tom, Anubis lashed out with his claws. He raked the TundraClan leader's chest and a spirit-like ghost arose from Lionstar's chest. The tom let out a wail of anguish as the ninth of his spirit tried to flee for the sky, but was sucked into the ground. Collapsing, the leader yowled angrily.
"Leafwind!" He called, struggling to stand. "You are no longer my deputy! Sharpsky!" A yellow tabby burly tom, one of the assassins, looked up. "You are now-" Anubis slashed Lionstar's chest again. "Deputy!" The life left the traitorous leader and Sharpsky looked astonished. He took a pace forward, then paused. Anubis turned and Sharpsky's ears flattened with fear. The dangerous light had not yet left Anubis' gaze.
"Lead this Clan," meowed Anubis. "Rule not with fear, but with love. Rebuild what this-this traitor-" he kicked Lionstar's body, "Has broken."
"There is no doubt," mewed Sharpsky quietly. "You are Anubis. You are the god of death." Leafwind padded over to Sharpsky and flicked his ear playfully.
"Of course, oh mighty leader!" she meowed.
"Yes, I know that, oh mighty deputy!" he replied. Leafwind looked shocked, but recovered quickly.
"Now, you'll need to travel to Moontree, am I right?"
"Hello, TundraClan," came a booming voice. A yellow tabby tom padded through the entrance of the TundraClan, his orange eyes flashing.
"Ra," spat Anubis.
"Apophis has been wreaking havoc," Yamukhun put in. "With his crystal-"
"Burnstr," Ra said, nodding. "We need you, Anubis. Come back to where us gods are."
"Wait, wait, wait," Midnight meowed, stepping forward. "He just saved us from Lionstar, and you want him to leave?"
"Well, yes," said Ra.
"Good riddance," muttered Deertail.
"Anubis..." said Yamukhun pleadingly. The death god took a step closer to Ra, then looked at the Clan. Yamukhun looked grief-stricken.
"I will go with Ra," he announced. "But I will return soon." Yamukhun's eyes shone with relief.
"You will need a protector when you return," warned Ra.
"I can handle myself," said Anubis, casting a contempt look at Lionstar's body.
"Not from Apophis," replied the king of the gods.
"Do as he says, Anubis," said Leafwind. "For now."
"Fine," grumbled Anubis. "But I'm not going to like this."
"Bast? Bast will be my protector? I'd rather be captured by Apophis!" Anubis' claws dug into the wet, peaty earth.
"We had no other choice, Anubis," replied Ra. "She is the goddess of cats. Her duties bind her to you. Other gods and goddess'... Let's just say they might, well, renounce their duties to you."
"Oh, join Apophis? What's stopping Bast?" Anubis snorted, turning away.
"She is the goddess of cats, Anubis," snarled Ra, losing his patience. "It ties her to you. She cannot betray you or any cats without betraying what she is the goddess of."
"Right. And that makes total sense," the god of death replied sarcastically.
"You will do this, Anubis! Or you will not be leaving here!" The king of the gods swept his gaze around the camp. "You have to do this, Anubis. You are like a son to me." His gaze softened. "I wouldn't do this if it put you in danger."
"I like danger," snapped Anubis. "My father is the god of evil! My mother is the goddess of rivers! I think I'm ok." He turned away in contempt.
"You are not leaving this camp without Bast!" Ra yowled, loosing his patience. Anubis merely flicked his tail and meowed, "I can do what I like." Ra's claws came out and he lashed at Anubis. His touch was searing and the death god nearly collapsed from a glancing blow.
"Fine!" snapped Anubis. "If you want a fight, you'll get one!"
"I'm not about to leave the whole of TundraClan unguarded!"
"Ok," Ra took a slow pace back. "But remember, Bast will be there to help you."
"Like she'll help me," muttered Anubis.
"Do not speak ill of her." Ra's voice took a dangerous tone. How did he hear me? Anubis merely flicked an ear. He turned on his heel and padded towards the camp exit.
"Good luck, son."
"I am no son of yours." Before Ra could reply, Anubis whisked out of camp. Bast was outside and when he stepped into her view, he could see she was forcing to keep her fur flat.
"I see you like to rile up our king," she commented.
"If he is not my blood father, he is not my kin. If he is not my kin, he is not my father," Anubis stated simply. "Now let's go." He stretched a paw towards Bast, who shrank back. Anubis snarled in frustration.
"Come on! I can control my powers now! Plus, I'm the only one who knows where the camp is!" He touched his paw to hers and, in a flash of light, they were gone.
"It can become infected," replied Midnight indifferently. Leafwind nodded her agreement.
"My brother died from an infected rat bite," put in a new voice. Anubis turned. It was Sharpstar.
"Alright, alright," the death god grumbled. He allowed Midnight to rub in the poltice, not even wincing as the stinging juices seeped in. Yamukhun's face popped around the side of the den.
"Anubis? Bast wants to speak with you."
"Now?" the tom asked moodily.
"Now," confirmed his friend.
"Ugh." Pulling a face, Anubis stood up and padded from the den.
"Come back if the wound starts to hurt again!" Midnight called. Anubis ignored her and padded across the camp, almost instantly tripping over two wrestling kits.
"Sorry!" squeaked the small black kit.
"Yeah, sorry!" put in the brown tabby.
"No harm done," said Anubis, forcing out a gentle tone, aware eyes were on him. Leafwind emerged from the medicine den.
"Ravenkit, Timberkit, come with me. We're going to defend our borders; look, it's a rogue!" She flicked her tail at the elder's den.
"Yay!" cheered Timberkit.
"Let's go, mother," put in Ravenkit. The kits charged off and Leafwind turned to Anubis apologetically.
"They're a handful; doesn't help that their father is the Clan leader." She set off to follow her kits and Anubis finally looked up. He found himself nose-to-nose with Bast.
Fans:
mintedstar/fur
Owlmoon
phantomstar57
"I command you to release me," hissed Anubis. The dark gray she-cat, who was pinning the death god to the ground, snarled in amusement and defiance.
"You really think we're going to do that?" she growled.
"I said, release me," he snarled. Yamukhun shot him a nervous look.
"Um.. A-" He broke off as Anubis made a jerking movement with his tail.
"Would you like to know how and when you will die?" he asked the mysterious black she-cat. She gave him a malicious smile.
"I was already told by a stray named Solstice," she mewed. Anubis' eyes narrowed.
"Then tell me," he said.
"I'm going to be hit by a monster," she replied simply. Anubis snorted.
"By Ra, of course not! You are going to die, side by side with me, as we fight for your Clan. I will meet you in the Underworld and I will help you into the afterlife." Silence washed over him and he smiled smugly.
"Oh yeah? If you can tell how someone's going to die, can you tell what someone's thinking?" Leafwind gave him a look full of challenge and malice.
"Well, you're thinking what an idiot I am," he said to her. "And the other she-cat-"
"Midnight," the mysterious dark she-cat snarled.
"Midnight," corrected Anubis. "Is thinking about her Clan, herbs and... Is that a prophecy?" Midnight stiffened.
"Stop it!" she snapped. The death god ignored her and recited, "Come the days of young and old, When we find the bold, With the tom who holds the chains of death, one will take their final breath."
"Who are you?" asked Leafwind.
"Why," he replied. "Don't you know? I am Anubis."
Chapter five
Midnight snorted with contempt.
"Those gods are dead," she snarled. Yamukhun whimpered.
"Midnight..." he hissed, somehow remembering the she-cat's name.
"You think that?" snarled Anubis, pushing Leafwind off him and standing up as tall as he could, eyes blazing with rage. "Those other gods are dead to me, but not to you. They cast me out. Ra approved of it. Now, little she-cat," he growled, unsheathing his claws. "How would you like to die?" Without a word, Midnight stepped back.
"Now either leave us alone," said Anubis, slightly less angry, "Or come with us and probably get killed." Yamukhun sidled up to Anubis.
"Is this wise?" he asked.
"Very," Anubis hissed into his ear. He turned and bounded towards the traffic. His eyes narrowed in determination and he leapt onto the first lane. Anubis hurled himself into the second lane. He reached the third and paused to glance back at Yamukhun, Leafwind and Midnight.
"Are you coming?" he meowed. That was when the car hit him.
Chapter six
"Anubis!" Yamukhun's voice drifted in and out of Anubis' head. His vision tunnelled and then his eyes shut. The darkness enveloped him. A yellow tabby tom appeared in the darkness. Anubis tried to stand but couldn't. He noticed the sun pendant and the orange eyes of the tom and swallowed a yowl of rage."Go away, Ra," he spat.
"Young Anubis." The sun god took a step closer to the death god.
"I said, go away, Ra!" repeated Anubis with the hint of a snarl. "Let me die in peace."
"You are not dying, idiot," seethed Ra, his claws flashing through the impending blackness. "You are the god of death." Anubis drew back his lips in a snarl and again tried to stand but couldn't. His claws unsheathed in frustration and he swiped at Ra. The sun god was too far away for him to reach.
"Leave me be," he hissed.
"Stop giving up!" growled Ra, losing his calm, cool composure. "You are destined for more than this!" He closed his eyes and breathed out slowly. "Listen, death boy. You are not going to die here." Anubis gave a yowl of anger as Ra dissipated. He could hear voices and feel the softness of grass under his body.
"He said he was a god," meowed one. Midnight, thought Anubis dimly.
"He deceived us," replied Leafwind.
"But... He looked exactly as the DartClan elders described Anubis!" Yamukhun's voice wavered.
"He did read our minds," added Leafwind doubtfully.
"And now he's dead. Just like a mortal." Midnight spat out the final word with contempt and kicked Anubis' body. The dark tom, who had been laying as still as if dead, leapt up.
"Idiot," he growled, claws digging into the ground, eyes narrowed in fury and blazing with fire. "You messed with the wrong god."
Chapter Seven
Anubis and Midnight stared off. The mysterious dark she-cat sneered and unsheathed her claws.
"You survived, kittypet," she taunted.
"You won't," growled Anubis. "Not when you talk to me like that."
"I'm sure you can take me," meowed Midnight. "But I'm too... what's the word... tired from lugging your big furry behind off the Thunderpath!"
"It's a road, genius," he snarled. The she-cat stiffened and stared at something over Anubis' head.
"Run," she mewed. "Run!" Leafwind and Yamukhun followed her gaze. Their eyes grew wide with terror and their fur bushed out in horror. They began to flee, Midnight at their heels. Yamukhun seemed to realise Anubis wasn't with them and wheeled around. Leafwind and Midnight were forced to halt and they, too, turned.
"Run!" screeched the DartClan tom.
"I don't run," hissed Anubis. "Not from anything." Then he turned and saw a large, silver-gray dog. The beast's black eyes narrowed and it let loose a gutteral bark. Anubis crouched, eyes narrowed into slits.
"Come on then," he muttered.
"What is he doing?" cried Leafwind. Midnight snorted.
"Being an idiot," she replied. Anubis leapt at the dog, claws unsheathed, teeth bared. He bit down onto the beast's furry, muscled shoulder. The dog growled and shook his off, pinning the death god down with one paw. Claws pierced his fur and Anubis struggled. He bit into the dog's paw and flew at the beast as it raged. Pushing off it's shoulder, he landed on it's back and put his teeth in the back of it's neck. The dog growled but couldn't shake him.
"Try me," hissed Anubis. The beast settled unhappily, still letting loose the odd growl.
"Now, why are you here, Khonsu?" asked the death god. And, before the eyes of Yamukhun, Leafwind and Midnight, the dog became a lithe silver-gray tom with a single white forepaw and a moon anklet.
Chapter Eight
"I'm here because..." Khonsu paused, glancing around nervously before continuing. "Apophis ordered me to kill you... Or he'd kill me." Yamukhun moved next to Anubis as though he was about to try to protect the death god.
"Calm down, moon god," said Anubis. "You're an immortal!"
"Not around Apophis. He has this... This crystal. It can kill even immortals." He moved back nervously. "I should go. I'll tell him you were with some other cats and you defeated me."
"That's what I had to warn Ra about!" cried Yamukhun. Suddenly a shadow fell over the five cats. "You won't be warning anyone, little kit," sneered a voice. Anubis snarled.
"Apophis." Anubis looked around and spotted a black tom with yellow eyes. He glanced around savagely and his gaze locked on Khonsu.
"You. Little. Traitor!" The tom stepped closer and Anubis noticed the red snake mark on his neck. The tom lifted a paw above the earth and closed his eyes, concentrating. A small, red crystal began to emerge.
"No you don't!" cried Anubis, reaching forwards with a paw. Black and gray smoke shot into the air and surrounded the evil god, but didn't seem to harm him. Reaching down, Apophis grapsed the crystal in his teeth and put it next to him.
"Nice try, kitty," he snarled. He picked up the stone again and aimed it at Khonsu. The moon god turned his panicked gaze the the death god.
"Find Ra," he begged. "Warn him!"
"Tas!" cried Apophis. Bonds engulfed Khonsu. "Hi-nehm!" And before their eyes, Khonsu was sucked into the stone.
Chapter Nine
"What. Just. Happened?" Leafwind stared at Apophis reverently.
"I think that... That Khonsu was joined with that crystal," replied Yamukhun fearfully.
"He said Tas- bind, then Hi-nehm- join together." Anubis turned to the other cats. "We should... How do I put this?... Run." The four cats pelted out of the alley.
"Oh, come back!" called Apophis. "I only want to play!"
"Follow me!" yowled Midnight. She led the way, scrambling to the top of a fence and then leaping onto a the roof of a house. Anubis followed her with Yamukhun on his tail.
"The camp!" Leafwind cried. Taking the lead, she left from rooftop to rooftop, tiles scattering beneath her paws. Anubis did his best to scramble after her. A forest appeared at the edge of the town. Leaping off the roof, they raced towards the forest.
"I see you!" Apophis stood in the alleyway below them. Anubis frantically leapt down and pelted after the TundraClan she-cats. Reaching the cover of the trees, they slowed and Leafwind led them to a stream. They waded along it, erasing their scent trail. Moving along, the death god found a strong cat scent. It grew more and more fresh as they drew near the camp.
"We can stay with TundraClan for a few days," mewed Midnight. "Then we'll warn Ra and search for a better territory for our Clan." Leafwind pushed aside some fern fronds with her paw. Cats padded back and forth across the clearing.
"Welcome," she meowed, "To TundraClan."
Chapter Ten
"But it's so... big!" Yamukhun's mew split the air. Cats turned to stare at the newcomers. "Great job," Anubis hissed. "You got the attention of the whole camp. What did you think it would be- five cats?"
"But... DartClan had no elders or many kits!" Yamukhun continued to stare.
"My deputy!" A long-haired white tom with calico patches approached Leafwind, who purred.
"It is good to see you, Lionstar. We met these two by the thunderpath, or as this weird city cat calls it," she flicked her tail at Anubis, "A road. He's Anubis. The other one is Yamukhun. We were chased by Apophis."
"Those old gods are just myths!" snarled Lionstar. "This tom," he motioned toward the death god with his paw, "Is only pretending to be a god!"
"That's what I thought, Lionstar," mewed Midnight, stepping forward. This surprised Anubis- she seemed like the last cat who would stand up for him. "But then he was hit by a monster-" she paused.
"A car," supplied Anubis.
"A car," continued Midnight. "And he got back on his paws after about ten heartbeats. He wasn't even injured. Then this-this dog came and attacked us. Anubis fought it bravely and then it changed into a little cat named Khonsu. He was urging us to warn Ra when... when Apophis came. He sucked the moon god into a crystal and chased us. We had no choice. We had to come here." After he speech, Anubis realised that the mysterious she-cat thought highly of him.
"I will not be lectured by a simple medicine cat!" roared Lionstar.
"You know I'm an atheist," replied Midnight quietly. "What would I gain by lying?"
"Very well," replied Lionstar- he was clearly the Clan leader. "But first, this Anubis will prove himself in a trial only a true god can pass." As the death god looked into the leader's slitted eyes, he realised the tom was going to make sure he would fail.
Chapter Eleven
"The first challenge," Lionstar announced to the eager TundraClan cats, "Is to be held right here, at the Leaderstone. As you know, the Clan Leader has the shard of Stormcaller. This was intended to be used only for traitors or threats, but this calls for the use of the shard." The tom brought forth a sparkling purple stone shard and pressed it to the Leaderstone. He muttered under his breath and Anubis' ears flattened. "What?" asked Yamukhun, looking at the death god with fear in his eyes.
"A curse," murmured Anubis angrily. "He's cursing the rock. It will only last for a short time and will not affect the caster."
"But you'll be okay, right? It is just a curse," the DartClan tom said uncertainly.
"I will," he replied, flicking his tail over his friend's ear. "But if any of you mortals touch this rock... Dead." Yamukhun's eyes widened and he dipped his head. "Stay back," he warned and Lionstar gave him a look of approval.
"Smart tom," he mewed. "Anyone who even comes near this rock will feel the claws of my assassins." Two large burly toms and a small, lithe she-cat formed a circle around the front of the rock, being sure to leave a cat-length of space between them and Leaderstone.
"Come," the TundraClan leader beckoned. Anubis padded over warily, deciding to go past the she-cat. She hissed at him loudly and he jumped back in surprise. He rushed past and stopped just before the rock.
"Go ahead," jeered the burly black assassin.
"Be quiet, Deertail," snarled Lionstar and the tom flattened his ears to turn away. Anubis tentatively reached out a paw and placed it on the rock. He felt the force of the curse and he fell over, his breath stopping for a few heartbeats. He heard the jeer of the TundraClan cats and he forced himself to stand.
"This curse is not fatal until you reach the top, stupid tom," hissed Lionstar. Anubis took a deep breath and bounded up the rock. He reached the top and awaited his fate.
Chapter Twelve
He was standing there for a few heartbeats before he heard Lionstar snarl in frustration.
"How?" he spluttered.
"I told you," replied Anubis. "I'm a god."
"Ha! You expect me to believe that? You are merely a strong mortal. But do not fear; we'll reveal the truth at some point!"
"Lionstar-" attempted Midnight.
"Shut it, medicine cat," he hissed. "I can break this traitor."
"Lionstar, no," Leafwind mewed, stepping forward. "This is no way to earn the trust of your Clanmates. And if you are wrong? You may have just insulted the god of death himself!"
"What would you know?" growled the leader. "You're only my deputy, and I intend for it to stay that way!" The whole of TundraClan seemed to inhale sharply.
"You're no leader!" snarled Yamukhun, making Anubis jump. "In my clan, the leader would be happy to hand over leadership to his or her deputy! They were not power-hungry as you are! They would never defy death!" Lionstar's eyes narrowed.
"Where are you from, ignorant one?" he hissed.
"DartClan," replied Yamukhun proudly. "A member of the Khun family."
"DartClan," spat the long-haired white tom. "A disgrace to the name Clan." Rage welled up inside of the death god as his friend was insulted by the leader. "And the Khun family? I heard the oldest Khun, undoubtedly your weak, feeble old father, is the leader of that Clan of misfits!"
"Stop it!" roared Anubis, taking the camp by surprise. Unable to calm his anger, he advanced on Lionstar. Fear showed in the leader's eyes, but the anger still did not fade.
"I-I didn't mean it," spluttered Lionstar.
"Yes you did!" snarled Anubis, unsheathing his claws. "You belong in the underworld with all the other traitors! Ammit will gladly devour your heart!"
"Lionstar!" The assassin, known as Deertail, called out to his leader. "You only have two lives left! Don't do this!" Ignoring the tom, Anubis lashed out with his claws. He raked the TundraClan leader's chest and a spirit-like ghost arose from Lionstar's chest. The tom let out a wail of anguish as the ninth of his spirit tried to flee for the sky, but was sucked into the ground. Collapsing, the leader yowled angrily.
"Leafwind!" He called, struggling to stand. "You are no longer my deputy! Sharpsky!" A yellow tabby burly tom, one of the assassins, looked up. "You are now-" Anubis slashed Lionstar's chest again. "Deputy!" The life left the traitorous leader and Sharpsky looked astonished. He took a pace forward, then paused. Anubis turned and Sharpsky's ears flattened with fear. The dangerous light had not yet left Anubis' gaze.
"Lead this Clan," meowed Anubis. "Rule not with fear, but with love. Rebuild what this-this traitor-" he kicked Lionstar's body, "Has broken."
"There is no doubt," mewed Sharpsky quietly. "You are Anubis. You are the god of death." Leafwind padded over to Sharpsky and flicked his ear playfully.
"Of course, oh mighty leader!" she meowed.
"Yes, I know that, oh mighty deputy!" he replied. Leafwind looked shocked, but recovered quickly.
"Now, you'll need to travel to Moontree, am I right?"
Chapter Thirteen
"Hello, TundraClan," came a booming voice. A yellow tabby tom padded through the entrance of the TundraClan, his orange eyes flashing.
"Ra," spat Anubis.
"Apophis has been wreaking havoc," Yamukhun put in. "With his crystal-"
"Burnstr," Ra said, nodding. "We need you, Anubis. Come back to where us gods are."
"Wait, wait, wait," Midnight meowed, stepping forward. "He just saved us from Lionstar, and you want him to leave?"
"Well, yes," said Ra.
"Good riddance," muttered Deertail.
"Anubis..." said Yamukhun pleadingly. The death god took a step closer to Ra, then looked at the Clan. Yamukhun looked grief-stricken.
"I will go with Ra," he announced. "But I will return soon." Yamukhun's eyes shone with relief.
"You will need a protector when you return," warned Ra.
"I can handle myself," said Anubis, casting a contempt look at Lionstar's body.
"Not from Apophis," replied the king of the gods.
"Do as he says, Anubis," said Leafwind. "For now."
"Fine," grumbled Anubis. "But I'm not going to like this."
Chapter fourteen
"Bast? Bast will be my protector? I'd rather be captured by Apophis!" Anubis' claws dug into the wet, peaty earth.
"We had no other choice, Anubis," replied Ra. "She is the goddess of cats. Her duties bind her to you. Other gods and goddess'... Let's just say they might, well, renounce their duties to you."
"Oh, join Apophis? What's stopping Bast?" Anubis snorted, turning away.
"She is the goddess of cats, Anubis," snarled Ra, losing his patience. "It ties her to you. She cannot betray you or any cats without betraying what she is the goddess of."
"Right. And that makes total sense," the god of death replied sarcastically.
"You will do this, Anubis! Or you will not be leaving here!" The king of the gods swept his gaze around the camp. "You have to do this, Anubis. You are like a son to me." His gaze softened. "I wouldn't do this if it put you in danger."
"I like danger," snapped Anubis. "My father is the god of evil! My mother is the goddess of rivers! I think I'm ok." He turned away in contempt.
"You are not leaving this camp without Bast!" Ra yowled, loosing his patience. Anubis merely flicked his tail and meowed, "I can do what I like." Ra's claws came out and he lashed at Anubis. His touch was searing and the death god nearly collapsed from a glancing blow.
"Fine!" snapped Anubis. "If you want a fight, you'll get one!"
Chapter Fifteen
"Don't do this," warned Ra, touching his tail-tip to Anubis' shoulder."I'm not about to leave the whole of TundraClan unguarded!"
"Ok," Ra took a slow pace back. "But remember, Bast will be there to help you."
"Like she'll help me," muttered Anubis.
"Do not speak ill of her." Ra's voice took a dangerous tone. How did he hear me? Anubis merely flicked an ear. He turned on his heel and padded towards the camp exit.
"Good luck, son."
"I am no son of yours." Before Ra could reply, Anubis whisked out of camp. Bast was outside and when he stepped into her view, he could see she was forcing to keep her fur flat.
"I see you like to rile up our king," she commented.
"If he is not my blood father, he is not my kin. If he is not my kin, he is not my father," Anubis stated simply. "Now let's go." He stretched a paw towards Bast, who shrank back. Anubis snarled in frustration.
"Come on! I can control my powers now! Plus, I'm the only one who knows where the camp is!" He touched his paw to hers and, in a flash of light, they were gone.
Chapter fifteen
"It's a scratch, for Ra's sake!" Anubis shifted around in discomfort. "It can become infected," replied Midnight indifferently. Leafwind nodded her agreement.
"My brother died from an infected rat bite," put in a new voice. Anubis turned. It was Sharpstar.
"Alright, alright," the death god grumbled. He allowed Midnight to rub in the poltice, not even wincing as the stinging juices seeped in. Yamukhun's face popped around the side of the den.
"Anubis? Bast wants to speak with you."
"Now?" the tom asked moodily.
"Now," confirmed his friend.
"Ugh." Pulling a face, Anubis stood up and padded from the den.
"Come back if the wound starts to hurt again!" Midnight called. Anubis ignored her and padded across the camp, almost instantly tripping over two wrestling kits.
"Sorry!" squeaked the small black kit.
"Yeah, sorry!" put in the brown tabby.
"No harm done," said Anubis, forcing out a gentle tone, aware eyes were on him. Leafwind emerged from the medicine den.
"Ravenkit, Timberkit, come with me. We're going to defend our borders; look, it's a rogue!" She flicked her tail at the elder's den.
"Yay!" cheered Timberkit.
"Let's go, mother," put in Ravenkit. The kits charged off and Leafwind turned to Anubis apologetically.
"They're a handful; doesn't help that their father is the Clan leader." She set off to follow her kits and Anubis finally looked up. He found himself nose-to-nose with Bast.
Fans:
mintedstar/fur
Owlmoon
phantomstar57
(I like it when the 'bad guy' turns out to be the hero.)
