Light and Shadow | Updated 4/26
Mar 31, 2021 9:50:47 GMT -5
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Post by Lightrunner on Mar 31, 2021 9:50:47 GMT -5
Prologue
PART ONE
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
COMING SOON!
Two kits race across the cold, stone floor toward one of the dens. One kit is black, the other silver, their blue eyes flashing with excitement.
"Race you to the elder's den, Moon!" The black one hollers.
"Your on, Mage!" The silver one yells gleefully.
The black one, Mage, darts off with astonishing speed. Moon puts all her energy into her legs, though it isn't enough. When Mage is almost at the mouth of the den, Moon throws herself onto her friend. The two kits tumble through the entrance. Mage shoves Moon off.
"WHAT was that for?" she hisses. Mage's eyes seem to glow with anger. But before Moon can shoot back an answer, a large cat steps between them.
"Do y'all wanna hear a story about the Sun and Moonborns?" Lost Paw asks gently.
Lost Paw is a large brown tabby with kind green eyes. One of her front paws is oddly shaped, like something heavy squashed it, crushing everything inside.
The kit's eyes immediately flash from anger to curiosity and excitement. Lost Flicks lays down in her nest, the kits right in front of her.
"Long ago, there were two tribes. Our tribe and the Sun Tribe. They were led by the fiercest cats in history, said to have the power of stars in their paws. They were called the Moonborn and Sunborn. They used their powers to protect all. But a cat from a place of darkness rose. Everywhere he went, destruction followed. Forests burned to the ground, meadows, and moors became grains of sand. But the tribes' leaders rose up to her and after a fierce battle, we won. But it came at a great price. The Moonborn was struck down. Also, the evil cat's last wish was to disperse the magic in the Sunborn. The magic took the form of three other cats, who made three different tribe. Sub tribes, if you wish. But it is said that the evil cat will rise again and only those two cats, the Moon and Sunborn can stop her."
"But there are no more Moonborns or Sunborns," cried Moon.
"That's where I'm getting. Two cats that hold the blood of all the tribes will be a Moonborn or a Sunborn. They will stop the evil cat when he rises again."
Mage is silent, but her eyes are wide with curiosity. Moon can read her eyes.
Am I Moonborn?
"Race you to the elder's den, Moon!" The black one hollers.
"Your on, Mage!" The silver one yells gleefully.
The black one, Mage, darts off with astonishing speed. Moon puts all her energy into her legs, though it isn't enough. When Mage is almost at the mouth of the den, Moon throws herself onto her friend. The two kits tumble through the entrance. Mage shoves Moon off.
"WHAT was that for?" she hisses. Mage's eyes seem to glow with anger. But before Moon can shoot back an answer, a large cat steps between them.
"Do y'all wanna hear a story about the Sun and Moonborns?" Lost Paw asks gently.
Lost Paw is a large brown tabby with kind green eyes. One of her front paws is oddly shaped, like something heavy squashed it, crushing everything inside.
The kit's eyes immediately flash from anger to curiosity and excitement. Lost Flicks lays down in her nest, the kits right in front of her.
"Long ago, there were two tribes. Our tribe and the Sun Tribe. They were led by the fiercest cats in history, said to have the power of stars in their paws. They were called the Moonborn and Sunborn. They used their powers to protect all. But a cat from a place of darkness rose. Everywhere he went, destruction followed. Forests burned to the ground, meadows, and moors became grains of sand. But the tribes' leaders rose up to her and after a fierce battle, we won. But it came at a great price. The Moonborn was struck down. Also, the evil cat's last wish was to disperse the magic in the Sunborn. The magic took the form of three other cats, who made three different tribe. Sub tribes, if you wish. But it is said that the evil cat will rise again and only those two cats, the Moon and Sunborn can stop her."
"But there are no more Moonborns or Sunborns," cried Moon.
"That's where I'm getting. Two cats that hold the blood of all the tribes will be a Moonborn or a Sunborn. They will stop the evil cat when he rises again."
Mage is silent, but her eyes are wide with curiosity. Moon can read her eyes.
Am I Moonborn?
PART ONE
Chapter One
The rabbit hobbles over a stream then twist its head up, ears pricked. It doesn't sense the threat lurking in the grass. A small black cat pounces on the rabbit, giving it a killing bite. The she-cat grabs it and as she turns to the swampy grounds, a cat with a dark orange pet emerges. His tail is lashing in anger. His amber eyes seem to pin her in place.
"Mage Night! That rabbit is on the Sun Tribe's territory. Put. It. Back." His voice is cold and is filled with venom.
"It was only a few paw steps past the stream, Dark Fire. No one will notice," Mage argues, her blue eyes flashing with anger. Why would anyone assign such a demanding stick in the mud as a mentor? Mage wonders.
Dark Fire opens his crimson wings to make himself bigger, teeth bared. Mage decides the rabbit isn't worth being clawing up for. She drops the rabbit on his paws, hoping some blood would smudge his fur, and runs off.
After catching a few slimy toads and mice, she heads to the Moon Tribe's camp. It is located in a hidden cave where a cliff met the ground. The cave is hidden by several thick vines covering the entrance. After sliding through the vines, she gives her vision a moment to adjust to the darkness. It isn't total darkness; glowing vegetation like moss and mushrooms are everywhere. After a short walk through a tunnel, Mage is in a large cavern. On one side was the warriors and hunters den, the nursery, and the healer's den. On the other are the apprentices and elders den. But in the middle of the distance to the apprentices and elders, a few slabs of stone lead to the Alpha's den.
In a corner, the prey pile is neatly sorted. She drops her toads in one pile and her mice in another. She takes a view of the options laid out. Mice would only make a kit full, frogs are way too slimy for her taste, squirrels and rabbits were a rarity. Some birds were more common, filling, and tasty than the other options. She grabs a thrush and heads to her favorite spot. In the narrow gap behind the nursery and the wall are small ledges of stone that reach up high. Mage jumps onto them until she was almost to the ceiling. She stretches out on a large ledge and nibbles on her thrush.
"There you are!" shouts a gleeful voice by her ear. Mage almost falls off of her ledge.
"Moonrise, shush!" Mage bats her paws on the muzzle of the silver she-cat.
Moonrise was made Huntress two moons ago, but they are still best friends. Moonrise looks like part of the moon and her eyes match Mage's blue ones. Her wings went from the silver fur on her shoulders to white feathers tipped with gray. Some say she looks like a snowy owl. A cat earns her wings when she's assigned her life rank. I have been training for two years. I must be close, Mage thought ruefully.
"Here comes your snake for a mentor," Moonrise teases. As she says it, Dark Fire emerges into the cavern. He seems to be looking for someone or something. He jumps onto the ledges to the alpha's den, entering it. He was probably looking for me. Now, he's reporting me hunting ever so slightly on Sun Tribe territory.
Mage sighs, resting her head on her paws. When will I get my wings?
"Mage Night! That rabbit is on the Sun Tribe's territory. Put. It. Back." His voice is cold and is filled with venom.
"It was only a few paw steps past the stream, Dark Fire. No one will notice," Mage argues, her blue eyes flashing with anger. Why would anyone assign such a demanding stick in the mud as a mentor? Mage wonders.
Dark Fire opens his crimson wings to make himself bigger, teeth bared. Mage decides the rabbit isn't worth being clawing up for. She drops the rabbit on his paws, hoping some blood would smudge his fur, and runs off.
After catching a few slimy toads and mice, she heads to the Moon Tribe's camp. It is located in a hidden cave where a cliff met the ground. The cave is hidden by several thick vines covering the entrance. After sliding through the vines, she gives her vision a moment to adjust to the darkness. It isn't total darkness; glowing vegetation like moss and mushrooms are everywhere. After a short walk through a tunnel, Mage is in a large cavern. On one side was the warriors and hunters den, the nursery, and the healer's den. On the other are the apprentices and elders den. But in the middle of the distance to the apprentices and elders, a few slabs of stone lead to the Alpha's den.
In a corner, the prey pile is neatly sorted. She drops her toads in one pile and her mice in another. She takes a view of the options laid out. Mice would only make a kit full, frogs are way too slimy for her taste, squirrels and rabbits were a rarity. Some birds were more common, filling, and tasty than the other options. She grabs a thrush and heads to her favorite spot. In the narrow gap behind the nursery and the wall are small ledges of stone that reach up high. Mage jumps onto them until she was almost to the ceiling. She stretches out on a large ledge and nibbles on her thrush.
"There you are!" shouts a gleeful voice by her ear. Mage almost falls off of her ledge.
"Moonrise, shush!" Mage bats her paws on the muzzle of the silver she-cat.
Moonrise was made Huntress two moons ago, but they are still best friends. Moonrise looks like part of the moon and her eyes match Mage's blue ones. Her wings went from the silver fur on her shoulders to white feathers tipped with gray. Some say she looks like a snowy owl. A cat earns her wings when she's assigned her life rank. I have been training for two years. I must be close, Mage thought ruefully.
"Here comes your snake for a mentor," Moonrise teases. As she says it, Dark Fire emerges into the cavern. He seems to be looking for someone or something. He jumps onto the ledges to the alpha's den, entering it. He was probably looking for me. Now, he's reporting me hunting ever so slightly on Sun Tribe territory.
Mage sighs, resting her head on her paws. When will I get my wings?
Chapter Two
Mage jerks her head up when she hears wingbeats. Dark Fire's scarlet wings flap their owner up to the ledge. Moonrise moves closer to Mage, spreading her wings protectively over her. As adorable as your gesture is, I can look after myself. You should know that after all those battle practices. Dark Fire lands on the ledge then give Moonrise a glare. Moonrise crosses her eyes, flicks her ears down, and sticks out her tongue. Overall, a rude face to make (and a little silly).
"After you finish your meal, the Alpha wishes to see you," he barks at Mage, his face smug. He leaps off the ledge, gliding down to the Alpha's den.
"He is the worst. I know that you're not the problem. At least, in most cases," Moonrise adds. Mage shoves her off the ledge playfully, only for her to flap up again. Mage eats slowly, nibbling on it until Dark Fire pokes his head out of the den, baring his teeth. She decides she should go before she breaks Dark Fire's patience.
"Got to go. You can have the thrush." Mage nudges the bird to her friend, then heads back down.
When Mage slides into the den, she takes a look at the surroundings. A shallow pool of water is in the center of a relatively large space. Glowing blue and green vines grow from the ceiling, as does glowing moss on the stones near the water. Dark Fire sits by the pool, to the left of the entrance. In front of the pool, farthest from the entrance, was a white cat with pale yellow eyes.
"Alpha." Mage bows her head respectfully.
"Please, call me Spark. Haven't heard my own name for moons. One of the downsides of being Alpha." There was no regret, but a deep sadness in his eyes. If he wasn't so high-ranked, Mage would've given him a comforting nudge or lick.
"Can we get back to our topic?" Dark Fire hisses.
"I think introductions are necessary, son." Spark looks down his muzzle at her mentor. Ahh. That's what is going on here. Mage had been surprised for Dark Fire speaking so rudely to a high-ranked cat. When Mage accidentally wrongly addressed a cat of higher rank than her, out went Dark Fire's claws.
"Well, Mage, your mentor said that you hunted on Sun Tribe's territory.
How far did you go?" The question took her by surprise. Usually, other cats said 'Why did you do it?' or 'Did you notice where the border is?'.
"It was only just past the stream," Mage answers. Spark's gaze turns to his son.
"Dark Fire, don't you think that is worth mentioning? From the way you said it, it sounded like she went into the heart of our enemy's territory. She only went a paw step over the border. In fact, she looks ready for being assigned."
These words leave Dark Fire's gapping like a fish. Obviously, this conversation went quite differently from what he planned. Spark hurries on before the fish-mouthed cat could respond.
"What assignment would you want?" Spark asks.
There are three main assignments: Healer, Hunter, and Warrior. Healers learned about herbs and how to treat cats with them. Huntresses hardly fought and hunted for most of the tribe. Warriors fended enemies away from our lands and hardly hunted. There were a few cats who did mixtures of assignments. The more assignments you took on, the more work, apprentices, and honor.
I need more time. This decision will change my life forever.
"After you finish your meal, the Alpha wishes to see you," he barks at Mage, his face smug. He leaps off the ledge, gliding down to the Alpha's den.
"He is the worst. I know that you're not the problem. At least, in most cases," Moonrise adds. Mage shoves her off the ledge playfully, only for her to flap up again. Mage eats slowly, nibbling on it until Dark Fire pokes his head out of the den, baring his teeth. She decides she should go before she breaks Dark Fire's patience.
"Got to go. You can have the thrush." Mage nudges the bird to her friend, then heads back down.
When Mage slides into the den, she takes a look at the surroundings. A shallow pool of water is in the center of a relatively large space. Glowing blue and green vines grow from the ceiling, as does glowing moss on the stones near the water. Dark Fire sits by the pool, to the left of the entrance. In front of the pool, farthest from the entrance, was a white cat with pale yellow eyes.
"Alpha." Mage bows her head respectfully.
"Please, call me Spark. Haven't heard my own name for moons. One of the downsides of being Alpha." There was no regret, but a deep sadness in his eyes. If he wasn't so high-ranked, Mage would've given him a comforting nudge or lick.
"Can we get back to our topic?" Dark Fire hisses.
"I think introductions are necessary, son." Spark looks down his muzzle at her mentor. Ahh. That's what is going on here. Mage had been surprised for Dark Fire speaking so rudely to a high-ranked cat. When Mage accidentally wrongly addressed a cat of higher rank than her, out went Dark Fire's claws.
"Well, Mage, your mentor said that you hunted on Sun Tribe's territory.
How far did you go?" The question took her by surprise. Usually, other cats said 'Why did you do it?' or 'Did you notice where the border is?'.
"It was only just past the stream," Mage answers. Spark's gaze turns to his son.
"Dark Fire, don't you think that is worth mentioning? From the way you said it, it sounded like she went into the heart of our enemy's territory. She only went a paw step over the border. In fact, she looks ready for being assigned."
These words leave Dark Fire's gapping like a fish. Obviously, this conversation went quite differently from what he planned. Spark hurries on before the fish-mouthed cat could respond.
"What assignment would you want?" Spark asks.
There are three main assignments: Healer, Hunter, and Warrior. Healers learned about herbs and how to treat cats with them. Huntresses hardly fought and hunted for most of the tribe. Warriors fended enemies away from our lands and hardly hunted. There were a few cats who did mixtures of assignments. The more assignments you took on, the more work, apprentices, and honor.
I need more time. This decision will change my life forever.
Chapter Three
"What assignment would you like?" Spark asks. Dark Fire jumps in before Mage could respond.
"You're taking the word of an apprentice over her mentor's!" He snarls. His eyes are filled with hatred as he glares at his father.
"Because I remember what happened with your last apprentice!" Spark yowls furiously. Dark Fire flinched and she saw a look of grief flash over his face before he could right it. What happened to his apprentice? Mage wonders. Spark takes several deep breaths until he speaks.
"You probably need more time to think, Mage." You got that right. "Please leave until your mentor joins you." His voice is strained, yet kind. Mage dips her head, then leaves the den. She heads to her nest in the apprentice den, curling in the soft moss, thinking about the choices laid out for her.
Moonrise swoops in, stumbling in her landing. After regaining her balance, she sits beside Moonrise.
"You shouldn't be here. Your nest is in the hunters' den," Mage murmurs.
"True, but my friend's nest is here. Are you okay? What punishment do you have?" Moonrise asks gently. Mage shifts uncomfortably in her nest as she told her about the meeting.
"Wow! What are you going to choose?" Moonrise asks earnestly when Mage is done.
"Well, Healers sound interesting, but not my thing. I want to defend my tribe, but I like to hunt too. I might take on both."
Moonrise nods in approval, her eyes glimmering with excitement. Then her expression drops.
"But what about the training?" Moonrise asks nervously. Mage had forgotten about the ravine where the Apprentices train to be Warriors. The training could last from a moon to longer than two seasons. Mage looks into Moonrise's deep blue eyes.
"I guess I will have to go," Mage replies somberly. "But we can still spend time together! I will need someone to help teach me how to fly. And I have to wait until Dark Fire leaves the Alpha alone. Besides, I want an answer to a question," Mage adds.
"What question is that?" she asks slyly.
"Remember when I told you about what the Alpha said about Dark Fire's last Apprentice? I wanna figure out that story."
"We should go to Gray Skull. He would probably know."
After a short walk to the elders' den, they went to Gray Skull. Gray Skull is curled up in a nest, his face covered by massive paws. He seems to be asleep, but his head jerks up when they approach. Gray Skull is a massive dark gray tom, but his face was peculiar. A light gray marking covers below his eyes, forehead, and muzzle.
"What are you doing here? Come for another story, perhaps?" the old warrior rasps.
"We heard a rumor about Dark Fire's last apprentice. Could you inform us?" Mage politely asks, sitting in front of his nest. Moonrise joins her, and they wait patiently for him to start.
"A few years back, before you were born, Tigerlily had a mate. Soon she had kits, but only one survived. White Spark, Tigerlily's father, was very protective of that single kit, especially after her mate died in battle." Gray Skull took a deep, shuddering breath, then continued.
"When the kit came of age, he became an Apprentice, his mentor Dark Fire. But Dark Fire became bitter when his sister became General, taking his anger out on the kit. The kit became bitter, rude, and alone. Finally, one day he was here, the next he wasn't. He left because..." Dark Skull's deep voice trailed off, his eyes fixed on something behind them. Mage senses a new presence in the den. Mage twists around to get a view of what or who is behind them. Moonrise's ears flick back, but her eyes betrayed her fierce gaze. They were filled with anxiety. What does he want? Can't I catch a break from him?
Dark Fire is glaring at the two young she-cats.
"You're taking the word of an apprentice over her mentor's!" He snarls. His eyes are filled with hatred as he glares at his father.
"Because I remember what happened with your last apprentice!" Spark yowls furiously. Dark Fire flinched and she saw a look of grief flash over his face before he could right it. What happened to his apprentice? Mage wonders. Spark takes several deep breaths until he speaks.
"You probably need more time to think, Mage." You got that right. "Please leave until your mentor joins you." His voice is strained, yet kind. Mage dips her head, then leaves the den. She heads to her nest in the apprentice den, curling in the soft moss, thinking about the choices laid out for her.
Moonrise swoops in, stumbling in her landing. After regaining her balance, she sits beside Moonrise.
"You shouldn't be here. Your nest is in the hunters' den," Mage murmurs.
"True, but my friend's nest is here. Are you okay? What punishment do you have?" Moonrise asks gently. Mage shifts uncomfortably in her nest as she told her about the meeting.
"Wow! What are you going to choose?" Moonrise asks earnestly when Mage is done.
"Well, Healers sound interesting, but not my thing. I want to defend my tribe, but I like to hunt too. I might take on both."
Moonrise nods in approval, her eyes glimmering with excitement. Then her expression drops.
"But what about the training?" Moonrise asks nervously. Mage had forgotten about the ravine where the Apprentices train to be Warriors. The training could last from a moon to longer than two seasons. Mage looks into Moonrise's deep blue eyes.
"I guess I will have to go," Mage replies somberly. "But we can still spend time together! I will need someone to help teach me how to fly. And I have to wait until Dark Fire leaves the Alpha alone. Besides, I want an answer to a question," Mage adds.
"What question is that?" she asks slyly.
"Remember when I told you about what the Alpha said about Dark Fire's last Apprentice? I wanna figure out that story."
"We should go to Gray Skull. He would probably know."
After a short walk to the elders' den, they went to Gray Skull. Gray Skull is curled up in a nest, his face covered by massive paws. He seems to be asleep, but his head jerks up when they approach. Gray Skull is a massive dark gray tom, but his face was peculiar. A light gray marking covers below his eyes, forehead, and muzzle.
"What are you doing here? Come for another story, perhaps?" the old warrior rasps.
"We heard a rumor about Dark Fire's last apprentice. Could you inform us?" Mage politely asks, sitting in front of his nest. Moonrise joins her, and they wait patiently for him to start.
"A few years back, before you were born, Tigerlily had a mate. Soon she had kits, but only one survived. White Spark, Tigerlily's father, was very protective of that single kit, especially after her mate died in battle." Gray Skull took a deep, shuddering breath, then continued.
"When the kit came of age, he became an Apprentice, his mentor Dark Fire. But Dark Fire became bitter when his sister became General, taking his anger out on the kit. The kit became bitter, rude, and alone. Finally, one day he was here, the next he wasn't. He left because..." Dark Skull's deep voice trailed off, his eyes fixed on something behind them. Mage senses a new presence in the den. Mage twists around to get a view of what or who is behind them. Moonrise's ears flick back, but her eyes betrayed her fierce gaze. They were filled with anxiety. What does he want? Can't I catch a break from him?
Dark Fire is glaring at the two young she-cats.
Chapter Four
"Chatting about mistakes, are we?" His face is expressionless, but his voice is icy. He takes a menacing step toward them. "Well, there is one that you should know," he growls at Mage.
"Dark Fire," Grey Skull warns, but he is ignored. Wow, showing disrespect to an elder. And I thought I could be rude.
"Your mother left the tribe for a rouge with two kits. One was, unfortunately, brought back. Your mother was a traitor," he snarls. At these words, Mage jumps to her feet.
"My mother isn't a traitor!" she yowls. That can't be right. No, no, no! she screams in her head.
"Yes, she was. A dirty, selfish rat who couldn't--"
Mage never knew what he was going to say because she lunged at him. They tumbled out of the den and were sprawled on the open, cold stone. But they're on their feet in an instant. Crowds start to gather around them, but Mage doesn't pay attention to them.
He lunges at her, but she twists away. Before he can turn to her, she lunges at his wings. She bites down, hard, her mouth fills with blood. With a furious yowl, Dark Fire flaps his wings, trying to rise and bat her off at the same time. He manages to shake her off, gathering a little height. With a hiss, she jumps at his chest.
Her claws reach their mark, clinging onto his powerful shoulder blades. She kicks with hindlegs, pummeling his belly with powerful blows. Her claws slice even deeper into his flesh. Dark Fire lets loose a yowl of surprise. She lunges to his neck, her teeth trying to get a hold. Only when she glances down does she realize they are several fox-lengths in the air. If her claws slip away, it would be a very long fall down.
As if they could hear her thoughts, she senses her claws tighten. Dark Fire gasps with pain and tries to push her away. After a few useless tries, he swipes with his claws. Pain explodes from her shoulder, but she doesn't let go.
His head rears back for a bite, but Mage takes this as a chance. Her fangs sink again into his wing, even deeper than before. Mage's shoulder screams with agony as he sinks his teeth into her injured shoulder.
Another hit to the wing, and he goes down! She thought furiously.
With quick speed, she unhooks her paw from Dark Fire's shoulder, delivering a blow to his injured wing. Then, the world seems to fall away.
"Dark Fire," Grey Skull warns, but he is ignored. Wow, showing disrespect to an elder. And I thought I could be rude.
"Your mother left the tribe for a rouge with two kits. One was, unfortunately, brought back. Your mother was a traitor," he snarls. At these words, Mage jumps to her feet.
"My mother isn't a traitor!" she yowls. That can't be right. No, no, no! she screams in her head.
"Yes, she was. A dirty, selfish rat who couldn't--"
Mage never knew what he was going to say because she lunged at him. They tumbled out of the den and were sprawled on the open, cold stone. But they're on their feet in an instant. Crowds start to gather around them, but Mage doesn't pay attention to them.
He lunges at her, but she twists away. Before he can turn to her, she lunges at his wings. She bites down, hard, her mouth fills with blood. With a furious yowl, Dark Fire flaps his wings, trying to rise and bat her off at the same time. He manages to shake her off, gathering a little height. With a hiss, she jumps at his chest.
Her claws reach their mark, clinging onto his powerful shoulder blades. She kicks with hindlegs, pummeling his belly with powerful blows. Her claws slice even deeper into his flesh. Dark Fire lets loose a yowl of surprise. She lunges to his neck, her teeth trying to get a hold. Only when she glances down does she realize they are several fox-lengths in the air. If her claws slip away, it would be a very long fall down.
As if they could hear her thoughts, she senses her claws tighten. Dark Fire gasps with pain and tries to push her away. After a few useless tries, he swipes with his claws. Pain explodes from her shoulder, but she doesn't let go.
His head rears back for a bite, but Mage takes this as a chance. Her fangs sink again into his wing, even deeper than before. Mage's shoulder screams with agony as he sinks his teeth into her injured shoulder.
Another hit to the wing, and he goes down! She thought furiously.
With quick speed, she unhooks her paw from Dark Fire's shoulder, delivering a blow to his injured wing. Then, the world seems to fall away.
Chapter Five
COMING SOON!