Chapter 8

Chapter 8

His deep blue eyes scanned the room, eyeing for intruders. Finding none, he sighed, satisfied. He wanted no one to bother him as he napped. Though, he really never did.

He tried to get up, only for his scaly head to hit the cavernous ceiling. He roared in anger, the earsplitting shriek echoing through the darkness. His claws scraped loudly across the ground, shredding his steak meal into scraps of ripped up meat like nails on a blackboard. “Servant!” He yelled, his deep, loud voice, blaring through the tunnels. He twisted his gigantic tail slightly, accidently smacking it into the wall with a sound like a volcano eruption, as rocks sprayed down from the wall and mice scurried out of the ruins.

“Yes?” The servant squeaked, his expression mortally terrified. “Da- do y-you n-n-need anythu-thing?” He stuttered.

“I need a larger room.” The beast grumbled. The servant quickly nodded, a bit too fast, clambering out of the room in an effort to get out. “Wait.” The beast ordered. The servant came to a saddened halt.

“Wha-what is it you need yo-your highness?”

“A new meal as well.”

“Ye-yes your highness.”

“HOP TO IT!  GET OUT OF HERE ARE BRING ME MY FOOD, YOU LOUSY SERVANT!”

The servant raced out of the room in terror, rushing so quickly he nearly tripped down the creaky staircase leading to the kitchen.

Back down in the cave, looking at the great pile of boulder and crumbling stone that used to be a cave wall. He sighed, staring at his long claws. “I wish I didn’t have such a temper.” He yelled at himself. He walked through the tunnels, his heavy footsteps thundering through the halls like a herd of elephants.

He stopped at a small lake of cool, misty water that was more of a puddle from his height. He stared into his reflection, disgust staining his soulful eyes. “Why do I have to look so terrifying?” He growled to his reflection angrily, his eyes crackling with anger and sadness like a flicking match. In his anger, he , whipped his claws through the water, spraying musty splashes over his scaly back. He backed away from his reflection. “I deserve to live in this disgusting cave.” He thought. “I’m mean and ugly and have a bad temper. I deserve to be so terrible and ugly.” He halted at this thought.

“Wait a moment!” He yelled to himself. His eyes weren’t stained with disgust, now they were stained with darkness. “It is the kingdom’s fault!” He blamed angrily. “They are the ones that keep me so ugly in this dark cave. I wouldn’t have such a temper if they bothered to be kind!” He went along like this for a while, plotting in his mind and shouting out his storm of ideas.

His eyes glowed with hate. “I will do anything.” He sneered. “To get sweet, sweet, revenge…”

Chapter 7

 Chapter 7: A Message From Your Loyal Author

Now, I know what you are thinking. Do not try to deny it. You are likely wondering, "Who is the beast?" and "Why, dear narrator, have you abandoned me throughout this entire confusing tale and have decided to speak now?" 

Well dear reader, your questions will be answered quite soon actually. But for now, we must discuss book matters. I will hereby explain to you, dear reader, what this confusing tale is about.

 It is about two wolves who live in a forest, and are magically chased by random hunters and suddenly, they land in a strange unknown castle where they run after some love-obsessed wolves only to find themselves meeting a five foot tall owl, who decides to dispose of them!

Now now, dear reader, don't give me such a confuzzled expression. I was just, how to you pronounce that phrase? Oh yes, just kidding. Now, don't look annoyed now. A good narrator must always have a good sense of humor, do they not?

Actually, this book is about two wolves who lived in a forest, were chased by hunters, and were saved by dawn wolves. The sister, Whiteclaw, gets a tour from a wolf named Mangopelt, (the guardian of herbs) who transports herself, and accidentally Whiteclaw, to the emerald kingdom, a dawn region. There lives the guardians, who howl the moon into the sky, rule over and guard all the regions with a respected eye, create laws and peace among the regions, and so on. But lately trouble has been stirring... I will leave it at that.

 Now, oh look at the time, I very well must hurry up! I will quickly answer your cluttered pile of questions which you have taken the kindness to put them, not quite that well organized, right upon my delicate china desk which is an antique. You also brought me a glass of tea, probably as a bribe, which you have now spilled.

Wow, I must say, lovely manners. (That, my dear reader, is known as sarcasm.)  Here, let me see. I must shuffle through these questions, one moment please.

 Ok, let me see question number 1: "Who is the beast?" The beast is a giant blue lion, with extraordinary speed, a mind-shattering roar, and severe anger issues. He lives deep in the tunnels, lurking, and patiently waiting for his next victim.

Why, you may ask, is that terrible creature their Welcomer? (yes dear reader, I added a small laugh into my twisted tale. The terrifying, gigantic, mean lion is named, "Welcoming.") Well, he only acts rude if you are not welcomed, or are not a guest. (If you are welcomed, or a guest, he uses kind, polite manners, and usually invites you to a warm cup of tea.) Yet actually, he is very kind. He... sorry, I gave away too much. Next question.

question number 2: "Why dear narrator, have you abandoned me through th-

 Readers these days! I cannot believe you ask me such a rude question like that, when the clear answer is, "I was busy." Next question.

 question number 3: "Can I have that rare diamond ring back?" What rare diamond ring? Oh I see, its right on my table as yet another bribe.

Oh wait, it's gone. I am not suprised.

question number 4: Sorry for spilling the milk. It was an accident. -quiet laughs and chuckles erupt nearby- Wait a moment, I hear something... Oh get over here! I know your hiding!

Oh, how wonderful. All my important questions are now drenched in apple juice. Whichever selfish children who did this are quite rude. Now the only questions left are... (Picks up question) question number 5: That was an accident too. Oh I've had it! Goodbye, and please enjoy the rest of the book.

                 -Mr.Loyal Author, or by my unformal name, "Joe, that guy who writes those crazy stories."

Chapter 6

                                    Chapter 6 

Gasps echoed through the room. “Shadestorm.” Lakestar growled. “I told you that you’d marry Dawnstripe to unite the two kingdoms!”

“Well it’s just…” Shadestorm struggled to find a way to say how he felt, knowing that if he shared his feelings Lakestar wouldn’t understand. Finally he forced himself to quickly say, “I don’t love her.”

A trickle of understanding swept across Lakestar’s face, yet he pushed it away. “I understand she isn’t what YOU may want.” He growled. “But it is not about what YOU want. It is about what the KINGDOM wants.” He realized his tone was a bit harsh, yet it was too late to take back his words.

“But…” Shadestorm stumbled half-heartedly, knowing he had lost this argument. “Me and Whistlewind are meant for each other.”

Lakestar sighed. “You may love each other, but that doesn’t change anything. Dawnstripe is coming tomorrow for your wedding.”

Shadestorm looked depressed. “No! But you can’t.” His voice got softer, the depression of the moment sinking in.

Whistlewind looked at the floor, ashamed of herself. Shadestorm looked into her eyes, drinking in the sight of his love before they were separated. “Don’t be ashamed.” Shadestorm murmured to her. “It’s my fault.” He frowned at the ground, his tail sweeping with shame and disappointment.

“It seems that that matter is settled.” Lakestar announced. The other wolves chattered and whispered excitedly at the newfound drama, quieting down at Lakestar’s warning glare. “It is time we settled down for the night.” He barked. “Sunstreak, please show Whiteclaw to her guest room.”

The two worried wolves hurried out of the room, grateful for the privacy their room allowed.
“Follow me.” Sunstreak whispered. They padded up the creaky wooden steps, the moonlight pouring shadows across the dozens upon dozens of marble corridors.

Finally, right before Whiteclaw collapsed with effort, they reached the top floor. Whiteclaw was led into a giant bedroom, with red jadestone columns and famous paintings and portraits of royalty from long ago. A fluffy rug rested on the wooden floor, made of red mouse fur and rare tropical feathers.

But that was nothing compared to the bed. It’s posts towered over the room, and it had a small balcony above it, like a bunk bed. The top bunk was more of a den, with posters and photos crowding the walls and small patches of moss for relaxing in. Ink dripped from a feathered-purple pen lying on the floor, unlike anything Whiteclaw had seen before. Bones, sticks, and hibiscus flowers lay in neat piles, next to the patches of moss.

“Your room is…” Whiteclaw struggled to find the right word. Amazing? Fantastic? Terrific? “Breath-taking.” Whiteclaw breathed.

“This is your bed.” Sunstreak padded over to a second bed, almost as magnificent as the first.

Suddenly, Shadestorm raced in, huffing and puffing and gasping for breath. "I'm leaving." He explained.

"What!" Sunstreak exclaimed. "But... you can't."

"Yes I can." Shadestorm replied sadly, pausing to glance back at his mate. "I don't love-"

"Yes yes I know." Sunstreak cut in angrily. "You don't love Dawnstripe."

"I'm sorry." Shadestorm murmured. Sunstreak wanted to convince him to stay, but his eyes looked determined.

"You can't leave me here alone!" Sunstreak cried. "So much..." Responsiblity. Chores. Your the only one who understands me!" She corrected herself when seeing Whiteclaw's annoyed expression. "You, and Whiteclaw are the only ones who understand me."

"I'm leaving now,"Shadestorm stated.

"But but..." Sunstreak stumbled. "Where will you go?" She knew she had lost this argument, but it wasn't terrible to keep trying.

"We'll be going to Tropical Rock." Shadestorm replied. "We'll stay near the Misty Mines, with the Wolf Tribe  that lives there."

"I'll miss you so much." Sunstreak said wistfully, walking forward to touch noses with her brother. "Goodbye." Whistlewind and Shadestorm said their goodbyes, promising to write to them, and left. Whiteclaw had a lot of questions, and hardly waited before jumping into what she wanted to say.

"You let them leave, just like that?" She roared. "Tropical Rock doesn't even have messengers to pass hieroglyphs back and forth! They all get eaten by snakes! And I can't even read hieroglyphs..."

"Quiet!" Sunstreak warned, growling to empathize her angry words. "I have a plan."

"Oh." Whiteclaw murmured. "What is it?"

"We follow them." Sunstreak planned. "Follow me." She crept into the mud path hallway, not even waiting for a response.

Whiteclaw stalked behind her, cringing as the wood creaked on the staircase. It was late, and surely they would be punished for being up and about at this time.

Soon they drifted outside, taking in the fresh autumn air. The crackling leaves swayed in the breeze, glowing blue by the deep moonlight being poured down like spilt milk.

Soon they spotted Whistlewind and Shadestorm walking in the distance, their tails curled around each other's. "Wow." Whiteclaw breathed, her eyes sparkling. "I've never seen two wolves so much in love."

"Wait a moment." Sunstreak realized. "Where did Mudfoot go?" Her eyes glanced at a second shadow walking by the two love-dazed wolves. It was attached to a yellow-brown cat, and Sunstreak  instantly recognized the sandy brown ripped tail. "It's Mudfoot." She whispered. "He must've sneaked out with them after they visited us."

They continued to follow the runaway wolves, taking quick breaks to catch a squirrel or two. Soon the sun rose up into the sky, warming the dark green grass shoots popping up from the forest floor. Suddenly, five foot tall flowers started growing from the ground, and in a few minutes their petals brushed against the sky. Sparkling vines wrapped themselves around the tall tree trunks too. "This must be the Enchanted Forest!" Whiteclaw leapt through the tall grass, until her eyes drooped. 

"I'm exhausted." Grumbled Sunstreak. "We've been following them all night."

"But what if they get ahead of us?" Whiteclaw wondered. "Then we'd never find them!"

"Wait a moment... I think I remember my father talking about air travel here..." Suddenly a dark shadow passed over the two friends. They gasped, peeking up into the sky, their eyes straining to spot the strange creature. They nearly fainted when a five-foot tall barn owl swept over, folding his wings down and ruffling his tired feathers. 

"Hello." He greeted warmly.

"He-hello." Whiteclaw stumbled. "Who are you?" 

"A messenger owl of the Tropical Rock Tribe." The owl proudly quoted, as if he had been practicing that line and repeating it over and over just for an occasion such as this one.

"Do you know where my brother is?" Sunstreak cut in.

"Actually." The owl hooted. "I was looking for him too." He pecked at his feathers worriedly, his beak curling into an expression of single-minded commitment. "I must find him." The owl hooted again, his eyes practically burning with determinedness. 

"Your... looking for him?" Sunstreak asked, confused.

"Why yes, of course. I was sent here on a quest to find him. He sent a message to the tribe, telling them he would be there. I need to tell him that they don't have Oak Stamp mail service."

"And..." He added, his determined, yet worried eyes showing that his message was not only about mail service. 

He paused briefly to collect his thoughts. He seemed reluctant to tell them, his eyes finally giving in to Sunstreak and Whiteclaw's expectant faces.

"I need to tell him that..." He leaned in closer, his eyes searching for anyone nearby that could hear. 

"Just tell us already!" Sunstreak snapped impatiently.

 "There was a flood in Tropical Rock. The main entrance has an enchantment, so you have no idea there is a flood in the main chamber, until you walk in. The Welcomer twists the knob to lower his raft, and if you are an unwanted or uninvited guest he will not let you in." The owl blabbered on.

"But isn't Shadestorm a guest? And if he isn't, can't they tell The Welcomer to let him in?" Sunstreak asked.

"The Welcomer isn't an owl or wolf. Hes..." The owl gulped. "He's the Beast."

Chapter 5

                                   Chapter 5

“Now.” Lakestar announced. “Where were you?” There was another tone in his voice, with a hint of worry, yet barely recognizable.

“We- w-we were…” Sunstreak stumbled with her words. Lakestar flicked his tail with impatience, expecting an answer to his question.

“We just decided to take a break out in the meadow.” Whiteclaw blurted out.

                  “I see...” Lakestar replied. His icy gaze drifted over Whiteclaw, checking for a small hint of lying. Whiteclaw didn’t know why, but Lakestar’s icy stare seemed to have another emotion, hidden deeper in Lakestar’s memory-filled eyes. “Sunstreak.” He stated. “I already told you today you would be having your lessons.”

By looking at Sunstreak’s guilty expression, Whiteclaw could tell she had forgotten.

                  “Now we will discuss these matters later.” He announced. “For now, follow me. We have something else to discuss.”

He led them into the castle, and Whiteclaw couldn’t help but admiring the green jade and ruby overflowing from chests. She padded after Lakestar, sharing a worried glance with Sunstreak. They stopped at the throne, nodding to the group of gathering wolves.

Lakestar started. “Shadestorm is arriving to-“ Suddenly, a grinning black wolf with wispy black fur and green eyes as sparkly as jade trotted through the doorway.

“I decided to leave a bit early.” The wolf, named Shadestorm, explained.

                  “Hello Shadestorm.” Lakestar greeted, his icy gaze filling with warmth and pleasant surprise.

                  “I missed you.” Shadestorm said, padding over to his father. His throat rumbled with pleasure as they touched noses. “Hello Sunstreak.” Sunstreak touched noses with her older brother, her expression breaking into a grin. He whispered into Sunstreak’s ear, as if sharing secret, and Sunstreak cracked up to his comment. Whiteclaw had just met this black wolf , yet she already liked him if he could turn a worried Sunstreak into a laughing one.

                  “How did your journey go?” Foxtail asked.

                  “Wonderful.” Shadestorm replied. “And I brought a few friends along.” Two wolves walked in, one with shaggy silver and dark gray fur, with intelligent blue eyes and her witty smile. The other one came in more reluctantly, slowly creeping into the room with his yellow eyes troubled. He had light brown fur, and a broken tail. “These are Mudfoot and Whistlewind.” Shadestorm introduced.                              

Whistlewind smiled, but Mudfoot just mumbled “Hi.” while looking at the floor. Whiteclaw could tell he was shy.

                  “I met them at Frozen Valley.” Whiteclaw shivered at just the thought of the valley’s freezing weather.

                  “My family was hurt in a snowstorm,” Whistlewind said. “They were too weak from their wounds to travel, but I told them I’d go with Shadestorm. I promised to not get hurt, since they’d probably expect me to fall off a bridge or something else drastic.” Shadestorm smiled at Whistlewind, and his tail curled around hers. He winked at her.

                  “Dad.” Shadestorm started. “I have something else to tell you…” He dragged on, waiting a few silent seconds to continue. “Me and Whistlewind are mates.”

Chapter 4

                                    Chapter 4 

Sunstreak leaped through the long grass blades, laughing and rolling around in the late spring green. Beams of bright sunlight glazed her golden fur. She was about to pounce on a rabbit, when she heard the soft patter of pawsteps approaching.

 “Who are you?” She growled, her fur bristling. She leaped onto the stranger’s white fur, her claws hanging on tight, and her sharp fangs sinking into the light coat. The stranger leaped up, scraping Sunstreak’s underbelly with sharp claws. Sunstreak backed away, and spat out the foul white fur sickening her taste buds.

                  “Who are you?” She asked again. She got no answer. She gripped the attacker’s ear, twisting it with her claw. The two cats turned into a writhing mass of fur and fangs. Finally they both lay down, exhausted but still glaring with anger.

                  “Its me.” Whiteclaw barked through clenched teeth. “Whiteclaw.”

                  “Whiteclaw?” Sunstreak repeated.

                  Whiteclaw nodded. “I just joined the Dawn Forest wolves and Mangopelt accidently transported me here.”

                  Sunstreak sighed. “Soon, I’ll be expected to rule over all of the regions.”

                  “But won’t it be grand being a leader?” Whiteclaw replied. “Oh, I see. It’s a lot of responsibility.”

Sunstreak’s eyes misted with tears. “Sometimes I just feel like taking a break from all the training and having days like these.” Sunstreak flipped onto her back next to Whiteclaw.

The morning drifted by as the two cats watched the trees rustle in the hazy wind. They talked more, smiling and frowning and laughing together. Even after their unpleasant first meeting,

Sunstreak considered this strange cat to be her friend.  She could tell her anything, and Whiteclaw had a kind empathy that helped Sunstreak feel better.

 Soon Sunstreak felt her responsibilities drifting away from her mind, and she actually seemed to be enjoying herself.

They padded through the sunny day, climbing great oaks that cast long shadows over the earth, and dreaming and laughing and running after each other. Sunstreak gave Whiteclaw a tour, explaining every shadowy corner, sunny field, lake, castle, great oak, or even patch of dirt they saw. Sunstreak had a story for everything. “This is the tree where me and Shadepaw invented leaf pie.” She chuckled at the memory. “I still remember taking the first bite.” Seeing Whiteclaw’s puzzled expression, she quickly explained that Shadepaw, now Shadestorm, was her brother, who had been sent to a different region for his first quest.

 “I understand how you feel.” Whiteclaw replied. “Silverkit is still in the dawn forest. He’ll probably make me write a novel about my adventures here.”

Soon the cheerful day was drawing to an end, and the two young wolves took a quick splash in a pond. “Its called Holsy Pond.” Sunstreak looked wistfully at the great body of water, memories flooding into her mind. She quickly pushed them away, and let herself take in the warm, soothing scents drifting from the great body of  water.

“I think we should be heading back.” Whiteclaw said, shaking the water of her snowy coat. Sunstreak agreed.

“Follow me.” She instructed. “I have a quick way to get back to the castle.” After trudging threw mud and puddles and treaching over large boulders, they arrived. Their cheerfulness quickly drained away as they spotted Lakestar sitting at the entrance, with a stern expression and a tail twitching with anger. They knew right away, trouble was coming.

Chapter 3

                                 Chapter 3

Shadows poured through the sunny glade. Tumbledown castles lay, in ruins, and smooth pebbles littered the landscape. A large blue lake lay in the middle of a grassy clearing, lined with rustling sticky pines. A tall mountain towered over the lake proudly, poking its pointy tip into the sky.

 Mangopelt flicked her tail, and they were bathed in sunlight. There was a loud clack, and a green castle replaced the lake.

Whiteclaw gasped at the shimmering emerald castle towering in front of her. It was decorated with green vines, and lined with clover. Castle servants poured out of the doors, in a tumbling tornado of clattering dishes (emerald) and (emerald) plates. She peered closer, realizing the servants were mice!

She followed Mangopelt inside, and gasped again. It was even better inside!

The walls were a deep, clear emerald and rubys and diamonds sparkled in emerald chests lined with pine needles. Murals lined the walls, showing dashing forests and sunny glades that looked as if they came from a dream.

There were even more servants inside, sweeping and hurrying about with all kinds of treasures. There long, pink tails dragged across the floor. Most of them were clustering around the green throne in the middle of the room, nodding to orders and then disappearing into the growing crowd.

A wolf sat atop the high throne, smiling proudly and announcing orders. A smaller throne stood cowering next to it, with a smaller wolf sitting atop it.

Mangopelt drifted by the emerald pillars and treasures of the room as if they were small specks of dust, only looking at the king’s waiting expression. Whiteclaw hurried after Mangopelt, struggling to not get lost in the crowd. She spotted Mangopelt chatting with the king. “So how is the Dawn region doing?” The king asked.

 “Wonderful.” Mangopelt replied. “The food is plentiful this year.”

The king nodded from his throne. He motioned for the smaller wolf to come closer. “This is Sunstreak, the next Guardian.” He announced.

“I can tell you’ll grow up to be a wonderful guardian.” Mangopelt praised.

Sunstreak blushed. “Thank-you.” She replied, smiling.

A third wolf, who had been near the wall, leapt to his feet. He carefully walked around the crowd, padding towards the taller throne. “Hello Sunstreak, Lakestar, Mangopelt.” He greeted. He had a noticeably long and furry tail, splattered with white at the tip.

“What is a guardian?” Whiteclaw murmured.

                 

Suddenly a loud crash interrupted her thoughts. Three dishes clattered to the floor, spraying water over a scrawny mouse’s fur. It let out a squeal of fear, and scurried into the closet.

                 

Whiteclaw twisted her ear back to the confusing conversation, listening intently. “Why, I think I spot a white tail over there.” Lakestar’s expression shifted from a smile to a puzzled frown. “It isn’t a mouse…” He dragged on. He crept closer to Whiteclaw. Whiteclaw shifted her tail down, but it was too late. “Who are you?” Lakestar frowned, his icy blue eyes staring into Whiteclaw’s green.

 “Whi-Whiteclaw.” She stuttered when realizing he was a leader, and felt uncomfortable in his presence.

          “Mangopelt, I thought you said you’d stop bringing in cats from different regions.” He calmly ordered to Mangopelt.

Mangopelt sighed. “Its been happening quite a lot.” Mangopelt’s gaze shifted towards the smaller throne, her mouth open to ask a question. She quickly changed her mind, her expression shocked. “Sun… Sunstreak is gone!”