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The Great Flood - Legends (pt 1)
General | Posted 3 years ago“There’s no one…” Night started to say, but stopped when a figure emerged from the glowing shadows.
A beauteous, regal wildcat with a glistening coat of varying shades of brown, white, and dark stripes stepped into the dim light of the chamber. As impressive as her ethereal beauty, was her exceptional height. Though nowhere near as tall as the wolf or the lioness, her great stature still allowed her to tower well above the common villagers of Calico City. Even in the din of the enclosure, her eyes shone bright green and were as vibrant as fresh leaves sprouting on a tree awakening from the chill of the season of cold. She smiled at the approaching family with a warmth that seemed to capture the very warmth of the sun.
“Welcome.” she greeted, sweetly. “I was expecting you.”
“You were?” Kit asked, innocently. “How did you know we were coming?”
She smiled at the boy and answered. “I sensed your brother’s presence. You have all come a very long way. I thank you all for coming to help the people of this land. The healing of these precious souls has been able to progress greatly, thanks to your help.”
“Oh,” Mhina began, “actually, Night has been the one here helping the children. We just came to visit him.”
“Yes, I know.” the woman replied. “He has been helping to heal the little ones on this island and you, his family, came to help relieve him. This has been an arduous task for you all. You have been without your husband, father, and brother, while he has been without all of you. This has not been easy for any of you, that is why I must offer my thanks to you all for the sacrifices you have made in being here.”
“Oh…I see.” Mhina said, softly, as she watched Shade slide off of his brother’s back. “Shade, honey, are you alright?”
His eyes were wide, but trepidation no longer filled them. Instead, his eyes were filled with what could only be described as…awe. Deftly, he nodded his head. “There’s…no one here.” he whispered.
A beauteous, regal wildcat with a glistening coat of varying shades of brown, white, and dark stripes stepped into the dim light of the chamber. As impressive as her ethereal beauty, was her exceptional height. Though nowhere near as tall as the wolf or the lioness, her great stature still allowed her to tower well above the common villagers of Calico City. Even in the din of the enclosure, her eyes shone bright green and were as vibrant as fresh leaves sprouting on a tree awakening from the chill of the season of cold. She smiled at the approaching family with a warmth that seemed to capture the very warmth of the sun.
“Welcome.” she greeted, sweetly. “I was expecting you.”
“You were?” Kit asked, innocently. “How did you know we were coming?”
She smiled at the boy and answered. “I sensed your brother’s presence. You have all come a very long way. I thank you all for coming to help the people of this land. The healing of these precious souls has been able to progress greatly, thanks to your help.”
“Oh,” Mhina began, “actually, Night has been the one here helping the children. We just came to visit him.”
“Yes, I know.” the woman replied. “He has been helping to heal the little ones on this island and you, his family, came to help relieve him. This has been an arduous task for you all. You have been without your husband, father, and brother, while he has been without all of you. This has not been easy for any of you, that is why I must offer my thanks to you all for the sacrifices you have made in being here.”
“Oh…I see.” Mhina said, softly, as she watched Shade slide off of his brother’s back. “Shade, honey, are you alright?”
His eyes were wide, but trepidation no longer filled them. Instead, his eyes were filled with what could only be described as…awe. Deftly, he nodded his head. “There’s…no one here.” he whispered.
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General | Posted 3 years agoHe smiled and kissed his brother’s head, once more. “I’ll be fine. Just seeing you all for the first time in weeks is enough for me. We’ll go to the temple and see about getting you some help from the priest. They will be able to calm the spirits around you enough so that you can sleep without them overwhelming you. While you’re resting, I’ll spend some time with your mother and your brothers and recalibrate my emotional compass, so don’t worry.”
“…okay.” he sniffled, nuzzling his sibling’s chest.
He was still anxious and the voices were still bellowing inside his head, but being with his brother who was now his father-figure, Shade felt just a little less distraught. He was tired, but was nowhere near having the ability to actually sleep. Sleep sounded like a distant memory, a thing he used to do in a forgotten past. For the majority of their trip, he was able to exist in a comfortable placidness. But, as the ferry began to approach the island of Calico, the presences of the dead began to draw toward him. It was as though their souls were attracted to his aura, like a moth to a flame. It had been hours since he was unburdened with the crippling weight of his restlessness and he was utterly exhausted. For him, sleep sounded like euphoria.
Once he was feeling moderately stable, Night lifted him onto his back and carried him off the ship. They rendezvoused with the others and found that Cherry and Tahir had taken the children away to give the family a bit of much needed privacy. Only Tange remained behind. She stayed with them so that she could lead the way to the temple in the forest. The family rallied behind their son and brother, giving him all the reassurance they had to offer. He took heart in their love for him and tried to let it be a blanket of relief, but to little avail. Even so, he was grateful that he had a loving family that cared for him as much as they did. He knew he was truly blessed.
They reached the Forest Temple with haste and the very moment they set foot within its hallowed confines, the weight that was crushing Shade’s young spirit was instantly lifted. There was silence, for the first time in hours, his mind was at peace. All of the voices had become quiet and the only thoughts that filled his soul were his own. He raised his head from his brother’s shoulders and looked around in amazement and confusion.
“Hmm?” Night murmured, glancing over his shoulder at his suddenly alert younger brother. “Shade, what’s wrong?”
“…there…there’s no one here.” he whispered.
“…okay.” he sniffled, nuzzling his sibling’s chest.
He was still anxious and the voices were still bellowing inside his head, but being with his brother who was now his father-figure, Shade felt just a little less distraught. He was tired, but was nowhere near having the ability to actually sleep. Sleep sounded like a distant memory, a thing he used to do in a forgotten past. For the majority of their trip, he was able to exist in a comfortable placidness. But, as the ferry began to approach the island of Calico, the presences of the dead began to draw toward him. It was as though their souls were attracted to his aura, like a moth to a flame. It had been hours since he was unburdened with the crippling weight of his restlessness and he was utterly exhausted. For him, sleep sounded like euphoria.
Once he was feeling moderately stable, Night lifted him onto his back and carried him off the ship. They rendezvoused with the others and found that Cherry and Tahir had taken the children away to give the family a bit of much needed privacy. Only Tange remained behind. She stayed with them so that she could lead the way to the temple in the forest. The family rallied behind their son and brother, giving him all the reassurance they had to offer. He took heart in their love for him and tried to let it be a blanket of relief, but to little avail. Even so, he was grateful that he had a loving family that cared for him as much as they did. He knew he was truly blessed.
They reached the Forest Temple with haste and the very moment they set foot within its hallowed confines, the weight that was crushing Shade’s young spirit was instantly lifted. There was silence, for the first time in hours, his mind was at peace. All of the voices had become quiet and the only thoughts that filled his soul were his own. He raised his head from his brother’s shoulders and looked around in amazement and confusion.
“Hmm?” Night murmured, glancing over his shoulder at his suddenly alert younger brother. “Shade, what’s wrong?”
“…there…there’s no one here.” he whispered.
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General | Posted 3 years agoPatiently, Night wiped the tears pouring down his brother’s young face. “Shade, honey, people suffer through loss all of the time, but they have to learn how to cope with their grief and move passed it. They can go on to live happy, fulfilled lives once they learn the coping skills to be able to overcome their sadness. You don’t have to do this. People can find closure, it just takes time. Leave this to me, alright? This is what I was trained to do. Just like my patients have to learn how to adjust, I had to learn how to teach them to be able to do it.
“Your gift is amazing, but right now, it’s too much for you to handle, especially after a disaster like this. You’re still very, very young. Even shamans that have spent decades honing their ability would find this a daunting situation. You’re doing your best, but it’s important for all of us to know our limitations. I realized what mine was after spending a few weeks here.
“I really wanted to help these children, but I was quickly approaching my emotional limit. When you help assuage the suffering of others, you take in a little of the pain you help others expunge. After going through a tragedy that left so many little ones without the safety and shelter of their families in such a short amount of time, their misery was multiplied by the grief of the other children around them. I knew that this was a far greater intake of pain than I could manage on my own. It was starting to wear me down and I knew I couldn’t keep giving it my all if I kept trying to do it by myself. I needed help, so I sent for your mother. I realized that I couldn’t keep supporting these children without having someone to support me, and that’s fine. I want to help others, but I also know that I can’t help anyone if I’m drowning under the weight of my own struggles. That’s why I want you to go away from this place. I want you to go somewhere that you can be safe and where you can rest. You don’t have to deal with this and I don’t want you to think that you have to. Let me handle this, alright?”
The younger, empathic wolf sniffled and sobbed, but nodded his head.
“That’s better.” Night said, kissing the top of his brother’s head. “I’ll talk to Dr. Cherry and ask her opinion on what’s an ideal island for you to visit and I’ll send you, your mother, and your brothers off on the first ferry to have a little vacation there.”
Shade nodded his head once more, but stopped mid nod as a thought came to him. He looked up at his brother with wide, weary eyes and said, “But, you said that you were at your limit and that’s why you sent for Mama. But, if you send Mama away, you’ll be alone, again. You’ll be beyond your limit."
“Your gift is amazing, but right now, it’s too much for you to handle, especially after a disaster like this. You’re still very, very young. Even shamans that have spent decades honing their ability would find this a daunting situation. You’re doing your best, but it’s important for all of us to know our limitations. I realized what mine was after spending a few weeks here.
“I really wanted to help these children, but I was quickly approaching my emotional limit. When you help assuage the suffering of others, you take in a little of the pain you help others expunge. After going through a tragedy that left so many little ones without the safety and shelter of their families in such a short amount of time, their misery was multiplied by the grief of the other children around them. I knew that this was a far greater intake of pain than I could manage on my own. It was starting to wear me down and I knew I couldn’t keep giving it my all if I kept trying to do it by myself. I needed help, so I sent for your mother. I realized that I couldn’t keep supporting these children without having someone to support me, and that’s fine. I want to help others, but I also know that I can’t help anyone if I’m drowning under the weight of my own struggles. That’s why I want you to go away from this place. I want you to go somewhere that you can be safe and where you can rest. You don’t have to deal with this and I don’t want you to think that you have to. Let me handle this, alright?”
The younger, empathic wolf sniffled and sobbed, but nodded his head.
“That’s better.” Night said, kissing the top of his brother’s head. “I’ll talk to Dr. Cherry and ask her opinion on what’s an ideal island for you to visit and I’ll send you, your mother, and your brothers off on the first ferry to have a little vacation there.”
Shade nodded his head once more, but stopped mid nod as a thought came to him. He looked up at his brother with wide, weary eyes and said, “But, you said that you were at your limit and that’s why you sent for Mama. But, if you send Mama away, you’ll be alone, again. You’ll be beyond your limit."
The Great Flood - Healing (pt 14)
General | Posted 3 years agoAs soon as the room had been emptied of all but the two brothers, Shade turned to his older sibling and threw his arms around him. He held onto him as tightly as he could and felt a transcended feeling of safety. The voices still cried out loudly around him, but listening to the sound of his brother’s heartbeat began to set his young spirit at ease. Night held him closely and nuzzled him, affectionately. Like Tod, he couldn’t begin to understand what Shade was experiencing, but he wanted to help him through it. Seeing him so incredibly disturbed was something he could not stand idly by and do nothing. Even if he couldn’t completely eliminate his torture, he could still help to relieve his stress, even if it was just a little bit.
“Shade, you didn’t have to come here.” he said, gently stroking his abundant, straight, black hair. “I know this has to be so hard for you. I’m going to take you to the Forest Temple for tonight, but tomorrow, I want you and your mother to go to one of the nearby islands. You can rest and relax there without having to deal with all of this.”
“…but, you were here all by yourself.” the boy whimpered. “You have to help all these people, all by yourself. I know this was hard for you, too.”
“Oh, Shade…” he sighed, holding him a little closer. “I wasn’t born with your gift. I can’t feel the pain and regrets of the dead the way you can. This may have been difficult for me, but it’s nothing compared to the mental and emotional hardship you’re going through right now. I’d never want you to be in this much pain for my own sake. I’ll be fine. It means enough to me that you wanted to be here, but I want you to leave this place. I can’t stand seeing you like this and I know I’m not the only one. Your mother and your brothers, no one wants to see you suffering like this.”
“But…I can help.” he sobbed. “Just like with that girl, I can help them so you don’t have to do so much.”
“Shade, you didn’t have to come here.” he said, gently stroking his abundant, straight, black hair. “I know this has to be so hard for you. I’m going to take you to the Forest Temple for tonight, but tomorrow, I want you and your mother to go to one of the nearby islands. You can rest and relax there without having to deal with all of this.”
“…but, you were here all by yourself.” the boy whimpered. “You have to help all these people, all by yourself. I know this was hard for you, too.”
“Oh, Shade…” he sighed, holding him a little closer. “I wasn’t born with your gift. I can’t feel the pain and regrets of the dead the way you can. This may have been difficult for me, but it’s nothing compared to the mental and emotional hardship you’re going through right now. I’d never want you to be in this much pain for my own sake. I’ll be fine. It means enough to me that you wanted to be here, but I want you to leave this place. I can’t stand seeing you like this and I know I’m not the only one. Your mother and your brothers, no one wants to see you suffering like this.”
“But…I can help.” he sobbed. “Just like with that girl, I can help them so you don’t have to do so much.”
The Great Flood - Healing (pt 13)
General | Posted 3 years agoShe had been so absorbed in her spiritual communion session that she hadn’t noticed that the other children had found her and the mystic wolf child. They had listened to the boy and had also noticed the supernatural illumination to his already shimmering green eyes. When the glow faded, they couldn’t believe what they had just witnessed and immediately tried to gain his attention so that they could be the next to seek out the souls of their beloved dead. But, before they could barrage him with their urgent communal requests, Night raised his hands and ushered them into silence.
“Children, listen,” he said, firmly, “my brother has just arrived here. It is nearly a six day voyage from Adohi and he and the rest of the family are very tired. On top of the long journey, he has to endure the overwhelming burden of being assailed by the innumerable amount of spirits that are still lingering here because of the many lives that were just recently lost. I know you all want answers to questions you have about your families and I know you are hoping to find those answers in him. But, you must consider his needs, too and right now he needs to rest. Do you understand?”
Obediently, the forlorn children nodded their heads. Their hearts ached and there was so much they wanted to know, but even in their grief, they could see that the young wolf was in pain. His pain was not akin to their own, but in a way, it seemed somehow worse. They wanted to see their loved ones, but it wasn’t as though this boy could pick and choose who he wanted to see. Night had already mentioned that his brother was unquestionably going to be overwhelmed by the despairing environment and clearly, he was right. The boy was on the verge of shattering. This wasn’t fair to him. They had no desire to hurt him, they just wanted to end their own pain. But, their desire to end their own suffering was adding to the already existing suffering of a child with an extraordinary, yet uncontrollable power. Just as they were hurting, he was hurting as well.
“Thank you.” Night said, gently patting his brother’s back. “I need to be with my brother for a bit, so I want all of you to go back to the beach with Dr. Cherry and Dr. Tahir.” he said, nodding at the pair of doctors that were standing in the doorway. “I’ll be back in a while, but I need to take care of Shade. So, go ahead and listen to the doctors, okay?”
“Okay.” the children moaned, then turned and started to leave the crowded confines of the cabin.
Night sighed with considerable relief. “Tod, honey, you go ahead, too.” he said to the mildly rattled lion cub. “Your mother and your brothers are out there and probably wondering what’s been going on. Can you let them know what’s happened?”
Sadly, Tod nodded and started to get up. He looked at his emotionally detached sibling and hugged him, tightly. He couldn’t understand what he was going through and he didn’t have to. Someone he loved was deeply upset and he wanted to do something, no matter how small, to help him. Having done all that he knew what to do, he rose to his feet, gently patted his brother’s dark head, then quietly left the room, leaving the pair of brothers bonded by blood and love, alone.
“Children, listen,” he said, firmly, “my brother has just arrived here. It is nearly a six day voyage from Adohi and he and the rest of the family are very tired. On top of the long journey, he has to endure the overwhelming burden of being assailed by the innumerable amount of spirits that are still lingering here because of the many lives that were just recently lost. I know you all want answers to questions you have about your families and I know you are hoping to find those answers in him. But, you must consider his needs, too and right now he needs to rest. Do you understand?”
Obediently, the forlorn children nodded their heads. Their hearts ached and there was so much they wanted to know, but even in their grief, they could see that the young wolf was in pain. His pain was not akin to their own, but in a way, it seemed somehow worse. They wanted to see their loved ones, but it wasn’t as though this boy could pick and choose who he wanted to see. Night had already mentioned that his brother was unquestionably going to be overwhelmed by the despairing environment and clearly, he was right. The boy was on the verge of shattering. This wasn’t fair to him. They had no desire to hurt him, they just wanted to end their own pain. But, their desire to end their own suffering was adding to the already existing suffering of a child with an extraordinary, yet uncontrollable power. Just as they were hurting, he was hurting as well.
“Thank you.” Night said, gently patting his brother’s back. “I need to be with my brother for a bit, so I want all of you to go back to the beach with Dr. Cherry and Dr. Tahir.” he said, nodding at the pair of doctors that were standing in the doorway. “I’ll be back in a while, but I need to take care of Shade. So, go ahead and listen to the doctors, okay?”
“Okay.” the children moaned, then turned and started to leave the crowded confines of the cabin.
Night sighed with considerable relief. “Tod, honey, you go ahead, too.” he said to the mildly rattled lion cub. “Your mother and your brothers are out there and probably wondering what’s been going on. Can you let them know what’s happened?”
Sadly, Tod nodded and started to get up. He looked at his emotionally detached sibling and hugged him, tightly. He couldn’t understand what he was going through and he didn’t have to. Someone he loved was deeply upset and he wanted to do something, no matter how small, to help him. Having done all that he knew what to do, he rose to his feet, gently patted his brother’s dark head, then quietly left the room, leaving the pair of brothers bonded by blood and love, alone.
The Great Flood - Healing (pt 12)
General | Posted 3 years agoTears continued to stream down the girl’s face. They WERE here. They had to be here. She hadn’t mentioned Amelia’s name, at all. There was no way he could have known it, or who she was…yet he did. It was true, he could see the spirits and the spirits could speak to him. …the spirits did speak to him. The spirits of people she loved had told them that they were okay and now, they just wanted her and her sister to be okay, too. But, now, they needed her to let them go. They wanted to rest, but they couldn’t leave, not yet. It was just like Night said; they were unable to rest, because there was something, or rather, someone that they needed to take care of. …the daughters and sisters they left behind. They stayed to make sure their surviving family would be alright. Now, it was up to her to make a decision. She came to find closure, to know what she could not know and now, the closure she desired was the freedom her loved ones needed.
“…I’ll take care of Amelia.” she sobbed. “I’ll take care of her. It’s okay, you don’t have to stay here anymore. You can rest, now. I know you love us. We love you, too and I know we will be together one day. So, it’s okay…you can go…we will be alright…I promise.”
Though she vowed to fulfill the wishes of her loved ones, she still wept. She wanted to be happy for them, but in that moment, her heart was still burdened with the weight of her sorrow. Even though she knew they were okay, she still missed her family. For the whole of her life, they made up the sum of her entire world. Her world was much emptier, now. But, though it was emptier, it was not empty. She still had her precious sister. She was not alone. Neither of them were alone. They had each other and that was so much more than so many of the other children could say.
“…they’re gone.” Shade whispered.
Mira gasped and looked up at the black and white wolf cub. He was still looking beyond her, over her shoulder and the iridescent glow had left his eyes. “Th-…they’re gone?” she breathed.
Slowly and wearily, he nodded his head. “Yes…they heard you. …they went to rest.”
She wanted to cry, yet at once she wanted to smile. Her family had heard her vows and it was enough to grant them the freedom to pass on and find their eternal rest. …it was what she wanted and more than she thought she would find. …peace.
“…I’ll take care of Amelia.” she sobbed. “I’ll take care of her. It’s okay, you don’t have to stay here anymore. You can rest, now. I know you love us. We love you, too and I know we will be together one day. So, it’s okay…you can go…we will be alright…I promise.”
Though she vowed to fulfill the wishes of her loved ones, she still wept. She wanted to be happy for them, but in that moment, her heart was still burdened with the weight of her sorrow. Even though she knew they were okay, she still missed her family. For the whole of her life, they made up the sum of her entire world. Her world was much emptier, now. But, though it was emptier, it was not empty. She still had her precious sister. She was not alone. Neither of them were alone. They had each other and that was so much more than so many of the other children could say.
“…they’re gone.” Shade whispered.
Mira gasped and looked up at the black and white wolf cub. He was still looking beyond her, over her shoulder and the iridescent glow had left his eyes. “Th-…they’re gone?” she breathed.
Slowly and wearily, he nodded his head. “Yes…they heard you. …they went to rest.”
She wanted to cry, yet at once she wanted to smile. Her family had heard her vows and it was enough to grant them the freedom to pass on and find their eternal rest. …it was what she wanted and more than she thought she would find. …peace.
The Great Flood - Healing (pt 11)
General | Posted 3 years agoIn a daze, Shade looked up at his older sibling, but his eyes lacked any sign of recognition. It was as though he was looking up at a stranger. He was beside himself with the bombardment of elementals swirling around him, vying for his attention. He felt like his mind was going to implode, or explode, or both. His heart was racing and he felt like he was being suffocated. There were simply too many voices inside his head and they were all speaking at once. It was as though he were in a room where everyone was shouting and all of the words were crying out at once. Singling out a single voice was beyond him.
“Mira,” Night said, softly, as he entered the room, sat beside his mystic sibling, and wrapped his arms around him, “I know you’re hurting, but right now, my brother is hurting, too. He cannot do this, just now. It’s too much for one person, especially one as young as he is. He has to rest, now. Let me tend to him and we’ll talk once I get him settled, alright?”
It was not the response she wanted to hear and not the response she could accept. This was her chance for closure, but just as quickly as it seemed that she would get the closing that she needed, it was gone. Like a wilting flower, she crumbled onto the floor and cried in anguish. She wrapped her arms around her tiny body in a desperate effort to console herself. It was heartbreaking to see, but there wasn’t—
“…Amelia.” Shade said, quietly and somewhat cryptically. “…Amelia…” he repeated.
Instantly, Mira looked up. Tears poured down her cheeks as she heard the name the strange boy had whispered to her. “Ame-…Amelia?” she gasped. “How did you…” she started to say, but fell silent when he slowly lifted his head and raised a trembling hand, pointing to something over her shoulder. She spun around, expecting to see the person that the name belonged to, but was greeted with no one. Quickly, she turned around and was met with the eyes of the young wolf and was certain that she could see an otherworldly glow shining within their viridian depths.
“…you’re not alone.” he whispered, slowly. “…you will be okay. …we are okay. …we didn’t mean to leave you. …we’re sorry. …don’t cry for us anymore. …let us go. …let us rest. …we will be together again, one day. …live. …be happy. …look after your sister. ...we still love you. …can you let us go? …please let us go.”
“Mira,” Night said, softly, as he entered the room, sat beside his mystic sibling, and wrapped his arms around him, “I know you’re hurting, but right now, my brother is hurting, too. He cannot do this, just now. It’s too much for one person, especially one as young as he is. He has to rest, now. Let me tend to him and we’ll talk once I get him settled, alright?”
It was not the response she wanted to hear and not the response she could accept. This was her chance for closure, but just as quickly as it seemed that she would get the closing that she needed, it was gone. Like a wilting flower, she crumbled onto the floor and cried in anguish. She wrapped her arms around her tiny body in a desperate effort to console herself. It was heartbreaking to see, but there wasn’t—
“…Amelia.” Shade said, quietly and somewhat cryptically. “…Amelia…” he repeated.
Instantly, Mira looked up. Tears poured down her cheeks as she heard the name the strange boy had whispered to her. “Ame-…Amelia?” she gasped. “How did you…” she started to say, but fell silent when he slowly lifted his head and raised a trembling hand, pointing to something over her shoulder. She spun around, expecting to see the person that the name belonged to, but was greeted with no one. Quickly, she turned around and was met with the eyes of the young wolf and was certain that she could see an otherworldly glow shining within their viridian depths.
“…you’re not alone.” he whispered, slowly. “…you will be okay. …we are okay. …we didn’t mean to leave you. …we’re sorry. …don’t cry for us anymore. …let us go. …let us rest. …we will be together again, one day. …live. …be happy. …look after your sister. ...we still love you. …can you let us go? …please let us go.”
The Great Flood - Healing (pt 10)
General | Posted 3 years agoThough they didn’t know the face of the boy, they knew that he was their doctor’s brother, which meant that he was certain to be another wolf. Deciding their best chance to locate him and avoid being restrained by the adults, the children decided to split up. They gave the doctors the slip and ran throughout the ship, trying to find the boy with the mystical abilities. But, unlike the young ones, Night had an advantage in that he knew his brother’s scent and easily picked it up as soon as he boarded the boat. With this lead, he was able to quickly track him down and found him in a cabin along with his son, Tod.
Tod, an older lion cub, was holding his lupine brother in a desperate attempt to comfort him. Shade looked as though he was falling apart and in physical agony. He was sitting on his bed, hunched over, his long tresses of black hair cascading over his face and shoulders. He was clutching his head, his eyes were wide, and he was shaking so violently that it was causing Tod to shake, too. His breathing was labored and his eyes darted every which way throughout the tiny cabin. But, hough Night was able to locate him quickly, he was not the first one to arrive.
A bright red girl with long, flowing white hair was kneeling before the little black and white wolf, beseeching him in earnest. “Do you see my mother, or my father, or my sisters?” she cried. “They all left us, we’re all alone. Are my parents here? Can you see them? Please, can you see them?!” she begged.
Night sighed. His heart ached for the girl, but he could see that his brother was on the verge of suffering a breakdown. He was definitely overwhelmed and he wondered if he had even heard the girl as she was begging for his help. Likewise, Tod didn’t know what to do. The girl was grieving and in pain, almost tangibly so. He wanted to help her, but his brother was of greater concern to him and in that moment, he was in no condition to help ease her suffering, let alone his own.
Just then, he looked up and saw that rescue had come. “Night!” he cried, gently shaking Shade to let him know that help had arrived.
Tod, an older lion cub, was holding his lupine brother in a desperate attempt to comfort him. Shade looked as though he was falling apart and in physical agony. He was sitting on his bed, hunched over, his long tresses of black hair cascading over his face and shoulders. He was clutching his head, his eyes were wide, and he was shaking so violently that it was causing Tod to shake, too. His breathing was labored and his eyes darted every which way throughout the tiny cabin. But, hough Night was able to locate him quickly, he was not the first one to arrive.
A bright red girl with long, flowing white hair was kneeling before the little black and white wolf, beseeching him in earnest. “Do you see my mother, or my father, or my sisters?” she cried. “They all left us, we’re all alone. Are my parents here? Can you see them? Please, can you see them?!” she begged.
Night sighed. His heart ached for the girl, but he could see that his brother was on the verge of suffering a breakdown. He was definitely overwhelmed and he wondered if he had even heard the girl as she was begging for his help. Likewise, Tod didn’t know what to do. The girl was grieving and in pain, almost tangibly so. He wanted to help her, but his brother was of greater concern to him and in that moment, he was in no condition to help ease her suffering, let alone his own.
Just then, he looked up and saw that rescue had come. “Night!” he cried, gently shaking Shade to let him know that help had arrived.
The Great Flood - Healing (pt 9)
General | Posted 3 years agoTange cast her eyes downward and felt saddened for the reality that she already knew, very well. “Mrs. Bravewolf…when Dr. Bravewolf is very sad, how do you help him? Can you make him feel better, or does he just feel sad until he feels better?”
Mhina smiled. She knelt down and gently pulled the girl into her tender embrace. “Let me tell you something.” she said, softly. “Whenever Night is so tired that he cannot stand on his own feet, that’s when I do exactly what I’m doing right now…I hold him close and tell him that I love him. I remind him that he’s not alone and that me and the boys are here to support him. We are his strength when he does not feel like being strong. He doesn’t have to be strong all of the time, we can be strong for him. That’s the very reason why we have family and friends. So, when your mother is tired, when she looks like she cannot keep moving forward, just hug her and give her all your love. It may seem like that’s all that you can do for her and it may not seem like much, but that’s the one thing that can really help her feel better. It reminds her that she is not alone and she doesn’t have to go through her troubles by herself. It’s what the people we love the most, need the most; our love and support. Do you understand?”
Tears slipped from the girl’s eyes as she nodded her head in understanding. She snuggled against the woman just a bit more and took comfort in her nearness. She would not forget her words and she would make sure to heed her wisdom. If that was all she could do, then that was what she would do. And if all she could do was the thing that her mother needed most, then she would give her all the love she could muster and more.
Meanwhile, on the ferry, the aggrieved teenagers ran through the ship, searching for the medium that could reach their deceased loved ones. Even if the children were unable to speak to their parents, siblings, and other relatives themselves, the idea that the spirits of their families and friends could possibly be among them, offered the children a measure of comfort. If there truly was someone that could communicate with them, it was an opportunity they could not pass up. Even if the chance was slim, it was a chance they had to take.
Mhina smiled. She knelt down and gently pulled the girl into her tender embrace. “Let me tell you something.” she said, softly. “Whenever Night is so tired that he cannot stand on his own feet, that’s when I do exactly what I’m doing right now…I hold him close and tell him that I love him. I remind him that he’s not alone and that me and the boys are here to support him. We are his strength when he does not feel like being strong. He doesn’t have to be strong all of the time, we can be strong for him. That’s the very reason why we have family and friends. So, when your mother is tired, when she looks like she cannot keep moving forward, just hug her and give her all your love. It may seem like that’s all that you can do for her and it may not seem like much, but that’s the one thing that can really help her feel better. It reminds her that she is not alone and she doesn’t have to go through her troubles by herself. It’s what the people we love the most, need the most; our love and support. Do you understand?”
Tears slipped from the girl’s eyes as she nodded her head in understanding. She snuggled against the woman just a bit more and took comfort in her nearness. She would not forget her words and she would make sure to heed her wisdom. If that was all she could do, then that was what she would do. And if all she could do was the thing that her mother needed most, then she would give her all the love she could muster and more.
Meanwhile, on the ferry, the aggrieved teenagers ran through the ship, searching for the medium that could reach their deceased loved ones. Even if the children were unable to speak to their parents, siblings, and other relatives themselves, the idea that the spirits of their families and friends could possibly be among them, offered the children a measure of comfort. If there truly was someone that could communicate with them, it was an opportunity they could not pass up. Even if the chance was slim, it was a chance they had to take.
The Great Flood - Healing (pt 8)
General | Posted 3 years agoMhina watched them run off and felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her soul. “Somehow, I just made things worse.” she thought to herself, sadly. “I should have made him stay. I should have…”
Feeling utterly defeated, Mhina stared at the ground and listened to the tiny kittens as they moved from her to turning their fascination onto her children. The sounds of their inquisitive voices was uplifting, but only a little. It was a pleasant distraction, but nothing more.
“Um…” a quiet voice spoke.
Depressed, Mhina turned to see who it was that was beckoning her. She mustered a smile at the little girl that was looking up at her with inquisitive, blue eyes. “Yes? Your name is, Tange, right?”
The bright orange girl nodded and offered a little smile of her own. “I’m sure your son will be alright. Mama is a great doctor. Daddy is, too, but he doesn’t work to fix minds, he fixes bodies.”
“A medical doctor? That’s amazing. You have a psychiatric doctor and a medical doctor for parents.”
Proudly, Tange smiled. “Yes, they’re both so smart. I want to be a doctor when I grow up, too.”
“Oh? Which type?”
She sighed. “I don’t know. Daddy works hard and saves lives, but Mama works hard and gives people a better life. They both work hard, but sometimes, Mama looks so much more tired than Daddy does. Even though she helps other people to feel happy, sometimes she just looks really sad.”
Mhina sighed. “I understand. It’s hard to see people every day and hear the tragedies and sadness they had to endure, then try to help them to overcome it. Doctors heal bodies that are broken and the patients are better. But, psychiatrists try to heal minds, but it takes a long time and even then, sometimes a broken spirit can never be mended…no matter how hard you try. It’s tiring. Sometimes Night just looks so completely exhausted. He really loves the children under his care. They are more than his patients, they are little ones whose lives he wants to make better, even though they have no control over the lives they live. That’s what makes it so difficult. He loves them…but he cannot save them all.”
Feeling utterly defeated, Mhina stared at the ground and listened to the tiny kittens as they moved from her to turning their fascination onto her children. The sounds of their inquisitive voices was uplifting, but only a little. It was a pleasant distraction, but nothing more.
“Um…” a quiet voice spoke.
Depressed, Mhina turned to see who it was that was beckoning her. She mustered a smile at the little girl that was looking up at her with inquisitive, blue eyes. “Yes? Your name is, Tange, right?”
The bright orange girl nodded and offered a little smile of her own. “I’m sure your son will be alright. Mama is a great doctor. Daddy is, too, but he doesn’t work to fix minds, he fixes bodies.”
“A medical doctor? That’s amazing. You have a psychiatric doctor and a medical doctor for parents.”
Proudly, Tange smiled. “Yes, they’re both so smart. I want to be a doctor when I grow up, too.”
“Oh? Which type?”
She sighed. “I don’t know. Daddy works hard and saves lives, but Mama works hard and gives people a better life. They both work hard, but sometimes, Mama looks so much more tired than Daddy does. Even though she helps other people to feel happy, sometimes she just looks really sad.”
Mhina sighed. “I understand. It’s hard to see people every day and hear the tragedies and sadness they had to endure, then try to help them to overcome it. Doctors heal bodies that are broken and the patients are better. But, psychiatrists try to heal minds, but it takes a long time and even then, sometimes a broken spirit can never be mended…no matter how hard you try. It’s tiring. Sometimes Night just looks so completely exhausted. He really loves the children under his care. They are more than his patients, they are little ones whose lives he wants to make better, even though they have no control over the lives they live. That’s what makes it so difficult. He loves them…but he cannot save them all.”
The Great Flood - Healing (pt 7)
General | Posted 3 years agoSolemnly, Night nodded. “The ones that still wander among the living and have yet to rest, he can see them.”
“Have yet to rest?” she repeated.
“Sometimes spirits will linger behind for one reason or another. If there is an unfinished something they greatly desire to attend to, or if there is someone they wish to be near or to watch over closely, they often stay closer to the realm of the living to fulfill those needs and wishes.”
“Can he speak to them, too?” another teen, a male, gray tabby wanted to know.
“Well, it’s complicated.” he replied. “He can hear them, but they cannot always hear him. It’s almost as though they can’t understand, or can no longer understand our language.”
“But, he can at least hear them, right?” the girl with the golden eyes anxiously asked.
“Y…yes.” he cautiously answered.
The assorted teens that had assembled at the docks looked amongst themselves for hardly a moment before taking off in a mad dash toward the ship.
“WAIT!” Night and Cherry shouted.
In an instant, Cherry and Tahir sprinted after the teens as they went to search for the boy with the power to see the spirits of the departed.
“Mhina,” Night said, urgently, “stay with the children.” he instructed, before hurrying off to join the others.
“Have yet to rest?” she repeated.
“Sometimes spirits will linger behind for one reason or another. If there is an unfinished something they greatly desire to attend to, or if there is someone they wish to be near or to watch over closely, they often stay closer to the realm of the living to fulfill those needs and wishes.”
“Can he speak to them, too?” another teen, a male, gray tabby wanted to know.
“Well, it’s complicated.” he replied. “He can hear them, but they cannot always hear him. It’s almost as though they can’t understand, or can no longer understand our language.”
“But, he can at least hear them, right?” the girl with the golden eyes anxiously asked.
“Y…yes.” he cautiously answered.
The assorted teens that had assembled at the docks looked amongst themselves for hardly a moment before taking off in a mad dash toward the ship.
“WAIT!” Night and Cherry shouted.
In an instant, Cherry and Tahir sprinted after the teens as they went to search for the boy with the power to see the spirits of the departed.
“Mhina,” Night said, urgently, “stay with the children.” he instructed, before hurrying off to join the others.
The Great Flood - Healing (pt 6)
General | Posted 3 years agoMhina sighed. “I tried to convince him to stay home, but” she said, turning her gaze to the ferry, “he insisted on coming. He wanted to be here.”
Night sighed, heavily. This was a problem.
“Is something wrong?” Cherry asked, worriedly.
Night sighed again, then began. “Well, most wolves have some measure of a connection to the unseen world of the spirits. Generally, it’s very, very mild. It’s more of an impression or a sixth sense rather than anything else. But, with some, it’s much more acute. Shade falls in the latter category. He has a heightened spiritual awareness to the point where he can actually see spirits. …particularly the spirits of the dead. It’s an ability he’s had ever since he was young. It manifested shortly after our parents died. It’s been a struggle for him to cope with this ability. He can’t control his power and he can’t ignore the presence of the spirits. Being in an environment like this will almost certainly overwhelm him.”
“Oh no…” Cherry whispered. “What can we do? How can we help him.”
“Where is the nearest temple?
“The Forest Temple is just a short walk from here. It’s in the woods, there.” she said, pointing to a nearby forest. “The priest lives at the temple, so they are always there.”
“Then, that’s where I need to take him. Mhina—“
“Wait!” one of the older girls, a black cat with striking, golden eyes cried. “He…he can see spirits?” she asked, hesitantly.
Night sighed, heavily. This was a problem.
“Is something wrong?” Cherry asked, worriedly.
Night sighed again, then began. “Well, most wolves have some measure of a connection to the unseen world of the spirits. Generally, it’s very, very mild. It’s more of an impression or a sixth sense rather than anything else. But, with some, it’s much more acute. Shade falls in the latter category. He has a heightened spiritual awareness to the point where he can actually see spirits. …particularly the spirits of the dead. It’s an ability he’s had ever since he was young. It manifested shortly after our parents died. It’s been a struggle for him to cope with this ability. He can’t control his power and he can’t ignore the presence of the spirits. Being in an environment like this will almost certainly overwhelm him.”
“Oh no…” Cherry whispered. “What can we do? How can we help him.”
“Where is the nearest temple?
“The Forest Temple is just a short walk from here. It’s in the woods, there.” she said, pointing to a nearby forest. “The priest lives at the temple, so they are always there.”
“Then, that’s where I need to take him. Mhina—“
“Wait!” one of the older girls, a black cat with striking, golden eyes cried. “He…he can see spirits?” she asked, hesitantly.
The Great Flood - Healing (pt 5)
General | Posted 3 years ago“This gentle lady,” he continued, gesturing to an orange, striped cat with shining, scarlet hair, “is Dr. Cherry. This” he said, gesturing to a tawny cat with dark brown hair, “is her husband, Dr. Tahir. And this,” he said, waving to a young girl with a bright orange coat, darker orange hair, and shimmering blue eyes, “is their third daughter, Tangerine, or just Tange, for short.”
“It’s nice to meet you all.” Mhina greeted. “And you precious kittens must be my husband’s patients.”she said to the plethora of children accumulating around her.
A series of “yeses” and “yups” wafted up from the throng of little ones, as they continued to examine the tall woman before them. “Why is there a little bit of hair at the end of your tail?” one child asked. “Do you have claws? How big are your claws?” another said. “You have a lot of hair. Do only lions have hair and not wolves?” one more wanted to know.
“Children, children…” Cherry chided, “you are asking so many questions. Let’s let them relax a bit and welcome them to Calico before assailing them with everything we want to know.”
“It’s alright, doctor.” Mhina assured her. “I think I can answer these few questions, at least, before we move on. Let’s see; the hair at the end of my tail is called a, tuft. All lions have tails like this, see?” she said, pointing to her son, who was happy to show off his own tufted tail. “As for my claws, they are this big.” she said, extending her claws for display, leaving the children gasping with awe. “And my hair, most lions have very full-bodied hair, but wolves have hair, too. They just tend to cut it off, like Night and Blaze. But, my other son has a LOT of hair, even more than me.”
“Thank the Great Spirit he is not here.” Night quietly remarked.
Kit and Blaze exchanged troubled glances, then turned to their mother. A frown was etched across her otherwise lovely features, drawing her mate’s concerned attention.
“…oh no.” Night whispered.
“It’s nice to meet you all.” Mhina greeted. “And you precious kittens must be my husband’s patients.”she said to the plethora of children accumulating around her.
A series of “yeses” and “yups” wafted up from the throng of little ones, as they continued to examine the tall woman before them. “Why is there a little bit of hair at the end of your tail?” one child asked. “Do you have claws? How big are your claws?” another said. “You have a lot of hair. Do only lions have hair and not wolves?” one more wanted to know.
“Children, children…” Cherry chided, “you are asking so many questions. Let’s let them relax a bit and welcome them to Calico before assailing them with everything we want to know.”
“It’s alright, doctor.” Mhina assured her. “I think I can answer these few questions, at least, before we move on. Let’s see; the hair at the end of my tail is called a, tuft. All lions have tails like this, see?” she said, pointing to her son, who was happy to show off his own tufted tail. “As for my claws, they are this big.” she said, extending her claws for display, leaving the children gasping with awe. “And my hair, most lions have very full-bodied hair, but wolves have hair, too. They just tend to cut it off, like Night and Blaze. But, my other son has a LOT of hair, even more than me.”
“Thank the Great Spirit he is not here.” Night quietly remarked.
Kit and Blaze exchanged troubled glances, then turned to their mother. A frown was etched across her otherwise lovely features, drawing her mate’s concerned attention.
“…oh no.” Night whispered.
The Great Flood - Healing (pt 4)
General | Posted 3 years ago“…I missed you.” he whispered, hoarsely, as he breathed in the scent of her wavy, chestnut hair.
“…you look so tired, my love.” she whispered in return, pulling back just enough to gaze into his warm, violet eyes. “Have you gotten any rest at all?” she asked, caressing his cheek.
He opened his mouth to reply, but found no words. In truth, he couldn't remember the last time he had a peaceful night's sleep. Instead, he sighed, wearily and pressed his brow to hers, absorbing the strength she freely offered him.
Just then, a young, sand-colored wolf and a younger, blue-eyed lion crashed into him, throwing their arms around him and hugging him with all their limited might.
“Night!” the wolf pup cried.
“Papa!” the lion cub chirped.
“Boys!” he replied, hugging them fiercely. “I missed you both so much.”
“We missed you, too!” the children replied.
“It’s such a relief that you are here.” Cherry said, pleasantly.
“Oh!” Night gasped. “I’m sorry, Cherry. That was rude of me.”
She shook her head. “Not at all. I cannot imagine what you have gone through being here without your family. I know this was already hard for you, but being here alone…”
He smiled. “Well, they are here now, so that’s what’s important. This is my wife, Mhina.” he said, gesturing to the lioness at his side that was being swarmed by a cluster of curious kittens. “This is my little brother, Blaze.” he said, patting the head of his sibling. “And, this is my son, Kit.” he said, scratching the ear of his feline child.
“…you look so tired, my love.” she whispered in return, pulling back just enough to gaze into his warm, violet eyes. “Have you gotten any rest at all?” she asked, caressing his cheek.
He opened his mouth to reply, but found no words. In truth, he couldn't remember the last time he had a peaceful night's sleep. Instead, he sighed, wearily and pressed his brow to hers, absorbing the strength she freely offered him.
Just then, a young, sand-colored wolf and a younger, blue-eyed lion crashed into him, throwing their arms around him and hugging him with all their limited might.
“Night!” the wolf pup cried.
“Papa!” the lion cub chirped.
“Boys!” he replied, hugging them fiercely. “I missed you both so much.”
“We missed you, too!” the children replied.
“It’s such a relief that you are here.” Cherry said, pleasantly.
“Oh!” Night gasped. “I’m sorry, Cherry. That was rude of me.”
She shook her head. “Not at all. I cannot imagine what you have gone through being here without your family. I know this was already hard for you, but being here alone…”
He smiled. “Well, they are here now, so that’s what’s important. This is my wife, Mhina.” he said, gesturing to the lioness at his side that was being swarmed by a cluster of curious kittens. “This is my little brother, Blaze.” he said, patting the head of his sibling. “And, this is my son, Kit.” he said, scratching the ear of his feline child.
The Great Flood - Healing (pt 3)
General | Posted 3 years agoOn the ferry docks, the pair doctors stood, awaiting the arrival of the ship as it pulled into port. Many of the children accompanied the two, eager to meet the passengers that had made the long journey from their home in Adohi, to the warm-weather island paradise of Calico. For most of the children, seeing one native resident of Adohi was a first, but to see others and of differing species was a marvel. If they were all as massive as their lupine doctor, it was going to be a sight to behold.
The loud bellowing of the ship's horn resounded through the port, signaling that they ferry was docked and the passengers were free to depart the seaward vessel. It wasn’t just passengers from Adohi, but other areas of Catriona Isles as well. Caton and Kitena were destinations that the ship visited just before reaching the shores of Calico. Cats from the adjacent islands disembarked, many being the assistance that was dispatched at the request of the emperor. Others were family members and friends of the survivors, as well as the deceased. Some of the bodies of the departed were to be returned to the places where the beloved dead were born, so that the funeral rites could be performed there. Most of the other corpses remained in Calico where the funerals were performed at nearby temples. An overwhelming air of sadness and grief was added to the already amassed collection of sorrow that existed upon the City of Calico.
Finally, at long last, the faces of the people Dr. Bravewolf longed to see most of all, emerged from the ship and stepped into the punishing sunlight of Catriona. His heart swelled and the mere sight of his family eased the weight of despair that had been suffocating his spirit. Relief bathed his entire being. When their eyes met, his beloved mate cried out his name and ran to him, leaping into his open arms to be joyously embraced in his powerful arms. Like a life preserver tossed to him as he drowned at sea, he held onto his love as though his very life depended on her nearness to survive.
The loud bellowing of the ship's horn resounded through the port, signaling that they ferry was docked and the passengers were free to depart the seaward vessel. It wasn’t just passengers from Adohi, but other areas of Catriona Isles as well. Caton and Kitena were destinations that the ship visited just before reaching the shores of Calico. Cats from the adjacent islands disembarked, many being the assistance that was dispatched at the request of the emperor. Others were family members and friends of the survivors, as well as the deceased. Some of the bodies of the departed were to be returned to the places where the beloved dead were born, so that the funeral rites could be performed there. Most of the other corpses remained in Calico where the funerals were performed at nearby temples. An overwhelming air of sadness and grief was added to the already amassed collection of sorrow that existed upon the City of Calico.
Finally, at long last, the faces of the people Dr. Bravewolf longed to see most of all, emerged from the ship and stepped into the punishing sunlight of Catriona. His heart swelled and the mere sight of his family eased the weight of despair that had been suffocating his spirit. Relief bathed his entire being. When their eyes met, his beloved mate cried out his name and ran to him, leaping into his open arms to be joyously embraced in his powerful arms. Like a life preserver tossed to him as he drowned at sea, he held onto his love as though his very life depended on her nearness to survive.
The Great Flood - Healing (pt 2)
General | Posted 3 years agoIt was not only homes that were lost, but families as well. Some families were broken, while others were completely destroyed. Many villagers were the sole survivors of their entire families. Mothers were motherless, fathers were without their children, and children were without their parents, alone in a world, their world, that had been utterly annihilated. Dr. Cherry, a mental health physician, had her hands full with the abundance of lost children. She knew that the task of treating them all was a task she could not complete on her own. Help was summoned in the way of a child psychologist from Adohi, Dr. Bravewolf. He arrived with haste and set about the daunting task of helping the children through their painful lives of forced solitude. An expert physician, he dedicated himself to his patients and was slowly helping them to begin the long road of the healing process. It was not only his skill that helped the children through their loss, but his very presence was in its own way, a factor to help the little ones begin to move forward.
Being a wolf, an animalian not at all native to the Isles of Catriona, he was a source of intrigue to the kittens. Being a canine and more than twice their height, the children, especially the younger ones, found him fascinating. They showered him with questions about where he was from, what his home was like, how did he get so tall, and if he had a family. He told them about his woodland home and how it was much cooler than the tropical land of Calico. He explained that he was average size for a male wolf and that all wolves were about as big as he was. But, when it came to his family, the children were particularly curious.
He told them that he had a wife and four children. Two of his cubs were actually his younger brothers and the other two were his adopted sons. Moreover, only his brothers were wolves like him. His sons, like his wife, were lions, cats just like them, except much, much bigger. He missed his family. He loved helping others, but being exclusively dedicated to healing others was taking its toll on him. The job of helping to rehabilitate those in need, especially after a disaster, was wearisome. Seeing so many people in tears and despair was not only painful for those directly affected, but also those trying to treat the afflicted. He was tired and being so far from his family, he was lonely, too. He was diligently serving the needs of others, but sorely neglecting needs of his own. He was quickly becoming emotionally drained and just like Dr. Cherry, he needed help. And just like Cherry, he knew exactly the help he needed.
Being a wolf, an animalian not at all native to the Isles of Catriona, he was a source of intrigue to the kittens. Being a canine and more than twice their height, the children, especially the younger ones, found him fascinating. They showered him with questions about where he was from, what his home was like, how did he get so tall, and if he had a family. He told them about his woodland home and how it was much cooler than the tropical land of Calico. He explained that he was average size for a male wolf and that all wolves were about as big as he was. But, when it came to his family, the children were particularly curious.
He told them that he had a wife and four children. Two of his cubs were actually his younger brothers and the other two were his adopted sons. Moreover, only his brothers were wolves like him. His sons, like his wife, were lions, cats just like them, except much, much bigger. He missed his family. He loved helping others, but being exclusively dedicated to healing others was taking its toll on him. The job of helping to rehabilitate those in need, especially after a disaster, was wearisome. Seeing so many people in tears and despair was not only painful for those directly affected, but also those trying to treat the afflicted. He was tired and being so far from his family, he was lonely, too. He was diligently serving the needs of others, but sorely neglecting needs of his own. He was quickly becoming emotionally drained and just like Dr. Cherry, he needed help. And just like Cherry, he knew exactly the help he needed.
The Great Flood - Healing (pt 1)
General | Posted 3 years agoI've had the urge to go back to this. I also want to finish the "Miss Catriona Isles" saga. There is so much that I have written about future installments, that I have plenty to go on. But, this story has been calling to me, lately, especially since I've been revisiting Hybrid: Gods and Demons. How do they all connect? Well... At any rate, this takes place a few weeks after the day of the Great Flood.
Days grew in number until they eventually became weeks. Slowly, things were returning to the ways they once were, yet they would never be the same. The Royal Family had returned to the palace and worked from within the walls to restore their kingdom, intermittently venturing out to the town to assess the progress and help in ways that they could.
Artemis attended meetings and made arrangements to help the people of Calico City. Supplies and aid were still needed. From food, to building materials, to able bodies willing to offer their strength and labor, the work of restoration was far from over. Many hands were needed to bring the city back to life.
Falling back to the previously held security standards, Arjuna remained at the palace to ensure that the bloodline of the royal family was safe. A reckless exception was made on the day of the disaster, as the people of the city needed every measure of support that could be spared. Neither the princes, nor the empress and emperor were willing to watch from afar while their countrymen struggled in the wake of the nightmarish events of the Great Flood. But, as things became more stable among the civilians, the former protocols were put back in place. It was unsafe for the entire family to be in the same place at once, so one member of childbearing/fathering age that carried the blood of the monarchs was required to remain within the safety of the palace walls in the event of a catastrophe that could steal away the lives of rulers of the kingdom. This time, it was Arjuna that was needed to maintain the lineage.
Palm had completely restructured the Tidewater Team, ensuring that such a fate would not befall the townsfolk again. Shift hours were drastically reduced and instead of working alone, the workers worked in tandem. More stations were spread out along the coast, dotting the shore with a series of lookout towers that were able to communicate with each other through radio transmission, short range communication, as well as light and sound signals that required no electricity to relay communication at all. This ensured that no matter what, the towers would be able to maintain the ability to relay information in an interwoven manner.
Avalon continued to venture into the town to offer comfort and support to the townsfolk that were still reeling from the trauma of the disaster that stole so many lives and tore so many families apart. It was a task that seemed impossible to carry out, but she did her best to console her people, no matter how insignificant. As she was once a commoner herself, it was an endeavor that she was uniquely qualified to fulfill. The people were comfortable around her and though she was their empress, her very nature was one that exuded warmth and gentleness.
Alder was still burdened with the unenviable task to manage to the bodies of the dead and seeing to the needs of the medical units. Little more than half of the people that were admitted to the hospital survived their harrowing ordeals to live another day. Thanks to the dedication of the doctors, nurses, and other healers, many patients were even released from the care of the facilities, but were lamentably forced to face the fact that though they were cleared medically, several people had no home to return to. Buildings were under construction and homes were being restored. Homes that could not be restored were rebuilt. But, buildings and domiciles could easily be mended. The minds and hearts of the people would not be so easily repaired.
*****Days grew in number until they eventually became weeks. Slowly, things were returning to the ways they once were, yet they would never be the same. The Royal Family had returned to the palace and worked from within the walls to restore their kingdom, intermittently venturing out to the town to assess the progress and help in ways that they could.
Artemis attended meetings and made arrangements to help the people of Calico City. Supplies and aid were still needed. From food, to building materials, to able bodies willing to offer their strength and labor, the work of restoration was far from over. Many hands were needed to bring the city back to life.
Falling back to the previously held security standards, Arjuna remained at the palace to ensure that the bloodline of the royal family was safe. A reckless exception was made on the day of the disaster, as the people of the city needed every measure of support that could be spared. Neither the princes, nor the empress and emperor were willing to watch from afar while their countrymen struggled in the wake of the nightmarish events of the Great Flood. But, as things became more stable among the civilians, the former protocols were put back in place. It was unsafe for the entire family to be in the same place at once, so one member of childbearing/fathering age that carried the blood of the monarchs was required to remain within the safety of the palace walls in the event of a catastrophe that could steal away the lives of rulers of the kingdom. This time, it was Arjuna that was needed to maintain the lineage.
Palm had completely restructured the Tidewater Team, ensuring that such a fate would not befall the townsfolk again. Shift hours were drastically reduced and instead of working alone, the workers worked in tandem. More stations were spread out along the coast, dotting the shore with a series of lookout towers that were able to communicate with each other through radio transmission, short range communication, as well as light and sound signals that required no electricity to relay communication at all. This ensured that no matter what, the towers would be able to maintain the ability to relay information in an interwoven manner.
Avalon continued to venture into the town to offer comfort and support to the townsfolk that were still reeling from the trauma of the disaster that stole so many lives and tore so many families apart. It was a task that seemed impossible to carry out, but she did her best to console her people, no matter how insignificant. As she was once a commoner herself, it was an endeavor that she was uniquely qualified to fulfill. The people were comfortable around her and though she was their empress, her very nature was one that exuded warmth and gentleness.
Alder was still burdened with the unenviable task to manage to the bodies of the dead and seeing to the needs of the medical units. Little more than half of the people that were admitted to the hospital survived their harrowing ordeals to live another day. Thanks to the dedication of the doctors, nurses, and other healers, many patients were even released from the care of the facilities, but were lamentably forced to face the fact that though they were cleared medically, several people had no home to return to. Buildings were under construction and homes were being restored. Homes that could not be restored were rebuilt. But, buildings and domiciles could easily be mended. The minds and hearts of the people would not be so easily repaired.
✧ PREVIOUS PAGE ✧ FIRST PAGE ✧ NEXT PAGE ✧Lion & Lioness...It's Complicated
General | Posted 3 years agoIn the Hybrid series, Lion and Lioness are the only two characters of the same species. There are others in the universe, but for the main story, they are the only ones.
Neither of these two were from Adohi, but they ended up here because they were betrayed. These two are very close to each other. They are very affectionate, as lions in a pride are, even though they are not from the same family. Lioness outlived her natal family and was alone for a while. Lion, like all males, left his pride when he reached adolescence. After a few months on his own, he eventually found Lioness and they have been together ever since.
The relationship these two share is much more intimate than friendship, but without the sexual desires of lovers. They touch and caress and snuggle, but it's not romantic. They didn't wear clothes where they were from, so they're used to being nude and being nude with each other. ...like I said, it's complicated...or confusing...or both. But, as I mentioned in a short story, A Playful Passionate PTA Meeting (18+), Lioness actually does have someone she fell in love with and the feeling is mutual. ♡ Still, the relationship she shares with Lion is unchanged. They still love each other very much and and still engage in their affectionate interactions. All of the hybrids are generally very affectionate, but these two are especially so.
Neither of these two were from Adohi, but they ended up here because they were betrayed. These two are very close to each other. They are very affectionate, as lions in a pride are, even though they are not from the same family. Lioness outlived her natal family and was alone for a while. Lion, like all males, left his pride when he reached adolescence. After a few months on his own, he eventually found Lioness and they have been together ever since.
The relationship these two share is much more intimate than friendship, but without the sexual desires of lovers. They touch and caress and snuggle, but it's not romantic. They didn't wear clothes where they were from, so they're used to being nude and being nude with each other. ...like I said, it's complicated...or confusing...or both. But, as I mentioned in a short story, A Playful Passionate PTA Meeting (18+), Lioness actually does have someone she fell in love with and the feeling is mutual. ♡ Still, the relationship she shares with Lion is unchanged. They still love each other very much and and still engage in their affectionate interactions. All of the hybrids are generally very affectionate, but these two are especially so.
Hybrid Revival
General | Posted 3 years ago...I think revival is the word I'm looking for. ...hmm... Anyway, I remember a long time ago, before I really started getting into writing The Carpenter And The Nightingale, I had said that I wanted to go back to my very first comic series, Hybrid: Gods And Demons, and redraw the their thing. This was my first comic that I did on my own, so my drawing skills weren't the best. The lines were heavy and designs were a little/a lot off and I really wanted to go back to it and give it the attention I never gave it, because...Sweet Shoppe.
Sweetheart and the girls sort of swooped in and took over all of my creative drive and just sort of pushed all of my other projects to the side. But, she and the girls ALSO got their universe off into development. Catriona Isles, Adohi, Panthros, and Oslan we're developed in that series and it's because of that, that I was able to weave all of my main series (Hybrid, Sweet Shoppe, Lion Paws, Bella Mariposa, and Aoi: Blue Sun) into one universe and one collective timeline. At the beginning at that timeline is, Hybrid.
So, I really want to go back to the beginning and do that beginning series (in every sense of the word) right. Every other story branches from this one and it's about time that I revisited it. So, whether I do it as individual pages, or one new comic for AC of next year, I want to get started on that reboot. Behind the scenes, I have continued to write and develop the story, the characters, etc and they have even been referred to in both The Carpenter And The Nightingale, as well as one of the short stories of the romantic escapades of Night and Mhina. So, yeah, I think I'll be focusing on that, next, as well as Dumi and Neha's story. I have a lot written about them, too, but their story is unfolding patiently, as I expected. The next book will not be ready by next year, or probably even the year after that. It's a novel, so I'm very thorough about getting things right, because once it's printed, I can't undo what's written. All 4 novels need to be consistent, so it's going to take a little time to flesh it all out. In the meantime, I'll have this endeavor to keep my creative processes fluid. ^_^ ♥
Sweetheart and the girls sort of swooped in and took over all of my creative drive and just sort of pushed all of my other projects to the side. But, she and the girls ALSO got their universe off into development. Catriona Isles, Adohi, Panthros, and Oslan we're developed in that series and it's because of that, that I was able to weave all of my main series (Hybrid, Sweet Shoppe, Lion Paws, Bella Mariposa, and Aoi: Blue Sun) into one universe and one collective timeline. At the beginning at that timeline is, Hybrid.
So, I really want to go back to the beginning and do that beginning series (in every sense of the word) right. Every other story branches from this one and it's about time that I revisited it. So, whether I do it as individual pages, or one new comic for AC of next year, I want to get started on that reboot. Behind the scenes, I have continued to write and develop the story, the characters, etc and they have even been referred to in both The Carpenter And The Nightingale, as well as one of the short stories of the romantic escapades of Night and Mhina. So, yeah, I think I'll be focusing on that, next, as well as Dumi and Neha's story. I have a lot written about them, too, but their story is unfolding patiently, as I expected. The next book will not be ready by next year, or probably even the year after that. It's a novel, so I'm very thorough about getting things right, because once it's printed, I can't undo what's written. All 4 novels need to be consistent, so it's going to take a little time to flesh it all out. In the meantime, I'll have this endeavor to keep my creative processes fluid. ^_^ ♥
Book Links And What's Next
General | Posted 3 years agoI'm so sorry, I didn't think to put these in the previous journal. But, these are the links to the book (The Carpenter And The Nightingale) on the Amazon Market platform in various countries. If you are able to see the book in a region that isn't listed or if I made a mistake with one of the links here, please let me know. It's difficult to determine all of the regional links from here in the US. Also, thanks to Medicman4444 for sharing the UK link. ^_^
The Carpenter And The Nightingale (US)
The Carpenter And The Nightingale (Canada)
The Carpenter And The Nightingale (UK)
The Carpenter And The Nightingale (Mexico)
Well, I sort of took a vacation...but not really. I tried to rest, but I always felt guilty for not working and having the audacity to relax! UGH! Honestly, the only way I'm going to be able to take a break, is to get away from the house. I only recently learned that I could drive again.
Back in December, I had a grand mal seizure and was prohibited from driving for a year. If I could go a whole year without having a seizure, then I could drive again. However, those were New York rules. I had an appointment with my neurologist last week and he told me that in the state of Maryland...I only had to wait 3 months. *sigh* I really wish I had known that sooner, but regardless, I'm glad I know it, now.
I rented a car and the dog and I took a little trip down to the Chesapeake Bay and I let my little old man run around on the dog beach. On the way back, I got a crab cake. ...I didn't realize it was going to be so big! I ate half of it yesterday and it was delicious. ^_^ I'll have the other half later today. But, now that I can drive again, I think the dog and I will take a weekend trip to somewhere and actually relax for a change. Away from my writing desk. Away from my drawing table. And I'll even leave my laptop behind, because I KNOW I will be tempted to work on things if I bring it with me.
Okay, enough about that. At the moment, I am wrapping up a commission, but once that's done, I can get back to my other projects. I've been doing a lot of writing and coming up with a timeline of events for the next story in the Lion Paws series. ...I don't have a title for it yet, but I know it will focus around Dumi and Neha's story. The timeline of events have to match the existing timeline of events for continuity. I don't like it when a book series or a show has plot points that conflict or when they have to retcon a thing to make way for a new story. A good timeline helps alleviate those discrepancies, so I am very diligent with making sure I get the story laid out as detailed as I possibly can before I start writing. So, there's always that.
I've also been working on a website. I've had a blogspot, a DeviantArt account, a So-Furry account, a Twitter account, a Facebook account, obviously a FurAffinity account, but there have been a lot more. Don't sites have more or less gone under (RIP Blogspot and Tumblr) while others survived and I still use, even now. But, they are kind of all over the place. If you don't have an FA account, you can't see everything that I do here and likewise for DA and So-Furry. I can't post quite literally damn near everything on Twitter, content-wise...but, the amount of characters you're limited to is...limiting. So, it's about time I organized things under the umbrella of one site. So, I'll be working on that for a while...because I need to do a lot of design work to get it looking the way I want to get it looking. That's going to take quite a while, but it's an endeavor that I'm invested in and will definitely see it through to its final form.
So, get ready to see a possible influx of art from me once I'm finished with this commission. I don't think there's any writing that I can share, at the moment, because most of it is backstory or future story for characters across all of my series. Anyhoo, that's about all for now. If you think there is a series that I should prioritize, just let me know that, too. I'll be here. ^_^
The Carpenter And The Nightingale (US)
The Carpenter And The Nightingale (Canada)
The Carpenter And The Nightingale (UK)
The Carpenter And The Nightingale (Mexico)
Well, I sort of took a vacation...but not really. I tried to rest, but I always felt guilty for not working and having the audacity to relax! UGH! Honestly, the only way I'm going to be able to take a break, is to get away from the house. I only recently learned that I could drive again.
Back in December, I had a grand mal seizure and was prohibited from driving for a year. If I could go a whole year without having a seizure, then I could drive again. However, those were New York rules. I had an appointment with my neurologist last week and he told me that in the state of Maryland...I only had to wait 3 months. *sigh* I really wish I had known that sooner, but regardless, I'm glad I know it, now.
I rented a car and the dog and I took a little trip down to the Chesapeake Bay and I let my little old man run around on the dog beach. On the way back, I got a crab cake. ...I didn't realize it was going to be so big! I ate half of it yesterday and it was delicious. ^_^ I'll have the other half later today. But, now that I can drive again, I think the dog and I will take a weekend trip to somewhere and actually relax for a change. Away from my writing desk. Away from my drawing table. And I'll even leave my laptop behind, because I KNOW I will be tempted to work on things if I bring it with me.
Okay, enough about that. At the moment, I am wrapping up a commission, but once that's done, I can get back to my other projects. I've been doing a lot of writing and coming up with a timeline of events for the next story in the Lion Paws series. ...I don't have a title for it yet, but I know it will focus around Dumi and Neha's story. The timeline of events have to match the existing timeline of events for continuity. I don't like it when a book series or a show has plot points that conflict or when they have to retcon a thing to make way for a new story. A good timeline helps alleviate those discrepancies, so I am very diligent with making sure I get the story laid out as detailed as I possibly can before I start writing. So, there's always that.
I've also been working on a website. I've had a blogspot, a DeviantArt account, a So-Furry account, a Twitter account, a Facebook account, obviously a FurAffinity account, but there have been a lot more. Don't sites have more or less gone under (RIP Blogspot and Tumblr) while others survived and I still use, even now. But, they are kind of all over the place. If you don't have an FA account, you can't see everything that I do here and likewise for DA and So-Furry. I can't post quite literally damn near everything on Twitter, content-wise...but, the amount of characters you're limited to is...limiting. So, it's about time I organized things under the umbrella of one site. So, I'll be working on that for a while...because I need to do a lot of design work to get it looking the way I want to get it looking. That's going to take quite a while, but it's an endeavor that I'm invested in and will definitely see it through to its final form.
So, get ready to see a possible influx of art from me once I'm finished with this commission. I don't think there's any writing that I can share, at the moment, because most of it is backstory or future story for characters across all of my series. Anyhoo, that's about all for now. If you think there is a series that I should prioritize, just let me know that, too. I'll be here. ^_^
The Book Is Up! $3.99
General | Posted 3 years agoWow! That was fast! The book is available on the Amazon market TODAY! If you're interested, just hop over to the Amazon Kindle section and type, Kitt Mouri. ^_^ Thanks a bunch you guys!
The Carpenter And The Nightingale (US)
The Carpenter And The Nightingale (Canada)
The Carpenter And The Nightingale (UK)
The Carpenter And The Nightingale (Mexico)
The Carpenter And The Nightingale (US)
The Carpenter And The Nightingale (Canada)
The Carpenter And The Nightingale (UK)
The Carpenter And The Nightingale (Mexico)
Coming On Amazon Kindle - $3.99
General | Posted 3 years agoHey you guys! Finally, with the help of 
riffraffcat I have been able to launch my first novel onto the Amazon Kindle market. It should be posted to the store within the next 72 hours. You should be able to type my name, Kitt Mouri, or the title of the book, The Carpenter And The Nightingale, to find it. This is a special introductory price of just $3.99, so it won't be this price forever. I'll post again when the book is live. I wanted to offer the book as a gift to the folks that purchased the paperback as a thank you for supporting me. If you would like your Amazon Kindle (e-reader) copy, just drop me a note and once the book goes live, I will happily send you a digital copy. I hope you will enjoy it.
riffraffcat I have been able to launch my first novel onto the Amazon Kindle market. It should be posted to the store within the next 72 hours. You should be able to type my name, Kitt Mouri, or the title of the book, The Carpenter And The Nightingale, to find it. This is a special introductory price of just $3.99, so it won't be this price forever. I'll post again when the book is live. I wanted to offer the book as a gift to the folks that purchased the paperback as a thank you for supporting me. If you would like your Amazon Kindle (e-reader) copy, just drop me a note and once the book goes live, I will happily send you a digital copy. I hope you will enjoy it.Commissions Are Done
General | Posted 3 years agoI sent the last one off yesterday, so all of my AC commissions are complete. ^_^ Thank you all that got a commission from me. I'm so happy that you liked my work enough to get one. Honestly, I'm flattered, so thank you for that.
*stretches*
Well, I am a little tired. After stressing myself over writing the book and then working at Anthrocon, I'm a tiny bit burned out. ^_°; I'm going to take a little break for a bit. You can still order commissions, but I won't be getting to them for about a week or two. I just need to rest for a little bit. ...and also get started on the next book >_<; I have already been writing a little, trying to get the story laid out and matching it with the timeline. I've decided to tell Dumi and Neha's story next. After Adon and Kichoro, theirs is the story that needs to be told, next. They were such an integral part of the last book and so much of their story was hinted at, but not disclosed (actually, subtle hints were dropped about all of the siblings' past, but still...) I have a general idea for them, but I haven't fleshed it out just yet. Anyway, I'll still be hanging around and probably posting stuff while I'm on my break. I feel like it's been a while since I've drawn for fun, so I'll probably do that every so often. If there's a character of mine that you'd like to see, just let me know. ^_^
And with that, my vacation starts...now! ^_^
*stretches*
Well, I am a little tired. After stressing myself over writing the book and then working at Anthrocon, I'm a tiny bit burned out. ^_°; I'm going to take a little break for a bit. You can still order commissions, but I won't be getting to them for about a week or two. I just need to rest for a little bit. ...and also get started on the next book >_<; I have already been writing a little, trying to get the story laid out and matching it with the timeline. I've decided to tell Dumi and Neha's story next. After Adon and Kichoro, theirs is the story that needs to be told, next. They were such an integral part of the last book and so much of their story was hinted at, but not disclosed (actually, subtle hints were dropped about all of the siblings' past, but still...) I have a general idea for them, but I haven't fleshed it out just yet. Anyway, I'll still be hanging around and probably posting stuff while I'm on my break. I feel like it's been a while since I've drawn for fun, so I'll probably do that every so often. If there's a character of mine that you'd like to see, just let me know. ^_^
And with that, my vacation starts...now! ^_^
Commission Status: 2 Left
General | Posted 3 years agoWell, I'm down to 2, so if you haven't gotten your commission yet, you should be waiting for a color illustration. If you do not have a color commission and haven't gotten your commission yet, please check your spam, because it might have ended up there. If you need me to resend, just let me know. I had a lot of errands to run today...out in the heat...so I'm a little tuckered out. But, I'll try to get started on the next one, tonight.
Commission Status: 3 left
General | Posted 3 years agoGood morning! Well, I have been working steadily and now, I have 3 commissions left to finish. I have commission that is completed, but I need to scan it. The final 3 commissions are full color illustrations, so if you're still waiting, you should be one of these 3 commissions. I want to try to get them finished by the end of the coming week, but if not then, then shortly thereafter. Thanks again for waiting want a big thanks for commissioning me! ^_^
