Please read Chapter one and two before reading this! The picture s of the main character, Mahru. I'm very proud of this chapter as well, so prepare to cry because even I was saddened by this one. Please tell me what you think!!

Chapter Three
“We’re almost there,” Bash called back to Mahru, who was sitting uncomfortably on the edge of the wagon. Mahru had moved off the horse after a few minutes, getting sick of the strong smell of horse and the loud clopping of her hooves. Mahru looked past Bash to see the rising buildings of the town, the gate looming almost in front of them. Mahru loved the Market, and the town itself. Back when she was a kit, she used to live in a crowded Ashkinian town, since burned down of course by the humans, but the Market always had a familiar feel to it. While they passed the gate, Bash nodded to someone standing guard. Mahru never noticed a guard there before. Perhaps it was a new post since last she was here.
Sade reduced her speed, moving slowly into the town. Other people moved about the roads, close to the sides where houses and shops stood side by side. Bash was looking around, his eyes searching. Mahru guessed he was in search for the wood buyer. Annoyance crossed over his face. “The buyer moved his stand.” He muttered, looking around again. Mahru sat back again. She wasn’t in a hurry, and she thought it would be better to stick with Bash until he was done his business. She was aware that, like most humans, Bash had to rely on income to get what he needed. Unlike him, Mahru and Keenu only had to forage for an apple tree, or even a mouse scuttling in the long grass. Mahru didn’t get why humans were so dependent on another. Life was much easier for Ashkinians, who went to get food when hungry, and took a nap when they were tired.
Then Mahru thought back. When Keenu was young, Mahru had to take up a job as a fisherman in order to get the items for her current home. She was able to keep some of what she caught, and had acquired a great skill. She understood why now. Humans craved new things, and prices were rising higher with newer things coming out. Mahru understood Bash’s struggle now. Knowing his mother, she probably desired new things, which led to Bash having to work his limbs off to get the money they needed.
Bash’s eyes lit up when he say a stand with wood all near it. He jumped down and led Sade carefully over to the stand, pulling the wagon brake when they were in front of it and off the street. He strode over to the stand, a short, plump man with graying black hair and a, untidy mustache on the opposite side. The older man chuckled when he say Bash and went out to meet him with an outstretched hand. “Nice to see you again, my boy! I see you have more wood for me, yes?”
“Yes sir. Freshly chopped from this morning. It’s a hardy oak this time, dry and ready to go.” Bash informed, gesturing towards Mahru at the wood.
“The man’s eyes lit with amusement and Mahru heard him whisper. “Who’s the lady friend you got there? I didn’t expect to see you with such a beauty!”
Mahru’s eyes widened with embarrassment, ducking down in with the wood. She peered through the wood of the cart to see the man chuckling, holding his belly. Bash looked equally embarrassed by the comment. “No, no! She’s just a good friend of mine! Nothing is going on between us two!”
Mahru found Bash’s embarrassment cute. It wasn’t often that the male was tongue-tied. The man stopped laughing after a moment. His face was serious again, and he returned to his stand with Bash following behind. She could hear Bash’s voice, and she assumed they we talking about price. Mahru hopped out of the cart and went to the stand next to them. The cart was a light colored wood with the word ‘FRUIT’ on the top. It was full of apples and melons, as well as oranges and berries. When Mahru looked closely, the prices were low.
Mahru went over to the girl. She was young, maybe in her late teens, with short gold hair and large brown eyes. Her skin was pale, and her limbs were thin. She smiled when she saw Mahru approach. “Good afternoon! Are you looking to buy some fresh fruit?”
Mahru nodded, putting her hands on the edge of the table. She inspected the fruits and eventually asked for three apples. To Mahru’s surprise, it only cost two bronze coins. Mahru reached into her bag and grabbed the light weight coins out and handed them to the vendor. She dipped her head to the woman and picked three flawless apples. She carried them back to the wagon. Bash was now unloading the wood, his eyes blazing with satisfaction. From Mahru’s guess, it had been a great deal, and Bash was more than thrilled to get that much. The man was wrapping the wood into cords already.
Mahru ran over to Sade and held up the apple flat in her hand. Sade crunched into it thankfully, eating the apple with her tail swishing. Mahru set her remaining apples on the edge of the carriage and grabbed as much wood from the back as she could. Bash had no excuse now to keep her from helping. She watched Bash closely to see where he was putting the wood. He was piling it onto a small patch of open ground a little farther away from the stand. Mahru stacked the wood onto the pile and went back again for more. She and Bash finished quickly, working together to stack the wood.
Bash shook hands with the vendor and went back to the cart. Mahru nodded to him as she passed, joining Bash beside the horse and carriage. Mahru tossed him an apple, and he caught it in surprise. “When did you get these?”
“When you were talking to the man. I got one for Sade too. I hadn’t eaten lunch yet so I thought why not.” Mahru said casually, taking a large bite out of the sweet apple. Bash rubbed his apple on his shirt and took a bite too. Mahru wished she could eat something more than just an apple, but now she was thankful. She felt her stomach growling for more. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was before, and she took several more bites of the apple. Bash and Mahru stood where they were until they had both finished, feeding their cores to the hungry horse.
Bash was patting Sade’s neck when he made an offer. “You said you had something to do. Do you want me to take Sade to the nearby field so we can walk around?”
Mahru felt extremely appreciative to Bash. Not only had he took her there but he was willing to stay until they had to leave. She felt relieved to have a good friend again. After Mai passed, she shut herself off to others, not willing to find a close relationship with anyone again. Carissa was a friend before Mai’s death, and she didn’t know much of anyone else, besides the people here she couldn’t quite describe as a friend. Mahru hugged him. “Thanks Bash! I’d love some company!” At the time, she hated that bash had to find out about the Ashkinians problem in the forest. She never knew if he was hot-headed enough to confront the hunter himself. She knew how ruthless they were, even to humans, and didn’t know how he would react to a young man telling him what to do.
Bash looked stunned to be hugged by her. He quickly shook off the shock and hugged back. “It’s fine. I took you here so why not take you back after you’re done? And before we do, why don’t I treat you to dinner, a proper meal of course, to show my gratitude for all your help today?”
Mahru stepped back from the embrace. She didn’t know what to say. She hadn’t gone out with a male before, in a romantic or friendly gesture. Her heart beat fast. What if it was in a romantic gesture? Would Bash even consider that without asking her directly to go on a date? Mahru shrugged off the questions. Of course he meant just as friends! She scolded herself for letting her imagination take the best of her and gladly accepted. She wasn’t prepared to lose a friend over a misunderstanding if she did turn him down. Bash smiled and grabbed Sade’s lead.
“Come on then.” Bash said, leading the way back into the mass of people, following the flow of the crowd toward the way they came. Just over the heads of the humans Mahru could see a large patch of grass next to the township, fences surrounding ever side. The fence was made with a dark colored wood, sanded down to be smooth. The grass wasn’t very high there, and when Mahru looked close she saw hundreds of hoof prints in the soil. A few horses grazed on the grass there, their tails swishing. There was a man standing beside the fence gate, his coin purse large and filled. Bash was heading straight for him, still leading Sade slowly forward. As they got even closer Mahru could see a line of wagons rowed up besides the last building.
Bash went over to the man with his coin purse at the ready. “How much for the afternoon. Sir?” He asked kindly.
The man was chewing on a tooth pick, the one side poking out of the side of his mouth. He looked past Bash at the mare, sizing her up. “I would say about 2 silver coins,” the man said, his voice deep.
Bash hesitated. Silver coins were expensive, and a single one costs up to 10 bronze pieces. After a moment of silence, Bash nodded. “Of course. I hear you are the best when it comes to holding horses.”
The man puffed out his chest. “Why sure I am. While they’re here I spice up their coats and clean up their hooves. You have no worry when your mare is in my hands.” Mahru could see he was telling the truth, and she was quite impressed. Mahru thought for a moment that perhaps he was an Ashkinian, but she sided against it. Yes, he had his head none visible under a Stetson hat, but Mahru could scent an Ashkinian from 8 yards away. The man walked over and took Sade’s lead. “No need to worry about dropping her off. I’ll take her over and unhitch the wagon.”
Bash handed him the coin and shook the man’s hand, saying goodbye to Sade before turning to leave. Mahru and Bash walked back towards the crowds side by side. “Don’t worry,” Mahru whispered to him. “He was truthful about Sade. He will take good care of her.”
Bash looked at her. “You think so?”
Mahru nodded. “I have a good sense when someone is lying or not. I guess you can say it’s an Ashkinian gift. We can sense others feelings much better than humans. It’s quite easy really, by the look in their eyes and the sound of their voice. It all comes with our better sense of smell and hearing.” She gestured to Bash. “Even know I can hear your heat beat. I can see the amazement in your eyes.”
Bash giggled nervously. “I never knew you could sense all of that. How do you keep from hearing everything?”
“I tune it out. Plus, the hat helps dull the sounds.” Mahru replied, smiling.
Bash looked at her awkwardly. “Can you hear out of your human ears? I mean, is it just for show or can you use them?”
Mahru laughed. She found his question funny, but she did see reason in it. “I can hear from them, yes. They’re like normal ears for a human, but there’s always and echo from my ears. It’s annoying really but I get used to it.”
Bash smiled with amusement in his eyes. “I see. That makes sense. It seems weird to have four ears though.”
Mahru nodded. She’s always wondered too, but she knew that the spirits had done it for a reason. It definitely made it easier to blend in, and Mahru couldn’t think of life without her ears or tail. That, and my element. Mahru thought silently. It was something she was born with and used her entire life. She was glad Bash never seemed interested to hear about her powers. Most Ashkinians could control an element or object. Like she had said to Bash before, the spirits controlled all the powers of the Ashkinians, which meant even they could cause mudslides and large waves. But in Mahru’s case, strong winds. Ever since she was little, she was able to use her powers to make life easier for her. Even getting up to her house in the trees required a little tailwind to get to.
The element was why Mahru had to watch over Keenu. She had to train him how to control his gifts and make good by them. However, not all Ashkinians possessed the power to bend elements and creatures. Some were unfortunately born without them, able to make a life earlier than others but having no particular gifts. Mahru had excelled in the art of controlling air as a young kit, and now considered herself a master. When she was talking to Bash about talents, Mahru said everyone was gifted in something. Mahru was gifted in the arts of air.
They went quieter about Mahru when they entered the crowd. It was noisy, but they didn’t want to take a chance on anyone overhearing. Bash weaved through the crowd, and Mahru hopped in right after him, following his footsteps through the crowd. She wasn’t eager to lose sight of him in the throng of people. Mahru thought for a moment to grab onto Bash and pull him back. He had no idea where she had to go, and he was heading blindly farther away. Mahru sped up, trying to catch up with him. She hated humans, crowding like ants and making it hard to get through. She loved the Market, but she hated the people there. The smell of roasted meat hit her nose and she knew she had to get Bash’s attention.
She grabbed onto his arm and pulled him back quickly, just as they were about to pass the building. Bash looked back at her. “What is it?”
“We’re here,” Mahru replied, taking the lead over the very side of the mass. In the doorway of a tall, thin building was a tall woman with curly red hair and freckles reading a book. The woman looked up from her reading to see Mahru and Bash. Her eyes lit with surprise.
“Mahru! I didn’t expect to see you until Saturday. What are you doing here on a Tuesday?”
“I need to speak with you urgently, Alana. There’s a threat I need to know about.” Mahru informed quietly, trying not to attract any unnecessary attention. Confusion radiated from Bash but Alana seemed to know exactly what she was talking about. She looked around nervously before opening her door and gesturing with her hand for them to enter.
“Hurry up, come inside.” Alana said. Mahru began to feel nervous. Alana had never been nervous about giving information before. Mahru gulped. Anything to make her this scared to talk must be serious. Mahru pricked her ears as well as she could under the cat and was very vigilant. She didn’t know if Alana could be setting her up. She had been a good friend for a few years but she couldn’t be sure what she would do for a bribe. Alana closed the door behind them.
The room was decorated simply with old furniture and wallpaper, and the light shown into the dark, smoky room and a hallway disappeared into the rest of the house. It smelled of perfume and soap, and Mahru guessed Alana must have finished a shower recently. Alana gestured to the chairs as if telling them to sit down, but Mahru shook her head. “We will only be here for a moment, thanks. I just have one thing to discuss.”
“Yes, it’s about hunters, isn’t it?” Alana asked.
Mahru nodded. “What can you tell me?”
Alana paused then sighed. “Hunting has been legalized in the woods here. There are hunters flowing into town, even having their own stands at the market, selling things from deer and rabbits, to…”
“Ashkinians…” Mahru murmured, finishing her sentence. Bash was looking in horror at Alana. He had been listening silently, and seeing Mahru’s reaction brought rage to his usually calm eyes.
“How could they do something like this?” He yelled with his hands in tight fists. Mahru looked at him in surprise. “This town has lived in peace for years with the people like Mahru! And now all of a sudden they decide to put them to death? How can they let anything like this happen?”
Mahru hung her head with defeat, and Alana shook her head slowly. “I don’t know how and why they did it. They seemed reluctant when they announced too, as if they didn’t agree with doing it as well. I’m sorry Mahru.”
Mahru’s head spun and she had to sit down. This meant that everything she worked for, everything she did to make them safe was in vain. This meant Keenu wasn’t safe, and neither were Carissa and Raidyn. Fear pricked her heart and she sick. What would happen if the hunters follow her trail and find them? What would happen if they found the house? She got up quickly and ran out of the room, back into the bright, bustling square. She heard Bash call out her name but didn’t stop. Her godson was in danger! She shouldered her way through the crowd, ignoring the outbursts of the people as they called out to her in annoyance. There was no way she could stop.
Again she thought of the war. Everything they had fought for, everything they did was for nothing! More and more towns were taken over and more and more Ashkinians died! Everything we do is useless! She tore away from the crowd and raced for the entrance. The guard sitting post called out after her but Mahru shut off all sound she heard. Only one cat was on her mind; the perfect boy born from her best friend.
Mahru could hear the thud of hooves on the ground but didn’t look back. She felt a burst of speed and continued forward in desperation. Suddenly she was lifted up and before she knew it she was on the back of a saddle, Bash looking forward with his face grim. Hope flickered in Mahru’s eyes to see him, speeding through the woods at a faster speed than ever. Sade was snorting fiercely as she worked her legs, and Bash was breathing heavy. He had run all the way just for her. He was in her debt. They sped along the road, the trees flashing around them and the wind their faces. Mahru’s hat flew off but she didn’t care. She pricked her ears and listened for a scream, a gunshot, anything that would tell if anything was happening to her friends.
Shortly, they passed Bash’s home and started to follow the thinner path. Mahru could tell Sade was having a harder time in the brush, her pace slowed and began to be uneven. We’ve pushed this horse harder than she’s used to. Mahru thought to herself. She jumped off the paint, landing in the grass on the trail and started running again. She heard Bash jump off too, and heard the slap of his hand.
“Go home!” He yelled, and again he followed her, but kept up this time. Together they raced for the shelter. Each foot closer they got, the more fear that built up. What would she do with herself if they had killed Keenu? Or even Carissa? Mahru started to pant, but she pushed herself harder. They were drawing closer, with the thin path just in sight. Mahru flicked her ear at Bash, and her nodded, both slowing. If there were hunters around and they hadn’t found the shelter, they didn’t want to alert them.
Mahru shifted back to an anthro, not caring if Bash was there or if there were hunters. She knew her powers were stronger now, and anything in their way would be killed. She scented the air, and the strong, unfamiliar scent of humans filled her nose. And something else… Mahru’s eyes widened, her mind flashing back to the past…

Mahru was standing over a bed, her eyes wide with horror at a beautiful pure white she-cat, eyes usually the color of dew, sparkling in the sunlight. Now, they were duller, glazed over in pain. She held onto Mai’s hand, her grip firm. “Just one more!” Mahru cried. “One more push and it will be over! You can do it!”
Mai groaned in pain and pushed again. Mahru looked at the mid-wife to see her face. The brown cats face was both full of horror and relief. Mahru’s heart skipped a beat when she saw the mid-wife carry a pure white bundle of fur over to Mai. The bundle squirmed and squeaked out, and Mai looked at it with pure love in her eyes.
“It’s a tom,” The mid-wife murmured, passing the kit over to his mother. Mai took hold of him weakly and licked him fondly.
“A son…” She whispered. “Halcyon would love to know he had a son.” Her voice cut off, and she started to pant. Mahru looked at the mid-wife.
“What’s wrong with her?” Fear lined her voice, and her eyes shined with worry.
The mid-wife shook her head, worry in her eyes. She ran over to the side of the room and grabbed towels, white as snow, and hurried back. “She’s loosing blood fast. She should have stopped by now.” Quickly the white towels were stained red. “I can’t stop it!”
Mahru went to run for help when to get help but Mai grabbed her shoulder. “Stay with me Mahru.” She whispered. Her gaze returned to her kit. “I want you to meet Keenu.”
“Keenu…” Mahru echoed, returning to her best friend’s side. She looked down at the white tom, his cloudy blue eyes blinking up at her, his paws swiping at her. Mahru couldn’t help but giggle. She looked back at his mother, looking at them both with love.
“Mahru,” she murmured, her voice weak. “I know I am too weak to make it.”
“What are you talking about? You’re going to be fine!” Mahru insisted. “You’re going to raise your son!”
Mai shook her head. “Don’t lie to me Mahru, the spirits are calling me, Halcyon is calling me. It’s my time.”
Fear shot through her, and the tang of blood started to fill her nose. “Don’t leave me Mai!” Mahru cried, feeling tears well up and blur her vision. Her head beat harder and her chest hurt.
Mai raised her arm and grabbed the string from her neck. She tore it off and took Mahru’s hand, resting the necklace onto her paw. Mahru looked at it. It was beautifully carved, a heavier wood, with a swirl in the center. She looked back at Mai.
“Your necklace… but Halcyon gave this to you…”
“Yes, and now I give it to you, my best friend.” Mai purred faintly. “I want you to raise Keenu for me, Mahru. I want him to know family, and you, are my family now Mahru.”
“Mai…” Mahru murmured, tears falling onto the bed. “You have always been my family. That is why I don’t want you to leave me alone.”
Mai shook her head. “You won’t be. I will always be with you.” She looked at Keenu, who was now curled up on her chest, fast asleep. “Only in a different shape.”
Mahru followed her gaze. “He’s beautiful, but, he’s not you, Mai.” Mahru choked out the words.
“I’m sorry Mahru, I don’t want to leave, but I have no choice.” Mai’s eyes softened, though still glazed with pain. Her voice came in gasps now. “Just remember Mahru. I… I will always be with you. I love you, be safe, and take care of Keenu.” Her breath came in sort gasps before they stopped, her chest still. Mahru fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face. Gently, she closed Mai’s eyes, now glazed over and lifeless. She picked Keenu up, feeling his soft fur brush hers. He snuggled in, and Mahru sat crying beside Mai’s bed with Keenu pressed against her.

That was the scent of blood in the air. Mahru’s fur stood on end and she warily went forward. The door was smashed in, the long tunnel in exposed to the sunlight. The undergrowth around was smashed down and torn, and large boot prints pressed deep into the earth. Mahru rushed forward, Bash behind her. She raced down the tunnel and stopped dead. The furniture was torn and the TV smashed in. In the center of the room was a pool of crimson blood, and in the middle was Raidyn, an arrow through his heart and his tail gone.