The New

[luna]

Luna skidded to a halt as she neared the corner of a long hallway. The young cub's spotted coat gleamed in the dim light, and shimmered as she moved. This was her first time in the castle and she wanted to make a good first impression on whomever she met, so she groomed her silvery pelt extra this morning. But alas, her efforts seemed worthless, for she hadn't met a single feline in the castle yet. A normal Snow Leopard cub, would leave her adventures and try to find someone. But not Luna.

Her over-sized pads seemed glued to the floor as she peeked around the corner to yet another seemingly endless hallway. "Jeeze! Doesn't this place ever end?" She muttered, half-humoured. Her ears flicked up in surprise as a long echoing followed her words. Her tail twitched in amusement. She knew it seemed cub-ish, but she had to try this.

Her jaws opening wide, she let out a small roar. It echoed and bounced through the hall. Her steel-grey eyes danced gleefully. "Oh boy! This is going to be fuuuu-UN!" Suddenly she felt as if someone or something were watching her.

[Paxx]

It was not anything odd to find the Oracle of the castle finding her way around the castle. The castle was her home, and often times; her prison. Her magic and voodoo left her to herself, and often confined to dark places hidden in the castle. Being the oracle of the feline tribe was no glory, it was a title she held with pride, and responsibility. Paxx was often so engrossed with her work she was to be dragged out and fed, not seeing the need to eat whilst the spirits needed her. She was constantly on her own, and did not dwell on others often.
Paxx was, in blunt words: anti-social. She did not want anything to do with other felines, they bothered her often. She was not the kind to seek out others for a conversation. She tended to her works, and kept to it.
Paxx had recently finished her dark magics hidden deep the castle. Loki had wished upon a defiant feline a terrible curse. One that Paxx did not often mention out of mythical tongue. Paxx had finished her voodoo, her job for the night, with no regret. What ever her master wished, she would do so pleased.
Paxx wandered the halls, making sure her castle was in order. Things had to be perfect for her master, Loki. She lived to serve him and her spirits, her 'friends'. She stalked through the halls, her belly fur sliding across the floor as she often walked low to the ground. however, something upset her, and thats when she noticed the kit.
A small kit, of snow leopard decent was wandering the halls. It seemed as if they would let anyone inside the prestige feline castle now.
This kit was alone, where was its mother? Why was it here, how did it get inside? Paxx watched the leopard, it was childish, not exposed to the dangers and worries of the world.
Paxx remembered when she was that young, spending her days in the temples deep in the wetlands. This leopard must not have been in training for the oracle rank, for all that Paxx knew, Oracles grew up in temples, such as herself.
Paxx watched the kit, but no motherly instinct seemed to surface, for she would never be a mother; her spirits were her children. She watched the kit and made its way ghostly like toward the young kit. She managed to creep behind the Kit, and looked down at it, its shiny coat resembled Paxx's as a kit. Back when her coat was unsoiled. Paxx's coat was still a perfect coat, kept clean by herself and others, but the purity that it once posed was gone.
She looked down at the kit, puzzled.
"What are you doing here, young one?"

[luna]

Luna whirled around as a strange face spoke, her mouth in a 'o' of surprise.
"What are you doing here, young one?" the Snow Leopard asked.
The cub looked at the Leopard. There was something about this cat that made her get the chills, and there seemed to be a whispering aura around her. Luna pricked her ears, trying to grasp what the strange whisperings were saying, but they had already faded to nothing. She shrugged. Probably nothing, she thought.

The cub gazed at the feline quizzically, as if she didn't know what she was doing! "Umm... Exploring?" She looked the leopard up and down. "What are you doing?" Luna's tail flicked high in the air, creating a slight whispering sound. She had become used to this sound whenever her body moved quickly, just as she had with her churring. Her churr was a mystery really, though she had never been able to purr, she guessed her body had this in mind for a substitute. It suited her just as well. She had no care of what others thought she sounded like. She churred just thinking about it.

Suddenly taking second thoughts, she stared at this feline. There was something about this feline that held a sort of dignity. Superiority.
As a cub, she liked equality. And Luna still does.

Her tail twitched. Once. Twice. Then an innocent smile.

[Paxx]

Paxx looked down at the kit, its innocent eyes looked right at her. This kit seemed a bit odd, much like herself. For one thing, what was a young one like this wandering the castle. It confused her almost, and her ears stood on end watching the kit below her eye level. Her fur stood on edge as a chill went down her spine; it was the way of the spirits to heed a warning. Could this kit be dangerous? How could it? this kit was small, weak, and most likely uneducated when it came to the spirits. The spirits and winds gave warning of it, perhaps not to get attached to it.
Paxx tended to stay away from relationships, with any cat really. She wanted to keep herself from others, with the exception of her master, Loki.
Paxx was not a mother. And, with her life span, and need to serve her duties, would most likely never become. Nor in her right mind did she want to be one either. This cat was the farthest thing from a mother. A material instinct was there, deep down inside her. It was there however, and would surface if it needed to.
That was then when she realized what the winds told her. Heed the warning about the kit. Could it be sent by some kind of strange wind to bring out her maternal side? Could this cat be a distraction? What kind of evil doing was at work in the castle. This kit did not look dangerous, and she did not want to look upon it with danger in mind; but with caution she would.
"Exploring a castle such as this is not the job of a kit. That, young one, is the job of a royal guard. You should not be here by yourself, kit. Where is your mother?" She wanted to educate the kit, but at the same time; find its mother and continue with her duties around the castle.
she let herself smirk to herself as the kit spoke. It was childish, and reminded her almost of herself. However, her past self was much more disciplined. If her master had asked of her what she was doing; she would explain without question or response. Did this kit know who it was talking to?
The oracle bent down her head to look at the kit closer. Its eyes were deep, much like her own. This kit was going to cause her some sort of headache, she could tell right then and there.

[luna]

Luna stood patiently as this cat peered at her with sparkling blue eyes. I've never seen a cat with blue eyes before! Do all snow leopards have blue eyes? Do I? She flopped down on her rump, causing a sudden shimmer in her fur. She was trying to push down the questions she had, she really was. This cat might not like them, she figured. So she reluctantly bit her tongue.
"Exploring a castle such as this is not the job of a kit. That, young one, is the job of a royal guard. You should not be here by yourself, kit. Where is your mother?"

Luna looked up at the leopard with a broken heart. "I don't know, I've never seen her." Her voice was thick now, much like a grown leopard and such unlike the care-free cub she is. It was full of a tangle of emotions. Heart-break, horror, fear, uncertainty... She vaguely remembers the moment when she was deprived of her mother's teat and carried into an unknown land. She remembers the swaying motion of another cat carrying her and her own fear pulsing off her frail three-week old body.
She tried her hardest to forget these memories, but every time she heard that word. Mother. They surfaced once more. Her only way she could block these memories for the youngster was to close her eyes and whip her tail back and forth, just off the ground so it could 'whisper to her.' This sound was comforting to Luna in ways seemingly nobody could imagine, they seemed to reassure her more than any caress ever could.

But in front of this strange cat, she did not wish to appear childish. So she just proceeded to whip her tail to create 'her whisper.' With this sound the cub slowly calmed herself and she retracted the claws that she had scraped against the floor in her anguish.

A few moments later, she decided to make some kind of conversation with this cat.
"I'm Luna. Who are you?"

[Paxx]

This strange cat was odd to Paxx, how could a mother leave its young in a place such as this? The castle was not a play ground, and it appeared as if it was Paxx's job to fix that. This moment in time would appear to be a moment when the material instinct could rise to occasion; however, not for Paxx. Paxx would do her best to keep these instincts at bay, she did not have any intention in aiding this cat longer then she need to.
"Kit, this is not a playground. Even if your mother is not here, I do not wish upon you any dangers that could arise from being in this castle. With whom do you reside with, if not your mother?" Paxx looked at the kit, it was young, in fact, It must be at least 5 months old by the looks of it. The big eyes, the infant coat that still needs to shed and give way to the adult coat. This kit was young, and all alone.
"My name is not important right now, Luna. We must find you a better place than this. This is not the place for a kitten." Paxx looked at the kitten by the name of Luna and put her paw forward. Paxx used her paw to edge the kitten into walking, wanting to get her moving, and out of her castle. Paxx was on her paws when she felt something odd; this kitten had something bothering it. Paxx could not help but feel for the kitten, she did not wish hardships --unless she was told to-- on anyone. She was often and usually a gentle cat, and wished others in her kingdom her grace.
"What is wrong, kit, are you scared? Lost your way? What is causing you this discomfort?" Paxx looked at the kit, wondering what sort of answer she would hear to this; why did she always play thehelp.

[luna]

The cub was confused. Why would it be dangerous here? Wouldn't these cats show mercy on a cub? What did she do wrong? But, before she could ask any questions the unnamed snow leopard was pushing her forward. She reluctantly began to walk, but she stayed next to her. This was about the longest time she had ever spent with someone that she could remember. She hoped that she would not be thrown away again.

I reside with me, myself, and I. She paused. I am alone. Luna gazed up at this leopard, confused. Why was she so determined to get her out of here? And why won't she tell me her name? Then her childish, playful nature arose again. Maybe its a funny name.

"What is wrong, kit, are you scared? Lost your way? What is causing you this discomfort?"

She figured that this cat would guess. She seemed almost magical. The way she talked, the way she walked. It was like she already knew everything about her. Creepy... she thought. Yet, she decided to answer anyway. Who knows? She might just pry into my brain and find it all anyway.
I just don't have a mother.. Luna swallowed before continuing. Or any family. I don't think anyway... I don't remember the scent of brothers or sisters next to me. All I remember was being torn away from my mum and carried to some really cold place, then a really warm place. My eyes opened when I was dropped in the mud. Everything was blurry, so I couldn't see who even brought me here. I mainly survived on beetles and bugs at first...that doesn't matter. I survived. All I know is that I'm here. Luna sighed. She didn't know the real reason why she was telling this cat this. Its not like she could change her past.

She closed her eyes for a moment, then continued walking.

[Paxx]

"You are fairly young to be on your own, kit." Paxx stated as she walked along side the kitten. Her belly fur dragged along the ground, as she walked. Her paws making no sound as she moved. Her movements were silent, as she flicked her ears. She watched the kitten, it walked with little grace, movement that was un tuned, and kit like. This kitten was odd, to be weened at such a young age and to survive, she had to hand it to the strong kit.
Paxx listened to the kitten speak, tentatively and quietly. She made no sound as she listened, as the kit talked Paxx's ears twitched from side to side as if there was an itch she had no desire to itch. She pondered over what could have brought the kitten here, she would have to consult her spirits later.
Her eyes were not on the kitten, they were straight ahead, watching for other felines; it was bad enough she was lugging a kitten around; no more company she proclaimed in her head.
Paxx looked at the kit and lowered her voice to a softer, more mother like tone.
"Everyone has a family, kit. Even if they are not with you physically, they are with you spiritually. You did not come from nothing, you have a mother, and a father. They are out there somewhere, dear. If you do not find them, then they will live through you. You are a strong kit for getting through your tough times, and finding yourself in this castle as well..." She looked around, wondering if there were unworthy eyes watching her; reckless felines that guarded the castle, or useless stalkers.
Paxx turned her attention to the kit, and wondered if the kitten would understand her words of wisdom, it was, after all allot to be taken in for a kit.

[luna]

"I know..." she murmured. She had barely known her parents, it wasn't really her fault she was all alone! Unsheathing her claws, she scraped them across the castle floor.
"Everyone has a family, kit. Even if they are not with you physically, they are with you spiritually. You did not come from nothing, you have a mother, and a father. They are out there somewhere, dear. If you do not find them, then they will live through you. You are a strong kit for getting through your tough times, and finding yourself in this castle as well..."
"I guess.." she began. "But if my parents abandoned me, or threw me away. I don't want to call them my family." Her voice took on a note of certainty. "They don't deserve to be called my family. This I know. They may be called my family in the world of reason, but in the world of belief they shall never deserve that title." Her eyes to the brim with unshed tears, she looked up at the other leopard. "Do you understand?" she whispered.

Before the leopard answered her, she looked down at her paws. Her gaze was now curious as she pushed her feelings to the back of her mind.
"Why can't I know your name leopard?"

[Paxx]

This kitten amused her. her Looks and attitude reminded her of herself as a kit. This kitten was going to eventually cause her some sort of headache; but that was for later use.
Kitten. You are allot like I was when I was a kit. I did not know my parents well either. I grew up in the northern temples. Far beyond the feline territory and on the brim of the mountains to the north of our land.I did not know my parents, but for whatever reason you do not have yours. It is because the spirits have requested it. You have been given your freedom early, kit, so you must use it wisely." The cat purred as she spot, trying to soften the air between herself and the kitten. This kitten was here for a reason; and for whatever reason it was, Paxx would get to the bottom of it.
Why. You should know my name. I am quit famous around these parts...But if you do not. Then my name is not important to you young one." The cat continued walking, twitching her ears as she walked. She constantly looked down making sure the kitten was behind her; whether she liked it or not; her material instincts were shining.

[luna]

Luna's tail flicked to and fro. This leopard didn't know her parents either? Maybe she can help me! What do you mean by..."givin' my freedom early?" I thought everyone was born free.

Her hope of staying with this cat faltered slightly when the leopard mentioned that she was famous around these parts. Perhaps she is to busy to have a kit like me lugging around behind her paws...

She thought of what the leopard said about her name. What would happen if I knew her name? she wondered. She pondered this for a moment, what would she call her?

What can I call you then?
This cat certainly reminded her of an auntie. She had heard of aunties once, though she forgot where. They cared for kits when their mother of father were absent. I guess it kind of fits the circumstance...

[Paxx]

Paxx chuckled to herself watching the young kit. This kit amused her, and sparked inside her something she did not feel before. The snow leopard stalked the halls, making sure the young one was still behind her. It came to Paxx's attention to wonder that if this little kit suddenly disappeared, would the leopard care? If this cat was suddenly out of sight; would it be still in mind? The oracle wondered to herself, what would happen.. The snow leopard shrugged, and checked once more to see if the kitten was behind her. She was young, that was for sure; but how old she was not entirely sure, too young to be without a mother though, that was for sure.
Yet again Paxx attempted to keep her motherly side out of her mind; not in any way did this cat want to be a mother. This snow leopard had no desire to mate, this cat did not need another beside her, and no litter to take care of. She looked down at the Kitten, and she stopped. Paxx let her bottom go to the floor and moved her tail from side to side, as her ear began to twitch.
"My dear kit, not everyone is born with freedom. You see, our society is structured strongly, built strong, and will stay strong. However, in order to do so, you need servants. Not everyone is born with the liberties that you and I posses. Ocelots, mountain lions, and others of the spotless kind are less fortunate. Our society, in a blunt term is based on looks and power, but it is a structured system. Slaves are not born free, they are given their life in order to make another's life easier. It is how we survive, without the system we posses in this society, we would have chaos, other less...fortunate species need guidance, and a job to be given to them at birth, you must stop and appreciate how fortunate you are kitten. Not everyone is born free. The snow leopard stopped and thought for a moment, she might as well tell the kitten of her name; it would not mean the end of the world."You may call me Paxx, child."

[luna]

Luna pricked her ears, soaking in all of what Paxx had to say. So... she thought. this kingdom is based on looks. Why spots? Why not stripes? Why not tan, or brown, or black, or silver? What is the difference? Shouldn't power be giving to the right cat and not just handed down the line? What if a ruler comes to be and he just wants to enslave us all?

Confusion swam in the grey depths of her eyes. She decided to speak her uncertainty out loud. "But Paxx...why are we based off spots? Why not stripes? Why not solid brown, or black, or grey, or silver..." Luna dwindled off. Taking a breath, she continued in a rush. "What is so special about us? About SPOTS?" Her tail flicked to and fro, angrily now. It wasn't the slave's fault they were born as they were! Why did THEIR lives have to made easier? If everyone is able to care for themselves, why don't we just do so?

[Paxx]

The older leopard looked down at the young one. It was almost as if she had to educate her own offspring on the ways of the world. Was Paxx nothing but a teacher now? This child, seemed to be the weak point to Paxx, she did not want to admit it however. Paxx did not normally like kittens, they amused her, but she did not find them to be...usefull. The cat sat in the hall, it was dark in this part of the hall way; realizing this, Paxx shut her dark blue eyes; and with their opening their came light.
The torch that hung above that that seemed dead became alive with fire. Her spirits knew when to take care of their oracle. This cat looked at the light in a 'thank you' like matter. Even though her night vision was wonderful; she wasn't sure if the kittens was or not; so it was best there was light.
Perhaps it was time for a history lesson; the oracle thought to herself; she would not tell it in length. This young kit would not understand the big concept that the history would have to offer; so some adjustments to it would be necessary.
"You see young kit, long ago...Our society was indeed founded by jaguars...These jagaurs were mighty and strong, and brought this society to a larger scale. Many felines began to come and migrate to this new found world, a safe place for felines; but not all was well. There are other species you see. Equines and Canines; who we are not the best of...friends with...Jagaurs have always been in charge, and their coloration and spots have become almost like a national anthem. This pride and wonder of those before us still lives on today...and is often taught to young kits; much like you. Our society is more or less tribal...and in this society; who you are, really does matter. It is the ways of the world and the way the spirits want it..." It was hard to describe a history to a kitten that she didn't know very well. She could go on for days or even weeks about the past of the feline tribe; but to a kit, it would merely go right over her head; so it was best to summarize.
She looked down at the kitten and shrugged lightly; it was not her place to tell the history to the kitten, that was the job of a teacher; and Paxx was not a teacher.

[luna]

Luna pricked her ears and listened carefully to what Paxx was telling her. But the kit could barely understood, for she was thinking about something else too. Ocelots have spots, don't they? She blinked out of her concentration and caught only the tail-end of what Paxx was saying. "...Itis the ways of the world and the way the spirits want it..."

But Paxx, what of the spirits of the Ocelots? Won't they be unhappy? I mean, ocelots are spotted to aren't they? And cheetahs...surely they would be unhappy they arn't ranked as high as we? Why are ocelots slaves? They are spotted like us!
Luna flicked her tail unhappily. Why weren't things fair in the kingdom?