So I have been writing Celestial in Episodes, but I want a place to put the entire story with out all the clutter.
Please don't post to this thread this is just so I can keep the story organized.
Here is the link to the thread if you want to post.
https://www.sylestia.com/forums/?thread=29257
If you have questions feel free to post them there. If I don't answer its because I will likely answer that question in the story later on. If you don't mind spoilers PM me and I can tell you all about it. If you do decide to ask for spoilers please do not post them to the threads in case other people don't want spoilers.
Thanks a bunches!!
Here is a list of Characters!!
They are organized by families
(characters will be periodically moved from family to family or changed as the story unfolds)
House of the Sea
Ariala
Queen of the Lighira Kingdom. She is the youngest queen in the history of Cadin royalty, and is the first in the House of Astor to Rule the kingdom. She took the throne after the previous king died of old age. She was his Captain of the Guard and was next in command, as well as the closest thing he had to a daughter. He had no children because his wife died in war and he refused to remarry.
Terovu
King of the Lighira Kingdom. He is very quiet, and can seem as if he does not care. He is extremely kind and loves his family.
Istisna
The adopted Daughter in the House of Astor. She has a secret she has hid from everyone for years that she doesn't even understand. She is currently travelling with Duetto to an unknown place.
Vera
The daughter of Ariala, and a fierce warrior. she has a sarcastic sense of humor and a feisty temper. She is the more courageous and curious of the twins. She is next in line to become Queen.
Kemen
The son of Ariala, one of the strongest of the Lighiras. Despite his strength he is extremely timid and shy, and is more like his father. he is not the smartest of his siblings, but he does want to learn. he is next in line to become Captain of the Guard.
House of Stars
Duetto/ Echo
Mysterious male Lupora who has a rocky past. He has been exiled from his homeland and is in charge of a group of rebels. He is very protective over Istisna and seems to have his secrets.
Blade
Duetto's sister
House of Fire
Ash
One of the oldest of the rebels. She is the mother of Smoke and is pregnant with another litter of pups.
Soot
Ash's husband, he is very watchful and is only slightly younger than Ash.
Smoke
A young pup of Ash and Soot. He is very playful and asks a lot of questions.
House of Jewels
Before Ghost took control of their homeland Toxic and Gem were set to get married but Ghost banished the two along with others who disobeyed him.
Toxic
A very aggressive Lupora who chased Istisna. He seems to be frightened of Duetto but is much larger than Duetto.
Gem
An extremely beautiful Lupora who is very close with Toxic, and is the only one who can control his temper. Although she has a temper of her own.
Extra
Ghost
The ruthless ruler of the rebels homeland.
Edited By Katelynn4545 on 11/21/2015 at 4:32 PM.
Katelynn4545
Level 71
The Artistic
Joined: 5/24/2015
Threads: 347
Posts: 17,586
Posted: 10/3/2015 at 11:10 AM
Post #2
Celestial
Intro
In a time long forgotten, when the land was filled with darkness, there was a whisper of a great power that would ever change this world. A power so great that it could control even time itself. The land stricken with fear was reduced to ash and fire by the control of its ruthless king, Taruk Macta. For many years Taruk Macta ruled the land, until the chosen from each tribe united to stand against him. Together they destroyed Taruk Macta, but it was a brutal battle, and many were lost. The tribes came together once more to rebuild the land, and they soon returned, tribe by tribe, to rebuild their kingdoms. Yet as the land grew the darkness that had been destroyed still remained, hidden to the eyes of all who threatened it, until now....
Taruk Macta
The prophecy
After the war a prophecy was foretold. "Darkness has been reborn, with the birth of this child the shadows will raise and cover the sun, the rule of fire and stone will return, yet among you another will be born, one who can turn time and undo what has been done" For years it has been said that an child will be born, and fulfill the prophecy, yet none have come.
Our story begins In the Kingdom of Cadin, formed by the Sahil Lighiras after the great war. It is a peaceful kingdom, with very little commotion. Today however is a very special occasion, the queen is having twins, but these are not just any lighira cubs they will be the mark of an alliance between tribes. Queen Ariala, queen of Cadin, paces the cold stone floor as she waits for her husband, King Terovu, king of Elede. "where is that mane-less mutt!" she whispers to herself as her snow white tail flicks with anticipation and annoyance. She stops pacing as she hears voices approaching from down the hall, soon after King Terovu walks in.
"where have you been!" her ice blue eyes glare at him coldly
"I was speaking with the general about the ceremony, I apologize, please excuse my tardiness" he says smiling playfully.
she softens her gaze as she asks " how are the kids?"
" when I last went by the hatchery they seemed fine, you should stop worrying so much" he says gently as he makes his way to the ceremonial balcony, she smiles and follows.
As they step onto the balcony side by side she glances out over her kingdom, she studies the peaceful shoreline and the lush forests that mark the perimeter of Cadin. Her heart is filled with pride as she waits with anticipation. A young lioness joins them on the balcony with a small leather pouch. The three walk towards the edge of the balcony, where there is a shallow stone bowl. the young lioness removes two identical lighira eggs from the pouch and places them gently in the bowl. Ariala Lets out a mighty roar and Terovu does the same, as the entire kingdom raises their voices for the young royalty they eggs begin to crack, and eventually the eggs are replaced by two stunning lighira cubs, with coats the color of the sand and eyes the color of the ocean.
The two lighiras look out upon their new kingdom with curious eyes, Ariala looks at her cubs with pride, and then glances out at her people. "Our kingdoms are now one, and may we all lift our voices as one!" she speaks with strength and pride, as the kingdoms let out another mighty roar. Ariala turns to her new cubs and glances at her husband, they take the cubs and start to leave the balcony. As they turn Ariala notices the fear in the young lionesses eyes as the pouch she holds begins to move as if it was alive. In Panic the young lioness drops the pouch and quickly backs away. A small lupora wriggles out of the pouch clearly frightened and confused. she was a light tan with eyes that were an ice blue. Ariala looked at her husband as they set the cubs down. "What should we do with it " she asks hesitantly, Terovu glances at the cubs and nudges them forward to the young pup. The two circle the pup curiously, then one of the cubs leaps in front of the pup wanting to play the other cub follows in response, the pup still frightened slowly curls up on the ground. Ariala smiles as she picks up the pup and pads to the nursery.
Once it the nursery Ariala places the pup down on a plush resting mat used for her cubs. She circles the pup, she is rather small, but something seems different , Ariala thought. The pup sits up straight looking Ariala in the eyes "Your not going to hurt me are you?" the pup looked confident rather than scared. " No young one" Ariala responded "Then what will you do with me?" the pup asked trustfully. Well i will need to talk to Terovu about this first Ariala thought as the pup shot her a hopeful glance her eyes, they remind me of something... something I've heard . Tarovu comes into the nursery with the cubs " Ariala " he says hinting for them to leave. She nods and walks out of the nursery with Terovu close behind.
" What are we going to do with this?" he asks angrily.
" I'm not sure " she responds. "we cant just get rid of her".
"that thing can't just stay here" Terovu snaps.
"And we cant just let her die Terovu!" her voice now filled with anger.
"So you want us to just take her in as one of our own!" he says.
"yes I do, is that wrong ?" she says accusingly.
He glances at his large paws " What do we do once she growls up?" he asks genuinely.
" She will go through training and earn her armor just like any lighira" she says.
" Are you sure she will make it? You know what happens when a member of the throne does not get their armor."he says.
She nods "I know....I know".
He nudges her shoulder and pads down the hallway. She makes her way back into the nursery with a slight fear in her heart. As she opens the curtain she can she the cubs and the pup wrestling playfully. They stop as she enters and eagerly listen.
"Is she going to stay" the female cub asks.
She smiles " Yes".
" Really!" The three say as they begin to play and wrestle with excitement.
She smiles "Would you like to know your names?" they stop and nod for her to continue.
She looks at the first cub, the young female " You will be called Viera, for the faith in you heart is great".
the second cub, the young male now sits up straight with pride.
"And you shall be called Kemen, for your spirit is courageous" she says smiling.
She takes a long look at the pup,
"Istisna, that shall be your name, for your eyes hold much wonder and curiosity"
"And what is your name?" the pup asked.
She smiled " My name Is Ariala Astor, Queen of Cadin, and ruler of the Sahil Lighiras, and most importantly your mother. Your father is Terovu Astor, King of Malhun, and ruler of the Terra Lighiras"
(Five years have past)
change in cast characters
Setting: The Silent Forest
"Viera give it back!" Kemen said angrily .
" What are you mad that i'm a better hunter than you?" Viera said smiling with the stuffed sheep held firmly between her paw and the rock.
" I Said Give It Back!" Kemen growled loudly.
"Hey! Enough Fighting, you two better start acting like a team otherwise we will fail our first test" Istisna said firmly.
" sorry we both kind of got carried away" Viera said glancing at Kemen.
" Why haven't you been Practicing with us sis?" Kemen questioned.
Istisna looked at her paws " I have been practicing but not with you two, because when we take the test I cant work with anyone".
" Why not? you are one of us" Viera said.
"Well the council still doesn't think I should be here so they are going to test me harder than the rest of you."
"That is ridiculous! isn't there something mom and dad can do?" Kemen practically shouted.
" No, the rules are only for Lighiras." Istisna responded.
Viera and Kemen looked at each other sadly, for they all knew what would happen if she failed and did not win her armor.
Istisna Smiled " its okay you two I have been practicing very hard and i'll be fine."
"okay then, battle me " Viera said as she jumped off the rock and crouched down
Istisna smirked as she crouched down and the two began to circle. Viera lunged at Istisna with all of her strength, but she quickly leaped out of the way and onto the rock. A loud shriek suddenly cut through the silent air. the two stopped immediately.
"what is that?" Istisna Said quietly.
"I..I don't know?" Viera said almost whispering.
"We need to get back to the gates" Kemen said.
Viera and Istisna exchanged glances, and the three make their way back to the kingdom gates. As they reach the edge of the woods the trio stops dead in their tracks. the kingdom appears abandoned and is completely silent.
"What is going on?" Istisna asked.
" Look the red banners have been raised!" Kemen said almost in a panic.
" that means everyone is already underground, but why?" Viera said.
" they only raise the flags if someone is tying to attack." Istisna said as she thought.
" Or something!" Kemen said his eyes filled with fear.
Viera and Istisna turned to follow his stare. deep in the clouds they could spot something flying and circling back to the kingdom. Another shriek cut violently through the air. The flying object starts to decent toward the gate.
" Whatever it is its not happy and its looking for a fight" Istisna growled as she prepared herself for whatever was going to break through the clouds. Kemen and Viera did the same. A massive Ny'Vene Flew down, landing firmly in front of them. It let out a laugh as it looked them over.
"Is this their army, or is it just a snack"
Edited By Katelynn4545 on 10/3/2015 at 11:12 AM.
Katelynn4545
Level 71
The Artistic
Joined: 5/24/2015
Threads: 347
Posts: 17,586
Posted: 10/3/2015 at 11:14 AM
Post #3
"Why are you here?" Viera Asked calmly.
" Because I have a Job to do" He replied with a menacing smirk.
"What Job" Kemen asked.
" I was sent to destroy this kingdom" The Ny'Vene said
"Well we will make you a deal" Istisna said.
The twins looked at her to see her face filled with confidence.
"We will let you in but you must kill all three of us first, and it must be physical combat" Istisna said.
The Ny'Vene's smirk grew slightly "Deal".
Istisna smirks in response "Deal, shall we begin?".
The trio separates from the Ny'Vene to begin the battle. "What are you thinking Istisna!" Kemen said.
"Just trust me, okay so we need to break his wings first, then we can finish the job" Istisna Said.
"Istisna we are not even sworn warriors yet!" Kemen argued.
"Even the warriors are to frightened to be out here Kemen! You should want to protect our home!" Istisna snapped.
" Your right..." Kemen said.
Istisna looked at the twins "I have a plan, the only problem is making sure he cant fly".
"Okay ground rules stay away from the tail and the mouth, his arms and legs are too short we shouldn't have to worry about them much" Viera said.
"Well belly, wings, and back should be our target of attacks" Kemen said.
The trio turned to face their opponent with confidence, and the Ny'Vene let out a loud shriek. the twins let out a mighty roar, and Istisna followed with a howl that made the air stand still. The trio raced toward their opponent. The Ny'Vene laughed as he lifted himself into the air, using his wings to force the air down on the three. "Now!" Istisna said, and the trio split surrounding their enemy. I hope this works Istisna thought. She planted her feet firmly into the ground as she concentrated all of her strength. She let out a bark as loud as thunder, and the Ny'Vene let out a cry as he came spiraling toward the ground. As he hit the ground it was clear that his wing had been broken. The Ny'Vene got back to his feet and was now very angry. " Now lets go!" Istisna yelled, and the three bolted off to the woods.
"I don't know how that happened, but I do know that we have a chance now" Kemen said.
The three entered the woods with the Ny'Vene close on their heals
"To the rock!" Viera Yelled, the three made it to the rock with a little more time between them and their enemy.
"You two hid in the trees, quickly!" Istisna said in a hushed voice as she could hear small trees snapping under the weight of the Ny'Vene. She stood in front of the rock and planted her feet firmly in the earth as she waited. The Ny'Vene broke through the trees and into the clearing, but Istisna stood her ground without a flinch. The Ny'Vene stood still for a moment.
"You know I don't really like to kill people if they don't know my name" He said, his voice now serious.
" My name is Asken, and yours?" he said.
Istisna did not respond, " So no name huh?, Well do you know what we call people with no names?" His voice was now filled with anger "Pungos. How does that sound Pungo?" He growled as he charged toward her. She let out another deafening bark and the Ny'Vene fell face first sliding towards Istisna and the rock. Istisna leaped to the out of the way just in time to see his skull slam into the rock. He hit with such a great force that it caused the rock to crack all the way through. The twins leaped down from the trees.
"What did you do?" Kemen asked slightly frightened.
" I did what I had to" Istisna Said.
" How did you do it?" Viera asked
" I will show you later first we need to tell Mom, and when she asks we lead him here and he tripped." Istisna said.
The trio makes their way back to the kingdom gate in silence. Once they make it to the gate the flags are already down, and the guards are there waiting for them. The three make their way in and head to the throne room. On the way up the stairs Kemen asks Istisna a question "Who do you suppose sent him here to destroy the kingdom?"
"I'm not sure" she responded.
"You know he was very interested in getting your name for a moment there, maybe he was looking for someone." Viera suggested.
" what was it he called you again?" Kemen asked.
"Pungo..... he called me Pungo" Istisna said.
"what do you suppose that means?" Viera asked.
"I'm not sure I haven't read it anywhere in the library yet and I only have one more shelf to go." Istisna said. The twins looked at her their eyes filled with shock.
"You read all those books?"Viera said surprised
"You read books?" Kemen sounding more surprised than Viera.
"Yeah I read!" Istisna snapped as the trio made it to the throne room door. As they walked in Istisna could see their mother pacing, and their father trying to calm her down. Ariala and Terovu ran up to them embracing them.
"We are glad you are okay" Terovu sighed gratefully.
"We thought you had been killed!" Ariala said.
"We are fine mom" Kemen said to reassure her.
"How did you all manage to bring him down you were clearly out matched?" Terovu asked.
"Well, It was Istisna's idea." Viera said turning to her sister. Her mother looked very impressed.
"I know that your final tests are tomorrow, but I am going to speak to the general about some different arrangements." Ariala said.
" Is it okay if I go to the library?" Istisna asked.
"Yeah us too?" Viera added.
"Yes that is fine" Ariala responded slightly confused. The three padded off in the direction of the library quickly. "What do you think the general is going to do?"Kemen asked.
"I'm not sure? All I know is I'm a little shaken up and I'm terrified of not passing the trials."Viera said.
"I'm sure it will be fine guys, I mean we did just save the kingdom from udder destruction"Istisna said smiling trying to make her siblings feel better.
"You mean you just saved the kingdom" Kemen said.
"Yeah you need to explain to us what went on out there." Viera said
Istisna lets out a exaggerated sigh "Okay, okay.... it's along story and its better to show to you than to explain it. After we skim the rest of the books we can split up to do what we normally would, then meet me at the brook in the woods."
The twins nod and the three enter the library. The library is massive and could hold three million books easily with room to spare. Though it is detached from the rest of the castle it is magnificent and peaceful. The corners are supported by six massive oak trees, making It seem as if the library was built into the trees. The canopy covers the glass ceiling, but lets in a lot of natural light.
Istisna made her way to one corner of the library. This corner was different from the rest, it was darker and had one small short shelf containing about ten books. The oak tree that held up this corner looked older than the rest and had a small hollow near the base of its trunk. Istisna took the books off of the shelf and spread them over the floor. Alright lets get started Istisna said glancing at the twins. Kemen sighed "Do I have to read? I mean I dont really care what Pungo means" Viera's paw made a solid thud as it hit the back of Kemen's head. "Hmm just like I thought hollow as a log, maybe if you read something might start to fill that empty space." Viera teased.
"Maybe you should" Kemen growled.
"Guys please you're acting like a bunch of kittens" Istisna said giving them a stern look. "Besides if we all read we can get done faster"
The twins nodded and started to read. Istisna let out an exaggerated sigh "Do you even know what you're looking for?"
The twins glanced at each other for a moment "Pungo?" they both said completely confused. Istisna shook her head "You are a bunch of kittens."
"Look for anything that has to do with a prophecy, Ny'Venes, or this symbol" she said giving them a small piece of paper with an odd symbol sketched on it in black ink. "What does this mean?" Kemen said looking at the symbol. "That's what we are looking for" Istisna said bluntly. "It was painted on that NyVenes back in bright red, so it may be important." she continued.The twins nodded and the three began to read.
A few hours past and the last book was placed back on the shelf. "Really, nothing we read all those books and nothing." Viera said
"When are we ever going to need to know how to calm a Giffi?" Kemen said.
"I don't know, maybe one day you will "Viera said looking exhausted
"It could be worse, we could be dead" Istisna said trying to keep things positive. At that moment what seemed like a whisper escaped the hollow. "What was that?" Viera said with a concerned look. Suddenly the hollow began to glow with a faint purple light. Istisna walked slowly toward the hollow and the light grew brighter. She reached in and pulled out an old book. The book had a leather cover and was covered in moss. In the center of the book there was a bright purple stone, as the light from the stone dimmed it faded into a dark purple, almost black. Vines wrapped tightly around the stone keeping it in place, and a large vine wrapped around the books center like a latch. "Well open it!" Viera shouted enthusiastically. Istisna struggled to open the book pulling at the vine. "I don't know how! This vine is not moving and there is no other way to open it!" Istisna said clearly frustrated. Suddenly a horn sounded from the castle. "We need to go, Ill put this in my room and we can try to open it tonight." Istisna said as she picked up the book, and the three made their way out of the library.
Captain of the Guard
Istisna tossed the book onto the couch in her room and joined the twins in the hall. The three walked to the throne room to see their parents sitting and talking to the Captain of the Guard. "Come we have good news" Their mother said. the three walked forward standing opposite of the guard. He glanced at the them and walked up to Kemen. "Kemen Astor" he said as he laid something wrapped in a faded tan cloth cloth. "Viera Astor" he said and laid another cloth down in front of Viera. He now stood in front of Istisna he paused for a moment before continuing "Istisna Astor" he said and backed up to stand in front of all three of them. Istisna looked at her siblings and the cloths at their feet, then it struck her. They were being presented their armor, and fear flooded Istisna's thoughts. Oh no... no not now!she thought as she glanced at her feet Did they see me? No they couldn't have. as she looked at her feet she noticed that the Guard did not give her a cloth. If I don't have my armor that means they are going to execute me!. Istisna began to panic and she looked from their mother to her siblings, suddenly she noticed that the Guard had been speaking. ".... You may uncover your armor and wear it with pride" he said and then turned to Istisna "Istisna, for protecting our kingdom I would like to present you with with a special armor" he walked around the corner of the throne and returned with an armor such a light blue it almost looked white " It was made using some of the strongest scales of the Ny'Vene you three took down. Oh and the Twins armor is made from the gold bands on his horns" the Guard said.
"Well put it on" Terovu said
Istisna and the twins put on the armor they had been given. Though it looked uncomfortable, it was very flexible and not too heavy. No wounder the guards wear their armor all the time, it is really comfortable. Istisna thought as she stretched.
"You three can go to your rooms if you wish" Ariala said, and the three went to their rooms. Istisna walked into her room and curled up on the couch. Well that was frighting she thought as she laid her head on her forearms. Just to think I could have been sentenced to death, but instead they were going to give me my own armor, She took a deep breath as she closed her eyes. There was a loud crack outside her door and she jumped to her feet, but stayed on the couch. a light purple fog crept under the door spreading quickly across the floor. The fog began to form in one place, and eventually was in the shape of a Lupora. The Lupora let out a mighty howl that shook the entire castle. then Istisna noticed something the stone on the book was glowing, and the vine around its center was now surrounded the stone. The Lupora's howl seemed to be coming from everywhere, and continued to grow louder, and suddenly the books paged flew open. Istisna woke up in a panic glancing wildly around her room, everything was normal. The book laid beside her on the couch, its secrets still sealed shut. She glanced out the window and noticed it was dark. she quickly grabbed a cloth sling pouch she had and gently placed the book inside, before bolting out of the room.
Edited By Katelynn4545 on 10/3/2015 at 11:17 AM.
Katelynn4545
Level 71
The Artistic
Joined: 5/24/2015
Threads: 347
Posts: 17,586
Posted: 10/3/2015 at 10:43 PM
Post #4
Istisna quickly made her way out of the castle. Once at the gate she paused to look around. The streets spread out into dark alleyways in all directions like a tangled spider web. A cool breeze blew through her fur and she closed her eyes remembering how the streets looked on a cold winter day. She and the twins would run through the streets and play in the snow for hours on end. and then they would go back to the castle and their paws would be cold as ice, but mom would always have something warm cooking and the fire would be blazing with an orange glow that reflected on the wall. dad would always curl up with them and tell them a story about brave warriors or a love story, love stories were Istisna's favorite. But that was all about to change. she opened her eyes and glanced down at her paws, when she looked up there was a dark figure standing down the ally in front of her its eyes were a bright purple, glowing like fireflies on a summer night.
" You ready?" Kemen said as he and Viera came down the stairs. Istisna spun around to see them, and then glanced down the alleyway again but the figure was gone.
"Yeah.... Yeah lets go" she said, and the three made their way to the brook. The moon was full and the path to the brook was clear. The forest seemed as if it was still awake and the cool breeze gave the trees life as they swayed to its rhythm. The brook glistened with the moonlight. The oak trees that surrounded the clearing were massive, yet they seemed soft and peaceful in the moonlight. The three sat on the north side of the brook and took a moment to listen.
"The forest seems different tonight" Viera said.
"Its almost like it is waiting for something" Kemen added.
"It is... It has waited a long time" Istisna said.
"For what?" Kemen asked.
"For me to tell the truth... for me to show who I am" Istisna said looking at her paws.
"Who are you then?" Viera asked.
"I don't know...... but we are about to find out" Istisna said as she stood and made her way to the edge of the brook facing the south side of the brook. The dark figure appeared on the other side but stayed hidden in the trees its eyes glowing dimly in the moonlight. Istisna raised her head and let out a howl that shook the ground around her. The water in the stream began to leap with the sound of her voice. The book lay on the ground between Viera and Kemen, as Istisna's voice grew stronger the stone began to glow. the dark figure walked up to the south side of the brook. Now visible in the moonlight it was a slender Lupora He was as dark as the shadows. His mane was tipped with a purple the color of his eyes, and he wore an armor made of crystal. The crystal armor that covered his side were made to look like ribs and crystals banded around his front paws. He now stood opposite of Istisna, but Istisna refused to stop until the book was open. the stone was glowing brightly now, but the vine at its center was still holding it shut. The strange Lupora lifted his head and joined her. His howl was stronger than hers and the sound of their voices together shook the earth so violently that the entire forest felt as if it was crumbling. The vine around the book unraveled itself and wrapped around the stone. The two lowered their heads and the forest became peaceful again.
"Who are you?" Istisna said curiously.
"I should ask you the same thing" The stranger said his voice was deep but soft.
"I am Istisna" she said.
"I'm Duetto" he replied.
"Can you do it too?" Istisna asked
Duetto nodded and jumped the brook to the north side.
"It is a dangerous gift. You know that you cannot stay right?" Duetto asked.
"I know......I feel like they will be in danger, and I can't do that to them" Istisna said as she looked at Viera and Kemen.
The two joined them in a circle around the now opened book.
" Look it has this prophecy about a battle of darkness and light!" Kemen said with excitement that he had found something important.
" It says 'Darkness has been reborn, with the birth of this child the shadows will raise and cover the sun, the rule of fire and stone will return, yet among you another will be born, one who can turn time and undo what has been done' what does that mean?" Viera said
"It means that The world as we know it is getting ready to change" Duetto said
" How, And who are you?" Viera snapped
" I'm Duetto sorry for my lack of an introduction" He said " Far to the east of here there is a kingdom that was just destroyed.... much like yours would have been if not for you three"
"How do you know about this?" Kemen asked
"That Ny'Vene you took down destroyed my kingdom..."Duetto said looking at his paws
"Oh... I'm very sorry" Viera said
" Don't apologize. I followed him here, to see what he was after" he said.
"Well.... what was he after?" Kemen asked
" Your sister" Duetto said " He was sent to find and kill the Luporas that are well.......gifted"
"What do you mean?" Viera said angrily.
" I'm saying that Some one out there wants your sister dead and they don't mind killing everyone else to get to her" Duetto's voice was not one of anger but more of concern
"No one ....is getting our sister" Viera said as her and Kemen stepped in front of her.
"I'm not going to force her to leave.... that's her choice" Duetto said as he turned to leave.
Istisna looked at her paws. "Guys, I can't.....I can't put you in danger" She said he voice clouded with sadness.
"We know......I read in the book that the chosen will be separated and will join together again... like how you just appeared the day we were born... I think this is the right thing to do" Kemen said
"We will let mom know where you are and what is going on" Viera said
Istisna nodded here eyes were clouded with tears as she hugged them both. "I love you guys, and I promise...I'll be back"
"You better be" Viera said in a soft tone.
Istisna put the book in her cloth pouch she glanced at the south side of the brook where Duetto stood. she glanced back at the twins who had already made their way bay to the gates. She leaped across the brook and joined Duetto. He looked at her for a moment before speaking.
"We can rest here for the night if you want"
"No, I don't want to change my mind, we should get moving anyway" Istisna said not making eye contact with him. She started making her way towards the forest.
"Do you know where we are going princess?" Duetto said with a small smirk. Istisna leaped at him and pinned him to the ground. "I'm not a princess, and until I can trust you you should watch your step" She growled.
"Okay understood, but we cannot go by our normal names, so I was just throwing one out there" Duetto said calmly.
Istisna thought for a moment "Pungo call me Pungo"
"Pungo? Really wow" Duetto said slightly confused
"Why, what does it mean?" Istisna said
"It means......Song Bird"Duetto said
"Yeah.... call me Pungo then" Istisna said as she turned and padded into the forest. Duetto shook his head and padded behind her.
"You sure?" Duetto asked as he caught up to her.
"Yes Why?" Istisna snapped
"Because, I guess I just thought you may want something..... I don't know... more powerful" Duetto said
"Is it a bad thing to be called a song bird?" Istisna questioned
" No.... I... I just don't want them to laugh at you" Duetto said softly
Istisna sighed" Fine you pick my name. Also who is them?"
A small smile crept on Duetto's face" The rest of us" Duetto said
" You mean there are more like us?" Istisna said excitedly
"Yeah, haven't you heard the legend?"Duetto said
" What legend?" Istisna replied. Her face was serious, and Duetto shook his head slightly.
"You mean you have never heard?" He said shocked.
"No I haven't" Istisna said, now feeling very confused.
" Okay butter cup, well long there was a great war and the 28 Lupora Guardians agreed that we would help fight. after the war only twelve of the 28 were left. They split into twelve tribes each with their own Guardian. It was whispered sometime after that the child that would turn time would be one from the twelve tribes, for in order to turn time one must hold both day and night. And only us Luporas are blessed with that gift. When this became know to the darkness the twelve tribes separated the ones who were gifted, sent us to all ends of the map. We still don't know who can turn time, but that book you have ... it could tell us who can." Duetto said as he gestured to her pouch.
"Okay" Istisna said trying to take in everything he had said.
"Well its almost moon high" Duetto said glancing at the sky as they stepped into a clearing.
Istisna walked over to the nearest oak tree and laid her pouch down. "What are you doing?" Duetto asked "Getting ready to sleep. Why?" Istisna said as she laid down on the pouch.
"its almost time for the moonlight howl" Duetto said. Istisna now looked puzzled.
"Please explain" she said.
"Okay, well every full moon when the moon reaches its highest point every Lupora from all the tribes howl together." Duetto explained. Istisna nodded
"Would you like to join me?"Duetto asked
"Maybe" Istisna said as she laid her head on her forearms and closed her eyes. Duetto sat in the clearing and watched the night sky. When the moon was at its highest point Duetto began to softly howl a tune. Istisna kept her eyes closed as she listened.
He has a beautiful voice Istisna thought Its very strong, but at the same time it is gentle. a moment went by and she could hear others howling the same tune off in the distance. I know this song..... but from where? as the howls grew louder and more abundant she began to feel strange inside. It was almost as if their howls filled up inside her making her feel stronger. Before she knew it she was on her feet and in the clearing howling with Duetto and the others. Her voice was soft but filled with strength, but something made it different than the rest. Small wisps of light filled the sky some in pairs others in small groups. As the two howled a small purple wisp of light escaped Duetto's mouth, and then the same happened to Istisna. Istisna watched the small pale blue light swirl around her with the wind for a moment. They watched as their voices flew through the air around them, and the wind carried their melody high into the night sky where it joined the others. Once all was quiet again the small wisps joined together into a waving band of lights. Istisna watched mesmerized.
"Its beautiful" Istisna said softly.
"It is.... it really is" He said as he glanced at her and the back to the sky.
as the band of lights waved the sky seemed to almost hum the tune. The forest seemed more alive than ever now as the air was filled with the tune.
"Its like the sky is singing back to us" Istisna said as she glanced at Duetto. His face was filled with shock and his eyes were glued to the band of lights.
" Are you okay Duetto" She asked as she walked to his side.
his voice a little shaky." I have never howled with anyone.... and I didn't expect you to..... want to.... not with me" He stuttered as his ears fell flat with disbelief and confusion.
She looked at him softly "Why would you think that?"
" Because.... I am an outcast... I'm unworthy to ...." He stopped and dropped his head.
" Duetto....." She said as she too a step towards him.
" We should get some sleep.." Duetto said cutting her off as he walked to the other side of the clearing, and curled up under one of the big oaks. Istisna went back under the tree on the opposite side of the clearing. As she laid down she glances over at him.
He is hiding something she thought as she got comfortable I wonder why he is not telling me?. She fell asleep absorbed by her thoughts and questions.
the sunlight soon flickered through the leaves causing Istisna to wake. As she opened her eyes she noticed a Duetto standing across the clearing. He walked up to her slowly.
"I'm going to get food. We are going to take a different route It will take longer but we will get us where we need to go."
Istisna yawned and closed her eyes as Duetto padded off. Almost an hour had past before Istisna opened her eyes. When she lanced across the clearing looking for Duetto she was shocked to find no one was around. He has bee gone for a while now Istisna thought as she slipped the odd strap of her pouch around her neck and buckled it on the side just behind her shoulder. she looked back up at the clearing and froze. on the other side was a Lupora much larger than Duetto. His eyes were a piercing green and his body was covered in gashes that seemed to glow the same green as his eyes. His face was plated with small scales, they seemed to be a darker green than his eyes but the sunlight seemed to make them glow all different shades of green. The strange Lupora crouched down and charged towards Istisna. She knew she was no match to fight him. She let out a high pitched howl before bolting off into the woods behind her.
Edited By Katelynn4545 on 11/8/2015 at 4:03 PM.
Katelynn4545
Level 71
The Artistic
Joined: 5/24/2015
Threads: 347
Posts: 17,586
Posted: 10/27/2015 at 2:21 PM
Post #5
Istisna ran as fast as she could, dodging trees and leaping over rocks. Briers nipped at her ankles as she ran faster. She could feel something land firmly on the ground directly behind her, but she did not stop running. She could finally see the edge of the woods, and pushed as hard as she could, giving room between her and whoever was coming after her. As she broke through the last line of trees and with shock, she planted her paws deeply into the soil, but her momentum still pushed her forward. She closed her eyes and soon came to a stop. With her claws griped tightly to the jagged edge of rock she opened her eyes, and looked down to see nothing. The world broke off and fell into nothingness, just pitch black darkness.
"What is this...?"
Istisna said shocked as she moved her glance across the horizon. She could not believe her eyes the world on the other side of the large chasm was on fire. The earth was scorched and the mountain that seemed far away was spiting fire from its peak. Something burst through the tree line behind her and she whipped around to face whomever was behind her. The strange male wolf stood in front of her, and a slender dark gray female stood beside him her eyes were a neon pink and she wore a collar and wristbands studded with the same iridescent gemstones. Her coat had lighter gray splotches and strands that matched her eye color. Istisna let out a defining bark towards the male but it seemed to do nothing. The two wolfs laughed and the female slammed her front paws down firmly on the ground. Sharp jagged crystals shot up from the ground to her right knocking Istisna off her feet. She got back to her feet to see the two laughing. There was something odd about the male, his canines glistened a toxic green color. She planted her feet firmly and she let out another piercing bark this time it hit the male across the cheek causing him to cringe as blood trickled from the fresh gash in his cheek. He growled and leaped at Istisna, his eyes glowed with anger. Istisna let out another bark but something strange happened this time. The male wolf hung in midair, as if he had been frozen in time. Istisna moved away from the male wolf looking for the female. She stood behind him crouched down as if she was about to pounce as well. Upon closer inspection Istisna noticed that the collar she wore looked as if it had been broken free from something. A short chain hung from the metal loop, and from up close her fur seemed spotted
She heard a voice behind her and she turned around to find Duetto running to her.
Istisna! Oh thank God youre okay! he said as he gave her a hug
Istisna was shocked, she had never been hugged before, and honestly she didnt know how to respond. The two heard a loud thud behind them and turned to see the large male picking himself up off the ground, with help from the female.
"Toxic, I'm not taking her back!" Duetto growled as he stood protectively in front of Istisna.
"Echo, listen we aren't here to hurt her we didn't even know she was with you, swear!" Toxic said, he seemed to be frightened of Duetto.
"Ghost has gone insane and is starting to kill all of us, Echo you have to believe us, Sparks and Volts are coming too." The female said with fear in her voice.
"I know.. I saw it in the lights. What about smoke and his parents, and Blade?" Duetto asked.
"Smoke and his parents left after we did, but Blade..." she stopped, but her face told the story, something bad had happened to whoever Blade was.
"Gem, what happened to Blade?" Duetto said, his voice carried a hint of hostility.
"When you left. Ghost took him and banished him he hasn't been seen since I'm sorry" Gem said as she cowered down like a young pup who was being lectured.
Duetto growled quietly "I'm going to kill you ghost"
Just then a group of three luporas burst into the clearing. A Brown and white female, a black and white male, and a rather odd pup.
"Oh Echo! We are so glad we found you! the overly excited" pup said "Where is Blade?"
"I don't know" Duetto responded "How are you smoke?"
"I'm tiered" the pup said as he sat down and looked at his parents
"Nice to see you again Ash and Soot" Duetto said as he bowed his head in a greeting
"Nice to see you too Echo, but it has been quite the journey, and with Ash expecting again it wasn't easy" the male said.
"Who is this?" The female, Ash, asked gesturing to Istisna.
"This is Istisna" Duetto responded.
"Well she can't go walking around with a name like that now can she she dear" Ash said as she walked past Duetto "Hmm may I say that you do look lovely darling" she said before glancing back at Duetto. " You should pick her name Echo" she said with a smile.
" I already have" he said with a small smirk.
" Well then what is it dear?" Ash persisted.
" Pungo, it means songbird" he said as he looked at Istisna.
" A lovely name for a lovely girl" Ash said with a genuine smile.
" Oh where are my manners we should more formally introduce ourselves. I am Ash, this is my son Smoke, and my husband Soot" she said gesturing to the small pup and the large spotted male"
The dark female with the blazing pink eyes stepped forward " I am Gem and this is my soon to be husband Toxic" she said gesturing to the dark male that chased her before " And I apologize for us chasing you before we did not know if you were with Ghost or not"
"Okay well I think we should find a place to settle for the night you all must be tiered" Duetto said and the group headed back to the clearing. Istisna trotted alongside Duetto as they headed back to the clearing.
" Why Pungo?" Istisna whispered
"Because you have a beautiful voice" Duetto replied.
"Should I start calling you Echo then?" she asked quietly.
" Yes we cannot use our real names out here its dangerous" he answered.
She nodded " Then what does Echo mean?" she asked kindly
he sighed and glanced over at her " I will tell you tonight after the others have fallen asleep. There are some things you need to know about our kind" his voice was cautious. It was as if he did not want to say to much. The group made it to another clearing and settled down for the night. It's odd its almost as if I already know them Istisna thought they seem like family to me, like I actually fit in. Her mind drifted to when she was a pup. She was so different from everyone else, and would always be teased about her large ears and her small size compared to the lighira cubs. One incident in particular came to her attention. One day while outside the gates with the other cubs a peculiar event happened. She sat reading her book off in the green grass by herself, when one of the cubs came up to her, he teased her and took her book continuing to pester her. Istisna would normally let the cubs have their fun and just Ignore them, but this time they took her book. This was not just any book this was Istisna's personal book of secrets. In a fit of anger Istisna let out a howl that caused the earth beneath her feet to shake. In fear the cub drooped the book and ran. She didn't know what caused this to happen but she knew that no one could ever know.
Duetto's voice pulled her back into reality " You okay Pungo? you don't look to good"
" I'm fine I was just thinking" Istisna said as she got up and stood beside him. As she looked around she noticed that the others had fallen asleep. " Okay lets go then" Duetto said as the two made their way into the forest. They soon came to the clearing they were at the night before and they sat in the middle of the clearing like they had before. The sky was clear and the forest was peaceful.
"My name is Echo because I have never sang with anyone, I would always go off in a place like this and listen to my voice echo off the trees." He said not taking his eyes off the sky.
Istisna thought for a moment "Neither have I no one has ever herd me sing, well until..."
"Until last night" Duetto interrupted. "something changed last night and I don't know if you felt it too or not?"
" I did... I felt like I could trust you" she said quietly.
Duetto dropped his gaze from the sky, and now looked at his feet. "You need to know the history of our kind" he said and then let out a soft sigh
"Long ago when the kingdoms were still young the moon gave the twelve Lupora tribes power over the night, but the moon had a twist to this power. She saw how lonely each Lupora was, for they were forbid to love by the rulers of the twelve tribes at the time. For this reason she warned that each Lupora who is of fighting age is to howl with their partner on the first full moon to seal a bond. She stressed that the bond was unbreakable, and that after we die we will join her in the sky as stars, always next to our loved one" he paused " Last night was the first full moon of the year." he looked at Istisna, he did not smile but his eyes were soft and kind.
suddenly it clicked " What! How! why didn't you tell me!" she practically screamed.
" Calm down! I didn't know you would sing, and after I was banished I thought that it wouldn't happen!" he said trying to calm her down.
" So this means I bound to you for life..... and you think that's okay?" she snapped quietly.
He paused thinking about what she had said "Am I really that bad? I mean I think I'm a decent guy at the very least."
"No your not a bad guy... I just .... this is just new to me." Istisna said still shocked
"Well the bond is unbreakable so there is not much we can do about it...I'm sorry" he said as he looked back down at his paws.
" Your right..... I'm sorry." she said ans she glanced over at him. " Plus I guess I could have ended up with some one a lot worse, I could have ended up with Toxic" She said with a slight laugh.
" I was supposed to bring you back to ghost, so you could howl with him." he said as a tear rolled down his cheek.
" Who is this Ghost guy anyway?" she she said quietly
"He is the ruler of our tribe, a ruthless one who has no one" his voice was filled with anger now.
"Why not" Istisna asked
" Because he killed them all, now all he wants is power" Duetto said
" Then why would he want me?" Istisna asked
" Because you are the one who the prophecy speaks of, you can control time itself" he responded
" what do you mean I have never controlled time, not around you anyway" she said.
He smirked " you spent hours in that library stopping time so you could read, and you halted time today to escape from Toxic."
" How do you know that then? When I pause time It stops everyone" she said shocked.
" Because I have a power like you, we all do, I however am slightly different. I can harness the power of the stars, and use that in many different ways. So I could use the stars to move through time with you." he explained
"Really?" she said
"Really. We get our powers from the moon, she knows our deepest secrets and she gives us a way to face our fears, or save us in times of trouble. My secret is that I feared not ever finding someone to sit beside me among the stars." he said as he shifted his gaze to Istisna.
"My biggest secret is that ... I dream" Istisna said as she kept her gaze on her paws.
" What do you mean?" he asked
" I dream about things that have already happened and things that happen in the future, sometimes they are frighting and painful" she explained as she began to remember some of her dreams the tears started to roll down her cheeks.
Duetto hugged her, letting her tears soak into his soft black fur. " It's okay I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere"
" Duetto, will you sit with me among the stars?" she asked through her tears.
Duetto hugged her tighter as a single tear rolled down his cheek. "Yes...Yes I will always be right beside you."
The sunlight glistened softly through the trees and the birds sang softly to each other as Istisna opened here eye. Last night felt like a dream she thought as she yawned, she then noticed that she was curled up next to Duetto. Well I guess it wasn't a dream after all she thought as she laid her head back down on her paws. Suddenly Gem let out a howl that made Istisna's blood almost freeze. Before she knew it she was on her feet and waking Duetto. he opened his eyes and started to get up, as another howl came from Gem. Istisna bolted to the clearing Duetto right behind her. What could it be she thought. her feet moved faster as she reached the clearing until she finally broke through the last line of trees. Gem stood inches away, her face was serious as it always is. Duetto soon came into the clearing and Gem shifted her gaze to him.
" We need to move" she said clearly agitated about something.
" well good morning to you too Gem, it's such a lovely day out don't you think?" he said sarcastically
" we don't have time for games Soot spotted some of Ghost's minions on our tail"
Duetto nodded " okay then lets get going"
" where are we going Duetto?" Ash asked almost like she already knew.
" Well we have to go to the lunar cave first, and after that we are going to visit a friend of mine" Duetto said as he took the lead.
Ash smiled " your right our lovely new companion needs to get her seal "
" She's staying!" Gem growled
Duetto paused " If you have a problem with it you can face ghost and his minions alone.." his voice was emotionless. Gem flattened her ears and did not respond, and the group made their way to this lunar cave. Along the way Istisna's mind swirled over all of the possibilities of what would be waiting at their destination, and what Duetto was thinking. They walked for days, through forests and parries. Overnight a massive snow storm struck the land, but the group pressed on. the snow grew deeper and deeper. Suddenly smoke spoke up at first Istisna could not hear what the pup said, but when he said it again it was clear.
" I smell Blade!" he said again as he bolted off. The group instinctively followed the pup into the swirling snow. When Istisna caught up with the rest of the group Duetto was digging furiously at the snow. when he stopped he pulled up a small black pup
Edited By Katelynn4545 on 11/21/2015 at 4:34 PM.
Katelynn4545
Level 71
The Artistic
Joined: 5/24/2015
Threads: 347
Posts: 17,586
Posted: 12/2/2015 at 9:38 AM
Post #6
Ash Immediately took the pup up, who seemed unconscious, and headed off. The group followed quickly behind her. They soon made it to a small cave, Ash set the pup down and curled around her to keep her warm.
"Is she gonna be okay ma'ma?" Smoke asked worriedly. Ash looked at the pup for awhile and then back at Smoke before she responded.
"I'm not sure dear, its up to the Moon now".
Smoke froze, his shoulders began to shake and tears rolled down his his cheeks. He let out a small howl that was filled with sadness, and then curled up next to the pup.
Istisna looked around for Duetto but could not find him. So she stepped outside to find him sitting in the snow a little ways from the den. She sat beside him and waited for him to speak.
" I should have let her come with me" Duetto said not breaking his gaze at the ground.
" I could have kept her safe... but I didn't"
" Duetto, Its okay, she will be fine" Istisna said gently
"How do you know!" He said angrily as he started back to the den
"Because I have seen it" Istisna said calmly.
Duetto stopped. "Really?" he asked.
Istisna stood up and walked beside him "Really" she said with a smile.
He looked into her eyes for a moment before walking back into the den. Istisna sat outside ad kept watch through the now blinding snow. After a few hours Gem came outside to join her.
" The pup is Blade, Echo's Little sister." Gem explained.
" She looks a lot like him" Istisna added.
" Yes, But she looks even more like their mother." Gem said with a slight chuckle.
Istisna smiled " so I guess the whole family has good looks"
Gem Laughed " Yeah I guess they do....You should go in and get some rest"
Istisna nodded and walked into the den and sat beside Duetto.
"She will be fine" Ash said with relief." Now we should all get some sleep"
Everyone came in and settled down for the night. Duetto came over and curled around Istisna.
"I'm sorry about earlier" He said as he laid his head across her back.
She smiled "It's okay" she said before drifting off to sleep.
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