Trash 2

Yay! I finished Trash!

Prologue
Two figures met in the shadows. "We lost." One said. "No!" The other slammed his spiky tail into a tree. The tree fell over the mountainside. "We must hinder them." The first intercepted the tree with Wind Magic, and carefully placed it down beside them. The second snapped it in half and they sat. "Yes, we must." The second agreed.

"But how? They have The Mighty Warrior with them!" The first exploded. "Ah, yes, but even she has a weakness." The second said with a mysterious smile.

"She is haunted by her past, and the petty grey wolf cannot defend his love. The one called Lilac." The first suggested.

"Yes," the second said with an evil expression, "yes, Talon likes this 'Lilac'."

1
Jetleap looked at the stone wall. Trapped. She shook the thought and remembered how she'd gotten there. "Jun-Jun," she moaned. A small, black-and-white tuxedo cat peeked in. "Jim!" Jetleap whispered hoarsely. Jim smiled and picked the lock. Jetleap hurried to hug him. Jim felt a warm sensation but snapped his mind to attention. Aurora! His mind cried, Aurora!

Jim sighed but pulled her down to her freedom. Jetleap gazed at him for a second, then looked away, abashed. She mumbled a thank you then yowled in pain as he accidentally prodded a still painful bruise. She closed her brown eyes, and Jim instantly felt guilty. Then, as if by magic, she grabbed Jim's paw and ran down a passage quickly.

"Jim?" Jet's voice quivered for a second. She seemed to change her mind and shook her head briskly. Then, instantaneously, she snapped back to reality. She knew what was happening, but chose to ignore it. It was insignificant at the moment. Jim seemed taken back, and Jetleap regretted it on the spot. She looked around, seeing guards move towards their critical prey. Then Jetleap snapped to her gritty mode. Feistily, she lunged forward, tore the weapon away from the sentry, and then broke his neck with break-neck speed.

Jim caught on and rolled over as the guard's ax hit the ground he'd been on a moment before. Moments before the sentry impaled Jim, Jetleap looked around and with foam dripping from her jaws, lunged forward and put herself between Jim and the sentry. With her muscular front legs, she held the ax away from Jim. Sweat formed rapidly, and Jetleap found herself unable to hold it away. Jim agilely dodged away and Jetleap rolled away from the ax. The double-edged iron weapon grazed her fur. She yelped in slight pain.

Jim saw the only exit about to drop. Jetleap scrambled up and ignoring the blood dribbling down her flank, raced after Jim. He grabbed her and held her close, leaping just to the other side as the gate closed. Jetleap muffled her cry of aching pain. She ignored it and remembered, she had to survive for Jun-Jun.

"Move!" She shouted as she pushed Jim away. An anvil sort-of-thing fell where he formerly was. Jim saw how close to death he'd been, and saw the pained look in her eyes. He was remorseful and wanted to cry. Jetleap got up and gently groomed his matted chest fur. After finishing, they left fleetly.

Jun-Jun was the first to see the duo coming out of the woods. "Jetleap!" She cried excitedly. Lulu was injured majorly from a few Shadow-Fish. They were black, spiky, and had an extremely dangerous poison. Liliana was a bit bruised and scratched, but nothing compared to what Lilac had. Lilac's hide looked torn away from her body. Her eyes were tired but mostly pained and confused. Her tail and flank had a ragged texture.

Talon seemed to be okay, but he was mentally and a bit physically unstable. Anyone could guess why. It was Lilac. He was okay but too late to save Lilac from the grey-hooded creature with a deep, demonic voice. Jetleap with horror looked at Lulu and in anguish knew Lulu was fading. Jim checked Lilac, found some dried herbs after a few hours, and tended her carefully. Jetleap touched her face gently, and whispered, "I'm sorry I'm late, comrade." Lulu looked at her and weakly smiled.

"You weren't too late, you were right on time to save Lilac and the others," Lulu whispered. Jetleap sighed. Lu was right, of course, but Jetleap was sensitive to death. Sure, Ellan and Sullivan had died "tragically", and her little sister, Oneda, and her little brother, Onedo, but she wasn't even certain if Maggie was still up and at life.

"Oh, good Ziroki," Jetleap moaned, "how much more?"

2
Jetleap found Lulu, nearly dead at 4 A.M. Lulu smiled at her but sank gently into the blanket, and died peacefully. Jetleap nearly broke down, but managed a restrained wail of "Comrade! Don't leave my side!" Jun-Jun woke up and burst into tears after learning of her life-long friend's death. "She deserves burial," Liliana hoarsely said, casting a side glance at Talon, who was sleeping close to Lilac. "Aye," Jetleap agreed, "she spent many a long night by Jun-Jun's side."

Jim saw how they were hurting and gently led Jetleap away. "How's Lilac?" He whispered as soon as they were far away. "Not good," Jetleap replied. Jim rubbed his muzzle against hers, attempting a comfort. Jetleap purred softly. An idea sparked in Jim's head. "Well, M'Little Star, I hope you're in a pleasant mood today. Perhaps you should take a chase." Jim showcased a cocky smile and pranced around. Jetleap put on a challenged face and romped after him.

They played around for about five minutes before heading back. Jetleap gazed at him happily, thinking, 'I'm more than happy to be his Little Star.'

Jim felt a bit sour but put on a show for Jetleap. He liked her, but not like Aurora. Or so he thought... Jim wasn't sure, to be honest. A grey flash of fur sent him back-first into a tree. "Intrude-" Jim grabbed Talon's arm and flipped him over. "The name's Jim, but I'm no intruder." Jim narrowed his eyes.

Late evening, Jetleap pulled him away and whispered, "What's wrong?" Jim was hesitant but answered. "Aurora." Hurt pulsed in Jet's veins, but she swallowed and when she spoke her meow sounded funny, as she was restraining her voice from quivering or exposing anything. "I-I see. I know the hurt, Jim. It's just..." Jetleap didn't want to continue. "Jettlyn please-" Jim insisted, but Jetleap whirled around. "Don't call me that!" She snarled.

Jim was taken back. "That's your name."

"Was, you mean. Running away means sacrifice, I changed my name. My name is Jetleap." Jetleap was sensitive to her old name.

She strolled off.

Then suddenly, with a muffled cry of pain, she collapsed and a black-hooded creature smiled, his rotting teeth smiling wickedly. "Your next, Jun-Jun Forester," He snarled and quickly moved towards the camp.

______Hours Later_____

Jim woke and found himself on a mossy log. He got pushed down again. "What?" A grey hooded character chuckled at his confusion. "Who are you?" Jim said, some fear creeping in. "My name, well, look at my eyes, Jim of The Orange Eyes."

Jim shuddered at the name. "My name is-" he coughed, trying to cover his displeasure,"-is Jim." He gazed at the cat and gasped. "You- you-"

"Yes, me. Dear Sister, take the ropes off." The wolf cackled. "Meanwhile, I'll let my little friend here," he gestured to a black-hooded dog, "will kill of the One Who Dreams. Well, I guess you could say it's Jettlyn's," he said the word with emphasis, "failure of a to-be-guarded."

Jim tried to spring at the figure, but the sister grabbed him. "Not so fast, my little cousin," she hissed, "it's quite a pleasure to see my youngest cousin again, who has the same orange eyes and fate of us."

Jim shook his head. "No!" He cried, squirming. "I won't be like The Banished!" The words seemed to have effect on the girl holding him. He leaped out of her arms, noticing the dog gone. He darted away, dodging the girl's swipes.

At camp, and attack happened. And seemingly an attempted murder. Jun-Jun struggled violently with the dog. Jetleap crawled out, shrieked in horror, "''Ah sig no Agon! Bue gine!" ''The dog froze, the Ancient haven taken effect. Jun-Jun scampered away as Jetleap slit his throat.

Jetleap ordered them to take the camp down and they left.

Talon quickly drew an arrow into a tree trunk just before they left.

Bad idea.

3
Jim scampered back into camp, and seeing no one, he wailed in anguish.

Meanwhile, Jetleap tensed.

"Symphony, we need some music." She suddenly said as a wolf-rabbit attacked her. Many came from the trees.

"Got it"! Liliana shouted while dodging.

Liliana Symphony began to sing.

Do you know what it's like when

You're scared to see yourself

Do you know what it's like when

You wish you were someone else

Who didn't need your help to get by

Do you know what it's like

To wanna surrender

I don't wanna feel like this tomorrow

I don't wanna live like this today

Make me feel better

I wanna feel better

Stay with me here now

And never surrender

(never surrender)

Do you know what it's like when

You're not who you wanna be

Do you know what it's like to

Be your own worst enemy

Who sees the things in me I can't hide

Do you know what it's like to wanna surrender

I don't wanna feel like this tomorrow

I don't wanna live like this today

Make me feel better

I wanna feel better

Stay with me here now

And never surrender

Make me feel better

You make me feel better

You make me feel better

Put me back together

I don't wanna feel like this tomorrow

I don't wanna live like this today

Make me feel better

I wanna feel better

Stay with me here now

And never surrender

Put me back together

Never surrender

Make me feel better

I need to feel better

Stay with me here now

And never surrender

'''"Never Surrender" by Skillet. CHECK IT OUT!'''

As Liliana finished, Jetleap swiped one away and broke it's neck. The creatures left as Jetleap, eyes flashing with authority, stepped towards them.

"Is Lilac okay?" Talon piped up.

"No, not at all." Liliana sarcastically retorted.

"Shut up," Talon muttered.

Jetleap moved to Lilac, but Talon bodily blocked her. "She's resting," He protested.

"Too bad." Jetleap pushed him aside gently and got Lilac on her back.

She flicked her tail towards a distant hollow and set off toward it.

________________________________________

Jim search around for any signs of where they left. No pawprints. Darn.

He was about to give up when he saw a distinct drawing on a tree.

An arrow, pointing to a trail. Jim crashed through the thorns and darted towards it. He saw some wolf-rabbits sprinting his way. Jim yelped and waited for the expected pain. Instead, the wolf-rabbits, terrified, ran past him.

Jim stared after them. Something worse must be up ahead.

The tuxedo cat sprinted ahead. Not seeing a circle of a vine in front, his paws were instantaneously together and him hanging from a tree.

Two large bulky creatures lumbered towards him. "He ain't fat enough. Was hoping for a deer," A deep voice said from one of them. "He'll do, we ain't eaten nothing since a week, Smeagol." A rusty voice came from the other. "But Deagol, I heard some deer up ahead to the left! They'd do better than this scrawny creature!" Smeagol protested. Deagol scowled and cut the vine. Jim crashed down and moaned.

"Let's go," Deagol gruffly said.

The two beasts lumbered off. Jim tried to recover from the shock.

__________________________________

Jetleap had fully healed Lilac, but Lilac was sleeping still. Liliana was trying to calm Talon, and Talon was freaking out about a deer he saw. Jun-Jun watched Liliana and Talon, smirking.

"Dude! The deer was like seven feet tall and had bat wings, man! Bat Wings!"

"Talon, that was probably something else."

"It wasn't! It stared at me for half and hour last night!"

"When?"

"Three in the morning!"

"You were asleep at three in the morning, Talon." Liliana hid her smile.

"In a dream, then I woke up and the deer was staring at me! It had blue eyes and it was purple! I saw a purple deer!"

"Talon." Liliana sternly smacked him. She got a "hey!" from Talon, who rubbed his sore leg.

Jun-Jun snickered, not unkindly. Talon scowled and shot a glare at Jun-Jun, then turned back to Liliana. "But Melody I-"

"MELODY?" Liliana's eyes flashed and she screamed at Talon. "MELODY? SERIOUSLY?"

Jetleap snickered as well.

"Shut up Jetleap!" Liliana glared daggers at the Shadow Spirit.

"Um... Liliana?" Talon's voice was meek and soft.

"What?" Liliana looked down at Talon, eyes narrowed.

"Might wanna um... get down?" Talon whispered.

Jetleap's eyes widened. "Symphony!" She hissed, getting into a crouch position. "Get. Down."

Jun-Jun pounced onto Liliana, practically flattening Liliana in the process.

4
Jetleap's eyes widened again and before she knew anything, a giant fist had swooped in and grabbed Lilac.

Talon tried to straggle up.

Jetleap's eyes blazed and she yowled a strange cry. Jetleap tore her teeth into the scaly skin and they dropped Lilac. Talon squirmed away and caught Lilac. Two huge beasts broke into the clearing. Jetleap got into a protective position.

"Go in groups! RUN!" She pulled Lilac and Talon away from a foot crashing down where they had stood. She shoved them away, Jun-Jun dashing after them. "Liliana!"

A tuxedo cat crashed down. Jim!

A beast was holding Liliana.

"Liliana!" Jim repeated. "Take my paw!" Jim stretched out. Liliana helplessly swiped at his paw.

Jetleap pushed Jim forward, and she wrapped herself around the beast's wrist. She slashed and bit. Jim pulled Liliana and she fell smack dab onto him.

"Sorry!" Liliana got off and pulled Jim up. Jim, slightly dazed, grunted and grabbed her paw and sped away with her.

The beast pulled Jetleap off and threw the cat off. Jetleap hit the tree and some blood oozed down her back. Deagol grabbed her and threw her as far as he could.

"Jetleap!" Jim whispered, pain creeping into his voice as he saw the now unconscious cat disappear from view.

"Run!" Liliana yanked Jim.

___________________________

Jun-Jun led the two behind her in a mad dash. Talon stopped. Jun-Jun pulled Lilac onto her back. "Come on, Jetleap told me about a cave close by." Jun-Jun glanced back, a lump forming in her throat. Talon, now sympathetic, led her towards one.

Then he shrieked.

"AAAAH!"

Jun-Jun slapped a paw over his mouth.

"The purple deer is back! And there's a yellow one behind it, and a green next to it and AH!" Talon ran into the cave.

Jun-Jun snickered and followed Talon.

________________

Once they were far enough away, Jim reached for a leaf. Liliana pulled one down, being shorter Jim could not get to them. "That's a nasty cut, Lils." Jim dampened some moss in a nearby stream. He pressed the moss against a gash on Liliana's flank. Liliana hissed in pain. "Tell me about you," Jim politely said as he sat down. Liliana hesitated, wondering if she should tell. "It's okay, you can trust me. If you want, that is." Jim seemed to sense her uncomfort. "I can go first," he offered. "No! Let me tell, please.." Liliana was surprised at how loud she was. Jim grinned his signature grin.

"I had a bother and a sister, Angie was my sister. I'm not sure where Jackson is. My mother performed experiments on my brother." Jim shuddered as if he remembered something. Liliana curiously gazed at him. "My best friend killed Angie. I lived on the street, all I had of parents was a deer necklace. I was formerly known as Melody Rose, my stage name. My real name was Symphony Rose, but NEVER call me that. Please." Liliana finished. Jim nodded.

"I never knew my mother, but my father was my only parent. He," Jim looked sad, "nster. He was strict, but was always pleased with my two brothers, Sam and Pippin. I loved to read. I couldn't bear to call him father or dad. I only called him 'Sir', as it slightly pleased him. He told me I was weak, that I'd never be enough. I escaped and was caught with my sister, Ellie, in a lab. I escaped, met Lost, and became an architect. But I have a passion for fighting."

Jims voice quivered with emotion. Liliana sympathetically patted his shoulder. Then Jim looked at her. His mischievous grin returned. "I guess me and you are similar, Lils. Both pretty much orphans." Jim smiled. Liliana nodded.

________________________

Jetleap woke up when pain racked her body. She dragged herself towards a cave and collapsed. She saw two yellow eyes in the darkness. Not sure of what it was, Jetleap stayed limp. The yellow eyes came forward, and she could see it was a red dragon with white scars on the legs. "Oh shoot," Jet whispered, "a dragon." The Dragon snatched at her just as two paws pulled her away. Jetleap stayed limp. "Call the leader and healer," one commanded.

______________________

Lilac sat up the next morning, disturbed by a dream. Inside her dream, Jun-Jun had fallen... then Jetleap in some weird cave... and Liliana, with fangs about to dig into her fur. It was creepy, kinda like when a spider falls onto your bed. Jun-Jun moaned and stiffly got up.

"Oh, hey Lilac!" Jun-Jun half-heartedly cheered. Talon was in a guarding position. He'd been guarding all night. Jun-Jun glanced fondly at Talon, and Lilac narrowed her eyes. "Don't worry, Flowers! He's all yours." Jun-Jun caught on. Lilac turned away angrily. Jun-Jun sighed. Talon stirred. Slowly, Talon turned and caterwauled in surprise. Jun-Jun dove forward and slapped her paw over his mouth. Lilac gnashed her teeth. Talon, unaware, continued. Then Jun-Jun slapped him.

Talon glared at her. "Oh shoot, the deer is back. I REPEAT, THE DEER IS BACK!"

_____________________

Jim sluggishly shook himself. He gazed at Liliana for a moment. Liliana had a sweet smile on her face while she slept. Jim chuckled and climbed a nearby tree. He scouted around for a moment, before hearing Liliana moan. "Lils," He whispered as he hopped down. The noise kept on. "Liliana!" Jim poked her. Liliana woke up. "What?" She appeared sleepy, but that was expected.

"We need to move on." Jim's reply was short and brisk. Liliana got up, clearly bored. Jim smiled mischievously. Liliana sighed and trotted in a direction. Jim leaped forward, trying to stop Liliana. He failed and he kept quiet. Then Liliana cried out, and Jim bloated forward. A towering wolf stood over them. "Look what I found." The wolf's smiled grew eviller. Jim pushed Liliana aside. "Pick on someone who can match you, Shadow Spirit."

The wolf hesitated.

"What? Scared to fight me?" Jim looked amused.

"No!" The wolf sputtered.

"Then fight. Shadow Spirit to Shadow Spirit."

Liliana stared at Jim. "You can't! He'll crush you!"

Jim smiled at her. "No, Lils."

Liliana sighed and hid in a tree.

TW(The Wolf) snarled and circled Jim. The tuxedo cat didn't flinch for a moment. Jim's face darkened as he prepared for battle. TW lunged. Jim skidded to the side as TW swiped. Jim leaped forward and scratched his muzzle. TW threw him onto the ground and prepared to kill him. Jim lay stunned. TW lowered his paw. Jim saw the paw but couldn't respond. The paw slammed onto him. Then TW staggered back. A black mist surrounded Jim as he got up. In the black mist formed into a sword.

Jim prepared to kill TW. TW stared at him. "Do it, Shadow Spirit."

Jim sneered. "Only a coward would kill when the enemy's down. Get up."

TW sprang up.

Then Jim stabbed TW.

TW stared as he disappeared in white light.

-

Jetleap woke up in a hut. Two beige coyotes gazed at her. "Bonjour, you are awake, yes?" One said. Jetleap smiled. She sat up but gasped in pain and slid down. "Yes," she grunted. "Sorry, didn't warn not to do," The second apologized. "I Twinkle. He is Marki," The first said. Marki nodded grimly. "We found cat in Smaug's Cove. Save before he eat cat." Jetleap winced. "Hit head on rocks, concussion. Not sure what happen." Twinkle added. Jetleap remembered.

"I saved my friends. A creature threw me," She gasped as her head racked with pain. "Sorry, not good heal. Cat difficult to heal. Healer not here, be back soon," Twinkle inserted. Marki nodded. The hut door burst open.

"Healer!" Marki waved her over. The healer was a white coyote with brown eyes. She waved them away. She tended Jetleap.

-

5
Liliana rushed to Jim. "Jim?" She panicked. She shook Jim. The tuxedo cat groaned and woke. Liliana cried out at blood running down his cheek and flanks. Jim pushed her away and stood up. "You're in no condition-" Liliana was cut off by Jim's tiny smile. "Shadow Spirit's are stronger than most."

Liliana went to object, but Jim shook his head.

*****************************************************************************************************************************

Jetleap was fully healed. She grabbed some fish and headed towards the woods. She slipped into the cave. She knocked the fish against the wall. "Knock knock," she whispered. The dragon slipped almost instantly towards her. She held out a fish. Smaug knocked it out of her paws and chomped it up. Jetleap gripped one harder and held it out. He knocked it out.

Jetleap then cried out in exasperation and went away while Smaug devoured the basket of fish.

*****************************************************************************************************************

Lilac glared at Jun-Jun while she cooked some fish. Jun-Jun looked at her, suddenly confused. Talon was snoring AGAIN. Lucky Jim. Jun-Jun glanced outside nervously. Lilac followed her gaze and weakly smiled. "Something's out there." Jun-Jun gave the stick to Lilac and moved outside, paws trembling as she drew her long knife from a sheath under her cloak. She held it out, fear consuming her.

"Whoever is out there! I-I want to see you NOW." Jun's voice quivered with doubt. The bushes rustled. Jun-Jun stepped out more. "I know you're out there!" Jun-Jun whisper-yelled. "I can hear you!"

Lilac came behind. Jun-Jun, startled, whirled around and kicked Lilac into Talon. "Ow," Lilac groused. Jun-Jun's eyes widened and jumped aside as an arrow darted towards her. It froze in mid-air. Jun-Jun held her breath and reached for it. She drew it out of the air and held it. She relaxed and slammed into the wall. Lilac snickered.

"Shut up! Now is not a good time!" Jun-Jun furiously snarled as she charged outside.

Swords clanged and Jun-Jun staggered back in surprise.

*************************************************************************************************************

Jim heard swords and without waiting for Liliana, darted forward. Liliana ran into a tree recklessly, shook her head, and ran after Jim. Tripping over bushes, and what seemed an eternity later, Jim found the source. He looked through. Jun-Jun was on the ground, and a sword pointed at her throat. Jim remembered Sullivan's words.

"No!"

Just as the sword raised, Jim leaped in front of Jun-Jun and glared at the attacker. The sword lowered swiftly, ready to kill the interferer.

Jim didn't wait. He pounced forward, ripping the sword from the attacker. A small mist formed around and Jim stared at it, surprised.

Then he shook his head and lunged at the offender. The offender's sword tipped Jim off to the side and Jim staggered back, blood beginning to gather on the cut. Liliana, glanced around, and did the only thing she thought about.

"Don't attack my friend, &@(#%#&@)!"

The offender stared at Liliana, and Lilac began to laugh. Jun-Jun rolled her eyes and elbowed Lilac. Everyone burst out laughing.

A hearty burst of laughter came from the trees, and a komodo dragon stared at the company, his beady black eyes showing amusement. His scratchy and low voice began to chuckle, but quickly a small rock smacked the attacker. The komodo dragon's smile grew even bigger.

A large rock smashed the hyena who had tried to kill Jun-Jun into the ground. The hyena moaned, his eyes glazing over as he stopped breathing. He was dead.

The komodo dragon crawled down. "I see Sully's still got his eye on power," He said, steadily making his way towards the travelers. "Sully?" Jun-Jun asked.

"Sully. His cousin," The komodo waved a paw at Jim. Jim narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?" Jim asked, his orange beginning to glow a slight green. The komodo glanced at Jim, then smiled. "You may not recognize me, but you should know my name. My name is Akido."

"Akido!" Jim gasped, his eyes brightening. "Akido, like the famous protector of Good?" Talon piped up. "Yes, and you are Talon. Your girlfrie-"

"What??" Lilac blushed, as did Talon.

Jun-Jun burst out laughing again, and Liliana joined in. "Talon's got a girlfriend!" Liliana chanted. Talon huffed, then he let out a girly scream. His eyes went wide and he began to dart away. Akido rolled his eyes and a large boulder blocked Talon.

"The- The D-Deer!" Talon was shaking. Akido glanced at Talon in a strange way. "It's Oka." He muttered, just low enough for Liliana to hear. "Oka, the supposedly killed deer?" She asked, her eyes searching their surroundings.

"Yes." Akido was obviously worried. "We must separate. Here," He handed Jim, and Jun-Jun one. "You can hear me, and I can hear you through these. Share them with the rest. Jim, you and Liliana head for the extreme hills. Lilac, you need to make sure Talon's eyes don't go blood red. If they start to, say ah ''diagnu." ''

Lilac nodded. Jim noted that this meant ashes arise. Odd, he thought. Hadn't Aunt Tina chanted that when Selina was acting... well, hypnotized? Ashes Arise, he recalled, was written on Jetleap's cloak. Ashes Arise was a book series on...

"Jim! Come on!" Liliana called. Jim nodded and hurried after her. Akido nodded at Jim, and he remembered. "I'm coming, Lils." He said, his eyes showing confusion.

*********************************************************************************************

Jetleap looked around, and slipped out of the cot, pulling the traditional skirt on, clearly uncomfortable. "I really hate this," She muttered, wrinkling her nose in disgust. She darted out, trying to avoid suspicion. She saw some palm trees, with coconuts on them. Ripe.

"Where are you going, Miss?"

She turned and tried not to look annoyed. "I was going to gather some coconuts, but I lost my basket," She lied, trying not to show her aggravation. "Oh. Take this." He gave her a basket and winked at her. A friend. "Going to tame de dragon?" He whispered. Jetleap nodded. He smiled at her and set a fried fish in the basket.

Jetleap entered the cave, and saw Smaug's yellow eyes. She waved the fish above her head, and casually walked closer. SMaug tried to knock it out, but Jetleap instead hit him over the head with it. Smaug sat down and gently took it from her. The black cat grinned and patted his scaly head.

"Arfhg." Smaug snorted, nosing Jet.

"Aw, you are not." She said.

6
"Ah Diagnoi." Lilac tried to say it. "It's no use, Jun," She groaned. " I can't say it."

"It's easy, Lilac. Ah Diagnu."

"But-"

"Say it."

"Ah Diagn-"

"Nu."

"Ah Diagnu."

"Good. Now REMEMBER!"

Lilac chuckled.

Jun-Jun waggled a paw at Lilac, a stern look on her fuzzy face. Lilac laughed, and eventually Jun did too.

Talon was staring off into space, however his mind was filled with terrifying thoughts.

"What if I get taken over by that... that monster?"

"What if Lilac doesn't like me anymore?"

"What if I'm endangering everyone?"

"Why was Akido so concerned about the purple deer?"

***********************************************

Jim woke up the next morning by a scream. He shook his head and got up. The scream was farther away, and he recognized it.

He made no noise.

He hurried along the banks of the river they stopped at last night. He tripped over a stick and flew into the river, making a loud splash.

He froze, and hurriedly crawled into an overhang, shivering and staring at the water like he would a dead body. Full of disgust. He stared at it with disdain.

He shuddered and jumped, sticking his claws in the thick and sturdy dirt. He glanced around and before he had rested, he bounded of after the noise.

"Don't kill me!" Liliana burst out, glaring furiously at her captivators. "Why not?" The raccoon's good yellow eye glinted evilly. He smirked. "I have every right to touch you, or even kill you. Ven said so.

"Or maybe," the crook smirked, his paw gliding up to her chin. "SUlly did say I could do anything with you." He paused again, Liliana anticipating what he would say. She was dead wrong.

"Maybe I should just make you mine?"

Jim tried not to fume; the statement itself made him almost turn as red as blood. The thought of him doing it made his eyes almost go red. He couldn't allow this to happen. Lilac could be on his tail, which would make Talon try to calm her, and then Mission Tilac would be a sinking ship.

So he decided to use the worst, most cheesy rescue plan.

He dropped from the tree, smirking in his flirty manner.

"Well, should you treeally do that?"

Puns.

"Uh..."

"Su-ropes you hurt her?"

MORE PUNS!

"Jim?" Liliana stared at him, her eyes glinting with amusement.

"Or maybe, I should just leaf Liliana be and tie you up, eh?"

"Stop it!"

"Okay, I think my jokes are rather purr-fect or paw-some,  but I'll lay off." Jim smirked and using his paws, knocked the raccoon out.

Liliana looked at him, then screamed.

****************************************************************************

Jetleap patted Smaug's head, slipping off his back. She smiled and fed him a fish. The secret friendship had increased, but Jetleap was worried about what they would think of it. She padded back to the village, exchanging smiles with the others.

But she felt like her Bessy was churning butter inside of her stomach. "Eh... Ma'am?" a large raccoon approached her, his hazel eyes showing suspicion. "Yes, Roko?" Jetleap replied, keeping her voice steady. "Where were you? Good heavens, Missie, you missed the Kitso Festival!" His voice changed to amazement.

"Oh. Wat about the Kitsune Festival?" Jetleap had learned many things while there. She did enjoy the Kitsune Festival, but she was not going to wear a stupid skirt. "Oh," Roko chattered on, eager to answer her questions. "The Kitsune FEstival is soon. They want you to be the "kitsune" of the year."

"Who's the Kitso?" Jetleap had to ask. "Oh," he said, starting to bounce around. "It's Hookear this year!"

"Hook-Ear?" Oh no. "Yeah!" Roko said, hopping like a bunny. "Oh okay." Jetleap chuckled at the young raccoon's excitement. "So? Will you? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?" He gave her puppy eyes. Jetleap thought, ''This will be interesting. I'll only be here for a little longer, then I'll go. Let's give it a shot.''

"Alright." She made a fake dramatic noise. Something like a groan. Roko laughed. Jetleap joined in, laughing as well.

************************

Lilac grunted in pain as she tugged her leg out of thorns again. She yelped as a sharp prick of pain shot up her leg. "Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."A small porcupine waddled out of the thorn bush. "It's just that some tigers were nearby and wanted to eat me! I hid in her. I'm truly sorry."

"Er," Talon stammered, "but... um... did you say tigers were nearby? When? How long have you been in there?" Jun-Jun pawed him. "My name is Jun-Jun, but please call me Jun. This is Talon," Jun nudged Talon, "and the other one is Lilac. Hat's your name?"

"Oh, it's Lucy." The porcupine, Lucy smiled up at them.

"Lu...cy. Lu...lu." Jun swallowed, thinking of her friend.

"Oh... who is that, if you don't mind?" Lucy asked.

Jun didn't speak, fearing her voice would quake. Lilac butted in. "Lulu was Jun-Jun friend since... they were pups. She died from a poisoned wound recently." Jun-Jun flashed Lilac a grateful glance. Lucy bowed her head respectfully. "Oh dear, Jun. I'm sorry."

"It's, it's nothing. It's okay, Little Lucy." Jun glanced at Lucy. "Well... you seem to be in a fix anyway," Lucy continued in a happy way, "I can help. The Tigers... actually, the Fang Tribe, hunt here. Um... if I help you, will you let me come with you until I find a good home?" Lucy asked, not bothering to think that that sounded strange. Talon raised an eyebrow, and Jun-Jun nodded. Lilac grinned.

"Okay," Talon said. Lucy squeaked happily, then waddled ahead, also not bothering to think they might want to rest. Jun nudged Talon ahead with Lilac, grinning wickedly. "Mission Tilac is working, Jim," She softly said.

*

Jim glanced around the forest, noticing how Autumn made it so pretty. "Where did they say to meet, again?" He asked Liliana. "You remember, right?" Liliana snorted in response. "Of course! The Temple of Time." Jim's face turned focused. "Then we're going the wrong way. It's east, not south."

Liliana grunted. "Well, what should we do then, Mr. High-and-mighty-compass-master?" Jim detected some stress creeping into her voice. He frowned at the comment, but didn't reply. Maybe that would let some of her steam out.

"I mean, really! It's annoying how you get to lead all the time!" Liliana shoved him slightly. Jim silently looked at Liliana, his eyes pleading to stop. Liliana didn't heed him, however, and stalked off ahead of him.

Jim smirked.

"Well, Lil, I guess we're stumped on who leads." Liliana's face softened, and she tried not to smile. She was gad Jim couldn't see her.

"I'm knot really gonna get an answer, am I?"

Liliana was having trouble keeping a straight face, and rosy red rose to her cheeks.

"My puns are rather making your mood fall, aren't they?"

Liliana couldn't help it; she laughed.

"There we go!" Jim smiled and laughed. "Where to now, Major?" Liliana turned and saw him "salute" her. Liliana thought of herself as a Major and chuckled. "East, soldier."

*

Jetleap hit the ground, the impact making her lose her breath. "Oh," smirked Lizzy, her seven-year-old cub hurrying after her mother. "I didn't see you. Jetleap, who the Kitso this year?" LIzzy asked, her midnight-blue-colored pigtails bouncing up and down.

"I think it's your hubby," Jetleap got up, still collecting air. "Do you know who the "Kitsune" is this year, Lizzy?" Jetleap's smirk made Lizzy stiffen in anger.

"No," Lizzy replied as calm as possible. "Oh," Jetleap smirked. "Well, it just so happens to be Yours Truly." Lizzy's blue-bell eyes were ablaze with fury. "Why-you-little-" She gnashed her teeth as Jetleap walked away, laughing silently.

It was a victory. Lizzy was married to Hookear, who, true to his name, has hook-shaped ears. Jetleap hadn't been told what KItsune's do, so she was a tad bit scared. But quietly, she slipped on the ears, and glanced at herself. She took a deep breath and made a black kitsune costume. It wasn't a skirt at least.

She strode out and was terrified at what she saw.

Hookear.

Small Jetleap Note:
I did not like that costume.

I am NOT HAPPY WITH JAIDEN!

Sh.. she still doesn't know about me account...heh...

7
Jetleap stared at Hookear, who was similarly dressed. Jetleap grimaced as she noticed his chest bare. ''Put a ******* shirt on! ''She thought, shuddering as his muscled arm reached out for her delicate paws. ''Play along, Jetleap. Play along. ''

"You- look- nice- today Hookear." Jetleap choked out as he began to whirl her around. Gracefully, she twirled around and inwardly shuddering, allowed him to lif her up. ''Oh dear Ziroki, why me? "You too, Jeyra."''

Little One.

"I guess I am a bit small, but you don't have to rub it in," Jetleap coolly said, purposfully missing Hookear's step. The music swirled around the air. Hookear laughed, "I guess so Lassie."

Lassie.

'''"It's okay, little Lassie," Jim said as he stroked Jetleap's neck as she lay limply next to him. "You'll be fine. I won't let you die."'''

Lassie.

He called her Lassie.

"I do not like that name, Hookear." Jetleap tried not to rip his throat out. She noticed a small band around his neck. Small, but thick. "Do all the males here wear chokers?" She teased, "Or is just your style?"

Hookear grinned. "Just my style. Made by Lizzy." "Lizzy, I thought so. Why is she not the Kitsune this year then? Doesn't the Kitso choose the Kitsune?" Hookear looked embarrassed at her question but quickly fixed his face. "I chose you because you were the honored guest."

"Mh-hm." Was all Jetleap could manage.

"Dragon Time!" A harsh voice yelled. Hookear put Jetleap down and smiled. "Ready to take down a dragon, Jeyra?"

Smaug!

************************************************************************************

Jim stared uncertainty at the shack. "This is the Temple of Time?" He said with a disaproving frown. Liliana nodded. "I guess so."

"So you're the travelers I was told to meet!" Jim saw a rather plump pangolin waddle outside. "My name's Brett."

"Brett the Pangolin?" Liliana asked. "Yep."

"So... The Temple of Time?"

"All in good time, Love."

Jim had a sour taste in his throat. "Another flirt." He grumbled, loud enough for Brett. The pangolin looked at him annoyedly. Brett coughed. "I'm not a flirt. I just express easily."

"So a chatty pangolin, not flirty pangolin." Jim replied smoothly, smirking. "Fine that works," Brett grouched. "Whatever." Brett seemed aggravated. "Well, follow me and I can take you to the real Temple of Time." Brett smiled warmly, seemingly have forgotten Jim. He seemed to be all on Liliana.

"Mission Tilac," He whispered to Liliana. She nodded. Jim stifled a chuckle at Brett's cross face.

____________

"Oh no."

Jetleap stared at the red reptile in front of her.

"Smaug..." Her words were barely audible.

A sudden rage filled Jetleap as she turned to Hookear, who looked thoroughly pleased.

"You."

Jetleap glared at Hookear, striding up to him, pointing at him.

"You-you-"

"YOU LITTLE JERK!" Jetleap bared her teeth as she swiped his legs out from under him. Jetleap bitterly growled.

"This is what you do every year?" She challenged Hookear. "Beat up dragons for fun?"

She spat at the ground bitterly. "Move." She said, approaching Lizzy, who held the ropes. "No."

"I said, MOVE!" Jetleap pounced Lizzy. Jetleap got off and cut the ropes, patting Smaug. "Get off the dragon." The deputy said, pointing his sword at her. Jetleap obediently moved off. "Huh, tamed easily, huh?"

Jetleap replied, "You I have no quarrel with. It is them, of whom I do." Jetleap said, pointing to Lizzy and Hookear. "Then we do have a quarrel. Hookear is my brother." Deputy replied.

"We do then."

Jetleap pounced at him knocking the sword out his paws. Quickly, She shoved Lizzy aside and jumped onto the lizard. "Smaug." She whispered, cradling his head. Smaug lifted his wings as he flew off.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Lilac groaned. "Jun..."

Jun-Jun glanced at Lilac. Lilac had a relapse from a past sickness. "Ugh I hate this," Jun muttered. "We only have cold food." Jun swiped at a nearby flower, letting her anger flow in the swipe. A flame burned the flower. "Holy macaroons!" Jun-Jun stumbled back, tripping over a rock and smacking her face on the ground.

Talon chuckled. "Are you okay Jun?" He said, hopping down from the tree. Jun mumbled a yes and spat out dirt. "Yeah I guess. I mean, I LITERALLY just burned a flower, and ate dirt!" She exclaimed, smacking her head against the ground.

"Heh," Lilac smiled. "But what are 'holy macaroons?'" Talon asked, chuckling. "They're a French food or something. Jetleap taught me how to make them... she travels a lot. And takes lots of notes, too," Jun-Jun explained. She giggled and held out a black composition book. "I grabbed her Survival Notebook before we set out... she was so mad when she couldn't find it."

"Probably," Lilac added. "We need to start for the temple of time, guys."

"You sound like Jetleap," Talon teased.

"Oh shut up," Lilac growled, obviously pleased.

"Eh," Said Talon as they started walking. He didn't really care. (LOL).

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Are we almost there?" Lilac moaned. Jun-Jun started to say something but burst out laughing when she turned around. "Are- are you crawling?" She said, giggling. Talon added to the laughter, making Lilac furious. "H-Hey!" She sputtered, standing up and growling. Jun-Jun fell onto the ground, laughing like a maniac. Talon shut up, but only for a moment before laughing just as hard as Jun.

"Ugh." Lilac couldn't keep a straight face. Soon all of them were laughing. Tears rolled down Jun's face, while Talon and Lilac rolled on the ground, laughing for no apparent reason.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Brett approached a ominous building that loomed over the trio threateningly. Moss hung from the old stone brick tower. Brett's eyes glinted yellowish as he grinned. "Hear that?" He whispered. Rushing water. The soothing sound of a waterfall filled their ears, setting a melody that encouraged one's heart. Jim closed his eyes, letting himself take the symphony in. Liliana hummed to it. Suddenly, Jim snarled and drew his brown sword from the belt. "Liliana!" He shouted, alerting her. Liliana ducked a sweeping sword. Jim threw his dagger at a soldier's throat, hitting his intended mark.

"Back," Jim yelled to the two besides him, "climb the vines!" He hurriedly put his sword away and tossed Brett up, not waiting for a moment to usher Liliana to get on his shoulders. Liliana began to climb, and Jim darted up after them. Then he heard a familiar voice.

"Jun-Jun!" He yowled at the top of his lungs.

A red dragon was on the horizon. Pillars of smoke announced it's destructive arrival. Jim felt like hiding. Then he noticed a new voice. "Jun-Jun!" A small figure made the dragon swoop down and three specks(which were Lilac, Talon, and Jun-Jun) climbed on. The red reptile approached them and he recognized the brave warrior who had tamed the dragon as his dear half-cousin.

"Jetleap!"

8
Jetleap drew her bloody sword, carefully pointing it at the offenders. "Heh heh," She said, flipping a dagger with her other paw. She tossed it at a spider's chest, pulled the dagger out and kicked it off the roof. "Anyone else?" She asked, grinning. "None...I see, c'mon Jim, let's go!" She smiled at Jim and whistled. Smaug came down.

Jim stared at it, clearly scared."Eeeeeh, I'll pass..." He grinned. "Nah," Jetleap chuckled and held out her paw. "C'mon Jim, Smaug's tame." Jim's bright orange eyes widened then narrowed. "You sure?" Jetleap sighed at his words. She grabbed his paw and dragged him onto the dragon, then crawled to Smaug's long neck.

In her mind, she smiled.

''Jun-Jun isn't just a 14-year-old fox... She's now 16, maturing rapidly, and making use of her brain. She's smart and confident. She was the first to volunteer when we needed a leader. The way her mop of blonde hair gets into her eyes or in front of them so she's temporarily blinded, the way she gets so clumsy when that happens is hilarious. She doesn't mind being laughed at and laughs at herself. She seems so perfect but I know her better. At night she worries. Being a leader is a heavy piece of equipment nobody wants to carry. Only those wise and mature enough can carry it effortlessly. At night, I've heard her whisper in a shaking voice, wish she had never been a leader. I've seen her eyes, heavy with sadness and grief, tell me everything. She thinks Lulu's death was her fault.''

''I was that once. I was able to laugh. I was able to smile and appreciate everybody's existence. I never broke the rules. I wasn't a rebel. A troublemaker. But time changes a person, making them sillier or more mature. I was neither. Time made me think twice about what I used to do. And now I know why. I was easily tamed. I wasn't passionate or fierce. I was bland...useless...I was stupid. Now I realize this. I wasn't made to be meek. I was made brave. Courageous, and do I dare say it? Unique...different. Myself. I know today who I am. I am Jetleap Shadowspirit, legend.''

Jim sighed, clutching Smaug's saddle for dear life. "ReeeeeeeeeeOWR!" He hissed. Jun-Jun remarked, "Jim seems to have lost his voice for the ride."

Jetleap beamed. "That's what happens a lot when he's terrified." Jim's ears flattened at her words. "Oh come on Little Kitty," Jetleap smirked, rubbing his ears with her free paw. Jim unconsciously purred. Jetleap chuckled. Suddenly Jetleap tensed.

Jetleap's POV

Darkness enveloped my sight, making me panic. A malicious voice spoke influentially. "Jettlyn ShadowSpirit, you will join our cause to stop the Evil Ones." I clenched my teeth, fighting the urge to agree. Then I spoke, my voice sounding tight. "I already am stopping The Evil Ones, I swore by death and life to stop them. I have no need to join a cause to stop-"

''This was a familiar voice. I'd heard it before... when I was three years old.''

"Yes." The voice hissed, the 's' like a snake.

"No!" I heard myself yowl. "You lie, filthy snake. You are The Cursed Ones. You wait in the darkness, luring those weak of heart and gullible."

Instantly the darkness cleared.

Small Jun-Jun Note
Hey guys! Jaiden gave me a completely new, not-plagiarized look! Here, look at my bootiful self made by my amazing creator!

(I love you Jaaaaiden it's amazing!)

9
Jun-Jun's mop of blonde curls blew into her face, making her cry out and stumble. Jim whirled around and snatched her paw as to keep her from falling. With his other paw, he brushed the hair away from her eyes with a smile. He politely dipped his head and turned around. Talon started to freak out about smoke burning his eyes, and Lilac was trying to console him. Jetleap had suddenly tensed up and zoned out. Jun-Jun had almost fallen and Jim? Jim couldn't use his voice XD.

"My-my EYES!" Talon yelped, shielding them. Lilac soothingly stroked his tail. "That's just Smaug," Jetleap rolled her eyes. "Quit being a wimp Talon." (#GetHelp4Talon) Talon cried out. "No it's-" A deafening roar drowned his voice out. Jim's ears swiveled around to catch the direction. "It's from below!" He shouted above the noise. "Air attack!" Jun said, her ears going flat behind her. Jetleap dropped the reins. "Smaug, SAFETY!" SHe hissed into the dragon's ear.

Smaug made a dive, and Jim started to slip off. Jim desperately grabbed for a hold. Jetleap reached for Jim's paw. "Don't let go," She hissed. Smaug went down gently, gliding with the wind, almost, it seemed, as one. Jetleap pulled him up a little, then let go of his paw. Jim landed on his feet. "Thanks," He panted cheekily. Jetleap smiled.

Suddenly, a swarm of multi-colored animals surrounded the group. A burly brown coyote approached with a deep chuckle. "Eat well tonight, pack. We eat well tonight." His menacing, sharp grey eyes pierced Jun-Jun's. Jim protectively growled, edging in front of Jun-Jun. "The Lady behind the tom-cat would be a good Alpha," The leader barked. Jun-Jun whined, seemingly scrunching up. Jetleap launched at the leader, tearing her claws into his fur madly. "You will not touch Jun-Jun." Jetleap's furious express was menacing.

Jetleap snarled as an amber wolf dragged Jetleap away. Jetleap's eyes glittered with amusement, and she snickered. Jun-Jun noticed a teal-and-black fox who looked at her sympathetically. Jun-Jun gazed at her for a moment. "She's a friend," Jun decided under her breath. Jim didn't relent on growling. "Take them to camp." The husky coyote barked, shooting a glance at Jun-Jun one last time.

A teal and black fox was carrying Jetleap in her mouth, gently, but firmly. Jetleap sensed a good heart in this one. She wasn't cold. She was...friendly. Sympathetic. Gentle... and trapped. She must have been captured as a pup and grew up here. Her name...Micah. That had to be it. "I'm sorry," Jetleap heard her mutter under her breath. "Micah? That's your name..." Jetleap asked softly. Micah's eyes lit up in surprise, then she gave a nod and trotted to the prey-pile. She took a few rabbits and dropped them over to the captives. "Eat." Micah acted harshly.

Jetleap nodded but lay down with a sigh. She ignored the prey while everybody ate. Jun-Jun sat by Jetleap. "Aren't you hungry?" Jun asked. "Have you ate yet?" Jetleap replied. Jun nodded, so Jetleap fetched some food and munched on it. "Let's fatten 'em!" A cheer rang out from the beta. "That's the second in command," Jetleap told Jun-Jun. "He organizes patrols for hunting and checking out the border. They must have been migrating when they found us. Packs never travel in a patrol unless something happened to they're land," Jetleap explained.

Jun-Jun nodded but kept her focus on the fox who brought them food. Jun sighed sadly and set her head down and slept peacefully. Jim curled up by Jetleap, the two soaking in each other's warmth. Lilac slept by Jun-Jun, with Talon and Liliana next to her. Jetleap was the last to fall asleep.

In the early morning, 2 o clock AM, Micah shook the captives awake. "Hush, hush!" She hissed as Jetleap woke up. "Wake others, get to safety!" Micah explained. Jetleap nodded and pawed Jim. After the gang was up, Micah told them to eat hurriedly and rushed them to the woods. "I save you from them. Last Alpha Female died mysteriously," Micah told Jun-Jun. "Micah, come with us," Jetleap invited. Micah smiled and nodded in relief. "I was kidnapped when a pup, only three moons old. Took all pups. I only can't stand eating living and talking animals. Fish, I eat fish. Fish good," Micah said.

Jetleap suppressed a chuckle.

Jun-Jun dodged the attack and kicked the sword out of the raccoon's paw. She dove for it and grabbed it. Jun-Jun held the frightened creature at sword point. "Jetleap!" She shouted, grabbing the creature's scruff. Jetleap nodded, and kicked a leopard aside, a claw sliced her cheek. Jetleap's eyes narrowed, almost looking blood-red. She pounced the wolf who attacked her, the blood oozing from the cut. She unsheathed her claws and slide her paws along his leg. He yowled in pain, and Jetleap sneered before leaping away, following Jun-Jun.

"Talk."

The simple command wasn't quite so simple.

He spoke a different language. Jetleap smiled and took a green, luminescent scale from her satchel and set it down. "Mija," Jetleap spoke in a different language. "Quatro meseh." The raccoon's wide eyes showed fear. "What do you mean?" Jetleap translated.

They had a short conversation before she sent him back. "C'mon guys let's go!" Jetleap said, striding past the group. They jumped up and started after Jetleap, who was running like the wind. "Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!" Jun-Jun howled, trying to keep up. ___________ "No, she's not! She's a super-cat!" "Athlete!" "Both!" "This is stupid," Jim muttered, hammering a peg into the ground. Micah nodded. "Talk about pointless," she said, her aquamarine eyes glittering with amusement. "It was always boring with The Pack. We always had to be serious, because there was so much of us." "Doesn't sound like much fun," Liliana agreed, pulling the tarp out of the ragged bag. Micah smiled. Jim grunted as he hit his paw again. Micah chuckled, then held the peg in place while Jim hammered at it. "What's for supper?" Jun-Jun suddenly piped up. "Yeah, I'm starving!" Lilac moaned. Talon sulkily grunted in agreement. "Micah, can you go forage for some edible food?" Jim asked. Micah nodded, turning to dart into the bushes. She reappeared, dropping several berries and a few roots into a carved wooden bowl. She hurried into the woods again, coming back with three decent sized slimy fish in her jaws. "You're fast," Jim said. "I had too. There were grumpy, old, mean men." Micah giggled. "Do you like jokes?" Liliana asked randomly. "Wut?" Micah raised an eyebrow. "Ya know, jokes, puns, memes?" "Yea?" Micah was still confused. "Oh dear... Jim likes it too," Liliana explained. Micah suddenly had too much caffeine and squealed. "REALLY?!?!/!?" "...Yes..." Liliana mumbled. "I get a tent that he wasn't serious," Micah said with a wink. "AAAAAAAAAAH!" Liliana screamed as she clutched her head and ran into the woods. "She'll be back," Jim laughed. "She needs her food." Liliana instantly came back. "I'm hungry." "Fried fish." Lilac threw a fish at her. Liliana smiled and gobbled it up hungrily.

"I told you," Jim smirked as he elbowed Micah. Micah smirked. "I could've told you that."

After they set the tent up, they had supper and went to bed. In the morning, an unfamiliar Clydesdale horse sat around the fire. With Jetleap. "G'morning, Jim, Micah, Jun-Jun. This is Merry, he's gonna help us!" Jetleap said brightly. "...great..." Jim said. "Ello!" Merry said energetically. "Sorry if I'm energetic, I got really good sleep last night, ya know! And Jetleap here got me some REALLY good hot tea!" Merry laughed.

"He's normally... serious..." Jetleap muttered. "I regret giving him some holiday cheer." Jim laughed. "You got yourself into this mess, Jet." Micah smiled. "I forgot to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!" She chuckled. Jetleap groaned. "There's two of them now! Dear Zios help me!" Liliana smiled. "Zios help both of us, Jet."

"Help all of us," Jun-Jun complained. Jetleap laughed. "Welp, this should be a happy season so I'll tolerate it for now. But after this is over, NO MORE JIMS!" She shook her paw at Micah. Micah held her paws up. "Alright, alright, I'll stop." Jetleap smiled. "That should've done the trick."

"But before this is over Jim and I's puns will sleigh you," Micah smirked. Jetleap pounced at her. "NO MORE PUNS OR JIMS OR WHATEVER!" She roared into her ears. Micah did puppy eyes. "Nah," Jetleap said walking away. Micah smiled, did a cute face and went back into the tent. Jetleap told Jim to pack the tent up. Merry would carry it, and carry someone else... maybe two?

Jim and Micah should. Definitely. Family bonding time... Just hope that they don't inspire each other... oh. Too late...

_______________

"Almost there, guys," Jetleap stated, firmly stepping over a rock. "Yay..." Jim muttered, trying to get into a comfortable position without waking the sleeping Micah. Merry took a wrong step and Micah fell off. '"Ouch," Micah grumbled. "What a rude awakening..." Micah grumbled as she got up. Jetleap chuckled, earning a glare from Micah. "Hehe," Jetleap chuckled.

Jetleap stumbled over a tree, making her eat dirt. "Aha!" Micah giggled. "Shut up," Jetleap growled, spitting dirt out. "That was funny," Jun-Jun added, giggling. Jetleap rolled her eyes. "Oh shut your trap, Forester." The affection was obvious in Jetleap's voice. "You won't hurt me if I don't," Jun smugly said. "Oh really?" Jetleap said, chuckling. "Duuuuh, you won't."

"Who said?" Jetleap said. "You did, doofus," Jim inserted. Jetleap vanished. "Ow!" Jun-Jun fell backwards. Jim hit the dusty ground. Jetleap reappeared in the front, chuckling. "Jetleeeeap!!" Jun-Jun yelped, annoyed. Jetleap smirked. "We're here," She said, lowering her voice. Jun-Jun noticed Jetleap's sudden change of mood and quickly sobered. "Shut your mouth, all of you. While we pass, no words. Got it?" Everyone nodded. Jetleap opened the door. "No cowardice, because when you enter, there is no turning back."

Then she ushered everyone inside. She held her paw to her mouth, giving the "shh" sign. Lilac nodded fearfully, everyone following her example. Jim slipped off of Merry, signaling for Merry to bite his metal bit in his mouth. Merry did so, and Jim took a cloak and tucked a piece of cloth into his mouth, and clamped his teeth onto it. He tore the cloak up, giving everyone a piece.

Jetleap took one, and clamped it especially hard. She entered a scary room. Jun-Jun stared in amazement at the walls. A dead face looked back at her. Jun-Jun started to approach it, and held out her paw. Jetleap whirled around. A gasp escaped her jaws, and she dived for Jun-Jun. She yanked Jun-Jun by the scruff back. Slapped her back, till Jun-Jun coughed. Jetleap shook her head. "Don't look at the walls," She seemed to say. They all took the hint and looked ahead. Suddenly, Jetleap spoke. "Come out, come out," She growled, throwing a pebble into the water.

A coiled serpent slid out of the water. "No talking, you guys," Jetleap snarled.

"Get out of my temple, trespasser," The snake hissed. "No," Jetleap spat in front the snake. "Oho. you want the hard way, yes?" He hissed. "Yes," Jetleap replied, undaunted. She drew her sword, the silver blade glinting. Quick as light, the serpent darted forward. Jetleap stood still, fearless. The snake shrank.

"Hey there," Jetleap smirked, jabbing the snake with her sword.

He bit her paw.

''Just once more is all it takes I tried so hard but all goes up in flames This is not the way that I thought I would turn out to be Tried to get but all that I got Was more insanity Broken everything that I touched Just gone against me''

I can’t get away

''From the fire that burns inside, consuming I fight to stand up but I can’t breathe The voices scream, the enemy takes over everything This is the madness in me''

Jetleap dropped her sword, quivering.

Madness in me The madness in me Madness in me Madness in me

''Just one chance is all it takes Can’t change the past but I can fight to change today This is not the way that I thought I would turn out to be Tried to get but all that I got Was more insanity Broken everything that I touched Just gone against me''

Got to get away

She looked at the snake, rage burning in her eyes.

''From the fire that burns inside, consuming I fight to stand up but I can’t breathe The voices scream, the enemy takes over everything This is the madness in me''

Madness in me The madness in me Madness in me Just one spark it’s all it takes

''From the fire that burns inside, consuming I fight to stand up but I can’t breathe The voices scream, the enemy takes over everything This is the madness in me''

She lunged at him, snarling madly. She grabbed his neck and threw him at the wall. The wall collapsed.

''From the fire that burns inside, consuming I fight to stand up but I can’t breathe The voices scream, the enemy takes over everything This is the madness in me''

She took her sword and sliced it's head off.

The madness in me This is the madness in me The madness in me

This song is Madness In Me by Skiller(lol it's skillet I'm just being stupid)

Jetleap calmed down.

She stood still.

Unbelief washed over her.

Of all times, it had to come back now.

Now, in front of her family.

Her friends.

Jetleap closed her eyes a tear leaked from her eyes.

Jun-Jun stared in amazement. "Jetleap..." She whispered.

Jetleap stiffened. Her breathing spedup.

"I'm fine," She stated coldly, "now hurry up."

Jim's jaw dropped. "You guys heard the leader, let's go," He said, catching up to her. "Jet," He mumbled, lifting his tail. "You could have told us," He whispered. He dropped his tail onto Jetleap's back. "We would have understood."

"No, you wouldn't have." Jetleap sounded sad. "I thought I could stop it- control it- but I was wrong. I've screwed everything up. I've tried hard, I thought I had mastered it.

"I thought I was the center of the universe. I thought if I hid from everyone, it would be fine. Rage meltdowns are rare, but me they were common. I tried my best, with all my heart, soul, and body and mind to control it. But I was wrong. I have to start from step one now. I'm a monster," She whispered.

"No," Jim said, smiling fondly. He sang into Jetleap's ear.

''All alone, lost in this abyss Crawling in the dark Nothing to wet my longing lips And I wonder where you are Are you far, will you come to my rescue Am I left to die but I can’t give up on you''

''I feel you keeping me alive You are my salvation Touch you, taste you, feel you here I feel you keeping me alive You are my salvation Hold me, heal me, keep me near My heart will burn for you It’s all I can do''

''Salvation Salvation (keeping me alive) Salvation (you’re keeping me) Salvation (you’re keeping me alive)''

''Been out from under who I am And who I want to be Held you tightly in my hands Why are we unraveling Was it me, will you come to my rescue Or did I push to far when I turned my back on you''

''I feel you keeping me alive You are my salvation Touch you, taste you, feel you here I feel you keeping me alive You are my salvation Hold me, heal me, keep me near My heart will burn for you It’s all I can do''

''Salvation Salvation (keeping me alive) Salvation''

''Touch you, taste you, feel you, need you Give it all just to find you Hold me, heal me I will find you''

''Keeping me alive You are my salvation Touch you, taste you, feel you here Our love will never die You are my salvation Hold me, heal me, keep me near My heart will burn for you It’s all I can do''

''Salvation Salvation Touch you, taste you, need you Salvation                                                             Salvation, by Skillet.''

Jetleap's ears perked up. "You... remember that?"

"Well duh, your journal was wide open." Jim purred, licking her head affectionately.

Jetleap's ears went back.

"I'm just kidding, I heard you sing it," Jim chuckled. The small female cat smiled, relaxed.

_____________________________________

Sullivan smiled, pleased. "What news, sister?"

"Jetleap..." Ellan's face was fearful.

"What about her?"

"She's...she's..."

"SHE'S WHAT?"

"She's... one of us..." Ellan meekly said.

Sullivan's enraged face became even more twisted...

Ellan left the building with a gash in her thigh.

________________________________________

Jun-Jun still was in shock by Jetleap's behavior. From what she knew, Jetleap was like the creepy cat who was the size of a large horse. Sullivan, yes. That was his name. He wanted Jun-Jun, but she didn't know why. She noticed Talon's eyes starting to go red-purple. They flickered between the two colors before going red. Before she knew what happened, Lilac yelled, "Ah Diagnu!"

Talon's eyes went back to normal.

Liliana was oddly at peace. Jetleap's behavior had been surprising, but ignorance is bliss. Liliana had an odd feeling that that wasn't the only secret Jet was hiding. It didn't bother her. Jetleap was quieter than usual, almost embarrassed? It didn't bother her. But what DID was the fact that there'd been less Tilac than usual.

Talon had no idea what was going on. And that suited him. He heard Lilac speak a weird language then he felt normal again. He sort of blushed when Lilac rubbed against his sides. She murmured, "You okay?" Talon nodded.

Lilac was worried.

Talon hadn't been like this since a month ago. That was when he saw the purple deer. Perhaps... no... but maybe... just maybe.

Maybe it took a little to be infiltrated by the deer depending on your mind strength.

Maybe...

Maybe Jetleap would know.

10
The cloaked red panda moved through the woods, a black dress swishing on the ground. The magenta cloak had several patches of dirt throughout it. The figure paused to breathe, panting heavily. "Should've done track," They grumbled. "Should've listened to her..."

The figure sighed. "Should've done a lot more than sit in my room, and be a sitting duck." A smile reached across her face. "Why am I complaining? Heck." She laughed. "I had everything I needed. Even dozens of family in the same mansion."

Engraved in a golden broach, was the girls name.

M a g g i e

_____________________________

Jetleap woke up, panting. She was still alive! Maggie was still out there!

Quickly, she dug into her bag, pulling out a similar cloak, except it was black, with white patterns dancing around the front. Engraved in gold was Jettlyn. The word brought tears into her eyes. "Jettlyn," She whispered, smiling softly. "Jettlyn Shadowspirit..."

"What are you doing?" Liliana curiously asked. Jetleap dropped the cloak, then grabbed it. "Oh... haha... nothing." Jetleap said, packing the cloak away. "What is that?" Liliana reached out to grab it, but Jetleap hissed at her. Liliana set her paw back. "It's pretty special, huh?" Jetleap nodded to her question. "My sister..." She said.

"What about her?"

"She's still out there, Liliana."

_____________________________

Ellan sighed as the medic wrapped her thigh in a thick bandage. "Who did this?" The medic asked, sighing. "Oh, you know who, only my brother who lost his temper." The medic nodded. "I thought so." He gave Ellan a bottle of poppy water. "Drink this, and rest a little." The medic stroked her cheeks. "Okay, James..." Ellan murmured, drinking.