The Beginning

Chapter 30

After three long weeks of waiting, the tournament finally is going to happen. Five days ago, Jhaufyther woke up to see his wing and tail completely healed, any trace of injury gone. The scab from the infected wound was also gone, and he's never felt better. He sat crouched in front of his den, waiting for Slaughlitte to start the short yet exciting journey to the Hollow.

As he sat waiting, Clauchice bounded up to him, full of youthful energy. "You ready?" she asked, her green eyes shining with excitement.

"Yep! I have been waiting for this moment for a long time," Jhaufyther said, nodding. "Riley is excited too. It's her first tournament, and although she won't be participating, she's glad that she gets to see action happen."

From the corner of his eye, he saw Lhrioun's gray fur appear from his den. Although his brother won't admit it, he was just as excited as they were, and his tail flicking impatiently clearly showed that. "Where the heck is Slaughlitte?" he said, looking at the camp entrance.

"I don't know," Jhaufyther said, shrugging. "He might be-"

A loud boom interrupted him. Klickhaze landed on the ground, practically bouncing with excitement. "TODAY'S THE DAY!" she exclaimed excitedly.

Jhaufyther winced. "Did you have to come in so loudly? You could've just walked in like a sensible Catwing."

Klickhaze nodded. She was moving as if she was on a sugar rush. "I know, but I'm too excited to just walk here. I decided to fly where my shivering wings won't bother anything." As she said this, she spread her wings, and Jhaufyther could definitely see them slightly trembling.

"You ate a lot of sugar cane, didn't you?" Clauchice asked suspiciously. Her eyes were narrowed at Klickhaze.

"Noooooo...."

"Klickhaze..."

"Okay, fine! I woke up really tired this morning and I saw some sugar cane growing near my den, so I cut off some parts and ate it all," she admitted. "But I couldn't help it!"

"Just make sure you compose yourself before and during the tournament," Clauchice advised.

"Got it."

Slaughlitte came in with Burnscritch, her glossy black fur particularly shiny today.

"Are all of you ready?" Slaughlitte asked.

All of them nodded. "Klickhaze, your father is waiting for you at your camp," Slaughlitte told her.

"Oops." She quickly flew off before Jhaufyther could say anything. He turned toward his sister and rolled his eyes, making Clauchice giggle.

"Lead the way, then," Lhrioun said.

Slaughlitte turned and walked out of the camp entrance, Burnscritch following him. Turning toward his siblings, Jhaufyther shrugged and turned back to follow Slaughlitte. Without a word, his siblings started to walk beside him, and Jhaufyther could feel the nervousness radiating off the both of them.

When they got to the hollow, Jhauyther's mother, Lephhice, came up to him and started licking his fur furiously. "Lephhice, I'm fine!" Jhaufyther said, trying to dodge Lephhice's tongue.

"See, this is why you need to fix your fur in the mornings, Jhaufyther," Clauchice snarked. Lephhice turned toward her. "Clauchice, you're no better! I can see you clearly hiding the dirt that's on one side of your body." She went toward Clauchice and helped clean the dirt that clung to Clauchice's fur. Jhaufyther glanced at Lhrioun, and the two brothers exploded in laughter.

Lepardhirk came in with Hazefhur, Klickhaze, and Cloodhot behind him. The three siblings were talking loudly amongst themselves, as if forgetting that there was going to be a massive assembly. Huniberi, Slaughlitte's sister, came up to Jhaufyther, her eyes filled with the same love that was present in Jhaufyther's youth. "Well, hello!" she said brightly.