(Edited - 7/5/17)
A dash of lightning streaked across the sky as Stripes found herself in a jungle. My old home! But, why am I here?
Suddenly, she spotted her parents. "Mom! Dad!" she called happily. However, with their backs turned on her, they began to walk away.
"Wait!" Stripes cried, chasing after them.
No matter how fast the black and white cat ran, she was unable to catch up with them. Thunder boomed, sending shivers down her spine.
Stripes was determined to get to her parents. She kept running as they headed to a strange tunnel of darkness.
"Please wait!"
Her mother turned to face her. Her eyes were blank and unfeeling. "Leave us alone, Stripes," she mewed emotionlessly. "We don't need you."
"Don't you get it?" Stripes' father added. "We don't want you anymore."
Those words pierced Stripes' heart and she collapsed with a cry of disbelief.
"Why...?"
Suddenly, she jolted awake. "Stripes!" Pancer rushed over to her. "Are you okay? You were crying out in your sleep."
"It's... just a nightmare," Stripes mewed, trying to hide her anguish.
Pancer frowned. "What is it about?"
"Pancer, wait," Ender cut in, walking into the den with Paddy at his paws. Paddy's eyes were wide and stricken with sorrow, as if he was traumatised by something. "I believe all of us have to talk about this incident."
"Let's talk somewhere else," Pancer suggested. "It's getting crowded here."
~~~~
They settled in Frost's former house. Rose, who took responsibility of caring for them after her death, left them with the house.
However, most of the time, she was too busy with political matters in the Kingdom.
Pancer glanced at Stripes and Paddy. Paddy was trying to look calm but she could tell that he was agitated. On the other hand, Stripes was trembling in fear.
"I believe that both of you had nightmares last night," Ender began. "It would help us a lot if you describe them to us."
Paddy and Stripes looked hesitant.
"It's okay if you don't feel comfortable in sharing," Pancer said.
"It's fine," Paddy reassured her. "I know you all are trying to help us. In my nightmare, I was back in the wheat fields, my homeland. Armoured zombies came and attacked me and other wolves... including..."
Ender stopped him from continuing with a raise of his paw, noticing his growing distress. "Is there anything else peculiar about the dream?"
"There was a thunderstorm..." Paddy added.
"Stripes, did your nightmare include a thunderstorm as well?" the black collared dog turned to the black and white cat.
Stripes nodded, still shaking.
"What's so special about the thunderstorm?" Pancer questioned.
"I don't know," Ender replied. "But someone else may know. Everybody, follow me."
"Where are we going?" Paddy spoke up curiously.
"The Library." Ender did not waste anymore time and headed off. The rest looked at each other in confusion before rushing to catch up with him.
~~~~
The Library was one of the oldest and biggest buildings in the Kingdom. It was said that it contained ancient books and century-old prophecies. The librarian was a man named Flight, who took over after the previous librarian's death.
When they went in, they were greeted by a mountain of books. Pancer stared at the books, fascinated. Maybe I could find books about herbs here...
"Flight?" Ender barked. His call echoed around the Library.
"Maybe he's not in," Stripes mewed.
"Is that him?" Paddy asked, gesturing to a person wearing a cloak and looking at some books.
Ender approached them. "Excuse me..."
It caught their attention and they looked at Ender. "Hello," it was a male voice, calm and wise.
"Are you Flight?"
"Yes, I am. May I help you with anything? It's not everyday dogs and cats visit the Library, so I'm guessing you have something important to discuss."
Pancer ushered Paddy and Stripes forward. "Both of them had a nightmare, and the strangest thing is that there was a thunderstorm in their nightmare."
"A thunderstorm, you say?" Flight mused. "I see. Follow me."
Flight led them to another section of the Library, where the books were dustier and older than others. He took out a book and flipped to a page.
"According to this book, the thunderstorm you speak of is a magic curse. It's an ancient magic, and few have succeeded in casting it. When cast, it sends despair across the world."
"What you are saying is that the thunderstorm caused my friends' deaths?" Paddy demanded, angry.
"It appears so."
"Who cast this magic?" Ender asked calmly.
Flight sighed. "The person who cast this magic is dead. Coincidentally, that person was the one who killed your former master."
Pancer was stunned, at a loss of words.
Paddy was struggling to contain his anger while Stripes tried to hold back tears.
"Unfortunately, I recieved news that someone wants to revive them, and plans to take over the Kingdom as well," Flight said, his voice grim.
"Why the Kingdom?"
"The City, the biggest haven of civilisation, collapsed. The Kingdom is now the only group of people that could oppose their plans."
"Thank you, Flight," Ender said, dipping his head in respect. "We shall take our leave."
Flight watched them leave the Library. "Good luck," he said, resuming his work.
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What do you think of Flight? He may have an important role later in the book. ;)
In Frost's Companions, one of my books, Ender, Pancer, Stripes and Paddy talk about their stories. If you are interested, feel free to check it out! :)
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