Where the Moon Reigns

1 | The Announcement

Golden light flooded in through the warm windows of the cozy little cottage. Plants of all sizes decorated the interior, as well as numerous pictures of two Vayrons, one a soft cinnamon color and the other a earthy brown with white splotches. Multiple pictures depicted them lovingly staring into each other's eyes, nuzzling, or just smiling from ear to ear. Copper sheets hung from a few walls and were covered with all sorts of pictures, coupons, and notes hung on my magnets. Blankets lay on the sofa, inviting the nearest passerby to snuggle with them. The whole place smelled like cinnamon buns, and felt so warm and inviting that you'd never want to leave. And with the two owners of the house being as kind and welcoming as they were, no one ever did.

The wooden door creaked open, and the small cinnamon Vayron stepped inside. She tossed her keys into a padded basket and stretched, sighing after a long day's work.

"Kota, honey, I'm home!" She called cheerfully for her husband. He should be home by now; he got off work 30 minutes before she did.

Hearing no response, she called again. "Dakota?!" Her ears flicked about, straining for any noise. Sensing nothing, she could feel anxiety tugging in the back of her mind.

She quietly paced around the quaint living room, and then up the stairs. The bedroom was empty; so was the bathroom. Her heart started to pound. She rushed downstairs, and into the cold cellar. Nothing.

SLAM!

The earth below the cool stone room trembled.

The Chaser pinned her ears forward. She crept back into the living room, and slowly peeked over the windowsill.

Everything was calm outside. She could see wind whisper its way through the pasture behind their house. The beautiful mountains stood tall behind the trees, their leaves fluttering ever so slightly in the wind. She stood there for nearly an eternity; waiting, watching.

She was about to give up when she noticed something very odd. A shiny speck of silver, nearly hidden among the grass blades. Curious, she walked to the door, opened it, and stepped outside.

She kept her ears sensitive for any noise as she walked behind her home. She leaned down to examine the glittering object. It was a ring.

But not just any ring; it was a wedding band.

Dakota's wedding band.

(A/N: DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNNNN)

Tears welled up in the sensitive creature's purple eyes. Dakota was gone. Her love was gone! She needed to do something about it. But what?

She looked around for any sign of footprints, bent grass, anything. Anything that would've caused that mysterious slamming noise, or taken her beloved. But she had second thoughts.

If Dakota is in trouble, I need to find my friends. Before it's too late!

I can search here later.

She nodded to herself, put the band in her mouth, and took off running for her friends' home.

She had many friends of all types and sizes. Some runners, some Pullers, and one other Chaser like herself. Before she and Dakota were married, they all lived in that one glorious, giant group home owned by the richest Vayron in all the land, Tsandaih. But after marriage, they decided it would be best to move, and to have their own life together.

Her black paws scrabbled over loose dirt as she shifted her course. She knew many shortcuts through the city, and she was on the fastest route.

Finally, she approached the towering golden gates of Tsandaih's estate. Her magnificent white mansion stood proud over the extensive, delicate lawns. Marble pillars soared to lift up the roof, and grand courtyards and fountains could be seen from floor to celling windows. The spotless windows perfectly reflected the sky. And, just like classic Tsandaih, there was not a rose in sight. Instead, bright colored tulips covered some one the grounds, lighting up and brightening up the land. Behind the giant mansion, a pristine river could be seen winding through the valley.