Hello! Thank you for coming to read my story. : )

I have always wondered what happened to Merle in the show Escaflowne (a very cool show, by the way) so I decided to create a background for myself. This is the first chapter… hope it goes well!

I have just begun writing and this is my second story. Please forgive writing mistakes and tell me how to improve!

Merle is Born: A Brother and Sisters Dream Together

The night was cold and rainy and gave no pity to those caught in the brink of storm. The rain fell in thick torrents and the wind stripped the trees of their leaves and push down loose branches. It was a dangerous time full of no remorse.

In the forest of Fanelia, a cat woman sat in a damp cave made dry with leaves and grass. The mystic moon, which was hidden behind thick rain clouds, provided very little light. With the small patches of silver glow, you could see a warrior beast of the same race as the woman standing. He had very defined features and a stern presence. His serious nature was broken by a worried expression that consisted of a knitted brow and pointed ears that lay flat against his head. He stood firmly before the cat woman like he'd never budge from his stance and a quiver full of arrowshung around his shoulders ready for protection. This was a dangerous time for this race, shunned from society and from the rain.

The cat woman, whose name was Ceival and the cat man, whose name was Lok, were about to become parents. Ceival's stomach was swollen with a litter of kitten humans and the worst of nights would be their birth. Sweat dripped down the exhausted woman's head and Lok placed a giant and loving hand upon her shoulder.

With strain, sweat, blood, and determination, a boy beast was emitted into this world. His fur was damp and soft and the hair on his head was like wild grass in a field. He opened his mouth like he wanted to say something but couldn't. He pawed weakly at the air like he was missing something, like he was lonely.

His father reached down for the baby and held him close to his chest,

"My boy, you're as beautiful as your mom."

And it was quite true that he did look like his mom. His fur was silver like his mother's, with dark gray stripes that marked his arms, legs, tail and face. His stringy hair was jet black and hung in his face and down his neck. He blinked in the darkness of the cave with deep red eyes. He was a beautiful baby kitten.

Lok reached down to show his mate her son before she was ready to give birth to another baby,

"Welcome my son, you are beautiful. Your father will keep you save before I hold you in my arms, I will bring you siblings to love as well. Mieko you should be called…it suits you…don't you think Lok?"

"Of course my love," said Lok, holding Mieko in the air to nuzzle his nose.

Ceival had another kitten, but this was a girl. She shivered on the dried leaves and gave a cry. A small tear was pushed out of the corners of her eyes and rolled down her small and chubby face. The open air felt strange after the closeness inside her mother. She shirked into the ground before her mom pulled her close,

"It's okay my baby. Be strong, I'm here for you."

She rocked the kitten lovingly in her arms. And Lok held Mieko to the girl and they touched noses.

"We are blessed with two healthy children. This baby girl should be named after my peaceful mother mai." Said Lok.

Mai looked like her father. Her fur was brownish gold with black marks. She had black tuffs on her shoulders and head. And through her tears, her eyes shone a pastel blue.

The last child of Ceival and Lok came shortly after. The baby fidgeted in the grass. With a sharp cry of protest to the chill of the rain and a quick paw through the air, a gold and brown furred baby girl mewed quietly. She bared her small teeth and spit in the air. Her mom held this girl close too. She too, was beautiful, with majestic blue eyes and a thick lock of orange hair on her head.

"She is a feisty one, she will help her sister stand strong." Said Lok as he bent down to kiss his mates cheek.

"I love them so much already, they have stolen my heart," she looked down at her babies. "Stay forever safe and healthy my loves." Said Ceival with a look of devotion in her eyes.

The three siblings were laid down in a nest of grass and hay. Mai sat in the middle, enclosed and safe between brother and sister. Mieko hung one paw under and across both sisters in a protecting way, like he had found what he was missing before. And the youngest girl yawned and pawed at her sister's ear.

"I would like to name the youngest Merle," Ceival whispered in Lok's ear.

Merle, Mai and Mieko soon settled into their haven, with their happy and dedicated parents hovering over them. They slept in a world where they were once again within their mother's safe and warm womb, given complete confidence that they could always be together. But it wouldn't always be that way. But for now… let them dream.

If you liked it, review and I will write more.

Find out how they were separated in the next installment!

FT