Disclaimer: I don't own TDI or TDA, or even the anime this is loosely (VERY LOOSELY) based off of.
Author's Note: Uh, this is nothing more than a side story to update when I'm bored. I'm obsessed with the Chinese Zodiac, and am very proud of my sign!
YEAR OF THE DOG--1994
Anyways, here's a look at my story updates and how close I am to actually updated them:
PRIDE LANDS- Top priority, next chapter half-way finished.
TOOTH AND CLAW- Trying to work out the ending and who will survive. (All Werewolf deaths are already planned out)
TWILIGHT- In celebration of New Moon hitting the theatres, I MIGHT just have something for you all.
Anyways, let's get on with the story...
(Zodiac)
Long ago, The Jade Emperor decided on a way to keep time. On the day of New Years, The Emperor announced to the animals that he would hold a race. The first 12 animals to cross the strongest river in Asia would be given a place in the Chinese Zodiac.
Two of the animals gathered, The Cat and The Rat, were friends and neighbors. Before the race began, they met up, worried about their poor swimming skills. Luckily, The Cat and The Rat were both extremely clever.
"I know!" proclaimed The Cat, sitting straighter. "Let's ask The Ox for a ride."
The Rat nodded, "Yes, The Ox is nice and would never turn us smaller creatures away."
Together, The Cat and The Rat approached The Ox who, of course, was only too happy to give them a lift across the river. Clambering up onto it's back, The Jade Emperor began the race.
The Duo was thrilled when the Ox steadily pulled into the lead, halfway across the river. Not even the Emperor had expected that.
But The Rat did not enjoy the easy victory as much as The Cat, who was content with 3rd place. Ambition over-rode the long friendship and The Rat pushed The Cat into the swirling currents below. The Ox did not notice The Cat as it yelped and sputtered in the water, and continued on to the bank. Leaping over The Ox's head and onto the solid earth, The Rat was named the 1st member of the Zodiac, followed by The Ox, who realized then that it had been tricked.
Soon, The Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and finally the Boar all managed to secure their own places in the Chinese Zodiac. Happy and Joyful, all of the animals journeyed to the Emperor's Palace and celebrated their historical moment. All but the Cat, who climbed out of the river in the dark, shivering and hurt. Not only had The Cat lost the race, but The Rat had betrayed him. But soon, when the Cat spotted the others at their party, The Cat found not misery, but anger inside of himself. From that day on, The Cat has vowed vengeance on the Rat's future generations.
Many believe this to be why Cats hate Rats with a passion, and hunt them with acute precision. But The Rat will always hold victory over the C—
Hissing in rage, the reader slammed the book and pelted it across the room. The Story-Book hit the wall with a thud, causing other books near it to collapse. Cursing, the person bent over to pick up novels and guides, stacking them into piles once more. With a sigh, he flopped onto his bed, shielding his eyes from the light protruding from the desk lamp on the other side of the room.
The Person closed his eyes, frustration overwhelming him. Why did a child fable anger the teenager so? That very thought passed over his mind when the door to his room cracked open. Someone stuck their head in, but the teen didn't look over to them.
"Stop throwing crap at your wall! Grandma's gonna be mad if you wake her up!" Whispered the small boy standing at the entrance.
"Like I care about what my Mother does. She doesn't care about me." Grumbled the teen, glaring at the wall that connected his mother's room to his.
His family was huge, and he didn't just mean the ones who lived in the house! His parents had 9 kids all together, and the young child before him was his nephew, the son of the eldest. The teen himself was the youngest of the 9, doomed to be forgotten and ignored in the large family. This alone would make anyone as cynical or cold as him, but if that wasn't enough…Flipping over so his back was to the kid, the brooding male teen rolled his eyes as the sound of honking cars echoed off his walls.
The boy winced at the noises, "Uh-oh, the families early." And he turned and ran out of sight down the giant hall.
New Years was upon them all, and as tradition, the whole family was to get together. And I mean whole family.
Getting up, Noah looked out of the window, his eyes narrowed at the sight of one other teen down on the ground, helping to unpack.
"Anti-me." He said.
-----
There were two seperate banquets. One for the regular family and then one for a select few. Noah was forced to attend the first one, whether he liked it or not, but he would never get the chance to enter the Special Hall where the other feast was held. Now, as little kids and adults ran about to prepare the food or to keep whatever peace was left, Noah sat silently outside, staring across the road at the smaller house on the compound. One teen the same age as him walked right past him, without so much as a glance. Flickering her eyes back at him suddenly, she smirked but said nothing.
Noah stared at the ground, waiting for her to continue on, but that wasn't the case.
"Noah."
He didn't respond, knowing nothing good would come of it.
"Noah!"
Still nothing.
"Noah, look at me when I speak."
A tiny ring in his head forced him to look up at the girl, loathing.
"Believe it or not, the Head of the House wishes to see you. I suggest you go now." She said, heading back into the main house. Noah followed slowly, shocked that the Head of the House would want to talk to him. The girl he was behind was the daughter of the powerful man who was respected -if not feared- by the whole family. Soon, she would take his place. It was impossible to ignore a direct command from her, another thing that irked Noah to no end.
Not paying attention, a young girl passed infront of him, jolting him to a stop. The child apologized and then ran off, not understanding why Noah had frozen up like that. The adults watched them go in silence, talking in whispers once they were gone. Noah was led upstairs, away from all of the noise, and then up another flight of stairs to the top floor of the house. At the end of the hall, was a single door. He was staring at it so hard he didn't here the other teen's words.
"What?"
"I said, 'Don't do anything to embarress me.' Idiot." she groaned.
Noah inwardly cursed, wishing he could point out how much smarter he was than her, but he held his tongue barely. His smart-ass personality would only get him into more trouble. Or worse.
Waiting until the man behind the door let them enter, he wondered if he had done anything to upset the Head of the House. But nothing gave that away as Noah and the teen girl sat on mats on the floor, staring up at their superior.
"Greetings," Said the old man. "Enjoying the festivities?"
The girl dipped her head respectfully, "Yes Father." Glancing at Noah, she elbowed him, but he remained quiet.
"Courtney, Noah, I wanted to speak to you two privately." Wow, the Old man actually knew his name. "Do you know why I called you both here."
They both shook their heads, wondering where this was going.
"I have spoken to an old family friend, whose son is hosting a reality show and wishes for someone of our family to partake."
Courtney beamed, but Noah only wondered why he had been called here just for that.
"But sir," Noah blurted out, regretting it but not stopping, "What if we were to change? I'm sure anyone else in the house would do." In truth, Noah just didn't want to give Courtney the satisfation of being famous. He wasn't into that crap, and only wished to focus on his studies. Of course, Courtney shot him a death glare that failed to actually kill him.
"You are the only ones in the age range needed to be apart of the show. Besides, you two won't be going alone." Oh hell no, not him. "But that's why you are all going, to prevent anything from happening." Oh, so he just wanted Courtney to be protected. Great.
The Head went onto explain the idea of the show. 22 teens trapped on an island with a sadistic host (I.E. the 'friend's son' mentioned earlier) and put through horrible challenges. All to win some cash. Insert sarcastic 'yay' here.
they would be leaving in a week, excused from school until the trio got back.
'And to top it all off, I would be stuck with 'the princess' and my least favorite family member of all.' Noah sighed as they Old man dismissed them.
Apparently, Courtney had known this, because as soon as her and Noah got downstairs, she happily intterupted everyone's duties and announced HER participation in the show. Noah simply watched as they all cheered for her. Only some of the younger generation blinked at her with dislike. Way to go future generation of Canada. There's hope for them yet.
Once everything settled down enough to start the feast, Noah saw the door of the second house open, and some of the family went inside. Including Courtney.
Noah impulsively started for the open door, hoping he would get to finally go inside. But someone stood in his way, grabbing the door to close it.
"Sorry Noah," Justin sneered, not sounding sorry in the least, speaking just as he closed the door on Noah,
"No cats allowed."
AUTHOR'S NOTE: So, Should I continue with this story? If yes, then I want reviews. I won't say a certain amount, but no reviews equals no chapter. Sorry it's so short too, as the chapters beyond this will be much longer. This 'prologue' of sorts is only setting up the actual story. I can't come right out and say what the hell is wrong with this family or why Noah is looked down upon by most.
Though It is hinted at the beginning and at the end. If ever there was a giant red arrow, it would be that.
And just to get this out of the way: YES they are in Canada, and this will be from Noah's perspective.
Can anyone figure out the jist of this? Well, REVIEW YOUR THOUGHTS!