Author's Note ;

I'm putting yet another unsuccessful story on hiatus. Dark Moon will not be updated for a while, and I also do not plan on continuing Wires.

Blah blah blah; insert copyright stuff here. This FanFiction has nothing to do with any of the books, so nothing will happen in a basic order. It does not obtain a specific time period during the settings of the actual series by the original authors. All of this has come from my imagination, so some of my OCs will be involved. However, most cats – er, people – will be the series' characters.

Please enjoy. Also, do not forget to comment, favorite and follow.

-Panda-san

I.

"Long ago, the lands were peaceful. The now separated kingdoms were once one big group, not even considered a kingdom. It was only the people working alongside each other with no turmoil or hassles. However, there were four leaders of this fine land.

"Shadow, River, Thunder and Wind. They were powerful beings, chosen by the heaven itself. With them ruling over the same people and the same land, there were no troubles. Some would've said that all was calm for over a few decades. However, like all things, peace must come to an abrupt end.

"Calamity struck the lands. The ones who were quick on their feet claimed that they were better than the ones who could swim faster than otters. And those people thought they were mightier than the sneaky peasants and the calm lords and ladies. Even the leaders had began to think that. However, they did not want any conflicts regarding this.

"A contract was signed, land was split. The fast people left and made a kingdom in the moors. The swimmers settled an establishment near the rivers. Peasants escaped to the swamps, where they'd create a powerful kingdom. And finally, the richer, higher-class people rested themselves in the forest near a tall mountain.

"It has been like that ever since. No one was allowed to cross borders, steal food, or even to take a dip in the larger rivers of near Riverston. But some say that a mighty one shall up rise and bring forth the kingdoms, reuniting them. That special one may be upon us right now."

Mother finished up her story upon the sound of a knock on the bedroom door. She smiled at my brothers and I before slipping over to the slab of wood. She opened it, and in stepped father. His brown hair wasn't slicked back like usual. He had dark circles under his amber-colored eyes, and he was growing a small speck of a stubble on his broad chin.

"Father, it seems as if you haven't seen a bed in weeks," my brother Lion pointed out. "What's up?"

"Ah, nothing," he replied casually. "King Fire and I have been working and planning for days on end for an upcoming proposition with Riverton." Father sighed, slumping his back a little. Mother placed her hand on his back and pushed him a bit.

From where I sat, I could hear his spine popping. It gave me chills.

"Love, you really should rest." Mother pecked him on the cheek.

"No, not until we hear word from Riverton." Father yawned. "Well, perhaps a small nap wouldn't do much harm."

Lion jumped up, his golden hair falling into his eyes. "Yeah! You can sleep here, dad. Jay, Holly and I can go outside and do whatever."

I giggled and nodded. I knew the real reason why Lion wanted to go outside. He wanted to play with one of our friends from the lower parts of the kingdom. He didn't want to go to practice fighting and whatnot. Though, it did seem interesting to me.

Father shrugged, staggering tiredly over to Lion's bed. He fell onto the soft mattress, groaning as he did so. Mother went to his side, pulling the silk blanket over his body until it met with his neck. She kissed him, then came back over to where we were standing. Her long ginger hair rested neatly in a straight position down to her shoulder blades, then I could see where the herbs had failed to keep that area calm.

Nevertheless, Mother was a pretty woman.

She smiled at us – my brothers and I. I admired her white smiles; they were so kind and warm. I knew that Lion felt the same way, and that Jay was envious that he could not see them.

"Come along, children. I'll take you down the path as far as I usually would. You know where to go after that."

We were led down the corridors of the castle. With Father being next in line for the throne, and Grandfather being the king – which made me a princess – we were eligible to stay in this lovely place. It had been built out of the finest stones and cement. The towers reached to unimaginable heights. One time, I snuck up there during the late evening. And I'll tell you one thing – I could almost touch the stars.

We walked past the kitchen, which smelled oh-so-sweet. The cooks must've been baking bread or some other pastry. I licked my lips and took in a deep breath. A satisfied smile spread across my face as I zoned out for a moment. I nearly ran into the back of my smaller brother.

Jay whipped around, shoving me backwards a little. He wasn't the strongest, but he most certainly was not weak. I let out an oof before pushing him back.

"Ah!"

He fell on top of Lion, who wriggled beneath him like a trapped rat. I laughed at their struggling forms, prior to when I was abruptly pulled downwards with them.

Jay had a death grip on my ankle. I squealed, thrashing around.

Suddenly, Lion let out a strange sound as he shoved both of us away. "Geez, Holly! You're in a dress; watch it!" His face was red, eyebrows furrowed. I tilted my head and looked down. Great – my brown dress had ridden up a little.

Gulping, I pulled it down to its proper length. Sticking my tongue out at Lion, I stood up. "Why were you looking, anyway?"

"Oh god, it's not like I could've helped it or anything."

At that point, Mother had stormed towards us. "Children! I thought you were behind me! What did you three do?"

"I – he – she – " Lion stopped himself from further embarrassment. Jay pushed past me, his hand smacking against the back of my head. He loosened some of my raven strands, causing them to fall out of their bindings.

"Holly started it," he stated, pointing an accusing finger at me. I put my hand over my chest, faking a hurtful look.

"Brother – you aren't supposed to rat your sister out. And besides, you're the one who shoved me first."

That little creature stuck his tongue out at me! His pale blue eyes flickered in amusement, but also with annoyance.

Mother strolled up to us. She pulled me towards her, spinning me around to where my back faced her chest. Her hands were careful as they gathered the escaping strands of hair. She took out my white bow and placed back in its normal position. She spun me back to where I originally stood.

"Anyway, I don't care who started it. I'm finishing it," she murmured. "Now come along. If you want to go outside, then behave."

A grumble escaped Jay's mouth. He slithered behind Lion, leaving me in the back. No matter where we went, this was our walking routine. Lion in the front, Jay in the middle, and me as the rear. Our parents told us – Lion and I – in private that we did this so we wouldn't lose our brother.

I made a comeback and said that if he was lost, we'd hear him complaining and if he was stolen, they'd bring him back. That was enough to make my older brother snicker, but left Mother's face blank and unamused.

While we were strolling casually down the hallway, one of the servants slipped past our line. "Afternoon, Aunt Leaf!" I greeted, waving my hand.

Aunt Leaf looked up, gave a sad smile, then continued on her way.

That was the strange thing; she never smiled. I never once heard her chuckle, giggle or laugh. She was always too quiet. I suppose working as both a servant and a doctor does things to you. But, she always seemed to be filled with more melancholy whenever she would look at us three.

Mother looked quite uncertain around Aunt Leaf. They were sisters, so why should they be afraid of each other? Had something horrible happened to them in the past?

"Mom, is it alright if we take the horses with us this time?" Lion piped up, breaking the chilly silence.

Mother's voice became low. She looked back at him, smiling softly. "Of course, my child. Just be careful. I know you know how to ride, but those animals can be a handful."

He chuckled, shrugging. "I know, mom. I'll watch over us. Nothing'll happen."

Oh, I sure hoped so. I really don't want Jay to snap at me because he broke a bone.