TF: And here it is! The next chapter of TPKR! Posting this REAL quick for bedtime, so yeah! This'll be short!
Wilbur: TF owns only her OCs and a few places in this story, SEGA owns everything else!
Skye: You want to read the full, detailed author's notes? Come back tomorrow, a little after noon, we'll try to re-post it by then!
Felix: An hwappy bwithday, Towew! :D
Skye: It's 'Tower', sweetie ...
Later ...
TF: All right, REDONE! Hi everybody, sorry this chapter took so long, a combination of Writer's Block, new character creating, and laziness. –_– But! Now it's here, and I really hope you enjoy! And review, please! Those are my fuel! :)
Wilbur: Again with the copyright. TF owns the characters Tribe, Morpheus, Kirmaya, Orrin, Sah, Java, Coffee, Bambla, Comanche, Lupus, Daemon, Lupus, and Comrade. I suppose Ous is also her character ... she also owns the Pure Sword Order, Ammons, and the Abba Tribe. *nudges TF* Nice name for it.
TF: Thank you.
Skye: Everything else is owned by SEGA, including the Dimension of Knightius and it's characters! Cinos/Sonic, Curi-Gareth/Espio, Agravain/Vector, Rivalen/Ray, Gawain/Knuckles, Gaheris/Mighty, Merlin/Eggman, Solar/Solaris, Memphis/Mephiles, Ablis/Iblis, Caliburn, and Merlinna are all owned by SEGA. The Eastern Tribes and Bride are owned by SEGA and Archie comics.
Wilbur: And yeah, November 18 was the birthday of Towerdepths – we got the inspiration for Deck of Cards from his profile! :D Skye and Felix INSISTED they be here just this once because of that.
Skye: Hey, share.
TF: So, yup! Enjoy, read, and REVIEW!
Wilbur: In the last chapter, Morpheus and Tribe have completed training for the day, and in the Ammon headquarters, plans are made to destroy the Pure Sword Order by murdering Tribe. At the Pure Tent meeting, the prophetess Orrin gives startling news and predictions, and one of the members says that Morpheus is unfit to be the future leader. Now Morpheus is missing after entering a forest nearby his sitter's home ... and the attack within has already begun.
"We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills – we shall never surrender." – Winston Churchill
THE PURE KNIGHT RISES
✠ Chapter Three: Pure Tent Turmoil ✠
"Kirmaya!"
The pale pink Macaw turned around and smiled. "Why, Tribe, you're back! You and Morph practiced enough, hm?"
The brown-robed Tabby walked up to her, pulling away Morpheus' gloved hand as the child tugged at his ear curiously. "Yes, it went quite well. Since a storm appears to be rolling in, I thought it best to stop a bit early, besides the fact the Pure Tent is organizing an urgent meeting."
The Macaw was pale pink, with shortly-cropped, dark brown hair that reached her chin and messy bangs parted over her large, golden eyes. Her beak was pale yellow, and her tail was made of long, pale pink feathers tipped with dark brown that matched her hair, pale brown markings resembling flames running up her pink arms and legs. She wore a pale-colored, sleeveless, minty-green dress that reached a little above her knees, lined with white stitching, and a silver belt around her waist. Her hands were covered in white gloves, also cuffed with white, and over her feet were pulled open, strapped sandals, white in color, a green headband pulling back her rebellious bangs.
The female Mobian, in her early twenties and going by the name of Kirmaya the Crested Macaw, nodded in understanding. "Ah, yes, I've heard of that. Orrin will be there, won't she?"
Tribe nodded, lifting Morpheus off his shoulders. "She will, and as leader, I am expected to attend."
He put his son down on the ground, and the gray Kitsune Cat ran behind his father, peering out from behind the Tabby's brown robe shyly. Tribe motioned to Morpheus. "Will you watch him while I'm at the meeting?" he asked. "I don't wish to bother First at this time."
Kirmaya raised an eyebrow. "She over-exhorted herself healing plants again, didn't she?" she questioned.
The leader chuckled. "She has a soft heart. Cannot stand for anything to die. Unfortunately, the world doesn't think like she does. Besides, with Morph constantly discovering more uses for his shadow powers, well ... it's a miracle the house is still in one piece."
"Amen!" the Macaw laughed.
Tribe looked down at his son. "Morpheus? Can you stay with Kirmaya and be good for me while I'm gone? Daddy has to go somewhere important."
The seven-year-old blinked. "... Gone long?"
Tribe shook his head. "No, only for an hour, all right?"
Morpheus looked back at Kirmaya, then buried his face in Tribe's robe. "Mphmhfmhpm ..." the Kitten mumbled in a muffled tone.
Crouching down to his eye level, Kirmaya smiled warmly. "It's only for a little while, I've watched you before. And this time, I'll make sure Comrade plays nice, okay?"
Morpheus pulled his head away to stare at the Macaw with his white, stone-blind eyes, then looked up at Tribe questioningly. Tribe smiled. "... Well?"
The child grinned and ran past the two adults in a blur of black and gray with a squeal of glee, heading for the back of one of the stone houses in the small village, and Kirmaya chuckled, standing upright as she glanced back. "He's an adorable kid, Tribe."
The Tabby smiled faintly. "I know. Wonder what he'll be like in ten years ..."
Looking up at the sky, the leader frowned slightly. "Mm ... better get going, the storm will break soon."
"Is it a spiritual sign?" Kirmaya asked, crossing her bare arms against the sudden, icy breeze that swept past.
Tribe shrugged. "I don't know ... I just don't know."
Waving goodbye to Kirmaya, the orange Tabby turned and walked away, heading for the center of Forgotten Path's village, where the tall, aqua-glowing structure of the Pure Tent could be seen. The female waved back before sighing softly, leaning against the gate-post of her home.
Darkness was rapidly falling as the wind picked up, thunder rumbling in the distance, and the grass blades began glowing their usual, aqua light, as did the leaves of the trees and the carvings on the stone houses. Pulling his hood over his head, Tribe sped up his pace, his dark brown shoes thudding against the damp grass underfoot, nearing the Pure Tent. The Pure Tent, the main meeting place for the Pure Sword Tribe, wasn't actually a tent at all, but a large, stone building similar to a steepled church, aqua carvings of people and Latin Bible verses glowing aqua light from the carefully-placed stones. Stained glass windows were curtained from the storm by dark blue and red drapes, and light seeped through the crack under the elm and gold door that served as the entrance.
Climbing up the stone steps, the orange Tabby Cat pushed open the door, instantly becoming bathed in the golden candlelight from inside, dozens of Mobians rushing around carrying books and scrolls, murmurs of conversation floating through the quiet, serious air. A swirl of silver mist flew up to Tribe, hitting the stone floor and dissolving into the aqua-eyed, smiling form of Sah. "You are just in time, the meeting is about to commence," the second Tabby commented, pushing the ajar door closed gently.
Tribe nodded. "Wouldn't miss it. I hear it's causing quite the stir in Pure Sword. Many rumors are floating about as to the nature of the prophecy given," he admitted, quickly striding forward to the elm doors in the back.
Sah flew after him, hovering a bit off the ground. "If Orrin is concerned, it should be. She is a true prophet of Jehovah," the Cat nodded.
Reaching the doors, Tribe pushed them open and quickly entered the room beyond, lit up with aqua and gold light, the seating arrangement placed in the classic horse-shoe, a little over three dozen or so Mobians already present. Turning to his right, the leader took an empty seat in the center of what would be the room's right, Sah flying over to stop a few seats away from him, settling down. More tribe members entered the room, taking their seats as whispers echoed through the room, the animals quietly discussing, suggesting, and speaking of the soon-to-come-to-order meeting. Eventually, the last of the needed members arrived, and a black Sheep with blue eyes shut the doors before taking his own spot in the almost complete circle of chairs. An equally horseshoe-shaped table curving around in front of them, embroidered tapestries hanging from the walls with detailed mats on the floor, large mushrooms glowing various shades of rainbow light.
The said lights dimmed, taking on their trademark, aqua glow and sending the room into a mild darkness. Tribe stood up, resting his hands on the table as he looked around. "Welcome, Pure Sword Order members. I am pleased that all of you have shown up. As you can very well guess, this meeting holds vital importance, as according to a very—"
He stressed the word 'very'. "—Reliable source. It is of great importance to not only the well-being of the Pure Swords, but the other tribes of Knightius as well, so hear us out."
A Mouse to the left raised his hand. He had dark brown fur with large ears, white fur on the inside, and a white muzzle with red eyes. The Mobian was wearing a dull brown robe lined with red engravings, and had long, brown gloves pulled over his hands, an open square cut out of each back. On his feet were dark brown sandals, and a leather belt with a golden buckle was attached around his waist, deep brown bangs falling over his eyes, almost covering them.
Tribe nodded at him, recognizing the Mobian as Coffee the Mouse, the father of one of Morpheus' playmates, Java. "Yes, Coffee?"
The Mouse smiled. "Is the source Orrin?" he asked.
Tribe smiled back, giving another nod. "Yes, as a matter of fact, it is. She will explain the situation we are soon to be in and give us the Lord Jehovah's word on it."
He motioned to the black Dog sitting at the front. "Orrin?" he requested. "You may begin."
The female Dog stood, nodding at the leader. "Thank you, Tribe."
She was almost pure black in color, with bangs parted away from her sparkling, silver eyes, the left side of her hair jet-black while the right was pure white. Wearing a sleeveless, woven shirt of black yarn, silver thread was wrapped around her bare, left wrist as a bracelet, and there was a black choker around her neck, to which was attached a round, silver bell. She had on a long, white skirt that reached just above her bare feet, and a black half-skirt attached to the right side by a golden ring, a white headband holding back her hair. Her large, mouse-like ears with the white insides were drooping down, white muzzle graced with a slight smile, hands bare like her feet – no gloves, cuffs, nothing but the bracelet.
Tribe sat back down, leaning his elbows on the table as he rested his chin his his hands. Orrin the Ringer Dog, the female standing before them, had only given a bit of information on what had been revealed to her, and what he had heard had led him to make his announcement that it would affect all the tribes within Knightius. That was quite a claim to make – the Pure Sword Tribe, while being one, if not the, smallest of the tribes, was the most respected by the several dozen others due to their spiritual connections. Each of these tribes played an important part in the Kingdom of Knightius, as more minor rulers of their selected areas of dwelling. If one of the tribes were attacked, it endangered the balance of the Kingdom, and could very well mean another tribe was next on the list.
Who, though, was anybody's guess.
Orrin rested her hands on the table in front of her, the silver bell around her neck jingling softly. "... The Eastern Tribes will be attacked," she stated calmly.
Gasps of alarm rippled through the gathering of Mobians, and Tribe shot a glance at Sah, who looked as concerned as he did. The Eastern Tribes were four major tribes located in the Cold Lands, a place so named because of it's askew weather compared to Camelot — winter occurred in summer, summer in winter, vice versa. The Cold Lands, also known as the East, were miles of scorching sand and little water, the Hidden Desert, and separating the desert from Camelot were the Cherry Mountains, rugged mountains covered in cherry trees that were constantly in pink bloom, snow forever at the highest peaks. Surrounding the desert were huge areas of wild jungles, the Golden Jungles, swamps, and grassy hills, while off to one side, within the forest, laid a massive maze of dark caves, the Web.
It was in this wild place that the Eastern Tribes dwelled, each in the area best suited for themselves, each with their own purpose and overall personality. The Pure Sword Tribe actually seemed to be one of the only tribes, other then the Abba Tribe, that consisted of a wide mixture of Mobians — many tribes, especially the Easten Tribes, consisted of only one Mobian species.
The one that inhabited the Cherry Mountains was the Storm Tribe, the largest of the Eastern Tribes and made up of Mobian Lynxs. They specialized in war tactics, and although quarrelsome with their fellow Tribes, were helpful enough. The one in the Golden Jungles was the Nights Tribe, the second largest, Bats who were treasure seekers, mining for precious metals and jewels. They were excellent crafters and blacksmiths, with a regal type of personality and preferred to think things through logically. The third largest in the Eastern Clans were the Vigil Tribe, Chameleons that were the most successful spies in their dimension. They also had exceptional talent in the fields of art, dance, and music, and were well known as peaceful people, but extremely deadly if provoked. The smallest Clan, in the Web, was the Reach Clan, rare Spider Mobians that were weavers, hunters, and arrow marksmen. They were quiet, neutral, and secluded, preferring not to get into the arguments that constantly happened between the Stormians and the Vigilians.
Thus, the four Eastern Tribes were of great importance to the Kingdom of Knightius, for the things they did as well as the people they were. That Orrin had said they were going to be attacked ... it was a chilling thought. The last time any of the Eastern Tribes were attacked was the Attack of Harmony, when the Ammons invaded the underground city of the Vigil Clan and attempted to murder the family of leaders. Luckily, the Nights Tribe were visiting at that time, and the Bats and Chameleons fought off the shadow demons before they fully invaded, but the leader of the Vigilians, Ous the Horned Chameleon, had been killed in the battle. It had been a very hard blow for all the Tribes to take, especially Ous' wife, Bride, who had been with child at the time and already a widow.
Tribe closed his green eyes, shuddering slightly at the painful memories, before opening them to watch Orrin, who had just begun to continue. "I received a word from Jehovah just a week ago. He told me that the realm of time called the Dark Ages are about to begin, and that it shall start with an attack on the Eastern Tribes, leading to the corruption and fall of Knightius as we know it."
Startled murmurs, and the Dog's silver eyes gazed around at the assembly. "The attack shall start within, He said, and manifest into the natural, into the shards of broken trust. Those whom you will know shall no longer exist until the appointed time."
She took a deep breath, closing her eyes. "Storm shall become a raging fury of war, the pink blossoms of the trees dyed red with the blood of many. Vigil shall be hidden, and her son shall cause the destruction of the flame in the darkness. Rich shall be taken away, their land laid waste into poison. Reach shall become a snare, a trap for those seeking to rebuild the Kingdom soon to fall. Knightius shall no more remember the past, like a plate wiped clean — their ruler be one that is not of their own, and Cinos will all but vanish off the face of our world. As for the remaining Tribes, they shall be scattered, their leaders will fall one by one. Our own Tribe, the Pure Sword Order, shall be betrayed by a wolf in sheep's clothing. The coin has been dropped, the battle has already begun. Prepare yourselves, oh ye sheep. Prepare, for soon thy shall meet thy Lord."
With that, Orrin sat back down, folding her hands. "That is what Jehovah shared with me. Now for the news I have received."
The Dog paused, making sure everybody was listening, then continued. "After receiving my confirmation to the word, I sent my Spirit Doves out to the Cold Lands, in order to bring back an information of an indication of the future attack. They were contacted by several of the Round Table Knights, who had gone to the Cold Lands to visit Bride and Sir Curi-Gareth. You know him."
The other members nodded, remembering the magenta Knight that was a native of Virgil. Orrin nodded. "Well, King Cinos had been contacted by Sir Curi only a week before. He had been told that Bride wished to speak to several of his Knights, and that the matter was urgent, and required haste. Cinos agreed and sent Agravain, Rivalen, Gawain, and Gaheris to investigate the matter, and they arrived in the Cold Lands two days later. Jehovah impressed it upon me to send out my Spirit Doves after the Knights, and the words these Doves returned with is both startling and chilling."
"What were the words?" a female Mobian asked.
This Mobian was a delicate-looking, soft brown deer with large, bright green eyes and rounded ears, wearing a long, pale brown dress with sleeves covering her hands, the hem of her dress covering her feet as well, making seeing any gloves or shoes impossible. A white shawl was draped over her head, and two white spots circled her eyes, a white blaze on her forehead in the shape of a large, four-edged star.
Orrin held up a hand. "I'm getting to that, be patient, Bambla. My Spirit Doves returned with detailed accounts written by Gaheris of the information they were given. Cursed Mountains has been having an abnormal amount of weather-related activity for the past week, storms, lightning, and flooding reaching an all time high. There have also been increased sightings of Ammons in that area, and markings indicating certain ... rituals."
Coffee gulped, and Tribe leaned forward. "What are you saying here?" he asked.
The black Mobian slowly shook her head. "Something supernatural is being unleashed there, and I am certain it is not of the Lord. The Merlins live there. No doubt they are the ones performing the rituals with the assistance of the Ammons."
Coffee stood. "But the rituals! What sort of evil are they?!" he exclaimed, ears twitching frantically.
"Of the demonic realm," Orrin answered calmly, pulling a scroll out of her silver belt. "They are opening a portal to gain even stronger demonic 'help' to achieve their goal."
"Which is?" a male Sheep questioned.
He had short, curly, pitch-black wool covering most of his body, with thicker curls serving as hair. There was no wool on his stomach, muzzle, and ears, revealing dark brown skin, and his eyes were large and neon-blue. He also had black hooves instead of hands and feet, so he wasn't wearing gloves or shoes, and had the usual, short tail typical of most Sheep. There were also blue markings on the bottoms of his hooves, similar to horseshoes, but making a complete circle each. Around his neck was an aqua stone on a string, and his wrists and ankles were cuffed with aqua crystal as well, streaked with red.
"Listen, Lupus."
The prophetess unrolled her scroll. "This was information Curi managed to snatch from an Ammon den, and he gave it to Bride, who sent it to me. It is a letter, a letter draft to be exact. This is what it reads — 'To the Great and Mighty Solar of Hades, Wonderful Ruler and Conquerer, Worker of Darkness and the Flames of Destruction.'"
Sah covered his ears, aqua eyes half-closing, and many of the tribe members had expressions of disgust, horror, sadness, or a mixture of the three gracing their faces.
Tribe knew he did.
Orrin continued reading. "My progress since the Sealing has been slow due to the powers of Light on the other side, which have been threatening to destroy my work. After much struggle, trial, and error, I am proud to declare to you, Great Solar, that the formula has been achieved. It is safe to move forward towards Phase Two of our project without interruption. Those of the Cold will be taken, and I can assure you, it will not be long before Knightius is taken afterwards. I have prepared Merlinna and Arthur for the possessions. None of Mobius will know what struck them, and even if they do ... it will be too late.
"Gather the Ammons for the attack! Send Memphis to lock up the Wind, Mind, and Air! Allow Ablis to spread his destruction! Give permission for Merlinna to steal away and hide Caliburn! I shall take care of the Kingdom and prepare it for the Great Ages of our rule ... your rule. It is time that Cinos was taken down a notch.
"Your Most Humble Servant of Darkness and Magic – Merlin."
SLAM!
The crash of a fist against wood got Tribe's attention as he turned to another one of the members, a dark red Hedgehog male, who had smashed his hand against the wooden table. (Which, thank Jehovah, didn't break) "MERLIN?" he echoed angrily. "That wizard was the one that wrote the letter?!"
He had dark red quills with a peach muzzle, stomach, and arms, wearing a dark blue robe edged with brown markings and sporting a brown belt tied around his waist. His eyes were golden-orange, quills on his head sticking up slightly, and pure white gloves and shoes covered his hands and feet, cuffed with brown cloth that matched the color brown lining his robe. His tail was longer then most Hedgehog's, almost like a Cat, and his ears were slightly larger then normal as well.
"Correct, Comanche," Orrin nodded, rolling the scroll back up.
"I thought King Cinos banished him from the Court and Knightius after he discovered the Human using spells and curses in the Castle against Cinos!" the Hedgehog exclaimed, green eyes flashing. "Nobody has heard from him in months!"
"Ah, but I assume Curi received the draft in the Mountains. Merlin could easily hide there, it is beyond the borders of both Knightius and the Eastern Tribe dwellings. The banishment does not exceed there," Sah calmly pointed out.
Comanche calmed slightly, sitting back in his seat. "That's true ... still rather unbelievable to me."
He shook his head. "But then again, what is believable these days?" he muttered.
"Almost nothing," Bambla chuckled.
Sah pushed back his silver and aqua hood. "But we are not talking about the wizard now. We are talking about the future and very fate of Knightius."
"True," Tribe agreed, leaning on his elbows. "What I deduct from the letter draft Orrin just read is that Solar and Merlin have been working on a plan to overthrow the rightful rule of Knightius. There seems to be a formula involved, some type of concoction invented for the very purpose of the overthrow — just what it is and what it does seems unclear."
"He mentioned the Cold Lands falling shortly after the outline of the formula," Comanche pointed out. "Perhaps this formula has something to do with the Cold Lands themselves, according to Orrin's prophecy?"
"Right ..." Coffee murmured. "The prophecy said that an attack on the Cold Lands would trigger the fall of the Kingdom."
"Excellent memory, Coffee!" Orrin smiled, nodding her head and causing the bell around her neck to ring softly. "It could very well be connected. I was just repeating what Jehovah revealed to me."
Tribe sat up straight. "Would it be possible to go to Camelot and warn King Cinos of Solar and Merlin's plans?"
Orrin pursed her lips. "Mm ... yes. We of the Pure Sword Order shall go. It is part of the fate of the Kingdom, in order for the blowing out of the flame to succeed ..."
Tribe blinked. "The what?"
She paused, then sighed sadly and shook her head. "Never mind."
The orange Tabby slowly nodded before turning back to the rest of the tribe members. "All right then, it's settled. A select few of us, including myself and Orrin, will travel to Camelot to deliver the news of the coming attack to King Cinos. Sah will be in charge while I am gone. Should something happen to me, then Morpheus is to be the new leader in my stead, as according to c–"
"Morpheus?" the black Sheep interrupted, raising an eyebrow.
Tribe looked at him. "Of course, Lupus, he is my son. It is to be expected that he become leader of the tribe sooner or later," he explained.
Lupus frowned. "He's seven."
"Your point?" the Tabby asked. "Cinos was seventeen when he was crowned king, that's still a child's age. King Joash in the Bible was eight upon becoming king. It's not that unusual for Morph to be young when the time comes."
"That is different," the blue-eyed Mobian retorted. "Those are normal children."
Tribe bristled slightly. "NORMAL?"
Lupus nodded. "Yes, NORMAL."
"And Morpheus isn't?"
"Face it, Tribe, you couldn't make him a leader if you wanted to. Not only is he far too young, but you forget – he's stone-blind."
Tribe frowned. "I didn't forget, but his blindness has nothing to do with his ability to lead."
Lupus slammed one hoof against the table. "It has everything to do with it, Tribe! As it says in the Book of Matthew – 'Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.'"
"That verse is talking about spiritual blindness, and you know it!" the leader exclaimed, standing up.
The Sheep also stood up. "You think him being blind is the ONLY reason he's an unfit leader? Look at him! He controls DARKNESS — shadows! The only creatures ever known to do that are those Ammons! What if he has some kind of connection with them? Then it'd be like letting a Judus ram lead the flock! Only a matter of time before we are all KILLED!"
"His powers do NOT have any affect on who he is!" Tribe retorted, golden eyes flashing. "Look at Sir Percival! She controls fire! Does that make her a pyromanic? Look at Sir Galahad! He can move objects with his mind! Does that mean he has a lot of willpower? Look at Sir Gawain! He can break solid ROCK! Does that mean he cannot be gentle? Look at Sir Lancelot! He can teleport! But does he ever use that ability to escape a battle, whether winning or losing? NO! To all of that is a NO! Just because Morpheus can control shadows doesn't mean he IS one and waiting to kill us all! He is my son — MY SEVEN-YEAR-OLD SON!"
Lupus scowled angrily at Tribe. "Well, I am NOT standing for it! This tribe is in far enough trouble as it is! To be led in the future by a blind, Kitsune-tailed, potential shadow is ASKING for trouble!"
Tribe opened his mouth, ready to throw back a heated retort, before Sah quickly flew between the two, hovering. "Now, calm down!" the silver Tabby pleaded. "Arguing is not going to do anything for the Pure Sword Order! Whether Morpheus becomes leader or not is Jehovah's decision, and we all know, the descendants of the Gospel line are to be the rulers or this tribe. Morpheus is the son of Tribe, making him of the Gospel bloodlines, regardless of what powers he possesses or disabilities he has. He is to be the new leader when the time comes."
Lupus glared at Sah before turning and stalking away, opening the doors and exiting before slamming them shut in anger. Tribe breathed outward, calming down as his curled fists relaxed, and sat back down. "All right ... meeting adjourned," he mumbled, rubbing his orange forehead.
The members nodded, standing up as they gathered their things, the doors opening up to allow the gathered Mobians to leave, conversing to each other into a soft stream of murmurings. As they filed out, Tribe got up and followed them, pulling his hood up over his head again as he crossed his arms. Orrin, walking by, stopped. "We shall leave tomorrow, correct?" she questioned.
The leader nodded. "Yes ... best to get an early start. No telling how far into their plans Solar and Merlin have gotten."
The Dog nodded back. "Very true ... well ... I will see you in the morning, then. God speed."
Turning, the black-furred female melted into the crowd, vanishing, and Tribe shook his head. Sah, hovering next to him, lightly touched the Tabby's shoulder. "... Are you all right?"
"I hate it when people put Morph down ..." he murmured.
Sah nodded. "I do not blame you. Just do not let it get to you, anger is not from Jehovah. Except for righteous anger, of course."
Tribe smiled back. "Of course."
Straightening, he sped up into a brisk pace for the front door of the Pure Tent. "I'd like to stay, Sah, but I left Morpheus with Kirmaya and must pick him up. You understand, don't you?"
The aqua-eyed Tabby chuckled, crossing his silver and aqua-striped arms as he watched Tribe vanish out the open, front door, aqua eyes glowing. "I always do!" he called.
Nobody noticed Lupus standing in a corner nearby, arms crossed as he stared at the two departing, Tabby Mobians ...
Then slowly smiled as his blue eyes flickered, turning a glowing, blood-red.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
"Kirmaya?" Tribe called, lowering his fist from the stone door. "Are you there?"
After a moment, the door swung open, and Kirmaya smiled warmly as she leaned against the doorframe. "Ah, Tribe! Meeting's over already?" she asked, wiping a drop of sweat off her forehead. "Sorry I was a bit slow in coming, Java fell and cut himself, and I had a bit of trouble getting him cleaned up. He hates bandages."
The Tabby chuckled. "I remember that all too clearly! Anyway, I just dropped by to get Morpheus back home to his mother."
The Macaw nodded. "Fine by me, he's your child! He's in the backyard with the others, go right on ahead."
She motioned towards the left side of the house, and Tribe's orange ears perked up as he heard faint chatter and laughing coming from the back faintly, proving her words. "Thank you, Kirmaya!" he smiled, waving as he turned and headed for the back.
Kirmaya waved back. "You too!" she called, then closed the door.
Rounding the corner of the stone house with the glowing, pale green and pink markings on it, Tribe slipped his brown-gloved hands into the pockets of his golden-edged robe, listening as the sounds grew louder. Finally reaching the back of the house, he turned, then stopped.
In the back were a number of other children all around Morpheus' age, both male and female, playing and talking and laughing together as they, too, waited for their parents to pick them up from the meeting. A red Dog chased two purple, Hedgehog twins around the yard, and a pale yellow Jellyfish was playing at the edge of the stream running past Kirmaya's house. A black Scorpian and an also-black Horned Beetle were chatting under a grove of trees, the Beetle holding a smaller, tan Horned Beetle in his arms, and a dark green Squirral was swinging upside down from one of the trees besides a silver Opossum. Another Hedgehog, a golden one, was poking at a black and white Owl that was clearly asleep on the grass, and a pink Cheetah was holding back her laughter from nearby.
The brown-robed Tabby chuckled at the sight of the multiple children, then let his golden eyes farther scan them for the familiar figure of Morpheus. After a moment, he frowned slightly, stepping a bit closer.
... Where was Morpheus?
He didn't see any black-hooded figure sitting perched on a tree, splashing in the river, rolling on the grass, flying after the others while playing chase ... Tribe quickly calmed his already-racing heart and far-too-active imagination, taking deep breaths. "All right, Tri, take it easy, Morph is fine, nothing happened, Kirmaya was watching him, he's just playing somewhere ... as a shadow. That must be it, he's using his shadow powers again ..." he mumbled to himself.
He cupped his hands around his mouth. "Morpheus!"
No answer. "... MORPHEUS!"
Still nothing, and Tribe felt panic start creeping into his mind again. "MORPH!"
"Sir?"
The Cat turned to see the red Dog, having stopped playing tag, stare back at him in a mixture of concern and curiosity. He was, of course, covered in bright red fur, with a dark tanned muzzle and darker red spots all over him, large ears dropping and bright orange eyes glinting. The Dog looked to be only ten or so years old, and was wearing nothing except for a pair of brown sandals and a far-too-large page's cap on his head, colored orange and brown with a tassel on one edge.
His golden eyes blinked, recognizing Comanche's only son. "... Oh, it's just you, Comrade ..."
The Dog stepped forward. "Who're you looking for?" he asked.
Tribe looked around. "I'm looking for my son, Morpheus. Remember? The blind Kitsune?"
Comrade's orange eyes lit up. "Oh, him!" he exclaimed, then answered, "He isn't here."
His heart stopped. "... W-what?"
"Yeah!" the child nodded, looking back. "We were playing Pick-Up-Sticks, and Morph said he heard something in the forest after Kirmaya left with Java, so he went to go find out what it was."
"Has he come back?" Tribe asked slowly.
Comrade paused, then wrinkled his tan muzzle as he frowned, slowly shaking his head. "Nooooooooo ... I haven't seen him since."
He looked up at Tribe. "But he only left five minutes ago, s—"
The red Mobian was cut off as a piercing scream split the air.
"PAPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
Tribe whipped around, golden eyes widening in horror as he recognized the voice.
Avalon, no ...
"MORPHEUS!"
"Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man."
Matthew 15: 11, KJV (King James Version)
TF (TFTime)
Wilbur (Wilbur-Nator)
