The Tale of Mozart the Meerkitten

[Copperfox]

The song about "the price" was outstanding. Yes, our "payments" may be small or large, unexpected or long-expected. I have never ceased to be baffled by men I've known who were perfectly willing and ready to DIE PHYSICALLY DEAD for a worthy cause -- yet who were terrified to face some unpleasant thing which was a lot less permanent than dying.


>>> I thank my 13-year-old self for drawing maps of my world
so that I can use them as references five years later.

Yes, when you have MADE UP some imaginary country, you can't just hop in your car and drive around it to remind yourself of the landmarks. Maps are crucial.

 

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

^ The Price we Pay is one of the few songs that I don't cringe at when I read it five years after I originally created it. In fact, I actually like it more now that I'm older, I think. I never have been able to figure out the kind of music it should be set to though.

I drew detailed maps too. That was one of the perks about me being so excited about having written a book- I made EVERYTHING for it, which certainly makes my life a lot easier now!

Chapter Nineteen
The Fight for Freedom​

Flower had waited impatiently with the other warriors as Mozart, Dorthy and Sanga snuck in and opened the gates. She was finally getting a chance to find her brother! Catlition hadn’t been able to stop her from coming, not when there were kittens who were nearly three months younger than her fighting too!

She was sure that Midnight was here, there was no other place that he would have been taken. She had to rescue him.

The Reandalawoins entered the fortress quietly and met little resistance at first. Then, Flower started to hear fighting near the front of the line, and suddenly, a battle cry rang through the air, chilling her to her bones.
“CATLIIIIIITIIIIIIOOOOON!”
That was her cue. Flower darted away from the group and streaked towards the buildings at the far wall of the fortress. Flower, and several others, had volunteered to set the slaves free once the battle started.

Flower headed around the fighting and slunk through fields of harvested crops until she reached the far wall. Several one story, crude stone buildings stood there, like ancient barracks. They looked grossly out of place amongst the tidier lodge-like buildings and storehouses nearby. Flower knew that only slaves would be kept in such bad quarters, so she skidded to a halt in front of them. She could hear the slaves pounding on the doors inside, eager to join the battle against Cogg.

Flower started unbolting the doors, making sure to jump out of the way of the flood of creatures that poured out like water. As she continued to open the doors, she scanned the crowds for her brother. There was no sign of Midnight however. Flower tried to tell herself that he probably just ran off to join the battle, but she couldn’t sweep away the nagging suspicion that something awful had happened to him.
When the all the slaves had been freed, Flower continued searching for her brother, adding shouts of, “Miiidniiiight!” to her efforts, but it was no use, the black tomcat was nowhere to be found.

Desperate now, Flower ran back to the battle, still calling his name. Oblivious to the chaos around her, Flower dodged warriors battling and enemy fighters who tried to engage her.

Then, without warning a creature leapt onto her back. She screamed and instinctively fell backwards even as she felt sharp claws dig into her back. The creature moaned, but refused to let go. Flower wrenched her head around, trying to avoid being bitten, then let out a yelp when teeth sank into her shoulder, despite her best efforts. Rolling frantically, she tried to dislodge her attacker, but to no avail. Blood trickled down her chest, and fear paralyzed her.

Then, suddenly a yowl of fury rent the air, and Flower felt the creature’s hold lessen. Then, the weight on her back was gone completely. Flower jerked around to see Midnight, eyes blazing, deal the killing blow to her attacker- an unfortunate rat. Midnight turned back to her and his eyes softened.
“Midnight!” Flower squeaked, throwing her paws around his neck and squeezing him like they used to do when they were kits.
Midnight returned the hug and smiled at her, “I’m glad you’re okay.”
“Me too! I mean, I’m glad you’re okay too.” She smiled back, her eyes sparkling.
“So, shall we kick some butt?” said Midnight, a mischievous light in his eyes.
“It would be my pleasure.” Replied Flower.

****

 

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

I wrote this last night. I forgot I could write like this. Hopefully its as good as I think it is.


Jako crept down the dark stairway his ears pricked, listening for an ambush or any sound from the end of the tunnel.
Jako had no idea where Rita was being kept, but he figured the best place to start would be where the high security prisoners were kept. After ‘persuading’ a guard to show him the secret prison, Jako had descended into the bowels of the earth in search of his wife and any other poor souls living in the darkness.
After what seemed like an eternity, the narrow staircase opened up into a small room with three cells in it; one directly in front of him and one on either side. The two side-cells were devoid of occupants, but in the center cell a small figure huddled in the corner. A single torch burned dimly in the corner by the cell, making Jako’s eyes shimmer.

Jako rushed over to the cell and crouched down in front of it, staring at the shape in the corner. The creature’s fur was matted and several scars had torn through it, leaving white marks. The creature’s eyes were shut, but its face looked sad and a bit lost. Jako knew who it was the instant he saw her.
“Rita.”
The she cat stirred at the sound of her name. Her eyes opened tiredly, then widened, just a bit, when she saw who had spoken.
“Jako.”
Her voice was cracked and rusty from disuse, but to Jako it sounded as sweet as it had the night they said their wedding vows.

She rushed up to the bars of the cell and pressed her face against them, grabbing for his paws frantically. He caught them and held them against his heart, tears pouring down his face.
“Oh my sweet, I thought I had lost you.” He said, his voice aching with relief.
“I knew you would find me.” She replied, her eyes shining.
“In the battle, I thought, I didn’t know…” he sobbed, “Oh, Rita…”
“Shh, shh, it’s alright.” The she-cat replied, “We’re together again now, dear Kristoren has led you to me once again. He said I would find many things when you returned, many wonderful things.” She stroked his cheek through the bars of the cell.
“I found our kits again. The youngest four.” Whispered Jako, “You will be so proud of them- they are all you dreamed that they would be and more.”
Rita’s eyes filled with tears and she bowed her head, “Oh, my kits…”
“You will see them again, soon.” Said Jako fiercely determined once more, “Now, let’s get you out of here.”

Jako easily picked the lock on the cage door. As soon as it swung open Rita leapt at him, wrapping her paws around him, nearly choking him with her embrace. He held her, and there they stood, sobbing, overcome with joy that they were together again.

****

 

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Okay, okay, enough with the reunions, lets have some action.


Many more reunions were had that day, but there were also many losses. Tears of joy mingled with blood and cries of pain echoed the shouts of the happy. Family and friends found each other once again, only to be lost as the battle raged on.

It was in this madness that four young kittens took their stand and accepted their destiny. One tiny kitten in particular took the heaviest burden upon herself. She knew the price that she might have to pay, but courage filled her, and she felt no trepidation about her task. She knew that the battle could only be won one way.

Mozart saw him, looming on the battlefield, eyes ablaze with the joy of bloodlust and battle. His black fur was stained with blood and his face was crisscrossed with scars.
Cogg, the Wolfking.

As others fled from him, the tiny kitten weaved her way through the fighting towards the massive commander, her sapphire eyes burning with fearless determination.
****
Mozart and her siblings were quickly separated by the battle. Caspian managed to stay close to his little sister however, just like he always did.
This was why he saw her suddenly head towards Cogg, as he carved a swath of death in front of him with his massive sword. Of course, he followed her, his heart hammering with apprehension.
‘She is NOT doing what I think she’s doing.’ He thought.

Mozart stopped directly in front of Cogg’s warpath, just out of range of his sword on a hill that rose out of the flat farmland.

‘She’s doing what I think she’s doing. Oh, Kristoren help her.’ Caspian’s heart stopped beating for a moment as he watched his precious little sister confront Cogg. She saw them speak for a few moments, then Cogg roared a bloodthirsty battle cry and swung his sword at Mozart.
Caspian moved. He leapt over the ground and up the hill faster than he had ever run before.

He heard the clang of steel on steel as Cogg’s sword crashed down upon Mozart’s. He reached the crest of the hill and heard her gasp as she fell to the ground from the force of that blow. Her sword flew from her paw and she lay there, defenseless before her enemy.
Cogg laughed, a raw, cracking noise, like a branch as it snaps in the wind. He swung his sword again at Mozart’s exposed chest.

Caspian leapt in front of his sister, sword drawn, eyes red with fury. Cogg looked surprised, then enraged that yet another kitten dare to challenge him.
“Foolish cat! You should have let her die, then perhaps you would have survived this day and lived on as a slave!” growled Cogg.
“You’re the one who’s a fool! You’ve taken on a greater foe than you realize, Cogg, not just me, not just my sister, you’ve taken on the King, the Creator. He will never be defeated by you, and someday you’ll beg him for death rather than sit through the torture you will endure!” Caspian’s voice was small, but defiant.
“Death will claim you first, little cat. You will not live to fight another wolf.” Sneered Cogg.
“After you die, I hope I never see another wolf again in my life!” retorted Caspian.

Cogg swung his sword at Caspian’s side. Caspian dodged expertly and flipped over it, and swung his own sword at Cogg’s paws and legs. He was faster and smaller than Cogg, but he also tired more quickly and was less experienced. Try as he might, Caspian could not break through the wolf’s defense, and try as Cogg might he could not catch the troublesome kitten that darted around him like an annoying insect.

 

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

The name "Kristoren" is actually "Christ" in some foreign language. At some point I got tired of calling him "The White Cat" (it was just too vague) and had to think of a better name, so I utilized Google Translator and am quite pleased with the result.


Caspian stopped and stood still for a moment, panting, his eyes wide. He had finally bitten off more than he could chew, and he knew he wouldn’t last much longer on his own. His heart pounded in his chest and he took a sharp breath, suddenly afraid it would be one of his last. Cogg saw that he wasn’t moving and smiled, a devilish, smile, one of an opponent who knows he has won.
“It’s over, little cat, say goodbye to this world you’ve fought so hard for.” The wolf jeered.
Caspian felt his heart sink. He hefted his sword, preparing for one last bout. Cogg swung his sword, Caspian saw it fall in slow motion, raising his own weapon in a feeble defense.
Then, just as the sword was about to cleave him in half, Caspian saw a tiny shape dart up out of the corner of his eye and scream at the top of her lungs.
Mozart flew up and rammed her sword into Cogg’s left foreleg. The wolf howled in agony, dropping his sword as he clutched at his wound.

Mozart darted up to stand beside her brother, whose eyes had regained their life as soon as he saw her.
“Finally, Caspian, I got to save you.” She smiled up at him, her blue eyes gleaming.
Caspian grinned, “Shall we take him together, little sister?”
Mozart gave a nod, “Together, and with help from Kristoren.”
“Of course.” Her brother replied, his eyes turning back to Cogg, whose red eyes burned with such fury that Caspian recoiled.

“You little demons, you will regret fighting me.” Hissed Cogg as he stood, clutching his sword in his right forepaw, as his left oozed blood.
“We’re not the demons here.” Shot back Mozart.
“Nor are you angels.” Cogg retorted.
“No, but we’re the closest things to angels that you’re ever gonna see!” snapped Caspian, “Now, did my little sister hurt you so bad that you have to sling insults at us instead of fight? Huh, you’re not all they make you out to be, Cogg the dogking!”
Cogg roared and charged towards them. The two kittens scattered to either side of him, then dove back, swinging their swords at his hindpaws as he thundered past.
Cogg gave a howl of fury and rounded on them. Caspian ran towards his left side and Mozart towards his right. Cogg’s eyes darted between them for a moment, then he turned his whole body towards Mozart, turning his back on Caspian. Surprised by the maneuver, Caspian had no time to slow his speed before Cogg’s tail slammed into him, catapulting him backwards. Caspian flew through the air and hit his head on a rock which knocked him out cold.
Cogg glared down at Mozart, directing every drop of hatred in his body at her, and he smiled.
“No one’s coming to save you now, little kit.”

 

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Chapter Twenty
Mozart the Meerkitten​

Mozart felt her whole body quiver with fear at the sound of his voice, then peace settled upon her and she lifted her head to look the great wolf full in the face.
“Good thing my backup’s already here then.”
Cogg laughed, “Your army is scattered and dying, your heroic brother over there is out for the count, and I will kill him once I’ve finished with you. Your precious Kristoren, the White Cat, has not deigned to make an appearance. Your mission to free the forest is doomed, little kit, why can’t you see that?”
“Because I know something you don’t.” Mozart said very quietly.
“Eh? What’s that then?” smirked Cogg.
“Kristoren always makes an appearance,” she smiled up at him, “Just not always in the ways that creatures expect.” And with a sudden burst of speed and energy, the kitten shot into the air and stabbed at Cogg’s already wounded left foreleg. Her sword sank deep into his leg, and he roared again, then jerked his paw and threw her off to the ground.

Mozart jumped up again and swung her sword so fast that Cogg could hardly parry quickly enough to keep his paws from being sliced to bits. Then, Mozart’s defense went down for a split second as she danced to the side of him, and he saw his chance. Cogg stabbed his sword into the little cat, straight through her heart. Mozart gasped, and stared down at the wicked black protruding from her tiny chest.
Cogg twisted his sword, then yanked it out. Mozart stumbled and put a paw on the wound, then pulled it back and started at the scarlet blood. Then, Mozart looked up and stared at Cogg once more.

And for the first time in his life, Cogg felt a flicker of true fear course through him.

Mozart’s eyes were defiant, her face set. She showed no signs of fear as she straightened up and faced him.
“You’re going to have to try harder than that.” She said coolly.
Cogg shook his head to clear it, “I knew you weren’t what you seemed!” he said, but his voice came out more shocked than mocking.
“I told you Kristoren was here, but you wouldn’t listen.” Mozart shook her head sadly, “He’s not here physically, he’s in me. He lives in my heart and he will never leave me. That is what you are facing, Cogg, not a tiny, inexperienced kitten, a King. The King, in fact.”
“I am a king, and I will not be usurped by the likes of you!” insisted Cogg.
“Then let us end this.” Said Mozart, her voice soft, but strong.

Metal crashed upon metal as Cogg brought his huge, bloodied sword down upon Mozart’s tiny one. Then, it became a frenzied dance as each opponent twirled and slashed at the other. Mozart jumped up and nicked Cogg’s ear clean down the middle, Cogg rammed the flat of his sword against Mozart’s side and threw her across the ground, only to have her leap back up and run back towards him.
Back and forth their duel raged, with both sides dealing the other crippling wounds- but neither warrior would back down.

Mozart stood during a brief respite in the fight as both combatants caught their breaths. She could see Cogg bleeding from numerous injuries, but the wolf was strong, he would not be easy to kill.
Mozart could feel blood pouring from her own body, but somehow the pain did not hurt her and the injuries did not kill her. She could only assume that this was Kristoren’s work.
She knew she could still die though, and she probably would when this was over. That was okay, though, she wasn’t afraid of death- Kristoren would be there to meet her when she finally died, and that was reward enough.
What Mozart feared was that she would die before Cogg did. If that happened then many others would die before this day was over, and countless creatures would perish in the days to come.
‘Show me how to stop him.’ She prayed silently.

The duel resumed. Mozart watched for a break in Cogg’s defense, a tiny chink that she could slide through that would destroy the whole wall.
“Why. Won’t. You. DIE!” Cogg growled furiously as he hammered her under a fresh barrage of blows.
Mozart slipped and fell onto her back, her little sword the only thing that stood between her and death. Then, with sudden clarity, she realized what she had to do.

With a massive effort, Mozart pushed up against Cogg’s sword on her chest. Fighting against the wolf’s strength was like trying to move a mountain that had crushed her, but she felt Kristoren’s power flood through her and the sword lifted an inch off her chest.
That was all she needed. Mozart released her sword and rolled away from Cogg, causing him to fall the last few inches to the ground. The force jarred him just long enough for Mozart to sneak around his massive bowed forelegs.
The tiny kitten took a deep breath, then plunged her sword into Cogg’s heart.
Cogg’s whole body shuddered, then rolled onto its side, nearly crushing her. With his final breath, he asked a question.
“Who are you?” he gasped.
“I am Mozart the Meerkitten, servant of Kristoren. Your bane.”



Alright, c'mon, somebody, read that and tell me if its any good or not. Please. Because I think its great.

 

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Chapter Twenty One
Hope Fades​

Mozart crested the hill that she had first stood upon to confront Cogg. She saw the devastation that had been wrought by the battle and winced. Then, she took a deep breath, and with all the strength left in her tiny body she yelled.
“Cogg the Wolfking is dead!”

Nearby creatures stared up at her, their mouths agape, then, the good ones cheered, while the bad stumbled back, then ran for their lives. The news spread quickly: Cogg was dead! The day was won!

Mozart smiled. She looked up at the sky, then her strength left her and she let her paws slide out from under her. She tumbled down the hill and landed at the bottom in a tiny ball of black fluff, covered in dirt and blood.
And still, she smiled.

****
Caspian moaned as he sat up, clutching his head. He blinked several times, then managed to open his eyes and stare out at the battlefield. Creatures no longer fought, instead they cheered, or –in the case of those in Cogg’s army- they gave themselves up and begged for mercy.

Caspian winced and tried to stand. He stumbled a bit, but managed. Then, he remembered how he had left his sister- alone, facing Cogg. Panic shot through him for a moment, followed by a flash of hope; if Cogg’s army was surrendering, then that meant that the Wolfking must be dead! Mozart must still be alive, mustn’t she?

That sent new energy flowing through Caspian. His ears pricked up and his eyes came alive, and he yelled his little sister’s name joyfully.
“Mozart! Mozart, where are you? Mozart, you did it!” he ran around the battlefield, calling for her, then stopped suddenly at the base of the hill she had begun her fight on.

“Mozart?”

His voice shook now, and his paws felt unsteady as he walked towards the small bundle of fur collapsed at the bottom of the hill. He stopped beside it and rolled it over. His sister’s face stared up at him- her eyes closed, her mouth turned up in a smile. Caspian shook her gently.
“Sis, sis, get up, you won, c’mon now, this isn’t the time for sleeping.”

Then he saw the jagged wound in her chest, which had long ago run out of lifeblood to spill. He gasped, then choked on a sob, tears suddenly overflowing from his eyes.
“Mozart.” He whispered, bowing his head so that it touched her tiny, still chest.

****
“They must be here somewhere…”
“Oh, I’m sure we’ll find them.” Rita smiled up at her mate knowingly.
Jako looked down at her and smiled back, “Yeah, it only took me four months the first time.”
“You didn’t have their mother the first time.” Rita teased.

After they had been reunited, Jako and Rita had joined the battle. Now, they searched for their four youngest kits, unaware of how Cogg had met his demise.

“There he is! Dad! Dad, over here!” Dorthy’s yell carried to them from across the battlefield, and Jako turned his head to see the pale golden she kitten running towards him, with Toto close behind.

“Seems as if they found us this time.” Murmured Jako, leaning his head against Rita’s.
“Is that… oh my goodness, how they’ve grown.” Whispered Rita as Dorthy and Toto neared them.
“They were so small, weren’t they? Mozart is still that size. Wait till you meet her, she’s something special.”
“They’re all special. They’re my kits.” Replied Rita.
Dorthy and Toto reached them. Dorthy had a cut over one eye and blood trailed from a scratch on her side, but she seemed mostly unharmed. Toto limped behind her, holding up his right forepaw, but smiling.

“There you are, Dad! We’ve been looking all over for you! Have you seen Mozart and Caspian?” asked Dorthy, her voice both eager and worried.
“No, but I have someone here I want you to meet.” Said Jako, smiling down at his kits. “This is Rita. She is your mother.”
Dorthy’s expression changed to one of shock. Her mouth hung slightly ajar, and her eyes widened. Behind her, Toto let out a small squeak.
“Mom?” the little golden tomcat whispered.
“Hello, kits.” Said Rita, her eyes brimming with tears, “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”
“I think I might have a clue. I’ve dreamt about meeting you since the day you left us.” Said Toto, his voice filled with longing.
Rita stepped forward and wrapped her two kits up in a warm embrace, holding them to her chest and whispering their names as she stroked their fur. Dorthy and Toto nuzzled their heads into her fur and breathed in her scent.

“You’re never allowed to leave us again, got that?” Dorthy muttered.
“I shall do my best.” whispered Rita.
“The others are gonna want to meet you too.” Sniffed Toto, reluctantly stepping back from his mother’s embrace.
“And I want to meet them as well.” Said Rita, running a paw through her son’s fur.

The little family continued on their way across the battlefield, sometimes making comments to one another, but mostly just enjoying being together at last.

“Jako!”
Jako turned and saw the source of the high pitched squeak. Flower stood upon a hill overlooking the battlefield. Beside her perched Midnight, who looked down upon the group curiously.
Flower ran down to them, her eyes sad, “Jako… something’s happened…” her eyes drifted over Dorthy and Toto and landed on Rita. Her eyes flashed for a moment, “You look… almost familiar…” she began, looking more closely at the older she-cat. Then, she shook her head, “Sorry, sorry. Its… its Mozart. Something… something went wrong…”

Dorthy didn’t wait to hear the rest of what Flower was about to say. With an anguished cry, she ran up the hill and scrambled out of sight.
“Mozart!” yelped Dorthy, all but falling down the hill in her efforts to reach her sister and Caspian, who sat on the ground gently rocking his little sister’s body.
“M-Mozart?” Dorthy crouched down beside Caspian.
Caspian turned to her, tears running freely down his face. He tried to speak, but all that came out was a moan. He lowered his head once more.
Dorthy frantically put her paw on Mozart’s chest, waiting to feel a heartbeat, or her sister’s gentle breathing, but nothing happened; no heartbeat fluttered, no breath stirred Mozart’s lungs.
“No…” whispered Dorthy, “No, no, no, no, NO!” the little she cat screamed up at the heavens.

Toto ran up beside her. Dorthy turned and looked at him, her eyes blurry with tears. He looked scared. Rita and Jako came up on the other side of Mozart and Caspian and crouched down.
“She’s dead.”
Caspian’s voice was hollow and broken. He looked around at them all, his face twisted with grief. “She’s dead.” He repeated.

Rita reached out a paw and very gently stroked Mozart’s serene face. A single tear slipped down her cheek and landed on Mozart’s bloody chest.
“She’s beautiful.” Rita whispered, “And so very, very brave.”
“She killed Cogg.” Caspian choked out.
“You always knew she would.” Jako’s voice was ragged as he wrapped a paw around Rita’s shoulders.
“Yes, yes I did. But I did not think that it would end like this. Kristoren… he told me that I would be reunited with my family. He did not say that…” she trailed off, her words turning to sobs, then she let out a ragged gasp and wrapped her paws around her broken little family.
“Oh my kits, my kits, my precious kits.” She sobbed.

****

 

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Chapter Twenty Two
Only Sleeping​

Mozart opened her eyes. She was laying on her back on something warm and soft. She shut her eyes again. She didn’t want to wake up, wherever she was was just too comfortable.

“Mozart.”

The deep, crisp, voice echoed through her consciousness, making her eyes fly right back open. She sat up quickly, all sleepiness vanished at the sound of that voice. It was like water bubbling through a stream, like wind whispering through the trees before a storm. It filled her with joy and fear at the same time, making her dread meeting the owner of it, but also long to meet him more than anything in the world.

She turned to see a large white tomcat standing a little ways from her, his blue eyes stern, but playful. Those eyes were like the storm and the sunrise that follows- untamable, but breathtakingly beautiful.

“Who are you?” she asked, though she already knew the answer.
“I am Kristoren, the White Cat.” He replied, his voice clear and quiet.
“Where... where are we?” asked Mozart, rolling to her feet and facing him.
“We are before the doors of my Kingdom.” Kristoren replied.
“What does that mean?” Mozart turned her head to the side, perplexed.
“It means, dearheart, that you have fallen asleep.”
“I have…. But, I don’t feel like I’m dreaming.” Protested Mozart.
Kristoren shook his head, his eyes never leaving her face, “No, your dream has ended, little one, but it ended before your time.”
“What are you talking about? What do you mean?” demanded Mozart.
“Mozart,” Kristoren said, quietly, gently, “You are dead.”

Mozart took a step back, her mind reeling. She didn’t feel dead! What was Kristoren talking about?
Then, her memories came flooding back; the battle, her fight with Cogg, falling down the hill and losing consciousness….

“I… I died?” said Mozart, her voice hushed.
“Yes, little one, you did. Or, your family and friends consider you dead- anyone you meet in my Kingdom would tell you that you can only here become truly alive, and they are right.”
“Are… are the others here too?” asked Mozart.
“No, your family remains in your world, and they grieve deeply for you. None more so than your mother, and your brother, Caspian.”
“My- my mother?” squeaked Mozart.
Kristoren nodded, “She begs me to return your life. She says that it is too cruel of me to take you before she can ever know you- that she cannot bear to have missed your entire life. She says that she thought better of me in the time that she knew me- but that perhaps she was wrong. After all, she was very small when she first met me.”

Mozart was speechless. She stared at Kristoren, her heart beating faster with each word he said.

Kristoren’s eyes were sad as he continued, “And your brother, his words remind me of those my best friend used when he begged me to return his brother, so long ago. Your brother calls me a traitor, he says that I must give you back, or that he will come and find me and plead for your life with his. He says that he cannot live without you, and he demands to know why I allowed you to die.”
“Why did you let me die?” asked Mozart, more curious than accusing.
Kristoren sighed, “My little Mozart, it was to show your world my power. That was why I used you to defeat Cogg instead of a great warrior. You are just a little kitten, there is no way that you could have ever beaten Cogg without my help, thus, your story will bring others to me, and ultimately, here.” He gestured to the side, to a large, gilded gate that Mozart had not noticed before.

The gate was pure gold. Inlaid along it were precious jewels of all kinds, glittering in some unseen light. It was what was beyond the gate that really caught Mozart’s eye though. Rolling hills, covered in trees and rivers extended as far as her eyes could see. There was no sun, but the land was bathed in light. Far off into the distance, she could see the twinkling of a waterfall as it cascaded down from a tree-covered mountain.

“Your story shows my power, it shows creatures that I am real, that is why I chose you to defeat Cogg.” Said Kristoren.
“Will I get to go there?” she asked breathlessly as she gazed at the perfect land beyond the golden gate.
“Someday.” Mozart’s eyes shot back to Kristoren’s face. His eyes were shining, one side of his mouth turned up in the beginnings of a smile. “But dear Mozart, I cannot ignore the pleas of your family. But do not despair,” he said as her face fell, “You have many wonderful things to look forward to in your life, and when your life ends, you will return here, and I will open the gate and allow you into my perfect Kingdom.”
Now he really smiled at her, and Mozart gasped, for it seemed that Kristoren’s smile had outshone even the beauty of his Kingdom.

“Now, my little one, it is time for you to return home. Give my love to your family.”
Mozart watched the scene before her fade and felt herself float through space, watching the stars fly by. Then, gradually, she felt something shaking beside her, felt gentle paws holding her and heard the soft murmur of voices around her.

The little she kitten opened her eyes. They took a moment to focus, but when they did, she saw Caspian’s face bowed down towards hers, tears streaming from his closed eyes.
Reflexively, she reached up her tiny paw and swiped the tears from his eyes. Caspian jerked back, then his eyes shot open. He stared at her in shock for a moment, then gasped and said hoarsely, “Mozart?”

Mozart smiled up at him, then wiggled into a sitting position. “Hello, Caspian.” She said.
Caspian stared at her with wide eyes, then threw his arms around her, his sobs redoubling. “Mozart!” he choked.
“Mozart!” another familiar voice accompanied a body thudding into her from the other side as Dorthy joined the hug. Mozart laughed.
“She… you’re alive?” Toto’s voice squeaked nearby, then rose in pitch, “SHE’S ALIVE!” Toto threw himself into the group hug.

Then, Mozart felt gentle paws prying her away from the breath quenching embrace of her siblings and lift her into the air. She found herself staring into the eyes of a she cat with dark fur and cream stripes, a she cat that looked very much like a grown-up version of herself.
“Mommy?” she asked.
“Oh my little Mozart the Meerkitten.” The she cat replied, drawing Mozart into another hug.

When Mozart was finally released from her mother’s hug, she looked around at the group of cats surrounding her and smiled.
“You all look so relieved.” She said, cheerily, “What happened?”
“You were dead.” Replied her father, Jako, who had abstained from the hug fest, but had tears in his eyes.
Mozart giggled, “You’re all so silly! Didn’t you know?”
“Know what, Mozart?” asked Caspian, cracking a smile.

“I was only sleeping!” laughed Mozart.

 

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Chapter Twenty Three
A Family Reunion​

Tigerclaw crouched in the shadow of the trees that ran along the edge of one side of Cogg’s fortress, his yellow eyes glowing with hatred for the creatures who had once again destroyed his life. A gash ran down from his back and one of his ears was badly shredded, but the loathing he felt sustained him, feeding him energy.

Quietly, Tigerclaw crept to the little gate at the edge of the trees, the same gate that Ribbony had escaped through with Missy not long ago. As he wrested it open and slipped out into the forest, he swore vengeance upon the creatures who had forced him to stoop to this level, who had ruined the life that he had made for himself, who had taken away his position and command and every bit of prestige and pride he had.

‘When I return, I will make you rue the day you crossed Tigerclaw, and I will return- better and stronger than ever. Then you will pay.’

****
“Kits! Get back here!”

Frodo ignored his mother’s warning as he darted up to the walltop, his two sisters following.
“They’re back!” He yowled triumphantly when he saw the Reandalawoin army approaching through the trees.
“Does that mean we won?” asked Shadow, coming up beside him.
“It means we didn’t lose!” squeaked Smokey.
“Of course we won!” said Frodo eagerly, “C’mon!”

The three kits ran down the wallsteps to their mother, who glared furiously at them.
“What have I told you kits about playing on the wall?” she growled.
“Aw, mom, we were fine.” Grumbled Frodo.
“Di’ you see da, da army?” asked a very tiny orange kitten, peeking out from behind her mother.
“Yeah, Fireheart, they’re commin’ back! We won!” Frodo grinned at his little sister, who smiled back at him.

At that moment, there was a banging against the door of the castle, and Ribbony’s voice yowled from outside, “Oy! You lot, you gonna let the heroes back in?”

Frodo, Shadow and Smokey dashed forward, struggling to lift the half log that barred it. Their week-old siblings stumbled forward to help, and with a sigh, Tori followed. She helped her enthusiastic kits open the gate and it swung open to reveal the motley, but joyful, returning army.
Ribbony stepped through, leading his Catlition and the other warriors. In Reandalawo, other excited and apprehensive creatures had gathered to watch, and cheers erupted as the army marched in.

Following Catlition came Jako and Rita’s family, with Mozart riding on her father’s shoulders, grinning from ear to ear. Her siblings walked in between her parents, looking proud and yelling, “Way! Way for the Wolf Slayer, Mozart the Meerkitten!”

The celebration that night was unrivaled in the history of the forest. Dora organized the feast (despite having fought in the battle herself), and the warriors told tales of the battle and the feats of bravery that had won the day.
A great many of the slaves had remained at Cogg’s Fortress- or Meandrao, which was its old name, before Cogg came- and some of the warriors had stayed to help rebuild and return the fortress to its former glory. Despite this, the feast hall of Reandalawo was fit to burst. Creatures danced and sang and cheered and made toasts and laughed with unbridled joy. For the shadow that had hung over the forest for so long was finally gone and it was time to celebrate.

Mozart was praised for defeating Cogg, but she shrugged it off, telling then that Kristoren was the real hero, which Ribbony made sure got around.
“Of course, Kristoren’s the hero! He always is, that little scoundrel. You know, I knew him when we were only kits…”

It was in the midst of this revelry, Flower sought out Rita and Jako, then Mozart, Caspian, Dorthy and Toto and drew them out into the still night.
“I dunno if you remember, ‘cause things got kinda crazy right after, but after the battle was over, I came and found you guys and I… I said Rita looked familiar.” Flower looked down at her paws, then back up at the little family, “I think I figured out why.” She took a deep breath and looked to Rita, “Before this lot was born, did you ever have any other kits?”
Rita nodded, “Yes, I had several litters, but I… I have not seen them since I gave them away, to keep them away from the war, you understand.”
Flower nodded, “Yeah, I-I think I understand. I thought I’d like war and fighting and battle, but then I actually did it and I realized… it wasn’t that great. But I know where I’ve seen you before.” Flower looked right at Rita, “In a mirror. I look just like you. My fur’s a bit lighter in some places, but I could be your twin otherwise. D’you… d’you think that me and my brother could be some of the kits you lost?”
Rita looked at the young she cat, her eyes kind. “My dear little Flower, I can think of no other reason for us to be so alike. Come here, my daughter!”
Rita drew Flower into a hug, and Flower’s shocked expression changed to one of ecstatic happiness. She broke free of Rita’s grasp and ran back into the hall, shrieking, “MIDNIGHT, I FOUND OUR MOM AND DAD AND LITTLE SIBLINGS!”

As Flower disappeared, calling for her brother, Ribbony jumped out of the bushes and approached them all.
“Ribbony, are you eavesdropping on us?” demanded Jako good naturedly.
“Of course I am, Jako. I also have to return something of yours. Or, rather, two somethings. Boys, get over here.”
Clancy and Brightheart stepped out of the shadows, looking sheepish.
Ribbony looked at Jako, “Long time ago, you sent me a messenger with two little kits. You wanted me to raise them with my Catlition. So I did. Now I’m giving them back.”
Rita choked back a joyful sob. Jako looked shocked, his eyes widening as he stared at Bright and Clancy with a whole new perspective.
“Uh, hi, mom and dad.” Said Clancy, awkwardly, then nodded at Mozart and co., “Sup, little sibs?”

Flower and Midnight came running full tilt out of the feast, with Jak and Mistyfoot trailing behind them.
“Man, when we get a family, we get the whole shebang.” Said Caspian, “Don’t we have any YOUNGER siblings?”
Mozart laughed, and it was contaigious as ever. Soon the whole family was chortling and chuckling together, as they smothered each other with long overdue hugs.

“Well, what a family reunion this turned out to be!” Dorthy grinned.

 

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Chapter Twenty Four
Freedom Forest​

‘Dear New Journal That Mommy Got Me Because I’m Her Daughter,

What a title that is. But this is the first entry and mommy did get it for me because I’m her daughter. And also because I turn four months old today, me and Dorthy and Caspian and Toto. We’re growing up. Well, I’m not actually getting bigger but… you know what I mean. Who am I even writing to here? Myself? Dorthy thinks having a journal is silly, I just want it to write down events and important stuff. Like today.

Besides being me and my sibling’s four month birthday, it’s Creamy, Tansy, Pumpkin, Jako II and Fireheart’s dedication ceremony. That means that their mama, Tori, is going to swear to raise them up to be good kittens and listen to Kristoren and follow what he says to them. Myrrh apparently did it to me and my siblings when we were little too.

It’s been one week since the battle. I can still hardly believe all the crazy stuff that happened- me defeating Cogg (with Kristoren’s help, of course) my whole entire big huge family coming together… That’s what really shocks me. I didn’t even know if I still had a mommy and daddy a few weeks ago, and now… now I have a WHOLE BUNCH of siblings and PARENTS.
I’m gonna write all their names down here, in order. Because I can.
Mom: Rita
Dad: Jako
Uncle: Jak
Brothers and sisters: Mistyfoot, Clancy, Brightheart, Midnight, Flower, Toto, Caspian and Dorthy. And me of course- Mozart the Meerkitten.

Well, mommy’s calling me for the ceremony, so I gotta go. Bye New Journal!’

Mozart slipped her journal under the pillow of her temporary bed (Jako promised that he was going to build them all a proper house soon) and hurried outside, grabbing the little white cloak that Myrrh had given her to wear for important occasions. She looked down the stairs to see her mother and three littermate siblings waiting for her. Not wanting to be late, the little kitten hopped up onto the banister and slide down with a shriek, her white cloak billowing out behind her.

“Mozart the Meerkitten, do be careful!” her mother scolded, “I don’t want you falling and breaking your neck on your birthday!”
“Aw, c’mon, mom, she fought a wolf and won, Mozart isn’t gonna die from a banister.” Grinned Caspian.
“Hush, you.” Said Rita, licking a bit of fur that stuck up on the top of Caspian’s head, “I’m your mother, it’s my job to worry about you.”
“I’m glad it’s not my job anymore,” Joked Toto, “I was getting tired of having to look after you lot- you’re always running off and getting into mischief. But now…” he smiled innocently up at his mother, “Now I can get into trouble with you, because I don’t have to be the responsible one.”
“Ha! You? Getting into trouble? That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all day!” laughed Dorthy.
Toto’s ears turned red and he glared at her. Rita sighed, shaking her head and giving her kits a small smile. “Come along, little ones, we’re going to be late.”

They filed into the feast hall, which had been cleared of tables and given a small, temporary stage for the day. A crowd of creatures had gathered and watched the stage eagerly. Tori and her five small kits were already on stage. Rita led her kits up behind them. The runt of Tori’s litter, a tiny, orange she-kitten named Fireheart, leaned around her siblings to watch them. Mozart smiled at the younger kitten, and Fireheart returned the smile, her baby blue eyes shining.

Ribbony, seeing that Rita and her kits had arrived, stepped up to the front of the stage, in front of the two families.
“Well, hullo. We’re all gathered here today to give a dedication and then celebrate, so let’s get started.” Several creatures, including Jako and Misty, chuckled at Ribbony’s abruptness.

Ribbony turned and looked seriously at Tori and her kits. “Tori, I’ve know you since you were hardly bigger than these little bits of fluff of yours, so I know you’re a good, brave she-cat. I also know that you trust Kristoren. You don’t have a husband, but that’s okay, there are plenty of tomcats and she-cats around here who will help you raise your kits- myself included. Now, do you, Tori, promise to teach these five kits in the ways of Kristoren and his father the White Cat, to teach them morals and right from wrong?”
“I do.” Replied Tori, solemnly.
“And, eh, do you five kits promise to try your hardest to do all that stuff too?”
Before her siblings could figure out if they should reply yes or no, Fireheart squeaked, “Yes, we do!”
Ribbony smiled, then turned back to the assembled creatures.
“You all are going to have to provide assistance too, because I just promised you would, and Tori can’t manage all these little ones on her own.” More scattered chuckling followed this statement. Ribbony nodded to Tori, “Thank you, Tori. May the White Cat be with you.”
“You too. Any chance you can watch my kits later?” replied Tori.
Laughter rolled through the crowd and Ribbony smiled. “We’ll see.”

Tori and her kits exited the stage, and Rita stepped forward, her own kits trailing her like ducklings.
“And now we have the celebration.” Said Ribbony, “These are four of our little heroes from last week’s battle; Toto, Caspian, Dorthy and Mozart. They’re four months old today. All of them fought valiantly against Cogg’s forces, and though Mozart is the most famous of the four, I think they all deserve recognition of what they did. Afterall, not many three-month-old kits have the courage to fight in a war. So, on behalf of all Reandalawo, I congratulate the four of you on reaching your fourth month. May the rest of your lives be more peaceful than this.”

As the crowd cheered for them, Mozart smiled. Thinking of peace made her remember Kristoren’s promise to her.
“You have many wonderful things to look forward to in your life, and when your life ends, you will return here, and I will open the gate and allow you into my perfect Kingdom.”

Mozart didn’t know if that meant the rest of her life would be peaceful, but she knew, that whatever happened to her, when her life finally ended she would be happy, happier than she ever had been.
And that was all she needed to know.

****
That evening, Mozart and her littermates were wandering in the orchard. They had endured the festivities for as long as they could, then slipped out, trying to find some time alone to reconcile themselves to the massive changes in their lives.

“Bet I can get to the top of that tree faster than you three!” challenged Dorthy, pointing to a large, gnarled apple tree that reached up above the rest.
“Race you!” cried Caspian, shooting off towards the tree. Dorthy followed, yelling that he was a cheater, and Toto and Mozart charged after them.

The four siblings scrambled up the tree eagerly, all of them trying to be the first to the top. Mozart won by perching in the very highest branches, while Dorthy fumed quietly below her, and Caspian and Toto clung to branches across from her.
“It’s so quiet up here.” Said Mozart, climbing down to be closer to her siblings.
“Yeah, and look at the stars.” Toto pointed up at the twinkling sky.
“It really is beautiful.” Said Dorthy, surprisingly reverently.
“The forest is what’s really beautiful.” Argued Caspian, who could just see over the wall from his perch.
“It’s bathed in starlight.” Whispered Mozart.
“A few days ago it was bathed in blood.” Said Toto, a bit sadly.
“But we stopped it. We won the war.” Said Dorthy, looking to her sister.
“Maybe we should stop calling this place Wolf Woods then.” Mused Caspian.
“We can’t just rename the forest! Can we?” Toto sounded unsure, but indignant.
“We are the champions of Reandalawo, we can do what we want!” said Caspian, glaring out at the woodland defiantly.
“I think we should name it something simple and easy to remember. Not like Reandalawo. I mean, seriously, who came up with that name?” said Dorthy.
“Freedom Forest.” Suggested Mozart.
“I second that!” cried Dorthy.
“Freedom Forest it is!” agreed Caspian.
“Okay, okay, fine, but we have to tell the grown-ups.” Said Toto.
“Nah, we’ll just tell the LFF Catlition and let them spread it around.” Grinned Caspian.
“It’s a fitting name though.” Said Mozart, “I think they’ll like it.”
“They’d better! We’re not changing it now!” Dorthy said, slapping her paw against a tree branch with finality.
“Don’t worry, Dorthy, nobody would dare to argue with you.” Smiled Mozart.

The sibling’s laughter rang out loud and clear through the forest that they had freed as the celebration they had caused continued below, and the sparkling stars shone down upon the peaceful world.
And it was very, very good.



The End.

 

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

MWAHAHA! I DID IT! I FINISHED REWRITING IT! I FINISHED REWRITING MY FIRST BOOK! YEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!


It only took me two years to do it, BUT I DON'T CAAAAAAREEEEE, BECAUSE ITS AMAZIIIIIING!

I am rubbish at endings though, so you can tell me if my ending is rubbish. I just want to keep going, its so hard to stop and just END it.

 

[Glenburne]

Congratulations, Mewsie.

 

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Ahem, hello again.
So I am a very spontaneous and random person.
So last night I wrote three pages of my second book.
Which I've also been intending to rewrite.
And the internet wasn't working and I felt creative.
So, uh, yeah, I may be having to revive my second book thread to find a place to stick this.

Now, where did that thread go?

 

[Copperfox]

You never know, you might still rewrite the same narrative yet again. It happens.

 

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

You never know, you might still rewrite the same narrative yet again. It happens.

Well, if I do its not going to be anytime soon.

In other news, I have two new characters for future books- my cat Shadow's unnamed 5-day-old kittens.