Hi!
This is a new novella I am collaborating with a few authors :
Felicia and Daria : http://www.feliciaclar.wordpress.com
Anya : http://www.stories-by-anya.blogspot.com
Tora is one eccentric, quirky girl who moves from school to school with her dad. She’s an Animal Halfblood, so she’s half human half animal. She normally doesn’t make much friends but at Texas she meets her new best friend Eva, who can be violent and overprotective but kind, Miyuki, who is friendly and affectionate, Lillian who is nerdy and modest and Willow, who is hilarious and fun. Sadly, she also meets two archenemies including the wealthy, nasty Christine and the insulting, brutal Kasumi. Tigertail, a man makes a potion that makes an explosion to create new halfbloods, which include Miyuki and Willow, and they can’t change back into their human form. Tora and Eva embark an adventure and meet two Halfbloods HQ leaders – Fawnheart, who is cruel and strict, Nightbreeze who is gullible and obedient and Redstripe, a wiry, wizened man who know everything about potions. They also meet Stonestream, a devious and tricking criminal dragon. Will Tora and Eva save their friends?
Chapter 1
“Dad! Why did we have to move to Texas? We were perfectly happy in Brisbane at Gold Dog Elementary!” I exclaimed and gave a grimace of frustration, “I’m not USED to human schools!”
And what about Guide Dog Association? I was their most experienced and professional dog and did most of those errands to help the disabled and elderly. “Look, school’s going to be fine. You just, think of more humanly thoughts. You learn all the same subjects, right?” Dad asked gruffly in his deep voice.
Waterfalls of tears streaked down my cheek. Texas was a tumultuous, vast city with mobs of crowds and radiant flashing rainbow lights. Brisbane was beautiful, with colourful roses and daffodils and starry night skies and beautiful pure blue skies.
And I thought school wasn’t that bad.
*****
“This seat’s saved, dork!” A vicious gothic girl snapped, glaring at me with her beady bulging eyes, “Back off, loser.”
I hesitated through the full rows of seats, students staring intently and some giggling. “Those shoes are SO out of vogue?” A beautiful blonde questioned, smirking with smug satisfaction. “Hey, why don’t you sit next to me?”
I was incessantly enraged with her insult but calmed down before I shape shifted into a golden retriever and pounced on her ferociously. At my old school, no one would have ever asked me as pretty and popular as this girl. My heart glowed at her friendly gesture. I couldn’t sound too exhilarated or she’d reject me!
“OMG! Really, me?” I gabbled, grinning, “I mean, ok, we can snoodle back here.” I put my bag down when I squished on something I was sitting on. It made a loud remark and something was sticking to me. The whole bus mocked me with loud guffaws and giggling.
I stood up to see a mouldy nutella sandwich, with blobs of it sticking to my pants. Classic. My new denim jeans. I should have seen this coming. I knew that it was all too unexpected and dreamy to be true. I’d never be popular.
There was a raging amber fire engulfing my heart. I eyed her intently, until my eyes turned yellow. I didn’t care if I blew my cover. These ignorant bullies mean nothing to me, and I’m sure I’ll find a plan so we can go back to Brisbane soon. I wasn’t little Goldy anymore. I was…
“Rack off, Christine! You are nothing but an ugly, black-hearted good-for-nothing!” A girl exclaimed, and yanked my hand away.
Christine was appalled. Absolutely no one ever challenged her before. She smeared her lipstick all over the girl’s face and there was nothing but jaw-dropping silence.
“My dad’s the principal and you’ll get excluded!”
She raised her eyebrows, “As if I care.”
“I saw your eyes! They, they turned yellow!” She whispered, hissing angrily, “You’re not a…you’re not really a …” Her voice drifted off.
“I’m not anything!” I rebuked, and then exchanged glances, “Besides, why do you care? I was perfectly handling the situation!”
“You’re a halfblood, right?”
I exchanged glances to see if anyone was eavesdropping, “Sorry for being so immature, I’m just … frustrated. Part Golden Retriever.
“Hi, I’m Eva. It’s ok. I’m a halfblood too – part tiger.”
Chapter 2
“Eva! Where are you?” I exclaimed, glancing around anxiously, jostling through the mob of psychotic, exhilarated students. I clutched the piece of paper tightly in my hand, and bit my lip until blood was gushing out. Oh no, Christine was approaching.
I gulped and my heart hammered against my chest when she glared threateningly, her big blue puppy dog eyes bulging at me. I stumbled a few small steps back, but her death stare was hypnotizing and … transfixing. She slammed her locker with a heart-stopping bang and slowly sashayed over to me, her heels click-clacking like a clock, like my life was ticking away, fading into dust. I felt like I was paralysed on the spot. I knew I couldn’t run, I couldn’t hide.
“Look, Tora, just stay away. Look, what happened with me and Eva years ago is nothing that you need to know, ok? Don’t meddle into other people’s affairs.”
I nodded solemnly, and with a click I was normal again. I felt a great rush of relief down my spine. An ear splitting gong bell echoed throughout the vast hallways.
“Eva!” I cried, smiling jubilantly, “Where were you?”
She guffaws. “Call me Eve. I was looking for you! C’mon, Mrs Wilson does not like late people!” Eve smiled.
Me and Eve race down the corridors for our first class.
English is my absolute favourite subject, but Mrs Wilson is not the favourite teacher I imagined it to be. My old English teacher, Mrs Moon was young and always had these long golden locks that ran down her shoulders.
I was very much … mystified! If you look away from a face, you cannot seem to paint a picture of an image, so, so, peculiar! It is difficult to describe her. Her chin was pointy and stout, her hair was very crimpled and a dreary bland grey tone, but however, neatly pinned into a bun, with a net encrusted on it. Her eyes … dark brown but was coated with her shiny white glasses. Her eyebrows were terribly thin but dark. Her face was engulfed with wrinkles. This couldn’t be my teacher.
“You are Miss Snicket, aren’t you? Are you daydreaming? I most certainly forbid that in my class! I’ve never known such a lazy student in my life!” She snapped sharply.
“I’m sorry, Miss, I…I didn’t know we started the lesson yet…”
“Detention! Oh, and this dog is also rude! My goodness! You’ll be joining me for half an hour detention after school! Atrocious behaviour is not permitted!”
I glanced at Eve, and she mouthed, ‘sorry’. I rummaged through my text books and found the English book and started copying her words on the board.
The gong-like bell echoed throughout the classroom. “Class dismissed!” Mrs Wilson barked. I exchanged glances to see if everybody left.
Mrs Wilson isn’t exactly Mrs Moon, but I’m sure there’s a soft serve with marshmallows and sprinkles in her heart.
“Mrs Wilson! Thank you very much for our lesson today. It was, um…enjoyable. I really found out that text about ancient civilisation was absolutely mesmerising! I just wanted to ask, do you know any websites, or books that I can research more about it?”
Mrs Wilson stared at my intently, then she smiled, and it felt like it had been years.
“You know, I’ve been teaching children for 20 years, and you made me remember the old times, and students peppered me with questions, and laughed and enjoyed my teachings … But things change, and children want their phones and computers nowadays. I’d be glad to help, Tora!” Mrs Wilson exclaimed.
See, I was right! I knew there was a soft side to her!
Chapter 3
“Look, Eve, it’s totally ok if you don’t want to answer, but … there’s something about Christine … and maybe about her rich gang with Kasumi. It’s just, she glared in a hypnotic way and … I was paralysed! And then she said to me, and the words sank into my head, like a bulky boat … and she said, something about …” My murmurs drifted off.
Eve stared at me, and glanced gingerly around to see if anyone was looking.
“It’s ok. Just … try to remember,” She whispered calmly as if she knew exactly what I was talking about.
“She said … what happened with me and Eva years ago has nothing to do with you.”
Eva glared at my transfixedly, just like Christine did. She stared blankly at me and furiously grasps her table and moves away, “Look, I thought you were my friend, but I was wrong. Ok? I need to be alone and what happened with me and Christine years ago is the history. You just can’t keep a secret, can you? Bye, Tora.” She spat irately.
“Wait up! I don’t even know …” Eva had already grasped her table and swanned away to a solitary table in the corner of the cafeteria.
A girl with thick black hair and a welcoming smile plastered across her face walked up to me. “You want to sit with us? You look a bit … lonely,” She asked.
I glanced at the corner of the room and saw Eva, but she glared nonchalantly at me and turned away. I could try to make friends?
“Um … ok, I guess!” I gabbled reluctantly, taking one last sideways glance at Eva.
“Hi, I’m Miyuki, and this is Lillian and Izumi,” She introduced hospitably.
“Hey Tora, don’t you think this chocolate bar tastes a little bit … tasteless?” Miyuki asked, looking quite perplexed.
No, I couldn’t let her find out that I was a halfblood! But however, dogs have quite good taste and can eat most things that humans do.
I take a piece and the sweet caramel oozes out of the sweet hard milk chocolate layer, and I take the last licks of the sweetness heaven, “It’s perfectly normal.”
Miyuki scans around the room. “I don’t know … but I feel like a have a spiritual connection with you today … first, I leapt off the balcony and landed on two feet, and then I fell asleep in class …. I don’t know what’s happening to me!” Miyuki exclaimed.
I spun around, to hear Kasumi and Christine’s gang giggling quite obnoxiously. I was absolutely appalled by their atrocious behaviour!
“Check it out, Christie, Eva’s sitting all alone in the corner and eating tonnes of meat! Is she like, some kind of animal?” Kasumi sneered, raising her eyebrows smugly.
Oh no, I couldn’t leave Eva’s heart shattered into pieces like that. What a friend I am! How could they be so malicious and heartless?
“OMG, all this time Miyuki had never tasted chocolate? What a liar!” Kasumi spat again.
I spun back to Miyuki, and she was pacing herself down the hallways.
“You’d better watch out what you say to people!” I snapped defensively back.
I sprinted across the cafeteria to Eva, and she looked hopeless. She tried to hold her tears in. She wasn’t going to be hurt by Kasumi or Christine.
I only smiled shyly and we walked across the cafeteria, until something caught our attention. Miyuki – she was running across the road – on paws!
“She doesn’t know she’s a halfblood! What is she doing? She said to me – she said she felt a spiritual connection – how can she know to control herself!” I gasped, breathless.
“We post report to HalfBloods HQ immediately!” Eva instructed sternly.
Chapter 4
“Miyuki … Miyuki … stop! I know you can hear me. I’m only trying I keep you safe, I swear. This is reality – you’re an animal halfblood. Get back to the cafeteria!” I whisper, gripping my mind strenuously. Eva gazed fixedly at her, biting her lip in perturbation.
Miyuki stumbles on her paws and she spins around. I can decipher her perplexity, her head spinning, her endless puffs of agony and her agitation. But somehow, even though my intense magnetic pull, she defies against my forces and runs across the road.
“No …. No…NO!” Eva screams, and her eyes turn bright red and she fuses into a tiger and lacerates the glass window like it was some prey and it shatters into pieces that are scattered like glinting broken jewels on the wooden floor.
The whole cafeteria spins around, overwhelmingly shocked.
I can see the devious smirk on Kasumi and Christine’s faces.
“Um … Looks like I completed the dare … to break this window!” I exclaimed.
The whole cafeteria fills with tumultuous applause, and a loud chant of “Do it again! Do it again!” I bit my lip as I look at myself, filled with guilt and anxiety.
Christine glares jaw-dropping at me, and grunts, frustrated.
“No I did it! It was me. I BROKE THE WINDOW!” She shrieks deafeningly, as the school principal walks in and all the children gulp and hurry back to their tables.
There are guffaws and giggles all around the room, as the principal drops his coffee.
“Christine Anderson, detention, immediately!” The principal exclaimed.
“But daddy,” She says with her innocent blue eyes, “It was Tora.”
I sadly look at myself, abashed and ashamed. I knew it was Eva, but I only had to blame for myself. I took a sideways glance at Christine – but she was right, and she didn’t deserve it at all, she didn’t do it. She only stared at me forlornly, with real sympathy this time, and she shifted uncomfortably, like she couldn’t stand my heart pierced and bleeding.
“I plead guilty – it was me,” I mumbled.
“No, no daddy, it was all my fault! It’s not hers please don’t put her in detention! I just blamed her for nothing and I was stupid, so give me all the punishment, it’s all on me!” Christine exclaimed, looking into her father’s eyes.
The whole cafeteria gaped in a shocked moment of silence. Christine had significantly changed. She used to be a black-hearted, malicious and egotistic person but now she is a little sympathetic. But she couldn’t Christine take the blame.
“Then decision is final. Christine, you will be cleaning up this mess and joining your dad for detention – but Tora, if you did this … you know there’ll be very serious consequences,” Christine’s dad explained, raising his eyebrows.
Kasumi glared at her, and then they all giggled obnoxiously.
“Christine, I never knew you could be such a wimpy loser!” Kasumi cackled.
“Cut it out! You should be ashamed of yourself, being all nasty!” Lillian, one of Miyuki’s friend exclaimed. Kasumi glared and turned around.
“Eva and I used to be best friends, Tiger HalfBloods, until one day her dad jailed me for killing a non-halfblood person, which was her father’s very good friend. We’ve become enemies since, and I kept putting it off apologizing, and then … I joined Kasumi’s clique and became popular, but, Kasumi never felt like my friend … I just wanted Eva to know that I was really sorry, and if she forgives me for vociferating at her, I will too,” Christine cried, “And since you came, you’ve really taught me to say sorry for everyone I bullied.”
I only smiled. “Thanks for everything. I forgive you.”
Chapter 5 – Eva’s Chapter
Where is Miyuki, where is Miyuki? She must be pondering around my home, FireClan, I am sensing it. My heart beat faster and her tummy was full of butterflies.
“Why, why Driftwhisker, you look disconcert?” my father, the leader of the FireClan asked abruptly after the long solemn silence, “What is troubling you? And why have you come home so early? Preparing for the war against DreamClan?”
I sighed heavily, and kept scanning the forest. Miyuki would not like crowds of warriors making her anxious, a whole Clan chasing after her, so I best not tell father.
“Miyuki! Finally I found you!” I exclaimed, with a roar of triumph.
Miyuki stumbled a few steps, “How do you know my name and what are you going to do with me?!” She barked, petrified.
“Don’t worry, I’m Eva – Tora’s friend,” I laughed, and forced a smile. I changed into my human form just to make sure. “Come on, we must not fret and get to HalfBloods HQ!”
“But … what… I?” Miyuki was baffled, her ears turning.
“Hurry! Hurry! We must get you to HalfBloods HQ!” I exclaimed.
They scurry through the jungle to a secret portal. I could see Miyuki was beyond mystified. The portal was looked like a shiny bubble glinted with the sun’s rainbow rays, joined by two vast, old trees. Miyuki looked somewhat excited but also anxious.
I, also tiger Driftwhisker hurried to Cinderfur, who is a panda one of the leaders of the Halfblood HQ.
“Cindy, Cindy, CINDY!” I puffed, my eyes bulging in alarm.
“We must find a cure! Immediately! I tell you, IMMEDAITELY! We could put Miyuki, a sand cat at great risk and … ”
“DRIFT! Breathe in and out! It is incredibly rare to find a sand cat that’s a Halfblood! You’re probably imaging such bizarre and delusional pictures.”
“I’m serious!” Eva snapped, “And this is no time for mocks.”
Miyuki leans to me shyly, and whispers to me in human language. Cindy is absolutely perplexed at the sight, and is too speechless for words. Her eyes stared (almost glaring) at Miyuki, as if there was something sinister or peculiar about her.
“Well, well, we must take her to the potion room with RedStripe immediately.”
RedStripe was an old bald man with a long white beard, and wiry and wizened. He gave up his animal abilities and knows everything about potions.
“What are you going to do with me?” Miyuki gabbled anxiously, startled she spoke in her Clan’s language. “You’re not poisoning me, aren’t you?”
The old man laughed, and under his shrivelled up skin was a flash of white teeth.
“Ye not frightened, are ye?” He said with a Scottish accent.
Miyuki now looked more frantic and troubled.
The man starts scanning every page of his large book of Halfblood Magic. After an hour, I start to get worried. Then anxious. Then frightened.
He scans his shelves and his books, his face twists up and gets more tense.
I can’t think of anything straight.
At all.
“You know what you’re doing, right? It’s been three hours waiting!” I snapped abrasively, “You would have been able to find it the potion or spell out by know.”
The old man’s face is solemn, and he gulps.
Oh. No. He. DIDN’T!
Chapter 6 – Eva’s Chapter
RedStripe dashed out of the room before I even got to lose my anger to him. Miyuki look startled, as she took a great breath, panting, like she had been awoken from a nightmare.
“Miyuki – are … are you alright? It’s ok … I’m here for you,” I calmed her.
“I feel asleep. Again … l-like in class!” She breathed, looking around the dreary grey walls encrusted with vintage papers and neat ink writing.
“Wait here,” I bit my lip, and followed RedStripe.
Cinderfur was researching in her room, mesmerised by her work. I was sensing it. Something, someone was controlling her mind. She might be paralysed!
“Good job, Inkpelt. Maybe if you could help me with my research, I could possibly reward you,” She said nonchalantly in a robot voice, and stared in Inkpelt’s eyes.
Inkpelt, a sweet girl with auburn pigtails and rosy red cheeks just smiled.
“What’s the update on your research? Redstripe can’t find a cure! Cinderfur – what facts have you discovered so far,” I gabbled quickly.
She only stared at me discreetly. Then I hear Cinderfur’s actual voice, which is covered by a deep roar of a gruff voice. I catch both voices on my voice detector and plug the memory stick into my computer. Someone is controlling her inside!
The computer must come up with DNA match results. My head is spinning, and it comes up with a blurred image of a maned wolf. The paper is blank, and only signed with a TT. I remember I saw a scrawly signature on one of the page, Tigertail of one of Cinderfur’s documents. That only made me more perplexed.
Then the screen turned black and on bold radiant letters, it said ‘Destroy’ and many images of familiar people are scanned, and those who I can discreetly describe. One of them is Willow Ease. It is like a ghostly part of my past!
I rush to the papers on Cindy’s desk. She seems to be staring motionlessly and silently at me. I clutch the papers and scan them. “An explosion of a deadly poision to infect non-halfblood humans somewhere in America … anonymous, but suspicions are possibly a wolf or a dog named TT, or Tigertail…”
“What are you doing with those papers? Don’t touch them!” A lower and more gruff voice roared. I was startled. She walked slowly towards me like a zombie. My heart was racing, and blood was thumping through my veins.
I could sense Cinderfur’s struggle to fight Tigertail out. He was grasping her body. Who is Tigertail and what has he done? I suddenly had a flashback – Cinderfur was one of the most noble and smart woman I have met. When my mother died, she nursed me, it was like she was my new mother. She had been caring for me ever since.
I remember her reading me a poem, a beautiful one. She’d be the rainbow of my hurricane. She’d catch every drop of the clouds in my head.
“If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain,” I started.
I can sense Cinderfur’s warm heart glowing. I couldn’t sense it. I just knew in my heart.
If I-I can ease o- one life the aching … or cool one pain, or h-help one fainting r-robin, unto his … n-nest again-“ We chorused, Cindy stuttering.
Tigertail leapt out of Cinderfur’s body and fell to the ground. I snapped some shots of the malicious criminal before he escaped. It was too late. I couldn’t chase after him now that his ghostly figure vanished into thin air.
“I shall not live in vain,” Me and Cinderfur smiled, chorusing the last line.
“You’ve taught me a lot in my life. Now it is my job to teach others,” I whispered.
Chapter 7
“Tora! What’s up? You seem, kind of … unfocused through class,” She whispers as the deafening gong rings out through my head.
“It’s not about Christine right? You can forgive her for that – she took the blame,” Lillian explained, following me to my locker.
I smiled shyly. Lillian has been very tender and friendly to me, but I couldn’t tell her my deepest secret. I’d not bother Eva, but there is a spot in my heart missing for her and Miyuki. I felt so anxious – what if they don’t find a cure? What if Miyuki … can control her precious animal abilities? I can’t tell her everything’s alright!
“Um … I’m just tired and sleepy,” I gabbled quickly.
Lillian shrugs, and cleans her glasses, neatly piling her textbooks in her locker.
“Well, I’m going to the Maths Club. You want to come! It’s so interesting learning about Pythagoras theorem and … ”
Lillian keeps blabbing on about many ‘amazing’ things in Maths – it’s no wonder she scored an A+ for the assessment and she’s the teacher’s favourite.
“I’m sorry, I – I have to go,” I interjected, and smiled as I dashed down the hallways, something leaking out of my bag and into the forest, deeper, and darker in the mysterious twist of leaves.
A cold nasty hand grips my fingers and hauls me into a large pit.
“AAAAHHHH!” I scream, petrified.
The man had mud and scars and blood all over his face, and only one long, think dark eyebrow. One of his eyes was pale blue and the other one was a dark maroon brown. His haunting gaze paralysed me on the spot.
You aren’t a halfblood, aren’t you?” he asked in a gruff, threatening voice.
“I-I’m not. I mean … w-what’s a halfblood?” I stuttered, petrified to death.
He glares continuously at me, my bag and my school uniform.
“Well, why are you here? You aren’t going through the HalfBloods HQ portal aren’t you?” He barked, bearing his small chipped yellow teeth.
“N-no I told you, I-I don’t know w-what you’re talking about!” I gulped, biting my lip.
He glared at me once more, sniffing me like a dog, twitching his nose.
He vanished into thin air, disappearing without a word.
Except a piece of paper, that was tattered and blotted ink.
“An explosion of a deadly poision to infect non-halfblood humans somewhere in America … anonymous, but suspicions are possibly a wolf or a dog named TT, or Tigertail…”
TT? The man had a tattoo of a wolf, roaring and a banner signed with large ink writing two t’s. He must be Tigertail, the man described in the paper!
I glance sideways, to make sure no one is watching me.
I creep through the portal of HalfBloods HQ and find Cinderfur and Eva rushing to me.
They looked panicked and stressed, babbling on and on and I can’t understand anything, but I only give them ripped pieces of the man’s paper.
They stare at me in awe and amazement.
“Where did you get this from?” Eva and Cindy both chorus, and stare into my eyes sinisterly, as if I had changed so much.
“A man – gave it to me – one long thin eyebrow, one blue one brown eye and a tattoo – of a wolf – and a signature – TT.”
They’re both speechless, and yank my arm into Cinderfur’s office.
Chapter 8
I am absolutely shocked at the information I am getting. The more puzzle pieces that we get, the more perplexing and difficult the whole puzzle is. And there is one large piece missing – Tigertail – who, and what … and why is he doing his?
Fawnheart, another of the Halfbloods leaders, which is an extremely rare are fused with two animals, a key deer and the Netherland dwarf rabbit zoomed into Cinderfur’s office.
“Cindy, Cindy, I found a halfblood at Miyuki’s school! I don’t think she can control her powers, and Redstripe still hasn’t even found a cure for Miyuki, well, Silvertail!”
Fawnheart gently caresses the hamster’s fur and places her in Redstripe’s potion room.
Redstripe follows Fawnheart’s commands and trims off some hairs and put investigates it in his magnifying glass, before inserting it into his DNA matcher.
“Tora! It’s me, Willow, in your English class, with Mrs Wilson! Why…what..who…” The hamster sniffed around the room, curious, pondering.
I can only give her the ripped pieces taped together, as she follows along the words.
“This ol’ one’s not any true blue kin halfblood, I’d see that for yer!” Redstripe announces, “But … no hope of findin- any information ‘ere.”
Fawnheart sighs. I see her distress and disappointment. Fawnheart is normally strict and sharp, and would scold Redstripe, but she kept tranquil.
“Well, sunset is approaching. You may be dismissed from your work,” She nodded sharply and swanned out of the room.
“That old lazy man!” Fawnheart exclaimed abruptly and harshly, shortly after he left, “We’ll have to find a new halfblood to replace him. I bet he’s just … memory is declining.”
“Fawnheart!” Cindy argued, “He has been working, curing Halfbloods for twenty successful years. Have a heart and let him stay.”
Cinderfur gazed into Fawnheart’s serious eyes. Fawnheart was always so serious and solemn – but with a secret chocolate mousse topped with strawberries.
“I’m already thinking about it, Cinderfur, better you must not fret.”
Fawnheart swanned out of the room, sighing.
Tears of remorse strolled down Cinderfur’s cheeks.
“Redstripe, he’s just a jolly and hilarious father, and if he loses this job … I’ll have to leave too – we’ll go back to England, and … I’ll miss…you, my daughter,” Cindy cried sullenly.
“I meant, not my daughter, my – ”
“It’s ok, mum. Cinderfur, we’re just like mother and daughter. I can’t – and I swear to myself I won’t, won’t let you go,” I promised, my eyes stinging.
Eva smiled shyly, as Nightbreeze came into the room.
Nightbreeze is another one of the other leaders. Intelligent, collective, calm and modest – fused with a Laughing Owl. He smiled reluctantly.
“I have an idea. If we can save Miyuki and Willow – maybe then Redstripe can stay! But … it’s probably bizarre and dangerous, and … ”
“Anything to help Redstripe –tell us!” I exclaimed, starting at her, puffing.
“To visit Stonestream – the Halfblood Komodo Dragon.”
Stonestream destroyed Animal Halfbloods HQ many decades ago, biting Halfbloods. He knew much more about Halfbloods and being the wise, wizening man Redstripe he is. They dug a tunnel underground, and thrust him there in chains, deeper and darker into the ground so he could never destroy anything again. Halfbloods’ leftovers and compost were food to him.
“He only likes visits from children. Would you and Eva accept the challenge?”
Chapter 9
“Nightbreeze! Don’t you dare await danger to Tora and Eva! They’re just children halfbloods! Stonestream with his razor-sharp teeth will tear them apart!” Cindy roared.
Nightbreeze sighed and shook his head.
“We’ll be offering food and I’ll be coming down to the tunnel with them.”
I exchanged glances with Eva, both anxious, but desperate. This was the only way to let Redstripe stay. Eva’s father had been very good friends with Redstripe for many years.
“We accept the challenge,” I breathed hesitantly.
Cinderfur would quarrel back, but instead, she smiled and took both our hands. “You girls are the smartest, brightest girls I’ve ever known in my life. We’ve already got each other, and I never realised but … you girls have really blossomed through these years. Tora, before you moved to Australia I remember you as a little four year old.”
And now it’s our turn. I’m ready, I’m ready to face my fears. I don’t think so. I know so.
We bring a bucket of carrions, and a dim lamplight down to the tunnel.
I feel like I’m in the Gold Rushes, desperate and anxious to find large golden nuggets. It’s either win or die – you’re money or your life.
The stairs dusty, mouldy stairs with a sponge of saltwater, and I can only hear dripping water from this underground lake chasm. I see small trees and leaves dangling, brushing across our faces. Drip. Drip. Drip. Like the time running out for my life.
“Intruder! Who is there?” A deep voice bellowed, echoing throughout the vast underground expanse. I am petrified, and Nightbreeze, a grown man, screams and drops the bucket of carrions. We all concealed ourselves in the dark.
Eva courageously stepped in the spotlight. “She’s Tora, and I’m Driftwhisker, FireClan’s daughter and Nightbreeze, Halfblood Leader. We come in peace,” She announced.
“I’m not going down there. It’s too petrifying, I’ll faint!” I protested, true to my word.
Eva chuckles casually. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’m a tiger. Lizards are no predator or enemy to me. In the animal world, everyone is equal.”
Nightbreeze smiled, raising his eyebrows.
“It must not be the wisest idea to go in there,” Nightbreeze advised calmly.
But Eva is already dashing down the stairs to Stonestream.
Eva growls, surrounding Stonestream like he is prey –the air is tranquil, not scared of anything. There is only silence and echoes of Eva’s haunting growls.
Nightbreeze shape shifted into a laughing owl and swooped down on Eva.
“Don’t!” Nightbreeze hissed, flapping his wings and perching on a nearby branch.
Eva controls her temper and breaths in and out, again and again, calming telling him the horrific situation that we are in.
“Why should I help your stupid father who threw me in the rubbish? A leader of a clan, huh, thought he was so big and bad?” Stonestream roared, whipping his tail at Eva.
“Don’t call my father THAT!” She screeched deafeningly, attacking Stonestream.
Nightbreeze scratched her softly, reminding her to be more placid.
Stonestream looked down at himself, a little bit ashamed. He nibbled on the last fish.
“We’re sorry, and you know that,” Nightbreeze apologized, flapping his wings.
Stonestream nodded, and apologized too. Then he looked back into our eyes.
“You’ll have to set me free.” We looked at each other reluctantly, but then agreed.
“You need to inject in a true blue halfblood blood in the patient from a true halfblood of a similar age.” Stonestream replied.
Chapter 10
“We need a key. To the chains of Stonestream’s Dungeon,” Nightbreeze asked hesitantly. Fawnheart, at her desk, lowering her glasses looks utterly perplexed.
“Nightbreeze!” Fawnheart exclaimed, “Have you lost your mind! He will attack our city. Where have you been, anyway? You have been missing your shifts!”
“Nightbreeze, you try to convince her. We’ll be going to check on Miyuki and Willow.”
We go to Redstripe’s potion room and explain calmly the antidote that we found.
Miyuki and Willow stare into me with their animal eyes.
“I’m ready. You can do it know,” I gabbled abruptly after the silence.
“You know you don’t have to really – ” Miyuki interjected.
“I’ll be fine. Trust me.”
Eva finds a small penknife and pierces through a part of my arm. I let out a small scream as the knife slices a splinter through my skin. Blood starts oozing out, and it is sucked up into a pipet. I gently caress my arm, patting the dried blood with tissues.
“Lie for a bit, and stay calm. This will only hurt a little bit,” Eva said calmly.
Miyuki and Willow nodded their faces anxious and troubled.
Eva slowly injects it in them and nothing is happening.
“Aren’t we supposed to change into our human forms?” Miyuki asked reluctantly.
Eva and I gaped, looking every second at them. It didn’t look like it was going to work.
“That LIAR!” Eva roared, thrusting the book to the ground, “Don’t you see, Tora, he tricked us! He tricked us all! We need to tell Nightbreeze before he unchains that devious, malicious, treacherous, evil … rascal!”
Willow and Miyuki are petrified already. Eva was on one of her temper tantrums – and that’s one thing you can’t change that about her.
“I think he already has … ” Miyuki murmured, gazing out the window.
Stonestream was attacking poor halfbloods, and trying to inject its venom. Eva sees Inkpelt getting hurt. She can’t stand it. Inkpelt was like a sister to her.
She shatters the window as she forces herself, breaking the glass, shimmering in the sunlight like diamonds. She’s the daughter of Fireclan. She was born a warrior.
Fawnheart dashes into the room. “I can believe that manipulating, lying old scoundrel!” She snapped irately. “And Eva and you, Tora, haven’t you done enough damage already?” She stares at the broken glass and growls, frustrated.
My eyes sting with tears. It’s just … I never get in trouble, and I never get shouted at.
And now I know that feeling.
“It’s ok, Tora. You know you’re doing this for the best,” Willow replied kindly.
I clean up the mess, and tell Miyuki and Willow that I’ll be back.
“You are a dirty cheat and you know that! Give back Inkpelt! I hope your mother and father are proud of what you are!” Eva thundered, attacking Stonestream.
Stonestream gently caresses Inkpelt and puts him down.
Eva is mystified, and then dashes to Fawnheart.
I stop and slowly walk to Stonestream, who looks hurt and ashamed. There is a bit of blood from the scratch that Eva pounced on him.
“You’re hurt,” I mumbled, staring into the old man’s eyes.
“I’ve been hurt before,” He barked back, frowning, and sighed.
“You don’t know what it feels like to be neglected – from my parents, my friends, and the rest of the Halfblood community. I felt I just wanted to … get revenge.”
Chapter 11
I rush back to Inkpelt, who is mildly injured.
Inkpelt was sleeping tranquilly on the bed, breathing steadily. Her soft fur was gently caressed by Cinderfur hopeful for her to wake up.
“Is she ever going to wake up, Cinderfur?” Nightbreeze asked, sighing, his hands crossed. “Driftwhisker’s getting really worried, and she doesn’t want you to be so depressed like this. How about a hot chocolate?” Nightbreeze advised.
Cinderfur shook her head, tears rolling down her cheeks. It seemed the spark in her eyes were replaced with hurt, gazing in horror.
“We’ll see, Nightbreeze,” Her voice drifted off into silence, catching every last breath of Inkpelt. Eva, or Driftwhisker rushed in and tears were already streaming down her cheeks.
“How long are you going to wait for her, Cindy?” Driftwhisker embraced Cinderfur, sobbing quietly, “What if she never wakes up?”
“She will!” Cinderfur spat sharply, “Inkpelt is a strong girl, she will make it! Believe me, Driftwhisker, this is her only hope. I know she will pull through!”
Cinderfur and Eva kept silent, waiting for her to wake up.
“Where am I?” She asked. Cinderfur and Eva embraced her. It was the same, dulcet sweet voice that they loved listening too.
Cinderfur noticed something sinister about her. Inkpelt’s eyes bulged out. Everyone was asking questions but she all ignored them.
“Inky, you’re alive!” Eva gave her friend a soft hug, and Inkpelt thrust her away.
“What are you doing?” She barked, giving Eva a grimace of annoyance.
“Who are you?” She barked again, as every gasped in shock.
Fawnheart raced into the room to see what was all the commotion, and frowned.
Redstripe suddenly hurried into the room
“What is happening!” He cried, “Was that Stonestream! How did he escape?”
Fawnheart glared, pointing towards Nightbreeze.
“Leave her alone,” Fawnheart exclaimed, “It’s probably all you, making her panicked. Let Redstripe do his job, and give her some time to reminisce.”
When Fawnheart makes a decision, that decision is final. Cinderfur stroked Inkpelt’s auburn locks, as I gave her a hug.
I stare back at Willow and Miyuki, who still haven’t been cured.
They just give me forlorn faces, thinking how depressed we all are.
“There’s only one other way – ”
“Enough of your ideas! This last idea injured Inkpelt!” Cinderfur interjected, crying.
I pat her back, and give her a squeeze. “Maybe this’ll be good.”
“We’ll have to find Tigertail, the creator of this whole thing. It’s the only logical way left,” Nightbreeze murmured, as we all exchanged glances.
I remembered that flash black when he hauled me into the pit, making me petrified.
When I said I know so, this time, I’m not so sure.
“You don’t have to do that, really – ” Willow feels sympathy for me, but I know I must do it. My head is spinning, my tummy is full of butterflies.
“We’ll search for him at tomorrow. He is probably pondering around Halfbloods HQ.”
I just smile shyly at Willow and Miyuki.
I have only five minutes before dad comes home from work.
My babysitter is probably been waiting for hours.
Chapter 12
“Hi dad!” I gabbled quickly, “Um … how was work?”
Dad gave me a crooked smile, and thrust his bags to the ground.
“How is your first day of school?” He asked in a low gruff voice.
He was surprised to see I haven’t ate my dinner, and then looked at me sinisterly.
“I was busy … I went to visit Cinderfur. Remember, we were in Texas for your work before, Cinderfur took care of me?” I asked him, smiling shyly.
He nods his head in agreement, and then walks to the dinner table.
“Victoria, I need you to come here,” He ordered softly.
I gulp and stare at him in surprise, biting my lip. When he calls my full name there is always something wrong. I hesitantly take a few steps to the table.
“You see, things haven’t really been working out at my workplace, and well, we are probably only going to be here for a week or two. Well, anyway we’d best be going back to Brisbane – I’ve missed it so much, haven’t you?” Dad smiles softly.
Now I feel I’ve got so used to it, after these three days. Texas. And I feel like I belong here. I did belong here once. I was born and bred here.
But I also belong in Brisbane. It’s where I grew up in – it’s the story of who I am.
But now I feel like I don’t belong to anything. It’s just me, myself, and I.
There is a soft knock at the door, as me and dad exchange glances in surprise.
“Tora – I am so excited about our study night together. It’s going to be great!” Lillian welcomed, bringing bulky math books, and lots of pencils and rubbers.
Oh yeah. I scarcely can remember I agreed to this.
“Oh, and I brought David Attenborough nature documentaries, that are so fascinating! Don’t you think, Tora?” Lillian asked again, smiling.
I nodded reluctantly and showed her to my room, where she neatly laid out the books.
The thing is Lillian is definitely a maths and science geek. The perplexing and utmost difficult language she speaks in is so difficult to decipher.
There are many other things to love than maths. The answer to maths is precise, succinct, there is a win or lose. But in English, the answer is more rounded and beautiful, and there are much more fish in the sea.
“y is 38, then x must be …” Lillian stopped and stared at me, and then waved in front of my face. She sighed, and wiped her glasses gingerly.
“Tora! You’re not focusing! And you haven’t started anything on your page! We can’t watch the documentaries if we haven’t finished – ”
Lillian looked into my eyes, as she could see there were water around my eyes, streaming down my cheeks and she embraced me.
“I’m SO sorry, Tora! I’m such a – ”
“Don’t worry, it’s not you,” I interjected, “It’s … everything’s wrong.”
Lillian stared at me in surprise. “I did have my suspects. You, Eva and Miyuki left without a trace! For private reasons, of course,” She replied quickly.
She hugged me.
“You see. That’s the problem with me – I never think about other people’s feelings. I make them feel ashamed, and helpless. But – oh, I’m so – ”
“Stop saying, that, Lillian. You’re smart and kind.”
She can only smile shyly, as we eat the strawberry cupcakes Lillian brought.
And it does cheer me up.
Chapter 13
“Tora! Here are the list of websites and books that you wanted,” Mrs Wilson exclaimed, smiling estactically.
I smile shyly, and then I am replaced with depression and sadness, and I know that Mrs Wilson knows. She pats me on my back, and then she stares into the glittery sunlight of the window, watching the soft westerly breeze, brushing against her face, and the beautiful aroma of fresh roses, as they bloom into beautiful heavenly creations.
I’ve never felt this way before – sure, Brisbane is filled with beautiful, exquisite creations, but I’ve never experienced something that brought my heart to life.
“It’s hard being a teacher. And I’ve looked twenty years through this beautiful window, and memories are made. I wonder what I would have thought of life if I hadn’t looked into this window every day,” Mrs Wilson advised, daydreaming.
I wondered too. I never realised the beauty of life like this before.
She winks at me as the bell rings and we all take our seats.
“Tora!” Eva exclaimed, glancing around, “You ready?”
I nod, and this time I’m sure.
“Congratulations to Tora, with a percentage of 92% in the English Comprehension test. As you know, Royal Queen High School is open for scholarships and I hope you, Tora are going to be able to take the exam and hopefully represent our school,” Mrs Wilson exclaimed. The class is filled with excitement and applause.
Eva smiled and congratulated me, but Lillian looks a little ticked off and frustrated.
“I think you calculated the results wrong,” Lillian shoots her hand up abruptly and challenges the teacher. She glares at me for a second.
“No, Lillian, I’ve checked it twice – the decision is final,” Mrs Wilson said sharply.
“Lillian has been dreaming to go to the Royal Queen High School since forever,” Eva mouthed soundlessly, “She’s studied so hard for it.”
I look at Lillian. Her spine-chilling gaze is horrifying. Lillian can’t control it. I feel her short breaths, panting in anger, her heartbeat pumping threw my veins.
She has probably waiting for this for a long time.
And I stole it.
“Um … actually I think, well,” My words drifted off as Eva stared at me.
“Tora! Don’t doubt yourself, you can do it! Royal Queen is one of the best high schools in America! Mrs Wilson exclaimed, with words of wisdom, “I’ll give you the details of the exam. I’m sure your parents will allow you to do that.”
Correction – parent. Mother died when I was three months old.
She’d want me to do this. I know in my heart.
The ear-splitting bell rings again, and everyone is pushing through the mob to the cafeteria. I stay behind, and Mrs Wilson knows something is wrong.
“Lillian may be upset – but when all is said and done. That’s life,” Eva advised.
Mrs Wilson stacked some paperwork and lowered her glasses.
“Lillian is a highly gifted child – but you deserved it more than her in English. Accept this opportunity. You might not ever get another one again.”
Mrs Wilson understands me. That’s the difference between my old teacher and her. She’s so deep, and really knows what I’m going through.
Eva and I skip down the hallways to lunch. Lillian might not like my decision, but I can’t always do what others say. I just have to find my own path.
Chapter 14
“Oh Eva – Christine – she wanted to apologize to you. She seemed really serious.”
Eva guffaws in ridicule. “Christine? Apologizing? Tora, don’t you know what that girl has done to me? Even if she did, it must be a joke or a prank.”
Christine is sitting alone, isolated in the corner of the cafeteria. And then Eva really thinks about it. She knows that feeling. She’s been through it.
Eva and I slowly walk to Christine, as Kasumi glared over us threateningly.
“Want to play with that loser?” She sneered, but we don’t care.
We sit down, and Eva is speechless. There are tears running down her cheek. And that’s one feeling we’ve all been through. Eva gazed Christine in her eyes, and embraced her, patting her on her back. Eva smiled shyly.
“I’m really sorry I always ignored you. I never realised what you were – ”
“It’s ok,” Christine interjected, “I’ve always been so hostile to you and Tora.”
We take Christine back to our table, and they start becoming friends again – laughing at jokes, sharing funny experiences – they must have missed out on all that fun.
Someone else is sitting in the corner of the cafeteria – Lillian. She is sobbing immensely.
I don’t deserve that scholarship test. She does.
“Lillian? I’m so sorry, I did try to talk to Mrs Wilson – ”
“It’s ok. You deserved it. It’s just … I was so close to touching it …”
I hand over Lillian and tissue, and she plastered a grin on her face.
We don’t talk anymore. Sometimes, the best moments of friendship are in silence.
Lillian and I gaze lovingly outside at the beautiful nature. We hear the echoing call of the birds, the swift breeze that brushes across our faces and the fresh, gentle aroma of blooming flowers. And that’s how we like it.
“I can’t go to Royal Queen’s anyway. I’m …. leaving,” I muttered, looking down at my feet. Lillian bulges her eyes in surprise, and asks me why.
“My dad – he’s having trouble at work. We’re moving – again,” I sighed.
I wish I had a mum to live with. I’d tell her what happened at my day at school, she would help me with my homework. She can understand my feelings.
It would also help if we didn’t move from one house to another. We normally stayed in Brisbane, but we travelled around the world. I’d go from school to school. I would sob to myself, gazing at the stars in the beautiful night sky, and the gleaming moon, grinning at me. I would tell everyone I’m ok. But inside, I’m not.
The gong-like bell rings out through my head again.
I tell Eva to come here, as we glance out the window and look at a maned wolf attacking a young girl, trying to get his paws on something.
“Tigertail!” We both exclaimed simultaneously, exchanging glances.
Before Eva fuses into a tiger and shatters the window I pull her back, and we dash down the corridors and out across the road.
Eva pounced on him and scratched his fur, her nails digging into his flesh.
The girl is shocked, and stared into our eyes.
“Dad, stop attacking her and give her back her necklace!” A boy screeched, and thrust his father away, as we all gaped in shock.
Nightbreeze dashes to the case, and handcuffs him, and ties him up, taking him to Halfbloods HQ. The boy tries to attack on Nightbreeze, but he has no hope of getting his father back. He looks at all of us, glaring threateningly.
Chapter 15
Nightbreeze and Fawnheart enclosed Tigertail in his cell, far away to Stonestream’s. Eva hissed menacingly, taking the last sharp glance at Tigertail. I stared at the old, homeless man, with scars, bleeding and dirt all over his face. His clothes were ripped, and his hurt, hurt eyes that you can cry just by staring into.
“Please – I’m not trying to hurt you. My friends had a dose of your poision and if you could have a heart to tell us the antidote,” I asked as sweet and dulcet as I could.
Tigertail gave a grimace of frustration, brushing his cold, bony fingers against the bars, trying not to look me in the eye.
He insisted not to talk to me, trying to look nonchalant. Like he doesn’t care.
But inside, he really feels devastated.
I gaze at the murky, dark, mould-stained walls, dreary and dull, and its paint is peeling off, like dried pieces of paper of a book. There is only a small wooden bench, with is encrusted with bugs and a dirty, foul-smelling mattress thrust on the floor. The ghostly figures loom over you, and the sound of moving chains keeps you terrified.
It’s a horrific place.
“I’m sorry, I guess,” He muttered softly, gazing into the corner of the cell.
I stare at my feet, clenching my fists. Tigertail had probably never apologized.
“We’re sorry too. If we could only understand why you made that potion.”
“I was an oddball. All my siblings were Halfbloods, but not me. I never knew it would hurt other people – I didn’t mean it to. It just did.”
He hands me a miniature jar with this thick gel in it. The antidote – or at least that’s what he said. But how can I trust him? I glare into his gleaming eyes.
“You’ll have to set me free now. I know you have the key,” Tigertail ordered sharply.
“How can I trust you? I’ll only set you free once the antidote works,” I retorted.
“But if you escape, how will I know you’ll be coming back?” Tigertail rebuked. His eyes dilated, but then he nodded solemnly in agreement.
I feel a little bit hesitant. Wait … why am I even doing this?
“I will,” I promised, “I swear.”
My heart is hammering in my chest. I have no idea what I’m doing. I could only look into his eyes and be hypnotized that this could actually work. I take one last backward glance and grinned shyly, biting my lip in anxiety.
I stumbled across the pavement, taking sharp steps, clutching the jar as tight as I can. Suddenly, a rope lays before my feet, and I leapt into the air, with a scream of silence.
I thumped on the hard concrete ground, already sensing the agony, running down my spine. I taste metallic blood, and echoes of my ghostly screams.
I cannot describe the agonizing, excruciating torture, and the anguish and desperation, my bleeding hand reaching out to the broken jewels of glass, glittering like diamonds in the darkness, the sticky substance soaking deeper and deeper into the ground. I clutch my scarf and try to catch the last drops of the antidote.
This can’t be happening.
My vision is blurry and unfocused, the whip of my ponytail brushing across my face.
I see my eyes stinging with tears, trying to keep them closed.
I’ll wake up from this dream. I pinch myself.
But I don’t.
And faint instead.
Chapter 16 – Eva’s Chapter
“No, Tora, NO!” I shrieked, embracing Tora, and crying into her arms.
Cinderfur looked so depressed and infuriated.
“Enough of your plans!” Cinderfur exclaimed with a sore throaty wheeze, “First Inkpelt, and now Tora! Do you know what you have done?”
Nightbreeze stared at Tora, then Cinderfur and stormed out of the room without a word. Fawnheart dashed in, and her face, expressing a grimace of frustration.
I stare down at Tora and Inkpelt. I lost two of my best friends in two days. This is completely ordinary. Only the heart can take so much.
Miyuki and Willow gazed at me with sad eyes, and Willow, the hamster crawls on my arm and makes that her home. Miyuki hands me her furry cat paw in affection, nesting against me. We’re running out of time. Willow and Miyuki are just new-bred Halfbloods and if they stay in their animal form forever they may be stuck.
“We really appreciate your effort,” Willow smiled tenderly, “You didn’t have to do that.”
“I’ve never met a team so courageous and generous,” Miyuki added, grinning shyly.
We gazed outside the window, the beautiful flowers dangling from the vast, old oak tree, shrugging in sadness, as if it was giving me sympathy.
The sun is glinting jubilantly, shining off the white-crested waves, and brightening the pink and orange dark sunset sky, as if it was saying things are going to get better.
“I’ve felt like my life changed. Like, there was a new chapter in the story of my life,” Miyuki exclaimed, grinning, abruptly after the silence.
“Being so isolated, except visits from Nightbreeze and Redstripe – I realised how lucky my old life was. I’ve felt so different … and … if I stay a hamster forever … ”
“You’re not, Willow! We’ve been through ups and downs and this has to be all worth it!” I protested, biting my lip, because I am reluctant what I said is true.
It hasn’t been working before.
“All of you! Get out! Get out of Half Blood HQ! You’ve caused enough already!” Fawnheart roared ear-splittingly, as we all swanned out.
“Look, you two kids,” Fawnheart sighed sharply, in her nicest tone, “It’s been a two days – we can’t afford to care for you anymore. Halfbloods HQ is on a tight budget and we do not allow accommodation and food for free.”
I lowered my eyebrows, and stared into Fawnheart’s sullen eyes.
“How malicious and hostile and heartless –”
“Driftwhisker – I’ve made my decision, and they are leaving. Right now,” Fawnheart barked abrasively, “And don’t you dare offend an elder or I am telling your father. A warrior is respectful, obedient and Eva, I will tell your father you are NONE OF THAT CRITERIA!”
I could almost cry. I’ve rarely ever cried before, from an insult, at least.
“Come on, Miyuki and Willow, you can stay at my house,” I snapped, glaring deviously at Fawnheart’s dreary old face. I don’t care anymore.
I hide Miyuki and Willow at the secret back door to my bedroom, and lock it securely.
Father is waiting, and his face is serious and disconcert.
“Where have you been? You know we have war with Dream Clan next week? And I’ve heard from Fawnheart the dangerous and stupid deeds you have done,” Father barked, and yanked my shirt and pushed me against the wall.
“You’re not having supper today,” He spat and slammed my bedroom door.
Chapter 17
Who cares that I’m not getting any supper – I’ve made loads of catches all the time. I can prey deer, boar, elk, lynx, and bear, anything with juicy meat to eat.
“It seemed like your father was really upset. You can’t disobey his rules!” Miyuki protested, a little bit louder, “It isn’t right.”
Willow nodded in agreement, and sighed with her.
They did make a point, but I have the control over myself and I make decisions for myself. I’m going out there. I’m not daddy’s little girl.
“Miyuki, Willow, you are absolutely welcome to stay here – but aren’t our parents getting worried?” I asked them, emptying my school bag.
“Mum and Dad are in Canada, so I’m staying with my grandparents,” Miyuki answered.
“I normally go to After School Care,” Willow responded.
I nodded shyly, and Miyuki and Willow crept out the secret exit of my bedroom into the dark, misty and sinister forest. The light filtered through the branches, and the occasional howl of the wolves and creatures that concealed itself under the deep undergrowth.
I spot a little deer, its cute little eyes gleaming through the dark mist. It isn’t much, but it is something. I steadily, gently caress my paws against the ground, one at a time, making sure there is nothing but silence. Transfixed on my prey, I stalk the little deer, waiting to dig my nails into her flesh and lick every touch of meat until there is only roasted bones.
I sense the deer is curious. Her ears turn, pondering to see if anyone was prying and then slowly hops along. But she was wrong.
I projected my spindly short legs and attacked on her small body. She hops along quickly, but she is too late. I attach my teeth into her flesh and rip her to shreds, like pieces of paper, and bring her to my nesting place.
Miyuki stares jaw-dropping at me, her eyes dilated and bulging.
“That was … breathless! I should learn from you. I can only catch mice, and I’ve made my very first catch already!” Miyuki exclaimed, smiling ecstatically.
Willow however is shocked and frightened, slowly backing away.
“Don’t worry Willow,” I laughed, “I’m not going to hurt you.”
Willow is still a little bit frightened, but comes out of the shadows.
I catch some mice too, even though I don’t really like the distinguished taste of them and share it to Miyuki. For Willow, I find some fresh fruits among the low trees as she nibbles on them quietly, as we sit by the campfire, laughing, eating and telling stories.
“I heard on the news, there was this Chinese man, who bought 99 iPhone 6s and made a love heart mosaic with them and proposed to a woman, and you know what she did? She turned him down!” Willow exclaimed smiling as we all burst into laughter again.
We went out throughout the night, like we were living like tommorrow doesn’t exist.
Feeling depressed isn’t going to get you anywhere. So instead, smile.
“We’d best go in now and shapeshift into our human forms,” I said, glancing around the forest. I closed my eyes and thought of humanly thoughts, but I stayed as a tiger. I tried again. Then again – and then all over again …
“Hey, that’s weird – I know you cannot change into human form, but now I can’t,” I wondered, trying again. This can’t be happening. This can’t be happening!
I remember, the dungeon some liquid filling the air. Tigertail – it must have been that thing that he spilt! I could sense something like this is going to happen.
And it has.
Chapter 18 – Eva’s Chapter
“Miyuki – where are you?” I exclaimed, a little bit terrified as I woke Willow up.
I hear the sound of roaring and shooting raucous noises in the distance.
The war – with DreamClan – I knew father would attack on them early.
“WILLOW!” I roared as my throaty gruff echoed outside the forest, Willow didn’t budge, and I softly caressed her fur and put her in my small backpack, around a pack of tissues.
Still in animal form, I sprinted as fast as the wind, catching every sense and every sound that is bouncing on me. I need to go faster. Much faster.
“Miyuki!” I shrieked, “What are you doing, you’re going to be killed by my dad!”
Dad rammed his hands through Miyuki’s skin and Miyuki’s side was gushing out with thick dark blood, as she howled in pain, and collapsed to the ground.
“NO!” She screamed, trying to wake Miyuki up.
I lost three of my best friends in three days. How did I deserve this?
“Dad, how could you be so heartless! You KNOW she’s only a little sand cat! How can you assault her like that?” I shrieked, lowering my eyebrows in vexation, “Killing is not about everything. That’s what you and mum do and think about all day!”
Father grunted in rage. “You’re grounded! And stay away until I finish the rest of these off. You can take your little ‘friend’ back,” He retorted.
I gently brush my paws against her poor soft tufts of fur. I gently wipe away the excess blood with bark, and slowly rinse it. I put her under a small rock crevice, with some sand for extra comfort, as she lies there tranquilly, letting the soft breeze brush against her bruised face. I still need to find that cure for her and Willow. The clock is ticking.
And what if I don’t make it?
But I have to.
I feel something unzip my bag, as I spun around.
“What did I miss and why did you enclose me in this! Oh! I remember this crazy story …”
“Willow,” I interjected solemnly, “Miyuki’s … injured.”
She stopped abruptly, and slowly crawls to Miyuki’s belly and nestles herself there.
I hope that my luck will change. Maybe I did deserve all this. Maybe I did.
Wait … I thought I just saw something familiar. Nothing – but … wait …
Stonestream!
“How did you escape?” I exclaimed irately, “You devious little rascal!”
He cackled nastily, as I backed away slowly before he injected his venom on me.
“By the help of Inkpelt – you all thought she lost her memory?” He laughed, “Tigertail has the power of controlling minds and bodies. I’m his apprentice and associate, A.K.A ‘partner in crime’, and his latest invention has been creating evil clones. Inkpelt’s evil clone has stolen the key to the bars and given it to me. See Eva, no matter how much you try, you will always lose. He has also created a crystal ball in his laboratory. You can’t run, you can’t hide, Eva. We know exactly all your stupid plans.”
I am absolutely speechless. I know I can’t attack. He’s a deadly predator.
“Why, why are so cruel?” I collapsed to the ground hopelessly. I’m not desperate anymore. I feel like I want to give up.
He was silent, and lay there nonchalantly and heartlessly.
“Because … in reality you can never win if you’re on the good side.”
“But that’s not true! You know it’s not true …” My voice drifted off reluctantly.
But it is true.
Chapter 19
I woke up, panting from a nightmare. We failed. We failed the mission.
But … we couldn’t have.
Perplexed and startled, I was relieved to see it was all a dream.
“It’s ok, Tora, you’re ok. Now just get some more rest and I’ll call your dad,” Fawnheart assured me sharply, cleaning up Redstripe’s potion room.
“No, that won’t be necessary. I’m just going to walk home,” I lied, biting my lip.
Fawnheart looked puzzled, but then grinned.
“Well, make sure you get lots of rest. You fainted in the dungeon.”
She is mopping Redstripe’s potion room, and then looks thoroughly at me, making sure all my scratches and bruises are ok. I can’t afford to have a large injury.
Wait … what happened to me? Tigertail. Rope. Antidote. Ideas start popping into my head, making it spin wildly with confusion. I need to get to Eva.
Eva – she must have gone home – I need to find her.
“Eva?” I call out to her once Fawnheart has left the room.
She’s not here.
She must have gone home and left. I need to follow her.
I sprint to Eva’s house, and find her silhouette in the far distance, with two other people. Stonestream and Miyuki – what is she doing.
My heart hammered inside my chest, urging me to go faster. Eva is about to be poisoned by Stonestream. I can’t let this happen. I can’t.
“Don’t!” I exclaimed, hissing despicably, barking.
I hauled Eva away before he tried to inject venom into her. I was vexed how Stonestream was running free in the wild, and why Miyuki and Willow were here, but I knew this wasn’t the time for questions. This was time for attack.
“You’re awake now! What a strong little sand cat kitty. I wonder what will happen if I inject some venom into her,” I heard Stonestream remark, smiling smugly.
He stalked the tired kitty, awakening, as I glared, warning Miyuki at the last minute, as she catapulted into the air as he was about to snap his dangerous jaws into Miyuki’s flesh. She prodded through Stonestream’s body as he shrieked in agony.
“You injured Inkpelt, you let Tigertail free, you nearly injected venom into Eva and you tried to murder Daylight, my friend. I’ll never forgive you!” She boomed in fury.
Eva finished her off, pouncing on him, gashes all over his legs with Miyuki.
I swung a rope around his body, making sure he can’t escape. He lied stationary on the ground, like a dead piece of animal decaying.
“I think you have finished him enough,” I smiled, laughing shyly.
Eva laid down to rest, still panting, and made her home under the rock crevice.
Willow lied beside her, after being whipped by Stonestream’s tail.
“You ok Tora?” She asked as I nodded, and sat beside Eva and Willow.
I sighed, as I gently stroked against both of their furry sides as Miyuki comes.
“I’m sorry for running away,” She whispered softly.
She smiled weakly at me, “DreamClan’s leader has died. One of FireClan’s warrior’s probably killed him, and I got the privilege of being their new leader!” Miyuki exclaimed cheerily, as I stared at her in surprise.
“But you can’t be …” My voice drifted off as Miyuki gazed at me in surprise.
“ …Then Eva’s your enemy,” I gasped in horror.
Chapter 20
Miyuki glared at me, as if I was a stranger.
“We can become friends! Even if our Clans are at war …” Miyuki looked at me in despair, her voice trailing off, “You’re right, I guess.”
“Let’s just forget it,” I gabbled quickly, turning to Eva and Willow as they woke up, “Let’s change into human form and get back to HQ.”
Fawnheart, Nightbreeze and Cinderfur dashed to us, making sure we are all ok.
I close my eyes and think of humanly thoughts, but I still stay a tiger. Everyone else tries, but we all don’t change into human form. We all immediately point fingers at Tigertail.
“This must have been him! Someone with the power of the mind and body can only do this,” Eva blamed assertively without any evidence.
“There was always something about him once he escaped! We’ve been looking for him!” Fawnheart argued, crossing her arms in disapproval.
“He gave me the antidote, with had a strong aroma, and I tripped, and I could scarcely see the soaking into the ground, and rising up into the air …”
All their eyes dilated, and glared at me in shock and amazement.
We all gave our pieces of the puzzle – then it was so much clearer, but shocking.
“He must be at his laboratory. When he escaped, I saw him dash out into the Texas buildings, far away from any halfblood magic or anything,” Eva added.
Then we all stared back at Stonestream, or his ‘partner in crime’.
“Where is his laboratory?” Eva asked, word by word threateningly, as we all surrounded him with our weapons, as he stayed silent.
“Why should I tell you?” He said, struggling out of the ropes.
“Well, there are chances we might assault you again,” Eva said, raising her eyebrows.
Fawnheart whispered to Eva, “He’ll never tell us if you act like this.”
“I think we should let Tora do the talking,” Nightbreeze decided, as we all walked away.
I stared into his hurt body, which has been attacked thoroughly, I untie the rope to let him breath, as he lays there motionless. All I can say is sorry.
“You said to Eva … in reality you can never win if you’re on the good side, but I say you can never feel good if you’re on the bad side. I’ve always asked, why is life so hard, and it is hard because you is making it hard. You know what’s the right thing, and why don’t you do it? Because, trust me, you never feel good or benefit from winning,” I explained, “And it is really worth it all in the end? Do you want to be hated, or be a hero?”
Fawnheart smiled, and then winked at me. Eva, Willow and Miyuki grinned. Nightbreeze and Cinderfur looked like they were really proud of me.
“That’s right. We all made mistakes, but we need to learn from them. We make a mistake just then to hurt you, and we are really sorry. And I’ll forgive you if you forgive me.”
They all forgave Stonestream, but when it was Eva’s turn, she stuttered to find the words, but I glared at her, warning her to be kinder.
“I guess I’m sorry,” He sighed, “Tigertail gave Tora that antidote was actually the poision in the first place, and all of them are going to stay in their animal form forever, unless you can find the antidote – which is in Tigertail’s laboratory, along with all his other inventions. He is probably there now, and he’s on the watch for me – he is probably in the forest now, not looking at his crystal ball, so you need to hurry. It’s on …”
We all exchanged glances at that moment.
He’s dead.
Chapter 21
“You shouldn’t have given that long speech so now he’s dead!” Eva frowned, rolling her eyes in disappointment.
“She tried her best!” Cinderfur protested, patting me on the back, “He wouldn’t have told us anything if Tora made that speech.”
I nodded solemnly, as Redstripe came, his figure looming in the darkness.
He showed us a map of Halfbloods HQ and the city next to each other, and a pinpoint, a red blot of pen and in fine cursive, Tigertail. This was probably where he was – he was scrambling across the page of Halfbloods HQ, as we all looked at each other worriedly.
“Don’t worry, everyone has left HQ, and all the strictly confidential papers and potions have been hid very securely. However, Fawnheart and Cinderfur will help me guard the place, hopefully making sure Tigertail doesn’t do any damage.”
Our minds were peppered with questions, puzzling our minds but we knew that there wasn’t much time. We embarked on such an adventure to get here.
This was our last hope.
“But Redstripe, you know about potions. No one knows more about Science than you…” My words drifted off as an idea popped into my head.
Lillian.
This was our Study Night – she must be at my house – near here.
I whizzed, at top speed to my house and then carried her on my back to the forest in minutes. Eva looked puzzled and a little ticked off. I know I was not allowed to let her know that we were halfbloods and she was utterly perplexed, but stayed calm.
Then Christine showed up, and smiled.
“I heard someone was embarking a mission – especially my friend Eva. I knew I had to be there to help!” She exclaimed, as the two tiger friends reunited.
“We’ll have better tactics if we all split up in the city. Miyuki and I will take left, Tora and Christine will take centre and Willow and Nightbreeze will take right. Let’s GO!” Eva exclaimed, as we all put our hands together, going opposite directions.
Christine and I hurried through the city, hopefully unnoticed.
We went through a tangle of roads, Christine looking like a girl walking a normal dog but raced when they turned away, looking at us as if we were crime suspects. We start to pace ourselves as we reach the building, as people’s bulging eyes loomed into our thoughts.
“That one was close,” I breathed, as we headed into the shopping centre.
“Shush!” Christine hissed, “Sorry … just be quiet.”
We head into the Shopping Centre, and then we search until we nearly reach the top level, where I catch a glimpse of someone familiar.
Christine looks puzzled, because near the top level it is empty, and only a young boy was lurking around here. He is familiar, like a ghostly figure of the past.
We stalk him, as he is heading into … a janitor’s closet?
There are these lights that he screws off, and there is a code to type in.
“Who are you and tell us the code or you will die!” Christine roared, raising her paw threateningly. The boy fused into a cheetah and attacked Eva back. I tried to stop them but Christine’s temper was too strong and she scratched him, blood bleeding out of his chin.
“What are you doing!” I hissed a bit more loudly at Christine, and she calmed down.
I look at the boy, and I recognize him.
Tigertail’s son.
Chapter 22
A snow leopard came sprinting to me and attacked on me, making a deep wound on my forehead with such vice and ferocity, with a stern look on her face. I shrieked silently, my body going numb as the blood of my forehead running down my cheeks.
“Get off me!” I exclaimed, and she backed away, her eyes bulging.
“Who are you? His mum or something?” Christine spat irately, as she leapt for the door. The two exchanged glances awkwardly.
“Well, we don’t have time for this. Now Tora, get that stupid girl out of here while I deal with this cheetah. We don’t have time for stupidity,” She snapped.
I slowly stumbled to the motionless leopard, who was knocked out by Tigertail’s son, Cody and she was lying on the floor, not breathing.
She was dead.
“This is all because of you. She wouldn’t have died if you haven’t made alliances with your father and he wouldn’t have done this to us all!” She yelled deafeningly.
“I…” Cody was speechless, breathing in and out.
“You let your father get into you so much that you ended up hurting someone. And it’s ALL YOUR FAULT !” She screeched again, sniffing angrily, “Now tell us the code or you will go too with your stupid friend! NOW!”
I hissed irately at Christine again, for being so malicious. She’s just like Eva
“She’s not –”
“Look, I really don’t care!”
Cody immediately attacked on Christine, thrashing her to the ground, and then escaped, but then a laughing owl swooped down on him, and I swung a rope around his body, leaving him trapped. The laughing owl had a hamster on his back perched on my shoulder. A girl came running from behind.
Nightbreeze, Willow and Lillian.
“Good catch, Tora!” Willow exclaimed, “But why is Tigertail’s son here?”
“He’s got the code,” I panted, “To Tigertail’s laboratory.”
Nightbreeze patted us both on the back, smiling shyly.
“Don’t leave me trapped here! Every halfblood is going to be stuck in their animal form forever unless you release the antidote! So let me go and I’ll do it!” Cody barked, struggling around on the floor. We all exchanged glances anxiously.
We don’t know if we can trust Cody. After all, he is Tigertail’s son and associate.
“Just tell us the code and we’ll do it! We can’t trust you!” I exclaimed, sighing.
“Well, you’ll have to set me free!” Cody protested, the cheetah panting.
“Why would we save you, after what you’ve done?” Christine rebuked.
I had to scold Christine like I was her mum again. We glanced at each other worriedly. We all knew the damage Tigertail had done and he was an associate – he’s a villain’s son.
“Fine, we swear that we will set you free,” Nightbreeze finally promised.
Cody told us the code as we all raced and swiped across the light switch, to find that there is a calculator-looking code to press in the numbers.
We break open the door to see the janitor’s closet. We are all perplexed, and close it again, and there stands a modern elevator, which is completely made of glass.
We all step inside anxiously, as it slows lifts us up into the highest level.
Someone is behind us.
Grasp.
Chapter 23
“What do you think you are doing?” Tigertail laughed, “Didn’t actually think you could escape this easily. I know my son told you the code.”
Lillian was utterly perplexed and then Tigertail stared at her with gleaming eyes.
“This one’s a non-halfblood, huh? Well, she’ll become an artificial one in no time.”
“NO!” I shrieked, trying to pull her away, but Tigertail’s forces, but I was hopeless.
The door slammed before us, as we kept banging on the door ruthlessly.
I can’t believe it.
We failed.
And our hearts are empty, and only our minds are filled with guilt and sadness.
As tears started to escape my eyes, Nightbreeze embraced me, and everyone else too.
Because if we lose, we lose together.
“Not too late!” Eva and Miyuki ran in with a powerful smile on their faces.
“Fawnheart has captured Stonestream that was escaping, and is monitoring him very well. Cinderfur and Redstripe are also there to guard to scene. We can’t get through the front door, but there is a secret back door to his laboratory. This is our last hope,” Eva explained.
We all nodded at each other, and we split up our ways. Nightbreeze and Willow guard the front entrance, and the rest of us secretly tiptoed through the mysterious tunnel.
It is dark and murky and is foul-smelling of mouldy cheese.
But all we can think about is saving Willow and Miyuki, and before we all turn into Halfbloods forever. I’ve lost count how many times we’ve failed, but at least we stay strong.
And pick ourselves up.
Finally, we near a vent and we can hear the nasty cackling of Tigertail, as Lillian is trapped and she is being poisoned to become an animal halfblood.
“Sorry Tigertail, your evil plans are over!” I exclaimed, as I headed out of the tunnel. Miyuki, Christine and Eva stand in their fighting positions, determined more than ever.
We all race into the room. Eva pounces on the maned wolf, stumbling a few times, as they both make mortal wounds into each other. It seems like Eva could have a chance she could lose in that bloody battle but we’re doing this for good.
We’re going to win.
Christine tries to open all the seatbelts and the helmets, the seat where Lillian is lying on. She forced her out into the front door, were Willow and Nightbreeze is, swooping down on Tigertail, joining in Eva, who blood is gushing out of her fur. She then blocks the back door and Miyuki runs for the front door.
My heart is hammering, and my head is spinning. I can’t think straight. Lillian immediately examines all the potions and machines, and then a peculiar smell all puzzles us.
“This is probably the antidote. Most antidotes include zerogl-”
“We need to destroy everything else here!” I exclaimed using a hammer and smashing all the potions and machines, as Willow starts nibbling the wires.
We don’t have time.
Nightbreeze hauls Lillian outside his laboratory to keep her away from the chaotic scene Everyone shrieked as the doors automatically close, and I am stuck inside, petrified, with a hammer in my hands, smashing the last potion, dripping on the glossy floor.
Tigertail smirked deviously, clicking his sharp nails.
“I knew it would down to you and me. It came down to me and your dad years ago.”
My dad?
Chapter 24
“What does my dad have to do with this?” I snapped defensively.
“You see, years ago your dad was at the top of the class and won everything. He was the teacher’s pet. I was his friend, and I couldn’t stand him winning all the time. One day in sport, we were paired up to attack each other, and he won, and he was congratulated. The top of the class for sport was replaced with him, not me. I’ve always wanted to get revenge, and I thought to attack his daughter was a perfect move. It’s too late Snicket, you’re outnumbered.”
Stonestream and Cody surrounded him, and I gasped, gulping.
What was I thinking? This is war, and I know it will shoot me down dead.
I’m useless.
Stupid speeches and words of wisdom never worked. Some people will never change.
Then the assault started. Tigertail thrust his paws against my fur Stonestream punched me, leaving bruises and blood gushing out. Cody started digging his hands into my flesh too.
I cannot succinctly describe the horrifying agonizing excruciating death I am experiencing.
I’m not strong enough.
Mum always said, the strongest power was always the heart.
I thrust them away, as they stared at me in shock.
“DON’T HURT ME AND DON’T HURT MY FATHER!” I exclaimed, as they tried to attack me but there was a wall blocking me as they could only be shocked and perplexed.
The words were hard to fight out, but they were the only things that could protect me.
“I don’t understand!” Tigertail screeched deafeningly, “It can’t be magic!”
“Aren’t you going to attack us now, with your ‘super strength’?” They mocked.
“No!” I exclaimed, “Because that is the right thing to do. This is not magic. It is inner strength. Inner strength is to stand up for each other and yourself.”
Tigertail, Stonestream and Cody stared at me in amazement.
“Sorry,” They all chorused sadly, stuttering a little bit.
Tigertail gazed drearily at the destroyed laboratory.
“What have I been doing for these ten years? I know I haven’t set you the right example, and I’m sorry for that,” Tigertail cried, and hugged his son.
Before I rushed to the door, I bit my lip and turned back.
“Goodbye,” I murmured quietly, smiling shyly, before Tigertail opened the automatic doors and I quickly hopped through.
Eva rushed to me and gave me a great big hug, smiling ecstatically.
We did it.
“What happened in there? Well, it doesn’t matter because we are all safe now, and the antidote that has been released should change all halfbloods back into humans now…”
Lillian is confused, so we explain her the full story.
“But … but this goes all against Science! So I’m going to be a tortoise for the rest of my life?!” Lillian exclaimed in horror, staring at us.
We smiled, and suddenly we all changed back into our human forms.
“We should have a name!” Willow smiled, “How about … The Disco Ninjas?”
We all cracked up, smiling.
“How about Fire Breathing Hamsters, or Mind Bogglers, or Flying Pigs?”
Miyuki thinks for a while. “How about Heart and Soul?”
We all nodded in agreement.
It’s the perfect name.
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