A Night To Remember

[.: T O K I :.]

Tiny shadows scurried this way and that as they scavenged for food. Their bone-hardened, quill-like whiskers twitched as the ground vibrated in a rhythmic pattern. The area in which they sat scattered within, was nearly as bright as day as the moon hung in the sky. Its brightness illuminated the Earth as its invisible rays licked the surface. Surrounded by buildings, the plump rats glared at the light with their blood-red beady eyes. Although there wasn't a sound in the night, the ugly, gray, overgrown rats' sensitive paws picked up the feel of the foot falls as something padded closer.

Suddenly, a giant looming shape cut the light that flowed into the alley. The rats all squealed in alarm at the towering figure. A blood-chilling hiss lifted the dead silence that feel on the town like fog. As the rats took heed and escaped, the silhouette padded forward. For now, an air of authority captured the creature as its eyes gleamed in the darkness; pupils dilating as it grew accustomed to the pitch-black darkness. Its diamond-like claws clicked against the stone cold ground as it paused to swipe its long dappled tail across the cement. Dust floated into the chilly air; settling once again soon after. With quick thought, it leaped high onto the trash bin resting to the side.

An echoing clang sounded out through the dead silence. The feline in panic, dropped its body to stop the vibrations with speed that overcame any living human or pet. The ocelot could feel the rumble building up in its barrel chest. Fighting back a growl, he flicked his eyes left and right; searching for any observers. For a moment all was silent. However, once the cat was sure no living thing had heard, he loosened his tight limbs in a spine-tingling stretch. He could feel his muscles rippling beneath the thick fur that kept him warm; all the way through from nose to tail. With a great shake of his ragged pelt, he heaved a sigh and laid his head on his massive paws all the while purring contently as he studied the mysterious moon.

[nova]

Night had fallen in Shelpey Alley. The rather large moon hung in the otherwise barren sky, bringing out this ones desires. The city itself wasn’t bright enough to block this spectacle. Despite its contented glow, this place held many a shadowed corner and dark alley...
Nova wasn’t sure of her way around yet, but how was she to learn if she let herself sit in the park all day? Nightfall was a perfect time to explore. Everyone seemed to be at rest. Children tucked into their beds, parents grumbling at the fact that the tv stations all sucked at this hour. She concluded that this was her time to get a feel for her whereabouts.

Her beat up old sneakers didn’t scuff much anymore, but she dragged them along all the same. She hated cities, everything looked the same. The weather wasn’t too bad, her walk was enjoyable. I’d rather run she thought, passing an almost to opportune alley way. She could get away with it, if she wasn’t going wild. With the thought of freedom on her mind, she ducked into the alleyway and unzipped her jacket. As she was about to pull it off she jumped. Something was clanging around not too far from her.

“Hello?” she said, although rather quietly. Good job on that one, talk into the dark alleyway and maybe soemthing will answer you! the girl scolded herself, pulling her jacket back around her.

[.: T O K I :.]

The cat wisely gazed at the full moon. At this time of night, it was lucky to see this side of the moon. You could nearly see the giant craters that once might have been created by other meteors. Various splotches of gray was splattered all over the surface like abstract art; with less color but with more beauty. Many people thought the moon was just another piece of giant rock; caught in Earth's orbit. Sure this was true, but there was much more. The feline bit its tongue at the thought. People were always taking things for granted. You have chores to do and the person gets angry and runs somewhere; maybe a park.

Their thoughts too consumed on their frustration, but what happens when something disappears? Maybe they don't like chores, sure it's one bad side to life, but there are many more good ones. Family, friends, food, shelter, clothes to name a few. Just look outside and see the the bright blue sky; not a cloud in the sky. The warm feeling that surrounds the Earth. To see the leaves rustle in a cool breeze; evening to a perfect temperature. Or maybe to watch slowly as the bright green leaves turn to colors of orange, red, yellow, and brown during the Fall. To see the freezing cold droplets of snow float from the sky. It's the calling of nature; just as the moon called to the cat now. What would happen if it left? Blew up? Got to close? Without the moon there would be darkness. No animals singing at night. No midnight parties. It would all be different.

The large feline's perspective thoughts were soon calmed as it concentrated on the glorious white splotched sphere. A soft audible whisper bounced off the walls, "Hello?" As soon as the echoing stopped, the cat's ears pushed forward, eager to hear more; but the cat wasn't as agreeable. Its eyes dilated to mere slits as he glared from where he lie. He was sure no one was around, but everyone made mistakes so he wasn't as upset; just worried. What would he do? What would happen if this person saw him? As the thought crossed his mind, he inched away until his body was pressed close to the stone-cold wall. His muscles tensed ready to fight or flee.

A low inaudible growl rumbled deep within his throat. However strong he was, the cat didn't want to start a fight. Although normally a peaceful creature, he would fight if needed. Whoever this person was should not have come. He was not in the mood tonight.

((Lol, umm... Thanksgiving was getting to me. ^_^))

[nova]

Her ears perked, there was definately something or someone there. Now what? Keep talking to it until it eats you or hope its friendly? The girl wasn’t used to all this. She almost frustrated herself with the decision to come back into the alley anyways. Nova’s night vision wasn’t that bad in human form, but it was much more keen as a lupe. But if you shift and you run into a human, then what? You honestly don’t think white wolves just hang around dark alleyways in the heart of the city do you? But what to do? She moved forward slightly, “I know someone’s there...” she murmured. “Come out, come out where ever you are...” she cooed, although inside she wasn’t so calm.

[.: T O K I :.]

For a few minutes, the silence slowly lifted back in the air. The tense atmosphere lifted like clouds over the sky; impossible to avoid. Like the wind blowing the clouds away, the noise broke the silence. "I know someone's there..." The voice trailed off, but caught back on, "Come out, come out wherever you are." He had to strain his ears forward this time to hear her. The silence he was giving her was obviously working. The cat waited a few moments to see if the citizen would say anything else. Didn't they have any brains? It sounded like a girl... fairly young... and alone. What would a young girl be doing out alone? Especially in the middle of the night? The texture of her words sliced into the cat's thoughts. It nearly sounded like she was trying to provoke him!

Stupid stupid human! The feline's lips curled up in a disgusted hiss. His ears pinned flat against his head. Why could she just leave him alone? He wouldn't answer her, so wouldn't she just leave? Then again... he trailed off. What if she did leave? If she was young and alone... Images flashed through his mind, causing him to wish that he never thought of that. True he was a large cat; not even native to the city, but what about the possibilities?! Maybe he was fierce and dangerous, but she was better off with him than some stranger on the street. He was mad, but had no intention of harming a person in any way, especially a girl.

The cat had nothing against females, but he was raised to respect them. To him, they were the caregivers. Defiantly more careful and giving than males these days. More trusting, he added with a quiet purr. With its final decision made, the cat in response to her coxing, softly growled at her. Maybe to a human it might sound like a threatening low snarl, but to any animal; it was to let another know that they were there. His claws scrapped against the lid of the trash bin leaving small little dents, as he impatiently waited in anticipation.

[nova]

The girl reached out, fingers brushing against the cool brick. The night wasn’t so bad, but she was always warm. It was perfect running weather, somehow a midnight run didn’t seem likely anymore...

Breaking away from her thoughts she realized there was nothing. Silence. There was no noise, Shelpey alley was engulfed for a few split seconds. All Nova could hear was her own heartbeat. She took a few tip-toe steps, fingers tracing along with her. Pushing her ivory locks behind her ear she kept listening. Then, so sudden she almost jumped, a growl broke through. It seemingly echoed from within the darkness.

So you are in there somewhere...are you hiding from something? she pondered. Then again, it could ask her the same thing. “Silly alley cat...” she said, hoping she was right. “Why don’t you come out and play?”

[.: T O K I :.]

Being a cat of wonder, his thoughts drifted off once again, but after only a few seconds the girl answered back his call, "Silly alley cat." Pause. An alley cat? So that's what he was now; a lowly cat. Sure he was a cat, but he was different. Did he look like 8 inches tall or a foot long? No, it was at least twice that size, probably more. He didn't make those sissy growls that made the user look cuter. This cat's snarl was fierce and hazardous and made his prey freeze in fear of death.

She soon continued though like nothing happened, "Why don't you come out and play?" Sighing his thoughts went something like: Is this person stupid? She didn't even know what he was, or even looked like and she wanted him to come out? To her; he was a tiny frightened kitten, lost without its mother. To him, he was the strongest, smartest, and fastest cat in Shelpey Alley. He knew this was true, but time changes everything. Maybe someday when his time was almost up, another cat would replace him.

The single thought unsettled him, but he knew he had nothing to worry about. That was the cycle of life and was bound to happen eventually. There's no time like the present. Maybe though... if he scared her, she would run back home... to safety, he silently added. Coming to his choice, he slowly stood in suspense. Maybe it will make her scared. Everyone needs a dose of fear in their body. He carefully took one step out of the shadows and into the moonlight glow. He stared at his large golden paw, nearly the size of a normal cat's head. What if she told the police? What about the animal shelter? If she described him to them, they would surely catch on. But you can still change... The large build feline shook its massive head and loped out of the safety of the darkness.

His hair puffed up slightly, but not all the way. Sure it made him look bigger, and it was more natural; but he didn't want to look stupid. The hair on his neck raised as he focused his thoughts on things that angered him. He unsheathed his sharp claws. His eyes flashed under the moon's glow as his claws reflected the white shine. He hesitated and nearly regretted scaring her. Nearly. The feline's golden black-striped fur gleamed and showed his neatly smoothed-back dappled fur. He pulled the whiskers of his muzzle back and let loose a thunderous hiss. Ears flattened in dominance, he lashed his fluffy thick tail from side to side in an obvious message; leave my territory.

[Terenzio DeVito]

OOC||: Can I join? Can I join? Can I join? =D

Corbeau blinked quickly as a deep hiss sounded not far from where he slept and raised his head to look around, curious. Who stepped on the cats tail? 'No,' He thought, eyes landing on a furious wild cat and frightened teenage girl. 'That's no regular cat. Why's he picking on her, though?'

Rising to his paws, he stretched his lean body out and quickly bounded across the street, skidding to a stop before the girl. He had to look odd to them, this he knew, but he couldn't just sit back and let the girl be put in danger. This cat could seriously injure her if it attacked! It went against everything he was raised to believe, letting girls be bullied.

Turning to face the cat, he let a low growl bubble up from his throat. It was a simple warning; leave her alone. His ice blue eyes narrowed slightly, watching the cats every move, and Corbeau knew that it would be a hell of a fight should it go any farther. The wild cat was twice the size of any alley cat.

Hoping to help the girl behind him, Corbeau swayed his tail against her calf, the thick, soft fur brushing against the cloth of her pants.

[.: T O K I :.]

((Even without Nova, I still like this RP. Maybe we can pretend its just some girl?))

The girl noticeably flinched and stepped back a few steps. Her eyes widened in surprise and underlining fear. Always-there was always fear. He let out another hiss, hoping this time that maybe she'd run back home to her family. A pang of sadness sunk his heart. Sometimes he silently prayed that he would find a family too, one that loved him.

The cat flicked off the thought with its tail and glowered down at the young teen. His light blue eyes scoured across her body, maybe wishing that she would think he was hungry. While doing this, he noticed a white streak bound across the street to stop next to the girl. Where they working together? Unsure, the feline uttered a deep moan. More complications. What did someone half to do to get some sleep around here?

This new creature was canine like, though it was thinner and smaller. It's legs were long and agile with a fluffy tail and thick neck fur. Its coat was pure white, almost silver under the moonlight with a streak of black across its back. His eyes shown amusement at the sight, this thing almost looked like a skunk! Only, the colors were switched around.

Though the thought left as soon as the dog let out a sharp growl at him. The feline could see that it didn't want to fight either as did he. It was as clear as day-or in his case night too-that this fox didn't want him harming the girl. Neither did he though. As this was going on the girl had looked startled at the sight of the seemingly albino fox. Soon enough relief lifted through her emotions, just slightly though. As was said before, it was obvious it was trying to help her.

The cat hissed in frustration, all he wanted was some sleep. Was that too much to ask? He was sure he had done nothing wrong too. The cat's eyes was wide and rounded, half from the dark half from frustration. He wasn't quiet angry-yet, but it wouldn't be likely anyway. His fight wasn't with those two. His dappled pelt seemingly shimmered under the light. The girl raised her eyebrows with a calculating thought.

Seeing this, the feline quickly shut down those thoughts with a nasty hiss. Its black-banded tail lashed with fury. He didn't need to be able to read thoughts or ask. He knew what she was thinking. With the last ounce of attempt he bellowed in a low, but biting growl, "Go home." With that he clunk back to the shadows.

The cat's claws hid back within its large paws. He could no longer hear any sound vibrating through the trash bin and his pelt hid him fairly well. He knew the human would not be able to see or hear him now. Things were a little different with the fox though. Its ears were large and they could naturally hear well. It could probably hear his calm, even breathes, but their sight certainly weren't the best at night. It was in his territory now.

[Terenzio DeVito]

OOC//: SORRY FOR THE ENDLESS WAIT TOKI!! DDD8 It's not the best but it's something, right? I probably won't be able to get on again for a while so let everyone know please? I'm rushing this as it is, what with my being at school and all |D

BIC//:

Corbeau didn’t move from his spot as the wild cat hissed fiercely at the girl and growled out a low, “Go home.” It would take more than a growl to get him to move, much more than a growl. It was up to the girl if she would leave, though, and he hoped she would. She had no reason –or right, for that matter– to do anything to this feline. She should leave him alone.

It was to his relief, then, that the girl got the hint from the growl and, backing slowly away, left, turning and running only when she felt she was safe to do so. Corbeau made no move to follow her. He merely wished her luck in getting home safely.

His ice blue eyes, which had stayed glued to the cat the entire time, watched as he disappeared into the darkness. His eyes were good, they had to be, but they were not made for the nighttime like that cat’s were. He saw well enough to hunt and survive and that was all.

Despite his inability to see the cat however, he could hear him. He had left the trash can, leaving Corbeau’s sight, but despite how much his paws stifled his moving he could hear the faint scuffling of his fur and paw pads on the rough ground. That was enough to let Corbeau know at least in general where he was.

“Why were you so cruel to the human girl?” He called out suddenly, walking halfway into the darkness. His pelt glowed faintly, kind of like a spirit getting closer and brighter. The only difference was that as he got farther into the darkness, the inky blackness would steal his glow away from anyone too far away. Unless they were animals and had amazing night vision, but even then he would disappear at some point. “I know she called you a cat, which you are no matter what you say, but that’s not reason enough to threaten her. Or is it another reason entirely that you threatened her?” He added, finally getting close enough to see the cat. He had been able to make out its shape, but nothing of detail other than its glowing eyes. He now knew one of the reasons.

It was a rare cat, one with a hefty price on its pelt. To find one would mean you would make a lot of money from its coat alone. To find one in a city was even more unheard of. This much he knew from growing up as a hunter. One thought filled his head as he stared at the cat, almost certain that he was right.

Shifter.