chapter two- Storm of Darkness

by EpicNinjaWriter in Oregon

    The faint sunlight shown on Willow's limp body as the procession trudged through the empty streets. Out of nowhere, Rina appeared and melted into the pack. Their leader, a smokey gray tom, looked thoughtful and a little sad as he led his clan down what had once been a main street. Now empty boxes and trash lined the cracked sidewalks, and the alleways were dark. The group preceded in silence for a while, each remembering how this part of New York had looked what seemed like a year ago. Finally, a thin white kitten looked up and adressed their leader. "Scarpaw.." she mewed, bowing to him as they slinked along. "What happened here? Why are there no people? Why are we still here?" Her voice shook a little as they crossed over a creaking bridge. Below, the water was dark and unwelcoming.

     Scarpaw turned and spoke to his pack. "Many months ago.." he began. "This place was a bustling city, full of voices and happiness, people, and lots of cats. Then the people heard of a strange storm that would wreck their lives and leave the survivors in poverty and despair. The people fled, and we were left behind. The were selfish, feeling only for themselves. But those who stayed were strong and kind. We sought affection from them, formed lasting bonds that tied us to humankind." He looked at Rina, and continued. "The ones who escaped met disaster as the stom changed direction and crossed their path. There were tornados and hurricanes, howling winds and driving rain and icy disks of hail. And some of us," he added, glancing at Willow's still frame. "Some of us ventured too far into the next city, where the cars still roared along the streets, and the people stil roamed."

     The tomcat gave a sigh. He continued to walk, his paws heavy with remembering. Behind him, the cats slipped along, staying in the shadows out of habit. They were all thinking, all remembering of how wonderful to have a home it was, so long ago. But now they were leaving that home, leaving the ghosts of the people, the wrecked cars and abandoned clothing. They were leaving forever, and they would never see their familiar and comfortable homes again.