The dark, night sky sparked with thunder and lightning as the wind swept swiftly through the tops of the trees. Balthamos, leader of the panther clan stood atop of the Imperial museum, grinning like a Cheshire cat. (Kind of Freaky, huh?)

Growls and snarls echoed around the premises from the wolves, but also from the enemy’s panthers. A clap of thunder sounded, and lightning struck, revealing the positions of the surrounding cats. Master Renkai stood defiantly, looking up at Balthamos, Rajuko staring at the panthers on the roof, baring his white teeth.

“Renkai!” The voice came from Balthamos. “Too long have you sullied the name of the Panthers and foiled my plans! Tonight, there will be no more left of the Wolf Clan- but a mere memory!” Balthamos showed his fang-like teeth, letting out a low hiss.

“This is your last chance, Balthamos,” Master Renkai said, ignoring the enemy’s threat. “Leave.” The leader of the Panther tribe laughed at those words, and shouted an attack call. The battle had begun.

You jumped aside, dodging a fatal slash from an enemy cat. Quickly, you pulled out your katana from its sheath. You remembered how your grandfather had told the clan to not kill, unless they were left with no other choice- the exact predicament that the Wolf Clan was in at this very martial arts, a ninja’s goal is to try for the perfection that can never be reached- despite all that, you were still a formidable opponent. You’ve been trained to fight since you were a young child. Gracefully, you sidestepped, avoiding a second blow, and then slashed once with your blade. A panther dropped dead on the ground in front of you. Arrows from both clans were flying, the clash of swords sounded from every direction, as growls and hisses echoed about.

Man and beast fought to the death that clan was greatly outnumbered, as Master Renkai suspected, but was holding their ground. You continued to fight panthers and human members of the Panther Clan, silently killing them one by one. It’s not that you were a bloodthirsty devil, but you did what you had to do- you were left with no choice, but to defend the museum’s artifacts. Ramacus was having just as much luck. Although the wolves in the clan were larger that average wolves, (They were approximately three feet tall at the shoulder) they were still a great deal smaller than the panthers. Despite that disadvantage, Ramacus used his incredible speed to evade attacks, and then strike, sinking his teeth in an enemy’s throat, ending lives instantly. He did this multiple times, slaying many panthers. Rajuko and many other wolves followed this useful technique. However, some of the clan members were not so lucky.

You had just slashed at an enemy’s neck, when you heard a heart-wrenching death cry, belonging to the voice of Meraiei. “Damn!” escaped from you mouth, at the thought of losing a fellow clan member, who treated you as her own child, when your parents died. A sudden rage filled you as your heart felt courage, like none other you’ve ever experienced. Using your blinding speed, you face Meraiei’s murderer and forcefully thrust your katana into his heart.

“How are you holding out?” Joran asked, while kicking a panther in the face. He then slashed with his katana, and the panther’s lags gave away, as it landed with a soft thud on the ground.

You were just as busy. Ducking to avoid a horizontal attack, and then blocking one with your blade, you swiftly jumped over the enemy ninja and then hit him three consecutive times- stomach, chest and then the face. “Okay, I guess,” you answered Joran, not even out of breath, but quite heart sick. You fought on, remembering Meraiei, as her death cry echoed in your ears. Rage continued to pump through out your body, allowing you to be as fierce as ever. Ramacus sensed your anger and sadness, and sent you and telepathic message, Timbaray, are you all right? Now’s not the time to be flipping out!

I know, you replied, finishing another challenge by an enemy ninja, I’m still alive and fighting. You had more than enough strength to keep at it fro another night, if you had to. By now, the sky had been completely covered with clouds, not allowing any light to penetrate the darkness- it was beginning to pour as well, the rain forming miniature ponds on the ground.

(¯•..••..•´¯)

Hours went by, with the two opposing clans fighting each other, swords with swords and fangs with fangs. The Wolf Clan only kept up with the Panther Clan’s overwhelming numbers, because they were well trained. As most ninjas were trained, you knew that tired as you were, you could not surrender to the Panthers under any condition- you friends understood this too- they continued to fight with all of their being.

Out of nowhere, a blinding bolt of lightning struck a nearby giant tree, causing the old oak to topple over, creating a loud crashing sound, echoing throughout your surroundings. Balthamos, the Panther Clan leader, saw his chance. He leapt over the fallen tree and quickly brought his sword down, utilizing the force of gravity as an ally, upon Master Renkai. Fortunately, you anticipated this, and swiftly dashed to the site and brought your light, but strong katana up to meet the blow, above your surprised grandfather’s head. The jolt shocked you as well- you had no ideal that Balthamos was this strong, yet you kept your arm steady and managed to force the enemy’s attack to the side, saving Master Renkai’s life.

It was then that everyone froze. Wolves and Panthers ceased their fanged attacks upon each other; Clan members, from both sides halted their assaults. Every living being peered toward the fallen oak tree, where Balthamos and you exchanged glares. Even the rain and lightning seemed to discontinue for what seemed like an eternity of silence, as the leader of the Panther clan, and you, a mere seventeen-year-old, glared daggers.