Claiming the Night Sky

[Shadowcat]

As Aura swam into the warm waters near the Celestial Islands, she wondered if she was really doing the right thing. She knew there was currently no leader of this herd land. She had planned the claim the land as her own and become the leader of it, helping to lead the animals who joined it. But now she wasn't so sure. Would she make a good leader? Would others trust her judgment enough to follow her orders? Was she worthy of the trust they would put in her? Although she was worried that some might not listen to her and cause problems, she was most concerned about if she could lead or not. She didn't want to be responsible for any danger she might put the herd in, due to any bad decisions.

As the hammerhead neared the islands where some land creatures might want to live, if they could make it out this far, she poked her oddly shaped head above the surface. Careful to keep her gills in the water, she surveyed the islands with her ice-blue flecked eyes. The land was indeed vacant, and it looked like a good place to live. It appeared to have everything that the land animals might need, although Aura couldn't see all the land from the water. She submerged again, and found the same was true in the water. Sea creatures could live happily in the warm waters with plenty of fish and other food for the carnivores.

Aura slowly moved her tail from side to side, propelling herself through the water at a calming pace. She began swimming around the islands, again wondering if she should claim this territory, or leave it for those more experienced.

Half way around the island shaped like a crescent moon, she stopped. Could I really be a good leader? She thought. She took a deep breath of water through her gills, then let it back out. I guess the first question I should ask myself to decide is; why do I want to be a leader? She thought a moment, then answered herself. I want o be a leader because I believe I know how and I want to help other animals to get along and live together peacefully. I have experience in battle and planning. She thought once again, then sighed.

"I guess the most important part in being a leader is to have confidence in yourself," she said aloud. She shifted her eyes back to the land above and beside her. Yes, she had to do this. She surfaced once more, her eyes trained on the islands. "I am the leader now," she said, her powerful will and spirit shinning through. "And I am committed to helping all those around me that I can. I will lead with fairness and kindness." She stared at the islands a moment longer, then gave a nod. Convinced that that was enough, she swam away from the land again, hoping to find some creatures who would join her in her new herd.

[vault]

Storm sighed. It had taken them three long days to reach their destination, the Celestial Islands. He had hoped to claim this land and help lead animals who would come there. "Well, Rain." Storm said to his mate who was lying on the sand beside him. "We've made it."

Rain nodded, exhausted. She surveyed her surroundings. There seemed to be food on the island and in the water. There was no shelter, however. The walrus' mind was already concocting a plan to build a shelter for the land animals in the case of a storm. "Lets explore the island." she said.

For a while the two of them walked in silence, exept for the occasional ideas as for the use of the resources of the island. "Rain!" Storm exclaimed. "Look!" She was rather clumsy on land, but waddled as quickly as she could over to Storm. The dark hippo was quivering with excitement. Soon she realized why.

In front of them was a large pond of fresh water. "Any land animals that joined the herd would be able to drink and bathe in the water." Storm stated. His mate nodded. "You're going to make a great leader, Storm." she said quietly.

Storm was nervous. He would be faced with many difficult decisions as leader. Still, with Rain at his side, the hippo knew that they would overcome all challenges. "Let's rest." he said. "We'll look for inhabitants tomorrow."

[Shadowcat]

As the shark swam through the warm waters surrounding the celestial islands, she began to grow hungry. Maybe I should look for some fish to eat... Then I can go back to exploring the waters around here, she thought.

Feeling vibrations in the water, she turned to her left. She spotted a school of fish up ahead. They were large and would make a good meal, but they weren't too large to catch. Before she could even start moving toward them, she heard voices. Voices that were coming from the territory which she now owned... Had there been a few loner animals living there already? Or maybe these animals had just arrived. Perhaps they didn't know she had claimed this land already. I had best go check it out, Aura thought.

Moving her tail from side to side, the predator headed at an angle so that she would come to the surface and as close as she could get to the edge of the islands at the same time. When she reached her destination, she poked part of her head above the waters, making sure her gills were still in the ocean so that she could breath. She noticed two figures up ahead. One kind of animal she had seen before, what she knew to be a walrus, and another that looked unfamiliar. They seem to be exploring.

Always a calm creature, Aura spoke, her voice smooth and even, showing no signs of a threat. "Greetings. Who might I have the pleasure of meeting?" She decided it was best to start off more formal so that hopefully they could all be on friendly terms.

[vault]

Storm eyed the hammerhead warily. Perhaps she lived here and had already claimed the island. "I am Storm." he said finally. "And this is my mate, Rain. We arrived here a day ago. Have you claimed this land?"

Rain was unsure what to make of this animal. She probably had chosen this land for herself. Or she was just passing through. The few words she had spoken seemed rather final, though so the walrus didn't think that was the case.

And on the off chance that there would be a fight, Storm thought. He and Rain were certainly able to protect themselves. He glanced at his mate. She appeared to be thinking the possibilities over. If worst came to worst and there was any chance of peaceful solution, he knew Rain would find it. She hated violene more then anything in the world.

For now, the pair would just have to hope for the best.

[Shadowcat]

After hearing the words of the unfamiliar animal species, the shark gave a slow swish of her tail; her way of "nodding." "Yes, I have. I claimed it not long ago. My name is Aura," she said, relaxing a bit as she sensed there two were peaceful. Her voice had lost some of it's formality and took on a more casual tone. Aura paused and took this time to take in the appearance of each animal. She studied each briefly with her ice-blue flecked eyes. Her gaze wasn't one of threat, but merely a brief intake of her surroundings. She was careful not to watch either of them for too long, should they feel uncomfortable or offended by prolonged staring.

The two looked rather pleasant and kind. Or so, that's what Aura thought, but one could never really tell just by looking at an animal. But she was always one to expect the best in others. Unless they prove to be a problem, I shouldn't worry at all. In fact, it's kind of nice to have someone to talk to, not that I've really been lonely, she thought. Maybe they'd even like to join my new herd? But that might be pressing my luck... She thought a moment, then decided it was worth a try.

"Well, Storm, Rain, you're welcome to stay for a while, if you like. I would like the company," the shark said, giving a small smile that, due to her a teeth, looked a little odd, and also menacing, but she meant well. "Or if you'd like to join my herd... Well, it's certainly in need of member," Aura said, giving a cheerful laugh.