The Islands: The Sanctuary
Telrao sat upon a stone pedestal, surveying the survivors that wandered under the tall trees. Bright sunlight punched through the green canopy, warming her fur. She stretched and stood, padding over to where the Second waited beside a gushing fountain. The Third sat next to him in human form, looking grumpy, and the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth stared at the humans with wide eyes.
"Telrao." The Fourth said, her fur bristling. "What is the meaning of this?" The others, except for the Second, all looked irate.
Telrao regarded them with calm eyes. "I was given permission by the First. The Second knows - he heard as well."
The Third cut her off with a sharp gesture. "Never, I repeat, never has a human placed a foot upon the Islands. And now? Look at them!"
Telrao turned and surveyed the dozens of humans she'd saved. She felt a pang of sadness - she hadn't been able to find Ryn and Hal. The humans walked with wide eyes, some nursing injuries, others being Healed by a few other Therapy Cats.
The Second growled at the Third. "The First told us to save them! The reason our order exists is to help the humans!"
The Fourth's ears flattened against her head as a human stepped past, holding a broken arm and staring at the sky with glassy eyes. "This is a holy place." She murmured, tail flicking. "They taint it and make it more vulnerable to Kaos. You," She glared at Telrao. "Have endangered the Islands and the Order by bringing them here!"
It was my choice, a soft voice said. And this is my realm, Fourth. Do not forget who you serve.
"Y-yes, First." The Fourth stuttered, bowing before the feline-shaped ball of light that appeared in the air between them. A warmth flushed through Telrao, and the Second murmured something as he and the others bowed. Telrao blinked, and suddenly she was surrounded by light.
She felt her irises narrow to slits as she floated, suspended in the glorious, warm light. She sensed a presence behind her and turned slowly. A being, somehow brighter than the light around her, hovered there.
You have done well, my daughter, the First said, purring.
"Thank you, First." Telrao replied, bowing awkwardly. She sighed happily when her paws finally met something solid. She lingered in the approving warmth, then opened her mouth. "First?" The deity landed beside her, form shifting until it revealed a petite Burmese with pure white fur and bright golden eyes.
Yes, my daughter?
Telrao gulped. "Does... does this mean-?" But the First was already shaking her head.
No, my daughter. You cannot return to the Order. You have broken the Oaths.
"But-"
You are reserved for another purpose. A higher purpose. The First smiled. I am proud of you, my Daughter. Very proud.
"I don't understand..." Telrao whispered, her legs folding under her. "What do you-" Suddenly, she felt something go out of her. A hammering loss that shook her to her core. A sudden hollowness that set her ears back. "No."
The First purred comfortingly. Your new calling is something beyond what I can provide for you.
"But- but this means that... no!"
The loss is deep, I know. The First's eyes glistened with tears. I feel it too, my daughter. But you must go to serve this purpose.
"But this means Wizard is DEAD!" She howled, jolting to her feet. The light began to fade all around her, fuzzing in and out of focus. "No! nononono!"
Go with Peace, my Daughter. Walk in the Light always.
For a moment she was back in the Sanctuary, and the Second was staring at her with wide eyes. He reached for her with a paw. "Telrao, wait!" Then he and the Sanctuary were gone, replaced by darkness. And Light.
@The Wandering Wizard