A dark figure looms in front of you, its imposing gaze reflecting the light. Instinctively you shift into a defensive stance, only to be met with a sigh and the shake of a head. "Relax, loner. I have no intention of harming you. Obviously you are blind to the ways of the clans." You relax slowly, and despite your best efforts, your gaze drifts from the stranger to the beautiful valley below. You are greeted by lush canopies, colorful fields of meadow grass, and rocky scars lined with jagged rocks crisscrossing the landscape, all bordered by tall, jutting mountains. You stand a little above the base of one of these mountains, perched upon a rocky slope.
"Like the view?" You glance back to the other cat, who seems entranced by the rosy sunset. "DawnClan, SmokeClan, Dewclan, and SilentClan. We don't dare venture beyond these mountains. We are peaceful here, but I would advise you to avoid this place in the future." Its eyes grow distant.
"The cats here... are slowly losing their minds."
You stiffen, alarmed.
"Now now, I'm sure it's nothing to worry about," it reassures you, giving a warm laugh. "It's just unsettling, really. The number of cats fallen victim to madness are rising at an alarming rate, but it could only be the increased stress. Still, it's suspicious that only certain cats are affected, within certain clans. I'd blame it on a disease, but it doesn't seem to be infectious." Suddenly, a bone-chilling smile creeps up the sides of its face as it steps from the shadows, revealing the details of its face for the first time. You struggle to keep your stomach down as it speaks.
Something long and thin is pulsating in its right eye.
Something long and thin is pulsating in its right eye.
"... A parasite, perhaps?"