Hello, I am Warriors-Cafe and this is my first story ever to be posted/published! This is a little (haha, little) long, but please bear with me. Every detail here is necessary for later on! Now...

Enjoy

There is a moment, when fate that has been set for a being, somehow fades away. One split
second can significantly change a destiny. It creates the dominoes to fall in a dynamic effect.
Time can transform in ways we mortals can never imagine. It is then, that the seed is planted
and rerooted into the ground. To a newer future. Whether good or bad, it happens, and we are
powerless to stop it...

Excerpt from Journal: Jie Kun

This story begins on a pouring rainy day. Children were tucked into their beds, parents done for the day of work were resting, heavy clouds above promised no sunshine the next day. Nor the day after that, foreboding doom. A few hours away, creatures lurked in shadows, sudden flashes in the sky reveal scowling beasts. At the head was a large wolf. Clad in leather armor, and a sword. His eyes were a rich brown, with scars covering his midnight face. When he spoke, it was low and snarling.

"I'll take the south, Li-liang the east. Ah-lam the west. And Xiâozi takes the north. You better not fail me again, this is your last chance." He looked sharply to his left at a younger gray wolf. Xiâozi flinched away, everyone scoffed at his cowardliness. The bigger wolf rolled his eyes. He continued, "This won't be like the other's. Rest until you hear the howl. Be prepared before then."

It all would start exactly one hour before sunrise. Because when dawn hits, the once proud village they were sent to destroy would become merely a ghost town. A place of mournful screams in storms, of hauntings, and death. This was a day of no dawn.

Xiâozi looked at the other creatures around him. Everyone was at least five times his height. All capable of bringing down animals larger than they were. Or to slaughter dozens that were smaller. Trained to show no mercy to no one. Himself included. But, unlike his peers that were already warriors, he had a light in his heart. Compassion that made him different, less likeable. Xiâozi had made a promise to himself that he wasn't going to murder anyone, not even when his life depended on it...

Yet, there was a longing. A longing to be like everyone else. Not to be teased or ridiculed...just loved. And the only way to do that was to become like them. Xiâozi sighed, most times decisions like these were hard. Though it was sometimes easy... Say, if he were like everyone else, then killing wouldn't be a problem.

Which then circled back to his promise, and self-doubts, then to wanting to be like his crazy 'family', which again went back to...Xiâozi swore. He forced anything and everything out of his conscience. It was always best that way. He closed his eyes, preparing himself for the hours-

A howl sounded. Xiâozi swore again. -Make that now, he thought bitterly.

The young wolf stood and stretched, like he was taught to just before a battle. Others around him were doing the same, or equipping themselves for the massacre ahead. Their leader stood on a rock watching them all. Even though Xiâozi couldn't see his eyes, he could tell they were supervising him the most. Carefully, he took the knife he always wore around his belt, and made sure it was still sharp. It was. From night's before preparation. His meager leather armor, securely belted and firm on his body.

Then when he was positive everything was functioning properly, Xiâozi walked over so he stood by the many warriors gathered beneath the rock.

"My people... This is a night, that'll test your strength. Cunning. Swiftness. Bravery. Skills. And loyalty." With each word, the black leader directed his gaze to young individuals. "Not just the young warriors joining us, but everyone. This will be a legendary night. Our sons will look at us, and want to be like us. Our daughters will honor our memory by bearing more sons who will one day learn our ways and become us.

For it is not just any battle. It is a battle with greater predators that once controlled us. But no longer! With each one we slay, it's that much closer to victory! To glory! And to a betternation!" The wolf was howling by then. His encouragement drove them wild.

They chanted together. "Victory! Glory! A better nation!"

"This will be our cry! The first clash of metal on metal, will be our moment! To-"

"To Commander Shing! Commander Shing! Commander Shing!" The praise echoed, drowning out anything the wolf, Commander Xun Shing, was about to say.

He howled, and his followers quieted somewhat. "No! This day isn't to me! It's for all of us! Everyonewho contributes is worthy of recognition. It's to US! To VICTORY, GLORY, and a BETTER NATION!"

"Us! Victory! Glory! Better Nation!"

Xun Shing looked down at them all. His eyes glittering, a wicked smirk on his lips. He signaled to someone beside him, and shouted: "We move out!" The pack of armed killers marched on, north towards the village. Their shouts trailing after. Giving a sinister aura.

Xiâozi didn't feel like it was only a three hours walk, it felt like seconds. Seconds that would ultimately become his destiny, make him who he was. A killer or a challenger.

"Xiâozi!"

He turned to see his only friend, Baatarsaikhan. He was a leopard, one of the few in the group.

"So we're really gonna shred them now, huh?" Baatarsaikhan exclaimed. "See, watch. I'm gonna rip 'em apart with this one move here..." He demonstrated with a vicious punch, his long claws out. "Then I'm gonna..."

He stopped abruptly. They had reached a cliff. The village below them was protected by a mountain, and a river. The structure wasn't like any other settlements seen for miles around. This one had uniqueness about it.

One: there were trees. But not just any trees, trees that were made of iron. What more, there was one tall pole, like a totem, in the middle of the village. It wasn't ancient like most would expect, it was actually quite new.

Two: the villagers actually knew a few battle moves. Spears, bows, and other various weapons were cleverly grouped in hidden sectors.

Three: these villagers were tigers...

"What?" Baatarsaikhan yelped, "nobody said-" Xiâozi grabbed his taller friends arm yanking him down. He looked around to see if anyone noticed. Fortunately, no one seemed to. "Are you insane? If Shing or-or or even Ah-lam saw you-"

"Xiâo! You knowhow I am with tigers! After what happened to Fen Hua and the rest of them... Xiâozi, I can't!"

"Baatar, Baatar! Listen to me, if you don't calm down you'llbe the one killed. What can you do then?"

"I will not contribute to this!" He yelled.

"Is there a problem gentlemen?" A voice came from behind them. Xiâozi felt cold.

It was Ah-lam. Merciless. Clever. And Beautiful. All very dangerous in a woman.

"No, nothing's wrong at all! In fact uh...we were just arguing-" Xiâozi searched for something in his mind to say. He could feel that Baatarsaikhan was ready to say something and it wasn't going to be good. "About what technique was better! Can we get a professionals opinion?" He laughed weakly, wincing when he felt Baatarsaikhan hit him. A murderous look in his gaze

"Hmm...what techniques?" Ah-lam asked. Xiâozi shuddered, he saw the approving twinkle in her eye when she saw Baatarsaikhan.

"The, um-uh, bunny kick... and swan jumps?"

"You're pathetic! Those are exercises." The fox glared at him and said coldly, "We leave in ten minutes. Shing wants me to tell you to get your squad and head towards your sector. Although, if I were you, I'd tell Shing that you're dropping out."

With that she turned away, back to where her group of warriors were. Xiâozi looked fearfully at the leopard. Baatarsaikhan really was a good friend, but had a mean temper. An unpredictable one at that. "Baatar?..."

His tone was steel, "Yea?"

"You're not mad...right?"

"No." Baatarsaikhan turned sharply away. "You better get going."

"Good luck!" Xiâozi called. Baatar raised a paw in response without looking back.

Xiâozi sighed, then growled. This is stupid, he thought. Then the young wolf left towards his assigned group and waited. From what he could see, it looked like he got the lower classed warriors. Typical... Ah, well. Who am I to judge? I'm not that far off either.

"Attention, everyone!" Commander Shing shouted, "The attack will begin soon! Your squad leaders will bring you to your sectors and tell you what your objectives are. You'll be expected to be ready, rely on one another. This is our night, make it worthwhile," their leader ended softly. He signaled and everyone headed out.

The only sound that could be heard was the soft crunch of leaves and twigs that snapped under footfalls. The moon lit their way, shining a path towards destruction. Xiâozi's heart raced a million times it's normal beat. He glanced back at his party. Nineteen warriors strong. Not so bad...

They still had minutes to spare by the time they reached their assigned position. Xiâozi took a meditative breath, just as you rehearsed. "Okay," his voice cracked. A few of the older men chuckled. The gray canine blushed, "Okay. So um, our assignment is simple actually... All we have to do is circle the north, northwest, and northeast side of the village. To make sure no one escapes." He paused. "There will be five to each perimeter. You'll decided on the groups. You five," he pointed to random five people, "will come with me. We go north."

Xiâozi was just about to leave when he remembered something. "Oh, and one more thing... Commander Shing says no survivors are permitted." His heart skipped a beat. There. I said it.

His thoughts raced. His steps felt surreal. Like in another dimension. I can't do this! I'll-I'll just make a fool of myself. I'll shame everyone. I'll fail! I won't kill! I will not! A rough hand pulled him back to the present. His eyes focused. They were there. NO! NOT NOW! NEVER! I WON'T!

Four pairs of eyes looked at him frostily. "Well runt?" a wolverine growled.

"Okay, uh-" He glanced at the Tiger Village, "Um...there should be one person for every ten meters. You and you," Xiâozi pointed to the wolverine and a wolf. "Go more towards the east. You and...um you," he looked to a boar and a bear. "One stays here while the other to the west. I'll take the most west."

They each nodded stiffly. Xiâozi hurried away. Sweat poured down his forehead and muzzle. A welcoming breeze ruffled his thick fur. But the air surrounding seemed determined to suffocate him. Any moment now. The village was so peaceful. Something must've gone wrong, he thought. Before his musings could continue, a scream punctured the silent air. A sudden burst of fire started from the south.

"Here we go," he whispered. A killer or a challenger... Xiâozi shook it away. After tonight, I'll belong. I'll be one with my pack, as it should be. My father'll be proud and my mother too...

The fire was setting the huts alight swiftly. Screams and yells echoed. From what Xiâozi could see from his vantage point, it looked like they were winning. The men of the villagers hardly had time to react. His comrades had months to prepare for this, and nothing was sweeter to them than revenge. Their time to shine... Each warrior ran past houses upon houses. Killing masses at a time. Their battle moves deadly and precise.

The village men fought bravely, but their effort was meaningless. Xiâozi flinched every time a woman or child were killed. Their fallen bodies was soon consumed in fire.

Xioâzi looked around. Hoping to see Baatarsaikhan, but the spotted body didn't appear.

Instead, a small tiger caught his eye. He wore black everything, like a kung fu master. Strangely though, he had a basket strapped to his back. Blankets covered the top. The male was fighting viciously, a long sword in his paws. Killing everyone that came near. The fire's light behind him made him look as though he were blazing too. The orange on his fur seemed to flicker. His eyes blood red, like the devils.

The tiger shouted. Xiâozi's eyes widend. It's impossible... But it wasn't. And it happened.

The wolf was thrown off his feet. He landed a few yards away. Pain racked his body. His head pounded. Explosives-what the hell!?Xiâozi's vision blurred, the forest surrounding him was burnt and ember-lit. Dream like. The war below subsided. He could hear dulled shouts, all angry.

The wolf attempted to get up, but failed miserably. After about five more times, he managed to stay upright. Orange and black swam in his vision. The fuck?... Oh hell no!

Xiâozi took his dagger out and blocked the attack. Agony pierced through his skull and every other inch of his body. His attacker looked young, but fought with skills one would think he could ever possess.

It was that same tiger, but with no basket and sword. Instead he carried a knife.

Xiâozi flipped to one side. The blade just seconds to where he was before. He threw a punch, but the tiger was quicker. He caught the punch. And kicked the dagger out of the wolf's grip. Xiâozi gasped. He was unarmed, and that wasn't good. It was the only weapon he really knew how to use. The tiger landed another kick, sending him back. He stood dizzily up again.

His strength was waning fast and he knew he wouldn't last much longer. The tiger on the other hand looked fresh as a daisy, he socked the wolf on the cheek. Xiâozi felt as if his skull broke. The discomfort from the explosion magnified by thousands. Needles poked his eyes. The beating continued.

Merciless.

But stubbornness and willpower drove him on. With a miraculous burst of energy, he dived to the ground and kicked the tiger down...he didn't go give up so easy. With a lash of his striped foot, the tiger sent Xiâozi toppling over too. It was a fight to the death.

Finally, the striped feline gained advantage and pinned Xiâozi. "I hope the devil brings you down himself you son of a bitch!"

Xiâozi gasped. This tiger wasn't male, but female!

He writhed, but the tigress' grip was strong. Unyielding. Her paws crushed his throat. His lungs ached. Spots danced before his eyes, it'd soon be over. His paws fumbled around the ground desperately. He felt a familiar hilt and for a few unthinking moments, stabbed. She screamed.

He could feel her death grip loosen and kicked the tigress away. He rolled to his side and retched. Life giving air filled him again. With a wild headache, he got up. Xiâozi's heart dropped.

What have I done?

He backed away, his throat closing. The female was positioned awkwardly. Her mouth agape and her eyes closed. She whispered something. Reluctantly Xiâozi went close to listen. "My baby, I'm...so sorry...I love..y-.." Her head dropped. Dead.

"Damnit! Fuck! Damnit. Fuck. Fuck. FUCK!" He swore with passion. Xiâozi looked around, still cursing. Where was it? The cub? Did she mean cub? All he could see were trees. Lot's of them. Burnt at that. Embers...more embers...lots of embers...dirt. "Damnit!" he screamed. Xiâozi punched a tree, and immediately regretted it. "Stupid trees, why's it made of iron? Who does that?! I swear, when-"

A wail interrupted him. But not just any wail. A baby's wail. Xiâozi listened, it was very near. He followed it's cry. It led him towards another tree. Not far from his fight. The shrieking grew louder. He looked down.

Right at a base of a tree was the basket. A blanket covered it, but he could see lots of movement.

Feeling apprehensive, Xiâozi pulled the blanket off. What he saw made his heart melt. It was a tiger cub. Bundled in blankets and a small rope wrapped around. With some kind of token attached. The cub had wide fiery eyes, and tiny stripes covering it's face. It sniffled, and pulled it's thumb in its mouth. It looked only about a few weeks old.

Hesitating, the wolf picked it up. And pulled it to his chest. The cub purred, and rubbed its head to his shirt. He smiled, his thoughts flashed back to the mother. And felt guilty, more than he ever remembered feeling.

Sighing, Xiâozi inspected the baby. It seemed healthy for the most part... and he also found out it was a girl. Rewrapping the cub in her blankets, he looked around aimlessly. What happened to the other tigers? Did they... No, he wasn't going to think about that. But what about his team? Oh gods, if they found out about this little one then...

He took the trinket, and without glancing at it again, ran.

Xiâozi yelped suddenly and skidded to a halt. A blinding light came from behind, and the world around was misty and blue. Xiâozi held onto the cub, and crouched on the ground. Protecting her. His paw felt as though it were on fire. So he dropped the trinket. He stared at it. What the-? It was glimmering a bright red and white. The soil beneath seemed to disappear.

What's happening?

Then...his world went black...

A:N/ So, how is it? Should I continue? Is it bad? Good? In between?...Should I continue?...

If there are any questions, feel free to ask. But if it's about this story, then the most likely answer will be; all will be revealed in time ;)

(also note that the 'excerpt' is supposed to be in the middle of the page...but it wouldn't work so... Yeah)