The Twelve Hour Gangs CH 5 UP you may post

[mr.kingrichard]

Chapter four
The sick leader

“Father, what are you doing out? You're ill, and you should be resting.” Lawan Metharom-Meaow murmured to her father, Preecha Metharom-Meaow, who was standing on the porch to their small home. A few racking coughs escaped the old cat's throat, and Lawan moved to help her father, but Preecha waved her away. Leaning on his cane, he smiled back at his daughter through the pain in his chest, and she frowned in worry.

“Don't worry about me so much, Lawan,” he murmured, and the girl's blue-gray eyes reflected deep worry. “I'll be fine. I've lived through much worse. The only ones I'm worried about now are my people.” Lawan looked out worriedly across the front lawn of the house and to the street, where some of the Meaow were starting to show their faces. It was early morning, almost seven o' clock, and the faint red-violet and yellow streaks from the new sun were beginning to illuminate the streets. “My people are thin and weary. The kits cannot play in the streets, for fear of an attack by the Sanura. We have buried seven warriors this past month alone, the streets run thick with blood, and we have lost half of the western territory to the Kedi.”

“Father,” Lawan said worriedly as Preecha's shoulders began to shake. He shook his head again, however, and he turned to look out across the lawn again. “Please, try not to worry so much. We've survived worse, haven't we? Of course, the loss of the seven is the worst we've had since Mongkut's time...” She trailed off, but then shook her head, as though she was shaking the intrusive thoughts away as well. “No, no. We'll be fine. Our gang will continue to thrive, just as it has, for many more generations.”

“Our people do not thrive, they are only content because they don't know any better,” Preecha sighed, hobbling over to the porch swing and sitting down on it. “Our people have not thrived for years.” He bowed his head, and Lawan sat beside him, pulling close to her father.

“They will thrive again,” she assured him, running her fingers through his fine gray hair. Preecha managed to smile back at her for a split second, and it was something she could be happy about, before the smile disappeared as quickly as it had came. “And I was told the other day that the Koneko want to create an alliance with us, against the Sanura.”

“An alliance?” Preecha asked, his eyes suddenly lighting up. “An alliance between the gangs hasn't ever been made, or at least, there's no record of one ever happening since the four original dominant cats split up.”

“I know, but this could be our chance. Father, we could be safe from the Sanura and the Kedi if we do this.” Lawans' blue-gray eyes were serious, and Preecha exhaled slowly.

“In two days, it will be new moon. The gangs will meet in the park, and the leaders will gather under the sacred oak. It is then I will make my decision.”

Silently, the father and daughter pair sat on the porch swing, swaying gently to the morning wind and watching as the other cats slowly rose from their slumber.

Complete

[mr.kingrichard]

Just out of pure curiosity, if I made a separate fan-thread for this, for like discussion and where you could post artwork/fanstories/etc. and such, how many people would post on it?

[I'm Not The Only One]

I might, but it'd depend really Also great start to the chapter!

[mr.kingrichard]

Chapter four will most likely be done today, and I might be able to get chapter five up if I make good time. Also, if this book happened to get published, would you buy it?

[are you kitten me]

yea its a great idea

[mr.kingrichard]

viewtopic.php?f=57&t=1797669 The discussion thread.

[mr.kingrichard]

Finished chapter four, though it is very small. Chapter five should be up soon.

[mr.kingrichard]

Chapter five
Meeting under the sacred oak tree

Every other month, during the time when the nights were dark from the lack of a moon, all four of the dominant gangs met in the large park in the middle of the city. It was neutral territory, no gang had ever had complete control over it, and because it was neutral territory no fighting was allowed on its grounds. Every cat in the gangs was required to go, and for the duration of the new moon, the gangs stayed in the park. Often times, the tensions were high within the gangs, but never as high as they were now. The recent battles were still burned into Yuuka’s mind as she led her gang to the park, Hayate on one side of her, and her still-injured partner Atsuko Tsukino-Koneko on the other side.

“Keep your head, Yuuka,” Hayate advised as they came to the park. Conveniently, the Meaow were arriving just as they were, and Hayate smiled politely at Preecha and Lawan as they passed. Preecha nodded in return, and Lawan flicked one ear at the high-ranking cats. Yuuka smoothed out the front of her dress. A well-fitting, red leather one, it was one of her favorites, and she figured that if she had to spend time with her enemies, she might as well look nice while doing it.

“I have never not wanted to go to a communion so badly,” Atsuko murmured. The bandage on her nose was making her glasses slide off, and she held on to Yuuka for support. “It’s a good thing the soldier who wounded me so badly is dead. If I had to face him again, my pride might kill me.”

“I wouldn’t let it,” Yuuka stated simply, and Atsuko smiled. “Besides, if he hadn’t been killed in battle, I would have had him killed. No matter what Akosua or Khamisi say.” The pair quieted as they reached the sacred oak, where Preecha, Lawan, Akosua, Khamisi, Yahya, and Sevgi sat, their eyes focused on the newcomers. Every communion, the leaders and their partners or families sat under the sacred oak to discuss news from the gangs, and to speak with other gang leaders. Usually, the talks were leisurely, but the past few times, they had been extremely tense. Now, it was the worst it had ever been.

“Look who finally decided to show up,” Akosua huffed, and Yuuka’s ears flattened against her skull. “A little slow from our injuries, eh?” Hot, angry words burned like fire in Yuuka’s throat, but Atsuko took her hand, gently twining her fingers with hers.

“And I see you’re still dressing like a prostitute. I guess some things never change.” Atsuko stated, and the other female snarled. Akosua did seem to have a liking for revealing clothing; she wore a blue jean “mini-jacket” that cut off just below her chest, exposing her stomach and lower back completely. She also had on a pair of tight-fitting black short-shorts with a black belt embezzled with clear rhinestones, and knee-high red leather boots. Yuuka couldn’t help but snicker at that, and Preecha flicked an ear.

“Please, now is a time for peace. Let us not fight tonight. There’s been enough fighting lately.” At the pain in his eyes, Yuuka was harshly reminded that the Meaow had lost seven warriors that past month alone. Yuuka shot an icy glare at Akosua, who pinned her ears back and lashed her tail in response.

“It’s about time we got down to business, anyway,” Yahya muttered as he lit a cigarette, placing it between his lips. “Concerning the new alliance and the ultimatums we have to give.”

“Alliance?” Yuuka asked, a bit of shock in her voice. She thought that this might happen. “Have the Kedi and Sanura made an alliance as well?”

“Yes. The two strongest gangs must stick together, after all,” Akosua stated, gooseberry green eyes glinting. Yuuka bristled, and Atsuko gently rubbed her fingers.

“Well then, it should come to no surprise to you that the Koneko and the Meaow have also formed an alliance,” Yuuka stated when she could speak without grinding her teeth.

“Well I’m afraid that doesn’t mean anything,” Akosua replied. “The Sanura-Kedi have an offer for the two of you. There can be no compromises, either all demands are met, or things will get ugly.” Yuuka shifted uncomfortably, Lawan bristled, and Preecha looked more tired than ever. “For the Meaow, you will surrender the remaining half of your Western territory to the Kedi. Your Southern territory will be surrendered to the Sanura. As for the Koneko, Layalle street will be returned to the Sanura. Additionally, to compensate for the death of Chioma, the Northern half of your territory will belong to the Sanura as well. For both of you, you’ll pay dues to the Sanura-Kedi every month in food and money. If you fail to pay, you’ll be invaded and taken over.” Yuuka made a move towards Akosua, but Atsuko stopped her, pulling back on her hand.

“Don’t. It’s not worth it. There has never been bloodshed in the park, and you don’t want to be known as the leader who broke the peace, do you?”

Atsuko had a good point, and Yuuka relaxed, falling back. Before she could say anything, however, Preecha finally looked up.

“I pity you, Akosua. You are young, and don’t yet understand the full consequences of your actions. These words will start a war.”

“Don’t give me that, old man!” Akosua spat. “You’re as naïve as my father.”

“No, I simply have faith in my people, and the people of the Koneko gang.”

“If you were expecting an easy acceptance, you’re about to get a rude awakening,” Yuuka hissed, at both Akosua and Yahya, and Akosua smirked.

“Very well. I see that this isn’t going to be easy…for you, of course. The Sanura will win in the end. The biggest man always wins, after all.” With a flick of her tail, she snapped, “Khamisi!” and the tom ran to her side without hesitation. The two of them disappeared, with Yahya following, and Sevgi trailing behind. Yuuka felt pity for her, having to put up with her brother’s sudden (and often unwise) decisions.

“The biggest man also falls the hardest,” Preecha sighed. Lawan helped him to stand and leave the tree, and finally, Yuuka turned to Atsuko and Hayate.

“So what do you think?” She asked Hayate, who had remained eerily silent throughout the whole ordeal. He sighed heavily, his green eyes clouded with worry and doubt.

“It’s a bit early to declare any kind of war,” Hayate replied quietly. “But I have a feeling that it will definitely come.”

“What are we going to do?” Atsuko murmured to Yuuka, who sighed heavily and looked down.

“I don’t know, Atsuko. I just don’t know.”

Complete

[mr.kingrichard]

Chapter five is now complete.

[mr.kingrichard]

Chapter six
Lovers’ union in the flower garden

Onyekachi was not aware of the turmoil that was brewing between the gangs at the moment, because he had not been present at the leader’s meeting. Instead, he’d chosen to become blissfully unaware, and to visit the extensive flower garden by the pond that the park proudly sported. It may have seemed like a simple, innocent choice at the time, but it was about to change the fates of the Koneko and the Sanura forever.

As he peered over the edge of the rosebush, Onyekachi found himself staring into a pair of odd-colored eyes, one bright green, one dark brown. He yelped in surprise, falling backwards, and the odd-eyed tom laughed. He didn’t look familiar, and Onyekachi could tell that he wasn’t Sanura. What was he? All he knew was that he was very, very handsome.

“Having a bit of trouble, love?” The tom asked, and Onyekachi felt a nervous shiver run down his back. His voice was handsome too. Even so, at his voice Onyekachi could now tell that he was Koneko.

“N-no, I’m fine. I-I don’t n-normally see anyone else i-in the gardens. That’s all.”

“Well, I’m here.” The tom stepped out from behind the bush, offering a hand to Onyekachi. The Mau took his hand, getting to his feet beside him. Although he now knew that the other tom was Koneko, Onyekachi couldn’t shake his attraction to him.

Stupid. You’re stupid, Onyeka. He’s Koneko, you’re Sanura, it wouldn’t work even if you wanted it to. Akosua would tear him to shreds.

“You must be Akosua’s little brother, Onyekachi Ihejirika, isn’t it?” Onyekachi was shocked out of his thoughts by the tom’s words, and he nodded numbly. “It’s funny, you’re not like her at all. Does she hate you as much as she seems to hate everyone else?”

“N-no, s-she doesn’t really hate e-everyone, she j-just…she’s unpredictable, i-is all. A-and she cares f-for me a lot, m-mostly because e-every time s-she tried to have a kit, s-she miscarried o-or the kit d-died.”

“Really? That’s a pity. And, you have a bit of a stutter, are you nervous?”

“Y-yes, I-I’m sorry, o-only when I’m n-nervous,” Onyekachi sputtered, before the tom leaned over, putting a finger on his lips.

“Then say not a word.” And then there was the feeling of warm lips on his, and oh gods they were kissing. It was over in a few seconds, and Onyekachi stood there, too stunned to move. Did that really just happen? Did he just get kissed by that very handsome, suave tom? He felt like fainting from the speed that everything was going at.

“Onyeka!” Onyekachi finally snapped out of his paralysis, looking over in the direction that his name had been called from. It sounded like Akosua, and Onyekachi bit his lip. “Little brother, where are you?”

“That’s Akosua, I’d better go,” Onyekachi whispered. “You should go too, just in case. But before you go, your name?” The tom paused mid-turn, smiling back at Onyekachi. “So I know who to ask for if I have to.”

“Arata Yukimura-Koneko.” And then, the tom was gone just as quickly as he had come.

Onyekachi wore a smile on his face for the rest of his day, and his nervous stutter didn’t return until the next day.

[Unfinished]