It began in the waining years of the rein of Empress Caboodle the Brown. First to arrive was the rambunctious young Jester, Jaguar. Originally short of tail, and long of mischief his tail began to grow, as did his mischief. Later, as others of light colour passed, came the Twins: the always worried Imperial Guard, and self proclaimed Ninja, Dusk, whose speed and agility were renowned (and often no
t seen,other than as a blur), and his outgoing and friendly sister Dawn, the High Priestess of Snarf, whose talent in being able to make an imperial banquet disappear in record time is almost second to none. And so it was with the passing of the ancient empress, that cat ts of colour faded into history. Not colour, for it was now into the Dark Ages, and all was well with that. No, there was truly no one of proper imperial stature, or patience to take on the now empty throne and provide the guidance and rule the only comes from a true empress, or emperor. Certainly, Jaguar the Jester wanted to rule, and had age on his side, but despite his attempts to usurp control, even in the days of the old Empress, it was clear he held no sway over others, except for his friendship with Dusk, the Guard. Dawn held no interest in the empty throne - she had inherited the only thing beyond food that was of interest to her first rights to Caregiver's lap something she would jealously guard against all comers (unless treats were being had, of course) provided she was quick enough. And finally the Imperial Guard, Dusk. Having the most imperial nature, he was most likely to ascend the throne, yet his cautious and nervous nature kept him from being able to lead as an Emperor must. It was into this that one day the Archduchess Twilight arrived. Though with her came the great plague. The sickness swept throughout the land and with much sadness she was lost to it as quickly as she had come. The others battled through, and were able to get well in time. In the passing of the Archduchess, the entire empire was scoured and scrubbed to where our characters wondered I'd they, too, would face the dreaded water torture known as the bath! But much to everyones relief, it was not needed. Left as only three, again, the empire was quiet, but something was missing - it was too quiet. Little did they know that great changes were afoot, and a quest for a new dark princess was about to yield some unexpected results...
The caregivers began searching and as they traveled, one found a fluffy dark princess, forgotten in the North, waiting for a second chance. She had waited patiently for almost 5 years, while other cats of colour received that most wonderful gift of a home, for dark princes and princesses are seldom seen for what they are - the truest essence of love, and welcomed to a home. Word was taken back to the empire, that here might be the new princess that was needed, but she had suffered an ear problem, and her doctors said she would not be able to travel South for some time. So it was that the Lady Cinders remained, living her days in a cage, and only getting to look out the few windows when it was her turn through the crowd. She dreamed of the home that always seemed to go to the cats of colour, of the luxury of a lap to curl up on, and a window she could look through for more than a brief moment...
The caregivers continued on their quest, the search taking them to all points of the compass. Finally, an expedition was mounted to the West, and there, was found the shy young princess Midnight. Fluffy of tail, and silky of fur. There she waited, fur after many trials and tribulations to where she was not even considered sociable enough to have a home. When she was barely old enough to be on her own, little Midnight found herself living in poverty on the streets, learning quickly how to steal food away from those much bigger, by using her wits, incredible speed, and agility, when the great storm came. Being not much more than a baby, she needed everything she had in the way of street smarts to survive. The ice was too much for many, and almost too much for her. Somehow she persevered with just the tip of an ear showing how close fate came to claiming her, too. It was in this state she was caught by those who humanely help furry ones in need. She lived then in a cage for months until someone took her home. But it was only a temporary home, not the real home she has heard magical tales of from other cats on the street. She was alone, and scared so she hid, and would not come out. She was caught again and taken back to the cage, where she was called not suitable for homes. Between that and her colour she seemed doomed to a life in a cage. It was in this situation that the caregivers found her. To them, her colour was perfect, and having dealt with many new cats in the empire over the years, they were not afraid of her lack of social skills. And so, much to her surprise and fright, she found herself tucked into a smaller cage with a handle on it, and began the trip back to the Empire. Upon her arrival, her fear won out and again she went into hiding. The caregivers tried to coax her out, but she was too afraid. Still there was food always where she could eat into when things were quiet and dark, and fresh water close by, and all the other things one needs were within close reach. And there was something else here, or perhaps I should say some ONE or two, or... Midnight found she was not alone...
There were other cats of true dark colour, here! Slowly at first, always right at the stroke of her namesake, she began to explore. It was on one of these first expeditions that she found the Toy Box. For a young cat, barely past early kittenhood, who had never had the opportunity to play, this was almost too much. She only took out a couple of toys - in case the real owner got upset, but she NEEDED to play. What a wonderful thing that was. Each night she explored more, but always there was the Toy Box and the fun it brought. While prowling and playing, she got to know the others in the house, and that she could chase and play, and be a kitten! Until, one night she finally ventured into the sleeping room of the caretakers, and discovered the toe-mice. They were great fun to sink her claws and teeth into, but the caretakers seemed very upset and wanted to protect them she, so she learned only a fat pouncing speak attack would work. Until, that is, she found the caregivers started providing pillows for the toe mice to hide under. Oh well, back to the Toy Box. Suddenly, word arrived from the North that princess Cinders was finally well enough to travel, and were the caretakers still interested in giving her a home? With Princess Midnight still hiding throughout the day and attacking the caregiver's toes throughout the night, the expedition was quickly mounted,
And so it was that Lady Cinders received the gift she had dreamed of for years, came to join the Empire and have a home of her own. Quickly, the new girls found each other, and realized how much fun it could be chasing one another throughout the empire. In no time, Lady Midnight abandoned her hiding and with a happy call of "Ratnik" laid her claim as a full member of the Empire. And so it is, we join our characters as the new members settle in, and the everyone finds their way through the Empire of Dark...
