~First Encounters~



In his nest that night, Echo closed his eyes and eventually—finally—slid into sleep. The rustling of lush vegetation roused him, and he stretched them open once more. Green grass pricked against his pads. He lifted his head, finding himself standing in the center of a forest clearing. And he was smaller, and…

No! He suppressed the urge to wail out loud. I’ve escaped my past! It was one thing watching it unfurl from a distance, but being plunged back into his former body? My own mind has betrayed me! I’ve escaped this! Why do I have to relive it?

He closed his eyes. I’ve been trapped under a stranger’s pelt.

Some invisible force shoved him into this kitten’s mindset, but he was a stone being forced into a crack the wrong shape.

Before he could cogitate about it any more, an uncontrollable torrent of grief stabbed through his stomach like talons slashing through flesh.

Thoughts raced through his head, scuffling with Echo’s own. Why hasn’t he come back? He knows he’s won by now!

His tiny paws moved quickly and clumsily, thrumming against the grassy floor. Echo was racing away from the clearing and rushing through the sun-dappled forest. Warmth flickered on his back as he darted beneath the dense canopy. He swerved past trees and shrubs, occasionally stopping to scramble his small body over an arching root or shake his pelt when a protruding bramble tugged at his skin.

Bushes might have rustled just behind. Something—soft but a little smaller than he was—barreled into him. Echo was flung from his paws. His breath fleeted like startled prey. He flailed his limbs, but whoever this attacker was didn’t withdraw.

“Surprise!” A squeak was flung into Echo’s ear.

Bramble? But the hope that was igniting in his chest was immediately extinguished. That didn’t sound like Bramble, and he wouldn’t knock me over and scare me like that!

“Get off me!” Echo squealed. The voice that exploded from the kitten’s mouth tore at him, choked him, and for a moment Echo was fighting against the movements his body made. He clamped his mouth shut.

The weight that had pinned the kitten to the ground was lifted. He inhaled a sharp breath of air and was on his paws again. A smaller, fluffier Inferno was crouched in front of him, ear-tufts and eyes bright as the sun hiding just past the trees.

“Sorry!” Inferno’s eyes rounded apologetically. “I just love a good ambush attack! Did I do a good ambush attack? I bet I did! You weren’t even expecting it at all, were you?”

Attack? Did this little kitten want to hurt him? Echo backed away, eyes wide.

Inferno blinked. “I won’t hurt you!” He hung his head. “I was only playing!”

Playing? Bramble never knocked me off my paws with full force and called it playing.

“So…what’s your name?” Inferno prompted. “I’m Inferno!”

“Echo.” Echo cringed again at the foreign voice trickling from his mouth. He held back a shudder.

His own thoughts managed to find their words. This kitten’s meeting someone else, not me.

“Nice name!” Inferno purred. “Whatcha doing anyways?”

Should I really tell him? Mom keeps saying to never trust anyone… Echo looked again at the kitten. He looks friendly…and I think he felt bad that he scared me.

“I ran off because…something happened.”

“What?”

“My…my father disappeared while on patrol. My brother is gone, too. I don’t know where they went. My mom says my brother’s just playing hide-and-seek. It’s his favorite game. If he is, I hope he comes home soon. I’m getting really tired of seeking!”

“I hope he shows up soon!”

“Me too.”

“I have an idea!” Inferno gave another excited bounce. “Since you have no one to hang out with, how about I be your friend while he’s gone?”

“Okay…” Echo let out a tiny purr. I can’t let these problems get in the way, or I’ll just be all alone.

“Of course I don’t mean to replace your brother,” Inferno added. “We can be friends while he’s gone, and when he comes back, we can all be friends!”

“Sure.”

“Yay!” Inferno purred, eyes shining.“Then we can all play hide-and-seek together! And then we can do a bunch of other cool stuff! Let’s go to my family’s den!”

“O—okay.”

“Come on!” Inferno dashed away.

My only choice is to follow…

At last Inferno paused at the entrance of a large cave, meowing, “We’re here!” He dashed inside. “Mom! Dad! I made a new friend!”

Echo sat in front of the gaping mouth of the cave, shifting his weight from paw to paw. But it wasn’t long before two white lights appeared from the darkness.

A cerrien figure stepped into the sunlight, its night-black, misty figure appearing to have materialized from the shadows.



Echo’s head shot up from his nest. He sat up in a heartbeat, twisting around to examine his body.

I’m myself. Everything’s okay. It was just a dream. He closed his eyes with a long exhale. That was years ago. This is now. I’m Echo. I’m me.

That kitten from the past was not him, even if they shared the same name.

Everything’s different now.

Hazy images of Inferno’s kitten-self flickered against his anguish. Was that how we met? He froze. I really don’t know anything, do I? His heart thudded against his chest. I don’t know anything! I hadn't known how Inferno and I met! If I don’t know memories like that, how do I even know myself? How do I—?

Someone was sitting at the entrance to his den.

“Go away!” Echo wailed.

“Ha! I knew you’d act like a frightened mouse!” Feather strode through the entrance. “Because that’s what you are, a mouse.”

That flicker in her eyes...

“Wha—what do you need me for?” Echo’s tail lowered towards the den floor.

Feather took a pace forward. She spoke in a low voice, as though speaking to no cerrien in particular—or a cerrien that wasn’t here. “Forgive me. This is what I must do.”

What is she doing? Echo stepped backwards, nearly tripping over his nest.

“Fintaria cannot allow them.”

Echo arched his back. “Get out!”

“You’re not going to threaten me with a defense like that!” Again that flicker.

“Leave!” Echo squeaked. “What are you trying to do?”

“You’d think you’d understand if I explained?” Feather growled. “No. You’d twist my words. Make something of them that isn’t true.”

“But if you just…” Inferno, this isn’t going to work!

She stared at him for a few more moments. She didn’t draw herself any closer. She simply stared at him, with crystal-like eyes that could tear themselves into cerrien flesh. Her eyes narrowed, then she heaved out a loud breath as though she had become a cerrien twice her age. She gave one flick of her tail. Then she ripped her gaze from his.

Without another word, she spun around and fled.

She’s gone. Echo blinked at the empty space where his mother had planted herself only heartbeats before. Did I ward her off? Or did she ward herself off? What was she even planning on doing? He swallowed. Was she really about to hurt me? Were her claws unsheathed? The events were already swirling together in a big blur.

Echo took a few moments to steady his breath, shuffling to his bottle of anxiety medicine and dribbling a few drops onto the ground for him to lick.

Why can’t I be a good enough son to her? Am I good enough for anyone? He closed his eyes. I don't know anything. Not how Inferno and I met. Not how my time-travel powers work. Not why Feather won't stop acting weird around me! There's so much I don't know! Now my dreams and mind are flinging me back into my past! How did Feather see him? How did Inferno see him? Or Spire? Or anyone?

Do they know the cerrien I'm supposed to be? The cerrien I've been? Am I just watching my life happen, unable to retain anything?

One day, would he forget everything?

Maybe I should visit Inferno and...

No, that would be a horrible idea! He'll probably bring up Feather again. If he finds out she just visited me, he’ll immediately want to hunt her down!

“You don’t have to tell him about it, you know.”

Echo jumped. Who was that?

There was a strange voice swirling in his ears, a male cerrien's. There was a silkiness to it, yet with an edge—like claws scraping against stone. “Me? I’ve visited you in your dreams before, remember?”

Echo’s fur bristled. The shadowy cerrien? He whipped around, expecting to see it behind him, staring at him with that eerily blank stare, but the clearing was empty. The trees and shrubs were undisturbed.

“If that’s what you want to call me.” A purr rumbled, as clear as though a cerrien was speaking right in his ear. “You’ve seen me before, remember? Though you can’t see me now.”

Are you able to read my thoughts? Where are you? Who are you?

“I’m in your mind, of course! It’s called mind-wandering.”

Echo shook his head like he was trying to empty water from his eyes. I really am going insane, aren’t I?

“I wouldn’t say that! This is normal, you know.”

Cerriens can’t just enter the minds of others like it’s some physical space you can go to!

“Well, I can, so…I don’t know what to tell you.”

Who are you? Are you a ghost? Why do you look so strange?

“No.” The voice paused. "Sorry for the disappointment, if you were hoping you were the Spirit-Watcher.”

Echo exhaled a breath of relief. You’re not a ghost? Thank Fintaria!

"Really? I thought you’d be disappointed. Everyone loves the Spirit-Watcher. Anyway, I’m called a Mind-Wanderer. I inhabit a different land. And how rude of you to criticize my appearance! Of course you wouldn’t be able to see me if I’m in your mind and not in front of you! It’s convenient, right? Now we can talk without anything awkward from other cerriens. Only you can hear me. It’s a lot to take in, I know, but I promise I'm a friend! I’m sorry I waited until now to introduce myself. I—”

A chill passed down Echo's spine. Why are you here? Why are you able to just climb inside my head and read my thoughts?

“Don’t be afraid. I can’t hurt you—nor would I.”

Get out of my head!

Blackened mist rose from the earth, blurry and inconsistent. Echo backed away as this Mind-Wanderer revealed itself before him, its glowing white eyes fixed steadily at him.

“What—?”

As quick as it had come, the Mind-Wanderer began to fade, its body evaporating into the air like mist. Echo skirted the blurry black cloud and bounded from his den. His paws thundered against the leaf-strewn forest floor. I need to get out of here!

“Why are you running?”

Echo skidded to a halt, nearly crashing straight into a swath of brambles. Why are you haunting me?

“I already said I’m not a ghost! I know you’re scared, and I get it. I’m frightening, and this whole power stuff seems confusing and off-putting, but I really would appreciate it if you let me stick around. I think we could become great friends!”

But what are you?

“A Mind-Wanderer!”

But what is that? Where do you come from?

“I'm a Mind-Wanderer: I wander into minds. I come from land beyond Fintaria.”

Beyond? There’s a beyond? How did you get here?

“That’s another one of my special abilities. I can teleport from my home to here!”

Was this some sort of cerrien kittens learned in school? Another thing Echo couldn't remember? Then why don’t you teleport out of my head and leave me alone? There are plenty of other cerriens here. Be friends with them instead!

“But I see something in you, Echo. You fascinate me. You’ve been through so much in such a short time—yet you keep going. It’s very brave of you.”

Echo twitched. Brave? I’m not brave! I can hardly look my own mother in the face without shrinking away!

“Well, that friend you have—the one that’s so eager to give your mother her demise—he’s right about some things, you know.”

So you’ve been spying on me?

“But am I wrong?”

Echo suppressed a long sigh. I guess not. He’s too eager. He’s gonna get himself hurt! His claws curled as he realized too late that this Mind-Wanderer had successfully led him into a conversation.

“It’s not fair. You shouldn’t have so much on your shoulders. Does your friend even realize the kind of stress you’re under?”

Of course he does. That’s the whole reason he wants to confront Feather!

“Are you sure about that? Are you sure he doesn’t just see this as a fun adventure?”

He’s not stupid!

“Of course he isn’t, but he doesn’t know what it’s like. He’s never walked in your pawsteps.”

Echo shook his head. What am I doing—talking to some random stranger with weird magic? Go away! Go away and never come back!

“But I know you struggle with those time-travel powers. I can help you with that. We Mind-Wanderers have a special connection to your kind of time-traveling. How do you think I’m able to follow you in the past? I can manipulate where you go for you.”

I don’t care!

“Don’t you? You clearly hate your powers—and they make Feather so upset, too. Not to mention you're clearing have some trouble recalling events from your past. Come on! Would you really pass up such a great opportunity? I promise you wouldn’t be making a mistake!”

I prefer to keep most of my past hidden, thank you very much! Like some magic cerrien from who-knows-where can just show up and solve all my problems!

“Most of it? Really?" The voice's edge sharpened. "You really have no idea how your powers work. How can you say for sure that I’m not being genuine?" The Mind-Wanderer took in a deep breath, his voice relaxing once more. "I promise that I mean this with the best intentions. You know what? How about I prove it to you now. Where do you want to go?”

Nowhere! Go away!

“That’s too bad, because I’m not giving you a choice until you see how great this can be for you!”

Before Echo could argue, the ground crumbled and collapsed beneath his paws. He flailed desperately, letting out a wail of terror.

Take me back!

“It’s took late now, but I promise it’s okay!” The voice was hardly audible over the roaring of blood in Echo’s ears.

Echo opened his mouth for another stinging rebuke, but closed it again. There’s apparently nothing that’s going to change his mind.

Birds chirped. Leaves rustled.

“Okay. Open your eyes.”

Tentatively, he peeped at his surroundings.

He was in a spring forest clearing, full of blossoms and teeming with life. Birds fluttered from tree to tree. Squirrels chattered and nibbled seeds on the massive tree roots that snaked out in many directions. Grass swayed to the gentle whispering of a summer breeze, though Echo's pelt remained still.

Have I been here before?

The Mind-Wanderer sat at his side. His pitch-black form was a stain against the bright green atmosphere, the edges of his body lapping the air around them.

“Where are we?” Echo’s whole body clenched.

“Don’t you recognize it? This is Moorest’s territory from many, many years ago. See the Leaders’ Mound?”

Echo straightened and, gazing across the branches, spotted the base of the massive rock mound stretching as tall as the trees surrounding it.

“You thought I’d take you somewhere scary, didn’t you?”

Echo unsheathed his claws, sighing when they couldn't dig themselves into the ground. “You can take me home now. You’ve made your point.”

“Okay, fine.”

Echo closed his eyes and awaited for the falling sensation. A fresh breath was released when he felt solid ground and grass beneath his paws once more.

“See, I told you I can do it!” The voice—in Echo’s mind again—purred. “Although, I can’t control your powers at full capacity yet. After a while of us hanging out, then you’ll have to make a promise that allows for that, but I’ll get into the details once the time is right for that. We’d have to wait a bit and get well-acquainted before that can be considered. Can you trust me now?”

Okay, so it was kind of incredible that something like this exists, but surely this was too good to be true? It was just like how he’d explained to his friends: they couldn’t hope a Spirit-Watcher could come out of nowhere, so why would it be the same with Echo’s time-traveling powers? Not to mention that this cerrien could read all of his thoughts! Sure…

“You don’t sound very enthusiastic.”

Why should I be? You’re this mysterious stranger that has magical powers and can go inside my head to read all my thoughts! Doesn’t that sound at least a little terrifying?

“But I didn’t come here to invade your privacy! Wouldn’t it be nice to have a friend that can fully understand your struggles?”

Echo bristled. You’re not me.

“But I know what’s like to feel alone.”

Who said I felt alone?

“But you feel isolated, right? You don’t know any cerrien with powers like yours, or any cerrien that has to deal with a mother like Feather.”

Was there any point in denying it? I guess…

"Not to mention how you just panicked because you think you don't know who you are!"

That's not it at all!

"But you're worried about how other cerriens perceive you. Tell me, Echo. Could a cerrien capable of reading your thoughts really be able to perceive you as anything but yourself? Better yet, I could help you become even more like yourself, without whatever unwanted thoughts muddle your head! So, what do you say?"

Echo’s tail swished. Perhaps a friend like that really would be a good idea...

“So can we be friends…?”

Okay. We can try.