Crystalia: The Tail of Two Ribbons
Crystalia sits on the edge of a rock overhanging the lake. It is one of her favorite times of the year. The snow is melting leaving only the occasional patches of snow within the green grass of the mountain range. In her lap lies one of her most distinguishing features: her snow leopard tail; an oversized plush tail thick, heavy, and patterned with dark gray rosettes. She has one hand on her tail sinking into the plush softness. Her other hand reaches up to her long silver hair running her fingers through the silky natural layering. A bittersweet smile forms as her fingers touch a long thin red ribbon reminding her of her sisters Ayla and Riselia. Like many snow leopard cubs they stayed close to their mother running, playing, and pouncing on each other. There were many nights their mother would have to tell them it was bedtime and playtime was over. She was never upset, evident by the content smile on her face as she watched her three daughters. Deeply bonded, the sisters were inseparable through their teen years. Crystalia started to notice small changes at first, one or both of her sisters would go out on their own. It was never long though there was a small feeling of emptiness she would have until Riselia or Ayla would come home and they were all together again. Over time these solo outings would become more often. When they reached adulthood her sisters were ready to go out on their own making their own lives. Crystalia did not understand the attraction of going out on their own when they had everything they needed here. She tried to follow Ayla then Riselia and both in the most gentle way guided Crystalia to finding her own path. Not wanting to be far from her sisters she located herself between the place where her sisters had settled. To the east was Ayla. To the west was Riselia. Her home was close to the meadow they all loved to play in as leopard cubs. One day while Crystalia was walking through the meadow reminiscing over the time she spent with her sisters there in one of the places they would call the safe spot when they would play tag there was a large boulder but there was more on top of the boulder there was a stone there and under it was a sheet of paper slightly damp with the moisture in the air. Written on it was a short note from Riselia outlining what she had been doing in her new life and below that a line saying she had not forgotten her sisters and she still loved them dearly. The note was signed with her name and below that a paw print in the shape of a heart. Crystalia hugged the note close to her chest with a happy tear forming in one eye. She then spotted the long red thin ribbon that must have been under the note; it was one of the same ones they had as little leopard cubs. Crystalia attached the ribbon below her wide rounded leopard ear that contrasted beautifully with the muted gray and dark rosettes that patterned her ears. As Crystalia walked to the lake she kept putting her hand to the ribbon with a warm smile on her face though she was alone, she was not forgotten. Crystalia found herself walking past the boulder not long after the first note was found there was another one from Ayla much the same sentiment as Riselia, what she had been doing wishing Crystalia well, letting her know that she should go find what makes her happy. Most surprisingly was another thin red ribbon of Ayla's. How could she have come up with the same idea to show their bond but then while attaching it below her other leopard ear she smiles knowing we are sisters of course she would think the same even though the distance the bond is not broken. Crystalia saw the note she left for Riselia still there under another stone still not picked up but at the bottom of it Ayla added her own postscript See, you could not leave our sweet Crystalia alone either was the same heart-shaped pawprint they used as cubs. Crystalia smiles to herself as the sounds of the melting snow running into the lake bring her back from her memories to the lake. She lowers her hand from one of the ribbons that symbolize the bond and closeness she has with her sisters. She knows she is not like other snow leopards that are content being on their own. Crystalia craves connection, warmth, and family. The warmth she craves is not just emotional but physical. She enjoys the warm weather and longs to walk along a sandy beach barefoot feeling the surf on her feet. She has seen photos in books and daydreams of finding these beautiful places. There is a shimmer or more a feeling in the air like the wind was gone just for a few seconds and then there is a voice behind her. It startles her to hear a friendly greeting from a voice she has not heard before and surprised she did not hear it sooner. She is normally very aware and sneaking up on a snow leopard is not an easy task. Crystalia turns to see a cat girl she has not seen before. She is tall, slender with long flowing mint green hair that compliments her mint green eyes. She introduces herself as Minthia and asks if she would mind having some company sharing the view of the mountain range and lake. Crystalia knows she just met her though her intuition says there is nothing but good in this cat girl as she nods and pats the spot next to her saying sit here it is a beautiful view I love this spot and come here most every day. At first they just sat in silence neither saying a word. Minthia breaks the silence commenting on how beautiful the view here as her own hair is flowing back in a gentle cool breeze though the sun shining down on them she can only feel the warmth around her. When Crystalia agrees pushing back one of the ribbons that blew forward Minthia comments on how pretty the ribbons are in her hair. Crystalia thanks her saying they were gifts from my sisters. Minthia asks if her sisters are close by. Crystalia with a warm smile says we rarely see each other anymore but we are close here. Crystalia looking at Minthia warmly, "Sorry, I must apologize. You gave me your name and I have not shared mine with you. I am Crystalia. You are so pretty. I don't think I've seen you before. Do you come from far away? Minthia looks thoughtful before answering the question. It depends on your definition of "far away" but I do come from another place, which you've already figured out. I travel around to different areas. You could say I'm a bit of an explorer. I like to check out new areas and see what they offer. This mountain view was so beautiful so I had to stop by but I've seen many other areas. I've seen deserts. I've seen jungles. I've seen the outback. Crystalia answers back to Minthia. That sounds so fun and interesting. I'd love to see different areas and meet more new people. Minty immediately picks up on Crystalia's interest in exploring. She looks up at Crystalia's face. You seem happy and content but I feel like there's something missing in your life. Is there something you'd like to do or see? Crystalia responds to Minthia. I'm not sure how much you know about snow leopards, but once we reach a certain age it's like we're genetically wired to go out on our own; however, I never had that. I crave to be with other people and enjoy the companionship. Though I'm overall happy I feel like there's more out there. Minty is quiet, thinking before she speaks. Minthia asked Crystalia if there was a place she could go that had all that. Is that something that would be of interest to you? Crystalia thinks about the question being asked of her and she takes this as one of those hypothetical questions. When she does respond she says, "I'd love to see new areas, new places. I've seen pictures of the beach. I want to walk along the beach one day." My fondest memories come from the time I spent with my sisters growing up. They have moved on with their lives. Though I have everything I need here, I must say I feel like there is a quiet emptiness that I don't know how to fill. So yes, if there was a place like this and it was real, I would be interested. Minty, even though she just met Crystalia, feels drawn to her. There's a warming presence about her. She reaches over and puts her hand over Crystalia's. What if I told you there is a place like this place with other Kemonomimi like you and me, where they all live together? If you're truly interested I could take you there but the choice has to be yours. Minthia goes on to tell her about Whiskers Haven Kemonomimi foster home and all the types of Kemonomimi there, including dog girls, cat girls, skunk girls, mice, bunnies, and wolves. They all live in harmony. There is one male. He is the founder of the Kemonomimi foster home. His name is Neko. I think you'll like him. Minty says this is a big decision. We should not take it lightly. I plan on being here again tomorrow. If you want to go home and think about it, meet me back here tomorrow and I can take you if that's what you truly want. There is one thing I need to caution you about. Whiskers Haven is not just far away. It is another world entirely. I'm not sure when you would ever be able to come back and visit. Crystalia thanks Minthia. It sounds like a wonderful opportunity but I'll take your advice and sleep on it and meet you back here tomorrow with my answer. Crystalia goes home, cooks dinner, and the offer is up front in her mind. It sounds like a wonderful opportunity. This is the only place she's ever known her whole life. She would have to leave behind her mother and her sisters though they've gone on with their lives already. What does she tell them? How does she tell them? When she finally drifts off to sleep she has most wonderful dreams of her walking down the beach. She has her red ribbons in her hair and as she reaches up to them she remembers each of her sisters. The dream takes on a surreal moment where it's almost like the ribbons are speaking to her as her sisters. "What are you waiting for Sweet Crystalia? You know this is what you want. This is the family you desire and you deserve. Go with your heart. Go with Minthia. We will always be sisters and will always be with you no matter what the distance is." When Crystalia wakes up she can barely remember her dream but she knew it was pleasant and she knows what her decision is and what it always was, as she writes on a sheet of paper, tucking it into her pocket, packing up a few belongings, and heading down to the meadow. When she gets to her favorite spot in the meadow, she sits on the giant rock over the lake, taking in the view for one last time, in her memories she can see her sisters sitting on each side of her, giving her knowing smiles and nodding their heads. There was that gentle break in the wind again and then there was Minthia. As she approached Crystalia, she did not even have to ask the question again. The small packed bag was answer enough. Minthia asked anyway. Are you sure you want to go to Whiskers' Haven? I will take you there now if that's what you choose. Crystalia's mind shifts to the boulder with the rock on top of it, where she left a note for her sisters letting them know that she found what she's always desired and she's going to make her own life there. She will miss them and she loves them. If you see Mother, thank her and tell her I love her too. Crystalia then picks up her small bag and says, "I'm ready." There is a small shimmer in the air for a moment, it seems like there's no breeze or wind at all when the portal appears and Minthia takes Crystalia's hand and they walk through the portal together to Whiskers' Haven.