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“Angel,” a soft voice whispered. “Angel, are you awake?”
You blink sleepily as you register what is going on. You barely have your eyes open and you already recognize who's there.
“Pixel, go back to sleep,” you mew back, batting the smaller white cat softly on the nose. He squeaks indignantly, recoiling from the touch. Perhaps you're a bit too heavy-pawed when you're tired. “We have a big day tomorrow. You wouldn't want to be falling asleep during Plush's big speech, now would you?“
Pixel simply huffed in response. ”I know, I know! But I have something important to ask you!“ Pixel was whisper-yelling in your face. Something important, he says? You start to blush, thinking of all the possibilities.
”Well, as long as you go back to sleep, I suppose it can't hurt,“ you mewl. ”Go on, hit me with it.“
”Angel...” Pixel starts. He averts his eyes, seemingly embarrassed. Your curiosity piques. “I... well....”
You can barely contain yourself. “Go on...” you urge.
“I want to know the history of Half-Moon Island.”
Your eyes widen, mouth agape. That wasn't what you were expecting whatsoever. ”What?!“ you say loudly. You cringe at the echo, hoping you didn't wake anyone else up.
“When those newcomers came through, they said they were going to look for the Life Cats. I don't know what that is.” Pixel started. “And I realized how little I really know about this place. I spend all my time distracting myself from the outside world, but I felt so, so stupid right then. So I want to know, so I won't feel stupid again.”
You take a sharp inhale. “Well, for one, you aren't stupid. Ignorant and clumsy, yes, but there's no need to insult your intelligence,“ you say a little quieter this time. Fully awake now, you stretch your back. The bell on your collar jingles, and you cringe once more.
”The history of this island isn't very complicated at all,“ you mew. ”But I would say that it is quite shameful, especially as a Manmade Cat myself.“
Pixel tilts his head at your statement. You wrap your tail around yourself, shifting your paws uncomfortably.
”In the... recent past,“ you stutter. You aren't quite sure how to word this. ”The leading representative group of the Manmade Cats had come to a... decision, regarding the other factions.“
You stare right through Pixel as you remember. It was a cool, sunny day. The last time you would ever visit the City. As the representative of the Computer Branch of the Manmade Cats, you were required to attend meetings. You'd always found them quite boring.
You barely register Pixel asking more and more questions as you snap back to reality. Perhaps you would inform him of your role in this another time. But at the very least, he deserves to know the truth.
”You see, the Manmade Cats, as a faction, began within the City. According to their written records, at least,“ you try not to scoff. ”They had grown quite possesive of it as well, and had finally gathered enough backing to drive the Life Cats from the City. At least, that's what they say. In reality, they had driven the Life Cats out of most of Half-Moon Island's mainland, even though there easily would've been enough to go around sans the City.“
Pixel stares at you in shock. You decide you'd best keep going before he bombards you with questions.
”Naturally, they had cut all contact with the Life Cats after this decision was made, and the sightings of Life Cats began to dwindle day after day. In modern times, the existence of Life Cats has even began to go into question. Many will try to deny that they ever existed, but the truth is simply that they did once exist, but we have no idea of their whereabouts or wellbeing.”
Pixel stares at the ground for a moment, processing the word vomit you've induced on him. After a while, he looks back up at you.
“So... all the Life Cats are dead?” he whispers. His voice is hoarse and silent, as if he's afraid to even ask the question. You look at him sadly.
”We don't know. It is very possible they've died out, but it is just as likely they've found refuge somewhere the Manmade Cats cannot easily access. It is also possible they've taken refuge, or even merged with the Earth Cats' faction. They've always been very similar; Death and Fire Cat have always supported equality within the factions.“
Pixel seems to contemplate this for a long time, before simply laying back down. You stare anxiously at him, hoping for some sort of response; was he even listening?
”Wow,“ he murmurs, barely loud enough to hear. ”I never knew all of this.“
”I'm not surprised. The Manmade Cats' faction has a tendency not to spill their secrets.”
Pixel looks up at you, his big, round eyes seeming perplexed. “I though we all got along just fine, though?”
You lay down beside him. “I'm not surprised that you held that belief; all three of the factions loved to pretend nothing was ever wrong. There is brutality everywhere, though, if you know where to look. Sometimes it simply hides in plain sight, wrapped up all nice with a little bow on top so you don't have to perceive the horrors,” you scoff.
The two of you sit in silence a little while longer. Gradually, you feel Pixel shift his weight; soon enough he may as well be laying on top of you. His brows furrow in his sleep, troubled. You can't help but feel a little sorry for him.
“I know,” you mewl. “Ignorance truly is bliss. But you deserve to know.” Somehow, you feel the cool, crisp City wind ruffle your fur. You try not to shiver. “I'm sure the travelers will bring back the Life Cats. They have to.”
You can't help but yawn. Perhaps you should go back to sleep; you'll be sure to apologize to Plush in the morning after his speech. You steal one last glace at Pixel.
“Good night, Pixel.”
You steal one last glance up into the ceiling.
”And rest well, travelers.“