Heart of Glass

Strong Hearts Are Mandatory: Heart of Glass is the first book of the Mandatory Series and of The Classics Arc. The book switches between the perspective of The Jester, Radio, Studio, and Video. It's available for purchase on both Amazon[1] and Barnes and Noble[2] It was released on April 11, 2016

## The Story

***(Anything after this point contains spoilers!)***

### Prologue

The book begins with a recording explaining Media's origins and the overthrow of magic.

Suddenly the recording is cut off as the tape is destroyed. The culprit is a spider monkey, known as Curiosity, who then proceeds to listen to the tape's contents using cyan threads before leaving the room.

Curiosity moves through the castle and proceeds to hide from an unnamed she-cat before confronting a marmoset jester, who is known as Inquisitive. After questioning Inquisitive, Curiosity kills him then assuming a dark and spindly jester's outfit.

Curiosity blows open a twin set of tall doors leading to the castle's thrown room with cyan magic being accompanied by his cube.

The sound from the explosion awakes the occupants of the castle, but they are powerless to stop Curiosity from confronting the occupant of the throne room, being held back by a wall of plasma.

The monkey taunts the occupant, a giant crowned cheetah who is King Capital. Capital lunges at the primate and the monkey responds by slamming the same cube onto the cat's head, causing an explosion. An unnamed character calls out to Curiosity, referring to them as "Jester". To which Curiosity snarls and dissipates the magic barrier holding the bystanders back, causing them to be flung away by an explosion.

Inside the throne room, a crystal heart emerges from the smoke. Intrigued by it, Curiosity goes to touch it only for the heart to have an adverse reaction on them. The heart splits Curiosity's hand into shadow. After forming it back to it's shape, Curiosity shouts and proceeds to shatter the heart.

After this, a bird announces to all of the citizen's of Media that Capital had been taken away by Curiosity. The chapter ends with a snowshoe cat, known as Radio, who is still unaware of the situation that has unfolded.

### Chapter 1 - Communication

Radio wakes up from a solid night of sleep from her windowsill to the sound of a commotion outside. Radio wonders what the noise could mean, then admires her silver and sapphire collar. Then, three servants; Stella, Hana and Leil, burst into the room and explain the situation to Radio. Hana explains that King Capital had vanished in the night. Leil elaborates, stating that a mage was the one behind the disappearance. Radio asks what this has to do with her. Leil states that they had first contacted Frequency, Radio's sister, but says that Frequency had no interest in accepting the Council's request. The job then passes on to the youngest member of the household which would be Radio.

Stella clips the collar around Radio's neck and tells her that she must go to the Capital City immediately to meet with the Council and be further briefed there. Radio is lead to a carriage, which is driven by a serval named Oscillation. Radio gets into the carriage and waves goodbye to her servants.

As the carriage pulls towards the Capital, Radio spies some documents laying beside her. She begins to peruse them, but quickly gives up interest after reading through a couple pages. Radio decides to catch up on sleep and is about to do so before spotting the drone, Chainsaw. Radio comments about it's odd appearance and falls asleep shortly after.

Radio wakes up as the carriage pulls into the Capital. When they arrive at the Capital she sees a ferret. Radio gets out of the carriage (with some hesitation) and greets the ferret. The ferret leads Radio through the ornately furnished castle to an office. The ferret introduces Radio to Enterprise. Enterprise expresses that he was supposed to be meeting Frequency but Radio snaps at him, explaining the situation to him.

Enterprise leads Radio further into the castle. She inquires him about the files stating that she didn't have time to delve into them, asking if Enterprise had copies of the files. A voice startles her and Radio turns around to meet Pictures. Radio takes in his appearance, especially his multi-colored blue and yellow eyes. Pictures states that he is from Clowder City and works as a monitor. Radio introduces herself to Pictures, who soothes her about her lack of information on the mission.

Pictures, much to Radio's chagrin (and amusement) begins to antagonize Enterprise. Enterprise replies back which only further encourages Pictures. The ferret approaches Radio and leads her away from the two. Radio asks for the ferret's name, who says it's Mabel.

Mabel leads Radio to a drawing room. Radio notes the large fireplace, which seems to be the central focus of the room. Pictures enters the room and apologizes to Radio, saying he can transfer his files to her. Radio and Pictures discuss the infiltration of the mage when Mabel announces the arrival of their third companion.

Video then enters the room and Radio takes immediate note of the size of her. Video greets Radio and Radio tentatively responds. Video then addresses Pictures, stating that the team will be able to complete the mission. Pictures then asks about Video's relation to Signal, her father, who was solely responsible for the take down of the mage, Phantascope. Video confirms his question, stating that she wasn't necessarily trained in combat against magic. Pictures apologizes to Video, but Radio notes that it might as well have been an insult.

A voice addresses the three, it's owner belonging to a monitor named Tape. Tape's sister, Recorder, walks over to them, introducing herself and her brother to the three. Radio introduces her companions to the two monitors, who lead them into the surveillance room so they can start their mission.

### Chapter 2 - Understanding

Tape and Recorder lead the three into the surveillance room. Radio wonders why there are so many cats, and thinks about how her aunt, The Studio Star, built a city to exclusively house domestic felines. A bird flutters onto one of the cat's heads and Radio laughs, until Recorder introduces the bird as Sensor. Recorder then introduces Widget who nervously greets them before retreating from the room.

Recorder explains that the surveillance room is where the team will be tracking the chosen three. Recorder shows the three a picture of the Jester, and then shows them their objective, the crystal heart. Tape explains that when the Jester shattered the object, the heart's power was released, spreading the fragments far into Media's wilderness. He then states that the Jester wrote in the written language of cats. Radio is the only one to show shock, as Pictures shows irritation and Video shows slight interest.

A calico she-cat explains that the Jester shape shifted to escape from the castle. She then says the Jesters states it wanted the youngest courier, monitor and noble to return the shards back to their normal state and restore the king. She then states that Frequency was the only one to turn up in their files, until her supervisor, Film, did a manual search. The she-cat then introduces herself as Cassette.

Tape and Sensor then attach small chips in the inside of the three's ears. Tape and Recorder then take them through the castle and Capital towards where the first shard had landed, not far beyond the Capital's walls.

They then come across the first shard of the heart. Video takes the shard from the earth, which startles Recorder, who says that anyone who touched it received severe burns as punishment. Tape then follows up, saying that they were the right ones chosen by the Jester. Video hands the shard to Pictures, who then passes it to Radio, who receives it with apprehension. Without thinking, Radio hands the shard to Tape, who reacts negatively upon coming in contact with it.

Tape and Recorder say farewell to the three, wishing them good luck. With that, the three begin their journey to collect the shards.

### Chapter 3 - Rashness

After travelling for the entire day, Video allows the team to rest. While they slept, the Jester dangles an unnamed mouse over a writhing pile of possessed rats. Though the mouse begs for mercy, he is dropped into the pit and brutally murdered.

The next day, Radio tries to play a counting game by counting two things she sees (including butterflies and her companions). Video does not take this well and scolds her. Despite the fact that Pictures tries to get her to rest, Video insists that the objective comes first and that the kingdom is crumbling. After this exchange, the trio begins hunting (which contradicts Video's previous objections to taking any breaks). Radio learns how to pounce on her prey from Pictures. Tape and Recorder contact the team and reveal the location of the next glass shard; it is near a small critter village to the east. Before they can get there, the Jester attacks them and startles Radio. After Video defeats him, the citizens of the village cheer her on. The stoat leader, Faith, takes them aside and explains the story of The Guardians, who were the rats from the night before.

According to Faith, the Jester posed as a new recruit for the unit and successfully befriended the other soldiers. However, he created fake stories to cause them to become angry at each other. The soldiers began to disappear, and the last known unit that was sent to search for them decided to go separate ways and vanished shortly afterwards. When Faith confronted the recruit about the matter, he transformed into the Jester and said it was the fault of the Guardian rats for being so bitter. The village was left defenseless against him ever since.

When Video asks about any glowing objects, Faith says a sparrow found one in a cave while scouting for the missing rats. Pictures convinces the trio to look for it during that night, as opposed to the next day. Tape and Recorder contact them and reveal that the next shard is near a street by the Ruined City. After obtaining the shard, Video asks to be taken to the caverns, where the Guardian Rats are currently located.

While they are at the cavern, the Jester appears. He tries to kill Video by dropping her into the pit, but she survives and defeats all of the rats. Video still shows no desire to rest, even though she fought off a mage and multiple conjoined rats. They continue on to the Ruined City, where Radio hopes less blood will be shed.

Meanwhile, in Clowder City, Studio announces the Fourth Annual Aureate Festival. Before she can finish, the Jester appears above her. He addresses her in the presence of one of the drones belonging to Signal, and he disappears before Studio can fight him. She asks Screen, her assistant, to write a letter to Film. Written inside is a plea for more surveillance, to make sure there are none are being wrongfully convicted by Signal or any of the monitors for treachery, and to find if there are any traitors in the Department of Communications (since the Jester said something documented in private reports that he could not have obtained).

### Chapter 4 - Integrity

The three stop to rest right before dawn, and as Video sleeps after the exhausting battle, the travelers get a decent amount of sleep and carry on well. Video walks with barely a limp.

At the beginning of the chapter, Radio is trying to practice her hunting skills on Video, pouncing on her tail. Video rolls her eyes, but waves her tail a little as she might have done for a kitten. Radio is still determined to catch the tail, though. Pictures asks the small cat what is she going to do with her prey, as it is twice her own size, and begins to stalk, too. Radio mumbles that this is a future consequence which she doesn't have to worry about at this moment, but grins, hearing the playful tone in her companion's voice.

Radio tries to grip Video's fur with her paw pads, but couldn't do it no matter what, and then starts leaping on the giant tail with her claws extended. Pictures says that this isn't a good idea and frowns, then hears the sound of skin breaking under Radio's claws. The little noble starts apologizing to Video, but when she glares at her, Radio starts running away.

Pictures tries to stop her, but the cat keeps running. Suddenly, Radio stops, feeling the heat coming from the forest she stumbled upon. She decides to explore it a bit, knowing it is her last chance to do it, as they reached the corner of the overgrown territory. Radio is amazed and she thinks the forest looks more like the jungle than a place found in Media.

The noble realizes that the other two have caught up to her only when Pictures speaks, asking if she had ever traveled this far before. Radio says that she hadn't been this close to the overgrown forest since her last open carriage ride to Clowder City with her parents however it wasn't as she remembered.

Pictures confirms that the forest had been growing more for awhile. Bringing up how the Council Members had tried to cut it down only for it to grow back thicker when disturbed. Video forgave the small cat before continuing on the path along the forest. Pictures then comments on the forest's magical beauty during winter before following after Video.

As Radio watches the duo walk further into the forest, she thinks back to something she remembered about it. This was Calotype's Forest, otherwise known as the Unending Labyrinth. Radio had learned about this when she was young, bringing to mind that the plants and trees never sleep due to the Shadow Advisor's (Phantascope) curse. She also remembered how the refuge leader, Calotype, sheltered the non-titled and unverified from the elements as well as assist them in ways a verified individual would be until they became verified and join Social Media with her help. Her services had even been offered during Phantascope's active attacks on Media.

Radio had been told that Calotype had died during Phantascope's attack and that it belonged to him from then on. While Radio was grateful for the information her care takers gave her she thought it odd on how even after Phantascope's death at the hands of Signal the Council still couldn't take the forest back. Radio would have kept wondering if she wasn't pulled out of the forest by Video followed by a quick scolding, reminding her that the mission objective isn't in the forest. Radio counter argues with the forest containing possible useful information however Video shoots her down and they continue on the path to the Ruined City.

Radio was about to see if Pictures would break the silence after she stared at him until their ear pieces gave off a screeching static noise. It didn't last long however Radio asked what that was about. Video suggested it was an error which Radio shirks off as unbelievable, deciding not to dwell on it as the Ruined City was in sight. However before they can make the trek to the Ruined City they have to walk through the Crater Valleys and Video notes how crossing the valley while cloudy is a dangerous idea if it rained. The trio was interrupted by a freelance drone belonging to Signal. Video scolds the 2 others for stopping to greet the drone and they continue onwards before spotting a colony of seagulls above them, signifying that it was soon to rain. The group make it to an abandoned den on higher ground as a thunderstorm started. While resting in the den, Radio came to the realization that she was the weakest link in the group and sets out to prove herself to the others from now on.

Meanwhile, Curiosity terrorized Clowder City from the tallest structure before Studio confronts him. She had tried to stop him however he vanishes into shadows before she could reach him.

The next morning the trio arrive at the Ruined City, shocking Radio with its vastness. Radio was also shocked by the lack of support for the area and the seemingly lawlessness of the Ruined City. Video suggest that they should split up to find the shard, citing that Video and Pictures could take care of themselves and no one would dare to hurt Radio with her noble collar on. Radio tried to dispute it but they end up going separating anyways.

### Chapter 5 - Observance

As she wandered throughout the ruined city, Radio soon discovered that she was being stalked by a wolf with cyan eyes. Reminded by the rats at Faith’s village, she realized the wolf was under the Jester’s control. This theory was confirmed as she saw the mage atop a building, however she didn’t have time to think as the wolf was ordered to attack by the primate.

Radio ran from the wolf until Video came to her rescue, ordering her to find Pictures while she fought the wolf. Radio obeyed and went to search for him. After finding and informing him they returned to Video, now much closer than before, and assisted in defeating the wolf.

After downing the canine, they ran until they made it to the city’s outskirts until they heard a yowl for help. A cat nearby was being chased by a coyote and Video ran in and chased the coyote away. The cat, Receiver, then recognizes Pictures and after being interrogated for the fragments she said her injured colleague might know something about the location of one.

Following her they were led to the the center of the city, Radio in awe at the state the destroyed city and its inhabitants were in. After Radio reminisced on the fight, they dipped into an alley after hearing a Receiver call to a raccoon, Transmitter. After interrogating the injured raccoon he offered to take them to the shard he found however his injuries stopped him in his tracks, instead Receiver offered to lead them. However Video, after confirming the object the raccoon came across was a fragment, tended to his injuries as he would not live if left in his condition.

Radio, at first shocked at this, stayed with the rest as Video hunted for the herbs she required and constipated. She didn’t believe Video to be the compassionate type and was slightly irritated that she would risk the masses to help old friends. Video comes back and after tending to Transmitter the trio follow Receiver to the location of the shard. After a quick chat with Pictures, the group makes it out of the city and to the location of the shard.

After collecting, they say their farewells to Receiver and proceed through the Sanctified Meadows. Some frolicking with Pictures through flowers and a scolding from Video later, Radio and her companions continued on their way through the meadow.

### Chapter 6 - Sovereignty

The trio of cats continue to travel far into the night. Radio is trying hard to not fall asleep on Picture’s shoulder as they keep walking. Her paws and legs ache from the activity, but the petals and leaves from the meadow aliviate her pain a bit. She sighs to the silver tabby that it feels like walking on clouds, to which he responds by chuckling and letting out a purr.

Pictures and Radio enjoy a brief moment of physical touch. Video rushes ahead when the read gleam of the shard is seen in the distance. The noble is initially amazed by how quickly they found it, but then begins to question if obtaining it is really going to be that easy and looks around for the Jester. The She-cat hears the surveillance bot approaching, which seemed to relax her a little. Video puts the shard in her bag and Recorder informs the group that while the signal is faint, it’s past Clowder city and once they head there they should be able to give the cats an update.

Tape joins the conversation by informing of their findings: the signals of the crystal heart’s shards get stronger the closer they come to each individual shard; so as long as the three cats get near the area, the surveillance team should be able to pinpoint the location of the shard they’re searching for. The courier says that they need to rest for now and that they will continue the journey at dawn, which surprises both Radio and Pictures. The surveillance team doesn’t say anything at first, but then Recorder speaks up that there’s no problem with that and wishes them a good night.

video nods and also wishes the she-cat a good night. Once the device was out of earshot, Radio raced up to the marbled tabby and after hesitating for a moment, she asked her if she was okay and if the battle with the wolf hurt her badly. The noble also bit her lip, knowing that it was thanks to the courier she was still alive. Video responded that she was fine and that she was going to go hunting, but she urged that the she-cat and Pictures rest well. Pictures stepped forward and offered to help her hunt. However, the massive tabby refused the help by saying that it was her job.

The snowshoe cat considered going after her, but Pictures said that she just needs a moment alone and that couriers aren’t used to being around others. The she-cat argued back that neither are nobles, but that she was more happy being around both of her companions than anywhere else. The Tom cat added that being part of a bloodline isn’t a choice and that Video chose her seclusion. Then, the tabby’s mischievous nature kicks in and he starts frolicking with Radio again. The noble she-cat thought that it was both a wonder and amazement to be having this kind of contact with someone that was the director of everything she feared as a kit, and that there would never be another moment like this. However, Radio had a tiny idea.

She asked the Tom cat if he would like to stay in contact once they finished their mission and want to know each other better. The silver tabby smiled and asked if *she* wanted to stay in contact. Radio scoffed at this.

Given that she didn’t respond right away, he teased her by saying that he only wished to clarify before answering. Radio said that if she didn’t want that, she wouldn’t have asked. With that aclaraction, Pictures says that he would be with the noble “*Forever and longer” ,* that he will answer only to her, and that her is both her eyes and ears.

Because she couldn’t tell if he meant it, Radio huffed for the Tom cat to give her a serious answer. The monitor laughed and said yes, that he would love to get to know her more and be with her, since traveling with her was both an honor and an eye opening experience for him. The noble purred that then he only referred to her as Radio, since “*that’s exactly how I feel”* . The two cats curled up together and the snowshoe pondered about how many things could come out of the mission, and that it was so much more than she ever had dreamed of back on her sheltered lifestyle.

Video returns not long after her travel companions fell asleep. She placed out what she hunted on a flattened turf she had made earlier and curled up to sleep away from the two cats. The radio star smelt the scent of the fresh kill and knew that the courier had returned, but she didn’t say anything due to her exhaustion. However, she was grateful that the massive tabby came back safe.

The snowshoe cat slept some more and felt that Pictures had left during the night, but didn’t wake up until she realized both of her companions were gone. She looked around but couldn’t see neither of them. She also deduced that they hadn’t gone hunting, since the food that Video had brought back was still untouched. The noble, worried, started to look for them. She managed to caught their scent, but it was faint, meaning they had been gone for a while.

The she-cat followed the scents until she heard Picture’s and Video’s voices not too far away. The two sounded to be having an argument. Radio pressed herself against the flowers as to not be detected and prowled towards the sound of the voices. She tried to listen what they were saying, but she couldn’t hear more than growls and hisses. She slowly peeked her head and was left speechless by what she saw.

Both the courier and Pictures looked battered. Video was towering over the monitor and was staring into him intensely. Radio was so shocked by what she was seeing that she ended up standing up without realizing it. The young noble was on the verge of tears and questioning what they were doing.

The courier saw Radio first. She had her paw pressed against the tom’s throat when she noticed the noble. The fluffy she-cat tried to approach her and explain her actions, but the smaller cat stopped her. Radio said to her that it wasn’t right just as she started to cry.

For the noble, the possibility of Video attacking Pictures or being in love with him, while possible, wasn’t right. She was aware that the latter was a lot less likely and that she was projecting her own thoughts onto the other feline. However, it still didn’t justify it for her when the group is so close to completing the mission. She added that it was the marbled tabby herself who wanted to be done with the task more than anyone else in the group and that the three needed to complete it. She ended the conversation by saying that they should get back to sleep and then padded away from them.

The more the snowshoe imagined what just happened between her travel companions, the less she could understand it. She again admitted how unlikely it was for Video to be in love with the monitor, and that it was an impulsive thought because of what she just shared with the Tom that managed to get her upset. However, she also was aware that it didn’t make much sense for the she-cat to attack him. The noble had respected Video by how she dealt with Pictures initially, but what she witnessed made her question that.

Radio wondered about the events that happened that led to them doing that. With tears still streaming from her face, she sat at the peak of the meadow, from where she was able to stare to the rising land above to Clowder City. The noble feline deduced that given the size of the fragments, the next one would probably be the last. She thought about how close they were to their objective and asked again why they would have done something like that.

Just as she was letting the last tears she had trickle from her eyes, she heard Pictures coming from behind her. She gazed back at his neck, asked what he wanted, and looked back into the distance. The tabby murmured that he wanted to apologize and that he didn’t want to hurt her. The noble almost corrected him to refer her as the Radio Star, but she was in too low spirits for that. Instead, she chose to imitate the body language and speech pattern of her older sister, the Frequency Star, saying that she won’t demand him to apologize since she didn’t know the situation well enough to accept it. Pictures scoffed upon Radio’s change of demeanor but explained that he had reached a disagreement about priority with Video, and then implied that the fluffy tabby tried to force him to agree with her.

The she-cat stifled a chuckled and the monitor sighed. She could imagine Video as the kind of cat to beat someone up until they agreed to her terms. The noble mumbled that the courier was like a big kitten as she layer down and rested her head on her paws. Pictures sat next to her and affirmed that practically she was.

Radio finally relented and said that she believes him. However, she also said that they are going to wait until after they are done with the task to get to know each other and maybe develop something. The noble then said that she didn’t believe that Video acts the same way when she isn’t on a mission and wanted to give her a chance to loosen up around them.

Pictures initially didn’t seem to agree, but said that he can give the marbled tabby another chance once they were done after the snowshoe turned her gaze up to look at him. He sighed and looked away when he thought she wouldn’t notice (when in reality she did). The she-cat expressed her desire for continuing the adventure the next day, to which the Tom also agreed. The cats then fell asleep while waiting for the coming dawn, curled up together again.

Meanwhile , The jester was still jesting around in Clowder city. Even when the group were within a day of travel. The studio star finds herself amongst her people for another day of celebrations. This time she was on a stage and about to announce the winner of the Callisteia contest (who will join the lithe cat for a grand parade). Both expectators and the finalists were excited to know who the winner was, which made the noble laugh. Studio took a moment to enjoy it, but just as she was going to announce the lucky cat, the jester interrupted her by shouting that there was no need of announcement.

The she-cat was at first surprised, but that quickly turned to distaste upon seeing the spider monkey. The mage was walking down from one of the golden threads that streamed through the city. The snowshoe growled under her breath, aware that the jester could hear her, but he ignored her.

He exclaimed it was an honor to be there, just as he walked past and/or shoved the cats on his way. Continuing with his act, the mage said that he only had to thank himself for his “beautiful” form, and that it was clear the reason of why he was “chosen” as the winner, since they have all seen him before. He smiled over his shoulder at Studio, disolved his jester hat and tossed a golden flower crown that was meant for the legitimate winner. Both the mayor of the city and her citizens could only watch in shock as the appearance of the crown changed to that of a black metal. Studio tried to speak, but Curiosity didn’t let her. He announced to the cats that he will conquer and that the city will cower. He continued his speech by admitting that the king had been vanquished, their technology had failed them, and then insulted the chosen three, only shocking the she-cat more. The noble shifted her gaze to her assistant. Screen started to say that it *looked* lovely (for those that forgot already, Screen is blind), but Studio growled, making him remain quiet.

The point of view returns to Radio, who wakes up and sees that Pictures was still by her side. Knowing that the Tom would feel her staring at him, she turned away and took a moment to enjoy the view of the rising sun before prodding the tabby awake. Then, she went to wake Video, who was sleeping in the lowest dip of the valley. She spoke to the courier in the same manner she had done to them some days before, but the fluffy she-cat simply nodded her head at the noble.

The blue-eyed cat nodded back and returned to the peak. She felt a little disappointed that the Maine coon didn’t seem to react to her tone. The group stared down at the day’s travel that awaited them and the noble took the iniciative to lead them down. Given that this was the first time she took the role of the leader of the group, the snowshoe felt strange at first. However, she began to grow excited, since they were going to the central east. According to her, this was the only part of Media she was actually familiar, so she could finally do something.

Radio thought about how she has always wanted to visit Clowder City again, and that as a kitten her goal was to live inside the city and help her aunt manage it once she became an adult. The feathery noble became hopeful at simply thinking about how close she was to that place, and for a quest that would prove her worth to the council and her family. She was also determined to leave an imprint of her own on the land, so she could be recognized for something she did rather than her ancestor’s achievements.

Radio beamed at the idea as she led her travel companions out of the meadow. They traveled to the east for the entire day, and by nightfall they would be near Clowder City. Radio planned in persuading her companions to go and spent the night into it, at least just long enough so she could catch a glimpse at her beloved relative.

This thought pushed her forward on her journey. She also pondered about how she wasn’t alone now, since she had Video and Pictures, and she knew Receiver , Faith, Mabel, (and even to a degree) Enterprise. The she-cat imagined about all the things she could work with her new acquaintances; With Pictures she could focus on getting a more secure surveillance system, with Video she could spread the message of the potential of the establishment, with Receiver she could scout for others in need of help. The noble kept daydreaming of bringing everyone she knew with her to help her accomplish what she wanted to do, she was aware that the tabby courier might not even want to form a friendship after her disagreement with the monitor, but the smaller cat still believed that in the end it was possible.

She kept pondering about what could everyone do. Mabel could help the noble find connections inside the Capital’s walls with how well she knows everyone in the Capital City, Radio found it an atrocity that she didn’t have a title. She also assumed that Enterprise was one of the most influential individuals in the land, and that he carried the weight of the council on his shoulders as he helped the followers of the city. The she-cat guessed that once she finished her quest and the king was saved, then everyone would know her potential. She also considered that Faith’s contacts with the smaller species would be beneficial, since she could find others that spoke the languages of the most commonly verified species.

The Radio Star was in really high spirits after just thinking of what could be of Media if she expanded Studio’s programs beyond just felines and really helped out everyone in the region. This rush of excitement prevented her from getting tired as the sun continued to rise. The noble found herself amazed on all the good things that could come from the initially devastating event that was the banishment of the King.

Pictures and Video remained silent behind the noble. The group took a break to hunt and drink near some burrows and a stream, and then split up to gather food for the afternoon. Radio managed to catch a small rabbit and feasted on it with excitement. She thought that she had learned to hunt, fight, and travel. Once she was done eating, she went back with the rest of the group.

Pictures had caught a larger rabbit than her and shared a portion of his meal with her. The three drank their fill on the stream and then continued the journey. This time they traveled side by side, with Radio between them. She was amazed at the lack of attacks from the Jester, and happy that there were no bad news reported to them. Their recent “good luck” filled her with determination.

Just as she predicted, the sun was already setting when they managed to get their eyes on the remarkable sight of the golden city. It’s here that Radio reveals to us that Studio has another name for the city (*the Aureate city)* , but that she uses it more privately.

It is also revealed that the city itself was shaped after the head of a cat. The noble purred with excitement and grinned ear to ear. According to her, the city was just as beautiful as she remembered it. She then pleaded to her companions to travel through it, saying that they will save time by doing so.

Video immediately refused, arguing that Clowder City is one of the most densely populated cities in Media (only coming second to the Capital Itself), so they would find all sorts of problems inside it and just end loosing more time rather than saving it.

Radio tried to insist to the courier by saying -“ It’s Clowder City, There *are no* problems there !”. However, the marbled tabby remained determined to just go around it, saying that the knowledge of the Radio Star’s existence on the city would target the confidentiality of the mission. The noble lied that she won’t talk to anyone, but since Video knew, she still refused. Radio gasped, but kept pleading by saying that she did well and that she had led the both of them there.

Video rolled her eyes and finally relented to the snowshoe’s pleas, but warned her to not say a word. Radio giggled at her victory and brushed her flank along Pictures when he caught up to them, and then raced ahead to be infront of the group.

The she-cat was loudly purring with excitement. Her dream of returning by herself to the city had become true, and the fact that her “true companions” were beside her made it better.

She smiled with delight and love to the two cats, strongly believing that they would love the city as much as she did. The noble also took into consideration that Pictures already had a residence there, which made her feel more excited to be so close to him and knowing that they would feel comfortable in the same environment. This made her travel to Clowder City without a break with the rest of the group, determined to make the best time they could to enter the city.

### Chapter 7 - Irresponsibility

The three arrived at the gates of the golden city, where the sounds of drums and instruments could be clearly heard. Given the sudden wave of excitement and anticipation that she was feeling at the moment, The Radio Star slowed down to calm herself. According to her, the music sounded more incredible than what she remembered. The snowshoe rushed her step forward and didn’t wait for her companions. She felt that what was going on inside wasn’t a normal parade. She knew it by the strength of the charade and cheering of the felines, but she decided to not voice out loud her assumptions until she knew for sure.

When she entered the city, the she-cat was initially blinded by bright light coming from the inside. Clowder City was gleaming as it was day. Radio also noticed that a parade was heading straight to the group. All the feline citizens were part of it, singing and marching in harmony.

The snowshoe she-cat was amazed at the great variety of cat mixes that she saw in the band, the dancers, performers and participants of the parade. She couldn’t believe the detail and beauty of them all. According to her, “there was one for each population in All of Central media”, where seemly centered the programs of The Studio star to help the felines.

The noble was able to recognize that the floats that were also in the parade represented several of the places that she visited while searching for the fragments of the crystal heart; some of them were the Capital City, The ruined city, Crater Valley, and Sanctified Meadows. She was also able to recognize other places that she had only read about, but put more attention to the floats of those that she had personally seen.

Radio was already excited by what she was seeing, but when she looked up she was left in awe. Her aunt, The Studio Star, was above all the floats.

Studio stopped to look down at the sidewalks, where crowds were gathered, and encouraged through all the speakers in the city her citizens to voice their enthusiasm. The volume being so loud that made Video flatten her ears.

The mass of felines cheered and meowed as per their leader’s petition. Video, who was very dazed, shouted that she had never seen so many cats before. Radio and Pictures excitedly moved forward into the city.

The smaller she-cat shouted back to the courier if she had never been to Clowder City before. She roamed closer towards the sidewalk, hoping that they could stay to the side and pass through, knowing that Studio was too busy at the moment to entertain her. Witnessing this was enough to confirm that this was what she wanted to do with her life, and that Clowder City was where she wanted to be. Radio had never seen such genuine delight anywhere else. She also informs us that the Aureate Festival was the largest festival in all of media, where the city’s anniversary is celebrated, and that every year it’s duration increased by a day.

The noble cat smiled bigger when Video answered that while she heard that the population of small cats had increased thanks to the sanctuary, it was just beyond her imagination the amount of felines that resided in the city. The Maine coon looked at her companions, neither seemed surprised by her declaration. This appeared to upset the bigger tabby, who let the smaller felines lead her forward into the crowd.

Radio grinned knowing that Video was getting such a surprising impression of the city, and said “this is just Clowder City, you can’t be surprised”. She looked up again at her aunt, just as the older she-cat let her laugh boom through the city.

The older noble swayed to the beat of the music while on the pedestal she was standing on, the began bounding through the floats, leaping down, and sang the following :

> Welcome one and all to the Golden City
>
>
> Your aura can only shine with the brightness
>
>
> Your smile can only glow with the happiness
>
>
>
> Of our beautiful Aureate City!
>
>

Felines laughed and sang, and Studio bounced back, focusing her gaze upon Pictures and Radio. Video quickly backed up and fluffed up at the intense feline’s stare. She puffed up even more as the other cats along the path looked their way. The courier hissed at her companions that this wasn’t supposed to happen at all, and questioned why hadn’t anyone notified them about the festival.

Radio sighed that it was because they were supposed to go around it. With Pictures she was basking in the attention. She smiled at him as a golden light shone down on both of them and looked up at her aunt as she lifted her chin. The noble and younger she-cat was in disbelief and wondered if Studio was going to announce the group. She also wondered in shock how she had managed to see them in the sea of cats.

As the snowshoe had feared, Studio announced the presence of the group, and to make it worse for her, she mistakenly said her older sister’s name instead of hers. The crowd, of course, didn’t notice this and cheered.

Radio’s eyes rounded with horror upon hearing her sister’s name. According to her, Frequency was always the one to go to the events while she was left at home. The she-cat was filled with embarrassment and flattened herself to the ground, but Studio was already bounding closer to the three cats.

The gray and black noble explained monotonously that Frequency had been too busy, so she was chosen. She began pondering about how insignificant her existence was in contrast with her sister’s, that everyone expected her instead of Radio.

Studio, however, apologized to her niece and said that she hadn’t seen her since she was just a kit, surprising Radio. The mayor explained that she hadn’t realized that it was her when she was notified that her sister’s daughter was on the quest.

The tabby added that she held herself with pride like her sister, but acted like herself now that they were close. She also touched the younger cat’s shoulder with her tail, startling her. The older noble smiled and asked the she-cat to come with her so she could show her the city.

Radio stared at her in shock, expecting that her aunt’s petition was merely a joke, but the tabby just gave her a genuine smile. The younger she-cat brightened at this and moved side by side as Studio continued to sing :

> Join us one and all in the Golden City
>
>
> Your needs will all be met, your wants all fulfilled
>
>
> Your requisites are more than satisfied, content!
>
>
>
> In our beautiful Aureate City!
>
>

Radio beamed at the tune and joined into the song with the crowd, since she knew it from the recordings she had listened at her home:

> Aureate, beautiful Golden glow!
>
>
> Everything you need!
>
>
>
> Anything you want to know!
>
>

For the snowshoe it was a dream come true. She was beside her, aunt, one of the most powerful felines in Media, during the largest celebration of the summer solstice. Radio jumped through the floats nimbly with her aunt, the travel having prepared her for the obstacles in the structures. Radio enjoyed the moment and didn’t took a moment to think about her paws.

like she promised, Studio showed her niece all the streets and sectors of the city. They did this by bounding through the floats and marching past the parade, then a swing would take them back up to where the she-cat first saw her aunt, allowing them to continue as they approach a different street.

The tabby asked radio if it was remarkable. She giggled and affirmed that it was, since it was made by the older noble. They both laughed and the mayor pressed her head against Radio’s, saying that she was delighted to see her again. The snowshoe exclaimed that she was also happy to see her, and informed her that the mission was almost finished and her intentions of returning to Clowder City.

The golden-eyed cat asked if she will see her again once she was done and the snowshoe nodded. Studio laughed as she bounded down, dancing with the beat as Radio hopped down to join her, exclaiming how exciting it was.

Radio shared her excitement. She embraced her aunt for a moment before seeing that Pictures was lurking in an alley looking worried. The younger noble realized that she needed to get back at him and said her goodbyes to Studio, promising that the two would catch up later.

The she-cat smiled at the happiness her aunt could bring to many. She bounded down the float and started searching for Pictures. She was in a disadvantage now that she was on the ground again, but she managed to find him after a while.

Once the two reunited, the noble asked the Tom the whereabouts of Video. He replied that he wasn’t sure and that he had gotten distracted by the sights, but that she either didn’t keep up or she simply went ahead. Radio at first grinned, but then turned serious. She said that they had to find the Maine coon, specially since she was already uncomfortable with the festival.

Pictures nodded and followed her. They searched forward and back toward where they had come into the city, but were unable to find the giant tabby. Radio commented that she had made progress and that maybe she had decided to meet them at the other side. She shook her head as fear and apprehension set in.

The she-cat quickly led the monitor through the crowd, not caring who she bumped. She sped up her pace when she realized that the other side of the city was where the parade had begun wrapping around.

She tried to clear a path, but her height made it difficult for others to see her or her collar. While she continued to make her way through the vast party of cats, she asked her companion what they would do if they don’t see her. She grew more concerned the further they went. The tabby encouraged her to keep going, walking beside her once he caught up to her. He also said with a chuckle that she couldn’t be that hard to find and that there aren’t too many cats like her (referring to her impressive size).

Radio wished she could laugh along, but Video’s concern to the objective made her unable to do it. She was aware that not finding Video (in other words, not continuing the mission), was not Video’s choice. She thought that something was wrong. She was also sure that it was all her fault too, since she was the one that convinced them to come into the city in the first place. The snowshoe fought tears again, thinking about how uncomfortable Video had been when she arrived, and now she was alone.

She heard a wail from the courier above all the crowd. To the feline it sounded so unnatural, since Video had faced greater threats without showing fear. She also stifled a laugh thinking that crowds weren’t the Maine coon’s strong suit.

Nonetheless, she called out to Pictures and dashed toward the noise. Movement was much easier now that they were pulling away from the congested streets and towards the abandoned alleys. Radio hoped both that the courier hadn’t become too overwhelmed, and that they’d just be able to set out from there.

What she saw wasn’t what she expected. Video was pressed against the wall of the alley completely dazed with shut eyes as though she couldn’t focus. Radio rushed to her side, at first thinking that she had suffered an anxiety attack. However, she saw that the massive feline was bleeding from her head; the noble cried out and immediately groomed the surrounding area of the wound.

Pictures came up next, asking with confusion and concern what had happened. Studio bounded into the alley from a side road and simply said “He did” while pointing her tail to the gates. The two cats followed where she was pointing to and saw a nearly black-brown tabby racing through them, his own size and long fur being bigger’s than Video’s.

Radio’s aunt explained that she had received an alert that something was amiss in the eastern alleys, so she went there once she knew everything was alright with the parade. She walked over to Video and began to assist her. Radio swallowed nervously when she saw the giant Tom begin to exit the city, and shuddered when he looked back, revealing that he had piercing ice-blue eyes.

Because of her previous encounters with The jester, the young noble assumed that the attack against the courier was work of him again, but still thought that something wasn’t right. She looked at her aunt and the courier, and asked if it was indeed another attack of the mage.

The Maine coon denied this and said that the Tom had natural blue eyes, while trying to stand with the older noble’s support. Radio had thousands of questions, but decided to ask for who the attacker was. She went to help Video upon asking, but Studio was already handling it.

Once the golden-eyed cat helped get Video to her paws successfully, she looked at Radio and said that his name is Stereo. The she-cat the elaborated that Stereo is a former rival courier of the Council; he had worked with her on many of her assignments, specially when they were both assigned under the private work of Signal. She paused when lost her balance, but Studio kept her up. She said that he was very efficient, and did work for most of early summer and spring with her. However, A travel companion of his was discovered to be a spy for the mages, so she was removed and after that he went rogue.

Radio was at first amazed at the connection between the two cats, but when she started to connect the information given by the she-cat (both having worked for Video’s father, and probably having known each other since young) she realized something. Pictures took the words from the noble’s mouth and claimed that Stereo and Video were siblings.

The Maine coon’s voice shook with emotion as she told them that she had worked alone since her brother’s betrayal, she had only agreed to the quest because it was mandatory. Radio pressed herself against the giant tabby to support her as well, and thanked her. She purred to comfort her and sighed as she walked with both she-cats, as Pictures patrolled behind them.

The nobles helped the courier when she staggered again. Studio murmured to the tabby that she wasn’t in a condition to travel, so she was taking the three to her penthouse to rest for the night before they could head out in the morning. Video began to protest, but the noble tabby spoke firmly that she insisted.

Radio tried to not smile at her aunt being able to speak so firmly to the big tabby, and watched as Video relented, having scoffed and nodded reluctantly. She looked over her shoulder to see how Pictures was faring and saw him examining his surroundings with caution, before softening upon looking at her.

She smiled at that and closed her eyes, then she rested her head on the courier’s shoulder as her own supported the cat’s weight with her aunt. Video had three felines around her willing to help her, and ready to face whatever was going on with her. Radio had no idea the massive tabby had a sibling, but to her the vague details given to her about the situation explained a lot of her behavior toward the objective. It is also here that we learn that both Radio and Frequency were single-birth litters.

This assured the young noble that the two could be friends by the end of the mission. For her, Video had to be strict and firm with everything when she had to make up for the loss of Stereo. Radio couldn’t imagine if she had to face Frequency in such a manner.

Then, the snowshoe wondered if Video had only been able to pick up the shards because her brother had left, or if perhaps that it meant Stereo could hold them too. The idea made Radio shudder. She then asked the courier if she still had the four shards. Video said that she still had them and allowed the noble to take a peek inside the bags. The bag and strap were damaged, but the fragments were still there.

The gray and black she-cat mumbled “oh,good” , and kept pressed to the courier. The idea of the shards being taken from them chilled her fur, and she knew that they’d have to be careful when it’s time to return to the Capital.

Studio brought them to the clock tower towards the gate of the city, and led them inside. Workers immediately rushed down and helped the mayor carry Video up onto a stretcher, and they rushed towards the personal elevator. Radio and Pictures hurried after them, but another feline stopped them, saying that they needed some sort of identification before continuing further.

The Radio star scowled and growled that they had been just a moment ago with Studio. The other cat, a burnt tortie, said that she didn’t make the rules, the two cats needed to identify themselves since they had some trouble with impersonation lately. She then pointed them toward a line with some cats in it.

While Radio understand the trouble with the impersonation and the jester attacking various corners of Media, the situation was still preposterous and unbelievable. Putting her best charade of an entitled noble and threatened the guard to let her in. The tortie just stared at Radio for a single moment and then chuffed that she had never heard of her.

Radio cursed the day the feline was born as she was led to the line, and placed at the end with Pictures. They watched as one by one, they slowly drew to the Feline on the desk.

The moon was high by the time it was their turn. The cats in the line, neither had heard about her, and so they asked her questions while they waited. Radio handed her collar to the receptionist to confirm her identity and a report came back from the Capital as a perfect match. The snowshoe was returned her collar. Suddenly, the screen started flashing and the receptionist turned their attention to it.

Radio and Pictures were startled upon hearing Widget’s voice asking why the group had changed their route. The receptionist rolled her eyes and turned the screen to the tom and she-cat. The noble hadn’t known that the servers were connected, or that they were possibly a high alert in them.

The snowshoe thought that the trackers in their ears should have notified the surveillance crew upon entering the city, unless the jester was messing with that. She swallowed when waiting for what the monitors had to say.

Recorder said that they didn’t hear that Clowder City was a part of their path, and then asked with concern if she was alright. However, before Radio could inform about Video’s injury, Tape furthered that he didn’t know if they were supposed to be there.

At that moment, Cassette stepped in and confirmed that the group weren’t supposed to be there, making the rest of the surveillance crew turn their heads to the Calico’s direction. The she-cat also added that it was unacceptable.

The monitors spoke all at once. Radio had to interrupt to ask Cassette a chance to explain. Tape spoke in favor of the noble, saying that they were still making good time. He smiled reassuringly to her, and she smiled back. However, the calico monitor didn’t look pleased.

As if things couldn’t get worse, Widget said curiously that it seemed that they weren’t sticking together, since he couldn’t see Video. Recorder rounded on him and tried to explain that it was probably because she was off screen.

Pictures spoke up that no, she wasn’t with them at the moment. But when he tried to say what happened, Cassette interrupted him and began chastising them for their supposed irresponsibility.

Recorder pleaded with the older she-cat, but she scowled that the signal is faded enough as it is and that they couldn’t afford this. Tape agreed with her this time. He said that they know the three were the youngest in their fields and that they can have some difficulties with their priorities and time management, but that they should have known better than to travel within the city walls. He also implied that Pictures may have been at fault (from his point of view), making Radio hold up a gasp, but still tried to understand why they were concerned.

Cassette lifted her chin in agreement as the silver tabby narrowed his eyes into slits. She simply ignored him. The monitor informed that she was sending in more monitors, and also thanked the receptionist (who’s name we learn is Register) for notifying them of the groups location.

Register gave a form nod in response. Pictures tried to persuade her that there was no need for more monitors but stopped with one stare from the Calico. Widget asked with surprise if she really wanted to do it, looking like he regretted what he said once Cassette glared at him, too. Recorder was the one who took a more active initiative to try to stop her, saying that Film had already done that, but the monitor didn’t even listen to her and shut off the camera.

The screen went black. Radio gaped. The monitors didn’t let neither of them speak. The noble was on the brink of tears, but she held them back when she heard Pictures groan :”Oh, for the sake of our Stars. They never waste a moment”.

The silver Tom complained that if they never had to confirm their identities, they would have been with Video and the situation wouldn’t have happened. Radio walked away while the monitor let himself get confirmed with his paw-print.

Radio regretted not having insisted for the elevator to being summoned before, since it was barely halfway to the ground floor by the time Pictures was finished and came up to her. She sighed and looked at him, wondering if the sassy tabby had any words to say about Cassette’s outburst, but he only smiled at her and waited in silence. She gave him a small scowl, but then rested her tail on his.

The noble commented that the surveillance crew didn’t let them explain the reason for the courier’s absence. Pictures said that while he knew, it was probably because they were panicking. He also pointed out that Cassette was right about the fading signal, and that being stuck together in the surveillance room for so long probably made them tense.

The she-cat exclaimed that the group was fine, with the exception of Video, and that it was just unprofessional on their part. She lifted up her nose haughtily, but then gave the Tom a sheepish look so he knew she wasn’t serious with her attitude before the elevator door opened.

The tabby agreed with her and the two cats entered the elevator. Now that she was alone with Pictures, she tried to not let the voices of the monitors get into her head. It was only now, next to each other, that the she-cat could relax. He was a source of comfort for her and gave her confidence that she could do it. The fact that she was able to face the surveillance crew was proof of that.

Her attitude quickly changed. The she-cat was deeply infatuated with the Tom she had only known for a few days. She felt as though she could almost call Video her closest friend, and the two of them were with her in Clowder City, the place the noble has wanted to live in all her life. The she-cat thought that it was going to be a venture itself making sure to stay connected to all of them, that they reached their goals and knew they could count on each other. She had to figure out how to tell them what they meant to her (specially the monitor). Radio suspected that Pictures already knew.

The door opened, and the two cats padded out to greet Video. Radio was surprised to see the courier asleep with Studio sitting beside her, looking more peaceful than she had ever seen her in a while. The snowshoe approached the Maine coon and gave her a lick in the head, then nuzzled the she-cat’s poofy mane. The courier was safe there and resting, and for Radio that was important.

She got back up when the large cat’s breathing changed. She knew that the she-cat needed her rest, so she turned to her aunt. The young noble said that she probably had to return to her parade, as there weren’t festivals like this in a year.

The older tabby chuckled and replied that there were not many missions like this in a decade, so she was there for them three and wanted to help as much as she could. She also mentioned that lately she had some “interesting guests”, gaining curious stares from her niece and Pictures. The mayor of Clowder City then explained that the storm and visits from an Unwelcome monkey had caused some trouble in preparing the parade, but that they managed to do it in the end.

Radio asked if the mage had been open with its attacks against her too. She mentioned that the council hadn’t realized the jester’s visits to Faith’s Village and The Ruined City, so she questioned if they knew of the monkey’s attacks to the Golden City.

Studio confirmed that they did, but couldn’t do much besides increasing the security and patrols because of the festival.

The snowshoe sighed that whatever the mage had planned, it orchestrated it well. She also added that the timing and foes were very well planned, and that they still haven’t heard what it’s plans were. Radio confessed to her aunt that she was scared.

Studio took her niece’s head by her paw and groomed her forehead after telling her that she knew, but was glad that she was here to help. She also said that she had done a good job so far, making the cat purr and grin with pride.

For Radio, hearing her aunt’s praises was priceless. The two cats embraced, while Pictures settled close to Video. Studio commented that there had been a lot of danger around the Golden city, ranging from threats to attacks, all done by the shapeshifting mage.

The Maine coon to react to that in her sleep, but didn’t wake up. Radio thought that even now she still looked intimidating. The golden-eyed noble continued, now facing Pictures and Radio. She said that she advised all her citizens no to travel outside past evening, and she added that it went for them as well. She informed that the magician had gone as far as attacking during the morning, but it seemed like he focused mostly on the north near the Capital in the day.

Pictures looked over at the blue-eyed she-cat and mused that they were never notified how frequent the attacks were during the daylight.

The monitor informed of the group’s total unawareness of the attacks with the exception when it was against them personally, and there’s have been some confusion since they’ve been left in the dark.

Both Studio and Radio arched their bows, since the Tom referred to the mage as though it were a person (using “he” when he talked about the jester, when most characters used “it”). Studio merely nodded and turned to Radio to continue what she was saying. She said that the Capital had failed to notify them about anything, except to forbid contact with the magic user. She warned that it was already too late, since the spider monkey had stricken its magic directly at her city and faced her. Luckily, no one had died, but some cats had fallen victim with unnatural burns caused from the magic the magician casts.

When she heard this, Radio’s fur froze in fear. Studio sighed that the jester might have been building up for that same night, since each attack had become more powerful and dangerous toward her followers, and always occurred within hours of the festivities. The noble confessed that she had been able to keep her citizens at ease, but her own anxiety had continued to grow. Because of this, she didn’t want any of the three traveling in case Curiosity decides to attack them outside, since they had been able to handle whatever the mage did in the inside.

Radio proposed that maybe they could stay until the next day in the afternoon, so Video could catch more rest. The younger noble looked up at the silver tabby, expecting his approval.

He sighed and nodded. He agreed that it was for the best, but urged the necessity of finding the shard. He wanted to say more, but was interrupted by the snowshoe, who insisted that the Courier needed to heal. Then, she brightened at the chance of convincing Pictures to stay a bit longer. Radio explained that they needed to think of their health if they wanted to locate the fragments to the best of their ability.

The Tom arched his brow. The studio Star offered to the two cats the chance to oversee the rest of the parade with her while they waited for Video to wake up.

The two companions looked at each other and then back at Studio with their eyes wide. Radio chirped a “Really ?” In excitement. Her aunt nodded and guided them out to the balcony. The blue-eyed noble giggled and bounded after her.

The mayor of Clowder City suddenly stopped at the doorway. Radio followed her gaze to see her looking down at Video. The dark brown tabby then left the door open for the injured cat to be able to hear them.

The snowshoe hoped that maybe the courier would rise up and watch the event with them, but she remained in her bed. So the noble turned her attention to the parade, thinking that her keeping away from loud noises was probably the best for the she-cat.

The she-cat still remembered the apprehension Video showed when they entered the city, and she hoped she’d be able to give the Maine coon the thanks she deserved for agreeing to the change of route.

While the noble knew it was likely they would have retrieved the shard by the time they were leaving Clowder City if they had stuck to the original route, she was delighted to have spent time with her aunt and learn much more about the situation they were facing.

She found remarkable that they could count with Studio’s help. She knew that she was gonna rest well that night and purred at the thought of sleeping in a bed.

The young noble and monitor watched the celebration with Studio. Video rested, showing no interest in what was happening. Radio noticed this and closed the door a bit more so the courier could sleep, and sat between the two tabbies to enjoy the parade.

The three cats watched and admired silently, only letting an occasional giggle or laugh escape. The radio star thought that it was a delight to be sharing the experience with the cats at her sides. She grinned and brushed her shoulder against Picture’s, making The studio star’s brow arch.

The younger feline quickly composed herself and resisted the urge to act more affectionate with the silver Tom. She was confident that she could behave herself and sit still for her aunt’s sake, even if a part of her wished to flaunt Pictures as her romantic companion.

The snowshoe was glad the three could sit together in peace. She rested her head on the monitor’s shoulder and closed her eyes for a moment. She knew she was experiencing a moment where she had to stop and enjoy every sense so she could always remember it.

Radio starts to describe all the things that she loved at that moment and that she could perceive with any of her senses; The smooth gold surface under her paws, Pictures’ fur, her aunt’s laugh, the smell of the city’s food. The she-cat pondered that it would be a marvel if she could try some of Clowder City’s local cuisine before she left.

In that moment, Screen appeared holding a tray. Radio sniffed that it was fine cuisine. Fish with toasted bread and cream sauce all topped with fresh herbs. Radio licked her jaws and the mountain cat dipped his head before turning away.

The mayor thanked her assistant, and her niece quickly devoured a bit of the bread. Pictures took one too, and the group all partook in the delight. The blue-eyed cat complimented the dish.

Her aunt said that this meal was her favorite, and that the fluffy Tom had made it since he knew it was an occasion. Radio tried her luck with the fish and saw that not only was Video awake, but that she was served a plate too (and had almost left it clean).

She chuckled and tried another fillet. She believed that with such tasty food, it would take no time to fill her up.

Suddenly, Studio’s ears pricked and eyes widened upon hearing an echoing, booming laugh. Radio became anxious as she recognized that the laugh belonged to Curiosity, and started to examine her surroundings in search of the monkey.

She didn’t need to search for him long, since the mage showed up in the parade (just as Studio feared) and started to cast magic from His cube. The snowshoe wailed as she pressed herself against the balcony to watch the mage below, asking in shock what was he doing and yelling that he was destroying the city and hurting it’s citizens.

She saw as some of the crowd got struck by the magic blast, and ducked her head in fear of the jester seeing her. The she-cat realized that what her aunt was strongly suspecting was true in the end, and wondered just how worse it would be if he learned that the chosen three were in the city.

Radio knew that her aunt could be targeted if the spider monkey knew she was there. However, the mayor of Clowder city seemed to have other plans in mind. She walked up to the balcony, standing tall with her tail bristled. The radio star and Pictures stepped aside and stared at the lithe feline in shock. She dipped her head at them and excused herself.

The companions nodded and took another step back. And then, the older she-cat jumped from the balcony. Radio gasped and ran back to just watch in amazement as her aunt landed on a float.

The tabby she-cat leaped from float to float under the impressed stare of her niece. The jester didn’t notice her until she was one float behind the one the mage was standing upon. Curiosity growled, and Radio held her breath as feline noble and Magician locked eyes.

The spider monkey asked the dark tabby if she thought that staring at him would accomplish something, but was interrupted as the she-cat launched at him.

The jester evaded the first swing, but not the next one. He nearly fell down from the float at the force of the blow. Radio watched in panic as her aunt fought the mage, afraid it would turn his play into real battle.

She cried out and asked what was Studio doing. Meanwhile, Curiosity aimed His cube in direction of the golden-eyed cat. The cube began to glow an intense Cyan aura and emitted a blast of energy from it’s core towards Studio.

The snowshoe screamed at this and thought that she was going to be witness to the death of the dark tabby. However, the mayor of Clowder City dodged the blast and even took a moment to make sure it only went to the sky.

The mage made a sarcastic comment about the feline’s worry for her city’s safety, but was once again interrupted by her. Studio hissed him to shut up and he whined that no one ever lets him talk.

He glared at her and chastised her for being so “rude”, and that he expected better from her. At that moment, robotics with black mirrors rose at the cat’s sides, startling the mage.

Studio turned to face the spider monkey as he leaped on the float ahead of her. She sang that he had threatened her city for the last time, and prepared herself to pounce.

Radio, Pictures, and even the jester stared at her in shock, the three pondering if she was really going to sing. The monkey even let out a “*what?*” And squinted one of his eyes in disbelief.

Curiosity originally planned to give a careless reply, but instead he screeched as Studio leaped for him again. He also sang back that what he had done was nothing compared to what’s to come while he prepared to throw another blast.

Radio reacted to this by dropping her jaw. To her it seemed like the jester wasn’t really taking his actions seriously.

The mage made his cube shine brighter and smashed it into the road below. The golden color of the streets turned to black and began expanding past the road to the crowd.

The felines reacted to this with fear, but the darkness only affected the structures around them. They weren’t harmed by it. It didn’t take much time for the shadows to reach the outer walls of the city.

The Radio star stepped back with horror when the color reached the balcony. She examined the ceiling and when looking down to the floor she saw her reflection (making her feel glad that at least the magic didn’t affect the shine of the structure).

She took a moment to gape at Pictures and then observed her surroundings, comparing the color of the structures to the shadows that Curiosity surrounded himself with and noticed that only the lights and lamps retained their original color.

The she-cat sighed and returned her glance to the crowd. For her, it was like the darkness had drained the color of the felines, but she reassured herself that it was a mere visual illusion from losing the reflection of the golden shine.

She turned back to seeing the floats. Studio gasped at the state of her city, but collected her emotions and replied while singing to the monkey that he threatened her people and that he didn’t even try to do it when it’s all feeble.

The dark brown and white tabby dodged another blast from the jester, which was absorbed by the black mirrors around her. She then progressed towards the monkey as his cube returned to his side.

The jester didn’t hesitate to sing his response:

> How deceitful! To think I once called you my equal!
>
>
> You will burn with the rest of your home, down into the ground while I stand gleeful
>
>
> Your legacy will do nothing to heed my warnings; I only wish you had listened.
>
>
>
> But alas, I have conquered what is needed and will rise for beyond simply being regal!
>
>

Curiosity kept bounding back as the noble continued to advance upon it. Radio watched as the jester tried to get away when Studio leaped down from a taller float she had been on behind him, grabbed a firework cannon and proceeded to shoot directly at his chest while singing:

>
> Everything you’ve done can only be seen as evil.
>
>
> Nothing you’ve done here is anything more than a poke from a needle.
>
>
>
> If you leave now, I’ll make sure my next act won’t be lethal!
>
>

The jester managed to deflect most of the blow with his cube, but was still sent staggering back. It was only when the golden-eyes she-cat stepped on the same float he was on that he managed to regain his balance. She aimed at him and sang:

>
> I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, leave my people alone.
>
>
> I’ve been patient with you; I’ve given you your chance.
>
>
>
> It’s time you pack up your box and leave. You’re no longer known!
>
>

Studio launched another firework and the spider monkey dodged it only to bash his head against his cube when it flickered gold for a moment. The collide left him dazed for a moment. Meanwhile, the firework struck the float they were both in and erupted, making the she-cat jump back.

Curiosity quickly leaped away once he saw sings of fire. Studio tried to give chase after him, but the monkey strangely didn’t fight back anymore. He used his magic to burst into shadows and disappeared into the darkness outside the walls. The noble stared at the sky in shock and then flagged down the felines below. Her staff quickly came to extinguish the fire.

Radio, Video and Pictures were all watching the scene from the balcony, feeling shock, amazement, and surprise. The courier let out an exclamation that it was astonishing, inspiration by the actions of Studio written in her eyes.

The snowshoe gasped not only because of her uncharacteristic behavior, but also because the giant tabby was actually inspired by something. She wished she could be happy for the feline, but instead she felt jealous and possessive.

Studio was Radio’s aunt, and the younger she-cat didn’t like the idea of the possibility of Video having talked as much as she had to her aunt while they were alone in the penthouse and that they could develop a partnership.

She considered the idea of the Maine coon receiving Studio’s blessing instead of her, even if she felt foolish for thinking about it. She boasted that she was the one related to her and looked at her companions with a bit of jealousy as the older noble made her way back to them.

A brief timeskip takes place. The four cats are inside the penthouse and the three females were exchanging conversations. Radio’s claim comes crashing down as both her and Video shouted in shock at the revelation that the two were related.

Studio Purred that scandal has been part of both her father and mother’s bloodlines for generations, then adding that the toms were especially involved in it and winked at Pictures. When he didn’t respond, she smiled half-heartedly.

She turned back to her niece and jokingly warned her to mind her words, since she didn’t know who could be related to her. Seeing the younger feline’s eager to hear more, the dark tabby began explaining were the blood connection came from.

As it turns out, while kept a secret from most, it started four generations ago. Radio’s great-grandmother, The cinema star, had a litter of kits that she was unable to hide from the rest of the family. This fact remained unknown amidst nobles for a long time until Mobile, Video’s grandmother and the offspring of Cinema’s estranged litter, showed up with Two Kits of her own at the house of Studio’s family.

The kits would visit regularly and sometimes The relay star, Studio’s and Resolution’s mother, and Radio’s grandmother, brought her and her sister to visit Replica, Cinema’s secret daughter and Mobile’s mother. The older noble claimed that Replica was the spitting image of Both Relay and Cinema.

The visits took place before Studio began training to be a guardian of the nobles. She and Resolution went on different paths after that, and Relay ceased contact with the hidden family.

Radio listened closely and tried to pay attention to all the information she was gaining. She understood that cinema had two litters, but only one of them was royalty. The non-noble one was estranged but verified. One of said’s litter members then branches into the courier’s family. The snowshoe interpreted this as that the two felines were barely related.

Studio sighed and turned to Video. She revealed that her sister and her played with Audio, Video’s mother and Mobile’s daughter, when they were kits. Radio was dazed at the mention of another cat that belonged to this separate branch, but remained silent. Studio claimed that Audio had recently opened her eyes back then, so they mostly slept and stayed inside the playroom while the adults discussed their roles.

Then, she turned to her noble niece and explained that Replica had been adopted by another family when her mother couldn’t care for her and had been raised to be a seamstress. Mobile and her sisters followed her mother, while Studio and Resolution were raised to fulfill the duty of the nobles.

Video asked if her great-grandmother wished to also be a noble. Radio tried to listen, but was distracted by Screen’s presence as he passed by the room. She then remembered that, while waiting in line to be verified, she had heard that the Tom was mostly blind with the exception of a lens he wore when working with monitors. Even with this information, she felt that he was watching them.

She was also aware that even if he couldn’t count with his eyes, his ears were fine and that made her wonder about his intent. Video seemed to notice it too, making her regret her question. Studio saw their discomfort and waited until her assistant was gone to reply that Replica didn’t wanted her or her offspring to be nobles after hearing the tasks they had to perform. She claimed that some may have call it being overwhelmed and others that it was due to ethnic differences. She also commented that she wasn’t the type of noble they could find in Media, to which Radio nodded.

Video agreed with the older noble and claimed that she was honored to be kin with her. Then she asked for how long she has had her assistant. Studio gave her the tom’s name and the courier slightly changed her question to how long had Screen worked for her in her private quarters.

The dark tabby laughed and said that it sounded terrible since they were talking about scandal just moments ago. Then she replied that not for long, after the mage started breaking havoc he had suggested moving his surveillance into an empty room she had and offered to prowl during the day since he had very fine senses. She commented that he was good at it, and that she had barely noticed.

The snowshoe questioned her aunt’s statement. The Maine coon asked if she was referring to the grounds of the city or beyond, since monitors usually don’t travel beyond their offices on duty.

That peaked Radio’s curiosity too. She wished Pictures, who was the youngest monitor and advisor of the council, would join as well, but he had distanced himself when the subject of bloodlines came up. The she-cat knew that it was probable that he didn’t know who his parents were. That made her feel sympathy for him, but not enough to stop the conversation when the link she had with Video was mentioned.

Studio replied that it was up to him since she doesn’t really sets down firm rules within the city. She stated that she trusted him and her people. She gave them boundaries to let them know what is safe, and lets them choose whenever to trust her judgment or not. In her opinion, it had been the reason why they were the only city that hadn’t had any fatalities until that moment.

Video stared at her with surprise. She questioned if she knew were he goes, and if she had watched him on the monitors. Both she and Radio turned to look at Pictures, who still showed no reaction.

The golden-eyed feline justified it by saying that he was in charge of the surveillance, and that if she felt threatened by him she would do what’s needed to make sure everything was safe.

Radio sided with her aunt by saying that she needed to trust her. The courier sighed and looked away, but the older tabby pressed her paw near her’s to make her turn to her. She assured that Many have helped her over the ages and some Since the Beginning of the City, and she had learned Who to Trust and Who not to trust.

She then turned to the smaller she-cat and said that sometimes you can “sense” when someone’s intent is coming from the right place and that was the case with screen. Video at last accepted her explanation.

The older she-cat laughed and commented that the three must have been traveling since dawn to be able to arrive when they did, she also added that they still smell of the meadows.

The Radio Star blushed, giving a small smile back before turning to Pictures again, who was now staring at her. She agreed that it was a tiring trip, but that it was worth it. She thanked her aunt for offering them her home for them to spend the night in and claimed that she was happy to be there.

Studio rose up and said that she was going to start setting up the cleaning assignments for the next day urged them to get some rest. Then commented that it seemed that they would be getting all the help they need, since there were surveillance bots everywhere.

Radio said that maybe they (the monitors) had found the last shard. However, Video replied that if they did, then they’d be there. She said that they must be trying to pinpoint it’s exact location since they were close.

The courier said that they should head out early the next day and that they needed to go to sleep. Radio wanted to object but Video has already taken her place in her bed. The noble then turned to her aunt, who was busy talking with screen about the cleaning patrols. In the end, she gave up and decided to go over to Pictures.

The Tom cat seemed to have been expecting her, which made the snowshoe happy. She asked for permission to join him and when given a positive response, she snuggled up against him.

The she-cat groomed the tabby with affection as they remained in close physical contact. She considered him the biggest bonus of the mission with the visit to Clowder City.

At some point the couple fell asleep at the windowsill. Radio was deep asleep until she felt Pictures getting up, but given that she still felt the presence of Video and that she was very tired she didn’t go after him.

That night the noble dreamed with her companions, who she considered her friends by then. When she woke up, she thought about how excited she was to be waking up with them.

However, that changed upon seeing the felines’s faces. She noticed that Video was looking away from her and that Pictures looked very upset. Even the Studio Star acted strange. The younger noble immediately realized that something happened while she slept, but she didn’t know what exactly. Still, deep down she was suspecting what it was and dreaded the answer.

No longer able to contain her anxiety, she asked what was happening. The other cats hesitated for a moment until Pictures spoke up. Recorder had contacted them to inform that the shard’s signal had died off and that there wasn’t anything else to be done, so they must return to the Capital with the shards that they had and abandon the mission.

Radio was in shock and questioned how did that happen. She tried to believe for a second that she was still dreaming, but the weight of reality made it useless. She asked what would be of the King and Video only shook her head.

The snowshoe couldn’t believe it, especially with how smooth things had gone by until that point. She tried to come up with an explanation, ending up excusing that it must have been unavoidable and that the visit to Clowder City wasn’t the reason. However, she soon started wondering that if they had gone around the city then they would have known the location of the shard. She reached the conclusion that the situation might have been avoided and was able to tell that her companions throught the same thing.

Radio started to be drown by the guilt at knowing that the other felines blamed her. She thought about how Video being attacked was her fault. She believed that they had every reason for doing so. She looked at her aunt and saw her body language and thought that she blamed her too, but that she had no reason since the objective wasn’t her responsibility.

Video spoke that they better get going and left the room with Pictures, leaving Radio behind. Then she cried the tears she was holding in before following after them. Studio came back and offered to join her until she reached the gates, while she tried to comfort her. Her niece tried to refuse, but the older noble insisted.

The snowshoe finally relented and the two walked into the elevator. She stood next to Pictures, but he avoided looking at her. The four remained silent as the machine descended. Radio looked at the Tom again in hopes of reassurance that their relationship wasn’t over, but he didn’t glance in her way once.

She started crying again as they left the elevator, but felt proud to be able to remain composted. She was aware that there was no excuse for her mistake and didn’t know how to apologize for what she had done. She realized that Studio blamed herself since she could feel her shaking. She pressed herself against the leader and wished to be able to mutter something to console her, but she couldn’t bring herself to break the silence.

Radio was aware that Pictures knew who was responsible by how he was acting around her, which made her more depressed. She thought about how he was the one she needed the most right now, and yet he was the one to blame her the most. She pondered that she wouldn’t have been surprised by her aunt blaming her (since according to her, she had been disappointing her family her whole life), and that she could understand Video directing her upset feelings at her (especially taking into consideration why she was doing the mission on the first place).

After everything the Tom and she had done together, she had thought of him as her true companion. Now all she could do is hope that he would forgive her if Media could still find a way to deal with the Jester.

Once they reached the gates, Studio asked if they would want a carriage to bring them back to the castle. Video refused, saying that it was better to travel by foot in case they could find something.

Radio embraced her aunt when seeing the she-cat’s guilt and assured her that it wasn’t her fault and that she did all she could, and urged her to save her city and keep it safe. Studio murmured back to the she-cat to be safe, since it wasn’t over yet, and that she would do everything in her power to make it right.

Radio nodded and bowed to her aunt before leaving the city. She looked up and saw signs of a storm coming. She knew that Video also saw that, but she still chose to walk on foot. The she-cat chose to remain silent and followed her companions out from the equally silent city.

She travelled behind them and sighed as the group went into the direction of the mountains to the Capital. Dark clouds began to gather, but she tried to reassure herself that physically she wasn’t alone.

Little did she know that the worst was yet to come.

## Trivia

- Teelia wrote Heart of Glass as a NaNoWriMo project, writing the initial 50K words within 30 days for the writing challenge.

- The book seems to be based off the song "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles.