Chapter 1


It all started in a place called The Crystal Cove. Far across the seas was a sea rat -the most fearless rat to ever sail the seas along with his crew.

The pirate Cluny was the Scourge of all the seas. It was said that Cluny was the strongest, biggest, & the most vicious rat that had ever lived. Cluny was a brownish, grey rat with an earring on his right ear, while a black eyepatch on his left eye, he lost his eye in a fight with the pike and the pike lost it’s life. He had a long, whip-like, lashing tail which he sometimes used as a whip with a tail barb at the end of it, along with a mole skull tightened onto his cloak which was fastened to his throat. He was to be known as …the god of war.

The warlord was just on his way to see someone to become the next him, someone to change the world forever

                                                             ****

At sunset, back at Crystal Cove, a special someone newborn and brought into the world by a very lovely couple. The two rats were named Mary and Blaggut. Mary had suggested that they would have to come up with a very interesting name for their new baby boy. "You know we’re still going to have to come up with a name for him hon, Blaggut said anxiously.”


Mary thought about what Blaggut said for a moment, looking at the sleeping rat babe sucking his thumb.  He was sleeping peacefully.  

Mary then said, “His name will be Jublenarris.” Later, Cluny arrived with two members from his crew, Redtooth and Darkclaw. Cluny was dressed the same but with the back part of his cloak over his head, while the rest of his cloak around his whole body except for his face, looking like an innocent peddler and/or beggar Cluny and his crew stepped onto the shore of Crystal Cove & started walking.  

"So you have decided to come friend," Blaggut smiled spreading both arms wide. "I was waiting for you Cluny." "Why, thank you Blaggut, Cluny responded in a sooth, calm, English and Portuguese voice. Cluny looked around as if he was looking for something as he spoke. So tell me friend,…where’s the special someone at?" "Special someone?" Blaggut said baffled. Cluny stepped up to see his old friend closely. "Y’know, your new child." Cluny explained.

"Oh. Come then Cluny, he’s right here." As Cluny followed his friend he saw Mary with the newborn ratbabe awake and sucking his thumb. " Why, hello Cluny you decided to come after all, so Cluny.. This is our son Jublenarris."

"So you already named him eh? Well Hello then little Jube." Young Jube then popped out his thumb and smiled at Cluny, giggling while clapping his tiny paws together wanting to touch and hold the huge and older sea rat warlord.

"Mind if I place your new one with a special gift,.. Well -I mean if it’s alright…" "Of course." Mary said then calmly. "Thank you." Cluny said as he took one of his daggers and cut off a piece of his own furry skin, then cutting a bit of the young ones. As Cluny did so, he passed down a bit of his own blood down to the baby rat in his arm. Then popping out a bottle of a reddish formula also placing that onto Jube -but in his little mouth with that gift the little ratbabe would soon look just like Cluny.

However, he had no idea that Cluny had done this to him, especially when his parents haven’t told him since he was very first born. In time it was all forgotten- except for Cluny and young Jube’s parents, but sometime.. Sometime Cluny and Jublenarris would meet again.

Chapter 2


Sometime later, Jube was then six years old and finally ready to leave the den alone. But most of the time he would have to go with his mother Mary.

Meanwhile.. Far across the sea was another sea rat, but this sea rat.. Was cruel and meaner than any other rat he knew. He was known to be as the pitiless one, for this rat’s name was Bloodwrath. Bloodwrath was a black rat with a red cloak with three earrings on each ear, along with several rings and bracelets. He carried around a curved sword with four daggers in his soft waist pocket on each of his sides. His whole outfit was red with a bit of white along his long, bloody scar on the right side of his face was a solid golden fang hanging out on the side of his mouth and he also wore black leathery boots. This savage beast was a pirate seeking for revenge and slaves causing destruction throughout all the seas, while burning villages and killing many gentle beasts.

Back at Crystal Cove, Blaggut found smoke near by as Jube’s cousin, Vipervenom and grandmother Sloey May with him came to warn Blaggut that Bloodwrath the Terrible was coming.

Blaggut would have to set sail to defeat Bloodwrath and be rid of the cruel beast once and for all. Mary wanted to go with so she can help, so Blaggut and Mary would both go but left Vipervenom and Jube’s grandmother with Jube. They couldn’t possibly let Jube stay there all by himself, he was only six years old.

"But I want to come, I want to fight the sea rats!" "It is too dangerous my son." Jube’s father explained. Jube then looked down and up again trying his best not to shame his father. " Will you be gone long Mom and Dad?" Jube asked curiously. "We’ll be back soon my son." Blaggut reached out to Jube to hug him as a tear ran down Blaggut’s face. "Are you sad Father?" "Yes." Blaggut responded back. "But you mustn’t be worried about me and your father dear" Mary let out a tear as well. "No matter what happens to us, we’ll always be with you, but don’t worry." Mary reached out her arms to Jube. "We’ll be fine." " I’ll miss you too Mom." "Sometimes there are things that we rather not do -but must, someday you will understand Jube." Blaggut then pulled out his sword to Jublenarris. "Here Jube my boy, take this, to remember me and your mother by." Jube then took the sword just by -almost- dropping it. Sloey then placed a hand upon Jube’s shoulder.

As Blaggut & Mary left, Jube, & Vipervenom waved goodbye as Blaggut and Mary got into the rowboat with the other members to get to the ship. "When will Mom and Dad be back grandma?" "When Bloodwrath is defeated Jube." Sloey May said in a sweet, calm, voice. "Defend the ones for who you love my son, defend the weak and don’t let any creature take my sword from you!" Blaggut yelled back to Jube. As his mother and father left Jube was afraid that he may not see his parents ever again.

Sometime later, Jube was now seven years old. But as that time passed there has been no sign of his mother, nor father. Without knowing it, Jube’s parents died in the battle with Bloodwrath. As they fought, Blaggut was just as close to killing Bloodwrath when he deliberately crashed into Mary and Blaggut’s ship, while he sent his guards to shoot fire arrows at their ship, the ship burned and crashed. They tried to save the other rats that were on their ship and themselves, but it was too late. So Mary and Blaggut got shot and died. Both of Jube’s parents went down with the ship. So Jublenarris now on his own, experienced a life without his parents at a very young age. While his grandmother and his cousin befriended and protected him…

Jube was now getting into using the sword that his father left behind more properly each time he tried using it. A crab tried to crawl away as Jube picked up the rock it was under.

Jube caught it perfectly, just in time. "Gotcha!" He laughed. "There you are Jube," Jube looked up it was his cousin Vipervenom. "I’ve been half-out of my mind looking for you, you little rouge!" When Jube seemed to realize that Vipervenom was upset he tried to explain while he put the sword back into the scabbed. "But I..." "You were getting me and your grandmother upset when she luckily found that you far from home." Viper' grabbed Jube’s hand as he walked him back to the den.

But as he did so, both Jube and Vipervenom gasped. Bloodwrath was standing right in front of them chuckling as his cloak waved in the wind. "Well what do ‘ya know? more slaves." He said in a smooth voice as he yanked the chain that Sloey May was tied to. "They got grandmother Sloey May ,Jube,-RUN!" Vipervenom then gave Jube a push to get the chance to get away. Viper tried to do the same but the silver furred rat tripped and was unable to run. "I’m out of energy , but you can run so run Jube run!" "No!" Jublenarris came running back with his father’s sword in his paws, yelling at Bloodwrath. "You dare and hurt my cousin and I’ll…I’ll - hit you hard!" The sea rat just simply laughed. " Whoa, careful there son, you’ll hurt yourself." He said pitifully chuckling to himself. As he took the sword away from the little rat he examined the beauty upon the sword. "I promised I wouldn’t let anyone take my father’s sword-". With a great thud, little Jube went down like a heavy rock.

A few seasons passed since the young Jublenarris and his cousin Vipervenom were captured by Bloodwrath the Terrible. So Jube was now ten years old. His older cousin Vipervenom had been sad, while Jube had been feeling terrible of what had happened to his grandmother when she was another one of Bloodwrath’s slaves. Sloey had died of thirst, hunger and by the cracking of the whip. Jube and Vipervenom were the survivors of the family but were now Bloodwrath’s slaves. One day at sunset, back at Dead Ridge, Jube was just finishing up the day’s daily work. Death Ridge was a place that looked like Marshank where Badrang the Tyrant lived. But Death Ridge was a place where Bloodwrath the Terrible lived to drive out slaves to work.

" Well, that should be the last of that job." Jube finally got the chance to say to Vipervenom who was still working. "Job? What do you mean job?! We are forced to do this Jube!" " I know but at least we might earn our freedom this way.“

Vipervenom looked down with his eyes closed shaking his head as he spoke. Bloodwrath wouldn’t let us go in a million years even if our lives depended on it. Klang! Viper’s words wearied off and became silent, while both rats gasped as a guard hit his spear on a metal bar along on a wooden pole hissing at them. The black figure in a corner with his spear narrowed his eyes. "Hey no talking during work! Double work for you two tomorrow!"

He pointed his spear at them. Both of them waited till he was gone. "There now see, I told ‘ya that they’ll never let us go, we’re doomed!" Vipervenom whispered sarcastically but then getting just a bit scared. "Nonsense Viper, they’ll have to let us go someday, we’ll just have to be careful." Jube pointed out while continuing with the rest of his work.

Chapter 4


Later that night while everyone, including the guards were asleep, Vipervenom stayed up all night till the coast was clear. He then nudged Jube, trying to wake him up from the other cage cell that Viper was in. "Psst!" He hissed while trying to whisper. "Jube?.. Jube!" He tried once more. "Hm, eh- what?" He then let out a yawn. "What do you want?" "Sh! Hush Jube, keep your voice down" Vipervenom then started to look around to see if no one heard him and had woken up. "Now I’m pretty short clear here, Jube, so listen up."

He continued. "I have a plan to escape but be careful okay?" Jube nodded. Another slave rat was right next to Jublenarris in the next cage awake. Jube turned to face the other rat. "Nighteyes Nightfur, what are you doing awake?" Nighteyes Nightfur was a male black rat with green eyes along with his white fur on his cheeks, chest, belly, & feet. He had an English accent, with a soft, calm, voice. "Sorry, but- I just couldn’t sleep. But I thought I your cousin say something about an escape plan,..-I mean is that true?" "Yes." Jube responded. "Vipervenom was planning to escape." " Could I come?-I mean I was here a bit longer before you and your cousin came along."

" Of course Nighteyes, I mean, after all you are my friend." "Thank you." Nighteyes smiled with his eyes half closed. " So, are you guys ready?" "Yes sir!" They both said as they crouched down on their haunches to hear Vipervenom’s plan. "So what’s the plan yo?" Jube asked. "See those guards up there? Viper pointed.

"One of them comes down here every morning, so all we have to do is to keep it silent while I get the keys as they pass by and then we’ll be free." "You mean Blueclaw?" " No-no. The one who’s name is Dripfang." "Oh. Okay then." Jube then said satisfied. "Alright then, we start first thing tomorrow in the morn. Cool, alright then." "But will you promise to let me do the job and keep it quiet?"

Jube then nodded. " Promise." The three rats spat upon their paws and shook paws. "Now, get some sleep you two. We have a big day tomorrow to escape." "Sure thing dude, well goodnight." Jube gave one last yawn before going to sleep, snuggled into bed and lie still.  

The next morning, Jublenarris, Nighteyes Nightfur and Vipervenom awoke at a head start. "This could be our chance to escape," Nighteyes said excitingly. "We’ll then finally be free." " You don’t have to worry, but just keep it settle." Jube whispered. Jube then gasped. "Oh, damn it!" He swore to himself a bit quietly.

"What is wrong with you Jube?" " I’m sorry," Jube made his apology to Vipervenom who was putting his hands on his hips. "I was just thinking, what are we going to do about the others?" "Others?" Viper repeated. "Y’know, the other slaves." "Oh. Um… I do not know. Wait, are you saying that we should free them?" Vipervenom was just about to get frustrated, then.

" Well, yes-I mean well, …why not? It’ll be too much work, Jube, besides, we and / or they get killed. Don’t worry Jube their time will come you’ll see." Bloodwrath will lead us to our deaths and others as well,you know that!" Jube tried not to frown too deeply but his voice just getting a bit higher as he spoke. "Hush! Viper whispered. As Dripfang one of the guards passed by, Vipervenom snatched the keys but did it quietly.

"Got them!" He said with a sly smile. Soon they would all be free! Vipervenom then started to unlock his cage door. As soon as he was free, he then let Jube and Nighteyes Nightfur out of their cages. "Okay dudes, now let’s get out of here before they see that we’ve escaped." "Wait!" Jube stopped Vipervenom by grabbing him by the arm. " What about the others?"

As soon as Jube freed almost every beast, a ferret named Mooneyes spotted Jube as he stepped on something that made it sound like a crack! "Escape, Escaaaaape!!!. sound the alarm! sound the alarm!!"

As the ferret guard yelled, the bells tolled. Bloodwrath came jumping up as he heard what the commotion was about then came along side to him were his guards. Bloodwrath jumped outside of his tent chamber and yelled out a great yell! " Chaaaaaaarrge! Get them, chase them, seize them! Prepare to attack! Kill! Kill! Kiiiiiiillll!!! " Jublenarris was lucky to get the other slaves free, but also began to run as fast as he could faster and faster Jube, Vipervenom and Nighteyes, ran. Jube then finally stopped. There was his father’s sword. Jube then looked around then took his sword and took off. Jube was just to get on a row boat with the others but then decided to fight off the guards. Slashing, clanging and swinging his sword,

Jube fought off several rats and weasels. He was just as close to getting caught when, Vipervenom then grabbed his paw. The two rats took off like the speed of light. Running so fast made Jube pant so hard he nearly felt like as if he was going to faint by feeling so dizzy in his mind. "Wait," he panted. "I gotta stop Viper…" " No we can’t stop now!" As more guards came running after them, Jube and Vipervenom randomly ran in different directions and went separate ways.

Chapter 5


Some time later, Jube, Vipervenom and Nighteyes Nightfur escaped, but were now separated. At least Viper amd Jube were. Nighteyes Nightfur was with Jublenarris and took one of Bloodwrath’s ships. Many days and nights later, they were almost running out of food, water, cordials/wine, shelter, and even a little bit of missing parts of their own ship after a sea storm. A ship of corsairs then began to pass by.

Once Jube got their attention by shouting out to them if they wanted to make a bargain, they excepted and came over to shore to the two rats. There were a few more rats (like about five) in Jube’s crew. Feisty looking rats faced other rats with weasels and stoats. Mean looking ones from the other captain’s crew. " So-ho matey, I-a hears your wants make a bargain eh?" "Yes." Jublenarris said immediately to the other sea rat pirate. " Well, rescue party at- yer service…" "Thank you." Jube bowed his head. "How would you gentle beast’s like to make an exchange yo-ho fellow’s ?" Jube offered to the other sea rat captain. "Oh-ho very well then, little young ‘UN,… we agree- how’s about it mates?" "Oh-ho yaw!"

The sea rat’s crew responded back to their captain. So the deal was later made, the sea rat captain gave Jube a new ship for some of their weapons and supplies and Jube also gave the sea rat a chest full of treasure for some of the sea rat's supplies, weapons and spices. They were now recovered, with a new ship built beautifully perfect, new delicious food and more supplies. Weapons, shelter and cordials/wine were all full in the storage for all, for Jube and his crew. And the sea rat captain and his crew of rats, weasels and stoats also had everything they wanted and needed.

                                               ****

Some time later that morning, they came upon an island ,actually more like a mix between an island and a forest .They were in a place called,…. Mossflower. However, the area was a place called or so it was known as, Ratmanyopaliss. The brand new ship looked just a bit different that morning and Jube was lying upon the sandy shore when he and his crew got there all still sleeping.

When Jublenarris woke up, he began to rub his head and started to look around in confusion. He did not know where he was, nor did he know that this was the very place where Cluny lived! As the rest of the crew woke up Jube was still sitting, but then began to lie back on the sand and fall asleep again.

Another rat named Bloodgor from Jube’s crew ran over to his master. As the other rat nudged the tired and weak Jublenarris, he began to call out for help to see if anyone else was there. "H-Hello!, Is anybody there!" There was no reply. He then tried again. Hello! Can somebody help us! Hello! Not far over from where the ship was, was a building. Some kind of Castle. The castle had belonged to a rat, Cluny the Scourge. The very same rat that had given young Jube the gift from when he was born back at Crystal Cove.

A black rat wearing a blue outfit and cloak named Shadow heard the call since he was outside underneath a tree resting. As he listened, he then ran inside the Castle and to the rat Cluny. "We’ve got company Cluny." Cluny then turned around and tilted his head on one side. " Company eh?" "Yes." Shadow answered.

"Where?" Cluny demanded as he fully turned around to face his companionate soldier. "Out on the shore towards south…I think that someone’s calling for help." "Really? Well let’s go check it out and see for ourselves, Redtooth! Darkclaw! Fangburn! Ragear! Cheesethief! Come with me along with Shadow!" The main hench rats ran and followed their master towards the shore where Jublenarris was at along with a few members from his crew.

Cluny and Shadow then closely headed towards the rat, Bloodgor who was watching over his master Jublenarris. Jube then opened his eyes slowly, then gasped as Bloodgor stepped back. There was Cluny in a calm, convinced look- yet, also sort of confused. Jube reached out his sword.

"Get..away..from..-me." He said weakly and dry collapsing to the ground again groaning and complaining in agony. Cluny then looked at Bloodgor and a few other rats. "Who are you and what do you seek?" He asked as some rats whispered to each other. Bloodgor was a noble, loyal, trustful and good rat, as he stepped up, he answered Cluny’s questions. " We are a bit weary, shipwrecked sea rats seeking rest." Cluny then thought about this after Shadow whispered something into Cluny’s ear. "That’s it?" "That’s it." Bloodgor answered immediately.

"Very well then, we accept. Welcome to Mossflower, alas this area is named Ratmanyopaliss ,a short and small part of Mossflower woods. Me and my horde rats live along side these parts of these woods, are you however, willing to join up and become members of this place and stay here for as long as you live with us? "Yes." Bloodgor answered and all of them agreed and promised. Cluny nodded at Bloodgor then to Shadow. Shadow then lifted up Jube’s sore, sleek, young body into Cluny’s Castle as Cluny’s other rats took the other young ones inside along side with Cluny who was always the one rat to lead the way.

Chapter 6


Later, Jube found himself in a comfy, soft, red chair in a warm, plumish, purple colored blanket near the fire place with the fire lit. There were many books around like as if it were a library. It was a living room.

A lovely living room and the curtains, chairs and other furniture were made out of silk. It looked as if every part of the room was just full with the same color purple/red. "Look’s like someone really likes the color purple." He thought to himself. But where was he? Where was his crew? And who brought him there? He was about to find out for himself. He also found himself in something new, a red outfit, cloak and a nice belt, then began to wonder who put this on him. Suddenly without warning, someone was just about to approach him.

"Who-Whoever…you are -show yourself!" He demanded. His voice and throat all sore and dry while he was feeling weary. The dark figure stepped into the fire light. "Relax, it’s just me." The figure was another rat, it was Cluny with two mugs of hot chocolate. Jube slowly blinked his eyes once. His eyes were burning while red and sore from all that seawater getting in his eyes from a storm that he had been through. " Oh,-um who-who are you?" He then asked.

"I am Cluny the Scourge and this is my kingdom." He explained to the younger little rat as he came closer. He then placed a glass next to Jube on a mini table while taking a comfy seat for himself while holding and fiddling with his glass and looking at the young rat. "You have found your way to Ratmanyopaliss, a small part of Mossflower and the one who has saved you and brought you here was my good soldier Shadow."

"Oh, thanks I-" "Oh no need, I understand." Cluny did, but interrupted anyway waving his hand to the excited little rat.

"So you’re Cluny the Scourge eh?" Jublenarris said in a more kind of an English and Portuguese voice like Cluny’s. "Yes." Cluny answered right away as Jube took a sip from his mug. " What’s your name?" Cluny asked. "Jublenarris. Jublenarris the Sea rat." Jube then answered after clearing his throat. Cluny coughed out some of his own hot chocolate in surprise with his eyes wide open staring at the little rat. Why did the name sound so familiar? He then began to ask Jublenarris again for more info to see if it were actually truly him.

" You are Jublenarris?!" "Yes." Jube answered the older surprised rat Cluny. " I’m from The Crystal Cove far over the seas and my parents were Mary and Blaggut. And I seek no cause of destruction just a bit of rest and I’ll be on my way again along with my fellow messmates." Cluny then sprang up high into the air still staring surprisingly with his eyes now very wide open.

"You." Cluny then said while staring at the young rat imagining him as a memory from when he was a ratbabe in Cluny’s arms when he first met him. "The little…ratbabe..So you are the little baby I first met a long time ago."

"What are you talking about?" Jube asked baffled. "I knew your mother and father," Cluny said. "I had then given you a gift when you were born kid. I also came all the way from here to your home back at The Crystal Cove." Jublenarris can hardly believe his ears. Was this the same rat that his parents told him about? He was then about to find out once more. "I had given you a special formula and some of… my blood that I past down into your arm. That is why you look like me and past the years you’re starting to look just like myself from when I was your age. And to me I find that quite surprising ."

"Just like you?" Jube then asked Cluny. Yes. He answered Jube. Oh. Jube then said satisfied, knowing what then happened. " Wait a minute," Jube began. "My father told me about you…he…said that you were an evil warlord." "True." Cluny confessed. "But that does not mean that I will kill you, nor your crew." "Oh." Jube replied again. But since Cluny wanted to know how Jube got there, he asked Jube about it. "So, how did you get here?" "Come again?" Jube raised an eyebrow at Cluny, with his head down but still looking at the older rat.

"To Ratmanyopaliss, Tell me about your story." Cluny repeated. "Oh." Jube then took a sigh and began to tell Cluny how he actually got there. "I was such a little dibbun when it all happened," Jube continued.

"And both of my parents were killed by Bloodwrath ..." and Jube then began to cry as he told his story. "And…..( sobbing) ( sniff) I was then captured and taken as slave when I was so little with my older cousin Vipervenom..and….( sobbing )." "I understand," Cluny then responded. "Come, come here." He reached out to hug Jube. " I’m so sorry." Jube said with a cute, baby rat face. " It’s okay," Cluny answered right away.

" Well,…m-maybe if you ask me later I’ll..-I’ll tell you exactly what happened." Jube said then after he thought about it, then so did Cluny and then replied…"Alright". He said. "We’ll talk about it later in a bit." "Thanks," said Jube then trying to calm down. Cluny then looked at young Jublenarris and into his eyes and saw the same childish look that Cluny once had, then it came to him when he wanted to change the subject. " I’ll tell you what," Cluny continued. "Since you have no parents or anyone else to watch over you, I have nothing much to do so,… how’s about becoming well,…an adopted son of mine?" "Are you sure?" Jube asked kind of exited. " Well, you need a place to live -you can’t just travel all the seas like as if you’ve got nowhere to go if someone’s offering you a place to stay." Cluny scoffed.

"Uh-huh." Jube rolled his eyes shaking his head and made a bit of a huff more like a sarcastic laugh.

"And besides, your little crew just promised me to stay as long as you live." Cluny pointed out as he made himself more comfortable in his soft, comfy, red chair. What had happened when Jube was asleep? What did his crew tell Cluny? He wanted to know so much, so he decided to ask Cluny. "Really?" "Oh yes." Cluny smiled. "I agreed and now here you will stay. Do you agree Jublenarris?" Jube then thought about it for a moment, this could be his chance.

No beast that was his enemy could find him. He would be safe. He’d have….a father! Then he finally said, "Yes, and thanks." Jube wiped a tear from his eye. "Good." Cluny then said standing up. "Come we must go", Cluny continued on. "This place," Cluny said looking around. " It is time to give you the tour around here and to let you know how things are done around here under *my* state of law."

Chapter 7


Later, as Cluny began to show Jublenarris around the fortress and the camp grounds, he then turned to Jube who was still walking alongside with him and looking forward, but didn't notice that Cluny was looking at him until he began to speak.

"So, you about ready to tell me more about yourself?" Jube turned to Cluny, looking at him in an upset mood, shaking his head left and right. Cluny lifted up his head with a bit of wide eyes in surprise. "Really? And why is that?" No answer. Cluny then stopped walking, Jube did the same. Cluny paused; then placed his hands on Jube’s shoulders. "Why are you still upset?" He asked Jube. "Why don’t you answer?" Jube shrugged. "M-Maybe I am just not feeling so well."

He finally admitted. "Ah, what do you mean?" Cluny then looked at Jube in surprise while he cut him off. "Oh- n-nothing." Jube replied back trying to convince Cluny to not worry. "Well," Cluny began. "If you ever need anything, know I am always around." Jube then shook his head. He didn’t know. However, he would then know soon enough he just had to wait, sometime or later, the time would come. Cluny sighed and went over to Jube who was looking at him with a blank face. "'Y know," Cluny began as he slowly placed his hands on Jube's shoulders again.

"I -" Cluny then wanted to change the subject, so he would no longer confuse Jube in a more of a physical, logical, way. "-think it's time to tell you about the rules around here now." Cluny then quickly took Jube along beside him as he wrapped his arm around Jube's upper back. "Wait!" Jube then snapped as he stopped walking, stepped back and pushed Cluny back a bit by the chest.

"What?" Cluny said with a confused face. "I thought that um, you were going to introduce me to your friend’s sir.“

Jube replied back. "OH. Oh, um, yes. -I was." "What happened sir?" "Enough with the sir." Cluny crossed his arms. "Sorry." Jube slunk his arms down. "Sorry." "Don’t be," Cluny said. "and nothing happened. I just said that I was going to let you meet them in a bit." Cluny answered back. Jube then gave a huff more like a sigh. "Come," Cluny cut off. "let’s go. From now on you may call me,. Chief, Cluny, or just simply, a father." Cluny continued walking as he spoke.

"Right Chief." Jube caught up. "But where are we going?" Jube turned to Cluny. "To get you to meet my crew." Cluny laughed "and to actually get them to know you and so you can become part of the crew." Cluny’s only one swift eye had glinted as he then answered Jube.

Later, Cluny came to his crew in the camp grounds along with Jube to introduce them to each other. "Right you swabs! Get up! I'm about to introduce you to young Jublenarris. Jublenarris the Sea rat!"

Cluny's crew then sprang up in surprise. "Right Chief!" They all saluted to their master. Cluny began to name the rats as he looked at Jube while he looked at Cluny then the guards. "This is, Redtooth, Darkclaw, Fangburn, Cheesethief, Ragear, Scraggy, Syringe, Scumnose, Frogblood," Jube then looked at the name called soldiers as Cluny named them all. "and finally, this is Shadow."

"N-nice to meet you all mates," Jube made a little laugh as he made a bit of a wave to them all. "Who's the kid?" Redtooth asked Cluny. "I told you, he's Jublenarris. Jublenarris the Sea rat." "Oh;" Redtooth said as he looked at the young rat that had the same genetic make-up as Cluny. Jube looked at Redtooth and smiled. "Would you also like to meet the other rats that live around here Jube?" Cluny gestured his hand the other way. Jube nodded. Cluny then later gestured to several rat maidens, their rat babes and other rat soldiers in the camp grounds. The other rats then came to see Jube. "Who's the little rat?" "Where did he come from?"

"Is he new Cluny?" Both male and female rats kept on asking questions about the young rat until Cluny silenced them. "Silence!"

The other rats then froze. The waited until Cluny began to speak again. "This little young rat's name is Jublenarris the Sea rat. He had brought a crew with him. However, yes he is new. Therefore, I personally said that it would be alright to stay with us, for as long as he lives." The other rats murmured about this when they actually heard Cluny say these words.
"His name is Jublenarris?"

One little rat maid stepped up in front of all the other rats. "What kind of name is that? What does it mean?" She then asked. Jube's mouth opened, but he said not a word. While his eyes were wide with surprise. Finally he spoke.

"I-It's a creature who lives in the far North, in a beautiful place called, the Crystal Cove. It also means that It can also be a creature like a Sea rat, that lives around the most beautiful seas in the farthest North where it's peaceful;" Jube answered. The young rat maiden then smiled while flattering her eyelashes a bit. "That's s a nice name," she told Jube.

She was a light brown rat with black ears & pale blue eyes; she wore a very light blue headband, a blue as the sky dress, along with a white apron. She had fancy, bluish, purple eye shadow, long eyelashes and just almost looked like a mouse with her thin tail & her cute perfect shaped, furry head & her lovely smile. "Ah, I see you’ve now met Crystal the Ratmaiden;" Cluny gestured to Jube. Jube’s eyes widened open while he gasped. "Cr-Crystal the Ratmaiden?! Jube asked. "M-Hm," Cluny answered back looking at Jube who was staring at Crystal.

Jube then began to look back into his memory of his home back at the Crystal Cove and in all its beauty. He imagined crystals, beautiful ones, whenever the sun or the moon would shine upon them, they'd just look beautiful in any way. Like as if they had some sort of special moods. As he did so, he also imagined Crystal being there, as some kind of angel. …….He was in love.

Chapter 8


Later, Jube then had his own tent and Cluny kept checking on him once in a while as he told him a few stories about himself. Jube later began to sleep, but he just couldn't take his mind off of Crystal and there was no way that any rat maidens would ever get the chance to win Jublenarris heart and Crystal would be the only one he'll ever love. Because any way you would look at it, she was perfect.

Jube was just to drift off to sleep, when suddenly a voice came outside on the other side of the tent flap. “Hello?” The voice asked. “Mr. Jublenarris, y-you in there?” The voice in Jube’s mind was the same voice that he had just heard. The creatures voice was like silky blue ribbons & like ringing bells of joy. He smiled then asked; “Yes. I’m Jublenarris. I’m here; -but please, just call me ‘Jube. Who are you? Are you Crystal the Ratmaiden?” “Yes. I am,” She said as she took a quick peek into Jube’s tent. “What is it Crystal?” ‘Jube asked. “I was told by Cluny that I was supposed to give you these,” Crystal replied back as she revealed a stray of potions & herbs. ’Jube looked at them surprisingly. Then shook his head as he looked up at Crystal. “No, -no. I’m fine. I really don’t need them,” ‘Jube waved his paw. “But Cluny had told me o give them to you; what am I going to tell him?” “It’s alright; ‘Jube answered right away. Just tell Cluny that I’ll be fine. I’m not hurt or anything as such;” He said.
“Cluny told me that you were…” Crystal sighed. ‘Jube looked surprised. “Wha; ? He did?” “Yes,” Crystal answered.

“No-no, wait!” ‘Jube said waving a paw, “C-can we talk?” Crystal turned her head & made a small smile; “Sure.” She said in her cute, little voice. Her smile then reflected upon Jube’s face as well. They were coming together like love birds on a warm, lovely spring day.

Suddenly; another rat maid had just come into Jublenarris’s tent, “Jublenarris? Cluny told me to give this to you sir;” the rat maid had then said as she revealed a tray with a bowl of oatmeal, a thermos of strawberry cordial, tree slices of cheese, & a tiny dish of strawberries. ‘Jube then swallowed, licked his lips; -but tried hard not to disrespect to rat maid’s request by just being so half-starving after a long, cold, wet, suffering journey.
“Er,..yes. Um,..t-thank you. C-can you tell Cluny that I won’t be needing anything else please? ‘Jube looked up to the rat maid with the tray. “Why, yes. Right now?” “Just when you have the time. I understand that you may be busy;” ‘Jube replied. The rat maid nodded, set the tray down onto the bed, & strode off out of the tent.

Crystal smiled; but then realized what ‘Jube was doing.....-he was holding her paw. Crystal gasped. “W-what are you doing?” She asked like a frightened, shy girl. “Oh, um, n-nothing;” ‘Jube let go of Crystal’s paw as he looked away. Crystal could just tell that inside, ‘Jube was blushing.

“What’s the matter?” Crystal asked ‘Jube. The Cluny-look-alike, young rat didn’t turn to face the young, lovely rat maid, he just stood there, thinking of things he had never experienced before. He then turned his golden eyes to look at her without turning. “You’re just so lovely”, ‘Jube then answered her. “oh, thank you”, she battered her eyelashes. ‘Jube had felt like an absolute fool saying such a thing like that to a girl he didn’t even know yet.
He slowly sat right back onto the bed to rest. He was exhausted, practically starving, & his brain felt sore from lot of thinking through-out his life as a dibbun. He sighed & snuggled his dirty, mud-like, wet, ratty fur into the nice, warm, clean blanket sheets.

He sighed & snuggled his dirty, mud-like, wet, ratty fur into the nice, warm, clean blanket sheets. He sighed, snuggled in deeper, smelt the blankets; which smelt like warm, fresh oatmeal which had been in the laundry room near the kitchen from the day’s previous breakfast. The cook was making a fine feast later in the kitchens. He could –JUST swear it!

He had seen it. All this time, all this thinking became a stronger force. A power that had let him venture through other's mind, to see things inside his brain that would eventually occur sooner or later……he was a mystique! Crystal sniffed the air, ‘Jube sensed this, then said, “The cook’s going to be making a feast later tonight….-lamb, gordina salad, fish with union rings with lemon juice, & for desert, a colossal vanilla cake decorated with chocolate pattern swirls with strawberries on the top. Lime cream with nutmeg in case you were just wondering & didn’t know.” ‘Jube told her. Crystal was nearly shocked! How did he know? She wondered, “ I just do, It’s some sort of gift”, ‘Jube replied to her thoughts. Crystal was getting scared. “What?” She whispered out. “I’m a mystique”, ‘Jube convinced Crystal; I read minds, & see things into my mind on what will surly happen later”, he continued. “Ooh. Crystal realized. & it was gift you said?” “Sort of”, ‘Jube replied. Crystal smiled.

Chapter 9


Later, Crystal showed to ‘Jube around the kitchens, & into Great Hall. ‘Jube was less tired, & ate for a bit earlier before he went to bed. It was night time now, & in his opinion,-or in every beast's, the night was beautiful out. The stars, the moon & the light, soft-looking, fancy-like bluish-purple spread in the sky waiting for as many rats as possible to admire such a wonderful sight. They did, all of them. & the night was calm, relaxing, & light as a feather.
Rats on every bench, table, & halls were filled, music was played, & rat children running around, dancing & playing to the lovely songs of the night. Girls played tambourines, dressed up as cute little gypsies, & little boys were clapping paws, British dancing, & grown rats laughed & played with their children, enjoying the show as they watched. ‘Jube *too*, was enjoying this! He made a small laugh, looking at the rat children, adoring them & how cute they were. Barley wine, punch, beer, all around was passed by the Friar. –the cook of the kitchens.
‘Jube had went over with Crystal to the bar, he saw Cluny there, with a few other rats. The one to Cluny’s left was rat with light brown fur & black ears like Crystal, -but were slightly bended, with a black cloak with a snake’s tooth hooked in the front, with a dark grey tunic & a red tunic underneath. She had orange-like, golden eyes, white, pretty front-fangs, a dark brown tail, & black foot-paws. The other next to her, was a smaller rat, -which sort of looked like a runt, with a light blue tunic, light brown fur, with his tips of is ears black & sort of looked like the lady rat, -but with blue eyes. The rat at the very far end however, was a rat named Cheesethief, who sort of looked drunk already from having two jugs of beer within one serving.

“Jube looked over at Crystal. “Y-you mind if I just talk with Cluny alone for a little bit?” ‘Jube said in the kindest tone. Crystal nodded, & walked off. ‘Jube watched her go, looking at her most-lovely figure, & admired her beauty as she took off. ‘Jube then snapped out of it to talk with Cluny. He nudged him. “Hey, Cluny. Who are the rats right next to you?” ‘Jube asked. Cluny turned to face ‘Jube. Cluny was actually smiling! He then tapped a finger on the lady rat who turned away from her drink of rum to look at Cluny who raised an eyebrow at her, smiling. The lady rat then looked stunned. “Are-are you drunk Cluny?” She said in the most-brilliant, English accent ‘Jube had ever heard from a female……he was impressed!
“No I’m not, Cluny answered her. There’s just somebody here, who I want you to meet.” Cluny then revealed ‘Jube, to show the lovely, rat woman. “So,…” She replied shocked-like. “Is this like, your new kid or somethin’?” Cluny laughed. Clapping his paws as he laughed to what the female rat had to say. She, & ‘Jube were baffled. “No, this is my new -*adopted* son, Jublenarris.” “Jublenarris the Scourge eh? Well nice to meet ch’ya ‘Jubey!” The female rat held out a paw to shake. ‘Jube did. & then asked for her name. “What’s your name Miss?” He asked. “Vipertooth,  she answered. Vipertooth the Slayer.” “Wow, great name.” Jube replied. “Thanks, & this is my younger brother Felan.” Vipertooth gestured to ‘Jube who waved a paw & said hello to the rat that was sitting next to his older sister. ‘Jube took a seat in Cluny’s chair next to Vipertooth, once Cluny moved to the other side of the bar, but still sitting next to his new adopted son, ‘Jube. Cluny held up a paw to the bartender.

“A glass for the kid Marian”, he’s going to be here for a while.” Cluny smiled, watched ‘Jube get served with a jug of root beer, & whispered to himself, “The show must go on...."


                          
                                       *To be continued*....