Long ago, in the beginning, cats had no markings. Their fur was colored, but lacked spots or strips or any sort of thing. But when day, when Lion and Lioness, Cheetah and Leopard were meeting as they always did, Cheetah announced that he had an idea.

He told them of the hyenas and giraffes he had seen, and how they were covered in wonderful spots. So why shouldn't they have spots as well. So Chhetah and Leopard each grabbed a stick, and proceeded to have a great deal of fun flinging the mud at one another. Lion decided to just watch. What need did he have of spots when he had is beautiful mane.

But when Cheetah and Leopard flopped down, exhausted, Lion couldn't tell them apart. But Lioness came up with an idea.For Leopard, she altered his spots to look like eyes, and for Cheetah, drew tear marks down his face. After that, the group then parted, but promised to meet again soon.

And they did often meet, but they never did notice, that hidden in the trees behind them, was Tiger.He wanted to join them, but his shyness held him back. But more than anything, he was jealous of them. His fur was so plain. He loved Cheetah and Leopard's spots. Why, even Lion was plain, with his magnificent mane.

But during one meeting, Lioness was sitting apart, relaxing, when she saw a spot of bright orange off in the trees. Slowly, she silently stalked over, and pounced. And landed on Tiger! The shock froze him, which allowed the others to approach.

Cheetah and Leopard were extatic to find another cat. They went over to sniff him, and Cheetah was the first to notice how plain he was. Tiger told them about how much he loved their spots. So cheetah and Leopard each snatched up a stick. They loved having their spots, so if Tiger wanted some as well, he should have them too.

But just before they could start, Lioness stopped them. Tiger started to plead with her, he so wanted spots. But she hushed him, declaring that she had a better idea. She took Cheetah's stick, dipped it into the mud, then drew a line down Tiger's back. Then along his sides, face, legs and tail.

Cheetah and Leopard sat back, amazed. Stripes, they realized. And did they ever look good on Tiger. Lioness sat back, purring. Proud with her work. Tiger went over to the river to see what she had done.

But Cheetah and Leopard still thought he should have some spots of some kind. So they each grabbed a stick, and on each ear, made a spot.

And still to today, the marking have stayed.

For the Tell Me A Myth contest.

Fiction: 09/30/09 | Posted By: MintIceCream | 0 comments | Personal