"You know this cat?" growled Razorclaw.
"Yes, now go investigate the caverns where she came from in case Night-Empire cats followed her. Skystar, you can come with me to my cave. We have much to talk about." Dawnstar sounded exasperated with the large tabby, who finally beckoned with his tail to the two white guards, and all three left the cavern. Skystar quickly followed Dawnstar into an adjoining cave. In there, the moss grew much more numerously, casting its otherworldly light on the two cats. For the first time in the caverns, Skystar got a good look at Dawnstar.
Her long-haired brown tabby pelt still shone, and her golden eyes still glowed, but she was different. She was thinner, for one thing. This must be another rebel camp, Skystar thought. And there must not be very much prey down here, and they have many cats. And even as the two cats went to sit down, Dawnstar's ears pricked with wariness. Her eyes seemed to be tired, but there was defiance in them as well. And joy, too, at seeing Skystar. She's different, thought Skystar. But then again, so am I.
"I'm so happy to see you again," meowed Dawnstar, her eyes glowing with warmth. For a moment, Skystar wanted to run to her and press her nose to her fur. But she was not a kit anymore.
"After the attack, Shadowfire, Rockpelt, Brightsoul, and me followed the stream until we met a old cat who told us about these caves..." Skystar went on to tell the whole story of her journey to the caverns, about being chased every step of the way by the Night-Empire. About completeing the journey, only to lose her friends on the other side of the rockfall. And then arriving here.
Dawnstar comfortingly pressed her nose to Skystar's muzzle. "I'm sure Shadowfire and the others can evade the Night-Empire. You all did it once, after all."
Skystar blinked with gratitude. Then she hesitated. "Dawnstar, I--I had a dream," she meowed. "There was a golden cat, who told me my destiny was to help the Star-cat defeat the Night-cat, so the Star-cat can make things the way they were before the Night-Empire. He told me to go to the place where the moon shines on rock like a flame." She glanced up, hoping Dawnstar would believe her.
To her relief, Dawnstar simply answered by saying, "I don't know about the moon, but I know about flaming rocks. There is a fire-mountain a little ways away from here. you go through the caverns until you reach the fire-rivers, and then go up."
"You believe me?" Skystar asked.
"Do you believe your dream is real?" Dawnstar asked in return. Skystar nodded.
"Then yes, I believe you."
Dawnstr hesitated before adding, "Whatever happens, Skystar, remember this. Things are not always as they seem, the world may not be as it appears. You should leave in the morning for the fire-mountain. I can't come with you, but I will wait for you, as long as it takes. You're my friend, Skystar, and I've already lost you once."
Skystar said nothing, but twined her tail with the other cat's in silent thanks.
"You can sleep in the cave next to this, I keep it reserved for newcomers or guests." Dawnstar let out a meow of laughter. "Not that there are many guests, mind you. You should go and get some sleep now, you have a long journey ahead of you."
Skystar nodded, and settled down in a nest. She let sleep wash over her like a wave, Dawnstar's words still ringing in her ears. Things are not always as they seem.....
Pack Leader! Look in my bio! :)