"Ebony?" called a soft, strained voice in the darkness. The room containing the voice was a small one, furnished with standard hospital equipment. Lying in the bed pushed up agenst the wall was a small girl of about twelve. She had big soft eyes- one blue, one brown- and she once had a head full of dark chocolate curls. But when the doctors announced she had cancer- that changed. Over a year of endless surgery, tests, and pain. The girl, named Melody Tate, was done with everything. All she wanted was for the pain to end. The only thing keeping her alive for that moment was her father… and her beloved kitten, Ebonyrose. The small cat was all white except for a black diamond shaped spot in the middle of her forehead. Her father, John, had gotten her the cat just a month ago. He picked this cat because, like his daughter, her right eye was blue, but her left eye was brown. The girl loved the little cat, giving her a fitting warrior name, like the cats in her favorite book series. One of her favorite books from the series, Dark River, lay in her lap, open to her favorite page. She called out again weakly for her cat. "Ebonyrose?" the small kitten came running and jumped into her master's lap, careful not to step on the book. Melody reached out with difficulty and petted her. "Ebony… I don't feel so well today… I think… no, I know this is… the end." The girl choked out her words. She knew today was her last day. She knew it since that morning. Her goodbyes to her father had been heartbreaking- he had no idea why she cried when he left. The cat stared at her master, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "… You can feel it too." Melody looked into the eyes of her sweet Ebonyrose, knowing the kitten knew what was to happen. She looked at the book in her lap and sobbed softly. "I wish this wasn't happening… I wish that I could just escape into this world… be a warrior… with no more sickness… to be… free…" Melody looked back to her cat. Ebony stared back up at her, as if to say 'tell me how to help.' Melody sobbed again, getting weaker and weaker. "I love you, Ebonyrose… take care of my father… keep him company… and…" her voice trailed off as she stared in wonder behind her cat at the window next to her. "The stars are dancing…" she mumbled. Ebony jumped as a bright light shone into the room. A figure formed at the foot of the bed, slowly making a beautiful, strong-looking cat. Her fur was a deep blue-grey, tangled with what looked like stars, her eyes a sparkling shade of the same blue. Her muzzle was frosted silver, a trademark look. "Blue… Bluestar?" Melody mumbled in amazement. Ebony cringed back, the same amazement shining in her eyes. "Yes, little twoleg." A voice rang around the room, seeming to be coming from the blue cat. "What are you doing here? How are you even here?" Melody asked weakly. Bluestar simply smiled. "I am here to help you. You have the spirit and strength of a cat. You wished so greatly for the warrior life; I am here to give you your wish." Melody and Ebony both stared at her in shock. Bluestar's smile then faded. "But I cannot give you this wish that easy, Melody." She turned and looked at Ebony. "Ebonyrose, in order to save your friend's life, you must give up your own." Ebony looked taken aback. Her gaze traveled to her master, then back to Bluestar. Melody whimpered. "Ebony… you don't have to if you don't want to." Ebony gazed into her master's eyes; they were fading fast. She looked again at Bluestar. After a moment she nodded. "I'll do it." She mewed, stepping forward. Bluestar smiled and waved her tail, a flash of bright light blinding them all for a moment. The light faded; suddenly both Ebony and Melody fell limp, lifeless, Bluestar gone, the book still in Melody's lap now closed.