Epilogue: Whispers in the Willows

Crickets chirped as the sun began to set, the cold chill of the night slowly blanketing over them to bring silence. A cold wind rattled the trees and reeds. Bushes clashed, leaves falling and landing in soft rustles among the grass and dusty ground. Slow and long purrs echoed around the den, merging with it were the softer purrs of his siblings.

He huddled into the warmth of his litter-mates and closed his eyes. Willing for sleep to take over. However, worries plagued him. So, he began to think back to his first moon of life. Trying to remember, hoping it would bring him to sleep. Relaxing his limbs, he focused on his personal story.

Anything to keep his anxieties at bay long enough to sleep. Relaxing, his mind wandered the familiar path of his thoughts. His internal monologue had begun to help him all asleep.

. . .

Mother was a strange thing. She loved us, but she had a strange look in her eyes. I always stared back, curious and wondering, but when asked she said it was nothing.

One night a scary storm was happening and mother came back covered in red. I didn't understand why. I wanted to know who had done this to her and why. I overheard everything. So, why was this cat trying to help her even though she caused it? I didn't think I could ever understand.

Now, I do. My mother, Cedar, is gone. I only known her for a moon of my life. However, in our loss I came to find a new mother of my own. Dusk, she is my father's sister. She takes good care of us, but slowly we are growing distant. That strange creamy brown she-cat keeps me in the den and talking for moons and moons.

I learned her name is Heather and she speaks of my mother as though she should be revered. I don't know how though. She's gone. Shouldn't we let her rest? I didn't understand much of what was happening, which led me to Hawk, my father's other sister. She is kind and wise.

However, Shadow doesn't like it when I'm with her. He becomes so mean and scary. When he talks about her, he says nasty things. Things I don't want to think about or repeat. Heather gets frustrated and yells at me, sometimes she will hit me. Shadow lets it happen and Dusk tries to comfort me.

If I ask about the cat Hawk is with, they tell me she is no one I should associate with. What do I do? I feel alone, even among my siblings. They get to play and practice hunting. I just get lecture after lecture. Did I do something wrong? Why can't I play? Why can't I just be like my siblings?

. . .

"Willow, it's time for training again." Heather snarled.

The silver and white tabby looked up, bleary eyed with sleep. He had been lost in his thoughts most of the night, unaware that he had fallen asleep. Slowly he stretched, the dawn light peering into the den. Dusk was sound asleep, leaving him to get up alone.

"Hurry up!" She hissed.

He shot her a glare and snapped sarcastically, "I'm sorry, I was born two moons ago, but please rush me like I have been alive half your age!"

Anger blazed in those honey-colored eyes. "You will rise when I say so."

Willow got out of his nest, "If my mother was still alive, would you still be talking to me like that?" Silence met him, he watched her expression turn to shock. "Then act like she is still here."

Maybe, it wouldn't be that hard for him to be a leader. Especially if he could emotionally control the she-cat who dared to push him this hard. If she was going to be cruel and mean to him, he was going to do the same back! Lashing his tail, he stalked past her and meowed loudly, "You woke me up, let's get it over with you mouse-brain."

Meekly, Heather mewed, "Right... coming."

Willow pushed his way out, his eyes falling on Hawk who was cleaning her fur while the cats of FearClan milled around so early. Pale green eyes locked with his own, amusement flashing from within them. He nodded to her slightly as he took his place to listen.

Hawk had told him to treat her as he was treated. An advice he followed closely to keep up with her demands. If it can slow her down enough for him to follow her teachings, it was worth bringing up old wounds. Especially since he did no ask to be the next leader in training. Narrowing his eyes in concentration, he listened to the subdued she-cat.

Her teachings a blur, but with Hawk's help he wouldn't have to worry. At least, if he is able to keep her as his advisor for as long as he can. His eyes brighter now as he realized that as soon as Heather was gone, his reign would begin and he would be able to keep Hawk as his advisor.

One day, I will be free enough to change my fate. Until then, I'll just do everything I can to make it easier for myself. That's what I have to do, right mother?

Author Note:

A Lost Star has ended. . . for now. :)

I plan to continue it in a sequel story as well as flesh it out better with a prequel story.

I just have to decide which one to do first.

-NightSky