Chapter 2

My paws ached, my muscles sore, and my hunger herbs were fading, making my stomach twist in knots, but I journeyed on. I approached the Mothermouth and its darkness. With a sigh, I padded down into the darkness, not seeing by sight, but by memory.

I finally saw a soft glow break though the darkness. I took a deep breath before touching my nose to the cold stone. I immediately became drowsy and feel my eyes become as heavy. They had only closed for a moment when I was standing on the familiar white clouds. Their cool, soft touch reminded me of the nursery nests, with their feathers and moss.

I smile at the approaching fluffy tortoiseshell she-cat. Her speckled blue eyes are still warm and soft, just like the day when she choose me to become her deputy. I blink my eyes in greeting.

"Hello. I didn't expect to see you, Fallingstar." I didn't stare at her crooked hind paw anymore, like I did when I was a kit. Her paw had become trapped under a fallen tree, but lucky she was able to get free after the clan rolled it off her. The tree wasn't that big, but even though it crushed her paw beyond repair, it didn't crush her leader-like spirit.

She chuckles softly, the stars on her pelt swirling. "I hear you are becoming quite the leader, with you being so young still. There is someone else here I thought you might want to see again since your nine lives ceremony. Two cats, actually."

A long, white furred cat appeared, along with a soft, bright orange furred apprentice. I smiled. "Willowfang." I dipped my head at my former mentor, making me feel like an apprentice again, remembering how I felt seeing her limp and still after a clan battle. I turned to the actual apprentice. "Sorrelpaw, still been working on that move I taught you?" She chuckled and nodded with saddened eyes. We were training, and I left to go find Duskpelt, and his appertice, Darkfoot, Darkpaw at the time. Sorrelpaw wandered away from the training hollow and toward a badger den. I couldn't get to her in time, unfortunately.

I sighed. "I'm not here to relive tragic memories from the past though. I am here to seek your guidance. I feel I am having…feelings for a certain…kit." My ears flatten under the sharp gaze of my ancestors. "I am troubled and unsure."

Fallingstar, having settled comfortably with her paw, gave her tail a lash. "Has Shywing said anything…troubling?" She raised her eyebrows.

I frowned. "No…why do you ask? Is she keeping something from me?"

She shakes her head. "That is Shywing's decision, and I guess it is for the best." The others nod in agreement. I feel my forehead crease, feeling left out and confused.

Willowfang speaks up. "Well, onto your kit problem, I see nothing wrong if she grows up and the feeling is mutual." Fallingstar glances at Willowfang funny, but stays silent as the stars.

Sighing, I get to my paws. "Well, I must be getting back to my clan. Thank you for your advice."

Sorrelpaw spoke. "May the prey run well for you. Goodbye, mentor."

I watched them fade into the clouds, and open my eyes, feeling just as confused as I had before visiting. I pull my numb nose away from the stone and pad back into the darkness of the cave, and then the night.