Chapter One-Last Lullaby

They ran as fast as there tired and scared legs would carry them. It was even more of a challenge for Aethina as she carried her baby in her arms. She could feel her lungs heave as they longed to explode out of her chest; but she couldn't stop now, her kitten needed her.

In a matter of minutes, Aethina and her offspring reached their destination at last. A lighter side of London, one where a lot of cats were said to roam the streets during the lonely nights. This was it, her time had come and it was the end for Aethina.

She watched as her brave son checked for any signs of that horrible monster, Macavity. She knew deep down in her heart that everything would be fine, it had to work out. She called to her son and daughter; she could tell that they were worried for what may lie ahead. She smiled and hugged her kits; she spoke in her sweet warm voice to soothe them.

"Everything is going to be fine, I promise." Aethina placed one paw on River's shoulder and the other on Rowan's cheek.

Her kits were so mature and responsible; she knew they would be fine as long as they remembered what she taught them.

She picked up her new born son and cradled him in her arms; he was very handsome and large for his age. He was a molten colored tom with piercing amber eyes. He would really make some queen happy one day, but no one could really predict the future like that.

She smiled at him as she tried to hold back tears. She knew this had to be done because his father would want him and she wasn't going to take that chance, not this time.

She held him close to her chest; she took a breath and sang on last lullaby for her son.

Hush now, my baby
Be still, love, don't cry
Sleep as you're rocked by the stream
Sleep and remember my last lullaby
So I'll be with you when you dream

She turned to River who nodded; he was ready to take his brother far away from Macavity's reach. It had happened to him once and he didn't want anyone to go through what he did. He hugged his mother quickly before taking his baby brother into his strong arms. He was about to leave but Aethina put her paw on his shoulder.

River, oh River
Flow gently for me
Such precious cargo you bear
Do you know somewhere
He can live free?
River, deliver him there...

As River left Aethina's sight, she felt hot tears roll down her cheeks. This was the end for her, for her precious kitten was gone from her protective embrace. She smiled a happy smile, at least he was now safe.