The Shadow's Last Gleam

Prologue

           The moon shone brilliantly over head, as Duskpaw made his way silently to the Star Tree. He was entirely alone, and it remained that way even when he reached the tree. A beautiful yet slightly unnerving mist swirled around his paws, as the light, nearly blue looking glow coming from the tree calmed him, and relaxed him. He yawned, and curled up next to the tree. His breathing slowed down, becoming deep and calm. He opened his eyes, and scanned the area.

          The area was starry and he was in a field of long grass. His paws were engulfed in the soft grass. He searched the area, and heard a bush rustle. He turned to see a starry figure emerge. ""Hello, Dusk."" It said, coming towards him. ""I have an important message for you. The shadows no longer shine, and the light is locked away in dark shadow. It's up to all of you to find the shadow's shine, and to free the light."" They said.

            ""Who are you? What do you mean by "find the shadow's shine? Free what light? Don't leave me! Wait! I'm so confused!"" He called after the starry figure as everything started to fade away. ""Please come back!"" He cried out, but everything was dimming quickly.

             ""We cannot guide your pawsteps, young one. You must figure it out. Soon, as well."" It said, as he woke up. He got up immediately and pushed through the Star Tree's thick leaves. He ran back to his clan quickly, and darted into the camp. He raced over to Littestar's den, before freezing. Maybe I should tell Silversky first, he thought, glancing at the medicine den. She might know what to do, he added to himself in his mind. Then it's settled. Silversky needs to know first, he decided, and entered the medicine den.

               He noticed the silver tabby she cat was waking up. ""Silversky! Silversky, I had a dream! A prophecy, even! I think it was anyway!"" He said softly, but very excitedly. Silversky yawned, and stretched. She flicked her ears, and looked up at the excited young tom.

               ""Is that where you went? To the Star Tree? What do you mean, you think you've gotten a prophecy?"" She asked, sitting up. He explained the dream to her, and she nodded. ""Interseting. You may have, Duskpaw. We should tell Littlestar soon. What an interesting prophecy, too. "The shadows no longer shine, and the light is locked away in dark shadow.""" She repeated. He looked at her eagerly.

                 ""We should tell Littlestar about it as soon as possible!"" He said, swishing his tail happily. She laughed, and put a paw up, motioning for him to calm down.

                 ""We'll tell him later. Not just yet. Can you grab me some prey? After we eat, if he's awake, we can tell him. I'm quite hungry."" Silversky said. Duskpaw nodded, and trotted out of the den, and over to the small fresh kill pile. The first hunting patrol hadn't even been sent out, so there wasn't much there. He picked out two pieces of prey, then brought them to Silversky. She picked one, and started to eat. He started on his not long after, and finished quickly.

                  After Silversky finished, light was streaming into the cave from the outside. Littlestar was sitting in the sun, talking to Shadowstrike, the deputy. Silversky and Duskpaw made their way to him, and Duskpaw swished his tail eagerly. Silversky smiled, and motioned for Duskpaw to explain. He explained his dream to Littlestar, who sat in silence for a bit. ""Well that's... certainly something."" Littlestar said. Duskpaw didn't seem satisfied with Littestar's answer.

                  Littlestar noticed Duskpaw's dissatisfaction, and smiled. ""We need time to think about this, little one. We cannot give you the answers immediately. Maybe you should sleep on this. Not yet, of course, since you just woke up. Do think about this, but don't let it mess up your duty as an apprentice. It's important, yes, but currently your duties are more important. I'll think about this, so should you and Silversky."" He said. Silversky nodded, and put her tail on Duskpaw's shoulder.

                   ""Alright. I'll tell you if I get any more messages from Starclan."" Duskpaw sighed, and trotted into the medicine den. Silversky sighed, and shook her head.

                   ""We'll be sure to tell you anything we figure out, Littlestar."" She said, and followed after Duskpaw.