The dark clouds rolled across the night sky, slightly covering the fat moon. A half moon hung in the sky. The sound of dripping water from the rock ledge disturbed the night. A slender black shadow, almost blending into the night, slide out the den. He padded up to the rock ledge, tail swishing in the breeze.
The tom gazed up at the sky. He could still see small stars poking out against the dark clouds. The kingdom's ancestors would watch over them tonight, making sure they were protected.
"Nice night to watch the stars, isn't it?" A small voice asked. The king whipped around to face a small black and brown tom. He let out a huff, trying to smooth his ruffled fur.
"Great Sky Kingdom, you startled me Cedarpaw! I didn't even hear or see you." The Healer in training let out a small purr, dipping his head in respect.
"You were so focused on the stars, Spidermoon. I don't blame you." The small tom padded up, curling his tail up as he sat. The two toms sat in silence for a moment, yellow and green eyes fixated on the shimmering stars. Finally, Spidermoon questioned the young cat.
"Shouldn't you be resting?" The black tom asked, fixing his yellow eyes on him.
Cedarpaw flicked his ears, his head still tilted back to the sky. "I couldn't sleep and how could I ignore this beautiful night?"
Spidermoon didn't need to answer, he was certainly right. He wondered how the trainee felt, being so close to Sky Kingdom. Of course, kings were granted nine lives, but the connection wasn't as strong. They spoke to them every full moon. He felt like a young kit asking these questions, but he needed to know.
"How does it feel, having such a close connection to our ancestors?" Spidermoon inquired, his long tail flicking.
"Oh, there's so many words to describe it. It feels magical yet comforting. I remember my first visit to Star Creek, I was so excited yet anxious to go. When Mossytail introduced as a Healer trainee, I spoke to them. Unfortunately, I can't tell you everything but I can say this. It was comforting knowing that so many cats were watching over me. Surely, you felt the same way when you gained your nine lives." Cedarpaw answered, surprisingly sounding very mature.
"Yes, I remember the feeling," the king whispered softly, memories washing over him. It had been so many moons ago yet felt so vivid. The star covered cats approaching him, the feeling of shock when he was granted a life.
"You know, I think everyone has a special connection to them." The Trainee's mew cut through his thoughts. Spidermoon gave him a curious glance.
"To the tiniest kit to a powerful king, we all have a connection to them." Cedarpaw continued, his forest green eyes locked on his dandelion yellow ones.
"You really think so? Sometimes, it feels like I'm in a isolated forest, away from their presence." He answered blankly, flattening his ears. It was true, the burden of leadership suddenly crashed down on him at times. Whenever it happened, he just felt so hopeless. He was sure it happened to Russetmoon too, despite his tough personality.
Surprisingly, Cedarpaw twined tails with him. "Your never alone, Spidermoon. Open your heart, ears, and eyes to their calling. If you do, you'll never be alone." He gently released his tail before standing up. The Trainee dipped his head before padding back to the Healers den, the lichen gently rustling as he slid in.
Now, it was just Spidermoon and the stars. Open your heart, ears, and eyes to their calling. If you do, you'll never be alone. Cedarpaw's words of wisdom rang in his ears. He gently tipped his head back once more, eyes trained on the sky.
"Can you hear me?" The tom gently asked, straining his ears to listen. A cool breeze rustled his fur, chilling him slightly.
Maybe it was his imagination, but a voice whispered back. We're always listening, your never alone, King Spidermoon.
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The prologue is out! I had fun writing curious Spidermoon and wise Cedarpaw. I couldn't wait to publish this. Keep a lookout for chapter one!