Chapter Text
Orange paws skimmed the earth as a young tomcat gave chase to his prey, ears pricked forward with the thrill of the hunt. But just as he pounced, claws flashing out in the sunlight, the mouse disappeared into thin air; the cat growled in pain and frustration as he landed on nothing at all, feeling the unexpected impact jar his shoulders. Irritation wormed beneath his pelt.
He'd been having this same dream over and over, more and more frequently, and try as he might, the mouse always vanished before he could get so much as a tail-length away from it. The tom let out a low breath, letting his fur fall flatter. It was just a dream, so there was no reason to drive himself crazy trying to make it bend to his paws.
For the first time in the recurring dream, he allowed himself to sit back and take a good look at his surroundings. Despite it not being real, the sun-dappled forest around him felt as lifelike as he could imagine - damp moss and dry bracken strewn about between the sturdy trees, the faint calls of birds, the scent of rich earth, and fresh air passing through his whiskers. It was the kind of place he fantastized about visiting when he sat on the fence in his yard, wondering about what the world was like outside of his little bubble.
A flash of light caught his eye; he turned to face it before instinctively leaping back, a sharp hiss of surprise escaping him at the sight. Though it had been peaceful just a moment ago, now the dry grass behind him had caught ablaze, flames roaring higher the longer he stood there in shock. It was odd, though, he thought, transfixed by the sight.
The fire didn't scare him.
Entranced, he dared to step closer, no survival instinct deterring him from approaching such a dangerous force. It was only a dream, after all. The flames seemed to curl around his space, not trapping him, but surrounding him as if it were offering its embrace. Protection.
Then, he saw it. In the blur of intense heat stood the outline of a cat. It had stars embedded into its very fur, and the young cat felt himself fall into a crouch of deep respect without really understanding what compelled it. The cosmic phantom seemed to dip its head in acknowledgement before lifting its tail to him. An invitation.
Hardly daring to breathe, the tom crept forward. Each cautious pawstep drew him closer and closer to the line of the fire, until it was close enough to burn the tip of his nose if it blew a little his way. The phantom simply watched, waiting, a silver shimmer rippling through its form. He thought, if the light hit just right, that its eyes were the same yellow as the fire before him.
The moment he touched the fire, it seemed to rush to him as though it were greeting an old friend. Swirls of light and color muddied his vision as the flames appeared to brand him, melting into his orange coat as though he was made of primal heat himself.
Before he jolted awake, panting and shaking, he thought the star-warrior smiled.