into the light
Amber.
It was all he could recall from before the void. The gleam of familiar eyes that haunted his every moment. Why, he did not -- could not, understand. But he knew them.
In some dark, recess of his mind, he knew them. It was a fragment he constantly chased, seeking answers of a distant unknown. The pursuit was constant, unending. What he sought was just within his reach, if only he could just--
And then it shattered and fell away, and he was left in the abyss of nothing. Pale, furless paws came from the darkness to grasp him, but he could barely register the touch. Sometimes he saw light, but it felt so far away. It was just beyond his reach.
Time ticked by slowly. The darkness was shifting, unsignificant, but certain. He could see the light grow, expand. It was like the sun against his fur, basking him in a welcomed warmth. He never realized how cold he felt before.
The light enveloped him, banishing the darkness to silver walls and a webbed entrance. He had to squint his eyes - the light burned, and his head throbbed. His entire body hurt, but his head seemed to be the worst of it. He hadn't a clue where he was. Nothing looked right. Nothing smelled right..
And skies, was he uncomfortable. Sleeping some more seemed like a low price to pay for how much pain he was in. He wanted it to go away.
He came to vivid dreams, splashes of red against dark fur. A gray cat with blood bubbling from her throat. More amber eyes.. Hulking shadows that dogged his step. Anger and confusion turned to rage. Traitors and cowards.
Then reality came, and he was awake. There was water in a small round basin - hesistantly he took a drink. Something dark and sticky was nearby on a slab. It stank, but he was too hungry to deny it. Then, more darkness.
More dreams. A young cat beaten and without guidance. An unfair battle paved in the blood of the innocent. A cult of dissenters. He felt hollow.
Black ice on the ground in a pool of blood. Panicked blue eyes. Exile. An exposion of pain.
The webbing opened, and he stepped out into a clearing. Time had made a fool of him, but he was free.. And for the first time in moons, he had clarity.
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