By Julie

A whisper woke Luna up. It was a little boy’s voice- but more knowledge was woven into the voice than a little boy knew. This voice also had some strange edge to it- not like any voice Luna had ever heard.
“Luna.”
“What? Who? Show yourself!”
“I’m in plain sight. Look a little harder.”
Luna strained her eyes, but all she saw in the thick darkness was an empty room and Leo licking one paw.
“I don’t see you.” Luna’s voice trembled.
Leo turned his head sharply and his green eyes seemed solid as he stared at her.
“Leo? Is that you who’s talking.”
“Yes.”
“I’ve never heard a cat talk before.
“Well, I’m no ordinary cat. I’ve never seen a common girl be made into a witch before. Or so I assume you common.”
“I’m not your ordinary girl.” Luna paused. “Can they hear you?” she asked, motioning to the rooms in the hall. The small apartment in which the witches lived seemed to be much bigger than it looked. Luna assumed that was magic.
“No. Or, they don’t. Some of the other cats do. Gemini. But that fat one-”
“Cass?”
“Is that her name? She won’t even speak to me.” Leo huffed, stepping closer to Luna. “Do you mind?” he asked as he jumped with agility up on the bed. Luna shook her head. “That’s funny,” Luna said. “Does the thin one either? Orion, I mean?” Leo circled around a few times and collapsed in a little ball on the floor. “Naw. But she isn’t so arrogant about it like that other one.”
“And they say pets look like their owners,” Luna told him.
“Hey- let’s get this straight. I am not your pet kittycat, all right? I’m not some little kitten you can pinch and pick up and put down and cradle around. We’re equals. You say the spells, but I help you do your magic. Familiar, maybe you could call me. And I’m fine with shadow cat. But no, I am not your pet. And I might mind slightly if you change me into a handbag.” Leo scolded her.
“All right, all right. But don’t call me your owner. I’m not an owner. Get that straight? Equals.”
“Agreed.”
Luna and Leo sat in the dark a little longer.
“Leo?”
“I am assuming you are talking to me. I had no input on my name, but it looks like that Leo the Lion thing is set in stone.”
“I’m scared.” Luna carried on.
“Of what? I’m not scared. I’m never scared.” Leo replied.
“Of being a witch. It seems like I find something else about myself and what I can do every few minutes.”
“Well, that’s life. You chose to be a witch, or so I am thinking. You’re going to have to live with it.”
“Do you know things about witches? I have quite a few questions.”
“No, I don’t know anything about witches at all except for that you’re one. And they can do magic.” Leo replied rather crossly, “I’m a shadow cat.” Then he softened. “But just out of curiosity, what are your questions.”
“Well, is there any sort of training I can get? And are there spells that require certain amounts of power? And what are potions and what’s in them? And am I allowed to read spell books or whatever it was that Basil mentioned?”
“Basil…” Leo inquired.
“Um, the witch that works with Pegasus.” Luna rattled off for him.
“Well, I have no idea at all. Except for it’s not fair if you get any training because I never got any training and I’m managing well enough. I helped you with that cleaning spell, and the water fixing spell, and the curling spell. Very well, I might add.” Leo told her.
“Leo?”
“What?”
“I’m exhausted.”
“So am I. Are you suggesting that we should shut our yaps and go to sleep?”
“Yes, if you don’t mind.”
“Do I mind? It’s about time already. I’m just as exhausted as you.”
“Good night.”
“Good night.”.