Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was never a place Shadowsight dreamed of entering the Dark Forest. He was a medicine cat and medicine cats always walked with Starclan. Or that was what he was told. Yet, when Ashfur entered his mind mimicking Starclan, he listened to him and unintentionally help Ashfur push his ideas. Shadowsight knew that he was manipulated by Ashfur, but he still felt guilty over what he did. So, when Lightleap was unable to go into Dark Forest, he volunteered to return to the Dark Forest and finally make up for what he has done. 

It has been a hard fight with both sides losing their allies. And among their own allies were both Starclan and Dark Forest cats fighting together, they shared one goal of fighting for their homes’ survival. Both hunting grounds hung in the balance and were shrinking with each passing heartbeat, being consumed by dark murky waters and thick heavy fog. And now, they were at the climax of the final fight for survival. 

The Dark Forest was filled with yowls and battle cries as Shadowsight watched the battle from above. Fear gripped him just as tightly as his claws did to the branch he was on. Bristlefrost and Rootspring were in the middle of it all as rouge spirits swarm around them. They fought together and he longed to fight alongside them both. He wanted to get down and rush into the clearing to help out his friends and the others fighting against Ashfur and his allies. But he knew he’d only get in the way and need saving if he did that.

The pain in his leg drew him back to his fresh injuries. A few fresh wounds were racked along his back and deep gashes on his hind leg. His mind was fuzzy on who caused such injuries, it was probably some Dark Forest rogue or even Ashfur himself. Without the proper healing supplies, he was unable to stop it for now. So, for now, he could only keep his mind off of it and focus on the battle.

He watched cats tussle and fight tooth and claw against each other. Needletail and Violetshine teamed up to finally end Darktail once and for all, yowling triumphantly as his spirit faded. A few of the Starclan cats had driven away rogues and left Ashfur vulnerable in the thistle he was pacing in. He was slowly losing control of the spirits he processed who were slipping free from his hold. Stemleaf and Berrynose were among the first to slip from his hold as they flung themselves into battle. With their aid, more of the rogues were being chased into the surrounding tall grasses. Their numbers were dwindling, and they were getting closer to finishing off Ashfur.

Ashfur's head was low to the ground as he paced back and forth. His pelt was ruffled in rage and snarled as he walked in the thistle. Firestar, Graystripe, and Mistystar slowly stalked forward as they battled the rogues around him. Graystripe flicked his tail to signal for the trio to fan out. Ashfur hadn’t seemed to notice the trio's approach, nor did he seem to notice the battle continuing on. “You’ll suffer for everything you’ve done to me,” Ashfur yowled. “I’ll show you- no, I’ll show every cat how wrong you are. You will pay for what you did to me. No one will go unpunished for what they did to me.” 

Shadowsight held his breath as he saw Graystripe getting closer to Ashfur. He wanted to call out to him to stop, but he also knew this may be their best chance to kill Ashfur for good. He craned his neck to see what Graystripe was about to do next. “Ashfur,” Graystripe calmly said. 

Ashfur paused in his tracks and glared at the elder. He seemed somewhat shocked to see the elder so close. Did he finally realize that he was losing both the battle and his forces?  “What do you want?” Ashfur growled. He unsheathed his claws and looked ready to attack the elder until he heard what Graystripe said next.

“Squirelflight wants me to tell you something,” Graystripe replied.

Ashfur’s fur flattened, and he looked hopeful. He said nothing but motioned for Graystripe to continue. 

“She wanted you to know that she cared for you and even did love you at one point, more than a Clanmate,” Graystripe said. He seemed emotionless as he delivered the message. “She continued to care and love you until you threatened her kits.”

Ashfur paused and went wide-eyed. His entire body remained still as if he was trying to process what he was hearing.

“Yet, then she realized. You were abusive and manipulative,” Graystripe said, edging on a growl. It was obvious that the elder was holding himself back from attacking Ashfur then and there. Shadowsight heard of how the elder was somewhat protective over Squirelflight. “Ashfur, she knew you wanted nothing more than to possess and control her. And, here today, however, this battle goes, she wants you to know she would always choose Bramblestar over you. She wants you to understand why she picked him and loves him over you.”

“But, I… I did all of this for her,” Ashfur replied in disbelief. He moved back some and shook his head. “I came back from the dead for her!”

Graystripe raised his head in laughter at the off-pawed reply. “Well, you should’ve remained dead as Squirelflight would’ve never loved you-“

“You don’t know that,” Ashfur yowled as he launched himself at Graystripe. Graystripe fell to the ground as Ashfur flipped him over. Shadowsight was growing fearful for the elder as he watched Ashfur tear into his pelt, leaving a large gash over his stomach. Neither Mistystar nor Firestar could get close before being knocked away from Ashfur. It was like something turned in his mind that caused this sudden hate and anger-filled attack. And, then just as if his rage summoned them, the rouges who were chased off returned in a new wave.

They rushed through the tall grasses and met the Light in the Mist’s forces. The Lights in the Mist and the Starclan forces were tired, yet they met them with just as much ferocity as the rogues had. Panic filled Shadowsight as he helplessly watched the new wave enter the clearing. Other Starclan forces and released spirits were farther away or gone to chase rogues through the tall grasses. “Help, they’ve come back!” Shadowsight yowled a warning. He pushed himself forward with his weakened hind legs in an attempt to get Onestar, Needletail, and any cat further out to hear him. “Help!”

And, just as he did that, his hindleg buckled underneath him. The injury on his hind leg was getting too much for it to handle, so it gave up on him. He tried to claw his way back up onto the branch, but his hindleg didn’t listen. It instead slipped off the branch and left him daggling. He scrambled to get himself back onto his branch. But, as he did that, he felt a sharp stab in his hind leg. A rogue was trying to drag him down and Shadowsight had no way of fighting them off. His forepaws let go of the branch as he was thrown off of it. The rogue flung him into the trunk of the tree.

He hissed in pain as he landed. His hindleg was weaker than ever and now his back was in pain. He tried to get up as he saw the water getting closer. The stream nearby had grown and threatened to consume him in its murky waters if he got too close. He had to get away quickly, or else he’d be gone forever. He gritted his teeth as he attempted to get up in spite of his injuries. And the rogue also seemed to have spotted the rising water. A grim thought seemed to cross their mind as their eyes lit up in grim pleasure. Oh no, I’m going to be pushed in, Shadowsight thought as he eyed the water behind him. I need to run.

Shadowsight tried to lung forward with all of his might to run away, but his hindleg gave out on him. It was too weak to run, meaning he had to lay there as he prayed to Starclan for help. The rogue let out a small snort at his pathetic escape attempt as they approached. They were like a hunter coming up onto a weakened prey, ready to deliver the killing blow. This is it, Shadowsight closed his eyes and accepted his fate, I’m sorry I couldn’t have helped more.

But just as he thought he would meet his untimely end, he felt a quick breeze come and the sounds of a struggle. He opened his eye to see Bristlefrost holding off the rogue. He laid there mouth agape. I didn’t die, I can still make it, he gasped in relief. He had no chance to thank Bristlefrost before she hissed at him, “Run!”

Shadowsight quickly nodded and got to his paws. He limped slowly towards the tall grass to hide and stay out of the way. If only he could help out more, but he couldn’t do much besides hide or risk getting in the way again. So, he stumbled towards the tall grass, only to falter midway through. His wounds were getting too much, and he collapsed on the edge of the clearing, somewhat hidden. Yet, not hidden enough.

His eyes lazily watched the battle from the ground as he felt his energy and blood drain out of the wounds. He felt like a burden and frustrated he couldn’t do much. At least, he was able to run away as Bristlefrost told him to. She was still busy fighting the rogue that tried to kill him. Mistystar and Firestar, who were tasked with ensuring Ashfur couldn't escape, were too focused on defending Graystripe to notice Ashfur had escaped. And, then everyone else was focused on fighting for their survival. No one could see Ashfur as he made a bee-line toward Shadowsight.

Shadowsight felt fear rising in his pelt as Ashfur closed in on him. If he was willing to do what he did to Graystripe, then he was sure that he was going to die right then and there. Ashfur slammed into the medicine cat, and the world went dark. The sounds and sights of the battle drew more and more distant until all that was left was a dark void with Shadowsight in it. His wounds were still there yet not causing him any pain. “Am I dead?” he wondered aloud.

“Not yet,” Ashfur answered him. His voice echoed around him.

Shadowsight quickly tossed his head around to try to find Ashfur in the void. Then, he found him. Ashfur’s eyes seemed to glow as he stepped out of the cloudiness of the void. He lazily glazed at Shadowsight before stopping in front of him.

“Where are we then?” Shadowsight asked. His fur was bristled some in fear.

“In your mind,” Ashfur answered as he looked about. “Quite empty, but we’re connected here. Your mind is just as much yours as it is mine.”

“Get out!”

Ashfur chuckled some, “You’re about to die, and I don’t want that for you.” Ashfur almost looked like he was trying to plead with Shadowsight, but Shadowsight wasn’t going to listen to any of it. “If I leave you here, then there would be nothing to keep you from dying.”

“If I am supposed to die, then let me die in peace,” Shadowsight hissed at him.

“But you don’t have to,” Ashfur said as tried to put a comforting tail on Shadowsight’s shoulder.

Shadowsight shook it off and glared at him. He knew Ashfur was up to something. “Just go away already!”

Ashfur didn’t seem phased by what Shadowsight said and continued on, “I want you to join me.”

“Why should I?”

“I am able to get you out of here and back to your life,” Ashfur answered. Shadowsight knew there was something that he wanted in return. “However, for that to happen, you have to kill Bristlefrost.”

Shadowsight was stunned and stared at Ashfur. “That’s a bee-brained idea. I can’t kill her! And why should I?”

“It’ll finally end the battle,” Ashfur excitedly replied. “Her life for all the others that would be spared here.” He paused for a moment and seemed happy with what he was thinking. “She wouldn’t be expecting it, and once you get to her, her guard would go down for you. It’ll be such an easy kill that even you could do it.”

Shadowsight wanted to argue the idea, but Ashfur continued on.

“Then, Rootspring would be an open target. He’d be so heartbroken and lost that he’d also be easy to kill. With the both of them gone and you’ll on my side, every cat, even Firestar, would lose heart,” Ashfur purred. “There’ll be peace, and the battle would be over and done. Wouldn’t you think everyone would like that, especially you? You’ll finally be of help, wouldn’t that also be so nice?”

Ashfur met Shadowsight’s gaze as he approached him. Of course, all of that is what he wanted. Peace, the battle to be over, and to finally be of help. But, not at the cost of his friends’ lives. “I do want the battle to end,” he said as he slowly built up his confidence. “But only when you are finally dead!”

Ashfur look infuriated and he lashed his tail. His lips curled his rage as he glared at Shadowsight. “You really think you are a Clan cat? You think you belong with them.”

Shadowsight stood his ground and snapped back, “Of course, I do. I’m a Shadowclan cat through and through. I’ve risked my life being here to help save all of the Clans.”

“Shadowclan?” Ashfur almost seemed to laugh. “You are nothing but a weird half-clan cat. If Tigerstar wasn’t your father, do you really think that any Clan would’ve accepted you? You had visions from who knows where and couldn’t even say they were certainly from Starclan. You helped me to escape and to do all of this. You even killed the leader of Thunderclan Bramblestar.”

Shadowsight uncomfortably shifted on his paws as he knew that everything the dark cat was saying was true. But, even with all of that, he still did belong, didn’t he?

Ashfur saw that he was getting to Shadowsight and continued taunting him, “Do they think you hiding in a tree while they fought me was fair? They were risking their lives while you sat fearful up in a tree. And don’t even think they didn’t care about recusing you all of those times? You are nothing but a burden to them. You’re of no help to them.”

The taunts were just ever-so-true to Shadowsight. He knew this was a ploy to get one final stab at Shadowsight and manipulate him into joining Ashfur’s side. But it still felt so true. He was nothing but a burden to them here. However, that didn’t stop him from still finding friends within his Clan and Rootspring and Bristlefrost. They cared about him and valued him enough to willingly save his life. “Even with all of that, I still belong in the Clans,” Shadowsight hissed at Ashfur. He met Ashfur’s gaze and held it. “I have cats who care for me. My kin and friends sure do. I know that I belong with them in the Clans.”

Ashfur narrowed his gaze as he backed up. The cloudiness of the void seemed to grow more, and it swallowed up Ashfur more and more. His piercing blue eyes gave him one last hate-filled look before fading. “We’ll see if they actually care.”

Shadowsight was relieved that Ashfur was finally gone, but his words still lingered. Did they truly and fully care about him? Or did they just see him as a pathetic burden that needed constant saving? He shook his pelt as the void around him turned cloudier. He needed to the Dark Forest to prove to himself that his kin and friends did actually care for him and that he could save himself. He started to walk forward as the void grew heavily. If he didn’t find a way out soon, he’d die and be gone for good. Would he be able to make it back to the living world to prove to himself that he wasn’t all that Ashfur said he was?

Chapter Text

Bristlefrost twisted as she felt a rogue clamp down on her tail. She turned to face them, hissing in pain. She clawed their muzzle. That caused them to back off. Bristlefrost readied herself for another attack. She needed to make sure Shadowsight had enough time to retreat. He needed to get away from the water, especially after the rogue tried to push him in.

She focused her attention back on the rogue as they launched themselves at her. She jumped out of the way and quickly hooked herself onto them. She pinned them down as the chased-off rogues returned. They have to end it quickly before they would get overwhelmed. When Firestar, Mistystar, and Graystripe surrounded Ashfur, she thought it would be a sure victory. Graystripe was so close to being able to finish off Ashfur. However, with the returning rogues and Ashfur attacking the trio, it’ll be drawn out even more. 

The rogue underneath her struggled out of her grasp and kicked Bristlefrost off. She rolled towards the rising dark water and scrambled to her paws. Backing up, she felt the water lap at her paws as she lured the rogue towards her. The rogue came close as Bristlefrost spotted Shadowsight nearby. He was safe at least but his breathing was growing faint. He was in desperate need of healing and help, so she focused her attention on ending this battle as quickly as she could.

The rogue leaped forward and Bristlefrost braced herself for their attack. She met them with a strike over their face. Yet, it didn’t connect, and the rogue clamped down on her foreleg. She hissed in pain as she clawed at them. It got the rogue off of her enough so she was able to deliver a killing blow. Their spirit faded to nothing as she tried to find another opponent. Then, her eyes fell on Ashfur. He was near Shadowsight. She watched as Ashfur yanked on Shadowsight’s scruff, dragging him closer toward the water.

Her fur bristled in panic. No, he has to survive this! I’m coming, Shadowsight, hang in there!

Bristlefrost ran towards Shadowsight, determined to save him from Ashfur. But a small rogue blocked her path. It was Antfur who was still under Ashfur’s control. She quickly knocked him over and pushed him away with her hind legs. She had to keep on running. But just as she was closing the distance, another cat knocked into her. She rolled with the momentum of the rogue on top of her and bit into their forepaw. That was enough to momentarily get them off of her but still was enough time to let Bristlefrost run away.

She pelted towards Ashfur, determination fueling. Shadowsight was only a few tail lengths away from the water. With a few more tugs, Ashfur would be able to throw the helpless medicine cat into the water below.

“Let him go!” she yowled as she raced closer to them. She swiftly dodged another rogue as she kept her sights on Shadowsight. Pairs of cats tumbled and fought as she ran on. She couldn’t stop to help any of them, not with Ashfur being so close to killing Shadowsight. “I’m coming, Shadowsight! Just hold on-“

Then, teeth bit into her legs and she crashed to the ground.  She twisted her body to see Thistleclaw and Mapleshade before her. Their eyes gleamed with twisted delight at the helpless cat before them. Thistleclaw pounced on her and knocked her back to the ground. She attempted to kick him off with her hind legs, but he stayed on top of her. “Ready to die?”

“Not by your claws, you fox-heart,” Bristlefrost replied as she sank her teeth into his legs.  His grip loosened and she pushed him off of her, only to be met with Mapleshade’s weight being thrown onto her. Mapleshade glared down at Bristlefrost before grabbing her scruff. The Dark Forest rogue racked her claws along Bristlefrost’s neck. She felt her energy draining as blood came from the fresh wounds. Blood filled her mouth as the Dark Forest cats clawed and bit her. There wasn’t much she could do, she was helpless.

“Shadowsight,” she weakly said. She couldn’t see him now with all the blurs of fighting cats blocking her view. Could she even save him in time? As she felt her hopelessness grow, she heard a surprised yowl and weight being pushed off of her.

She scrambled up to face her newest threat, but it turned out to be Rootspring and Violetshine. She quickly dipped her head in thanks, but she had no time to properly express her gratitude towards them. Thistleclaw tried to leap at her, only to be stopped by Rootspring who pushed him to the ground. And Mapleshade was being pushed back by fierce attacks from Violetshine.

She met Rootspring’s gaze. There was so much she wanted to say to him but so little time. Her heart ached as his eyes went wide in shock when he saw her neck wound. That could be dealt with later, but now, she had to save Shadowsight. Shadowsight was already at the edge and Ashfur was getting ready to throw him off of it. He hurt so many cats that she cared about, and now, he was going to hurt another one. She spent so much time trying to please him, growing to know him better than any other Clan cat. He was dangerous and she knew just what he was willing to do to accomplish his goals.

As Ashfur shifted his weight to throw in Shadowsight, she knew it was her only chance to save him. There was no time to doubt herself as she knew for certain that this was the right choice.

She glanced back at Rootspring one last time. I’m sorry. Rootspring seemed to get what she meant as his eyes flashed with alarm. She sadly blinked at him before running off towards Ashfur. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you everything now, Rootspring, but this is the right choice.

Rootspring yowled behind her to stop, but she couldn’t anymore. Ashfur was about to throw Shadowsight in. One yank and it would be all over for Shadowsight.

Summoning all of her strength, she pushed off the ground and launched herself at Ashfur. Ducking her head into her chest, she crashed into him and hooked her claws onto his pelt. They crashed into the ground and started to roll over each other and Shadowsight. She knew there was no stopping what was about to happen, taking in a final gasp of air.

They crashed into the icy water below. The cold shocked her as she drew in a breath. She sank down, further and further. Fight! She wouldn’t give in to the darkness. She had to see Rootspring, her family, and her Clan once again. StarClan help me, she desperately called out to them. She reached for the surface as thoughts of them came to her, fueling her attempt to swim up. If only she could see them-

Movement stirred beneath her. She saw dark fur moving below her. Shadowsight? Did he fall in instead? Was he going to die here now instead of Ashfur? Panic rose in her as she tried to make out the face of the cat who fell in. But she froze as she saw who it was.

Ashfur was thrashing beneath her. He was trying to get back to the surface. Their eyes met for a moment. His eyes were filled with shock and disbelief yet a mix of sadness lingered. Rage filled Bristlefrost as she unsheathed her claws. He had no right to feel that way after all he did to the Clans, especially Thunderclan. All the pain he caused to the cats she loved and to all the Clans. I’m not going to let him escape especially after what he's done! She wasn't going to let this all be for nothing.

She swam down and dug her forepaws into his neck fur before digging her hind legs into his belly. With the last bit of her strength, she pushed him down. The dark water swallowed him as he took his final breath. All that remained of him was the last few air bubbles that floated to the surface and his blood that lingered in the cold water.

He was gone. It was all over. Bristlefrost did it. She saved Thunderclan- no, she saved all the Clans.

She turned her body towards the surface. Her struggle with Ashfur sank the both of them deep into the icy waters. It was too far for her now. Her strength was draining, and even with the last push, she knew she’d never make it. She tried to make sense of any of the faces above her. She could see the pelts of cats that came with her through the murky waters, the black and white fur of the ever-so-determined Violetshine, and the yellow pelt of Rootspring. Her heart ached as she knew she would leave him. They loved each other and wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. But now, none of that would happen and he’ll have to go one without her. We won, Rootspring, she thought. I’m sorry, but he’s gone and the Clans are safe now.

Her body was starting to relax now, and her pain was going away. Her mind drifted towards her Clan and family and friends, to the world that she’ll never see again. Grief filled her as she longed to see it again. To have one last squirrel with Rosepetal, to race through the forest with Thriftear and Flipclaw, and to just curl up next to her parents Fernsong and Ivypool and tell them “I love you” one last time.

Thoughts of them flooded her mind. Happy memories from them and the days they spent together. Warmth filled her as she felt them around her. Was it a dream or her actual memories? She didn’t know. Days seemed to blur in her mind of hunting and living together with them and Rootspring. Sharing tongues and happily laughing together. Then, she felt Rootspring curl up next to her, their bodies intertwined as they looked out upon their kits. This was her life, of course, these visions were real. A life lived full of love and happiness.

The darkness surrounded her vision as the warmth overtook her. Bristlefrost felt her eyes grow heavy with sleep.

It was time for her to rest.

She let her eyes close. Her heart heavy with warmth and love. In her final moments, she felt warmth. Only love.

Chapter Text

“Bristlefrost!” Rootspring cried out. He tried to tear away from Violetshine’s protective grasp. He needed to get to the murky water to save her, he just had to. But Violetshine tightly held onto him.

“You can’t go after her,” Violetshine softly said. She put her tail over his shoulders to try to comfort him. “You’ll only be putting yourself into danger as well.”

Rootspring panicked as he knew he was losing time to save her. It was now or never, or else she’d be gone forever. “I have to! She risked her life to save me during leaf-bare, and now, I need to do that for her!” He did the only thing his panicked mind could think of to escape his mother’s grasp: he gently cuffed her over her ears. Violetshine was blindsided as Rootspring attempted to escape once again.

The water was only a few tail lengths away, he could save her. He just needed to find her in the water. Then, a sharp yank on his tail pulled him back.

Violetshine had clamped down on her son’s tail to hold him back. “She’s already gone!” she sadly hissed at him. “Rootspring, you can’t save her.”

Rootspring looked back at her. It was obvious that she was just as much in pain as he was. They both just watched a cat they cared for roll into the murky water, only to not resurface yet. “But-“

“Rootspring, no.” Violetshine gently tugged on his tail, motioning him to come back to her. But Rootspring stayed still. The water was just as still and murky as it was before the splash. He couldn’t see any movement, no sign of a struggle or any cat resurfacing. One bubble came up to the surface then nothing.

He took his eyes off the water and looked back at his mother. Violetshine was likely right. Bristlefrost was gone forever. His heart ached as he slowly started to accept the painful reality. He went back towards his mother’s warm grasp and pushed his muzzle into her warm fur. It changed nothing but reminded him of Bristlefrost's warmth. She was really gone. He could hardly breathe as he forced himself to accept that reality. He felt Violetshine’s tail wrap around him as they silently sat there.

It felt as if time slowed down. Each passing heartbeat felt longer than the last one. Sadness began to overtake him even more. His mind still lingered on Bristlefrost’s last moments with him, running it on a continuous loop. Her saddened eyes gave him one last look as if she was saying "I’m sorry." He became less and less aware of the battle occurring around him. Slowly, the battle slowed down as the spirits Ashfur possessed gained back control of their bodies. It was a turning tide in favor of the Lights in the Mist and their allies. He lost any heart to continuing to fight. His wounds stung and his heart was heavy with sorrow.

His mother was becoming more right with each passing heartbeat. Bristlefrost was gone, yet his heart still hung onto the hope that she’d resurface with a triumphant yowl. His eyes remained fixed on the water, hoping to see that happen.

A few bubbles rose to the surface. Bristlefrost? Are you still down there? Hope rose within him. Violetshine had let go some as she had announced what happened to the remaining cats. "She pushed him into the water to save Shadowsight, and the water killed her as well!" she wailed. Murmurs of stunned shock and sadness rippled through the remaining cats. Rootspring tuned them out as he kept on staring at the water, filled with a sense of renewed hope. 

He moved his muzzle out of her fur and got up from her grasp. “Rootspring, how are you feeling?” Violetshine softly asked. Her gaze locked on the tall grass, not noticing what was going on. “Rootspring?”

However, it was too late. Rootspring had already neared the shore of the murky water. His eyes focused on the murky water, ignoring all the yowling behind him to stop. He had to get Bristlefrost out of there. She was going to drown if he didn’t go in to help her. That's what his mind was telling him. 

The water lapped at his paws. This was the right choice, wasn’t it? “Rootspring, no!” Violetshine wailed at him. “She’s gone!” But she wasn’t and his hope told him that she was still down there, needing saving.

He took one last look over his shoulder. Violetshine was running toward him to try to stop him, and the other spirit cats all seemed to be yowling at him to stop. Then, he saw Shadowsight. Bristlefrost fought to save him, and she would want to ensure that Shadowsight made it out of there, just as much Rootspring did. He dove headfirst into the icy water.

The water drowned out any yowls and wails for him to stop. The shock of the cold water caused him to breathe in some of it. It caused him pain, but he ignored it for now. He’ll deal with it once he found and saved Bristlefrost. He swam down deeper into the water. Then, he saw her.

Bristlefrost’s limp ghost floated down into the darkness, almost like she was beckoning him to come to save her. Rootspring saw her drawing in one last breath. No, not after all we did to save the Clans!  He was so close, he wasn’t going to lose her now. His lungs stung with the water he breathed in. And his wounds were becoming worse with each passing heartbeat. But he had to keep pushing on.

He reached down for her, claws extended to try to hook onto her pelt. Yet, she was still barely out of reach. Then, the darkness took her. It swallowed her form whole. Her ghost was gone, she was truly gone. He drew in a sharp gasp. He accidentally took in more water. I’m going to die! I should’ve listened to Violetshine.

Guilt flooded him. He tried to save Bristlefrost to return the favor, yet he was only going to die. Bristlefrost would’ve wanted this to have happened. And he should’ve listened to Violetshine. Bristlefrost was gone and Violetshine was right. He just should’ve listened. But his hope was too much, and he tossed himself into the water to save a ghost. His guilt was becoming overwhelming.

His heart started to ache. Rootspring longed to return to the shore and to bury his face into his mother’s warm pelt, letting her comfort him as he cried his sorrows away. But he couldn’t anymore. Even if he could reach the surface, he would’ve not been able to survive it. But then warmth started to replace the guilt.

The darkness started to come in closer to him as he looked on at where Bristlefrost just faded from. His body started to relax as his mind drifted. He remembered the loving faces of his kin and Bristlefrost. Their happy moments shared together flooded his memories. He wanted to be with them all once again. To live their lives together, to reunite in Starclan.

Out of the darkness came a vision, one of Bristlefrost. Was it actually her? He didn’t care much and welcomed her warmth in his final moments. Her pale form drifted around him in the water. Rootspring, I’m here. Bristlefrost’s ghost whispered into his ears. It’s okay to rest now.

But what about my family and kin? That was the one question that lingered in his mind. Guilt surrounding that was still present in his mind.

Bristlefrost’s ghost softly smiled at him and pushed her muzzle into his pelt, comforting him. They know that you care and love them all. However, it’s time to come rest with me.

Visions of his memories flashed before his eyes. Loving and happy memories of his life. Playing in the nursery with Needlekit and Wrenkit, being made an apprentice, sharing tongues with Violetshine and Tree, Skyclan chanting his name as he was made a warrior. Then, becoming mates with Bristlefrost. Warmth filled his whole being.

Bristlefrost’s ghost gently gazed at him as he felt his eyes grow heavy. Come rest with me, Rootspring. I want to tell you everything I couldn’t.

He closed his eyes as Bristlefrost’s warmly looked at him. His heart was filled with love. And his mind drifted off to peace and bliss. In his final moments, only warmth and love remained.

Chapter Text

The cloudiness grew steadily heavier as Shadowsight continued to trek on. It was seemingly pulling the air out of his lungs. There was no end in sight and no way to track how far he had gone. It was all the same grey void that gave him no sense of time or location.

Even though he was in his mind, it still felt like his body was growing weary. His paw pads and muscles were growing sore. His body was yelling at him to rest, but he had to continue. If he stopped, he may just die like Ashfur said he would. He wasn’t going to die in his mind, he had to live on. To prove he was useful and not the weird half-clan cat that Ashfur believed he was. And the only way to let that happen would be to get out of his mind and then out of the Dark Forest.

He strained his ears to hear what was happening outside of his body. Nothing. He could still hear nothing.  Come on, Bristlefrost and Rootspring need me. I need to wake up.  Shadowsight huffed in annoyance. Then, something within him suddenly felt like it died.

His connection to the outside world seemed to die. Fear rose within him.  I can’t die here, not now!   That connection must’ve been his own life, right? He was going to fade now and cease to exist.  No, Starclan, please don’t let this be it! Starclan, I beg you!   He closed his eyes as he waited for it to happen. His fear echoed in his thoughts as he feared what would happen. He drew in his final breath and waited for his fearful end. But nothing came from it.

No end came for Shadowsight. He hesitantly opened his eyes to see the cloudiness had lightened and turned a white color. What’s happening? It was confusing. He was sure he was going to die just there, but his mind was seemingly reversing. Then, something happened.

Noises. They echoed around him. Different voices that he knew. They were celebrating.  Is Ashfur gone?  That seemed to be it. Why else would his mind be clearing up? Then, one voice loudly echoed in his mind. It confirmed what he was thinking. “Ashfur is gone!” a tom said. Ashfur was gone for good. The darkness no longer had a hold over him, only now the light remained. Shadowsight was free from Ashfur.

That connection to the outside world must’ve been Ashfur’s life ending. He felt it, and now, he was free to leave his mind. But the voices turned into shocked yowls and wails. What was going on? Shadowsight had to wake up. He had to get out of his mind. He needed to be prepared for whatever was happening.

He heard the voices growing louder. His mind and body were growing fainter. Was he waking up? He had to be. The void flashed before his eyes as he returned to the Dark Forest.

His ears rang, and the pain returned with vengeance. His vision was blurry. That soon faded as his body adjusted back to the Dark Forest. He saw his allies in the clearing. None of Ashfur’s Dark Forest cats remained, and the possessed spirit cats were freed. But no one was celebrating. His ears slowly picked up on what was going on.

“Rootspring!” Violetshine mournfully wailed. “Rootspring!” She was digging in the dirt, desperately trying to find something. No one was helping her. They all stood back watching her dig with solemn somber.  Wasn’t there water just there?  Shadowsight was confused. Where are Bristlefrost and Rootspring? 

Cats stared on in silent horror. He followed their gazes and caught Violetshine’s eyes. They glittered with heart-shattering grief. Her paws and fur were stained with damp dirt. A familiar tom sat near him and stared on with horror. He almost seemed guilty about what happened. Thorns pierced his heart as he figured out what happened. His prior hopes shattered, and guilt filled him. 

Bristlefrost and Rootspring died. The water killed them both. Did they sacrifice themselves to save him? Or was Ashfur able to kill them before he was killed? He dragged himself up to his shaky paws. His wounds yelled at him to stop, and each wound was still bleeding, slowly draining the energy out of him. He didn’t care for that, he just needed answers. He weakly padded to the tom’s side and weakly asked, “What’s happened?”

The tom looked shocked at the medicine cat being by his side. He looked at his paws awkwardly. “Bristlefrost drowned Ashfur in the water, and Rootspring went after them to try to save her,” the tom said. Shadowsight was able to recognize the tom as Stemleaf as he spoke. “Ashfur tried to kill you, and Bristlefrost saved you.”

Shadowsight stared down at the earth, feeling dizzy. Ashfur’s words had become true. He killed her just like how Ashfur wanted. There was no hope of seeing them ever again or being able to thank them. Bristlefrost died just to save his life, his pathetic weird half-clan life. He should’ve just been allowed to die instead of both Bristlefrost and Rootspring. At least then he would've been out of the way. Only one question came to him. “Why?”

“I don’t know,” Stemleaf said. He paused and looked back at Violetshine. Violetshine had given up on digging and lay in the dirt. Her muzzle pressed into the damp earth, quietly speaking a few words.

“I think I shouldn’t be here,” Shadowsight mumbled. His eyes looked on the gloom he invertedly caused. Only if he hadn’t listened to all of the words Ashfur spoke to him, tricking him into helping cause all this pain and suffering. He was told multiple times before that it wasn’t his fault. But, when you helped to get many cats trapped under Ashfur’s control and two cats you care about died just to save you, he couldn’t help but blame himself.

Stemleaf looked confused as he asked, “Shadowsight, what you do mean?”

“I caused-“

“The connection to the Living World has been restored,” a Starclan cat announced as she trotted into the clearing. Shadowsight looked over his shoulder to see the starry cat who interrupted him. Leafpool was a prior Thunderclan medicine cat that he only heard tales of from his fellow medicine cat. Her starry form paused as she saw the solemn clearing. She obviously wanted to leave before anything else happened. “This place has troubled all of you for too long. It is time to go back to Starclan.”

She flicked her tail to follow as the spirit cats followed her. How could she just not say anything about what happened? How could any of them not say something? But they still silently followed her. Graystripe struggled to his paws as Firestar and Mistystar helped him to his paws. His side was stained with dried blood and so was the grass. He limped through the tall grass. Firestar and Mistystar flanked him on either side as they followed the patrol.

Then, Shadowsight saw Violetshine. She was now standing and staring down at the earth. She whispered a few more words to what was left of Bristlefrost and Rootspring if there was anything left. Her eyes were still grief-stricken.

He felt a harsh pain in his side as Stemleaf nudged him. “It’s time to go,” he whispered to him.

“No,” Shadowsight replied. He was so guilt-ridden over what happened. “I don’t deserve to leave here after everything.”

“Shadowsight, don’t think like that.” Stemleaf shook his head. “You helped out just as much as anyone else here. You helped to track down Ashfur and take him down.”

“But, I helped him kill Bristlefrost and Rootspring. I-“

“I’m not watching you die here,” Violetshine softly mumbled. She stood before him, trying to hold herself together but her eyes gave away how heavy her grief was. Shadowsight couldn’t find the strength to look her in the eyes as she continued. “I know how much they cared for you. They wouldn’t want you to say that about yourself, Shadowsight. They both sacrificed themselves to save you.”

Shadowsight tried to argue with them. “But-“

“No, we aren’t leaving you here,” Violetshine interrupted him. She stayed determined in her resolve. “I am going to make sure their last wish to save you happens. Let’s go.”

Shadowsight couldn’t argue with her and got to his shaky paws. His mind was still flooded with guilt, and he couldn’t ever say sorry to either of them. So, the least he could do would be guided out of there. He took one step and nearly collapsed. His legs felt weak under him. “Violetshine, get his other side, and I’ll get this one,” Stemleaf said as the two flanked him. “On the count of three, one, two, and three.”

Shadowsight felt them lift him to his paws.

“Why is your pelt drenched?” Stemleaf asked. He glanced down at his side and saw blood staining it. “The bleeding hasn’t stopped at all. This is bad.”

“It should’ve stopped by now,” Shadowsight murmured, ignoring the last part of what Stemleaf said.

“How bad is it?” Violetshine shakily asked. She refused to look at his wounds, not wanting to know the reality of it. 

“I don’t know,” Stemleaf answered. He slowly put more of Shadowsight’s weight onto Violetshine. “Hold him still while I look.”

Shadowsight hissed in pain as his mind returned to the wounds. They were in pain, but his guilty thoughts seemingly covered it up until now. From the pain alone, he knew it was bad. They were worse than the wounds that left him between the worlds of the living and dead, and they were still bleeding badly from what Stemleaf implied. Stemleaf’s shocked hiss confirmed what he suspected. “We need to go now,” Stemleaf ordered as he took back some of Shadowsight’s weight. “It’s bad, really bad.”

Violetshine just nodded. The two of them paused, uncertain of where to go. ”The Dark Forest's scent is too much,” Violetshine said. “I can't smell where that patrol went.”

"Neither can I," Stemleaf replied. 

"Starclan, help us," Violetshine prayed aloud. 

And, as if her prayer was answered, a familiar voice chirped behind them. “I'm not Starclan, but I can help,” Juniperclaw said. “The scents of the Dark Forest don't overwhelm me like how it does for you two.”

Violetshine and Stemleaf shared a worried glance and nodded in agreement. Juniperclaw was their only hope to get Shadowsight out there quickly. “Lead us to the rest of the patrol,” Stemleaf said. “Shadowsight needs help.”

Juniperclaw took one look at Shadowsight, shocked by his condition. His pelt was caked with dried blood and fresh wounds. He felt embarrassed as the Dark Forest tom saw him so weak. And the pace picked up as Juniperclaw quickly trotted ahead. “Follow me quickly,” he called over his shoulder. 

Violetshine and Stemleaf tried to keep pace as Shadowsight struggled to move his own paws. His strength was draining as it felt like it was flooding out of him. His vision faded in and out. The Dark Forest changed each time his vision came back. They were moving quickly now, and the entire forest blurred. His mind felt numb as he tried to take in what was going on.

He tried to keep his eyes trained on Juniperclaw guiding them through the Dark Forest. He felt the fast-paced heartbeat of Violetshine and the worried breathing of Stemleaf. Both of them shared the same concern and worry for him, even if he felt like he was underserving of it. They were trying their best to get him back to Starclan to be healed. “Shadowsight, hang in there,” he heard Juniperclaw say. “We are about there.”

They could hear the Starclan cats and the Lights in the Mist talking as they crossed over into Starclan’s territory. They were so close, and it was almost like Shadowsight could smell the fresh territory of Starclan over the rotting smell in the Dark Forest. "I'll go alert them. Just keep on running straight and you'll get to us," Juniperclaw called over his shoulder. “Maybe, they can stop his bleeding enough to get him back to his body.”

“Make it quick,” Violetshine replied as she tried to catch her breath. Shadowsight felt his body being dragged on.

“Starclan is so close. He’ll get help there,” Stemleaf said. 

“I don’t care,” Shadowsight groaned. “You should’ve just left me there."

He said that just as they got to the tunnel. Juniperclaw heard what he said and seemed angry as he approached them. Leafpool, Firestar, and Mistystar quietly and worriedly trailed behind him. “No, snap out of that,” Juniperclaw growled. “The Dark Forest is getting to you and making you blame yourself. You don’t deserve to stay here, only to die and fade into nothing.”

“I do,” Shadowsight softly argued. He felt his body slowly being lowered onto the ground, and Leafpool start to poke and prod his wounds, examining them. “I helped him kill them. I deserve it, especially after getting in the way.”

“Even if you even helped Ashfur, you can still make up for it,” Juniperclaw snapped. His tail lashed angrily behind him. “Go back to the lake and spend every heartbeat trying to make up for it. Live your life for them if you want to make up for it that way. Make them proud of you.”

“I don’t think that’ll be possible,” Leafpool calmly said. She grabbed some leaves around them and started to place them over his wounds. He hissed in pain as she did it. “His wounds are too deep and bled too much. The best we can hope for is that he can pass into Starclan and be able to live there. I tried to stop the bleeding for now, and now, it’s your turn to get him through the tunnel.” 

Violetshine was clouded in emotion as Shadowsight looked at her. He couldn’t pick out what she was feeling. She just stayed silent. The leaves were stained in his blood, and he felt his connection to his limbs fading. He was slowly losing control of his own body. He felt his scruff being pulled by Firestar and Mistystar toward the tunnel. And, just like that, he felt like he was being pulled out of his own body.

He felt like a passenger in his own body. The world was fading from view. The darkness was coming in. His ears started to ring.  I’m dying, aren’t I? 

He felt guilty as he couldn’t even fulfill his friend’s final wish. They cared about him enough to go into the Dark Forest and save him multiple times, sacrificing their own lives in the end for his pathetic life. Ashfur was right. All he did was get in the way and cause things to get worse. Him dying there and fading into nothingness was his punishment for everything he did.

The darkness carved into his mind as he felt his life slipping from his paws. His wounds weren’t hurting as much now. He felt guilty still for what he caused and helped Ashfur to do. Juniperclaw, Violetshine, and Stemleaf were wrong to have dragged him here. He should’ve just died and faded alone.

His mind drifted to his family. They’d be sad he was fully gone, and he felt guilty for what he was going to cause them when he died. His mind flashed their once happy faces, now sorrow ridden as they hear the news of what he did and what happened to him.  I’m sorry for everything that I caused.  He felt his eyes grow heavy.  I should go now. It is time for me to die. 

The darkness of the Dark Forest closed in on him as he let his eyes close. His life flashed before him, leaving him full of guilt and regret for everything he did or helped cause. To helping Ashfur take over Thunderclan, to letting Ashfur escape, and then indirectly causing the deaths of his own friend Bristlefrost and Rootspring who he cared about yet still let get killed.

His mind and heart grew heavy with the guilt, pain, and regret that lingered in his final breath. He drew in a last breath and let himself go, sinking into the silent and dark void. Nothing would remain of him, and he believed he deserved that fate.

Chapter Text

Violetshine watched as Shadowsight was dragged along the forest floor of the Dark Forest, watching how Leafpool kept trying to press in dried crumpled leaves to stop the bleeding and how Shadowsight looked. He was out of it, teetering on the verge of life and death. There was a faint hope that’d he’ll make it into Starclan’s territory to die and then be resurrected as a spirit there. But the Dark Forest held no mercy, and that tiny flame of hope was snuffed out. His spirit slowly faded away into nothingness. The rest of the group looked on, a mix of pain, sadness, and pity on their faces, while Violetshine just felt numb. The grief she felt for Bristlefrost and then her son Rootspring numbed her. She wanted to just let it all out, yet she couldn’t.

There was really only one thing Violetshine could think to do. She pulled a large part of the leaves that had Shadowsight’s bleeding toward her. The dried blood on the leaves was the only thing left of his body in the Dark Forest. At least, there is part of his ghost on here. I wish that something could’ve been saved from all of them.

The clearing stayed silent, unsure of what to do or say. Juniperclaw broke the silence in a soft whisper. “He didn’t deserve this,” Juniperclaw murmured. His eyes shimmered with grief as he stared at the spot where Shadowsight faded from.

“None of them did,” Firestar softly added, his voice filled with sorrow. “They all gave up everything to save everyone.”

“This place has claimed too much from all of us today,” Leafpool said. Her body remained still, and her eyes reflected the sadness she felt. Violetshine wanted to yowl at her that she didn’t lose anything and trotted in when it was all over. But she kept her mouth closed. There was enough grief and pain already, there was no need to add more. Leafpool continued, her voice filled with some of her grief. “Starclan will remember and honor them all for their sacrifice.”

“All of the Clans will remember them,” Violetshine added, determined to ensure it would happen. "They deserve it after everything they did."

Juniperclaw and Stemleaf remained glued to Violetshine's side. Both of them were visibly struck by what had just happened. “What are you going to do now?” Stemleaf asked, turning to Juniperclaw.

“I don’t know, but I’m going to stay here for now,” he answered, shaking his head. His eyes were locked on the tunnel. He made up his mind as he pointed out the obvious. “The tunnel can’t be left unguarded. Some other cat may try to do what Ashfur did, and someone needs to prevent it. So I'll guard the tunnel.”

“It’ll be a lonely eternity for you, not belonging to either Starclan or the Dark Forest,” Firestar stated, standing at the mouth of the tunnel. “But if that’s your wish, then Starclan will allow it, as long as you ensure no cat crosses through to either afterlife. Can you do that?”

“I will,” Juniperclaw solemnly promised, dipping his head low. “I want to ensure what happened today will never be able to be repeated.”

Firestar looked satisfied with that answer and said, “I’m sure you will.” Firestar turned to the remaining Lights in the Mist. Only four remained: Mistystar, Graystripe, Crowfeather, then herself. It was a sorrowful reminder of the three they’ve lost.  “Now, for the four of you, Starclan awaits for you to join us another. We honor your bravery and skills today, and when the time comes, you will earn a place among us. I look forward to seeing you all then, especially you Graystripe."

Violetshine's mouth open, wanting to ask about seeing Rootspring, Bristlefrost, or Shadowsight. But she shut it. She knew that the three of them faded away before her eyes. Starclan wouldn’t know where they were. They wouldn’t be anywhere in Starclan or the Dark Forest and beyond even their territories. Their spirits were gone forever.

Firestar motioned for Juniperclaw to come to the tunnel. Juniperclaw looked at Violetshine and put his tail over her shoulder. The tail was cold and felt just as numbing as her grief. “I guess this is goodbye, Violetshine.”

“I guess it is,” Violetshine quietly replied.

“I’m sorry about all of them. They all were so brave,” Juniperclaw hesitantly apologized. His eyes were still glittering with grief. “They didn’t deserve any of this.”

Violetshine stayed silent. Juniperclaw dipped his head to say goodbye, and as he went to the tunnel, Violetshine felt Stemleaf's tail replacing Juniperclaw’s on her shoulders. It was warm, but it didn’t replace the warmth the Dark Forest took from her. Nothing could replace the warmth drained from her. She watched her son and his friends die and fade away forever before her eyes. A voice suddenly drew her out of her thoughts.  

“It is time for us to go home,” Firestar called out to everyone. Stemleaf removed his tail from her shoulders and bowed his head as a goodbye. Violetshine returned the head bow as the Starclan spirits slowly started to go through the tunnel. Violetshine silently watched them as they left. She was jealous at how they looked to easily move on, not dealing with the numbing grief that the living would have to. They slowly and happily went to Starclan, something the three would never have. Yet, one spirit lingered.

Needletail stood on the opposite side of the clearing, silently gazing at her. She was hesitant to approach Violetshine, so Violetshine took a few steps toward her old friend. Needletail motioned for her to come to her, urging Violetshine to come closer.

Stopping a few steps away, Violetshine hesitated, and Needletail quickly closed the gap between them. She wrapped her tail around Violetshine. “I’m so sorry,” Needletail softly comforted.

Violetshine let out a few quiet sounds, in grief and thanks, as a response, and she pressed herself into the warmth of Needletail. It was somewhat comforting, reminding her of their familial bond, but it still couldn't replace the warmth taken from her. Needletail pressed her muzzle gently into Violetshine’s fur and said, “I wish I could be there for you.”

“I have my kin, Tree, and Needleclaw back in Skyclan, and Twigbranch in Thunderclan,” Violetshine replied, burying her muzzle deeper into Needletail’s fur. “But you’ll still be watching over me in Starclan, right?”

“Of course, Violetshine,” Needletail answered, a hint of lightheartedness coming through the sorrowful tone of her voice. “You’re my sister after all. I’ll always watch over you.”

“Thank you,” Violetshine quietly replied. She noticed the last of the Starclan spirits leaving through the tunnel, and she reluctantly moved away from Needletail. “It was nice to see you again.”

“Same thing for you,” Needletail said, getting up from her spot. The usual teasing gleam in her eyes was replaced with a sorrowful one. 

Violetshine silently nodded and watched Needletail padding away towards the tunnel. She gave Violetshine a parting glance over her shoulder. She waved her tail goodbye. And Violetshine returned the wave. As Needletail disappeared into the tunnel, Violetshine felt the temporary warmth drain from her once again. The coldness returned to her. 

“Violetshine, it’s time to return,” Graystripe called out. She looked at the tom, leaves pressed into his wounds to stop the bleeding. His eyes were clouded in pain. “We have to go back now.”

Nodding, she picked up the leaves at her paws and held on tight to them. She silently followed the silent patrol. They had lost three cats and it hung heavy on them. They looked as if they were trying to process it just. Violetshine's eyes stayed locked on the ground, avoiding looking at any part of the Dark Forest. It felt as if looking at it would let the Forest taunt her and take more from her.

They arrived at the Dark Forest's Moonpool. Its dark murky water slowly drained into the earth. Even through the murky waters, Violetshine could still see the living world within its depths. Branches of leaves and the starry sky faint in its depth. Mistystar took the lead, and dove into the water, starting to swim down toward the living world. Graystripe and Crowfeather followed closely behind.

Fear rose in Violetshine's chest as she readied herself to jump in. This water killed Bristlefrost and Rootspring, but now, it was the only way home. Her mind screamed at her to not do it, but she pushed those thoughts away and waded into the water. As she readied herself to dive in, the water swirled around her body, and she held onto Shadowsight’s leaves tighter. With a final gulp of air, she dove into the depths. Her eyes strained to see her allies in the water. She caught sight of them and swam after them. The living world was in sight, and its starry sky beckoned for her.

The others had already dragged themselves out of the dark water and back into the living world. Crowfeather helped Graystripe out as Violetshine swam quicker. She finally saw the surface of the true Moonpool below her. Stars glittered under her paws as she hooked her paws on the sore, dragging herself out and back into her world. 

As she emerged from the dark water, her vision was fuzzy, and her mind was confused about what was going on. The others looked to be experiencing the same thing as her. They searched around to find their sleep forms. Violetshine's paw hit her sleeping body. Drawing in one sharp breath and clamping down more onto Shadowsight's leaf, she reunited with her body.

Waking up in her body, Violetshine felt her wounds throbbing in pain, aching more than what they did in the Dark Forest, and the warmth returning to her pelt. The leaves tasted metallic and gross in her mouth, but she refused to drop them. Her eyes slowly adjusted, and she saw the shocked looks of the others. She followed their gaze to where Shadowsight and Bristlefrost were. Only to find them both gone. Nothing remained of them, not even their bodies.

Then she turned her head to where Rootspring was laying, hoping that it wasn’t the same fate for her son. But it was... he was gone too. 

Their kin had come to greet them, nervous and eager to see them again. It felt like a lifetime had passed since they last saw each other. But that feeling quickly faded as she noticed Ivypool narrowed her eyes and glared at the remaining members of the patrol. “Where is she? Where did-”

“Is Ashfur dead?” Bramblestar interjected, cutting Ivypool off. He glanced at the four injured cats before him. Violetshine knew how obvious they looked, looking somber and pained. 

“Yes,” Mistystar answered. “We won the battle, and our connection to Starclan has been restored.”

Bramblestar looked at the three empty spots and asked one final heavy question. “Did we lose anyone?”

Silence lingered in the clearing as no patrol member was willing to admit the truth. But Ivypool broke the silence. “Did we lose Bristlefrost? Did we also lose Shadowsight and Rootspring too?” Her jaw trembled, but her stare remained steady. Dovewing stood by her side, looking as if she wanted the answer just as much. “They were all sleeping there, and I looked away for a moment. Then I looked back, and she just… disappeared.”

“Rootspring disappeared next,” Dovewing added. Sadness glittered in her eyes, her gaze distant. “Then Shadowsight disappeared too. We tried to track them down, but there was no scent from any of them, even around here. They just were gone.”

Ivypool wrapped her tail around her sister to comfort her, and Dovewing returned the gesture. They both stared at the patrol, one in sorrow and the other in fear.

Mistystar stepped forward and softly answered them, “Yes. Bristlefrost, Shadowsight, and Rootspring all died heroes.” Ivypool face crumpled, her body frozen in shock. Dovewing, on the other paw, was taken aback by what she heard, shock then grief flashed across her face as the reality hit her. “They all fought together to take down Ashfur. Bristlefrost and Rootspring fell in after they pushed him into the water, and Shadowsight succumbed to his wounds after Ashfur drowned.”

Violetshine knew that the Riverclan leader just lied about their deaths, but no cat was willing to correct her. They deserved to be remembered for dying heroically, even if it was fabricated, at least. The group around the Moon Pool slowly went to their loved ones to reunite or mourn. Mothwing started to treat Graystripe’s wound, while the Sisters went to get any nearby herbs or cobwebs on Mothwing's order, anything to prevent another loss.

Still clamping down onto the leaves, Violetshine hesitantly approached Dovewing. She was grieving with her mate Tigerstar. Their low yowls mixed together. Dovewing’s ears pricked up and sniffled some as Violetshine drew near. Sniffing the air, her eyes went wide, and wondered, “Shadowsight’s scent? But, how?”

“These leaves are the only thing Shadowsight left behind in the Dark Forest before he died,” Violetshine softly answered, putting the leaves at the couple’s paws. “Leafpool tried to stop his bleeding with these leaves, so it has part of him on it.”

Dovewing slowly blinked in thanks, and Tigerstar softly said, “Thank you, Violetshine. You were able to bring us back something of him to bury. I only wish that you could’ve had the same thing.”

Violetshine dipped her head and left them. She only hoped it would help bring them a bit of closure and a sense of burying him. Yet she felt her grief renew more by Tigerstar’s comment, realizing she would have no body to bury for Rootspring. Neither would Ivypool, who had been silently staring into the Moonpool. They both were denied that bit of closure.

“We don’t even have her body to bury,” she whispered. Her tail wrapped tightly around her. Her eyes reflected just how grief-struck she was.

Violetshine approached her. “I’m sorry,” she softly mewed, knowing nothing could ease her grief. There was nothing else that could be said. Violetshine understood the pain that Ivypool was experiencing, the shared pain of a loss of a kit they’d never see again. They sat in silence for some time.

Ivypool broke the silence. “This can’t be real.” Her eyes fixed onto the Moonpool, seemingly expecting Bristlefrost and the others to burst through at any moment.

Violetshine sadly shook her head. “I want that to be true too,” she agreed, drawing in a breath. “We wouldn’t be back here if there was the slightest hope of any of them being alive still.” She looked down at the Moonpool. It was silent. Its calm surface reflected the dim stars above, dimmed as if they seemingly shared in their grief.

Rustling came from the undergrowth surrounding the Moonpool and caught Violetshine's attention. Her pelt prickled in alarm, but it quickly flattened as she saw it was only the Sisters. Violetshine’s gaze followed them. They hurriedly back to Mothwing, who was working on Graystripe. Squirrelflight and Bramblestar stayed nearby.  “Can you stop his bleeding?” Bramblestar asked concern filling his voice. One of the Sisters carefully passed Mothwing some cobwebs from her pelt.

“I don’t know,” Mothwing answered as she pressed the cobwebs onto Graystripe’s wounds. Her eyes were dark, and her paws were covered in blood.

“I don’t think I can get through this,” Graystripe grunted. His voice was steady, no fear or regret could be heard. “I’m going to Starclan now. It isn’t sad. I’ve had so many cats I love die before I did, and now, I can be with them all again in Starclan.” His eyes clouded as he addressed Mothwing. “It’s no good. It’s my time.”

Mothwing nodded, pressing the last of the cobwebs onto his wounds then stepping away. Squirrelflight and Bramblestar took her place and leaned down towards the elder. Their bodies trembled as they fought back the grief.

“Thunderclan has been lucky to have you with us for so long,” Bramblestar murmured. He touched his nose to Graystripe’s cheek.

Graystripe let out a soft grunt as if he was trying to purr. “Make sure they know that I was lucky to have them. That I wouldn’t have wanted to belong to any other clan. Say goodbye for me and tell my kits that I’ll be waiting for them in Starclan after they all lived long happy lives.” He turned his head to Squirrelflight. “I gave Ashfur your message,” he rasped. “It sure did kill him in the end.” He tried to chuckle but instead, he coughed. “Bristlefrost made sure he carried it with him to his death.”

“Thank you,” Squirrelflight softly purred, “for everything, Graystripe.” She leaned down and pressed her muzzle into his neck fur. Violetshine’s heart dropped as she watched Graystripe’s flank shakily rise and then collapse. They lost another cat. Graystripe was able to make it back and go to Starclan, unlike the others, but it didn’t stop the shock of his death.

Bramblestar and Squirrelflight crouched down beside Graystripe’s body. They let out a long, low yowl. It echoed around the Moonpool. Everyone sat silently as they realized what happened.

She didn’t hear her family come up behind her until Needleclaw bumped her head into Violetshine. “Is he gone forever?” Needleclaw asked, her whiskers quivering in grief. Her daughter looked at her for some confirmation that he’d be in Starclan or somewhere else.

And that was when it all came crashing down around her. Rootspring was gone forever, and she accepted that fact. But now, her heart was letting out all of the grief she held in. But, with the reality fully setting in, it wasn’t something that could be held in anymore. She pressed her head into Tree’s neck and let it all out. The grief flooded out of her, muffled by Tree’s fur. Tree's and Needleclaw's bodies trembled as their sorrows joined her, and they pressed into her. Their own low yowls and wails joined hers. They stayed like that for a while. Her daughter silently grieved behind her, struggling with every breath as her quiet wails choked her with heavy grief. Tree stayed pressed into her back fur, letting out a few low quiet yowls and wails.

It felt as if a lifetime had passed when she felt a nudge to guide her away. The territories merged together as they all walked in silence. Thunderclan’s group parted ways first then Shadowclan’s went away. Then, they returned to Skyclan territory, heavily reminded of the lack of Rootspring. A void that drained everything out of them.  A hole that could never be filled.

The Skyclan’s forest was filled with memories of them all. The patrols, the walks, the laughs shared in the forest with him. Her heart ached, and the grief overwhelmed her. It was seemingly true for Tree and Needleclaw as well. Their eyes were distantly tracing the territory as they seemed to recall their memories with him. She kept recalling the memories as the sun slowly rose in the distance. As the sun rose higher in the sky, they were near camp by the time the dawn patrol was coming back from their patrol. Turtlecrawl, Cloudmist, Rabbitleap, and Wrenpaw happily approached them. “How did it go?” Wrenpaw asked.

“Is Ashfur gone for good?” Cloudmist added excitedly.

“Give them a moment to breathe, you two,” Rabbitleap playfully scolded, rolling his eyes. As the patrol got closer to the trio, their happy attitudes quickly faded as they saw the trio’s shared grief and sorrow visible from the trio's messy fur to the grief gleaming in their eyes. Then they realized the missing cat. Only Rabbitleap was willing to ask the one question they all thought. “Did something happen to Rootspring?”

Violetshine couldn’t find the strength to answer the question, but Needleclaw did. With a sorrowful nod, she choked out, “He’s gone.”

“We need to let Leafstar know,” Turtlecrawl hesitantly said, leading them all into the camp. Leafstar was near the Tallstump with Hawkwing. They were locked in a conversation, but Hawkwing quickly noticed Violetshine among the patrol. “Violetshine!” he happily called out, only to notice the sadness heavy in the patrol. “What happened?”

Turtlecrawl quickly reported, “We were coming back from the Dawn Patrol and found Violetshine, Tree, and Needleclaw returning from the Moonpool. We greeted them to find out that Rootspring had passed away."

“But what happened in the Dark Forest?” Leafstar asked. Her eyes were trained on Violetshine. The leader looked like she was judging her, but Violetshine knew that she only wanted answers. Other eyes were starting to stare at her as well as cats came out to see what the commotion was about.

“We were battling Ashfur's forces, and Rootspring, Bristlefrost, and Shadowsight fought him together,” Violetshine shakily started to report. “They were working together to push Ashfur into the water below them to kill him. And they… they-“

“They were able to push him in,” Tree finished for her. He placed a comforting tail onto her shoulders as he continued the report. “Rootspring and Bristlefrost, unfortunately, fell in with him. They both drowned and then Shadowsight died to his wounds after the death of Ashfur.”

“They’re all gone forever. Their bodies and spirits are gone, ” Violetshine shakily concluded. “I saw Ashfur's and their deaths before my eyes. We came back after the connection to Starclan was restored. Graystripe died when we returned.”

Shock settled in among the gathered cats. Leafstar looked taken aback, and Hawkwing tried to give his daughter a comforting gaze, shock and sadness clouded any comfort in his gaze. It took a moment for Leafstar to compose herself, shaking her pelt. “I’m sorry about Rootspring,” Leafstar solemnly started. “I’m sure that the rest of the Clan feels your sorrows and grief as well. He was such a brave and resilient warrior. And I’m sure seeing what you saw wasn’t easy, Violetshine. Feel free to take as long as you need to recover. You too, Tree and Needleclaw. Go rest, you need it.”

It felt like a solemn empty speech to her. She just wanted to rest. “Violetshine,” Hawkwing approached her, “I don’t know what to say. But I’m here if you need me. How are you feeling?”

Violetshine felt her eyes grow wet as she met Hawkwing's gaze. Her voice shook as she softly answered, “I don’t know. I just want to rest.”

Hawkwing kept on following her. “Do you want some fresh-kill?”

“I’m not hungry right now, but thanks,” Violetshine quickly answered.

He stopped in front of her. “But, just know that I’ll do anything to get you want or need,” he said, making sure that she heard him. “I’m here for you, and I can’t imagine everything you went through today. I’m so sorry that happened.”

“Thanks, I’ll let you know if I need something,” Violetshine said with the little bit of graciousness she could muster through the grief. She dipped her head as she walked away. Her clanmates cast her and her family sorry and somber looks then turned away and quietly whispered around her. They whispered about the tragedies she witnessed and said apologetic comments about it behind her back. Violetshine didn’t care at that point. She just wanted to be alone. And the Warriors’ Den was empty enough, only a few cats were still in it either sleeping or just getting ready.

Violetshine went to Rootspring’s nest first. She tried to breathe in his scent from his nest, just to get some comfort from it. But there was nothing there. His scent had disappeared just like his body. Nothing of him remained. There was no trace left of him in the world. She grabbed a few of his old feathers and curled up with them in her nest. Starclan, why? Why did you do this?

Her thoughts of sorrow and sadness were overtaking her as she buried her muzzle into the feathers. There was nothing in her mind besides her grief. Rootspring will never be coming home. Her thoughts turned from grief to guilt. She could’ve stopped him, only if she held on a bit tighter or if she only convinced him not to go after Bristlefrost. All of this could’ve been avoided if she did something different. The guilt twisted and turned in her mind, making her not notice the shadow at the mouth of the den.

Tree came into the den, carrying a leaf in his mouth, and sat down beside her. “Frecklewish said you should have some poppy seeds.” Tree nudged her and set the poppy seeds down before her. “Take some, Violetshine, please.”

“What will that do for me?” Violetshine questioned.

“She said that it'll help you sleep and relieve any shock you may have,” Tree answered, nudging the seeds toward her. “You need some sleep after everything that you went through.”

Violetshine moved her head towards the leaf and lapped up the seeds. Tree curled up around her, and he nuzzled up to her. “How about we get some sleep then?”

She nodded and leaned back into Tree, closing her eyes. She drifted off, only to be met with scenes of her son and the guilt in her dreams.

His eyes were wide in fear as the dark murky water threatened to pull him under. Desperatly, she tried to reach down to him to pull him out, panic filling her. But, no matter what she did, he was always a whisker shy of her muzzle each time. She heard his cries for help as the water engulfed him completely. Violetshine fanatcially tried to call out to him to guide him to the surface, anything to get him to come back to her. But no sounds came out of her as she quietly wailed and yowled for him. The water grew deadly silent.

 

Then, the spirits of Rootspring, Bristlefrost, and Shadowsight came out of the water. Their eyes were hauntingly white. Violetshine could feel their harsh judging stares burning into her. Bristlefrost and Rootspring were still drenched from their watery deaths, and their fatal wounds still bled out, staining the ground around Violetshine. She tried to reach out to them, reaching her paw out for them to come back with her. But her paw went right through them.

 

They looked digusted as she only then tried to save them after their deaths. Their voices blended together to taunt her. Why didn’t you stop me? You could’ve saved me if you just held onto me tighter. If only you kept running to the tunnel, then I’d be in Starclan at least. You could’ve saved us all if you just killed Ashfur yourself. Their voices fueled her guilt. She tried to cover her ears with her paws to block them out, but as she went to cover them, she saw their blood on her paws.  It fueled her guilt more. She could’ve stopped it all if only she did something a bit different.

 

She silently wailed and yowled more. They seemed to grow more pleased as they taunted her more her for what she did and what she didn’t do. And when they were fully satisfied, they faded before her eyes once again, leaving to drown in her own guilt.

 

The dark water rose higher and threatened to drown her. Accepting her fate, she closed her eyes. The cold water swallow her body, feeling like hundreds of thorns were poking into her pelt with cold fury. Violetshine let out a gasp of pain and opened her eyes. Her eyes adjusted and found the living world’s Moonpool connection below her. It was murky yet she could make out the forms of cats looking down into the Moonpool. The yellow pelt of Tree and the white and black pelt of Needleclaw were among the cats.

 

It was her only escape, so she swam down for it. Violetshine reached out for the living world’s shore. Claws dug into her forepaws as she silently yowled in shock. The claws dragged her out, gasping for air. No warmth welcomed her, only the glares and hisses of cats did. SIvypool, Dovewing, Bramblestar, Tree, Needleclaw, and other cats glaring down at her. Their eyes were dark in anger and grief, and some had their lips drawn back into a snarl. They taunted her, and their voices merged into one angry yowl. They blamed her for not being able to save them, to bring them back, and of failing them. Tree and Needleclaw stepped forwarded, clouded by anger and grief. Violetshine tried to silently plead with them to help her out. But it fell on deaf ears. Their voices echoed out from the rest of the taunts. Rootspring should’ve come back instead of you.

 

With guilt stabbing into her heart like thousands of claws, she watched in disbelief and guilt as they pushed her back into the dark waters. The living world drifting away until only darkness remained. It started to slowly drown her. Violetshine felt the guilt rising as she thought about all of her choices. She deserved this. She closed her eyes and accepted her death.

 

It was a slow death. Her body started feeling paws pressed into her, but herr mind struggled to register it was as she drifted off into darkness. The paw presses started to get more frantic and quicker. And she woke up with a start. 

Violetshine drew in quick, panicked breaths. Her heart raced as she tried to make sense of her surroundings. Her eyes darted around, taking in the familiar sights of the Warriors’ den. It reassured her and let her know she was safe. Yet, the nightmare still played in her mind as guilt clawed at her heart.

Her legs sprawled across the den floor, and her nest a mess of feathers and moss around it. Standing over her, Needleclaw and Tree looked at her in worried. Tree’s paw was placed gently on her shoulder, and his voice was full of worry. “Are you okay? Did you have a nightmare? You looked so panicked in your sleep.”

“I’m fine,” she lied. She didn’t want them to know what truly happened. Her nightmare kept replaying in her mind. They didn’t need to know what truly happened. Violetshine wrapped her tail tightly around her and continued with her dream. “In my dream, I saw their deaths... over and over again. I saw their spirits fading before me, and no matter how hard I tried to reach them, I was always too late.”

He put his tail around Violetshine in comfort and reassurance. “You must feel like you could’ve done more to try to save them, but you need to remember did everything you could. You can't always do everything, sometimes there are things we can't control."

But may I could've? She wanted to say that, but she just silently nodded, not willing to say what she truly thought. As she looked at him, the anger and grief of his nightmare version flashed into her mind. Even if his words were true, the guilt in her mind kept on doubting him. It felt as if he and Needleclaw would blame her for Rootspring’s death. Avoiding their faces, she looked out of the den as her guilty thoughts racked her mind.

Her eyes lingered on the den’s entrance as cats slowly gathered under the setting sun. Trying to change the topic, Violetshine asked, “Is it time for his vigil?”

Needleclaw turned and looked out of the den as well. “It is about night,” she said. “Leafstar will be calling for it soon.”

“We should go then,” Violetshine said. She shook herself off and quickly groomed her pelt. It would do. She got up from her nest and started to head out of the den.

Tree matched her pace. “You don’t need to say anything if you don't feel like you can,” he softly comforted. “Everyone will understand, especially after everything you’ve been through.”

She nodded and continued to walk out into the clearing. Most of the clan was there, gathered around the center of the clearing. They were quietly speaking amongst each other, heads lowered. A few cats offered their apologies to Violetshine and her family, and she accepted them. Cats moved out of the way, it allowed her to take a spot next to her father, with Tree on her other side. The center was empty, with only some yellow flowers and herbs placed in it to represent Rootspring. It was a sorrowful reminder of how the Dark Forest erased his entire existence. She pushed her heading into Tree’s shoulder to seek comfort, and he returned the gesture.

Leafstar blinked apologetically at Violetshine, Tree, and Needleclaw as she started the vigil. “Tonight, we sit vigil for Rootspring under the watchful eyes of Starclan," she announced. "He was a loyal and brave warrior, and he gave up everything to save the Clans.”

“He was my apprentice,” Dewspring started, his tail wrapped around his paws. His whiskers quivered some with sadness. “He was an excellent hunter and always tried his best.”

Turtlecrawl spoke next with a light solemn tone, “We may have not seen eye-to-eye at times. But I always looked at him as a warrior who could stand up for himself.”

Needleclaw was the next one to speak up. Her eyes glimmered with sorrow. “He was a good brother to me, the best one any cat could ask for,” she mewed.  “Rootspring was always fun to be with, especially during our training. We always knew that we could support each other, no matter what happened. I only wish I could’ve seen him one last time…” Bowing her head in grief, Needleclaw's voice drifted off.  

“He never gave up on anything.” Tree’s voice shook and he cleared his voice before he continued. Violetshine placed her tail around his shoulders. “He always wanted to help Skyclan and strived to prove himself. May Starclan light your path, Rootspring, wherever you are.”

Some more cats spoke up, sharing their own words of remembrance and memories of him. Frecklewish and Fidgetflake shared a few moments of Rootspring's short time as a medicine cat apprentice. Violetshine saw Needleclaw and Hawkwing chuckle some as Kitescratch shared a funny moment from their training together. Slowly, some cats turned into their dens, but the others remained. Some stared solemnly at the flowers representing Rootspring, while others slowly drifted off to sleep as the vigil continued.

The early morning rays started to peak in between the trees, and that was when Violetshine could start to bring herself to speak. Almost a whisper, she began, “Rootspring fought until the end and he bravely gave up his everything to save everything. He was a son I will always be proud of.” Guilt still pierced her heart. She wanted to say how she would give up anything to ensure he could’ve not faded, or how she could’ve done something differently to have saved him. But she couldn't. “I don’t know where he went, but I know that he was loved by those close to him. He loved his family and friends dearly, and we did return that love as well. May Starclan light his path and honor his sacrifice.” Overwhelmed by her grief, she silently wailed. She felt her family press into her to comfort each other. They remained like that until Leafstar and Frecklewish rose to their paws.

“Starclan will honor his sacrifice,” Leafstar assured them, then she turned to address the remaining cats. “Skyclan will remember him for everything he has done, not just for us, but for all the other Clans as well.” She moved back, and Frecklewish stepped forward to conclude the vigil.

“May Starclan light your path, Rootspring,” she spoke with her gaze on the stars above. “May you find swift running, good hunting, and shelter where you sleep.” She gestured for Fallowfern to pick up the flowers and herbs. Fallowfern took a mouth full of them and started to lead the vigil out of the camp. Needleclaw picked up some of them and followed her, then Tree and Hawkwing followed suit. Violetshine carried the last bit of flowers and herbs with a heavy heart.

A few cats followed the vigil out of the camp. Fidgetflake and Frecklewish were among them, while Dewspring brought up the rear. In silence, they ventured toward the outer edge of the territory. Needleclaw raised her tail to signal the cats to stop. Did she pick out the spot? Violetshine looked around and saw why the place was chosen. It had a view overlooking the territories of Thunderclan and Skyclan. Rootspring would’ve wanted to be able to watch over the two territories where his family and crush lived.

Between the roots of an oak tree, Fallowfern and Needleclaw started to dig a small, shallow grave, enough to bury Rootspring’s flowers and herbs. One by one, cats placed the flowers and herbs into the hole. Violetshine was the last one to place in the flowers she carried. With Tree and Needleclaw, they placed the dirt back over, slowly pushing it back over to its original place. Frecklewish solemnly murmured the final ceremonial words as they finished.

While others went back to camp to start their daily duties, Violetshine, Needleclaw, and Tree silently sat vigil by his grave. His body isn’t even buried, only flowers. Her whiskers quivered with grief, and she felt her eyes grow wet. He deserved a proper burial. Her guilt and grief came back, overwhelming her. Crouching down, she let out low yowls and wails. It echoed around the small clearing as the morning sun shone down upon them.

With each passing heartbeat, her heart was breaking more and more, being torn apart by her guilt and grief. Needleclaw and Tree pressed closer to her, and they mourned in their ways, softly wailing and sniffling. Their voices blending in with Violetshine's. Rootspring would never come home, and they would never feel his warmth again. And it broke her. She felt as if she could’ve saved him, yet now, his existence was only represented by flowers and herbs that could never replace him. Crouched there, they let out their sorrows, and she felt guilty for what she could’ve done.