Book 4: Sol's Revenge & Whisper's Path

Epilogue

Whisper:

My eyes drifted around the dark cave, Echo's blood-stained pelt slowly started to fade. Wherever she was going now, I knew she couldn't hurt Ashclan anymore. I had completed my mission, I had saved Ashclan and all of the clans in the world perhaps. But my sister was also gone.

I hauled myself to my paws and I hobbled over to what was left of Echo. I could see clear through her now, I could see through her fur and onto the rock floor beneath her. I sighed and pressed my muzzle against her pelt, no heat or cold escaped from her. Then she was gone, faded into oblivion.

"The last Echo of death has faded at last." I whispered to myself, finally understanding the prophecy. Then I saw Sol, he was crouched alone in a corner of the cave. His eyes were troubled. He saw me staring at him.

"So you came here to kill me, but end up saving my life," he muttered to himself.

"A simple thank you would suffice," I said and set to work cleaning my wounds.

"Thank you," he said earnestly, making my heart seize. How could I still care about him after all he had done? But he wasn't done, he continued speaking.

"Thank you for looking out for me when we were kits, thank you for helping me off the mountain when I broke my ankle, thank for saving me even now. Even after all I have done...I never thanked you before Whisper."

"My name is actually Whisperheart. It is my clan name. The thing about the clans is that they are forgiving. I am sure Blossomstar would let you join Ashclan." I offered, which surprised me. Was I really willing to let Sol join my clan and risk putting everyone in danger? But my offer didn't matter, Sol didn't want it.

"No, your clan is your home. Not mine."

"So...is this goodbye then?" I asked sadly. Sol walked over to me, with each stride he took he gained back the days Echo's curse had taken. When Sol was directly in front of me we were both the same age again.

"You are the light Whisper. You belong up there, with the clans," Sol explained."I am the dark. My home is here now," he added. I frowned and started to argue but Sol cut me off.

"I don't belong with other cats, I am different. I am the darkness, and darkness doesn't always have to be a bad thing. This is my home Whisperheart. And I think it's time you returned to yours." Sol stated. Despite myself I let out a small laugh.

"I wonder what Ashclan will think when I return half the age of when I left?" I chuckled. Sol cracked a smile too.

"I know that one day I will see you again. Goodbye for now." Sol amended and started to pad away. I watched him leave with a sunken feeling in my chest. But it was time for me to leave. I emerged from the caves and felt the warm dawn light smother my pelt. Sol was indeed right, I belonged up here, his path was underpaw. And Echo's path lead her somewhere else entirely.

"Home, here I come." I smiled and began making the long journey back to Ashclan.

...

Three moons had passed since Echo's final death in the caves. I had returned to Ashclan and resumed my medicine cat duties, sadly without Icefire. However, I watched Blossomstars kits Icekit and Firekit grow with strength. At first the warriors of the clan were wary of my younger nature, but they eventually grew used to it. And although I watched Ashclan continue to grow and prosper, I still constantly thought about my brother. The one who was born different, the one who turned evil, the one who found the light again. I wondered how he was doing all alone in the tunnels. I wondered if he thought about me often.

I shook my head to clear it of all thoughts of Sol. He was no longer a part of my life, and I was no longer a part of his. I had to move on.

I picked up a bundle of leaves which I had been sorting and carried them to the nursery.