Chapter 7: Heartfelt Goodbyes

"Mommy? Mommy, wake up!" Asuna's hazel eyes slowly opened as she heard the voice calling to her. Once her vision cleared, she saw a small black she-cat who seemed to be about the age of an apprentice. "Hi mommy!" Asuna's eyes widened in shock when she realized who the mysterious cat was.

"Yui? What are you doing here?" She asked, joy in her meow as she groomed her daughter with her tongue. "Oh, sorry! I've been so used to being a cat."

"Some of your Clanmates found her while they were on patrol." Asuna looked over at the entrance and saw that it was Bramblestar.

"She looks a lot like her father, that's for sure."

"Kirito and I adopted her while we were in SAO. I'm glad she's been with us for so long."

"That's right! I'll be with mommy and daddy for as long as I can!"

"Well your parents are exceptional, that's for sure." The leader meowed with a small smile. "Asuna, Yui had explained to the others why she appeared all of a sudden. I'm sure you know why." The she-cat could hear a sense of sorrow in the leader's voice. She swiped a paw down and saw that on the menu screen, there was now a 'log out' button. "Take all the time you three need." She closed the menu and looked over at Yui.

"I guess you being here and us needing to leave isn't a coincidence?"

"Right. You, daddy, and Suguha have helped bring the five Clans together, just like Spottedleaf requested." She looked over at the sleeping black tom right next to her. "Daddy?" Yui softly shook the tom with her small paws, Kirito letting out a groan.

"Wha- Okay, okay, I'm awake." He rubbed his eyes with a paw and saw the black she-cat next to him. "Oh…um…hi?"

"Do you not recognize your daughter?" Asuna asked him. Kirito looked over at Yui and after a few seconds, a wide smile appeared on his face.

"Whoa! Hey kiddo, what's up?"

"Daddy!" She leaped towards him and snuggled close to him, giving him countless licks to the face.

"Where'd you come from all of a sudden?" He asked her.

"I was granted access to this world this morning. I've been watching you, mommy, and Suguha ever since you arrived here, but was unable to join you." She explained.

"There was another thing that happened, Kirito." Asuna told him. "Open your menu interface." Kirito swiped a paw down and saw the same log out button that Asuna had.

"Well…we did finally bring the Clans together again. It was bound to happen eventually." He stated, letting out a sigh. "Does Sugu know?"

"I was told that she was out hunting." Yui stated. "Before we go…can I look around the camp?" Asuna nodded.

"Of course. Your father and I need to say bye to everyone, after all." The three walked out of the warriors' den and looked around camp. It seemed like news from the patrol that found Yui traveled quickly. Every cat around the clearing seemed to be saddened by the news. We really did mean a lot to ThunderClan. They're like a family to us. Asuna thought. "Do you want to go to the nursery first?" The tom nodded.

"I'm sure Yui would like to meet Foxkit and Swiftkit." They headed over to the nursery and saw that Ivypool and Lelouch were with the two kits, Daisy watching them with a smile.

"Oh, is this your daughter that we were hearing about?" Daisy asked when she saw Yui. "She's adorable, that's for sure."

"You were right, Lelouch. She looks like her father." Ivypool meowed. "Foxkit? Swiftkit? Did you want to say hi?"

"Don't worry, she won't bite." Kirito assured them with a smile. Swiftkit quickly ran over to them, followed by her brother, the two sniffing the small black she-cat.

"They're so cute!" Yui meowed in joy as she looked at them. "Hi! My name's Yui!"

"I'm Swiftkit! This is my brother, Foxkit!" The small silver-and-white tabby kit meowed. "Are you an apprentice? What's it like?"

"She's not an apprentice, Swiftkit. She's Kirito and Asuna's adopted daughter. This is her first time in the forest." Her father explained.

"Didn't you say that Kirito, Asuna, and Suguha needed to leave?" Foxkit asked his father. Lelouch looked over at the two and they nodded. "Oh…"

"Don't be sad, Foxkit. Kirito, Suguha, and I loved playing with you and your sister."

"But we won't be able to play again?" Swiftpaw stated, her peppy demeanor fading. "Do you have to leave?"

"We do. We were brought here to help the Clans, and now that all five are together again, we need to go home." Asuna said.

"So…if we break the peace you'll stay?" Swiftkit stated with joy, Lelouch giving her a small lick to the ear.

"Let's hope your thinking isn't that radical when you grow up." He told her. "This is something that needs to happen, Swiftkit. If you and Foxkit saved another world and needed to come back home, you'd do the same, right?"

"I guess so…"

"We'll never forget you both, I promise." Asuna assured them as she rested down on the floor. "You promise to be good for Lelouch and Ivypool, okay? Oh, and for Nightheart as well."

"We will." The two meowed in unison. Asuna looked over at Kirito.

"Don't you wanna tell them something?"

"Oh, yeah." Kirito rested down on the ground and the two walked over to him. "Like Asuna said, you both need to behave. I know you'll make awesome warriors."

"How can I if you won't be my mentor?" Swiftkit mewed.

"Out of all the cats, you want Kirito?" Lelouch stated. "Anyone but him would be fine."

"Oh c'mon!" Kirito meowed, giving the violet-eyed tom a shove.

"But he's so cool!" The silver-and-white tabby meowed. "Can you stay just to mentor me? Please?" Kirito let out a smile.

"Sorry, Swiftkit." The she-cat pouted. "How about you, Foxkit? Did you want me for a mentor?"

"Father says if I did that I wouldn't make it to my warrior ceremony."

"Lelouch!" Ivypool looked over at her mate in shock, the tom letting out a playful smile.

"I was only kidding, Foxkit. Kirito may be carefree sometimes, but he'd make a good mentor." The tom meowed. "Although, I remember you saying Suguha or Noctis would be your preferred mentor."

"C'mon, Foxkit. Sugu over me? Noctis, I can understand, but not Sugu!" Asuna gave him a small shove. "Actually, none of them said you, Asuna."

"Well I'm both a warrior and a medicine cat. There'd be no way for me to have an apprentice."

"They both love you regardless, Asuna. I'm sure they'd both love having you as a mentor if they could." Ivypool told her. "Okay kits, come back here. They need to say goodbye to the others." Foxkit and Swiftkit ran over to their mother's nest. Asuna looked over at Lelouch and let out a small smile.

"I guess this is goodbye…again." She meowed.

"Yeah, but who knows? Fate brought you and Kirito to the same world I was in, so maybe you'll both come back eventually."

"I hope so." Asuna pressed her head onto the tom's shoulder, Lelouch doing the same. "Take care of your family, alright? They'll need their loving father for as long as they can."

"I have no intention of leaving them, don't worry." He assured her. Asuna broke away from the tom and walked over to say goodbye to Daisy. Kirito looked over at the tom and cracked a smile.

"Guess I'll finally get out of your fur for now. You must be relieved." Lelouch let out a small laugh.

"You have no idea." Kirito then let out a sigh.

"I know it happened so long ago, but again...I'm sorry about what happened at the gorge."

"Hey, you apologized about that when I woke up, remember? There's no need for it, Kirito." He meowed. "Does it still bug you?"

"Should it not? I know it doesn't seem that way, but I'll never forget it. It doesn't help that Nightheart and I…well, I don't know if we feel the same way about each other still, but at the time…"

"You don't have to explain yourself, I understand." Lelouch stated. "Nightheart might take this goodbye to heart, though. You and Asuna are both her friends…but her and Suguha are best friends, the same goes for her and Lucina."

"Yeah, definitely. I'm sure Suguha's going to feel the same way when she hears the news." He meowed. "Well…I guess I hope we meet again, Lelouch."

"Try to make it before Swiftkit becomes an apprentice, okay?"

"No promises." Kirito placed a paw out to give the tom a high five, but quickly changed it to a hug. "C'mon, I got you this way last time, too!"

"That's our toms." Asuna meowed, Ivypool letting out a small giggle. Once he broke away, he joined Asuna in saying bye to Daisy.

"Thanks for coming in here and playing with the kits. You don't know how much fun they have with you both. All of ThunderClan's future kits are definitely going to be missing out."

"We're going to miss playing with them, especially this one and his badger rides."

"Yeah. The Kirito Express is retiring for now."

"Not exactly. You have Yui to play with, remember?" Asuna reminded him with a smile. "Hopefully we can come back, Daisy. You do so much for ThunderClan's kits, and we wouldn't mind helping at all."

"I'd love that. Good luck back in your world, you two." The two nodded and walked over to where Ivypool was, the she-cat greeting them with a smile.

"We're both going to miss you so much, Ivypool. You and Lelouch are one of our favorite couples in ThunderClan. If we come back, you both better still be together." Asuna told her.

"Nothing will ever bring me away from Lelouch, ever. We'll definitely be together if you two return to ThunderClan." She assured them. "It won't feel the same without you both and Suguha around camp. ThunderClan might not feel whole again for a while."

"Don't make them feel even worse about leaving than they already do." Lelouch meowed.

"Right, sorry! I just…that's how I really feel. They've been here for so long and feel like part of the Clan."

"We feel the exact same way. That's why this is so hard for us, too." Kirito told her.

"He's right. I've actually been dreading this day, to be honest. We've been here for so long that it feels like home." Asuna added, letting out a sigh. "Anyway, I'm sorry that this tom got involved with Nightheart for a bit. You'd think he'd be loyal to me."

"I guess I deserve that…"

"I'm just kidding, Kirito. I know how sweet Nightheart is…and you both do look cute together."

"If you and Asuna weren't together, I'd approve, Kirito." Ivypool meowed. "I remember seeing how happy Nightheart would be returning back to camp after going out on patrol with you. You both are amazing friends." A blush formed on the tom's face.

"Thanks, Ivypool." Both he and Asuna brushed coats with Ivypool one last time before leaving the nursery alongside Yui.

"What?!" They looked across the clearing and saw Squirrelflight talking with Suguha, the black she-cat in shock. She had just returned from hunting and the deputy told her the news. Once she saw Asuna, Kirito, and Yui, she ran over to them. "Is what Squirrelflight said true?"

"Yes. I'm sorry, Suguha." Yui apologized. Suguha was too distraught with sorrow to realize that Yui was now with them.

"Kirito, did you want to take Yui around camp? I'm going to the medicine den."

"Alright, c'mon Yui." He motioned his daughter forward with his tail. "Are you going to be okay, Sugu?"

"I…I don't know."

"Suguha?" Kirito saw that it was Nightheart approaching them. "Hi, Kirito. Who's this?"

"This is Yui. She's me and Asuna's adopted daughter."

"Hi! I heard that daddy likes you." A blush formed on Nightheart's face.

"Oh, w-well I don't know if that still applies now…but I'm aware."

"Okay, Yui, let's go before you say anything else!" Kirito and Yui left Suguha and Nightheart alone, the violet-eyed she-cat still confused by her friend's surprise.

"Suguha, are you alright?"

"I'm…I'm sorry, Nightheart." She apologized, her dark gray eyes glistening with tears.

"Sorry for what?"

"Squirrelflight told me that…Kirito, Asuna, and I are able to leave now. I need to go back home, Nightheart." The black she-cat let out a gasp.

"O-Oh…" She began to wipe her eyes with a paw. "I…guess this had to happen someday, right."

"Nightheart…" The she-cat felt a tail on her shoulder and saw that it was her father. "It's okay to cry. You both are amazing friends. A goodbye like this is meant to hurt."

"But…she can't leave, father! Suguha means so much to me! She's always there to talk with me whenever I need someone a-and…" Nightheart couldn't speak anymore, her sorrow completely taking over. She broke away from her father and pressed her head into Suguha's shoulder, the other she-cat doing the same.

"I'm so sorry, Nightheart! I'm going to miss you so much!" She sobbed. "I've never had a friend as caring and sweet as you." Lelouch could feel his chest tighten at the sight of his daughter and Suguha. It doesn't help that Nightheart also is best friends with Lucina. She's going to go through so much today. In the middle of their heartfelt goodbye, Nightheart glanced over at Lelouch.

"Father…is there a way for Suguha to come visit?"

"I don't have the answer to that, Nightheart. I'm sorry." He apologized.

"I promise if I can come back here I'll visit often…and so will Kirito and Asuna as well." Suguha told her. "It has to be possible…it just has to be." Lelouch looked over at the entrance to the camp and saw Noctis along with a mysterious white cat.

"I'll leave you both alone for now. Take all the time you need." The violet-eyed tom made his way over to the entrance, Noctis and the cat he was with looking over at him.

"Hey, Lelouch. I'm guessing you're wondering who this is, huh?" The tom nodded. "This is Luna."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Luna bowed her head.

"Likewise." The tom responded. "Can I assume you're here to bring Noctis back home?"

"I wouldn't call it 'home' exactly. Afterlife is more like it." Noctis stated. "But I'm with Luna, so it's all good."

"You don't have to leave, Noctis." The white she-cat meowed. "I'd learn to live here with you if you'd like."

"I know, you told me this a couple times as we were walking back here when I found you." Noctis looked over at her. "Y'know, I think you just want me to stay cause you think I'm cuter this way."

"Don't deny that you feel that way about me as a cat." Luna retorted. "In all seriousness, Noctis, you'd be leaving Twigbranch and Alderheart. You know how much you mean to them. Are you willing to let that go?" The tom hesitated, unable to respond.

"You didn't bring me here to stay forever, Luna, you know that." He replied. "I'll miss them both like crazy, but this isn't home." He said. "Can't you just let me visit from time to time?"

"I'm not sure, Noctis. This was my first time doing something like this." Luna said softly. "Your mind seems to be made up. You should say your goodbyes before we leave. I'm in no rush."

"Noct!" The tom turned around and saw Twigbranch pass through the entrance to camp followed by the other hunting patrol for the morning. "Oh, and Luna too! Hi!"

"Hello, Twigbranch. You've grown so much since I last saw you." Luna meowed, letting out a small smile.

"So…this is Noctis' mate? You both look cute together." Cherryfall meowed, causing the pair to blush.

"Is she here to join the Clan with you?" Lionblaze asked. Luna looked over at Noctis, the tom letting out a sigh before shaking his head.

"Luna's here to take me back home." Noctis told them. "I helped bring the Clans together like I was brought here to do, so it's time to pack it all up."

"What?" Noctis looked over at Twigbranch when he heard the distraught tone in her voice.

"Do you all mind giving us a bit?" Noctis asked the others. They nodded and left the group. "Lelouch, you mind showing Luna around? Don't try to steal her from me, though."

"Noct!" A blush formed on Luna's face.

"You don't have to worry." With a flick of his tail, the violet-eyed tom motioned the she-cat to follow him, leaving Noctis and Twigbranch alone.

"Twigbranch…" Noctis stopped when he noticed her eyes begin to glisten with tears. "C'mon, you're going to make this harder for me if you cry."

"S-Should I not be?" She wiped her eyes with a paw. "I knew that you'd have to leave eventually…but I never prepared myself for when it would happen." Twigbranch sniffled. "We've…been through so much together, Noct. You're one of my favorite cats in all the Clans." She sobbed. "I…love you so much…" Noctis' gaze softened, the tom letting out an annoyed sigh.

"Great…now look what you've done." Noctis meowed, wiping his eyes with a paw. "I won't forget you, Twigbranch. It'd be too hard to. I know you like me, but I've always seen you like a little sister. Thanks for that."

"Oh! W-When I said I loved you, I meant it in a sibling way! Sorry if you took it the wrong way." The black tom let out a small laugh.

"Don't worry, I know you secretly mean it the other way, too." Twigbranch gave the tom a shove.

"I won't miss you teasing me, though!" She responded before pressing her head into the tom's chestfur, letting out a loving purr. "Thank you for everything, Noctis. You're the best older brother any cat could ask for." She looked up at the tom, tears slowly streaming down his face, although he still kept a cool composure. "Y'know it's okay to show some emotion. You don't always have to be the cool tom Noct."

"Can't be letting the others see my soft side, even though I'm leaving." He told her.

"Are you ever going to come back?" Twigbranch asked, Noctis avoiding her gaze. "It's okay if you don't. It would mean that there's not any approaching danger, after all."

"Of course I'd love to come back and visit, Twigbranch…but Luna says she's not sure if it's possible." He gave her a light pat on the head. "But like I said, I'll never forget you."

"I won't either…I promise."

In the medicine den, Asuna had told the others that she, Kirito, and Suguha were finally going home. Asuna could see the sorrow in the three cats' faces when she told them the news.

"It was bound to happen eventually, after all." Leafpool meowed. "We've loved having you around here helping us, Asuna. Words can't express that enough."

"Yeah. I can't believe it's been so long, though. You've been here ever since I was an apprentice." Alderheart added. "There's so much you've been through while you were in our world. I'm sure your friends in your world will find this all hard to believe."

"Definitely." Asuna said, letting out a small giggle. She looked over at Jayfeather, the tom still silent. "Jayfeather?"

"Yes, Asuna?" His blind gaze looked over at her.

"Thank you for everything you and Leafpool taught me while I was learning with Alderheart. I know I've said it a million times, but I can't stress it enough."

"You shouldn't be thanking me. I was the one who drove you out of the medicine den more than once, remember?"

"It wasn't your fault, I told you that already." The cream she-cat insisted. "I don't want you thinking that even after I leave. You already have so much to worry about."

"Right…" Jayfeather suddenly felt Asuna place her head on his shoulder, a sudden blush on his face. "Asuna…I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too, Jayfeather. You're not exactly hard to forget, either." She meowed. "Just promise to continue being nice to Alderheart. You've been doing well so far."

"Well he hasn't messed up much lately, so I can't exactly promise that." He joked, letting out a slight grin. "But I'll try my best." Asuna gave the blind tom a small lick to the cheek, causing the blush on his face to burn even more. "You enjoy being the only cat able to control me, huh?"

"Maybe a little bit." Asuna looked over at Alderheart and saw the tom wiping his eyes with a paw. She walked over to him and he let out a small smile.

"Sorry for crying, Asuna. I'm just going to miss you all so much."

"I know, Alderheart. It was so hard for me when Yui told us the news. I knew it had to happen eventually, but every day I was relieved knowing I could stay here with you and the others in ThunderClan for an extra day." She meowed, giving the tom a lick to the ear.

"Then why don't you and the others just stay like Lelouch?" Alderheart wondered.

"Alderheart, you know why they can't do that." Leafpool meowed as she walked over to join them. "As much as we'll miss Asuna and the others, this isn't their real home, but we all wish it was."

"You all have felt like family to me ever since I first started training. All the memories we've shared here…" Asuna's hazel eyes began to glisten. "I'll always cherish them…so, so much." She looked over at Alderheart and let out a warm smile. "I know you'll continue being an amazing medicine cat, Alderheart. You're a blessing to ThunderClan."

"But…what if I need your help, Asuna? When I'm leading myself astray, you've always been there to help me."

"Leafpool and Jayfeather can help you just as well. They'd love for you to rely on them for any problems that you have." She assured him.

"Okay…" He wiped his eyes with a paw. "I'll try my best for ThunderClan, and for you, Asuna." The she-cat gave him another loving lick to the ear before turning to face Leafpool.

"I don't know where to begin, Leafpool. You're the most caring cat I've gotten to know here."

"I could say the same thing about you, Asuna. Being a medicine cat definitely suits you. I'm happy that my father put you on this path. You've always been selfless ever since you first started training as a medicine cat."

"Can you apologize to him the next time you see him? I feel like I've been more of a medicine cat than a medicine cat and warrior." Leafpool let out a warm smile.

"I'm sure he doesn't mind one bit." Leafpool approached the she-cat and rested her head on Asuna's shoulder, Asuna doing the same to her. "Be safe in your world, okay? If there's any chance you can come back, we'll all want to see you and the others again."

"I'll try my best to avoid any death games." The cats heard the brambles leading into the den rustle and saw that it was Suguha, the black she-cat still saddened by the news.

"Are you here to speak with Alderheart?" Leafpool asked, the she-cat nodding in silence. From behind her, Noctis entered the den and looked around.

"Is…this not a good time? Just wanted to talk with Alderheart for a bit before talking with you two."

"Are you leaving too, Noctis?" Asuna asked, the tom nodding.

"Yeah…" His voice trailed off. "Wait, you're leaving as well?" The cream she-cat nodded. Noctis looked over at Alderheart and could see the same reaction on his face that Twigbranch had. I can't stay here, Alderheart…you know that.

"You can talk with him first, Noct." Suguha muttered.

"Sure. Alderheart?" The tom followed him outside of the den.

"This isn't fair…" Noctis turned around when Alderheart spoke. "You all have to leave at the same time? Do you not know how much this hurts?"

"I can imagine, Alderheart. I just spoke with Twigbranch about leaving. Talking to you right after is as hard." He placed a tail on his shoulder. "You knew this had to happen eventually, though, right?" Alderheart nodded.

"It's just…ever since I freed you from that crystal, Noct…you've felt like a brother to me. I know it sounds dumb, but…"

"Trust me, it doesn't, not even the slightest." He assured him. "You and Twigbranch are both the same: You're making it hard for me to leave." The black tom let out a sigh. "You know you're one of the cats I'll miss the most, right?"

"Really?"

"C'mon, I thought it was obvious." Noctis meowed. "You're cool to hang out with, even though that means sometimes dealing with Jayfeather. Just like Twigbranch…you seem like a sibling to me, too." Alderheart wiped his amber eyes before letting out a small smile.

"I'm happy to hear that, Noct."

"Hey, don't go around telling the others I'm sounding this way when I leave. Can't imagine what I'd hear if I ever came back."

"Your emotional side is safe with me and Twigbranch."

"Great." Noctis stood there in thought. "So…" Noctis let out a gasp of surprise when he felt Alderheart wrap his paws around him in a hug.

"I'll miss you, Noct."

"Yeah, I know. Miss you too, Alderheart." Once their hug was over, Noctis let out a small laugh. "What I didn't know is that cats actually hugged.

"Oh, Asuna does it a lot, so I followed by example. She says that's how Twolegs say goodbye." He meowed.

"Are you both okay?" They saw that it was Luna.

"What? Yeah, we're all good." Noctis assured her.

"It's good to see you again, Alderheart."

"It's great to see you as well, Luna." The medicine cat meowed. "I guess it's time for you and Noctis to be together again, huh?"

"Yes. I'm sorry that he has to leave now. I know how close you both are." Luna looked over at Noctis. "Lelouch's kits are looking for you. They want to say goodbye."

"Right, definitely can't forget to see them before we leave." The tom meowed. "We'll see you again before I leave, Alderheart. I know you and Suguha need to talk as soon as possible."

"Yeah…" Alderheart looked back at the medicine den once Noctis and Luna made their way over to the nursery. He saw Suguha looking out at him and she left the den once she saw he was free to talk.

"Alderheart…I'm going to miss you so much." The black she-cat meowed. He saw that her eyes were already glistening with tears. "Promise that you'll never forget me? Please?"

"Suguha…how could I? I love you so much. I couldn't forget you even if I tried. You mean the world to me. Ever since I was an apprentice you've been there for me. How could I forget a cat as amazing as you?" He stated. "Knowing that I won't see you every day anymore hurts. I just have to hope that you're safe and doing well from now on…"

"Oh, Alderheart…" Suguha wiped her eyes with a paw. "You're so sweet. I'm so happy that I got the chance to meet you." A small smile formed on the she-cat's face. "There's something else I need to tell you."

"What is it?" A strong blush formed on Alderheart's face when the she-cat pressed her head into his chestfur. "Suguha…"

"I love you, Alderheart. I'm sorry it took me so long to realize the feelings I've had for you." She looked up at the tom and saw that he was in shock.

"Y-You…love me? T-The same exact way?" She nodded.

"I didn't want to tell you since I didn't want to distract you from any prophecies…but now that it's all over…you should know the truth." She confessed.

"I…I can't believe it!" A sudden spark of joy filled the tom's voice. "Sorry, I know that I should be sad that you're leaving…but how can I be knowing that you love me?" The she-cat let out a small giggle.

"Maybe it would've been better if I kept it to myself. You seem way too happy."

"Sorry, sorry. It's just…almost like a dream come true." He let out a sigh. "Not like we could have a family or anything anyways since I'm a medicine cat." A blush formed on Suguha's face.

"F-Family? I was really only thinking like a boyfriend-girlfriend thing."

"Meaning?"

"What Kirito and Asuna have, minus Yui."

"Oh, well that works out for both of us!" He meowed. "Hey, at least we're both smiling now. No more tears."

"You're right. Thanks, Alderheart."

"You're welcome." Suguha gave the tom a kiss to the cheek, causing him to blush. "Do you think that there's any possibility of you and the others coming back?"

"We did come here through a game, so I'd say so…hopefully."

"That makes this goodbye a lot less harder." He meowed. "Thanks for everything, Suguha. I hope you're able to visit again."

"You and me both. Just…don't expect me to not find a mate back in my world if I get the chance."

"Right. I mean, you're originally a Twoleg after all. Try not to bring him here, though."

Near the warriors' den, Nightheart stood with Kirito and Asuna, the three happy after seeing Suguha finally tell Alderheart how she felt.

"I'm glad Alderheart's still able to be happy about it all even though she's leaving." Nightheart meowed. "I'm going to miss you both so much, too."

"We'll miss you as much, Nightheart, although one of us might a bit more." Asuna looked at Kirito with a sly glint in her hazel eyes, the tom becoming flustered. "C'mon, you can tell her. You're the first cat she's ever fallen in love with, after all."

"I still can't believe you're okay with all of this."

"Because it's cute!"

"Asuna, stop it…" Nightheart meowed in embarrassment. She looked over at Kirito. "I never had so much fun hunting and going out on patrols before you came, Kirito. Thank you for that."

"It's what I do best." He said with a smile. "I, um…enjoyed spending time with you back then, Nightheart." Yui gave the tom a small nuzzle to get his attention.

"Daddy, I've seen how close you've gotten. I think you can say more."

"Yui's right. Is that all you have to tell her?" Asuna asked.

"W-Well it's hard saying things when you're here!" The tom retorted.

"I told you it was okay with me. Just tell her how you feel. You still like her, right?"

"A bit, yeah." He confessed. "I just…try not to express it a lot…" Kirito shifted his paws. "She's fun to be around, a-and she's kindhearted. Also…" Nightheart placed her tail over the tom's mouth.

"You don't have to say anything else, Kirito." She assured him. "My feelings for you have died down as well, but there are still some there for you. Asuna's very lucky to have a tom like you."

"I think lucky is being too nice." Asuna joked.

"C'mon, I think it's just right." The tom replied. "Why don't Yui and I leave you both to say goodbye? We're gonna go bother Sugu." He looked over at Nightheart. "Hopefully we'll see you again soon, Nightheart."

"I hope so, too." She meowed, letting out a smile. "Bye, Yui! I can't wait to spend more time with you if possible."

"Bye, Nightheart!" The small black she-cat waved before leaving the two older she-cats alone.

"She's so cute."

"My heart almost melted when I woke up and saw her." Asuna stated. "Nightheart, you're one of the sweetest cats in ThunderClan. I'm so glad that I was able to meet you. It's easy to see why Kirito likes you."

"Thank you, Asuna…but I can say the same about you. I've never once seen you put yourself ahead of others. You've really been a blessing to every Clan in this forest." Nightheart meowed. "I hope this isn't our last goodbye."

"Me too. I'd miss spending time with you." Asuna pressed her head on the she-cat's shoulder. "Take care, okay? You have a brother and sister who I'm sure will need their older sister."

"I will." Nightheart brushed muzzles with the she-cat. "You be safe as well, Asuna. Try not to be stuck in any games anymore."

"I'll try my best. I wish you and Molewhisker the best, too." The two shared one final smile before Asuna walked towards Kirito, Suguha, and Alderheart.

"I help her sometimes, but she does most of the helping for me." Alderheart meowed before looking over at Kirito. "She looks exactly like you, Kirito. I wouldn't know she was adopted if you didn't say anything."

"Yeah, unfortunately she has her dad as a main role model." They heard Asuna meow as she walked over to join them. "So…I heard someone let out a cheer. Did you tell him, Suguha?" The she-cat nodded. "That's great! Too bad we didn't have enough time to go on that date we planned out."

"Well, all the more reason for us to find a way to come back here, right Yui?"

"Yes! I want to continue seeing how living in this world is like! This time I'll be here to help you, mommy, and Suguha!" Yui exclaimed with joy.

"Guess that means we should get to work, then." Kirito swiped his paw down and hovered it over the 'log out' button.

"Where do you think you're going?" Kirito turned around and saw that it was Squirrelflight and Bramblestar.

"You're going to leave without saying goodbye to the leader who brought you in?" The tabby tom said, cracking a small grin.

"Don't mind him. He's just a bit excited to see if there's a way we can come and visit from time to time." Asuna meowed.

"Do you think that's possible? If so that would be wonderful." Squirrelflight purred in joy.

"Yes, although not having one big mouth to feed would greatly help the Clan." The leader looked over at Kirito, who let out a sigh.

"C'mon, I told you all to tell me if I've taken too much prey…"

"He's only kidding, Kirito." The deputy assured him. "We'll both miss you three greatly. Maybe have your daughter stay for a little longer, too. She is too cute!"

"Thank you!" Yui quickly meowed.

"We'll try to come back as soon as we can. The three of us can't be any more grateful for letting us stay in ThunderClan. It's hard leaving the family we have here behind…a bit too hard, actually." Asuna said, wiping her hazel eyes with a paw.

"We know you can't stay here permanently, but just dropping by from time to time would make us and your Clanmates more than happy, if it's possible, that is." Bramblestar stated. "Well…I guess this is goodbye, for now, hopefully."

"Yeah, we'll try our best to not make this goodbye the last one." Kirito meowed as he, Asuna, and Suguha swiped a paw down to open their menu screen. "You both ready?"

"Bye, Alderheart." Suguha gave the tom one final lick to the cheek before giving her cousin a nod of her head. With one single movement of their paws, the others watched as the three began to glow before they finally disappeared.

In the nursery, Noctis sat down with Luna, the two playing with Swiftkit and Foxkit. Noctis swished his tail along the floor, the two kits trying their best to chase after it.

"They're so adorable, you two." Luna told them with a warm smile. "I wish I was as lucky as Noctis and got to stay here for a while."

"You're not guilt tripping me, Luna." Noctis meowed.

"I'm doing no such thing!"

"Well, do you want to stay here, Noctis?" Ivypool asked the tom.

"It's…complicated, okay? Yeah, I'd like to, but I don't belong here."

"But you can be just like my dad and stay!" Swiftkit meowed before pouncing on Noctis' tail.

"Ow, hey, watch the teeth, Swiftkit!" Noctis meowed. "Look, I know I could, but…" He sighed. "It's hard to explain without sounding like I don't want to be here."

"Let's not bug Noctis about it. He's made his choice." Lelouch stated. He looked over at Nightheart and saw that her head was still rested down on her paws, sorrow in her eyes.

"Nightheart, are you okay?" The she-cat looked up and saw her brother's soft violet gaze looking at her.

"I'm alright, Foxkit." She gave him a lick to the ear. "Just thinking about a lot."

"Suguha?" He asked, his sister nodding.

"Kirito and Asuna as well."

"But didn't Kirito say they could come back?" Swiftkit asked, joining in on their sibling conversation.

"Yes, but he was only guessing. What if this was the last time we ever see them?"

"You still have the memories you created with them." Nightheart looked over at Luna. "No matter how far they go, the memories will forever stay with you, Nightheart. They might not seem like enough now, but later on they will, I promise." The violet-eyed she-cat let out a small smile.

"Thank you, Luna." She meowed. "You're very beautiful and kind. I can see why Noctis likes you."

"Well then Noctis must have some feelings for you as well then." She replied, Noctis looking at her in shock.

"W-What? No I don't!" He looked over at Nightheart and saw a slight hint of embarrassment on her face. "Sorry about that, Nightheart."

"I-It's okay, she was just joking." She assured him.

"But you think Noctis is somewhat attractive, right, Nightheart?" The small silver and white tabby kit asked.

"S-Swiftkit!" The blush on Nightheart's face increased. "W-Well…he is handsome…but I only want to be friends with him!" Noctis looked at her in surprise.

"Well, I think…you're cute." Noctis' voice trailed off and he avoided Nightheart's violet gaze. "J-Just don't let Molewhisker know I said that."

"T-Thank you, Noctis." The she-cat meowed. "This has gotten a bit awkward…hasn't it?"

"A bit, yeah."

"You know you didn't need to admit anything, right?" Lelouch whispered to his daughter. "As for you…" He picked up Swiftkit by the scruff. "It's too soon to start teasing your older sister."

"Sorry, Nightheart." The silver and white tabby apologized. "You too, Noct."

"It's alright, just a bit of a joke…that kinda ended up a bit serious." Noctis said. "Well, I guess Luna and I should get to the warriors' den so I can say bye to the others."

"Bye, Noctis. If you can come back to visit, please do. The kits love playing with you." Ivypool told him.

"I think I might like it a bit more than they do." He looked down at the kits. "Hopefully I'll get to see you both again before you grow up."

"Well, let us grow a little bit! You can mentor Foxkit if you come back!"

"I would like that a lot." The tom admitted.

"We'll see what Luna can do." He told them. "Alright, let's go over to the warriors' den." As the two were walking about, they bumped into Lucina.

"Oh…my apologies, Noctis."

"It's alright." He looked back into the den before leaning close to the she-cat. "You leaving this world, too?" He whispered, the she-cat nodding. "Thought so. Luna and I will see you later then."

"Luna?" Lucina looked over at the white she-cat. "Oh, you must be Noctis' betrothed. It's nice to meet you."

"You as well, Lucina." She meowed with a nod. "I don't want to hold you away from saying goodbye."

"It's okay. I'll talk to you both later." Once they left, Lucina let out a breath and entered the nursery. When her gaze touched Nightheart's violet eyes, she saw the she-cat gasp and look away.

"Nightheart, I know this is going to be hard for you, but it's what needs to happen." Lelouch told her.

"But…first Suguha…and now Lucina?"

"I'm sorry that it has to be this way, Nightheart." Lucina meowed as she sat across from the she-cat. "Spottedleaf had just told me while I was asleep." The she-cat's blue eyes began to glisten. "You're such an amazing friend, Nightheart. Coming into this world and getting to meet you…I couldn't have been more fortunate. I know you're hurting right now…but you're not alone. Once I return to Ylisse, I know I'll start to miss you as well." Nightheart's violet eyes began to shimmer, tears slowly falling down her face.

"Oh, Lucina!" Nightheart pressed her head onto the she-cat's shoulder, the blue-gray she-cat doing the same. "I'll never forget finding you that day. Thank you so much for being my friend." Lucina broke away from the she-cat and wiped her eyes with a paw.

"There's something I want you to have to remember me by." With a paw, Lucina removed her tiara and placed it in front of Nightheart.

"Y-Your tiara? Lucina, I can't. Your mother gave it to you." The blue-eyed she-cat shook her head.

"I know, but my mother is alive and well now. It used to be what I'd remember her by, but now I'd like you to have it. You are somewhat of a princess, after all." She grabbed her tiara in her mouth and slowly placed it on Nightheart's head. "There. It suits you."

"Nightheart, you look so pretty with it!" Swiftkit meowed. "Can I have one too, Lucina? Please?"

"I'm sorry, I only have one. Maybe Nightheart can let you try it on when you get older." She replied. Nightheart's violet eyes looked over at her.

"A-Are you sure I can keep this, Lucina?"

"I insist. I know mother might be a bit mad that I lost the tiara she gifted me, but I can get another one."

"Thank you…" The she-cat sniffled. "I wish I could give you something, too."

"The memories we've made in this world are more than enough of a parting gift." Lucina looked over at Lelouch and Ivypool. "You both have raised an amazing daughter. I'm sure these two little ones will be as great as her."

"Thank you, Lucina. Your parents must be proud of you as well for everything you've done before coming here." Ivypool meowed.

"Yes. I'll just see if father and mother believe in me when they ask where I've been for so long."

"Hopefully they haven't been worrying too long. Time in this world flows differently than other worlds." Lelouch explained.

"That would be a relief." Lucina looked down and saw Foxkit poking her forepaw. "Yes, Foxkit?"

"Is there any way you can come back to visit?"

"Yeah, is there? Kirito, Asuna, and Suguha said that it could be possible, and so did Noct." Swiftkit added.

"Hmm…there might be a way. Possibly a spell that can create a portal that can come here. Maybe I could bring father along one day and my friends as well."

"I'm sure you just made someone's day." Lelouch meowed, looking over at Nightheart with a smile.

"I'd really like that, Lucina."

"I'll try my best to figure something out. Robin's always been good with magic, so she might know if something like this is possible." She told them. "I should go and say goodbye to the others. Spottedleaf said the Outrealm Gate leading back home would appear soon."

"You better be on your way then." The violet-eyed tom meowed.

"Right. Again, thank you all for everything. You really do have one big, wonderful family. I hope I get the opportunity to see you all again one day." With a final smile from the others in the nursery, Lucina left the den, joining Noctis in saying her final goodbyes to the cats in ThunderClan.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

"So, are you both ready to leave now?" Bramblestar asked the two cats as they walked together to say goodbye to the ThunderClan leader.

"Yeah. Thanks for letting me stay in ThunderClan, Bramblestar. Really had some good times around here." Noctis stated.

"Right. It's been a blessing to get to know you and the rest of the Clanmates we've been so lucky to meet." Lucina added.

"I can say the same to you both as well. No doubt you'll be in the stories that our elders will tell to the next generation of our Clan." The leader meowed. "You both have done a lot for the Clans. I thank you both for your heroism. I'm sure the other leaders feel the same way as well."

"Hey, if the Clans ever need saving again, I'll be available." The black tom told him. "Maybe I should be telling that to you, Luna."

"I'll try my best to try and keep in touch with Spottedleaf." The white she-cat replied.

"I hope Spottedleaf does the same. I'd have no problem with helping the Clans once again. Maybe I can bring some of my friends and allies to help as well." Lucina meowed.

"We'd all appreciate having you both return to ThunderClan again. It might take a bit getting used to having Lelouch be the only cat not from this world again." Squirrelflight said with a sigh. "Sorry, I don't mean to sound a bit sentimental before you both go."

"These two have become part of your Clan, so it's okay to feel that way." Luna assured her.

"Yeah. You all have touched our lives in one way or another. We won't forget that." Noctis said, causing Bramblestar to chuckle.

"That wasn't a very Noctis-esque statement." The black tom became flustered.

"Yeah, well…speaking from the heart, y'know?"

"I think I might have somewhat rubbed off on you all this time. I didn't even realize." Luna meowed with a giggle.

"That's definitely what this is. Thanks a lot, Luna." The group all shared a laugh. "Okay, well, guess I'm ready to head back."

"Very well." Luna looked over at Bramblestar and Squirrelflight. "Thank you for letting him stay in ThunderClan. I appreciate the kindness that your Clan has shown him."

"It's the least we could do. Feel free to let him visit any time." The ThunderClan leader meowed. Luna stood beside Noctis, the she-cat's blue gaze touching his.

"Ready?"

"Yeah." Luna placed one of her paws over Noctis', the two cats beginning to shine. Their bodies began to both slowly disappear, until finally, they were gone, leaving a trail of sparkles in the air where they once were.

"Should we be expecting you to disappear as well?" Bramblestar asked Lucina, the she-cat shaking her head.

"Spottedleaf says I need to return to where I first was when I arrived here."

"Well, we don't want to hold you away from home any longer than we already have." The tom meowed. "We hope you make it back safe."

"Thank you." Lucina bowed her head and then looked back around camp. "All of you. I know I wasn't here as long as the others, but I'm just happy to have met each and every one of you. I wish your Clan a hopeful future filled with peace for as long as possible." The she-cat turned and made her way past the thorn tunnel and into the forest.

Lucina walked through ThunderClan territory, remembering the location of the clearing where she woke up at when she first arrived. When she reached the clearing, she saw that there was now an Outrealm Gate open for her. She walked towards it and let out a breath. I guess it's time to return home.

"Lucina, wait!" The she-cat turned around and saw Nightheart run over to her.

"Nightheart, what are you doing here?"

"I just…wanted to say goodbye one last time before you go." She meowed, gazing around the clearing afterwards. "This is exactly where we first met. It doesn't feel like it was long ago."

"I remember it like it was yesterday. Teaching me how to walk on paws, you explaining the Clans to me…If you think about it, you've helped me the most in this world, Nightheart."

"I'm happy to hear that." Nightheart meowed, wiping her violet eyes with a paw. "Sorry if it seems like I'm crying again; I'm just teary-eyed this time." Lucina let out a smile. "Be safe in Ylisse, Lucina. I hope we can see each other soon."

"I hope so, too." She meowed. "I'll never forget you, Nightheart." The violet-eyed she-cat walked over to her and pressed her head under her chin, letting out a purr. Once she moved away, Nightheart readjusted her tiara.

"I promise to take good care of it, Lucina."

"I know you will." Lucina's blue gaze touched her violet eyes. "I guess this is goodbye, Nightheart."

"Goodbye, Lucina." The blue-gray she-cat made her way through the Outrealm Gate, Nightheart watching as it disappeared a few seconds later. Although her heart hurt, she knew that this was going to happen eventually. I'm more than grateful to have met all of these cats not from this world. The Clans have been saved thanks to them…but more than that, they've given me so many amazing memories that I know I'll never forget.