This is the post-finale! The chapter before the finale! I'm actually not sure whether there's going to be a Chapter 26 or not, but we'll just have to see how it all plays out... the next chapter is going to be long, though. That's for sure.
Chapter 24
Twilightshadow didn't know what happened in the next few moments. The only thing she was aware of was running to Cloudedkit's mangled body, rubbing her muzzle into his side so many times that it hurt, tears running down her cheeks and soaking his fur, but still, he would not respond to her.
"Cloudedkit," she sobbed, burying her face into his side. It still felt warm, and she could almost imagine him coming to life right now, his eyes gleaming in the sunlight that shone in from the windows all around, assuring her that it was all just a joke. But nothing happened of the sort.
"I am so sorry," Twilightshadow whispered. "For everything. I loved you, but the price I had to pay was just too much." She took a deep breath. "Moonsong! I hate you! I never should have gotten the Hollow Glass with the tiny shard of sugilite inside it, I should have stayed back with Cloudedkit or at least..."
Suddenly, a loud, booming, cruel laughter resounded from behind her. "I never expected to see you here so early," it mocked. "Sunpower would be pleased to find this scene. Oh, and what's this?" It was a she-cat. "I see; your friend has fallen. Fallen! Ha ha! Isn't that just hilarious?"
Twilightshadow spun around. "May I ask," she replied, struggling to keep her calm, "what is your name?"
The she-cat stared at her for a moment as if not sure that she actually existed, then laughed out loud again. "I am none other than Sunpower's new loyal mate, Shadowbladeheart; after he dumped that pitiful Moonsong, he began loving me! The most evil couple in existence!"
Twilightshadow glared up at her. "This is Sunpower's palace, isn't it?" she asked. "Not the most impressive I've seen. Too little ground area, the walls are obsidian and unappealing darling, beauty is different to every cat, and there are too many tiny windows. But how have I come here? The Silver-"
"The Silver Wisp, yes," Shadowbladeheart interrupted. "If you are thinking that it lies somewhere in the palace, then you are correct. Telling your enemies how to defeat you. But I won't let you get there!"
She laughed, the sound shaking the castle to its roots. "Let the battle begin! I imagine that Sunpower will be very pleased to see your mangled corpse later on!"