Han looked over at Pinebranch, worried. Thankfully, the soft rise and fall of his flank was still visible, a steady rhythm in the resounding darkness. "He's alive," breathed out Han in a sigh of relief. Fianna prodded him gently with her claw, trying to get him to respond. "But unconscious," Han added. "We'll have to carry him unless he wakes up."

"But the Twolegs—" protested Fiona.

"It'll be fine." Han mouthed back. Fiona nodded, and jumped down into the vent. The Twoleg stood, jumping out in surprise. It let out a loud shriek, dropping Pinebranch in shock. Han rushed forward, meeting Pinebranch and poking him desperately with a claw. The Twoleg left, running out of the lab, presumably to get help. Fiona ran over to Han's side, her pelt fluffing up in alarm.

"Is he alright?" hissed Fianna. At that moment, Pinebranch's eyes flew open, jumping up and letting out a screech of alarm.

"It'll be okay, Pinebranch, you're safe now." Han reassured him, and Pinebranch stopped panting heavily, closing his eyes.

Fiona darted her gaze nervously towards Fianna, blinking slowly. "This is it, we're back to the start."

"Where it all began," added Fianna. "Do you think it'll work? Do you think we'll be normal again?"

Fiona closed her eyes, looking up to the ceiling. "I hope so, I just want to be me again. To look down and see my own paws, not yours."

Fianna nodded in agreement. "This is it. Our journey has come to an end. Soon enough we'll be each other again," she mewed, turning to look at Pinebranch.

Pinebranch looked at the two hopeful she-cats, giving them a half-smile. "Are you ready?"

Written by a confuzzled Olivia