The two sat like that for what seemed like forever before finally standing up. It all feels like a blissful dream to her but this is reality. Sonny is actually alive right now and she couldn't be happier. "Sure you're okay to be walking, because we can rest a bit longer if you need to?"
"Hmm. All the darkness that was constantly weighting down on me is gone. My body feels lighter than it has in weeks now."
Outside the room they stop in front of the old man still lying on the floor. His gray eyes stare off into space and he doesn't appear to be breathing. Even if Sonny survived she didn't think he'd share the same fate. Erebus was possessing his body for quite a long time. "Duran really is defeated."
"Grandfather..." An unreadable expression behind his ocean eyes. She assumes anyone would have mixed emotions considering all he's put their family through. Still it has to be hard losing yet another relative, despite the evil he's done. Brooklynn gives him a moment to say a quick farewell, before something clicks having the boy jump up on his feet.
"Wait, if I'm alive doesn't that apply to everyone else too?!"
"That's right! Let's hurry back to the entrance!" Both teens sprinting across the bridge as fast as their legs will allow them. Now being able to run more freely since all the remaining monsters have disappeared. Coming there Finely is talking to the detectives as Isabelle is trying to wake up her father.
"Finely!"
"Sonny, you're alright!"
"Yeah, don't know how but it looks like the only one this affected was grandfather."
"Actually what I casted wasn't the forbidden spell, but a different one Aine taught me. She said if I was to kill Erebus the balance scale would forever be disrupted, and that will eventually lead to chaos. The type of cleansing spell I learnt is probably the reason only Duran faced demise in the end."
"I see, so that's why Amethyst said doing it this way was very important, rather than simply attacking Duran directly. If he been killed even if the forbidden spell wasn't used, it's a good chance his whole family line could've perished along with him." Ron's deduction does make a lot of sense. The girl glad she didn't slay Duran by mistake during their battle, or that would have ruined everything.
"We...get to live now, right? I-I was so afraid..." Sonny pulls his younger brother into a comforting hug.
"I know, I was also but it's all over now."
The burnette smiles then glancing over at Gores who's just waking up himself. A mixture of pain and regret written on his face as he gazes blankly at the floor. "I was so close. The dark magic is all gone..."
Isabelle looks as if she wants to say something but remains quiet. Though she was on her father side, Gores children seemed to have a much deeper purpose for helping him. A reason that had absolutely nothing to do with giving Duran his sealed power.
Everyone is thrown off when the ruins suddenly begin to shake. Large rocks crumbling from the ceiling is clear proof this place will give way at any moment. Nobody set off any traps so she has no clue what's happening.
"It's falling apart!" Jerry exclaims.
"We need to get out of here now!" Sonny grabbing both her and Finely's hand as everyone runs for safety outside. Not the moment they all exit the ruin it collapses entirely. The pile of rubbish slowly fading away until nothing is left.
"Did that have something to do with the deities being released?" Brooklynn questions, the taller agent letting out a sigh.
"Well it's a good possibility but there is so much of all these ruins still surrounded in mystery. Moving on to the bigger issue though you're going to be coming with us, Georgi."
"Georgi?" The burnette looking back to see him adressing none other than their previous enemy. "Is that his real name?"
"Yes, after the curse was unleashed he changed his name to Gores. Almost like he was rejecting his old self when embracing that dark power." Sonny explains, as Ron puts the man in handcuffs.
"Duran would've been taken in too but he's no longer among the living. This is because the two of you went into a restricted area, and caused major damage all over the capital. Not to mention people lost their lives in hopes of stopping you."
"Aine is the one who managed to win this final battle. Even keeping everyone else alive in the process. Well all but one...Really it's my own fault he faced such a dreadful fate. Too bad time can't reverse to erase the mistakes I've made."
"Dad..." Isabelle mumbles, with tearful eyes though she doesn't move. Ron forcing her father into the backseat of their vehicle, and slamming the door shut behind him.
"What's going to happen to Isabelle?" Finely asks, with a hint of concern for his cousin. The poor girl has already lost an older brother, and now her father most likely will be in prison for a long time. Jerry gives both the boys a sincere smile.
"Don't worry, we'll make sure she's in good care. You three look pretty beat given the battle you just went through. We'll take those weapons off your hands and get your bruised cleaned up."
It feels weird to depart with the swords she's had all this time, but there is no further use for them now. Ron patching up the kids wounds they agree to explain more during the drive back. Luckily being a limo it should be enough space for the five to squeeze. Just before she can head to the car, Sonny catches her arm. The ginger wearing a troubled expression on his face. "You did...mean what you said back there, right? It wasn't a spare of the moment sorta thing?"
"Jeez! What type of girl do you take me for?!" Brooklynn snaps, crossing her arms. And to think she just got done pouring her heart out to him for this reaction. Sonny frantically waves his hands in defense.
"I only wanted to make sure! I don't think my heart could've taken it if you said otherwise. Honestly, I might had dropped dead right here." That last line is definitely an exaggeration, but feels a twig of warmth by his words. Sonny covered up his emotions before because of her love triangle with Josef. When Brooklynn realized her own feelings she lied to herself out of fear. Now neither needs to put on airs anymore.
"Are you getting these lines from a book or something?"
"Maybe, but you seem pretty happy though. Your face is red as a tomato right now."
"That's-" However cuts off any attempt to deny his statement. A large grin spreading across her lips instead. "That's because I am happy."
"Looks my prediction was accurate after all. You know everyone is waiting on you two." Finely inturpting their moment and make them realize the others is already in the car.
"Right, I forgot where we were for a second there. Shouldn't keep them sitting this long given how impatient Ron can be. We can talk more back at the school, okay?"
"Yeah, let's go," Brooklynn agrees, following behind the brothers to the limo.
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Two days since her mission completion the limo parks at an unfamiliar location. A gorgeous white ruin surrounded by crystal clear waters stands before the three. It's so much more breathtaking in person than viewing this from a book.
When getting dropped off after the mission she was exhausted, and practically slept the rest of her day away. Just yesterday Brooklynn called her family and friends informing them on everything that's happened. Also telling her grandparents that she'd like to continue going to school at Langfield. Sonny actually doesn't live in the capital, but comes from the township of Northway. If she chose to finish schooling back home would've left less opportunities for them to spend time together. Since a break is right around the corner she still plans on visiting Ymirk Creek this weekend.
For today's agenda however she asked Ron to give her a ride to the ruins of light. When Sonny heard of her plans he invited himself to tag along too. Even though the other ruins disappeared these two remain in one piece.
"I don't have a busy schedule so I didn't mind taking you here for a minute. But why the sudden visit only after your mission is over?" Ron asks.
"I know it's kinda weird but I've been drawn to come ever since parting with Aine. I never exactly got the chance to properly thank her."
"I understand. I'll wait here while you two look around then."
She promises not to be very long before the teens head inside. It's even more glorious there from the out as the place is lit with a rainbow glow. Brooklynn's amazed by the numerous puzzles that have already been cracked. Ever since they disappeared a certain presence was said to be absent from these ruins.
Aine did mention they were going away to be free of humans reach. Casting that spell didn't just save the Glover family, but also prevents another war from ever happening again.
"Wow, the puzzles we solved was really simple. I would've never stood a chance against ones like these."
"Well Amethyst had a very high IQ so it's not something just anyone could accomplish. You might've didn't complete this trial, but you did still restore the balance."
"Yeah, that's true. Oh, my name is over here!" Running to the opposite side where her name is written on the wall in old dialect. Two other names are just above hers which must be the previous Felixa's. She gently places her hand against it with a warm slime. "You know, when the detectives first came to my house I insist they had the wrong girl. Never imagined I'd be picked to carry out such a task."
"Same for me with volunteering to be a guardian. A lot has changed over the course of these past couple weeks. I definitely wasn't expecting to fall for the girl I was protecting." The ginger adds with a grin that causes her to blush.
"Hey I didn't plan this outcome either, but now I wouldn't have it any other way."
The pair continuing their exploration comes across a large statue that resembles the light deity greatly. "Is this Aine right here?"
"Yup, it's exactly what she looked like when I spoke to her in my subconscious. I think this would be a perfect place than any for her to hear me." Closing her hands together as she offers a small prayer of thanks. Shocked to find the boy next to her doing the same. "Sonny?"
"I'm alive right now including the rest of my family because of her. I wanted to say my thanks too."
The two stand in silence a minute and when done rejoin Ron waiting in the limo. Starting it up to drive them back the ginger suddenly faces her. "We are still going on our date Saturday, right?"
"Of course! You said to meet in front of the arcade at three?"
"Yup, I know Finn would be jealous but he can join us next time."
"Okay, I'll be ready." Just early morning Sonny surprised her when asking to go out this weekend. They haven't been on a official date since their confession. Despite the fact she's not the best gamer, anywhere with him is sure to be a blast.
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During a bright Saturday evening two teens button smash on an arcade game. Both managing to beat the final boss as the word victory pops up on the screen. Many tickets rewarded for a job well done. "After doing real battles those thirty levels of Space Raider was easy peasy," Brooklynn says. Bending down to collect her share of the tickets.
"Yeah, I can't believe we got another one hundred just for that. Looks like we used up the last of our tokens though."
"Let's go hop in line to pick out prizes then," she suggests, taking the lead.
Waiting patiently behind a few others after getting slips, and soon they're called up to go next. Placing small papers on the glass table that causes the workers eyes to buck. Exchanging looks with the current frowns on their faces deepening. "Who's going first?"
"Oh, you can go, Sonny. You treated me after all."
"Okay, I already know what I want too. That Dronezone 3 system please." Pointing up to one of the most expensive prizes on the highest shelf.
The moment those words leave his mouth he storms over to the cabinet. Fetching the sixty thousand ticket worth game system and laying it on the table. Brooklynn assumes in his position she'd also be a little irritated. Sonny taught her a neat trick in cheating the system on slot machines. Executing that technique they each won the jackpot. Not only that but after doing many hard missions inside deadly ruins, these games were nothing.
"You still have two hundred left."
"Here. Combine the rest of mine with yours and get whatever you want." The ginger sliding the paper over to her now.
"Really, are you sure? You could find something else."
"It's fine. Nothing much left to choose from with that amount anyways."
"Thanks! Hmm, I'll take that lava lamp. I always wanted one for my bedroom and..."
After choosing the rest of her prizes the two exit the building. Sonny offering to carry the large penguin stuffed animal, but insists she can handle it on her own. Heading towards home their free hands interlock as they walk. She still feels butterflies in her stomach by gestures like this.
"We sure won a lot, huh?" he says, breaking the silence.
"Yup, I usually never score this much. Thanks again for treating me."
"You don't have to keep on thanking me honestly. I'm just glad you had a good time."
The conversation moving to other topics with the pair laughing and joking about. The time walking back seems to fly past so much faster than on their way there. Now stopping in front of her grandparents home. Brooklynn feels her heart sink as his hand slowly breaks away.
"Well we're here. I can't believe it's evening already," he mumbles, glancing at his phone.
"I was thinking the same thing...Hey, um, do you wanna step in for a minute? My grandparents have really been wanting to meet you."
"Sorry, but I told you I still have plans. Maybe some other day."
"That's right, I forgot..." Brooklynn knows she's being selfish. The girl just wanted to spend a little more time with him, but this date was plenty enough. It's not like she won't be seeing him at school next week. Seeming to notice her dower expression the ginger chuckles softly.
"Jeez, don't look so down. Fine, I'll give you a little something to keep you content until then." Leaning in he gives her a peck on the cheek without warning. The sudden action having her face to flame red, and magenta eyes growing wide in surprise.
"H-Hey, you can't just go doing stuff like that to me! I mean, I have to give myself chance to prepare first."
"That's payback for the one you gave to me upon waking up," he replies, with a sheepish smile. It is true she did that to him in the last ruin, but the situation was completely different then.
"Well now we're even then. I better not keep you any longer than I already have. Bye, I'll call you later."
Sonny giving her a small wave as she turns to unlock the door, which to her shock is already open. "Huh?" Peeping inside party poppers go off as loud shouts fill her ears.
"Surprise!" Many different faces surround the living room. Several colorful streamers and balloons truly give a party vibe. The sweet aroma of her Grandmother's cooking makes her stomach rumble.
"Wha, what's all this?!"
"A celebration party for the Felixa successfully completing her mission." Sonny explains, walking up from behind.
"That's the reason you invited me out today!"
"Well I was looking foward to us going on our first real date. Plus it worked for the perfect distraction as everyone else set up here."
Both detectives join the kids as they come inside. "Pretty cool, huh? This took a lot to prepare in such short notice," Jerry says.
"You have Sonny to thank. It was all his idea," Ron informs, though he laughs it off.
"Sure it might've been but everyone helped pitch in."
"I see, thank you all."
"Relax, enjoy yourselves. You both deserve it." She definitely plans on following Jerry's advice.
The first pair the girl goes to greet is her grandparents standing in the corner. Brooklynn came home just last night to stay until tomorrow evening. Being back in their warm embraces after all that's happened feels nice. She's talked some over the phone but it doesn't compare to this. "I made sure to cook all your favorite dishes. I knew you had it inside you to carry out your mission, sweetheart." The elderly woman says with a proud smile.
"Still my granddaughter the last Felixa. This is a story that'll be shared for years to come," her Grandpa boasts.
"It smells really good. I was almost ready to quit on that final mission, but everyone's support brought me through it."
"I know you aren't going to be here often since you're living at the dormitory. Try to stop by and visit whenever you have the free time," her Grandma adds tenderly.
"Don't forget about the ones that raised you now. I know it's only for the rest of this school year, but make sure you call us twice a week. No longer can have anymore excuses." It does sound good to hear her Grandpa's usual nagging again. Brooklynn gives a nonchalant reply as his eyes move to the ginger standing beside her. "And you boy."
"Y-Yes..."
"You've taken good'o care of my Brooke. I expect you to continue treating her that way."
"Of course! I understand," Sonny quickly answers. It's a little funny for her to see him taking this so seriously.
"Oh, and if you ever break her heart..." Her Grandpa grabs tight hold of his cane raising it high up in the air. "I'll take my here old cane and bomp your head so hard that-"
"Grandpa, stop messing with him!" Brooklynn cutting off the dangerous threat as Sonny's face turns pale. His wife stands with pursed lips at her husband's unnecessary behavior.
"Roland, don't go scaring that poor boy. He won't do anything, Dear. He's just so protective over Brooke, and you are her first boyfriend after all."
"O-Oh, you don't say..."
"I meant what I said! I won't take anybody hurting my precious granddaughter!" After getting the old man to calm down she moves on to greet her old friends. However Sonny drags the burnette away towards the opposite side of the room.
"What's the big idea?"
"I know there's others you want to meet, but a certain three have been waiting to talk to you." Leading her in the dining room where a lot students from her school are chatting. More importantly people she never imagined to see again stand amongst the crowd.
"T-That's really them! Cheryl and Akira but how?"
"Apparently that purifying spell didn't just heal our bodies of the curse, but also revived those who died from it. All of them had suddenly woken up inside the light ruins right after you cast it. Primorse as well though she hasn't made it yet. Unfortunately since Ryder's cause of death was from a monster in the ruins...it didn't work on him."
"I see, that's too bad..."
"I'm still truly grateful I got my family back now. Killing them with my own hands then later discover I get to live on was almost too much to bear. Thankfully that isn't the case."
"Yeah, I'm so happy everyone's alright." There is one certain name that Sonny didn't mention. Though maybe it was too late for him because he died so many months ago. He leads the girl towards Cheryl and Andrew sitting by the counter.
"So you actually completed your mission. I didn't see much potential back that day, but you proved me wrong."
"Um, I'm sorry for what happened before. I know this sounds weird but I'd like if we could start fresh?"
"If I didn't consider that I wouldn't have came here to begin with," she replies matter of factly, having the burnette scratch her head.
"Yeah, I suppose that's true."
"...You were kind to me originally back when I was Victoria Lewis at least. Most people at school avoided me like the plague. Several false rumors spread around just because of my appearance. It was nice living in someone else's shoes for a while..." she mumbles, hazel eyes glued at the friendship bracelet still on her wrist.
Sonny did say Cheryl never had many friends and was probably pretty lonely. It kinda reminds her of Josef's story with not finding a place to fit in. The burnette suddenly grasps the older teen's hand without warning getting her attention. "You're the one I want to get to know, Cheryl. Let's make plans to go hang out at the mall soon!"
The red head stares silently before averting her gaze with a slight blush on her face. "Sure, I guess that's fine with me."
Sonny smiles at sight as her father pulls the female in a tight bear hug. "I'm so happy I got my daughter back, and she's making friends too!"
"Dad, we talked about this. Let go of me already!" Struggling to pry him off as Brooklynn spots two siblings by the table behind them. It isn't as awkward with Cheryl given they were put in a kill or be killed situation. However with Akira his death was a total mistake. Sonny and Finely was only trying to stop his sister from her rampage. He chose to jump in the way but his body couldn't take the hit. Hard as it is to face them again they had to come for a reason. Brooklynn forcing herself to approach the two with Sonny following behind.
"Uh, hello, Akira, Isabelle."
"If it isnt the ex-Felixa and Sonny," he growls, giving his cousin a high kick that sends him flying backwards. She can hardly process what just happened as he's left lying on the floor. "That's what you get for killing me!"
"Haha, you're so funny, Aki."
"S-Sonny, are you alright?" she asks, only getting a groan in response. After a minute though he slowly sits up.
"You giving me a concussion is suppose to make us even?"
"Consider yourself lucky I'm letting you off with just that."
"Just that, huh?" he mumbles flatly, getting back on his feet.
"But you never win against Sonny, Akira." The voice from none other than Finely joining them. His brother snickers at the statment which only fuels Akira's anger.
"That's not true! I can defeat him now if I really felt like it. Sonny is nothing without his power, but I know martial arts!"
"Please, I could take both." Cheryl follows up, letting herself into the conversation. None of them seem happy with her answer which causes a small argument on who's stronger.
Not quite how I was expecting such a special family reunion to be, but they all seem to be in good spirits now.
Once they all die down she takes this opportunity to apologize to them as well. "Hey, I wanted to say sorry for everything the two of you went through when we fought."
"Why are you making that face like you ate something sour? What's done is done. I'm just happy to be alive right now," Akira says.
"How are you guys holding up? And did the detectives find a place for you to stay since uncle Georgi isn't around?" Sonny asks, and the same questions have been on her mind too.
"Look before getting into where we're going after this we should explain the reason we worked with Duran in the first place." Everyone quiet down as the two take the spotlight. Perhaps a trauma of some sorts made Georgi who he is today. Nevertheless she wants to give them a chance to share their story.
A/N So all of fluff moments for this chapter. The siblings story as well as the rest of the party are in the final chapter.