As the family members had quieted down for the siblings to speak, and Akira is first to start off for them. "You know Trevor's sacrifice gave everyone the courage to leave and chose their own path. Well all but the two of us that is. In reality we never wanted the old man to even lay a hand on that chest. Still it was the only hope in bringing our dad back..."
"What do you mean?" Brooklynn asks, and the girl lets out a soft sigh.
"Our father went through a deep depression after mom died. He had already lost a close friend who was forced to move away. Both incidents in which he blamed himself for the outcomes. If that wasn't bad enough he's the one who talked grandfather into investigating the dark ruins. Deep down dad must've felt responsible for the curse being unleashed on us too."
The burnette never guessed Georgie himself was holding so much guilt. It seems he was a completely different person in times past. Losing so much would be very hard on anyone.
"From that point on his mentality continued to deteriorate. It's like dad was filled with a burning jealousy that just couldn't be put out. In his eyes all the good things he had in life was ruined, and therefore no longer cared about society as a whole. The only people that seemed to hold some importance was his family. Trevor might've died but he still didn't wanna lose anybody else. I mean he was holding back in battle, but chose not to end you when he could have."
It isn't until Akira points that out she realizes how true that statement actually is. Why didn't Georgie just kill his nephew when having several opportunities to do so? Perhaps his heart went cold after all the unfortunate incidents in his life but blood ties still mattered.
"That's right. I guess I never thought about it like that before..." Sonny mumbles.
"Anyway we just wanted to give him that chest as a wake up call. Maybe this would make him realize what type of person he had become. Then we could bring his old self back before it was too late. Sure it was all stupid wishful thinking, but that's what kept us going. Neither of us wanted to lose another parent..."
Everything they did was for their father alone. Who stricken by envy and regret fell into the pits of despair. Regardless of what he's done it makes her sympathize for them a bit.
"I apologize...for what I said before. I really didn't understand what you two were going through." Sonny mumbles, fist bawling up tight in frustration. At this point they must all be holding some kind of guilt. Luckily neither sibling seems to be holding any grudges.
"Like I said it's all in the past now. Dad never lost his mind when staying in his Duclen form because he had already snapped. Though yesterday was different when we spoke to him at the prison."
"Wait, you both went to visit Georgie?" Cheryl asks, and his sister nods.
"Yeah, those detectives took us down for a little bit. He was really happy when he saw Aki alive, and heard the rest of you was too. Then dad apologized for neglecting us for so many years. Said he just wants us to move on with our lives and be happy."
"Honestly talking then felt just like old times. A lot of things did happen but at the end of this all it somehow brought our dad back. He has to serve time now and repent for his crimes, but until the sentence is over we'll be waiting. To the day dad comes home and we can be a family again." He finishes with a small smile.
I'm glad it everything worked out for the best. Hopefully they'll be able to have their wish granted very soon.
A silence falls between them for a moment when the ginger suddenly speaks up. "I wonder if you had killed Erebus back there what would've happened..."
"That's true. Would Nebula have become some utopia or something?" Cheryl ponders, and she shakes her head.
"I don't think that's how things can work. Aine made it seem killing Erebus would've still broken the balance scale, and therefore had set off catastrophic events. Maybe like the old saying goes 'too much of a good thing can turn out badly?'"
"Right, I didn't think about it from that perspective. Trying to make a perfect world could result in major consequences. Still I'm content with the way things turned out now. If anything this whole incident should've taught us all to stick together." Everyone a bit surprised by Sonny's words, though exchanging bright smiles.
"I think so too. This family gathering would be complete if someone wasn't running late," Akira grumbles, and the burnette looks over the group trying to recall who's missing.
As if on cue the front door suddenly swings wide open. A petty young woman coming over to join the crowd. She's the last of those revived making this reunion complete. "Sorry, I'm a little late. I completely lost track of time."
"Auntie Primrose, you made it!" Isabelle exclaims, causing the female to grunt.
"I told you a million times not to call me auntie." Sighing softly before turning to face Brooklynn with a smile. "The previous Felixa herself. You seem to be enjoying the party."
"Yeah, it's great...I am sorry for everything that happened."
"You have no reason to apologize. My words back then still stands today. I hold no ill will against either of you. I'm just so thankful to be alive right now. Though a bit behind on my college studies, so I'll have to work extra hard to get back on track."
"I'm sure you'll get caught up in no time...Thinking about it that's what Aine meant back then!"
"What do you mean?" Sonny asks.
"Remember my form had suddenly disappeared when she wouldn't allow me to deal the final blow. It was because if I had Primrose most likely wouldn't be standing here today!"
"That makes perfect sense! Lifting this only restored life to those affected by the dark magic. It's not to say what would become of someone killed by the light. Hurting my relatives was a tough burden to bare at the time, but I'm glad nearly everyone is alive safe."
Brooklynn's so relieved Aine stopped her when she did. If Duran was the one killed his whole family probably would've died with him. Casting that cleansing spell even brought back those who were lost. In her opinion there couldn't be a better outcome.
"You never did answer where you two will be staying?" Finely asks, and the siblings exchange glances.
"Uh, well we'll be living with uncle Burgan for now on!" The girl running up to the plump man side, but that answers causes both brothers to frown.
"It's not that I have anything against this, but are you sure it's enough room for all of us? Six people living in your home would be pretty cramped."
"No need to worry, Sonny. Everything is all worked out and by the sound of it our special guest has arrived." The front door opening again as a single sound of footsteps approach the dining room. From the looks of it everybody knows who's coming, besides Sonny and Finely staring in anticipation. A tall man with ginger hair and peach colored eyes stands before them. Recalling the one time she saw this person was in Sonny's photo off his nightstand.
"Dad?" The younger voices weakly, as if questioning is the male really there. A gentle smile being assurance enough as his sons are rendered speechless.
"Hello Finely, Sonny. It has been quite a while, hasn't it? I'm glad to see you're both well."
"I-It's really you!" His younger brother being the first to run into his arms. Trevor tries to confront the sobbing child as Sonny is left unmoving in disbelief.
"How...how is this possible?"
"Well your dad might've died by Duran's magic much earlier, but that spell worked on him all the same. Sorry we kept this a secret from you boys so many days. He just wanted to be able to suprise you. Even the first Felixa, Amethyst was brought back as well," Burgan explains.
"I'm happy with the choice you made in protecting the Felixa. I couldn't be more proud of you, Sonny."
"I...did it...because of you..." he murmurs, finally getting his legs to work and hugs him too.
"I know since your dad is back you'll be going to live with him again. That's why I'll have room for Akira and Isabelle to stay with us."
Brooklynn grins faintly at the sight as the whole family is truly back together now. Giving them some space as goes to chat up with her besties she hasn't seen since Georgie's kidnapping. Luckily they understand her decision in staying at Langfield academy. Promising them both she'll come home for high school next year. After joking around with the girls a bit, she rejoins the ginger in the living room.
"Hey, how was things with your dad?"
"Words alone can't explain. It's still hard for me to wrap my head around the fact he's really here...When dad died right in front of me back then I felt so pathetic. Like there was something more I could've been doing while he risked his life for Nebula's sake. That's the night I decided to be a guardian for the Felixa on their mission. I didn't even know it possible for my cousins to be alive when all this was over. And now dad being brought back us...after we thought for sure he'd left this world forever, sorry." Sonny's voice cracking, as he averts his glossy ocean eyes. Maybe he's just a little embarrassed getting emotional around her. She's never really seen him this way since that one time in her dorm room. Though it's understandable reaction from anyone in a situation like this. Body moving on instant she wraps her arms around him.
"Brooklynn?" Clearly a bit surprised given the roles is usually reversed. Her partner always managed to stay strong for them both no matter the circumstances. She wants to be someone be can depend on too.
"You don't have to apologize. I'd imagine anybody's emotions would be all over the place right now. I'm really happy everything all worked out for the best."
"I am glad that woman we killed back then is okay too. I couldn't get rid of the guilt in knowing I took an innocent life just to save myself. I'd still like to apologize to her one day."
"I'm sure you'll get the chance."
"Yeah...oh? I was starting to think he wasn't going to show up."
"Huh?" Pulling away she spots a familiar blonde who just walked in. This is a shocker considering their previous encounters. "You actually invited Josef?" The two made it very obvious they couldn't stand each other, though perhaps word got around and he came on his own accord.
"He's your friend, right? A lots happened so I figured might as well give him a chance."
Brooklynn can't help but feel a twig of happiness that they're trying to work through their differences. Waving the boy over to come and join them. "Hey, Josef."
"Hi, sorry I'm so late. I had a busy schedule this morning...Sonny."
"Josef."
"I'm impressed you're the one claimed victory between us. I guess we see who's honey Brooke favors more. Though I hope you dont take this for granted and screw things up. It's because of I that you two made up once before."
"I'm not planning on it. There'll be no secrets from each other anymore."
"Hello, Hira-well your actual name is Brooklynn. Good job in completing your mission." Turning around to greet another face she wasn't expecting to see.
"Kaleigh. Thanks, it definitely wasn't easy but I had my partner helping me."
"I never could've imagined you were her sidekick, Sonny. Oh, I took your advice on confessing to Andrew, and it turns out he feels the same way! He just didn't want to make things awkward between us if I had rejected him. Going out on our first date this weekend."
"That's good to hear. It looks like we both got lucky in the end." The ginger suddenly grabbing her hand causes her to blush slightly.
"I honestly thought she was crushing on you the whole time," Brooklynn admits, both surprised by her assumption.
"No way, he's more like a brother to me if anything."
"I tried to tell you it wasn't like that between us! We're both already in love with other people." It's true he did attempt to make that clear multiple times. Though apparently it went through one ear and out the other.
"Haha, I suppose you did say that before."
"Hi, you guys." Raylen greets, with Kite alongside her.
"There she is, the superhero herself. Liking the party?"
"Yeah, it's great."
"Finally everyone knows the truth. I was sure I'd accidentally spill it somehow before your mission was over. I didn't even tell Raylen though she put it together on her own."
"It's true, I sorta had a hunch it was you since the camping trip. The small injures you always had, and then the camp advisor saying he saw two transform. When the news had you on television during your last mission it wasn't too shocking."
So even Raylen had suspicions about her true identity over time. Thankfully she wasn't involved like the others were by Georgie's attacks. That thought in mind Brooklynn tells them there's two people she wants everyone to meet. Calling the girls and introduces her old friends to the new ones she's made. It isn't awkward at all as the group starts talking and getting to know one another.
Enjoy food from the many dishes her Grandmother prepared, Ashely gets done telling yet another story. This is the third one now and they're all centered around her. Brooklynn likes they're getting along, but why must she be the topic of conversation?
"Brooke really tripped going down and pushed him in? Man, that's horrifying." Kite failing miserably to stifle his laugh.
"Her luck seems even worse than Rachel's from the book I'm reading. Do you have any more embarrassing stories, Ashley?" Raylen asks.
"Indeed. I think clutsy Brooke is almost as entertaining as fuming her." Josef follows up, and before she can protest another speaks up.
"You've already told three, Ash. Lets talk about something else."
Yes, Dena to my rescue. She's a lifesaver! I don't know what I would've done if Sonny heard another story.
"You've been acting much different today, Josef." Raylen bluntly points out, and the blue haired male slowly nods in agreement.
"Actually you aren't like your usual self. At school you're a completly different person. You weren't even acting this way back at the ice cream parlor."
Now that she thinks about it Josef hasn't been puting on his usual airs, but instead acting how he normally does around her.
Maybe Josef took my advice...
"...That's just the perfect school boy role to please my father. In reality I'm nothing like that at all. Do you prefer me better that way?"
"Not really. I think you're best just being yourself," Kaleigh answers.
"I agree. I didn't care too much for the princely role anyway. I didn't know how to act around you before, but now I feel more relaxed," Kite follows up.
Their words has his face soften a bit as the blonde lets out a small chuckle. "More relaxed when I'm like this. I don't understand your way of thinking."
"You should be careful around him though. He's a total sadist."
"That's a very rude thing to call someone, Brooke. I personally don't feel I'm such a person whatsoever."
"Finally exposing his true colors, huh? I think I can see that..." Sonny mumbles, and she snorts.
"You aren't far off from him either, you know."
"Hey, a jokester and a sadist is two complete different things!" The ginger counters, giving everyone a good laugh as conversation moves on to a different topic.
A thought coming to mind Brooklynn drags the short black haired girl over to the person of interest. Dena doesn't get the chance to object before the burnette cuts her off. "I just thought you'd like to know that Josef plays tennis."
"You do?"
"Yes, for a couple of years now. I'm guessing you have an interest in the sport?"
"Y-Yeah, but I'm more a watcher than a player."
"And Dena here also enjoys alternative rock."
"You like rock music too. What's your favorite band?"
"Hmm, I'd have to go with Up All Night. They just started recently but their music is amazing. Most...don't take me to be the type into that sort of thing."
"The same is true for me on both accounts. I'm waiting for their CD release."
Starting them off they continue to chat as the ginger walks up to join her. "They seem to be hitting it off pretty well."
"I remembered when Josef told me about his hobbies the two of them had a lot in common. So I thought this was the perfect opportunity to play matchmaker." After all Josef still can be pretty mature and responsible for his age, her friend being the same way. Plus is sure with Dena's shyness he would have fun teasing her. Though also knows when the girl does warm up can grow quite the backbone. So she won't let him get away with too much. It's a great pairing in her book.
"I'm guessing they weren't invited," Kaleigh says, and the burnette spots two particular girls she never wanted stepping foot in her house.
"Really, Jennifer and Nicole! Why are they here?!" Shooting Sonny a glare who throws his hands up in defense.
"Well, after word got out we were throwing the Felixa a party it spread like wildfire. I'm sure it got around to their ears too."
"Do those girls give you trouble, Brooke? Don't worry I'll kick them out for you." As tempting as it is to watch Ashely tell them off she stops her. It's literally only one reason they would make the effort to come down there. So it might be interesting to watch how this plays out.
"Look, we're only here for the prince. We can finally make our move now that Hira-I mean Brooklynn chose Sonny." Jennifer scanning the perimeter for the blonde.
"He's over there. Hey, Jos-" Nicole cuts herself off when seeing him beside an unrecognizable face. "Who the heck is she?"
"Um, I have a free tickets to their concert in our town tomorrow night. Ashley and Brooklynn aren't into that kinda music, and I don't have anyone else to ask...Would you wanna go?"
"Well I don't have any plans tomorrow. Sure, I don't see why not." His words leaving the two both frozen like a statue. Both turn for the door sobbing even harder than they were during the camping trip.
"I've been crushed twice now. It's all your fault, Jenn. It's like she said he never liked you! I suffered guilt by association!"
"Me?! You're the one he was constantly trying to excape! All your Josef, Josef talk." Letting themselves out she sighs in relief.
"Two sqacking birds smashed with one precious stone."
"Speaking of matches look over there." The ginger pointing to Ron and Primrose in the corner. Actually they've been talking like that for a while now. Listening in she can faintly hear their conversation.
"To be a detective at such a young age. You must be very skilled at what you do."
"No, it's not just my abilities. My family works in the field so it made it easier to find work. I think it's far more admirable to have a talent such as your own. It's hard to believe you actually made your outfit yourself. Clothes making in this market is no simple task."
"Thank you but I'm only an amateur designer, though I hope to be a professional one day."
"Say, uh, if you aren't busy would you like for us to chat more over a cup of coffee?" The male averting his gaze and she grins.
"Alright, why don't I give you my number then?" The two exchanging contact information, and Brooklynn can hardly take in the sight.
"Wow, Ron really is awkward around women. Who could've thought him and Primrose would hit it off. I think they'd make a cute couple."
"Well, he is an upright guy and it's nice to see Primrose so happy."
"Hey! We're about to take a group photo." Raylen waves her camera in the air grabbing their attention.
"That sounds like a great idea," The burnette agrees, and Jerry offers to take the picture for them.
"Okay, you three boys in the back, and all five girls in the front." Everyone quickly fumbles around to stand in position. Josef, Sonny and Kite lining up behind as Dena, Brooke, Raylen, Kaleigh and Ashely stand in front of them.
"Just a little bit closer so you all fit in the frame....There we go, now big smiles everyone!" The teens doing a special pose he takes the shot, and the picture turns out pretty decent. "Hmf. Didn't even have to snap any retakes. I could've been a professional photographer if I wanted to be."
"I think Raylen's camera did most of the work," Sonny replies flatly.
"Why do you always have a smart comeback?!" That starts the two going back and forth as usual, though it doesn't come off as they're truly upset.
A sudden tug on the arm she glances back to find a girl and boy, both looking to be underclassmen standing beside her. "You were the Felixa, Brooklynn Daniels, right?"
"Yup, that's me and this was my partner, Sonny."
"That's awesome! Can you tell us some tales of your adventures?" The boy asks excitedly, and she nods with a bright smile.
"Yeah, like the snake incident in town! How did you two defeat that?"
"Well I guess I have time for a couple souvenir stories."
"Make sure you tell us how Sonny crashed that car. I'd love to hear that one," The red headed detective requests.
"Wait, Sonny was driving?!" Kite tuning in as others gather around the girl to listen. She insists they'll both go through one story at a time. They decide to begin when the agents first popped up at her doorstep.
This year has already turned out to be more exciting than I ever would've thought. And I'm sure with this group of friends there'll always be more fun times to come.
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A/N This is the end of this book. If you enjoyed it please comment, vote, and share! I do have other stories you can check out^^ Big thanks for all who supports!😊