Chapter 48:
Reunited
(Nick's POV)
It felt like falling backwards in a dream. The kind where you wake up with a start. A jolt that shocks your system. My eyes fluttered open as Aiden's room in the Eastend Care Home came into view. Was everything that I just experienced only a dream? Was it possible that...
My thoughts were interrupted, and all doubts washed away as Calli's familiar face peered over mine. I smiled, the tears returning to my eyes as I beheld the first love of my life. One eye like that of the sun and the other like twilight. Her hair an ombre of midnight silver.
"So, I really did it..." I reached up an unsteady hand towards her face as she smiled, "Calli...you're really back."
I hesitated for a brief moment, for in the waking world, touch was much different than that of The Dreaming. I half-gasped as Calli placed a hand over mine, pressing it against her face. All of the tension in my body immediately disappeared as I felt the smoothness of her skin.
"Of course," she replied softly, "If anyone could, it was you."
"Yeah..." I took a deep breath to calm myself, "Though it was fucked up of you to do."
She grew bashful, looking away sheepishly.
"We know..." she glanced at me apologetically, "Any way you can forgive us?"
"Hmm, I don't know," I teased, playfully thinking for a moment, "It's been many years of bullshit you know."
A look of dread washed over her face in that moment, but I simply pulled her towards me. Her eyes went wide as I kissed her deeply. I had already done so in The Dreaming, but this was the waking world. The living world.
Here, the sweetness of her lips was like the nectar of the gods. I couldn't get enough, but after a moment, I reluctantly pulled away and smiled up at her.
"I was joking," I told her, but grew a little serious, "I mean, you will have to make it up to me, but...I could never hate you."
She blushed and nodded in understanding.
"Trust me, we know," she suddenly got a rather mischievous smirk upon her face, "We have many plans for you to show our appreciation."
I tilted my head curiously as she helped us from the floor. I stood there for a moment just to take her in. She wore a modest dark dress which was decorated with leaves. An elegant circlet of interwoven wood rested upon her brow. She was absolutely stunning.
"I almost can't believe it, Calli..." I held her hands in mine, "Am I really not dreaming?"
She laughed, a beautiful sound which filled my heart with joy.
"No, Little Star," she reached a hand up towards my face, caressing my cheek, "It's real. You've done it. More than that..."
I watched in awe as Calli almost shimmered before me. Like a mirage fading away, one became two. Callista and Callisto were standing before me in the flesh. Not one body, but two. Their hands mirrored each other, one on each side of my cheek, and the other holding my hands.
"W-What?" I could hardly believe what I was seeing, "You...Callisto, you have a body!"
Callisto smiled shyly, blushing sheepishly as she nodded.
"Mhm," she replied quietly, "Do you...like it?"
"Like it!?" I asked incredulously, "I fucking love it! Are you saying...you two don't have to share a body anymore?"
"Well, we can," Callista answered with a light chuckle, "I knew you'd be surprised. Your wish was granted, my love. Now, you have to satisfy us both."
Callisto blushed even further as Callista looked at me with rather lustful eyes. I looked between them in slight panic. I realized just how many years had passed since we had last been together, and that was with them sharing a body. I felt a heavy sense of danger in the air.
"Uhm, right, well..." I held up my hands, backing away quickly as if fending off a rapid beast, "First...before any of that, we need to help Aiden."
Callista covered her mouth as she laughed, her eyes sparkling in amusement.
"Of course," she nodded, motioning towards Aiden's bed, "We owe him the most. Thanks to him, you were able to find us."
Looking towards Aiden, I saw his heart floating about his chest. His breathing was even and he appeared relatively intact.
"We were waiting for you..." Callisto spoke quietly.
I took a deep breath, stepping forward and wrapped an arm around Callisto's waist. Her eyes widened as I leaned in and gave her neck a loving kiss.
"Thank you," I whispered, reaching a hand out towards Callista next, "Then...let's do this."
Callista took my hand and the three of us approached his bed. I still couldn't believe that they now had their own bodies. My wish had been for them to be able to live together in this world with me. For them to be reborn in a body that would give them life. It seemed that it was more powerful than I had anticipated.
It made me wonder if I could do the same with Aiden, but at the same time I questioned if I should. As I stood over him, looking upon his sweet angelic face, I couldn't help but hesitate.
"He lost an entire childhood," I muttered sadly, "We could give it back to him, but...is that even right?"
I felt Callista squeeze my hand and Callisto rest her head against my shoulder. I looked to the both of them and saw the answer in their eyes. I took a deep breath and released them to hold my hands over Aiden's heart.
"You're right," I sighed heavily, "We've stolen enough from him. It'd be cruel to have him go through infancy again for our selfishness."
I chuckled and took a deep breath. I felt the beating of Aiden's heart as I hovered my hands over it. Callista and Callisto placed a hand each upon my shoulders. Their power channeled into me as I began to return what was once taken. Lowering Aiden's heart towards his chest, the glowing scar resonated with its presence.
Tendrils of energy snaked up from the scar towards his heart, melding with it and began to pull it invitingly back into his chest. I watched as, after many years, his heart was finally his again. The wound over his chest began to stitch itself back to normal, and as it did, so too did the scar upon mine finally heal.
"It feels...weird," I admitted, placing my hand over my chest, "I've had it for so long..."
Calli's hand squeezed my shoulder, both of them giving me their support. At the same time, I felt them merge into one again and throw their arms around my shoulder. Their voices, only slightly different in tone, echoed together as she spoke.
"You've carried it a long time," she said softly, "It's about time you let it go."
I cupped her arms to me, holding them close.
"I have, but..." I lifted her hand to my lips and kissed the back of it, "I'd do it again in a heartbeat."
I heard them groan slightly at the pun, but shortly after they laughed.
"You've learned the worst traits of the Fae," she chided playfully.
"Hey, you taught them to me," I defended, glancing over my shoulder at her.
"Yeah, well..." she pouted, sticking her tongue out towards me.
I felt a huge weight lift from my heart. This was real. Everything was finally over. Now, all we had to do was...the sound of rustling blankets drew my attention immediately to Aiden.
"Aiden!" I exclaimed, rushing to his bedside, "Aiden, my son..."
Calli was right there by my side as we both watched in relief as Aiden's eyes slowly opened. They were gorgeous jewels of sapphire with flecks of gold and an inner ring of twilight. He looked around, rather confused. He opened and closed his mouth as if he was trying to speak.
"It's alright," I soothed, reaching for him, "Dad's right here. There's a lot to learn, but-"
"P-Papa?" Aiden's voice was gentle and sweet as he looked towards me.
I began to shake as I could hardly believe he had said his first word after just waking up. He was just an infant when his heart was taken. I wasn't expecting him to be able to talk, let alone be able to recognize me.
"Y-Yes...I'm your dad," I nodded, feeling the tears once more begin to surface, "How do you...?"
"Heard...voice..." he smiled, which was a radiant sight to behold, "Mama...taught some. Spoke to me."
"Did she now?" I let out a short gasp as I suppressed a laugh.
Glancing at Calli, she blushed and shrugged.
"It was lonely in the dark..." she told me, "We would talk to his heart, hoping he'd listen. We figured that since he was our child, that he'd be smart."
"Yeah...yeah..." I agreed as if that all made sense before teasing them, "Hope you didn't teach him anything weird...."
Calli chuckled as I pulled up a chair to sit beside Aiden's bed. I reached towards him, cupping his face and feeling his fragile features. The tears came the moment he pressed his head against my palm. It was too precious.
"Even after all this time..." I became choked up, "You don't hate me?"
"Why would I hate papa?" Aiden asked, looking at me as if I was crazy to even suggest it, "Papa is papa. Papa read to me. Spoke to me. Sometimes...quiet, but...always warm."
As he said this, he nuzzled his head against my hand again, and in that moment, I pulled him into a full on embrace. It was the first time I had been able to ever hug my son. We had lost so many years, and in a matter of moments, he was already speaking.
I felt his tiny arms wrap around my neck as he giggled.
"Papa, it tickles..." his voice was like a breath of fresh air into an otherwise dreary world.
He was referring to my beard, but I didn't let go as I continued to hold onto him. Calli embraced the both of us, one becoming two in order to envelope us truly. After so many years of fighting. After so much death...our family was finally reunited.
"I have so much to teach you, Aiden..." I told him, feeling the weight of the world finally, truly fall away from my shoulders, "You're already speaking...but you'll get better. I'm so glad you're awake..."
Aiden didn't say anything. Instead, he simply hugged me tighter. I was so happy to know that he didn't hate me, and the fact he recognized me...Fae were something else, but Aiden? Aiden was special. I mean, any parent would think their child is.
I don't know how long I sat there holding Aiden in my arms, but eventually...I had to act as King again. For now, I was just a father reunited with their son. I would take all the damn time I needed until I was ready.
-----
(A Day Later, Nick's POV)
I finally left Aiden's room, leaving him in the care of his mothers. I was sure Jasmine already knew I was back, but I wanted to inform them. I had spent the night with Calli and Aiden, catching up with everything that we had missed out on. Granted, Calli knew most of the things that had happened in my life, so it was more that we were enjoying each other's presence now that we were able.
I heard her footsteps the moment I began to walk down the hall. Jasmine's arms were thrown around me as she almost tackled me to the ground. There were tears of worry in her eyes as she planted several kisses upon my face.
"You bastard!" she raged even as she showed her affection, "You could have told me you'd die!"
"Ah...right," I cupped the back of her head affectionately and pulled her into a comforting embrace, "I'm sorry, Jas. You're sensitive to that stuff now, aren't you?"
"I felt it the moment your heart stopped..." she spoke through sobs, "I wasn't the only one. Vanessa tried to break the door down. I had to stop her..."
I could feel the pain and relief in her voice. She clutched at the back of my clothes, not wanting to let go. After being awakened and, in a sense, bonded to me, she had become incredibly sensitive to my presence. Vanessa, in her own way, was well aware of the life force around her.
"I should have told you..." I said apologetically, "Can you forgive me?"
"Of course I can!" she stated angrily, glaring at me with tear-stained eyes, "That doesn't mean you're off the hook! You better have a good reason for waiting a day to leave that room!"
I gently cleared her face of tears, looking upon her with loving amusement.
"This isn't funny!" she slammed a playful fist against my chest, "I'm angry with you!"
"I know, I know," I chuckled, taking her fist in my hand and holding it warmly, "You asked if I had a reason, well...what do you think?"
She looked at me intently, sniffling as she composed herself. Succubus were incredibly devoted to the one they become obsessed with. Their death could severely affect a Succubus, and since I technically "died" when I went to The Dreaming, she must have been in quiet the state.
Despite that, she held off Vanessa and obeyed my orders to not enter the room. If anything had gone wrong, The Dreaming could have bled into this world and the Corruption devour it. She knew how important it was to me, and though it tore her heart, she had done as I asked. I'd have to reward her properly when I had to chance.
"Thank you, Jasmine..." I placed a kiss upon her forehead, "Truly. I'm sorry I caused you such distress."
"Yeah, well..." she pouted with a blush, glancing up at me with a glower, "You better not do it again."
"I won't, I promise," I hugged her close and she did the same.
"So...you did it, didn't you?" she whispered into my chest, "I saw it in your eyes..."
"Yeah," I nodded, caressing the back of her head, "Calli is alive...and Aiden's awake. That's why I took a day."
She tensed for a moment before relaxing. I knew that she was afraid I'd abandon her once Calli was back, but I'd never do that. I was too possessive and too many things had happened between us for me to just discard her.
"I'm glad. You finally did it," she responded with a soft, relieved sigh, "I'm still mad at you. You could have said something..."
"I know," I agreed, feeling a little guilty, "I was caught up in the moment."
"Well, just so you know..." she leaned back just enough to look up at me with quiet the mischievous gaze, "You're in real trouble now. There's nothing to distract you from us."
"Us?" I inquired and she nodded with a dangerous smirk; in that moment...I understood, "Oh. Uhm, well...listen...I-"
"No, you listen, Mister," she placed a finger over my lips, "You have a wife who you've neglected for years. A dragon you've yet to free, and a Vampire who's dying to taste you. Oh, and an insatiable Succubus. Can't forget her."
"I...haven't neglected her," I defended, unable to say anything else to the rest as I felt a sense of dread and shyness wash over me, "It's not like I had a choice..."
"Well, now you do," Jasmine booped me on the nose and snuggled into my chest, "It's good...to have you back. You know, you weren't just gone for a day, right?"
"Wait, what?" I asked, genuinely surprised, "How long was I gone for?"
"...A week," she muttered, tightening her hold on me, "So...you better make up for that."
"I will," I promised, kissing the top of her head again and thinking of the time that I missed.
I had been dead for a week. It didn't feel like it as I had wandered through The Dreaming, but then again...it was entirely possible. I took a deep breath, steadying myself and holding Jasmine close. There was a lot for me to do, and I still had to free Josephine.
------
(A couple hours later, Nick's POV)
Vanessa had lunged at me the moment I entered her room. Thankfully, Jasmine had warned me ahead of time so I was prepared. It was rather adorable to see the otherwise timid Vanessa become suddenly aggressive. Like Jasmine, she berated me for not telling her my plan, but she was quickly soothed by offering her my neck.
"...Sellout," Jasmine teased, only for Vanessa to flip her off as she drank deep of my neck.
It was good to know they were getting along. Honestly, it felt like they were sisters. The two of them agreed with that statement, and before I knew it, I was introducing them to Calli and my son, Aiden, who could finally see them in the flesh.
"Hey, Aiden," Jasmine smiled and knelt before him, "I'm Jasmine, your dad's...uhm..."
"Mistress?" Aiden inquired with childlike curiosity.
Jasmine's eyes went wide as she blushed, and I damn near spit the juice I had been drinking from my mouth. I glared immediately at Calli who simply shrugged.
"Don't teach him weird words!" I sputtered, trying not to choke on my drink, "Damn it, Calli. You're back for a day and already playing tricks..."
"It's not a trick, my love," Calli responded, currently in her merged form, "It's true that she is your mistress, as you're not married to her, yet. Same with Vanessa and...ah, Josephine."
She glanced at the pendant around my chest with affection, but my mind was on something else.
"Wait, yet?" I asked as Jasmine's blush grew deeper, "Are you saying-"
"Yes, Little Star," Calli rolled her eyes as if it was obvious, "You don't think I'd let someone close if they weren't going to be yours? Well, ours. What yours is mine, my love."
"I...I mean, that checks out," I nodded, remembering just how possessive Calli was.
"First, however..." Calli stood from where she had been sitting with Aiden on her lap.
She passed him off to Jasmine who took him with a little confusion, but was otherwise happy to have him sit in her lap and look at the picture book he had. Vanessa was sitting awkwardly next to them, being rather quiet and shy. Calli walked over to me and clutched the pendant around me neck. She thumbed it affectionately and I felt a thrumming happiness from within, almost like the purring of a cat.
"Can we free her now?" Calli inquired softly, "She looked into the source of your power, and unfortunately...fell into their hands. We owe her a lot."
"We?" I asked and Calli nodded.
"Yes, we," she repeated with a gentle smile, "She really liked you. The reason she left was to try and help. If not for her, well...things may have turned out differently."
"Here I thought it was because you were jealous," I teased and she rolled her eyes with a smirk.
"I mean, I was jealous," she admitted, cupping my chin and forcing me to look up at her, "You're ours, Nick. Still..."
She glanced towards Jasmine and Vanessa who were interacting with Aiden. Vanessa was helping him understand words he didn't know and Jasmine was holding the book for him. It melted my heart to see them together so happily.
"They're just like us," Calli sighed gently with a tender expression, "Anyone who's as obsessed as we are is a kindred spirit in our book. Just so long as you remember who was first."
The possessive glint in her eye as she looked at me took my breath away. I remembered now why I had fallen in love with her. She had the force of will to make me weak in the knees. My heart fluttered at her beauty, but it was chained by her obsession with me. The love she showed me was unconditional. Flaws and all.
"I'd never forget," I told her as I stood, pulling her close, "Just so long as you also don't forget...I'm quite possessive myself. You did this."
"Well, I'm Fae," Calli responded coyly, "It's in our nature to mess with Mortals. Though...you're much more than that now, aren't you?"
I chuckled, but didn't answer. She already knew what I was. Instead, I simply gave her a kiss on the cheek and motioned for everyone to follow. Jasmine and Vanessa held Aiden's hands as we walked outside to the large park out back of the Eastend Care Home. The place was rather quiet, having moved their other patients to a larger facility elsewhere.
It had been a precaution after the attack by Alan. There were too many mortals at the Eastend Care Home, and their safety had to be assured. Now, it was only the Fae workers and patients, which weren't many. However, the only ones gathered outside were Calli, Aiden, Jasmine, Vanessa, and myself. Angela and Sara were preparing for Aiden's departure, as well as their full-time job as his caretakers.
I hired them to help with him, as well as for the future. After all...I knew I wouldn't just have one child.
"Alright, is everyone ready?" I asked, glancing at my audience.
Aiden sat with his mother, as well as Jasmine and Vanessa, upon a bench in the shade of a nearby tree. He raised his hands excitedly.
"I am!" he shouted, much to the amusement of everyone.
"Alright, then, Aiden has spoken," I chuckled, carefully removing the pendant from around my neck, "You heard that, Josie? We're waiting for you. I'm waiting for you..."
I took a deep breath and held her gem in the palm of my hand. I breathed into it life as the nebular mist that I had now fully merged with surrounded Josie's gem. It lifted it into the air as it purged the Corruption from her heart and soul.
The gem hovered out over the grass as a heavy wind picked up. I stood, watching with anticipation, my breath held as the gem began to glow a brilliant gold. The mist continued to grow as the light within began to take shape.
"...Josie..." I muttered her name as a figure stepped from the mist in their humanoid form.
They wore a stunning gold dress and had beautiful copper skin with bronze scales merging along their edges. Burgundy hair framed an angular face with strong, yet delicate features. Silver eyes burning with an inner draconic fire locked onto me. There was a pleasant softness to them as she smiled, bearing her sharp teeth.
"Nick..." her voice was reassuring to hear, free of any taint of Corruption, "I knew you'd do it, though...let's not make it a habit, yeah?"
"Let's hope not," I replied, striding forward and offering her my hand, "It's been too long, Josie. I'm sorry for-"
"Oh, come off it, will you?" she scoffed, pulling me into an embrace, "A handshake, really? I didn't do all this for a damn handsake."
I laughed, wrapping my arms around her in a hug. She felt incredibly warm, the perks of being a Dragon. Despite her frame, she was incredibly strong.
"Ahem," Calli stood between us suddenly, glancing at Josie, "I think you're forgetting someone?"
"Not at all," Josie smirked, pulling Calli into the embrace with us, "I've missed you, Calli."
Josie grinned widely as she held us both close, and for the first time since all of this began, I was finally able to laugh with all of my heart. It would take time to rebuild the Faelands and undo the damage done by New Dawn, as well as hunt their remnants, but my life...I had finally taken it back.
"Oh!" Aiden suddenly exclaimed as if he had an epiphany of something, "Are you going to marry my papa too!?"
All eyes turned to him, who sat on Vanessa's lap now. He was looking between us all in an excited manner. I glanced around to see that even Calli was just as confused as I was in that moment.
"Uhm, well...eventually, right?" I asked Calli who nodded slowly.
"Yes, they will marry your papa one day," Calli told him and his eyes shone brightly, his excitement almost infectious.
"Then...I have this many mama's!" he held up his hand, indicating the number five, "That's a lot!"
I stifled a laughter as Vanessa and Jasmine blushed deeply. Calli was smiling amusingly, and Josie was laughing rambunctiously. He wasn't exactly wrong, and in fact, he had gotten it right.
"Aren't you a smart kid!" Josie praised, ruffling his hair affectionately, "Though, there's only four of us."
"Nuhuh!" Aiden shook his head, pointing towards Calli, "Two mama!"
"What?" Josie glanced towards Calli curiously, "I mean, I know about Callisto, but..."
Calli and I shared an amused look before I nodded. She rolled her eyes in playful exasperation, trailing a finger along my shoulder as she walked behind me.
"Well, Josie..." Calli began to explain, and as she did, another hand appeared upon my shoulder as she split into two.
"A few things have changed..." Callisto appeared by my side, with Callista at my other.
"He loved us so much, he wanted more," Callista nudged me teasingly.
Josie's eyes went wide before a mischievous smirk appeared across her face.
"You sly dog, you," she chuckled, poking me in the stomach, "Such a greedy bastard. You'll be eaten alive, you know."
"Y-Yeah...I'm aware," I laughed nervously, feeling suddenly sheepish, "Trust me...I know."
Josephine laughed heartily, patting me on the back in sympathy. Though she was taking this as a joke, I could feel the eyes of all of them upon me. Aiden was completely oblivious to the danger that his father was in.
"Speaking of..." Callista's hold on me suddenly tightened, "It's been quite a while since we've seen each other."
"Y-Yes..." Callisto agreed, hugging my arm to her possessively, "Child of the Night, Vanessa...watch our child, Aiden, for us, will you?"
"H-Huh?" Vanessa looked up in a bit of a daze, still a little overwhelmed from everything happening, "Of course. He's in good hands."
"...He is," Callisto agreed, looking upon Vanessa tenderly, "Don't squander my gift, Child of the Night."
"I won't," Vanessa smiled shyly, a blush to her face, "Thank you..."
"Have fun, Nick," Jasmine waved at me with a knowing, mischievous look, "Don't tire him too much."
"Is papa leaving?" Aiden frowned, looking at me with puppy dog eyes.
"I'll be back, Aiden," I told him with a smile, "At least...I hope."
I chuckled anxiously, feeling Calli grow impatient.
"Don't worry, Aiden," Callista assured, "Papa will return. For now, these three with keep you company, okay? Listen to them well."
"Okay, Mama!" Aiden smiled and waved at me, "See you soon, Papa!"
He was blissfully unaware of the threat to my life as Callista and Callisto pulled me into the shadows. I had waited for this moment for years, but at the same time...I had never felt more afraid in my entire life than I did in that moment.
-----
(Nick's POV, Moments Later)
We floated in a sea of stars amongst an endless abyss. Their lips found places I had long since forgotten. Their touch was euphoric as I lost my self to the sensation.
"Relax, Little Star," Callista whispered, "This is our apology for everything we've put you through..."
"Repayment..." Callisto added, her hand sliding along my thigh as she pressed her body against mine, "For keeping your promise to me...I'm yours, always. Whatever you desire..."
"She's being modest," Callista said coyly, "We mean that with all our heart. We are yours. Take what you will..."
I felt their supple skin beneath my touch, gripping them firmly as I pulled them close.
"Well, before I lose all my senses..." I spoked with a heavy breath of desire, "I'll take you up on that..."
I kissed them deeply, caressing every inch of them. It had been so long since I felt Calli in my arms, and now...it was double. I had my work cut out for me, but I was up to the task. There, in a sea of stars, we cemented the love that had always been, and always would be, between us.
Euphoria. Ecstasy. Desire. All these paled in comparison to the sensations we felt. Time was lost to us. All we knew were each other and the many, many years of pent-up emotions.
-----
(Calli's POV, a Year Later)
Nick had finally kept his promise after all these years. It was not an easy journey for him or those who had been left in his wake. The pain felt in his heart had built up until it was ready to burst. The love he felt for his wife, Calli, and his son, Aiden, was the only thing keeping him going. He didn't need anyone else, or at least...that's what he thought.
Almost losing himself to madness, if not for the stubborn Succubus, Jasmine, he may have lost himself and the world. Everything he worked for would have been for naught, but thankfully, with a blessing from his wife, the young Succubus broke free of the spell he had placed on her. Together, they saved him from himself.
Vanessa, the Child of Night, or in other words, a Vampire, had slowly grown attached to the fallen King. She had always believed in him even if he didn't believe in himself. She respected him, and because of that, she had kept her distance. However, when one was caught up with Nick, it was hard to leave gracefully. In fact, she was pulled right back in.
When he set his sights on something, he never let go. Little did he know just how much he cherished the Vampire. She had helped him over the years in his fight against New Dawn. Always there for him when he needed information, and when push came to shove, she had stood valiantly by his side when he purged the Vampire's of their Elders who had betrayed the Faelands.
Josephine Briarscale, an energetic Dragon with an incredibly outgoing personality had befriended Nick many, many years ago when he first appeared in the courts with his wife, Calli. She was Calli's best friend, and soon Nick and her became inseparable. Jealousy sparked between the friends, but an understanding was made. They both cherished the man who had stolen their hearts, and together enacted a plan to protect him.
His power was great, and though he didn't know it yet, he was still inexperienced and unable to handle the depths of his power. They would have loved to have peacefully taught him, but New Dawn had other plans. Tapping into his strength, they twisted it, believing it to be a power from another world. Callisto, one version of Calli, had taken the attack on herself. Blocking the attempts of New Dawn from taking control of Nick, but in exchange, she had become their target.
Forced to kill his wife, Nick was lost to the darkness for years. He vowed to destroy New Dawn, and in the end...he did just that. At the same time, he never forgot his family. Aiden, his son, had his heart stolen as part of a plan to help him in the future. It was a cruel act, but in the end, he understood the method to the madness.
He wasn't happy about it, but as he finally grew into accepting himself and the power he held, he saved his wife, reunited with his son, and in the end came out richer than ever before. By his side, these people have stood with him. They would continue to stand with him for the rest of eternity.
"Mama!" Aiden shouted excitedly, pointing down the aisle, "Look! Jasmine!"
Calli, in her merged form, glanced towards where her son pointed. She smiled with acceptance of the woman who began to walk down the aisle in a beautifully designed white dress. Jasmine's hair was braided with roses and fell across her shoulders. They complimented her ruby-gold eyes and the aura of regality she portrayed.
Jasmine's blood had awakened into that of a powerful Succubus. Not just any kind of Succubus, but a Queen among them. Indeed, she had quickly rallied the Succubi who had not been under Crowley's control, the mastermind of New Dawn and all of the hardships Nick and his family had gone through. Jasmine led the Succubi as their new leader, earning herself the title she now held. Succubi Queen.
She held a bouquet in her hands, clasped before her, making her way down the leaf covered path. They were currently in a large courtyard of the Palace. It was decorated with rows of chairs and flowers everywhere. Many Fae had arrived to celebrate today's occasion. The Wedding of their King.
Nick stood resplendent in a dark suit. His beard was neatly trimmed and hair tied back in a half-ponytail. Standing with him was his father, a Satyr who had once been mortal. He had similar hair to his son, but wore it wild with a crown of flowers within it. Nick's mother, a Dryad who was once mortal, escorted Jasmine down the aisle and to her son.
She smiled towards him, nodding her head.
"Nick..." his mother called affectionately, "It's so good to see you."
"You as well, mother," he smiled brilliantly, "Thank you for coming."
"I'd not miss it for the world," she replied, then stood by Jasmine's side.
The two of them, Nick and Jasmine, looked at each other with an obsessive, deep, and genuine love for each other. Calli was proud to call Jasmine her equal, and she wasn't the only one. Down the aisle came Vanessa in a very modest white dress, escorted by another woman in a white suit that was more her style than a dress. Josephine stood proudly with a wide, dragon-toothed grin.
Compared to the timidness of Vanessa, Josie was an absolute supernova with how exuberant she was about the occasion. Calli couldn't help but be amused by the display.
"Come on!" Josie urged Vanessa quietly, "Let's go!"
"I'm going!" Vanessa stated quietly, "Don't pull me!"
Despite this chaotic entrance, the atmosphere was incredibly pure and whimsical. The air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers. Vanessa wore a sleek, dark circlet with a moon-gem in its center. She had been blessed as a Child of the Night, given dominion over its creatures. Having been given the position of Elder by Nick, she had gone on to become something more.
She had become the Vampiric Empress, though the title of was embarrassing to her. She simply wished to be called Lady Vanessa, or Vanessa. She didn't quite care for the spotlight, but she shone just as brightly as any jewel. There were reasons for this, as she preferred to be in the shadows as Nick's head of intelligence.
Josie, in all her glory, had already been nobility among the Dragons. She wore a prominent crown of gold, her burgundy hair tied with golden threads. She had crushed the opposition upon her return and became their Monarch. As the Dragon Monarch, she united the Dragons under Nick's banner, returning the Dragon's to the Fae Courts from which they had left after he abandoned the throne.
Still, the Dragons were a stubborn lot, and though Josie had rallied them, they wouldn't follow Nick without proof of his authority as King. It didn't take much for him to prove it. Calli was enthralled as he donned the Mantle of King, suppressing the Dragon's easily. Josie had stood before him, unmoved by the pressure and basking in it with a thrilled grin.
She had always loved his kind, timid nature, but Josie quickly loved how strong he had become. Dragons appreciated strength and protected those they cherished if they were weak. Josie now led the reformed Faeland's Military and acted as a personal bodyguard to Nick.
"So, moving fast, then?" Nick asked Vanessa playfully as they approached.
Calli knew that he had told Vanessa they could take it as slow or as fast as she wished. Her being here right now was her answer.
"Well, everyone else is..." Vanessa smiled shyly, "I didn't want to get left behind."
"Never," Nick shook his head, reaching out his hand towards her, which she took, "We have all the time in the world."
"I know..." Vanessa nodded, "I can't wait."
Nick chuckled and the ceremony got underway. Aiden watched with wide eyes, practically bouncing in Calli's lap. Each one of the girls promised to stay by Nick's side, bonding themselves to him just as Calli had.
One by one, their vows were said. Jasmine kissed him affectionately, deeply. Vanessa kissed him rather nervously. It was rather sweet. Josie, however, went full on. Taking him in her arms and bending him back as she kissed him quite forcefully, not that he minded. Calli knew just how easily he could switch up between dominating and submitting. He was always kind enough to indulge their needs.
As the ceremony concluded, Nick approached Calli with his newly betrothed wives.
"Hey, my love..." Nick greeted with an anxious smile, "Big day, huh?"
"Extremely," Calli agreed, grabbing his hand as she leaned in close to kiss him on the cheek, "Why so nervous?"
"Well...there's more than I thought," he answered, looking around at the crowd of people, "I didn't expect so many..."
"You may not think it, my love, but..." Calli looked around with pride in her heart, "You've saved a lot of people. They know what you did for them."
"Yeah, well..." he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "I'm just glad things are back to...normal?"
His eyes passed over Calli's shoulder, his eyes narrowing in curious confusion.
"No fucking way..." Nick let out a short, amused laugh, "Ha! I know I invited them, but...look."
He motioned with his head and Calli followed his gaze. Over her shoulder, she saw Regina Frost and Aaron Corvus. Calli knew them from her time as Queen, for she was meant to know almost every single Fae in existence. However, she was reintroduced to them after her revival by Nick.
"You're shitting me," Jasmine muttered, also looking towards them.
"Ha! They look happy," Josie exclaimed, wrapping an arm around Nick's shoulders, "Looks like their time together worked out, huh?"
"Yeah, I guess so," Nick chuckled, shaking his head.
Regina and Aaron stood at the food table together. Aaron leaned in towards Regina's neck, brushing his lips against it. She blushed heavily, scowling at him with a playful expression. He smiled as Regina shoved a sandwich in his mouth, huffing as she did. Still, it didn't seem like she was upset, and in fact, helped him when he started to choke on it.
She panicked, quickly patting his back and then giving him a loving kiss as an apology.
"I figured he had a thing for her, but..." Nick muttered in awe, "Honestly, I'm glad. They look good together."
"Look at you," Jasmine nudged him, "Nick, the Love Maker."
"Papa, Lovemaker!" Aiden repeated, causing Nick to become quite embarrassed.
"Do you even know what that means?" Nick laughed as he picked Aiden up.
"Hmm," Aiden scrunched his face in thought, "It means...Papa has lots of love! You make love!"
Calli choked as she was caught off-guard. Jasmine hid a laugh behind her head as Josie laughed out loud. Vanessa's face became red, and Nick cleared his throat in embarrassment.
"Uhm, close, yeah," Nick nodded, glaring at the women around him, "You're not wrong."
Aiden shone brightly, wrapping his arms around his father's neck.
"Hehe! Aiden loves Papa!" he exclaimed, nestling in Nick.
"And I love you, Aiden," Nick replied warmly, "More than you will ever know. I also hope you'll love your younger siblings."
Nick reached out towards Jasmine and pulled her close. She held her stomach affectionately which shone a very slight bump. Aiden looked at it curiously.
"Sibling?" Aiden looked confused, "Like...brother and sister?"
"Yes, exactly," Nick nodded, "They'll be your younger brother or sister."
"In there?" Aiden was genuinely awestruck as his eyes went wide, "Hi brother! Hi sister!"
He waved excited at Jasmine's stomach.
"Why are you hiding?" he asked, genuinely concerned.
This was enough to send everyone laughing, which seemed to only upset him as he pouted.
"Why are you laughing!?" he asked adamantly, "What's funny?"
"Sorry, Aiden," Nick shifted him in his arms, "We're not laughing at you. It's just...they're not hiding. They're just not born yet."
"Hmm..." Aiden thought again for a moment, "Well, okay...as long as they're not hiding from me."
"No, Aiden," Jasmine brushed his hair from his eyes, "They're not hiding from you. I'm sure they're excited to meet you when the time comes."
This immediately brightened Aiden's mood, and the rest of the day flew by with little issue. Things returned to normal, with a few changes. Calli had been crowned once more as Queen of the Fae, but this time...Callista and Callisto ruled together with Nick. They became known as the Twin Monarchs.
This story ends much like it began. In a whimsical land of Fae on the edge of Mortal perception, but unlike the dark, twisted path it had led to...this would lead into a golden age of reformation. Nick had somehow talked Calli into moving the Palace, and the City of Sunhold, into the sky above Horizon.
From there, he would often gaze out over its expanse, admiring the beauty of a world he had once loathed. He had a renewed love for life and together, they would protect it more fiercely than ever before. Especially now that their family had grown. None of them would ever be alone.
Through their desperate fight for a better life, their reward, and rest, was well earned.
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Thanks for the ride!