Edge of Romance...part 10

The scene opens in a derelict, ruined city.  Blood spillages stain what remains of the walls, buildings have been reduced to rubble, screaming can still be heard echoing down the streets.  Bodies litter the pavements in the middle of this apocalyptic warzone-

Draco: Not very cheerful for the Edge of Romance, is it?

What?!  Where’d you come from?

Draco: Got bored of waiting for this war to continue.  Can’t I go back to living with Tira and being admired by fangirls?

No!

Draco: But I don’t like being evil!

Live with it!

Draco: Oh alright…(sighs and transforms back into Lord Dragon)  Let the war recommence, as Soul Edge is restored to its former glory!

*As Draco seizes Soul Edge and gallops back into the city of destruction, he is unaware a group of women are following him.  And have been doing so for the past few months.  And for once, these aren’t fangirls.*

Tira: Hey, I am! (leans down and touches a corpse)  They can’t be far…the blood’s still warm.

Angel: You’ve said that for weeks now! (tears in her eyes) I can’t bear this, when will we get our families back again?

Sara: Shh, it won’t be long.  There’s only so long they can run for.  And you never know…maybe Drac will have a change of conscience.

…

Drac: And you think that’s likely?!

Raven: This has gone far enough!  Why don’t you give yourself up?

Drac: Because I don’t want a world full of romance.  That’s not realistic.

Raven: But you’re hurting so many people…

Drac: Look, you knew I had a dark side.  Don’t say you weren’t warned.  And I’m not forcing you to stand by me.  (flies off)

Raven: But…!  (sighs) Oh, if only Jet were here!

*Speaking of which…*

Jet: Will you two PACK IT IN!

Zmesasor: She started it!

Mia: You’re so immature!

Zmesasor: So are you!

Kuro: Guys, come on…this isn’t going to help us find the others, is it?

Mia: …guess not.

Jynx: And Jet doesn’t need any more stress.  She looks like she’s gonna give birth any day now!

Jet: Charming!  You’re not so slender yourself!

Kuro: Well, I guess all we can do now is press on and find the Knights, right Drake?

Drake: …

Jynx: What’s up with you?

Drake: Nothing…

Malady: (sighs worriedly) All this journeying…you’d have thought we’d find our kids by now at least…

Jet: Yeah, I miss my son…if only he could hear me…

*Noel certainly seems able to, as he just stopped dead in his tracks to listen.  Causing a big human pile up.*

Tela: Ouch! (collides into him)  You moron.  Why’d you stop?!

Noel: I could’ve sworn I heard something then…

Samuel: You’re hearing things again, jackass.  You alright Tiffany?

Tiffany: (staggering slightly) Yeah…fine…just a little tired, that’s all.  

Endora: Are you sure you still wanna come with us?  Maybe this isn’t such a wise idea…

Tiffany: I TOLD you!  I’m not giving up until we find them!  And I will search until I drop if I have to!  Got it?!

Noel: Hey, don’t flare up at her!  It isn’t her fault this has happened!

Endora: Alright, I don’t need you leaping to my defence all the time!

Samuel: (soothingly) This isn’t helping anyone.  How about we stop here for some rest?  It’s getting dark anyway.

Tiffany: Hell no!  That’s taking the weak option!

Chase: DRACO FAUST WILLIAMS!

Noel: You’ve been saying that the past fortnight!  Where?!

Chase: …Draco?

Noel: Someone shut that kid up…

Tela: He talks more sense than you!  Come on Tiffany, this isn’t doing any good for your kids, trekking aimlessly on.  We’ll carry on again in the morning, ok?

Tiffany: …alright then.

*They sit down under a canopy of trees, each of them watching the moon rise until they drop off.  Had they stayed awake just a little longer, they might have noticed Chase sneak off deeper into the forest.  Or ]the unmistakable form of one of the Apocalyptic Knights, silhouetted against the sky.*

*One person who can’t sleep, however, is none other than Maria De Los Dolores.  Much to Tira’s displeasure.*

Viper: Tira…I can’t sssleep…

Tira: (losing patience) Then go home!  Why are you even here?

Viper: To find my little boy.  And alssso to help my friendsss.  Why elssse?

Tira: You’re not helping me by waking me up every five minutes.  Like I said, only wake me if it’s an emergency.  Capiche?

*Tira pulls a blanket over herself and dozes off again.  Two minutes later…*

Viper: Oh my god!  Isss that Draco?

Tira: WHAT?!  Where?

Viper: By that brook!  I ssswear I sssaw him rush passst, what’ll we do?

Tira: No time to waste!  Tell the others where I’ve gone, I’ll be back soon!

Viper: But…you can’t go alone!

Tira: Watch me!

*As she hurries into the night after Lord Dragon, seems they’re not the only ones that can’t sleep…*

Jet: I SAID, FOR THE LAST TIME, SHUT UP!

Mia: He started it!

Zmesasor: And you call me immature…

Mia: You’re so irritating!  I wish I could hack the meat off your bones with my blade, and watch you crumble into dust!

Zmesasor: (gives a contemptuous snort) Humph!  Like you could ever beat me!  I know your weaknesses!

Mia: Meaning?!

Kuro: Guys…guys, just sleep already…

Mia: No!  I want to know what he meant by-

Jet: Oh, for GOD’S sake!  I’m out of here, let me know when you two finish arguing!

Malady: No wait!  Jet, where are you going?

Nemphis: It’s not safe, don’t venture out there!

Jet: I don’t care!  I’ll do as I please! (storms off)

Kuro: No wait, come back-!  Too late…the sooner this is over, the better!

Malady: Maybe the others have had more luck than us…I really hope so…(sighs)

*You’d think so, but no.  Seems the others have woke up now…and they’re anything but happy…*

Sara: What do you mean, ‘she’s gone’?!

Viper: We sssaw Lord Dragon!  And ssshe went to ssstop him!  What’sss ssso confusssing about that?!

Angel: I can’t believe this…you let her go alone?

Viper: I didn’t have much choice!

Sara: Well, what the hell are we waiting for?!  If Draco’s nearby, then surely the others can’t be far off!

*A sudden cry from the distance makes the three women jump.  Seizing their weapons, they peer out from their hiding place.  And sure enough…*

Viper: Isn’t that…Nightshade?

Angel: (screams) ATOM!  Thank god!

Sara: (claps hand over her mouth) SHHH!  Remember, he’s not in his right state of-

*He turns around, and stalks towards them.  They all shriek and back away into their hideout.  All except Angel, who takes her sword in hand and moves towards him.*

Sara: Angel!  What are you playing at?!

Angel: (calls out in a commanding voice) Atom!  Look at me!  Don’t you know who I am?

Nightshade: Your soul…I feel its pureness…

Angel: That’s because it’s me, Angel, your wife!

Nightshade: Yes…you’ve a good spirit…let’s see how much Soul Edge likes it!

*He raises his blade, and Angel hesitates before wielding her own.  She moves closer, until she is barely inches from him.*

Angel: Alright then…if this is what I have to do to get my husband back, so be it!

*And they’re not the only unharmonious couple…remember these two?*

Death: Because I love you, how many more times?

Phoenix: And I hate you, you scumbag!  So just give up!

Death: Can’t we at least try to get on?  We’ve a mission to complete, and it’s a damn sight easier if we cooperate!

Phoenix: Never! (stops walking) Oh this is stupid.  Why didn’t I think of this earlier?

*She freezes, and mutters something.  The surrounding wind suddenly blows faster, whipping her auburn hair into her eyes like flames.  Next moment, Death lets out a yell as Phoenix dissolves into flames and the wind blows like a hurricane around her.*

Death: PHOENIX!  I’m sorry, I’m sorry!  I won’t bother you any more!  Just…don’t kill yourself!

Phoenix: (appears behind him) What are you whining about?  Don’t you remember this is our signal?

Death: But…(looks at the fire in front of him)  Wasn’t that just you?

Phoenix: (sighs impatiently) YES.  But this is how we used to summon Eagle before, don’t you remember?  Using phoenix fire?

Death: Beautiful AND clever!  How could I have not fallen for you sooner?  Not to mention your demeanor, and wittiness, and-

*His babbling is interrupted by the harsh arrival of Hellion Eagle, slamming his fist into the back of Death’s skull.*

Death: EEYAH!  Sunnova-

Phoenix: There you are!  How could you switch sides like this?!

Hellion Eagle: I only serve one master now!  And that is my Messiah!  

Death: (snorts) ‘Messiah’!  What is this rubbish?  You’re the boss, why should you answer to anyone else?

Hellion Eagle: Because the only way we can gain the universe is through Soul Edge!  And if that means killing you guys – (shrugs) – regrettable, but so be it!

Phoenix: (moans softly) This isn’t you!  We thought you’d changed, wanted to settle down with your family!  You’ve a child on the way, can’t you see this is crazy?

Hellion Eagle: It makes perfect sense to me!  But if you’re going to stand in my way, seems I really will have to finish you off! (takes Glam in his hands)

*As they battle against one another, the location of the Mini Apocalypse becomes apparent.  Through means of an ambush.*

Jade: Yas eybdoog, uoy citehtap slatrom! (swipes her blade at Tela’s face)

Tela: (screams) ARGH! (transforms into a Zabel) fi s’taht woh uoy tnaw ot yalp ti, enif!

Tiffany: So much for sleeping! (seizes her sword)

Endora: Where on earth did you guys come from?!

Wolf: Your worst nightmares, that’s where!

Noel: (sniggers) You still sound as much of a jerk as usual!  OUCH!

Wolf: Don’t anger me, Noel!  Else I’ll take your soul first!

Samuel: Uoy hsiw! (claws at Jason’s face, and he swipes back) GRAGH!

Endora: We’re trapped!  There’s no way we can take all five of them on!

Noel: Don’t you mean four?

*The fifth member of the Apocalypse seems to have strayed towards another target.  She watches him a moment from above, then roaring, swoops down upon him.*

Nightmare: Aha, my daughter!  You’re foolish enough to take on my might?!

Carmen: Yes I am father!  You’re nothing but a pompous airhead!  I have more than enough might to take you on!

Nightmare: Well, you’re not so far from where the apple falls!  Remember that!

Carmen: And I wish that were not so!  You’re an arrogant fool, I’d rather have anyone else on the planet than you as a father!

Nightmare: You’ve too much emotion!  It’s wasted in a world like this!  Prepare to die!

*With these words, they swing their blades furiously, fighting to kill.  Nightmare manages to gash Carmen’s cheek, causing blood to drip down her chin, but this only spirits her on to fight harder.*

*Meanwhile, not too far away…*

Malady: JET!  Where are you?!

Nemphis: Whose idea was this to look for her?  She could be anywhere!

Kuro: We have to find her!  It’s not wise for her to be out in the condition she’s in!  

Nemphis: All the same, I’d rather have stayed back with Jynx and Drake!  This is getting us nowhere!

Messiah: ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAR!

Kuro: You were saying?

*They all step back a little as Messiah swoops closer to them.  His many eyes are fixed upon his prey, and the few teeth he bares seems to be fixed in a grin.*

Messiah: Llew, llew!  Ohw serad ot ekat em no?

Nemphis: …Say what now?

Kuro: Zabel talk.  Come on, let’s leave.  We haven’t enough backup for this.

Malady: But how?  We’re trapped!

Kuro: I can use my ninja powers.  Come on Nemphis. (pauses) I said, come ON!

Nemphis: No, I’m game.  I trained under Drac, who’s to say I can’t beat this moron?

Malady: Nemphis, no!  It’s too dangerous!  You’ll be crushed!

Nemphis: We’ll see!  En guarde, Messiah!

Messiah: (laughs) Huh!  ll’siht eb oot ysae!

Malady: I can’t watch!  And how’s this meant to help us find Jet?  She must be so scared by now!

*This seems to be the last emotion Jet is feeling, as she finally reaches the main city, the only place still half intact.  The buildings seem quite untouched, despite the battle having begun here some time back.*

Jet: Finally…somewhere peaceful, where I can think clearly for once!

???: I wouldn’t be so sure of that if I were you…

Jet: What?!  Who said that?

*She looks up to the top of the tallest building, where a shadow can just be made out.  She instantly recognizes it as the terrifying form of a Draconus.*

Jet: You!

Drac: (peers down at her calmly) Hi Jet.  How’s it going?

Jet: Why are you doing this to us?!

Drac: I’m not doing anything.  You all brought this on yourselves.

Jet: No we didn’t!  We were happy before!  Why change it?

Drac: Really?  Seems like you were living in misery to me.  I’ve seen you fight constantly with Eagle.  You call that happiness?  Don’t make me laugh!

Jet: Well, yeah, but…well, come on!  We all need love, even you!  Conflict isn’t the answer!

Drac: (shakes head) Oh no.  I don’t love.  That’s just how it works now.

Jet: What about Raven?  SHE loves you!

Drac: Well I don’t love her.  And lately she doesn’t.  The flame has died, I see it in her eyes every time she looks at me.  She’s repulsed by the mere sight of me.

Jet: Then you’ll find another to love!  Taking Soul Edge, destroying the universe…how is that the ultimate solution to anything?  It’s pure madness!

Drac: Don’t waste your breath.  I’ve made my choice, nothing can stop me.  And anyway, it runs in the family, don’t you know?

Jet: If you believe that, you’ll believe anything!  I’ll just have to stop you myself then!

Drac: I don’t want to hurt you Jet.  Just give up now.

Jet: Never!

*She leaps up the side of the building, climbing higher towards Drac while he watches.  Shaking his head, he watches her struggle, then takes off and lands on another building.  Gasping for breath, Jet pauses a moment on the rooftop, then glaring angrily at her opponent, takes a running jump and leaps onto the next building after him.*

Drac: Don’t bother chasing me!  Your efforts are futile!

Jet: Just because you’re immortal doesn’t mean the others are!  They’ll soon slip up, and as soon as they do, your plans will crumble beneath you!  Love always prevails in the end!

*Her screams of rage echo into the distance along with another woman’s.  Tira spins her ring blade viciously at Lord Dragon, but her efforts are useless.*

Lord Dragon: Do you give in yet, Tira?  Join the dark side!

Tira: I don’t want to!  Change back to the man I married, why don’t you?!

Lord Dragon: Still no?  Maybe this’ll change your mind…(swings Soul Edge at her)

Tira: OWCH!  (falls to her knees) Draco…why? WHY?

Lord Dragon: I’m not Draco anymore!  You know this!  Come on…embrace the evil…like you used to!

Tira: Get lost!  If only I can knock you out…knock some SENSE into you…you’d see how foolish this really is!

Lord Dragon: (laughs manically and dodges her) Come on Tira!  Are you losing your touch?!  Finish me, finish me while you can!

Tira: No!  (spits blood at him) This isn’t you, Draco!  You taught me different…

Lord Dragon: (grins mockingly at her) No really.  If you say this isn’t right, why not just finish me? (stops and drops his sword)

Tira: (gapes at him) What? No!

Lord Dragon: Well either I die or you do, your choice.  I’ll give you till five.  One…two…three…

Tira: (in furious disbelief) I’m not going to kill you!  No!  I love you, I can’t- stop this!

Lord Dragon: …Four…(picks up his blade)…FIVE!

*As he prepares to strike, an eerie song pierces the air, making the hairs on Tira’s neck rise.  As they both spin round, a mysterious figure comes rushing towards them, her footsteps lighter than air.  As she approaches them, Tira realizes it’s the woman who is singing, and steps back in amazement.*

Tira: What…who are you?

*She ignores her, and instead seizes Lord Dragon by the arms, who appears frozen.  Next moment, Tira is speechless as the two entwine and kiss. *

Tira: …!

*A moment later, the couple break apart, and Lord Dragon stays rooted to the spot.  Suddenly, his form melts back into the form of Draco, and he shakes his head, stunned.*

Draco: Tira?  What’s going on?

Tira: One minute…who are YOU?

Suna: (smiles seductively) That is something you’ll never know.  But he always will.  Farewell. (exits)

Draco: (bewildered) What happened…where am I?  Who am I?

Tira: Clueless as ever, aren’t you? (smiles wearily)  But I can answer one question.  You’re back to being my husband, Draco Faust Williams, at last!

*She runs up to him and leaps into his arms, in a most un-Tiralike fashion, and the two embrace.  Finally, some love and romance in the middle of this war!*

*In a slightly less romantic context however, not too far away…tears sting Angel’s face as she tries to attack Nightshade. But all he does is mock and continue to guard against her.*

Nightshade: Stupid girl.  You really think your strength beats mine?

Angel: (panting slightly for breath) Quit – BLOCKING – me, you coward!

Sara: Angel, please!  Just – just back off, leave him be!  We’re not strong enough to overpower him!

Angel: If he wants to kill me, let him!  I don’t think he’s got the guts anyway!

Nightshade: Oh really? (suddenly swipes his sword to her throat and pins her to the ground)  Then say your prayers, worthless mortal, because that’s all that’ll save you now!

*As Angel writhes on the floor, turning red from lack of oxygen, Sara charges towards Nightshade, temporarily distracting him.  Turning his attention to Sara, the battle recommences, and Viper runs to Angel’s side.*

Viper: Talk to me!  Are you ok?

Angel: (shakily) Not really…if only he’d recognize me!

Viper: He might if I do thisss!

*She pulls Angel to her feet, and kisses her meaningfully on the lips.  Gaping, Sara drops her sword in shock, but her expression is nothing compared to Nightshade’s.  He looks as though he’s been slapped in the face.*

Atom: What…the HELL…are you doing to my wife?!

Angel: But…it’s not what it looks like! (pushes Viper from her) What on Earth-?

Sara: (impressed) How’d you know that’d work?

Viper: (chuckles) The caussse of fighting?  Jealousy.  I thought if he had a little reminder of what he was losssing, he might regain hisss sssenses.

Sara: …Then why not try that sooner?

Viper: I didn’t have the chance.  Angel was too busy trying to play the hero.

Angel: Erm…(clears her throat)  Well, thanks.  I guess we should go find…the others, yeah.

Sara: I think you might want to wait with Atom a little while…

Angel: Why? (looks round to see Atom has passed out) Oh…

*Not the most conventional way of defeating an Apocalyptic Knight…but seemed to work better than violence.  Which, as Phoenix and Death are discovering, is not always the best way to win.*

Phoenix: (feels Rage Wave send her off her feet) I HATE THAT MOVE SO MUCH!

Death: I think now is the time to nobly embrace death, and give in to his strength.

Phoenix: Is that ALL you ever think about, being with your master?!  See, you haven’t changed a bit!

Death: (ducking and guarding) Well, what else do you suggest I try?

Phoenix: (lets out a cry of frustration) I don’t know!  Be more spontaneous!  Stop being such a-

*Her words are drowned out as he gives her a long, passionate kiss.  Her look of indignation softens as the power of love takes over.  Hellion Eagle transforms back to normal in the middle of this, but neither of them notice.*

Eagle: (cheers) Finally!  About time you two got together…blimey, let the girl breathe eh Death?

Death: (stops) But…whatever happened to you being brainwashed?  I thought you were stuck as a Knight for good!

Hellion Eagle: Nah.  You reminded me of what’s truly important in life.  What with not seeing Jet for a while, and being caught up in the evil, I forgot.  Where is she anyway?

Death: I’m not sure…she was with Mia and the others, but then she kinda stormed off…we were meant to find her, but…

Eagle: She WHAT?  Then we’ve no time to lose!  Any of the other Knights could attack her!  Come on!

*Phoenix and Death grin sheepishly at each other, then follow in his footsteps.  A lot of newfound love in this story…though not between father and daughter it seems.*

Carmen: SURRENDER!

Nightmare: I wouldn’t give you the satisfaction!

Carmen: All I ever wanted was a caring father…just remember when you’re in hell, you drove me to this!

*She plunges her sword straight through Nightmare’s heart, and caught off guard, he screams and collapses to the floor.  As the effects of Soul Edge wither away, Carmen throws off her helmet and leaps to Siegfried’s side.*

Carmen: Father!  I’m sorry…I didn’t know what I was doing! (cries) Please…forgive me, wherever you are…

*She takes his cold hand in hers, and she is startled when he shakes it from her grasp.  He removes his own helmet, and Carmen is relieved and delighted to see her father’s young face staring back at her.*

Siegfried: (mumbles) I’m so proud of you…

Carmen: You shouldn’t!  I’m sorry, I didn’t know what I was doing-

Siegfried: It doesn’t matter…none of it does, so long as I’ve still got you.

*She throws her arms round him, and father and daughter hug for the first time in years.  Tears trickle down Siegfried’s face as he holds his little girl tightly, feeling happiness for the first time in years. Awww…*

*Another woman is wishing she could do this as she battles against Drac, having finally cornered him on the roof of the tallest building.  They match each other blow for blow, although Jet seems to be sustaining minor injuries.*

Drac: Oh don’t worry, you’ll get to be with your son again.  In the afterlife.

Jet: You don’t know how much hate I feel for you right now!  It burns inside me like molten iron!

Drac: Oh please.  Is that meant to hurt me?  Give me a break…

Jet: No, but my sword hopefully will! (plunges it into his side)

*Drac curses, and falls to his knees.  However, rather than seizing the moment to finish him off, Jet sinks to her own and lets out an agonizing cry.*

Jet: (teeth gritted) Not…now!  Please not now…ARGH…

*As Drac gets to his feet, stunned, Jet lays on the ground, struggling to fight her contractions.  Drac just stares numbly at her in shock, realizing he has gone too far.*

Drac: Oh my god…what do I do?

Jet: (face contorted in pain) Helping me would be a good start!

*She feels her world black out again, physical pain mingling with fury.  Just as Drac contemplates running for it, another figure joins them on the rooftop and rushes over to help Jet.*

Jet: Ra…Raven?  Is that you?

???: I don’t know who she is, but I’m gonna try and help.  Now…push for me, just keep pushing.  Deep breaths.  

Jet: Who are you?

???: Does it matter?  Just push!

*Jet screams louder than ever, whilst Drac looks on in half-shock and half disgust.  The man holds her hand while she gives birth, and bundles the baby in cloth ten minutes later when it is born.  Not the best place to have a child, but given this is the Edge of Romance, everything goes smoothly.*

???: (hands the baby to her) It’s a girl…I think.

Jet: (whispers) She’s beautiful!  Thank you…

Bone Cage: No problem.  And now that you’re in a better state to talk, my name is Bone Cage.  I could see you were in trouble, so I thought I’d aid you in your battle.  Although I didn’t realize you were pregnant.

Jet: Well you did a good job.  And you! (glares up at Drac)  This is all your fault, I wasn’t due for another week.  I could’ve done without all the stress of the last few months!

Drac: I know…I know.  (sighs) I underestimated the power of love.  I doused the romantic side, but never thought of family…caring…such bonds that brings…

Jet: You’re making no sense to me.  What are you blabbering about?  Just get out of my sight before I hurt you.

Drac: I didn’t want to hurt you Jet.  Or Raven.  It’s just how things turned out…I wish I could put it right.

Jet: Then restore the world to its former state!

Drac: I will, and while I’m at it…I’ll return to where I was before.  Farewell Jet…

*There is an explosion of smoke, and Drac disappears.  Bewildered, Jet climbs down carefully from the building with Bone Cage, and cradles her newborn daughter in her arms.  Like he said, nothing prevails more than love for a child.*

*However, don’t go thinking that the war is entirely over…one other Knight is still at large…*

Nemphis: AAAAAARGH!  Take that you-!

Messiah: ahahahahahahah!  M’I derob fo siht!

Nemphis: Speak English!

Kuro: He says he’s fed up of fighting you…why don’t you just give in already?

Nemphis: I’ll fight him to Hell if I have to!

Messiah: yllaer?  Ni taht esac…

*Messiah chants something to himself, and just like the day Samuel skipped school, a portal opens up.  Yelling angrily, Nemphis falls back headfirst into it, and terrified, Malady follows him.  Kuro however, is saved, and grins at Messiah, or rather, Joshua, who has just transformed back.*

Kuro: Were you actually corrupted in the first place?

Joshua: Nah, I thought I’d go along with it for the fun of it.  That, and we needed to get rid of them.  They’re allied with Drac, they’re just as bad.

Kuro: True.  It was entertaining to watch though.

Joshua: Indeed.  I wonder where Sara is?  I ought to inform her I’m back to my usual self.

Sara: JOSHUA!

Kuro: Spoke to soon…

*She runs up to Joshua and slaps him, before laughing and giving him a hug.  The others aren’t far behind, and Joshua winks at Draco who is arguing tiredly with Tira.  Seems things are getting rapidly back to normal…*

Draco: Honey, I swear there’s nothing going on between me and Suna!

Tira: Yeah right, I saw how you kissed her!  That wasn’t CPR!

Draco: Oooh, are you jealous?

Tira: You wish!  Right now, I could KILL you!

Draco: Funny how you say that now, but you couldn’t before!

Eagle: JET!  (runs over to her) Oh man!  You had the baby without me!

Jet: Well I didn’t really have much choice in the matter.  Did I Venus? (cuddles her)

Eagle: Interesting name…

Jet: That was what I could see when I gave birth up there (points to the top of a distant skyscraper) so that was what I named her.

Eagle: Fair enough.  And Phoenix and Death are a couple at last.  Seems the life-or-death thing swung it a bit.

Jet: Really?  Wow, congratulations!

Phoenix: (grins) Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later…I can’t stay mad at someone for an eternity can I?

Death: And I’d have thought those two would be the same, but…

Mia: No way!  I am NEVER going out with him again!

Zmesasor: Good!  I don’t know what I saw in you in the first place!

Angel: Now behave, you two…finally the world’s back to normal again!

Atom: Not quite…what happened to the kids?

Jason: Over here, dad!

Angel: Darling! (runs over and hugs him tightly)  You’re back to normal!  What happened?

Jade: Well, there was quite a fight between us…

Tela: And Noel did a pretty cool trick where he turned into a demon!

Noel: (modestly) Hey, it was about time I showed my true colours.  And it impressed Endora.

Endora: Yeah, whatever…

Samuel: Though I’m afraid it’s not all good.  Tiffany got hurt.

Angel: (anxiously) Is she alright?  Where is she?

Tela: Draga took her to the hospital.  Noel shoved her over, the idiot…so they’re just checking the babies are ok.

Noel: I didn’t mean to!  It’s hard to control yourself when you’re a demon…isn’t that right, Zmesasor?

Zmesasor: Get out of my face, you prat!

Kara: Now don’t be mean!  We’ll get you home, I’ll run you a nice bath and get you a cup of tea, you’ll soon be in better spirits!

Zmesasor: Gah!  Why am I surrounded by morons?

Tira: (hugging Tela) Come on, let’s go home.  Well, what’s left of it…

Draco: Is it me or is this sounding like some corny 70s film?  Whatever happened to all the previous mutinies?

Wolf: This is the Edge of Romance, what do you expect?

Bone Cage: Alright for those of you who HAVE homes…

Jet: (looks at Eagle) He could come stay with us a while, couldn’t he?

Eagle: I suppose…

Bone Cage: I’ll be alright.  I’m never dependent off others.

Jet: I’m not taking no for an answer!  Come on! (takes his arm)

*All the separate families return to their homes, which are miraculously restored.  All except the Winters household, which no doubt Sara will make Joshua rebuild brick by brick, seeing as this was ‘his fault’.*

So finally, after all the drama and trauma, the Edge of Romance prevails over all grievances!  This author ends on a tearfully happy note as everyone is finally happy-

Drake: I’M NOT!

Jynx: For goodness’s sake Drake, get over it!

Drake: I’m an Apocalyptic Knight!  Yet I didn’t transform!  WHY AM I ALWAYS THE FORGOTTEN ONE?!

Oops!  I knew there was a sixth one…

Drake: I do exist you know!  Just because my smarmy, fangirled, better looking, Mr I’m-better-than-Drake-and-I-know-it brother is more loved, doesn’t mean you can’t give me a role too!

Maybe I should close this before Drake gets too mad…goodnight all!

Drake: Now hold on a sec!  Firstly, it’s not night time, it’s eight in the morning!  And another thing, you don’t love me as much as Draco!  I’ve full right to-

Jynx: For crying out loud!  Stop being so emo!

Drake: T____T NOBODY LOVES ME! (exits in a huff)

Jynx: He could give Noel a run for his money!

Noel: HEY!

Jynx: Just kidding!

*THE END*