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Shadows of a Nightmare Future - Chapter 25 - Epilogue

4 years later, Nara clan residence, Konoha.

Sitting cross-legged on the wooden floor of my homes veranda, I raise my held Yunomi cup and allow the warm liquid contained within to slip down by appreciative throat. A perfect brew to accompany a great day.

For you see today as it happens is my birthday and among the many gifts I received is a rare case of Ryokucha leaves from the west courtesy of Choji. Not that it can compare to the surprise party Temari had thrown me. Indeed, to this day nothing makes me happier than to see all my loved ones alive and well, enjoying life alongside me instead of the bitter reality of my previous timeline.

Pushing to the side the unbidden and morose memories of those dark times, I refocus on the joy filled party that wrapped up an hour ago as I take another sip. An event that I not only got to enjoy, but also didn't have to clean up after. Temari insisting that I take it easy this time while she tidied up with Ino and Hinata. Not one to pass up an opportunity, and knowing that it would be business as usual tomorrow; I accepted her offer after a frankly brilliant show of false reluctance.

"No matter how old I get I can't help but enjoy the feeling of escaping a troublesome task." I muse with a contented sigh, refilling my now empty container from the nearby pot and swirling the contents around gentle as I bask in the mellow ambience of my garden.

True it has a hard time living up to the nostalgic bliss of my favourite grassy hill top that I still liked to frequent. Yet, bathed in the moonlight the more accessible garden with its sandy embankments, lazy stream and serene Koi pond manages to match the knolls calming effect on me. Not only because of the deep sense of inner tranquillity it instils within me, but also because it serves as a reminder of the largely peaceful existence the world was currently enjoying.

A peace that would, Kami willing, be secured thanks to my efforts. "It was troublesome at times to be sure." I reflect with a scowl before my features soften, unable to forget how easily things could have ended in tragedy as I sought to change history, "But given what I gained I can't really complain."

The years following Sasuke`s death had naturally been one of change compared to the original timeline, the ripples of my actions growing ever wider. Internationally things have thankfully largely remained the same with a new era of cooperation being born following the war's end. Yet one major deviation is that the lands of Lighting and Iron to this day still remain firm members of the Shinobi alliance. Indeed, the slow deterioration of relations caused by the bitterness over Sasuke`s acquittal is nowhere to be seen. A boon that has not only secured the Alliances future but also prevented the crisis that almost caused a Fifth war. My informants having revealed that the Raikage had shelved development of the `Chakra Cannon` , that sparked outrage during the Toneri incident of the previous timeline, at the conclusion of the last war.

"With the alliance strong and our preparations behind the scenes well in hand I should be able to enjoy a trouble free life for some time to come." I muse contently, happy beyond measure that steps were already being taking to remove threats like the Ōtsutsuki`s before they can fully manifest. Truly, Tsunade`s efforts to secure the worlds future with me have been reassuringly tireless despite how much she clearly wished to retire, "As troublesome as she can be sometimes, Tsunade has been the best ally I could have hoped for. It's too bad she hates the job so much. It would definitely make things less troublesome going forward if she stayed on. "

The last Senju had remained in her position as Hokage until two weeks ago, Kakashi having firmly turned the position down. A decision that admittedly soothed my nerves at the time given his conflicted feelings regarding me. Yet, knowing how good an Hokage Kakashi was, I do feel somewhat regretful given that his reason for doing so was his own self imposed guilt over Sasuke`s fate.

"Still, there's not much I can do about that." I concede with a troubled sigh, knowing that Kakashi had always struggled to let go of the past regardless of Guy or his others friend's efforts, "Hopefully time will stop being troublesome and manage to make the pain fade like it's supposed to for him."

Suddenly my thoughts are broken as the faint sound of wailing from inside my abode makes itself known to my senses. Resolving myself to attend to the unmistakable call of the Nara clans latest additions cries for attention I make to move, but stop as the bawling gives way to delighted gurgles. Temari`s uncharacteristic joyful cooing making it clear that my wife has already beaten me to the punch.

"If nothing else I managed to save you and bring another ray of light into this world." I muse blissfully while easing myself back down into a sitting position, the thoughts of Temari and Shimako always cheering me no matter how foul my mood happened to be, "For that I will always be grateful. I don't think I`d cope nearly as well with all this troublesome political stuff if I didn't have you two to take my mind off it."

Unlike the previous timeline, Temari and I had forgone our previously hesitant courtship and had decided to marry two years ago. An event made all he sweeter by the fact that my father was there to see it alongside my mother and friends.

"Though I wish you hadn't lumbered me with your troublesome job as a wedding present."I brood irritable, still a little annoyed that my father had dumped his responsibilities as clan head on me so soon, "Still as much as a drag as it can be, if anyone deserves to enjoy his retirement it's the old man. Running a clan is just as troublesome as I remember it."

All my grumbles evaporate as I hear another ecstatic giggle from Shimako, a broad smile forming as I drink in my daughters ever joyous squeals. Six months ago Temari and I had been gifted with our first child and to say I was overjoyed by our new addition to the family would be a massive understatement. Raven haired with Temari`s teal eyes, the sight of my spirited daughter never fails to make me smile no matter how many times she wakes me in the night. Shimako a constant reminder of how truly thankful I am to even have this opportunity once more.

Honestly, despite the troublesome restrictions placed on us and my lingering injuries, I can truly say that we had managed to carve a meaningful existence for our now larger family. My health falling within Tsunade and Inoichi `s expectations while our gilded cage became easier to live in as time went on.

"I just wish you could have met your little sister." I ruminate with a twinge of gloom as my gaze glides to the small wooden shrine in the left hand corner of the garden, thoughts of Shikadai rising to the surface, "I'm sure you would have found her troublesome but loved her all the same despite yourself. You would have made a great big brother."

It was not a surprise of course to find out that, counter to the original timeline, our first child would be a girl instead of a boy. Truly, reality is never so neat and I like most reasonable educated Shinobi know how reproduction is a troublesomely random affair. As such the odds of the exact same person being born again was a non-entity, even if we could have somehow perfectly recreated the circumstances of Shikadai`s conception.

"From the moment I travelled back in time Shikadai`s existence was permanently erased." That bitter realisation, which I foolishly still hoped to be false no matter what logic dictated, made me feel as if I had lost him all over again. My renewed grief clashing violently with the joy of having another child until the day Temari interceded and insisted upon viewing my memories of him despite my protective protests.

"Troublesome woman." I mutter fondly as my hand absently runs itself over the intricate etchings of a stag upon my cup, recalling how Temari with Inoichi`s help had gotten to know the son she would never meet in person, "I didn't want you to experience any more unnecessary pain because of me, but I can't deny how grateful I am that you took on that burden. You saved me from myself again Temari."

Much like in the previous timeline we helped each other through the loss, though naturally I leaned more heavily upon her. The fact being that viewing a memory, no matter how vivid, as opposed to experiencing it where two different things entirely.

Regardless, it cannot be denied that Temari still felt the sting of loss keenly and as such was able to understand my need to grieve. Indeed, it was her suggestion that we place a shrine for him in the garden so that he was never far away from our thoughts. Our son never forgotten, but no longer a spectre that would unintentionally taint the birth of his sister.

"It's thanks to you that I was able to make peace with the reality of the situation and greet our daughter with the fanfare she deserved." I reflect gratefully, remembering the unbridled joy I felt when I met the irritable bundle in Temari`s arms for the first time. "As much as I wish Shikadai was with us, I know there are some things I simple couldn't help no matter what I did."

Motioning to take another sip of tea, I stiffen as the soft sound of standard issue Shinobi sandals touching wood puts me on alert. A lifetime of paranoia furnishing me with the knowledge that whoever owned the footwear was certainly not my wife or our remaining friends. The fact being that they all preferred the heeled variety of sandals and certainly were lighter than the advancing intruder is.

Deftly I reach into the internal pockets of my Haori and draw the hidden trench knives within, my muscles held taught in preparation to eviscerate the assailant. Yet, the tension dissipates somewhat as the voice of the last person I expected to see calls out to me with a strange amount of nervousness infecting his words, "Hey Shikamaru, nice… eh…. night out tonight."

To say I am initially surprised to hear Naruto`s voice would hardly do justice to the level of stupefaction I feel at his presence. The unfortunate truth being that Naruto had avoided any and all social events centered on Temari or myself for the last four years. His reasons all too clear and sadly understandable given the pain we had caused him.

Following Sasuke`s death Naruto has stuck to his word doggedly. Never hateful to be sure, but cold, distant and without forgiveness or understanding in his dealings with us. An awkward and at times mortifying state of affairs made worse when I was forced to work with him regularly as Tsunade`s advisor while she trained Naruto to be her successor.

Clashing regularly over policy, the resulting arguments were always civil but crucially defined by how unyielding our respective stances were. Indeed many had compared our relationship to that of the public persona's of the third Hokage and Danzo, Naruto`s idealism tempered by my more pessimistic outlook.

"A troublesome comparison if there ever was one." I mentally complain, finding the parallel disconcerting regardless of how most meant it as a compliment.

Truly, few to this day know of Danzo`s seemingly unending list of shady operations that sparked many a conflict and sowed untold misery. To most the old war hawk was simply a realist who spoke against the Thirds seemingly un-tempered optimism out of genuine concern for Konoha and nothing more sinister. As such, outside of a few informed individuals the population of Konoha considered him a patriot and a necessary one at that. A role I now apparently had the dubious honour of filling now that Naruto had been made Hokage.

"Here to pick up your wife Lord Hokage?" I drawl while eyeing the white robed Naruto critically, masking my growing trepidation at the thought that the conversation I both dreaded and hoped for is upon me. The truth being that even with Hinata`s numerous efforts to spark conversation the few times we have met in a social setting, Naruto had never willing sought my company.

Sitting down gingerly beside me as he deposits his triangular hat of office beside him, Naruto replies uncertainly, "No I…well that too but also…." Sighing irritable as he rubs the back of his head in frustration, Naruto closes his eyes and lets out a long sigh that seems to calm his tense features. Opening his eyes, he turns his now determined gaze upon me and states firmly, "I'm here to talk about your `Special` status."

"So your finally going to stop being troublesome and finally talk to me about it?" I muse with a growing sense of relief, the previous two weeks of silence on the matter since Naruto had been made Hokage fraying my nerves to no end. Indeed, outside some intense stares sent my away on occasion when he thought I wasn't aware, Naruto seemed content to keep the status quo and never address the matter.

"It will probably end badly but I've prepared myself for that eventuality." I affirm grimly while trying to get a read on what Naruto`s thoughts are now that he knows the truth, "At least everything will finally be out in the open and I can put the issue to rest for good or ill. It's time that we settle this."

"I see." I respond slowly, wanting to tread carefully as Naruto`s stony face blocks my probing attempts, "What do you want to discuss?"

Without missing a beat, he demands succinctly, Naruto`s earlier uncertainty gone as his Rinnegan eye bores into me with a never seen before intensity, "Was there no other way?"

Slightly taken aback by Naruto`s apparent desire to cut to the heart of the matter, a great contrast to his allusive behaviour these last few years, it takes me a moment to answer his pointed question. A question that still needles my mind from time to time, but which is answered with the same conviction I eventually reached at the valley of the end.

"Yes."I respond with grave certainty, keeping my gaze firmly focused on his own, "As troublesome as that decision has proven in some ways I believe it was."

Silence follows as Naruto seemingly takes his time to scrutinise my word for any falsehood, brow pinched in thought as I wait nervously for his judgement. Then slowly, indeed agonisingly so, the tension bleeds from his face as forlorn acceptance sets in. Letting out a weary sigh, Naruto turns his attention to the night sky as he mumbles with an odd mix of sadness and relief, "I thought you`d say that."

"I'm sorry." I offer awkwardly, not really sure what to say in response as I try to lamely offer an olive branch, "I know how important your bond with Sasuke was to you."

"Yeah it was." He responds with a slow nod, a small nostalgic smile upon his lips that morphs into a bitter grimace, "Too bad he never seemed to put the same value on it as I did."

A small part of me wants to refute his statement, if only to alleviate the dispiriting sight of my former friend falling into a deep gloom. Yet, I know for certain that my words would be half hearted and most importantly a grave falsehood I could never bring myself to commit.

"Besides I haven't been able to call him a friend in years." I acknowledge grimly, an edge of bitterness tainting my thoughts before regret rears its ugly head, "Damn this is such a drag. I never thought I'd have such a hard time talking to Naruto." Voicing my general irritation over how things had got like this despite myself, I grumble as way of response, "Troublesome."

Oddly, instead of darkening his mood further as I feared once I realise my error, Naruto chuckles fondly, "Yeah I suppose your favourite word does describe everything that's happened pretty well." Looking at me from the corner of his eye he continues guiltily, smile fading, "I suppose I should start by saying I'm sorry." Seeing my questioning gaze he clarifies, "For everything I guess, but also for not talking to you about it once granny filled me in."

Seemingly gathering himself, Naruto takes a deep breath before continuing with growing self admonishment, "I spent days poring over your memories, trying desperately to find fault with your actions when I should have been trying to understand. But just like the last few years I didn't really want to understand. To understand would be admitting that not only did Sasuke have to die, but that all that crap he was spouting before he did was right. That some people can't be redeemed and that the world could only be fixed by holding a kunai to its throat."

Scowling, Naruto shakes his head irritable as he admits while meeting my gaze once more, "Turns out I was wrong. I can't even begin to imagine what I could have really done differently if I was in your place. I mean just thinking about how many things I would need to keep track of to avoid unintentionally making things worse gives me a headache. And honestly I don't know how you managed to come out of as well as you did."

"Neither do I." I admit morbidly, the fact that I am here now despite the all the troublesome near disasters that plagued my journey still slightly bewildering to me.

Flinching slightly at my response, a touch of sympathy flashing across his features, Naruto apologises, "I`m sorry my other self put it all on you like that, even if he didn't have a choice. After everything that you went through in the future it was a lot to ask." Glancing away as his face turns grim, Naruto continues mournfully, "I-I saw the things Sasuke did, the people who died…...H-He even killed Sakura just to get to me and took them from us...Bolt...Himawari..."

He lets out a shaky breath as a pain filled grimace mars his features, thoughts of his newly born twins, who bare their counterparts names and gender but not their date of birth, likely at the forefront of his mind. Voice fading to a rueful whisper he adds, shame plain across his face, "When I saw that I was so angry. Angry enough to kill. Angry enough to let myself become the monster in your memories before reality hit me and I remembered that Sasuke was already gone."

Breathing out heavily as he closes his eyes, Naruto seemingly takes a moment to arrange his thoughts. In that moment I see a whole host of emotions ranging from anger to sorrow wash over the blondes face before it settles down into the latter. "Despite everything Sasuke did I still find it hard to accept that he couldn't be saved." He remarks sadly, his voice strained by the deep sense of loss held within, "I keep thinking that there must have been something I could have done to bring back the comrade I knew, you know."

Shaking his head in admonishment he concedes sombrely, "But I honestly can't see how I or you could have really done it. As much as I don't want to admit it, Sasuke was probably already too far gone as soon as he tried to kill me and Sakura before the war. I mean it kills me knowing that I couldn't do anything for Sasuke, but I understand why it had to happen now."

Twisting round to face me, his countenance determined once more, he declares insistently, "And if there's one thing I've learned from Grannys training is that a good Hokage has to accept the necessity of sacrifice no matter how much we hate it. However, I also know that to be a great Hokage I can't take those sacrifices lightly or commit to them without first exhausting all other possibilities first."

Extending his right hand to me he concludes solemnly, "I was able to forgive Nagato for killing pervy sage and given your reasons I can't justify my stubborn grudge any more. If you're willing to meet me half way on our different outlooks I'd be happy to work with you again and put the last few years behind us."

I'm momentarily stunned at his offer. For years now I had resigned myself to our estrangement being a permanent arrangement, the gulf between us seemingly too large to cross. Honestly, given that Naruto`s entrenched idealism had only faltered as the war with Sasuke became more bleak it stood to reason that reconciliation was a fools dream. Yet in this moment I realise that I had missed a crucial detail until now, namely that the Naruto before me wasn't exactly the same one I knew.

Truly, Sasuke`s demise combined with Tsunade`s intensive training had matured him greatly to the point that he was ready to take up the mantle of Hokage years in advance. Now armed with the knowledge of the future, it obvious to me that the sincere but serious man before me understands how unpleasant things were sometimes necessary. However to my relief his words also make it clear that he still desired to see the best in people, his core of idealism intact if a little bruised. "Still even if it's more than I could ever dared hope for, I have to make one thing clear." I decide resolutely, determined to make sure Naruto was on the same page as I before any troublesome crisis`s have to be dealt with.

"It's been a long time since I've had the luxury of compromise, but as much as a drag as it may be sometimes I think I can do that." I agree with a nod as my hand reaches out to Naruto but stops short of clasping his. Steely eyed I affirm, my voice unyielding "Just know that there are some threats we can't take a chance with. I will Not jeopardise my family`s future for anything."

Surprisingly, my response doesn't seem to faze him at all. Indeed, his small smile and overall accepting visage indicts that he expected such a response and is actually at peace with my statement. An observation proven right as he bridges the distance between our hands and clasps them together firmly as he agrees, "Deal, I wouldn't have it any other way."

Not allowing my shock to show, I take a moment to allow my mind to process the reality of the situation before a smirk forms. One that falters into an unconcealed grin to match Naruto`s broad smile as my joy finally overwhelms my normally reserved nature.

"Woooo thank Kami that's over with." Naruto proclaims buoyantly as he withdraws his hand and settles himself to lookout to the garden, "You won't believe how hard it was trying to be all grim and serious when you were around." Deflating slightly Naruto continues as he scratches his chin thoughtfully, "Though I suppose the practise will do me good when I have to be in Hokage mode."

Chuckling softly at Naruto`s antics, enjoying the long lost levity in our conversations, I drawl with a mocking grin, "Yes it probably will and I can certainly say it will be less troublesome than having to deal with a Gaara clone all the time."

"I wasn't that bad." He pouts indignantly before he succumbs to my sceptical brow and concedes, "Fine I was. Sorry for being stubborn."

"Well you were being Really troublesome ….."I ponder aloud as if deciding if I should really accept the apology. Seeing his stricken expression I put him out of his misery and add with an impish grin, "…but I guess it be a drag to hold a grudge. Especially if Hinata keeps thinking it's your fault."I conclude, reminded of how Hinata had kept her word and needled Naruto to forgive us over the years despite our continued insistence that she needn't bother.

Smiling, Naruto replies, "Yeah she can be pretty determined when she wants to be not to mention fierce. I actually think she could give Sakura and Ino a run for their money in the scary scale if she didn't hate acting like that so much."

A pang of sadness stings me at the mention of Sakura. The fact being that we hadn't shared a single conversation since the valley of the end and that our meetings were only filled with glares on her part. With Sakura not being privy, nor would she ever be, to my status as a time traveller the odds of forgiveness were next to none.

"Still I thought the same for Naruto so maybe someday we can reach some kind of understanding between us." I silently hope despite how unlikely it seems, the loss of her friendship and my sense of guilt over the pain I've caused her rankling me to this day.

"Speaking of scary woman…." I assert quickly, not wishing to encourage any further conversation regarding Sakura, "You best talk to Temari soon. She`s in a good mood at the moment, but won't like it if you put it off any longer despite telling me. "

Going slightly pale, Naruto quickly makes his way to his feet and offers a quick, "Yeah I better get on that." , before shuffling off like a man who is walking to his own execution. Watching his progress with amusement, I see him suddenly stop at the door before he looks over his shoulder and offers cheerily, "Im glad I can count you again Shika. It's been a rough few years."

Sharing the sentiment whole heartedly and buoyed by his words I reply in kind, "Me too Naruto."

And with one last broadening of his smile Naruto marches away with a determined gait to fulfil the wish Temari and I have held for a long time. Raising my cup in salute to Kami, I knock back the contents and allow myself to revel in the world I helped secure. A world that with Naruto`s forgiveness had become that little bit brighter.

30 years later

With a start I lung upwards, a gargled cry on my lips as I feel the downward progress of clammy droplets upon my sweaty brow. The terror fuelled reality I had just left clouding my mind in panic. Yet, with a few laboured breaths the haze begins to fade and I realise that reality was not the nightmare I was experiencing a few moments ago.

"A dream….it was only a dream." I acknowledge with weary relief as I pull the covers of our futon to the side, an edge of irritation infusing my thoughts at experiencing the troublesome vision yet again. Pushing myself up, I silently make my way to our bedroom door before casting a guilty glance at my muttering but thankfully still sleeping wife, "Thank Kami she's a heavy sleeper. Last thing I want to do is wake her up. A sleepy Temari is a troublesome Temari."

Deftly, I move the sliding door to the side without a sound and absently retrieve the trench knife I keep tethered at the door. Stepping out onto the veranda overlooking the garden, I brace myself against the wooden railing before pricking my finger on my trusty knives point. Feeling the tell-tale sting of pain I breathe a heavy sigh of relief as I confirm that I was neither in a dream or worse in the hypnotic thrall of the `Infinite Tsukuyomi `.

"It was only a dream." I reiterate to myself in a whisper, the vision of Temari falling dead at my feet as Sasuke moves to end my life still haunting my thoughts. An image, one of many similarly painful dreams, made all the more harrowing given how easily that very scenario could have come to pass at the valley of the end, "Only a dream, but troublesome all the same."

It was not of course an especially frequent occurrence, the nightmares contenting themselves mostly to the anniversaries of major events from the previous timeline. Yet they are always traumatic. The moments between waking and confirming their true nature utterly tortuous as I can't help but wonder if I really did succeed or even travelled back in time in the first place.

"Still as much as a drag as they are I suppose I should be thankful." I concede begrudgingly, having not suffered their company for many years now, "I should have known they'd rear their troublesome head again on this day."

Indeed, today was the day that I used Naruto`s time travel chamber to return to the past. Today was the day I changed the world's nightmarish fate.

Travelling back through time, my goal was to stop history from repeating itself and save the ones I loved from Sasuke`s ruinous and twisted view of peace. A task that, although incredible troublesome both initially and over the years, I can confidently say is succeeding.

Truly, my knowledge of the original timeline has proven instrumental in helping Naruto prevent the machinations of warmongers and world ending madmen alike. A endeavour made easier now that Naruto and I had managed to become firm friends again, even if we sometimes had rather heated `Debates` over what exactly constituted a `Unacceptable Threat`.

"Not that everything has gone to plan of course." I muse with a scowl while rubbing my leg left absently, the phantom pain of my injury making itself known as I think upon the host of unexpected deviations that have sprung forth, "Life is never that accommodating. Though given that I'm still standing despite that I suppose I don't really have much room to complain. "

From a personal stand point, I still suffer from a few lingering aches and pains along with a dangerously fragile chakra network as a result of the time travelling process. Choji too, though happy for the most part, similarly has to endure the physical and mental scars of my meddling with time. What's more I had caused many years of heart ache for Sakura which, although largely healed thanks to a certain green spandex wearing ninja, still causes me a great deal of regret. Especially as we could only be called tolerable acquaintances at best, our friendship never fully recovered in the face of her understandable bitterness towards me.

"At least you`ve managed to find joy again." I concede, content that at the very least Sakura was now truly happy again, enjoying a fulfilling life with Rock lee and her son, "Even if I and Temari are not a part of it I can take solace from that fact."

Sadly, it seems like that reality will never change or at least not to the point that I desire due to the secret nature of the truth. A bitter realisation, but one I have no choice but to accept given the danger and the fact that she seems to have finally made peace with Sasuke`s death. Indeed, to burden her with truth now for my own selfish desires when she was finally happy would be an unnecessary sin.

"Too bad it's not just my personally life that went on troublesome divergences." I grumble as my mind turns to politics, remembering how the Daimyo of Rice had to be recently removed from power for trying to invade the `Land of Hot Water`. An unexpected incident that had occurred thanks to the Daimyo of Rice`s familiar claim to the neighbouring land being denied by the countries care-taker government.

Thankfully the combined political pressure of the five great nations soon put a stop to his plans, but not before the loss of many lives. A result that is fortunately not all that uncommon, but still a tragic occurrence all the same. Indeed, to my regret more than one genocidal tyrant had risen as an unexpected consequence of cause and effect because of my meddling with time. A fact that always weighed upon my conscience as I can't help but wonder if there is not more I can do to help counter these unforeseen tragedies.

"Troublesome." I curse irritable; annoyed that I had allowed my mood to sour further when I knew perfectly well that I shouldn't feel such keen guilt. The fact remaining that Sasuke`s demise has prevented a even greater loss of life and that I was still very much confided to the village and thus limited in my actions. As Temari is constantly reminding me, there is only so much one person can do.

"It's not perfect by any means." I concede thoughtfully as the clank of the gardens shishiodoshi reaches my ears, noting the various political and personal issues that still exist, "But it's certainly better than the nightmare world that would now never come to pass."

Truly, I have Temari. I have Shimako. I have most of my family and friends. I have a world that is largely at peace and a bright future. A few nightmares along with all the other comparatively minor, no matter how unfortunate, problems are a small price to pay to prevent that living horror from ever happening again.

Honestly, the shadows of my nightmare future will likely always darken my life in some way. Yet, it light of everything I think it's about as perfect as any person can dare hope for.

To think or expect anything else is way too troublesome.

END

AN: So there we go, apart from some tweaking here and there this story is officially complete .

Thanks to everyone who read, favorited and reviewed my story. The support was greatly appreciated and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it.