A/N: I was going to wait for next weekend but I can't wait for you guys to read this. Thank you to everyone for reading and for sticking with me. I hope you all enjoyed this story!

Epilogue

"Hi…"

Violet Wings instantly spun around and narrowed her eyes upon the one last being she ever wanted to see. Her hand immediately had gone to the hilt of her sword, her lip drawn back in a snarl.

Then… slowly, her expression became one of bewilderment as The Goblin landed softly several feet away (more so out of safety), his trademark scepter nowhere in his hands. From all outward appearances, The Goblin wasn't armed. She did a quick scan to make sure he wasn't hiding a knife or a weapon of some kind, but he didn't ring any bells of a threat.

Not with the very hesitant "hi."

Relaxing her fingers, Violet Wings dared not let her guard down but still kept her hand close to her sword as she relaxed her stance.

"What the Hell are you doing here?"

The "here" meaning him with her in costume, and "here" meaning presently in her training spot at the abandoned train yard. The only other people who knew about this place were Sunny and Dawn…

The follow-up questions of "why" and "how" were suddenly clear, but the other remaining question was how would Dawn know that Bog could find her as Violet Wings here?

Judging from the range of her facial expressions, The Goblin… really Bog standing there… answered, "Your sister, Dawn. She knew about me—uh—well not sure how but she did and told me that I needed—no, reminded—me that you and I have some unfinished business and to come here if I knew what's best for me. I have to tell ya… she has become quite bossy since you took her under your wing."

If he had to be honest with himself, Dawn was downright terrifying when she practically kicked open his office door, dismissing his secretary and various other staff members from disturbing him. She was a girl on a mission and she wasn't going to take "no" for an answer, insisting Mr. King had an appointment with destiny that could not be delayed a moment longer.

He had been so startled from the outburst that he found it difficult to believe that this slip of a girl was a reckoning to be dealt with. Yet, the upbeat, very cheerful and bright Dawn was nowhere to be found in the hellion that stood defiantly in his doorway and telling him to stay seated so she could speak her peace.

When Dawn launched in her tale that she knew who he was, Bog thought this was the end of him. For months he kept a low profile partially in respect to Marianne but also he didn't want to be in the spotlight in case she changed her mind and went after him for his evil deeds. Not to mention that it wasn't a secret that Violet Wings had a hero-in-training to fight alongside her, whom Bog assumed it was Dawn trying it out again. He had to give the blonde a lot of credit. Two times she went out in costume to be a do-gooder, and two times those chances were ruined thanks to him. But she didn't give up. She put on that butterfly costume like Violet Wings and continued to make Midsummer City a better place.

He knew eventually this might happen. He always figured it would be Violet Wings that would turn him in, but he supposed this was poetic. After all, it was his potion that infected Dawn, her sister's heart he broke, and it was only fitting that she would avenge her older sister and herself because of him.

In resignation, Bog stood with his eyes downcast with his wrists held out. "I'm not going to fight you on this. I admit to everything and anything else if there's the slightest bit I might earn Marianne's forgiveness and yours too."

Dawn raised her brow. "Mine?"

He looked at her. "Aye. It was my orders for Dr. Plum to make that stuff that had you…"

"Yeah I know," she interrupted. "I will say I'm still a little mad but it doesn't compare to what happened with you and Marianne."

Bog winced and closed his eyes in shame. "I never thought this would happen. To think my enemy, business partner, and girlfriend were the same…"

"I can imagine how Marianne felt."

He inhaled sharply. "She made it quite clear how she felt about it. Not that I blame her. But the same time I don't regret my choices, except the ones that hurt her. I never realized how much I didn't want that to happen until—"

"You realized you loved her?" Dawn prodded.

He didn't deny it. He simply nodded.

"Of course," Bog went on. "It doesn't matter. I love her but there's no way she loves me now or ever while knowing the terrible things I have done. I know I can never make it up to her, but I can start without resisting my punishment." Again, he waited for that moment for the police to come crashing in or for Dawn to slap cuffs on him. Instead, she gazed at him with amusement as her lips pursed together to keep from laughing.

"What?" he demanded.

"You actually think I'm going to take you in as me?" she told him. "If I had the intention of doing so, then I would be here as Daisy Girl. As you can see… I'm only Dawn Fairwood."

"I guess…"

"I'm not gonna lie to you Bog. This whole thing sucks but I never saw two people more perfect, more in sync than you two. While Marianne can be bull-headed, she hasn't realized how big a mistake she made by cutting off ties with you. Not that she would admit it to anyone, not even herself, but she hasn't gotten over you. She still cares."

"She shouldn't," he surprised himself by saying. "I deserve every ounce of hatred and disgust from her."

"Why? Because you're the villain?" Dawn shook her head. "Newsflash Bog: you're also a human. You could have hurt any civilian you wanted to without batting an eye, but you never actually harmed anyone in your plans and plots. I know because I experienced it. Even though your goo did have me all whacky in love, I think you wouldn't have used it on the city once you realized how strong the effects were."

Wouldn't he?

Bog wasn't sure but Dawn seemed pretty confident that he wouldn't.

"I don't see a villain," she said. "I see you. I see Bog King. And I see the man who loves my stubborn ass sister who has her blinders on when it comes to love. Now, if I were you, I would go to her. Tell her how you feel. Let her know that no matter what… you will always have each other."

"Only one problem."

"What could that be?"

"She could run me through her sword or haul me to jail. I doubt I could get her to listen to me even for a minute."

"Leave that to me. Now… this is where you will find her."

Of course, Bog still had his doubts about Dawn preventing her sister from physical harm and while he was in one piece at the moment… he could tell she was losing her patience as her fingers were twitching closer to that sword.

"Is there a problem with the way I'm teaching my sister?" she asked, her tone laced with warning.

"No! No." Bog could see his chance was slipping away and fast and how the Hell was Dawn going to keep her word? "You're a marvelous teacher. She is becoming quite a hero in her own way. You should be very proud."

"I always am." Marianne—no, Violet Wings—had to keep her emotions out of this. She knew what she had to do. She had to do the right thing this time. No more mistakes. No more errors or bad judgment calls. She was going to make the right call and do what she should have done ages ago. She was not going to get sentimental. She was doing what a hero does and nothing more.

Yet, there was a tiny, insignificant part of her that was reluctant. As much as she hated to admit it, Marianne took only one good look at him and she felt her knees grow weak. Hearing his soft Scottish brogue again after months of refusing to work in his presence sent a wild stream of memories through her. His voice had a way in making her toes curl delightfully and even now… she was fighting the urge to keep her toes flat. It also didn't help that she could recall what he felt like, what he tasted like, or how his smile would light up his blue eyes. Or the way he laughed at her corny jokes or thought her dark sense of humor was quirky. Or the way he believed in her leadership abilities in her company.

And how could she forget him keeping his cool after Dawn walked in on them or how he treated Dawn well, not ignoring her like past boyfriends tended to do. And how could she forget the story of a very young Bog playing Pretty, Pretty Princess and pouting whenever he lost.

It was those memories that she clung to and the ones that kept her from kicking his ass and hauling him to the state penitentiary where he could be locked up for the rest of his life three times over.

It was that version of Bog she wanted back. The one where she saw herself having a future with; the one where she could see them working together as partners within their companies as well as side-by-side patrolling the city. That was the Bog she longed to have in her life.

Not the one who lied, kidnapped, threatened, extorted, blackmailed, and stole. And the countless other crimes he had committed since donning The Goblin outfit. This Bog destroyed the other Bog and she couldn't do it anymore. She had to make the tough call.

Just like Violet Wings would do.

Before she could make a move, her earpiece crackled to life and Dawn's voice was pouring from the speaker.

"Listen to me carefully Marianne," Dawn began saying. "It drove me crazy how much you would hover and tell me what I could and could not do. I would listen now and then, but the truth is… I love you. I love how you wanted to protect me, how you wanted me to keep my humanity is good attitude intact. I love how you finally went against your own better judgment to let me win this time and fight next to you. However, this is my turn to lecture you.

"You have been hurting for too long. First Roland, and now you're letting the man who actually is your equal in every way hurt you, when in fact, it is you that you're allowing to hurt you. You won't give him the chance he deserves. You won't let yourself realize how happy you truly have been and how you loved him more than any guy. And for what? Because you learned he was a villain? Marianne, you more than anyone knows that a person is more than who they claim to be. Not hearing about him in the news doing bad things should be more of a sign that he is not as bad as you or anyone thinks.

"The fact that Bog is there with you right now tells you what he chooses. This is not about heroes and villains. This is about two people who love each other and who are miserable without the other. It's time you step off that high horse of yours, tell your inner Violet Wings to shut up and let you take the reins and control what you want in your life. You are Marianne Fairwood. You are not Violet Wings and she is not you. You can't believe that this is the wrong thing for you when you know in your gut that it is so right.

"Tell him Marianne. Tell him what he means to you, tell him how you feel. And let him tell you how he feels. Listen to him. Or so help me… I will kick sense and reason in the both of you."

Then the crackling stopped and Marianne realized Dawn disconnected the piece so she could make her decision.

Glancing at Bog, she watched as he watched her… probably wondering why she had been silent this long.

In fact, he was. She had been awfully quiet and her eyebrows knitted together pensively as if she was intently listening to someone. Bog wondered it must have been Dawn, which brought him some relief since Marianne lost her "I'm-going-to-inflict-pain-on-you" look. Then Dawn must have stopped talking because Marianne was looking at him expectedly.

Here was his chance. No room for error. If he blew this, then he lost her forever.

Taking a deep breath, Bog looked her in the eye and said:

"I love you Marianne."

He didn't pause or give her time to let it sink. He couldn't lose his nerve.

"I don't know how or when, but I know that these last months have been hellish without you. I can't stop thinking about you and I know I can never take back the past. I should have told you sooner about The Goblin, but I honestly didn't expect things between us to progress the way they did. I knew I didn't deserve you. I never thought I was capable of being happy. But then suddenly I was happy and for a time I could forget who I was and what I was going to do to the city. Then it all fell apart and it was my fault.

"I was the one who wanted to wreak havoc because of something that happened years ago. I was young and humiliated and I truly believed that if I could destroy the city with love that I would feel avenged or better when all along my heart was being put back together thanks to you. But I foolishly didn't believe it was possible. That I could ever deserve you. Then your sister was exposed and I realized that it was horrible. What I wanted to do was… horrible. I tried to fix it myself but it wasn't enough. Then you showed up and that fool tried to use that stuff on you and it was revealed Violet Wings was you and it made sense. It made such bloody sense you and she were one and the same. All I could think about was you and me and how the exposure didn't prevent you from standing your ground. In that moment I never loved anyone as much as I did and I had to show you who I was.

"I never expected you to return any feelings for me. I knew my truth would end things. Part of me hoped it wouldn't but it did and I kept away. I never wanted to hurt you. I never wanted to feel that pain again, but it was my own doing. I did this. So I'm willing to turn myself over to you to face whatever punishment I deserve. I know my identity will ruin our company's partnership, but I will make sure Dark Forest is handed to someone who is not part of my gang. If you want to cut ties, then I fully understand. Please know that not all of my employees are in league with The Goblin. Those who are… please give them pardons. I will take full responsibility and take each sentence for every one of my men.

"But before you do," he said, taking a brief pause while Marianne continued to stare at him with widening eyes. "I want to share this."

His fingers went to his throat where he tugged on an invisible zipper just enough to reach inside the suit to pull out a file. He sealed his suit and stepped closer to her so she could take the folder. Marianne did and held it with confusion and trepidation.

"Since you told me about your mother's murder I could not stop thinking about it. My father… he protected many terrible people and I had to find out if your mother's killer had been among those he shielded from the police. It took me all this time but I have the truth in there. I hope it brings you the closure you have been searching for this whole time. I know it won't bring her back but I do hope this might make up for some of my wrongdoings."

With shaky hands, Marianne opened it and began feverishly reading the documents. "H-h-how?" she whispered brokenly.

"My father kept detail records of crimes committed in Midsummer City," Bog told her. "It was a way for him to maintain control. However, your mother's case wasn't in the archives he had. I thought that was odd and I even spoken to some of my father's men to find out what happened."

Tracking down the "old-timers" was not easy as it may sound. Some career criminals eventually end up in prison for life or they might end up in that glorious bank heist in the sky. Even if you do find one, not everyone wants to boast or share about the "old days." Even if you happened to be the son of the crime-lord king.

Unfortunately, the ones who did share could not remember anything about Diana Fairwood's death or the man responsible. They couldn't even recall if the addict even sought an audience with The Goblin. The only way to find out, they all said, was to speak to the man himself.

His father.

Bog had no intentions of ever seeing his father again. However, he started to realize if he wanted to find out the truth, then he had no other choice but to go to that prison and hope he might be given visitation rights.

He never told his mother that he saw Blagden King. Not that anyone knew the truth about The Goblin's true identity. That had been covered up. For the safety of the family, of course. Yet if Griselda knew of this… she would have begged to come along. Well, maybe not beg, but he didn't want to drag her into this.

Somehow, instinctively perhaps or maybe it was his body language when he brought up his father, Marianne gazed at him as she stated, "You saw your father?"

Bog closed his eyes, inhaling sharply. His nod was the only confirmation.

It wasn't easy to see the old man after all these years, but Bog managed a sit down after throwing some money around to the warden. The visit was to be a private one with only a few trusted guards that could keep their mouths shut. He wasn't thrilled but was satisfied that he was finally going to find the answers for Marianne.

Even now, Bog could see him.

One might have thought that years being behind bars and not seeing his wife or son would have some affect over Blagden; however, he looked pretty good for a man in his sixties with a full set of peppery hair, lean and cut form, and sharp icy blue eyes. He still possessed the air of cruelty in his steel gaze and razor-edged features. It was difficult to imagine, let alone believe, he could feel the slightest smidgen of love for anyone but love Griselda he did. His father was not an easy man to be around, but when it came to his wife, he could be quite tender.

As for Bog… He knew his father loved him, although Blagden was never tender or soft towards his son. Bog knew that his father saw him as a man rather than a child and so a man he was treated. Yet, sitting across from each other, there was a distinct difference between the father and son despite the glaring similarities in their physical appearance.

"This is a surprise," Blagden remarked. "I thought you never wanted to see me again. How's your mother? I thought Griselda might—"

"She is fine. And she would have if she had known I was coming to see you Da," he said. "But I'm not here because I was suddenly feeling sentimental."

Blagden looked almost remorseful. "That's a pity."

"I need information," Bog continued. "About twenty-three years ago there was a woman murdered in front of her daughter when they were out buying medicine for her other daughter who was sick at home. She was the wife of a prominent businessman—"

"Ah, Diana Fairwood," his father interrupted. "I remember."

Bog hadn't expected that but he took it as a good sign. Of course, he didn't want to appear overly excited otherwise his father might decide that simply telling his son was not appealing.

"That was her," Bog confirmed, knowing his next words must be chosen carefully. "I recently had a murderer come to me seeking protection after killing a parent in front of a child, and I figured I would consult your records to see what you had done. I couldn't find anything about it that would aid me in my decision."

"So you wanted to know how dear ol' da did, huh?" Blagden leaned back in his chair, looking at his son coolly. "Must admit. The fact that you're mentioning this old case is puzzling. You were no more than a bairn when that awful murder happened."

"Mother told me," Bog said. "That's how I knew."

Blagden lifted his brow. "Are you certain it wasn't a Ms. Marianne Fairwood?"

Bog maintained his poker face while inwardly he was breaking out in a sweat. "I don't know what you mean…"

Blagden snorted in derision. "What do you take me for sonny? I have tellies all over this place. It's not a big secret that your company and hers are working together for some alternate energy. And I happen to be a hot-blooded male to notice how attractive that CEO is. You like her. Just admit it and quit this buggering."

Bog's left eye began to twitch but he wasn't going to give that part of himself away. His father had no right to know about her or about how he felt about her.

"Bog," his father said softly. "I might be a villain but I do know a thing or two about love. Your mother was the best thing to ever happen to me. There is not a thing I wouldn't do for her. Hell, I would kill for her if she asked me to."

"It's not—"

"Look, I do know about that case and I know about that bampot. And I do have a report of it in the lair but it's not in the archives. It's in my secret safe."

"Secret safe?" This was the first he heard about this.

Blagden nodded. "No one knows about it. Not even Griselda. But I kept that one locked safe and sound."

"Why?" Bog was baffled. Why would his father go to such lengths for a death that had no connections to him?

The older King shrugged. "All I can say is that I did an old friend a favor. You want to know what happened; I suggest you read it."

Then like that, Blagden was telling Bog where and how to access this secret safe. Bog was too stunned over why his father was suddenly Mr. Helpful, but he was grateful nonetheless. With the newly acquired knowledge secured, Bog wasn't sure how to thank him but Blagden brushed it off.

"Listen to me Bog. I don't usually regret things and I've done too much that wouldn't warrant forgiveness but I do regret that my actions did separate me from your mum and you. I've seen you become The Goblin and while I am proud that you took over… I don't want you to become me. Don't do the same things I did. Make The Goblin yours."

After the cryptic advice, Blagden was escorted back to his cell and Bog was heading to his lair where he found the secret safe and the file that was in pristine condition. He hadn't opened it then, believing that Marianne's eyes should be the first, but then again, he hadn't known when that would happen. So Bog kept the file close to him on the off chance he would see her either as herself or as Violet Wings if she decided to arrest him.

Tears collected in her eyes as Marianne looked back down. The man… her mother's murderer whose name was Terry Moore (such an ordinary name, she thought) had a laundry list of petty crimes (mostly breaking and entering, theft), yet had never done anything violent until that fateful night. Like she suspected, Moore went to The Goblin for protection but what Bog's father did was shocking.

The Goblin gave the impression he would help Moore only to turn around and betray him. Bog's father hadn't liked the fact that Moore shot Diana Fairwood in front of her child and thought an example ought to be made of him. There was a picture of a very badly beaten Moore but it was very clear that he hadn't survived the attack. The Goblin circulated the picture as a reminder to his loyal thugs that while he tolerated many things he couldn't abide that a child lost her mother for no reason. The name of Terry Moore was never to be uttered and that had been the end of it.

She hadn't realized she was weeping until her tears fell on the papers, her body shaking from the realization the monster was dead and that while she felt no remorse for his death… she did feel bereft that she hadn't been the one to end him. Or the very least kick his ass.

"Marianne?"

She gasped as she looked back at Bog who was watching her painstakingly. He didn't like she was crying and hoped the news wouldn't be upsetting, but he had to wonder if his father really did protect the son of a bitch.

"Did you read this?" she asked him.

"No. I wanted you to be the first."

Fresh tears began anew. She couldn't believe he did this for her. She couldn't believe he went so far to see his father in prison just so she would have the closure she needed about her mother's death.

"Is… Was it what you wanted?" he asked tentatively.

Closing the file, she nodded. "It would have been better if I could have had a swing on the guy, but I can live with it."

Bog sighed in relief. Maybe his father didn't protect him after all. "I am glad to hear it. I'm ready to go whenever you are."

Remembering what he had said earlier, Marianne clutched the file and looked from it to him. Dawn told her to hear his side and she did. Now it was time for her to do the right thing.

"Let's fly."

xxXXxx

A year later…

It was incredible but things were looking up as Light Fields and Dark Forest made a major breakthrough in the alternative energy field.

A new crystal was discovered in an excursion to search for other ways to harvest energy. It was located in a South American country where stories were told about a rock that had the ability to conduct and contain energy from lightning. No one had ever found a way to tap into the source until a team of scientists from both companies were able to collect a sample and run tests on whether this was a viable source.

To everyone's excitement and joy, they were successful in building a small core that could transfer electricity safely and without releasing any toxins into the air. It was exactly the green approach they had been looking for and while further testing needed to be done… They were getting closer in finding the suitable replacement for power as they were teaming up with a car company to design a car that would have one of these crystal cores running it.

The name of this crystal was Primrose as its pale pink color was similar to the flower and it had a nice ring to it.

As for everyone else…

Roland and his lady were eventually married. It was a long courtship but the wait had been worth it. His memories never returned and Roland remained to be douche free for the rest of his life.

Sunny and Dawn (who have been taking things slowly) decided to move in together. It was huge step in their relationship, but the timing felt right. Dawn finished her degree in fashion design and Sunny was able to do the impossible:

He was able to build a successful ceiling panel that would allow temperature control and protection from the elements for crops to grow in any environment.

His dream of helping farmers had finally come true. The best part was how the panel would absorb enough light and allow the proper watering amount to pass through depending on the type of crop that it was covering. You could have all the benefits of growing food outside with the added bonus that the crops would be safe from Mother Nature's wrath and could grow whenever the farmer wishes.

Furthermore, Sunny was finally happy to shut up those naysayers who never thought his idea would actually work.

Not that it was the only thing that kept Sunny busy. He continued to design and build for Daisy Girl and Violet Wings. Plus, he helped them out with his constant connection and keeping track of the level of illegal activities. On occasion he would join the sisters in the field in stopping crime, but he preferred being their eyes as he could do much more with his tech.

Dawn loved being a superhero. She loved flying around and kicking ass and having young children wave and cheer for her as she and her sister worked together. She also didn't mind the double life she had to lead. Marianne's fears were for nothing as Dawn knew from watching her sister how to handle the superhero with her life. If anything, it worked well to Dawn's advantage.

And it should since she was given the opportunity of a lifetime. Her portfolio while in school garner a lot of attention and she was asked to do her own show. It kept her busy but Dawn worked her own hours and didn't have to worry about people wondering where she was running off to or why she was disappearing.

When she had her fashion show, Dawn's clothes were a huge hit. The free-spirited and flower trends were making a comeback, and as happy and proud Dawn was with herself… she was thrilled to have everything she ever wanted. She was a hero, a designer, and a girlfriend to the best guy in the world.

The only thing Dawn wanted to do was tell her father about Daisy Girl. Marianne promised that they would go to him and tell him how his daughters are fighting crime. Dawn feared this would be another empty promise and was prepared to insist again and actually tell her that if Marianne didn't come with her… then she will do it on her own.

To her (pleasant) surprise, Dawn was shocked when Marianne (out of the blue) said, "It's time we tell Dad about our super alter egos."

The Fairwood sisters thought it might be best to break it to him gently and not send their father into shock. First, they treated him to a nice dinner. Afterwards, they went back to Dawn's apartment for dessert and drinks. It was there they told him after they took turns fumbling their way to explain their heroic activities. However, George Fairwood managed to surprise his daughters when he asked them bluntly:

"Are you trying to tell me that you're Violet Wings and Daisy Girl?"

Marianne was the first to confirm it, but George only chuckled and said, "Girls, I knew all along. Can't say I'm surprised. You two are a lot like your old man."

Marianne and Dawn were rendered dumbstruck as their father had a secret of his own. Their jaws dropped as George told them how years ago he had another name he went by while protecting Midsummer City from a horrible villain called The Goblin.

"Of course, my nemesis isn't the one you're currently fighting Marianne," he revealed, laughing affectionately. "The Goblin now is much younger and I'm afraid that Green Leaf is not in shape like he used to be to take him on."

That's right.

George Fairwood was Green Leaf. And to Marianne's mounting astonishment, she realized that her father was responsible for Bog's father being incarcerated.

And to think she almost did the same to Bog.

A year ago Marianne had a decision to make. She could either arrest Bog for all his crimes letting everything that was a part of him be exposed, or she could follow her heart.

She chose her heart and this time she did not regret her choice.

That night both she and Bog ended up taking a flight around the city's outer limits as they talked, argued, and compromised what their relationship was going to be. They both knew they wanted to be with each other, but they knew things couldn't go back to where they were. Not when they had to work on their issues on trust and Bog's unflattering past.

Those beginning months were difficult but also enlightening since this was the opportunity for Marianne and Bog to reacquaint themselves as their true selves. They still had some bumps, although they were getting better at dealing with whatever problems came their way. Communication between them was stronger than ever as they wanted to avoid any misunderstandings.

Of course that was the easy part.

There was the issue about The Goblin.

Bog tried to give that side of him up to make Marianne happy. Or at least that's what he thought she wanted. But Bog quickly realized giving up that part wasn't going to pan out. He enjoyed the freedom being The Goblin had and when he told Marianne that she had looked at him in confusion.

"Why do you want to give that up?"

"I thought—wouldn't you be happy if I wasn't a villain?" he asked.

"Well, yeah. The thought crossed my mind. But why do you have to be a villain? Why does The Goblin have to be evil?"

Bog didn't have an answer. It had always been that way since his father created the persona. However, Bog was coming to terms that his way and his father's way didn't have to mesh. He always had been his own person as The Goblin but he thought his path should be one of wickedness.

To forge a new path… Bog was reinventing what it was The Goblin was originally intended for. He could still be the same nasty fiend but he could do some good and not have to be at odds with his girlfriend.

That meant he would have to prove to all of Midsummer City that The Goblin was someone you could count on to be there to save you if you're in trouble.

Thankfully, Marianne as Violet Wings helped him in the transition. Her standing at his side and insisting that he had changed his mind and wanted to do good wasn't a trick or a part of some wild, devious plot. She assured the public that her nemesis wanted to be partners in crime-fighting and she was going to welcome him with open arms.

There had been backlash. A lot of people didn't trust The Goblin and Bog couldn't fault them. He had spent too many years being bad and for him to suddenly become a good guy… He understood the skepticism. The only thing he did regret was how Violet Wings' appearance had changed for some. The people of Midsummer City were not thrilled that their superhero was endorsing and supporting a person who had terrorized them for so long. There were even talks that Violet Wings should stop her heroicness and that all superheroes should leave and leave them in peace.

The percentage was low in that opinion, but there was more scrutiny placed upon Violet Wings than ever before. Marianne took it in stride like a champion and she continued helping others despite the protests. But Bog knew better. He knew how it was gnawing at her, chewing and swallowing the criticism every time Violet Wings showed up. He wanted to comfort and assure her yet he didn't call her "Tough Girl" for no reason.

She remained resolute and stubborn until people finally realized she wasn't going anywhere and neither was The Goblin. For as long as she still breathed and stood for justice, The Goblin was a hero. And despite all the good he had done since, Bog still had his haters but he was starting to change some heads in the city. He hadn't gained complete trust from Midsummer City but he was working on it and people were grateful to him for helping.

In addition, since Bog switched sides, his loyal criminals and thugs were torn on where they stood. They were bad guys. For most, that was all they knew how to do. But if anything, they were loyal first and foremost. Stacy and Thad aka Stuff and Thang (Marianne was surprised but not surprised) assisted in the transition from bad to good for any minion who wanted to switch sides. Those who wanted to stay bad went off on their own, knowing they could be arrested but that was life, or they searched for a new boss.

After The Goblin was no longer the supreme crime-lord, they were quite a few that were jumping to take that title. It was the kind of concern that both Bog and his father had as some had no compunction when it came to victims. Yet, Bog had the inner knowledge of who these people were and how terrible they could be left to their devices. He was able to use that information to help the police track and catch these villains in the act with drug busts, prostitution, human trafficking, etc.

It was made quite clear that The Goblin knew too much and since he was on the side of good… Well, a few of the bad guys decided it was best to leave town and go elsewhere or retire.

The crime rate definitely dropped as a result. However, it didn't mean crime was wiped out entirely. There were some who believed The Goblin was a traitor and there was a target on his back (fortunately, no one knew Bog King and The Goblin were the same), but Bog didn't sweat it. If anything, it added a little spice to the patrols he had with Violet Wings. There was one such night when they were lured inside a dilapidated building and they were ambushed with gunfire. It didn't take long for the two to locate and disarmed the three would-be assassins. After the fiends were tied up and left outside for the police to pick up, they might have or might not have had a quickie inside the said dilapidated building that led to part of the structure collapsing afterwards.

Of course, even on a slow night, it didn't stop the two from engaging in a battle or two for old time's sake. And it may have or may not have led to a heated tussle that the two would return home with bruises and one time… a dislocated shoulder. When Dawn was still Marianne's roommate, she would often tell her sister she didn't want to know what caused those injuries. Marianne's beet red face would usually give it away that she and Bog did get… rough in their amour.

Furthermore, it was the perfect fodder for Dawn to tease Bog mercilessly. Indeed, the youngest Fairwood took great delight in making fun of her sister's boyfriend. It didn't take much to crack him and she had been secretly keeping tallies of how many times she got him from stuttering to making the tips of his ears burn as red as a tomato. Dawn figured this information would come in handy for a special kind of toast in the future.

While Marianne and Bog had made great strides in their relationship, Marianne did keep one secret from him. That was about her father being Green Leaf. She wasn't sure how to approach that subject or even how to explain to her father that she was in love with a former villain. She knew that she and Bog had agreed no more secrets, but this was something she worried might tear them apart. Would Bog resent her knowing her father arrested his? Would her father insist they not be together? She knew she didn't want to lose both men in her life, and both she and Dawn had eaten a lot of Ben and Jerry's pondering this ordeal.

Then to add on top to the already complicated situation: there was the matter about her mother's killer.

She couldn't believe how Bog had gone to such lengths to find out about her mother's murderer and while she was relieved that the heartless bastard was not around… Marianne still had some unanswered questions.

Why were the specifics omitted when it came to The Goblin's "taking care" of the thug?

Even Bog was stunned since his father was not one to skimp on what he recorded or what he kept in his archives. There was something different about this killer and the fact his victim had been Marianne's mother.

The only person who could shed some light on this was Bog's father, and Marianne didn't want to put Bog in a delicate spot. The visit didn't soften Bog's feelings and she didn't want him to risk himself if someone put the dots together.

But Marianne did decide to confide this and it hadn't been easy. Dawn was floored to finally learn the truth. Well, maybe not "floored." But there was no other word to describe how Dawn felt and Marianne worried about her. She had been awfully silent, then furious, and then she broke down and wept. Thankfully, Sunny was present to comfort her. Even he was speechless since he had been there for his friends when it all happened. Yet, no one expected Dawn to turn on Marianne and the things she had told her… Dawn still shuddered at the thought, her memory forever ingrained with the agonizing despair on her older sister's face.

Both Bog and Sunny knew they couldn't let this come between the sisters. Dawn had instantly regretted her actions, but she was too mortified to take the first step. So with their boyfriends' presence, the Fairwood sisters did make amends. It was obvious they were still hurting from their mother's absence, but it was best for them to grieve together and not apart.

Then Bog mentioned this was something they should speak with their father.

At this point, Bog had no idea who George Fairwood had been and he was anxious to meet Marianne's father. He wanted to make a good impression as the boyfriend, not the cutthroat businessman that her father was already acquainted with. Plus, Bog couldn't understand why Marianne wasn't as keen as he was to meet the parent. She already met his mother, and as far as Bog knew, both women adored each other. They had several arguments about this with one that had Bog storming out on her. They made up but Marianne knew she couldn't keep this secret anymore.

Dawn and Sunny offered to come as backup, but Marianne told them it might be better for her and Bog to be alone with her father. However, it didn't stop the other couple from being present and out of sight in case things did get hairy.

It was a public venue for the meeting. They had a private room but the other dining guests were not far. Things were progressing smoothly with Bog being ever so charming and her father receptive to her boyfriend's jokes and stories. After a while Marianne relaxed and thought it was best for her father to like Bog first before they revealed he was The Goblin.

Until dessert.

Bog had calmly told George that he was aware of Marianne being Violet Wings as he was with his daughter. Before Marianne could stop him, Bog told him he was The Goblin and that he credited falling in love with her allowed him to become a better man. Ahem. A better Goblin.

That caused George to drop his fork onto his tiramisu.

There were a couple of minutes of silence as George stared at Bog unblinking and Bog returned his stare evenly. Then George coughed and replied, "Very well. Marianne, does he make you happy?"

Not knowing where this could lead, she nodded. "I am Daddy."

"You love him?"

"Yes."

"Okay."

It was like that. Marianne couldn't believe how her father didn't mind and visibly smiled that this evening wasn't the disaster that she thought would happen.

Until the next bombshell.

"I'm also—was—Green Leaf by the way."

Bog's fork stopped halfway. His expression was unreadable but there was an audible choke in his voice. "Ah, really?"

George nodded matter-of-factly as he resumed eating his dessert. Bog looked to Marianne and back to George. "That explains a lot about Marianne's right hook. I remember my father saying you packed quite a hit when you two fought."

"Thank you. My girl does get her technique from me. I noticed you have your father's skill in flying but the scepter was new. I believe you do handle that very well."

"Thank you, sir."

Once the meal was over and Bog insisted he take the check, Marianne felt like she was having an out-of-body experience over how polite and civil and complimentary they were with each other. Then the men shook hands and the evening was over.

Later on, when she had a chance to speak to both men in private, neither Bog nor her father mentioned the elder Goblin's arrest. Both had nice things to say about the other and her father even gave his stamp of approval! Yet, it was evident there was an elephant in the room whenever they had to spend time in each other's company.

Then one night, George invited both his daughters and their beaus over to his penthouse for a family meal.

"I know everyone here knows about each other's super alter egos and while it makes me so happy to see my girls happy… I know I have something to share. First, I do want to apologize to you Bog. I can only imagine how you must have felt to have your father arrested. I hadn't known then that The Goblin had a son. Then again, it wasn't something a hero or a villain advertises since keeping our families safe is most important. In a strange sort of way… your father and I ended up being the best of friends."

George launched into his story about how becoming Green Leaf helped him in cleaning up his city. While he did put many a bad guy away, there was that one elusive criminal that managed to slip away.

"It's understood that a hero needs to have a counterpart that is the complete opposite. It's an unspoken understanding as you two already know." George pointed to Marianne and Bog. "I can't explain how or why, but it's like finding that person you're meant to spend the rest of your life with. The Goblin was my lifetime nemesis and he and I both knew that we will never truly stop the other until one of us was ready. For years this went on. I met your mother and you girls were born—I was deliriously happy. Then that horrible night happened and I was lost."

George closed his eyes, reliving that nightmarish memory. Everyone was quiet until he was ready to speak again.

"Your mother knew that I was Green Leaf. She also knew the risk if anyone should find out about me and that I had a family. We took precautions and yet… it was a smalltime drug addict that took her from me. You girls don't remember but I became a little reckless as Green Leaf. I wasn't myself. Until your father stopped me."

At this, George gazed at Bog.

"No one ever wants to admit weakness in front of his or her enemy. But that night… I did. I never told him my identity but it wasn't hard to figure out when I told him my wife was murdered. He listened and he put his hand on my shoulder and didn't say a word. When I could no longer cry, he told me to go home and be with my children. That was all. So I did. Then one day this man showed up at Light Fields for an appointment with me. That was when I met the man that was The Goblin. He never threatened or blackmailed me. He could have but he didn't. He simply told me that he knew who murdered my wife as the killer came to him for protection. He was going to leave it up to me to decide if he should have protection or not."

"I want to see him," a younger George Fairwood told Blagden. "I want him to look into my eyes and know that it was my wife he took, my daughter who witnessed this senseless crime."

"Are you certain?" Blagden asked. "There is no turning back."

George looked him square in the eye. "I am."

"Your father lured that coward away from the city. He had no idea I was waiting for him."

Green Leaf watched from the shadows as The Goblin brought his Diana's murderer to the secluded spot. He could see the man was nervous; probably going through a withdrawal, but there was only rage burning in his blood.

"I know what you're thinking. I took the law into my own hands when I should have done the right thing and have that bastard arrested. Believe me, I thought about it often over the years and yet… I have no regrets. I would have done it again."

When he was done, the man was a massive heap of quivering pain. The anger, the hate all went into the beating he gave that man. Surprisingly, the man barely made a sound. He didn't fight back—not that he could—but he took the punishment. Perhaps the cold-blooded killer had a conscience. Yet, Green Leaf stopped when he could no longer lift his fists.

Then the man started to cry. He begged for them to end it. He couldn't go on living with what he did.

As much as George wanted to grant that request… he wasn't a killer. He couldn't do it. But someone else could…

The fatal blow came from The Goblin. The villain gazed down at the body with disdain and to the hero's astonishment… there was an undeniable disgust in his eyes.

"A child should never have to see their mother die," was all The Goblin said. It wasn't until much later, years in fact, that George learned The Goblin had a son a few years older than his Marianne. The same thing could have happened to Blagden's family and he wasn't going to let that go without making an example out of that person.

"That night changed us," George went on. "We looked at each other differently. He saw me as a father and I saw—well, I thought he had experienced the same thing as a child. That's how I rationalized it. I figured he lost either his mother or father the same way and this was his chance to get the vengeance he always wanted. We never spoke about it and we never told anyone the truth. Then came the day Green Leaf finally captured The Goblin for good."

"I'm done," The Goblin said. "I can't continue to be like this. I need to do right in some way."

"Do you mean… penance?" Green Leaf asked.

The Goblin nodded. "I've done a lot of terrible things. I don't regret any of it but there is something I do regret but that's my burden to carry. If you could do me a favor, old friend, then I would forever be indebted to you."

"Your father did something for me that I couldn't do. I owed him. So I made certain he would only have a life sentence and that no one knew his real name. I should have known then that he was protecting someone, but I agreed to his terms and made sure he was comfortable with his prison cell. He even asked if I could visit him from time to time. I do. Even now… I kept to my promise."

"Why?" Bog broke the silence with his question. "Why are you telling this?"

George sighed. "I received a phone call from him. He told me how his son came to see him and that he wanted to know about my wife's murder. He knew it was because of my daughter. That was the first time I learned he even had a child. So did I know beforehand who you were before we 'formally' met? Yes. But I know Marianne. I knew there was something different about you from the way you two behaved. I never saw her so happy, so at ease with herself. She hadn't been that way with Roland, and I'm ashamed to think that I thought he would make a good son-in-law. So there you have it. Now you all know the truth."

Turning to face his daughters, George looked at them beseechingly. "I can only imagine what you two must think of me. I love you girls more than anything and I wanted to be the best father to you. After The Goblin was in prison, I gave up being Green Leaf and focused on the company. I hope you forgive me for keeping this from you, but I wanted you to be safe and happy."

Marianne and Dawn embraced him, holding their father tightly as they murmured how much they loved him. Even Sunny and Bog looked at each other with tears in their eyes but neither one made a move until their girlfriends hugged their respective significant others.

Now, there were no more secrets. Only acceptance.

Indeed, a lot had happened in a year.

But each person was made stronger as a result.

Furthermore, George felt he owed Bog more than an apology. While Bog insisted that he didn't have any grudges against him, George was adamant he do something in return. So Bog asked George to do something that was meant more for his mother than himself.

Griselda was finally able to see her husband in prison anytime she wanted. She was beyond ecstatic as well Blagden. The years certainly made the heart grow fonder and the guards quickly learned to stay far away whenever those two saw each other.

Did Griselda hold the man responsible for her husband's incarceration in contempt?

No.

She understood the risks and the unspoken understanding between a hero and a villain. She knew her husband was the one who decided enough was enough. She hadn't known about Marianne's mother or how her husband played a role in that situation, but when she did… she wasn't surprised. She always knew her husband had a soft spot and that proved it. Plus, she was grateful that George Fairwood was able to pull the necessary strings to let her see the love of her life again.

One could say that they all lived happily ever after.

Almost.

"Um, Bog? Are you okay?"

Marianne's brow arched as her boyfriend was unusually quiet. She had been going on for a couple of hours or so about how she had gone dress shopping with Lizzy. Every bridal gown Lizzy tried on looked perfect on her, but she finally found the one that she knew Pare would love too.

Bog barely said a word, only commenting when he had to. Not that Marianne expected him to be an expert or anything when it came to wedding fashions, but she couldn't help but sense something was off about him.

Before he could respond, there was a shout from the entrance of the restaurant as four robbers waved their guns around demanding everyone stop what they were doing. Bog and Marianne exchanged a quick look before they ducked underneath their table. Within seconds they had transformed into The Goblin and Violet Wings.

They smirked at each other when the robbers realized their mistake.

It took a few minutes to subdue the bad guys and for the police to arrive. As Violet Wings and The Goblin observed the arrests, she murmured to him, "You never answered my question."

"I'm fine."

"Yes I can see that now, but you got something up your sleeve."

"How do you figure Tough Girl?"

"A girl has her ways," she replied, looking at her nails. "Do you want to stretch our wings?"

"What about…?" He briefly gestured to the restaurant. "We never paid."

"Never dine and dash? I thought you were a villain," she teased.

"Former villain," he chuckled. "Besides, I thought you were a hero."

"I am but I have this boyfriend who can be a bad influence on me."

"That doesn't seem right. Perhaps I should have a word with this boyfriend."

"I don't know. He doesn't take kindly being told what to do."

"Funny. Neither do I."

As they flew over Midsummer City, The Goblin took the lead and flew to the roof of the city's tallest skyscraper. With the stars above them Violet Wings felt she could almost reach and touch them.

"Marianne?"

She turned as Bog took off his mask. She couldn't help but smile as she did the same. There was a time when she thought how she found her match, her equal and then she thought that opportunity was gone when she discovered who he was. But now… she could see she was right. Bog was her match and equal in every way. Why she tried fighting it… she couldn't remember why.

"I honestly never thought I would have this. I never thought that the one person I wanted to destroy would turn out to be the one person I can't live without."

Marianne's breath hitched as Bog took her hands. "I love you so much, Marianne. I love you and I love Violet Wings." As he got down on one knee, she already knew what he was going to ask.

"YES!" she cried, tackling him to the ground. He couldn't help laughing as he kissed her deeply and with longing. When Marianne drew back, she looked down at him with a twinkle in her eyes.

"I knew you were my number one fan."

The End